06-06-2011 PRCEMMINUTES
Parks, Recreation & Community Education Advisory Board
June 6, 2011
Members present were Jim Waldron, Elizabeth Hanninen, Byron Bettenhausen, Jay
Bartholomew, John Rodeberg, Mike Retterath 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 John Rodeberg and seconded by Mary Christensen to approve the
minutes dated April 4, 2011. The board unanimously agreed.
OLD BUSINESS
Registration - The early summer program registration in May was successful. Youth program
registration remains strong. Dolf thanked PRCE Advisory Board members for helping with the
process.
Pool Umbrellas - The Chamber/Leadership group solicited donations and purchased three large
umbrellas costing $5,000 each for the pool deck area. McCormick's Restaurant, Genesis Salon
and Hutch Bowl/Squeaky’s Grill are the sponsors.
VMF Upgrades - Phase one is complete. The retaining wall is in, the fence is moved and
renovation of the restrooms, concessions and press box are done. The costs have totaled $32,000
and could cost up to $13,000 additional to redo the other retaining wall and concession stand.
The Huskies have contributed $7,000 with another $7,500 coming.
NEW BUSINESS
Church Purchase -.The City is contemplating the purchase of the church adjacent to City Center.
The building would be acquired to preserve its heritage. The maintenance of the building would
typically be the responsibility of the Parks Department. The Railroad Club may be an interested
tenant. Historic Hutch is investigating what is all involved. The Harrington/Merrill House is a
10-15 year project.
Public Art - Dolf has attended meetings regarding the proposed "River Horse" sculpture slated
for Girl Scout Park south of the Crow River Dam. There is a 30 day comment period. The
community has been weighing in on the subject. The Arts Commission applied for legacy
money, but did not submit a grant application. They are reviewing the process.
Comp Plan - There was little attendance at the public meeting regarding the comprehensive plan.
The City would like to get more people involved to evaluate the areas vital to the community
such as schools and parks.
MINUTES
PRCE Advisory Board
June 6, 2011
Page two
Summer Projects - Phase one of the 3M planting is complete. Phase two includes 40 more tree
plantings in the VMF corner. Plant materials will go in at the Hutch Utilities berm on Hwy. 7.
Roberts Park shelter has been removed and will not be replaced. A 12 foot buffer with plant
materials will be developed in Cedar Park, located on the north end of Franklin Street near the
School District Office. Phase two of the VMF Field renovation will be done in the fall.
RiverSong is paying for materials and providing labor for the installation of a permanent stage in
Masonic/West River Park near the shelter. Lighting will installed in the skate park and in the
underpass under School Road Bridge. Fencing will be installed in the second ballfield at
Northwoods. Work will be done on the school ball fields near ECFE this fall. Portable fences
will be replaced on eight fields; four at Roberts and four at Linden. Elks Park playground
equipment that was installed in '87 needs to be replaced. The cost could be approximately
$45,000.
July Meeting – Due to the Fourth of July holiday, there will be a tour of park projects for board
members in July rather than a regular meeting.
BOARD MEMBER ITEMS
Mary Christensen had resident inquiries regarding the water retention pond in Rolling Meadows
Park. Mary questioned why the shelter in Women's Park was removed. Dolf said it was
constructed of elm wood which became twisted.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:05 pm by a motion made by John Rodeberg and seconded by
Byron Bettenhausen. The Board unanimously agreed.