2009-12-02 P & R Minutes Approved

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Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 12-02-09 the parks by sometime in January. The committee members thanked Mr. Neutkens for his effort and felt the houses were very well built. Committee Member Peterson asked Mr. Neutkens about the idea of the Boy Scout Troop doing yearly maintenance on the houses. Mr. Neutkens replied the troop is interested in doing it, just not sure of a date or the time frame yet. It was discussed when the blue birds appear in the spring and it was felt Earth Day would be too late in the season to clean out the houses. Mr. Neutkens will get back to the committee with feedback from the Boy Scout Troop. Ms. Liz Guimont, Chain of Lakes YMCA, was present to discuss the Park Play Days Program for 2010. Chairperson Seeley had requested Ms. Guimont attend the meeting to update the committee on the Park Play Days Program, as well as inform the new committee members what the program involved. The Park Play Days Program has continued to evolve over the last years removing things that did not work, such as a program for older kids at the Skate Park and adding things that have worked well. There were some sessions in the past that were cancelled as not enough participants were registered, but in 2009 the program had an average of 19 children per day with a registration fee of $75 per child per session. Ms. Guimont said she has now had the same staff come back for the last 3-4 years which is beneficial to the program. They currently offer two (2) five (5) week sessions from 9 a.m. to noon for age groups 4 to 7 and 8 to 12. Each week has a theme such as ‘Animals’, where they incorporate visits from Wargo Nature Center Staff and a ‘Safety’ week where visits from Police and Fire are part of the session. Ms. Guimont would like to increase the amount of children who participate and is hopeful with additional advertising at the schools with their program guide and easier on-line registration the numbers will increase in 2010. They also offer this same program in other parks in the area. In order to continue to keep the cost down to the residents Ms. Guimont asked the City to consider funding of $1,500. The City’s contribution in 2009 was $1,200. Motion was made by Chairperson Seeley, seconded by Committee Member Amundsen, to recommend to City Council the continued support of the YMCA Park Play Days Program at Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park in 2010 not to exceed $1,500. All in favor. Motion carried unanimously. Committee Member Grahek questioned whether this was something the committee could request charitable gambling funds for. IV. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES November 4, 2009 Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes Committee Member Amundsen requested changing Hidden Spring Park to Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park under Appearances, Mr. Matthew Neutkens, where drainage was being discussed. Committee Member Peterson requested changing ‘holes’ to ‘posts’ same section as above, referring to the installation of blue bird houses. 2 of 4