The Pollinator Park, a 2.64-acre haven for local flora and fauna, was a focal point of the meeting. Volunteers, including Deb Steinberg and Joe Gardner, shared updates on their work and future plans. Steinberg highlighted the park’s achievements in 2025, such as the purchase of monarch butterfly signs, educational activities, and over 500 hours of volunteer contributions. She emphasized the importance of managing invasive species and maintaining habitats conducive to wildlife, noting the park’s vibrant “super bloom” thanks to effective measures against deer and rabbit predation.

Gardner, another dedicated volunteer, expressed enthusiasm about the park’s environment and wildlife sightings, such as a bald eagle. He stressed the need for increased volunteer participation in 2026 to tackle challenges like plant predation, particularly of milkweed, crucial for monarchs. Plans were discussed to enhance plant protections, including potential fencing solutions. The volunteers aim to broaden the park’s reach as a unique ecological resource, considering educational programs for children and adults to raise awareness of its ecological value.

A proposal was presented to expand the Pollinator Park into city-owned floodplain land. The plan includes additional amenities like a nature-based play area, shaded gathering spaces, and trail enhancements. Funding from state lottery sources, specifically LCCMR funding, was sought for these improvements. However, previous requests were denied due to high competition. Despite these challenges, there was optimism about the park’s potential to attract visitors from afar, complementing New Ulm’s attractions.

The meeting also focused on the New Ulm Baseball Association’s proposal to conduct gambling activities at Johnson Park during the 2026 baseball season. The association holds a state gambling license and an approved liquor license, necessary for these operations. The proposal includes raffles, bingo, and video races, replacing traditional 50/50 raffles. A representative assured the commission that these activities would not coincide with high school games.

Concerns arose about the appropriateness of gambling in a family-friendly venue. One commissioner expressed discomfort with the idea, especially with children and families present at games, emphasizing the park’s focus on baseball rather than gambling. Another commissioner highlighted potential litter issues from paper pull tabs, having a personal connection as a resident nearby. Despite differing views, the proponent assured that paper pull tabs would not be used to prevent litter and emphasized compliance with legal protocols.

The proposal was not new, as it had received approval in 2024 but lapsed due to a lack of events that year. After deliberation, a motion was proposed for the city council to issue a resolution supporting the gambling activities at Johnson Park. The commissioners voted, resulting in a majority in favor, allowing the New Ulm Baseball Association to proceed with their plans.

Routine departmental activities were also addressed, with Director Joey Schugle providing updates on events at the recreation center. February was a busy month, with basketball and volleyball tournaments proceeding smoothly. The staff received commendations for maintaining cleanliness and order. Preparations for the Civic Center’s transition to dry floor season were discussed, along with updates on seasonal employment applications and the Herman Monument’s cost estimate for future reconstruction work.