HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRMinutes_2019_04_01Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
April 1, 2019
A meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board was held on Monday, April 1, 2019 at 5:30 PM at the
Brookings City County Government Center, Rm 300 with the following board members present: Steve
Berseth, Doug Smith, Jay Larsen, Erika Saunders, and Brittany Kleinsasser. Board members absent: Sean
Binker, Kristi Larsen, and Thomas Thvedt. Others present included: Darren Hoff (Recreation Manager),
Stacy Claussen (Recreation Manager), Al Kruse (Parks & Rec Supt), Paul Briseno (City Manager), Jake
Meshke (Assistant City Manager), and Ronda May (Parks & Rec Office Manager).
1. Call Meeting to Order: Brittany called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM.
2. Approval of Minutes: Stacy reported that we cannot find any minutes from February’s minutes.
Therefore, no minutes to approve from this meeting.
3. Additions to and Approval of Agenda: Guests to discuss pickleball. John Berry from Spoke and
Sport talking about upcoming race in October. Steve Berseth suggested adding both to the agenda
as 3a and 3b and Erika agreed.
a. Pickleball: Teresa McLagan said currently using area churches (First Lutheran & St Thomas
More), inside, but would like to use 2 courts in Arrowhead this summer. They have 60-70
players. Or, wondering if could get 2 of the HC tennis courts this summer, as short time fix,
during the day as seems like they all don’t get used a lot. One tennis court equals 2 pickleball
courts so would like 2 tennis courts for 4 pickleball courts. Good exercise, people getting
addicted, and right now there are more women than men. Darren asked what hours they’re
looking at? P & R give tennis lessons during the day but doesn’t use all courts. Ladies
suggested hours during morning and afternoon, if available. Doug asked when pickleball
courts are scheduled to be added? Darren said 2020 with 4 courts but location hasn’t been
decided. Darren said thought possible to use HC tennis courts. Paul asked what’s involved
to make a court? Darren will check into NCAA and high school regulations due to current
Hillcrest use by both sets of students. Maybe could use quick start lines or adding pickleball
lines if possible. Doug asked if ladies had any suggestions on where future courts should
go? Moriarty’s addition or newer developments. Darren said not a parking lot in Moriarty’s
so need to park on the streets. Steve mentioned that the courts are also lit, and we
mentioned Larson’s Parks due to this. Brittany said we’ll live and learn on considerations –
lights, noise, etc. Residential areas aren’t a consideration due to lights and noise. The
ladies also know of several players at SDSU so they’d probably join the players this summer.
Teresa mentioned in AZ they’re converting tennis to pickleball courts. Brittany suggested
that Darrin & Stacy look into court regulations and bring back to next meeting. Steve
wondered if wind affects playing outside? Ladies aren’t sure but Steve thought so since
Benda has been teaching it. Stacy thanked ladies for attending and said we’ll look into things
and discuss more next month.
b. Upcoming bike race: John Berry – service mgr from Madison SD & just moved here last fall.
Excited for cycling as recreation and sport. Cycling club in Madison hosted a race 4x –
Cyclo-Cross – riding in park setting w/terrain services on bike which is purpose built for that
type of racing. Beginner level is open to anyone – kids, families, anyone w/mountain bike,
etc. Growing sport regionally – IA & MN have quite a few races every weekend Labor Day
through Christmas. They’re looking to host a race in conjunction w/Bonanza Weekend Aug
23-24 (weekend before Labor Day). Race around Pioneer Park’s perimeter, soccer field,
and volleyball court to use sand. Course made up of electric fence post stakes and caution
tape around course – 10’ wide and more than .5 mile, less than 1.5 miles – probably ¾ mile.
Looking for permission to use Pioneer, to save the date, and set date with USA Cycling –
sanctioned & insured event, marketed nationally, expect to pull riders from MN & IA and
surrounding SD areas. Madison’s club insurance would cover participants and venue. Doug
asked if any areas would be dug up – no. Turf damage pretty minimal depending on weather.
Bikes will create a path IF hundreds of participants. Al’s wondering if too many people to tie
in w/police dept’s Bonanza? Brittany said looking to host flag ship event here & making it
kid friendly so partnering w/current event would draw in crowd. More eyes the better. Doug
asked Al if thought any harm to park? No. John said there would be designated crossing
areas in course. Do 25-40 riders at a time on the course dependent on skill level. Through
USA Cycling, get license. Liability insurance for participants and venue through USA Cycling
after permit submitted. John said having bike event w/our event would bring in more people.
Al asked if he’s contacted anyone with the Bonanza? Yes, Emily Braun. Paul asked timeline
of race - 2 day event – Sat is roast so race afterwards 3-4 PM. They’d coordinate on times
so not to interrupt Bonanza and hopefully done racing by 9 PM. Paul asked if a lot of these
in SD? Yes, this year John said, as Sioux Falls has hosted several races. John said they
seek out sponsorships from local businesses and then incorporate their items in the course
(Dairy Queen, Prostrollo’s). Pick 5-6 ‘big’ sponsors & make them part of the event. Doug
said he thought great idea & brings people to town. Yes, would bring people in and stay
overnight. There would be a cash payout for the race. Labor Day is kick-off weekend of
Cyclo-Cross sport. Erika asked what’s needed to be sanctioned? Just approval of
park/location. John said they may build ramp or bring their’s from Madison. Steve wondered
about BMU construction? Al said what’s there now is about it. Jay asked if something has
been drawn out for Pioneer, the course? Yes, would use paved driveway through it as portion
of course so it’s blocked off so need permission. Also use trees and roam around park. Jay
asked if medical personnel needs to be there? John said he’d check w/USA Cycling as it’s
based on number of attendees and distance of closest medical facility. Looking at live
DJ/music & food, etc. Paul would like 2 events to collaborate so doesn’t see any problem.
Suggested by Doug to approve the race. Darren suggested tabling it until we get a map, get
a permit through our office and possibly through City Clerk’s office. Al asked how soon they
need to know – John said fairly soon. Brittany suggested we approve w/contingencies, and
Erika agreed, suggestion agreed upon by those in attendance.
4. Staff Highlights: Brittany started introductions for Jake. Jake did short bio. Stacy glossed over
Feb’s highlights: not 1 fish caught at Fishing Derby. Doing a lot of interviews for summer staff – 16-
18 new life guards. Al discussed park activities: snow removal, new valve at pool, different
landscaping at pool, ice arena finishing up & boards out of blue rink and guys cutting out floor this
week or next, preparing new water cart & got fertilizer in and hopefully working to prevent avids like
last year. Forestry removing ash trees in parks & blvds – 50-70 trees this winter & helping street
dept w/removal of snow, getting ready for Spring Clean-Up and Arbor Day cherry tree presentations
to Brookings 3rd graders & Run for Shade Run by Fishback. Doug asked if any drainage problems?
No, not yet but we helped on the flooding day. Sexauer is flooded. Darren talked about the
tournaments. Paul said 22nd Ave kickoff started, redoing path on E side of avenue, and we’ll be
taking care of snow removal. BISA came to Paul to raise funds to make upgrades to Larson’s Arena
& Darren mentioned epoxy on steps, potential new locker rooms, some type of new system for blue
rink, expansion to store area, and another room for fitness. Hoping to raise $500,000 for these.
Brittany asked where new locker rooms would be? Darren said blue rink. Fitness room? Darren
thought strictly BISA. Brittany wondered what Blizzard’s fundraising would be? Darren thought joint
effort – getting sponsors. Jay asked if adding square feet to building? Darren guessing if doing
fitness – would involve expansion. Brittany said 10 years ago did Phase 2 with City doing bid, etc.
Doug asked if adding sq ft, would it have to go to Council? No, Paul said, all depending on footage.
Brittany would like protections in place if BISA does fundraising with the Blizzard. Paul mentioned
that we had 3 finalists for director’s position. Will hopefully open in about 3 weeks and leave it open
for another 3 weeks. Paul mentioned that Doug sat in on interviews but if anyone else interested,
please let Stacy or Ronda know.
5. Larson Ice Center Update: Paul from legal standpoint, finalized agreement last Friday so should
be here later part of this week to begin. The bond went through without any problem so $3.7 million
for arena. Doug asked if would be penalties if they don’t meet dates? Yes. On schedule to have
hockey next year. The project manager coming this week so more action will begin. Take ice out of
red rink next week so hoping some ice starts defrosting. Erika asked if compressor replaced? Yes,
Al said, with 30-year system. Ammonia w/glycol and is something we can get maintained. City’s
doing outside grading on drainage problems – tiles, sump pumps, roof insulation, and drainage.
6. Bob Shelden Field Updates: Bond for $3.4 million. Need to get contracting specs out for new
grandstand, lighting, parking lot to N of fields, and drainage improvements. No turf. Paul talked to
Brookings School District last Friday, schools will continue using facility but not contribute. Doug
asked if turf could be added later? We’ll have to move the water line. Paul said also had meeting
w/FOB – fundraising for turf pitching mound and base lines. Jay asked if this needs to go out for
bids? Jay asked if FOB doing mound & baselines? Possibly next spring.
Doug asked about armory – Paul reported that Banner’s came back at $325,000 to remodel.
Received 3 letters and will take to City Council in April. Three of 4 firms recommend mixed-use
facility. City Attorney says we can’t utilize city property for residential. Paul checking so might not
be able to take to Council until beginning of May. Three firms repurposing for mixed use and 4th
recommended distillery but nothing recreation based. RFQ process would help this, Paul said.
7. Upcoming Programs & Events: April’s “What’s Going On” was sent to Board prior to the meeting.
Summer registration begins at midnight tonight, school goes until May 31st so pool opens June 1st,
hiring employees but won’t have much time to train staff before pool opens so helps that BHS track
ends weekend before. Ice Show this weekend – Wizard of Oz. Paul suggested reviewing the CIP
program. Stacy said we did last time we met but will probably again next month. Doug asked if golf
memberships about the same? Stacy & Darren will get numbers to board next month based on new
golf program we’re using as very easy to work with, fast responses, etc.
Brittany asked if were doing a tour between Council and this Board? Stacy said we discussed it but
with all the changes got put aside.
Stacy brought up the Board openings – Brittany, yes. Ericka considering it, Kristi not here so will
connect with her tomorrow, and college student vacant so will get out to professors to see if Monday
night is difficult, etc. Steve asked if want undergrad or grad? Grad student would be better as more
helpful. High school student graduating this year – Thomas Thvedt, so will need to open it up.
8. Adjourn. Suggested by Bittany with Doug agreeing so meeting adjourned at 6:38 PM.
The next meeting will be Monday, May 6th at 5:30 p.m. at the City County Government Center, Room
300.
Submitted,
Ronda May
Parks & Rec Office Manager