Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission

South St. Paul Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes of March 8, 2022 The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting was called to order by Josh Regan at 6:00 p.m. at South St. Paul City Hall Members Present: Josh Regan, Cindy Bonowitz, Mike Lindamood, Lori Miller, Nicole Hall, Cretia Radman Members Absent: Joe Kaliszewski Others Present: Shannon Young, Mercedes Miklya 1. INTRODUCTIONS – Nicole Hall, Cretia Radman welcomed as new Commission Members 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Change minutes of February 8, 2022, to reflect motion made by Mike L. and second by Cindy B. Motion by Josh R and second by Lori M to approve the Minutes of Feb 8, 2022. 6 Yays O Nays Motion Approved. 3. OLD BUSINESS 3A. Recreation Program Updates – Flannel Fest, Summer Programs Flannel Fest: Ms. Miklya reviewed how successful Flannel Fest was even with the unfortunate weather during some of the events. Boot Hockey tournament was well attended and many asked if we would do again next year. Summer Programs: Mrs. Miklya when over all the new special events Parks and Recreation is offering this summer, Health and Wellness Camp, Wiggle Fest, Folks on Spokes, Trail Walk Treasure Hunt, Splish Splash Bash, Twins Youth Field Trips, T-ball, Adaptive Bowling, Sports Camps, Adult Volleyball, Adult Softball, Theater Camp, Football, Fishing Camp and Community Gardens. 3B. Doug Woog Arena Updates Mrs. Young explained Doug Woog Arena is in need of a new Infrared heat system in Rink one. John Wilcox and Seth Anderson are working to obtain quotes for replacement. The Doug Woog Arena’s busy season with the High School and youth associations will be slowing as we move towards the end of February. There are two big tournaments coming up in April and also playing host to the Ted Brill tournament in May. 3C. Wakota Trailhead & Overlook – FLAP Grant Ms. Young noted they are working with Dakota County to apply for a grant to help with the cost on the trail portion of the project. Max amount for the program grant is $250 thousand and requires a 25% match. 3D. Simons Pavers Program Mrs. Young explained how she is having a hard time finding a place to engrave matching bricks for Simons Ravine paver memorial. Mrs. Young asked the commission if they thought Parks and Recreation should continue this program, with the knowledge that bricks are faded and there are no pavers that will match the existing memorial bricks. Commissioner Miller suggested we put a sign up to commemorate the people who have pavers instead of refurbishing the pavers. 3E. Park Assignments/Visit Reports Park Assignments will be assigned on April 12th meeting once all the board member spots have been filled. 3F. Lorraine Park Tree Devastation Mrs. Young explained the trees at Lorraine park are predominately Ash trees along with several Oaks. Public works brought in a company to evaluate all the park trees. The Ash trees all have been infested with Emerald Ash Borer and will need to be removed from the park. The Oak trees on site will also need to be removed as they have Oak Wilt and are dying from the inside out. Ms. Young will update when trees start to be removed. We received a grant for 200 trees and some of these will be planted in the city parks. 4. NEW BUSINESS - A. Temporary Location Mrs. Young explains City Hall is getting remodeled. Everyone from the 1st level is moving to the 2nd level until the 1st phase of the project is compete. Pending Council approval. B. Outdoor Pools Update Mrs. Young explained are working hard at opening Northview Pool. We have reached out to two companies to provide us with information on the existing pools. Mrs. Miklya is working hard on recruiting and hiring lifeguards and pool staff. Mrs. Young noted the department will be updating the park master plan and planning will begin soon. C. Outdoor Skating Report Mrs. Miklya reported Outdoor rinks went well this winter. With the weather Public Works and Mrs. Miklya was able to open the outdoor rinks in December right before Christmas. Jefferson had the highest patron count this winter with hockey players utilizing the rink until 10:00 pm on several evenings. D. Jefferson Property Mrs. Young announced the Jefferson site is now owned by the city. We will discuss renaming the Park in the future. 5. OTHER BUSINESS Welcome new Board Members Nicole Hall and Cretia Radman. We look Forward to working with you! Congratulation Shannon Young on acquiring the Parks and Recreation Director title. 6. ADJOURNMENT – Next Meeting: April 12th, 2022, at City Hall Respectfully submitted, Mercedes Miklya