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12-07-2009 PRCEMMINUTES Parks, Recreation & Community Education Advisory Board December 7, 2009 Members present were Chad Czmowski, Scott Scholl, Mary Christensen and Jay Bartholomew. Also present were Dolf Moon and Karen McKay. The meeting was called to order at 5:15 pm. A motion was made by Chad Czmowski and seconded by Mary Christensen to approve the minutes dated November 2, 2009. The board unanimously agreed. OLD BUSINESS Luce Line Trail Update Î The trail project has 16 supporting agencies. A hearing will be held in early 2010. Senator Dille and Representative Shimanski will author the bill. NEW BUSINESS High Tides Swimming Program Update Î In 2008 the High Tides swim program had 46 participants in the Novice and Silver levels for ages 6-12 years. The number of participants rose to 104 in 2009 after promoting the program in the PRCE brochure. The cost of using the High School Pool was $1,000/month and was too expensive for the small number of participants. Now the number of hours the pool is being used has been adjusted and High Tides is making use of the larger Middle School Pool. There was a swim meet at the Middle School Pool December 5th and 6th; there were 600 participants. The facilities and staff were overwhelmed by such a great turnout. Next year the swim meet may have to be held on separate weekends to accommodate the boys and girls. Prairie Presentation Power Point Î There were over 20 participants, mainly from the metro area, in th Hutchinson for the Prairie workshop November 19. The workshop consisted of a tour of HutchinsonÓs prairie projects, a panel discussion with DNR and city staff and a power point presentation. AMERESCO Engineering Assessment Î The board received a copy of the preliminary engineering assessment for the City of Hutchinson. AMERESCO evaluated the city owned facilities identifying energy use and ways to reduce costs. They will provide a list of projects that will reduce the energy and operating costs as well as increase overall efficiency. The heating and cooling systems in the ice arena and Recreation Center could be converted to geothermal. The City is focused on energy cost reduction and is the owner of the process they will decide what changes will be made. PRCE Budget Update Î The City Council may authorize the budget in December. Expenses rose by $39,982 from 2003 to 2010 while revenues increased by $204,149 in the same period. Fees remained the same. The net difference is $164,167 less in 2010 from 2003; there are eight less staff members. There were also two full time parks employees that took an early retirement package offered by the city in June of 2009. The department provides more park trail programs than in 2003 and relies on part-time seasonal employees and parent volunteer coaches rather than paid staff. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:03 pm by a motion made by Chad Czmowski and seconded by Jay Bartholomew. The Board unanimously agreed.