Item 3.2.B. 2026.03.09 Special City Council MinutesPage 1 of 2
SPECIAL OTSEGO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2026
5:30 PM
OTSEGO PRAIRIE CENTER
Call to Order:
Mayor Stockamp called the meeting to order at 5:31 PM.
Roll Call:
Mayor Jessica Stockamp and Councilmembers: Ryan Dunlap, Tina Goede, Michelle Lund, and
Corey Tanner. City Staff: City Administrator/Finance Director Adam Flaherty, Assistant City
Administrator/Human Resources Sabrina Hille, Parks and Recreation Director Nick Jacobs, City
Planner Dan Licht, and City Clerk Audra Etzel.
1.Prairie Park Master Plan Phase 1:
Parks and Recreation Director Jacobs reviewed the staff report and presentation regarding the
Prairie Park Master Plan Phase 1.
Mayor Stockamp asked if the accessibility criteria would help with the grant approval and also
asked about the proposed playground equipment. Jacobs said accessibility will improve
consideration of the grant and what was being presented as a place holder, the traditional or
nature equipment will be determined in the future based on feedback received. Jacobs said
nature play equipment cost, if selected, cost more so less equipment would be purchased to
stay within budget.
CM Tanner noted the Prairie Park Master Plan was approved in 2024. CM Tanner asked about a
possible grass infield baseball field. Jacobs said there are currently no plans for grass infields;
most of the fields are geared towards younger children. CM Tanner asked about a storm
shelter. Jacobs said if the City buildings are open they are used as shelter. CM Lund added that
designated storm shelters in buildings are very expensive to build.
Flaherty reviewed possible financing sources, including an internal loan for financing. Mayor
Stockamp asked about the ability to pay back the loan. Flaherty shared an internal loan
amortization schedule for a visual. CM Dunlap asked about the proposed transfer in as shown
on the cash flow. Flaherty noted this is the amount currently budgeted in the Parks Capital
Equipment Fund #205 for playground replacement at Prairie Park.
CM Dunlap asked to review the deferred maintenance and how this amount was determined.
Flaherty said staff has prepared a list of items and reviewed the PowerPoint slide showing those
items. CM Dunlap is concerned about future costs continuing for repairs and replacement.
Jacobs said staff do their best to budget for capital improvements. CM Lund noted there can be
more buying power when projects are grouped. Mayor Stockamp said the ball fields were
rejected in the past due to cost and this has been discussed for years. Jacobs said there is
potential to find external partners to help with funding. Mayor Stockamp asked when staff
Item 3.2.B.
MINUTES OF THE CITY OF OTSEGO SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 9, 2026
Page 2 of 2
would reach out to external partners. Jacobs said not until a plan has been adopted as it would
be challenging to reach out for partnerships at this time based only on a concept. CM Lund said
the current cost is based on assumptions until bids are received. CM Dunlap said if the
deferred maintenance continues the City is at risk for users getting injured. CM Tanner asked if
items can be removed if too costly. Jacobs said this a concept level estimate and equipment is
subject to change and revisited the public engagement opportunities, Parks and Recreation
Commission, and City Council touchpoints in the schedule . CM Lund noted some of the
equipment could be linked to grant funding. Jacobs noted the request for bathrooms has been
ongoing going back to the development of the park.
CM Lund explained that there are limitations on the development of larger ballfields, due to
space and the cost to relocate. City Planner Licht said there will be future opportunities to
consider a larger ballfield complex.
The City Council discussed the grant funding and ongoing communications and engagement
with the public. Jacobs said staff agreed with being transparent.
CM Tanner asked if interfund loans are common amongst other cities. Flaherty said it is a
practice used within other cities to finance projects. Flaherty noted that this size and dollar
amount of the project fits this proposed method.
Mayor Stockamp noted the cost savings going with an open pavilion vs. an enclosed building
was significant. CM Tanner asked about what was prioritized. Jacobs said the Phase 1 was
determined by needs and community input.
Flaherty noted the grant application resolution and design agreements with HKGi and Hakanson
Anderson are on the agenda tonight for consideration.
2. Adjourn.
CM Goede motioned to adjourn at 6:35 PM, seconded by CM Lund. All in favor. Motion
carried 5-0.
Minutes prepared by Audra Etzel, City Clerk.
City of Otsego
_________________________________
Jessica Stockamp, Mayor
ATTEST: ___________________________
Audra Etzel, City Clerk