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Council Meeting Minutes for March 2, 2026 <br />Page 2 of 7 <br />Parks Commission Annual Report – Parks Planner Shayla Denaway <br /> <br />Parks Planner Shayla Denaway provided to Council the Parks, Recreation and Open Space <br />Commission Annual Report. <br /> <br />Shayla began with information on the success of the City’s facility rentals and the software that <br />allowed 55% of the rentals to be completed online. There was a total of 882 reservations; <br />however total revenue was down $1,300 last year, likely due to the increase in use by nonprofits. <br />Eight percent of the reservations were made by non-residents, 29% by residents, and 63% by <br />nonprofits, who use the Rice Lake Center at no cost or the Oneka Room at a discounted rate of <br />$20. There were 56 rentals that had alcohol at their events, which require a paid deposit and <br />certificate of insurance and are not allowed by nonprofits. Rentals at the Peder Pedersen <br />Pavilion are primarily on the weekends, and reservations fill up quickly. <br /> <br />Other actions in 2025 included the painting and wallpapering of the Peder Pedersen Pavilion and <br />the naming of Prairie Park, which the City has taken over maintenance of. Oneka Lake Park was <br />a big project last year. Flagstaff Recreation provided concepts, and a pour-in-place surfacing <br />was added. Yet to be done this spring are the painting of the shelter and some concrete work. <br /> <br />Public Works tried something new in 2025 to combat the damage done to trails from the roots of <br />willow trees growing near stormwater ponds or wetlands. A contractor provided an herbicide <br />that browned the willows, followed by the Public Works Department mowing them. It is hoped <br />this will create more longevity and safety on the trails. <br /> <br />Other activities in 2025 include the bands MT Pockets and Loose Change, who performed at <br />Lions Volunteer Park in the summer; Washington County Story Times; and the Santa Party and <br />Tree Lighting. The missing connection on the Hardwood Creek Trail is progressing with <br />funding received through Washington County. The Parks Commission had met at Clearwater <br />Creek Preserve and was pleased with the woodchip base Public Works had put on the trail. As <br />part of the Beaver Ponds Neighborhood Street project in 2025, trails were resurfaced and <br />pedestrian ramps installed. Replacement of park signs began in 2025 and will continue this year. <br />Also this year, a committee will continue work on the design guidelines for the Veterans <br />Memorial for Lions Volunteer Park, which will be presented to Council in the near future. <br /> <br />Approval of Consent Agenda <br /> <br />Petryk made motion, Miron seconded, to approve the following Consent Agenda: <br /> <br />1. Approve Claims Roster <br />2. Approve Annual Performance Review for Senior Engineering Technician Liz Finnegan <br />3. Approve Annual Performance Review for Building Department Secretary Debi Close <br />4. Approve Annual Performance Review for Public Works Worker Madison Siebenaler <br />5. Approve Donation to the Hugo Fire Department from the Hugo American Legion <br />6. Approve Lawful Gambling Exempt Permit for Ducks Unlimited at the Hugo American <br />Legion on April 17, 2026 <br />7. Approve Lawful Gambling Exempt Permit for Ducks Unlimited at Sal’s Angus Grill on <br />April 19, 2026 <br />8. Approve Water Surface Use Permit for Bald Eagle Water Club