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Parks & Recreation Commission

Regular Meeting

Oakdale, MN · August 17, 2021

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Minutes

REGULAR MEETING PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION City of Oakdale August 17, 2021 CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the Oakdale Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, at Oakdale City Hall, 1584 Hadley Avenue, Oakdale, Minnesota. The meeting was called to order by Chair Lockhart at 7 PM. CALL OF ROLL On a call of roll, the following were present: Chair: Paul Lockhart Vice Chair: Jenny Cook Commissioners: Jan Cunningham Glen Giacoletto Mark Giannini Freddie Jiles Steve Meyer Also Present: Jake Ingebrigtson, City Council Brian Bachmeier, City Engineer Julie Williams, Recreation Superintendent Absent: Jeff Koesling, Parks Superintendent Quorum Present: YES ☒ NO ☐ PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Meeting Minutes, July 20, 2021 A MOTION WAS MADE BY VICE CHAIR COOK, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CUNNINGHAM TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING OF JULY 20, 2021 AS PRESENTED. 7 AYES 0 NAYS UPDATING CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN (CIP) – Brian Bachmeier Director Bachmeier introduced the kick off to updating the CIP, where the commission will be identifying projects to look forward to the next several years. First, he reviewed the status of 2021’s projects: PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION August 17, 2021 Page 2 • Oakdale Nature Preserve Trail Repaving – The south loop paving project is wrapping up. Paving is the final item with grading along the edges. Seeding and stabilization will occur in the next week or so to complete the project. • Walton Shelters – The roofs are replaced. • Remodel Walton Kitchens – The project is pending and to be addressed in fall, post-rental season. • Oakdale Nature Preserve Sign Replacement – The “Oakdale Park” cedar signs were replaced with the name “Oakdale Nature Preserve” in four locations. Two projects were advanced because other 2021 projects came in under the amount budgeted: • Guthrie Basketball Court – The surface was removed and basketball uprights. This week, the grading will be reestablished. The paving contractor does not have a definitive date, but will be coming in to a prepared site and need a half day’s work to complete. Park crews will be putting in foundations for the backstops to progress the project. • Oakdale Nature Preserve Tennis Resurfacing – The court at Granada and 45th Street is waiting on the contractor’s schedule. The spring estimate was honored. • Parks without Borders – No projects identified in 2021. When updating the CIP, it is the time when new projects are considered. The following projects were requested by groups who approached the City and the projects were noted by Mr. Bachmeier: • Pickleball Courts – The Pickleball Club is interested in adding new courts. • Volleyball Courts – Pop up volleyball, privately installed courts, have been found in City parks and are being placed in ballfield outfields. This is an indication of an unmet need. Three parks with volleyball activity could be potential project locations; Northdale, Eastside and Guthrie. • Practice Wall at Eastside Tennis Court – Residents have asked for the replacement of a practice wall that was removed several years ago. • Walton Rewiring of Fields 5 through 8 – The ballfield power wires have been unable to be traced. Rewiring is needed for power to function. A new wiring system will connect to a feed point and circuit breaker. • Community Garden- The City considered a community garden ten years ago. Information was collected from the past park commission and City staff and Council decision making. The program ranking survey will divide the projects into two different rankings; new, for projects not currently in the park system, and maintenance/replacement. The exercise at the next meeting will talk about the funding sources available, which funds are appropriate to direct towards maintenance projects versus funding more appropriate for new projects. The commission members will complete the exercise before the next meeting by ranking the projects from 1 to 13, with 1 being most important and each project having a single number to represent its ranking. The new projects list includes: • Brockman Property Acquisition – Timing is beyond the City’s control and will be dependent on when the property owner is ready to sell. The City wants to be ready to buy. • Passages of Oakdale Park – The park is 40 acres of City owned property east of 120, in the vicinity of Larpentuer Avenue and Hill Murray School. The undeveloped nature park features wetlands and woods. The Department of Natural Resources conservation easement limits park uses to passive trails and boardwalks. There cannot be any structures (buildings, PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION August 17, 2021 Page 3 fences, active recreation facilities). Several years ago, a concept plan was created and a significant cost was determined for the development of trails and boardwalks. Commissioner Giacoletto commented that a $4 million project is difficult to rank without knowing the details of the cost relating to the improvements that would be done. Director Bachmeier will share the concept plan to give the background information of the project to the new commission members. • Pickleball Courts with Lighting – There is certainty to estimating costs of paving, fencing, and screening, but it is hard to estimate the cost of site preparation. A location would need to be identified. • Pickleball Courts without Lighting – It is $50,000 to include lighting. Mr. Bachmeier replied to Chair Lockhart that if pickleball were added at Eberle, it would be located to the west of the shelter. Eberle and Golfview were identified as pickleball locations because they have off street parking available. There is a shelter at Eberle, and Golfview is flat. He will send the court dimensions to Chair Lockhart for the park project concepts. If a court were added at Oakfield, it would avoid the pipeline. The shortcoming at Oakfield is the on-street parking only. • Volleyball Courts- Tanners Lake is the only park with a volleyball court. It has a perimeter of concrete, sand, drain tile, and permanent posts for netting. A new court will be a sand court. Commissioner Giacoletto noticed the popularity of night volleyball as he watched leagues playing under lighting while he visited South Dakota. He wondered if there would be interest in lighting in Oakdale for a volleyball court. Director Bachmeier informed that pickleball courts require two posts for lighting, and volleyball may require either one or two posts. Lighting would be an additional cost that is not listed. • Eastside Tennis Court Practice Wall – The practice wall will not be made of plywood; it will be made of a concrete composite that lessens noise and is weather resistant. There will be no need to paint. The wall would be positioned along the north fence, on the east side of the gate; approximately the width of one court. • Community Garden – The project is estimated at $10,000. • Commission Suggested Park Improvements – Commission members have the opportunity to suggest park improvements. Next, Director Bachmeier listed the CIP’s maintenance projects: • Guthrie Park Shelter Reroofing • Walton Ballfield Lighting Upgrade to LED • Walton Skatepark Resurfacing • Paving the Oakdale Nature Preserve next phases (25% complete, 75% remaining) PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION August 17, 2021 Page 4 • Parking Lots at Tanners and Eberle Parks • Walton Fields 5 through 8 rewiring • Commission Suggested Park Projects Mr. Bachmeier directed the commissioners to submit their rankings to Director Bachmeier by Monday, September 13. He will then compile the rankings and present the group results in the next packet. Commissioner Cunningham suggested a park tour to the Passages of Oakdale. Chair Lockhart replied that the Passages of Oakdale is inaccessible. The park tour will include looking at the lighting at Tanners, Guthrie Park, and Tower and Horseshoe Parks on the south end. Commissioner Meyer suggested including Eastside. Director Bachmeier informed Commissioner Giacoletto that the repaving of the Tanners Lake Parking Lot is done in phases to avoid the disruption of park uses. Director Bachmeier informed Commissioner Jiles that when volleyball is played on grass, the court becomes trampled to dirt and the pop-up volleyball relocates. Sand is recommended because it is durable and repairable. Eastside and Northdale both have damage in the ballfield area because of the popup volleyball during this dry year. Chair Lockhart suggested the east field at Northdale, known as Field #2, to be repurposed for volleyball. The other field is used. Field #2 is not used by the Oakdale Athletic Association, who considered netting to improve the field but did not install it because of cost and concerns with birds getting caught. If Field #2 were repurposed for volleyball, and an outfield fence could be put in for Field #1, that could segregate the baseball. Director Bachmeier is open to the suggestion. Otherwise, the location between the parking lot and shelter is too close with the balls. A location north of the parking lot can be considered but would require grading of the hill. Commissioner Meyer added that the mound on Field #2 had been removed two years ago. There would be an issue if the space is purposed for soccer. Commissioner Giacoletto suggested that existing tennis courts be striped for pickleball at Walton and Oakdale Nature Preserve. Eastside is striped for pickleball. The tennis lines are white and pickleball lines are blue. The same net is used for either sport. Director Bachmeier can consider the striping cost. He will confirm with Mr. Koesling what was in the original proposal for the Oakdale Nature Preserve. In reply to Chair Lockhart, he said that the Pickleball Club has requested lighted courts. COUNCIL UPDATE – Jake Ingebrigtson Councilmember Ingebrigtson had no updates. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION August 17, 2021 Page 5 RECREATION UPDATE – Julie Williams Summer Wrap Up – The camps have concluded for the busy summer. Great seasonal staff did a fantastic job in a unique situation. All went well in the end. Movie in the Park – Friday, August 13 “Onward” was shown at Walton after being rescheduled from a storm night. Stipe Concessions food truck was there. An estimated 2-300 attended. The second movie will be “Trolls World Tour” on September 3. Councilmember Ingebrigtson suggested an area for kids to dance to the movie. Fall/Winter Newsletter – The next season’s newsletter, covering months October through January, will be released mid-September. Artist of the Month – Joel Carlson photographed Oakdale firefighters during training events. Viewing the photographs gives a sense of what takes place to train the firefighters. Amped Up Entertainment – A performance by magician Brian Richards of ACME Magic Factory wrapped up the series. 100-150 attended each event. Touch a Truck – On Tuesday, September 7, 30 to 40 vehicles, free ice cream, and the Maplewood Oakdale Lions with concessions will be at the Walton Park Parking Lot. Commissioner Jiles informed Commissioner Meyer that the event taking place last Sunday at Walton Park was a church rave, raising money for a new church. Commissioner Jiles had stopped by for good food. Mrs. Williams added that the Walton Park Shelters and other park location shelters have been extremely busy. Mrs. Williams replied to Chair Lockhart that warming houses are anticipated for the winter ice rink season. She will connect with Park Superintendent Koesling and Director Bachmeier on the details. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Remembering Jane Klein – Commissioner Cunningham informed that former Parks and Recreation Commissioner Jane Klein has died. She was very involved with the Master Gardeners and Tree Board. Organizations are seeking ideas to honor her, such as naming and event after her, or donating a tree. She was a great person who did her best for Oakdale and will be very missed. Community Gardens – Commissioner Giacoletto was surprised at the amount of work and draft writing of a standard operating policy for the lengthy community garden concept plan. The interest ten years ago in the project was tabled and forgotten, while neighboring communities like Maplewood and North Saint Paul adopted community garden plots ten years ago. They can be contacted for the results; if the gardens were worthwhile, if the project is still being done, if it has expanded or contracted and if, in general, it was accepted. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION August 17, 2021 Page 6 Park Tours – Chair Lockhart reminded that Park Tours will start at Tanners on Saturday at 10 AM. South end parks including Tanners, Tower, Guthrie, Horseshoe, and Eastside will be toured. ADJOURNMENT A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER JILES, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CUNNINGHAM TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION, DATED AUGUST 17, 2021, AT 7:38 PM. 7 AYES 0 NAYS 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 13, 2021 Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners: Enclosed is your packet of information for the regular Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to be held on August 17. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. in the Oakdale City Hall Council Chambers, 1584 Hadley Avenue. The focus of the meeting will be to discuss the Park CIP and to update the commissioners on current and upcoming park projects and 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 17, 2021, 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MEETING, JULY 20, 2021 CITY COUNCIL UPDATE: JAKE INGEBRIGTSON MANAGEMENT REPORTS a) PARKS CIP – BRIAN BACHMEIER b) PUBLIC WORKS UPDATE – JEFF KOESLING c) RECREATION UPDATE – JULIE WILLIAMS ALL OTHER ITEMS a) COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS ADJOURNMENT The next regular Parks and Recreation Commission meeting will be held September 21, 2021 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. REGULAR MEETING PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION City of Oakdale July 20, 2021 CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the Oakdale Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at Oakdale City Hall, 1584 Hadley Avenue, Oakdale, Minnesota. The meeting was called to order by Chair Lockhart at 7 PM. CALL OF ROLL On a call of roll, the following were present: Chair: Paul Lockhart Vice Chair: Jenny Cook Commissioners: Jan Cunningham Glen Giacoletto Mark Giannini Freddie Jiles Steve Meyer Also Present: Jake Ingebrigtson, City Council Brian Bachmeier, City Engineer Julie Williams, Recreation Superintendent Absent: Jeff Koesling, Parks Superintendent Quorum Present: YES ☒ NO ☐ PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Meeting Minutes, May 18, 2021 A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER CUNNINGHAM, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GIACOLETTO TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING OF MAY 18, 2021 AS PRESENTED. 7 AYES 0 NAYS COUNCIL UPDATE – Jake Ingebrigtson Tanners Ballfield Improvements – Director Bachmeier explained that the proposed Tanners outfield fencing was evaluated by a wind resistance engineer, and it was determined that the fencing cannot PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION July 20, 2021 Page 2 be screened as proposed by the Oakdale Athletic Association (OAA). The current fencing does not have foundation. The fencing uses direct buried poles that were pounded into the ground. Chair Lockhart asked if the proposed screening could be divided into three panels. Director Bachmeier replied that the material and wind resistance would need to be evaluated at an additional cost if the screening were divided into panels. The advice received was that it is not advisable to place wind screens o fences without foundations. Currently, the existing plastic strips allow gaps for air to pass through, however, it is unknown if that had been evaluated prior to installation. Chair Lockhart clarified that the proposal was awaiting approval and no purchase was made. There are no other material options offered by the vendor. He considered a Plan B as replacing the slats from the current white color to a darker color. PUBLIC WORKS UPDATE – Brian Bachmeier Summerfest – Mr. Bachmeier reported a good turnout for a beautiful Friday evening with music, food trucks, and the Lions Beer Garden. The community appreciated the venue. Saturday was touch and go with attendance down, influenced by the weather. Fireworks took place with music on Saturday. He was satisfied overall with the event. CAPITAL PROJECT UPDATE – Brian Bachmeier Walton Shelters – The roof replacement at the Walton Park Shelters has been completed. Oakdale Nature Preserve Trail Paving – The south phase from Hadley to Granada, south of the schoolhouse and heading west, will begin and be completed by the paving contractor in August. Guthrie Basketball Court Replacement – Council approved the project. In August, city staff and equipment will remove the existing court and the paving contractor will place new pavement. Resurface Oakdale Nature Preserve Tennis Court – Council approved the project and the contractor has scheduled it for late August or Early September. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance at Oakdale Nature Preserve Trails – The evaluation concluded that there are two locations not conforming to ADA. One location is northwest of the Discovery Center. This was the reason for the alternative trail north of the Discovery Center; to provide an ADA compliant trail through the similar corridor. The other area is south of the boardwalk, in the trail connection that goes down 45th Street running straight east and west. The section is tipped; not a linear violation; it is a cross slope violation. The two areas have been identified and will need to be corrected when repaving the trails. On the south trail near the triangle area where the trails meet is an alignment that will be regraded to make compliant. Installing signs at ADA deficient areas is being considered. Community Gardens – In 2011 to 2012, Community Development did a study on community gardens that went to a supportive Parks and Recreation Commission. The concept was put on hold PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION July 20, 2021 Page 3 for future consideration by a busy Council. Issues identified include location, water source, providing garbage receptacles, fencing to keep wildlife out, and satellite restrooms. The study did recommend a location at Golfview Park. It was not a very large plot. The location is close to Cedric’s Landing Apartments, a high density apartment where self gardening would have to be done off site. With the issues identified, how would the City recover costs? There is also administration, issuing permits, and trying to collect revenue. There is a new Council than when the study was completed. If the Parks and Recreation Commission wanted to resurrect the concept, information can be provided and discussion continued. Dry Summer – Oakdale was put on notice as a community with other public water suppliers that the state is very close to issuing a drought declaration. If that happens, cities will be expected to impose additional water conservation measures. Minneapolis will be implementing theirs next week. More cities will be seen moving to the next stage of water conservation. Currently, Oakdale has odd/even watering restrictions throughout the year. Other communities restrict watering from 10 AM to 5 PM daily because of evaporation. Reducing days below the odd/even, other strategies to reduce irrigation, restricting recreational water use, swimming pools, washing vehicles, contacting the largest water users in community to reduce consumption, are ideas cities are looking at. Power Outage at Walton Fields – Chair Lockhart reported that Jeff Koesling was notified on May 3 that there was no power on Walton Fields 5 through 8. As of today the four fields are still without power. Chair Lockhart has been fielding a lot of phone calls and emails from residents in the area about the power there. He asked Mr. Koesling for an update but didn’t get a response. The lighting does not affect the football field, just the rookies. Playoffs may need to change field locations or use a generator. Director Bachmeier replied that the situation is unfortunate. Without a record drawing showing where the lines go, we are unable to trace the source of power or identify where the break may be. It is almost to the point where the entire complex 5 through 8 will need to be rewired. It is an expenditure beyond the operating budget and will need to fall into the Capital budget. If we want to take a look at it, the next step is a cost estimate to bring back to the Commission and make it part of the CIP planning process. A portable generator was provided to Eric Peterson with OAA to accommodate power needs, but he said they were done using it today. Maybe the rookies had playoffs last weekend and are now done, but he can follow up. Chair Lockhart suggested that a bid is worked on to determine costs to get the project rolling. Rookie baseball won’t be going away soon. If the project works, we can get it on the Capital Improvement Plan. RECREATION UPDATE – Julie Williams Summerfest Skateboard Contest – The annual event held on Friday night drew 60 o 70 participants; high numbers for the summer contest. Summerfest 5K – The Saturday morning went really well with around 150 runners and walkers in the nice weather. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION July 20, 2021 Page 4 Summerfest Youth Activity – The ITS Truck attended Walton Park on Saturday beginning at noon. The weather turned misty all day. Without the carnival, the ITS Truck provided a youth program at the event. Families enjoyed the different types of kids activities and provided feedback that it felt more family oriented and would like to have the ITS Truck return next year. The summer staff did a great job. Summer Camps – Summer youth programming was offered free to Oakdale Residents this year. Most programs are full, with waitlists for the full programs. It has been a great season, with great staff. Amped Up Entertainment – Over 100 participants saw an owl, hawk, and falcon presented by the Raptor Center. Next up, Bruce the Bug Guy will bring his live insects for another anticipated full show. Summer Concert Series – Minnesota State Band performs on Wednesday, July 28. There has only been one rain out last Wednesday, that was bumped to the following Thursday for youth entertainment night. Concerts have had good turnouts. Farmers Market – It’s been a great start with multiple food trucks at each market including KCM Eggrolls, Mini Doughnuts, the Mexican Food Truck, and a new rotating vendor booth allowing new vendors to showcase what they have being allowed to sell on select dates. Parks and Recreation Month – On June 22nd, City Council proclaimed July as Parks and Recreation Month. Movie in the Park – The movie Onward will be shown at Walton Park. Oakdale Police cosponsors the event with Oakdale Recreation. It will be 94 to 95 degrees on Friday night, hopefully allowing for a good turnout. The movie will begin at dusk, around 9:30 PM. The two-hour movie finishes around 11:30 PM. Concessions will b available. Art Gallery – Logan Falzone has his photography on display this month with a lot of interesting items for sale. Oakdale Library – The amphitheater welcomes back librarian Megan for Outdoor Story Time. “Sleeping” is the theme for the next story on Wednesday, July 28 at 10:30 AM. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Special Olympics – Chair Lockhart announced that the OAA will be a new delegate for Special Olympics. The first outing will be in September for bowling. There are 23 different sports that draw a huge turnout. OAA is excited to be involved and will have more details to come. Wellness 50+ – On September 23, Oakdale Fire Paramedics will bring equipment, dummies, and an AED Defibrillator for a CPR First Aid Training Class. Participation is not limited by age. Details are in the Oakdale Update. There was also a recent blood drive on July 7, and a flu shot clinic will be coming soon. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION July 20, 2021 Page 5 Community Gardens – Commissioner Giacoletto expressed that after nine or ten years, and Council turnover, there may be interest in community gardens. Popularity has increased during COVID-19, and the City could try a pilot program to see if the concept catches on. Council may want to consider if the cost is reasonable. Vice Chair Cook and Commissioner Cunningham agreed. Director Bachmeier will pull information from the last study and make it available to the Commission to start the discussion. Park Tours – Chair Lockhart determined that on August 21 at 10 AM, the Parks and Recreation Commission will meet at Tanners Lake Park to begin the Park Tour. They will look at the ballfield fencing and the parking lot (repaving is a couple years out in the CIP). Then Guthrie Park will be visited (for the upcoming basketball court project), Horseshoe Park, and Tower Park (used as a sled hill in winter and waterslide at summer Oakdale Recreation events). Superintendent Williams will post the notice of quorum. ADJOURNMENT A MOTION WAS MADE BY VICE CHAIR COOK, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CUNNINGHAM TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION, DATED JULY 20, 2021, AT 7:35 PM. 7 AYES 0 NAYS Respectfully submitted, Laura Linzmeyer MEMORANDUM TO: Christina Volkers, City Administrator FROM: Julie Williams, Recreation Superintendent DATE: August 13, 2021 SUBJECT: Monthly Update – August 2021 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 Camps – Our in house summer camps have concluded for the season! Camps included Mini-Camps, Small World Camps, ITS, and Pop up Parks. We had a fantastic group of seasonal staff who truly make the camps a special experience for kids! 2. Movie in the Park - Our Movie in the Park event “Onward” was rescheduled due to inclement weather and will be held Friday, August 13 at Walton Park. Stipe Concessions Food Truck are providing tasty treats! Our second movie, “Trolls World Tour” has been rescheduled with a new date of September 3. 3. Fall/Winter Newsletter – The Fall/Winter newsletter will be mailed to residents mid - September. Recreation programs will cover the months of October through January. 4. Artist of the Month – Discover what goes into training a firefighter by visiting the Oakdale Discovery Center during the month of August. Joel Carlson has photographed Oakdale’s firefighters during their training events. Descriptions of each photo help paint the full experience preparing our local heroes for future encounters such as recovering passengers from an overturned vehicle, navigating darkness and following safety protocols when one of their members does not emerge from a building. Joel focuses on using the beauty of light and shadow to make pictures that show the world who you are. 5. Amped Up Entertainment – We’ve wrapped up our Amped Up program this summer. We finished the season this week with a great performance by Brian Richards from ACME magic Factory. 6. Touch-A-Truck – This year’s event will be held on Tuesday, September 7 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM. The Maplewood/Oakdale Lions Club will again provide concessions and participants are always treated to a free ice cream treat! Staff is finalizing details of the always popular community event!

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