HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRMinutes_2016_02_01Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
February 1, 2016
A meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board was held on Monday, February 1, 2016 at 5:30
p.m. at Larson Nature Center with the following board members present: Erik Dahl, Steve Berseth, Sean
Binker, Trent Sorbe, Brian Brunner, and Brittany Kleinsasser. Others present included: Mitch Pederson
(Recreation Manager), Darren Hoff (Recreation Manager), Al Kruse (Parks & Forestry Superintendent),
Dan Brettschneider (Parks, Recreation & Forestry Director), Christi Weidemann (Office Manager) and
Jeff Weldon (City Manager).
1. Call Meeting to Order. Chair Dahl called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m.
2. Approval of Minutes. Approval of the January Park Board Meeting Minutes. Berseth made the
motion to approve the January meeting minutes. Motion was 2nd by Brunner. All present voted
yes; motion carried.
3. Additions to and Approval of Agenda. Approval of the February Park Board Agenda. Kleinsasser
made the motion to approve the February Agenda. Motion was 2nd by Sorbe. All present voted
yes; motion carried.
4. Staff Reports. Brettschneider reported that he is busy with working behind the scenes with
architectural staff, JLG, on the potential indoor recreation center. He is also working on getting
up to speed with all the PRF Divisions and getting a feeling of how things are operating. Hoff is
working on the annual report and the summer brochure and getting ads out to partners. He is
also looking into options on doing a direct mail in the future. Pederson has been working on the
annual report and meeting with groups on getting travelling exhibits at the Dakota Nature Park
and Larson Nature Center. Exhibits would target both kids and adults to create curiosity about
nature, animals, bugs, etc. Kruse reports that they are working on replacing equipment/vehicles
that were approved in the CIP. He is also checking on options for a First Tee Golf trailer or shed
to keep golf equipment in.
5. Review Larson Nature Center Rental Agreement. Brettschneider reported that the changes that
were recommended from the board were applied and the agreement was updated and
completed. Pederson reported that this has helped narrow down and funnel out requests for
use of the building.
6. Larson Ice Center Storage Room Proposal. Brettschneider reported that BPRD is working with
BISA and The Blizzard on a potential storage area or a more permanent home for their
merchandise. Users and BPRD are looking at needs and will hold discussions and move forward
with the best option. Weldon mentions a goal would be to find a space that would look like it
was built in originally and an area that wouldn’t obstruct traffic, windows, or concession lines.
7. Bike Friendly Brookings. Hoff reported that at the last Bike Friendly advisory meeting the board
voted and approved a squared u-shape type bike rack. Quotes were taken from three different
companies. Weldon mentioned that our goal is to get to a bronze level status from The League
of American Bicyclists.
8. Discussion of the Community Recreation Center. Brettschneider reported that City staff met
with JLG Architects for an initial meeting and went over potentials for site locations and
amenities that were suggested by the Ad Hoc Committee. City Council will hold a study session
on February 16th and have invited the Ad Hoc Committee and the Park Board to attend for
discussion. A discussion was held on potential location by the Swiftel Center and Larson Ice
Arena. This property is 30 acres and already owned by the City which would cut back cost
drastically.
9. Overview of 2016 Budget and Projects. Brettschneider discussed and listed the CIP items for
2016. Overall the list is down compared to previous years as we are starting to catch up on
upgrading equipment and maintenance of facilities. Equipment is based on a depreciation
schedule.
10. Review and Approval of 2015 Annual Report. Brettschneider presented the draft of the BPRD
Annual Report. It was mentioned that there was numerous staff changes and transitions in
2015. Weldon noted this report is used as a comprehensive booklet and helps prove your value
to the community. A Golf Course Annual Report will be drafted and is due to City Manager in
March. Brettschneider discussed the Wellmark 3-point play grant that BRPD receives and listed
potential ideas for how the money could be used in 2016.
11. Adjourn. Dahl made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:54p.m. Motion was 2nd by
Kleinsasser. All present voted yes; motion carried.
Next scheduled meeting. Monday, March 7, 2016 at 5:30 pm.