HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-02-2026 - Agenda Packet Park Commission - Regular MeetingAgenda
Parks Commission Meeting
Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 6:00 PM
City Council Chambers | 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356
952-249-4600 /oronomn.gov
Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Approval of Agenda
Approval of Minutes
Meeting Minutes - February 3, 2026
Public Comment (limit 3 minutes per person)
For items not on the agenda. To add a comment, approach the podium, state your name and address.
Comments are limited to three (3) minutes. No action will be taken.
Presentations
Staff Report
Staff Updates
Chair Report
Commissioner Reports
Subcommittee Updates
Adjournment
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1
Date: June 2, 2026 Item:
Presenter: Joe Ruthenberg, Superintendent - Parks, Facilities
Section: Approval of Minutes
Title: Meeting Minutes - February 3, 2026
1.Purpose:
Approve the Parks Commission Minutes
2.Park Commission Action Requested:
Approve the Parks Commission Regular Meeting Minutes from May 5, 2026.
AGENDA ITEM
Exhibits
05.05.2026 Park Commission Minutes.pdf
2
Minutes
Park Commission Regular Meeting
Tuesday, May 5, 2026, 6:00 PM
City Council Chambers 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356
Page 1 of 3
Chair Carswell called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
The Orono Park Commission members present: Chair Kim Carswell, Commissioners Mollie Reynolds,
Michael Huddy, Jacob Selseth, and Bruce Lemke. Commissioner Lemke arrived at 6:17 p.m.
Commissioner Huddy left at 6:36 p.m.
Staff present: Park Superintendent Joe Ruthenberg
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Huddy moved, Reynolds seconded, to approve the agenda for the Park Commission meeting as
submitted. The Chair declared the agenda approved.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. February 3, 2026, Park Commission meeting minutes
Huddy moved, Reynolds seconded, to approve the minutes of the February 3, 2026, Park
Commission meeting as submitted. The Chair declared the minutes approved.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
PRESENTATION
2. Park Commission 2026 Goals
Carswell reviewed the work session on goal setting and asked Commissioners to take turns reporting on
sections of the proposed goals.
Lemke arrived at 6:17 p.m.
Commissioners discussed some modifications to the goals as proposed. An “adopt-a-park” program was
discussed.
Carswell moved, Huddy seconded, to approve the goals as edited. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0.
3. Park Commission Committee and Park Assignments
Carswell went over the proposed Park Commission Committee assignments and park assignments to
present to the City Council. Commissioners indicated where they were interested in being assigned.
STAFF REPORT
4. Antoine Park Master Plan – Joe Ruthenberg
3
Minutes
Park Commission Regular Meeting
Tuesday, May 5, 2026, 6:00 PM
City Council Chambers 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356
Page 2 of 3
Staff gave an update on possible improvements at the park, indicating the ideas were at a very early stage
of discussion. Possibilities include planting trees, adding picnic tables, and upgrading the playground
equipment.
Commissioners asked questions about the plan.
5. Park Trash Receptacle Update – Joe Ruthenberg
Staff gave an update, showing proposed trash and recycling receptacles in City parks. City Council
members have expressed an interest in having the receptacles in all parks and having them be Orono-
branded. Park Superintendent Ruthenberg said he anticipated starting with some of the major parks and
getting receptacles in all parks eventually.
Commissioners discussed where the receptacles are most needed and how many at each site. They also
asked about the impact on staff time.
6. Community Tree Planting Grant Update – Joe Ruthenberg
Parks Superintendent Ruthenberg explained the City had been awarded a $75,000 DNR grant to remove
dead and diseased trees and replant trees in City parks and trails. The trees being removed have been
impacted by Emerald Ash Borer. It is estimated that the grant will pay for removing 100 trees and
planting 150.
Commissioners asked about the types of trees that will be used in the replanting.
Huddy left at 6:36 p.m.
7. Hackberry Update – Joe Ruthenberg
Staff gave an update. The Hackberry Park plan was approved by the City Council at the last meeting and
will be going out for bids this week.
Selseth reported on a discussion regarding concerns raised by City Council members about the amount of
added fencing planned as part of the improvements. Commissioners favored reduced fencing on the
outfield and shorter fencing, noting that Hackberry is a neighborhood park and not a sports complex.
Carswell moved that the Park Commission recommend to the City Council that the fencing be
pulled back to the infield and removed from the basketball pad. Vote: Ayes 4, Nays 0.
CHAIR REPORT
Carswell welcomed Bruce Lemke as a new park commissioner and reported on upcoming community
events.
COMMISSIONER REPORTS
Commissioners provided reports.
4
Minutes
Park Commission Regular Meeting
Tuesday, May 5, 2026, 6:00 PM
City Council Chambers 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356
Page 3 of 3
ADJOURNMENT
Reynolds moved, Lemke seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 8:06 p.m. to June 2, 2026. The Chair
declared the meeting adjourned.
ATTEST:
_________________________________________
Kim Carswell, Chair
5
Date: June 2, 2026 Item:
Presenter: Joe Ruthenberg, Superintendent - Parks, Facilities
Section: Staff Report
Title: Staff Updates
1.Purpose:
Inform the commission on the budget timeline.
2.Summary:
2026 Budget Development Timeline
May 15: Budget package distributed to department staff by the Fiscal Administrator.
June 8: Preliminary budget guidance provided by the City Council during a work session.
June 23: Finance Department, City Administrator, and Superintendent meeting to review
General Fund and Internal Service Fund budgets.
July 13: General Fund and Internal Service Fund budget update presented to the City
Council at a work session.
July 24: Enterprise Fund draft budgets due to Finance Department.
Late July: Finance Department, City Administrator, and Superintendent meeting to review
Enterprise Fund budgets.
August 10: Enterprise Fund budget update presented to the City Council at a work session.
August 29: Additional budget updates due to the Finance Department.
September 14: Preliminary levy and budget presented to the City Council during a work
session.
September 25: Draft Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) due to the Finance Department.
September 28: Preliminary levy and budget adoption scheduled at the City Council
meeting.
October 12 & October 27: Draft Capital Improvement Plan reviewed at City Council work
sessions.
October 30: Draft fee schedule due to the Finance Department.
November 9: Fee schedule update presented at a City Council work session.
December 7: Final levy, budgets, Capital Improvement Plan, and fee schedules scheduled
for adoption at the City Council meeting.
AGENDA ITEM
Exhibits
2027 Annual Budget Process.pdf
6
Annual Budget Process
Finance Begins Initial
Preparation
Timeline Distributed to
Departments
Budget Package Distributed
to Departments
Preliminary Budget and
Levy Discussion
(Work Session)
Staff Develops General and
Internal Fund Budgets
Staff Meet to Discuss First
Draft of General Fund
Budget
Budget Review: General
Fund and Internal Service
Funds Budget and Tax Levy
(Work Session)
Staff Develops Enterprise
Funds Budgets
Budget Review: Enterprise
Fund Budget and Utility
Rate Study Update
(Work Session)
Staff Continues to Refine
Budget and Tax Levy
Preliminary Budget and
Levy Update
(Work Session)
Staff Develops Capital
Improvement Plan (CIP)
Adopt Preliminary General
Fund Budget & Tax Levy
(Council Meeting)
Capital Improvement Plan
(CIP) Review
(Work Session Part 1)
Capital Improvement Plan
(CIP) Review
(Work Session Part 2)
Staff Updates Fee Schedule
Staff Continues to Refine
Budget
Fee Schedule Review
(Work Session)
Truth In Taxation Hearing
(Council Meeting)
Adopt Budgets, Tax Levy,
CIP & Fee Schedule
(Council Meeting)
Staff Submit Reports to
County and State
● Staff ●Council Work Session/Meetings
Goal Setting Planning Preparation Review Approval
7
Date: June 2, 2026 Item:
Presenter: Joe Ruthenberg, Superintendent - Parks, Facilities
Section: Commissioner Reports
Title: Subcommittee Updates
1.Purpose:
To give updates on established subcommittees to the full parks commission.
2.Background:
2026 Parks Commission Goals by Subcommittee
Commission Direction
Subcommittee: Mollie, Kim
Establish clear direction and priorities for the Parks Commission.
Improve meeting structure and overall meeting management practices.
Utilize subcommittees to advance specific goals and bring recommendations, issues, and
perspectives back to the full Commission for discussion and alignment.
Define commissioner roles, responsibilities, and expectations to support effective
participation and maintain Commission credibility.
Recommend transitioning the annual Parks Commission goal-setting cycle to a June–June
schedule to better align with budgeting and project planning timelines.
Strategic Planning
Subcommittee: Michael, Bruce, Kim
Develop a strategic roadmap aligned with City Council priorities to guide both short- and
long-term park planning efforts.
Evaluate the City’s overall park portfolio and identify future opportunities, needs, and
investment priorities.
Review existing park and facility master plans and identify areas where updates or
additional planning efforts may be needed.
Lead: Mollie
Utilize community surveys, outreach, and engagement opportunities to better understand
resident priorities and expectations.
Lead: Mollie, Jacob
Lake Access Planning
Subcommittee: Michael, Jacob
AGENDA ITEM
8
Develop and present an initial recommendation to the City Council regarding future
planning and improvements for the City’s lake access points.
Golf Course Planning and Operations
Subcommittee: Mollie, Bruce, Gordy
Continue evaluating opportunities to support the long-term success, operations, and
community value of the golf course.
Community Engagement and Project Support
Support community-building efforts by assisting with public engagement and community
planning events, as needed.
Hackberry Park
Continue support and oversight of the Hackberry Park improvements through project
completion.
Lead: Jacob
Park Promotion
Promote awareness and use of the City’s parks, trails, recreation amenities, and
programming opportunities.
Lead: Bruce, Full Commission
Mayor's Monarch Pledge
Advance the City’s commitment to the Monarch Pledge initiative through education, habitat
enhancement, and sustainability
efforts.
Lead: Jacob, Kim
9