01-06-2003 PRCEM
MINUTES
Parks, Recreation & Community Education Advisory Board
January 6, 2003
Members present: Bill Arndt, Jay Beytien, Todd Ertsgaard, Ralph Johnson, Kirk Kosel, Claire
Lenz, Bernie Miner, Bruce Peterson, Mike Schiesl. Dolf Moon and Sonja Muellerleile, Mark,
Schnobrich, Lawrence Winter, and three members of the Tree Board were also present.
Minutes dated December 3, 2002 were approved by Todd Ertsgaard and seconded by Bruce
Peterson.
OLD BUSINESS
Mickey Mantle: Decided by the VFW not to host the tournament this year due to the age
restriction problems. The state of Minnesota likes our facilities and would like us to submit bids
in the future. We do plan on having tournaments for ages 10-16 in Hutchinson in the future.
Hockey Association: PRCE has been meeting with the Mite hockey level. We would manage
the equipment, coach' s training coach's recruitment, and scheduling. More meetings are
scheduled to work out the details.
Park & Recreation Budget: The budget has been approved for 2003; however, there are
stipulations with the state's funding. Capital expenditures, hiring, and movement on the pay
scale have all been frozen. We are waiting for the Governor's budget, which should be out by
the end of January. PRCE is operating status quo.
NEW BUSINESS
Parks Annual Report - Lawrence Winter (Resource Recovery Coordinator)
Pictures Shown:
Tartan Park; Veteran's Park Memorial Day; Tartan Park Mini Shelter; Tartan Skate Park;
Tartan Playground; Northwoods Park before, in progress, and after; Riverside Park Earth
Work; Police Evidence Offices; EOC Remodel; Women's Club Swing Addition before and after;
Mowing; Landscaping HHS Football Field; HHS Landscape Class Project; and Belfield
Maintenance; Riverside Shoreline; Low Dam Rebuild Project; Downstream Section of River;
Library Square; Veteran's Memorial Park Summer Blooms.
2002 Projects:
Veteran's Park Phase 2 (pavers & pond); Tartan Park Grant; Northwood's Shelter Remodel;
Riverside Shoreline Project Begun; Police Evidence Offices.
2003 Proposed Projects:
Complete Riverside Shoreline Project; Complete Low Dam Reconstruction Project; Commence
2nd Avenue River Stabilization; Library Square Landscape Restoration; Continue Rotary Park
Development; Begin Drift Riders Park Trail and Parking.
Forestry Annual Report - Mark Schnobrich (City Forester)
2002 Action:
Tree planting, tree removal, grants; Utilities and Forestry nave partnered up replacing trees
near high electrical lines; New boulevard planting on 8th Ave SW; Funding from general fund,
utility's grants, and engineering projects; Over 344 trees planted on public boulevards and
private lots; Over 100 trees planted on engineering projects; Juul Road; Retention ponds;
Sewer line installations.
MINUTES
PRCE Advisory Board
January 6, 2003
Page Two
(Continued)
Energy Program:
Begun in 1993,3,717 trees have been planted on public and private (545 homes) property.
School/Forestry Partnership:
Together since 2001; School Forest designation; DNR project; Rollie Johnson Ecology Site;
Millers Woods; HHS received energy trees which students planted.
Removal and Pruning:
Lost 89 trees in 2002; Joint effort with Street Department on pruning and removal of street and
park trees.
Millers Woods:
Buckthorn the predominant problem; Sentence-to-Serve has helped to clear Buckthorn, non-
native trees, and weed control; Planted prairie flowers.
Soil Amendment Project:
Attempting to teach builders to work with Forestry Department in conserving soil so as to aid in
tree planting after construction is complete.
Arbor Day:
Involves Park Elementary students; "Find the Biggest Tree in Hutch" Contest for 3rd graders;
Starting in 2002, each student participating will receive a button; Winner will get their name put
on a plaque.
2003 Objectives:
Continue to work with schools; Expand soil amendment; Continue with Energy Trees project;
Roadside Enhancement Grant for Hwy 15 S; Pruning; Revise and complete tree ordinance;
Arbor Day kids; Library Square project.
BOARD MEMBER ITEMS
Questions:
1. Bruce: Any plans on restoring South Park? Adding lighting, crossed path, sidewalk,
etc.? Increasing safety?
2. Jay: South Park needs new lighting.
Answer:
There are a few residents who are interested in the forestry side of South Park, but we need a
group to sponsor the South Park in order to get things completed. Small picnic tables and extra
lighting have already been added on the east side.
Question:
1. Bill: Will a Martin house be put back in Library Square after the renovation is complete?
Answer:
This is something we will look into when renovating.