Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission

South St. Paul Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes of March 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, Cynthia Callais, Josh Regan, Cindy Bonawitz Members Absent: Ron Morgan, Mike Lindamood, Others Present: Joel Hanson, Joe Kaliszewski, Sue Polka, Casey Black, Shannon Young, Amy Dybsetter 1. INTRODUCTIONS 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Matthew Hamilton and second by Cynthia Callais to approve the Minutes of February 9, 2021. 5 Yays. 0 Nays. Motion Passed. 3. OLD BUSINESS 3A. SHIP GRANT - Bryant Avenue Pedestrian Bridge Feasibility Study Sue Polka, City Staff Engineer and Casey Black from SRF Consulting Group, attended the meeting with Mr. Black presenting on the project. The presentation revealed three proposals for the Bryant Avenue Pedestrian Bridge Alternative 1 – On the current bridge. ($5.1 million) Alternative 2 – Next to the bridge. ($7.1 million) Alternative 3 – Location away from current bridge ($4.6 million) Considerations must be made with regards to the railroad, current easements and overpass agreement. The Mississippi River Greenway also runs under the bridge, so plans must include a bypass with minimal disruptions. They are recommending Alternative 1. Alternative 1 provides minimal disruption, with prefab trusses that can be moved into place and can fall under the current easement agreement guidelines. The recommendation would without an approach guardrail. Staging will occur primarily on the south and east side and require a bypass to be set up for the Greenway. 3B. Recreation Program Updates – Outdoor Rinks Ms. Young reported that the outdoor rinks are closed for the season but experienced a record number of days in operation, being open 56 days and closed for only 2. Ms. Young reported that a big part of the season’s success was due to the Public Works Department and their effort in building the ice base and maintaining it. The new surface at Jefferson was also a big help. Mr. Hanson commented that part of the success was also due to the working relationship with Ms. Young and the Public Works Department. 3C. Kaposia Landing – Phase 2 Construction Update Ms. Young stated that the goal is for completion is at the end of May 2021, weather permitting. Construction will potentially begin in April. 3D. Doug Woog Arena Updates Ms. Young reported that the city and staff are currently working with a vendor and a potential lease at the CLC space at the Arena. The Arena will be hosting the Junior Gold State Tournament March 26, 27, 28th. Open public skating will be available over Spring Break at the end of March. Mr. Hanson added that the Arena has made progress on the deficit from 2018 and were on a positive track prior to COVID, but still ended 2020 approximately $2,300 up. 3E. Wakota Trailhead & Overlook – FLAP Grant 2022 Ms. Polka reported that they are currently working on the RFP and looking at a possible construction date of 2022. 3F. Park Assignments/Visit Reports Ms. Miller reported a complaint of graffiti at Simons Ravine tunnel. Ms. Young reported that it had been taken care of in the morning by the county. Mr. Regan reported that Wildflower Levee Park has a broken sign and some graffiti on a trash can. No other reports. 3G. Central Square Update Ms. Young reported that there have been ongoing meetings with the school district, and a joint meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 18th with city staff, school district board members, and city council. Mr. Hanson added that the history of the conversation has included sustainability, and the school district is evaluating the financial aspect of Central Square operation in regards to the districts best interest. In looking at cumulative costs, there is an estimated loss of $225,000- 350,00 per year, though some are sunken costs. He added that community centers in general are struggling, so it is not Central Square in particular. 3H. Summer Recreation Programming Ms. Young reported that she met with programmers from Mendota Heights and West St. Paul to discuss what types of programs they are planning for summer. She added that T-ball will take place for sure. She has been working on aquatics certifications. 4. NEW BUSINESS - 4A. New Board Member Ms. Young introduced new member, Cindy Bonawitz. She is not new to local programming and activities, she worked at Central Square as a team member for about a year and a half, lives in South St. Paul and frequents our local parks. 4B. Staffing Ms. Young reported that Dallas Apfelbacher will not be running summer adult softball. An email will be going out soon with information on signups for summer ball. 5. OTHER BUSINESS - 5A. Egg Hunt Ms. Bonawitz asked if the Egg Hunt was taking place. Ms. Young stated it is not as of right now. There are too many requirements and restrictions at this time, and it presents a number of logistical challenges. 5B. South St. Paul Celebration Ms. Young mentioned that South St. Paul recently celebrated its 134th birthday! 5C. Fix It Clinic Ms. Young discussed the upcoming Fix It Clinic, which in the past has been held at Central Square, but is now held virtually. It is offered through Dakota County, March 21st. 6. ADJOURNMENT – Next Meeting: April 13, 2021 at Central Square Community Center. Respectfully submitted, Amy Dybsetter