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PRM 04/02/2018 CITY OF FRIDLEY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING – APRIL 2, 2018 CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Heintz called the April 2, 2018 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Mike Heintz, EB Graham, Shanna Larson Others Present: Debbie Dahl, Director of Community Services & Employee Resources Toni Craft, Director of Community Education APPROVAL OF March 5, 2018 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MOTION by Ms. Larson, seconded by Ms. Graham to approve the minutes of the March 5, 2018 meeting. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON HEINTZ DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. APPROVAL OF PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA FOR APRIL 2, 2018 MOTION by Ms. Larson, seconded by Ms. Graham, to approve the agenda for the April 2, 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. The update included information on the recreation software conversion, details on the new picnic pavilion at Springbrook Nature Center and increased need for soccer fields. 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 Department has been busy trimming trees in the parks, making repairs to all hockey rinks, goals and benches. They are also preparing to move into the new location in June. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting – April 2, 2018 Page 2 c. Springbrook Nature Center Report rd Ms. Dahl stated that the annual Springbrook Spree was held on March 3 at the Springbrook Nature Center. After expenses, about $18,000 was raised for the nature center, including funding for a future picnic pavilion. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Request to Waive Fee for SNC Rental- Firefly Sisterhood Ms. Dahl stated that the Nature Center received a request from The Firefly Sisterhood to waive their rental fee for an upcoming date in June. Ms. Dahl further stated that Mr. Maher’s recommendation would be to deny the request, because we don’t want to make exceptions for one rental group. Motion by Ms. Larson, seconded by Ms. Graham, to deny the request to waive the rental fee as requested by The Firefly Sisterhood. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON HEINTZ DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED b. Electronic Packets/ Agenda Process Ms. Dahl spoke to the commission about the possibility of having electronic packets instead of paper packets delivered to their house each month. The Commission agreed that they would like to have the packets printed and delivered to their house and sent electronically for three months, and then will discuss how they would like to receive them going forward. 3. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a.FCC Update Ms. Dahl stated that she had a verbal report to give to the commission regarding the agreement with the School District. The transition with Senior Program has gone smooth and the relationship between the City and the Fridley School District is very positive. The School District is doing renovations to the Community Center this summer. The construction will include a new HVAC system, roof, bathrooms and security updates. The estimated construction cost to the City is $1.5 million. With the Senior Programs now being run by Community Education, the City only uses about 10% of the building. The City doesn’t have the money in the budget to cover the cost of construction, therefore, the City will be released from the current agreement. Ms. Larson stated that having the Zone in a building that isn’t within walking distance from the school will be detrimental to the program. A lot of the participants come right after school. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting – April 2, 2018 Page 3 Ms. Dahl stated that we don’t have a solution yet, but the School District is planning to have after school programs for that age group. Mr. Heintz stated that we need to keep the Zone. It is an important program for the kids who use it. The kids learn leadership, get homework help and have a safe place to go after school. Ms. Larson stated that it’s great for the City to provide afterschool care for kids through middle school. Ms. Dahl stated that there is not a charge for Learning Academy, which will be offered after school through Community Education. Ms. Larson stated that Learning Academy is open to a limited number of kids per semester, and they have a shortage of volunteer teachers. Ms. Craft stated that there will be an expansion of the program and may be combined with youth enrichment activities. Ms. Larson and Mr. Heintz stated that the Zone is a very important program, and stressed that they would like to see the program continue. Ms. Dahl stated that staff needs to sit down together and figure out what the options are for future programs. The School District will allow the City to use space at the Community Center, and would pay the non-profit fee. Mr. Heintz stated the possibility of paying rent at the Community Center for 9 months and use the facility during the school year. Ms. Dahl stated that she will sit down with staff and see what the alternative ideas the City has. Ms. Larson asked if we could build a space or add on to the structure at Commons Park. Ms. Dahl stated that the park master plan includes options for new shelters in parks. Mr. Heintz stated that the ROCKS program could be run out of the warming house. The commission has wanted to replace the warming house for years, maybe that’s something to look into. Ms. Dahl stated that it’s too soon to make any decisions, but wanted to let the commission know about the changes happening with the Community Center. Mr. Heintz stated that the School District might have a plan for after school activities, but we don’t know for sure. If the after school activities planned by Community Education are not as popular as the Zone, then the kids won’t go. The kids that attend the Zone and the field trips have developed a relationship with the Zone staff and they trust them. Ms. Dahl thanked the commission for their feedback and understands that the commission would like to see the Zone program continue and have clear alternatives. Ms. Craft stated that Community Education is excited to work with the City on future programs. Mr. Heintz stated that if the City has to pay to use rental space at the Community Center, then will the City charge the School District to use City property for sports? Ms. Dahl stated that part of the agreement is looking at common space. Currently, we are working to clarify who uses what fields. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting – April 2, 2018 Page 4 b.Moore Lake Update Ms. Dahl stated that Moore Lake is in transition this year and is looking for the commission’s input on what to do with the beach. Ms. Dahl stated that she has received feedback that the lake is less than ideal for swimming, and in order for the City to call it a swimming beach we have to monitor the water and have it staffed. Mr. Heintz stated that Fridley residents don’t use the beach. Ms. Dahl stated that if the beach does close that the shelters, courts and porta potties would still be available. Ms. Larson stated that if the city closes the beach it would send a message that we are aware of the problems and are working on it. Ms. Dahl stated that the City will need to consult attorneys, because if the beach is closed would we need to enforce it if people are in the water. Motion by Ms. Larson, seconded by Ms. Graham, to table the Moore Lake Waterfront Act until after the City has spoken with attorneys. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON HEINTZ DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED MOTION by Ms. Larson, seconded by Ms. Graham, to adjourn the April 2, 2018 meeting at 8:25 p.m. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON HEINTZ DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE APRIL2, 2018 MEETING ADJOURNED.