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Home My WebLink About02142006 City of Hastings Parks & Recreation Department 920 W 10th St. Hastings, MN 55033 Ph: (651) 480-6175 Fax: (651) 437-5396 www.ci.hastings.mn.us Aquatic Center 901 Maple St. Hastings, MN 55033 Ph: (651) 480-2392 Fax: (651) 437-5396 /- , Civic Arena : )01 Redwing Blvd. . - dastings, MN 55033 Ph: (651) 480-6195 Fax: (651) 437-4940 o Natural Resources and Recreation Commission Agenda Tuesday, February 14, 2006 6:00 PM 1) Call to Order: 2) Roll Call: 3) Approval of Minutes from January 2006: 4) Setting Agenda: 5) Open Mike: 6) Topics of Discussion: 7) Departmental Updates 8) Greten Park Update 9) Veterans' Roadside Signs 10) Hockey Boosters Dry Land Practice Area 11 ) Year End Report 12) New Business - Department Software - Verbal - Arena Summer Rental - Verbal - Grants - Verbal 13) Old Business - Lake Isabel - Verbal - Pool Business Plan - Verbal - Skate Park - Verbal - Levee Park Meeting Reminder - Verbal - Summer Softball 14) Next meeting: Tuesday, March 14,2006 15) Adjourn: All times are approximate 6:00 PM 6:05 PM 6:10 PM 6:15 PM 6:20 PM 6:25 PM 6:30 PM 6:35 PM 6:40 PM 6:50 PM 7:05 PM NRRC/NRRC agenda for Feb 2006.doc (/) 8) o " City of Hastings Natural Resources and Recreation Commission Minutes January 10, 2006 6:00 pm 1) Roll Call at 6 pm: Commissioners Christenson, Brown, Rohloff, Schommer and V andehoef, Parks and Recreation Director Bernstein and Superintendent Smith. Absent: Commissioners Popp and Vaughan. 2) Approved December meeting minutes. Motion by Brown. Seconded by Christenson. Passed unanimously. 3) 4) Director Bernstein welcomed Commissioner Brian Schommer to the NRRC as the newest member. Setting Agenda: Commissioner Christenson informed the NRRC that he had received a letter from Tecla Karpen from the Hastings Environmental Protectors and requested that it be read during the discussion of Featherstone Oaks. 5) 6) Director Bernstein handed out departmental updates to the NRRC members for their review. Levee Park Update: Director Bernstein has received information from Bonestroo related to the conceptual design structure. At this time, there are no actual plans, but we have received a timeline related to the proj ect. The goal is to have something set by the next construction season this spring. 7) 2006 NRRC Goals: The NRRC decided to table this issue until the February meeting when all of the commissioners could be present. Featherstone Oaks Development: The letter from Ms. Karpen which expressed concern about the destruction of trees on the property was read to the NRRC. Superintendent Smith shared with the NRRC how the Tree Preservation Guidelines / Plan are reviewed by himself and the City Forester before submitting recommendations to the Planning Department. In this case, the recommendation from the Parks & Recreation Department was to not approve the plan as presented. Superintendent Smith and the City Forester felt the plan was not detailed enough and recommended that the contractor hire an arborist to oversee the plan and preservation of the various trees. Director Bernstein mentioned that these are just guidelines, not hard and fast rules, and so our recommendation doesn't carry a large amount of weight. Commissioner Brown st.at.ed thflt the weight of our recommendation should be with the Planning Department in the initial stages. The other issue involving Featherstone Oaks is whether to request land (11 %) or cash dedication. MOTION: Commissioner Rohloffmotioned to receive cash dedication in lieu ofland for the Featherstone Oaks Development. Seconded by Commissioner Schommer. Approved unanimously. MOTION: Commissioner Brown motioned that the NRRC supports staff's recommendation to decline the Tree Preservation Plan dated December 21,2005 for Featherstone Oaks. Seconded by Commissioner Vandehoef Approved unanimously. 9) Facility Use Fees~.^quatic Center: Director Bernstein showed the NRRC a proposal from Darbie Johnson, the Aquatic Center Manager, to adjust fees at the Aquatic Center to be more comparable with other facilities in the area. One issue that was discussed was the opening date for this year. In the past, the Aquatic Center has opened Memorial Day weekend and then closed down again until school was out. This creates a cost of about $4,000 to open and maintain the pool while it is not being used. The attendance on Memorial Day weekend has not been high enough to warrant this extra cost. So, it is being proposed that our opening date be June 2nd and our closing date be August 2th. This is in line with what othedacilities in the area are doing. Also discussed in the proposal were slight admission increases, the addition of family passes and punch cards instead of season passes, and the elimination of Saturday morning swim lessons with evening classes being offered instead. MOTION: Commissioner Rohloff motioned to accept the proposal for the Hastings Family Aquatic Center as written. Seconded by Commissioner Brown. Approved unanimously. 10) Veterans' Signs: Director Bernstein has been approached by a group of Veterans who would like to put up memorial signs for veterans who have fallen in foreign wars along General Sieben Drive south ofHwy 55 until Cty Rd 46. The signs would be spaced 200-250 feet apart. After discussion regarding the specifics of the signs, the costs involved, the aesthetics of the project and the issue of vandalism, Commissioner Rohloff asked if this might be a project more appropriate to the Levee Park Redevelopment. Commissioner Schommer suggested that instead of signs, engraved pavers be placed in Levee Park as a memorial to the veterans. Commissioner Brown also suggested that we see if any of the other Veterans groups in town would be interested in supporting this project. Director Bernstein will bring the suggestions up at the next Levee Park meetings and will share his findings at the next NRRC meeting. 11) 2006 Protects: Director Bernstein commented that we will be busy this year! We received the approved budget for 2006 and have received approval for quite a few of our projects. They include - Culvert work at Lake Rebecca, Lake Isabel Study, Lions Park Shelter, Pioneer Park Backstop, Roadside Tennis Courts Resurfacing, Vermillion Falls Park shelter new roof, Vet's Athletic Complex fence guards and soccer field upgrades, South Pines Park development, Mississippi Boat Dock @ Hastings River Flats, Trail repair & maintenance, and Shade improvements at the pool. 12 ) New Business Director Bernstein would like to come up with a policy regarding Cell Phone usage in locker rooms. This is of concern due to the widespread usage of camera phones. Commissioner V andehoef shared a copy of Inver Grove Heights' statement regarding cell phones from one of their brochures. Superintendent Smith told the NRRC that five of the new park signs will be going up this year in the following locations: Mississippi River Flats, Old Mill Park, Featherstone Ponding Basin, Roadside Park and South Pines Park. Commissioner Christenson expressed a desire on the part of the residents around Tuttle Park to have a warming house by the ice rink. Superintendent Smith suggested that we review the City's guidelines for warming shelters regarding how many are allowed, the distance between each one, etc. / Another suggestion that was made by Director Bernstein was the possibility of renting a portable (') shelter. IJ) Old Business Director Bernstein passed out drawings of the proposed well house for Vermillion Falls Park. The style is very similar to the well house that is already located on the north side of the tennis courts. This well house will have a cedar shake roof, and so Director Bernstein has requested an alternate bid with Public Works for the Vermillion Falls Picnic Shelter as well. MOTION to Adjourn. Next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 14, 2006. Adjourned at 7:43 p.m. Minutes submitted by: Kristin Behrens o City of Hastings Parks & Recreation Department 920 W 10th St. Hastings, MN 55033 Ph: (651)480-6175 Fax: (651) 437-5396 www.ci.hastings.mn.us Aquatic Center 901 Maple St. ~t~,~55033 Ph: (651) 480-2392 Fax: (651)437-5396 CiviC Arena 2801 RedwingBlvd. Hastings, ~ 55033 Ph: (651) 480;.;6195 Fax: (651)43'7-4940 Natural Resources and Recreation Commission Departmental Updates Parks Maintenance Activities · In January we had 3 snow incidents where the staff was used to clear City Hall & the HRA property sidewalks. · We are doing our best to provide outdoor skating in Hastings, but throughout the past month there has been 8 days with early morning temperatures above freezing. On those days we were not able to make ice and in cases when the ice conditions are not safe we have been forced to close the rinks. · Two of our maintenance staff attended the quarterly Safety & Loss Workshop at the St. Paul League of Minnesota Cities office. · Equipment from the Vet's Ball Park has been brought in for annual repair & maintenance. This includes the Cushman field groomerl utility vehicle. · We have had various equipment demonstrations including the Bob Cat utility vehicle which will be able to handle all the skid loader attachments and service parks & trails winter and summer, Civic Arena · Week of 2/6/06 is the last High school games at Home Thu, Fri and Sat. · The new oil separators are doing great trapping the oil and retuning it to the compressors crank case. · There is a dog show booked in West arena May 6th - 7th. Put on by local Rio gran dog boarding kennels; they were at the Armory and outgrew it. They were looking for more space and chose the HCA. · One more youth tournament Mar 3rd_5th Hastings hockey boosters In house squirts and Mites · Amanda Truax Korobko - River blades skating lessons - 1st session had 110 students, her 2nd session has 85 students. Their class is on Saturdays at 10:45am-12:15pm. · The Hastings hockey boosters are doing some foot work to see if the arena could feasibly be open in Aug 1 Sept ice, I am thinking it would have to be about 23 hr's per week to be economically sound; · Looking to have Co-Ed soccer this spring Wednesdays Mar 22nd - May 10th. U01\9-. · Jose Cole Circus this May also sponsored Hastings rlot8f)' club City of Hastings Parks & Recreation Department now 10th St. Hastings, MN 55033 Ph: (651)480~6175 Pax: (651) 437-5396 www.ci.hastings.mn.us Aquatic Center 901 Maple St. Hastings, MN 55033 Ph: (651) 480~2392 Pax: (651)437-5396 CiVic Arena 2801 RedwingBlvd. "lastings,MN 55033 Ph: (651) 480-6195 Pax: (651)437-4940 MEMO Date: 2/8/05 To: NRRC Commission Members From: Barry Bernstein, Parks and Recreation Director Subject: Greten Park Update Back2round Information: If you recall, I presented to this committee an issue that residents surrounding Greten Park wished to have some additional equipment placed into this park to serve more residents and a wide range of users. A neighborhood meeting was held and attended by a couple ofNRRC members in October of2005. The Park and recreation Committee of Council requested I place this issue on the next City Council meeting for February 21 st. I will honor their request and allocate $16,000 for this project. Action: 1. Comments? REF: NRRC/greten pmk improvements I 2006 City of Hastings Parks & Recreation Department 920 W 10th St; Hastings, MN 55033 Ph: (651) 480-6175 Fax: (651) 437-5396 www.ci.hastings.mn.us Aquatic Center 901 Maple St. Hastings, MN 55033 Ph: (651)480-2392 Fax: (651) 437-5396 Civic Arena 2801 Red\\ing Blvd. ~:astings. MN 55033 t>h: (651) 480-6195 Fax: (651) 437-4940 MEMO Date: 1/19/06 To: Dave Osberg, City Administrator From: Barry Bernstein, Parks and Recreation Director Subject: Vet's Roadside Memorial Signs Backeround: For several months city leaders that at times have included Thomas Montgomery, John Hinzmann, Dave Osberg, Council member Edward Rivemess and I have met with a group of independent veterans discussing their proposal of memorializing Hastings veterans who have given the ultimate sacrifice defending this countiy. The wishes of this group is to further memorialize the forty three current solders who have served and died in combat from Wodd War 1 to any service men or women who served and have been killed in action to present day. Proposals: When I was brought into discussions regarding this matter, as I understand, the first proposal that was initiated by this group of veterans was to name streets after the KIA veterans. After meeting with the Planning Department, Public Works Department, Parks and Recreation Department and other staff, it was determined that naming streets after the fallen KIA would have too many obstacles to get a satisfactory desired result. Another idea from City staff was to possibly pace the names of the KIA along lrail segments throughout the city. This idea evolved into placing interruptive signs explaining different battles and the horrendous conditions these fighting men and women encountered. The veterans group whom we were meeting with did not seem to warm up to this idea. This idea evolved into the possibility of placing pavers in Levee Park as we redeveloped this park. The American Legion is very much opposed to this idea due to the memorial wall they have constructed. The current proposal from this group is to place signs' along both sides General Sieben Boulevard. They would be spaced so that all forty three KIA from Hastings would be prominently displayed. ."' The Current Proposal: The signage that is currently proposed is a custom made laminated sign (see enclosed) that measures 12" w and 18"h single sided 5/8" thick plastic . I \ matena . These signs are proposed to be mounted on steel posts with a sign backing for more stability and durability. The national standard for street signs is to have the bottom of the sign no less then seven feet from the ground. The signs would assumable be placed on the interior or non street side of the pedestrian trail and sidewalks. Cost: $83 per sign @ 43 signs Metal backing per sign @ $50 Shipping Steel posts/cement and hardware/other Total $3,569 $2,150 $325 $4.000 $10,044 These costs are an approximate to the overall project costs. . Next SteD: From what I Wlderstand, the independent veterans group does not have any dedicated funding for this project or has indicated they have funding available. My assumption is that they are looking for assistance from the city to compete this project. I believe this group would not be opposed to fundraising, but to my Wlderstanding, nothing has been discussed by either this veterans group or the City. This independent veteran's group natural desire is to have this project complete by the upcoming Memorial Day of 2006. All the information I have regarding this project has been mentioned in this information. I am asking for direction from the City leadership on what the next steps are we going to take regarding this project. If the City does decide to move forward with this projcct in 2006, at this point, 110 funding has been budgt:tt:d fur this prujt:l;t. I am confident that the Public Works Department and the Parks and Recreation Maintenance staff are able to install these signs to the satisfaction of the veterans group. If the decision is not to move forward with this project, we will need to inform the Tom Schmitz and the other independent veterans group. Since we have been meeting for several months, it is imperative that the direction of this project is chosen to either move forward or place this project on the back burner so that we are not spinning our wheels. Thank you! " City of Hastings Parks & Recreation Department 920 W lOth St. Hastings, MN 55033 Ph: (651)480-6175 Fax: (651)437-5396 w\\!w.ci.hastings.mn.us Aquatic Center 901 MapleSt. Hastings, MN 55033 Ph: (651) 480-2392 Pax: (651) 437-5396 Civic Arena '-801 RedwingBlvd. ,astings, MN55033 rh: (651) 480-6195 Pax: (651)437-4940 MEMO To: Dave Osberg, City Administrator From: Barry Bernstein, Parks & Recreation Director Date: January 23, 2006 Subject: Dry Floor Room at Arena Sliv and I had the opportunity to meet with Jerry Baum, President of the Hastings Hockey Boosters, on Friday, January 20,2006. The topic for this meeting was to discuss the Hastings Civic Arena improvements of placing a dry floor practice area in the currently vacant mezzanine level above the north side of the East Rink. A letter and sketch drawing is attached. I have summarized our conversation below and detailed the Arena improvement. Purpose From discussing this project with Jerry Baum, and the enclosed letter, it seems as if other hockey associations have facilities to utilize for dry level instruction. Jerry also mentioned that a facility such as this would benefit the hockey community by being able to instruct the hockey enthusiasts in an affordable manner. Otherwise, Hastings hockey players would need to travel and pay high fees for similar instruction. Scope of Proiect The Hastings Hockey Boosters propose to construct a 20' x 36' enclosed room for this dry level instructional area. Their plan is to place netting extending from the 10' walls to capture errant hockey pucks. The room would have a synthetic ice sheet to simulate the ice conditions. Access doors would be installed to ensure access to any arena storage that is currently located in this area. Ouestions I Answers... The following questions were asked by the Parks & Recreation Director and received the following responses: Q. Is there any formal agreement with Stotko Speedling Builders? A. The Hastings Hockey Boosters at the present time do not have nor intend to have a formal agreement with this contractor, but would enter into a formal agreement if necessary. Q. Who is supplying the labor? A. From conversation with Jerry Baum, and from the attached letter, it seems as if the contractor is only going to provide support and will utilize volunteers to assist with construction. " Q. Funding and Long-Term maintenance/Replacement A. The estimated project cost is approximately $8,000. The funding would entirely come from the Hastings Hockey Boosters. In addition, it was mentioned that the Hastings Hockey Boosters will provide long-term support of any replacement anr maintenance issues. Q. Compliance with all Building Construction and Codes A. I mentioned to Jerry that all building code regulations must be met and be reviewed before, during and after construction. Q. Rental of Area A. At the present time, there are no plans to rent out this space. Q. Use of Practice Area A. It was mentioned to Jerry that the Hastings Hockey Boosters would only be able to utilize this area when the arena is open. No special provisions will be made. Q. Cleaning I Upkeep A. Other than garbage, all cleaning and upkeep will be left solely up to the Hastings Hockey Boosters. Q. Should the City of Hastings and the Hastings Hockey Boosters enter into an agreement? A. As the City has done with the Hastings Hawks, I would recommend all provisions of this project be spelled out in a formal agreement authored by the City Attorney, City Staff and the Hastings Hockey Boosters. Q. Upper Level Security A. It was proposed that the Hastings Hockey Boosters supply and construct accordion gates to prevent others from gaining access to restricted areas. In addition, the current railing needs to be modified, at Hastings Hockey Boosters' expense, to satisfy building codes. Q. Timing of Construction A. The Hastings Hockey Boosters wish to potentially have this area ready for the 2006 summer use. Ouestions that still need to be answered: Q. Should we have other contracting I building companies? Q. City Staff needs to make sure volunteers and the City are protected from possible exposure if volunteer help is used. Q. Who is going to be the project manager during construction? Q. Does the City require a performance bond to ensure this project is completed? Q. Would the City require information in the construction of this project other than what has been provided (what type oflighting, electrical, etc.)? It is my recommendation to pursue this project provided the Hastings Hockey Boosters satisfy all the requirements of the City. ) Hastings Hockey Association Board of Directors P.O. Box 482 Hastings, MN 55033 January 17, 2006 Dave Osberg Hastings City Administrator 104 Fourth Street Hastings, MN 55033 Dear Mr. Osberg: This letter is to formally request city approval for the Hastings Hockey Association to build a dry-land training facility in the open storage area above the lobby in the East Rink of the Hastings Civic Arena. The Hastings Hockey Association has been looking for more ways to provide the youth of Hastings with more opportunities to improve their hockey skills. We are currently one of the few associations without some kind of dry-land and/or shooting area within its home rink. Hockey training at the association has become a more specialized process. USA Hockey advocates the use of both on and off ice skill enhancement. Off ice skill enhancement concentrates on form and muscle memory with more individual attention. The facility we propose would be constructed with 10' walls. A containment net would be hung above the walls to keep ,/ ) any errant pucks within the training area. Synthetic ice sheets would be installed throughout the training area to allow players to use their skates to enhance the variety and quality of the training. Several shooting tarps would line the walls to allow for multiple shooting areas. Two goalie creases would be established for goalie training. A dimensional drawing has been provided with this letter. " Doug Speeding has agreed to provide support in constructing this facility. He has proposed using student/player help to build the facility under the supervision and assistance from his staff. We believe this will help the players identify this a their facility and something to be proud of. To ensure proper ,use of the facility, HHB would require that a USA certified coach to be used for each training session and each participant will need to be registered with USA hockey. This will provide the same insurance level that covers our association for on ice practices. Players would not be allowed in the diy-land area without a certified coach present. The facility should remain locked when not in use to avoid improper use. With the city's permission, we would like to begin construction as soon as poSSible to allow the facility to be used yet this season. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration; Sincerely; Jerry Baum President Hastings Hockey Association o .651-437-2310 cc: file lll, "AffiI So-ZO-TT H.LVa :.LlIlIHS NOavv :AII NM V1Ia AIDI:JOH SDNllSVH ID"lVN ~:JID'OlId f:O~toOO # ':>11 6L6[ DN[S A~.lN::Id~V:> S(l3:GUila 9NIiG3:3:dS 9ilOO[ \ ~ \ CD I \ Co ~ N 'ii: ~ ~ I Co N StlOISH3I'IICI "T1't .uIlB\ ~ I~ 'IS31OH ~ ~NN ~ ,/) ~ ~~~ ... ... ~ ll.l ~ ~ ::3 ~ - ~ J CD 0 I ~g '" '" ~ <> ~ (') (') \ ~;: ~ ~ ---\ s::L. \\ ~ ~ ~ - C)- 8 o~ & ,~ ~~ - ~ ---\ ............ N ~ t:s. ~ u ~ ~ a ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ d:J ib -l ~ ...... ...... -< y '" '" ll.l !i! ~ r ~ ~ ~ ? U' .. 0 ~ CD J ~ 2005 Annual Report astings ecreation .... . ....mtment it:/, SO YOll canplay.1/ " ) Parks Hastings features 33 City Parks which include about 400 acres of park land and over 25 miles of trails to explore. The Hastings Parks system includes everything from water access (Jaycee, Lake Isabel & Lake Rebecca Parks) to frisbee golf (C.P. Adams Park). o ) ) o Educating I Communicating With Our Residents Good service to our community is aided by good communication. One of the many ways the Department has communicated to residents is through a cable 1V segment called "Parks Perspective." · One of the "Parks Perspective" programs was on the presentations about Landscaping for Water Quality and Rain Water Gardens, while others gave viewers a chance to take a look at "Parks Perspective" Interview various facilities, sights and opportunities in our Parks. · Two workshops were hosted by the Department for the public to attend. Landscaping for Water Quality and Rain Water Gardens were held at City Hall in the Community Room in order to accommodate the large group. · A tour of the Sand Coulee Prairie was done to give residents a guided look at one of the best native prairie areas in our community and in the country. Staff Training We take pride in providing all required and many other non-required training sessions to ensure that our staff can work safely and efficiently. The following are just some examples of the training that was completed in 2005. · All full-time maintenance staff completed the 2-day certification training for First Aid and CPR. The training was conducted in-house by Red Cross Certified Trainer Darbie Johnson. · Annual Right to Know training was attended by all full-time maintenance staff. · Earth Moving Operations and Equipment Training was conducted by Ray Viall, MNDot outreach training coordinator. · One of our staff members attended the Playground Safety Inspection Training. · The Annual Shade Tree Course was completed by our maintenance staff. · Training of the seasonal staff is completed regarding equipment safety and department practices & prodedures as they start work. · A new seasonal maintenance staff policy and training handout was prepared. · Safety Day Training was attended by our full-time staff. · We hosted a Chainsaw Safety and Tree Felling Class which was attended by maintenance staff from surrounding cities. Our maintenance staff is now certified in these safe practices. · We joined with the Hastings Safety Committee to host a Confined Space Training for all departments needing this update and personnel from neighboring cities. Sand Coulee Tour Parks Report . Native vegetation burning is being done. 1) We worked with the Hastings Fire Department to do controlled prairie burning at Lake Rebecca. 2) We worked with MnDNR to do a burn on Thursday, April 7, 2005 at the Sand LeDuc Rain Water Garden Planting Coulee Pond Area. . Clean-up on Monday, June 20th of trees and branches from the storm including a loss of 2 trees at Public Square. These trees were replaced with new trees. . Clean-up of storm damaged branches and trees from the Friday, June 24th incident. Three of our staff worked with the Public Works Department during the week after the storm. · We have taken over the landscape maintenance at the LeDuc Historic Site as of June 24, 2005. We are mowing on a weekly basis and maintaining the sidewalks. We worked with other parties to complete construction projects. A volunteer rain water garden installation event was held on September 10th at LeDuc and a tree screen was planted at the new LeDuc parking lot. . Organized a service project for the Summer Stretch Program which included planting new shrubs at Riverwood Park on June 29th. · Helped with the preparation and clean-up for another successful Rivertown Days Festival. . Maintenance staff helped to outfit the new Party Wagon and we are now taking care of all pickup and delivery. · Installed 4 new benches along Hastings trails and parks including one in honor of Mayor Mike Werner presented by the employees at Prairie Island. · Worked with a crew from Tree Trust to build and install 3 new outdoor toilet screens at Conzemius, Roadside and Vermillion Falls Parks. . Helped the Tree Trust crew clean the Vermillion Falls overlook and weed and mulch the natural area garden. . Clean-up the woodlands at c.P. Adams and the SNA partnership with Friends of the Mississippi River and REI. About 40 volunteers worked to collect over 3 dump truck loads that our staff disposed of. . Clean-up at Old Mill and Jaycee Parks by student volunteers from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. Party Wagon being used at a Block Party Park Land Management We have been successful in working with other Departments and outside agencies to better manage our park lands. ') o Parks Report Other Imoortant Events · Wallin Shelter construction was completed in 2005 and this very nice combination picnic shelter/warming house was put into service. · Seven seasonal maintenance workers were hired throughout the busiest part of the year. · Installation of new players' benches and concrete pads at Vet's Athletic Complex Softball Fields. · Upgraded and installed new Hastings Parks & Recreation signs at Wallin, Tuttle and Cannon Parks. · We were successful in obtaining grants from the MN DNR for work being done at the Mississippi River Flats and Sand Coulee Prairie. · Grant funds were used to purchase a trailer to haul large equipment used in maintaining our parks. Wallin Park Shelter Park R--.r.oHnns 2005 Total Reservations = 57 Oean Up & Otha' Volunteer Events ) Galeal Park Events Vermillion Falls SheltEr Rental Wallin Park SheltEr Rmtal Roadside Park SheltEr Rmtal o 246 8 W U M ~ W W Scheduled SDorts Field Uses (April - Oct. 2005) Total Uses = 1,460 0 Vet's Baseball Vet's Softball Vet's Soccer LaCrosse Games LaCrosse Clin ic 0 Wallin All Other Parks 200 232 218 400 600 800 1000 823 Parks Report NEW PARK LANDS &. TRAILS Additional parks lands and trails during 2005 have increased our responsibilities. South Pines Park (2.5 acres) and the LeDuc Historic Site (4.4 acres) have brought the total acre- age for our managed system to over 400 acres and over 44 miles of trails and sidewalks. UrEA R TRAIL NAME LOCA TION IDESCRIPTION FEET MILES Westview Drive East Boulevard South view to 15th Street 4000 0.76 Fallbrooke Link Wallin Park interior link trail to Fallbrooke Dr. 275 0.05 So. Point Link Riverwood link from 31st St. to So. Point Dr. 968 0.18 36th Street Extension west of Villaqe Trail 465 0.09 31st Street West Extension from Olsen Dr. to Centurv Dr. 545 0.1 LeDuc Front LeDuc Historic Site alonq Vermillion Street 420 0.08 LeDuc Rear LeDuc Historic Site from parkinq lot to house 260 0.05 Total additions 6933 1.31 CITY HALL &. HRA SIDEWALKS - NAME LOCATION I DESCRIPTION 2nd & Ramsey 3rd & Ramse o Parks Report ) ') o Forestry Hastings has been a recognized as a TREE CI1Y USA since 1996. The TREE cm USA program is designed to recognize us as a community that effectively manages our public tree resources, and to encourage the implementation of community tree management based on four TREE CI1Y USA standards. March 2005 Arbor Day Tree Planting Volunteers Memorial Trees Three citizens participated in the City's Memorial Tree Program. One 3 1/2" diameter Prairie Spire Ash tree was planted along the boulevard of Pleasant Drive in Featherstone Ponding Basin. One 2" diameter Cathedral Elm was planted in Wallin Park by the playground and one 2" diameter Cathedral Elm was planted along Tuttle Drive boulevard in South Pines Park. Summer Stretch Volunteers School Classroom Education The City Forester made a video presentation to the 4th grade classes of Kennedy Elementary School. The video was about Urban Forestry, Tree Planting and Volunteering. This presentation and a seedling tree donated by Center Point Energy was given to every student as part of the City's Arbor month celebration. Volunteer Projects Summer Stretch Several students from a coalition of churches participated in a program called "Summer Stretch." These students worked on several projects within the park system. One of these projects was Forestry related as the members helped plant and mulch about 40 shrubs and a few trees at Riverwood Park. Tree Trust Members of this group helped plant and mulch trees on Highway 316, LeDuc Mansion and Vermillion Falls Park. Storm Damage o Hundreds of trees were damaged by a thunderstorm with high winds in June, 2005. Department and Public Works employees worked continuously for over 2 weeks removing damaged trees and branches from street boulevards. Using loaders, dump trucks and a wood chipper, two crews removed debris placed on the boulevard by homeownders. Widow- makers (broken, hanging branches) created by the storm were later removed by a Parks crew with a bucket truck. Parks 2005 Storm Damage to City Property Trees T ril1l1"ed Trees Rerroved o 50 100 150 200 Forestry Report FORESTRY PROJECTS 2005 Westwood Reconstruction Project - Provided input to the Engineering Department to keep contractors in compliance with Tree Preservation Guidelines during reconstruction. Dakota Hills Project - Monitored the boulevard in the reconstruction area for violations of City's Tree Preservation ordinance. Followed up by performing pruning of trees damaged during reconstruction. Spiral Boulevard - Identified dead and/or dying trees to be replaced by contractor. Re- inspected site after work was completed; 11 trees replaced. Planning Department - Combined to work as a team with the Planning Department to ensure the City's Tree Preservation Guidelines are followed. 2005 Number of Trees Planted: 164 Number of Trees Pruned: 328 Number of Trees Removed: 41 ) 2005 Trees Planted (164) III Eag Ie Bluff Park 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 o . Featherstone Ponding Basin III] Westwood Park III] Vermilrlon River Park III] South Pines Park III Hwy 316 Corridor . LeDuc Mansion o Forestry Report EMPLOYEE EDUCATION · 2 Parks employees and the City Forester were re-certified as Tree Inspectors at the Spring 2005 Shade Tree Short Course. · 2 Parks employees and the Parks Superintendent attended the Fall Tree Workshop. · City Forester attended a Minnesota Shade Tree Advisory Committee meeting and be- came a member. FUTURE GOALS FOR FORESTRY ~ ~) · Conduct a city-wide tree inventory · Apply for a Tree City Growth Award in 2006 · Apply for a Re Leaf Grant · Promote the planting of trees throughout the City o Forestry Report Aquatic Center The Hastings Family Aquatic Center features a water slide, lap pool, play structures, concession stand and many other amenities. It also provides the residents of Hastings with opportunities for swim lessons, water aerobics and lap swim. o Aerial View of the Aquatic Center ') o 2005 in Review · Weather was to our advantage in 2005 - We were open 85 of the 87 days. · Swim Lessons were popular again this year, with over 500 students being instructed by HFAC staff. This is an increase of 87 students from last year. · New coping stones were partially installed in the Fall of 2005 and will be completed in the Spring of 2006. Aquatic Center Admissions 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 o 1IIlII2004 .. 2005 Attendance Season Passes Sold 2005 Highlights · The best facility highlight remains consistent from season to season and that is the return rate of our staff. We consistently receive about 85-90% of the previous year's staff. They are a great asset to our City and facility. We have produced some great supervi- sors, lifeguards and guest service attendants. The facility would not run as smoothly as it does without the great seasonal staff! We hope to achieve similar return rates for 2006. Goals Set to Achieve in 2006 · Introduce the punch card in lieu of the half-year season passes. · Incorporate some type of "pool money" where patrons can have an account that they have put money into for concession items. · Add shade structures in the concession area, above the lifeguard chairs and above the slide towers. This will help protect the staff while working and keep the concession area shaded for the patrons. · New coping stones. This will provide a safer alternative to the previous stones. · Offer weekday evening swim lessons in lieu of Saturday morning lessons. · Continue to work with Stephanie Names on improving the computer system used to track season pass members, control daily admission, generate reports, etc... which will in turn provide the patrons with a smooth registra- tion procedure. Add the tracking of indi- vidual season pass holder admittance and control reports for punch cards. Also to add reports to record day to day total season attendance and total season passes sold. · Provide a safe and fun aquatic environment for public use. Coping Stone Project Hastings Family Aquatic Center 2005 Concessions · Concessions grossed roughly $10,000. · Best Selling Items - Slush ie, Dippin Dots, Pizza and Pretzels · We will continue to research current products on a year-to-year basis. At this time, we do not have any changes planned for the 2006 sea- son. Current Products and Profits Product Sellina Price Individual cost Profit Pop $1.50 $0.75 $0.75 Powerade $1.50 $0.75 $0.75 Juice $1.50 $0.85 $0.65 Water $1.25 $0.63 $0.62 Slushie, cup $1.00 $0.53 $0.47 Dippin Dots $2.50 $1.58 $0.92 Hot Dog, Bun,Foil $1.50 $0.60 $0.90 Corn Dog $1.50 $0.41 $1.09 Pizza $2.25 $0.87 $1.38 Pretzel $1.50 $0.44 $1.06 Nacho Chips $1.50 $0.24 $1.26 Cheese $0.50 $0.23 $0.27 Animal Crackers $0.50 $0.21 $0.29 Fruit Cups $1.25 $0.79 $0.46 Bagels $1.50 $0.69 $0.81 Otis Muffins $1.00 $0.48 $0.52 Twix $0.75 $0.39 $0.36 Starburst $0.75 $0.41 $0.34 Skittles $0.75 $0.39 $0.36 Snickers $0.75 $0.39 $0.36 Cotton Candy $2.00 $0.99 $1.01 Water Aerobics We run (2) eight week sessions of 2 nights a week, Tuesday & Thursday. The cost for one session is $35.00. One instructor is hired for each session and paid $10-12jhour depending on experience. 2005 was the premier year for evening water aerobics and on average there were 13 students each session. We will continue evening water aerobics in 2006 and are considering adding a Saturday morning class. o Hastings Family Aquatic Center Lap Swim ') Lap swim is offered in the mornings on Tuesday & Thursday from 5:30-7:30 AM, on Monday & Friday from 7:00-8:30 PM, and Saturday morning from 5:30-8:30 AM. Over the years, the lap swim pro- gram has increased from 2 lap swimmers in 1999 to over 20 in 2005. We are considering increasing the lap swim time in 2006. Lap swimmers pay daily admission or purchase a season pass. During morn- ing lap swim, one lifeguard and one supervisor are on duty. Lap Pool Teen Nights In 2005 we conducted 5 Teen Nights. They run on Friday nights from 8:30-10:30 PM. During this time, teens can swim, play water volleyball, participate in the raffle drawings and listen to the DJ. Teens ages 13-17 are admitted for $3.50 if they have a season pass and $5.50 if they don't have a season pass. On average, attendance is anywhere from 100-300 teens. The Rivertown Days Teen Night averaged 300+ teens! We have 10 Lifeguards, 2 Guest Service, 2 Concession Attendants, and one Supervisor on duty during Teen Night. o Hastings Family Aquatic Center ) Civic Arena The Hastings Civic Arena features two rinks and offers public skating and public hockey opportunities. Residents can also sign up for the "Learn to Skate" programs as well as adult hockey and soccer leagues. o View of the Civic Arena Front -) ) o · We are still unsatisfied with oil loss to the chiller from the Vilter Compressors that were installed during the Summer of 2004. In December 2005, a new oil seperator arrived which will be in- stalled January 4-12, 2006. · In March 2005, two new furnaces were installed in the East Locker Rooms. · The West Arena ceiling was cleaned and painted this year. We have found some rust already penetrating certain areas. We have notified the painting contractor and are planning to wait until next spring to have these areas touched up. · The parking lot and fire lane were seal-coated in August with a slurry mix. · The Adult Hockey League had 4 teams for the 2004-05 season. Open hockey was played on Sundays from 8:00-9:00 PM. The average attendance is 15 players per session. This was run from 11/6/05 - 3/12/06 at a cost of $10.00 per time or $120.00 for 18 weeks. · Co-Ed Soccer had 6 teams for the 2005 season. Soccer was scheduled in 3- hour sessions on Wednesday evenings for 8 weeks. · Learn-to-Skate Program: We had a new coordinator/instructor this season - Amanda Truax Korobko. Terms were set up so that there would be a 50/50 split of profits after expenses on both sides were subtracted. This program did very well the 1st session with a class size of 75 students. · Repairs to two leaks on the main 5/1 header system to transfer Glycol to the East Arena floor were completed by Arena Staff in late October. It took 8 weeks to find the parts for these PVC repairs. · No Free-Style Skating was offered in 2005 due to low registrations (4) in 2004. 2005 in Review I 3500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 o 2005 Civic Arena Sales Pairs of Skates Sharpened Skates Rented Admissions Admissions to Public to Public Skate Hockey Usage Statistics by Type 45.00% 40.00% 35.00% 30.00% 25.00% 20.00% 15.00% 10.00% 5.00% 0.00% ~ ./!1 !B ~ ~ .s i ~ ./!1 ~ ..g 12 f ~ ~ ~ CI) q;. cj :E " ~ C/) ClI IE tf !B 0 q;. .s i J; C/) ~ :::i :B q;. ~ -g g if' q;. tf :E - ClI tf :B s it 0 ~ tf :B q;. ~ cf5 :B ClI Q: ClI ~ tf Ji ClI ~ :B ~ -g ClI ~ a: J t:s !g '!. rJ! c '- i J & & ~ .s ~ :E Civic Arena Report 2005 Concessions · Best Selling Items - Pop, Hot Cocoa, Coffee, Popcorn, Hot Dogs and Taffy · Total cost for Concession Labor was $11,650. · Total Concession Sales were $54,806. 2005 Coffee Refills ') 182 o o 541 102 o 538 370 o o Civic Arena Report Skate Park The Hastings Skate Park premiered in August 2001. The Tier II Park is equipped with several ramps and agility areas for bikes, skateboards and roller blades. ) o 2005 IN REVIEW The 2005 season ended early due to a break in and robbery of the funds. In preparation and possible re-organization for upcoming seasons, a Task Force was created. The Task Force is made up of concerned citizens, commission members, City Council members, and City Parks & Recreation staff. These individuals have an interest in seeking possible solutions to the present and ongoing issues that the Skate Park has been experiencing since it opened. This Task Force will conduct a thorough investigation into all aspects of the Skate Park. Major issues that will be addressed are to include, but are not limited to, location, how to increase attendance, cost, policies and skate park equipment. It is anticipated that the Task Force will develop and recommend strategies and bring them forward to the NRRC and City Council. VANDALISM Vandalism was a major issue in 200S! 4/05/05 Cut Fence - Repaired by Parks Staff 4/15/05 Cut Fence - Repaired by Parks Staff 4/11/05 Cut Fence - Repaired by Parks Staff 5/03/05 Cut Fence - Repaired by Parks Staff 6/08/05 Cut Fence - Repaired by Parks Staff 7/01/05 Trailer Door Damaged 7/19/05 Trailer Broken Into - Cash Stolen - Fence Cut - CLOSED FOR SEASON ) SKATE CAMP Skate Park Vandalism Tried 3 different dates to run a Skate Camp, but never received enough participants. Advertised in newsletter, papers, and web page. ATTENDANCE 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 Total Attendance 351 650 554 568 466 Passes N/A 13 2 20* 18 Punch Card NjA 2 0 0 0 Days Open 68 176 169 122 59 Avg Daily Attendance 5 4 3 5 7 * Reduced fee in 2004 o Hastings Skate Park Report I - " . \ I I I Budget Recap o 2005 Budget Information (As of report dated 11/3/05) ) Parks General Fund - Expenses: Original Budget $675,708 Expended Y-T-D $489,525.93 Parks Project Expenses: Conzemius Park Pioneer Park Pleasant Park Vet's Athletic Complex Lake Isabel $1,500 Bathroom Shelters $5,000 Memorial Landscaping $10,000 (Should be billed under South Pines) $6,500 Upgrade to Player Benches $13,000 Improvements Forestry: Original Budget Expended Y-T-D $37,303 $23,033.09 Parks Maintenance Garage: Original Budget $51,130 Expended Y-T-D $38,440.01 Hastings Family Aquatic Center - Revenue: Original Budget $410,032 Expended Y-T-D $293,282.33 ) Hastings Family Aquatic Center - Expenses: Original Budget $415,299 Expended Y-T-D $303,848.95 Hastings Family Aquatic Center - Concession Revenue: Original Budget $45,000 Expended Y-T-D $48,086.48 Hastings Family Aquatic Center - Concession Expenses: Original Budget $39,733 Expended Y-T-D $38,882.67 Hastings Civic Arena - Revenue: Original Budget $431,444 Expended Y-T-D $277,369.11 o Hastings Civic Arena - Expenses: Original Budget $487,473 Expended Y-T-D $290,759 Hastings Parks and Recreation Department 920 W. 10th Street Hastings, MN 55033 Phone 651-480-6175 Fax 651-437-5396 www.ci.hastings.mn.us 2006 Spring/Summer Adult Softball Registration Registration Dates T e of Team Summer Returnin Teams 2005 New Resident Teams All New Teams Re istration Due Date February 17, 2006 Febru 24, 2006 February 24 or until lea es are filled · If you are registering as a resident team you must have at least 50% of your team either live or work in Hastings. · In order to secure your spot, registration forms, full payment and conduct fee are due at the time of registration. You may pay with check, cash, or money order. Night Max Games Home- Resident Non- League Teams runs Fee Resident Men's Recreational (Red) (Class D) Tues. 8 21 2 $725 $750 Men's Rec & Comp (Blue) (Class CID) Tues. 8 21 4 $725 $750 Men's Competitive (Silver) (Class C) Thurs. 8 21 5 $725 $750 Men's Competitive (Gold) (Class C) Thurs. 8 21 5 $725 $750 Women's League (Blue) (Class CID) Wed. 8 16 Unlimited $575 $600 Women's League (Gold) (Class CID) Wed. 8 16 Unlimited $575 $600 Co-Recreational Sun. 8 12 0 $550 $575 All teams are required to submit a $50 conduct fee along with their registration fee. League registration will continue until leagues nll, or no later than April 15, 2006. Teams who may be looking for additional players may call the Recreation Office to obtain names of persons interested in participating in one of our leagues but who do not know of a team to play with. Registration will be taken at the Hastings Parks and Recreation Department Office at 920 W. 10th Street, Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. Manager's Meeting: The 2006 Spring/Summer Softball Manager's Meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday April 25th, at the Hastings Parks and Recreation Department located at 920 W 10th Street. League rules will be discussed and C.~chedules will be distributed. Team rosters will also be handed out at this meeting. It is very important that ~ach team have a representative at this meeting. General League Information . The tentative starting dates for the leagues will be the week of May 2nd, 2006. The approximate league ending date will be mid-July. . Game times will be 6:30, 7:30, 8:30, and 9:30 p.m. on weeknights. On Sundays, game time will be 6:00 and 7:00 p.m. . Games will be played at Vet's Park. · There will be a $25 penalty fee per game assessed for a team who forfeits a game without contacting the Parks and Recreation office at 651-480-6175 by 12:00 p.m. If you contact the Parks & Recreation office, there is no fee assessed for a forfeit. Messages will be checked for team forfeits. . Rain makeup games will be conducted on any open day or the week of July 4th. Cut and Return 2006 Spring/Summer Adult Softball League Registration Team Name: Night: League: [ ] Rec [] Comp Manager's Name: Phone: H " W j Address: Street City State Zip Email Address: H w [ ] Returning [] New Amount Paid Resident Non Resident Payment Method Registration: Check # Date Received: Payment Method Conduct Code: Check # Date Received: Please return form to: Hastings Parks & Recreation Attn: Softball League 920 W 10th St. Hastings, MN 55033 o