Parks & Recreation Commission
Regular MeetingOakdale, MN · August 18, 2020
Minutes
REGULAR MEETING
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
City of Oakdale
August 18, 2020
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the Oakdale Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, August
18, 2020, at Oakdale City Hall, 1584 Hadley Avenue, Oakdale, Minnesota. The meeting was called
to order by Vice Chair Cunningham at 7:00 PM.
CALL OF ROLL
On a call of roll, the following were present:
Chair: Paul Lockhart
Vice Chair: Janet Cunningham
Commissioners: Glen Giacoletto
Jenny Nyberg
Absent: Steve Meyer, Commissioner
Jeff Koesling, Parks Superintendent
Also Present: Colleen Swedberg, City Council
Brian Bachmeier, City Engineer
Julie Williams, Recreation Superintendent
Quorum Present: YES ☒ NO ☐
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Meeting Minutes, June 16, 2020
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER LOCKHART, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER NYBERG TO
APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING OF
JUNE 16, 2020 AS PRESENTED.
4 AYES 0 NAYS
CITY COUNCIL UPDATE – Colleen Swedberg
Storm Cleanup - Councilmember Swedberg thanked Jeff Koesling and Public Works for Saturday’s
impressive early removal of a tree blocking a neighborhood road following Friday’s storm.
Titan Lot – The Titan Lot is now for sale. Those interested can contact City Engineer Brian
Bachmeier.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
August 18, 2020
Page 2
Walton Ice Hockey Rink – Renting after-hours rink time for organized sports is being considered.
Mike from the Tartan Area Youth Hockey Association (TAYHA) said their indoor ice time is $200 per
hour. They do not have the money due to the COVID closure affecting their pull tab sales. Walton’s
outdoor ice being rented at $35-40 an hour would be a deal for TAYHA and schools.
Batting Cage – Councilmember Swedberg assigned the commission to look into the addition of a
batting cage at a park or school. The request was made by a resident who contacted Councilmember
Zabel.
Commissioner Lockhart cited challenges at park locations that would not allow adding a batting
cage. A storm sewer, electrical, and a wall on the first base line mean a batting cage wouldn’t work
at Bearth Field. Walton is too packed for any additions. Eastside has a gas line.
Director Bachmeier recalled that Goosepond Park had batting cages years ago on the west side off
the parking lot.
Commissioner Lockhart said the Oakdale Athletic Association (OAA) would be interested in
supporting the batting cage project. The maintenance of a batting cage would need to be put into
account with the netting.
Councilmember Swedberg assigned the commission to look into a batting cage project for
Goosepond Park. A cost needs to be determined. The project may be fitting for 2022.
Outdoor Meetings – Next year, Parks and Recreation Commission meetings may be held outdoors.
By planning two months in advance, Recreation Superintendent Williams may be able to organize a
food truck and have people from the park’s surrounding area share input. The meeting would be
audio recorded, but not require video. The location would need to be shared in advance.
Vice Chair Cunningham talked about the benefits of park tours to get acquainted with smaller parks
and orient the new commissioners with Oakdale’s park system. A date could be decided for a fall
tour.
Councilmember Swedberg agreed that tours are beneficial and liked the ones that prior commission
chair Maxine Bethke had organized. To experience the park allows decision makers to see what
projects may be added, prioritized, delayed, or not needed.
Food Trucks in Parks – Vice Chair Cunningham asked if food trucks could be spaced out in different
park locations rather than just Walton Park and the Oakdale Nature Preserve.
Councilmember Swedberg replied that Recreation Superintendent Williams is looking into food
truck options.
Buckthorn Control – Removal of buckthorn is hard work and with City removal events being
canceled due to weather and various reasons, Councilmember Swedberg assigned the commission
to look into hiring goats like Washington County does in their parks. She will provide an article to be
included in the next meeting minutes with contact information for the commission to research cost.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
August 18, 2020
Page 3
Councilmember Swedberg replied to a question made by Vice Chair Cunningham, and said that if
goats were hired to remove buckthorn, it would allow the Tree Board to work on cleaning and
planting other areas, such as the dog park planting project. The Tree Board next meets in September
to plan upcoming events.
Landscape Revival – The September event that had been postponed from the second Saturday in
June has now been canceled due to high anticipated attendance with COVID. Last year, 965 people
attended. The event is next planned for the second week in June for 2021. A decision on the event
will be made early next spring, maybe March or February.
Budget – Commissioner Lockhart requested Councilmember Swedberg advocate for a parks budget
increase.
Commission Openings – Councilmember Swedberg thanked Commissioner Nyberg for calling for
new commission members on social media and sharing her experience. It may be how two more
applications were received.
ELECTION OF 2020 CHAIR/VICE CHAIR
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER LOCKHART, SECONDED BY VICE CHAIR CUNNINGHAM
TO ELECT PAUL LOCKHART AS CHAIR OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION.
4 AYES 0 NAYS
A MOTION WAS MADE BY VICE CHAIR CUNNINGHAM, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER NYBERG TO
ELECT JAN CUNNINGHAM AS VICE CHAIR OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION.
4 AYES 0 NAYS
2020 CAPITAL PROJECTS UPDATE – Brian Bachmeier
Walton Hockey Rink – Director Bachmeier shared that the Council awarded a contract in June to
the low bidder, All Phase Contracting (out of Forest Lake), at $200,000. Nine bids had been received
for the project and the balance of the other bids were above $250,000. The budget for the project
was $250,000. The contractor is doing a nice job on the replacing/reinstalling the dasher boards
and the slab. By the end of next week, the project will be complete, with the back fencing installed,
paths paved, and area restored.
Councilmember Swedberg added that a temporary warming house will be in place this year. The old
warming house had been removed.
Walton Ballfield Fencing and Paving – Two weeks ago, the Council awarded a contract to Century
Fence for the fencing and ACI Asphalt & Concrete, Inc. for the paving. The work will begin after
September 15 and be completed by the end of October. The budget for the project was $180,000
and the combination of the two low bids was a little over $140,000. The Council accepted the
Commission’s recommendation to include a contingency for the project’s unknowns. There is no
record of associated drawings for the existing paving so we won’t discover the variation of the depth
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
August 18, 2020
Page 4
of the pavement until it’s removed. The bid quantity for the pavement is subject to change
depending on the thickness removed. There is also a contingency for the extent of the foundations
on all the poles for the fencing. A lot have concrete foundations, but some couldn’t be determined.
The final unknown is whether the fairly old dugout roofs can be salvaged and reinstalled. The
framing is partial wood and metal. The wood may not hold together when dismantled and may need
to be refabricated when reinstalling. The budget is now $160,000 with the award and the
contingency; still less than the original budget of $180,000. Between the two projects, the money
not spent stays with the park reserve fund and can be used on future park projects.
Director Bachmeier stood for questions.
Tilsen Park Accessible Swing – Director Bachmeier informed Chair Lockhart that the swing has been
acquired but the wet weather and understaffing has delayed the installation. Usually there are
seven to eight summer staff, and this year only three had been hired. The swing will be installed
this fall.
Bearth Field – Director Bachmeier informed Chair Lockhart that he and Parks Superintendent
Koesling looked at the existing storm sewer system and discussed where drain tile could be tied in
behind the backstops. A plan needs to be laid out. The south east corner of the backstop has a
manhole structure to tie in. A third party would be hired.
Chair Lockhart hopes that the OAA would have the drain tile as part of their Bearth Field project,
depending on the dollar value. The OAA wanted to replace the pads on the first and third base side,
and put dugouts in with tin roofing. But first, the water on that side needs to be managed. Chair
Lockhart is waiting for Superintendent Koesling to report on a drainage solution after talking to
Director Bachmeier.
Director Bachmeier and Superintendent Koesling will discuss the drainage solution next week when
he returns to the office. He will report back to Chair Lockhart.
Chair Lockhart was surprised that the Minnesota Twins wanted a project update every six months.
He thinks they want the project to get going for next year. If we are able to do the project this year,
a ceremony could be held at Bearth Field with the Twins in September/October. They are going to
give an award to the City for the field to display.
Director Bachmeier said it has been a few years since Oakdale has had a project like that.
Chair Lockhart said the project has been a fun one. Logo tarps are also planned for the home plate
and new mound that Superintendent Koesling built. There will be an Oakdale Athletic Association
logo and a logo for the City of Oakdale.
RECREATION UPDATE – Julie Williams
Limited Summer Programming – Recreation Superintendent Williams reported that summer
programs are continuing. The flyer is updated weekly on the website and shows if programs are
canceled, continuing, or to be determined.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
August 18, 2020
Page 5
Beekeeping and Honey Extraction – Last Thursday, the annual class took place. It was nice to
resume programming and have a return to normalcy.
Curious Critters Club – The program for preschoolers has resumed.
Amped Up Entertainment – Bruce the Bug Guy will stop by at 10 AM on Thursday to share his
collection of live insects. 25 people are allowed. Spots are half full and can be reserved by calling.
Wellness 50+ Red Cross Blood Drive – Wellness 50+, Oakdale Recreation, and Washington County
are partnering with the Red Cross for a blood drive on Thursday, August 27, from 10 AM to 4 PM.
Those interested in signing up for the last couple slots can visit redcrossblood.org to register.
Fall/Winter Newsletter – The October through January newsletter is being put together to mail to
residents in mid-September. Recreation is hoping to plan some programs in a modified version.
Some big events may not be able to be held and are to be determined.
Farmers Market – Good traffic continues at the market. GOBBQ, a new food truck, came last week
with great baked beans. They have been at Walton Park the last couple Saturdays. They are one of
the newer food trucks that have been parking at Walton Park on the weekends. Tomorrow’s market
will have the KCM Eggroll food truck serving amazing egg rolls. Live music will also start at the
markets in the next couple weeks.
Vice Chair Cunningham asked if the Farmers Market will be 2 to 6 PM next year, or be changed to
2:30 to 6:30 PM.
Superintendent Williams replied that surveys will help determine market hours for next year and will
be discussed with Council at the end of the market season.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Congratulations Recreation Assistant Laura Linzmeyer – Vice Chair Cunningham congratulated
Administrative Assistant Laura Linzmeyer on the birth of her baby, Miles.
Community Walk – Commissioner Nyberg is participating in the Oakdale Nature Preserve
Community Walk program for the first time. She and her new dog walk 3.5 miles daily, that weather
allows, and she loves seeing the different animals and deer.
Superintendent Williams said the Community Walk has had a great response this year, with a record
number of participants signing up right away. Over 300 people are walking.
ADJOURNMENT
A MOTION WAS MADE BY VICE CHAIR CUNNINGHAM, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER NYBERG TO
ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION, DATED
AUGUST 18, 2020, AT 7:34 P.M.
4 AYES 0 NAYS
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
August 18, 2020
Page 6
Respectfully submitted,
Laura Linzmeyer
Agenda
City of Oakdale, Minnesota
-established 1974--
Department of Recreation
4444 Hadley Avenue North
Oakdale, MN 55128
(651) 747-3867
julie.williams@ci.oakdale.mn.us
August 14, 2020
Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners:
Enclosed is your packet of information for the regular Parks and Recreation Commission meeting
to be held on Tuesday, August 18. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. in the Oakdale City Hall Council
Chambers, 1584 Hadley Avenue.
The commission will again vote on a new chair and vice-chair, instructions and ballots have been
provided in your packet. Brian Bachmeier will also provide an update on the Walton hockey rink
and the Walton ballfield fencing and pavement replacement. Finally, the commission will be
updated on current and upcoming recreation programs.
Should you have any questions regarding the upcoming meeting, or are unable to attend, please
feel free to contact me directly at (651) 747-3867.
Sincerely,
Julie Williams
Julie Williams
AGENDA
Oakdale Parks and Recreation Commission
Tuesday, August 18, 2020, 7PM
Council Chambers, Oakdale City Hall
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE*
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MEETING, JUNE 16, 2020
CITY COUNCIL UPDATE: COLLEEN SWEDBERG
CHAIR/VICE CHAIR VOTE
MANAGEMENT REPORTS
a) WALTON HOCKEY RINK & WALTON BALLFIELD FENCING AND PAVEMENT
REPLACEMENT – BRIAN BACHMEIER
b) RECREATION UPDATE – JULIE WILLIAMS
ALL OTHER ITEMS
a) COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS
ADJOURNMENT
The next regular Parks and Recreation Commission meeting will be held
September 15, 2020 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers.
REGULAR MEETING
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
City of Oakdale
June 16, 2020
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the Oakdale Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, June 16,
2020, at Oakdale City Hall, 1584 Hadley Avenue, Oakdale, Minnesota. The meeting was called to
order by Commissioner Roettger at 7:00 PM.
CALL OF ROLL
On a call of roll, the following were present:
Commissioners: James Roettger
Paul Lockhart
Glen Giacoletto
Steve Meyer
Jenny Nyberg
Absent: Janet Cunningham
Brian Bachmeier, City Engineer
Also Present: Colleen Swedberg, City Council
Jeff Koesling, Parks Superintendent
Julie Williams, Recreation Superintendent
Quorum Present: YES ☒ NO ☐
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
WELCOME NEW COMMISSIONERS GLEN GIACOLETTO AND STEVE MEYER
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Meeting Minutes, February 18, 2020
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER LOCKHART, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER NYBERG TO
APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING OF
FEBRUARY 18, 2020 AS PRESENTED.
5 AYES 0 NAYS
CITY COUNCIL UPDATE – Colleen Swedberg
Councilperson Swedberg announced that Commissioner Roettger will be retiring and asked if he is
willing to provide history to the commission if needed, to which he responded, he will.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
June 16, 2020
Page 2
Tree Board Update - Councilmember Swedberg reported that the Oakdale Tree Board has vacancies
for new members. Since the Tree Board is not a considered a commission, current commissioners
are able to participate. They are hoping to partner with the Parks and Recreation Commission to
possibly plant trees along some of the trails in the near future.
In response to Commissioner Roettger’s question if the Tree Board has contacted the DNR for
trees/seedlings, Councilperson Swedberg replied that she will reach out to Loren Cota.
PARKS UPDATE – Jeff Koesling
Daily Maintenance – Parks Superintendent Koesling stated that without sports programs this year
they were not able to hire as many seasonal staff. Due to wet weather, recent events in the city and
the holiday, special projects are on hold. Plans are to begin the Tanner’s Lake project at end of
week or next.
In response to Commissioner Roettger’s comment regarding compliance with and lack of
handicapped parking at Tanner’s Lake, Parks Superintendent Koesling will follow up with Brian
Bachmeier.
Traveling Softball – A hybrid version of traveling softball and baseball will start soon. Adult softball
will pay a couple nights per week.
In response to Commissioner Giacoletto’s questions regarding who maintains school fields, Parks
Superintendent Koesling replied that Oakdale and OAA use a few of the school fields and prep and
drag fields on game days but does not have enough manpower to maintain regularly.
In response to Commissioner Nyberg’s question why the department is short staffed, Parks
Superintendent Koesling stated it was due to the Covid19 crisis and the cancelling of summer
sports.
RECREATION UPDATE – Julie Williams
Summer Programs – Recreation Superintendent Williams reported that summer programs were
divided into four groups: In Person, To Be Determined, Cancelled and Virtual. No summer staff was
hired this year due to program cancellations. Smaller nature programs for preschoolers, art classes
and late season yoga are still scheduled.
Farmer’s Market - Started June 10 and has added safety measures such as hand sanitizing stations,
additional cleaning and space between vendor/customer.
Community Walk – Began in May and has 262 participants.
Artist of the Month – Resumes in July.
OPEN FORUM:
Michael Launderville, President, Tartan Area Youth Hockey Association, reported that the hockey
program will lose their ice rink at Tartan High School in the near future and inquired about a possible
agreement with the city’s outdoor rinks. There are talks with the school district to build a larger rink
that would include showers and lockers but no plans as of yet.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
June 16, 2020
Page 3
Parks Superintendent Koesling mentioned bids will open on Thursday, June 18 for the
reconstruction of the ice rink at Walton Park. Plans are to have a portable rink that would be ready
for use this winter.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Bearth Field - Commissioner Lockhart noted a bid was accepted by Peterson Fencing to repair
backstops, replace cement along baselines and add a pop up fence over backstop. Additional
updates will be done in future using a $10,000 grant from the Minnesota Twins.
ADJOURNMENT
COMMISSIONER ROETTGER ADJOURNED THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION
COMMISSION, DATED JUNE 16, 2020, AT 7:24 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Teresa Buhl
MEMORANDUM
TO: Christine Volkers, City Administrator
FROM: Julie Williams, Recreation Superintendent
DATE: August 14, 2020
SUBJECT: Recreation Monthly Update – August 2020
The following information is provided to the City Administrator and Parks and Recreation
Commissioners as information only. There is no need for any official commission, council, or
administrative action; but rather, this is an effort by staff to keep you informed of the department’s
day-to-day operations.
1. Summer Programming – Limited programming continues this summer based on the
requirements for smaller group sizes, social distancing and disinfecting. Please see attached
flyer.
2. Beekeeping and Honey Extraction – The department held its annual beekeeping program at
the Discovery Center on Thursday, Aug 13. Our live bee hive, courtesy of beekeepers Karen
and Duane Voy, continues to grow! Last week they added yet another “super.” A honey super
is the part of a beehive that is used to collect honey.
3. Amphitheater Program - “Bruce the Bug Guy” will make a stop at the amphitheater on
Thursday, August 20 at 10 AM with his collection of live insects.
4. Red Cross/Wellness 50+ Blood Drive – Wellness 50+, Washington County and the City of
Oakdale are partnering with the Red Cross to bring a blood drive to the Discovery Center. The
event will be held on Thursday, August 27 from 10 AM to 4 PM.
5. Fall/Winter Newsletter – The Fall/Winter newsletter will be mailed to residents in mid-
September. The newsletter will cover the months October through January.
6. Farmers Market – The Oakdale Farmers Market continues to see great traffic this season.
Vendors continue to arrive with fresh produce, flowers, canned goods and variety of baked
items. We welcomed new food truck, GoBBQ to the market last week who provided pulled
pork, chicken, ribs and sides (great baked beans).
__________________________________________________________________
PROCESS
ELECTION OF 2020 COMMISSION CHAIR
STEP 1. Nominate candidates for the Chair position. Nominations do not require a “second,”
but other members may “second” the nomination to show support.
“Motion to nominate Commissioner __________ for the position of Chair.”
STEP 2. When there are no new nominations to be made, someone should make a motion
that nominations close. The motion to close requires a second.
“Motion to close nominations for the position of Chair.”
STEP 3. Election using the ballot provided. Commissioners write in their choice from those
nominated and pass the ballots to staff for tabulating.
STEP 4. Staff will announce results.
STEP 5. Election of Chair requires a motion and a second.
“Motion to elect Commissioner __________ for the position of Chair of the Parks
and Recreation Commission for a period of one (1) calendar year.”
ELECTION OF 2020 COMMISSION VICE CHAIR
STEP 1. Nominate candidates for the Vice Chair position. Nominations do not require a
“second,” but other members may “second” the nomination to show support.
“Motion to nominate Commissioner __________ for the position of Vice Chair.”
STEP 2. When there are no new nominations to be made, someone should make a motion
that nominations close. The motion to close requires a second.
“Motion to close nominations for the position of Vice Chair.”
STEP 3. Election using the ballot provided. Commissioners write in their choice from those
nominated and pass the ballots to staff for tabulating.
STEP 4. Staff will announce results.
STEP 5. Election of Vice Chair requires a motion and a second.
“Motion to elect Commissioner __________ for the position of Vice Chair of the
Parks and Recreation Commission for a period of one (1) calendar year.”
Assumption of the roles of Chair and Vice Chair may commence immediately following the vote.
BALLOT
Election of 2020 Parks and Recreation
Commission Chair February 18, 2020
Please write in your choice for Chair from those nominated tonight:
Chair: ___________________________________________________
Pass your ballot to staff when completed; votes will be tallied and
announced immediately following the vote.
BALLOT
Election of 2020 Parks and Recreation
Commission Vice Chair February 18, 2020
Please write in your choice for Vice Chair from those nominated
tonight:
Vice Chair: ________________________________________________
Pass your ballot to staff when completed; votes will be tallied and
announced immediately following the vote.
SUMMER CHANGES
IN PERSON (MODIFIED) TO BE DETERMINED CANCELED
May—Oct Community Walk Sept 30 Preschool Story Time June—Aug Mini Camps
June—Sept Farmers Market June—Aug Small World Camps
Aug KidCreate Art Classes June—Aug Pop Up Parks
Aug 27 Wellness 50+ American June—Aug ITS Truck
Red Cross Blood Drive June—Aug Preschool Story Time
July—Sept Curious Critters Club June—July Yoga
Dec 4 Daddy-Daughter June—Aug Summer Concerts
Princess Ball July—Aug Tower Park Water Slide
Aug 13 Beekeeping July—Aug Horseback Riding at
Aug 20 Amped Up Entertainment Bunker Park
July 25 VetsFest
Aug 1 Wellness 50+
Journey to Journaling
VIRTUAL Aug 6 Amped Up Entertainment
Snake Discovery
Aug—Sept Yoga
June 1 Wellness 50+
Aug 21 Movie in the Park
Oakdale Walks
Sept 8 Touch A Truck
Sept 26 Family Fun Flatables
Aug 8 Food Truck Day
CITY
Changes due to COVID-19 criteria may impact the designations
listed for events and programs. Please refer to OF OAKDALE | RECREATION
www.oakdalefun.com for updates. 4444 Hadley Avenue N., Oakdale, MN 55128
Office: 651-747-3860
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