HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-02-16 Parks and Trails Minutes
CITY OF CORCORAN
Corcoran Parks and Trails Meeting Minutes
February 16, 2023 - 7:00 pm
The Corcoran Parks and Trails Commission met on February 16, 2023, in Corcoran, MN.
Present were Chairperson Anderson, Vice-Chairperson Christenson, and Commissioners Friedrich,
Nybo, Strehler, and Wyffels.
Also present was Administrative Services Director Hughes, Director of Public Safety Gottschalk, and
Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck.
1. Call to Order / Roll Call
Chairperson Anderson called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Chairperson Anderson invited all in attendance to rise and join in the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Agenda Approval
Motion: Made by Nybo, seconded by Wyffels, to approve the agenda as presented.
Voting Aye: Anderson, Friedrich, Nybo, Strehler, and Wyffels. Nay: Abstain: Christenson
(Motion carried 5:0:1)
4. Minutes
a. Minutes – January 31, 2023, Meeting
Motion: Made by Nybo, seconded by Christenson, to approve the minutes as presented.
Voting Aye: Anderson, Christenson, Friedrich, Nybo, Strehler, and Wyffels.
(Motion carried 6:0)
5. Open Forum
Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck informed the Commission that there were no individuals
interested in speaking.
6. Presentations
a. Corcoran Police Department
Director of Public Safety Gottschalk reported updates to the Commissioners regarding Public Safety
which included the hiring of Officer Burns, preparations for Truck Safety Seminar, planning for Night
to Unite, and recruitment and retention strategies for officers. Chairperson Anderson inquired about
how the covid pandemic has impacted the police department. Director of Public Safety Gottschalk
highlighted the increased understanding of the pandemic and having a better expectation of how to
respond. Commissioner Nybo asked how many part-time and full-time officers are employed, to
which Commissioner Gottschalk informed the Commission that 4 part-time officers and 12 full-time
licensed officers are on staff. Chairperson Anderson asked about crime in the parks to which
Director of Public Safety Gottschalk informed the Commission that the officers patrol the area to
prevent crime. Chairperson Anderson asked if the City is prepared for an additional regional trail that
navigates the City, to which Director of Public Safety Gottschalk informed the Commission of the
positive working relationship the City has with Three Rivers Park Districts Police. Director of Public
Safety Gottschalk informed the Commissioners that Three Rivers Park District is not required to pay
for fire services, thus calls for service at their parks and golf courses would count against city
contracts with fire departments. Chairperson Anderson inquired about legislature to which Director of
Public Safety Gottschalk updated the Commissioners of catalytic converter, police reform, and police
officer PTSD treatment legislation. Commissioner Nybo asked about a license plate scanner
discussion during a City Council meeting, to which Director of Public Safety Gottschalk informed the
Commission of possible uses and positive impacts it could have in the community. Chairperson
Anderson asked if there were any updates to Night to Unite, to which Recreation Supervisor
CITY OF CORCORAN
Christensen Buck informed the Commission that City is hoping for a good turnout with neighborhood
parties.
b. Corcoran Administration Department
Administrative Services Director Hughes provided a background of herself, informing the
Commission that she previously worked in law enforcement, including the Hennepin County dispatch
center. Administrative Services Director Hughes highlighted her experience in supervision and
budget management, as well as her current role overseeing human resources, finance, and
administrative services. Chairperson Anderson asked how internal relationships change, to which
Administrative Services Director Hughes informed the Commission that efficient and effective
policies in place help to maintain the relationships and operations. Chairperson Anderson inquired
about how relationships with the community will change, to which Administrative Services Director
Hughes informed the Commission that there would be information communicated out to ensure the
services can continue to be offered at the level of service they are at. Administrative Services
Director Hughes updated the Commission on the creation of an architectural roadmap for future IT
and human resources. Chairperson Anderson inquired on the security of the City’s information, to
which Administrative Services Director Hughes informed the Commissioners of management and
security measures in place.
7. Unfinished Business
a. Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson Election
Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck updated the Commission that Vice-Chairperson
Christenson accepted the Vice-Chairperson position and of the meeting that occurred between
Chairperson Anderson, Vice-Chairperson Christenson, and herself to plan upcoming meetings for
the year.
b. City Park Remaster Update
Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck informed the Commission that there was work being done
on the request for quotes and that she hoped to have the RFQ out to consultants by the proposed
March 1 date. Vice-Chairperson Christenson inquired about the process, to which Recreation
Supervisor Christensen Buck informed the Commissioners that this RFQ would be to choose a
consultant for the 70% design.
8. New Business – None
9. Reports/Information
a. Active Planning Applications – Informational Only
Commissioner Nybo inquired about the park dedication fees update, to which Recreation Supervisor
Christensen Buck informed the Commission that the fees increased following an evaluation of the
previous park dedication fees. Commissioners discussed trees being removed along County Road
30, to which Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck stated that she would circle back with
information for the Commission. Chairperson Anderson updated the Commission of the PUD
discussion that took place during a joint Council-Commission work session.
b. Recreation Supervisor Update
Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck informed the Commission of items that she had been
working on including Night to Unite preparations and the tree giveaway. Commissioner Nybo
inquired about if the City was required to obtain a permit for the program from the Department of
Agriculture, to which Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck informed the Commission that she
looked into other options, but unfortunately the other options were not viable. Recreation Supervisor
Christensen Buck highlighted other tasks she has been working on such as hiring the Program
CITY OF CORCORAN
Coordinator, assisting with ice rink operations, preparing for youth baseball, and park amenity
reservations.
10. Subcommittee & Miscellaneous Reports
a. City Council Report
Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck apologized to the Commission for not including the City
Council Report in the packet but would send it out via email.
b. Garden Club Report
Tom Anderson informed the Commission of plants that can be planted during this time of the year.
c. Park Dedication Fund
Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck informed the Commission that there were no updates since
the January 31, 2023, Parks and Trails Commission meeting.
11. Other Business/Announcements – None
12. Commissioner Liaison Calendar
02/23/2023 03/09/2023 03/23/2023 04/13/2023 04/27/2023 05/11/2023 05/25/2023
Nybo Wyffels Christenson Anderson TBD Strehler Friedrich
Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck informed the Commission that the application for the
Commission opening was posted, and the new Commissioner could potentially fill the liaison role for
the April 27 City Council meeting.
13. Adjournment
Motion: Made by Nybo, seconded by Meister, to adjourn the meeting at 7:51 pm.
Voting Aye: Anderson, Christenson, Friedrich, Nybo, Strehler, and Wyffels.
(Motion carried 6:0)
Submitted by Jessica Christensen Buck, Recreation Supervisor