Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission

South St. Paul Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes of February 9, 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, Josh Regan Members Absent: Ron Morgan Others Present: Joe Kaliszewski, Shannon Young, George Emerson, Amy Dybsetter 1. INTRODUCTIONS –none 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Matthew Hamilton and second by Mike Lindamood to approve the Minutes of January 12, 2021. 4 Yays. 0 Nays. Motion Passed. 3. OLD BUSINESS 3A. Recreation Program Updates – Outdoor Rinks Ms. Young reported that the outdoor rinks are still open for the season. The rinks opened on December 30th and have been open for 40 days, with only two closures for the season. Public works has been maintaining the ice and during the warmer temps, flooding at 2 AM. Public Works staff borrowed the ice edger from Woog Arena to clean up the boards. She added that Jefferson seems to be most popular for use. She reported that the ice is in good condition with a good base and the weather is still cooperating, so rinks should be open for the foreseeable future. They are typically closed by the 2nd week in February. Mr. Kaliszweski asked Mr. Emerson about trailering a Zamboni to work the ice. Mr. Emerson stated that there would be challenges with that. He reported that he gave a resurfacing blade to public works to use on equipment to scrape the ice. He added that Woog Arena currently has two electric Zambonis. They are heavy and weigh approximately 11,000 pounds dry, 14,000 with water. They are also not great in the cold. They had a propane unit in the past, which are easier to transport with a weight of 4,800 pounds and 7,000 with water. They can prep two sheets of ice with a tank. He suggested to Public Works that purchasing a used machine might be something to consider for use in the future for rink preparations. 3B. Kaposia Landing – Phase 2 Construction Update Ms. Young stated that she has ordered the playground equipment. The goal is for completion at the end of May 2021, weather permitting. Construction will potentially begin in April. Mr. Kalizewski stated that trees have been ordered for Kaposia Landing. They are hearty, native trees that will have water bags, etc. 3C. Doug Woog Arena Updates Mr. Emerson reported that things are moving along at the Arena. They have not had any problems with COVID, however, surrounding community issues have affected the schedule at the Arena with their shutdowns. He added that ice sales are down due to adult groups not wanting to wear masks and come dressed for ice time. This is primarily the group in the 9-11:30 AM timeslot. 3D. Wakota Trailhead & Overlook – FLAP Grant 2022 Ms. Young reported that the RFP is currently in progress as previously discussed. She stated that they have applied for another grant for up to $150,000 for 2022. 3E. SHIP GRANT - Bryant Avenue Pedestrian Bridge Feasibility Study Ms. Young informed the group that this is still in the discussion phase. Ms. Young noted that SRF is looking to attend the next commission meeting to present plans of the pedestrian bridge. 3F. Park Assignments/Visit Reports No new reports. 4. NEW BUSINESS - 4A. Central Square Community Center Update Ms. Young reported that there are no big updates regarding the future of Central Square. She stated that there have been bi-weekly and weekly meetings with the school district and the city, with City Council involved. They are exploring essentially three options. ➢ Continue as is. ➢ Community Ed takes over Senior Programming and continues to offer swimming and gymnastics (Parks & Recreation relocates). ➢ Community Ed takes over, but Parks & Recreation continues to be housed at Central Square. The school district and city have been comparing information, looking at projections to determine the best course of action and best ways to serve the community. Ms. Young reported that she is working on summer programming, especially aquatics planning since there are deadlines for that, primarily lifeguarding certifications. She mentioned that she has been discussing partnership with the school via Chad Sexauer, Athletic Director, to help encourage students to lifeguard, the job can be a year-round opportunity and offers youth many benefits. 4B. Staffing Ms. Young reported that staffing for summer programs will begin soon and that the position for Recreation Supervisor has been posted through the city. In addition, she announced that Trevor Greene has been hired at the newest member of the Parks Maintenance staff. 4C. Summer Recreation Programming Ms. Young reported that she has received several requests and schedules for summer ball fields and disc golf tournaments at Kaposia Park. She stated that 76 dog park permits have been issued so far for 2021. In other summer preparations, community garden letters also went out in the mail to last years’ gardeners. 5. OTHER BUSINESS - 5A. Armour Gates Ms. Young brought up the discussion of the Armour Gates posing the question to the members on how they feel about their potential relocation or removal with proposed development of the parcel. There was an open discussion of the cost of moving the gates, estimated at $300,000 and what locations would be logical for the gates, such as Kaposia Landing, etc. Mr. Lindamood stated that he’s in favor of preservation and expressed that he would be in support of decisions that would be in the best interest of the city. Ms. Miller brought up the history and the importance of the gates to many community members and their families. Mr. Kaliszewski mentioned the developer and the potential for incorporating the gates into the plans and what that might look like. 6. ADJOURNMENT – Next Meeting: March 9, 2021 at Central Square Community Center. Respectfully submitted, Amy Dybsetter