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MINUTES <br />PARKS & REC COMMISSION <br />SEPTEMBER 2, 2021 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />2 <br />steps in the budget and capital improvement project reviews by the City Council. He stated that <br />staff will look at grant opportunities for playground equipment. He noted that they would also <br />look at utilizing a community build, which was popular with the community and also provided <br />cost savings. <br /> <br />The Community Services Manager said he would distribute that plan to the Commission once it <br />was made available to him. He stated that the play node would almost have to be one project <br />rather than breaking that up into smaller projects and having that area be a construction zone <br />multiple times over multiple years. He stated that the preference would be to have that area shut <br />down for one year to fully complete that section. <br /> <br />Commissioner Hipp noted that perhaps when that construction occurs there could be a play <br />option for kids on the other side of the park. She asked if there has been any more discussion on <br />naming opportunities. <br /> <br />The Community Services Manager commented that he is not aware of any such discussion. <br /> <br />Commissioner Hipp stated that perhaps that would be an option for additional funding options. <br /> <br />Chair Miller stated that this is just the beginning, and the next step would be to look at <br />playground equipment and move forward from there depending on funding opportunities. He <br />expressed thanks to the work that was done by the University group related to engagement. <br /> <br />The Community Services Manager commented that the group of students received recognition <br />for the work they did as that is work that could be replicated by other cities. <br /> <br />NEW BUSINESS: NEW RECREATION COORDINATOR <br />The Community Services Manager introduced Sierra Hietala, the new Recreation Coordinator, <br />noting that this is now a full-time position. He noted that the City Council agreed to recategorize <br />the position to full-time and he is excited to have the new Recreation Coordinator. He <br />highlighted some of her previous experiences. <br /> <br />The Recreation Coordinator introduced herself and highlighted some of the work she has done <br />since joining Little Canada including the farmers market, youth programming, and recreational <br />programming. She provided additional details on what drew her to the position, noting that she <br />enjoys the sense of community and the staff members. She stated that she is excited to be a part <br />of the team. <br /> <br />REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONERS <br />Commissioner Abruzzese stated that there is nothing specific to report on Spooner Park. <br /> <br />Commissioner Horwath referenced the foliage around Gervais Lake that was previously <br />discussed and was unsure if staff had addressed that. He noted that he has not noticed anything