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PRM 03/02/2015 CITY OF FRIDLEY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING – MARCH 2, 2015 CALL TO ORDER: Vice-Chairperson Heintz called the March 2, 2015 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting to order at 7:25 p.m. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Mike Heintz, Greg Ackerman, Michele Barrett Others Present: Jack Kirk, Parks and Recreation Director Jim Kosluchar, Public Works Director Doc Smith, EDS Builders Paul Anderson, Partners and Sirny Architects APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 2, 2015 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MOTION by Mr. Ackerman, seconded by Ms. Barrett to approve the minutes of the February 2, 2015 meeting. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, VICE-CHAIRPERSON HEINTZ DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. APPROVAL OF PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA FOR MARCH 2, 2015 MOTION by Ms. Barrett, seconded by Mr. Ackerman, to approve the agenda for the March 2, 2015 meeting as submitted by staff. 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 is included in the meeting information to give the Commission members an idea of the programming over the past month. The outdoor skating rink activities such as the broomball and boot hockey leagues just ended this past weekend. This year’s skating season was longer than in most years. Mr. Kirk stated that Springbrook Nature Center hosted another Discovery Dinner in February that had 30 people attend. The topic for this event was the Monarch butterfly, with information on the butterfly population, migratory cycle, threats and more. Mr. Kirk stated that the Senior Program’s Mardi Gras event was a big success again this year with over 120 seniors participating. He thanked Commission members Mike Heintz and Dave Kondrick for volunteering to be celebrity dealers at the event. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting – March 2, 2015 Page 2 Mr. Kirk stated that the Senior Penter has a tax assistance program each year and the seniors have really been taking advantage of the service this year. The program is run by AARP tax volunteers and we have been averaging about 26-30 tax preparations at each session. We are on pace for a record number of assisted returns this year. b. Park Maintenance Report Mr. Kirk stated that the meeting packet included a report from Operations Manager for Streets and Parks Jeff Jensen about activity of the Park Maintenance division during the past month. The Parks Division has done a very good job getting all the skating rinks and hockey rinks back in good condition after the warm spell. The rinks are normally closed by this time of year. c. Springbrook Nature Center Report Mr. Kirk stated that the SPRING Project Committee continues to make progress in the planning of the Springbrook Nature Center Improvement Project. The last meeting was a couple of weeks ago with Split Rock Studios, the company doing the design development for the new exhibits. The new and remodeled interpretive center will likely feature a combination of some new exhibits, alongside some of the existing exhibits you see today at the nature center. Mr. Kirk stated that the Springbrook Nature Center Foundation, in cooperation with Fox Advancement Company, has raised gifts and pledges for the SPRING Project totaling over $600,000 since November 1, 2014. They continue to work hard with community organizations, businesses, and individuals to raise the additional dollars necessary to see the project completed. Mr. Kirk further stated that the Foundation held their annual fundraiser dinner event this past weekend at Murzyn Hall in Columbia Heights. There were about 125 people that attended the event that included a dinner, auction and a nature presentation. d. Resignation of Commission Member Tim Solberg Mr. Kirk stated that Parks and Recreation Commission Chairperson has notified him that he is going to “retire” from the Commission after having been a member for nearly 26 years. Tim has been an excellent Commission member. Mr. Kirk further stated that he is very grateful for Tim’s leadership and contributions over the years. The Fridley City Council will be appointing a new member to replace him. e. Commission Dinner – Save the Date Mr. Kirk stated that he wanted the Commission members to be aware of the Commission Appreciation event that is planned for Monday, April 20, 2015 at the Fridley Community Center. There will be a dinner at 6:00 p.m. for the Commission members and a guest. This item is on the agenda as a “save the date” reminder. The event is not a meeting, but a thank you to the Commission members for their service. Mr. Kirk further stated that more information on this event will be sent to the Commission members in the near future. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Springbrook Nature Center Improvement Project Mr. Kirk stated that at the February meeting, the Commission members got a first look at the plans for the Springbrook interpretive center building project. There were some excellent comments and suggestions from those in attendance. The plans have been updated since the last meeting and the Architect Paul Anderson and the Construction Manager Doc Smith are at tonight’s meeting to share the updated plans with the Commission. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting – March 2, 2015 Page 3 Mr. Kirk further stated that going forward there may be a few minor changes, but the room sizes and locations are now pretty set. The major components of the project are in place, so the project plans you are seeing tonight are the product of the extensive planning process that our local committee has been very involved in. We would be interested to hear any follow-up comments or questions that the Commission members may have. Mr. Paul Anderson, from Partners and Sirny Architects, stated that the project has moved from schematic design to design development. The next move after this design stage will be to the development of the construction documents. Mr. Anderson pointed out the various features of the new and remodeled Springbrook Nature Center interpretive building, as well the outside area immediately around the building and the parking lot. Mr. Anderson stated that a suggestion from the last Commission meeting was to move the gathering space storage area closer to the restrooms, which would provide windows on the east side of the space looking out into nature. Mr. Anderson stated that the proposed building has a rather large vestibule area, which was intentionally designed large enough to accommodate school groups coming to the facility for educational classes. The classrooms are right off the vestibule, which will allow quick transition of possibly loud school groups to the learning spaces without having to move through the entire nature center facility and potentially impact other visitor experiences or other meetings. Mr. Ackerman asked if there was a coat check room adjacent to the large gathering or banquet space. Mr. Anderson stated that the room used for table and chair storage could be used as the coat check room if the banquet user wanted to accommodate that function. Mr. Anderson reviewed the expansive exhibit space that is programmed for the interpretive building and pointed out the animal exhibit/aquarium area has expanded into an “L” shaped area. It will allow for more animal display if the nature center wished to provide that. He stated that Split Rock Studios has some interesting concepts on how the animal display could be constructed. Mr. Anderson reviewed the office areas, staff rooms and storage areas that are planned for the facility. He also showed the current staff work area being converted to a reflection area with windows to the outdoor nature area. Mr. Anderson stated that the upper level is planned to be the mechanical room and not programmed for public use. Mr. Kosluchar asked if the classrooms had a sink or water source planned. Mr. Anderson stated that each of the two classrooms is planned to have a sink available. Mr. Smith stated that the majority of the glass will have striping in it, as it will be etched glass to help prevent bird strikes against the windows. The high glass in the clerestory area will likely be frosted glass to also help with the bird strike issue. Mr. Anderson stated that an expert from the Audubon Society talked with our design group and gave some excellent suggestions on what can be done to prevent bird strikes on windows. They are incorporating the suggestions into the plan. Mr. Kirk stated that they are looking to heat and cool the building using geothermal technology. Also last week, they submitted an application to be considered for a grant to use photovoltaic cells for the project as well. The grant program is through Xcel Energy to encourage use of made in Minnesota solar panels. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting – March 2, 2015 Page 4 Mr. Anderson shared some images with views of the building interior and exterior with the Commission. MOTION by Mr. Ackerman, seconded by Ms. Barrett, to support the plans for the Springbrook Nature Center project at this stage of development. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, VICE-CHAIRPERSON HEINTZ DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. b. Metropolitan Council Sewer Project Impact Upon Community Park and Plaza Park Mr. Kosluchar stated that he does not have an update on plans for the Metropolitan Council sewer project that affect a couple of our city parks. He thought he would have more details to present, but the Met Council has pushed the starting date for this project back into August. He said this may not be bad, because it may have less impact on this year’s softball field availability. Mr. Ackerman asked when the summer softball leagues ended for the season. Mr. Kirk stated the summer leagues are completed at the end of July and the fall leagues run through the end of September. The back two fields at Community Park have not been used for the fall leagues and those are the ones projected to be taken out due to the sewer project work. Mr. Kosluchar stated that the City has not received a proposed agreement with the Met Council for this work project and he does not now expect to have the agreement for consideration until April. Mr. Ackerman asked how long the project is expected to take. Mr. Kosluchar stated that it is expected to start in late summer and run over the winter, so it could be nine to twelve months in duration. c. Showmobile Rental Request – City of Spring Lake Park Mr. Kirk stated that the City of Spring Lake Park has requested use of the showmobile on June 7, 2015. They have rented the showmobile many times in the past and there have been no problems. Staff would recommend approval of the request at the regular showmobile rental rates, including costs for City staff to transport and set up the unit. MOTION by Ms. Barrett, seconded by Mr. Ackerman, to approve the showmobile rental request by the City of Spring Lake Park for a rental on June 7, 2015 at the regular rental rates. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, VICE-CHAIRPERSON HEINTZ DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. d. Showmobile Rental Request – City of St. Anthony Mr. Kirk stated that the City of St. Anthony has requested use of the showmobile on August 1, 2015. They have rented the showmobile many times in the past and there have been no problems. Staff would recommend approval of the request at the regular showmobile rental rates, including costs for City staff to transport and set up the unit. MOTION by Mr. Ackerman, seconded by Ms. Barrett, to approve the showmobile rental request by the City of St. Anthony for a rental on August 1, 2015 at the regular rental rates. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, VICE-CHAIRPERSON HEINTZ DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting – March 2, 2015 Page 5 e. Softball Tournament Request – Fridley Covenant Church Mr. Kirk stated that Fridley Covenant Church has requested the use of Fridley Community Park for a one day softball tournament on Saturday July 11, 2015. They have run a number of tournaments over the years and have always done a good job. Staff would recommend approval of the request by Fridley Covenant Church to use Community Park on July 11 at the one day non-profit organization rate of $500. MOTION by Ms. Barrett, seconded by Mr. Ackerman, to approve the softball tournament request by Fridley Covenant Church to use Fridley Community Park for a one day tournament on July 11, 2015 at the regular rental rate. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, VICE-CHAIRPERSON HEINTZ DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. f. Softball Tournament Request – Fridley High School Mr. Kirk stated that Fridley High School Activities Director Dan Roff has requested the use of Fridley Community Park for a one day high school girls’ softball tournament on Saturday May 2, 2015. This will be a girls’ high school fast pitch invitational, with Fridley High School being the host school. Staff would nd recommend approval of the request by Fridley High School to use Community Park on May 2 at the one day non-profit organization rate of $500. MOTION by Mr. Ackerman, seconded by Ms. Barrett, to approve the softball tournament request by Fridley High School to use Fridley Community Park for a one day tournament on May 2, 2015 at the regular rental rate. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, VICE-CHAIRPERSON HEINTZ DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. g. Softball Tournament Request – Two Stooges Mr. Kirk stated that the City has received a request from Two Stooges Restaurant to use Fridley Community Park for an MRPA- Minnesota USSSA softball tournament the weekend of June 6 – 7, 2015. The MRPA is the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association and that organization will be working closely with Two Stooges for this event. Staff would recommend approval of the request at the regular weekend tournament rental rate of $1,400. MOTION by Ms. Barrett, seconded by Mr. Ackerman, to approve the softball tournament request by Two Stooges Restaurant to use Fridley Community Park on June 6-7, 2015 at the regular rental rate. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, VICE-CHAIRPERSON HEINTZ DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. h. Fee Assistance Program: Guideline Adjustment Mr. Kirk stated that staff is recommending a change in the Fee Assistance Program Guidelines to work with the new programming seasons. We have moved to a Spring/Summer combined season, which will result in us have three program seasons. The existing guidelines call for up to $100 fee waiver per person per quarter for qualified residents. With the three seasons, staff is recommending that the amount be adjusted to $130 per person per season. Mr. Kirk stated the rest of the Fee Assistance Program would remain the same as it has been. MOTION by Ms. Barrett, seconded by Mr. Ackerman, to approve the staff recommended changes to the fee assistance program guidelines. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, VICE-CHAIRPERSON HEINTZ DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting – March 2, 2015 Page 6 3. ADJOURNMENT MOTION by Mr. Ackerman, seconded by Ms. Barrett, to adjourn the March 2, 2015 meeting at 8:15 p.m. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, VICE-CHAIRPERSON HEINTZ DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE MARCH 2, 2015 MEETING ADJOURNED.