12-07-2009 PRCEMMINUTES
Parks, Recreation & Community Education Advisory Board
December 7, 2009
Members present were Chad Czmowski, Scott Scholl, Mary Christensen and Jay Bartholomew. Also
present were Dolf Moon and Karen McKay.
The meeting was called to order at 5:15 pm.
A motion was made by Chad Czmowski and seconded by Mary Christensen to approve the minutes
dated November 2, 2009. The board unanimously agreed.
OLD BUSINESS
Luce Line Trail Update Î The trail project has 16 supporting agencies. A hearing will be held in early
2010. Senator Dille and Representative Shimanski will author the bill.
NEW BUSINESS
High Tides Swimming Program Update Î In 2008 the High Tides swim program had 46 participants in
the Novice and Silver levels for ages 6-12 years. The number of participants rose to 104 in 2009 after
promoting the program in the PRCE brochure. The cost of using the High School Pool was
$1,000/month and was too expensive for the small number of participants. Now the number of hours
the pool is being used has been adjusted and High Tides is making use of the larger Middle School
Pool. There was a swim meet at the Middle School Pool December 5th and 6th; there were 600
participants. The facilities and staff were overwhelmed by such a great turnout. Next year the swim
meet may have to be held on separate weekends to accommodate the boys and girls.
Prairie Presentation Power Point Î There were over 20 participants, mainly from the metro area, in
th
Hutchinson for the Prairie workshop November 19. The workshop consisted of a tour of
HutchinsonÓs prairie projects, a panel discussion with DNR and city staff and a power point
presentation.
AMERESCO Engineering Assessment Î The board received a copy of the preliminary engineering
assessment for the City of Hutchinson. AMERESCO evaluated the city owned facilities identifying
energy use and ways to reduce costs. They will provide a list of projects that will reduce the energy
and operating costs as well as increase overall efficiency. The heating and cooling systems in the ice
arena and Recreation Center could be converted to geothermal. The City is focused on energy cost
reduction and is the owner of the process they will decide what changes will be made.
PRCE Budget Update Î The City Council may authorize the budget in December. Expenses rose by
$39,982 from 2003 to 2010 while revenues increased by $204,149 in the same period. Fees remained
the same. The net difference is $164,167 less in 2010 from 2003; there are eight less staff members.
There were also two full time parks employees that took an early retirement package offered by the
city in June of 2009. The department provides more park trail programs than in 2003 and relies on
part-time seasonal employees and parent volunteer coaches rather than paid staff.
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.