Loading...
11-01-2021 PARKS AND RECREATIONCOMMISSION November 01, 2021 7:00 PM Fridley Civic Campus -7071 University Avenue N.E. MINUTES Call to Order Chair Heintz called the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Members Present: Mike Heintz, EB Graham, Eric Evanson, Peter Borman, Ryan Gerhard, Ken Schultz, and Shanna Larson Members Absent: None Others Present: Mike Maher, Community Development Director and Recreation Program Coordinator Alyssa Trumbower. RollCall Approval of Agenda MOTION by Commissioner Graham to APPROVE the November 1, 2021 meeting agenda. SECONDED by Commissioner Larson. The MOTION PASSED unanimously. Approval of Meeting Minutes 1.October 4, 2021 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes MOTION by Commissioner Graham to APPROVE the October 4, 2021 meeting minutes. SECONDED by Commissioner Larson. The MOTION PASSED unanimously. New Business 2.Introduction to Recreation Coordinator, Alyssa Trumbower Commission Q and A Community Development Director Maher introduced the new member of the team, Alyssa Trumbower who began about one month ago as the Recreation Program Coordinator. Recreation Program Coordinator Trumbower introduced herself and reviewed her educational background, professional experience, community involvement, and personal information. She also highlighted her program responsibilities at the City. Parks and Recreation Minutes Page 2 Commission 11/1/2021 Ms. Trumbower stated that Minnetonka only had rec and roll one day per week and concentrated on the program itself is similar. The Commission welcomed Ms. Trumbower. 3. Park System Improvement Plan Task Force Progress Update and Discussion Community Development Director Maher stated that materials were provided in the packet for review and acknowledged that a number of the Commission members also participate in the task force. He th stated that the task force meets on a monthly basis, meeting next on November 10. He provided an update on the October meeting, noting that updated concept plans were developed and will be reviewed more in detail at the November meeting for three larger community parks in order to identify priorities and values for the parks. He stated that the consultant also provided updated concept plans for the neighborhood parks and the task force found that the updates were a good representation of the community feedback received as well as current trends and park planning. Chair Heintz stated that one responsibility of the task force is to reduce the cost and asked if much work has been done in that respect. Mr. Maher replied that there has not yet been a focus on the budget, rather focusing on priorities. He stated that amenities and estimated costs will then be provided for various park features. Old Business None Staff Reports 4. Springbrook Nature Center Report Community Development Director Maher provided a summary of the report provided within the packet. He noted that Pumpkin Night in the Park was successful, noting 3,500 people in attendance without any incidents or injuries. He stated that Springbrook Nature Center will have an organics recycling dumpster st available in its parking lot beginning November 1 for disposal of pumpkins. Commissioner Borman asked how the event was received with the presale for tickets this year. Mr. Maher replied that this was the first-year presale tickets were offered. He reviewed the reasons why the presale option was chosen for the event and the additional benefits that were provided by using that option. He believed that system would continue to be used going forward. He confirmed that they would have capacity to add tickets in the future. Parks and Recreation Minutes Page 3 Commission 11/1/2021 Commissioner Schultz commented that his family attended the event and had a positive experience. Commissioner Larson commented that their Girl Scout Troop attended and also had a positive experience. She noted that it also seemed some people could purchase tickets at the service desk. Mr. Maher confirmed that a limited number of paper presale tickets were available up until 1 p.m. the day of the event. Commissioner Evanson asked if the earlier start time was well received. Mr. Maher agreed that families with younger children seemed to appreciate the earlier time slot. Chair Heintz commented that staff does an excellent job and commended them on the great work for the event. 5. Fridley Parks and Recreation Division Report Community Development Director Maher reviewed highlights from the report. 6. Park Maintenance and Construction Report Community Development Director Maher commented that the parks maintenance team is in a transitional period, wrapping up fall activities and preparing for the winter activities. He reported that 60 trees were planted as part of the Emerald Ash Borer replacement plan. Adjournment Commissioner Evanson made the MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 7:39 p.m., SECONDED by Commissioner Larson. The MOTION PASSED unanimously. Respectfully Submitted Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary