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City of Hastings
Natural Resources and Recreation Commission Minutes
June 12, 2007 – 6:00 pm
1) Roll Call at 6 pm: Commissioners Miller, Nelson, Popp, Rohloff, Schommer, Vandehoef, and Vaughan, Parks
and Recreation Director Bernstein
Absent: Superintendent Smith
2) Approved May meeting minutes. Motion by Vandehoef. Seconded by Schommer. Passed unanimously.
3) Setting Agenda: Director Bernstein added “Mississippi River Trail Replacement Lights” under Old Business.
4) Director Bernstein updated the commissioners on things happening in the department. Commissioner
Schommer complimented staff for the improved playing field at Vets Complex this year. He also mentioned
that other groups have commented on the improved playing conditions this year.
5) New Business
- 5 Year Capital Improvement Plan: The commissioners were given a draft version of the five-year CIP that
the department has developed. The commissioners questioned the $350,000 proposed to repair the tennis
courts in 2008. Director Bernstein explained that while this project would most likely not occur in 2008,
he wanted to put the full amount on the CIP so that planning could take place for the future. The heaving
and cracking that is occurring can only really be fixed by removing the courts, digging down 6-8” and
placing good fill down before laying the courts again. In the meantime, we will continue to fill the cracks
and paint to maintain the courts as much as possible. Commissioner Vaughan wondered if MnDot might
be willing to help with the cost of this project, since we are leasing the land from them. Commissioner
Schommer also asked about the mini-golf course that is listed for 2009. Director Bernstein stated that
since our aquatic center can’t expand, and it was one of the first generation pools, staff is looking for
ways to keep it as an attraction. A mini-golf course located by the pool would generate revenue and
would also draw people to the pool as an added attraction.
6) Old Business
- HEP Letter: Director Bernstein informed the NRRC that staff is attempting to work more closely with the
Engineering Department to ensure that the Tree Preservation Plan is followed and upheld. A request was
also made to the Public Works Director to get our city forester more involved in projects so that the
guidelines can be followed.
- NRRC Handbook: A handbook for NRRC members has been developed by staff. This handbook will be
especially useful for new commissioners, but there is a lot of valuable information in the handbook for all
members.
- Mississippi River Trail Replacement Lights: Due to extensive vandalism to our light poles along the
Vermillion River Gorge and the Levee Park Trail, Xcel Energy will no longer maintain these lights. With
the addition of the City Electrician, this project is now being handled by him. Director Bernstein passed
out a memo from the Public Works Department with suggested options for replacing these lights. The
new fixtures would be on wooden poles, which should be more vandal-proof. Screening would also be
included with the light fixtures to try and reduce breakage. Director Bernstein isn’t a fan of the wooden
poles in Levee Park, mainly due to aesthetics.
MOTION: Commissioner Rohloff motioned to recommend this proposal to City Council. Seconded by
Vandehoef. Passed 6-1; Vaughan dissenting.
7) TRAC Bus Tour: The NRRC took a TRAC bus tour of Lake Rebecca, Hastings River Flats, Westwood Park,
Veterans Athletic Complex, and the Hastings Civic Arena.
th
Next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 10, 2007 at City Hall.
Adjourned at 7:47 p.m.
Minutes submitted by: Kristin Behrens