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04/08/2002 - 00024852CITY OF FRIDLEY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING — APRIL 8, 2002 CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Kondrick called the April 8, 2002 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Dave Kondrick Tim Solberg Dick Young Others Present: Jack Kirk, Director of Recreation & Natural Resources Paul Lawrence, Public Works Superintendent Dave Lindquist, Park Maintenance Supervisor Siah St. Clair, Naturalist/ Resource Coordinator Malcolm Mitchell, Springbrook Nature Center Foundation Annette Mitchell, Springbrook Nature Center Foundation Marcia Carlson, Allina Health Care Systems APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 4, 2002 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MOTION by Mr. Young, seconded by Mr. Solberg, to approve the minutes of the February 4, 2002 meeting. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. APPROVAL OF PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA FOR APRIL 8, 2002 MOTION by Mr. Solberg, seconded by Mr. Young, to approve the agenda for the April 8, 2002 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 Program Update was a report of the activities sponsored by the Recreation and Natural Resource Department in the past month. Activities during the past month included the start of summer activities registration, the Spring Fling event at Springbrook Nature Center, tax assistance at the Senior Center, the spring session of the youth gymnastics, and on-going programs like the environmental education curriculum with the schools, the ZONE and RAP after-school activities and the senior trips. Mr. Kirk further stated that the City has been receiving donations from ACE Solid Waste during the past three Parks and Recreation Commission Meetinq — April 8, 2002 Paqe 2 months. They donate $5 to the City parks for every net new customer. We just received a check for $210, bringing the total for the year to $550. b. Park Maintenance Report Mr. Lindquist stated that Park Maintenance workers have been taking care of a variety of tasks during the month of March. Painting of buildings, repairing equipment, putting winter equipment into storage, and working on the new garage at Springbrook were among the projects attended to. A more complete listing of the work for the past month is included in the March maintenance report provided in the meeting packet. c. Council / Commission Surveys and Meeting with City Council Mr. Kirk stated that the City Council would like to meet with the Parks and Recreation Commission prior to the May Commission meeting to discuss the results of the recent City Council — Commission surveys. There were a number of questions on the survey that dealt with the parks and recreation services in our city and this will be an opportunity to discuss those issues with the Council. The agenda for the meeting will include five of the questions that deal with the following: Community Park Drainage; FCC funding; 85t" Avenue Bikeway Funding; Springbrook Nature Center Improvements; and Overall Priorities for Parks Capital Improvements. The meeting is scheduled to start at 6:00 p.m. and a light supper will be served. Any business items for the Parks and Recreation Commission will be handled immediately after the meeting with the Council. d. Commission Member Resignation — Sue Price Mr. Kirk stated that Commission member Sue Price has submitted a letter of resignation. The City Council appoints the Commission members and would likely fill the vacancy as soon as possible. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Election of Officers Mr. Kondrick stated that the Parks and Recreation Commission elects a Chairperson and Vice- Chairperson at the April meeting each year. The Chairperson presides over all Commission meetings and serves on the City's Planning Commission. The Vice-Chairperson serves as Chairperson when the Chairperson is absent. MOTION by Mr. Solberg, seconded by Mr. Young to elect Dave Kondrick as Chairperson of the Parks and Recreation Commission. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Mr. Solberg, seconded by Mr. Kondrick to elect Dick Young as Vice-Chairperson of the Parks and Recreation Commission. Parks and Recreation Commission Meetinq — April 8, 2002 Paqe 3 UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. b. Presentation by the Springbrook Nature Center Foundation RE: Proposed Gateway Entrance Project Mr. Kirk stated that he would like to introduce Malcolm Mitchell, Chairperson of the Springbrook Nature Center Foundation. He will be providing information on the proposed Gateway Entrance Project at the Nature Center. Foundation members were here several months ago to share the concept plan for this project and have since talked with the City Council about this venture. The City Council suggested that when more detailed plans were in place and the Foundation was ready to proceed, they should bring their request to the Parks and Recreation Commission. Mr. Mitchell stated that the purpose of the presentation this evening was to give the Commission some more detail on the project and give a sense of the vision and concept of where the Foundation is with the overall project. He would like to present a little more detail on the staging of the various components or "vision packages" of the project and would like to describe the Foundation's approach to a collaborative process with the City. Finally, he would like to talk with the Commission about an action request so that the Foundation may proceed with their work. Mr. Mitchell stated that Siah St. Clair is handing out a copy of the master concept plan for the project. Also being handed out is a case statement for continued community support of Springbrook Nature Center. Mr. Mitchell stated that he wanted to give the Commission a couple of brief statements about the project as the Foundation sees it. Mr. Mitchell stated, "first of all, our Springbrook Nature Center Foundation Board feels that the Nature Center is a very special place within the City of Fridley, a place to grow, to learn and to experience a closeness with nature". The Board feels that Springbrook is "timeless nature working to nurture the human spirit". Our vision is that Springbrook is a creative and strong part of the City of Fridley through its relationship with nature. It is an amenity that needs to preserved for future generations. The Foundation sees Springbrook as an opportunity for partnerships, with the wellness/ health community, businesses and schools. Mr. Mitchell continued that the planning for the gateway entrance project started about the same time that the City of Fridley was revising its Comprehensive plan. The Foundation has picked out a number of items from the guiding principles of the Comprehensive plan that fit very well with Springbrook Nature Center. One was a place to gather and Springbrook is one of those key places to come together in the community. Included in this is an opportunity for a plaza or memorial space to provide recognition to past City leaders such as former mayor Bill Nee. Another principle in the Comprehensive plan was for the City to have a built environment that recognizes the natural environment. That is one of the main themes of this 7-acre gateway entrance project. Parks and Recreation Commission Meetinq — April 8, 2002 Paqe 4 Mr. Mitchell continued that while some may have said that this gateway redevelopment changes the nature of the nature center by making it more active and intense, our view of that is that it is really protecting 120 acres in a more managed and direct way by creating this seven acre space to be used for more intensive efforts. Mr. Mitchell stated that what they are talking about here with the Gateway project is a staged development and a concept plan that fits very well within the overall Comprehensive plan of the City of Fridley. This project can be leading activity within that plan. Mr. Mitchell then moved to an overview of the Gateway project, which includes four main "vision packages" of the master plan. The packages are essentially: • 1... the outdoor spaces to include a memorial plaza, picnic facilities, a berm along 85tn, and overflow parking area • 2... an indoor amphitheater addition to the Interpretive Building • 3... a major addition and remodeling of the Interpretive Building to include meeting and classroom space • 4... a renovation and redesign of the existing parking area. Mr. Mitchell stated that at this point, they would like to focus for now on Vision Package #1. The first vision package has four main components. There would be a berm installed to buffer traffic noise on 85t" Avenue. It would be complete with a sound wall section and some park signage. A memorial garden/plaza area would be created to provide a place for recognizing community leaders and a place for celebrations. A new picnic pavilion and smaller open areas, called outdoor rooms, would be created along with an enhancement of the trail system connecting these areas. Finally, vision package #1 would include a new overflow parking area in the vicinity of the recently completed maintenance garage. Mr. Young asked if the overall gateway project had been prioritized with the focus on the vision packages. Mr. Mitchell stated that yes it had and the vision packages were the result of the prioritization process. Vision package #1 is the highest priority right now in the opinion of the Foundation. Mr. Young asked how high the berm along 85t" Avenue would be. Mr. St. Clair said that it could be up to 8 feet high at some points, but it would be undulating with varying heights. Mr. Mitchell stated that the architect's estimated costs associated with each of the components of Vision Package #1 are as follows: • berm along 85tn • memorial plaza • trails, shelters • overflow parking $ 60, 000 $150, 000 $500, 000 $ 30, 000 The total for these components is $740,000. With estimated architectural fees of $150,000, the total for vision package #1 is $890,000. Parks and Recreation Commission Meetinq — April 8, 2002 Paqe 5 Mr. Mitchell continued that the Springbrook Nature Center Foundation would like to enter into a collaborative process with the Parks and Recreation Commission and the City of Fridley to make the Gateway project happen. The suggested collaborative process would be as follows: • The Springbrook Foundation will provide the leadership required to move each project element to completion. • Working with the City, the Foundation will provide the capital expenses necessary to accomplish each element. No aspect of any element would be initiated unless capital funds have been secured. • The Foundation will have a business plan that will address any increased operating costs that are a result of elements in the project. This business plan will be submitted to City Council and staff before any work on any element of the project is initiated. • The Foundation will satisfy requirements made by the City Council regarding future depreciation expenses prior to initiating construction of project elements. • The Foundation will prepare a phased Development Plan detailing sources of revenue by category in a time frame appropriate to the phased implementation of project elements. Mr. Mitchell stated that this all leads the Foundation to their request of the City of Fridley Parks and Recreation Commission this evening. What we would like from you is essentially approval of the concept of the Gateway area plan as outlined this evening and secondly, that the Foundation be permitted to proceed with the detailed planning and commencement of the fundraising for Vision Package #1. Mr. Young stated that he was not ready to buy into a new sign being built into a berm along 85t" Avenue. He doesn't think it will give as much visibility as necessary and may be a safety concern. Other than that, he likes many of the items included in the concept plan. He further stated that he wants to congratulate the Springbrook Nature Center Foundation (those here and those not in attendance) for the project to this point... it represents a lot of work. Mr. Young asked if the members of the Foundation live outside of the City of Fridley? Mr. Mitchell stated that some do, but most live in Fridley. Mr. Mitchell stated that they would like to start a"Friends of Springbrook" group to help with the fundraising for this project. He further stated that although money is tight, they believe they can raise the dollars necessary to bring this plan to reality. Mr. St. Clair stated that it is important to point out that the vision packages are set up so they can stand alone. For example, Vision Package #1 could be completed and make some very good improvements to the park. Its success would not depend on the completion of the other vision packages. Marcia Carlson, representing Allina Health Systems, stated that she is a social worker with a passion for working with cancer patients. She sees a need for more "holistic' treatment of patients. She has bringing a group of cancer patients to Springbrook Nature Center for Parks and Recreation Commission Meetinq — April 8, 2002 Paqe 6 meetings. The response of the patients to being in the natural setting has been almost "magical". Mr. Solberg stated that he agreed with Ms. Carlson's comments on the benefit of nature with patients. He sees the Gateway project as an opportunity for school and youth group fundraising to support the project. He believes that large company foundations have something to offer and although times are a little tough right now, over the long term there should be some opportunities to raise dollars. Mr. Solberg further stated that some consideration should be given to naming a building or portions of the project after some of the larger donors. He also stated that this project benefits an area larger than just Fridley and the neighboring communities and businesses in those communities could be approached for funding. He also suggested contacting the Nature Conservancy for assistance. Mr. Solberg asked if there were other areas or nature centers like Springbrook that have done a similar type of major fundraising effort and what can we learn from them? Mr. Kirk suggested that the Parks and Recreation Commission delay a recommendation on Springbrook Nature Center Gateway Entrance Project until the Commission has an opportunity to discuss the overall park system priorities with the City Council. There is a joint meeting of the Commission and the City Council scheduled for May 6t" to discuss some of the survey questions, including the one regarding the Springbrook improvements. After meeting with the City Council, the Commission can discuss this proposal at a future meeting and make a recommendation for the City to consider. Mr. Kondrick thanked the Foundation for all of their work and for the presentation at tonight's meeting. He stated that the Commission will discuss this proposal after the opportunity to talk with the City Council about the park and recreation issues facing the City. Mr. Kirk suggested that the Commission could forward a recommendation on the project after the June Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. c. Parks 5-Year Capital Improvement Program Mr. Kirk stated that staff has provided a recommended 5-Year parks capital improvement program for consideration of the Commission. Mr. Kirk stated that the projects for next year (2003) that are included in the staff- recommended plan are as follows: • Courts surfacing and overlays .................................. $61,000 • Park furnishings ........................................................... $6,100 • Fencing Repairs ..................................................... ... $20,000 • Commons Parking Lot replace ................................... $65,000 • SNC Carpet replacement ........................................... $11,000 • Portable bleachers ..................................................... $35,000 • SNC Amphitheater replace . ........................................ $ 5,000 • Community Park scoreboard Controls ....................... $15,000 Parks and Recreation Commission Meetinq — April 8, 2002 Paqe 7 Mr. Kirk further stated that some changes are being suggested from the plan approved last year. Staff is recommending moving the open-air picnic shelter construction at Madsen Park from 2003 to 2004. In 2004, we are recommending that we not only replace the roof of the Community Park building, but upgrade the restrooms as well. This will involve an additional $20,000 expenditure. In last year's plan, there was a basketball court addition identified for Commons Park. After discussing this further with all Department staff, it appears that the program participants would better utilize a court installed at the Fridley Community Center site. Also, two new projects identified for the fifth year of the new plan (2007) are the replacement of one of the hockey rinks at Commons Park and some bleacher additions to the Locke soccer field area. Mr. Young suggested that the City look seriously at a metal roof for the replacement at the Community Park shelter. It could save us in future re-roofing costs. Mr. Solberg stated that he would like us to replace some of the older, out-of-date picnic shelters at Moore Lake Park. With many of the recent improvements at Moore Lake, it would help the overall look of the facility to replace these shelters. MOTION by Mr. Solberg, seconded by Mr. Young to approve the staff-recommended 5-Year Parks Capital Improvement Program. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. d. Summer Playground Program Format and Fees Mr. Kirk stated that staff has recommended the following fees for the summer playground program: a. Preschool 3-4 year olds ... $ 18 per session b. Preschool 4-5 year olds ... $ 32 per session c. Elementary Playgrounds ... $35 per session d. Teen Programs ... $ 24 per session e. Summer ROCKS ... $80 per week Mr. Kirk further stated that the program sessions run June 17 to July 11 and July 22 to August 15. There is a week break in between sessions and we will be offering the Wilder Adventure Camp at that time. MOTION by Mr. Young, seconded by Mr. Solberg to approve the summer playground program format and fees as recommended by City staff. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. Parks and Recreation Commission Meetinq — April 8,2002 Paqe 8 e. Tennis Court Upgrades 2002 Mr. Kirk stated the 2002 Parks Capital Improvement program identifies $30,000 for court surfacing. Staff is recommending that the double court at Terrace Park be removed and replaced with a new single court and an attached half-court basketball court. The remaining money would be used to color-coat several of our other courts in the park system. Mr. Kirk further stated that a letter has gone out to the residents of the Terrace Park area explaining our improvement plans. He has received two calls from residents about the project. Both callers wanted to confirm the project includes the half basketball court. They believe neighborhood children will use this facility. MOTION by Mr. Young, seconded by Mr. Solberg to proceed with the tennis/ basketball court project at Terrace Park and to use the balance of the court surfacing dollars on color-coating of selected courts. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. f. Fall Athletic League Fees Mr. Kirk stated that staff is recommending the following fees for the fall athletic program: 1. Fall Softball ..$ 315 2. 4-Person Footbal I ... $ 55 3. 4-Person Football (officiated Lg) ... $ 120 4. 3 on 3 Basketbal I ... $ 55 MOTION by Mr. Young, seconded by Mr. Solberg to approve the fall athletic program fees as recommended by staff. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED g. Softball Tournament Request — Spiker's Grille and Beachclub Mr. Kirk stated that the City has received a softball tournament application from Spiker's to use the Community Park on May 18 and 19 for an ASA State/ National Qualifier. Spiker's is the same group that previously applied for and was given permission to run a tournament on Labor Day Weekend. Mr. Kirk stated that although this early in the season, staff would recommend approval of the tournament with the following conditions: 1. That all games on Sunday, May 19 be completed and the fields empty by 4:00 p. m. to accommodate the City Recreation Leagues scheduled on that date 2. That maintenance personnel assigned to the tournament be paid for by the applicant (Spiker's) at a time and one-half rate. Parks and Recreation Commission Meetinq — April 8, 2002 Paqe 9 Mr. Kirk stated that because the tournament request is so early in the season, the summer part-time maintenance workers are not yet on board and the tournament will have to be handled by the full-time employees. This will result in the higher maintenance cost for the tournament. MOTION by Mr. Young, seconded by Mr. Solberg to approve the Softball Tournament request by Spiker's for May 18-19 with the stipulations of all games being completed on Sunday by 4:00 p.m. and full-time overtime being paid for maintenance workers. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. ADJOURNMENT MOTION by Mr. Solberg, seconded by Mr. Young to adjourn the April 8, 2002 meeting at 9:35 p.m. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE APRIL 8, 2002 MEETING ADJOURNED.