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PR 02/05/2007 - 29875CITY OF FRIDLEY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING — FEBRUARY 5, 2007 CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Kondrick called the February 5, 2007 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Dave Kondrick Mike Heintz Tim Solberg Others Present: 7ack Kirk, Director of Parks and Recreation Dave Lindquist, Parks Supervisor APPROVAL OF JANUARY 8, 2007 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MOTION by Mr. Heintz, seconded by Mr. Solberg to approve the minutes of the January 8, 2007 meeting. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. APPROVAL OF PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA FOR FEBRUARY 5, 2007 MOTION by Mr. Solberg, seconded by Mr. Heintz, to approve the agenda for the February 5, 2007 meeting as submitted by staff. 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 Parks and Recreation Department held its annual Winterfest on Saturday, January 27 and it was very successful. While the weather was very cold for the outdoor activities, the event went on as scheduled and the estimated 400 people in attendance had a very good time. The indoor activities were a lot more popular this year. Mr. Kirk further stated that the warming house at Commons Park finally opened on 7anuary 14t'`, one of the latest openings ever for our skating program. We have been trying hard to make up broomball and boot hockey games that were postponed from earlier in the season. This past weekend, the warming house was closed due to the severe cold. We have had both e�tremes of weather this winter that has affected the outdoor skating season. Parks and Recreation Commission Meetin� — Februarv 5, 2007 Pa�e 2 Mr. Kirk further stated that the winter adult fitness programs are underway and we have a new addition with a noon time Pilates program at City Hall. Pilates is a very popular fitness activity and we have several City employees who have signed up to participate. From our feedback so far, the participants really seem to enjoy the activity. Mr. Kirk also stated the Program Update includes some information on the Senior's Chores and More Program. In 2006, there were 379 total clients served, of which eighty-eight were new during the year. This is a very worthwhile program that can help seniors living independently in their own homes for longer periods of time. Mr. Kirk further stated that staff at Springbrook Nature Center worked this past week with 7t'` grade students from Fridley Middle School. The topic, appropriately enough, was hypothermia and heat loss during cold weather. Seven classrooms with a total of 220 students participated in a variety of learning experiences at the nature center. b. Park Maintenance Report Mr. Lindquist stated that during the month of 7anuary, they were finally able to make some good ice for skating. They experienced a few nuisance snowfalls to clear from the rinks and they helped prepare Commons Park for the Winterfest activities. The Park Maintenance workers have been sweeping and flooding the rinks on a daily basis. Mr. Lindquist further stated that the Parks employees have been doing some tree trimming as well as safety inspections of the playground equipment in the parks. Mr. Kondrick asked how long the skating rinks would remain open for the season. Mr. Lindquist stated that they would like to keep the rinks open through the third week in February to accommodate the broomball and boot hockey schedules. The closing date really depends on the weather we get and the ability to keep good skating ice. c. Springbrook Foundation Dinner and Auction Mr. Kirk stated that the Springbrook Nature Center Foundation will be holding it's annual fundraising dinner and auction on Saturday, March 24, 2007. The theme for this year's event is "Springbrook Springs Back to the 50's". Tickets may be purchased in advance by calling 763-572-2333. Mr. Kondrick stated that he has attended these dinners and auctions in the past and they are not only a good time, but people can get some good deals on many of the auction items. He encouraged the Commission members to consider attending this event. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Proposed Change in Ordinance to Allow Alcoholic Beverages for Events at Commons Park and Springbrook Nature Center Mr. Kirk stated that staff has worked on a proposed change to the Fridley City Code as it pertains to alcoholic beverages in City parks. Our current ordinances allow 3.2 beer at Locke Park and allows for a permit to sell 3.2 beer at Community Park, usually done in conjunction with an adult softball tournament. Parks and Recreation Commission Meetin� — Februarv 5, 2007 Pa�e 3 Mr. Kirk stated as discussed at last month's meeting, the 49er Days celebration will be moving to Commons Park this summer and the 49er Committee would like to have a beer garden associated with the street dances and food court. Staff is recommending that we add Commons Park to the park locations where a temporary beer sales license could be attained by a local non-profit group such as the Fridley Lions Club. Mr. Kirk further stated that an additional change being recommended is to allow for beer and wine sales at the Springbrook Nature Center. For the past several years, we have placed a much greater emphasis on producing revenue to support the operation of Springbrook. We have promoted the rental of the Interpretive Center as a place to have weddings or other group social functions. We have not had many rentals to date because of our restriction on no alcohol at the facility. Mr. Kirk stated that he has met with SNC Director Siah St. Clair and Public Safety Director pon Abbott to come up with the proposed changes to the ordinance that is being recommended tonight. Essentially the changes would allow beer and wine to be served or sold at social functions held within the Nature Center Interpretive building. Licenses for temporary on sale of beer and wine would be issued in compliance with Chapters 602 and 603 of the Fridley City Code. Mr. Kondrick asked if the City would bring in additional revenue if the allowance on alcohol in the parks was broadened some. Mr. Kirk stated that he would expect additional revenue coming in with these changes. Mr. Kondrick asked if allowing beer at Commons Park would lead to requests for tournaments with beer sales at that park. Mr. Kirk stated that Community Park is such a great venue to host tournaments; he would not expect many requests for using Commons. The main impact of this ordinance change would allow beer sales at Commons Park during 49er Days. Mr. Kondrick asked about the proposed changes for Springbrook Nature Center. Mr. Kirk stated that the Commission members would recall the budget crisis that we went through with Springbrook Nature Center about four years ago. We have been charged with trying to raise more of the operating costs of the nature center and renting the facility is a possible source of revenue. We have tried to rent the Interpretive Center for receptions, but most groups are not interested when they realize that they cannot have any alcoholic beverages. Mr. Kirk stated that the staff recommendation was to allow beer and wine to be sold and or consumed within the Springbrook Nature Center Interpretive Building under one of four situations. First, if a local club or non-profit group wanted to sell strong beer and wine, they could apply for a temporary on-sale into�cating liquor license as provided for in Chapter 603 of our City Code. Mr. Kirk further stated that, second, if a local club or non-profit group wanted to sell 3.2% malt liquor, they would be able to apply for a temporary 3.2% malt liquor license as provided for in Chapter 602 of our City Code. Parks and Recreation Commission Meetin� — Februarv 5, 2007 Pa�e 4 Mr. Kirk further stated that, third, a local club, charitable, religious or non-profit organization would be permitted to allow guests at their organizational social gathering to consume beer and or wine. Mr. Kirk stated that, fourth, a private party could contract with a City of Fridley approved license caterer to allow guests to purchase and or consume beer or wine if they are renting the SNC Interpretive Building for a reception or social event. The idea here is that the City would pre-approve a caterer or more than one caterer that would sell or provide the beer and wine at wedding receptions and other social events for private parties. The caterer would need to be licensed and carry all necessary insurance. A private individual renting the nature center building for a reception could not sell or provide beer and wine on their own, they would have to work through an approved caterer. Mr. Heintz asked if this would allow beer and wine just in the building or through the entire park. Mr. Kirk stated that the staff recommendation is to limit the alcohol to inside the building only. Mr. Heintz stated that if someone attending a reception on a nice summer night at Springbrook wanted to walk outside for a while with a beer, they would not be allowed to do so. Mr. Kirk stated that the proposed wording would not allow that. One of the reasons for the restriction is that you would have a difficult time differentiating between someone who is a guest at the reception and someone just out to walk the trails at the park It would be difficult to monitor and control the use of alcohol at the park. Mr. Kondrick stated that providing a fenced in area immediately adjacent to the interpretive building might be an option that would allow people some opportunity to go outside and yet keep the alcoholic beverages in a confined space. Mr. Heintz stated that if that were the case, he would suggest that the renter of the facility be required to pay for costs associated with putting up a temporary fence. Mr. Kirk stated that the preliminary plans for expansion of the Springbrook Interpretive building have included an attached outdoor patio area. That may be the type of area that could accommodate some outdoor receptions. Mr. Heintz stated that if we had an approved fenced-in area right ne�t to the building and a renter chose to want to pay e�tra for that option, they should be allowed to have guests outside and still have the beer and wine. Mr. Kondrick stated that we should figure out what it would cost to put up a fence and that cost would be identified to a potential renter of the facility. Mr. Kirk stated that the Commission could include an outdoor adjacent area in their recommendation. Mr. Heintz asked why some of the wording from the current ordinance was crossed out with the proposed changes. Parks and Recreation Commission Meetin� — Februarv 5, 2007 Pa�e 5 Mr. Kirk stated that some of the changes are to conform our local ordinance to the same language that is used in the current state statutes. Also, you will see that the word "County" is stricken from in front of the parks affected by this ordinance. Anoka County parks have their own alcoholic beverages policy for the County Parks in our community. MOTION by Mr. Heintz, seconded by Mr. Solberg, to approve the staff recommended changes to Chapter 508.21 of the City Code pertaining to alcoholic beverages in the City parks, with the addition of allowing consumption in an outdoor fenced area immediately adjacent to the Interpretive Building. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. b. City Resolution Supporting the Improvement for the Rice Creek West Regional Trail Mr. Kirk stated that the City has been requested by Anoka County to submit a resolution of support for a grant application that is being submitted by Anoka County Parks and Recreation to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. If awarded, the grant dollars would be used to upgrade the existing county trail between Highway 65 and Central Avenue. The improvements would include repairing and replacing trail segments, as well as providing for some improved signage. Mr. Kondrick stated he is in favor of supporting Anoka County in the attempt to improve a regional trail in our community. MOTION by Mr. Solberg, seconded by Mr. Heintz, to support Anoka County in its DNR grant application for the improvement of the Rice Creek West Regional Trail. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. c. Showmobile Rental Request — Mound Fire Department Mr. Kirk stated that the City has received a request from the City of Mound Fire Department to rent our showmobile for an event on 7une 2nd of this year. They have rented the Showmobile in the past and we have not had any problems. Mr. Kondrick asked Mr. Lindquist if he would describe the showmobile as being in good condition and whether or not it needed any types of repairs. Mr. Lindquist responded that it really has never had a complete going over, because there is not a place that does that type of work on a portable stage unit. Wenger, the company that built the showmobile, does not service the units. Mr. Kondrick stated that the reason that he is asking the question is because he does not want to be renting something out that is substandard. It may be tough to get the rental money for it in the future, if it is not in good condition. Mr. Lindquist stated that the showmobile is in good condition right now, but he would think that the City should look at replacing it some time in the ne�t 10 years time frame. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting — Februarv 5. 2007 Page 6 Mr. Lindquist stated that the City mechanics do a Department of Transportation certification exam on the showmobile each year to make sure it is roadworthy and is safe to pull on the highway. Mr. Kondrick asked if the City should maybe increase the rental fee some to pay for future repair and maintenance costs on the showmobile. Mr. Kirk stated that the showmobile rental costs have risen from $500 just a few years ago, to $700 today. There are a few other agencies that do rent their showmobile units and we are the highest rental fee right now. Raising the rental fee may impact the number of rentals we will have each year. Mr. Kirk further stated that he would concur that we should think about replacing the showmobile as we do our future planning. The showmobile is about eighteen years old now and is likely going to need some repairs and updating in the ne�t few years. The City paid about $55,000 for the unit when it was purchased back in 1989. The City has brought in well over half of that purchase price just in rentals to other cities over the years. Mr. Kondrick stated that we must consider its usefulness to the City of Fridley first and then we should consider its money making abilities. We must also consider the cost of the showmobile as we look at a future replacement. Mr. Solberg stated that given all the rental income we have brought in over the years and the use that the City Parks and Recreation Department has made of the showmobile, he thinks it makes sense to put a showmobile back in our capital improvements planning at some point. There seems to be a real need for this with our programming and there is an opportunity to help pay for it with the rentals. Mr. Heintz asked if we should be setting aside a certain amount from each rental that would go toward maintenance costs. MOTION by Mr. Heintz, seconded by Mr. Solberg to approve the showmobile rental request by the City of Mound for June 2, 2007. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. d. Showmobile Rental Requests (3) — City of Vadnais Heights Mr. Kirk stated that the City has received three showmobile rental requests from the City of Vadnais Heights, including one request for a two-day rental. Staff has checked the dates requested and the showmobile is available. Staff would recommend approval of the showmobile rental requests to the City of Vadnais Heights for June 7t'`, July l lt'` and August 18th — 19th of 2007. MOTION by Mr. Solberg, seconded by Mr. Heintz, to approve the showmobile rental request by the City of Vadnais Heights for events on June 7, July 11 and the two-day rental on August 18 and 19. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. Parks and Recreation Commission Meetin� — Februarv 5, 2007 Pa�e 7 3. ADJOURNMENT MOTION by Mr. Solberg, seconded by Mr. Heintz to adjourn the February 5, 2007 meeting at 8:22 p.m. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE FEBRUARY 5, 2007 MEETING ADJOURNED.