10-08-2003 PRCEM
MINUTES
Parks, Recreation & Community Education Advisory Board
October 8, 2003
Members Present: Mike Schiesl, Mike Cannon, Kirk Kosel, Jay Beytien, Ralph Johnson and Bill
Arndt. Also present were Rev. Todd Ertsgaard, DolfMoon and Karen McKay.
The meeting was called to order at 5 :20 pm
A motion made by Mike Cannon and seconded by Bill Arndt approved the minutes dated
September 9,2003. The motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS
Levy Report - The School Board set a date of November 4th for a referendum to raise the levy.
The dollars raised are for the classroom. The Board has put together a list of cuts that will take
place if the referendum fails. Included in the cuts are 11 teaching positions, four sports, a four
day school week, the one mile radius for busing students will be extended, which will add to the
congestion of cars. The Middle School Pool will be closed for the summer months. Bill Arndt
questioned the pool closing item due the fact that when the money was raised to build it the pool
was for "community use". Dolf told the Board that the governor is placing the budget
responsibilities on local governments. Currently the state average spent per child is $7,700 while
in District #423 it's $6,280.
Kirk Kosel questioned when the levies would end. The response was ten years. He felt it was
very important for the School Board to break down the fund uses.
Middle Activities/Dances - The fees were adjusted and the number of participants remained
strong. The city has been running the Middle School Dances for a number of years, Friday,
October 3rd will be the last one run by the city. Todd Grina will be in charge of them. Revenues
collected have been $600-$1,000 with four dances held a year.
NEW BUSINESS
Chair - Mike Cannon made a motion to appoint Mike Schiesl the Chair of the PRCE Board.
Bill Arndt seconded the motion, the Board agreed unanimously.
Fall Activities - Most of the fall recreation activities will be wrapping up around MEA. Youth
football, soccer, and gymnastics saw an increase in numbers. Adult leagues, football and
volleyball remained the same. Parent volunteer coaches have enabled the PRCE Department to
offer quality programs at affordable prices.
Library Square Project - An extra garden area has been added in the park. A statue will be
forthcoming as part of the 150th year celebration. The plan is to restore the park historically to a
look of 1928. The roof is done, carpet installed, and the tuck pointing is done. The group is still
working toward installing a fountain.
MINUTES
PRCE Advisory Board
October 8, 2003
Page two
River Project - The prairie grasses will be reseeded during the first snowfall or in the spring of
2004. The Ivan Hurt family has contacted Dolf regarding a memorial. They are interested in
placing benches near the prairie, with a view of the river.
The appropriate tree species for the soil type have been planted around Roberts Park and they
thriving.
2004 Park & Recreation Budget - City staff will have a workshop with the City Council
October 14th to work out a balanced budget. Dolf doesn't foresee a need to go through the
cutting process next year. The state collected 14 million more than they were expecting. The
PRCE Department budget is balanced at this time.
Baseball Report - Ralph Johnson distributed a review sheet outlining the Hutchinson Baseball
Association's purpose, operation and expenses. He told the Board that Hutchinson and Dassel
would be hosting the 2005 State Amateur Baseball Tournament. The bid application was
submitted in 2001. They expect revenues generated in town could total up to $18,000-$20,000
over three weekends.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6: 17 pm by a motion made by Mike Cannon and seconded by
Kirk Kosel. The Board unanimously agreed.
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