Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes 09-26-2019PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES I SEPT 26, 2019
MINUTES
PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
THURSDAY
SEPTEMBER 26, 2019 - 9:15 A.M.
"To enhance community pride through developing and maintaining City parks with a high standard of quality. "
Members Present: Lynn Anderson, Bill Fair, Jack Gregor, Julie Jelen,
Nancy McCaffrey, Brian Stoll, Karen Vetsch
Members Absent: Anna Bohanon
Staff Present: Sara Cahill, Beth Green, Ann Mosack, Tom Pawelk, Angela
Schumann
1. Call to Order.
Chair Brian Stoll called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. and declared a quorum.
2. Approve Minutes of Regular Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting from
July 25, 2019.
NANCY MCCAFFREY MOVED TO APPROVE THE JULY 25, 2019 PARKS &
RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. MOTION SECONDED BY
JACK GREGOR. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY, 4-0.
3. Consideration of adding to or removing items from the agenda.
None.
4. Citizens requests and comments.
None.
5. MontiArts Update.
Tom Pawelk shared an update from Sue Seeger for MontiArts. Seeger is out of town
attending a rural arts and culture summit on a full scholarship from CMAB.
6. MCC Update.
Ann Mosack shared the MCC Update for September, and Sara Cahill shared the
programming update (see attached). Mosack also noted that the pool will be closed from
10/7-10/31 for the installation of a new slide and resurfacing of the spas. Karen Vetsch
requested Mosack to bring a quarterly update of the suggestions and the resolutions from
the suggestion box at the MCC to the commission meetings.
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PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES I SEPT 26, 2019
7. Review petition for neighborhood ice rink in Hunters Crossing Development.
Tom Pawelk said he received a petition from a resident on Fairhill Lane signed by residents
of the Hunters Crossing Development requesting an ice rink in their neighborhood (on the
outlot under the power line easement). While the commission sees the value to the
neighborhood for such an amenity, the consensus of the commission is to deny the request
at this time as it could open up requests for other areas and set a precedent. At this time,
the Parks Department does not have the resources for this and, furthermore, if another
skating rink is added to the community the consensus is that it should be placed in a public
park. Pawelk said that the skating rink at West Bridge Park will not be flooded this year
and that staff will be doing more at 4th Street Park this year for skating.
8. Consideration of Amendments to City Ordinance Title II, Chapter 6, Name of
Commission and Compensation of Members.
Tom Pawelk said that he received a request from Vice -Chair Gregor to discuss changing
the name of the Parks & Recreation Commission, to Parks, Recreation and Arts
Commission, and also a request for commissioners to receive a stipend for attending
meetings. Discussion followed. Consensus of the group is for the membership to remain
being an unpaid volunteer position. All members noted that they enjoy serving on the
commission and giving back to the community in that way.
JACK GREGOR MOVED RECOMMEND CHANGING THE NAME OF THE
COMMISSION TO THE PARKS, RECREATION AND ARTS COMMISSION.
MOTION SECONDED BY NANCY MCCAFFREY. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY, 6-0.
9. Consideration of Amendment to Riverside Cemetery Rules and Regulations
to allow companion cremation burials in urns.
Tom Pawelk said that the trend in burials is moving towards cremation interments. The
proposal is to amend Section 6.8 of the Rules & Regulations to allow burials of more than
one body in one grave, to add 6.8.5 Two cremated remains in one urn, in one grave.
JULIE JELEN MOVED TO RECOMMEND THE AMENDMENT OF THE
RIVERSIDE CEMETERY RULES & REGULATIONS TO ADD ITEM 6.8.5 TO
SECTION 6.8; TO ALLOW TWO CREMATED REMAINS IN ONE URN, IN ONE
GRAVE. MOTION SECONDED BY JACK GREGOR. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY, 6-0.
10. Ellison Park Log Shelter Renovation Update.
Tom Pawelk said he met with three contractors to get quotes for renovating the log shelter
at Ellison Park. Two of the contractors were not interested in the renovation but the third
contractor was extremely knowledgeable and willing to work with the city on the
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PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES I SEPT 26, 2019
renovation. The contractor, Majestic Log Homes and Products from Becker, will complete
the log shelter renovation in 2020 before Riverfest. Pawelk said he reached out to the
Ellison family to see if they would be interested in funding the renovation and he said they
may be interested in covering half the cost. Pawelk shared a detailed report from the
contractor with the commission showing the estimated cost at $55,050. The renovation will
extend the life of the log shelter for another 50 years. The shelter will be closed as soon as
last rental is done in October and it will remain closed until the renovation process is
complete. City staff will be assisting the contractor with portions of the renovation,
including the replacement of the roof trusses.
11. Bertram Athletic Park Construction Update.
Tom Pawelk said the project is 75% complete and he gave a tour earlier this week to the
IEDC and some members of the Parks & Recreation Commission. Pawelk will give another
tour on Friday, October 4, after the Bertram Chain of Lakes Advisory Council Meeting,
probably around 9 o'clock or shortly thereafter. Items remaining to be completed are the
native seeding, additional grading in the stormwater pond, trail work, and blacktopping the
entrance. New Look Contracting will be wrapping everything up in November. City staff
will plan an open house/ribbon cutting event prior to the start of the soccer season in 2020.
Discussion ensued about the potential build -out the athletic complex sooner rather than
waiting and building it in phases. Discussed some potential funding options. The
commission came to a unanimous decision to hold a joint workshop with the City Council
to discuss phasing the park vs. a full build -out and funding options for the construction. It
was suggested that the group could potentially use their December meeting for this
workshop.
12. General Park Updates.
a. Riverside Cemetery Columbarium: Tom Pawelk will give a tour of the new
columbarium at the cemetery after the meeting.
13. Discussion of added items.
None.
14. Next regular meeting scheduled for December 5, 2019.
The next regular Parks Commission Meeting is scheduled for December 5, 2019, at
8:00 a.m. in the Public Works Conference Room.
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PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES I SEPT 26, 2019
15. Adiourn.
Meeting adjourned 9:35 a.m.
RECORDED BY: 6�cth C)grcen
DATE APPROVED: 12-5-20
ATTEST: ;%.,� k
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