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PR 03/01/2010 - 29905CITY OF FRIDLEY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING — MARCH 1, 2010 CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Sibell called the March 1, 2010 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Marcy Sibell, Michele Barrett, Mike Heintz, Tim Solberg Others Present: 7ack Kirk, Director of Parks and Recreation Dave Lindquist, Parks Supervisor APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 1, 2010 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MOTION by Mr. Heintz, seconded by Ms. Barrett to approve the minutes of the February 1, 2010 meeting. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SIBELL DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. APPROVAL OF PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA FOR MARCH 1, 2010 MOTION by Ms. Barrett, seconded by Mr. Solberg, to approve the agenda for the March 1, 2010 meeting as submitted by staff. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SIBELL DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. 1. STAFF REPORT a. Program Update Mr. Kirk stated that the Program Update includes a report of activities and events in the past month. In early February, the Springbrook Nature Center staff recognized our volunteers with a dinner and program. There were eighty people in attendance for a fun evening and awards ceremony. The nature center staff was also very busy during the past month, as they worked with the Fridley Middle School7t'` graders on a field trip to Springbrook The students were learning how to cope with the cold weather. Mr. Kirk further stated that the Recreation Division sponsored two Valentine Party events that were very successful. They were both held on Friday, February 12t'`. One party was for the elementary school students and it was held immediately after school at Stevenson School. There were 190 elementary students that participated. The other party was for the middle school students at the ZONE that evening. There was a great turnout for the party with 250 kids. Mr. Kirk stated that the Senior Program held the annual Mardi Gras party for the seniors on Tuesday, February 16t'`. There were 130 participants and the Black Jack dealers included Commission member Dave Kondrick, City Manager Bill Burns, Mayor Scott Lund and Councilmember Bob Barnette. There were a lot of happy people at the event. Parks and Recreation Commission Meetin� — March 1, 2010 Pa�e 2 Mr. Kirk further stated that the outdoor winter sports programs have now ended with broomball and boot hockey playoffs now finished. It was a good season as far as the weather cooperating. He also wanted to tell them about a new program that was started this month. It is called Laughter Yoga and is an exercise class based on the muscles used to laugh. There is also a relaxation component to the activity. We have ten people participating. Mr. Kirk stated that the program update written report also has information on the Winterfest, which was held on Saturday, January 30. It was the biggest attendance yet with an estimated 650 people participating. b. Park Maintenance Report Mr. Lindquist stated that during the month of February, the maintenance workers were very busy with the outdoor skating facilities. The overall skating season this year was a very good one. We got an early start preparing the rinks and they were open for use in December. We actually had a longer period of ice use this year than in some recent winters. The lights on some of the rinks were shut off for the year today. Judging by the amount of skate marks on the rinks, the skating facilities were used a lot this winter. Mr. Lindquist also stated that there appeared to be a lot of use of the Commons sliding hill this winter. c. Springbrook Nature Center Report Mr. Kirk stated that work continues with the Hoisington Koegler architect team on the plans for the SPRING project. They are working on updating the project design, putting the project into several phases for completion, and providing more detailed plans for phase one. All the work with the architects should be completed by the end of March. Mr. Kirk further stated that the state bonding bill was approved by both the House and Senate about a week ago and it includes $2 million for the SPRING project. The bill has still not been sent to the Governor and it sounds like the Legislature is trying to work with the Governor's office on a bill that he will ultimately sign. Whether Springbrook is still part of a bill that the Governor will sign is anybody's guess at this time. The Governor had originally stated that he wanted a bonding bill in the $700,000 range and the current bill is right around $1 billion. The Governor has line item vetoed the Springbrook project the last two years. d. Springbrook Nature Center Foundation Auction Mr. Kirk stated that the Foundation's Annual Auction will be held on Saturday, May lst at the Coon Rapids Civic Center, located at 11155 Robinson Drive in Coon Rapids. It is always a fun event and the Commission members are invited to attend. Tickets are $25 per person and all proceeds of this event will go to support Springbrook Nature Center programs and activities. e. Softball Manager Survey Mr. Kirk stated that after the discussion of the adult softball program at the 7anuary Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, he asked Program Supervisor Mark Daly to survey the past softball managers to get some feedback on the satisfaction level with our softball operation. There were 80 e-mail surveys sent out, but only seven were returned. The information from the surveys showed a generally good satisfaction with the program, but there were some things that we learned. We will do an evaluation with the team managers again this softball season. Parks and Recreation Commission Meetin� — March 1, 2010 Pa�e 3 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Summer Program Format and Fees 2010 Mr. Kirk stated that this is a staff recommendation for the summer programs and fees for this year. The summer playground and pre-school programs would each have two four week sessions. The first session would be from June 21 through July 16 and session two would be from July 26 through August 20. The Playground program would be held at two sites, Hayes Elementary School and Briardale Park The program runs from lpm to 4:30 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. The recommended fee is $60 per person for each session. That represents a$5 increase over last year. The Preschool Playground program would be held at Commons Park on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings. The 3-4 year olds are scheduled for 9:00 — 10:00 a.m. and the recommended fee would be $38 for each session. The 4-5 year olds are scheduled for 10:15 - 11:45 a.m. and the recommended fee is $52 for the session. The Preschool program fees are increased $2 over last year. Mr. Heintz asked why we did not have the playground program on Wednesdays. Mr. Kirk stated that is the day the program participants go on trips or have special events such as the Water Carnival or the Nickel 7amboree. Mr. Kirk further stated that we are not recommending any changes in the ROCKS program over 2009. This is the all-day activities program for elementary age students and would run for nine weeks during the summer. The cost per participant is recommended to be $125 per week Staff is also not recommending changes with the Chill program for the middle school age students. This is an afternoon program which would cost $75 for the first 5 week session, $60 for the second four week session, and a daily admission fee of $5. Mr. Kirk stated that this is the recommended program format and the corresponding fees for the major summer activities. Did the Commission members have any questions or need any additional information. MOTION by Mr. Solberg, seconded by Mr. Heintz, to approve the staff recommended summer program format and fees for 2010. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SIBELL DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. b. Youth Baseball Tournament Requests - FYSA Mr. Kirk stated that the City has received requests from the FYSA Fridley Youth Baseball program to run weekend baseball tournaments at City park facilities. The tournaments, the dates and the fields requested are as follows: (1) MYAS Spring Series 15AA May 22 - 23 Commons 1 (2) MYAS Spring Training lOAA/11AA May 15 — 16 Little League 1- 4 (3) Major Tournament 12 U House June 5— 6 Little League 1- 4 (4) 10 U Rec State Championship July 30 — Aug. l Little League 1- 4 Parks and Recreation Commission Meetin� — March 1, 2010 Pa�e 4 Mr. Kirk stated that although the requests for the use of the Little League fields stated fields 1 through 4, only fields 1, 2 and 3 are on city park land. Field 4 is on the Fridley High School property. The City Parks staff maintains the field during the summer months for the Little League program. Mr. Kirk would recommend that the Commission approve use of fields 1— 3 and he will discuss the reserving of the field with the High School Activities Director. Since the City maintains the field, it may be that the Activities Director will want the Recreation Department to handle the tournament requests for this field as well. Mr. Kirk stated that our e�sting facility use application calls for a fee of $75 per field for a weekend tournament. The tournament sponsor would also be expected to pay for any garbage dumpsters or portable toilet facilities needed for the event. Staff would recommend approval of the tournaments with the standard fees to apply. Mr. Solberg asked who made the determination of whether a dumpster or portable toilets were needed for the tournament. Mr. Kirk stated that staff works with the tournament sponsor on the facility needs and requirements. The final decision is really based on the number of teams and overall size of the tournament. MOTION by Mr. Solberg, seconded by Ms. Barrett, to approve the FYSA Fridley Youth Baseball tournament requests for the dates submitted with a facility fee of $75 per field being assessed. The FYSA is also required to pay any costs associated with additional portable toilets, toilet cleanings or a garbage dumpster that may be needed for the tournament. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SIBELL DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. c. Showmobile Rental Request — City of Spring Lake Park Mr. Kirk stated that a request has been received from the City of Spring Lake Park to rent our showmobile for a Tower Days event on Sunday, June 13, 2010. We have rented to Spring Lake Park for many years now and have not had any problems with their using of the unit. Staff would recommend approval of this rental request at the normal rental rates. MOTION by Mr. Heintz, seconded by Mr. Solberg, to approve the showmobile rental request from the City of Spring Lake Park for use on June 13, 2010 with regular rental rates to apply. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SIBELL DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. d. Showmobile Rental Request — City of Mound Mr. Kirk stated that a request has been received from the City of Mound to rent our showmobile for a community event on Thursday, 7uly 15 through Saturday, 7uly 17, 2010. This would be a three day rental. We have rented to the City of Mound before and have not had any problems with their using of the unit. Staff would recommend approval of this rental request at the normal rental rates. MOTION by Mr. Heintz, seconded by Mr. Solberg, to approve the showmobile rental request from the City of Mound for use on July 15, 16 and 17, 2010 with regular rental rates to apply. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SIBELL DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. Parks and Recreation Commission Meetin� — March 1, 2010 Pa�e 5 e. Showmobile Rental Request — City of Vadnais Heights Mr. Kirk stated that a request has been received from the City of Vadnais Heights to rent our showmobile for an event on Thursday, June 10, 2010 and for their Heritage Days Festival on Saturday August 14 and Sunday, August 15, 2010. This would also involve three rental dates. We have rented to Vadnais Heights before and have not had any problems with their using of the unit. Staff would recommend approval of this rental request at the normal rental rates. MOTION by Mr. Heintz, seconded by Mr. Solberg, to approve the showmobile rental request from the City of Vadnais Heights for use on June 10, 2010 and also for use on August 14t'` and 15t'` of 2010 with regular rental rates to apply. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SIBELL DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. f. Showmobile Rental Request — ISD #286/American Cancer Society Mr. Kirk stated that a request has been received from Independent School District #286 of Brooklyn Center to rent our showmobile for an American Cancer Society Relay for Life event on Friday, July 9, 2010. We have rented to them before and have not had any problems with their using the unit. Staff would recommend approval of this rental request at the normal rental rates. MOTION by Mr. Heintz, seconded by Mr. Solberg, to approve the showmobile rental request from the Brooklyn Center School District for use on July 9, 2010 with regular rental rates to apply. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SIBELL DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. g. Showmobile Rental Request — City of St. Anthony Mr. Kirk stated that a request has been received from the City of St. Anthony to rent our showmobile for a city festival event on Friday, August 6 and Saturday, August 7, 2010. We have rented to St. Anthony in the past and have not had any problems with their using of the unit. Staff would recommend approval of this rental request at the normal rental rates. MOTION by Mr. Heintz, seconded by Mr. Solberg, to approve the showmobile rental request from the City of St. Anthony for use on August 6t'` and 7t'`, 2010 with regular rental rates to apply. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SIBELL DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. h. Parks 5-year Capital Improvement Program Mr. Kirk stated that the Parks and Recreation Commission is asked to review the staff recommended 5- year Parks Capital Improvement Program and make suggestions for additions or modifications. It is no secret that the City is experiencing some very challenging financial times and the staff recommended plan is very conservative. The approach taken by staff when working on this plan was to take care of e�sting facilities first and put the new projects on hold for the time being. Parks and Recreation Commission Meetin� — March 1, 2010 Pa�e 6 Mr. Kirk further stated that the 2011 projects include $40,000 for court surfacing, $5,000 for park furnishing replacements, $10,000 for playground equipment repairs and $45,000 for carpet replacement at the Fridley Community Center. Part of our long-term agreement with the Fridley School District for operation of the FCC is our obligation to replace floor covering when necessary in the rooms that we added to the facility. The playground equipment and site repairs item is new, but we have some issues with several of the playground area that need attention. This is not a lot of money, but it will give us some dollars to make necessary repairs. Mr. Kirk stated that some of the picnic shelter facilities that appeared in last year's 5 year plan have been moved to the other or future projects category. They are still identified in the plan, but not scheduled for any year as of yet. The other projects list keeps growing and is getting a large dollar figure. A new significant project listed in the other projects category is the SPRING project at Springbrook Nature Center with its $6 million price tag. We all recognize that the funding of this project is to come from money raised by the Springbrook Nature Center Foundation, however, this is a City park and it is important to show this is a City project. Mr. Solberg stated that the SPRING project, the Community Center Gymnasium, and the purchase of properties north of Moore Lake Park makes up the lions share of the other projects dollar amount. Ms. Sibell stated that it is somewhat painful to keep looking at the other projects list and see that it continues to grow with many good project ideas that there is just not money to provide. There are several projects that have appeared on the other projects list for many years now and they will likely never happen. Mr. Kirk stated that for 2012, the plan calls for $95,000 total expenditures with court surfacing at $45,000; park furnishings at $10,000; playground equipment and site repairs at $10,000; and lighting upgrades for Community Park at $30,000. The 2013 plan would include the court surfacing at $25,000; the park furnishings at $10,000; and a replacement of the Commons Park irrigation system at $160,000. The 2014 plan also includes court surfacing at $25,000; park furnishings at $10,000; and an upgrade of the Community Park parking lots at $115,000. The 2015 plan right now only includes the court surfacing at $30,000 and park furnishings at $10,000. Depending on the financial situation, the plan will likely be modified in future years. Mr. Heintz asked if we could do the Community Park parking lots in-house with our City employees. Mr. Lindquist stated that our street department can do some smaller projects with our paver, but this project would require larger equipment to complete. Mr. Kirk stated that this 5 year plan starts in 2011 with an estimated balance of $2,033,453 and after 5 years the balance is estimated to be $2,124,339. The project expenditures in the plan are in keeping with the amount of revenue that will be received. Mr. Solberg stated that he thought the plan made sense with the priorities and the plan stays within the budget. He thought the amounts of annual spending were very reasonable and if the financial situation worsens, we can pull back even further. MOTION by Mr. Solberg, seconded by Ms. Barrett, to approve the staff recommended Park 5 year Capital Improvement Program as presented. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SIBELL DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. Parks and Recreation Commission Meetin� — March 1, 2010 Pa�e 7 3. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 4. ADJOURNMENT MOTION by Mr. Heintz, seconded by Ms. Barrett to adjourn the March 1, 2010 meeting at 8:15 p.m. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SIBELL DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE MARCH 1, 2010 MEETING ADJOURNED.