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PR 08/07/2000 - 29558CITY OF FRIDLEY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING — AUGUST 7, 2000 CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Kondrick called the August 7, 2000 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting to order at 7:06 p.m. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Dave Kondrick, Marcy Sibell, Tim Solberg, Dick Young Others Present: Jack Kirk, Director of Recreation & Natural Resources Paul Lawrence, Superintendent of Public Works Sheryl White, Fridley Women of Today Cindy Sanders, Fridley Women of Today Valerie Rolstad, Fridley Women of Today APPROVAL OF JUNE 5, 2000 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MOTION by Mr. Young, seconded by Ms. Sibell, to approve the minutes of the June 5, 2000 meeting. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. APPROVAL OF PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA FOR AUGUST 7, 2000 Mr. Kirk asked to have an item "e" added to New Business. It is a Showmobile Rental Request from the City of Circle Pines. MOTION by Mr. Solberg, seconded by Ms. Sibell, to approve the agenda with the added item for the August 7, 2000 meeting. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. 1. STAFF REPORT a. Program Update Mr. Kirk stated that the summer activities have gone very well this year and there have been large numbers of people participating. The weather during the Fridley 49er Days activities was not the best, but most of the activities were held as scheduled. Mr. Kirk also referred to the written program update in the Commission member's packets that contained brief write-ups on some of the activity during the past two months including: the adult Tennis League, youth gymnastics, Moore Lake Beach, adult Golf Instruction, 49er Days activities, Summer Rocks program, Safety Camp, Athletic Tournaments, Springbrook Nature Center projects, and more. Parks and Recreation Commission Meetinq — Auqust 7, 2000 Paqe 2 b. Park Maintenance Report Mr. Lawrence stated that the park maintenance workers had accomplished much during the past two months. In addition to the normal heavy work load this time of year with all of the programs, the staff had been busy working on the playground equipment installations at five site. Some significant vandalism to the play equipment at Ruth Circle Park and the roof of the Commons Park activity building has also created additional work for the staff. Mr. Lindquist has provided a written maintenance report that is included in the agenda packet. c. Springbrook Nature Center Entrance Area Planning Mr. Kirk stated that the Springbrook Nature Center Foundation is going to hire the services of an architectural firm to assist with the design of the entrance area project. The project may include suggested additions or modifications to the building and the outdoor area adjacent to the building and parking lot. More details on this planning process should be available later this fall. At this point in the process, the City of Fridley has not made any commitments to funding any of the project. d. Springbrook Nature Center — Clean Water Partnership Update Mr. Kirk stated the first phase of the Clean Water Partnership program at Springbrook Nature Center is now coming to a close with the advisory committee putting together a final report. It will include information on what has caused deterioration of the wetlands, recommendations for restoration, and an implementation plan. Phase 2 of this project involves applying for grant dollars to assist with the implementation. The project involves not only the City of Fridley, but the cities of Blaine, Coon Rapids, and Spring Lake Park as well. e. Locke Park Improvements by Anoka County Mr. Kirk stated that Anoka County continues to move forward on the planned improvements to the Locke Park facilities. The County Park Commission recently approved the plans and specifications and they have now advertised for bids on the project. Bids are to opened on August 29t" and work could start as early as mid-September. The project involves building a new picnic shelter, restroom facility and improving the trails in the park. Parks and Recreation Commission Meetinq — Auqust 7, 2000 Paqe 3 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Adopt-A-Park Proposal — Fridley Women of Today Mr. Kirk stated that he had recently been contacted by a local organization, the Fridley Women of Today, about the possibility of taking on Commons Park as an Adopt-A-Park project. Mr. Kirk further stated that staff was interested in working with this organization on a project such as this. Cindy Sanders, representing the Fridley Women of Today, told the Commission members about their organization. It is a non-profit community service group with 16 members at the present time. They are affiliated with a State and National organization. They continue to look for opportunities to serve the community at large and thought that adopting Commons Park would be a great project for their membership. Mr. Young stated that his family has adopted a park in Robbinsdale and provides clean up services on a regular basis. They City provides the garbage bags for their work days. Valerie Rolstad (also with the Fridley Women be first in line to do the Adopt-A-Park service would follow them and adopt other parks. of Today) stated that their group would like to for the community. Maybe other organizations Mr. Kirk stated that staff has already drawn up some guidelines for an Adopt-A-Park program. The group should commit to helping clean up and maintain the facility on a regular basis, usually at least once per month. The group will need to coordinate their efforts with our park maintenance staff. Some work that can be of assistance is to pick up litter, remove weeds, plant flowers, and clean play areas. With a commitment to adopt a facility, the City should put up a sign at the park to recognize the group. Mr. Kondrick stated that we need to get this information to the Focus Newspaper, preferably with some pictures, so the community can see what this organization is doing for us. MOTION by Ms. Sibell, seconded by Mr. Young to accept the proposal of the Fridley Women of Today to become the first organization to Adopt-A-Park in Fridley and to take on Commons Park as their service area. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. b. Vandalism / Graffiti Problems in Parks Mr. Kirk stated that in the past couple of weeks there have been several incidents of vandalism in our city park system. Some of the new play equipment has been destroyed by fire, part of the shingle roof at the Commons shelter has been torn off, and buildings have Parks and Recreation Commission Meetinq — Auqust 7, 2000 Paqe 4 been the target of graffiti. Vandalism continues to be a problem for us and costs the taxpayers of this community a significant amount of money each year. Mr. Lawrence stated that the Public Works Department would estimate that the vandalism has cost the City at least $30,000 in each of the last couple of years. He showed the Commission members pictures taken of some of the most recent vandalism in our parks. Mr. Young stated that he would suggest that we leave the damaged equipment as is for a period of time, so the residents can see what has been damaged in their neighborhood park. A sign could be placed nearby calling attention to the damage and the cost for repair. Mr. Kirk suggested this is not always practical since the damaged equipment often presents a safety concern and must be taken care of right away. Mr. Solberg stated that we should notify the residents around these parks by letter, letting them know that vandalism has occurred and we would like their help in keeping an eye on the facility. He also suggested that we contact the Focus Newspaper and get an article printed with a damage report and costs for repairing. Mr. Kondrick stated that he felt it was important that people in this community were made aware of the cost or repairs. We, the taxpayers, have paid for the equipment and buildings and we end up paying again for the repairs. Mr. Young suggested getting the word out to the Neighborhood Block Captains to ask people to watch for problems in the parks and call the police when there is a concern. Mr. Kirk stated that this agenda item does not require any specific action tonight from the Commission members, however, he did appreciate their discussion and suggestions for dealing with this problem. c. Commons Park Use — Minnesota Kite Society Mr. Kirk stated that the City has received a request from the Minnesota Kite Society to hold a special event in Commons Park on Sunday, October 8t" from 10am to 4pm. The event is called "One Sky One World Kite Fly for Peace". The event draws from 80 to 100 participants and primarily uses the sliding hill and the open field to the west of it. Mr. Kirk stated that staff would suggest approval of this request with the stipulations that the Minnesota Kite Society (1) not charge any admission or sell anything at the event, (2) provide a certificate of insurance showing coverage of the event, and (3) clean up the site after the event. MOTION by Mr. Young, seconded by Mr. Solberg, to approve the request by the Minnesota Kite Society for a special event at Commons Park on October 8t", with all of the staff recommended stipulations required. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. Parks and Recreation Commission Meetinq — Auqust 7, 2000 Paqe 5 d. Concession Proposal — Fridley Women of Today Mr. Kirk stated that the Fridley Women of Today organization would like to explore the possibility of hosting a refreshment stand at some of the Recreation Department special events during the summer at Commons Park. Several members of the organization are at the meeting tonight to discuss the request. Valerie Rolstad stated that their organization would like to try a small concession stand, such as a root beer float stand, to see if they could generate a few dollars, which would be donated to local area charities. They would like to try this at some evening city band concerts or Recreation Department sponsored puppet shows. Bylaws of the organization require that 2/3 of all monies raised must be donated to the community. Mr. Kirk stated that other groups in the community that do fundraisers, such as tournaments, pay a rental to the City for the use of facilities. Even though this is on a smaller scale, the group (Fridley Women of Today) may want to consider donating a portion of any profits to the park system. This may also work out very well with the previously discussed Adopt-A-Park project that they will be working on at Commons Park. Some of the proceeds could go toward the clean-up and beautification projects. Without dollars going to the park system, it would likely require some type of rental for use of the facilities for a concession operation. The Fridley Women of Today representatives at the meeting seemed to agree with some of the proceeds supporting the park system and the Adopt-A-Park project. Ms. Sibell suggested that the Women of Today possibly work with the Minnesota Kite Society special event on October 8t" as a possible fundraiser. Mr. Kirk stated that he would tell the contact person for the Kite Society event that the Women of Today may want to work with them on this event. Mr. Kirk further stated that if this request was approved by the Commission, staff would work with the Women of Today on some special events for the concession operation. MOTION by Mr. Solberg, seconded by Mr. Young, to approve the request by the Fridley Women of Today operate a small concession stand at some of the Recreation Department special events. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. e. Showmobile Rental Request — City of Circle Pines 3 Mr. Kirk stated that the City of Circle Pines has requested the use of the showmobile for the Circle-Lex Co-Op Daze celebration on August 19t". Staff would recommend approval of the rental request with the standard rental fee of $600 per day, plus overtime costs for the public works personnel to move and set up the unit. Parks and Recreation Commission Meetinq — Auqust 7, 2000 Paqe 6 MOTION by Mr. Young, seconded by Mr. Solberg, to approve the Showmobile rental request by the City of Circle Pines for their event on August 1 gt" UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. West Moore Lake Sand Dunes Mr. Kirk stated the City and the Commission members had received another updated petition regarding the boardwalk at the West Moore Lake Sand Dunes. Also, he has received a letter from Hannah Dunevitz, Regional Plant Ecologist with the Minnesota DNR, regarding the park and the replacement of the walking path. Ms. Dunevitz states in her letter that, for several reasons, that an asphalt path was not recommended at the Dunes. A better choice would be a wooden boardwalk or not path at all. Mr. Kirk stated that the City was ready to proceed with an asphalt trail at the site this summer, thanks in large part to a promised $20,000 donation by an anonymous donor. Since the visit to the site by the DNR and the recommendations that were made regarding a boardwalk and not an asphalt trail, the donor stipulated that dollars would be donated only for a wooden boardwalk replacement at the park. Mr. Lawrence stated that boardwalk, as it was with concern at the dunes park. maintenance of this park area would be a concern with a wood the previous one. Vandalism of the boardwalk was also a major Ms. Sibell stated that providing an accessible walkway system is a concern and that the Commission had promoted an asphalt path to help meet ADA accessibility guidelines. Mr. Solberg stated that he is disappointed that the Commission is in the position. He is in favor of a path or walkway that is more maintenance free and provides access for all. If that is not supported, then he would suggest we do nothing at the park. Mr. Young asked about the maintenance that would be required for an asphalt path vs. a wood boardwalk. Mr. Lawrence stated that an asphalt path would require some sweeping, which they have equipment to do, and over time would require attention like sealcoating. The wood boardwalk would require constant inspection and repairs do to breakage, the affect of weather on the wood, and vandalism. Mr. Kondrick asked about the cost differential of the two types of boardwalk. Parks and Recreation Commission Meetinq — Auqust 7, 2000 Paqe 7 Mr. Lawrence stated he did not have the exact figures in front of him, but that a wood boardwalk would be considerably more expensive. Mr. Lawrence further stated that there is some concern by staff of the porous soil structure at the West Moore Lake park and the possible leaching of chemicals from the treated wood into the water. Mr. Kondrick stated that because (1) a wood boardwalk would not provide the quality of accessibility as a paved trail, (2) the concern over on-going maintenance, and (3) the fact that the cost of installation would likely be considerably more, he would stay with his support of an asphalt path at the Dunes area. MOTION by Ms. Sibell, seconded by Mr. Young, that Parks and Recreation commission stay with their previous recommendation that the City of Fridley replace the walking path at the West Moore Lake Sand Dunes park with an asphalt trail. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. ADJOURNMENT MOTION by Mr. Solberg, seconded by Ms. Sibell, to adjourn the August 7, 2000 meeting at 9:00 p.m. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE AUGUST 7, 2000 MEETING ADJOURNED.