11-02-2009 PRCEMMINUTES
Parks, Recreation & Community Education Advisory Board
November 2, 2009
Members present were Deane Dietel, Beth Hepola, Scott Scholl, Jay Bartholomew, Chad
Czmowski and Mary Christensen. Also present were Dolf Moon and Karen McKay.
The meeting was called to order at 5:15 pm.
A motion was made by Deane Dietel and seconded by Scott Scholl to approve the minutes dated
October 5, 2009. The board unanimously agreed.
OLD BUSINESS
Luce Line Trail Update – A bill will be introduced to the state legislature to pave the Luce Line
Trail between Winsted and Cedar Mills. There has been strong support from local groups for
example a health and wellness group from Litchfield, and the local snowmobile club. If the
project were to be completed, wheelchairs, rollerbladers, horseback riders and bicyclists would
be able to use the improved trail. A paved trail would provide economic vitality to the
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surrounding communities along the trail. The Legislative session is scheduled for February 21.
NEW BUSINESS
Program Results Fall – The board received an outline of fall recreation and community education
programs and the corresponding participant numbers. The number of participants registered
remains steady.
Strategic Planning Goal – The goal involves the school district, Community Education and the
City of Hutchinson. A committee will be formed consisting of School Board members, the City
Council and community members at large. Long range goals will be discussed that will identify
potential facilities and/or relationships that might further the school/city partnership making the
most of school and city budgets and services that could benefit the entire community.
Prairie Grant/Workshop – A grant was rewarded to the City from the Minnesota Recreation and
Park Association (MRPA) for $15,000 to further develop prairie land in Hutchinson and provide
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a workshop to educate other communities. The workshop will be held November 19 and will
consist of a 2.5 hour panel discussion about technology and maintenance of prairies. There will
be a lunch provided, slide show and tour of the Hutchinson’s prairie land in Miller’s Woods,
Riverside Park and the Dam Project.
BOARD MEMBER ITEMS
Deane asked when there would be funding to complete the trail along South Grade Road. Dolf
told the board that there may be some money available through the County and that the bridge
across Otter Lake is scheduled to done in 2011.
Minutes
PRCE Advisory Board
November 2, 2009
Page two
Board Member Items Cont.
Deane asked when the 3M Cares sign would be returned at the Hutchinson Utilities Main Street
site. Dolf told the board that it may be back in this year, but it wouldn’t be until the construction
is complete. The PRCE Department will plant the area in the spring of 2010.
Chad has had inquiries about cross-country ski trails in Hutchinson. Board members
recommended Miller’s Woods, the Crow River, the golf course and the Luce Line Trail.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:03 pm by a motion made by Chad Czmowski and seconded by
Jay Bartholomew. The Board unanimously agreed.
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