12-06-2010 PRCEMMINUTES
Parks, Recreation & Community Education Advisory Board
December 6, 2010
Members present were Jim Waldron, Elizabeth Hanninen, Jay Bartholomew, Chad Czmowski, Eric
Opland and Mike Retterath. 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 Jim Waldron to approve the minutes dated
October 4, 2010. The board unanimously agreed.
Byron Bettenhausen will be appointed to the PRCE Advisory Board at the next City Council meeting.
Mary Christensen will be the City Council representative on the board in 2011 rather that Chad
Czmowski and there will be an opening for a community member at large.
OLD BUSINESS
Ameresco Project – The Burich east and west rinks and the Recreation Center Gym lights have already
been replaced with energy efficient fluorescent lights. The locker rooms at Burich Arena and the
st
PRCE Office will be done by March 1 at a time that will not disrupt business. $150,000 of the
$330,000 cost will be rebated back in state grants.
Community Education Audit – The Community Education fund balance is at its maximum, options
will be explored to reduce it. 82 classes/programs were offered in the fall and 67 were held.
Skate Park/Tunnel Lighting – It could cost $5,000-6,000 to light the pedestrian/bike tunnel under
Highway 7 West and the skate park. Dolf will meet with the new City Council in January with a
proposal. There will be park rules for the skate park enthusiast to follow or lights will not be engaged.
Riverside Park/Jaycee Project – A new playground structure was installed in Riverside Park with
funding of $15,000 from the Jaycees this year. A $5,000 donation is expected from the Jaycee in 2011.
The Jaycees plan a ribbon cutting ceremony at their button kick off night next summer.
The hospital has started their senior campus, Harmony River. The parkland dedication fee of $28,000
will be used to make improvement in Elks Park next year.
NEW BUSINESS
Hutchinson Huskies Improvements – Dolf met with Huskies representatives. They are interested in
making improvements to Veterans Memorial Field along with the city. They would contribute $15,000
towards a $60,000 project. The balance would come from the parkland dedication fund.
Improvements would include the right field line out of play fence, staircase and backstop
improvements, steel siding on the press box, and addressing the deteriorating railroad ties. Plans need
to be solidified by spring; these improvements need to be completed before any state amateur baseball
tournament.
MINUTES
PRCE Advisory Board
December 6, 2010
Page two
Comprehensive Plan 2011 – The last comprehensive plan was created in 1979. The document, which
has been quite accurate, included park development, trails, walkways and sidewalks. The City’s
Planning and Zoning Department will create a new plan. Advisory and focus groups along with city
staff will be defining, and inventorying existing assets. Completion of the 20-year plan with five-year
benchmarks is expected by May, 2012. School facilities will be included within the process.
Community Education Legislative Platform – Dolf meets on a monthly basis with a group of
individuals from throughout the state. There will be a new legislative group to work with in 2011
following the elections.
BOARD MEMBER ITEMS
The next meeting will be Monday, January 3, 2011.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:10 pm by a motion made by Chad Czmowski and seconded by Jim
Waldron. The Board unanimously agreed.
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