02-03-2003 PRCEM
MINUTES
Parks, Recreation & Community Education Advisory Board
February 3, 2003
Members Present: Kirk Kosel, Mike Schiesl and Bill Arndt. Also present were representatives from
the Sr. Advisory Board and the Programming Committee. Staff present were Barb Haugen, John
McRaith, Chuck Wedin, DolfMoon and Karen McKay.
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 pm.
The Minutes dated January 6, 2003 were approved by a motion made by Kirk Kosel and seconded by
Mike Schiesl. The Board unanimously agreed.
NEW BUSINESS
Community Education Funding Cut - The State preliminary budget cuts include Community
Education Program Funding. It could be a cut of up to $97,000 annually. This is the first phase of
more budget cuts to come. The Governor's budget is expected out February 10-18.
Event Center/Senior Programming - Barb Haugen, Community Service Coordinator of the Event
Center/Senior Programming gave a presentation to the Board reviewing 2002. The open house was
well attended. The community responded well to the opening of the Event Center last year, there were
25 weddings booked, and businesses reserved the rooms for workshops and seminars. The Event
Center is staffed with part-time help and is open from 8 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday. The
Senior Advisory Board donated $70,000 through fund raising efforts such as greeting card recycling
and staffing the Rec Center concession stand during the summer months. The Target Corporation has
been a large contributor through grant programs. The Senior Newsletter subscription went from 504 to
647 mailings a month, participants are anxious to see what is going on at the Event Center.
Recreation Report - John McRaith, Recreation Services Coordinator, gave a presentation to the
Board outlining the year 2002 in Recreation. John began working full-time January 1 slwhich allowed
involvement of city staff as board members in youth associations in town such as the Hutchinson Jr.
League Baseball Association. He merged the womens softball league in Hutchinson with Litchfield, to
provide a better variety of competition. Softball umpires were hired for the adult games which
provided a more pleasant experience for players. There are half the number of mens teams playing
sports today then 10 years ago. Staff did coaching of youth softball and baseball programs and
participant numbers increased. The sponsorship program now asks for a three year commitment from
businesses. Businesses will also be sponsoring the courts in the Rec Center at $500 each. This will
provide money for improvements to the facility. One goal not yet reached is phone in credit card and
on-line registrations.
Chuck Wedin, Youth Programmer, gave a slide show presentation comparing participant numbers
today with those of the past three years. T-Ball participants have increased, and skating has remained
steady. Soccer participants have increased and track and field numbers have doubled. Gymnastics is
down slightly along with football. The tackle football program relies on parent volunteers to coach,
but hires high school players ifthere aren't enough parents. Adult coaches seem to be able to connect
with the kids better. There are several communities such as Buffalo Lake/Hector, Silver Lake and
Lester Prairie bringing their teams to Hutchinson to play tackle football.
MINUTES
PRCE Advisory Board
February 3, 2003
Page Two
BOARD MEMBER ITEMS - Bill Arndt feels the Luce Line Trail needs some energy. Referring to
the 1997 brochure, the goals have not been met. Dolfhas been in contact with Greg Soupir evaluating
what the greatest needs of the trail are.
ADJOURNMENT - The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 pm by a motion made by Mike Schiesl and
seconded by Kirk Kosel. The Board agreed unanimously.
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