10-01-2012 PRCEMMINUTES
Parks, Recreation & Community Education Advisory Board
October 1, 2012
Members present were Jim Waldron, John Rodeberg, Mary Christensen, Elizabeth Hanninen, Jay
Bartholomew and Troy Scotting. Also present were Dolf Moon and Karen McKay.
The meeting was called to order at 5:15 pm.
A motion was made by Mary Christensen and seconded by John Rodeberg to approve the minutes dated
August 6, 2012. The board unanimously agreed.
OLD BUSINESS
Facility Improvements — The Facility Improvement Committee has spent the past year indentifying repair
and maintenance issues needed to the city's facilities. The ten year project list will be addressed
beginning this fall. A portion of the roof at the Event Center will be replaced. Contractors will be
interviewed and bidding on reroofing the east arena and replacing the dehumidification and refrigeration
systems in both arenas.
Luce Line Trail —The City is meeting with the DNR on October 2 to discuss bituminous surfacing of the
trail from Hutchinson to Winsted. The City expressed an interest in contributing $750,000 toward this
project. Winsted may also contribute $750,000. McLeod County may contribute $500,000. The total
cost is estimated to be $2.7 million; the rest may be made up by local donor contributions.
Church/Theatre Production — The Hutchinson Theatre Company production of Smoke on the Mountain
had five sellout performances in the church. It generated $5,000 in rental revenue. There may two more
Smoke on the Mountain follow up performances in January.
Depot Update — The MPCA inspected the site and determined that the soil was contaminated. Estimated
cost for digging up the soil and replacing it is $900,000. As that this site is zoned commercial and not
residential, the soil can be covered with bituminous for approximately half of this cost. There will be
more discussion on this with the City Council and the railroad.
NEW BUSINESS
Heart of Hutch — Upcoming event: "Walking School Bus ". This is an event in which adults walk or bike
to school with a child. The Hospital has a wellness grant to screen and monitor citizens' blood pressures
and cholesterol levels.
Fall Programs — Statistics were presented showing middle school sports and community education
enrichment programs participation over the past few years.
Hutchinson Arts —The new director is Erika Durheim and the new location is the rear of the old
Hutchinson Leader Office (now Hutchinson Family Dentistry). A river -walk event was held on September
8t' with approximately 250 participants. There were activities for children at this walk. An art walk is
being considered in which art is displayed for a period of time and is for sale.
Comp Plan/Downtown Plan — A public meeting was held called "Imagine Hutch" which focused on two
to three achievable strategies that would capitalize on current Hutchinson assets. The old medical center
on Franklin Street near the river is one of these assets. Completion of the plans is slated for January or
February, 2013.
MINUTES
PRCE Advisory Board
October 1, 2012
Page two
BOARD MEMBER ITEMS
There are two openings on the PRCE Advisory Board. The mayor has one candidate.
John Rodeberg showed a picture of a permanent cover for the performance stage at West River Park. The
cost is estimated to be $75,000. This cost could be lower with donated labor. Corporate sponsors are
being sought.
Mary Christensen and Bill Arndt representing the City Council, along with city staff, met with a group of
senior citizens regarding opening the Event Center on Fridays (it is currently closed on Fridays). More
discussion and ideas will be forthcoming.
ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:17 pm by a motion made by Jay Bartholomew and
seconded by Troy Scotting. The Board unanimously agreed.