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PRM 06/02/2014 CITY OF FRIDLEY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING – JUNE 2, 2014 CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Solberg called the June 2, 2014 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting to order at 7:22 p.m. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Tim Solberg, Greg Ackerman, Michele Barrett, Mike Heintz, Dave Kondrick Others Present: Jack Kirk, Director of Parks and Recreation Margo Numedahl, Program Supervisor Cleveland McCoy, Program Supervisor APPROVAL OF MAY 5, 2014 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MOTION by Mr. Heintz, seconded by Mr. Ackerman to approve the minutes of the May 5, 2014 meeting. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SOLBERG DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. APPROVAL OF PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA FOR JUNE 2, 2014 MOTION by Mr. Kondrick, seconded by Ms. Barrett, to approve the agenda for the June 2, 2014 meeting. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SOLBERG DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. 1. STAFF REPORT a. Program Update Mr. Kirk stated that the Program Update is a report of activities and programs in the Parks and Recreation Department during the past month. The Senior Center Volunteer Recognition was held this past month and there were 60 senior volunteers in attendance. Many, if not most, of the senior center activities and services rely upon some volunteer help to operate. We are very grateful to our volunteers and the recognition luncheon is a way for Connie to show the volunteers how much they are appreciated. Mr. Kirk further stated that May is somewhat of a transition month, with the school year programs winding down and the summer activities gearing up. The ZONE for the middle school students, the elementary after school activities and the environmental education curriculum classes in the schools are all coming to an end for this school year. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting - June 2, 2014 Page 2 b. Park Maintenance Report Mr. Kirk stated that he does not have a written Park Maintenance Report for this month, but the Park Maintenance workers have done a great job of getting the park facilities ready for the various spring and summer programs. The extended winter weather caused them to have a late start on getting into the parks this year. Mr. Kondrick stated that he would like to have Mr. Jensen attend the Parks and Recreation Commission meetings on a periodic basis, so the Commission can talk first hand with him about the park projects and the planned maintenance in the parks. c. Springbrook Nature Center Report Mr. Kirk stated that the big news is that the Springbrook Nature Center SPRING project got included in the State of Minnesota bonding bill and it has been signed by Governor Dayton. The bill calls for the nature center to receive a grant of $5 million to improve and remodel the facilities at Springbrook. We plan to start moving forward on this project this summer. Mr. Kirk stated that the City staff and an Exhibits committee have been working with Split Rock Studios as this consultant comes up with a schematic design for new exhibits at the nature center. They will be presenting a final design package some time in July. Mr. Kirk stated that the non-profit organization named Tree Trust will have a work crew at Springbrook this summer to replace some bridges on the beaver pond trail. The Tree Trust is a job learning program for high school and college age youth. d. Fridley 49er Days Mr. Kirk stated that the schedule of activities for the 2014 Fridley 49er Days is complete and he wanted to invite the Parks and Recreation Commission to attend the festivities. The Parks and Recreation Department staff is actively involved in running various activities during the four day festival. Mr. Kirk further stated that the majority of the activities will take place at the Medtronic campus on Old Central Avenue. That venue worked out very well last year and we are happy to have th the event back there again. The 49er Days kicks off on Thursday, June 26 with the parade starting at 6:30pm. Mr. Ackerman asked if there was going to be a carnival again this year. Mr. Kirk stated that the same carnival operator, Gopher State Expositions, will be back again for 2014. They had a very nice carnival last year and we are expecting another good year. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Springbrook Nature Center Fundraising for SPRING Project Mr. Kirk stated that the $5 million in bonding funds for the Springbrook Nature Center SPRING project represents approximately 65% of funding required to complete the $7.6 Million project. Work is expected to commence soon on Phase III of the project, which would include a renovated and expanded interpretive center. The Springbrook Nature Center Foundation has committed to raising the additional $2.6 million and expects to reach this goal through a community campaign and a corporate/major gifts campaign. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting - June 2, 2014 Page 3 Mr. Kirk stated that the community campaign will be targeted toward individuals, service organizations and local small businesses. Opportunities will be available to purchase engraved paver stones, memorial trees, park benches, and other items to support the project. Mr. Kirk further stated that the corporate or major gifts campaign will involve efforts to approach individuals, businesses, foundations, and service organizations for significant gifts ranging from $5,000 to a million dollars or more. It is likely that staff will be bringing back some recommendations to the Parks and Recreation Commission and then seeking City Council approval on the option of including naming rights for some very large donations. Mr. Kirk stated that the Springbrook Nature Center Foundation is currently evaluating a proposal from a consulting agency named Fox Advancement to do a feasibility study, which would include locating potential major donors for the project. Fox Advancement may also be helping the Foundation in the process of requesting donations and sponsorships. Mr. Kirk stated that he was not asking the Commission to take any action tonight related to the Springbrook Nature Center fundraising for the SPRING project. He would expect that further information on the fundraising and naming rights would be coming to the Commission at a future meeting. ADJOURNMENT MOTION by Mr. Ackerman, seconded by Mr. Heintz to adjourn the June 2, 2014 meeting at 7:53 p.m. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SOLBERG DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE JUNE 2, 2014 MEETING ADJOURNED.