Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission

South St. Paul Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes of November 10th, 2020 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, Amy Dybsetter 1. INTRODUCTIONS – 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Matthew Hamilton and second by Ron Morgan to approve the Minutes of September 8th, 2020. 6 Yays. 0 Nays. Motion Passed. 3. OLD BUSINESS 3A. Recreation Program Updates – Cancellations and Special Events Breakfast with Santa 2020 will be cancelled due to COVID-19 as confirmed by Mr. Lindamood. No alternatives are being discussed at this time. 3B. Kaposia Landing – Phase 2 Construction Update Ms. Young advised that 19 solar lights have been installed by Public Works and seating is completed. The City of South St. Paul will now handle facility maintenance. She relayed the understanding that final payment was made, under budget. 3C. Doug Woog Arena Updates Ms. Young provided a rink rental update, including: 800 hours ice time being booked by Woodbury at $215 per hour and South St. Paul with 550 hours at $215 per hour, bringing in $118,000, contracts valid up to 10 years. Ms. Young complimented George Emerson and rink staff on their work. Mr. Hanson added that the Arena has made good progress financially but has been affected by COVID. The Community Learning Center leaving the Arena also presents challenges with the capital expense payment, with an estimated revenue loss of $90-100,000 revenue loss. Mr. Hanson added that things are still going in the right direction, there is an improvement from two years ago. 3D. CIP Projects – Park Signs Ms. Young reported that the new park signs have been installed at McMorrow, Harmon, Spruce, Lorraine and Seidl’s. Installation is pending for five additional signs. 3E. Wakota Trailhead & Overlook – Flap Grant 2022 Ms. Young noted there were no updates to this at this time. Funding amount for the 2021 grant is still unknown. 3F. Trail Interpretive Signs Update Ms. Young noted there were no updates at this time. Pending delivery and installation. 3G. SHIP GRANT – Bryant Avenue Pedestrian Bridge Feasibility Study Ms. Young reported that Sue Polka has assumed this project and that she had nothing to add at this time as discussed. Last 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. Disc Golf Basket Sponsorship Ms. Young reported that all 30 baskets purchased by sponsorship have been installed at Kaposia Park. The bidding for the old baskets was a success, with Parks & Recreation receiving eight bids. One of the bids came in at $4,000 for all 26 baskets. It was determined that one of the old baskets went missing and was replaced with a loaned one, so there ended up being 25 baskets available. A settlement was made at $3,800 for the 25 baskets. The sponsorship brought in $13,500, which will go back into the course. 4B. Outdoor Ice Rinks Ms. Young stated that there were three options presented to City Council regarding outdoor rinks. Option A) Operate two outdoor rinks Option B) Operate all rinks with no warming houses Option C) Operate rinks with warming houses. The Council agreed that Option B would be best. Ms. Young also informed the group that the asphalt at Jefferson has been removed and it is being replaced with a layered rock, crushed concrete mixture to provide a better base. Ideally it will help with flooding and extending the ice season. She also added that doors are being replaced. Mr. Hanson added that Public Works is going to alter priorities for ice rink maintenance and flooding. They intend on flooding Jefferson earlier in the season if weather allows. In addition, $140,000 was budgeted in the CIP for Jefferson in 2021 renovation, however, due to the South St. Paul School District looking to sell the parcel, the intention is to move the funds to Lorraine instead for base reconstruction and boards replacement. 4C. Staffing and Central Square Community Center Update Ms. Young discussed staffing changes, including Mr. Esser and Mr. Mazzali’s departure. At this time Mr. Mazzali’s position will not be filled because of program cancellations due to COVID. Ms. Young provided an update on Central Square operation and fitness classes. Gym is open, limited fitness classes and water classes are happening, including some senior classes. Mr. Hanson added that the future operation of the building is in discussion by the City and the School District. The School District is conducting a facility study and community feedback sessions. Prior to COVID, membership at Central Square was declining, making operation unsustainable, COVID only worsening the condition. The budget has been prepared to end of June 2021. Deficit for 2020 will end with a $35,000 loss, 2021 with $13,300 loss. It has been discussed that the Senior Center will remain in operation, but it is unclear where or who will operate it. 6. ADJOURNMENT – Next Meeting: December 8th, 2020 at Central Square Community Center. Respectfully submitted, Amy Dybsetter