12-03-2012 PRCEMMINUTES
Parks, Recreation & Community Education Advisory Board
December 3, 2012
Members present were Jim Waldron, Jay Bartholomew, Elizabeth Hanninen, and Eric Opland.
Also present were Dolf Moon and Karen McKay.
The meeting was called to order at 5:15 pm.
A motion was made by Eric Opland and seconded by Elizabeth Hanninen to approve the minutes
dated November 5, 2012. The board unanimously agreed.
OLD BUSINESS
Luce Line Trail —The paving project of the Luce Line Trail is moving forward and will be
funded by contributions from the City, County and DNR, and other sources. The City will be
contributing $750,000.
Bandstand West River - A proposed diagram of the permanent cover for the bandstand at West
River Park was reviewed. The council approved spending up to $35,000 for the construction.
Actual cost could be up to $75,000. Parkland dedication money and community donations could
make up the difference.
Mountain Biking Course — User feedback for the mountain biking course has been positive. The
park is located on 3/4 acre with chainsaw -cut natural material and heavy duty hardware. There
are three lines: beginner /novice, intermediate, and extreme. Chad Czymowski is checking into
having the International Bike Association do a story on the park in the spring.
NEW BUSINESS
Aquatic Center — The City Council will discuss and prioritize a variety of projects at the
December 11 council meeting including the aquatic center, Luce Line Trail, Depot, and
infrastructure.
Art Walk/Hutchinson Center for the Arts — The City may provide $15,000 annually for three
years to sustain the Hutchinson Center for the Arts. The Center is trying to gain membership
rather than having to rely on fundraisers. An "Art Walk" is planned for six sites during May —
September along the Luce Line Trail from Riverside Park to the pedestrian bridge near Shopko.
Artwork would be on display for sale with the City receiving a commission for each sale.
Forestry Report — In 2012, Mike Bahe oversaw the planting of 130 energy trees on private
property and 200 trees in the city parks. He received $25,000 from a DNR grant for 2013 and
$30,000 from Hutchinson Utilities for the energy tree planting.
PRCE Advisory Board
December 3, 2012
Page two
Crow River Watershed — A meeting was held recently to investigate the formation of a
homeowners association for residents along the Crow River, Otter Lake, and Campbell Lake.
This association would work on projects such as rip- rapping for shore stabilization and erosion.
Issues that may be worked on include creating a taxing authority and providing compensation to
farmers for keeping river /lakeshore land inactive. City staff that would be included in this
association would be the City Engineer, the Natural Environment Specialist, and the PRCE
Director.
January Meeting — The PRCE Advisory Board will not meet in January due to the New Year's
holiday. The next meeting will be Monday, February 4, 2013. PRCE staff will be attending this
meeting to present 2013 goals and 2012 accomplishments.
ADJOURNMENT - The meeting was adjourned at 6:12 pm by a motion made by Jim Waldron
and seconded by Jay Bartholomew. The Board unanimously agreed.