PRM 06/01/2020
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Fridley Municipal Center
7071 University Ave NE, Fridley MN 55432
MINUTES
June 1, 2020
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Heintz called the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to order at
7:02 p.m.
Members Present: Mike Heintz, Shanna Larson, Ryan Gerhard, Pete Borman, EB
Graham, and David Kondrick
Others Present: Deborah Dahl (Director of Community Services and Employee
Resources), Mike Maher (Director of Springbrook Nature Center), Jeff Jensen
(Operations Manager – Parks, Streets and Facilities), Margo Numedahl (Recreation
Division Manager).
2. APPROVE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA FOR JUNE 1, 2020
MOTION by Ms. Larson to APPROVE the March 2, 2020 meeting agenda. SECONDED
by Ms. Graham. The MOTION PASSED unanimously.
3. APPROVE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FOR MARCH 2, 2020
MOTION by Mr. Kondrick to APPROVE the March 2, 2020 meeting minutes,
SECONDED by Ms. Larson. The MOTION PASSED unanimously.
4. NEW BUSINESS/ACTION ITEMS:
a. COVID-19 Response (Debbie Dahl)
Ms. Dahl presented on the City’s response to COVID-19, particularly as it relates to
programming for Recreation and Springbrook Nature Center as well as its impact
on field and shelter reservations. She provided the commission with guidance and
documentation from the CDC, MN Department of Health and others that drove the
decisions to eliminate programming .
b. Update on Springbrook Pavilion Project (Mike Maher)
Thank you to Chairperson Heintz for the in-kind contribution for the work that was
done on the floors. Jeff is overseeing the last few components on the bathroom
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finishes. Vision Woodworking is donating the cabinets for the bathrooms.
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Construction is on track for the grand opening that is planned for May 28, look
for more details to come. City Council will be presenting a plaque to Malcom and
the Development Committee at the grand opening.
c. Feedback from Commissioners on Park Designs.
Any feedback can be sent to Deborah Dahl via email, phone or a separate meeting
could be set up.
Ms. Larson thought it would be difficult for parents to be separated from their
children with the proposed set up of the sledding hill and skating rink. She really
liked the new design for Commons with the skating loop and the idea of it being
rubberized and flooded for a potential longer skating season. She also liked the
multi-use of the fields.
Deborah Dahl wasn’t sure how long the skating season would be extended or the
cost for refrigeration. Staff will research what kind of options are available.
Chairperson Heintz liked the indoor dome idea for a basketball and play area.
Deborah Dahl noted that nothing is finalized yet and staff will work on prioritizing
what the Commissioners like and put together a budget. We hope to have the
plan ready by May to share with the neighborhoods and public.
d. Joint Fridley School District – Fridley City Council Meeting:
Deborah Dahl stated that City Council and the School Board had a joint meeting
at the request of the School Board. The School Board members raised a few
questions about what the Fridley Community Education program is doing
compared to the City’s recreation program and what activities the school/city could
work together on. The Community Education Director, Stephen Keeler presented
to the group. Both the city and school continue to meet and work together and
agreed to do a better job communicating between agencies.
The City Council reminded the Board that the city has four school districts and they
haven’t met with the other school districts. The city can try to minimize duplication
like yoga that is currently in both brochures or the ROCK program that is similar to
the Tiger Club and school daycare program.
Ms. Dahl stated that many of the after school programs are free as a part of their
youth enrichment programs, and the city’s programs have a fee. There are about
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30 families that receive fee assistance which is only available for residents of Fridley.
A School Board asked the City to consider allowing families who attend a school
located within the city to get fee assistance. It was mentioned by City Council that
it was difficult to extend the benefit to non-residents, saying that the fee assistance
paid by taxpayers should be used on residents of Fridley.
e. Fee Study Review (Shelter, Fields, Leagues)
Deborah Dahl shared a fee study that was conducted to compare Fridley’s fees of
shelters verses surrounding communities. Staff met with the Finance Director and
discussion is still underway, they are looking for feedback to provide a
recommendation to the City Manager.
Current rental fees and damage deposit requirements are being reviewed. A
suggestion is to eliminate the damage deposit and maybe the City Attorney could
develop a contract that the rental party would be responsible for any damages.
There is also a requirement for a Special Use Permit for group sizes over 50 guests.
Many renters opt out and find a shelter in another community or are dishonest
with the size of the party leaving the city unprepared for the event.
The city is in line with most fees and staff will look at options regarding the damage
deposit, required insurance and Special Use Permit.
f. Strategic Planning Discussion
Debbie Dahl said that they are working with recreation programming staff on the
Strategic Plan. Any ideas the Commission would like to incorporate into the plan
can be sent to Debbie. The Springbrook Nature Center will have a separate plan.
g. Other
Ms. Dahl mentioned there is a new art feature on the first floor, the word
“Incomparable” was reconfigured from the Columbia Arena letters.
The latest pop-up event was at Springbrook Nature Center for the animal feeing.
Over 100 people attended. The goal is to continue one event a month and
promote on social medial.
The warming houses will close this week since the weather is too warm for ice
skating.
There is a new Fridley Community Connection newsletter. We are looking for
summer staff and the job postings are on the web.
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5. STAFF REPORTS
a. Springbrook Nature Center Update – Mike Maher
60 acres of buck thorn was removed which was funded through a grant project.
There was a candlelight hiking event in February and about 70 people participated.
Summer camp registration is open for children ages 5-12.
Saturday is the annual Springbrook Spree and it is sold out.
The adult education series will be expanded a offering discovery dinner series. This
is coming up in the next few weeks.
b. Deer Management Update – Mike Maher
The areas have been selected, there is a lot of movement along the Rice Creek
corridor and complaints east of Moore Lake.
Corn piles will be out for about a week to bait the deer and they are working with
DNR local conservation officers and food shelves will accept the donation.
Certified deer processors will package the meat and it will be distributed to those
in need. The budget will manage up to 30 deer.
c. Other - None
ADJOURNMENT:
Ms. Larson made the MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 8:42 p.m., SECONDED by Mr.
Borman. The MOTION PASSED unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Krista Peterson, Recording Secretary
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