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03-04-2024 PRCEM Parks, Recreation &Community Education Advisory Board Meeting Minutes March 4, 2024 Members present were Chad Czmowski, Josh Kamrath, Kyle Wendling, Liz Stearns, Margo Kaping, Erin Knudtson for Sara Pollman, Mark Lansink, Jeff Hoeft, and Ashley Gabbert. Staff present Lynn Neumann, Sara Witte, and Jody Harms. The meeting was called to order at 5:15 pm. The motion was made by Mark Lansink to approve the meeting minutes dated February 5, 2024. Kyle Wendling seconded the motion. The minutes were approved. Old Business New Business City Strategic Planning Sessions • Monthly city planning sessions are scheduled throughout 2024 to discuss and define goals with city departments.Topics to be covered: o Where we stand today o Strengths o Weaknesses o Challenges/Threats o Opportunities o Perceptions/Values/Assumptions/Attitudes o Proposed ideas/Projects/Policy Changes to be considered • Parks & Rec will be a focus in two sessions o Tuesday, April 23, at 3:45 pm - Parks & Rec, Public Works, and Creekside o Tuesday, June 25, at 3:45 pm - Public Works, Planning & Zoning, and Parks & Rec • Chad Czmowski gave information regarding housing needs for Hutchinson. A second session was added regarding this topic, for Tuesday, March 26, at 3:45 pm Parks Projects-Sara Witte, Parks Manager • Updates on current/ongoing projects o The Outdoor Ice Rink was open eight days due to warm weather this season. o Trail usage is up with the warmer weather. o Large tree removal ■ 36 trees were removed at South Park ■ Ash trees at Roberts Park o Picnic table and equipment maintenance throughout the winter months. o Kiwanis Park Upgrades ■ Completion of retaining wall and paver patio this spring. o New AFS information sign. Working with the Hutchinson Community Foundation for the signage project. o ADA-accessible trail to Jaycee Women's Park. o A Leadership Group through the Hutchinson Chamber along with a donation from the Rollie Johnson family, of $15,836, will fund a trail-building project to the river at the ecology site. o A Leadership Group through the Hutchinson Chamber is working to establish a 5th-grade Arbor Day at Park Elementary. o The Hutchinson Leadership Institute Large Group Volunteer Day project will be clean-up and mulch replenishment on the North side of Library Square. o Project at Miller Woods to clean up areas that have been encroached upon by homeowners over the years. Along with the prairie grant and the goats. o Sidewalk upgrades on Washington Ave. The pavers by the Merrill House will be lifted and replaced by parks staff for the project. 0 8th Ave Trail: the grant was denied, but will be resubmitted next year. Looking to connect the path with Tiger Elementary. o Sculptures will be announced at the next City Council meeting (March 26). VMF Grandstand Project Update • The VMF Grandstand Project was approved by the City Council on Tuesday, February 27th. • Five bids were submitted. • Ebert Companies (Corcoran, MN) was selected with a bid of$580,270. • Construction will start at the end of the 2024 Huskies Baseball Season. VMF Lighting Improvement Project • Hutchinson Utilities committed to paying for the lighting improvement projects at VMF. • Bids will be opened on March 19 and results presented to City Council on March 26. • Approximate cost is $320,000. • The Roberts Park lighting improvement project is identified on the Facility Plan for 2025. Approximate project cost is $750,000. Pickleball Court Concept- Oddfellows Park • Larson Engineering submitted a design and cost for 8 stand-alone pickleball courts. • Approximate preliminary estimates for the project are $525,000 with no lights. Lights would cost an additional $200,000. • A timeline has not been established at this time. This is not an approved city project at this time. Aquatic Center Operations Update • Aquatics and Recreation Programmer Position o The position was offered but then withdrawn. o The Recreation Manager will utilize strong returning staff to fill positions as Concessions Supervisor, Aquatic Center Supervisor, and Swim Lesson Supervisors. o Rory Fairbanks at Hutchinson HS is facilitating Lifeguard training for students. Lions Club Request • A permanent Gaga Ball structure will be installed at West Lions Park. • Funding for the project provided by the Lions Club. • The cost is approximately$5,000. Board Member Items • Splash pad update-The project is high on the city council's list, but not funded at this time. • The Amateur Hockey Team backed out of the verbal commitment with the City of Hutchinson due to locker improvements. They were no longer able to contribute any funds to the project. However, they are still interested in the Hutchinson community as a future location if a locker room would be available. Adiournment A motion to adjourn was made by Kyle Wendling and Liz Stearns seconded the motion. Meeting adjourned at 6:46 pm. Next meeting Monday, April 1, at 5:15 pm Location TBD