I don't remember. Oh, he's just got the What's the >> Yeah. >> Yeah. You can laugh about it, you know. Got to, I guess. >> How's it going, Sharon? >> How's it going?
>> How are you? >> I'm good. >> When you were looking down your screen, it didn't want to bother you. >> Well, no. I was I was trying to get your attention, but Morning. >> Okay, welcome everybody. I'm going to call to order the regular
meeting of the February 9th, 2026 City of New Park and Recreation Commission. We'll take a roll call of the commissioners at this point. Um, >> uh, Dave Christian, ward one, city councelor, liaison,
>> and Earl, commissioner, >> uh, Kurt Johnson, chairperson, >> Amy Johnson, >> Greg Glover, >> Jim Jensen, commissioner, >> Cheryl Corman, staff, >> and Joey Schugle, staff. >> All right, thank you all very much. Um,
we have in our packet the amend or the agenda for the February 9th, 2026 meeting. Has everyone read read that? And if so, do I have a motion to approve that? >> So move.
>> Motion has been made. Is there a second? >> Second. >> All right. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I opposed. Same sign. Motion carried. >> Is approved for February 9th, 2026.
Also in your packet, commissioners, is the uh are the meetings of the park and recck commission of January 12th, 2026. Uh before we can go any further, we need a motion to approve or amend that motion
that those that agenda. >> Do I hear such a motion or >> motion to approve the agenda of the second minutes? All right. There's been a motion and a second made to approve the minutes of the park and recck commission meeting of January 12th,
20126. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed? Motion carried. >> Director Schugle is city council recap. Do you want to talk about that briefly, please? >> Yes. Thank you, Chair Johnson. Commissioners, uh, just a few light
business items due to our short meeting in January. Uh, but at the January 20th regular council meeting, the naming rights for the recreation center was approved. Um, more details to come on that as we go over the next few months on on that activation process as that
goes. Uh, but as you know, South Point has partnered with the city of New for those naming rights on the recreation center. And then at the February 3rd meeting, there was no park and wreck related items. Um, so any questions on on that report so far?
>> Hearing none. Thank you, Director Schugle. Um, item number six is the park and recreation and comprehensive master plan update. Director Schugle. >> Thank you, Chair Johnson. Commissioners,
as you know, our uh our uh January meeting was late due to our open house. So, I did want to uh open house on the master plan. So, that was January 12th. We had a really nice uh attendance of that and feedback during the open house at the recreation center. Uh in your
packet is attached the comments that we received from that evening. Uh a lot of different comments on different areas throughout the park system. Um, >> I love the comment about the upside down Christmas tree. >> Yes,
that always brings both positive and negative comments. As you saw, there's multiple comments in there. Um, so what happens with these comments then is these comments and and feedback uh go to the consultants and they're working them into we're in the implementation phase now. So this is phase three, the final
phase of that master plan. And really what we're working on now is getting a draft 100% draft plan to you uh potentially in April to look at and a presentation from our consultants at that time. At that time there would
still be review before it would go to city council. So tenatively an April time frame to get a presentation from our consultants or the draft plan and then it to go to city council potentially in May is what our timeline looks like. So, um, but any questions on any of the comments that you saw from
the open house or if you were able to attend anything from that evening? >> I was pleased with the turnout. >> Yes, as were the consultants. Yes, >> I was impressed with a number of comments that people wanted to happen in
South Park. I thought, I've got to get down there more often. Seemed like that was like extensive. Yes. >> No, it was a good turnout. All right. Any other questions or comments for Director Schugle about the park plan?
Hearing none, I'd have a motion to receive that. >> I'll make a motion to receive that. There. >> Motion's been made and seconded to receive the uh and file the city council
or or the park and wreck plan update. All those in favor signify by saying I >> I >> opposed. Same sign. Motion carried. Thank you very much. Item number seven, adopt a park. There's a motion to
approve the request from the Nisley family to adopt Adams Park located at 620 Cottonwood Street. Director Schugle, I believe we have a member of the Nisley family here to speak on that. >> Yes. Thank you, Chair Johnson.
Commissioners, uh this is a request from the Nisley FL family to participate in our adopt a park and trail program and Mr. Nisley has a has uh is in attendance here. But before I get into the actual request, I did want to give some background on the adopt a park program
uh as it might be new to some of you. Uh so what that program looks like is or the objective is it's to organize a volunteer effort to clean, beautify, develop and build pride in parks, trails, the parks and trails of new. And so this program is really open to
anyone. So it's open. We have businesses who have adopted parks. We have uh nonprofit organizations. We have private individuals, families, boy scouts, all of that. So, it's really open to anyone who potentially wants to participate in the program. And what they have to do is
fill out an application which is on available at the City of New website or they can contact our department directly. And once we get that application, we start to work with that family or organization individual on what that looks like. Um, and what their
intentions are for that area and also what uh the department is looking for as well. Um, with with adoption comes a $100 fee. And what that fee does is that's a sign cost for that. So, uh, there is a sign that would be placed in
that park to recognize the adoption of that. So, that's to start the process. And if there's multiple signs, then there's the fee of $100 is multiplied each time there's a sign there. Uh then once adopted, uh those who adopted that the park is or trail segment is
responsible for 25 volunteer hours a year. And if they don't hit that, then the department does have the right to to charge that organization or work that. Usually it does not get to that point, but it's just some kind of skin in the game to kind of um make sure we're doing
this uh actively, I guess, and uh um not forgetting about it once it's once it's done. Um so, the Nisley family approached uh approached me and uh was interested in Adams Park. So, if you're not familiar with Adams Park, in your
packet, I have put a aerial view of um it's adjacent to Cottonwood Street. So, uh, right across the Cottonwood River. And what this, um, map shows is is, uh, where the trail
within Adams Park goes. So, it's an undeveloped park. What happen? There's a gravel parking lot there. There's a canoe landing. It is heavily used for fishing, hiking, some mountain bike. Mountain biking even
happens in there. But what generally happens at least once a year is this this parcel is in flood plane. It does flood. Uh so it is a tough area to put a lot of developmental dollars into that just because of uh the volatility of the
Cottonwood River there. Whether the the flood goes over the Cottonwood Street or not, generally it is in the park at least one time every year is what we've seen over the last number of years. Uh with that though, there's great passion for that area. We've had a lot of volunteers over the years that have
helped um create that that trail segment and and do a lot of work for us in there. >> What do they do? >> Clear clear deadfall. You know, after a flood, we have a lot of deadfall in the area and just clear areas. It's very sandy in there. Um some of our avid
mountain bikers like to try to put some jumps in there or some, you know, some little more topography to the trail system in there as well. um which we've okayed at times as well. Um but we haven't had a formal adoption for that park yet. So that's where the Nisley
family's coming together today are are formally asking for that today. And uh staff would highly recommend that um to approve this item today. And I do have a sign here to kind of show what it looks like. So this would be what would
be placed in that in that area. >> Made a sign. >> We we did You happy about that, John? >> And Mr. Nley is here if you do have any questions for him as well. Um, but his applications in the packet as well to kind of show
>> I saw that. Thank you, John. You have any comments? Okay. All right. Commissioners, uh, any questions or concerns about this? >> I think it's pretty cool. I I have a nice big lawn at home that needs mowing, too. you just No, I I seriously I this
it's again another sign of the the passion people have for our parks and all and and that you're willing to take the time and I think it's great for you and your family and I admire what you're doing and congratulate you and I would offer a motion to uh pass this
>> second. >> All right, motion has been made and seconded. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I motion carries. Thank you very much, John, and and the family. That's great. I appreciate it. >> Thank you.
>> Item number 7.2 Two is a recommend a recommendation to the city council to authorize overnight temporary camping not to exceed five recreational fires in South German Park near Third South
Street for the BMX Minnesota State Qualifier racing event on the nights of Friday, June 12th, Saturday, June 13th, and Sunday, June 14th, 2026. 6. Director.
>> Yes. Thank you, Chair Johnson. Commissioners, uh, this request is coming to you as overnight camping is is not a one of the permitted uses unless it gets special authorization through the city council. Uh, so this also, if you've been a commissioner for more than
one year, you would note that this is a yearly request that comes in from the River Valley BMX Association. They generally hold large qualifying tournament at least once a year. Um they are really excited with the track redesign that has uh phase one is dirt
work is completed and the rest of phase one should be completed before racing season this year. Uh so they're really excited about being able to offer larger race events with that track redesign. Uh so this request would happen on the weekend of June 12th through the 14th at South German Park. So right across the
street from Third Street. If you're not familiar with that area, that is really where it's it snows dumped in the winter. Um undeveloped area. It's on the north side of where the dog park would be on the south end of South German there. Uh so really in the past we've
had zero issues with any of this overnight camping. We do have race families that use this option as well. Um so um have had no issues. River Valley BMX is um responsible though and and um if we do have any issues to help
mitigate that along with the uh local police department as well. >> Any issues from the neighbors? >> Have not had any complaints over the years. Uh Councelor Christian has approved this numerous times. >> You've never had an issue. How many years they've been doing this? Five. 10. >> Yeah. >> Never an issue.
>> That's great. >> Yes. >> How do you control the fires with 10 camping spaces and five fires? Doesn't everybody want to fire? >> Commissioner Earl, you know, so that it hasn't generally come up as a issue. We
generally don't have more than five campers. I mean, if we do, they do know five is the maximum. Um, and it depends on conditions, too. So, if we're in a no burn time of year, um, then they're not allowed to have those either. So, that's communicated prior to >> share my marshmallows.
>> Yes. >> Yes. >> Any other questions or concerns? I think it's a good use. >> All right. I'd entertain a motion to approve this uh rec or this uh temporary camping permit.
>> I move to uh approve the temporary camping permit. >> Is there a second? >> I second. >> All right. Motion's been made and seconded to recommend to the city council uh that uh the that we authorize overnight
temporary camping not to exceed five recreational fires in South German Park near Third South Street for the BMX Minnesota State Qualifier racing event on the weekend of June 12th through the 14th. All those in favor signify by
saying I. I >> I >> uh those opposed say no. Motion carried. We will authorize or recommend to the city council to authorize that temporary camping overnight
in South German Park. Item 73 of new business is the video board at Johnson Park replacement of the scoreboard. Commissioner Schugal,
>> Chair Johnson, Commissioners, >> this is a request uh to have approve a replacement of the current Johnson Park scoreboard into a new video or slashdigital uh scoreboard. Uh so the current board at Johnson Park was
purchased in 2008. Uh that that board is still in working order. However, there are a few issues with it. Um some of the big ones during day games, it is it is really hard to see um see the bulbs uh that are there as well. And also over
the last few years when we've had replacement, we've had some replacement issues with that. So, um, they not always manufacturing the same parts, and when they do, the cost has has went up over the years, too. Uh, so, um, I've been approached by the New Baseball
Association. Um, over the last year or two with the letting me know that their desire would be to have that replaced. Um, at at the current time, city did not have any funding for a replacement. Uh, the baseball association has taken it
upon themselves to to take care of a full replacement. uh and that replacement would be the cost of a new digital board as well as all the electrical updates that come with that. Uh the proposed new board uh would be
mostly same dimensions and I we do have a uh concept in the in the packet here. So mostly the same dimensions. Why I say mostly is if you look at that arch there, there is a 5-ft arch uh that isn't part of the current board. That
would be in this board. Um, our current posts would be able to handle this the same. Um, so we wouldn't have to replace new posts or anything like that to be able to hold this board. Um, >> who operates it? Somebody in the score
in the score. >> So volunteers from the baseball association do provide all game operations. So whether that's concession workers or scoreboard workers. So um, they're generally the ones running it. city staff does not run scoreboards during games or anything like that. So,
they're fully operating that with their volunteers. Um, so yes, I'm happy to answer any questions that you may have with this item, but also we have representatives from the baseball association here as well. >> Um, Director Schugle, is there any um
ongoing maintenance costs, software updates, things that the city would incur? >> Sure. So, uh, great question, uh, Commissioner Glover. So, there is a 5-year warranty on this. Uh, depending on on the issue, um, which is a good thing. Uh, so hopefully the kinks are worked out before then. Usually these
have a life cycle of, you know, around 15 to 20 years. Um, I anticipate there will be some ongoing maintenance cost to that. And uh this park and recck department works very closely with the baseball association on how that shakes out, you know, and the baseball
association has funded a lot of our um replacement and upgrade of um costs related to other items as well. Um some of the ones we're working on right now is a new back stop at Miller Park that baseball association has contributed to
as well. Um, so I don't want to speak to for them, but uh they're they have been willing to partner with the city and help um ease the pain of any replacement costs or maintenance costs. >> You gentlemen from the baseball association have anything to say?
Anything you want to say? >> I want to personally thank the baseball for undertaking this. I really like the design. I mean, the days of the kid running out changing the scoreboard definitely are over. >> I kind of missed that. I was wondering if it is is carrying
advertising in the space that is not associated with the score and is there funding who's getting funding for this advertising? Um is it does advertising need to be approved by
someone as it as it comes up and down? Right. And my other the other half of my question is what's happening to the Royer dedication or is that gone its merry way because most dedications eventually do. So those are basically the some of the issues that I
>> Great question. I'll take the the first part of that Commissioner Earl. Um so with the currently we have an advertising agreement with the New Baseball Association. uh the city does and really that mostly encompasses the outdoor fences and really it it it has
just been down at Miller Park to this point. There is language in there that can move up to Johnson and cover both parks. However, um if it's expanded outside of that, then um both sides get together and decide what that looks like. So there is a cost share or
revenue share on on advertising. Now, so the digital displays do have the capability of a of um having promotion and advertising material on. So, we would have to work that out and put that in the agreement. Okay. >> But that to this point that has not been
worked out. >> The regular dedication, >> I'm going to let the baseball association take the Royer dedication. So, in this spec there is a new sponsor board on the bottom which is the same size as that. Um, and uh, to this point
I don't know if they're fully know what um, how they're going to go with the rigger dedication, but maybe if anyone wants to speak on that. >> Well, we haven't decid. >> Yes, Mr. Chairman.
>> Go ahead. Uh, >> Bob Skiillings, New Home Baseball Association. We haven't uh decided what to do with the Jess Royer uh part of the scoreboard that there is now. One possibility is uh
we have an identical scoreboard down at Mueller Park and and that might be where Jess's sign would go on that scoreboard. >> An identical old scoreboard down. >> Correct. >> Yeah. Not identical to this one.
>> I see. Okay. Go ahead. I'm sorry. So, um, but but we we haven't decided um what's going to happen. We we'll continue to honor Jess, you know, in a significant way. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you, Mr. Skellington. >> I was just curious, is there any other park in the league that has a something of this like this or are we the first ones? >> Wow. And Commissioner Glover, I think if you would go over to Franklin Rogers Park where the Moond Dogs play, they have a
video board over there. Not quite to this, not to this spec, but it is has video capabilities. >> Video capabilities, >> right? Okay. >> Well, I think it's a great idea. I I would move that we Mr. Chairman would move that we uh approve it.
>> I would second that. Any other questions, commissioners? Do we have a motion to recommend to the council? Uh, any approval of the replacement park Johnson Park scoreboard with a new video
board? >> There a motion? >> Yes, you have a motion. >> I need a motion. >> Okay. Is there a second? All right. >> Y >> All right. Motion's been made and seconded. All those in favor signify by saying I >> opposed. Motion carried. Thank you very much.
>> Thanks again. >> All right. Item number uh 74 7.4 in the uh new business is the park and wreck donations. Uh Director Schugle, please. >> Chair Johnson, commissioners, we we do have a number of donations this month. First one for the Riverside ELC from
Marielle and Domire in memory of Michael Schwarz for $50. Another one for River Riverside ELLC for Carol and Joseph Domer in memory of Michael Schwarz for another $50. The Wreck on the Go last 20% of that funding from New Public
Schools in the amount of $1,600. the New Year's Eve skate event, which is the second year that that has went on, uh, from the Optimus Club for $1,000. And then also sponsoring teen skate events, the Optimus Club for $750.
And then a Herman Heights PASstone from Peter Brand honoring Joseph and Sophia Brand family for $200. So those total donations are $3,650. Any >> questions, commissioners? A motion to recommend the city council offer
resolution wave the reading to accept the following donations offered to the city and homem through the park and rec department of for the identified purposes. >> A second. >> Motion has been made and seconded to recommend to the city council offer a resolution wave the reading to the following donations that were provided
by director Sugal the city of New through the park and recreation department for the purposes identified. All those in favor signify by saying I. I I >> opposed. Same sign. The motion is carried. Uh with great thanks to the
donors. Correct. >> Thank you very much. Item number eight, Director Schugle commissioner reports. >> Any commissioner reports today? >> Okay. >> All right. >> I can move into staff report then.
>> Okay. >> Or I'm sorry, activity report. Department activity report. Then let's go to item number 82 which is the activity report for the department. >> Thank you Chair Johnson. Commissioners uh you do have two activity reports in
your packet due to our short meeting last month. So there's December and January in here. Um as always happy to answer any questions that uh fall in that report if anything jumps out. I do want to highlight a couple things in January. So, um you'll see very high use
of the civic center and recreation center in in January. Um always a busy busy season for our facilities, but um really high use in hockey tournaments. Hockey day m or new new alm hockey day happened in January. Uh was a was a huge
event out at the civic center. Uh in addition to a a number of youth tournaments, those continue through this month as well. and recreation center always sees an uptick in January as well. Um, another item to highlight in January is our Friday night light skate.
So, that that's kind of a a new all age programming that happens out at the civic center. So, it's a combination of kind of your old rock on ice and family skates all allin-one on Friday night with some special lighting. Uh, those have been wellreceived to this
point. Uh, so I anticipate continuing those. um over the coming years in place of rock on ice. But any questions on the activity reports? All right. Hearing none, do I have a recommendation uh from the uh board to
accept and file with the park the park and recreation department activity report for December 2025 and January 226. >> So move Second. Second. >> Motion has been made and seconded. Uh
all those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> I. >> Opposed. Same sign. Motion carried. We will accept and file the file the rec file the park and recreation department activity report for December 2025 and
January 2026. And we'll state that they've done a great job and they continue to do a great job. Thank you very much. Item number 83 is a staff report. Director Chudel, >> Chair Johnson, commissioners, um a few
highlights for or reports for this this uh meeting here, but the first one I'm uh very excited to let you know that we did hire a new program supervisor for the department is uh uh an old face, but a new new to this position now. So, Ben Doden, who was our aquatics and fitness
coordinator, uh did accept the position of recreation program supervisor. Uh we had a a really uh competitive um recruiting process, a lot of interest in the position and uh Ben shined all the way through and Ben will do a great job.
Um so, we're confident in that. Ben's been doing a great job in the interim as well. Um so, really excited. He's really excited to get going and and bring his ideas into that position. And uh for those of you that don't know that position, that kind of plans all the programs, activities, events that go on
uh for the department, also uh seasonal facilities in charge of operating Herman, uh warming houses, all of that. So, it's a big position, a lot going on. Uh but it's also a position where there's uh a lot of opportunity to make an impact in the community. So, um
excited for Ben in in this new role. What that'll look like then is that we're going to need a aquatics and fitness coordinator. And uh we're staff's working on refining that job description a little bit and potentially uh changing it slightly to better support overall recreation programming
for the department and hopefully start some recruitment in uh the next few weeks on that position. >> So you'll be looking for someone to fill that position then? Yes. Eventually? >> Yes. >> Well, Ben's done a great job and that'll that's a good hire. So, >> uh any questions from the commissioners?
I have a few more items then. Uh so warming house at at Harmon Park. We're we're probably on the last week here. Uh you know, uh ice is ice is uh gets tough in February and we have really warm taps coming up. So uh that that facility is
looking like it it may be closed for the season. Uh depending. We'll see what the weather does over the next few weeks, but look for an official announcement uh when we know more. But it has been a very long ice season. Uh maybe not to those who remember years and years ago,
but uh most recently it's been our longest ice outdoor ice season in a long time. Um we have upcoming tournaments at the rec center that will impact members. Uh so we have a youth basketball tournament yearly one that that's every year uh through the new Youth Basketball
Association. That's both Saturday and Sunday. And then we have a adult volleyball tournament that's going to be on Saturday and Sunday the following weekend. So, we'll have a couple tournament weekends where the fieldhouse will have some impacts. Rest of the facility will be open though as usual for members and users. And then I do
want to highlight lastly is uh so many of us carry these around with us. Um councelor Christian, he's he's he might be lying. Um >> what is it? Uh but uh New Alm Park and
Recck has an app and what that app does is it allows you to check in at the rec center with your barcode so you don't have to carry that around anymore. But it is a really easy way to check schedules or register for programs. uh if you have multiple programs, it goes
into your calendar within that application and it it really makes it kind of a one-stop shop for uh New Park and Wreck and it's free in the app store or the multiple app store. So, um we're really hoping to get the word out more
on on that app that um so our users can better utilize and and get information related to our department. Any questions? No, I'm going to need a tutorial though because every time I've used it, I've gone, "Huh?" >> We We can
>> It's me. I know it's me. >> Yes. And we can provide that. >> Me, too. >> Yes. >> Any other questions, commissioners? All right. I'd entertain a motion to approve the park and recck department staff report. >> Is there a second?
>> Second. >> All right. The motion's been made and seconded to approve the uh park and rec department staff report. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I opposed. Motion carried. Thank you very much. Director.
Our next any other old business? I don't know. Okay. Well, the date of our next meeting uh without further with with no further business is uh March Monday, March 9th, 2026 at 4 p.m.
the second Monday of each month. Any further business as the commissioners wish to enter talk about? All right. Hearing none without further any without being there being further any further no new business or business at all. Uh I
declare the meeting adjourned. >> All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> All right. Thanks. >> Thank you.