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PRM 05/06/2013 CITY OF FRIDLEY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING – MAY 6, 2013 CALL TO ORDER: Vice-Chairperson Heintz called the May 6, 2013 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Greg Ackerman, Michele Barrett, Mike Heintz, and Dave Kondrick Others Present: Jack Kirk, Director of Parks and Recreation Mike Maher, Springbrook Nature Center Director APPROVAL OF APRIL 1, 2013 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MOTION by Ms. Barrett, seconded by Mr. Ackerman, to approve the minutes of the April 1, 2013 meeting. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, VICE-CHAIRPERSON HEINTZ DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. APPROVAL OF PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA FOR MAY 6, 2013 MOTION by Mr. Kondrick, seconded by Ms. Barrett, to approve the agenda for the May 6, 2013 meeting. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, VICE-CHAIRPERSON HEINTZ DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. 1. STAFF REPORT a. Program Update Mr. Kirk stated that the Program Update was included in the agenda packet for the Commissioner’s information on activities and happenings for the past month. Mr. Kirk stated that the Springbrook Nature Center Spring Fling had an attendance of over 1,300 people this year. That is almost double the number from 2012, when we had to deal with some inclement weather. Mr. Kirk further stated that the Senior program had a Medicare and Social Security Forum with st Congressman Keith Ellison on April 1. There were 45 seniors that participated. Mr. Kirk also stated that despite the lingering winter weather, the adult softball program started last week. Mr. Kirk stated that he wanted the Commission members know that the Fridley Lions have made a donation to the City in the amount of $3,623 to purchase padding for support columns in the Fridley Community Center gymnasium. The Lions Club has two softball tournaments Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting - May 6, 2013 Page 2 scheduled for Community Park this summer. As in past years, the Lions Club is providing this donation in lieu of paying a rental fee for use of the ball fields. Mr. Kirk further stated that the gymnasium at the FCC has large wood support columns that are very close to the active playing area. The padding of the 12 support columns should make this area safer for users of this facility. We appreciate the generosity of the Lions club for this donation and the many projects they have supported through the years. b. Park Maintenance Report Mr. Kirk stated that Mr. Lindquist was not able to attend the meeting this evening, but has provided a written report of park maintenance activities over the past month. During the month of April, the Parks Division has been busy with trimming trees; plowing snow; preparing softball, baseball and soccer fields for the upcoming season; cleaning tennis courts, and preparing the parks for use. Mr. Lindquist’s report states that they have really had only the past two weeks without snow to get the facilities ready. c.Springbrook Nature Center Report Mr. Kirk stated that long-time Springbrook Nature Center Director Siah St. Clair retired on April 30, after 35 years of service to the City of Fridley. A City retirement recognition was held at the Fridley Community Center on his last day. A community celebration of Siah’s career was held this past Sunday at the nature center. It was well attended and included a very nice program paying tribute to all Siah has done for Springbrook and this community. Mr. Kirk further stated that the new Springbrook Nature Center Director is Mike Maher. Mike started with the City on Wednesday May 1, 2013. He is a graduate of Penn State University and has most recently been the Director of the Manitowac Wisconsin Historical Society. He also has previous experience with the Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center in Lanesboro, Minnesota. d. Fridley ‘49er Days Mr. Kirk stated that Fridley ‘49er Days 2013 are rapidly approaching and will be held June 27 - 29. A schedule of events is included in the agenda packet. The venue for the events has changed this year, as the activities will be held on the Medtronic campus off Old Central Avenue. A carnival returns this year as one of the featured activities of the festival. Mr. Kirk invited the Commission members to participate in the ‘49er Days activities. e. Commission Member Reappointments Mr. Kirk stated that the Fridley City Council reappointed Tim Solberg and Mike Heintz to the Parks and Recreation Commission at the City Council meeting on March 25, 2013. The appointment is for a new three-year term. Mr. Kirk thanked Mr. Heintz and Mr. Solberg for their willingness to serve the Community. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting - May 6, 2013 Page 3 f. Introduction – New Springbrook Nature Center Director – Mike Maher Mr. Kirk introduced the new Springbrook Nature Center Director Mike Maher to the members of the Parks and Recreation Commission. The Commission members welcomed Mr. Maher to our City and to Springbrook Nature Center. Mr. Maher stated that he is excited to be starting in his new position as Director of Springbrook Nature Center. He is impressed with the community support of the nature center and with the great interpretive programming that is already in place. He hopes to be able to build on what we have and to grow the areas in which the nature center can serve the community. He stated that he is really happy to be here. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Park Tour and June Commission Meeting Mr. Kirk stated that the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting in June has traditionally included a park tour. If the Commission members are interested in doing one this year, he would arrange that. In previous years, we have started the tour at 6:00 p.m. and then returned to Commons Park for the meeting. We could also include a picnic dinner like other years as well. Mr. Kirk stated he would be open to suggestions by the Commission members as to what parks or facilities they might like to have included on the tour. Mr. Heintz suggested that we look at some of the playground equipment that is going to need replacing in the near future. Some of it is starting to show a lot of wear and tear. Mr. Kirk stated that we will be meeting at Commons Park and the play equipment there should be looked at. The platforms are all looking very worn and have the plastic coating coming off. Mr. Kondrick suggested the tour include some rain gardens that have been installed in the parks in recent years. In particular, the Commission may want to look at the Jay Park rain garden. That one was not looking good the last time the parks tour went to the park. Mr. Kirk encouraged the Commission members to call or e-mail him if they thought of other specific locations they might want included on the tour. ADJOURNMENT MOTION by Mr. Kondrick, seconded by Mr. Ackerman to adjourn the meeting at 7:50 p.m. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, VICE-CHAIRPERSON HEINTZ DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE MAY 21, 2012 MEETING ADJOURNED.