PRM 08/06/2018
CITY OF FRIDLEY
PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING – Aug. 6, 2018
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Heintz called the Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. The
business meeting was held at the Public Works Facility at the new civic campus, which began at 7:10
p.m., however, the pre-business meeting tour started at 5:00 p.m. outside the Public Works Facility.
ROLL CALL:
Members Present: Greg Ackerman, EB Graham, Mike Heintz, Dave Kondrick, Shanna Larson
Others Present: Deborah Dahl, Director of Community Services and Employee Resources
Jeff Jensen, Operations Manager – Streets and Parks
Rich Perron, Lead Public Service Worker – Parks Maintenance
Mike Maher, Director of Springbrook Nature Center
Margo Numedahl, Program Supervisor
Cleve McCoy, Program Supervisor
Sue Johnson, Office Coordinator
APPROVAL OF June 4, 2018 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
MOTION by Mr. Kondrick, seconded by Ms. Larson, to approve the minutes of the June 4, 2018
Parks and Recreation Commission meeting.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON HEINTZ DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED.
APPROVAL OF PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA FOR Aug. 6, 2018.
MOTION by Mr. Kondrick, seconded by Ms. Larson, to approve the agenda for the Aug. 6, 2018
meeting.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON HEINTZ DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED.
1. STAFF REPORT
a. Recognition of Sue Johnson
Chairperson Heintz presented a plaque to Office Coordinator Sue Johnson and thanked her for
her 32 years of service to the City and to the Park and Rec Commission. Sue thanked the
Commission as well and said she truly enjoyed working with the group and considered them
family. The Commission paused for a photo with Ms. Johnson.
b. Program Highlights
Ms. Dahl reviewed key points from the Program Highlights, including an update on the
registration software installation and features. Staff noted that the reservations for fields will be
an enhancement as well as it will be more user-friendly; it will have a point-of-sale feature to
assist with events at Springbrook; and will provide more access to programs on-line.
Mr. Maher mentioned the summer camps at Springbrook were very successful. He mentioned
the upcoming events for the Friday Night by Firelight (8/24) and Autumn Sampler (9/14).
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Meeting Minutes – Fridley Park and Recreation Commission (Aug. 6, 2018)
Chairperson Heintz complimented staff that he thought the parks looked fantastic. Mr. Perron
mentioned that the parks department purchased a new lawnmower that cuts more grass more
quickly and has been a great addition to the equipment.
Ms. Numedahl mentioned that the summer programs are going well and that the Nickel
Jamboree and Wet n’ Wild were very well attended. She added that the Summer Rocket
program is averaging about 60 participants per week.
Mr. McCoy mentioned that staff solicited feedback from participants and parents of the Zone
and will be working those ideas and suggestions in this fall. The program will be a drop-in at
Commons Park. Staff started offering Rec on the Go at Fridley Terrace and Rice Creek
Townhomes where there are more than 300 kids who may benefit from the activities. Mr.
McCoy added that the PALS (Police Athletic League) program will continue and staff is looking
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at adding more options for athletics for the 5 and 6 grade level.
Ms. Dahl mentioned that the meeting earlier in the summer with the Fridley School District
maintenance group went well and that one of the changes affected will be the skating oval may
be eliminated due to lack of use. Members expressed interest in providing skating and
warming house options at the new civic campus. Staff will explore the status of the pond and
what amenities will be offered once the campus and grounds are open.
2. NEW BUSINESS
a. Parks and Civic Campus Tour
Commission members and staff toured Commons Park, Springbrook Nature Center as well as
the new Civic Campus and Public Works facility. Discussions were held over the challenges
and future of soccer fields, the new pavilion at SNC; as well and the amphitheater at the civic
campus. No action items were discussed or considered.
b. Vision and Feedback
Ms. Dahl asked the Commission members while staff was present to provide any feedback to
staff about needs, interests and hopes for the coming year and as the team begins work on the
Parks Master Plan. Chairperson Heintz was hoping for easy access and accessibilities for the
parks system. Ms. Larson expressed an interest for indoor playgrounds and/or field house.
Ms. Dahl asked members to provide feedback about needs or areas of support since the
reorganization is almost at the six month point. No suggestions were made, however,
Chairperson Heintz offered to consider it for the upcoming meeting.
c. Member Resignation
Vice-chair, Greg Ackerman, provided a verbal notice to the members he will be moving out of
the City and will be resigning effective the end of Oct. 2018. He said he will still be involved in
the community and always consider Fridley his home. He said he enjoyed serving on the
commission. Mr. Kondrick thanked him and said he was going to be missed.
Chairperson Heintz encouraged members to consider others who may be interested. Ms. Dahl
mentioned that the City will have the application on their website for those who may want to
apply.
3. ADJOURNMENT
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON HEINTZ DECLARED
THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE AUG. 6, 2018 AT 7:55 P.M. - MEETING ADJOURNED.
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Meeting Minutes – Fridley Park and Recreation Commission (Aug. 6, 2018)