03-19-24 - PTRC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee – March 19, 2024 Page 6 Recreation Supervisor Johnson stated he could get background information on the park and Committee Member Olson reported she would continue to be in contact with the County and provide an update to the group in the future. Chair Anderson wanted to gauge the interest of the PTRC regarding forming a work group, noting the focus would be for future planning of the park. A discussion ensued as to how a potential work group could function. C. Agenda Packet Discussion Recreation Supervisor Johnson indicated that other committees/commissions have moved to digital packets, noting this would alleviate the potential issue of late packet arrival. He noted paper copies could still be provided to the members at the meeting. He requested the members let him know their preference. Chair Anderson explained the packet would be accessible digitally well in advance but paper packets would still be available the night of the meeting for the members. D. Work Session Update Chair Anderson noted that she along with Committee Members Olson and Seeman were in attendance at the City Council’s March work session. She provided a summary of their presentation which included the PTRC’s 2024 work plan, fire pit donations, bathroom locks, community outreach and Lindey’s roundabout landscaping. She indicated that the Council was not in favor of the fire pits but was in favor of bathroom locks, noting the implementation process for the locks was to be determined by City staff. She said there was no action on the community outreach and Lindey’s topics as further discussion would occur in the future. E. Community Outreach/Events Councilmember Holden stated she was excited when she saw the PTRC’s goals and work plan. She said that in her neighborhood, instead of letting things rot in the garden, there is a table where excess produce is placed for anyone to take. She noted this practice is referred to as gleaning and said this could be a potential offering for the community that would need outreach. Committee Member Olson asked about the City’s community garden off of Old Highway 10. Councilmember Holden stated that individuals pay for a garden plot site and the produce is the property of that individual. Councilmember Holden stated there is a group in Minneapolis called Food Group Glean Team. A short discussion ensued about gleaning, the community sharing of excess produce. Councilmember Holden indicated that isolation in communities in Minnesota as well as around the country is a big theme. She stated a possibility for community outreach could be to have an initiative in which neighbors reach out to those that live alone to provide assistance or companionship. She noted the importance of education on isolation within our community.