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PRM 03/04/2019 CITY OF FRIDLEY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING – MARCH 4, 2019 CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Heintz called the Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting to order at 6:57 p.m. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Pete Borman, Mike Heintz, and Shanna Larson. Member s Absent: Dave Kondrick and EB Graham Others Present: Mike Maher, Director of Springbrook Nature Center; Alyssa Kruzel, Community Engagement Specialist; and Deborah Dahl, Director of Community Services and Employee Resources. APPROVAL OF 4, 2019 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MOTION made by Mr. Borman to approve the 4, 2019 meeting minutes of the Park and Recreation Commission, seconded by Ms. Larson. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON HEINTZ DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. APPROVAL OF PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA FOR , 2019. Chairperson Heintz called for a motion to adopt the agenda for March 4, 2019. Mr. Borman made a MOTION to approve the prepared agenda. Ms. Larson SECONDED the MOTION. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON HEINTZ DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. STAFF REPORT Introductions Ms.Dahlintroduced Alyssa Kruzel, the new Community Engagement Specialist to the Commission and members of the commission made introductions. Program Highlights Ms. Dahl summarized a few of the highlights from the packet. She mentioned staff is headed into spring with programs and activities, stating that the maintenance crews are still dealing with snow. She stated Jeff Jensen did not provide a report, but stated that the crews are doing snow removal and clean up. The Tree Sale has recently been added to the Recreation Departments software so the public can go on-line and purchase a tree at a significantly reduced amount and pick up the tr onMay 11. Some of the variations for sale are: Black Hills Spruce, Kentucky Coffeetree, NorthernCatalpa, Swamp White Oak, and a Serviceberry. Ice rinks and the warming house are still open due to the length of the winter through the next weekend (est. March 12). Ms. Dahl mentioned that hiring has started for seasonal staff. 1 Meeting Minutes – Fridley Park and Recreation Commission (March 4, 2019) The next Recreation brochure is at the post office and should be getting into the homes shortly. Staff is working on a reservation system for the new civic campus, Fireside Room and outdoor plaza and hopes to bring the process back in a future meeting. Ms. Dahl mentioned the new software is working very well. Mr. Heintz asked if there is an option for a kiosk for people to register. Ms. Dahl said that the City will be offering a computer near or at the front desk for customers to conduct business. Ms. Dahl stated that staff is looking at the shelter and rental reservation system to streamline processes and offer a larger event process. Phone calls and requests are coming in for garden plots. Staff is looking at alternatives since the civic campus development eliminated the current plots and will be doing research as a part of the Parks Master Plan. M s. Dahl mentioned some of the upcoming events: noting the Town Hall meeting on April 27; the upcoming MNDOT Corridor Study; the Environmental Fun Fair – May 4; Commission Appreciation Dinner on April 15. Springbrook Report: Mr. Maher reviewed a few of the items from his report, stating that the Springbrook Spree was held the previous weekend with more than 155 people in attendance. He said the event went well and the event brings in typically about $15,000-20,000. Mr. Maher said he was very excited to have Alyssa join his staff and is doing a great job. The fundraising for the Pavilion is underway and working on grants as well. Mr. Heintz asked about the design and layout of the Pavilion. Mr. Maher mentioned that it is not completely finalized, but the final steps are being wrapped up now. The start date is still uncertain, but hopes to still be on track for completion mid-summer. Ms. Dahl said it has been a very collaborative effort and thanked the Mayor for his efforts in soliciting donations. NEW BUSINESS/ACTION ITEMS: Ms.Dahl introduced Alyssa Kruzeland she provided the commission with a background and a summary of some of the projects she is working on he is making connections and relationships. She hopes to puta plan together forengagement and to organize a system for volunteer coordination. She is helpingwith some of the concerts and events at Springbrook, a partnership guide for schools,and . Mr. Maher discussed the new vision that his team at Springbrook created, explaining the history of the previous statement and the intent behind the new statement. He presented the new mission as: “Cultivate connections between people and nature. In pursuit of our mission, we provide natural spaces, educate all visitors, and enrich our community. Our vision: Nature is meaningful to all.” The commission members expressed their acceptance. Ms. Larson made a MOTION to approve and support the new mission and vision statements, seconded by Mr. Borman. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON HEINTZ DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. 2 Meeting Minutes – Fridley Park and Recreation Commission (March 4, 2019) Ms. Dahl mentioned that the plans for the 49’ers Event are still being crafted. She mentioned the Recreation staffparticipate in providing pre-parade activitieson Thursday,June 13 at Commons Park. At this time, the plans are that there may be a reunion, bandand fireworks on Friday, June 14. She said as other details become available she willconvey that information to the Commission. Ms. Dahl said that volunteers are needed.Mr. Borman advised that parking may be an issue and should be reviewed or considered. Ms. Dahl reviewed the proposed project for gas pipeline inspectionswith Centerpoint Energy and explained the testing over the week of May 13-26 at Community Park. Ms.Dahl mentioned there may be availability and the City would expect restoration and payfor reserving the facility, which could amount of $7-10,000. A formal agreement has notbeen finalized, but the City was generally in support of the project. She stated that thereis limited impact to users of the field. Mr. Heintz stated that he would prefer impact of just one field and the commission members were in support of the project with no formal action taken due to the final agreement has not been reached between the City and Centerpoint Energy. Mr. Maher provided an update on the deer survey that directed by City Council and City Manager. The survey was taken conducted with Ramsey County to do an aerial deer survey. Mr. Maher shared the background and the results, including how at Springbrook. Staff is still reviewing the results and considering any next steps. Hestated that working with USDA Wildlife Services is one option, but decisions have notbeen reached. Commission members asked some questions related to process. Ms. Dahlmentioned that staff is still reviewing the information and do not have recommendationsat this point but will keep the commission apprized. Updates and Unfinished Business Ms. Dahl provided a follow up to the discussion from the last meeting to address the requirement of listing parks and definition of parks. She stated she researched the issues and spoke with the Community Development Director and City Manager to provide some input and assistance. She said that it is clear to staff that the parks that are dedicated and platted with an obligation, stating that the acreage and properties fall under the city’saccounting, liability and responsibility. She went on to say that for transparency sake, theCity wants to disclose all properties because it is believed that the taxpayer lays claim topublic property, similar to right of ways and easements.Ms. Dahl said there are no guidelines about labeling the properties, but said that if the commission wanted to provide direction to label the property as “natural or undeveloped” for example they could entertain that option. Ms. Dahl stated that the property was dedicated from the developer and expected to be considered a park and listed as such. The commission had additional questions and asked staff to consider reviewing the classifications and definitions of parks with the Master Parks Plan process. No furtheraction was recommended or proposed. Ms. Dahl provided copies of the latest brochure, which will be in the homes of the residents soon. She stated that the electronic brochure will be available immediately on the website. Ms. Larson stated that it looks nice and is easy to read and understand. She went on to say the social media efforts are building and are well-received. saidthat the new Community and Marketing Manager will be at the next meeting to discusssome of the efforts to promote the parks and recreation. 3 Meeting Minutes – Fridley Park and Recreation Commission (March 4, 2019) ADJOURNMENT Ms. Larson made a MOTION to adjourn the meeting, SECONDED by Mr. Borman. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL MEMBERS VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON HEINTZ DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE MARCH 4, 2019 AT 8:19 P.M. - MEETING ADJOURNED. Respectfully submitted, Deborah Dahl, Director CommunityServices and Employee Resources 4 Meeting Minutes – Fridley Park and Recreation Commission (March 4, 2019)