9.0 PRSR 12-14-2022 Memorandum
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director
Date: December 14, 2022
Subject: Director’s Report
This report is a monthly highlight of department activities related to recent collaborations, strategic
planning, staff changes/developments, and park operations.
Department Re-organization
Finance Director Lori Ziemer announced her retirement effective December 19, 2022. City Administrator
Cal Portner met recently with City Council to discuss a reorganization plan that is authentic and
meaningful to enhance our city operations. The Finance Department currently consists of the Finance, IT,
and Liquor Operations Division. Cal proposed with City Council direction to combine this division with
the FT Center and the Parks and Recreation Department into one department under the leadership of a
newly created position. The new position will be an Assistant City Administrator with a broad
governmental or business management experience.
Councilmember Appointments
Councilmember Mike Beyer has been appointed to the Parks and Recreation Commission for the next
two years beginning next month. Councilmember Jennifer Wagner has been serving on the Parks
Commission since January 9, 2019. Thank you, Jennifer, for your four years of service.
Orono Park
The Orono Park project was basically closed out and we were able to submit our last check request to the
DNR for the final payment for the Orono Park grant. A pay application for the remaining retainage from
all the subcontractors was submitted to the city. The landscaping items have not matured, so this is the
only retainage remaining being held through 2023.
Athletic Field Analysis and Park Facility User Fees
The Athletic Field Analysis study and the Park Facility User Fees that were supposed to be
presented last month by Warren Ellingworth will now be presented at the January meeting. The
study will include recent feedback received from Commissioners and staff.
Item: 9
Orono Park Skate Park
Hubbard Electric updated their estimate to light the skate park and it is nearly $8,000 more than the
$15,000 amount budgeted in 2022 because they believe two more light poles are needed to adequately light
the area. Hubbard did the electrical work for the Orono Park project and are investigating the
lumens/brightness issues at the Trott Book tennis courts. We plan to move this project to 2023 with an
updated estimate next spring.
Santa In the Park
Santa (and Mrs. Claus) in the park was Dec. 3 from 3-5 p.m. at Rivers Edge Commons Park. This
year’s event required pre-registration and it was full at 250 participants. A few people showed up
later who were not registered to see Santa but were still able to see Santa due to some no shows. The
petting zoo was cancelled, and Santa had to leave at 5 p.m. because of the cold. The tree lighting
ceremony followed at 5 p.m. with Councilmember Jennifer Wagner doing a countdown.