Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission

South St. Paul Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes of January 8, 2019 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, Michael Heidelberger, Ron Morgan, Mike Lindamood Members Absent: Josh Dormady, Lori Miller Others Present: Chris Esser, Shannon Young, Geno Mazzali, Joe Kaliszewski 1. INTRODUCTIONS – New City Council Liaison Joe Kaliszewski was introduced. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Michael Heidelberger and second by Ron Morgan to approve the Minutes of December 11, 2018. 4 Yays. 0 Nays. Motion Passed. 3. OLD BUSINESS 3A. Recreation Program Updates – Vikings Partnership, Holiday Trips Mr. Mazzali mentioned 35 players from the youth tackle program participated in a scrimmage at Minnesota Vikings TCO Performance Center in Eagan. The players also participated in a Q & A with Mackensie Alexander and tour of the facility including the Vikings locker room. On Sunday, December 16th we offered bus transportation to the Minnesota Vikings game for parents and kids from our football program after being gifted with 90 tickets. We were able to invite all of the volunteer coaches to the game and their child as well. Also mentioned was that on December 27th we had 6 participants for bowling and a movie field trip during the holiday break. On December 28th we had 11 participants go to Big Thrill Factory and swimming at Central Square Community Center. Trips are collaboratively done with West St. Paul and Mendota Heights. 3B. Kaposia Landing Phase 2 RFP Mr. Esser noted we are working on a Request For Proposal (RFP) that will be sent out soon. Also mentioned for the design is the possibility of solar/wind operated lights, adding more parking and curbs, and a cut out location for a playground that would be bid separately to reduce project cost. 3C. McMorrow Field Renovation – Tentative opening date and celebration, May 4, 2019 Mr. Esser announced the grand opening will be on May 4th. There is no guarantee that games will be played that weekend, games are dependent on weather and field conditions. The South St. Paul Youth Soccer Association has expressed interest in helping with the event. 3D. Doug Woog Arena Updates – See New Business item 4A. 3E. CIP Projects – 2019 Overview Mr. Esser noted we are still waiting on a first draft from the designer for the new parks entry signs. Also mentioned was that we plan projects 5 years out. Projects mentioned for 2019 were volleyball court upgrading, new park entry signs, Veterans Field 22 rehabilitation, Summit Park playground replacement, and Veterans Field playground replacement. 3F. Grants & Donations - SHIP Grant Wakota Trailhead & Overlook Update Mr. Esser noted that proposals have been received. Our interim City Engineer looked over the three proposals we received and agreed with Dakota County’s recommendation. The preferred proposal was $10,000 over the SHIP Grant award. Thankfully Dakota County is willing to split the $10,000 overage with the City of South Saint Paul. We are setting up a meeting in January to discuss engineering and plans for the trailhead design process with the consultant. 3G. Outdoor Rink & Warming house Operation Mr. Mazzali mentioned that due to the warmer weather the rinks have not been opened yet. We hope to open within two weeks, before the end of January. 3H. Park Assignments/Visit Reports No new updates from commission members at this time. 4. NEW BUSINESS 4A. Doug Woog Arena Staffing Change – 2019 Management & Operations Mr. Esser reported that the duties of the Arena Manager position that was eliminated in December will be spread out throughout the existing Parks & Recreation Department staff. The Assistant Arena Manager will be taking on the majority of the tasks. The city council eliminated the highest paid position at the arena to reduce the budget deficit. The goal moving forward is to sell more ice time, manage expenditures, and increase revenue. 4B. 2019 Request for Proposal (RFP) Discussion – Adult Softball, Concessions, Disc Golf Mr. Esser mentioned we are accepting proposals for the administration of the adult softball league. The softball proposals will be reviewed at the commission meeting in February for recommendation to the city council. We will soon be releasing the annual RFP for park concession operation, requesting non-profit groups to submit to operate the concessions at McMorrow Field, Kaposia Landing, and Veterans Field. Finally, we have been satisfied with our disc golf operator over the past three seasons and will execute our Agreement renewal for another year. 5. OTHER BUSINESS – Commissioners requested that we monitor the Canadian Goose nuisance at Kaposia Landing and take steps to deter geese gatherings on the ball fields. 6. ADJOURNMENT – Next meeting is February 12, 2019. Respectfully submitted, Geno Mazzali