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PRM 09/14/2015 CITY OF FRIDLEY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING – SEPTEMBER 14, 2015 CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Heintz called the September 14, 2015 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. at the Fridley Municipal Center. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Mike Hientz, Michele Barrett, Dave Kondrick, Shanna Larson and Greg Ackerman Others Present: Jack Kirk, Director of Parks and Recreation Margo Numedahl, Program Supervisor Cleveland McCoy, Program Supervisor APPROVAL OF AUGUST 3, 2015 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MOTION by Mr. Kondrick, seconded by Mr. Ackerman, to approve the minutes of the August 3, 2015 meeting. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON HEINTZ DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. APPROVAL OF PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA FOR SEPTEMBER 14, 2015 MOTION by Ms. Barrett, seconded by Ms. Larson, to approve the agenda for the September 14, 2015 meeting. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON HEINTZ DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. 1. STAFF REPORT a. Program Update Mr. Kirk stated that the Program Update is a summary of the various activities and programs operated by the Parks and Recreation Department during the past couple of months. The update includes the last month of the summer programs. Overall, we had a successful summer with good participation and good weather. Very favorable days for our special events with approximately 300 attending the annual Nickel Jamboree in early August. Mr. Kirk further stated that the summer camps at Springbrook Nature Center were also successful and well attended especially since during the spring planning it was expected that the building would be under construction during the summer. Mr. Kirk stated that there is more information on the update which is included in the packet. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting - SEPTEMBER 14, 2015 Page 2 b. Park Maintenance Report Mr. Kirk stated that this report has been submitted by Jeff Jensen, Operations Manager for Streets and Parks, and it indicates the work of the Park Maintenance division over the past two months. The Parks Maintenance workers have less staff currently as the part-time seasonal workers jobs have ended. They have been continuing to work on the athletic fields, although at this time of year that work is winding down. Mr. Heintz asked if Mr. Jensen would be able to join the Park and Recreation Commission for a future meeting. Mr. Kirk stated that he lives a significant distance from Fridley and the meeting time is not conducive, he will see if that is a possibility in the future. Mr. Kirk continued stating that the parks workers have been done a nice job keeping up with the maitenence of the parks and they are looking good. Mr. Kondrick agreed stating that the parks are in good condition and looked nice and green. c. Springbrook Nature Center Report Mr. Kirk stated that this report has been submitted by Mike Maher, Springbrook Nature Center Director. The report states that the summer camp program was successful. Mr. Kirk stated that work has begun on the 850 foot floating boardwalk system. At this time about one quarter of the boardwalk is complete. Staff are happy with the stability and look of the system. Mr. Kirk explained that some differences that people may notice are that there are more right angle turns in this system, there will be a bump out section which will provide a space for groups without blocking walking traffic, there will be a cable railing system and it will be made of a plastic material versus wood. Mr. Kirk explained that the old boardwalk was taken out at a very reasonable price by a company that will salvage much of the wood. The boardwalk should be completed in a few weeks. Mr. Kirk stated that Excel Energy had a group of volunteers out at Springbrook last week that relocated plant from the Meditation Garden, so that they can be reused following the construction. d. Elementary After-school Programs Mr. Kirk introduced Margo Numedahl, Program Supervisor of the youth programs to share the information about the upcoming programs. Ms. Numedahl stated that today was the first day of the Elementary After-school Programs at both Hayes and Stevenson Elementary Schools. Class enrollment is still a bit low ranging from 5-8 in each class, but the phones have been busy and registrations are continuing to come in. Ms. Numedahl stated that class enrollment will most likely increase throughout the week, which is typical for the first classes of the school year. This month’s classes include Soccer League, Back-to-School & Fall Crafts and Outdoor Games. Continuing into October we’ll have Halloween Fun and the Halloween Parties, which typically draw between 150-200 children at each school. November and December will end the season with Basketball, Snackables, Painting and Gift Making. Mr. Kondrick asked how many kids are enrolled in the after-school programs. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting - September 12, 2015 Page 3 Ms. Numedahl stated at this point we have around 40 enrolled, but we are typically closer to 60 or 70 each month. Mr. Kondrick asked if people are not able to register because of the cost. Ms. Numedahl stated that we do offer the Fee Assistance program which allows students to participate in quite a few classes each season and many families take advantage of that program. Ms. Numedahl continued stating that we do advertise that program so that families are aware of the assistance. In addition, we work to keep the classes reasonable priced ranging from $4.50-5.50 per class day. Mr. Ackerman asked if the classes represented the same diversity as the overall school population. Ms. Numedahl stated that the class make up is typically diverse. e. The ZONE for Teens Mr. Kirk introduced Cleveland McCoy, Program Supervisor of the ZONE program. Mr. Kirk explained the ZONE is an after school Teen Center for middle school students. Mr. McCoy stated that the ZONE program began last week on Tuesday with 5 participants, but quickly picked up with 56 attending on Wednesday and 76 for Friday. Today the attendance was at 57. This is a good start and with numbers increasing last year, Mr. McCoy is optimistic that numbers will increase again this year. Mr. McCoy stated that the program runs each day after school from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. and on Fridays from 3:00 – 10:00 p.m. All those that attend are able to have a free snack, which is provided by the Fridley School District Food Service program, organized by Mary Mueller, head school nutritionist. Mr. McCoy stated that a new addition this year is a homework help opportunity; this is also a partnership with Fridley Schools nd through Alotta Sims. This program is set to begin on September 22. Mr. Kirk added that the kids are often at the program for three hours and this will give them the opportunity to do a share of their homework. Mr. McCoy stated that another activity that will take place at the ZONE is a patio party that will take place each Friday evening that Fridley has a home football game. This is a great way to encourage team spirit. Mr. McCoy stated that he has partnered with Dan Roff, Fridley School’s Athletic Director, to provide discounted tickets for those students that participate in the ZONE party as well. Mr. McCoy hopes to continue this program with future sports, such as Basketball and Baseball. Mr. McCoy shared the additional special events that they will hold are a Homecoming and Halloween Party. Ms. Barrett stated that the High School has discontinued their Homecoming Dance and shared that perhaps they will reinstate it as the current Middle Schoolers enter High School. Ms. Larson asked what the students do for dinner on Fridays if they stay from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting - August 3, 2015 Page 4 Mr. McCoy stated that they typically provide an additional snack and often will have pizza. Ms. Larson stated that she had recently been speaking with another mother from Mounds View explaining all of the after school options that Fridley has and the other parent was surprised at the amount of opportunities. Ms. Larson expressed her pride in the programs that the city offers. Mr. Kondrick asked what the department is doing to promote the programs and if we are reaching the parents. Mr. Kirk stated that promotion is always a challenge for our types of activities. Our department promotes programs many different ways including: Facebook, flyers through schools, website, cable channel, and home mailings. Mr. Hientz asked if we do any special promotions. Mr. McCoy stated that we do special days throughout the year. Mr. Kirk stated that the Elementary After-school programs also do additional promotions. f. Pumpkin Night in the Park Mr. Kirk stated that the popular Pumpkin Night in the Park will be held again this year. This event typically draws between 3-4,000 people. It will be a little different this year due to the construction of the new building. The outdoor trail will be longer and there will not be a black light trail inside the Nature Center Building. Staff are excited about the event and plan to have 800 carved pumpkins out on the trail. Mr. Hientz asked if the Nature Center will need to rent a trailer for the event. Mr. Kirk responded that there will be a trailer there for the construction manager and staff. The trailer will be donated by Hilltop Trailer. In terms of the event, the trailer will be used for staff, but not for the public. g. Creekridge Park Ponding Project Mr. Kirk stated that two years ago Jim Kolsucher talked with the group about the plans for this project because of the water issue near Creekridge Park. The solution that was brought forth was to create a detention pond. The project is near completion, they have put up a fence around the basketball court to prevent balls from rolling into the pond. There is currently a fence around the tennis court and they are looking into adding an additional four foot fence up around the softball field. Mr. Kirk further stated that the project was done well, it didn’t impede on any of the park amenities and will be a big help to those that live in the area. Mr. Kondrick added that he had driven by the park and it looked very nice. h. SPRING Project Update Mr. Kirk shared the upcoming key dates for the SPRING Project. Bid plans and specifications are out and this morning there was a pre-bid meeting which had a good rd turn out and some new contractors. Bid Opening will be on September 23at 2:00 p.m. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting - August 3, 2015 Page 5 th in the council chambers, there are 14 bid categories. September 24-25 we’ll be reviewing bids and comparing the lowest two bids in each category. Assuming all goes th well we’ll be going to Council on Monday, September 28 with a request to accept the th th bids. Between October 5-7construction will begin and on October 7 there will be two Ground Breaking Ceremonies with one in the morning for the media and a second at 6:30 p.m. for the public and council. Mr. Kirk stated that there was an article in last week’s Focus that shared information about an exciting donation of furniture for Springbrook. A local business has donated $90,000 worth of furniture for the center. i. Senior Chores and More Program Mr. Kirk stated that Chores and More is a program that helps seniors stay in their homes longer by providing workers to clean, mow, shovel, rake, projects, etc. This program was funded by a federal grant and run through the state organization, Minnesota Area Agency on Aging (MAAA). The grant guidelines are changing, making the requirement for assistance to be only available to those of very low income. With these guidelines changing some of the Fridley users were no longer going to qualify for the program. In addition, our current staff member who is in charge of this program has decided to retire. With both of these considerations we have decided to end our coordination of the program for Fridley, Columbia Heights and Hilltop residents and have ACAP take over. ACAP is currently running the program for every other area of Anoka County. The program has been a good one for our community and it will still be available to those that need it. We feel that many of our current users will continue to contact their workers and make arrangements on their own. New users will go through ACAP. Mr. Kondrick asked if we still feel enough people will be served that need it. Mr. Kirk responded stating that he feels people will be able to be served through ACAP. Also, the related program Lions Share that is funded by the Fridley Lions Club will still continue. This program is for seniors that have a major home repair expense that they cannot afford. Connie Thompson, Senior Program Supervisor, connects those in need with the Lions Club and they can apply for a grant. Mr. Hientz asked if we will be notifying current participant of this change. Mr. Kirk responded that the letter included in the packet was sent out last week to participants. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Skating Rink Location Mr. Kirk stated that each year we bring a request for skating locations for the year. This request is the same as last year. The only change you’ll see is the absence of the Stevenson Elementary rinks. After the recent construction at the school there is limited area for trucks to drive on school property. Trucks damaged some of the landscaping. After discussing with the school principal it was decided not to continue flooding the rink. We did not receive any complaints from residents last year and feel confident that we have enough rinks throughout the city. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting - August 3, 2015 Page 6 Mr. Kondrick asked if the condition of the rink was poor and perhaps that was the reason that people were not using it. Mr. Kirk stated that the rink was well cared for. Mr. Akkerman asked if the boards were still there. Mr. Kirk responded that the board are still there, they have talked with the principal and he would like to see some expanded play area in that space. Mr. Kondrick asked if the principal sees it as a big loss. Mr. Kirk replied that the principal is the one that suggested that it be taken out. Mr. Kirk continued stating that the other rink that is not listed is Summit Square Park. At this time there is construction material from current road repair projects in the space and we are unsure if the material will be removed in time for flooding the rink. If it is removed in time we will go ahead and flood the rink, but did not want to list it and have to remove it later. We feel it is a better approach to leave it off and add it later if needed. MOTION by Mr. Kondrick, seconded by Mr. Akkerman, to approve the skating rink locations for 2015-16 season. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON HIENTZ DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. b.Springbrook Nature Center Project Exhibits . Mr. Kirk stated that in July of this year Split Rock Studios finished the design plan for the exhibits at Springbrook’s new building. Mr. Kirk offered to send the complete packet to any members that would like to see the 40 page document. Mr. Kondrick added that he had been involved in the planning meetings and was really impressed with the work that Split Rock Studios has done, they have been accommodating and reasonably priced. Mr. Kondrick continued stating that the designs are really good. Mr. Heintz further added that the group really listened and adjusted the plans to fit with what the planning committee was looking for. Mr. Kirk stated that the design is affordable, educational, fun and interactive. We think they have done a great job. Mr. Kondrick asked what exhibit information had been given to the council. Mr. Kirk stated that they have received the same information as this group and didn’t have any further questions. Mr. Kirk further stated that the money is set aside for the exhibits and will be approved to be spent by the council separate from the construction bids. Mr. Kondrick stated that he would like to make sure that the council is fully informed about project. Next Mr. Kondrick asked how many donations the Foundation has secured for the project so far. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting - August 3, 2015 Page 6 Mr. Kirk stated that he believes they have about a million dollars in pledges. They have already committed $460,000 to be used on the building construction. MOTION by Mr. Akkerman, seconded by Ms. Barrett, to give the committee’s blessing on the Springbrook Exhibit plan. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON HIENTZ DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. c.Showmobile Request . Mr. Kirk stated that we had received a request for the use of the Showmobile by the City of St. Anthony for next August, 2016. Mr. Kirk added that the City of St. Anthony has been renting from us for many years and have always been good to work with and recommends approval at the standard rental rate. MOTION by Ms. Barrett, seconded by Ms. Larson, to accept the application from City of St. Anthony to rent the Showmobile. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON HIENTZ DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. ADJOURNMENT 4. MOTION by Mr. Akkerman, seconded by Mr. Kondrick, to adjourn the September 18, 2015 meeting at 8:15 p.m. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON HEINTZ DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE SEPTEMBER 18, 2015 MEETING ADJOURNED.