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PRM 08/07/17 CITY OF FRIDLEY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING – AUGUST 7, 2017 CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Heintz called the August 7, 2017 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Fridley Municipal Center. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Greg Ackerman, Mike Heintz, EB Graham, Dave Kondrick and Shanna Larson Others Present: Jack Kirk, Director of Parks and Recreation APPROVAL OF JUNE 5, 2017 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MOTION by Mr. Kondrick, seconded by Ms. Larson, to approve the minutes of the June 5, 2017 meeting. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON HEINTZ DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. APPROVAL OF PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA FOR AUGUST 7, 2017 MOTION by Mr. Kondrick, seconded by Ms. Larson, to approve the agenda for the August 7, 2017 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 provided for each Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to update members on activities and services. On Saturday, July th 29, an estimated 500 people gathered to celebrate the grand opening of a new nature- based play area and amphitheater at Springbrook Nature Center. Mr. Kirk stated the Department was active once again this year with the Fridley 49er Days activities. The weather had an impact on the evening activities and attendance this year, but for the most part it was a successful day. b. Park Maintenance Report Mr. Kirk stated that this report has been submitted by Operations Manager for Streets and Parks Jeff Jensen. The Parks Maintenance workers have been working on all the athletic fields and getting facilities ready for the many programs and planting trees and flowers throughout the park system. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting - August 7, 2017 Page 2 c. Springbrook Nature Center Report Mr. Kirk stated that the agenda packet included a Nature Center report from Mike Maher. He wanted to point out that Jan Swanson retired in June after almost 30 years with the City. Mr. Kirk further stated that Springbrook welcomed two new Administrative Assistants to their team in July. Catrina Mujwid-Cole and Amanda Bixler. Each works part time allowing us to have an Administrative Assistant working seven days a week. Mr. Kirk stated that through a sponsorship by Financial One Credit Union, a new main entrance sign for the Nature Center was installed. It features an electronic message board that can be updated remotely. Mr. Kirk stated that the summer camps at Springbrook had over 450 registrations, generating $70,000 in revenue. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Request for Bilal Oromo Dawa Center to use a Ball Field at Fridley Community Park for a Praying Service Mr. Kirk stated that the City has received an email from Feysal Aliye, a representative from Bilal Oromo Dawa Center inquiring the use of a softball field at Fridley Community Park for a prayer service on September 1, 2017. Mr. Kirk stated that he spoke with Chala, a representative from Bilal Oromo Dawa Center in June about using the field for a prayer service in July. Mr. Kirk told Chala that he would need more information about the event and that the special request would need to be approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission. Mr. Kirk further stated that they are requesting to use the field from 7:00am to 9:30am and are expecting 400 - 500 people to attend. They are also requesting the use of a PA system and will hire police officers to direct traffic. Mr. Kirk stated that the City staff had concerns with having a large number of people on the grass fields, depending on the weather. Mr. Kirk recommended that they look at Commons Park because that location is set up for private rentals. Mr. Aliye wasn’t interested in that location because it was too far from the Dawa Center and they were concerned about the lack of parking. Mr. Kirk stated that on the application for field rentals it states that the city reserves the right to deny or revoke a permit if it’s in the best interest of the city. Mr. Ackerman stated that the commission could use the park special use rental form because it has all the policies and rules stated. Mr. Kirk explained that the commission came up with Facility Rental Guidelines and Park Rules for people looking to rent additional space in the parks. To rent an additional space of 100’ x100’ the fee is $200.00 plus a $500.00 damage deposit. Ms. Larson asked what if another group wants to rent the space for a concert, because Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting - August 7, 2017 Page 3 Community Park is a large space with the most parking. Mr. Ackerman expressed the need to consider long term impacts regarding this rental. Mr. Ackerman asked if there was a way to ensure the Dawa Center hires police officers. Mr. Kirk stated that the Commission require stipulations to be met as a condition of approval. Ms. Larson asked what the police said when the Dawa Center approached them about directing traffic for the event. Mr. Kirk stated that the police would be willing to direct traffic as long as they had the officers available and they were paid for their services. Ms. Larson asked where the Dawa Center held the previous event. Mr. Kirk stated that the group held the event in the city of Spring Lake Park and Spring Lake Park also provided police for the event. Ms. Larson stated she had a concern with the group bring in their own sound system, because they stated they needed access to an outlet. Mr. Kirk stated that we do not have an outlet available close enough so the group will need to bring in a generator. Mr. Ackerman stated that with the amount of people attending the event that they need to have restrooms at the field. Having restrooms available at the Dawa Center will not work. Mr. Kirk stated that we do have restrooms available, and we could make them available. Ms. Larson stated that then the group would need to rent the facility. Mr. Ackerman added that we will then need to have a staff member present. Mr. Ackerman stated that the Commission needs to set up a proper application form, discuss what the rental fee and down payment will be. Mr. Ackerman also asked if they would need insurance. Mr. Kirk stated that they could use the special use permit that the Commission has already approved. The price for a Fridley resident/ business would be $200 plus a $500 damage deposit. Insurance would also be required. This would allow them to have exclusive use of the space for one day. Mr. Kirk further stated that the person who signs the special permit would be responsible for any damage. Mr. Ackerman asked if the $200 would include the cost of having a staff member present. Mr. Kirk stated that does not include staff. Ms. Larson stated that we should find out if the police are available and willing to attend the event. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting - August 7, 2017 Page 4 Mr. Kirk recommended that the Dawa Center should work directly with the police, and meet the police expectations for staffing. Mr. Kondrick asked if $200 was an appropriate price. Mr. Heintz stated the price should be closer to our athletic field rentals. Mr. Kirk stated that this group isn’t renting all 6 fields for a tournament. Mr. Kirk further stated that if someone rented a single ball field the price would be $20 an hour. Ms. Larson stated that the number of people who use the field for a tournament would be around the same amount for this event. Mr. Ackerman asked what Mr. Kirk’s recommendation is. Mr. Kirk stated that he would suggest using the Special Use Permit and take the recommendation from the commission to have a staff member on site and open up the building to have restrooms available. He would use this event to determine whether future events like this would be appropriate for that facility. Ms. Larson confirmed that we are using the Special Use Permit, with the stipulations of following police recommendations and having a staff member on site and allow use of restrooms. Mr. Ackerman asked about electrical safety. Mr. Kirk stated that he would tell them they do not have an outlet, and they would need to provide a generator. Mr. Heintz stated that the PA system should face north so the noise doesn’t carry into the neighborhood. Mr. Kirk stated that the volume cannot carry into the neighborhoods, and if we get any complaints they will have to turn the PA system off. Ms. Larson asked how we will know if complaints are made. Mr. Kirk stated that we will have a staff member on-site and the police will have officers present. MOTION by Mr. Ackerman, seconded by Mr. Kondrick, to approve the request by the Dawa Center to rent a ball field to hold a prayer service at Community Park. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON HEINTZ DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. b. 2017 – 2018 Adult Winter Athletic Fees Mr. Kirk stated that each season, the staff brings recommended athletic league fees to the Parks and Recreation Commission for approval. Cleve McCoy, Program Supervisor, sent him the attached memo with the staff recommended fees for the winter adult athletic leagues. We try to keep the fees competitive with what other communities charge for similar league programs. The fees will cover all of our direct costs associated Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting - August 7, 2017 Page 5 with these athletic leagues, such as equipment, supplies, officials, league awards and site supervisors. The staff recommended fees for the 2017 – 2018 winter adult athletic fees are as follows: Wednesday Mens D Basketball ........... $525 Thursday Fun Basketball ..................... $525 Co-Rec Volleyball ................................ $225 Co-Rec Broomball ............................... $265 Mens Broomball…………………………$265 Boot Hockey ........................................ $305 MOTION by Mr. Kondrick, seconded by Ms. Larson, to approve the staff recommended 2017-2018 Adult Winter Athletic League Fees. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON HEINTZ DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. c. Park Service Area Study Mr. Kirk stated that attached is a revised and updated copy of the Park Service Area Study that the Parks and Recreation Commission discussed at the June meeting. Recommendations by staff and commission members have been incorporated into the document. Mr. Kondrick complimented Mr. Kirk and the City staff on the Park Survey Study. Ms. Larson asked if any changes had been made since the first draft. Mr. Kirk stated that we have incorporated staff and Commission recommendations. Mr. Kirk further stated that changes can be made to the Park Survey Study in the future. Mr. Ackerman stated that the tennis court in Craig Park are in bad condition. Mr. Ackerman further stated that Riverview Heights Park is being used as an off leash dog park, and was wondering if we could post signs. Mr. Kirk stated that signs could be posted and we can have police patrol the area. Mr. Ackerman asked about the plans to put in a soccer field at Madsen Park. Mr. Kirk stated that due to the weather that location had too much water. A soccer field has been put in at Commons Park in place of the one scheduled for Madsen. Mr. Kirk further stated that plans are still in place to put in a soccer field at Madsen Park. Mr. Ackerman questioned if the ball field at Flanery Park should be removed. Mr. Kirk stated that in the last 10 years, the softball field has not been used much. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting - August 7, 2017 Page 6 Mr. Kondrick asked if the population numbers are accurate. Mr. Kirk stated that they are from the 2010 census. MOTION by Mr. Ackerman, seconded by Ms. Larson, to support the Park Service Area Study that was completed by staff. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON HEINTZ DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. d. Softball Tournament Request- Sam’s Club Mr. Kirk stated that the City has received a request from Sam’s Club to use the Fridley Community Park softball fields for a Softball Tournament on Sunday, September 10th. Staff would recommend approval of the request. MOTION by Mr. Kondrick, seconded by Ms. Larson, to approve the request by Sam’s Club to use the Fridley Community Park on September 10 for a Softball tournament. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON HEINTZ DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED e. Softball Tournament Request- Spring Lake Park Mr. Kirk stated that the City has received a request from Spring Lake Park Softball to use the Fridley Community Park softball fields for Fall League and State Qualifier Softball Tournaments the Saturdays of September 16 and 23. Spring Lake Park Softball has used the fields for tournaments before and has always done a good job. Staff would recommend approval of the request. MOTION by Ms. Larson, seconded by Mr. Ackerman, to approve the request by Spring Lake Park Softball to use the Fridley Community Park on September 16 and 23 for State Qualifier Softball tournaments. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON HEINTZ DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. ADJOURNMENT 4. MOTION by Ms. Larson, seconded by Mr. Kondrick, to adjourn the August 7, 2017 meeting at 8:22 p.m. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON HEINTZ DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE AUGUST 7, 2017 MEETING ADJOURNED.