Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission

South St. Paul Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes of January 12, 2021 The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting was called to order by Josh Regan at 6:00 p.m. at Central Square Community Center. Members Present: Matthew Hamilton, Lori Miller, Mike Lindamood, Cynthia Callais, Ron Morgan, Josh Regan Members Absent: None Others Present: Joel Hanson, Joe Kaliszewski, Shannon Young, George Emerson, Amy Dybsetter 1. INTRODUCTIONS – 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Lori Miller and second by Matthew Hamilton to approve the Minutes of November 10, 2020. 6 Yays. 0 Nays. Motion Passed. 3. OLD BUSINESS 3A. Recreation Program Updates Ms. Young reported that there are currently no updates. 3B. Kaposia Landing – Phase 2 Construction Update Ms. Young presented the updated plans for the playground, which include removal of the bald eagle from the top of the structure, roof replacement and added a toddler swing at the end of the structure. This is an ADA compliant facility, with wood chips and rubber chips, respectively. The savings result is around $11,000 in the removal of the eagle. The City Council was in approval. Mr. Hanson added that the plan would be to order equipment by the end of the month, however, with the pandemic, the start date would be in question. 3C. Doug Woog Arena Updates Mr. Emerson informed the group that the Arena reopened again on January 4th. He reported a smooth opening and that they have been working through issues such as locker room usage. The first game is on Thursday, they are allowing 150 spectators. Contract tracing will be executed, as required, staff will be checking in patrons obtaining and tracking their name, number, etc. He added that he has been in conversation with another potential customer regarding summer ice time, estimating $700 worth of ice with primary usage in June, July, and August but with contract from March-September. They have confirmed that it will be feasible to have ice in for the summer months. 3D. Wakota Trailhead & Overlook – FLAP Grant 2022 Ms. Young reported that discussions are underway regarding this grant and the design to include a river overlook, restroom building and trail connections in partnership with City Engineer, Sue Polka. As discussion progressing, plans are in place to send out RFP with an estimated 2022 construction. 3E. Trail Interpretive Signs Update Ms. Young stated that Ms. Dybsetter completed the two remaining sign panels and they have been installed at Kaposia Landing. Compliments to Amy Dybsetter for stepping up and completing the project! 3F. SHIP GRANT – Bryant Avenue Pedestrian Bridge Feasibility Study Ms. Young informed the group that discussion is underway regarding this project, and that user groups will be set up so there will be a weigh in by a variety of people on their opinions on the project. As previously reported - the SHIP grant was awarded, and we have selected SRF. The study is fully covered by grant with a due date of February 2021. 3H. Park Assignments/Visit Reports No new updates at this time. 4. NEW BUSINESS - 4A. Outdoor Ice Rinks Ms. Young reported that the operation of the rinks has been going well, aside from the obstacles presented by warmer weather. Despite the challenges, rinks have managed to stay open all but one day since initial opening. The Public Works Department has changed their maintenance procedure to correspond with the warmer weather. They have been flooding at 2 AM in response to temps. Ms. Young commended the effort that Public Works staff has applied. She reiterated that there are no warming houses this year, and that the rink lights are set on timers. There were some issues with Harmon the first week, but they have been operating smoothly since then. Mr. Hanson added that Ms. Young and Pat Dunn from Public Works have been working together to successfully maintain and operate the outdoor rinks with success and commended their work and partnership. One item that added great benefit included changing the base structure at Jefferson, by removing the old surface and adding a special mix of class 5 and crushed concrete. 4B. Central Square Community Center Update Ms. Young communicated that the reopening of Central Square has once again, gone smoothly. Reopening has included opening the gym following guidelines and restrictions, resuming limited classes including land, senior and water classes. Due to the reduced number of participants allowed in a class, additional classes have been added. She reported that there have been some extra reminders to wear masks. Ms. Young also stated that the high school boys swim team have resumed practice and the high school girls have started gymnastics, all following the current rules and guidelines. She added that people are doing ok in fitness classes with masks. The status and future of Central Square remains in question currently. 4C. Staffing Ms. Young relayed that with the departure of Geno Mazzali, his open position as youth programmer will be posted soon so that that summer programming can begin. 5. OTHER BUSINESS - 5A. Board Positions Ms. Young added that applications are due for the open board position. Ms. Miller reported that she has set a reminder to submit her application for next term. 6. ADJOURNMENT – Next Meeting: February 9, 2021 at Central Square Community Center. Respectfully submitted, Amy Dybsetter