All right. So, we're going to get started here. Okay. We have our red light. All right. I'll call to order the Tuesday, June 16th, 2026 park board meeting. Uh, I'm looking for approval of April 2026 minutes. Everybody get a chance to look at them and stuff. Sorry. Any questions on any of it? Okay. Can I get a motion to approve? >> Make a motion to approve. Second. >> I second. >> Okay. All in favor say I. >> I. >> All opposed. New business. Cassen Aquatic Center. Public discussion about life jackets, etc. >> That's you. That's me. >> I'm going have to speak into the microphone. >> Yes, you. Yes, please. Thank you. This is my first time at the park board. Do I have to present myself in any certain way? >> No. >> Okay. >> I think you usually I think know who your name >> usually got to dance and sing. >> I'm a dance and sing. Oh gosh. I'm very unprepared then. >> Just your name. >> I dig in. >> Just your name. >> Uh my name is Emma Williams. Um I currently live in Kassen. Um, and I'm here to talk to you guys about potentially changing the life jacket rule that um, our public pool currently has. Um, how much time do I have? >> Whatever you want. >> Okay, perfect. Um, so my concern as a parent, um, I have a 5-year-old and then a 9-month-old. Um, is that we frequent the pool um, every single summer. I think everybody in Kassen does, and it's a great pool. uh attracts lots of people from the surrounding areas. Um I have plenty of people there every single day. Um you know given that it's not 50 degrees out. Uh my concern with the life jacket policy is the inconsistency of it. Um and also the fact that it we seem to be trying to solve a problem um by using life jackets incorrectly. Um, so as stated in the June 7th, 2026 email, um, sent out by the pool management, uh, when a life or when a child is in a life jacket, it gives parents a reason to pay less attention. Um, in my mind, when I read that statement, we are trying to solve the parents paying less attention by not allowing children to wear life jackets. Um, I feel that the parents should then be reprimanded for not paying attention to their child, not banning life jackets uh, across the board. Uh, there are plenty of benefits uh, for life jackets. And I'll I did quite a bit of research, so this got kind of long. I'll try and pair it down, but um, they are life-saving equipment. 19% of drowning deaths involve children occur in public pools with certified lifeguards present. US Coast Co, excuse me, US Coast Guard life jackets reduce drowning amongst non-swmers significantly. Um, so 88% of victims uh drown that are not wearing life jackets. Um, according to one industry document, around a third of drownings in the United States, so over 500 individuals occurred at lifeguarded pools. Um, why is this a problem? Um, it is because our lifeguards are adolescence and young adults. Many lifeguards are undeveloped um and frankly unprepared to handle the responsibilities of a true emergency. Um while it's fantastic that we have the lifeguards, the minimum age to be a lifeguard is 15 years old. Um and I a lot of the information that I got from here today was actually speaking with last year's um pool manager, uh Colin Santiier, and he was the manager at as a sophomore in college over everyone that worked at the pool. Um, so it it's just a very young group of people that have not been experienced to life's hardships at that point. Um, so Red Crow, uh, excuse me, they have to sit for long hours, often in hot weather watching for a very rare occurrence and then react to that very rare occurrence based off of their training. Um, the lifeguard training that they take is through Red Cross and that is a one-day training. It can be online or uh in person and then they have to do a swim test. You're shaking your head. Is that incorrect? >> That is incorrect. >> Okay. >> Our lifeguards go through a 3-day training. It's all in person. >> Okay. Um then that you can scratch that. That is the information that I got off of the uh Red Cross uh website for lifeguard training. >> It's eight hour trainings. >> Okay. Um is that reoccurring or one and done? >> Nope. Not one and done. Okay, that's good information for me to have. Um, so regulations, uh, you obviously federal law requires that when a child is in a vessel on any other waterway, um, under the age of 13, they must be wearing a US Coast Guard approved life jacket. Um, Minnesota DNR states that while it's not law, it is recommended that everyone should wear a life jacket when on or near the water to prevent death. Um, again, I recognize as a pool versus a lake, but it's still a life-saving piece of equipment. Um, the Red Cross recommends that all children under the age of five wear life jackets while in or around the pool. Um, and our training comes from the Red Cross and we follow a lot of the Red Cross guidelines. Um, so it seems inconsistent that we're not following this guideline either. Um just in general, uh Water Safety USA amongst other reputable um uh resources also encourage people who are inexperienced or um insecure swimmers to wear life jackets when they're in the water. Um particularly children um preschool children again under five uh who are not protected by touch should be um wearing life jackets in the pool. um an analysis of child death review data found that supervision was missing in almost half the time that a child fatally drowned in a pool. So again going back to what is our province statement? It might be the parents and not a life jacket problem. Um just area pools. So um both uh the turtle lot pool and the north mano pool allow life jackets. Soldier field in Rochester allows life jackets. Albert Lee does uh not allow life jackets, but they conduct a deep water test and communicate this by the color of the wristband allowed on the child. Um so I find that that might not be the best option for our pool because it's additional management um and it complicates things and is timeconuming to be able to implement immediately. Uh maybe that's a consideration for future years. Um River Park uh sorry River Springs Park in Owatana, they allow life jackets. Um, city of Fairbolt also loves light jackets in their pools. So, we seem to be the odd one out for the pools in our region. Um, my resolution that I propose is that we allow life jackets at all times during pool uh hours. Um, I think that life jackets should be required to be US um, Coast Guard life jackets, not just anything off of Amazon. Um, I also feel like, um, since we do seem to be, again, this is my presumption based off that email, uh, handling a behavior problem with a life jacket solution. Um, maybe providing our lifeguards some conflict resolution training might be beneficial since they are so young. Um I can imagine that going up to a parent that is significantly older than them and telling them that they are doing a bad job at parenting um may be very difficult for them to do. Um this might be the easy solution. Um, is there any questions thus far or >> you know I guess >> like that questions but >> um when when you talking about who's wear who who would wear them like five and under or six and under or anybody anybody >> I think anybody should be able to wear them as long as it's the appropriate life jacket. Um again certified by the US Coast Guard. Um, as an adult, um, not everyone knows how to swim or feels comfortable swimming either, and that it's just a life-saving series. Um, so my background, I'm in, um, environmental health and safety. And so I'm used to risk analysis. And usually when you're trying to prevent risk, especially when you're talking about human behavior, um, you want to use a Swiss cheese method. So, as many protections as possible so that um in the the event is significantly reduced, it the chances that it's going to fit through all the little holes of Swiss cheese um without being stopped by a solid part is slim. Um so I think life jackets on top of lifeguards would significantly decrease any risks at our pool. So all the other area pools um do they >> So I reached out to Steuartville who is a similar size pool. Um obviously it's a one one pool. Um their policy is exact same as ours. >> Okay. >> Um reach out to Dodge Center. They have a life jacket. >> You can wear a life jacket, but the adult has to be within arms distance. >> I don't disagree with that. I I agree with that 100% because they reached out to Red Cross. >> But the to for that to actually be realistic is that's not going to happen. >> Um, you know, I have three kids. If I were to put all three kids in the pool with me and two of the three were wearing a life jacket, I'm not keeping track of the two. There's no way cuz they're two different people and they're two different personalities and they're running everywhere. I'm not saying that's every kid. Yeah. >> But I'm just saying >> the >> I use the lifeguards perspective, their advice. I'm not the one up there watching kids, right? >> Um and even Dodge Center said, "We have problems with it." And for you're asking a 15 or 16 year old or maybe older to confront a parent and say, "You're not behaving. You're not watching your child." That's not realistic either because we're asking them to do in the email that was sent out. >> So there was two emails sent out. The first email unfortunately was not right. So we offer life jackets, evening swim and Sunday night. >> Can you explain what the difference between day swim and evening swim as far as life jackets and why it was decided to only have life jackets at one versus the other? Because evening swim is when more parents are going to be home and they're bringing their kids up to the pool. >> Okay. >> So, day swim is when most of the kids, they're riding their bikes up to the pool, they're doing their day swim, that type of stuff. >> Um, that that was decided before I started in my position. Um, I use the >> How long have you been in your position? >> In four years. >> Okay. So, do you know why it was decided that that was to be? But I I go with what my lifeguards have advised me that have been up there for just as long as I've been in my position. Um, and they basically say the same thing. Parents tend to let their children go a little more um when they have a life jacket on or they're sitting on their phone. >> Again, I agree with that statement. I don't think life jackets are the fix. Um, I think that holding people accountable is the fix. And I recognize that your statement of these are 15 year olds. Um, but relying on the 15-year-olds to tell you what they think it should be also kind of concerns me. I think that as a general entity, this seems to be a theme of parents, >> the ones that are up there every day. >> I'm not frankly because I uh trust but verify. Um, if you look at the lifeguards, I mean, late in the day in the middle of the summer on a Saturday where they're pulling a double shift, I mean, I I have to take care of my child, I'm the one that should be taking care of them. And I think that a lifeguard or life jacket is a secondary option that uh beyond me just being right there with them is also going to prevent any sort of incidents. Um, especially, I mean, frankly, I know we only do this on Sundays, and I'm not saying that we should get rid of it by any means, but with a bunch of flotation devices and people running around and throwing balls and jumping in and doing cannonballs and everything like that, there's a lot that can happen. A lot. There was a death of a 9-year-old in 4 ft of water in Mano, and that was 3 years ago. I mean, it the possibility exists. So, why don't we want to prevent that in any way possible? I'm just asking you guys to think about that and then it just seems inconsistent. Um, and like we're trying to solve the problem incorrectly and we're not really getting to the root cause. >> Does anybody else have any questions for her? >> My question, I guess for me, um, one of the things I would ask is do we currently have a problem at our pool with with drownings? I don't think we've had a drowning in >> I mean >> is that what we're basing it off of? We have to have somebody die in order to prevent I >> Oh, we we did have a a rescue. >> We did. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> A couple years ago. >> That was a medical issue. >> Okay. So, >> do you >> anyways, >> have you used to time? Tot allow allows flotation devices. Correct. >> Yes. It >> again 9 months and 5 years. So, um my oldest is aged out. I've also taken the um or uh enrolled my oldest um uh last year in the swim lessons and um uh I know that they follow the Red Cross guidelines. Um, but if we're relying on people to know how to swim, and I'm actively trying to teach my children to swim, um, it was a oneweek swim lesson for young uh, the youngest age group because she was four at that time. Um, we brought her in and on day one they did the typical what I would expect, which is you grab the edge, you you know, paddle around. We're in the short uh area. Um, but then like 30 minutes into that, they took us into the slightly deeper area where the slides uh spit out, so four feet, four and a half feet. Um, and they wanted the children to dive down to the bottom of the pool to grab uh sinky toys. They didn't even learn how to hold their breath or blow bubbles or breathe underwater. um even when we actively are teaching our children and using the resources available it I mean it is a oneweek course and it really is being shoved through as quickly as possible. Um I've looked into goldfish which is phenomenal. I've heard only good things but it is $30 per session per child and not everyone can afford that. So, >> I mean, I'll I my my son right now who's three >> Mhm. >> is in tiny tot session. We just got done with it today. >> Um we work on blowing bubbles, work, he works on grabbing stuff out of his reach in the water if he's comfortable with it. I mean, there's steps that are taken. So, like the after tiny Todd is, you know, the level one, right? when they get old enough. But if if there's other options for you to take, I mean, we can't be the best at where we're at for what we have. If your kids's not comfortable doing it, then we have to find some other solution. >> And I think life jackets are the solution. >> Okay. Um um >> I think we've got a lot of food for thought tonight. And so that's something I think we should all think about and and we can certainly take a look at it and and maybe follow up. I I'm actually going to look into this Red Cross guideline. >> Um I did um print off the Red Cross um guidelines and also um I can send the document. I don't know who of you has been. >> Yeah. Can you >> um I can send you the documents and then you can share um with the research that I have found. Um that way you guys can reference what I'm actually uh telling you guys up here and it's not just coming from nowhere. Um I have links and stuff like that. Um I can definitely send that out. Um, what would be next steps I guess after this? >> Once we get the information and we'll be able to discuss it, find out what's going on and probably maybe next park board meeting, we should be able to come up with a decision >> and see. Is that something that uh you would like my attendance at? >> Oh, anybody anybody's welcome to come. >> Well, I'm just wondering since it's like uh something that I brought up. >> Oh, no. Okay. No, any anybody's welcome to come to meetings. So, >> okay. >> I got just I got >> just couple thoughts. So, when you said Austin, Rochester, the you know the pools that have it, what's their size of pool compared to cast size of pool? >> Um I don't have a square footage, but I can get that. >> Yeah, I'd say Austin's pretty similar. I obviously Rochester is is >> I'm just trying to you know as a as a you know the size sometimes will dictate and granted you got life guards in specific spots but and then pool capacity. >> Absolutely. >> You know so they may justify saying yeah it would be nice to have life jackets just for extra protection. I I totally understand that side of it cuz I'm not a good swimmer. >> Okay. When I took swim lessons I took every lesson twice. >> I thought your dad just chucked you in and said go for it there. Isn't that how most >> that that was when I was 16 and I finally done with the swim lessons then? >> So, so I totally understand, you know, struggling and swimming. >> Mhm. >> Okay. So, finally I just said, "Okay, I'm just going to stay in the three-foot side and pretty much where I stayed. So, um but then the pools that don't have life jackets like Dod Center um Steuart or Okay. Steuartville similar to us, >> you know, and the reasons why we don't. And I've been on the pork part a long time, and I'm trying to pull my memory back to um goes back to before Ben of why we said no versus why we said yes. I don't fully remember. >> And some of it was, and I don't want to say it wrong, but I'm probably going to we don't want to be a babysitting pool to where we get to babysit and the parents don't have to. Great. And that's the accountability of finding the right parents, but you're not always going to have the right parents, which is kind of the discussion of, you know, I just want my child to be safe. >> Mhm. >> Versus, you know, so I I really don't remember the reason why or why not. I'd have to go way back into some notes. Um, but based on, you know, today's discussion, it makes me rethink is, you know, if I was that little kid and I had an older sister or brother that was swimming like a fish and I'm this little slug that sticks to the wall cuz that's as far as I get without trying to release and not struggle, you know, I'd be in the same situation. Why don't I get a life jacket? So, I understand where you're coming from. I'm just trying to compare otheriz pools that do have it versus other, you know, size of pools that don't and why. So, it's kind of a, you know, we're on a fence. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So, >> um I I uh have more familiarity with the Mano area. Moved from there like 3 years ago. Um Short Lot is about the same size. Um the North Mano Spring Lake pool park that had the death is significantly larger. I would say double the size. Um but after their death they did implement the ability for people to wear life jackets. So >> So there's just a couple things that >> you know not sign that saying that the size of pool is going to dictate it but it's in comparison to that they allow it that might have some >> dictation on Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Chuck I think you'll have a question too quick. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Just a brief question and I first wanted to thank you for bringing this up. I always think it's a good idea to review rules and why they are and to hear your perspective. uh having been involved in uh pools before all in a small kind of hotel-sized pool. One of the reasons that uh in previous uh experiences I have decided to not have uh allowing these flotation or life-saving devices is because we couldn't inspect their uh use. And what the life-saving device does if not properly applied and properly sized and properly worn is it gives a child false confidences. And we had actually more incidences with children in these life jackets who fell out of the life jacket in a part of the pool they would not have been in had they had been wear not wearing that life jacket and it's it's it's part of what we consider and I'm not I haven't I'm haven't just made up my mind on this but it might be something you want to consider when we uh >> absolutely the management of it um from that aspect I I can fully understand that um it's difficult um I still Yeah, I still think that the benefit outweighs the risk there, but again, I have not had the experiences that you've had. >> Yeah, >> thanks for your input. >> Yeah, thank you. Anybody else? One, >> just to clarify, your suggestion is that ledge activity be allowed for anyone during any of the pool hours? >> Yep. >> And what are your feelings on the stipulation of being within the parents or responsible adult? >> Oh, I think that that should 100% be enforced. How >> again Swiss cheese method? >> How will we do that when just like home shows up or project kids that bring that's kind of what the >> when you bring 50 to 60 kids with five staff? >> Could those be handled separately since it's not an open swim situation? >> They wouldn't qualify under this rule then don't have >> Yeah. >> You have to have an adult near you for you. >> So if a parent brings you then you'd be allowed to. That makes sense. Yeah. >> I just think there's some more discussion on this. >> Yeah. Um, I just ask you to send me that information. >> I can send that to you >> and then I'll I'll keep in touch with you >> and let you know when the next meeting is. >> It's up to you if you want to show up. It's not a big deal. Um, but if you would like to be here, that would be great, too. >> Okay, that would be great. Thank you for your time. I appreciate it. >> Okay, thanks Emma. >> Right. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> I'm going to move ahead here, Tim. Is that all right? Should I go up to the U? >> Sure. free fair week. >> Yeah. Something that I think we just talked about just briefly last year was uh potentially offering a free swim day or something like that either during the fair or during the festival in the park. Um and I just want to bring that up again. And part of it is related to, you know, I I know that it's been a cool couple weeks and I know that our numbers definitely are down. Um, you know, I've been there, I think, five or six times with my kids and, you know, one hour has been enough time at the uh at the pool uh because we usually go in the evenings and you know, it doesn't take long for it to once the sun drops below the horizon, it's uh when it's 72 degrees out there, the water is warmer in the air, I tell the kids, but that wasn't true yesterday, but uh otherwise, so I just wanted to see, you know, we don't have another meeting before the fair. Uh and part of the calculation is that, you know, during that fair week, you know, we we try to encourage people to use it. We we see a lot of people who are not from town who would come potentially. You know, I look at the operational perspective and say that a lot of it is already kind of a sunk cost the operations. So whether we have 30 kids in the pool or we have a hundred, you know, we're staffing it, we're manning it. The nice thing would be if if folks are here from West Conquer or, you know, wherever. Um you know, we would see a probably a boost, I think, in concession sales. Um because some people might just say, "Hey, you know, I don't want to spend $30 at Godfathers for the large pepperoni pizza." you know, we'll come and swim for an hour and and go to the pool and and I think that I want to encourage people from our community to use the pool, too. Previous community I was in in Blue Earth, you know, we had a free swim on the 4th of July. We had a free swim on the city festival day, the giant days as the green giant there in Blue Earth. And um because, you know, I think the goal for us and when I think about it, you know, we want to be used. I would love it even if you know if we're going to run it and the slides going everything's running I want to get as many people in there as I can safely of course but to be honest with you like you know we have a capacity that we aren't hitting you know I think we had two days where we were you know 300 plus it was a good there was a couple good days right away when it was warm it's been 70° the last two weeks and it's been it's been you know pretty minimal so um just just wanted to bring that up and is there any feedback from anybody on that or thoughts I know like like I said maybe maybe we would do it during the week maybe be like a Wednesday Thursday Friday and then or you know Wednesday, Thursday or something like that. You know, Saturday, Sunday is usually a busier day, not maybe as as needed. But um I just I like people get in the pool and use it. And you know, the fair doesn't always benefit the city. You know, we really don't necessarily benefit. A lot of our restaurants say, "Hey, it's dead during the fair because everybody goes over the fair." So, if there's a way for us to get some of those people who are coming here to use some of our facilities, I think that would be a positive to at least consider. Um, the other thing I wanted to let you know is that the city council did decide to move forward with allowing folks from Byron to come over and use the pool uh with the residential rate. Um, the city of Byron is compensating Cass and the city of Cassin financially to support that um because they have had a failure with their own pool. Um, so they won't be opening up at all in Byron this year. Um, so they're they're they're going to be busting children over potentially if it's warm enough to uh to come over to to our pool to increase utilization. And once again, you know, I've had people say, "Well, you know, Cassin residents, well, City of Byron is providing that capital contribution to support this to make up the difference in cost of the passes." So, so I mean, it's exciting to be able to work with them, hopefully encourage them to, >> you know, continue to send their kids over possibly in the future as well. So, >> is it is this money being put in the general fund or is this money being put into the park plan, the park board? >> Well, this goes into the pool, right? I mean, >> well, I mean, the revenue is received. it'll be received in the revenue line for the pool. >> Okay. >> Um you know the the park and the the parks are part of the general fund. So all that money comes in all the money that's spent on the parks is from the general fund too. But yeah the revenue will be it'll be receded back into the >> just noted you know so as we have projects is like there's a the money that came in you know on >> Yeah. And that's what I'm kind of considering it's like a capital contribution. You know it's one of those things we're like um you know and we made the same offer to Manville. You know I talked to Mel Ferris one of the council members. said, "Well, you know, if cuz we hear from people in Manville, why do I have to pay the out of town rate?" Well, it's because, you know, your city doesn't really pay for it, whereas we do. That's the same thing. I talked with El Roer and Byron was, hey, you know, willing to do it. I want to support the kids. I want the kids to learn how to swim. Safety is very important for them because we live in Minnesota. We hate to have an accident. If they're willing to make that capital contribution, then then I think it's a positive thing and council that >> I'd like to make sure that we got access to some of the funds if that's the case earmarked. I'm going to say at that point, but >> yeah, I mean, the revenue will come into the the pool fund. Yep. Good. Okay, good. >> I got I guess I got two things. First, let's let's hatch out the fair week. What do we want to do for the fair week? Um I I think you're right. I you know, like a Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. That sounds pretty good. Or what I mean, what were you initially? >> Well, I mean, you know, I I I don't know. You know, I mean, I don't know how well received it'll be, you know. I mean, I don't I think uh you know, Wednesday is usually not there's not a ton of kids on Wednesday. You know, it depends on what the fair is doing, right? But I mean, I think if we're already going to be staffing, it makes sense to try and get as many people into the pool as we can, even if it's just for an hour, you know, and and the goal is to get those people in here so they say, "Hey, you got a great pool. Next year, I want to get a pass, you know." >> Do we want to try maybe like a Thursday, Friday? >> I mean, I I think I think we should maybe utilize Friday since that'll probably one, you know, >> busier days of the fair. Sure. At fair. >> You know, Wednesday's kind of hit and miss, >> right? And like you said, it's always weather dependent, too. I think we just limit it to two days. >> And so you're talking about a free >> free entrance to the pool >> logistically is is like a dollar day. Is that feasible? >> And that could be something to consider too. Maybe a reduced fee. A dollar day or something like that. >> It's a little something and then it's then you have fewer people like you can do. >> No, that's a good thought. You know, I that's why I appreciate bringing to you guys cuz you know that that would probably be something too. And if people want to do it, they're going to pay. And if they don't, then they they don't. That's fine, too. Why don't we just do dollar day Thursday, Friday? >> The idea is to capture people who are coming to the fair and get them to go to the pool. I don't know how we would advertise that we're doing this free day, but it seems to me that you could do both advertising and this by handing out free pool passes valid for the fair week at the fair to anybody's there. Here, have a pass. Have a pass. And it's valid for the fair week, >> which is that I I I'm fine with that, but that turns into a cost making. It's probably too late for us to have a booth, I would guess, already staffed up. That's But that's a good thought. I like that idea. In the future, >> I think that would be good. >> Dollar Day, >> let's promote it as dollar day through Facebook, through the city website. >> Thursday, Friday, >> Tuesday, Friday. >> I mean, we can even advertise, you know, we could advertise pretty cheaply in that messenger. I know there's, you know, there's the Dodge Independent, but I know that the M messengers out of Dodge Center and so they kind of get more of the country and they do that country newspaper, too. So, that might be something we could certainly get a small ad put together. I don't want to spend a lot of money on it, but the goal is to try and bring people in. And I mean, I think in the future that'd be really good, though, is to to have a booth where you just say, "Yeah, here's your here's your pass." I just think it's too late for only a month out now. So, >> if it's card, then it's going to be more than a dollar. >> No, I we still do cash. We we changed back to that. >> I think we do Thursday, Friday, dollar day during the fair. Another idea we could do um with the fair there's games and stuff people could win passes too. >> Yeah. No, I I think like I said, you know, I'm thinking about it. I think I think next year maybe that'd be a goal to have a booth where we have a booth and we just have, you know, we have somebody out there and >> you know, especially we got lifeguards we're paying already that shoot, I can have them go staff a booth over at the fair for a couple hours. >> If they buy a pass for a dollar, then they get put a name in next year to draw for a free >> Well, that too. I mean I I just want us to get, you know, we want to utilize it because I mean right now we're not we're not at capacity. We want to we want to be using it. >> Okay. So focusing on this year, let's do dollar day Thursday, Friday for the fair. Is everyone on board for that? >> Does the fair start Wednesday afternoon? >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> I'm just saying why not Wednesday, Thursday, Friday? >> You want to do Wednesday, Thursday, Friday? >> It gives you just another half a day or I you know two days or three days. I say if you're going to do it open up a little wider, not >> that's fine. Wednesday. So, I prefer >> I prefer Wednesday's R. And >> I move we do Wednesday, Thursday, Friday dollar days. >> Yeah, >> we have a motion. Do we have a second? >> I'll second it. >> All right. Any more discussion? >> Just got to get it out there on >> I will I will social media. So, the pool manager just kind of let them know. >> Those in favor say I. >> I. Those post >> Okay. Well, I appreciate that. I I we'll give it a try cuz if it doesn't go well then we'll do it again. >> A dollar a day thing. >> We'll know pretty quick if >> we talk about it. So why don't we actually do >> Sure. Sure. >> Um the other thing what was the other thing you were talking about >> with Byron? >> Free swim Byron. >> Okay. So what do you want me to do with emails that are coming in >> for us? >> For Manville residents, I'm assuming. >> Um >> I thought about that. >> Not >> Manerville doesn't currently have a pool. >> Nope. If their city of Manville would like to do the same thing as Byron, they should reach out to their council, have their council contact us. They don't have >> I made the offer to the city of Manville. >> Yeah. >> So Gretchen Laurach is their clerk and she said she would put on the agenda for their meeting in July. >> It they reached out to us. >> I mean it's the catalyst is the fact that Byron's pools failed. Otherwise, it probably wouldn't have done it. But I mean after Mel said, "Hey, why don't we >> I don't have a problem with that. I don't have a problem with the township if they want to chip in." I think if if I mean obviously Byron's going to make pay the difference, right? I mean depending on however many memberships they they purchase. Um >> they're also doing a shuttle. >> I think there were there potentially would have been a better way to do this without >> cuz Byron posted this on their Facebook, right? Um obviously people from Andville I got some emails through that. Um, I don't know if it would have been better on us to publicize this and let Mayorville know, hey, we've already put that out there to your council, the same offer, which stands with Byron, you know, to maybe limit some of these emails that I've got. You know, I think I think if you if you have an email coming, you let them know the city of Byron is compensating us as a capital contribution and the same offer has been made to the the city council for the city of Vanderville. >> I mean, if they have that I mean, if they have another question about it, then I I you know, >> then they get then they get to >> I mean, it's a very much generic, you know, two sentence email response that you can send to everybody who sends that. >> But it could all have been avoided had we publicized it to everyone prior to doing it. You know what I'm saying? >> Well, we have told them that we are looking into buyer information. told them is that we have offered Byron resident rate but the city is covering the rest of it. We have offered that to Manerville and it's up to their council to decide if they want to proceed with that. >> I think the folks in Manville, if they have a question, they should call city hall and I'll talk to them. >> That's fine. >> I I mean I appreciate your your your comments, but some of these things don't necessarily happen way out in front. I got an email on Thursday afternoon. Hey, it's already the 17th of June. I don't have a pool that's running. I need help. If the folks in Manville have that many concerns, they could talk to their city council. So, I think you can always relate that back to the council. >> It just might have limited >> Yeah. cuz there if there's no perfect way to please everyone >> cuz No, I agree. >> Especially I've had enough of those complaints from the folks in Manville over the years that I understand they can be a rusty group there up there sometimes. >> You don't work for the city of Manville, Ben. So, you don't have to respond to them cuz you don't work for them. You work for the city of Kassen. So, I get their concern, but they also don't really have a say in how we run our pool. >> No. And I agree. I agree with that. And and there's a lot of folks that don't understand that the city of Kassen gets the resident rate because they're the ones paying taxes, >> the taxes for it. >> Yeah. We've tried to explain that to people in Manville and there are some that really understand it well and there are some that ignore that >> and there always will be. But like I said, I just want to minimize the amount of stuff that's coming into the aquatic center or to me. And then I I have an obligation to respond. >> I would say I would respond with maybe letting them have the contact to city hall or their council members cuz like we we made a choice as a council for the city that reached out to us. Manville City hasn't reached out to us. Their pool hasn't malfunctioned the last I've checked. They don't have a pool. I get their concern, but there are so many times where we try to team up with local cities and they shut us down right away. County, city, and people don't see the behind the scenes things that so many of our staff do and they're so quick to complain, but they don't know all that went into it. >> I'm well aware of all that. >> And that's it's it's it's frustrating on I think people's end on the back end because they did all the front loing for it. Um, but if if a citizen from a different town has a concern, I would I would suggest a blanket email saying reach out to city hall or reach out to your council. We're more than willing to work with those cities. >> If Dodge Center's pool is closed right now because their heaters out, too. If the Dodge Center City Council reached out to out to us, >> we'd probably extend the same offer that Byron did if they knew their pool is going to be down for a long time because what we know is it gives opportunities for families to still go to a pool at a fair rate and it helps get people into our pool. >> So, I don't think we would say no. >> So, Tim, can you get just with Ben and drop something so he can easily respond if he needed? >> Sure, that's a blanket email. That's no problem. I mean, like I said, I mean, it's going to be pretty simple, you know, but yeah. No, that's no worries and I'll email it to you, >> right? and absolutely you know to try >> I don't want to put more on your plate Ben and I I apologize if this came up so quickly that you didn't have a chance to respond you know over the weekend and you know it is what it is we do the best we can with things >> I mean ultimately yes it did come up quickly and I understand the situation you were in I just think we possibly could have gone about this and obviously the pool when I talked with you or talked with you I wasn't 100% sure this was all moving forward there was no full agreement >> sure >> so And then I'm at swim lessons last night and I'm getting bombarded by assistant managers and the managers saying, "Is this a real deal?" >> Mhm. >> And then of course I have to say, "Well, I guess it is. I mean, it was talked about, but I had no >> get a for sure. Yes, this is moving forward." >> Well, to be honest with you, we didn't really know for sure until Monday afternoon, >> right? >> Right before they put their post out. >> I'm just saying like I don't appreciate being bombarded when I'm at swim lessons by four assistant managers and a manager not knowing what >> Yeah. I mean, part of it is I think the manager needs to be corresponding more. I haven't been entirely satisfied with his performance thus far this year. I haven't seen him a whole lot at the pool to be honest with you. Right. >> And that's a that's another >> him or reached out. >> I don't have his email. I don't have a phone number for him. I asked for that today. Ashley said she would get me his his his phone number. >> Phone number's on the employee list. >> Okay. I don't have the employee list. >> We'll get you one. Yeah. Sounds good. Got it. actually. >> Yeah. Okay. All right. We got you, Tim. Free swim done. Dollar day done. Iron done. >> Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. >> And if anybody from Manville calls up, you're going to get it. >> Sounds good to me. >> Okay. >> Keep it that way. >> Just real quick on that issue because I'm going to be at the Manville City Council meeting where where they will discuss this. Is this something that the park board is interested in uh advocating for that Manville joined this program or we just don't care? Because if you want that, I can advocate for it. If the park board's like, yeah, they do, they do, they don't, they don't, well then I won't say anything at all. >> I don't want to I don't want to speak for how how Manerville town the town of Vanderville p uses their tax dollars. >> If they want, >> basically, it's up to them. >> Yeah. If they want to join, we're more than welcome to allow them just like we did Byron. But I don't want to speak for how they should spend their They they'll make the decision. I'm just wondering what's the consensus. Do we want them to have this privilege? >> I mean, I think so, but I'm not going to sit here and say let's push for it, but it it's an option out there. We we have to offer that same option that we're offering >> buyer. >> The buyer, it's up to the Manville's council to make that decision if they want to pay the difference on those memberships. >> And they're going to make the decision. Yep. It's just whether or not, you know, if we're interested in it. >> My opinion is my opinion is sure, you know, if this in a direction, >> you know, I think they, you know, I think half of it is, you know, they think it's a cast of Manville school district, so it's a cast of Manville pool, you know, it's that cast of Manville thing that kind of some people tie together in this case unties, but um my is like sure, but thing is how do you how do we now implement that in the middle of the year for Manville? That's probably going to take a week or two for them to decide to finally get out to their people saying and then we got to change our rules. >> Well, essentially Manville would have to go back and reimburse all the folks that have already bought memberships. >> So, this might be >> right. >> So, it might be something for next year Manville if they want in to help offset that. This year's kind of set this was an emergency thing for Byron. So, we're just open arms welcome in different situation. So, you know, my opinion, it's like, you know, our rules are set for this year with the >> that's Manville's decision to make it. >> So, but you know, >> the offer is out there if they want to go forward with it. That's up to them how they want to >> divvy it out or do >> But do we want to accept that, you know, a month into the swim? >> Well, that's up to their that's up to them because if they want to do it, then they'll find a way proactive and reached out to us. Yep. >> It sounds like some people are being reactive based on what they've heard happening around them. They were proactive. They reached out to us when they saw wanted to solve a problem and had a plan to solve it. If you saw their post, it was well posted. They have they've contacted Rolling Hills. They've got busing planned for specific times. They've got it all planned out. Their their city's bigger than Manville. They don't have the same staffing. But I think we just let Manville figure that out and they can contact us. >> Be indifferent. And if Manderville wants to reach out, >> let them reach out >> because they have not done so prior. >> Okay. >> Right. >> Yep. Okay. All right. All right, sir. See you. >> Thanks very much. Can't really give you a good answer. Sorry. You want >> No, no, you gave me what you what I was looking for. I just, you know, >> I'm just kind of saying maybe if you go to go to the meeting, it says I probably wouldn't bring it up. >> It's on their agenda. At least that's what Tim said. >> Okay. >> They'll be discussing it. So >> if it's a discussion basically that's how it's laid out. It's I mean ultimately it's going to be up to their council how they want to deal with it or how they want to approach it. I mean I think we'd be obviously be willing to discuss it for next season. >> I don't think there's a strong need to promote or >> I don't think so. >> That's that's what I gathered from the discussion too. >> Yep. >> Their citizens should promote it if that's what they want. >> Yeah. Right. I lived in Manville when we had the aquatic center. It was never brought up then, too. >> All right, we're done with public discussions. We're done with that. New manager first week. >> So, I'll kind of get the next two involved in this one. Um, so against Tim's >> opinion, our new manager actually has been doing very well. Um he's imple imp implemented a few changes as far as staffing and their breaking. Um how they how they're sitting out on the deck. Um where lifeguard towers are posted. Um he has a lot of experience in pools and um lifeguarding at pools. So he kind of understands I mean he understands way more than what I would understand where if I see a lifeguard out there it is what it is, right? I don't really look at it as there's a reason why that lifeguard's posted at this corner or this corner or whatever. Um, so the the first day that I saw him up there, there was a lot of discussion between me and him on why so and so is here there and and I was I said this this is your baby. I don't know half of what you know about this stuff. Um, so if you feel a need to move folks around as far as where they're posted up for lifeguarding, have at it. If you see better things or better ways that we can um have a welloiled machine, >> that's your choice. Um, I I asked the only thing I asked of him is just inform me of what we're doing so that I'm aware of these changes and things like that. Mhm. >> Um, so I I was pretty impressed that first day that he was up there. Um, I think the the staff respects him quite a bit. Um, obviously some of them have actually been his students in school. So, um, obviously there's kind of that teacher student rapport. Um, and some of the students or kids up there, students, um, weren't real sure how to approach them. Mr. baller, you know, um he was more than happy to say, "Hey, this is, you know, not as formal of a place. You can tell call me David or Mr. Valer, however you want to approach it." Um, so I I think he has the presence that I'm looking for. Um, I think that it's going to take him the first year to kind of really dive into and figure out what's what. He's never been at that pool before, so this is new for him. Um, one thing we have struggled with in the past was scheduling. Um, it was a whole nightmare. It's an ex multiple Excel spreadsheets to try to get 60 staff members um recording all their days that they're requesting off. And everyone knows here that, you know, high schoolers got summer sports, they got vacations. Um let's be honest, not everyone's very good at communicating times that they need off. Um, so he said that that first week he spent quite a few hours with sheets spread out trying to get a good schedule devised. Um, he approached uh he approached me about a new app or an app that they've used at other facilities that he's worked at. Um, actually what was it called? >> Schedule. >> How we how how I work. how we work >> when I work. When I work. >> When I work. Yes. >> Um it's a it's an app. So, um Ashley, bless her heart, looked into it. She sat in on a Zoom meeting. Um got all the information. I think David sat with you. >> Yep. >> Um it seemed very good. We're We would pay for the three four months that we're on and not pay for the months off. So, it's a year subscription. Um >> what is the cost? It was nine. Was it $900 for the >> I think it worked out to be $700 just for the months that were active. >> Yeah. >> So, about 240 bucks a month. >> Yep. So, um Tim Tim gave the okay to go ahead with it. So, we got signed up. I don't know if he's implemented it yet. Yes, he's still using the free trial version of it, but he's >> um he was very confident in it. >> Every staff member gets the app on their phone and they can put in these days that they need off, days that they want to work. He can generate a schedule very easily. >> Sounds like a good thing to try this year and see how it goes for next year. Um, I was more than happy to back him on that, especially since he's had experience with this app. Um, but like I I told him, I said, "The less I can have you worry about the schedule, the more I can have you out there with the staff or watching the staff and seeing things that you want to change." >> Okay. >> So, basically, I just want to give you an update on how David's doing. >> Good. All right, maintenance updates. >> So, uh, we got we're all over the board here. Um, obviously the pools up in operation. Okay. >> Um, we did have Newman pools come down and do a full-on inspection on the aquatic center, the maintenance. Um, >> everything was up to their standards, which was a positive feeling, I guess. Um there there's some heaving in the pool which what they basically said is expect to be expected with a pool of that you know over 10 years old. It's very minimal. Um cuz there were some things that when the health inspector came, she had concerns about water not going over this corner. Well, there's those are things that we can't change. We've tried changing the levels of things and >> you can only change so much where it's it's just not feasible to address. So basically that's kind of what they gave me a go ahead on um the heaters. He basically wanted us to call him for next year right when we open so they can actually see the heaters work because of course the day they came it was like 90° so the heater was already at 10 >> and um unfortunately we have a heater down right now. Um it originally we we had it working through the weekend and then Friday it went out on us again. Um, so Superior's been there today. He ordered some more parts for it. Um, it sounded like uh he's he's going to try two parts. It's going to be a wire harness, which is fairly cheap, and then a control panel, which is not very cheap. Um, we pretty much had everything replaced in the heaters, both heaters, except for the electronics parts of it. Um, we had, you know, the the all the burners have been replaced. um pretty much all the guts except for the electronics cuz we haven't had any issues with those. So, >> and now we're we are. So, um hopefully I'm hoping for some warmer days and I'm hoping Superior can get those parts quickly and we can go back up and running. >> But you're not going to close it down cuz the heater ain't working, are you? >> No, >> I think so. Nope. All right. summer projects, Veterans Memorial. So, I got the three my three projects listed there. Um, probably in order of what I would like them to be done. I think our next project, now that things are kind of slowing down for my staff, >> I would like to start the Veterans Memorial Project. So step one is I have to get in contact with the legion so we can have a >> ceremony >> ceremony decommission of the existing memorial. Um and I don't know how they want to do it or how they want to go about it. I know that they would just like to have a ceremony for that. Um, and then the next project or next part of that would be removing the sand volleyball court and getting the footings or foundations in place for the memorial. Um, and then after that, we would like to obviously move the sand volleyball court into that open lot to the east. Um, still got to work with the electric guys for that project. Um there's some underground stuff that needs to be moved or adjusted. Um where we can get with that, I'm not sure as far as this year, but I think um seeing some construction on that project would be beneficial to the committee and the city as far as trying to get that ball rolling for the Veterans Memorial project. >> Anyone have any questions? >> Any questions? Yeah. Oh, all right. Good. I said I Yep. Start. >> And >> I mean, everybody, we kind of we kind of went around told everybody we were going to start this spring. So, it's >> So, now that we kind of got everything >> started days still. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> And there's still days left. >> The next project is going to be the parking lot out at Northwest Park. Um, that's going to kind of be dependent on when soccer's over or where our lull is between soccer and football. Um, because they utilize that park and I don't want that under construction when they're trying to utilize the park. Um, so that that potentially might not the parking lot might not take place till the fall. Um, I just trying to figure out the schedules of youth soccer and and the youth football. >> Um, but Tim and I had spoke. Um, depending on where we're at budgetarywise, come towards the end of the season, you know, there might be a potential for a modular for Northwest Park. Um, it might not be as um extravagant as what is in Northeast. Um, but I will try to find something comparable, I guess, in size. Um, but I'm going to try to kind of do some research as far as, you know, the one in Northeast Park we got on a fall special. So, I'm going to talk with some my playground provider or some of the other ones and just kind of see what options are out there. >> Could Could we could I suggest maybe more of an obstacle course base design that's not so hot like you're not climbing up, but there's smaller things that they can do? I I and and I will >> something different than what we have in other >> box. >> Um if if there's some sort of uh you know like fall deal or something, I will get those options and I will have you guys look at them and >> we can make a decision together. >> Okay. Um, the only thing I w I wanna I wanna avoid is what we had done at Metalland Park where that that's kind of like it's kind of an obstacle course, but it's strictly upper body. So, it's nothing but monkey bars. >> Yep. >> So, I don't want to do that cuz I want to make it fun for any kid. It I don't want it to be >> kids who can do monkey bars. >> Yeah. I think the the the elementary playground has some stuff there too to look at. That might be something So, I will once I kind of see what options we have out there, um I will get them gathered and I want everyone to look at them and have, you know, your opinion on them. I don't want to be the one >> making that decision, but at the same time, >> I love putting my kid hat on and thinking about what I would like to do as a kid, you know? >> So, hopefully that's still I mean, I'm try to be very optimistic. Um, I'm hoping that that's going to be an option as far as when our budget kind of gets towards the end of the year. Uh, last on that is >> overall update on parks for >> Well, I haven't done northeast climbing yet. >> Oh, sorry. >> Quit jumping. >> Thought you mentioned it. >> I mentioned the playground. Okay. >> So, originally I wanted to get a park shelter there this year. Um, if I can get a modular over at Northwest, I would much rather do that versus the shelter. Um, obviously the shelter is going to be down the road potentially next year. Um, I think that would kind of really just finalize that park area. Um, one thing that will be happening this year is benches and trash cans around the playground area. I do have the last of what the Lions can provide for um free benches. So, kind of excited that we at least got the last opportunity at the benches for that. So, that's about that. All right. Overall update on the parks beginning of the year. So, we've kind of tailored away from spraying everything. Um, some chemicals are more expensive than others. Uh, some of our devotion is going to be more towards the athletic fields. Um, I put some more devotion towards Northeast Diamond, um, which, you know, costs a little bit more money with some of the fertilizers and the the herbicides. Um, so we've kind of let go on some of those other park areas just to try to make sure our athletic facilities or areas are acceptable for what people are expecting. Um, I meet with Sam who is in charge of the youth soccer association tomorrow morning out at Lions to discuss layouts for youth soccer fields. Um, we're going to kind of try to map out what we can fit out there, what's realistic, what they're expecting. Um, he had mentioned that their youth soccer organization would be willing to donate some money to the city as far as maybe for uh chemicals to spray or to, you know, to make the fields in acceptable shape for the kids. >> Um, are you talking like Lions Park? >> Yep. How did that roll? Did you use the roller out there? >> We haven't got out there yet. So, we we use the roller on all of our current athletic fields. Um once I meet with Sam, so we can actually map out where fields would go and kind of where they'd get placed. Um obviously it's not really worth rolling the ground now when it's rock hard. So hopefully we get some water, >> uh which tomorrow looks pretty good. But >> so I'm excited to maybe have a new home for some of the youth soccer program. Other than that, that's kind of I guess that's where we're at with the beginning of the year for the parks. >> Okay. Any questions from anybody? >> All right. Old business. Johan, I'll try to be brief since we're running a little long tonight. Uh uh thank you for everyone who responded to the email I sent out just before I went on vacation. I did want to at least get the idea in front of the council's mind that I might be coming after that $10,000 that was unallocated because of the joint ventures not being paid this year. Uh I thought that presentation went pretty well. Uh uh I plan or it is on the agenda to present that as an action item uh tomorrow night at the city council that they would uh uh dedicate that $10,000 as a matching fund for us to raise money for the disc golf course. So uh that's on the agenda for tomorrow night. Uh I have made a couple of minor changes to the proposal. Uh probably the biggest one is uh after Ben and I went and walked the whole course uh I realized that we could easily with very little effort and very little investment create a nice little walking path. So this golf course is going to create a path for itself. Uh that's on the first map and the walking path is on the second map you'll see there. Uh this golf course creates a walking path along Masten Creek to get to the uh uh hole number three and number four. Uh but we could easily extend that walking path going down the woods that kind of follow Masten Creek there and create a nice wooded path for people to follow. Uh in addition to that, you'll see I've circled a scenic area there at the very bottom of the walking path map. Uh there is a massive uh cottonwood tree at the back side of that scenic area. We're planning on putting a basket in there towards the back, but it's going to open up this beautiful grotto with the with the uh creek on the one side and then this this tree must be what 10t in diameter >> all. Yeah. >> Yeah. It's huge and it's going to be beautiful. So, you know, it could become a a feature where people go for a walk, they'll take a little pause, sit on a bench. Uh by including a walking trail uh in the proposal, I think it will help to raise funds from the community by broadening the uh appeal of the disc golf course to not just those who might play the sport, but also those who would benefit from a wooded walking path right in the heart of town. You know, something we don't have a lot of. So, uh you'll see that as a the bottom line on the proposal. Um, really all we're looking at is putting in about three benches along the way, a little bit of signage, and a little bit of uh uh extra development. Uh, my hope is this summer is to develop uh some of these scenic areas, take and uh clear out all the brush so people can see where that massive tree is, see how beautiful it's going to be. We probably won't get it to finish development, but you know, we'll just go in there, do some mowing, do some brush removal, do some wood chipping, and throw it down on the paths. Uh the walking path may appear this year, though it certainly wouldn't be in its final form. That'll help raise awareness of the project, hopefully uh uh inspiring some folks to uh commit to its uh completion. So that's where we're at with the project. So my question is, and this is for you guys, the um the tree the tree line, do we own this property? >> Yep. I thought at one time somebody else owned that because we couldn't we couldn't um >> so if you if you look on your guys's map with the this part on it >> so holes 13 and 14 you see that brown area >> that is not our property. >> Oh so we have >> that is the only chunk that really is not our property as far as what is on our map. All right. >> That Johan has um I after taking that walk, no one has any clue what kind of sweet unique little forest that we have within our town. Um the tree I mean that the tree alone is something that you would have to go out and see yourself. >> Um >> I would suggest waiting till we cleared the brush because it was hard to get back to. So, hike. Okay. >> But, um, I I I don't think I think I I love Johan's proposal because it's utilizing all this area that is gone to waste. >> Um, >> is there is there an option if whoever owns this property comes in and wants to develop it to move whole 13 and 14? >> So, >> it's a good question. Uh, and we've considered this very thing because not only is this property owned by somebody besides a city, but the somebody by the besides a city has had history with a city that's not particularly good. >> That's why >> so uh the uh everything that we would put in would be put in on city pot property or the right ofway. the throwing might be across that area. But if that is problematic and I have all intentions to actually contact this person over the next 3 4 months and talk to them and say, "Look, we're thinking about putting disc golf in here. Would you mind uh if the city were to mow that for you so that you don't have to mow it anymore? You don't have to take care of it. Would you allow us just to throw over the property? >> We're not going to have anything on your property. >> We're not putting anything on your property, but we're just going to have people walk across it." You know, already people walk across it. The people at the park already play there. So, I'm going to try to make nice. Uh, if in my efforts to make nice, we find out, oh, wow, there's really some bad blood here, and he just doesn't want to make nice, the plan, uh, already in the works for that would be to take where hole 10 is, and we'll put hole 11 down into this undeveloped area on the south end. Hole 12 will come back up towards where the actual number 10 is, and then hole 13 uh, would bring us back out to across the bridge. Uh it does cut out this really beautiful little section that you kind of cross over a piece of Masten Creek and there's a little grotto. So where 11 and 12 are is a really neat section of the creek, but if we have to cut it out, we can. So uh this is this is certainly not in its final form. When we go to actually build, things are going to change. They always do. But we do have a plan to address the property issue should it arise. I'm hoping it doesn't. Yeah, there's been issues in the past. >> Yeah. I I think um I think if anyone's got a >> remotely chance is Johan. >> Yeah. >> Um I I think it's fair and and I don't know this individual. I've never had and obviously, you know, there's there's turnover whether it's through council or however long this happened ago. I wasn't here, wasn't part of it, whatever. Um, I would like to think they could let something like that go, especially if we're not you, you know, using their property other than to go over their property. Yeah. >> Um, >> Johan is a fantastic public speaker. So, >> I think you, if anyone's got a chance, it's you. >> Um, >> with that being said, if if and when we get this walking trail done, every one of you should get out there and see >> what that park's like. cuz I was kind of in awe with trudging through the woods like we did and it was really fun and neat. So, >> they got that walking trail out there on just west of Quick Trip on the north side there. I don't know if anybody's been to been there to see it, but they got a place to park cars and you got >> Restoration Park. Yep. >> That is cool. So, if you're going to get something like this around our area, >> I'll tell you what, this walking trail will put Restoration Park to shame. >> Okay. It may not be as big, but >> Mhm. All right. Sounds good. Thank you. >> Good. Thank you, Han. >> Uh, Festival in the Park staffing. >> Um, so I don't know if everyone's informed. Um, the city up their donation to Festival in the Park to essentially have them cover the staffing. So, we are no longer in charge of the staffing for the garbage and trash taking out during the festival. >> Good. Um, so that's kind of a little little weight off our shoulders for that >> weekend. >> Good. >> Um, I I still have no problem letting them use, you know, our gator or whatever to take the cra out. So, um, but we don't have to worry about trying to keep their hours or anything like that. So, >> all right. Great. Great. Uh, correspondence. I saw in the minutes you you mentioned something about the ball field lighting parts from the school. Did you get that? >> So we recovered as much as we could possibly recover. >> Okay. >> Um that had not, you know, had not already fallen. Um so when time permits, we're going to try to get up there and utilize some of those parts that we were able to cannibalize from the school. Three parts. >> Great. I I'm couldn't be happier to get that. >> Well, they're expensive. I'm sure some of them are. >> It'll help us get by >> a few more years without having to worry about replacing our lighting. And it and it's that's kind of a hard subject because it's not like it's used all the time, >> but it's something that eventually will have to get updated. It's just it's that's kind of one of those hard pills to swallow because it's a lot of money for not a lot of reward. >> Okay. And I have just one more thing here and I when when um I forget what her name was, she started. She said, Emma, she said, "Well, how much time do I have?" And I said, and we all kind of just well whatever. >> Um would anybody be in disagreement if we just kind of like put a 10 minute limit on 10 or 15 minute limit? Because I just bring that up because >> um >> four >> I believe council's four. >> Yeah. >> And that that's fair >> but we don't talk back like >> at council if you address the council during a session where we're you council's not supposed to talk back. >> Okay. So what what's your opinion? Do we respond? >> I think we have in the past when like youth baseball comes soccer like that open line of communication. I think if this >> I just don't want to do anything this committee is important. And I figured it was kind of an over discussion. >> Well, I think we need more discussion on our side to make recommendations. >> Right. >> Right. >> You know, we probably have a little more outside insight. You know, like in this case, like I'm not a good swimmer. You know, if I was 8 years old and I still can't get out of three foot, I want life jacket type thing. So, I understand, you know, where they're coming from. I just I'm just bringing this up because legally there is no we've when I was on council we had some issues with this and we actually had to set a time zone. I think that's when the fourminute thing came in >> and it was it was like um okay cuz Tim came in and said he had to be out here at 6:30 and it's like okay let's let's keep rolling on. We were kind of pushing on and I didn't want to. >> So maybe if we just keep our questioning everything limited to let them get done speaking and then ask the questions afterwards or whatever. I'm I'm open for any >> what I've seen done that works quite effectively is you set that limit for five minutes and then uh you have a policy where anyone on the board can move to extend and or move to a discussion time you can say oh well I move that we have a 4-minute discussion time on this so that you have the initial limit you have to say what you're going to say in four minutes and then if we need the interaction we just understand that that's our policy we somebody has to move it somebody seconds it and we vote And then they can have as much time as they need or we feel is necessary or appropriate. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> I think everyone's got the ability to ramble and >> Well, I know we >> I'm not saying she rambled or anything, but >> I think think somebody else rambled. >> What are you talking about? Yeah, I ain't sight of that. >> I'm not there now. >> I got to stop coming to these meetings. >> Anyways, okay. Um, if >> well, you know, we didn't we didn't, you know, as she was going, well, here's what the Red Cross as she starts reading with, you know, that's the stuff that she would then knowing if she had a time frame, you know, don't need to read me the book of the Red Cross. Tell me what your issues are addressing and then we'll address it back. So, okay. >> Yeah, that's, >> you know, something we can I don't think we have to decide on something now, but something to think on. Yeah, that's a good good point. >> Yeah, bring up a next meeting to ask, we say. >> I just think by the either we decide something now so that when if she does come back for the next meeting, we have something in place >> or would you guys like to try to decide? >> I think we should wait. >> I think I think it would look bad deciding after she left to like that. >> If I was a citizen coming in to talk and you're like, "Well, we're going to wait till the next meeting." I leave and then you make the decision. That would look really bad. >> That's fair. I understand that. maybe put it on the agenda for next time. >> I know it doesn't help her in terms of wanting to get life jackets on kids now, but I think we are offering times where they can >> wear life jackets. There's the t time. I know she said her 5-year-old can't. What is the age? Is it four or five? >> What? >> Tot time. >> Uh >> I thought it was five. >> I think it's five. >> So a 5-year-old can be there. >> Maybe we Okay. Um because my only concern is the the kids that are dropped off by by themselves or the kids that are coming with project kids. I like the idea of well if you're parents here then you can have one as long as it's Red Cross approved and it's that means we have to check it. >> So our our stipulations currently are evening swims Sunday night, you know, family time. Every swim jacket has to be Coastg Guard approved. Y >> um we do allow, you know, kids with health conditions or disabilities to have not Coast Guard approved life jackets because in some situations some of those kids cannot sit upright. >> Yep. >> And there's no chance that an adult or an individual is not going to be taking care of that child. >> Um and that that was discussed between me, the manager, and the assistant managers. >> Um I I'm like I said, and I I told her, I said, "You know, I'm not the one up there every day watching what goes on. I'm taking some of these kids are college kids. Some of these kids are 15. >> Don't get me wrong. I'm taking advice from all of them and seeing what they see. I don't get to see everything they see every day. >> We have had 15 and 16 year olds save a life. So, it's I was trying to get to that point with my question was I do feel like our lifeguards do a really good job >> y >> monitoring the pool. I just I I just think you can't it's hard to take one parent's suggestion or their criticism because it's not the same for everyone else. You know, she may be always intent and always involved with her kids, but that doesn't speak for everyone >> and and that's unfortunate, but it's just we got to cover everything. >> What can you come back with? What percent time of the pool when it's open does allow it and doesn't like when you have the open swim versus evening swims. What percent of the time the pool's open are they actually kids are actually allowed to wear a life jacket? >> Sure. >> And then I couldn't find it on Rochester's website, but do they allow it anytime the pool's open or is it just certain times like I I can't find it on there because their their website doesn't say it. See, and I and I I didn't really reach out to though. I I reached out to Steuartville and Doc Center since they're kind of the similar and they're closest. Um and Steuartville is the exact same policy as us. >> Um the only thing that we had advertised this year that we have not in the past is kids with disabilities or um you know conset. Um, Dodge Center, like I said, they went to um, life jackets all the time, but they are strongly, you know, trying to push for your parent, then the adult has to be within arm reach. Now, that turns into your lifeguards having to watch the adult, making sure the adults in arm reach of a kid in a life jacket. >> So, you're not watching the kids, you're watching the you're not watching the swimmers that need you. It it's just there's there's so many different avenues and ex just like Johan said, life jackets. Some people put their kids in life jackets that aren't fitted correctly or they're not wearing them properly. >> It's not the job of our lifeguards to make sure that every kid that walks in is wearing their life jacket properly or it's fitted properly. It's no different than, you know, we had um a gal reach out and she asked for discount for um kids that might have autism or some. It's not our lifeguards or our admissions window job to diagnose what a child or has or does not have or to say, "No, your child's fine." That's not our job. Our job is to watch the kids and make sure everyone's being safe. when when we do allow the times that we do allow Jack as do we have a policy about parents or regarding >> Yes. So our our our policy still stands is an adult has to be within arms reach of a child in a life jacket. >> It it seems like you know if that was the policy and a parent is in the pool with their child I feel like that's going to be good enough to keep this under control. You know, I mean, it's we don't want people bringing their child and sending their child off to the deep end with a life jacket on. >> Yeah. >> But this would >> if the if the rule is already that they have to be within arm reach, they're going to be close to that and that's probably >> you would hope so. >> Could it just be within in the same pool as their child? >> So, >> well, I'm I'm suggesting leave the rule as is, >> but there's a leniency factor. The other the other concern and I and I wish I would have brought this up when she was speaking. Um the the difference between night swim and afternoon swim um JLH all these daycare groups are up at the pool. >> Oh, definitely. >> Okay. So, um I've been up there obviously working on the pool when JLH is up there. You're talking about >> you know what they bring up probably 100 kids. Well, that might be an exaggeration, but a lot of young little kids. Okay. So, now you're you're you're you have those kids in the pool, whether you are allowing life guard or life jackets or not, >> but it's just it's pure chaos. The last thing they need to do is have kids up there in life jackets out in areas that they might not, you know, they shouldn't be in. The false sense of security. and the light the lifeguards are looking at the large group of kids over here not paying attention to the kid in the life jacket over there. >> I'd say naturally that's kind of going to happen because there just aren't going to be enough parents >> right >> to to even have it be an option to have like >> so I mean obviously this is a discussion to be had for next meeting. >> Yeah. Um >> and I and I look at it you know do we have enough reason to say sorry no life jackets you know what's our reasoning and what's the reasoning to say yes there should be I mean you got to you know which side you know we we somehow we got to find a balance >> well I think to be honest with you our balance is what it is right now evening swims and Sundays >> okay >> that's a that's a fair balance and and to have them not doing it on an open swim during the afternoons, >> you know, it's >> because in my opinion, it's either going to be all or nothing. >> Yep. >> Right. And I think we're in a fair balance of allowing it a good chunk of the time. Not all the time, but the only other option is going to be we just allow it all the time. >> And and that's going to be her question. And probably my question is like why not >> you know is it it gets and it gets and it gets back to saying well we don't want to be the babysitter >> right >> understandable but and like you know and the liability and is their liability and the putting the all the extra you know lifeguards visions on more watch and I mean I you know I'm on either side of the fence >> that sounds like this this sounds like it's one of those things where let's >> maybe give it a try and see what happens. >> Under under five would be like a kid under five who hasn't taken swimming lessons yet. So a nonswmer >> nonswmer >> under five >> or age 10. >> That's kind of where we get back to like point of view is >> they don't know how to swim. So, if they're in a swim jacket that doesn't fit them properly or it's not worn properly and they're in a spot where they shouldn't be or wouldn't normally be, >> they could drown. >> Yep. >> I'm curious, you know, if if they were fully allowed, how many people would actually show up with lifeguards? Would it would it even be much of a concern? >> I mean, that's a fair statement there. I mean, >> it might be just six kids. So that's why I'm saying, you know, you know, in my sense, it's like why not type thing. But now if you all a sudden have 30 kids in the pool and there's 30 extra kids that have life jackets that didn't before, you know, then it may have to be. So that's where another rule would have to come. It's like, okay, you know, is this life jacket, do you know how to fit your child with the life jacket or not? you know, he can't be wearing his sisters because he lost his and, you know, so there's always going to be the, you know, this is why you shouldn't or can't, but we also don't want to not have cuz I think when Ronnie was on the park board and, you know, in charge and it goes back and I could even go back to Liza Larson and, you know, when the first pool start up, it's like why are we not allowing it? I don't I don't remember >> on a side note to allow it and it exposed some issue we could discontinue it again. I mean we tried and there were these concerns and this >> talk talk to Dave you know get Dave's input on the pools. >> All all the input that I've gotten has been through the staff Mr. baller. It's been through Dodge Center. Dodge Center, the gal that is kind of running Dodge Center, she actually does our uh lifeguard certification. She says if they could go back, she would. If she had the power to say no, no life jackets, she would. >> And then and then have her follow like why? >> Because of the fact that parents are not as active with their children as they used to be because of cell phones, social media. >> And that makes sense. I I feel like I feel like we need to kind of draw this to a close because having brought issues to the council before. It's very frustrating to bring an issue to a council, think that they're done talking about it. And then come back later and found out, oh, they talked about it when they said they weren't going to. >> We told her we're going to talk about it next time. And she said, "Oh, well, I'd kind of like to be here." I think we really should have the discussion when the person who brought it uh is here to at least hear what is >> being. Yeah. These are just all things I want to keep in our mind to say, "Okay, what death becomes?" >> I'm not saying there's any harm. I just I don't think we should continue this very far. It could look bad. If you're making up your mind, we should make I don't like that to happen. We're not going to make >> We're not going to make a decision on it or anything else right now. It's just >> it's appreciate her coming. I think that she emailed us, reached out about a couple weeks ago and >> it was nice to see her here because often times people don't show up and talk about what they're concerned about. So I appreciate her coming. >> Okay. Yep. All right. Well, thank you everybody. Um I need a motion to adjurnn. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Motion is second. >> I >> Everybody agree? Everybody disagree? Hey. Okay. >> If you're not going to take their copy home, would you get it back to me? Yes. I'm going to give them out to council tomorrow night. >> I'll just bring it tomorrow then. >> Well, that's right. >> You're welcome to take it home with you if you want. I I made 10 of them. So, >> I No, I printed I got some print off. >> Well, the guys at uh Sports Headquarters are excited. >> Are they? Cuz that's their number two seller is Frisbee golf stuff like, "Oh, that's awesome to hear." I was like, "Yeah, we're looking at it." Like, "This is a good project." There you go. >> I'm looking forward to a