PR 02/06/2012 - 31324CITY OF FRIDLEY
PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING — FEBRUARY 6, 2012
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Solberg called the February 6, 2012 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Members Present
Others Present
Tim Solberg, Michele Barrett, Mike Heintz, Dave Kondrick
Margo Prasek, Recreation Program Supervisor
APPROVAL OF JANUARY 9, 2012 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
MOTION by Mr. Heintz, seconded by Ms. Barrett to approve the minutes of the January 9, 2012 meeting.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SOLBERG DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED.
APPROVAL OF PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA FOR FEBRUARY 6, 2012
MOTION by Mr. Kondrick, seconded by Mr. Heintz, to approve the agenda for the February 6, 2012 meeting as
submitted by staff.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SOLBERG DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED.
1. STAFF REPORT
a. Program Update
Ms. Prasek stated that the Program Update includes information on programs and activities during the
past month. She highlighted a few items on the update:
• Springbrook Naturalists are currently teaching 7t'` grade students and have started an after-school
program at Valley View Elementary School in Columbia Heights
• Zumba has been a popular adult fitness program with 40 participants on Tuesdays and 30 on
Thursdays
• Boot Hockey and Broomball leagues have been popular
• 80 children were enrolled in after-school classes at Stevenson and Hayes Elementary Schools in
January
• The Zone had 80 children one Friday afternoon and 45 that same evening.
Mr. Kondrick asked if the Zone has had increased numbers compared to last year. Ms. Prasek stated that the
numbers vary from day to day, but overall she believes they have been higher on average than last year.
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Mr. Solberg asked if the boot hockey and broomball teams would be refunded since they haven't been
able to play each week.
Ms. Prasek answered that the Department hadn't made a decision about that yet; she mentioned that
Mark Daly was adjusting the schedule and trying to get as many games in as possible. In the event that
they don't get a full season of play, Ms. Prasek believes that they would refund teams.
b. Park Maintenance Report
Ms. Prasek stated that Dave Lindquist, Parks Supervisor, included a report in the packet. She highlighted
that the Parks Maintenance Department has had an interesting month due to the well above normal
temperatures. They have been maintaining the rinks as much as they can and have worked to keep the
Commons hockey rinks and oval in good condition so that the boot hockey and broomball leagues can
play.
Ms. Prasek also reported that there was a theft of copper irrigation pipe at Madsen Park and a brass
vacuum breaker at Terrace Park The thefts were noticed on January 25t'` and police reports have been
filed.
Mr. Solberg asked where the thefts took place, wondering if it was from maintenance buildings. Ms.
Prasek stated that she wasn't sure exactly where the items were stolen from, but that Dave Lindquist
would have that information if they would like it.
Mr. Heintz stated that if it was irrigation pipe it may have been dug out of the ground.
c. Springbrook Nature Center Report
Ms. Prasek stated that Siah St. Clair, Nature Center Director, had included a written update and she
highlighted the three grant applications that the Nature Center has recently completed: 1)Medtronic
Foundation STEM Grant was completed requesting $12,000 to replace solar energy equipment, 2)Xcel
Energy accepted Springbrook's initial request for $10,000 to develop curriculum for winter programs,
3)The Darden Restaurant Foundation accepted a letter of inquiry for a grant of $4,900 that would be
used for conducting water quality programs with 8t'` grade students. She added that the Springbrook
Foundation was also helping in the writing of the grants.
Mr. Solberg mentioned that he recently had a conversation with Tim Dess, a former resident of Fridley
who is currently on the Springbrook Foundation, about the possibility of ineeting with General Mills to
see if they have an interest in making a donation to Springbrook. He will update the Commission at the
ne�t meeting.
d. WinterFest
Ms. Prasek pointed out the collage of pictures from the Department's WinterFest event that took place
on January, 28t'` 2012. She stated that it was a successful event, with the estimated attendance of 800
people. She highlighted that MN Timberwolves staff participated for the first time — they had an
inflatable basketball hoop for kids and adults to try. Hastings Huskies brought out their sled dogs, but
due to the lack of snow they were not able to give rides. Children could pet the dogs and ask questions.
The North Metro Youth Hockey Association brought out a great crowd for the Mites Tournament. The
Medallion Hunt was a popular event and it was found by a 14 year old Fridley Middle School student.
Mr. Kondrick asked where the medallion was hidden. Ms. Prasek stated that it was near the Commons
Park sign on the corner of 7t'` Street and 61gt Avenue hanging from a juniper branch.
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Ms. Prasek mentioned that Bunker Stables brought out the horse drawn hayride, which was busy
throughout the event with the hayride carrying appro�mately 30 people each time.
Mr. Solberg asked what was going on in the picture with the two children ice fishing. Ms. Prasek stated
that indoors at the FCC there are a variety of carnival games set up for children. The ice fishing game is
one that the Fridley ECFE created and staffed for the day.
2. NEW BUSINESS
a. Softball Tournament Request — Fridley Lions Club
Mr. Solberg stated that the first request was from Fridley Lions Club to use the Community Park ball
fields for a Women State B, C, D softball tournament on August 17, 18 and 19. This tournament request
noted that a possible donation would be made as in previous years. This has typically been in lieu of the
tournament fee and is usually a larger amount.
Mr. Solberg asked if the staff recommend approval of the tournament. Ms. Prasek stated that the
Recreation Department recommends approval for the all of the tournaments included in the packet.
MOTION by Mr. Kondrick, seconded by Mr. Heintz, to approve the Fridley Lions Tournament Request
to use the Community Park fields on August 17, 18 and 19.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SOLBERG DECLARED
THE MOTION CARRIED.
b. Youth Baseball Tournament Requests — Fridley Baseball Association
Mr. Solberg stated that the ne�t requests are from Fridley Baseball Association to use the Little League
fields 1, 2, 3 and 4 for a Majors 12 U House tournament on June 2 and 3. Also, Little League Fields 1, 2,
3, and 4 for a Minors 10 U tournament on June 9 and 10. Finally, Little League Fields 1, 2, 3, 4,
Commons 2 and 3 for a 10 U Rec State Championships on July 27, 28 and 29.
Mr. Solberg noted that a satellite was requested for the Minors 10 U tournament. Ms. Prasek stated that
the Fridley Baseball Association would be responsible for paying the additional fees for the satellite and
dumpsters, these are not included in the $75 fee for each field.
MOTION by Ms. Barrett, seconded by Mr. Kondrick, to approve the three youth baseball tournament
requests for the Little League Field on June 2, 3, 9, 10, July 27, 28 and 29 and Commons 2& 3 on July
27, 28 and 29.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SOLBERG DECLARED
THE MOTION CARRIED.
c. Showmobile Rental Requests — City of Mound
Ms. Prasek stated that the City of Mound has rented the showmobile for this event in the past.
Mr. Kondrick stated that the City of Mound has been good to work with in the past.
MOTION by Mr. Kondrick, seconded by Mr. Heintz, to approve the showmobile rental agreement for
July 19 — 21, 2012.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SOLBERG DECLARED
THE MOTION CARRIED.
Parks and Recreation Commission Meetin� — Februarv 6, 2012 Pa�e 4
d. Showmobile Rental Requests — City of Spring Lake Park
Mr. Solberg stated that the ne�t showmobile rental is for the City of Spring Lake Park for June 10, 2012.
He mentioned that Spring Lake Park has also rented the Showmobile for many years and we have never
had any problems.
MOTION by Mr. Heintz, seconded by Ms. Barrett, to approve the showmobile rental agreement for 7uly
10, 2012.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SOLBERG DECLARED
THE MOTION CARRIED.
3. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Ms. Barrett, seconded by Mr. Heintz to adjourn the February 6, 2012 meeting at 7:25 p.m.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SOLBERG DECLARED
THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE FEBRUARY 6, 2012 MEETING ADJOURNED.