Loading...
PRM 08/06/2012 CITY OF FRIDLEY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING – AUGUST 6, 2012 CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Solberg called the August 6, 2012 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. at the Fridley Municipal Center. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Tim Solberg, Michele Barrett, Dave Kondrick, Mike Heintz, and Greg Ackerman Others Present: Jack Kirk, Director of Parks and Recreation Siah St. Clair, Director of Springbrook Nature Center Mark Daly, Program Supervisor Neil Stenstrom, Student Intern Roland Peterson, 235 Craigbrook Way Cate Kiefer, 6103 East River Road APPROVAL OF May 21, 2012 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MOTION by Mr. Kondrick, seconded by Mr. Heintz, to approve the minutes of the May 21, 2012 meeting. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SOLBERG DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. APPROVAL OF PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA FOR AUGUST 6, 2012 MOTION by Mr. Kondrick, seconded by Mr. Heintz, to approve the agenda for the August 6, 2012 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 Parks and Recreation Department has had a student intern for the past two months. His name is Neil Stenstrom and he is a senior at St. Cloud State University. Neil is at the meeting this evening and he would like Neil to introduce himself to the Commission and tell a little about what he has been working on. Mr. Stenstrom stated that he is a Recreation-Sports Management Major and has been very fortunate to be able to work in many different areas as part of his internship experience. One of his bigger projects this summer has been running the new Leaders In Training program for middle school age youth. He developed the curriculum and has served as a leader for the program. Mr. Stenstrom stated that working on the programs has been fun and he has been learning as well. He has three weeks left of the internship program and he is starting to look for jobs for after he graduates. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting - August 6, 2012 Page 2 Mr. Kirk stated that a written program update has been included in the agenda packet. If the Commission members have any questions or comments on this, please let him know. b. Park Maintenance Report Mr. Kirk stated that Mr. Lindquist has provided a written report of park maintenance activity of the past two months. In addition to doing a nice job in the parks, the parks workers take care of mowing the University Avenue corridor and other City properties such as the fire stations and well houses. c. Springbrook Nature Center Report Mr. Kirk stated that the water control weirs at the nature center need replacing and will be attended to this coming winter after the ground freezes. In preparation for the weir replacement, water levels in the Springbrook ponds will be lowered in late summer. Mr. Kirk stated that the Springbrook Nature Center Foundation recently received a $10,000 grant from Burlington Northern for the SPRING project. They also received a commitment of $25,000 over five years from the Allina Foundation. d. New Commission Member – Greg Ackerman Mr. Kirk stated that the Fridley City Council has appointed Greg Ackerman to the Parks and Recreation Commission. He welcomed Mr. Ackerman and looked forward to having him as a member of this group. Mr. Ackerman gave the Commission members some information on his background and stated that he is interested in giving back to his community. He is looking forward to being a contributing member of the Parks and Recreation Commission. The other Commission members all expressed their welcome to Mr. Ackerman. e. Springbrook Nature Center Berm Project Mr. Kirk stated that the berm project is nearing completion and is really looking good. It is on the north boundary of the nature center and will help screen the traffic and noise th from 85 Avenue. The Springbrook Nature Center Foundation is paying all costs associated with constructing this berm. With donated material and donated heavy equipment work, the final cost will be about $38,000 for the berm. It would have cost around $200,000 if we would not have gotten all the donations. The final part of the berm project will be to plant some trees later this fall and next spring. Mr. Kirk encouraged the Commission members to visit Springbrook and take a look at the berm and how it should help with the entrance area project. f. Recognition of Former Commission Member Marcy Sibell Mr. Kirk stated that the Fridley City Council will be recognizing former Parks and Recreation Commission member Marcy Sibell for her 17 years of service to the City at th the August 20 City Council meeting. She will be presented with a Certificate of Appreciation at the beginning of the City Council meeting that night. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting - August 6, 2012 Page 3 g. Lions Club Donation for Fridley Community Center Sign Mr. Kirk stated that the Fridley Lions Club recently donated $10,500 toward a new st electronic sign at the Fridley Community Center, located on the corner of 61 Avenue th and 7 Street. The sign will be used to promote park and recreation activities, as well as School District activities and community events. Mr. Kirk further stated that the Lions continue to be very supportive of the City Parks and Recreation program. Mr. Ackerman stated that he wanted to mention Lion Ken Schultz, who was instrumental in moving this project along. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Request to Use Commons Park for Dog Association Event Mr. Kirk stated that he was contacted recently by Cate Kiefer, representing a new organization called Itty Bitty Dog Rescue, inquiring about the possibility of hosting a fund raising event for the organization at Commons Park in late September. He asked Ms. Kiefer to put her request in writing to be considered by the Parks and Recreation Commission at the August 6 meeting. Ms. Kiefer is also in attendance at the meeting this evening. Mr. Kirk further stated that he has talked with Ms. Kiefer on the phone regarding some of the specifics of the event she would like to have at Commons Park. Her organization has applied to become an officially recognized non-profit group, but they are still waiting to get that designation. Mr. Kirk stated that he did tell Ms. Kiefer that he thought that Locke Park might be a more suitable location for an event such as this. Locke Park has the dog park operated by Anoka County and it also has picnic shelters for rent. Ms. Kiefer indicated that her organization was more interested in Commons Park for the event. Mr. Kirk further stated that the City of Fridley has allowed non-profit groups to conduct fundraising events using City park facilities in the past. Most of these events are athletic events such as softball or baseball tournaments using park athletic fields. The Fridley 49er Days Committee ran an Octoberfest fundraising event a couple of years ago at Commons Park. We have also worked with the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk and the MS Society to provide use of some park facilities for their events. So it is not unprecedented to allow a local non-profit group to utilize park facilities for events. Mr. Kirk stated that the request from Ms. Kiefer’s group would be to use the shelter building, as well as some of the surrounding park grounds for activities. Mr. Kirk stated that if the Commission were to approve this request, he would recommend that the Itty Bitty Dog Rescue organization rent the Commons Park facility at the normal rental fee of $55 for a Fridley resident and pay the required facility damage/clean up deposit of $150. He would also recommend a $100 fee for using the area around the shelter for the other fundraising events. Finally, he would recommend that any additional fees incurred by the City for this event would be charged back to the renter. Examples would include extra portable toilet facilities or cleanings, or a garbage dumpster fee for the trash. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting - August 6, 2012 Page 4 Mr. Kirk further stated that in addition to the fees, he would recommend the following stipulations be required of the renting party for this event:  An understanding that the permit for use of the shelter and some of the park land does not grant the user exclusive rights for use of the entire park. Other park users are entitled to park in the parking lot and to use other park amenities. No fee may be charged to enter the park premises.  The renter must obtain and display a temporary food sales permit from the Anoka County Community Health Department.  The organization insists that all dogs must be leashed and owners must comply with all City ordinances including clean up of all dog waste.  The organization makes sure that no dogs are allowed inside the park building as per City ordinance 508.22.  An understanding that canopies, tents or other portable shelters may only be set up with approval of City staff and locations identified to avoid park irrigation system.  The organization will ensure that all garbage/trash be cleaned up on park grounds and placed in the refuse barrels. In case the barrels are full, additional trash should be placed in garbage bags and placed next to the barrels. Mr. Kirk stated that with that introduction of this item, he would like to ask for more information on the organization from Cate Kiefer. Ms. Cate Kiefer stated that the Itty Bitty Dog Rescue organization was established on th May 17 of this year. The organization provides support for dogs that weigh 10 pounds or under. There are approximately 37 dog rescue organizations within Minnesota, but most of these do not address the needs of the very smallest dogs. The organization would like to have a once per year major fundraiser and the picnic event is what they would like to start with this year. Ms. Kiefer stated that fundraising activities at this event would include a concession stand serving hot dogs or burgers, chips and soft drinks. They would also have face painting, glitter painting, a cake walk and a treasure hunt. Mr. Kondrick asked how many people she expected to participate in this event. Ms. Kiefer responded that she honestly didn’t know, since this was going to be their first event. She said that maybe one or two hundred max might be a good estimate. Mr. Solberg asked her if her organization had a date in mind for the event. Ms. Kiefer stated that they were looking at the last Saturday in September. Mr. Kirk asked how large the organization was (how many members it had). Ms. Kiefer stated that they have a board of directors made up of three people. Mr. Solberg asked if the organization had a facility to house these small dogs when they were waiting to be adopted. Ms. Kiefer stated that they are a foster based organization. The animals do not go to a shelter. They go directly from whatever situation they are in directly to a foster home, so they do not have a facility. The organization covers all costs associated with the foster animal care, so there is not an expense by the foster family. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting - August 6, 2012 Page 5 Mr. Ackerman stated that the City’s leash law requires all dogs to be on a leash. Very small dogs are easy to just carry around, so will there be an issue at this event with dog owners abiding by our leash law. Ms. Kiefer stated that a dog can be on a leash and you can still carry it. Participants in the event will be made award of this law. Mr. Solberg asked if the organization would have dog waste plastic bags on hand at the event. Ms. Kiefer stated that they would have bags available. Mr. Ackerman asked if the organization has liability insurance for this event, because there could be lots of dogs and lots of people at the same event. Ms. Kiefer stated that they are currently working with an insurance broker to obtain liability insurance. They should have the insurance in place by the end of this week. Mr. Kirk stated that if the event is approved, the City should get a copy of this insurance before the event. Ms. Kiefer stated that if any dogs showed aggression or inappropriate behavior at the event, the owner would be asked to remove the dog. Mr. Kirk stated that while the organization caters to small dogs, this event would be open to anyone, so people with large dogs could also be in attendance. Ms. Kiefer stated that was true and they would need to monitor all dogs in attendance. Mr. Kondrick asked if her organization understood all the stipulations that were recommended by staff if this request for an event at Commons Park was approved, and if she had any questions or concerns with those stipulations. Ms. Kiefer stated she understood the stipulations and has no problem with them. Mr. Solberg asked if she looked at the Locke Park facility with the dog park and shelter, and if so, why their organization prefers Commons Park for the event. Ms Kiefer stated they did look into the use of Locke Park, but the rental fee for the large shelter was considerably higher and they did not feel they could afford that this first year. MOTION by Mr. Kondrick, seconded by Mr. Heintz, to approve the request by Itty Bitty Dog Rescue to hold the activities as planned at Commons Park on Saturday, th September 29 of this year with the rental fees and all stipulations recommended by staff. The stipulations will include proof of liability insurance for the event. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SOLBERG DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting - August 6, 2012 Page 6 b2012-2013 Adult Winter Athletic League Fees . Mr. Kirk stated that each season, the staff brings recommended athletic league fees to the Parks and Recreation Commission for approval. At tonight’s meeting, we have the staff recommended fees for the winter adult athletic leagues. Mark Daly, Program Supervisor, is the staff person that runs the leagues and he is at tonight’s meeting. Mr. Daly stated that the recommended fees for the 2012 – 2013 winter adult athletic fees are as follows: Wednesday Mens D Basketball ........... $499 Thursday Fun Basketball ..................... $499 Co-Rec Volleyball ................................ $155 Co-Rec Broomball ............................... $260 Mens Broomball…………………………$260 Boot Hockey ........................................ $299 MOTION by Mr. Kondrick, seconded by Mr. Ackerman, to approve the staff recommended 2012-2013 Adult Winter Athletic League Fees. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SOLBERG DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. cRecognition Pavers for SPRING Project . Mr. Kirk stated that this agenda item is related to the SPRING project at Springbrook Nature Center. The Springbrook Foundation is working very hard to raise money and make the SPRING project a reality. One of the areas in the plan is a celebration plaza that would have paver stones. A fundraising plan of the Foundation was to sell recognition paver stones to help cover costs of the celebration plaza. The paver stones would be able to be engraved to recognize the person or person’s that the donor wants to honor. Mr. St. Clair stated that the Springbrook Nature Center Foundation has been raising funds for the SPRING project and would like to start selling the recognition pavers. He met with Parks and Recreation Director Kirk to discuss the need for guidelines related to these recognition pavers. The approval of the Parks and Recreation Commission is an important part of the process for establishing these guidelines. This information will then be communicated to the Springbrook Foundation for use as they start fundraising for the recognition pavers part of the project. Mr. St. Clair further stated that they are looking at establishing a temporary location to display the recognition pavers during this fundraising process. The building of the celebration plaza may not happen right away, but we don’t expect people to wait a long time to see the recognition paver stone they purchased. Completed stones will be placed in an area near the current Interpretive building at Springbrook until the project progresses. When the celebration plaza is constructed, they will be moved and installed in that location. Hopefully seeing the completed pavers will encourage others to donate and keep the fundraising for the SPRING project moving along. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting - August 6, 2012 Page 7 Mr. St. Clair stated that the guidelines for the recognition pavers at Springbrook Nature Center being recommended by staff are as follows: The City of Fridley Parks and Recreation Department has the following guidelines for management of recognition pavers to be used within the Springbrook Nature Center SPRING Project. The Springbrook Nature Center Foundation, which is taking the lead responsibility to coordinate raising funds for the SPRING Project, will work with these guidelines when seeking funds for the SPRING Project. I. Pavers will be from the Anchor Charleston paving system formerly known as “Afton Pavers.” II. Paver installation patterns and placement will be determined by the Director of the Nature Center in consultation with the Parks and Recreation Department Director and the architectural design team. Request for specific pavers to be located close together will be accommodated as much as possible. III. All costs for pavers must be made in full in advance. Costs will include, at minimum, the cost of the paver, engraving, site preparation and installation. IV. Pavers will be initially installed in a temporary display area inside or outside the interpretive center building, and later incorporated into the Celebration Plaza area of SPRING Project Phase One. SPRING Project Phase 2 and 3 will also have engraved paver areas available. V. The City of Fridley will implement its best efforts to ensure that individual pavers and the paver area are properly maintained with its normal maintenance program. The City cannot guarantee pavers against acts of vandalism, or damage resulting from storms or unexpected events. VI. The City of Fridley will not guarantee replacement or repair of damaged pavers. The Donor, however, may provide funding for a replacement. In the event the paver is damaged and the donor chooses not to pay for a replacement, the city may remove the paver. VII. Standard wording for recognition pavers would be: In Memory of John and Jane Doe The John and Jane Doe Family The John and Jane Doe Business (The City of Fridley will have final determination of wording on paver stones) Mr. St. Clair stated that the recommended pavers for this project will come in four sizes, with different price points for the various sizes. The overall number of pavers needed for the celebration plaza is 16,500. The idea would be to sell enough engraved pavers to cover all of the cost of the pavers and the installation. In a best case scenario, enough pavers would be sold to cover the cost of other amenities in the SPRING project as well. Mr. Kirk stated that the guidelines will be important for the Foundation to have, so they can let prospective donors know how the paver program will work and what can be expected in the future. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting - August 6, 2012 Page 8 Mr. Solberg asked about the pricing structure for the recognition pavers. Mr. St. Clair stated that the Foundation would like to sell the smallest paver stones for $125, the next size for $225, the third size for $400, and the very largest pavers for $1,000. Mr. Solberg asked how much the Foundation hopes to realize through the selling of these recognition pavers. Mr. St. Clair stated that if all 16,500 pavers were sold, there is potential to raise over $2.5 million. The Foundation is not expecting to sell that many, however. At a minimum, the Foundation would like to sell enough pavers to cover all costs of the paver area, including installation. The goal of the Foundation Sub-Committee selling the pavers is to raise $200,000. Ms. Barrett asked if the different size pavers would have different size letters engraved. Mr. St. Clair stated that the font size for the engraving would vary depending on the size of the paver stone. We will need to limit the number of characters that could be engraved on the various size pavers as well. Mr. Solberg stated that he thinks this recognition paver fundraising sounds very promising. He hopes that it is successful. MOTION by Mr. Heintz, seconded by Mr. Kondrick, to approve the recognition pavers guidelines as recommend by City staff. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SOLBERG DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. dFence Adjacent to Madsen Park . Mr. Kirk stated that about a month ago, Mr. Roland Peterson visited with him in his office about the chain link fence that is along the eastern boundary of Madsen Park. He inquired as to the history of the fence being installed at that location. Mr. Kirk stated that he was able to research information on the fence and determined that it was installed in 1979 at the request of Grace Evangelical Free Church. The City had a policy at the time, that if a neighbor to a City park had a concern about park use impacting their property, the City would share in the cost of a four foot chain link fence to separate the properties. The fence would be placed on the other property owner’s land and that party would be responsible for maintenance and upkeep. Mr. Kirk further stated that back in 1979, the City ran organized softball league games for adults and youth at Madsen Park. This was before the Community Park athletic complex was opened. There were many people participating in games at the park most nights during the week and even on weekends. That is not the situation anymore. Mr. Kirk stated that the church would now like to remove the fence and would like the support of the Parks and Recreation Commission to do so. Mr. Roland Peterson thanked the Commission for allowing him to be on the agenda with his request this evening. The Church has been in existence for 50 years and they are planning to upgrade their landscaping and grounds. They brought in a landscape professional to help with the project and the first question he asked was “what is this Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting - August 6, 2012 Page 9 fence doing here?”. The fence served its purpose for many years, but now it is not in the best condition and does not look good. The City does a fabulous job of keeping the park looking good and the Church would like to improve its property to look really good as well. Mr. Peterson stated that the Church would like to remove the fence to improve the looks of the area. They are ready to cover all costs of removal. Since the City shared in the cost of the fence initially, they think it is appropriate to come and ask the City if it is okay to take it down. They believe with improved landscaping on their property and the fence removed, the park and church property will look very nice. Mr. Kirk stated that staff is supportive of this request and feels that the park area will look better. The only concern of staff is that without a fence, there may be a tendency to push snow further into the park when plowing the church parking lot. The high salt content from the parking lot snow could damage turf and trees in the park. Mr. Peterson has agreed that they will inform their workers of this concern and not push snow into the park. MOTION by Ms. Barrett, seconded by Mr. Ackerman, to support the removal of the four foot chain link fence on the Grace Evangelical Free Church property as requested by Mr. Roland Peterson, representing Grace Evangelical Free Church. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SOLBERG DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. ADJOURNMENT 4. MOTION by Mr. Kondrick, seconded by Mr. Heintz, to adjourn the August 6, 2012 meeting at 8:55 p.m. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SOLBERG DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE AUGUST 6, 2012 MEETING ADJOURNED.