GJRA Monthly Board Highlights

The Board of Greenway Joint Recreation Association meets monthly on third Mondays, 7 pm, at the arena. The new year and new season begins on August 1st. The public is welcome to attend.

BUSINESS

• Increased the annual lease agreement with ISD #316 to $2500.
• Approved the quote of $46,145 from Hawk Construction for entry doors replacement.
• Tabled decisions on the additional monies from Blandin Foundation until an application to IRRRB for $10,000 is awarded (or rejected).
• Purchased a new freezer for the concession stand at the Greenway Sports Complex.
• Replaced multiple sprinklers in the Windorski Field and the 'Big Field' at the Greenway Sports Complex.
• Discussed preparations for the next board as the fiscal year ends July 31; in August there will be board elections, adoption of the budget, and a decision on the levy.

PROGRAMS

• The Squirts tournament was won by the Lawrence Lake team. The Titan Junior tournament will be the first weekend in August.

• Received a grant from Blandin Foundation for a sum of $70,000 to upgrade the front entrance doors, and to add electricity to the garage.
• Started implementation of the state's accounting system (CTAS) on the new laptop purchased for that purpose.
• Heard announcement that Pat Guyer, GJRA Director, is retiring on December 31, 2025.
• Made a Transition Plan-of-Work: 1) write job description for the director position, 2) start interviews and hire a new director, 3) have the new director work in tandem with Guyer prior to December 31, 2025.

PROGRAMS:

• Baseball teams consist of 66 players in T-Ball, 82 players in Squirts, 48 players in Little Titans, and 12 players in Titan Juniors.
• Fastpitch teams consist of 27 players in 8U, 21 players in 10U, 18 players in 12U, and 11 players in 16/18 U.
• Ice goes in on June 2 and summer camps will run June 9 - June 27 for both figure skating and hockey.
• Finding new figure skating coaches for the next year remains in process.

BUSINESS:

• Mt. Itasca presented an update on the ski hill and associated organizations; GJRA will continue to budget an annual contribution of $10,000.
• Two committees were organized in preparation for the end of the fiscal year, July 31; a Nomination Committee and a Budget Committee.
• The GJRA Treasurer will undergo training to use the state's accounting program, Cities & Towns Accounting System (CTAS), and the Board approve the purchase of a laptop computer for accounting purposes.

PROGRAMS:

• Baseball and Fastpitch online registration is open.
• Figure skating coaches are being interviewed since long-time Coach Kangas resigned; hiring two is being considered.

BUSINESS:

• Previous Federal grant options for expanding and resurfacing the parking lot have been dropped; may revisit in the future.
• A Blandin Foundation grant is in process for new front doors, electricity in the garage and improved outside lighting, an ice edger, field mower, and locker room renovations; decision anticipated in June.
• The association will switch to using the state's accounting program, Cities & Towns Accounting System (CTAS), and will eventually discontinue the accounting services of Glorvigan, Tierney & Company.
• CPA Brian Koehn will again be hired for the annual audit. GJRA's fiscal year ends July 31.

FACILITIES:

• The Greenway Sports Complex will use the services of Green Again for weed control, especially along the fencelines.
• The electric connection to the scoreboards is being reexamined for improvements as it has occasionally blacked out.
• Sponsorship banners for 2025 are being installed; new ones include General Waste & Recycling, and Home & Comfort.
• Brainstorming for additional multi-purpose greenspace is underway.

PROGRAMS:

• The annual show of Greenway Emerald Figure Skating Club was successful and well attended.
• The head coach for figure skating, Lisa Kangas, is stepping down after several years of service; she will be dearly missed.
• The Hockey coaches will be meeting (TBA) to evaluate the season and make recommendations if needed.
• The winter season for Hockey and Figure Skating are over; the ice has been removed; batting cages and nets have been installed in the arena for baseball/fastpitch practice.
• Baseball and Fastpitch registration is being streamlined between GJRA and Nashwauk with a central online point of entry, same dates and pricing; all still in process.

OTHER BUSINESS:

• CEDA is exploring grant options for expanding and resurfacing the parking lot.
• The final bill from CPA Brian Koehn for the annual audit was received; a committee is meeting (TBA) to discuss how to implement the state's City and Town Accounting System.
• Community members have initiated building a community center / clinic for physical theragy and social well-being (enjoying coffee together); sharing ideas and support were discussed. The project is in the infant stage; presented by Bob Schwartz and atheletic director, Will Floersheim.

NEWS:

• The annual figuring skating show will be held the weekend of March 15; the ice will be removed on March 16.
• GAHA hosted successful the Bantam A North Regional tournament.

IN PROCESS:

• Steps have been implemented, and more to come, to align GJRA with the state's audit guidelines. CPA Koehn has submitted the first state report. Budget adjustments will have to be made to incorporate the expense of an annual audit.
• Quotes are still coming, and a decision on how to upgrade the entryway doors is an action item on the future agenda.

NEWS:

• The Hockey, Figure Skating, and Basketball programs are in high gear, and successful.
• The Dryland Training room and hockey shooting set up are in full use.
• The Board is proceeding with Audit recommendations and received a 45 day extension for submittal.
• The Director and maintenance team are exploring more options for improving the entryway doors and at grant qualification.