Park & Recreation Commission

AGENDA Park & Recreation Commission Meeting 4:00 PM - Monday, March 10, 2025 City Hall Council Chambers Page 1. CALL TO ORDER 1.1. Chairperson Welcome - I call to order the regular March 10, 2025, City of New Ulm Park and Recreation Commission meeting. 2. ROLL CALL 2.1. All Commissioners and staff attending, please state your name and position. Chair welcomes guests. 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 3.1. Approval of Agenda - March 10, 2025 4 to approve or amend/approve the Agenda for the Regular Park and Recreation Commission meeting on March 10, 2025. Motion by _____________, seconded by _______________ Staff Report Park & Recreation Commission - 10 Mar 2025 - Pdf 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 4.1. Approval of meeting minutes for Park and Recreation Commission Regular 5-8 Meeting on February 10, 2025. to approve or amend amend/approve the Park and Recreation Commission regular meeting minutes for February 10, 2025. Motion by ________, seconded by ___________ Staff Report Park & Recreation Commission - 10 Mar 2025 - Pdf 5. CITY COUNCIL MEETING RECAP 5.1. CITY COUNCIL MEETING RECAP 9 to receive and order filed this City Council past action report. Motion by __________ and seconded by __________. Staff Report Park & Recreation Commission - 10 Mar 2025 - Pdf 6. OLD BUSINESS 6.1. Hermann Monument Update 10 to receive and order filed the Hermann Monument reconstruction project update. Motion by __________ and seconded by __________. Staff Report Park & Recreation Commission - 10 Mar 2025 - Pdf Page 1 of 16 7. NEW BUSINESS 7.1. Prairie Lakes Arts and Cultural Heritage: Arts & Music Festivals Grant 11 Acceptance Recommend the City Council approve acceptance of the Prairie Lakes Reginal Arts Council for the Arts & Cultural Heritage: Arts & Music Festivals Grant. Motion by __________ and seconded by __________. Staff Report Park & Recreation Commission - 10 Mar 2025 - Pdf 7.2. Park and Recreation Master Plan Consultant Selection 12 to recommend to the City Council the selection of _________________ consultant for the Park and Recreation Master Plan. Motion by __________ and seconded by __________. Staff Report Park & Recreation Commission - 10 Mar 2025 - Pdf 8. REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONER AND STAFF 8.1. Commissioner Reports 13 to receive and order filed the Commissioner Reports. Motion by _____________, and seconded by _____________ Staff Report Park & Recreation Commission - 10 Mar 2025 - Pdf 8.2. Department Activity Report 14 - 15 to accept and file the Park and Recreation Department Activity Report for February 2025. Motion by _______ seconded by _________ Staff Report Park & Recreation Commission - 10 Mar 2025 - Pdf 8.3. Staff Report 16 to accept and file the Park and Recreation Department Staff Report. Motion by __________ and seconded by __________. Staff Report Park & Recreation Commission - 10 Mar 2025 - Pdf 9. DATE OF NEXT MEETING 9.1. Date of next meeting: April 14, 2025 at 4:00 pm (Second Monday of each month.) 10. ADJOURNMENT 10.1. With there being no further business, Chairperson declares the meeting adjourned. Please let Donitta Trebesch, Park and Recreation Department Administrative Assistant know if you plan to miss a meeting by calling 507-233-2121, ext 200 or emailing donittat@newulmmn.gov. Also, if you desire hard copies of materials please contact Donitta Trebesch. Page 2 of 16 Meetings may be cancelled due to lack of items or quorum. Page 3 of 16 City of New Ulm Request for Park & Recreation Commission Action Park & Recreation Commission - 10 Meeting: Agenda Section: APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mar 2025 Resolution: N/A Originating Department: Park & Rec Ordinance: N/A Prepared By: Donitta Trebesch Attachments: 0 Presented By: Carisa Buegler Item: Approval of Agenda - March 10, 2025 Proposed Action: to approve or amend/approve the Agenda for the Regular Park and Recreation Commission meeting on March 10, 2025. Motion by _____________, seconded by _______________ Board/Commission Recommendation: N/A Overview: N/A Primary Issues/Alternatives to Consider: N/A Budgetary/Fiscal Issues: N/A Page 4 of 16 City of New Ulm Request for Park & Recreation Commission Action Park & Recreation Commission - 10 APPROVAL OF Meeting: Agenda Section: Mar 2025 MINUTES Resolution: N/A Originating Department: Park & Rec Ordinance: N/A Prepared By: Donitta Trebesch Attachments: 1 Presented By: Carisa Buegler Item: Approval of meeting minutes for Park and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting on February 10, 2025. Proposed Action: to approve or amend amend/approve the Park and Recreation Commission regular meeting minutes for February 10, 2025. Motion by ________, seconded by ___________ Board/Commission Recommendation: N/A Overview: N/A Primary Issues/Alternatives to Consider: N/A Budgetary/Fiscal Issues: N/A Attachments: Meeting Minutes 2-10-2025 Page 5 of 16  City of New Ulm Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, February 10, 2025 4 p.m. City Council Chambers, City Hall, 100 N. Broadway, Main Floor 1. CALL TO ORDER – Chair Buegler called the January meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Carisa Buegler Chair Present Amy Johnson Vice Chair Present Jim Jensen Commissioner Present Bev Luneburg Commissioner Dave Christian Council Rep/Commissioner Kurt Johnson Commissioner Present Jeff Gulden Commissioner Present Joey Schugel PR Director/Ex Officio Present Cheryl Kormann Assist PR Director/Ex Officio Present Fritz Busch Journal/Press Present Bob Skillings New Ulm Baseball Association Deb Steinberg Pollinator Park 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 3.1 Motion was made by Gulden and seconded K Johnson by to approve the February 10, 2025 agenda. All voted in favor of the motion. Motion carried unanimously. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 4.1 Motion was made by Gulden and seconded by A Johnson to approve the January 13 meeting minutes. All voted in favor of the motion. Motion carried unanimously. 5. CITY COUNCIL MEETING(S) RECAP – Director Schugel summarized the past month’s City Council Meetings and work sessions: January 21 2025 Regular – Service Agreement with Front Burner Sports was approved. February 4, 2025 Regular – No Park and Recreation related business. 5.1 Motion was made by Jensen and seconded by K Johnson to receive and order filed this city council past action report. All voted in favor. Motion carried unanimously. 6. NO OLD BUSINESS 7. NEW BUSINESS 7.1 New Ulm Baseball Association (NUBBA) History Center Concept. At the April 2024 Park and Recreation Commission Work Session, Bob Skillings, NUBBA President presented the idea of a History Center Facility within Johnson Park Baseball Facility. Since this work session, the Association had a professional concept created, based on their intentions for the facility and preferred location, which is in the hillside, north of the 3rd base bleachers with access from German Street. Facility elements would include museum, meeting and storage spaces, bathroom, kitchen area and viewing deck. The NUBBA is looking to take the next steps to begin fundraising efforts for private funding all funds for construction as well as maintenance and operations of the facility. If this facility becomes a reality, an operating agreement between the City and NUBBA would be developed. Jensen asked about ownership. Schugel confirmed the City would own the building because it is located on city property, but the Association would be responsible for all costs associated with the building. Chair Skillings talked about the Association’s volunteers and assured the group of their commitment to operating this building. K Johnson asked if access is available from the bleachers once the building is completed. Page 6 of 16  Skillings confirmed it would be accessible via ADA ramp. Jensen asked if the facility would be open year round. Skillings confirmed it could be open year round and accessible from German Street. They want to showcase the history of baseball in New Ulm, including recent history. Jensen made a motion to approve the concept of having a History Center Facility in Johnson Park. Gulden seconded the motion. All members voted in favor. Motion carried unanimously. 7.2 Prairie Lakes Arts and Cultural Heritage: Arts and Music Festivals Grant Request. The summer concert series is a long standing tradition in German Park. The City’s Park and Rec Department, along with KNUJ partner to provide these free family friendly events throughout the summer. Staff would like to submit a grant application in the amount of $6,000 to assist with marketing and promotional materials, compensation for bands and provide other free activities in the park for these events. There is no cost to apply for the grant and no matching funds are required. K Johnson loves the idea and feels it important to keep the concerts for free. There was discussion around moving the concerts from Monday to Thursday last year. The consensus was the move was positive. K Johnson made a motion to authorize staff to submit this grant application to the prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council for the Arts and Cultural Heritage for the Summer Concert Series in German Park. Motion was seconded by A Johnson. Motion caried unanimously. 7.3 LCCMR Grant Request – Pollinator Park The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) welcomes proposals for projects of all sizes that address priorities and requirements described within the RFP that aim to protect, conserve, preserve and enhance Minnesota’s air, water, land, fish, wildlife and other natural resources. Grant payments are made by reimbursement for expenses incurred. Fiscal oversight is provided through a grant agreement with the MN DNR. Staff worked with ISG in 2024 to develop a concept for a 20-acre expansion of the existing Pollinator Park, which is currently only 2.64 acres. This expansion could include nature play features, native prairie restoration, trail development, educational signage and interaction and invasive species management. The requested amount is $246,000 from the MN Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. Director Schugel presented conceptual plans; areas A, B and C shown on those plans would be the first areas of development. Staff is already maintaining and volunteers are already putting in extensive volunteer hours at this park. Chair Buegler talked about the Commission’s history of analyzing need for park areas and this area scored high on the list. Deadline to apply for this grant is March 19, 2025. If awarded, this project can begin July 1, 2026. There is no cost to apply for the grant and no matching funds are required. K Johnson made a motion to authorize staff to submit this grant application for the LCCMR to fund enhancements at the Pollinator Park. Gulden seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. 7.4 Donations – Gulden made a motion that was seconded by A Johnson to recommend the City Council offer a resolution and waive the reading to accept the following donations offered to the City of New Ulm through the Park and Recreation Department for the identified purposes: 1. Riverside Environmental Learning Izaak Walton League $2,000 Center – general programming and use 2. Sioux Valley Gun Club – new Trap Izaak Walton League $5,000 Range building Total $7,000 Motion carried unanimously. 8. REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONER AND STAFF 8.1 There were no Commissioner Reports Page 7 of 16  8.2 January Department Activity Report highlights • Ash removal • Repaint/refresh park signage • Meals served at the Community Center graph • Memberships at the Rec Center are deceiving until “snow birds” return in spring. Gulden asked about the change of meal services at the Community Center. Director Schugel explained that New Ulm’s kitchen is used for meal storage and reheat, rather than preparing. Several kitchens were closed in the region. Gulden made a motion seconded by Jensen to receive and order filed the January activity report. All voted in favor. Motion carried unanimously. 8.3 Staff Report. Director Schugel highlighted additional items: • Rec Center is host site for gymnastics and basketball tournaments. It is set up well and brought a lot of people through. • Lots of interest in the Park Master Plan • End of February National Invasive Species week. Volunteer to distribute information on this very important topic. • Front Burner Sports kick off meeting last week. We are in data gathering stage, working with businesses. Information is forthcoming. Director Schugel wanted to note that Front Burner Sports will not be looking at Mueller Park as a facility. Consultants may reach out to Commissioners in the future. More updates will come in the next 3-6 months. • City celebrating milestone employments for Kyle Kuehn, Mike Sanwich, Jason Thom, Josh Altmann, Patrick Bakken, Rachel Sturm and Sarah Seifert. Thank you to those employees for being important team members. Jensen made a motion seconded by K Johnson to receive and order filed the report. All voted in favor. Motion carried unanimously. 9. DATE OF NEXT MEETING: March 10, 2025 4:00 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers 100 North Broadway 10. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Chair Buegler declared adjournment at p.m. Respectfully submitted by: Cheryl Kormann, Assistant Director Page 8 of 16 City of New Ulm Request for Park & Recreation Commission Action Park & Recreation Commission - 10 CITY COUNCIL Meeting: Agenda Section: Mar 2025 MEETING RECAP Resolution: N/A Originating Department: Park & Rec Ordinance: N/A Prepared By: Joey Schugel Attachments: 0 Presented By: Joey Schugel Item: CITY COUNCIL MEETING RECAP Proposed Action: to receive and order filed this City Council past action report. Motion by __________ and seconded by __________. Board/Commission Recommendation: N/A Overview: February 18 Regular Meeting - Prairie Lakes Grant Application approved. February 18 Regular Meeting - LCCMP Grant Application approved. February 18 Work Session - Hermann Monument Reconstruction Project Update March 4 Regular Meeting - No Park and Recreation related items. Primary Issues/Alternatives to Consider: N/A Budgetary/Fiscal Issues: N/A Page 9 of 16 City of New Ulm Request for Park & Recreation Commission Action Park & Recreation Commission - 10 Meeting: Agenda Section: OLD BUSINESS Mar 2025 Resolution: N/A Originating Department: Park & Rec Ordinance: N/A Prepared By: Joey Schugel Attachments: Presented By: Joey Schugel Item: Hermann Monument Update Proposed Action: to receive and order filed the Hermann Monument reconstruction project update. Motion by __________ and seconded by __________. Board/Commission Recommendation: Overview: 1. Staff working with Flaherty and Hood with the potential to author a legislative bill for the reconstruction of the base and support structure of Hermann Monument. 2. Staff met with State Rep. Dahms and Marty Seifert from Flaherty and Hood in St. Paul. Primary Issues/Alternatives to Consider: N/A Budgetary/Fiscal Issues: N/A Page 10 of 16 City of New Ulm Request for Park & Recreation Commission Action Park & Recreation Commission - 10 Meeting: Agenda Section: NEW BUSINESS Mar 2025 Resolution: N/A Originating Department: Park & Rec Ordinance: N/A Prepared By: Joey Schugel Attachments: Presented By: Joey Schugel Item: Prairie Lakes Arts and Cultural Heritage: Arts & Music Festivals Grant Acceptance Proposed Action: Recommend the City Council approve acceptance of the Prairie Lakes Reginal Arts Council for the Arts & Cultural Heritage: Arts & Music Festivals Grant. Motion by __________ and seconded by __________. Board/Commission Recommendation: N/A Overview: 1. Grant award is for $6,000.00 towards the Summer Concert Series in German Park. 2. The City of New Ulm Park and Recreation Department along with KNUJ partner to provide these free family friendly events throughout the summer. 3. Grant funds will be used for marketing and promotional materials, compensating bands, along with other free activities in the park for these events as such as the Puppet Wagon Show and Rec on the Go. 4. Staff will be required to meet grant requirements including preparing a final report to Prairie Lakes. Primary Issues/Alternatives to Consider: N/A Budgetary/Fiscal Issues: N/A Page 11 of 16 City of New Ulm Request for Park & Recreation Commission Action Park & Recreation Commission - 10 Meeting: Agenda Section: Mar 2025 Resolution: N/A Originating Department: Park & Rec Ordinance: N/A Prepared By: Joey Schugel Attachments: 0 Presented By: Joey Schugel Item: Park and Recreation Master Plan Consultant Selection Proposed Action: to recommend to the City Council the selection of _________________ consultant for the Park and Recreation Master Plan. Motion by __________ and seconded by __________. Board/Commission Recommendation: N/A Overview: 1. Park and Recreation Master Plan is an approved project in the 2025 Park and Recreation Budget. 2. The Request for Proposals garnered much interest with nine proposals submitted. 3. The scoring committee reviewed all nine proposals and narrowed down to the top three. 4. The top three consultant proposals were invited to present at the March 6 Park and Recreation Commission Work Session. 5. ISG, HKGi, and Bolton and Menk presented on why they are the best partner and fit for this project. Primary Issues/Alternatives to Consider: N/A Budgetary/Fiscal Issues: N/A Page 12 of 16 City of New Ulm Request for Park & Recreation Commission Action REPORTS FROM Park & Recreation Commission - 10 Meeting: Agenda Section: COMMISSIONER AND Mar 2025 STAFF Resolution: N/A Originating Department: Park & Rec Ordinance: N/A Prepared By: Donitta Trebesch Attachments: 0 Presented By: Carisa Buegler Item: Commissioner Reports Proposed Action: to receive and order filed the Commissioner Reports. Motion by _____________, and seconded by _____________ Board/Commission Recommendation: N/A Overview: N/A Primary Issues/Alternatives to Consider: N/A Budgetary/Fiscal Issues: N/A Page 13 of 16 City of New Ulm Request for Park & Recreation Commission Action REPORTS FROM Park & Recreation Commission - 10 Meeting: Agenda Section: COMMISSIONER AND Mar 2025 STAFF Resolution: N/A Originating Department: Park & Rec Ordinance: N/A Prepared By: Donitta Trebesch Attachments: 1 Presented By: Joey Schugel Item: Department Activity Report Proposed Action: to accept and file the Park and Recreation Department Activity Report for February 2025. Motion by _______ seconded by _________ Board/Commission Recommendation: N/A Overview: N/A Primary Issues/Alternatives to Consider: N/A Budgetary/Fiscal Issues: N/A Attachments: Feb 2025 Activity Report Page 14 of 16  PARK AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES FEBRUARY 2025 REPORT Parks Crews performed routine maintenance and ash tree and stump removal in several park locations. Skating rinks and warming house at Harman closed due to high temperatures. Staff is preparing various RFP’s for the upcoming project season. Civic Center NUSE hosted four hockey tournaments; Squirt C, Squirt B, 8UJamboree and 10U District. The High School was able to host two playoff games and both teams (boys and girls) ended their season, while the youth association is preparing for year end tournaments. The Figure Skating club continued lessons and prepared for their upcoming show. There were around 237admissions to open skate & hockey and 86 rock on ice programs. Community Center 600 N. German St. There were roughly 3,213 meals reheated at the Community Center over 21 days in January. Approximately 48 percent of the meals were delivered to neighboring communities. Other activities taking place in the facility include senior programming, Cheer practice, ARS activities and several private rentals. Youth and adult pottery classes were held. Recreation Center 122 S. Garden St. Type This Last Dif There are 276 members with 24/7 access. February month month Transaction Summary: $44,523.74 in credit card transactions, Insurance 968 836 +132 $8,793.57 in cash, $62,695.57 in checks and $530.25 in gift cards. Members checked in about 12,214 times during Annual 815 762 +53 February and there were around 2,506 general daily 3-month 393 357 +36 admissions. Please note all numbers in this report were as of Monthly 731 743 -12 12:30 p.m. February 25. Punch cards 3,280 3,415 -135 Totals 6,187 6,113 +74 There were 14 parties in February. The New Ulm Basketball Association hosted two tournaments in February; a one-day and a two-day. A new session of Adult Tennis League started in February. Programs – A “sweetheart of a deal” was offered at the Rec and Civic Centers on Valentine’s Day where families could receive two for one admission to the Rec Center after 4 p.m. and a special open skate at the Civic Center. Administration City Council; Department Heads After Council meetings; Park and Recreation Commission; Heart of New Ulm, KNUJ monthly radio show; MMUA monthly safety training; Hermann Monument Society; Emergency Management Committee; United Way Board, Community Education Advisory Board, HONU Committee and worksite wellness committee, MRPA Board Meeting; MRPA Programming Committee, CAST Board, Southern MN Recreation and Parks Association meeting; NUCAT Park and Recreation Department update; Non-exempt staff performance evaluations; Bikeshare meeting; New Ulm Youth Basketball Association Meeting. Staff also presented on Park and Recreation Opportunities and how to get involved at the HYPE Event through the New Ulm Chamber of Commerce. Page 15 of 16 City of New Ulm Request for Park & Recreation Commission Action REPORTS FROM Park & Recreation Commission - 10 Meeting: Agenda Section: COMMISSIONER AND Mar 2025 STAFF Resolution: N/A Originating Department: Park & Rec Ordinance: N/A Prepared By: Joey Schugel Attachments: 0 Presented By: Joey Schugel Item: Staff Report Proposed Action: to accept and file the Park and Recreation Department Staff Report. Motion by __________ and seconded by __________. Board/Commission Recommendation: N/A Overview: 1. Civic Center North Arena Ice removed in preparation for Farm Show. 2. Ash Tree Removals are completed in Nehls and South Parks by Mankato Landshapes. 3. Staff had implementation training for our new Recreation Software the week of March 3-7. Primary Issues/Alternatives to Consider: N/A Budgetary/Fiscal Issues: N/A Page 16 of 16