Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission

South St. Paul Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes of February 12th, 2019 The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting was called to order by Lori Miller at 6:07 p.m. at Central Square Community Center. Members Present: Michael Heidelberger, Ron Morgan, Lori Miller Members Absent: Josh Dormady, Rich Dippel, Mike Lindamood Others Present: Chris Esser, Shannon Young, Geno Mazzali, Joe Kaliszewski, Dallas Apfelbacher, Wally Heidelberger 1. INTRODUCTIONS – The commission members, staff, and guest introduced themselves. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Due to lack of quorum, consideration of the meeting minutes of January 8, 2019 will be deferred to the March 12, 2019 meeting. February meeting notes will be taken by Geno Mazzali. 4. OLD BUSINESS 3A. Recreation Program Updates – Royal Ball, Summer Planning Mr. Mazzali mentioned that the Royal Ball had 106 registrations for February 10th. Even with the snow storm, it was a great turn out. The event included a DJ, balloon artists, crafts, games, and refreshments. Summer planning is under way with applications coming in. Also mentioned was the lifeguard training scheduled for March 22-24th. 3B. Kaposia Landing Phase 2 RFP Mr. Esser reported the designing construction proposal for Phase 2 is being completed. The ELF Grant from Dakota County is $612,000 which will help support design and construction costs. Phase 2 may include additional parking, trails, picnic areas, and a playground. We may begin construction in the fall with the possibility of a cheaper pricing based upon project timing. 3C. McMorrow Field Renovation – Tentative opening date and celebration, May 4, 2019 Mr. Esser noted the grand opening will be on Saturday, May 4th. There is no guarantee that games will be played, games are dependent on weather and field conditions. The boy scouts are helping with the event planning and support along with the SSP Youth Soccer Association. 3D. Doug Woog Arena Updates – 2019 Updates Mr. Esser announced that George Emerson is doing a great job and has sold approximately 200 hours more than last year at this time and date. Also noted was staff is currently negotiating with the Woodbury Hockey Association on a long term ice contract, hoping signing them to 800 hours per season along with an annual $25,000 capital payment. South St. Paul Youth Hockey has submitted a proposal to sell ice time on behalf of the arena, which is also being considered. 3E. CIP Projects – Park sign Draft Mr. Esser presented five drafts of the park sign designs and let the commission discuss their favorites. The elements favored by the commission members will be presented to the city council for their consideration at a future work session before the signs are ordered. 3F. Grants & Donations - SHIP Grant Wakota Trailhead & Overlook Update Mr. Esser noted that joint powers agreement is ready to sign. Future plans include meeting with the Community, Parks Commission, and City Council to gain input on design. 3G. Outdoor Rink & Warming house Operation Mr. Mazzali mentioned that the warming houses have only been open for 11 days due to high temperatures, low temperatures, and accumulating snow. 3H. Park Assignments/Visit Reports No new updates at this time. 4. NEW BUSINESS - Continued 4A. Adult Softball Administration - RFP Mr. Esser broke down all of the numbers from the three proposals submitted for the adult softball league administration. Commission members mentioned how they appreciated the enrollment prices presented by Dallas Apfelbacher. They were concerned that Rich Rakness’s proposal lacked a website for players to access. Commissioners liked the extras that Perry Coonce’s offer proposed however enrollment fees are the most expensive of any of the three proposals. Commission members agreed that Mr. Apfelbacher would be the best option in their opinion to recommend to the city council. 4B. 2019 ISI Synchronized Championships – April 12-14 at Doug Woog Arena Mr. Esser mentioned that 80 teams representing 8 states with a crowd around 2,000 people will be at the arena for the synchronized championships. The event is free to attend and will not only showcase Doug Woog Arena, it will greatly support the local economy and businesses. 4C. 3rd and 4th Grade Youth Football – Tackle Bar Program Mr. Mazzali noted that the football program for the 3rd and 4th grade will be using a tackle bar for the first time this 2019 season. Players will still wear all of the safety equipment and still have contact but will not be tackled to the ground. A letter will be sent out to all parents explaining the new format of the program. This is a hybrid between flag and tackle, in an effort to make the league safer. 5. Other Business – After consultation with Chair Dippel, the June 11th meeting is cancelled due to past low attendance issues and a conflict this year for staff. A special meeting will be convened if any official action needs to be taken by the commission. 6. ADJOURNMENT - Next meeting is March 12, 2019. Respectfully submitted, Geno Mazzali