02-02-2009 PRCEM
MINUTES
Parks, Recreation & Community Education Advisory Board
February 2, 2009
Members present were: Scott Scholl, Chad Czmowski, Mary Christensen, Jim Waldron, Lora
Muilenburg, Mike Retterath and Deane Dietel. Also present were Dolf Moon and Karen
McKay.
The meeting was called to order at 5:15 pm.
A motion was made by Lora Muilenburg and seconded by Deane Dietel to approve the minutes
dated December 3, 2008. The board unanimously agreed.
OLD BUSINESS
Outdoor Ice – City staff have been meeting with Hutchinson Hockey Association Board
members to develop a plan to have an outdoor ice rink in Hutchinson. The plan is to use
volunteers and seek donations. The rink would have a bituminous surface to serve inline skaters
in the warmer months. A location under consideration is the grassy area to the west of west rink.
The west arena could be used as a warming house. The project could be done in phases as funds
allow. No dollar amount has been set yet. The next step is to have plans drawn out on paper.
Dog Park Survey –.A group of Minnesota State University, Mankato students conducted a dog
park survey to gauge interest in such a park in Hutchinson. 650 surveys were mailed out to
th
every 16 name in the Hutchinson telephone book. 75 surveys were undeliverable and 260
households responded. 42 percent were in favor of a dog park in Hutchinson, while 39 percent
were against and 19 percent were undecided. When asked about user fees, contributions for
construction and volunteer labor, 80% indicated they would not be interested. Based on the
information gathered, we would not pursue creating a dog park.
NEW BUSINESS
Budget 2009/Department Structure – With the state financial difficulties and the reduction of
government aid to cities, staff has been required to reorganize in an effort to save money. A
Senior Programmer position at the Senior Center won’t be filled. Lawrence Winter, Parks
Supervisor, retired in January and his position won’t be filled. Their salaries and benefits were
permanently deducted out of the budget. Sara Witte has been training for the Parks Supervisor
position in anticipation of Lawrence’s retirement.
In other cost-saving efforts, restrooms in the parks will be unisex with one being open at a time
and cleaning on a two-day cycle. The Event Center is revenue generating with wedding and
business rentals. The ice arenas have one attendant in the evenings rather than two. The outdoor
pool calendar will be shortened. The adult recreation program fees will remain the same with
fewer contests. These measures have been proposed to cope with the reduction in funding and to
maintain current participation fees.
Minutes
PRCE Advisory Board
February 2, 2009
Page two
Middle School Level Activities – Hutchinson has been accepted into the Wright conference
beginning with the fall 2009-10 school year.
BOARD MEMBER ITEMS
The Little Crow statue in scheduled to be installed in 2009. It is likely that it will be placed on
the north side of the river near the overlook. At this time there are no funds available for this
project which is expected to cost approximately $25,000. Costs include installation the pedestal,
footings and a paver trail. This project needs to be historically accurate.
Jim Waldron questioned the expectations of the Parks, Recreation and Community Education
Advisory Board. Dolf told the board that the purpose is to receive information and share it with
the community as well as bring the community’s views to the board.The Board can recommend
agenda items and city staff will attend meetings to answer questions.
PRCE staff will be monitoring the St. Cloud Parks and Recreation Department participation
numbers as they transition to a website-only brochure.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:25 pm by a motion made by Lora Muilenburg and seconded by
Deane Dietel. The board unanimously agreed.
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