Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes 09-27-2018PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES I SEPT 27, 2018
MINUTES
PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
THURSDAY
SEPTEMBER 27, 2018 - 9:15 A.M.
"To enhance community pride through developing and maintaining City parks with a high standard of quality. "
Members Present: Anna Bohanon, Bill Fair, Jack Gregor, Julie Jelen, Nancy
McCaffrey, Karen Vetsch
Members Absent: Lynn Anderson, Brian Stoll
Staff Present: Sara Cahill, Beth Green, Matt Leonard, Ann Mosack, Tom Pawelk,
Sue Seeger,
Others Present: Eva Kelly, WSB & Associates
1. Call to Order.
Vice -Chair Jack Gregor called the meeting to order at 9:15 a.m. and declared a quorum.
2. Approve Minutes of Regular Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting from
July 26, 2018.
NANCY MCCAFFREY MOVED TO APPROVE THE JULY 26, 2018 REGULAR
PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. MOTION
SECONDED BY ANNA BOHANON. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY, 6-0.
3. Consideration of adding items to the agenda.
None.
4. Citizens requests and comments.
None.
5. Motion to approve Pioneer Park splash pad location.
Matt Leonard reviewed the feasibility report (prepared by WSB & Associates) for the
splash pad with the commission. The initial cost for doing everything, including parking
lot, restroom and shelter, would be $800,000+ (Exhibit 7). Leonard explained that upon
reviewing the report, staff looked at ways to bring the project cost down and determine
what the minimum needs would be for the project, such as utility connections, electric,
sanitary sewer and water, ADA accessible trail, etc.
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PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES I SEPT 27, 2018
The breakdown determined for the initial phase, Concept 1 (Exhibit 15) is $347,000 plus
the utility connections, but some work can be done in house. The engineer's estimate is a
little higher, but with staff completing some work, it is projected to keep the cost around
$400,000 to $425,000.
Mike Benedetto, Lions representative, noted that they prefer the east section just north of
the shelter, which was the original choice for the splash pad location. For the minimum
cost, that would be the best place as there is electric there and it is in close proximity to the
existing parking lot. Benedetto said they are okay with the central location (chosen by the
Parks & Rec Commission) as well. The Lions will donate $150,000 and American Legion
has agreed to donate $10,000 towards the project. They may have more funds available in
the future to donate as well.
The construction time estimate from Aquatix is approximately 30 days, and the City would
need to put in all the infrastructure prior to construction. Anna Bohanon voiced concerns
about trail connections for pedestrians and bikers that may be+ coming from the Walmart
area, along with pedestrian safety. Leonard said the city can look at options for future trails.
KAREN VETSCH MOVED TO ACCEPT THE FEASIBILITY REPORT AND
APPROVE THE CONCEPT #1 (MODIFIED CENTRAL) SPLASH PAD LOCATION
AT PIONEER PARK. MOTION SECONDED BY JULIE JELEN. MOTION CARRIED
5-1; OPPOSED 1 (ANNA BOHANON).
Councilman Lloyd Hilgart expressed concerns about the lack of parking with this modified
plan and noted that the city wouldn't allow another developer to do a project such as this
without full completion of the necessary parking improvements. He said that the city needs
to hold itself accountable to the standards required of other developers. Tom Pawelk noted
that the parking lot expansion (off of School Boulevard) is long overdue for Pioneer Park.
Furthermore, with the future improvements on Fallon Avenue, the existing parking lot will
be closed off during that construction so then access to the park will be an issue without
having parking access from School Boulevard.
NANCY MCCAFFREY MOVED TO RECOMMEND PHASE I OF THE PROJECT TO
NOT ONLY INCLUDE THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SPLASH PAD, BUT TO
ALSO INCLUDE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW PARKING LOT OFF OF SCHOOL
BOULEVARD. MOTION SECONDED BY KAREN VETSCH. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY, 6-0.
6. BCOL Plan Review.
Tom Pawelk informed the commission that the council has approved $2.5 million (liquor
revenue) for the first phase of the project which will include the infrastructure, ponding,
irrigation, parking, two premier soccer fields and rough graded baseball fields on the north
section of the complex. Almost 60% plan review is done for the first phase, and they are
two weeks away from 90% review. Once plans are closer to complete review, they will be
brought to commission for review and recommendation to City Council. The project will
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PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES 1 SEPT 27, 2018
go out for bids as soon as plans are complete and approved. The goal is to start construction
next spring, to get turf growing by August, and fields playable in 2020.
7. Discussion of Fallon Avenue message station ideas.
Tom Pawelk said that with the new Fallon Avenue Overpass Project there is an option to
put in wayfinding signs and kiosks along the pedestrian routes. The consensus of the
commission is that at this time it seems premature to put in wayfinding signs until the
pedestrian usage is determined. Other options would be to put in a bike rack, bench, shade
structure, water station, or a kiosk with the park and pathway map, that can be changed out
when necessary.
8. Discussion of adding allergy awareness signs to community parks.
Tom Pawelk said that he was approached by a resident regarding allergy awareness signs
for the parks. She had concerns as her children have severe food allergies. Pawelk shared
a picture of a sign used in another park she saw in Minnesota. The consensus of the
commission is that they don't think it is necessary at this time.
9. Creative Arts Consultant Update (See Seeger).
Sue Seeger provided an arts update. The Creative City Celebration on August 25th went
very well. There were dancers, musicians, artists and banner judging. It was very popular
for a first-time event. There was also an event a couple weeks ago at the Parks Department
shop where Xcel Energy provided 30-40 volunteers to build different public art projects,
including a concrete bench, other concrete sculptures and mosaics. The Monticello Lions
donated lunch to the group. It was a very successful and popular event.
Seeger noted that very quickly they will need space for the community to hold public art
programming and to store supplies. Currently they are using the West Bridge Park building
for Monti Arts Mondays. She will also be starting work on a project grant next month.
Tom Pawelk said they are working with the EDA to brainstorm on how to utilize the old
Fred's Auto building for the Arts Initiative. To bring the building up to code for use by the
community for art programming, would cost around $8,000 to $10,000.
NANCY MCCAFREY MOVED TO RECOMMEND UTILIZING THE OLD FRED'S
AUTO SITE FOR MONTI ARTS INITIATIVE PROGRAMMING. MOTION
SECONDED BY JACK GREGOR. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY, 5-0.
10. Monticello Community Center Update.
Ann Mosack provided an MCC update (see attached).
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PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES I SEPT 27, 2018
15. Discussion of added items.
None.
16. Next regular meeting scheduled for November 29, 2018.
The next regular Parks Commission Meeting is scheduled for November 29, 2018, at
9:15 a.m. in the Public Works Conference Room.
14. Adjourn.
Meeting adjourned at 11:15 a.m.
RECORDED BY: fah CNGreen
DATE APPROVED:11-29-18
ATTEST: .��'�?�
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PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES I SEPT 27, 2018
CITY OF
Montkeffo
MONTICELLO COMMUNITY CENTER UPDATE (MCC)
Transactions and visits
Year to date (08.31.18), the MCC processed 61,713 transactions, which is 8,801
fewer transactions than we had at the same time last year. The MCC year to date
revenue is $1,243,293 which is an increase of $76,683 from last year. Year to date
member visits are 92,627 compared to 93,341 last year. We closed out the month
of August with 5,001 members compared to 3,889 last year.
MCC 8/31 YTD Revenue
MCC 8/31 YTD Activity
$1,400,000
120000
$1,200,000
100000
$1,000,000
80000
$800,000
60000
$600,000
40000
$400,000
20000
$200,000
0
$
YTD Transactions YTD Member Visits
6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
0 201 0 201 0 201 0 201 0 201 0 201
MCC 8/31 Members
■ 2016 ■ 2017 ■ 2018
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PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES I SEPT 27, 2018
Programs and events
The pool looks great after being closed Labor Day for a week to do annual
maintenance. Fall 2018 Swimming Lessons begin September 24. We are offering
Parent Child, Preschool and Learn to Swim Levels 1-5. These lessons will
conclude just before Thanksgiving. We are always in need of good Lifeguards.
To help with recruitment we will be offering an American Red Cross Lifeguard
Training Course the weekend of October 19. We are encouraging members and
guests to refer to our website for monthly open swim hours. Due to the lack of
Lifeguards there are frequent changes to the schedule month to month.
Adult Flag Football has begun and proves to be growing in popularity with nine
teams this year. Games are Wednesday nights at the city fields by Xcel. Fall
men's softball league began September 6, games are Thursday evenings. Seven
teams are playing.
Our first yoga event at the Bertram Chalet will take place Saturday, September
22. A 90 -minute Yin Yoga session at the serene chalet will hopefully result in
more special yoga classes at Bertram.
The outdoor farmers' market continues through October 18. The market moves
indoors one Saturday a month beginning November 3.
The community center is partnering with the Friends of Bertram, Wright County
Parks and YMCA Camp Manitou to host Color Me Fall, a FREE family friendly
event at Bertram. Color Me Fall takes place on Saturday, September 29, 11:00
a.m. to 2:00 p.m. A campfire, s'mores, a food truck, hayrides, crafts, face
painting, fall games and live music are scheduled.
The community center will host a Walnut Street Boutique on November 11 from
1:00-4:00 p.m. in the Mississippi Room. We will be charging $40 per booth and
vendors may bring in their boutique items to sell. We will have one of our
caterers sell beer/wine and a few snacks. We are hoping to continue to see this as
an annual event to kick off the holiday shopping season.
A pet expo is also in the works for either this Fall or coming Spring.
Xcel Energy will hold their annual breakfast meeting in the Mississippi Room
and this event brings in many business people from the area.
Two dance studios from the twin cities area have booked lock -ins with us this
fall.
Highway Liquor will have their wine tasting in the Mississippi Room on Friday,
October 26.
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