04-04-2005 PRCEM
MINUTES
Parks, Recreation & Community Education Advisory Board
April 4, 2005
Members present were: Mike Cannon, Beth Hepola, Lora Muilenburg, Kirk Kosel,
Lenore Flinn, Deane Dietel, Ralph Johnson and Bill Arndt. Also present were Dolf
Moon, September Jacobsen, John McRaith and Karen McKay.
The meeting was called to order at 5: 15 pm.
A motion was made by Bill Arndt and seconded by Beth Hepola to approve the minutes
dated March 7, 2005. The board unanimously agreed.
NEW BUSINESS
Earlv Summer Registration is scheduled for Tuesday, May 3 from 6:00-8:00 pm. Rather
than have the regular meeting in May, board members are invited to volunteer at the
registration.
Senior Center - September Jacobsen, Event Center Coordinator reviewed the goals
reached in 2004, one of which was to increase participation. This was achieved by
adding programming geared toward younger seniors, and also by purchasing a pool table,
additional dance flooring, and cabinets in the kitchen. Many of the additions were funded
by senior donations.
Event Center - Accomplishments in 2004 include an increase in rentals from 473 to 827
including business rentals. New equipment purchased and available for rent include
lights, mirrors, and candle holders. $1,500 has been generated by these new rental
options.
A new entrance is still planned; it will be done when the parking lot is replaced. The
parking lot will be done in phases in 2005; there will be some inconvenience for
participants during the construction. Adding more storage area is planned along with
painting for this year. September will be looking for creative ways to fundraise. The
Event Center has access to new software through the City's web site. What impact that
will have on rentals is unknown.
Adaptive Recreation, a program designed for adults with mental disabilities, meets at the
Event Center and provides activities for 80-100 participants from area communities.
Recreation - John McRaith, Recreation Services Coordinator reviewed youth programs
including Middle School and High School age soccer. The program is growing in
interest, but is not school sponsored.
MINUTES
PRCE Advisory Board
April 4, 2005
Page two
Registration for Jr. League baseball and girls softball has been taking place; the
associations are pleased with the numbers so far. The registration process flows much
better since there are multiple employees able to register people at the same time.
The boys and girls ball programs play in separate leagues with the exception of T -ball.
This has resulted in an increase in participation. There is an option for boys to play
softball in grades 3, 4 and 5; it's a good alternative for those who don't want to play
baseball.
Adult sports saw a significant drop from 1997 to 2003. The number of teams reached a
plateau in 2004 and has experienced a slight increase since.
Goals for 2005 include coaching packets for the volunteer coaches so they know what to
expect when they sign up to coach.
John will also explore what impact that tournaments have on the city versus the revenues
that PRCE receives. After a brief discussion with board members they felt that it was
important to continue to run tournaments on local ballfields and in the gyms. They also
felt that there should be open gym available for local use.
Another goal is to decide whether there should be guidelines for financially needy
families to receive ball and swim lessons at no charge. Currently families in need of
assistance need a referral from a Social Services Representative. Following the referral,
participant's fees are waived for swimming lessons during the summer months and T-
ball, baseball and softball sponsored by the PRCE Department. The board felt that the
current policy was fair.
BOARD MEMBER ITEMS
Deane Dietel questioned if the Bike and Blade Bonanza sponsored by the PRCE would
be held in 2005. It was one of the programs eliminated two years ago as part of the
budget cuts. Dolf told the board that this item has been discussed with the Police
Department, which was also very involved in the program. Running the program
involves many volunteers in addition to an overtime situation in the Police Department.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 pm by a motion made by Ralph Johnson and
seconded by Lora Muilenburg. The board unanimously agreed.
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