01-03-2011 PRCEM
MINUTES
Parks, Recreation & Community Education Advisory Board
January 3, 2011
Members present were Jim Waldron, Mike Retterath, John Rodeberg, Byron Bettenhausen, Eric
Opland, Elizabeth Hanninen 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 Mike Retterath and seconded by Jim Waldron to approve the minutes dated
December 6, 2010. The board unanimously agreed.
Byron Bettenhausen was welcomed to the PRCE Advisory Board. There is still an opening for a
community member at large as Mary takes over as the new City Council representative.
OLD BUSINESS
Comprehensive Plan 2011 – A comprehensive plan for the City was done in 2000, but the current park
plan is from 1979. A new plan is expected to be completed in 18 months. The board received a copy
of the goal statements for Parks and Recreation/Community Education. Meetings will begin in
February to rank the statements in order of importance to our community and develop strategies.
Community Education Legislative Platform – Dolf is on a statewide committee. The Adult Basic
Education or ABE costs approximately $668 annually per adult to operate. Hutchinson has an
excellent instructor, Julie Mischke, who encourages her students.
Skate Park/Tunnel Lighting – The lighting project in the skate park will be funded partially by the
users of the park. $2,200 will come from the capital expenditures budget. An actuator will be set to
turn off the lights at 10 pm; the lights will not be turned on during the winter months.
Three lights will be installed in the tunnel beneath School Road; one on each end and one in the
middle.
2011 Park & Recreation Budget – The PRCE projected budget of $1,036,372 for 2011 is $38,000 less
than the 2010 budget. In Recreation there are 20 fewer adult volleyball teams registered for the winter
season. It is thought that perhaps businesses may have cut their sponsorships.
NEW BUSINESS
Snow Removal – City crews have been clearing snow 40 out of the last 49 days. It will be a challenge
to find a place to haul all the snow. With the recent rain, the snow piles have decreased. Hutchinson
does a good job of snow removal.
Recreation Center Concession Upgrade – A $3,000 facelift is taking place in the concession stand with
the addition of a three bay stainless sink, a hand wash station and an NSF freezer. The floor will be
sealed and the walls painted. These improvements are being done per health inspector
recommendations.
MINUTES
PRCE Advisory Board
January 3, 2011
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3M Tree Planting – Trees and shrubs will be planted at and around the 3M entrance on 5 Avenue SE
near Arbor Day. Parks Supervisor, Sara Witte has met with the Forester and 3M representatives to
organize the planting of the 149 pieces and review safety issues.
District Strategic Plan – Dolf will be meeting with Darin VanderHeiden; Superintendent of Schools,
Brian Mohr; Director of Buildings and Grounds and the Finance Director to begin the strategic plan
process. The focus is centered on the grounds of the schools. An example of issues addressed will
include costs, a maintenance plan and irrigation of fields. Users will be defined by surveying coaches,
Phy Ed teachers and the community. Policies will be developed including rules for user groups,
damages to fields and the track and care of the fields.
BOARD MEMBER ITEMS
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The next meeting will be Monday, February 7 the PRCE staff will be at the March meeting to present
the Year End Report.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:05 pm by a motion made by John Rodeberg and seconded by Mary
Christensen. The Board unanimously agreed.