Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Minutes

Regular Meeting – January 3, 2019

Meeting Location:  Parks and Recreation Admin Conference Room

Roll Call

Board Members Present:  William Findlay

 Abby Landmeier

 Marc Litzen

 Sam Susuras

 Byron Wiehe

 Bob Wiig

 Duke Wortmann

Board Members Absent:  Gary Schroen

City Staff Present:  Rob Schoeber, Director Parks and Recreation

 Traci Wieland, Deputy Director Parks and Recreation

 Allison Little, Administrative Specialist

Item 1: Meeting called to order by Abby Landmeier at 11:59 a.m.

Item 2: Approve minutes from the December 6, 2018 Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting

Sam Susuras made a motion to approve the minutes from the December 6 meeting. The motion was seconded by Marc Litzen and carried unanimously.

 Motion approved by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board:  Yes 6   No 0

Item 3: April Ballot Initiative

Rob Schoeber talked with the board about the April Ballot Initiative. City staff are restricted from campaigning for or against issues or candidates. The GJ Community Center group has formed a campaign committee and staff are working to arm them with factual answers to any questions they may receive as part of their campaign efforts. Rob reviewed a Power Point presentation with the board which highlighted the results of the feasibility study. A conceptual design includes community spaces, aquatics, court sports, fitness spaces, walking/jogging track, tenant lease spaces and support spaces. Aquatics were the most frequent request for inclusion. Staff has also estimated construction costs and annual operating subsidy estimates. Rob asked the Board to share their questions so that the campaign committee can have information and anticipate as many questions as possible in advance.

Item 4: Emerald Ridge Estates

Rob talked with the board about Emerald Ridge Estates. This subdivision is located at 26.5 Road north of H Road and would like to make an Open Space Land dedication to the City of 8.79 acres. This property is adjacent to land owned by the City. This topic will be discussed in more detail at the February meeting. Board members were invited to go look at the proposed dedication.

Item 5: For the Good of the Community

Sam Susuras asked for an update on the businesses in the Las Colonias Business Park. Traci shared that City staff is considering changing the City charter (by vote of the people) to allow leases of up to 99 years. This may make it easier for potential tenants to secure building loans.

Item 6: Adjourn

The meeting adjourned by acclamation at 1:00 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Allison Little

Administrative Specialist