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PRM 08/03/2020 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Fridley Municipal Center 7071 University Ave NE, Fridley MN 55432 MINUTES August 3, 2020 1. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Heintz called the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. Members Present: Mike Heintz, David Kondrick, EB Graham and Pete Borman Members Absent: Shanna Larson and Ryan Gerhard Others Present: Mike Maher (Springbrook Nature Center Director), Jeff Jensen (Operations Manager for Streets, Parks and Facilities), and Deborah Dahl (Director of Community Services and Employee Resources) 2. APPROVE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA FOR AUGUST 3, 2020 MOTION by Mr. Borman to APPROVE the August 3, 2020 meeting agenda. SECONDED by Ms. Graham. The MOTION PASSED unanimously. 3. APPROVE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FOR JUNE 1, 2020 MOTION by Mr. Kondrick to APPROVE the June 1, 2020 meeting minutes with the exclusion of page 6. SECONDED by Ms. Graham. The MOTION PASSED unanimously. 4. NEW BUSINESS/ACTION ITEMS: a. Parks Master Plan Update – Debbie Dahl Ms. Dahl summarized the discussion for the meeting is to review the Parks Master Plan status, have a preliminary discussion, discuss cost and funding mechanisms, answer questions, and discuss next steps in the plan. Ms. Dahl provided a presentation about the parks master plan, stating the Fridley park system was established 50 years ago with a strong commitment to parks and green spaces. There are currently 34 parks and the 2013 Citizen Survey respondents valued parks and playgrounds very high. 1 In 2015, a Moore Lake Plan was developed, based on a survey from residents, which indicated broader needs and interests about parks and park use in the community. At the time, the cost of the Moore Lake plan in 2016 was $4.5M. The plan and comments received triggered Council’s interest in looking at the entire park system. The Parks Master Plan was initiated by Council in 2018 and parks are a top priority in Focus on Fridley by creating vibrant neighborhoods and places as well as contributing to public safety and environmental stewardship. Fridley exceeds the national standards for walking distance to a park (1/2 mile or less) from neighborhoods and celebrates 87% of the parks meet the standard. With the exception of the Springbrook Nature Center, none of parks/amenities meet all of the ADA guidelines. Playgrounds were systematically revamped over 30 years ago. Many parks have safety concerns as determined by the parks maintenance team who performed a conditions assessment. Staff gave 59% of the parks a “C” or less, on average. Ms. Dahl stated that the current capital investment on average, less than 4% of the total budget is dedicated to maintaining the $43M in assets in the Fridley parks system. Staff have gathered feedback and data, identified common themes, taken an inventory and performed assessments, and prepared concept designs and estimates based on the data. The feedback received showed that Fridley residents want improved playgrounds and amenities, gathering spaces, year-round use, better connectivity, and unique experiences. Additional Themes included: spaces that are Open to All and ADA compliance, improved communication, signage, Wi-Fi and lighting; More opportunities in Nature: expand trails, year-round use, sustainability, and environmentally friendly; and Quality Facilities: gathering spaces unique experiences and flexible to meet changing needs. Ms. Dahl presented a 10-year proposed plan to modernize, upgrade and enhance Fridley’s parks in general. Standards can be improved by updating amenities, installing or upgrading parking lots, resurfacing courts, creating pollinator gardens or native plantings, creating walking loops and trails, improving signage, updating safety and security, as well as improving drainage. She provided a list of proposed priorities for the general park improvement plan, where staff would be focusing on the worst parks first. Ms. Dahl then discussed the three major park upgrades for Moore Lake, Commons and Community Parks and provided concept drawings prepared by a consultant and possible ideas for amenities. 2 Moore Lake Park would capitalize on lakeshore activities with a focus on nature and passive use, featuring a new park building, nature playground, dog park, rentals (kayak, canoe, shelters) and updated trails. Commons Park improvements would have an emphasis on families, youth and play, with ideas to build a splash pad, skating loop, new and adding a new park building, ADA playground, modified sledding hill, fields/open spaces, parking and events. Community Park would emphasize multi-use fields, a central park concept for events, a new park building, gardens/orchards, trails, a new playground and connectivity to Civic Campus. Ms. Dahl reviewed the 10-year cost of the entire plan. The estimated costs of the general park improvements would range between $3,599,010-$6,397,010. Upgrades and enhancements at the three major parks could range between: $16,200,307 - $27,336,060. Additional costs for Support Staff/Contracting would range between $4,249,963 - $7,007,093. Other estimates for wayfinding signage, public art, and marketing would range between $190,000 and $395,000. The estimated grand total of the 10-year plan could cost between $24,230,279 and $41,775,764. Ms. Dahl identified current funding sources could include the Community Investment Fund (parks only) at $5,000,000, Donations/Grants at $500,000 and Parks Capital Projects Fund at $3,950,000--for a total of $9,340,000. A shortfall of approximately $14- 32,000,000 would still exist and would require the need to explore other funding options, such as: donations and grants, round up (water bills), dedicate additional Liquor Store revenue, events and fundraising campaigns, park dedication fees, legislative action – e.g. Mighty Ducks Bill, raise fees for programs and services and pursue bonding vehicles (such as a referendum or other forms of taxation). Ms. Dahl noted that if it was decided to hold a special election for a referendum in 2021, staff would need to begin campaigning in January-February. Public engagement workshops (between 25 and 50) would be held and a formal survey would be conducted to determine public interests and feasibility. If feasible, the vote could be placed on the ballot for a special election held in November and the estimated cost would be $30,000. Staff estimated cost per household would be $31-70 per year. If successful, the improvements would build on Focus on Fridley Goals of Vibrancy, Safety, Environmentally Friendly, Parks for All. She went on to say that the City will have listened to our community, increased home and business values, attracted new residents, visitors and businesses, prepared for the next generations, and preserved and built upon the $43M in parks assets. 3 Ms. Dahl said that if the City did not improve the parks, they would continue to deteriorate and pose possible safety hazards. The decline could contribute to a declining image and loss of pride, loss of home and business values, loss of future revenues (programs), and eventually a loss of public support and trust. Delays could cost more if pushed into the future as prices continue to increase each year. Ms. Dahl posed three questions/options to the Commission members as to where to position the park system in thinking about its future investment in the parks: 1) Does the public want an average park system with minimal maintenance, and wait until future funding or windfalls to come along before fixing the system? 2) Revise the proposed plan, making urgent improvements, maximizing on CIP and available funding resources, revising plans and having aggressive fundraising and public engagement; or 3) Follow the proposed plan to have a quality and attractive parks system, with a grand vision, sustainable amenities, an affordable system that provides value and pride, and a strong public engagement process. Ms. Dahl noted that feedback is needed from the Council and Commission’s direction on the Plan before proceeding to take this plan to the public and get feedback on design and implementation costs. The public engagement plan is yet to be finalized but will likely include the entire master plan and will be available to review by the entire community. The City’a website, social media, print media, TV Channel will show the plan updates/progress, how the community can get involved in the process/engagement opportunities, and general information. Community meetings can be held in-person and virtually at civic campus, as well as in neighborhood or mini parks. Outreach can be held at community events using outreach kits or meetings in a box. Staff, commission members and additional volunteers can be trained to conduct outreach to assist with the campaign. Program participants and facility users can also be surveyed throughout the year during activities or events. Staff will meet with external key partner organizations and stakeholders, like sports and community associations, schools, and the business community. Also, property managers and residents of apartment or manufactured home communities would also be included. Ms. Dahl reviewed the next steps will be: preview the plan with key staff and stakeholders; hire consultants to assist with the campaign; finalize site plans and priorities; establish teams to lead the campaign; formalize the engagement and marketing plan; research options for a statistically valid survey; explore various funding options (such as a referendum or others); and decide on the final implementation plan. 4 The Commission members expressed their opinions and liked the options. No objections were raised or heard. No formal vote was taken since the plan is still at a conceptual stage, however, it appeared to be the general consensus of the group to follow plan A (or question #3 from above). Mr. Kondrick said he preferred Plan B (question #2). Ms. Dahl thanked the group and said that staff will continue to be update and revise the plan and incorporate feedback. She said she will keep the commission apprised of any developments or changes and asked the members to reach out to her with any questions or feedback. b. Other Ms. Dahl shared a brief update that the Rec N’ Roll program has been rolled out for families of all ages offering different types of activities. The staff have been very creative and are having a lot of fun with this program, particularly with the challenges of COVID. 5. STAFF REPORTS a. Springbrook Nature Center Update – Mike Maher Mr. Maher provided an update at what was happening at Springbrook, saying some programs are relaunching on a limited basis, and the center was reopened to the public at a limited capacity. He said a few grants came in from Excel Energy ($7,500) and International Paper ($4,000) to purchase supplies. There are Eagle Scout projects going on and staff are working on fall programs. He reported staff has not made a decision to host Pumpkin Night in the Park just yet, given the pandemic and CDC guidelines. He asked the Commission for their feedback they generally agreed the event should not be held this year. No formal vote was taken. b. COVID-19 Update Mr. Maher provided an update on the Pavilion, stating an open house and large gathering will likely not be held, due to COVID. He said staff is working on alternatives for a recognition event and that it will likely be on a smaller scale and scheduled sometime in September. Key donors and representatives will be invited, and the virtual open house can be shared via social media. He will provide an update to the Commission with the plans are formalized. 5 c. Other Mr. Jensen reported that staff hosted the Locke Park playground meeting for the civic campus and Holiday Hills neighborhoods on July 29 to display the designs and talk with residents. He said it was a great turnout and feedback from residents was very helpful. He said the playground construction will be completed this fall and will also connect to Rice Creek Trail Corridor and bike trails. A pollinator garden along with wild seed plantings will be planted to provide a buffer between the trail and playground and likely finished next spring. He noted that 72 town homes and 26 patio homes will be complete the development. No further questions or items were raised. ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Kondrick made the MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 8:33 p.m., SECONDED by Ms. Graham. The MOTION PASSED unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Krista Peterson, Recording Secretary 6