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City of Hastings Natural Resources and Recreation Commission Minutes April 11, 2006 6:00 pm 1)Roll Call at 6 pm: Commissioners Christenson, Popp, Rohloff, Schommer, Vaughan and Parks and Recreation Director Bernstein and Superintendent Smith. Absent: Commissioners Brown and Vandehoef. 2)Approved March meeting minutes. Motion by Schommer. Seconded by Vaughan. Passed unanimously. 3)Setting Agenda: Director Bernstein requested two additions to New Business – “Pool Business Plan” and “Bus Tour.” “Sign at the Arena” was added to Old Business. 4)Director Bernstein handed out departmental updates to the NRRC members for their review. Superintendent Smith mentioned that since the updates were done, the lacrosse fields have been painted, the fence cap installation is nearing completion at the ball fields, and that the turf is down at the Civic Arena. He also mentioned that the City Forester, Paul Mahoney, received notice that Hastings was chosen to receive the Tree City USA award for 2005 and that he and Paul would be attending a ceremony to accept that award. 5)Aquatic Center Sun Shades: Director Bernstein explained that bids have been received from 4 vendors. The sun shades would go over the concession area and also the lifeguard chairs. The installation will be completed by the Parks & Recreation Dept. Staff. MOTION: Commissioner Rohloff motioned that we accept the bid from Sun Ports for sun shades at the Hastings Family Aquatic Center. Seconded by Commissioner Vaughan. Passed unanimously. 6)Hastings Hawks Agreement: Director Bernstein mentioned that there were a few changes made to the agreement with the Hastings Hawks, mostly in regards to the bathrooms. The agreement was initially drawn up in 2000 with the understanding that it would be revisited annually. Since there were no major changes to the agreement, it has not been redone until this time. Director Bernstein mentioned that since we will have evening staff at Vet’s Park this year, the bathrooms can be open more frequently. Commissioner Christenson mentioned that anytime the concession stands are open, the bathrooms are as well. 7)T-Mobile: Director Bernstein mentioned that T-Mobile had approached him regarding dead spot in their network here in Hastings. They would like to put up a 75’ tower with an electronics area to rectify their situation. They first requested to place the tower at the Aquatic Center. Due to the aesthetics of the neighborhood, this is not felt to be a viable area. Then, they requested a spot by the tennis courts. Much of that land is owned by the Highway Dept., so that is not a good choice either. The final option is to place the tower at the Parks & Recreation Office. Director Bernstein mentioned that the amount of the monthly rental fee needs to be raised before we would consider allowing this. 8)Cell Phone Use in Facilities: Director Bernstein passed out a draft copy of a policy regarding cell phone use in our facilities. The concern is that with the abundance of camera cell phones and the difficulty to distinguish between phones with cameras and phone without cameras, there is a danger of misuse in the locker/changing rooms at our facilities. Commissioner Christenson wondered if cell phones should be restricted on the pool deck as well. Director Bernstein mentioned that the big problem is enforcement. Concerns were raised by various commissioners including – Will younger staff members feel comfortable enforcing policy? What if someone is using the cell phone for an emergency or to contact a babysitter/family member? If we ask people to leave the pool to use their phones, will they be able to re-enter due to capacity issues? Commissioner Rohloff mentioned that at the YMCA, no phones or cameras are allowed in at all. Commissioner Christenson mentioned the