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PRM 03/05/2018 CITY OF FRIDLEY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING – MARCH 5, 2018 CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Heintz called the March 5, 2018 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Mike Heintz, EB Graham, Shanna Larson, Greg Ackerman Others Present: Debbie Dahl, Director of Community Services & Employee Resources Mike Maher, Springbrook Nature Center Director Malcolm Mitchell, Springbrook Nature Center Foundation Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner Jeff Jensen, Operations Manager-Streets and Parks Connie Thompson, Program Supervisor-Senior Programs APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 5, 2018 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MOTION by Ms. Larson, seconded by Ms. Graham to approve the minutes of the February 5, 2018 meeting. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON HEINTZ DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. APPROVAL OF PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA FOR MARCH 5, 2018 MOTION by Ms. Larson, seconded by Ms. Graham, to approve the agenda for the March 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. Connie Thompson Farewell to Commission Ms. Thompson announced her last day with the City of Fridley will be on March 23, 2018. Ms. Thompson thanked the Commission for all they have done for her and their support of the Senior Programs. b. Program Update Ms. Dahl stated that the Program Update is included in the agenda packet for the information of the Commission members. The Update included information on Connie Thompson’s retirement, details on this years ‘49er Days, New software for the Recreation Staff, Information on the summer brochure and Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting – March 5, 2018 Page 2 summer program locations, The Fridley Community Center Agreement, Recreation Programs and Information on Heart Safe Community. c. Park Maintenance Report Mr. Jensen stated that the Parks Department will be assisting the Street Department with cutting down ash trees for the Emerald Ash Borer plan and they will also be removing ash trees from some parks. Mr. Jensen further stated that work on the parking lot and playground at Moore Lake are currently on hold. The Parks Department has a busy summer ahead of them with moving into a new building and developing a new construction yard. d. Springbrook Nature Center Report Mr. Maher stated that the Springbrook Nature Center Report is included in the agenda packet for the information of the Commission members. The Nature Center Report included information about Discovery Dinners, Facility Rentals, Funding for a picnic pavilion and Environmental education programs. th Mr. Maher stated that the annual Springbrook Spree fundraising event was held on March 9. Over $9,000 in sponsorships were raised and tickets to the event sold out. e. Emerald Ash Borer Mitigation Plan Mr. Jensen stated that the purpose of this plan is to prevent the spread and mitigate damage of the insect Emerald Ash Borer on trees on public land in the city of Fridley. A proactive approach to ash tree management will include the preemptive removal of ash, beginning with the lowest quality trees. This program will take place over five years beginning in 2018, and after the initial five year phase, another inspection will be done. Mr. Jensen further stated that phase one of the removal process will include removing ash trees declining in health and healthy trees will be systematically assessed. During phase two, replacement trees will have the opportunity to grow and create a new canopy to replace the gaps left by ash trees. The aim of phase one and two are to spread the costs and labor of ash removal over the course of many years with providing replacement trees with the opportunity to reestablish an urban canopy. f. West Moore Lake Trail Adopted- 2/12 public hearing Mr. Jensen stated that a decision has been made regarding the West Moore Lake Drive Tail. After several meetings the City has decided that the proposed trail to the west side of the street from Medtronic st Parkway to 61 Avenue was the best option. There will now be a continued loop with a trail system around Moore Lake, and construction will start this summer. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Pollinator Friendly Fridley-Resolution Ms. Workin stated that the Environmental Quality and Energy Commission indicated a priority to adopt a policy to be a Pollinator Friendly Community. Ms. Workin further stated that pollinators, especially bees are in decline. There are many different factors that may cause this, but one big factor is habitat loss and poor nutrition. Another key factor is the use of pesticides. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting – March 5, 2018 Page 3 Ms. Workin stated that there is a lot the City of Fridley has done to become more pollinator friendly. Recently, residents were able to purchase a license to raise honey bees; Springbrook Nature Center has a great wildlife pollinator habitat; and the Parks Department have installed native plantings in the City. Ms. Workin further stated that the EQEC has requested the City cement this policy with a pollinator friendly resolution. Our priorities for being a pollinator friendly city include: Increasing planting pollinator follage; be strategic in how we use pesticides; and increase education and awareness. Mr. Ackerman asked where they city buys pollinator friendly plants. Mr. Jensen stated that plants are purchased at Gertens and Bachman’s. Mr. Mitchell asked where the patch is going to be displayed. Mr. Jensen stated the pollinator patch will be visible from trails and will have information to educate the public on pollinators. MOTION by Mr. Ackerman, seconded by Ms. Larson, to approve the Resolution No. 2018-0 designating Fridley as a pollinator friendly city. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON HEINTZ DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. b. Commissioner Disclosure Ms. Dahl stated that each year the Commission members must complete a Public Disclosure Statement. Ms. Dahl asked the Commission members to sign and return the statement. c. Springbrook Nature Center Pavilion Update Ms. Dahl stated that Mike Maher and Malcolm Mitchell will provide a status update on the process to design and fund a new picnic pavilion for Springbrook Nature Center. Mr. Maher stated that the current picnic pavilion is badly deteriorated and doesn’t meet the needs or reflect well on Springbrook or the Park System. We are looking to purchase a pre-engineered structure from Cedar Forest Products, and the design may include restrooms, an activity room, seating, concessions and storage. Depending on the options selected, the expected budget is $300,000-$360,000. The location of the new pavilion will be in the same area of where the current pavilion is located. Mr. Maher further stated that if the new pavilion included an activity room that it would provide a beautiful space for community gatherings, house summer camp activities, expand learning and gathering spaces for schools and scout groups, enhance Pumpkin Night in the Park, and provide up to $10,000 of revenue per year. Mr. Maher stated that the next step is to finalize options and a floor plan and then have renderings produced. Once that is complete we will be able to get estimates from construction companies. Ms. Larson asked who would be responsible for making repairs to the new pavilion. Mr. Maher stated that the Parks Department or an outside contractor would make any repairs, similar to current practices. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting – March 5, 2018 Page 4 MOTION by Ms. Larson, seconded by Mr. Ackerman, to support the Springbrook Nature Center with the construction of a pavilion and activity center and for the City to participate in all fundraising efforts moving forward. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON HEINTZ DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. d. FYSA Memorandum of Understanding/Compliance Ms. Dahl stated that Margo and Cleve have provided the Commission with the Memorandum of Understanding. This memorandum is given to the Fridley School District and the Fridley youth sports organization. With implementation of this memorandum of understanding we hope to hold the sports groups more accountable for completing items necessary to run safe sports leagues. MOTION by Mr. Ackerman, seconded by Ms. Larson, to approve the Memorandum of Understanding/Compliance dated February 28, 2018. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON HEINTZ DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. 3. ADJOURNMENT MOTION by Mr. Ackerman, seconded by Ms. Larson, to adjourn the March 5, 2018 meeting at 8:40 p.m. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON HEINTZ DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE MARCH 5, 2018 MEETING ADJOURNED.