HomeMy WebLinkAbout01.25.21JANUARY 2021 ST. JOSEPH PARK BOARD MINUTES
1. Meeting called to order at 6:33 p.m. at the Government Center. In attendance are city staff
liaison John Anderson, Community Development Director Nate Keller, St. Joseph mayor Rick Schultz and
Park Board members Abby Lyon, Keith Schleper, Andy Rennecke, Tim Rocky and Linda Butenhoff
(virtually attending). Elijah Stenman is not in attendance.
Approval of the agenda -Tim Rocky approves the agenda, Rennecke seconds.
3. Approval of the November minutes --Rocky approves meeting minutes from November,
Rennecke seconds.
4. Treasurers Report- The final treasurer report audit is coming in March. Anderson doesn't expect
it to change much from the numbers given on the agenda. There is still $178,000 -plus undesignated for
use. There is $2300 for upgrades to the Millstream Dog Park. Anderson proposes inviting the city
finance manager to a meeting once or twice a year. A parking lot in East Park is talked about. Rennecke
motions to move on to another subject after brief discussion.
5. Liaison Reports
a. Nate Keller, the new community development director, is introduced. Keller states he is going
through a process of getting East designated as a regional park. It could be eligible for legacy
park money if it receives this designation. John and Nate took a recent tour around the city
parks together. John states Nate has a lot of enthusiasm for park issues and parks in the
community.
b. Anderson states that a Community Center planning group is being formed and that the Park
Board may have input on certain issues. Schultz also reiterates that Little Saints Academy
purchased the old Kennedy Elementary building.
c. Schultz also states that Anne Buckvold has resigned from the St. Joseph City Council and
won't continue as a park board liaison. Buckvold had only attended one previous meeting.
Schultz will fill in until the city council announces a replacement. The Millstream Park softball
field is brought up. Schultz talks about the poor condition of the fencing. Schultz states his
desire for the St. Joseph Recreation Association to be folded into the Park Board. He would like
it to be a leg within the Park Board. Schultz also reiterates that the city owns the fields and
buildings and that the Recreation Association rents out their use. Schultz states he wants to
make use of the softball field as a city asset.
6. Old Business
a. A water line will be added to the dog park at Millstream.
b. The board also confirms that tree planting will occur in the spring with the possible help of
local volunteers or groups.
c. Keller states that a survey will be mailed out to residents around Hollow Park. He's hoping the
direct mailing will get people's attention and get a solid survey response. The Park Board eyes
May 24 as a possible day to get public input about the park.
d. A new skate park discussion is held. Schultz states that the Community Center could be the
site but talks about that most likely won't begin until 2022.
e. Rennecke and Schultz talk about the need for bathrooms and an upgraded shelter at
Klinefelter Park. The board agrees to talk more about it in the near future.
7. New Business -The Snowfest 2021 celebration will need prizes from local businesses to give away.
Keller and Anderson state they will seek out help from Mary Bruno. Rennecke has a $25 gift card to use
from Stearns Bank. Lyon will also contact local businesses, like Coborn's, about donations for Smores.
8. The meeting is adjourned at 7:24 p.m.
Nate Keller
Community Development Director