HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRNRC Minutes 2-19 DRAFTCITY OF LAKEVILLE
PARKS, RECREATION & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
February 19, 2020
Committee Chair Swan called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Lake Marion Conference
at City Hall
Members Present: Lindsay Haneman, Nick Thompson, Jeanne Peterson, Holly Weberg, Jim
Storms (6:19), Patty Zuzek, Bob Swan
Members Absent: Tom Goodwin
Staff Present: Parks and Recreation Director John Hennen, Environmental Resources Manager
Mac Cafferty, Recording Secretary Stella Eskelson
1. Approval of January 8, 2020 minutes
Minutes approved as written.
2. Citizen comments
No citizen comments.
3. Staff Report
The summer brochure will be mailed to residents by February 29, this is the largest
brochure that is put together each year. Staff has coordinated at least a dozen new
programs; online registration began February 14.
The consultant started contacting residents for the Park Bond Referendum survey. Roughly
400 residents will be contacted via phone and asked a series of questions about the
proposed park improvement projects. The results will be reviewed by City Council at the
March 23 work session. Staff will plan to send an update to the committee regarding the
results prior to this date if they are available.
Park Maintenance is hiring for various seasonal positions, candidates need to be 18+, there
are part-time and full-time positions available. The starting wage has been increased to
compete with neighboring communities.
The 2020 Advisory Appreciation Dinner is set for March 11, please RSVP with Tamara by
March 2.
Five rinks have closed for the season, but paved locations will remain open until February
23. Favorable weather conditions this year allowed for on time opening of all rinks as well
as the extended season for the first time in many years.
A bid opening for parking lot improvements at Aronson, Quigley-Sime and Dodd Trail
Parks is set for February 21.
Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources Committee Meeting Minutes, February 19, 2020 Page 2
Staff toured the Eden Prairie Outdoor Center to gather information and ideas for the Ritter
cabin restoration project. Staff has met with a consultant and an architect to discuss this
project already.
4. Lakeville Area Arts Center Programs and Projects Update
Arts Center Manager Joe Masiarchin was in attendance to share an update on everything
that is happening at the Arts Center. Starting with their 4th Quarter Dashboard that outlines
revenue from all events and programs, staff outlined how changes to ticket prices and
program offerings contributed to these numbers. Due to technological improvements,
usability of the facility has increased and allowed for more efficient scheduling. Ticket
prices were more affordable this year so while there was an increase in ticket sales, revenue
generated remained consistent with years prior. Availability of performers and other
factors contributed to this change and it is expected that the variety of shows will change
from year to year.
Staff made extensive efforts this year to offer additional classes to accommodate wait lists.
While efficient use of space is a key component, Staff is also utilizing some park buildings
such as Steven Michaud and Ritter Farm Parks to accommodate additional needs. Day
camps were well received in their first year of being offered and Staff will be expanding
these offerings with 7 additional week-long day camps this summer. These camps are a
mix of art and theatre classes with gap care between sessions. Programming has been
adapted to accommodate larger class sizes and overall more participants. Recreation will
be running its first season of day camps in a similar format with sports and technology
programs starting this summer.
Arts Center staff, both advisory boards and a consultant met in 2019 and participated in a
Strategic Planning workshop. Over the course of two days, they collectively developed the
LAAC’s first 5-year strategic plan in over 14 years. Three major directives were identified,
and new sub-committees were organized. Over the next 5 years, efforts will be made to
expand the capacity of art facilities, build community art excitement, form a vibrant
volunteer community, diversify marketing practices, increase connection and
communication with participants, develop art experiences beyond the Arts Center and
diversify programming.
Staff touched on the need for space and how beneficial the expansion of the pottery studio
was to the overall program. Registrations increased by 40% due to these facility
improvements.
5. Environmental Resources Department Update
Pollinator Garden at Valley Lake Beach
In 2019, the beach at Valley Lake Park was closed due to water quality issues and finding
another use for the space was discussed. There is already a very successful pollinator
garden at the site and Staff proposed that the beach area be converted into a second
pollinator garden. Cafferty presented a visual mock-up of what the site could look like.
Features would include walking paths, stone steps, split rail fencing, informational signage
Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources Committee Meeting Minutes, February 19, 2020 Page 3
and a sandy area. The site will also undergo some shoreline restoration. The Lakeville Lions
have expressed an interest in sponsoring and participating in an environmental project,
Staff has been in communication with them regarding this one. Volunteers would assist
with everything from the initial planting to maintaining the garden over time. Overall cost
of the project is estimated to be $18,000 - $20,000 and will begin this spring.
Middle Creek Restoration Project
Channel and wetland restoration along Middle Creek within the Pinnacle Reserve
development is underway. Staff has surveyed the site and identified areas with 6-8 feet of
erosion that need restoring. The channel was straightened due to farmland usage and Staff
will be working to add minimal meanders and pools to mitigate erosion and to catch
sediment. Some trees on site are not in great shape and will be removed and replaced
where possible. Once complete, one mile of creek will be restored with trail lighting and
trails to be installed alongside it, running between Highview and Dodd Boulevards. The
project will be primarily funded through grant opportunities, the DNR has awarded
$380,000 towards the project already.
6. Other Business
Committee Members shared their experiences attending Candlelight events hosted at
various regional parks. The events include hiking or snowshoeing on park trails after dark.
These events are generally well attended and provide fundraising opportunities. Staff was
asked to explore the potential of running a similar event.
Committee Member Peterson attended Community Day organized by the Lakeville Lions
at the Heritage Center. An estimated 70 volunteers assisted with various supply
preparations for local hospitals and shelters. She felt it was well organized and overall a
great volunteer opportunity.
7. Announcements
No announcements.
8. Adjourn:
Meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Stella Eskelson, Recording Secretary