City of Nowthen s1

CITY OF NOWTHEN PARK AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2009 @ 7:30 P.M. (Minutes will be taped for transcribing purposes only)

Present: Rose Ann Ames Laurie Olmon Dan Williams Paul Reighard

Others: Jeremy Shook and Vonnie Blomberg

Meeting called to order by Chairman Williams @ 7:34 pm

 Approve/amend the 09/01/09, Park and Recreation Meeting Minutes. Williams wishes to add discussion of an application from Christopher Bassett at the end of the meeting, this will be item #14. This application is for Bassett to become an additional Park and Recreation Committee Member.

Ames made a motion to approve the addition to the agenda; Olmon seconded it. All in favor; motion carried.

 Olmon made a motion to approve the 09/01/09, Park and Recreation Meeting Minutes; Williams seconded. All in favor; motion carried.

1). Floor Items Shook was looking at putting in a portable mound on the baseball field; something that could be used for soccer as well. Olmon asked if he had any prices and Shook said no that he was just bringing it up to see if he should get some prices and look into it. Williams discussed different material for different mounds and the range of costs. Some models can be removed for kickball and softball. Olmon said that it could be looked into but it needs to be brought up to the council.

Olmon has been getting in contact with Elk River Athletic Association and Anoka/Ramsey Athletic Association about using our fields for games. Mike from Elk River is who she is setting a meeting up with for renting out next year. Williams stated that Jeff Russell, who is newly appointed to Baseball Commissioner at Anoka/Ramsey Athletic Association, is also interested. The Anoka/Ramsey meeting is coming up the last Sunday of the month at 6:00 pm at Rum River Central and Olmon will get the information to Williams if he wants to attend.

2). Dolomite Park Grant Application Olmon met with the Mattys regarding the park land. Lessard - Sams Conservation Partners Legacy Grant is basically a grant that you can get anywhere between $5000.00 to a maximum $400,000.00 grant money. She explained the process of getting a grant. City of Nowthen Park and Recreation Committee Meeting October 6, 2009 Page 2

Olmon stated that she is looking at getting a $3000.00 to $7000.00 grant over a 3 -5 year period. Olmon shared that 10% of the amount of money that is applied for needs to be returned with donation; that being labor, donation from nursery, maintenance, etc.

The Mattys are in favor of helping with this. They were not able to make it tonight as Mrs. Mattys is not feeling well. This park location will be a sanctuary with birdhouses and no playground equipment. It would include plants as well. No benches would be placed at this time. This grant needs to be in by the end of November, beginning of December. The grant money would be used for maintenance, plants, and birdhouses.

Williams asked about putting a bench on this park land. Olmon said that at this time we are not looking into doing this. Williams stated that maybe in the future since we would be applying for the grant money, maybe it would be a good idea. Olmon reiterated that it would be $5000.00 over a period of 3 - 5 years.

Williams motioned to approve applying for the grant and then presenting it to the council; Reighard seconded. All in favor; motion carried.

3). Rental Schedule/Information Boxes for Shelter Olmon has not had a chance to look into this. For now she would like to put it on the schedule and come back to it. She wishes to have information posted but would like to look at this at a later time.

Williams discussed different types of boxes that could be available for use. Olmon said it would certainly be nice to have a notice area for who is renting what and whether or not the concession stand is open at that time or not. Williams suggested that we wait until after he attends the Elk River Athletic Association and Anoka/Ramsey Athletic Association meetings to check out their fees.

Ames asked if there was a catalog to look at to get ideas; Olmon stated that there is and she would bring one in. Williams suggested that if anyone was at a park that had these to take a picture and bring back to the next meeting.

The committee will wait until they get more information on what kind of information stands to use.

Williams makes a motion to table until next meeting; Olmon seconds. All in favor; motion carried. City of Nowthen Park and Recreation Committee Meeting October 6, 2009 Page 3

4). 2010 Fees Schedule for Twin Lakes Park Facilities Olmon stated that the item that we were waiting for from the last meeting was the cost for resident versus nonresident. Olmon stated that the issue of resident versus nonresident should not be a problem as other communities are having each category pay a different fee and people are paying it.

She would like $50.00 for residents; $100.00 for nonresidents. The only change she would like to make is powered versus non-powered shelters on the registration form. She wants to see two categories for rental. Ames asked what the fee is now for powered. Olmon stated $50.00 for residents and $100.00 for nonresident. The non-powered shelters are $25.00 for resident and $50.00 for nonresident. There is a $50.00 refundable deposit for all rentals.

Ames asked about refundable deposits. Olmon and Reighard stated that this would stay the same. Olmon stated that last year we raised $2600.00 on rental of just the pavilion.

Williams motioned to keep everything the same with the difference being powered and non-powered shelters worded on the registration form; powered shelters, resident $50.00/non-resident $100.00; non-powered shelters, resident $25.00/non-resident $50.00. Refundable deposits of $50.00 will stay the same; Reighard seconded. All in favor; motion carried.

5). Fishing Pier and Possible Parking Lot Location Reighard provided maps of the park location and what is desired to add to the park for fishing pier and possible parking lot location. Williams stated that it is proposed to develop the area East of the beach to the existing boat launch. Williams mentioned a second volleyball court on the beach. Williams also stated that there is a need for docking. Ames asked if the DNR needs to be contacted in order to put a volleyball court on the beach. Williams stated that this would need to be looked into.

Olmon thinks that this is a good idea. It is something to consider. The boats coming in area is a concern for safety. The fishing pier has been an ongoing communication for awhile. Olmon covered the information regarding a fishing pier grant. Handouts were provided to the committee. project sponsor donation. The grant is a maximum of $25,000.00 for a traditional DNR floating fishing pier. City of Nowthen Park and Recreation Committee Meeting October 6, 2009 Page 4

The projects are selected based on ranking the criterion which include but are not limited to the following: public fishing demand, accessibility, location, game fish present. Ames brought up parking, which will be discussed later in the meeting, agenda #8. There is an additional grant that can be applied for to improve the park site, i.e. parking. Olmon feels that we should take one step at a time by starting with the fishing pier area first and parking lot at a later time. The first step is to look into the current grant for the fishing pier. We would need to have someone go out there and do some drawings and then apply for the grant.

Olmon reminded all that this is a long process; not all things will be done immediately. It could take several years to cover all of the improvements that are proposed. Olmon stated that there are three plans and three sites and doing all is not feasible. She would like to just get things started here with the fishing pier. It has been discussed for some length of time now and moving forward would be the next step. Either we do it or we don’t and stop arguing about it. Olmon would like to throw this up to council stating that we want to start this by getting some help with this; possibly get the DNR people to sit down with us. Williams felt a walk through would be good. Olmon thought it would be good to have the DNR sit down with the committee to discuss this. Olmon will talk to the DNR. She felt that we could start here at a meeting and then take the meeting over to the park and discuss it if necessary or the DNR could survey the proposal on their own.

Ames had an interest in the cost of this project. Olmon and Williams stated that it would depend on what is found out by the DNR or whoever helps with this. Olmon will call DNR and get this started.

Olmon motioned to go forward with the plan of getting a grant for the fishing pier. Olmon will contact the DNR to set up a meeting; Williams seconded. All in favor; motion carried.

7). Entrance Fee to Twin Lakes Park Williams discussed park attendance average on people visiting the park and how much money we are missing out on without charging a fee. Williams discussed ways in which to charge for entrance to Twin Lakes Park; whether it is a high daily fee, low daily fee, or an annual fee. Ames asked who is going to work this entrance. Williams stated that it would be an honor system.

Williams shared about other local parks that have an honor system. Blomberg shared the Anoka County Rum River Park fees that are charged for daily use versus annual use; $5.00 per day and $25.00 annual. City of Nowthen Park and Recreation Committee Meeting October 6, 2009 Page 5

Williams felt that the Nowthen Maintenance Department could make the boxes as they are pretty simple. Williams stated that the gates at the entrance to the park might need to be moved into the park a little bit for safety reasons. This would accommodate trucks with boats/trailers stopping to purchase permits.

Olmon motioned to get more information regarding the entrance fee; cost to make a box, who rents boxes and cost, cost of envelopes, and how this honor system works; Williams seconds. All in favor; motion carried.

8). Twin Lakes Park Future improvements/expansions William stated that discussion needs to be carried out on how to make the park more desirable. Olmon feels that we are on the right track. Olmon felt that we need to get the word out on all that we have to offer here in Nowthen as far as rental fields, shelter rentals, etc. Olmon stated that Barry Wagner road the trails with his horses and really enjoyed them.

Ames asked what the “expansions” were that need to be discussed. Williams stated that this is carried over from the future beach and fishing piers (item #5) discussed previously tonight.

Olmon reiterated that the first thing we need to do is get the fields “marketed.” After we get them marketed we could certainly discuss adding more activity- related items to the park.

Williams motioned to table this until we get more information from the future meetings being held at Elk River and Anoka/Ramsey Athletic Associations; Olmon seconded. All in favor; motion carried.

9). November meeting date/time change - Elections held on 11/3/09, Williams asked if we wanted a date change or a time change. Williams suggested that we move the time back one-half hour. Olmon agreed. All others agreed with having the time switched to 8:00 pm. Discussion was carried out to move the meeting one-half hour later in the evening and keep it on the same day.

Williams motioned to switch the time for the 11/3/09, meeting to 8:00 pm; Reighard seconded. All in favor; motion carried.

10). Adopt a Park Project St. John’s Lutheran Church Shannon Brendel, VP of PTA, put in an Adopt a Park and Community Service Application. They wish to clean up the area of Twin Lakes Park by St. John’s Lutheran School. City of Nowthen Park and Recreation Committee Meeting October 6, 2009 Page 6

Ames asked what they would clean up. Williams and Olmon stated that they would clean up trash and other garbage items around the park. Mayor Schulz stated that a bus came previously and cleaned up the beach and the park real nice. They had done a wonderful job. Olmon stated that we could contact Connexus to obtain bags for the cleanup if needed.

Williams motioned to allow St. John’s Lutheran Church to adopt a park, Twin Lakes Park, and we will provide bags; Olmon seconded. All in favor; motion carried.

11). Maintain old City Hall grounds - Plants Ames requested possibly having the seniors do ground maintenance at the old City Hall. Ames feels that it is not cared for at this current time. The seniors have a meeting on the 3rd Wednesday of every month. Olmon stated that Ames could be put on their (seniors) agenda to consider this.

Williams and Olmon felt that Ames should go to the seniors meeting first and see if they would like to do it. Otherwise Olmon suggested that it could be brought up at an adopt a park project even though the old City Hall is really not considered a park item.

Ames felt that the current plants are not being cared for enough; they need more water than what they are getting. She wanted to know who was caring for them. Olmon stated that it is part of the Maintenance Department and they have a very busy work load that they may not be able to water these plants daily. Williams stated that it does not seem fair to judge the Maintenance Department for caring for plants that someone else plants (planting them out of their own kindness) and not a City project. Maybe in situations like this, those volunteering to plant some plants could possibly care for them as well. Williams reiterated that this is something that should not be looked at the Maintenance Department to be blamed for as these flowers were not planted by the City and not planned in the budget for caring for them or on the Maintenance Departments agenda.

All felt that the flowers planted at the old City Hall were beautiful. It should be noted that a maintenance plan and money for a maintenance plan should be in the works for such gardening.

This will be discussed with the seniors. Ames stated that she would talk with the seniors. Ames has several suggestions on how other communities have people to care for plants on a volunteering basis. Olmon and Williams stated that if she was interested in taking charge of finding volunteers to do this, it would be a great idea. City of Nowthen Park and Recreation Committee Meeting October 6, 2009 Page 7

It is felt that this is not a Park and Recreation item and Ames certainly could move forward with this great idea on her own, again stating that this is not an issue for the Park and Recreation Committee.

Williams, Olmon, and Shook all felt that Ames had a great idea of bringing volunteers in to take care of the flowers outside the old City Hall. It is felt that if a group or committee wishes to plant items that they should be responsible to take care of them and not blame the City of Nowthen Maintenance Department for the care of them when they have not been budgeted to do so.

12). Install No Motorized Vehicle Signs - Quiet Meadows Trails Ames stated that there are four-wheelers and snowmobiles using this.

Shook stated that Maintenance put signs up about 1 ½ years ago. This will be checked into to see if they are still there or if they were knocked down or removed. Ames feels that a sign should be on each end. She also feels that the ordinance should be changed to make it just a walking trail and no motorized vehicles using the trails.

Olmon stated that the ordinance part should be tabled for now. Shook will check for the signs. Olmon would like to approve the installation of signs on this trail if they are not there. More signs could be added to other parks as well to keep motorized vehicles off of these trails.

Olmon stated that the Park and Trail Task Force is working on no motorized vehicles on the trails currently and the “ordinance” part of this issue will be discussed with the task force. Ames also suggested that the ordinance be changed to reflect that the developer (on future growth of the city) install No Motorized Vehicle signs on any trails within the development. There are two ways to do that; make changes to the ordinance to include the above and/or to make changes to the development standards packet.

Olmon motioned to have the signs installed on Quiet Meadows Trails for No Motorized Vehicles. As soon as the Park and Trail Task Force gets done with park and trails plans, then to change the ordinance which suggests that future developers pay for the signs on any trails within the development; Williams seconded. All in favor, motion carried. City of Nowthen Park and Recreation Committee Meeting October 6, 2009 Page 8

13). Park Bench Donation Joe and Lynda Kolasa are present at the meeting tonight. Joe and Lynda Kolasa would like to donate two red park benches to be placed by the playground at Twin Lakes Park. They are made of heavy duty wrought iron with a bright red powder coating. They would need to be cemented into the ground as a permanent fixture.

Olmon passed out pictures of the benches to be donated. They would need to be picked up by Nowthen Maintenance Department.

Olmon motioned to accept the donation from the Kolasa‘s, have the Nowthen Maintenance Department pick them up and put them in at Twin Lakes Park; Reighard seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Olmon wished to Amend the motion to accept the donation of two park benches from the Kolasa’s to be placed at Twin Lakes Park playground and have someone from the Nowthen Maintenance Department contact the Kolasa’s and pick up the benches; Reighard seconded. All in favor; motion carried.

14). Park and Recreation Committee Member Application Christopher Bassett lives in Autumn Acres located in Nowthen and is requesting to be part of the Park and Recreation Committee. He was unable to attend the meeting tonight.

Olmon would like to have him come to a meeting to introduce himself before this is carried forward.

Olmon made a motion to table the application for Christopher Bassett until the next meeting when he can be present; Williams seconded. All in favor; motion carried.

ADJOURN MEETING Williams made a motion to adjourn the meeting @ 8:49; Olmon seconded. All in favor; meeting adjourned.

Respectively submitted by:

Vonnie Blomberg Park and Recreation Recording Secretary