Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes

City Hall, 475 SE Main Street

Wednesday, January 25, 2006 – 7:00 pm

1. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm.

2. Roll Call

Present: Mike Uhlig, Steve Guilliams, Dennis Dahrens, Lisa Homan, Zoe Miller, Dianna Turk, Phil Lingelbach, Councilor Becky Arnold, Traci Hovda.

3. Approve December 28, 2005 Minutes

Consensus was to approve the minutes as presented.

4. Citizen’s Concerns & Comments

There were none.

5. City Council Liaison Report

Councilor Arnold reported on the Wade Creek Design RFQ that was considered by City Council this week. CM is to approach the top two proposals with specific questions regarding pricing. Staff will then be able to proceed with securing grants. Council hopes to pick the final company in February. Dianna asked what happens if there is not enough money available by April - are we dead in the water or can they borrow the money from other funds. Becky explained that at the time the Council votes on it the budget will lined out and the funds will be covered.

6. Commission Business

Wade Creek:

Wade Creek Design Selection – Phil stated that we have taken the next step in the design process and set up a meeting with Quatrafoil. This meeting will be to determine their final proposed cost and timeline. Phil stated that the blueprint probably will not be done by the April grant deadline, but Phil is going to see if they can have a rough draft available. Phil hopes to have additional information for the Council by February 4th.

Money for the Design – Phil is still working on contacting local foundations regarding funding. He is letting them know that we are looking for $5,000 to be used toward the design project.

Wade Creek Grant Update – Phil explained that we had a proposal for the park and a proposal for 4^th Street realignment. We didn’t receive as much as requested even on the 4^th Street project, and nothing towards the Park project. In April there is a grant that looks good for us, it’s a local state grant based upon lottery dollars. This grant doesn’t require a lot of match from the City. He is looking at applying in phases, Phase I would be all of the basics of the park without the skatepark. Phase II would be the skatepark. This way the park would be completely operational before the skatepark is built.

Dianna explained that they are now calling the skatepark “skater’s square” so to give the idea that it’s only a part of the park, not affecting the entire park.

Phil stated that we are looking at dredging the pond to allow greater water capacities. Staff is talking over the issues with the state agencies.

Valentine for the Park – the group decided to table this idea to next year. There just isn’t enough time to get this done and organized properly. The group is contemplating ideas for future projects.

Earth Day Event? – April 22^nd, the group discussed if there were things to cleanup or not. Dianna discussed having an open house to show the design plan.

The Commission would like to place a larger sign on the property. Mike has a contact that said he would do it for $150. Zoe moved to ask City Council to approve $150 for additional signage at Wade Creek Park. Lisa seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

Dennis suggested using the hearts, changing the wording and selling them at the Earth Day event. Lisa suggested another idea involving rose bushes.

Replacement for Donna – staff will advertise for it.

7. Citizen’s Concerns & Comments

There was none.

8. Commission Report & Comments

Steve thanked Phil for all his hard work, and thanked Becky for her support.

9. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 pm.

Next agenda:

Set next agenda line item

Wade Creek

Earth Day

Heart & Rose fund raiser

4^th of July

Summer Party