02-02-2004 PRCEM
MINUTES
Parks, Recreation & Community Education Advisory Board
February 2, 2004
Members Present: Bill Arndt, Ralph Johnson, Jay Beytien and Mary Inglis. Also present were Dolf
Moon, Marv Haugen, Sharon Opatz and Karen McKay.
The meeting was called to order at 5: 15 pm
A motion made by Bill Arndt and seconded by Jay Beytien approved the minutes dated January 5,
2004. The motion passed unanimously.
ANNUAL REPORT
Sharon Opatz, Community Education Programmer, schedules classes in conjunction with Ridgewater
College. Sharon reviewed the school facilities available for rentals and class participation figures for
Community Education classes. She told the Board that the middle school age dances are now run by
the school staff just as the homecoming dance is. Credit card phone registration has been popular.
There is a 3% up charge for each transaction.
Marv Haugen, Facilities and Operations Manager, presented a review of2003 projects and statistcs to
board members. He told the Board there have been a lot of changes with the addition of the second ice
rink in 1999. There are two Zambonis, sponsored by Citizens Bank. The Hockey Association is the
largest renter of ice time at the rinks. The Figure Skating Association is the second largest renter. The
number of hours rented remained consistent with the previous year.
The 22nd Annual Ice Show is scheduled for March 13th & 14th, there are approximately 250 skaters
participating. The Figure Skating Association has a good group of volunteers.
As part of the preventive maintenance plan at the arena, the plexiglass panels were replaced with
tempered glass. The tempered glass provides a clearer viewing area. The west arena concession stand
was constructed and materials donated by Richard Larson Builders. Marv told the Board that a
message board would be a nice addition, but funding is not available. Jay Beytien and Mary Inglis
recommended seeking sponsors. The arena will have five to seven weeks of summer ice this year.
The Rec Center received a $50,000 sponsorship from Pepsi, which included new scoreboards. Other
improvements include a new divider curtain and volleyball standards. Sheet metal panels on the walls
are planned for the spring.
Swimming lesson numbers remain steady. The numbers of participants at the outdoor pool have
experienced a steady decline due to the increasing competition with neighboring community
swimming facilities. The estimated cost to upgrade the Rec Center Pool with slides and fountains
would be approximately 1.5 million. Some of the current features would be incorporated into the
upgrade. The building would also have to be updated to current building codes.
MINUTES
PRCE Advisory Board
February 2,2004
Page two
Dolf told the Board that a half penny sales tax is an option to raise the funds for the proposed facility
upgrades including a new ball field. The proposal was presented to Chamber leadership. It was
recommended that the community be surveyed to check the level of support. Willmar did a similar tax
for proposed five-year time frame and was able to payoff the debt early.
BOARD MEMBER ITEMS
Jay Beytien reported to the Board that the fountain contract would be done soon.
The Harrington/Merrill house plans will be developed soon for the 150th Anniversary celebration. It
will be presented to the City Council at an upcoming meeting. Some of the improvements include a
new roof, lawn and sidewalk repair.
There are three openings on the PRCE Board. Dolf recommends individuals to the Mayor for
appointment.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:14pm by a motion made by Mary Inglis and seconded by Ralph
Johnson. The Board unanimously agreed.
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