03-20-12 PTRC - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ms. Pederson nominated Mr. Straumann as Vice Chair for 2012. Hearing no additional nominations, Ms. Pederson, seconded by Mr. Ditmore, that nominations be closed and a unanimous ballot be cast for Mr. Straumann as Vice Chair. Motion carried. 2011 WORK PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS Mr. Mack distributed copies of the Commission 2011 Work Program. He noted that the Commission mission statement and philosophy/strategy was developed by the Commission as a preamble to the specific objectives included in the Work Program. Mr. Mack reviewed the status of each of the 2011 objectives noting that the majority had been accomplished or significant progress had been made toward completion. Many of the planning and development projects have proceeded on schedule and will be included in the Department work program for 2012 as contracts for these projects are implemented. A draft of the 2012 Commission Work Program will be presented for the Commission to consider at its next meeting. TAMARACK NATURE CENTER DISCOVERY HOLLOW EXPERIENCE + INTERPRETIVE PLAN Ms. Yungers led the Commission in a discussion regarding the plan that was prepared by RSP Dreambox. Commission members expressed support for the names recommended for each of the site areas and the messages that were proposed. The Commission was also supportive of the materials proposed for the various signs. Ms. Yungers indicated that the signs will be fabricated and installed in 2012 using funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services grant that was awarded to Ramsey County for Tamarack Nature Center. Following a detailed discussion of the various plan elements, Mr. Tempas moved, seconded by Mr. Straumann, that the Commission recommend approval of the Tamarack Nature Center Discovery Hollow + Interpretive Plan. Motion carried. DIRECTOR'S REPORT Mr. Mack provided an update on construction contracts that were awarded in 2011. He noted that the unusually warm weather has afforded contractors an opportunity to continue work through the end of the year including site preparation and some building construction at Turtle Lake County Park. The lack of snow has negatively impacted traditional winter outdoor recreation like cross-country skiing. Several cross-country ski events and activities have been canceled because of lack of snow. Mr. Mack reported that Department managers are involved in evaluation of the current Department organizational structure in an effort to address current and emerging needs. The organizational structure is intended to provide a vehicle for succession planning and identification of skill sets necessary for a sustainable organization. 2