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PRM 09/11/2017 CITY OF FRIDLEY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING – SEPTEMBER 11, 2017 CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Heintz called the September 11, 2017 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting to order at 5:28 p.m. at the Fridley Municipal Center – Meeting Room 1. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Mike Heintz, EB Graham, Dave Kondrick, Shanna Larson and Greg Ackerman Others Present: Jack Kirk, Director of Parks and Recreation Julie Jones, Planning Manager APPROVAL OF AUGUST 7, 2017 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MOTION by Mr. Kondrick, seconded by Ms. Larson, to approve the minutes of the August 7, 2017 meeting. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON HEINTZ DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. APPROVAL OF PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA FOR SEPTEMBER 11, 2017 MOTION by Mr. Kondrick, seconded by Ms. Larson, to approve the agenda for the September 11, 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 included in the agenda packet for the information of the Commission members. The summer programs have come to an end and it was a good season. b. Park Maintenance Report Mr. Kirk stated that this report has been submitted by Operations Manager for Streets and Parks Jeff Jensen. Mr. Jensen stated that the basketball court at Commons Park is now complete and getting used every day. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting - September 11, 2017 Page 2 c. Springbrook Nature Center Report Mr. Kirk stated that this report has been submitted by Mike Maher, Springbrook Nature Center Director. Mr. Kirk stated that the summer day camp program had over 450 registrations this summer, generating nearly $70,000 in revenue. d. Autumn Sampler Mr. Kirk stated that Fridley Liquor has partnered with Springbrook Nature Center for a th fun event. The Autumn Sampler will be taking place on Friday, September 15. Mr. Kirk invited the Commission to attend. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Park Survey Results for Comprehensive Plan Ms. Jones stated that she is the Planning Manager and it is her responsibility to update the Comprehensive Plan every ten years for the City. Ms. Jones stated that the Communications department created business cards with a link to a survey and those were passed out at 49er Days and other city events. Tonight she has brought the results of the survey to share with the Park & Recreation Commission members. Ms. Jones further stated that Mr. Kirk is the chair of the Parks & Trails subcommittee and he is looking for your input on the survey results. Ms. Jones stated the first question on the survey was about what amenity you would like to see added. The number one response was sidewalks and trails. Ms. Jones further stated that the Active Transportation Plan focuses on access to schools, and she would like the Commission’s input on where the city could place sidewalks and trails. Ms. Jones stated the second most requested amenity was additional benches. Ms. Larson stated that she agreed that more benches are needed at the parks. Ms. Jones stated that the second question was about adding special use recreational facilities. Ms. Jones said the majority of the people voted for a splash pad. Mr. Heintz stated that we have plans to put in a splash pad at Moore Lake. Ms. Jones stated that the third question was about using the parks on the river more. The number one response was adding a restaurant on the river. Another response was having a kayak rental. Mr. Heintz stated that the city might also put a kayak rental station at Moore Lake. Ms. Jones stated that 83% of the people that completed the survey walk or bike around their neighborhood. She stated that 39% of them walk or bike for recreation. She then stated that 62% would support removing street parking on one side of the street for a trail. th Mr. Heintz stated that parking on 7 street needs both sides available. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting - September 11, 2017 Page 3 th Ms. Jones stated that 7 street would be an exception due to the need for parking by the little league fields. Ms. Jones stated that the survey asked about your favorite thing in Fridley, and she stated that the number one answer was the neighborhood parks. Ms. Jones also stated that park conditions was ranked last in the question about top concerns in Fridley. Ms. Jones stated that the final draft of the comprehensive plan needs to be submitted to th the Planning Commission by December 20. b.Draft of Memorandum of Understanding with Youth Sports Organization Mr. Kirk stated that staff has worked with representatives from the Fridley School District and the Fridley Youth Sports Association to come up with a memorandum of understanding that groups will sign off on before gaining access to the City and school district fields. Mr. Kirk stated that the youth sports organizations in Fridley have been working with the Trusted Coaches program but not all the coaches have completed the training. Mr. Kondrick asked if staff is receiving any negative feedback from coaches regarding the requirement. Mr. Kirk stated that staff has not received any negative feedback. Mr. Kirk believes the biggest issue with this memorandum of understanding will be the liability insurance. Mr. Heintz stated that liability insurance can be purchased through MYAS at a very reasonable price. Mr. Kirk stated that staff would provide them with the appropriate places to get insurance. Mr. Kirk stated that we would like the Park & Recreation Commission’s input on the draft of the memorandum. Staff will continue to work on the memorandum with the School District, Anoka County and the Youth Sports Association. A final document will be brought back to the Commission for approval. ADJOURNMENT 4. MOTION by Mr. Ackerman, seconded by Ms. Larson to adjourn the September 11, 2017 meeting at 6:13 p.m. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON HEINTZ DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE SEPTEMBER 11, 2017 MEETING ADJOURNED.