Park & Recreation Commission

AGENDA Park & Recreation Commission Meeting 4:00 PM - Monday, April 14, 2025 City Hall Council Chambers Page 1. CALL TO ORDER 1.1. Chairperson Welcome - I call to order the regular April 14, 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 - April 14, 2025 4 to approve or amend/approve the Agenda for the Regular Park and Recreation Commission meeting on April 14, 2025. Motion by _____________, seconded by _______________ Staff Report Park & Recreation Commission - 14 Apr 2025 - Pdf 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 4.1. Approval of meeting minutes for Park and Recreation Commission Regular 5-7 Meeting on March 10, 2025. to approve or amend amend/approve the Park and Recreation Commission regular meeting minutes for March 10, 2025. Motion by ________, seconded by ___________ Staff Report Park & Recreation Commission - 14 Apr 2025 - Pdf 5. CITY COUNCIL MEETING RECAP 5.1. CITY COUNCIL MEETING RECAP 8 to receive and order filed this City Council past action report. Motion by __________ and seconded by __________. Staff Report Park & Recreation Commission - 14 Apr 2025 - Pdf 6. OLD BUSINESS 6.1. Park and Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan Update 9 to receive and order filed the Park and Recreation Master Plan update. Motion by __________ and seconded by __________. Staff Report Park & Recreation Commission - 14 Apr 2025 - Pdf Page 1 of 15 7. NEW BUSINESS 7.1. Park and Recreation Donations 10 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. Staff Report Park & Recreation Commission - 14 Apr 2025 - Pdf 7.2. BMX Request for Temporary Camping 11 to recommend City Council authorize overnight temporary camping not to exceed five recreational fires in South German Park near 3rd South Street, for a BMX Minnesota State Qualifier Racing Event on the nights of Thursday, May 29, Friday, May 30, Saturday, May 31 and Sunday June 1, 2025. Motion by __________ and seconded by __________. Staff Report Park & Recreation Commission - 14 Apr 2025 - Pdf 8. REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONER AND STAFF 8.1. Commissioner Reports 12 to receive and order filed the Commissioner Reports. Motion by _____________, and seconded by _____________ Staff Report Park & Recreation Commission - 14 Apr 2025 - Pdf 8.2. Department Activity Report 13 - 14 to accept and file the Park and Recreation Department Activity Report for March 2025. Motion by _______ seconded by _________ Staff Report Park & Recreation Commission - 14 Apr 2025 - Pdf 8.3. Staff Report 15 to accept and file the Park and Recreation Department Staff Report. Motion by __________ and seconded by __________. Staff Report Park & Recreation Commission - 14 Apr 2025 - Pdf 9. DATE OF NEXT MEETING 9.1. Date of next meeting: May 12, 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 15 Meetings may be cancelled due to lack of items or quorum. Page 3 of 15 City of New Ulm Request for Park & Recreation Commission Action Park & Recreation Commission - 14 Meeting: Agenda Section: APPROVAL OF AGENDA Apr 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 - April 14, 2025 Proposed Action: to approve or amend/approve the Agenda for the Regular Park and Recreation Commission meeting on April 14, 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 15 City of New Ulm Request for Park & Recreation Commission Action Park & Recreation Commission - 14 APPROVAL OF Meeting: Agenda Section: Apr 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 March 10, 2025. Proposed Action: to approve or amend amend/approve the Park and Recreation Commission regular meeting minutes for 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 Attachments: Meeting Minutes 3-10-2025 Page 5 of 15  City of New Ulm Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, March 10, 2025 4 p.m. City Council Chambers, City Hall, 100 N. Broadway, Main Floor 1. CALL TO ORDER – Vice Chair Johnson called the January meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Carisa Buegler Chair Absent Amy Johnson Vice Chair Present Jim Jensen Commissioner Present Bev Luneburg Commissioner Present Dave Christian Council Rep/Commissioner Present 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 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 3.1 Motion was made by Gulden and seconded by Jensen to approve the March 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 Luneburg to approve the February 10 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: February 18 2025 Regular – Prairie Lakes & LCCMR Grant Applications approved. February 18, 2025 Work Session – Hermann Monument Reconstruction Project Update March 4, 2025 Regular – No Park and Recreation related items 5.1 Motion was made by Christian and seconded by Jensen to receive and order filed this city council past action report. All voted in favor. Motion carried unanimously. 6. OLD BUSINESS 6.1 Director Schugel reported things are moving forward with Hermann Monument reconstruction. Representative Marty Seifert from Flaherty and Hood and Senator Dahms on the potential to author a legislative bill for the reconstruction of the base and support structure of Hermann Monument. They also plan on meeting with Torkelson and continue the process. The bill could potentially go to the floor in 2026 and be approved. It is a very positive movement. Staff is collecting all information and forwarding it to Flaherty and Hood. Motion was made by Jensen and seconded by Christian to receive and order filed the Hermann Monument reconstruction project update. All voted in favor and motion was carried unanimously. 7. NEW BUSINESS 7.1 The Prairie Lakes Arts and Cultural Heritage Arts and Music Festivals is awarding the City a $6,000 grant to be used toward the Summer Concert Series in German Park. Grant funds will be used for marketing and promotional materials, band compensation and other free activities in the park for these events. Staff will be required to meet grant requirements, including preparing a final report to Page 6 of 15  Prairie Lakes. Jensen made a motion to recommend the City Council accept the grant. K Johnson seconded the motion. All members voted in favor. Motion carried unanimously. 7.2 A new Park and Recreation Master Plan was included in the 2025 budget. The Request for Proposals garnered much interest; 9 proposals were submitted and the committee narrowed them down to the top 3, who presented at a Park and Recreation Commission Work Session on March 6. ISG, HKGii and Bolton and Menk presented on why they would be the best partner and fit for the project. All 3 firms’ proposals were within the budgeted amount. K Johnson was looking for a firm with experience working with New Ulm. He favored ISG. Jensen also favored ISG. All were knowledgeable, but feels ISG did the best presentation. Gulden recommended ISG and Bolton & Menk because of their local connection. Director Schugel explained this plan is a roadmap to future, not just financial implication, but planning for maintenance, funding and others. Luneburg and Christian did not have comments for any 1 firm but stressed the importance of having Comp and Master Plans for future grant opportunities and other numerous benefits. A Johnson feels confident any of the firms will do a great job, as does Director Schugel. Although HKGi hasn’t been in New Ulm, Schugel felt their presentation rose to the top and appreciated their quality experience with similar size communities. Motion was made by K Johnson to select ISG as the consultant for the Park and Rec Master Plan. Jensen seconded. Roll call was taken: Gulden – yes Luneburg – no Christian – yes Johnson – yes Johnson -yes Jensen – yes Motion carried. 8. REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONER AND STAFF 8.1 There were no Commissioner Reports 8.2 February Department Activity Report highlight – there were 14 parties at the Rec Center – they are super popular! Gulden made a motion seconded by K Johnson to receive and order filed the February activity report. All voted in favor. Motion carried unanimously. 8.3 Staff Report. Director Schugel highlighted additional items: • The North Arena ice was removed in the Civic Center in preparation for the Farm Show. This is a change to accommodate the State Hockey Tournament • Ash Tree removals are completed in Nehls and South Parks. Washington is in progress. We will re-plant as weather and budget allow. Mankato Landshapes is the contractor. • Staff began the implementation process for switching to a new Park and Rec software scheduled to go live in August. Jensen made a motion seconded by Gulden to receive and order filed the report. All voted in favor. Motion carried unanimously. 9. DATE OF NEXT MEETING: April 14, 2025 4:00 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers 100 North Broadway 10. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Vice Chair Johnson declared adjournment at 4:28 p.m. Respectfully submitted by: Cheryl Kormann, Assistant Director Page 7 of 15 City of New Ulm Request for Park & Recreation Commission Action Park & Recreation Commission - 14 CITY COUNCIL Meeting: Agenda Section: Apr 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: March 18 Regular Meeting - Prairie Lakes Grant acceptance for Concerts in the Park. March18 Regular Meeting - Park and Recreation Master Plan Consultant Selection approved. April 1 Regular Meeting - Park and Recreation Department surplus items included in the consent agenda approved. Primary Issues/Alternatives to Consider: N/A Budgetary/Fiscal Issues: N/A Page 8 of 15 City of New Ulm Request for Park & Recreation Commission Action Park & Recreation Commission - 14 Meeting: Agenda Section: Apr 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 Comprehensive Master Plan Update Proposed Action: to receive and order filed the Park and Recreation Master Plan update. Motion by __________ and seconded by __________. Board/Commission Recommendation: N/A Overview: Master Plan Kickoff Meeting is scheduled for April 15. Meeting will include staff providing ISG with information related to the park and recreation system. Followed by park visits and assessments of current parks and recreational facilities. Primary Issues/Alternatives to Consider: N/A Budgetary/Fiscal Issues: N/A Page 9 of 15 City of New Ulm Request for Park & Recreation Commission Action Park & Recreation Commission - 14 Meeting: Agenda Section: NEW BUSINESS Apr 2025 Resolution: N/A Originating Department: Park & Rec Ordinance: N/A Prepared By: Donitta Trebesch Attachments: 0 Presented By: Joey Schugel Item: Park and Recreation Donations Proposed Action: 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. Board/Commission Recommendation: N/A Overview: 1. 80% Rec on the Go New Ulm Public Schools $6,400.00 Friends of German Park, in 2. Dan Beranek $25.00 memory of Joni Schugel $2,000.00 3. Pollinator Park Izaak Walton 4. Archery Range Izaak Walton $3,000.00 $11,425.00 Primary Issues/Alternatives to Consider: N/A Budgetary/Fiscal Issues: N/A Page 10 of 15 City of New Ulm Request for Park & Recreation Commission Action Park & Recreation Commission - 14 Meeting: Agenda Section: NEW BUSINESS Apr 2025 Resolution: N/A Originating Department: Park & Rec Ordinance: N/A Prepared By: Joey Schugel Attachments: 1 Presented By: Joey Schugel Item: BMX Request for Temporary Camping Proposed Action: to recommend City Council authorize overnight temporary camping not to exceed five recreational fires in South German Park near 3rd South Street, for a BMX Minnesota State Qualifier Racing Event on the nights of Thursday, May 29, Friday, May 30, Saturday, May 31 and Sunday June 1, 2025. Motion by __________ and seconded by __________. Board/Commission Recommendation: Overview: 1. City parks are open daily from 7 am to 11 pm. 2. Park use from 11 pm to 7 am, including camping, is prohibited by ordinance Section 8.64 Subdivision 3, unless permitted by City Council. 3. Camping will occur in South German Park, just south of 3rd South Street, with vehicular access on the gravel alley. 4. River Valley BMX Club (RVBMXC) operates out of the BMX Park at 316 – 3rd South Street. 5. The weekend of May 29-June 1, 2025, RVBMXC is hosting a Minnesota State Qualifier Race. 6. RVBMXC desires to offer the traveling BMX families an option of spending the weekend near the BMX Park in New Ulm. 7. RVBMXC provides proof of insurance coverage to the City. 8. If the weather is conducive, not to exceed five recreational fires may be in the camping area and participants will adhere to all fire regulations in City Code Section 8.32 9. Between 1 – 10 family camping units are anticipated. 10. Onsite portable restrooms and refuse service will be provided by RVBMXC. 11. Drinking water is available at the BMX Park. Primary Issues/Alternatives to Consider: N/A Budgetary/Fiscal Issues: No anticipated expense for the city. Page 11 of 15 City of New Ulm Request for Park & Recreation Commission Action REPORTS FROM Park & Recreation Commission - 14 Meeting: Agenda Section: COMMISSIONER AND Apr 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 12 of 15 City of New Ulm Request for Park & Recreation Commission Action REPORTS FROM Park & Recreation Commission - 14 Meeting: Agenda Section: COMMISSIONER AND Apr 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 March 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: March 2025 Activity Report Page 13 of 15  PARK AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES MARCH 2025 REPORT Parks Crews performed routine maintenance, including prepping stick ball fields for the upcoming season. Ash tree removal in several parks is complete. The contractor will be removing stumps in the near future. Several contracts were awarded for the upcoming construction season; engineered wood fiber for playgrounds, ballfield material supply, continued picnic table upgrade from wood to aluminum, and Washington Tennis court resurface with pickleball striping. Civic Center NUSE hosted the State Bantam hockey tournaments; stands were full for most games and there was lots of activity throughout the weekend. The New Ulm Figure Skating Club presented their spring show. The Farm, Camper and Home Shows took place, along with the Career Expo. Ice was removed in the North Arena. Community Center 600 N. German St. There were roughly 2,763 meals reheated at the Community Center over 20 days in February. Approximately 52 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. March Transaction month month Summary: $43,629.85 in credit card transactions, $5,821.54 Insurance 1,053 968 +85 in cash, $75,472.07 in checks and $77.00 in gift cards. Members checked in about 11,281 times during March and Annual 798 815 -17 there were around 2,266 general daily admissions. 3-month 376 393 -17 Approximately 1,234 attended fitness classes. Please note all Monthly 756 731 +25 numbers in this report were as of 10 a.m. March 26. Punch cards 3,275 3,280 -5 There were 17 parties in March. Totals 6,258 6,187 +71 Programs – Volleyball and Basketball leagues concluded. Summer program staffing interviews and general planning took place in March and the activities guide was released. Administration City Council; Department Heads After Council meetings; Park and Recreation Commission; Department Management Team Monthly Meeting; 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, MRPA Mentorship Meeting Kickoff; CAST Board, CASHS/SRTS Action Team; Southern MN Recreation and Parks Association meeting; NUCAT Park and Recreation Department update; Pollinator Park Meeting; Bikeshare meeting; Meeting with ISG for upcoming Master Plan Project; New Ulm Soccer Club Meeting; Meeting with John Keelen at the Grand Center for the Arts. Staff presented at the 3M Retiree Luncheon and assisted the Tree Advisory Commission with their Booth and the Home and Health Show at the Civic Center and certified 6 new Lifeguards. Page 14 of 15 City of New Ulm Request for Park & Recreation Commission Action REPORTS FROM Park & Recreation Commission - 14 Meeting: Agenda Section: COMMISSIONER AND Apr 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. High School and Middle School Softball and Baseball seasons are underway using city facilities. 2. Park facilities and restrooms are set to open by May 1, weather could result in an earlier opening. 3. Spring tree order in process for plantings in a variety of parks, focused on those that lost many due to Emerald Ash. 4. Summer Program Registration opened April 9. 5. Annual Easter Events are scheduled for April 18 & 19. Primary Issues/Alternatives to Consider: N/A Budgetary/Fiscal Issues: N/A Page 15 of 15