Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission

City of South St. Paul Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes of September 11, 2018 The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting was called to order by Rich Dippel at 6:00 p.m. at Central Square Community Center. Members Present: Rich Dippel, Mike Lindamood, Michael Heidelberger, Ron Morgan Members Absent: Josh Dormady, Lori Miller Others Present: Chris Esser, Shannon Young, Joel Hanson, Pat Dunn, Skip Longen, Matt Jasper 1. INTRODUCTIONS – Introductions with commission members and guests: Skip Longen- South St. Paul Youth Hockey, Matt Jasper – South St. Paul Youth baseball and hockey 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Rich Dippel called meeting to order. Motion by Ron Morgan and second by Michael Heidelberger to approve the Minutes of August 7, 2018. 4 Yays. 0 Nays. Motion Passed Agenda moved forward to accommodate guests 4A. Bromley Rink Neighborhood Discussion Mr. Esser noted that 60 invitations were sent to residents in the Bromley rink neighborhood at a distance of 200’ to participate in the commission discussion. We currently operate four boarded rink sites. Bromley has a hockey rink along with a pleasure rink, however Bromley site is in need of repairs. Pat Dunn Public Works Director explained the boards have heaved substantially over the years and the asphalt needs to be replaced. Discussion of the rink sites let to the question if there was a possibility of a refrigerated sheet of ice in the future. The commission would like to discuss this at a future meeting with attendees from hockey groups. Mr. Longen stated youth hockey would like to have mite practices outside and is interested in a night set aside for Mites to have outside practices. The commission noted that either Lorraine or Harmon would be good sites for youth practices with the Mites and will communicate more with the department on the possibilities for this winter season outdoors. 4C. Fall Field User Meeting – Wednesday, September 12 Mr. Esser noted the Parks & Recreation Department along with field user groups will meet to discuss the summer season, fall scheduling, and the upcoming 2019 season. Mr. Jasper asked about field upgrades to Vets Fields noting that Field 24 need attention as the infield is very rocky. He asked if we can also remove some of the pitching rubbers, and if we could put up temporary fencing to accommodate youth baseball distances of 225 feet or less. These questions will be discussed further at the fall field user group meeting. 3. OLD BUSINESS 3A. Recreation Program Updates – Youth Football Survey Mr. Esser provided the board with the youth football survey that has been distributed to the youth football families for feedback. The department is looking for feedback on tackle vs. flag, concussion awareness, and league procedures such as registration and equipment distribution. The survey will be provided at the start of the season and again post season. The results will be brought back to the commission when complete. 3B. Kaposia Landing – Fall Maintenance Mr. Dunn noted the ball fields are being aerated, next will be the slit seeding and top dressing. Irrigation is being fixed where there were issues. Mr. Dunn noted addressing these issues over time will result in the site becoming stronger and will help when future usage. 3C. McMorrow Field Renovation – Warranty Inspection, Tentative Opening Mr. Esser noted the warranty inspection took place with WSB and Peterson Companies will be responsible for replacing any dead plantings and trees. Mr. Esser mentioned the drinking fountain is up and running. Tentative grand re-opening will be Saturday May 18, 2019. 3D. Doug Woog Arena Updates-LED Lighting Mr. Esser noted in 2010 the lighting was completely redone throughout the building. The City Council approved LED replacement lights on both rinks. The new LED lights should show energy and upfront cost payback in eight months, including rebates from Xcel Energy. The funding for this project was from the Capital Improvement Program. 3E.CIP Projects – Specialty Off-Leash Dog Area Mr. Esser noted the Specialty Off-Leash area finished and now open. Ms. Young ordered new signage which will be installed soon. Mr. Dunn announced the Summit Park tennis court resurfacing has been completed. Many compliments regarding the courts have been received. 3F. Grants & Donations- ELF Grant, SHIP Grant, Seidl’s Lake Bonding Bill, AED’s Mr. Esser noted the ELF grant was approved by the Dakota County Board and will go to the City Council on Monday, August 17th. The SHIP grant is still in the planning stages and we will be hiring a firm to design the trailhead at the boat launch area to service the regional trail. Mr. Esser and City Administrator Joel Hanson will be testifying at the State Capitol for the Seidl’s Lake lift station project. The city was awarded $780,000 from the bonding bill for the project. Ms. Young and South Metro Fire are working on purchasing three new AED units for our park system after receiving a grant from the Vietnam Veterans of America. 3G. New Park Signs Mr. Esser noted we are working on the design of new park entrance signs based upon the feedback from the commission. He will keep board updated as the project progresses. The commission requested a staff update on the staging priority of the new sign installation at a future meeting. 3H. Park Assignments/Visit Reports Mr. Morgan noted there are squeaky swings at Northview Park and the coasting of the swing chains has deteriorated. No other reports from commissioners. 4. NEW BUSINESS 4A. Item moved ahead to accommodate guests- see page 1 for item 4B. Mississippi River Trail Analysis – Dakota County Mr. Esser and Ms. Young met with the Dakota County representatives and took a field trip along the river trail. Dakota County would like to see more areas with river views. The county representatives also asked if the city would be willing to grant them more areas adjacent to the physical trail to maintain. Mr. Esser will keep the board updated with future discussions with the county regarding their operation and maintenance of the regional trail and adjacent areas. 4C. Item moved ahead to accommodate guests- see page 1 for item 6. ADJOURNMENT- Meeting adjourned. Next meeting is October 2, 2018. Respectfully submitted, Shannon Young