02-03-2014 PRCEMMINUTES
Parks, Recreation & Community Education Advisory Board
February 3, 2014
Members present were Elizabeth Hanninen, Mary Christensen, Jay Bartholomew, John
Rodeberg, Matt Butler, and Lori Hornick- Lindell. Also present were Dolf Moon and Karen
McKay.
Guests present were Mike Babe and Kirsten Taggert.
The meeting was called to order at 5:15 pm.
A motion was made by Elizabeth Hanninen and seconded by John Rodeberg to approve the
minutes dated November 4, 2013. The board unanimously agreed.
OLD BUSINESS
Facilities Improvements -
• The park garage has been re- sided. The roof will be coated rather than painted to provide
a ten year warranty.
• A new restroom/shower facility is ordered for Masonic West River Campground and
should be installed in April.
• Backstops and dugouts at VMF Park are scheduled to be removed and replaced for a cost
of $110,000.
Scheduling Software — The School District purchased software and currently has 43 users
scheduling school facilities. There is no limit to the number of facilities could be scheduled.
City parks, ball fields or the Event Center could be scheduled using the new program. No
decision has been made as to whether the city will join with the school district on the use of the
scheduling software for city facilities and fields.
NEW BUSINESS
Emerald Ash Borer - Mike Babe reported that $55,000 will be set aside annually to be pro- active
in fighting the Emerald Ash Borer infestation. A schedule is being developed to remove some
Ash trees in the various areas of the city. The Forestry Diversification Project will increase
diversity of tree species and create a more resilient urban forest. Kirsten Taggert from the Green
Corp staff is assisting with this project through September 2014.
Forestry Report - Current Forestry activities include Arbor Day planting with 3rd graders and
3M, memorial tree plantings, monthly radio show, burr oak blight study, residential boulevard
tree removals and replacements, and energy tree plantings. In addition, the scheduled 2014
activities include completion of Roberts Park filter strip, Arbor Day celebration, and the Forestry
Diversification Project.
PRCE Advisory Board
February 3, 2013
Page two
Burich Arena Studv_ - An evaluation and feasibility study has been commissioned regarding the
replacement of the refrigeration systems at Burich Arena. The next step will be to develop plans
and specifications.
SMACH Grant - The Hutchinson Center for the Arts has received a $20,000 grant for public arts
from the Southwest Minnesota Arts and Humanities Council.
BOARD MEMBER ITEMS
Sculptures - Jay Batholomew inquired as to the status of the sculptures from last year's sculpture
walk. Dolf reported that none of the sculptures were sold. A call for artists will be put out and
the new sculptures will be installed by Memorial Day.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:34 pm on a motion by John Rodeberg and seconded by Lori
Hornick- Lindell.