HomeMy WebLinkAbout[02] Minutes - Jan 24St. Joseph Park Board
January 24, 2011
Meeting Minutes
1. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Chairperson John Anderson
at 7:02
2. Introductions, new members: Present; Marguerite Fogerty, Chad Hausmann,
Jen Steinkamp, Council Liaison Bob Loso, City Administrator Judy Weyrens,
Public Works Director Terry Thene, Mayor Rick Schultz, Members absent
Lonnie Abbot (excused), Anne Buckvold
3. Appointment of Chair: Anderson introduced himself and gave a short
biography and asked each member to introduce themselves.
4. Approval of Minutes: The Minutes of the November meeting were approved as
submitted
5. Treasurers Report: Judy Weyrens, City Administrator, reported on the status of
the Park Dedication fund (see attached report) and local option sales tax (LOST).
There was some discussion among the group regarding the criteria for projects
designated by the law authorizing the LOST. Weyrens indicated that the use of
LOST was fairly unspecific in regards to the St. Joseph community. She said that
she would forward the actual language of the law to members.
6. Members Report: Chair Anderson reported that he had received an email from
Tab Dornbusch, a Klinefelter Park resident. He read the text of the email to the
board which indicated a desire to have the trails in Klinefelter Park cleared of
snow. She indicated that she had been in contact with City councilperson Steve
Frank to get council action to have the trail cleared. She further stated that the
council had approved such action. Anderson said that he was very aware of the
constriction on city budgets as a result of the reductions in Local Government
Aid. Public Works Director reported that the maintenance staff had spent about
four hours on the clearing that day and it would take a little while longer.
Member Hausman reported that some residents near Klinefelter have attempted to
clear the trail themselves but that the amount of snow to be moved exceeded the
capacity of the equipment available. He further relayed that many local
jurisdictions had policies in place that prioritized the removal of snow from
streets, sidewalks, and trails. Discussion ensued regarding the priority of snow
clearing and how other municipalities might handle it. Councilperson Loso stated
that he was fairly certain that there existed a written plan for snow removal and
that it might date back to the late 1980's or early 90's. Public works Director
Thene indicated that he was not aware of this plan. Both Loso and Thene said
that they would try to find this plan.
7. New Business: Anderson said that he noted in the minutes from the November
2010 meeting that there was discussion about hiring a photographer to take photos
of the Park system for the website and asked the board what they thought of the
idea of sponsoring a photo contest for residents. He stated that he thought that
there must be residents who have many pictures of St. Joseph Parks and the
activities that occur in the parks. There was some discussion regarding the
chances that such an effort would bring results. Council person Loso suggested
Spring Park promotion featuring video and photos. The board discussed the Parks
visibility on the City website. Anderson suggested that when people were looking
to relocate their households or businesses that the internet was one of the first
places that they look, to find out what is available in the community. It is
important that this information be easily accessible. Including contact
information for Park Board members as well as the amenities of parks. Anderson
asked how volunteer groups were handled or whether there was a need to
establish a project list to help direct such groups. Public Works Director Thene
indicated that he was not overwhelmed by groups volunteering to improve parks.
He said that he has worked with Eagle Scouts on park improvements.
8. 2011 Goals: The following goals for 2011 were discussed.
1. To examine the Comprehensive Park Plan and realign priorities
established in the plan to reflect the realities of limited funding
2. To upgrade the City's website to improve the visibility and image of the
St. Joseph Park system.
3. Pursue alternative funding for park improvements including advocacy for
inclusion in the City's general fund budget and seeking donations from
local organizations
4. Having a Spring Meeting that moves from park to park and seek resident
input at each of those parks.
5. Develop a plan for the use of Local Option Sales tax.
9. Liaison Report: Council person Loso reported that the City Council had asked
the Park Board to develop a Winter snow removal plan for parks and recreation
area. Loso also indicated that the Park Board had great latitude in determining
how park were classified and encourage Park Board Members to look at the State
laws that govern Park Board powers. Public Work Director Thene reported that
he had come up with a plan for repairing the vandalism to the concession building
at Memorial Park that would prevent further occurances. He further stated that
he would appreciate Park Board members reporting to him if they see or hear
about maintenance issues in the parks so that he can address them.
10. Adiournment: Before they adjourned the group discussed whether they should
continue the practice of meeting on alternating months. It was decided by
consensus that with the Spring season coming up and the number of things they
wished to accomplish, that they should meeting in February, on the 28th at 7:00 at
City Hall. Chair Anderson said that he would like to limit meetings to 90 minutes
and the meeting was adjourned at 8:35pm