3.1. 05-03-10 DRAFT MINUTES REGULAR

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City Council Minutes Page 5 May 3, 2010 ----------------------------- Commissioner Jaker commented to the council about his positive first year as a commissioner. He noted potential residents decide to move to this city because of the strong parks and recreation program. He stated his hopes to continue to see the council support these programs with proper staffing, planning, and budgeting in order to continue to build on this important program. Steve Benoit then discussed with the council the three areas they cover during their parks and recreation meetings. The opportunity to broadcast on ERtV 12 allows for more than just a general meeting, stating it gives them an opportunity to promote themselves to a broader audience and increase awareness of all the opportunities at parks and recreation. The three areas they cover are: - Program updates -allows them to plug upcoming programming opportunities - Facility updates -allows them to highlight specific parks and their Adopt-a-Park program - Volunteer program - recognize a park volunteer of the month on camera, giving recognition to our valuable volunteers and spark interest in others wanting to volunteer Rodney Schreifels also stated how important our volunteers are to the city parks, noting it would take 2 full time employees just to operate Woodland Trails Park and 1 full time employee to operate Hillside Park. Mayor Klinzing asked about other ways of recruiting volunteers to assist in park maintenance. Mr. Maertz stated he usually tries to encourage people that aren't happy about something to come to the next commission meeting to discuss their concerns and try to work together to find a solution. Those individuals could end up volunteering their time to make a positive change. Commissioner Karlsen introduced himself as one of the newer commissioners. He stated he would like to help the city retain and manage the parks they currently have as well as find opportunities for new park land to add to the parks system. Commissioner Ahless also introduced himself as one of the newer commissioners, although he had formerly done an internship with the parks and recreation department and is very familiar with the city. He also commented on the importance of having a business connection with the parks programming, citing the example of the upcoming Minnesota Twins clinic in partnership with General Minnesota Credit Union. Commissioner Nizolek stated he felt things were going really well and stated there are so many good things to say about the parks and recreation department. Councilmember Motin commended all the parks and recreation staff and commissioners, and found the presentation to be very informative. He stated he would like to find ways of obtaining more park dedication fees. Councilmember Gumphrey concurred with Councilmember Motin, and asked that they continue to improve recreation programming, adding new opportunities to residents every year.