REGULAR MEETING City of Oakdale CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the Oakdale Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday,, at Oakdale City Hall, 1584 Hadley Avenue, Oakdale, Minnesota. The meeting was called to order by Chair Bethke at 7:00 p.m. CALL OF ROLL On a call of roll, the following were present: Chair: Commissioners: Also Present: Absent (Excused): Maxine Bethke Colleen Swedberg Jane Klein Janet Cunningham Paul Lockhart Jason Kuchenmeister Bill Rasmussen, City Council Brian Bachmeier, Public Works Director Jeff Koesling, Parks Superintendent Julie Williams, Recreation Superintendent PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE APPROVAL OF MINUTES : Regular Meeting, November 21, 2017 A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER SWEDBERG, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KLEIN TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING OF NOVEMBER 21, 2017 AS PRESENTED. CITY COUNCIL UPDATE Bill Rasmussen Councilmember Rasmussen welcomed the new members joining the Parks and Recreation Commission. The number of members will soon be seven, with the newest member planned to be approved at the next city council meeting. The three newest members will be men, balancing the four women members on the commission. It will be an exciting year for Parks and Recreation with planning the 3M Property development.
Page 2 INTRODUCE NEW COMMISSIONERS Maxine Bethke Commissioner Bethke introduced Paul Lockhart and Jason Kuchenmeister, the two new members joining the Parks and Recreation Commission tonight. A meet and greet took place before the meeting and we are glad to have the new members. Parks Superintendent Koesling has known Paul Lockhart from the Oakdale Athletic Association football program, and has known Jason Kuchenmeister for years. Both will be a great addition to the commission. ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR Maxine Bethke Commissioner Bethke described the process of electing a new chair and vice chair. Each commissioner receives two ballots; one vote for chair and one vote for vice chair. The written ballots will be collected by Director Bachmeier. Director Bachmeier collected the paper ballots and announced the unanimous decision of the commission to elect Maxine Bethke (all six votes) as chair and Colleen Swedberg as vice chair (all six votes). PARKS UPDATE Jeff Koesling Hockey and Pleasure Rink Season Superintendent Koesling informed that this season has been the best in the past five winters. According to Nathan Timmons, who records stats on usage, days open and attendance were up this year. Park crews have the goal of opening before schools go on Christmas break. This was achieved with the exception of Northdale, where the location takes longer to get ice and opened the week after Christmas. There were only a couple days in the season with temperatures over 40 degrees and the ice didn t take much of a hit. On February 23, the decision was made to close with back to back snowfalls and upper 40 degree temperatures. Winter Trails and Sidewalks Mr. Koesling presented information that Director Bachmeier shared at the last city council meeting. Since November 1, there have been 25+ plowing and salting events, 50 + of snow (40 came after January 1), crews have used over 1,500 tons of salt, and over 1,200 miles of trails and sidewalks have been cleared. 2018 Summerfest Summerfest will take place June 21 23 this year. The parade applicants are on track, entertainment is booked for the bandshell on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, the fireworks through RES Pyrotechnics are set for the night of June 23, and vendor applications are being received weekly. Tanners Lake Park Pickleball Courts Mr. Koesling has emailed the contractor and is waiting to hear back. It is known that the contractor spends winters in Florida. Mr. Koesling hopes to bring an update to the commission next month. The estimate came in under budget and the exact cost will be sent to Chair Bethke. The contractor is also interested in relining the hard court basketball area and will provide an estimate.
Page 3 Billboard Signage at Walton Park Complex Chair Bethke expressed interest in reaching out to new Oakdale businesses and the Oakdale Area Chamber of Commerce about opportunities to advertise using billboards at the Walton Park Softball Complex. Mr. Koesling replied that adult softball is declining and the Oakdale Adult Softball Association is struggling again to get participants this year. They were hurting last year. Billboards that had been up over the years were removed because the payers were not continuing to pay the $50 yearly fee to keep their sign up. The original set up fee for a billboard was around $250, with cost being dependent on design. WALTON RESTROOM FACILITY REMODELING Brian Bachmeier Director Bachmeier reported that an architect evaluated the Walton Park restroom facilities for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Measurements determined that the women s restroom had a door with a width 6 too narrow and that swings the wrong way. Sinks, mirrors, and hand dryers are mounted too high and need to be lowered in both the men s and women s restrooms. The accessible stall in the men s restroom is too small, and a wall must be relocated to provide width. The sink and dryer must be relocated in the men s restroom as they currently protrude into the entrance corridor. The outside drinking fountain also needs to be lowered. Along with the required modifications, Mr. Bachmeier recommended replacing the asphalt shingle roof with a metal roof, and adding a thin brick façade to be consistent with the other park buildings in color and appearance. While it was desirable to also add storage space to the building, the location of underground utilities, a picnic shelter, and dumpster will not allow enough space for expansion of the building. The budget for the project is $75,000. The next step is for the Parks and Recreation Commission to accept the project in order for talks to begin with contractors for costs associated with the modifications. Two quotes minimum are required for projects under $100,000. If the cost of the project is over $100,000, the project must be publicly advertised to collect bids. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER LOCKHART SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER SWEDBERG TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE WALTON RESTROOM FACILITY REMODELING PROJECT. TANNERS LAKE PARK BEARTH MEMORIAL SCOREBOARD Brian Bachmeier Director Bachmeier reviewed the project that was initiated in 2016, originally to be financed by donations, that is now included in the Parks Capital Improvement Plan. Due to the two year delay, Mr. Bachmeier contacted the contractors who had previously submitted quotes for the project. One quote was received for foundation work and scoreboard installation. Electromechanicals looked at their 2016 quote for what needed to be amended as there have been increases in material costs. The total for the project is $44,275, less than $5,000 more than the 2016 estimate. This primarily reflects the cost of materials in the past two years. Items relating to this project in 2016 that have already been completed include landscaping, a flagpole, and a plaque. The only items still needed are related to the scoreboard. Mr.
Page 4 Bachmeier talked to the Finance Director, Suzy Warren, and there are sufficient funds to cover the difference in cost from the 2016 quote. Around $6,000 in donations were collected. The Oakdale Athletic Association had offered to contribute $4,000-$5,000 toward the scoreboard, and Mr. Bachmeier can reach out to see if they will honor that former donation. The balance will be covered by Park Reserve Funds. The next step will be bringing the recommendation to council next Tuesday for an award so the project can proceed. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER CUNNINGHAM SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER SWEDBERG TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE TANNERS LAKE BEARTH MEMORIAL SCOREBOARD PROJECT. RECREATION UPDATE Jeff Koesling Indoor Garage Sale Mr. Koesling reported that the annual event held on Saturday, March 10 had over 400 shoppers and 23 vendors. After the event, over 50 boxes of unwanted donations were collected by the Disabled Vets of Minnesota. Snowshoe Season Lots of snow brought in over 40 people to take advantage of the snowshoe rental program at the Discovery Center. Artist of the Month Painting Pals return in March for their annual display at the Oakdale Discovery Center. The group of local painters meet weekly at the Gladstone Senior Center for their painting class. Ten artists brought their paintings; each chose two to put on display. There is a wide variety of subject matter and personal style. Mediums include watercolor, acrylic, pastels, black ink & pen. Family Skating Day On Saturday, March 10, 40 skaters attended the free event at Tartan Arena. Makin Maple Syrup The perennial favorite was held on Sunday, March 11 at the Oakdale Nature Preserve. Participants learned how syrup is made and how to tap trees. Oakdale Wellness 50+ - Over 50 Oakdale residents met for a community gathering on March 8 with community leaders and the Oakdale Wellness 50+ team for an update on the accomplishments of the group and their future plans. The next Wellness 50+ event will take place on Thursday, March 24 from 10:30 AM 12:30 PM at the Discovery Center. The group will discuss a selection of books on improving health and wellness as well as a book club opportunity. Indoor Market A successful season was wrapped up on Saturday, March 17. The attendance was strong with an average of 300-350 shoppers per week. There was a great mix of return vendors and new vendors. Best Snow Sculpture Contest It has been a good winter for building snow sculptures. To date, 11 fantastic entries with the theme Summer at the Beach have been received. Entries
Page 5 must be submitted by March 30. The winner will receive a $100 gift card to Marcus Theater and will be contacted on April 2. Good luck participants! Summer Recreation Newsletter Early Edition The newsletter will be available online and in house early April. Early summer registration will begin April 26. Annual Mystery Egg Hunt Saturday, March 31 will be one of the largest events of the year. 200 kids search along the trails of the Oakdale Nature Preserve for colored eggs, along with the golden eggs. Face painters, petting zoo, games, crafts, treats and great prizes are included. Matter of Balance Oakdale Recreation partnered with Oakdale Wellness 50+ to bring a new program that is designed to reduce fear of falling and increase activity in older adults. People who develop this fear often limit themselves, resulting in physical weakness making the risk of falling even greater. The class focus will be improving the quality of life and remaining independent. Sundae Bingo The annual spring Sundae Bingo will be held Sunday, April 15 at the Discovery Center. Play a variety of bingo games while enjoying ice cream sundaes. Event partner Trustone Financial will supply ice cream and the Oakdale Summerfest Royalty will call the numbers. Saturday Gardening Topics On Saturday, April 7 there will be a Junior Master Gardeners Seed Starting program for kids. The series is presented by Master Gardener of Washington County Jane Klein. Participants can reserve a spot by calling the Recreation Department. Discovery Center Beehive New official beekeepers Karen and Dwayne Voy will replace AJ Moses who is moving out East. They will tentatively install their hive on Saturday, April 14 at 12:00 PM and invite those interested to view the installation. Community Walk The popular community walk returns in April. There are a few changes for the 2018 season, and the details are being finalized. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Park Clean Up Week Commissioner Cunningham promoted Park Clean-Up Week taking place April 23-27, during Earth Week. She and Marge Sagstetter invite others to join in cleaning Eastside Park on Tuesday evening at 6:00 PM. 2018 Pete Graske Arbor Day Tree Giveaway Commissioner Klein invited Oakdale residents to Walton Park on Saturday, April 28. Numbers will be given out at 9:00 AM for 200 trees that will be given away including Contender Peach Trees, Hackberry Trees, Mountain Ash (not subject to Emerald Ash Borer), and spruce. Oakfield Community Tree Planting Commissioner Klein invited Oakdale residents to contact the City Forester to sign up to volunteer for the volunteer planting event, taking place at
Page 6 Oakfield Park on May 5 at 8:00 AM. Donuts and coffee will be served at the start of the event. Lunch will be served after. Landscape Revival Commissioner Swedberg invited Oakdale residents to the event taking place Saturday, June 9 at the Walton Park Bandshell. ADJOURNMENT A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER CUNNINGHAM SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER SWEDBERG TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE, DATED MARCH 20, 2018, AT 7:43 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Laura Heimkes