Loading...
08-07-2023 Park Commission Meeting August 7, 2023 7:00 PM Fridley City Hall, 7071 University Avenue NE Minutes Call to Order Chair Borman called the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present EB Graham Peter Borman Tim Kirk Ken Schultz Absent Luke Cardona Suad Maow Don Whalen Others Present Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director Approve Parks & Recreation Commission Agenda for August 7, 2023 Motion by Commissioner Graham to approve the August 7, 2023, meeting agenda. Seconded by Commissioner Schultz. The motion passed unanimously. Approve Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes for June 5, 2023 Motion by Commissioner Schultz to approve the June 5, 2023, meeting minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Graham. The motion passed unanimously. New Business 1. Initial Review of City Code Chapter 508 Parks and Parkways Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director, stated that the City is in the process of completing a comprehensive update of the City Code, on of which chapters is parks and parkways. He stated that the intent is to have the Commission have a first look at the chapter which will help staff gauge the amount of review time that may be necessary. 1 Park Commission 8/07/2023 Minutes Page 2 Commissioner Shultz referenced 508.15 and asked for clarification on the language, specifically whether games would be allowed on non-athletic grounds. He believed that the space could be used as long as it did not interfere or cause danger to others. Mr. Maher commented that he also felt there was ambiguity in that language and had marked that as well. He noted that in the Parks Improvement Plan they were intentional to create flexible areas that could be used in multiple ways. Commissioner Shultz provided additional input on language to be cleaned up, related to alcoholic beverages, cannabis use, and whether dogs can be in the water on park property. Mr. Maher noted that the City is working to address the recreational use of cannabis and believed that ordinance would be in place prior to the update of this chapter and advised that he would keep the Commission updated. Chair Borman commented that the chapter does seem dated. He suggested that the Commission review the language and highlight items to review and/or discuss. Mr. Maher commented that there is not a rush to review this, and they could continue to bring this back multiple times. He agreed that some of the language is dated and noted that it may also be appropriate to add language about trails. He provided details on exemptions available for groups to serve alcohol in certain scenarios with the proper permitting. It was the consensus of the Commission that Commissioners should send in their comments and suggestions to staff via email prior to the next meeting and staff could use that input to make draft changes for continued discussion. 2. Park Furnishing Deconstruction Guidelines Mr. Maher commented that this item came forward at the direction of the Commission and the draft guidelines were included in the packet. He noted that the EQEC reviewed, and endorsed, the document at its last meeting. He reviewed the park furnishing decommissioning priorities. Commissioner Shultz commented that this is a comprehensive list and seems to be the correct order as well in terms of reuse priorities. Chair Borman asked how they would go about determining which priority would be followed. Mr. Maher replied that staff would most likely have the knowledge on whether the items could be reused by the City or have resale value, and to ensure that the process would not interfere with the timeline for the project. Mr. Maher recognized Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner, who did the majority of the work on this document. The Commission thanked Ms. Workin for her excellent work. Park Commission 8/07/2023 Minutes Page 3 Old Business Staff Reports 3. Springbrook Nature Center Report Mr. Maher highlighted the summer day camp programing, staffing changes, other programs, and receipt of a DNR outdoor recreation grant. Commissioner Shultz noted that his grandkids enjoyed the recent programing they participated in and passed on kudos to staff. 4. Fridley Parks and Recreation Division Report Mr. Maher provided an overview of the report highlighting ‘49er Days, safety camp, summer concerts, wet and wild day, summer ROCKS, and the summer intern. 5. Park Maintenance and Construction Report Mr. Maher reviewed the report highlighting park maintenance and construction updates. Unfinished Business None Adjournment Commissioner Kirk made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:59 p.m. Seconded by Commissioner Graham. The motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Melissa Moore City Clerk