HomeMy WebLinkAbout07.08.24 RRC Minutes
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July 8, 2024 RAMBLING RIVER CENTER
ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
1. Call to Order: Chair Mary Garlets called meeting to order at 9:30 a.m.
Members Present: Mary Garlets, Rachel Edwards, Pat Hennen, Pennie Page, Judy Janke, Jeff
Spillman, and Blanche Reichert
Members Absent:
Others Present: Parks and Recreation Director, Kellee Omlid
2. Approve Agenda
Motion by Reichert to approve agenda, seconded by Janke. All persons in favor (APIF). Motion carried.
3. Approve Minutes
Motion by Edwards to approve the May 13, 2024 meeting minutes, seconded by Hennen. APIF. Motion
carried.
4. Presentations
5. Business Items
5.1 Photo of Rambling River Center Advisory Board
Director Omlid took several photos of the Rambling River Center Advisory Board for the city’s website
and Parks and Recreation Department’s annual report.
6. Discussion Items
6.1. Review Arts and Crafts Fundraiser
The board thought more signage was needed including, but not limited to, a welcome sign and one for the
donation table that said items were for raffle drawings and not for sale. The consensus was one door to
enter was very good. A few vendors asked for a fall event instead. We wouldn’t be able to use the
Schmitz-Maki Arena for a fall event, since the ice would be in. Discussion about using the Rambling
River Center, a school, and a building at the fairgrounds for the event. Would have to pay a rental fee if
not at a city facility. Discussion about why the event only went to 2 p.m. as most shows usually go till 3
or 4 p.m. It was suggested to look at an increase in vendor fees next year as the cost is low compared to
other area arts and crafts fairs. It was brought up to purchase bags with Rambling River Center logo on
them to give to attendees; use advertising money to purchase.
6.2. Review of the VFW Steak Fry Fundraiser
Director Omlid provided an overview of the VFW Steak Fry fundraiser that was held on May 18, 2024
and staff’s concern we may lose this fundraiser as we don’t sell many tickets at the Rambling River
Center. The board thought better advertising for buying tickets at the Rambling River Center was
important and better promotion can take the meal to go and areas to park downtown. A suggestion was
made to hold a raffle to encourage people to purchase their tickets at the Rambling River Center and sell
tickets at the Arts and Crafts Fundraiser.
6.3 Collaborate with Veteran’s Groups
Advisory board member Janke thought she was looking at too big of a picture and thought starting
smaller and in Farmington area would be better. Board members agreed and suggested a Coffee Café to
honor and thank veterans. Talk with Recreation Supervisor Kohlbeck to get a list and identify members
who are veterans. Mail an invitation to the Coffee Café event for veterans. The board thought the event
should be in November. Discussion about asking on the membership application “Are you a veteran?”.
Board member Janke will visit with Recreation Supervisor Kohlbeck about it.
6.4. Educate Community and Caregivers
The advisory board liked and was happy the Healthy Living was in The River. Advisory board member
Page has 20 copies of The Caregiver Handbook; could have some at the Rambling River Center. There
was a discussion about all the great presentations the Rambling River Center offers to help members and
the community, but how many people are attending. The consensus was people wait until they are in the
situation and need help instead of educating themselves prior. Discussion about where do 50-55 year
olds go and should we try to appeal to that age group.
6.5. Raffle with the Farmington Rotary
The Rotary is waiting for the gambling permit from the Gaming Control Board. Once the permit is
received, Farmington Printing will print the raffle tickets. Thus, we don’t have tickets to hand out today.
The time to sell the tickets will be shorter than last year. The advisory board inquired about selling raffle
tickets at the Dakota County fair for a few hours on a day or two. Staff will inquire if this is possible.
Advisory board members suggested an emergency meeting to determine logistics of selling raffle tickets
at the fair if it is approved.
6.6. 2024 Work Plan Progress
Chair Garlets reviewed the 2024 Work Plan progress.
7. Staff Report
Informational Updates
• Staff have been meeting regularly with JLG Architects and Paulson & Clark Engineering for the
Rambling River Center renovations. The interior designer attended the last site visit.
• An update on trips and tours will be provided at the August meeting.
• An update on fundraising / donations will be provided at the August meeting.
• An update on quarterly participation numbers will be at the August meeting.
• The parks and recreation commission is hosting a ribbon cutting at Sunny Hills Park on
Wednesday, July 10 at 6 p.m.
• Reminder the parks and facilities tour with city council and parks and recreation commission is
on Wednesday, August 28 from 6-8 p.m. Staff will bring the tour schedule and locations to the
August 12 advisory board meeting.
8. Advisory Board Roundtable
Spillman- Nothing
Hennen- Asked if the passenger van could be used to pick-up people to get their meal at the VFW Steak
Fry benefiting the Rambling River Center. Perhaps if people bought their ticket from the Rambling
River Center. Asked about the Jason Show and how members who went on the trip knew it was
rescheduled.
Omlid- Nothing
Edwards- Nothing
Reichert – Nothing
Janke - Nothing
Page – Nothing
Garlets– Suggested we should have business cards for the Rambling River Center to handout.
9. Agenda Items for August 12, 2024 meeting
• Rambling River Center Renovations
• Collaborate with Veteran’s Groups
• Educate Community and Caregivers
• Raffle Fundraiser with the Farmington Rotary
• Breakfast and Silent Auction Fundraiser
• Trips and Tours
• 2024 Work Plan Progress
10. 10. Adjourn
Motion by Spillman and seconded by Edwards to adjourn the meeting, APIF. Motion carried. The
meeting was adjourned at 11:09 a.m.
Respectfully Submitted
Kellee Omlid, Parks and Recreation Director and Recording Secretary