HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-09-2010 NRRC 02 Dec MinutesCity of Hastings
Natural Resources and Recreation Commission Minutes
Parks & Recreation Conference Room
December 8, 2009 – 6:00 pm
1) Roll Call at 6 pm: Commissioners Flaten, Schommer, Miller, Rohloff, Smith, Tessmer-Tuck and Vandehoef, Parks and
Recreation Director Bernstein, Superintendent Smith, Councilmembers Nelson, Slavik, Hollenbeck and Schultz, Dan
Fluegel, Dave Osberg, Keith Graumann, Century South Neighbors
November Minutes:
2) Motion to approve by Miller. Seconded by Rohloff. Passed unanimously.
Setting Agenda:
3) Director Bernstein removed “Joint Powers Presentation” from the agenda as Don Kramlinger was
unable to attend
4) Departmental updates were reviewed with NRRC members.
HYAA and Vets Park Youth Complex:
5) HYAA recently approached Director Bernstein and asked about furthering
the idea of a youth complex at Vets Park. This complex is included in our Parks Comprehensive Plan and would have
60’ bases and 225’ fences. Barry told HYAA that to actively pursue any outside funding we need to have a professional
concept plan. Brauer and Associates (the same consultants who did the latest Parks Comprehensive Plan) would be able
to do a concept plan of the youth complex for around $5,000. HYAA asked if the City would be able to pay a portion of
that fee, but Barry stated that in the City’s current financial situation, we would not be able to contribute at this time.
The HYAA will be voting on providing funding for the concept plan via email and then will let Barry know the
outcome. Barry also mentioned that the property that the youth complex would be placed on currently belongs to the
Hastings Economic Development and Redevelopment Commission. He is attending the HEDRA meeting on Thursday
to request that the land be transferred to the City at no or low cost so that the youth complex could be developed there in
the future. HYAA has committed to contributing financially to the development of this youth complex, although no
specific amounts have been given.
Outlot J – Century South Update:
6) A recap of the last meeting regarding the hockey rink on Outlot J was given. The
homeowners had agreed to speak with their association about leasing/insuring the property or the possibility of forming
an LLC and getting a group policy to cover the rink. Director Bernstein received an email from Angie Schiller stating
that the association was not willing to insure property they don’t own. Declaring the property as excess and putting it up
for bid was another option that had been considered, but this process would take time and the residents were concerned
that someone else might end up winning the bid.
The residents asked about the insurance the City carries on other rinks. The City has liability coverage and the rinks
would come under the City’s umbrella. The City’s insurance is through the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust.
The City is not self-insured. City Attorney Dan Fluegel explained that if the rink is allowed on City property, the City
would have to meet certain obligations in terms of maintenance and inspection. The residents asked what the difference
would be between the sheet of ice at Cannon Park and flooding Outlot J. Staff explained that there are maintenance
items that staff does because Cannon is a City park. Outlot J isn’t a park and the current set up with the hockey rink and
lights wouldn’t pass muster as a City facility. Dave Osberg asked the residents if they were now asking for just flooding
a general rink with no other improvements (boards, lights, etc.) The residents stated that since time was running short,
they were hoping to at least have that for this season so that the neighborhood kids could have somewhere to skate. The
City can’t get a water truck back to that property due to weight restrictions on the trail. Dan Fluegel stated that it may be
possible for the flooding to be done by the residents if City staff does regular inspections. Councilmember Schultz asked
who would shovel the rink – the residents or city staff? The residents are willing to do the shoveling if that is allowable.
MOTION:
Commissioner Smith motioned to recommend approval of allowing neighborhood residents to provide
water for the flooding of a general ice rink on Outlot J for the 2009-10 skating season subject to City Council approval
and legal requirements being met, with the City providing regular inspection and verification of proper maintenance by
the volunteers. Seconded by Miller. Passed unanimously.
st
Dave Osberg stated that he will bring this motion before City Council on December 21. Councilmember Schultz also
mentioned that many cities have been dropping hockey rinks due to budget constraints, but that some cities are using
volunteer labor to continue the rinks. She would like Hastings to speak with these other cities and see how they are able
to use volunteer labor for the rinks. It might be something Hastings will need to look at in the future with budget
constraints.
New Business:
7)
- Commissioner Flaten asked why the Wallin warming house isn’t open on Sunday nights. He said he has noticed
people using the rink on Sunday nights, but they’ve had to put on their skates outside in the snow. Barry explained
that the department only has a certain amount of money budgeted for the warming houses, and that traditionally
Sunday nights have been our lowest attendance numbers, so we close the warming houses at 6:00 pm on Sundays.
Brian asked why the warming houses are kept open on bad weather or very cold days – could they be closed then
and some of that money be used to have warming houses open later on Sundays? Barry stated that we like to at least
open the warming houses during the advertised hours in case some children come to skate and don’t realize the
weather conditions are dangerous. We do close early if we have a large snow event or the wind chill goes below -25
degrees. Commissioner Vandehoef mentioned that Inver Grove Heights follows a similar procedure with their
warming houses.
Old Business:
8)
- Commissioner Miller asked about the Little League proposal from the last meeting. Barry stated that at this time, he
has received no further communication from this group.
- The new trail behind the Industrial Park has been finished and staff has noticed lots of people using the trail. It is
being added to the winter plow route.
MOTION to adjourn.
The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 12th at the Parks & Recreation Office.
Adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Kristin Behrens