Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 05/21/2020

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Chair Bennett stated that Ms. Erion mentioned that she applied for a grant but was unsuccessful and had made the comm be awarded grant funds. He asked how the City could become more established in its program to be considered for grant funding. Ms. Erion replied that it would be helpful to have an organizer, which she would do, and provided additional details on elements that would be helpful for grant applications. She stated that the grant is not financial but is instead boxes. Councilmember Heinrich asked if there could be an opportunity for families with young children to build the Bluebird boxes in a workshop format. Ms. Erion confirmed that would be a wonderful opportunity. She commented that the monitoring should not be completed by children but noted that an adult could bring a child with to observe when completing the monitoring. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated that the City could donate the materials for the boxes. He explained that the adults could cut the wood and do that type of work with children completing some of the other work. He confirmed that could be a good idea for a spring workshop. Chair Bennett asked if there is an urgency to get boxes in place. Ms. Erion stated that she would love to have a few boxes up as soon as possible in order to photograph the bird on top of the box before the end of April. Commissioner Barten referenced a citizen science website that has webcams available and asked if that technology would be applicable to the nesting boxes. Ms. Erion commented that she did not believe that the birds would be rattled by that inclusion. Chair Bennett thanked Ms. Erion for attending and sharing the information. He reminded nd residents that the seminar will be held at City Hall in the Alexander Ramsey Room on April 22 from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. and encouraged them to attend. 5.02: Consider Park and Recreation 2020 Outdoor Meeting Schedule Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood presented the staff report noting that traditionally the Commission has held the summer meetings in different park locations, when the weather is conducive. He stated that each year the Commission ratifies that decision. He suggested holding the May meeting in Alpine Park. Chair Bennett commented that it would be great to hold a meeting at Alpine Park. Councilmember Heinrich asked the parks that were visited the previous year. Park and Recreation Commission/ March 12, 2020 Page 3 of 7