HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRMinutes_2023_05_01
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Notes
Monday, May 1, 2023 5:30 PM
1. Call to Order
Chair Erika Saunders called meeting to order at 5:30 PM. Present: Isaac Schulte, Doug Smith, Nathaniel Condelli,
John Maynes, Lindsay Borer, Jay Larsen, Steve Berseth, & City Staff: City Mgr Paul Briseno, Interim PRF Dir Jake
Meshke, Interim Assistant PRF Dir Josh Bauman, Rec Mgrs. Stacy Claussen & Darren Hoff, & PRF Office Mgr Ronda
May. Absent: Board members Ashley Ragsdale & Isaac Schulte. Guest: Mondell Keck, Eric Beckendorf, & Matt
Rustman.
2. Approval of Agenda
Motion to approve amended agenda–new #8 by Steve Berseth, 2nd by John Maynes; motion carried.
3. Approval of Minutes
Motion to approve minutes by John Maynes, 2nd by Doug Smith; motion carried.
4. Staff Highlights/Updates
Erika: 2 members leaving the Board so many thanks to Lindsay & Isaac. One new member introduced w/round table
introductions. Nathaniel Condelli works at SDSU as assistant director in Housing Dev & his undergrad is Sports, Park
& Rec.
Josh: Nature Park & Aquatic Center hiring. Working on pool for May 30th opening date. Continue 5th St court rentals
until school’s out. Summer Rec Registration opened on Apr 18 at 7 PM. Angella Hintz started Mar 27th as office
assistant. SDSU hosted home baseball game at Bob Shelden. Picnic shelters started Apr 15th. Sexauer Park
Campground available Apr 25th. Gardens tilled, marked, & notice sent to gardeners. New upstairs carpet &
dehumidification getting put in Larson Ice Center (LIC). Urban Forestry Initiative went very well-started Apr 20 at
Noon & 200 vouchers out by 8 AM following Monday. Working on hiring at golf course & tech position closed.
Gradually opened course starting Apr 12th. Found some large breaks in irrigation. John–was there water when
pumped turned on? Josh–yes & ponds 25 feet higher than last year.
5. Discussion & Possible Action on Comedy in the Park Event
Matt Rustman from Wooden Legs had a visual display. Last 2 yrs. hosted in-building comedy once per month & last
yr took out to Pioneer Park. July 20th is projected date. They take care of temp alcohol license. Set up 700 feet of
snow fencing to regulate beer sales w/check-in. They’ll id patrons & put on wristbands w/21 year olds getting 1
color & under 21 a different color. Have check point by bathrooms to prohibit alcohol leaving park & work w/a
food truck. Setup around 9 AM that morning for snow fencing & 4 PM open up for yard games & enjoy weather
w/craft beer sales & 7 PM will start improve group for 20 min set w/comedian following. Radio silent at 8:30 PM
& out-of-park by 10 PM. John–any oversight w/entertainment as SDSU recently had some issues w/a venue? Doug–
family friendly? Matt–18 & up is the target. Jay Larsen motioned to approve the action needed for the use of
Pioneer Park, 2nd by Nathaniel Condelli; motion carried.
Jake asked Matt if they’ve already spoken w/Bonnie on necessary permits & Matt will talk w/Chief Drake. Darren
has already issued reservation. John–is this a contract? Jake–no but does reserve the spot w/necessary permits.
6. Discussion & Possible Action on Sexauer Park Volleyball Fundraiser
Eric Beckendorf–presented handout. He does City League VB & has wished to do something to give back to community
so asking for CoEd VB Tourney June 24 at Sexauer Park. Summer Sol would be name & would like to do yearly to
raise money w/donations going to “Kiss My ALS Foundation”. Goal is to educate people on ALS & give back to local
community members who contract ALS. Names Summer Sol as hope to play it yearly around Summer Solstice. Looked
at surrounding community days & not many left so 4th weekend of June, 1 day on a Saturday, & would like to use
sand courts but will move onto grass if necessary. Went over timeline in handout. Eric asked if any concerns
w/proposed parking? Josh–parking in grass weather dependent and areas around ditches not allowable for parking
as ditches are too steep, can look at other more suitable areas for parking. Steve asked if this area was flooded?
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Josh-yes. Eric wants to be out of park by 9 PM. Erika–fundraising through team registration? Eric–yes, 100%, & he
kept it simple this year but might add more in future yrs–silent auction, food trucks, etc. Erika–limiting number of
teams so done by 9 PM? Eric–if goes onto grass can have more teams. Would like to see 10-15 courts going but
will see for this 1st one. Jay–team camp area for set-up & shade? Eric–S of sand courts along the road would be an
area & along N side away from the courts. Jay–spectator seating? Eric–bring own chairs, if Parks have picnic tables
great. Jay–fundraising & participation is needed. Eric–something he’s wanted to do forever & surrounding towns do
VB tourneys during their ‘days’. Motion to approve event by Steve Berseth, 2nd by Nathaniel Condelli; motion carried.
Erika wished Eric good luck & hope it’s a success. Eric asked when nets will be up at Sexauer & Josh will reach out to
staff.
7. Presentation & Discussion on Summer Rec: Stacy Claussen & Darren Hoff, Rec Mgrs
Stacy: doing a lot of hiring. Nature Center busy w/rentals w/13 for May & went over staffing update w/all new
staff. Rec Programs–no returning staff for tennis & only 1 for soccer but think we have enough. No intern this summer.
Aquatic Center (HAC)–3 new managers w/1 returning w/some new & returning lifeguards & cashiers. 26 returning
staff members & about 37-38 new staff this summer. John–what is pay range? Stacy $12-15 for lifeguard; rec
assistant & head guard $13-17; & manager $14-18/hour. New Senior Services Supervisor starting mid-May. May
30th pool opens. Erika–cleaned up from repairs? Stacy-yes, for most part.
Darren: went over today’s programming numbers of registrations. Will have 14 teams for Tball. Horsemanship
numbers dictated by SDSU, older groups for tennis not getting full. Doug–tennis & soccer, are these Club sports?
Darren–no, strictly Park & Rec. John–who supervises tennis? Stacy–our instructors. Doug–1st Tee not listed? Darren–
kids signing up through 1st Tee & no longer us. Doug–City owns shed? Darren–yes. Doug asks how this works being
separate? Darren doesn’t see anything different as we were just a “bank holding the fees” but then gave revenue to
1st Tee. John–do tennis instructors have skills? Yes, either high school or college. Jake–do we know how our numbers
are tracking this year? Darren thinks very similar or higher in some areas.
8. Discussion on Donated Funds for Dakota Nature Park
Jake–Josh & Al had opportunity to go out w/John to look over things. They’re suggesting to contract moving some
junipers (about $7,000) & then propose remaining $3,000 for seasonal labor to remove suckers, etc. Motion to
approve staff recommendations by John Maynes, 2nd by Jay Larsen; motion carried.
9. Discussion & Possible Action on Fee Schedule
Jake displayed fee schedule for 2024. Parks-most staying consistent w/deduction of $20 on field lining at Fishback.
Didn’t have rental rates for sand VB courts so $25/court/day & line markers additional $65. Steve asked if there’s
signage that people have to rent? Josh–thinks we’ll use a white board indicating use. John–inflation is running 9% so
why haven’t we employed an inflation factor? Jake–did internal analysis & then looked at peer community fees &
we’re in-line & comparable. Do analysis on annual basis & will update as needed. HAC discount cards increased
$9 so $63 for 2024. LIC–added in skate sharpening as wasn’t in at $5. Rec–added in Fall Open & Winter Open
VB league & costs of $165. Doug–where is VB played? Darren–5th St. Activities Center–new fee addition & they
used to do hourly charge but we made it per day. Rec Program–increase to Fishing Friday up to $27 instead $19.
John–why? Stacy said just revamped it to more sessions. Same for kayaking. Jay–what about tennis & pickleball
court rentals? Stacy–we don’t charge for pickleball & tennis & separate user group w/tennis club.
Erika–how are we doing the grass courts for VB? Josh–we would be fine putting in lines as getting mowed soon,
wouldn’t be best experience playing on grass but no fee. Doug–pickleball doesn’t pay? Jake–no as we just stripe it
now. Doug–will we charge if get new pickleball courts? Jake–possibly but Darren said w/Land & Water need to
make accessible to everyone.
Jake–golf fees. Darren, Josh, & Jake met w/Gary who was invited to attend tonight. He was generally supportive
of what was proposed except cart membership. Changed structure for memberships & used Watertown as
comparative. Looked at 1.5 increase for couple from individual but not that large of an increase per Gary’s request.
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Used to have senior & military vet memberships but instead proposing 10% off anything. John–thinks youth
membership steep as we want to encourage young people to play. Jake–consolidated some ages in youth
memberships & young adult memberships. Jay–supports lower fees to encourage being involved in lifetime sport &
have fewer days they can play w/school start. John would like to see youth stay at 13 & U & maybe change young
adult to 16-25? Jay Larsen motioned we keep age groups the same & $140 as the fee for 18 & U. Doug Smith 2nd
motion. Jake–make early bird fee $120 for 18 & U & regular season rate $140. One nay, rest ayes. Jake–cart
membership changed from individual & family cart to half & full cart. Common to charge for number of people in
cart. Doug–why increasing full cart versus half cart? Jake–Gary concerned about cart rental & wanted to see higher
rental rate. John–cart rentals should be associated w/damage done to the Course (wears grass out, etc.). Half cart
should go to $390 to help improve cart paths. Motion by John Maynes to increase half cart from $375 to $390, 2nd
by Doug Smith. Nathaniel–if do this, do adjustment in single use cart fee increase at same percentage. Jake–
compared to Cattail in Watertown & very comparable to single usage cart fees but low in membership basis. Erika
called vote–motion carried.
John–concerned about bucket of balls increase from $5 to $7 again due to youth using this. Doug doesn’t think Gary
charges 1st Tee users for balls. Darren said need to remember that memberships get buckets. Nathaniel–could we
do 18 & U bucket cost & another one? Gary asked for this, Jake said. Motion to approve overall adjusted fee
schedule by Doug Smith, 2nd by Nathaniel Condelli; motion carried.
10. Discussion & Possible Action on 10 Year Capital Improvement Plan
Jake went over a visual display. Staff made some adjustments on it since last meeting. These are 90% complete–
fee schedule & CIP. Orange indicated price increase & yellow new expenses w/most increases due to inflation. Jay–
can these amounts be changed, mainly a ‘placeholder’? Jake said yes & we really focus on 2024 (next year’s) costs.
We look at useful life & gauge replacements. Josh explained we’re one of the few that offer free swimming with
kiddie pool. Was advised to change this into splash pad but we already have one. But our 50m pool needs
resurfacing. Erika–are we moving the splash pad to another park? Jake said we have something on our radar.
Doug-big pool, how long should that last? Josh thought 15 yr warranty. Doug–we have all the leaks resolved? Josh-
we hope so. Motion to approve the 10 Yr CIP by Doug Smith. Erika would like the splash park item not be lost from
the list. 2nd by John Maynes. Jay wants to see Pioneer Park added into 2024 but Jake said can’t ‘duplicate’ this but
instead will carry forward. Motion carried.
11. Discussion & Possible Action on 2023 Mayor’s Awards
Ronda gave background on Park & Rec Board’s awardees from 2021 & 2022. Please bring potential nominees to
next meeting.
12. Discussion & Possible Action on Parks Master Plan Work Plan
Jake–thoughts on creating subcommittee at last meeting. Jake shared top 2 candidates want to have work plan on
the Parks Master Plan. We don’t want to delay progress but if Board creates a subcommittee & new director coming
on, suggests Board delay another month & let Board discuss w/new director. Jay brought up the 2021 Parks Master
Plan & Jake said should work collaboratively. So Jay suggested waiting until July to discuss.
13. Project & Program Updates:
1) Staffing Updates: Director-offered to 1st choice, they accepted & targeted start date of May 30th. Office
Manager to top candidate starting May 15th. Daniel Timm promoted to internal Parks Supervisor & filling 1
Park Tech position. Golf Tech has 3 good finalists & interviewing those within next week. Doug–Josh’s position
will be decided upon after new director? Jake said yes.
2) Pioneer Bandshell: Jake–working w/firm & they have to drop our project as too busy. So need to start over
& have found another firm. John asked if Jake would share who dropped us & Jake said no out of respect
but we’re currently working with Design Arc. Erika–where are we? Jake–at design phase. John–other
company broke contract? Jake–no official contract & no money paid out. Jay–grant applications delayed?
Jake–yes. Jay–Belle Fourche did this & got a Deadwood Grant.
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3) Golf Course Water Source: Jake–went back to ISG & doing both tiers. Agreement signed & sent back to
them w/agreed upon mutual time frame. Jake’s envisioning a 6-week project.
4) Brookings Urban Forest Initiative: already discussed.
5) Edgebrook Membership Report: Ronda informed the Board of the to-day membership revenue & compared
to last year’s figures.
6) Pickleball Court Project: Jake–CDI probable cost w/asphalt or concrete surfacing. Their recommendation is
concrete. Didn’t include shelter & water fountain. $550,000 & $700,000 for concrete. Jake involved in
discussion w/pickleball group. These estimates include lights ($215,000) but could make these future phase.
Meeting again w/pickleball group & CDI in hopes of making project happen. Doug–life expectancy of both
surfacing’s? Our tennis courts are concrete & thought 30+ years. But we want to put out a good product.
Jay–CDI wanting to do same surface as tennis courts? Jake-post tension concrete. Jay–maintenance of tennis
courts? Josh–thicker than paint but applied the same.(in regards to the surfacing)
14. Upcoming Programs & Events: (reported by Jake unless otherwise indicated)
A. T-ball & Summer Activities Begin: Week of May 23 & Following
B. Tentative Hillcrest Aquatic Center Opening: Tues, May 30th
C. Next Meeting: Monday, June 5 at 5:30 PM in Room 300
14. Call for Future Meeting Topics:
Arts Festival as formality. Mayor’s Awards nominees.
15. Adjournment:
Motion to adjourn by Doug Smith, 2nd by John Maynes; motion carried. Meeting ended at 7:41 PM.
Submitted,
Ronda A May
Ronda May
City of Brookings PRF Office Manager