11-03-2008 PRCEMMINUTES
Parks, Recreation & Community Education Advisory Board
November 3, 2008
Members present were: Lenore Flinn, Beth Hepola, Bill Arndt and Mike Retterath. Also present were
Dolf Moon and Karen McKay.
The meeting was called to order at 5:17 pm.
A motion was made by Lenore Flinn and seconded by Beth Hepola to approve the minutes dated
August 4, 2008. The board unanimously agreed.
OLD BUSINESS
Budget ‘09 – City staff is still working on the ’09 budget. Fuel and utility expenses have been
increased based on figures from earlier this year. There will be workshops before the budget is
finalized. Dolf told the board that one of the biggest issues is the status of the state’s Local
Government Aid for Hutchinson. The state could see 4 billion shortfall that could result in cuts to
LGA..
Summer Projects – The cedar shelter in Drift Rider’s Park (Island View) is complete. It overlooks the
natural rock playground structures.
The trail from Lakewood Drive to School Road is complete with paving. A majority of the paved
portion of the Luce Line Trail was seal coated.
The fence around the sanctuary was replaced. Improvements will continue to be made in the sanctuary
concluding in 2010 with Gopher Campfire’s Anniversary.
The posts for the banners on Hwy. 15/22 were removed for sandblasting and repainting due to pitting
of the original paint. The sidewalk by the dam was also redone.
NEW BUSINESS
Dog Park Survey – Three University of Mankato students volunteered to conduct a survey and gather
information regarding a potential Dog Park in Hutchinson. 650 surveys were mailed out to area
residents of Hutchinson, 75 came back undeliverable and, 270 responses were received. The data will
be helpful if a park is considered.
Girl’s Softball Survey – A survey was sent out to the parents of last summer’s girls softball
participants ages 12 to 18. Questions asked included team selection, equal playing time, everyone
plays and affordability of the program. The PRCE Department has been affiliated with the Girls
Softball Association for a number of years, in that time the number of participants has grow by more
than 50 girls. If the parents want a competitive program, the Association will run it without the PRCE
Department’s administrative support. They will also need to purchase liability insurance.
Youth Summit – PRCE staff, the Assistant Principals of the High School and Middle School, and the
Athletic Director will facilitate a workshop in January. The purpose is to reach youth that may be
underserved in the community. Schools involved include District #423, Charter, and possibly
Maplewood Academy.
Minutes
PRCE Advisory Board
November 3, 2008
Page two
Outdoor Rink/Garden Plots – Due to budget reductions, primarily the new full-time maintenance
position that was cut, the outdoor ice rink will not be flooded this winter. The City of Hutchinson has
a great park system including 37 parks with five full time maintenance positions that maintain it. Staff
was considering cutting the garden plot program. However, a way was found to help make it happen
by raising the user fee and requiring the tenants to help with the site preparation.
Narcotics Anonymous Request for gym rent fee waived – Tim Wartman with Narcotics Anonymous,
was present requesting that the rental fee be adjusted for his organization that will be using the
Recreation Center Gym Saturday, February 21, 2009 from 8:00 am to 12 midnight. Narcotics
Anonymous is a sister program of Alcoholics Anonymous, they’re hosting a regional convention and
are holding a volleyball tournament and dance. If required to pay the entire rental fee plus 15% of
concession profits, ¾ of their budget would be spent. Bill Arndt suggested that a Narcotics
Anonymous representative approach the local Drift Rider snowmobile club. They could donate
charitable gambling funds directly to the Recreation Center for the rental fee. Tim told the Board that
the philosophy of the organization is to be self-supporting. Dolf suggested that the regular rental fee of
$30/hour could be halved for this rental.
Mike Retterath made a motion that the Parks, Recreation and Community Education Department
charge Narcotics Anonymous a rental fee half of the regular rate of $30/hour for a total of $240 for
their upcoming rental of the Recreation Center Gym. Bill Arndt seconded the motion, the Board
unanimously agreed.
BOARD MEMBER ITEMS
Board members received many compliments regarding the downtown flowers.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:26 pm by a motion made by Bill Arndt and seconded by Mike
Retterath. The board unanimously agreed.
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