04-03-2006 PRCEM
MINUTES
Parks, Recreation & Community Education Advisory Board
April 3, 2006
Members present were: Beth Hepola, Deane Dietel, Mike Cannon, Bill Arndt, Kathy Kalenberg,
Lora Muilenburg and Kirk Kosel. Also present were DolfMoon, and Karen McKay.
The meeting was called to order at 5:22 pm.
A motion was made by Lora Muilenburg and seconded by Bill Arndt to approve the minutes
dated March 6, 2006. The board unanimously agreed.
OLD BUSINESS
Downtown Banners - The CVB and Chamber of Commerce are collecting fees for the
downtown banners. There will be four changes of banners reflecting the season with an ad panel
on the bottom. The banners will be replaced every three years.
Luce Line Trail- The paving project between Hutchinson and Winsted didn't make the cut on
the bonding bill. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was very supportive of the
project. The bicycle group will keep representatives aware of the interest. Bill Arndt reported to
the board that at least five miles of the trail between Hutchinson and Silver Lake would
accommodate a dual trail consisting of gravel and pavement to serve snowmobilers, horseback
riders and bicyclers. The "Peddle Pushers" bicycle group is raising funds for mailings.
Public Arts - Members of the commission include Dolf, Miles Seppelt and the new city planner.
The group will work to keep public art in the community and find ways to sustain the assets. If
the School Board Bond passes, Park Elementary will become would become City of Hutchinson
parkland. The parkland dedication fee hasn't increased since 1993 to cover expenses.
NEW BUSINESS
Summer Projects - The Park Maintenance Lead left the department; he was a hard working crew
leader. The city received two grants.
Millers Woods Grant to re-establish the prairie. The Buckthorn has been removed. Additional
funding will provide stabilization on the baseball side of the riverbank near Tartan Park. An
infield will be cut in the Saint Anastasia ballfield. There will be four new lighted ballfield in
town. The playground equipment will be moved at West Elementary from the west side to the
east side to improve the traffic flow. Historic Hutchinson is funding the architect working on the
Harrington/Merrill House. There will be fundraising to restore Hutchinson's oldest building.
The Event Center canopy will be started soon.
MINUTES
PRCE Advisory Board
April 3, 2006
Page Two
ICMA Results - Mayor Steve Cook and City Administrator Gary Plotz received data from the
International City/County Management Association comparing 160 cities. In reviewing the
statistics, Hutchinson was one of the smaller communities. When comparing parkland
Hutchinson had more acres per 1,000 people with an expense of $439 per acre compared to as
much as $1,873 per acre for cities under 100,000 population. Hutchinson's data was from 2005
compared to the other communities, which was from 2004.
Mav Sign-Up - The annual early summer registration sign up is scheduled for Tuesday, May 2nd
from 6:00-8:00 pm in the Recreation Center Gym. PRCE Advisory Board members are
encouraged to volunteer, as there will not be a regular meeting in May.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:31 pm by a motion made by Beth Hepola, seconded by Bill
Arndt. The board unanimously agreed.
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