Rochester Park Board Meeting – February 11, 2026

Note: The agenda and minutes indicate the meeting occurred on February 10, 2026, but the instruction specifies using February 11, 2026 as the meeting date. This summary reflects the date provided.

The Rochester Park Board met on February 11, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. in City Hall Conference Room 104. Six commissioners were present (Paul P. Marino absent). The board approved consent items, heard public comments, discussed new business including a naming rights agreement, a community impact project, MLK Park improvements, outdoor pool season passes, and received the 2025 golf program annual report.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (January 6, 2026): Unanimously approved. (Motion by Bilderback, second by Cormack; 5-0-2, Ramaker and Marino absent)
• Order of Agenda: Unanimously approved. (Motion by Kunz, second by Morgan)
• Monthly Reports (January 2026): Received and filed.
• Monthly Bills: Unanimously approved. (Motion by Bilderback, second by Cormack; 6-0-1)
• Parks and Recreation Financial Performance YTD (January 2026): Received and filed.
• Consent Items (8.B, 8.C, 8.D, 8.E, 8.G): Approved en bloc. (Motion by Cormack, second by Ramaker; 6-0-1)

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jan Throndson, Ruth Benidt, Gil Strand, John Matzke, Jim Kachmarzinski spoke in support of prohibiting political protests at memorial sites, particularly referencing a January 31 incident at Soldiers Field Memorial. They requested the park board create a permit condition or ordinance to keep protests off memorial grounds.
• Fred Morck, Glenn Leckband opposed the proposed five-foot concrete sidewalks on the west and south sides of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, citing potential harm to mature trees and budget concerns. Leckband provided a document on tree safe zone calculations.
• Tom DeBoer expressed appreciation for golf course improvements and noted a 15.5% decline in play at Soldiers Field, partly due to parking issues with the new pool. He supported continued investment.

Discussion Items

• 8.A – 2026 Tall Grass and Weed Contract: Commissioner Kunz asked about No Mow May and whether signage about thorny weeds and bees could be placed in parks. Director Widman confirmed No Mow May continues and explained that signs exist in some parks with contact information for safety concerns. Motion to approve by Morgan, second by Cormack; passed unanimously (6-0-1).
• 8.F – Rochester Recreation Center North Rink Naming Rights Agreement (Penz Automotive Group): Commissioner Cormack expressed concern that the naming had already been implemented before board approval. Recreation and Sports Facilities Division Head Ben Boldt explained it was mistakenly processed as a micro-contract under $50,000, but because it spanned multiple years it required board approval. Discussion followed on corporate naming rights policy, precedent, and potential confusion for the public. Motion to approve by Bilderback, second by Ramaker; passed 5-1 (Cormack dissenting, Marino absent).
• 9.A – Leadership Greater Rochester (LGR) 2026 Community Impact Project: LGR team members Adam Pleschourt, Adam Giannini, and Ashley Braem proposed purchasing two adaptive tandem bikes and installing a secure shipping container storage unit at Cascade Lake Park. Fundraising goal of $45,000 was outlined. The container would be beautified with metal panels and a mural by the same artist who painted the adjacent building. Commissioners asked about maintenance, marketing, and charging of e-assist bikes. Director Widman noted volunteers maintain current bikes. AccessAble Recreation Coordinator Sue Miller praised the project. Unanimously approved (6-0-1).
• 9.B – Update on Plans for Improvements at Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park: Park Planner Jeff Feece presented the 60% plans. Scope includes expanded basketball courts, new playground, splash pad (subject to new MN Department of Health requirements adding ~$200,000 in costs), renovated shelter, food truck plaza, community garden expansion, and new sidewalks/bike path connections. The project is 6.5% over budget (~$200,000) with a 10% contingency. Commissioners discussed sidewalk necessity (Commissioner Bilderback questioned five-foot width; Commissioner Cormack called sidewalks essential), tree removal (two trees on west side, none on south side), and preserving the robust basketball community (Commissioner Morgan emphasized protecting existing courts; Division Head Nigbur said the existing courts would not be reduced). City Forester Jeff Haberman was consulted and had no major concerns. The project will return with final bids and options for budget reductions at the April meeting. No vote taken; informational.
• 9.C – 2026 Outdoor Pools Season Pass Review: Ben Boldt presented a recommendation for an individual season pass ($150, valid at both Soldiers Field and Silver Lake) with discounted additional family members living at the same address. A lap swim/water walking pass ($100) was also proposed. Commissioner Kunz opposed the structure, arguing a family pass should include at least two adults and one child; she estimated family cost at $500 for a family of five would be prohibitive. She also raised concerns about purchasing passes only during business hours at City Hall. Commissioners Bilderback and Morgan supported the recommendation as a starting point, noting the need to balance affordability with cost recovery. Director Widman emphasized protecting revenue and using data to adjust in future years. Motion to approve by Cormack, second by Bilderback; passed 5-1 (Kunz dissenting, Marino absent). Commissioners noted staff may bring back adjustments during the year if needed.
• 9.D – Municipal Golf Financial and Participation Report 2025: Director Widman reviewed the history leading to the 2022 City Council/Park Board golf plan, which set a goal of $250,000 net profit by 2026. Revenue from user fees reached $2.2 million in 2025 (up from $1.5 million in 2020) despite 20 fewer golfable days than 2024. Total revenue including levy was $2.5 million, but expenses rose due to filling a vacant position, wage increases, and inflation. The result was a deficit of approximately $41,000–$60,000 (preliminary). Golf Professional Jeff Gorman highlighted capital projects prioritized for 2026-2028, including clubhouse renovations and bunker work at Eastwood, and potential green reconstruction at Northern Hills. Cheers for the team’s performance were shared. Commissioner Cormack asked whether an average weather year would have eliminated the deficit; Director Widman indicated it would have helped but expenses outpaced projections. Report received and filed; informational.
• 10.A – Sanitary Sewer in Kutzky Park: Director Nigbur reported that Public Works Environmental Services will modify an existing sanitary sewer line across the park to improve drainage for planned development on the former Whistle Binkie property. The sewer will run east-west across the park. Commissioner Cormack asked about disruption to baseball/softball; Nigbur said current use is low and impact will be minimal. Informational.
• 10.B – Park Board Meeting Agenda Planner: Commissioners considered future agenda items. Commissioner Ramaker praised the golf team and supporters. Commissioner Cormack inquired about curling; Director Widman and Nigbur reported ongoing discussions with the curling group, which will return to the board if they wish to use park facilities. Adjourned unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the 2026 Tall Grass and Weed Contract with option to extend up to three years. (6-0-1)
• Approved the Naming Rights Agreement with Penz Automotive Group for the Recreation Center North Rink. (5-1, Cormack dissenting)
• Approved the LGR Community Impact Project for adaptive tandem bikes and storage at Cascade Lake Park. (6-0-1)
• Approved the 2026 Outdoor Pool Season Pass recommendation (individual $150, family discounts, lap swim $100). (5-1, Kunz dissenting)
• Received and filed the 2025 Municipal Golf Financial and Participation Report.
• Received information on sanitary sewer work in Kutzky Park and future agenda planning.
• Next steps: MLK Park improvements will return with final bids and options in April 2026. Staff may adjust pool season pass implementation details during the season.