PRM 02/05/2018
CITY OF FRIDLEY
PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING – FEBRUARY 5, 2018
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Heintz called the February 5, 2018 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting to order at 6:54 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Members Present: Mike Heintz, Shanna Larson, EB Graham
Others Present: Debbie Dahl, Director of Community Services & Employee Resources
APPROVAL OF JANUARY 8, 2018 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
MOTION by Ms. Graham, seconded by Ms. Larson to approve the minutes of the January 8, 2018 meeting.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON HEINTZ DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED
APPROVAL OF PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA FOR FEBRUARY 5, 2018
MOTION by Ms. Larson, seconded by Ms. Graham, to approve the agenda for the February 5, 2018 meeting as
submitted by staff.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON HEINTZ DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED
1. STAFF REPORT
a. Program Update
Ms. Dahl stated that the Program Update includes information on programs and activities during the past
month.
Ms. Dahl stated the Naturalists at the Nature Center have been programming Environmental Education
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programs at Hayes Elementary School, Chicks in the Sticks was held on January 26 and two more
evenings are scheduled. Ms. Dahl further stated that the Discovery Dinner program at the Nature Center
has been a popular event.
Ms. Dahl stated that 42 people participated in a trip to the Target Center to watch the Timberwolves play
the New York Knicks. Ms. Dahl further stated that the Recreation Department offered two field trips
during school-out days. They took a group of 15 kids to Crayola Experience at the Mall of America and
group of 22 went to the Children’s Museum.
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Ms. Dahl stated that Fridley’s Winterfest was held on January 20. We had great weather and fun
activities that brought out an estimated 800 people. Families really enjoyed all of the indoor and outdoor
activities.
Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting – February 5, 2018 Page 2
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Ms. Dahl further stated that the warming house at Commons Park will be closing on February 19.
Ms. Dahl stated that she has asked staff to create a master calendar that will show all upcoming events in
the City. A few upcoming events include Mardi gras at the Senior Center, The Wildlife Rehabilitation
Center presentation at Springbrook, and the Springbrook Spree.
b. Park Maintenance Report
Ms. Dahl 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 been busy keeping all the rinks in good shape and snowplowing and blowing the trails and sidewalks.
The Park Maintenance staff also did a great job helping us set up the Winterfest activities.
c. Springbrook Nature Center Report
Ms. Dahl stated that a report from Nature Center Director Mike Maher has been included in the agenda
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packet. The Friends of Sax Zim Bog held their annual Boreal Wings Gala at Springbrook on January 21.
The Springbrook Nature Center Foundation is planning the annual Springbrook Spree fundraising event
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for Saturday, March 3. Ms. Dahl further stated that the Nature Center has two upcoming Discovery
Dinners and invited the commission to attend.
d. $10,000 Grant through Anoka County
Ms. Dahl stated that the City has been working on a $10,000 grant through Anoka County to obtain
funding for park-related equipment. One of the options will be to install bike racks or bike fix it stations
within the new civic campus along the regional trail system. Rachel Workin and Jeff Jensen will be
working with staff to complete the grant and will report back with updates.
e. Contact Information for Debbie Dahl
Ms. Dahl gave each member of the commission her business card and contact information.
f. Springbrook Nature Center Spring Fling
Ms. Dahl stated that the meeting packet included a flyer for the Springbrook Spree. The annual
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Fundraiser will be held on Saturday, March 3 at 5:00pm.
2. NEW BUSINESS
a. Softball Tournament Request- Fridley High School
Ms. Dahl stated that the City has received a request from Fridley High School to host a softball
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tournament at Community Park on Saturday, May 5. Fridley High School has run tournaments the past
couple of years and have done a good job. Staff would recommend approval of this request.
MOTION by Ms. Larson, seconded by Ms. Graham, to approve the request by Fridley High School to
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host a softball tournament at Community Park on May 5, 2018, at the normal facility one day
tournament rate.
Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting – February 5, 2018 Page 3
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON HEINTZ DECLARED
THE MOTION CARRIED.
b. Other Business
Ms. Dahlwrapped up the meeting by sharing updates with the commission. Ms. Dahl stated that changes
are being made to the Recreation brochure, and asked the commission to share any feedback with her.
Ms. Dahl further stated that Raquel will be promoting recreation programs through social media. Ms.
Dahl also stated that the recreation department is getting new software to make registering more user
friendly.
3. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Ms. Larson, seconded by Ms. Graham, to adjourn the February 5, 2018 meeting at 7:46 p.m.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON HEINTZ DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED AND THE FEBRUARY 5, 2018 MEETING ADJOURNED.