05-08-2024 Parks and Recreation Commission Packet (4)

Home Browse Search

Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Page 6 April 10, 2024 Mr. Stremcha shared that in the past, if there was a request to put the pickleball nets up in January, the staff would respond that we’re going to wait until April 1. The direction we’re looking for is if the Commission is comfortable with staff deviating away from the set policy of April 1. By extending the season we’re going to inflate our budget slightly because there will be more scenarios where the weather will cause more wear and tear on the equipment which may require replacing the nets sooner. The staff hasn’t felt comfortable enough to make the decision. Commissioner Goodwin said this year was a unique season and asked if staff received calls from the community to have things put out earlier, such as pickleball nets. Mr. Stremcha said we did. Chair Anderson shared people drove everywhere to play pickleball for a few months and he thinks that giving staff the recommendation of flexibility and knowing that there is a cost that comes with it, is a good plan. The community should not have to call. Commissioner Loidolt agreed to give staff the flexibility and suggested staggering the nets and only putting up a couple so we’re not replacing them all at the same time. Commissioner Goodwin asked if there are other amenities such as the splash pad that need to be considered for this. Mr. Stremcha said those are seasonally scheduled because of winterization with water freezing and the uncertainty. With pickleball nets, you can get by with a little more flexibility. Commissioner Goodwin asked if the staff needs a recommendation on the amount of time or if we can allow the staff to make that determination. Mr. Stremcha stated there is not a formal policy that states the spring season starts on April 1, so that is a staff-level determination. If the Commission doesn’t feel like it needs to be a policy and wants to give staff the flexibility to make that determination within the confines of the budget they can. But if the budget were to be inflated for the 2025 season due to wear and tear increase that might need to be part of the recommendation this summer. Chair Anderson shared that if people want to play, they should be playing. 9. Parks and Recreation Manager Update Mr. Stremcha shared that the Recreation Manager position will be posted soon and will start the recruitment process over the next month or two. Chair Anderson shared that this past month Mr. Stremcha cleared up the status of the city park, Burr Oak. It was important for the Commission to see that the life estate of Carrol Bloomdahl was park dedication. Chair Anderson shared the Scout Island access is identified in public records and signage for the park boundaries will be installed. Commissioner Niziolek asked if an outside agency can review the natural resource inventory of Burr Oak to find out what is there. Chair Anderson suggested adding that as a discussion item to a future meeting. Page 8 of 125