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12-06-2021 PARK COMMISSION MEETING December 6, 2021 7:00 PM Fridley Civic Campus, 7071 University Avenue N.E. MINUTES CALL TO ORDER Chair Heinz called the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. PRESENT Mike Heintz EB Graham Eric Evanson Peter Borman Ryan Gerhard Ken Schultz Shanna Larson Mike Maher, Community Services Director Cody Rossetti, Springbrook Nature Center Interpretive Program Coordinator APPROVE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA FOR DECEMBER 6, 2021 MOTION by Commissioner Schultz to APPROVE the December 6, 2021 meeting agenda. SECONDED by Commissioner Larson. The MOTION PASSED unanimously. APPROVE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FOR NOVEMBER 1, 2021 MOTION by Commissioner Larson to APPROVE the November 1, 2021 meeting minutes. SECONDED by Commissioner Evanson. The MOTION PASSED unanimously. NEW BUSINESS/ACTION ITEMS A. Introduction to Springbrook Nature Center Interpretive Program Coordinator, Cody Rossetti Community Services Director Mike Maher stated that tonight he will continue to introduce new staff members that have joined the team and introduced Springbrook Nature Center Interpretive Program Coordinator Cody Rossetti. Mr. Rossetti introduced himself to the Commission and stated that he has been in the field of environmental education for the past 13 years. He provided details on his education and 1 career experience. He reviewed his program responsibilities noting that he coordinates the partnership with the School District, the volunteers, and the special events. He provided additional details on the partnership with the School District. He stated that volunteers are a critical element of the work that is done at Springbrook ranging from animal care, junior leaders, invasive species removal, special events and reception. He highlighted some of the special events, noting that typically there is a special event for each season including Pumpkin Night in the Park, Winterfest, Candlelight Hikes, and Migration Celebration. The Commission welcomed Mr. Rossetti. Chair Heintz thanked Mr. Rossetti for the work he has been doing and will continue to do. Mr. Maher commented that Mr. Rossetti does an excellent job in all his duties but shines working with young children. He noted that staff is excited to have him on the team. B. Adopt-a-Park Update, Questions and Commission Director for 2022 Mr. Maher commented that there has been a transition in the oversight/management of the Adopt-a-Park program with the staffing changes that have occurred. He stated that this duty will then fall to the Parks and Recreation team and his department. He asked if the Commission has input for the program moving forward. He stated that the program has been running for the past 18 months and almost all the parks have been adopted. He noted that during the winter months staff reached out to those that have adopted parks to determine if they would like to continue. Chair Heintz asked if there is volunteer recognition for those that adopt a park, similar to what is done for volunteers at Springbrook. Mr. Maher commented that in the past they have done a volunteer recognition event at Springbrook. He stated that staff has been discussing some type of recognition, such as a certificate that could be mailed out. He agreed that perhaps a summer gathering would be a nice addition to the program to recognize those that participate in the program and are working to improve the parks. Commissioner Schultz asked if there has been an effort to have those leaving the program assist in finding a replacement. Mr. Maher replied that at this point, staff is just beginning to reach out to folks in the program. He noted that could be a good tactic to pursue. He stated that from his experience the people that participate in these types of activities are often involved with others that volunteer and could perhaps provide recommendations. 2 Commissioner Borman asked if there has been feedback from parks maintenance staff as a result of the program. Mr. Maher stated that he has had a number of conversations with the Parks Operations Supervisor and Lead Parks Maintenance staff and both of them have expressed appreciation and support for the program and the contributions of the program. He commented that staff has stated that the program has helped to keep the parks cleaner and also to have eyes and ears on the parks. He stated that generally speaking, those that adopt a park tend to live in the vicinity of the park and tend to check on them more than the four clean-up events per year. Commissioner Larson asked if the participants are provided with tools, or if they supply their own materials. Mr. Maher commented that it is his understanding that once an application is accepted, parks maintenance staff meet the group in the park and they bring some materials that the group can use during the year, such as gloves and trash bags. He did not believe tools were provided such as rakes. He stated that the participants typically pickup litter and alert staff to any maintenance issues. He stated that requests could be reviewed on a case-by-case basis for groups that desire to do additional work, such as invasive species removal. Commissioner Schultz stated that there is often graffiti on bike trails near his home and asked if that cleanup could be included in the program. Mr. Maher asked and received confirmation that the trail mentioned in a County trail and maintenance for that would typically be done by Anoka County. He stated that if a resident were to reach out to City staff, staff could reach out to Anoka County to alert them to what needs to be done. Commissioner Evanson asked if there has been any feedback from the volunteers that participate in the program. Mr. Maher stated that he has limited experience with the program but has had some conversations with those participating in the program. He commented that the program has allowed residents to take the next step in helping to improve their community and people have appreciated that opportunity. He acknowledged that there is frustration related to vandalism and things of that nature. Commissioner Evanson stated that he was approached with an opportunity to clean up the park at Moore Lake. He asked if the participants in the program would be comfortable 3 organizing those types of activities or whether there could be some steps outlined that would assist participants in that process. Mr. Maher commented that is the type of idea he was hoping to receive tonight. He agreed that it could be helpful to develop a quick how to guide that could be used by participants to engage their neighborhood or community for a clean up event. He reviewed details on an Adopt-a-Park success story. Chair Heintz thanked the participants for their hard work. He noted that perhaps those that have been successful in the program could be mentors for new participants joining the program. Commissioner Evanson asked how this program is being broadcast. He noted that perhaps this success story could be shared with the public to market the program. Mr. Maher commented that the project was recently completed in the last month and he has plans to highlight this story in an upcoming City newsletter to residents. C. Park System Improvement Plan Task Force Progress Update and Discussion Mr. Maher stated that the packet included the most recent sets of minutes from the task force meetings and other related committees. He stated that they have worked with a group of resident volunteers to refine down the neighborhood park plans that had been developed. He stated that the task force was pleased with the resident engagement on those park plans. He stated that the input received has been reflected in the plans for the neighborhood parks. He noted that most recent discussions have focused on three of the larger community parks and provided an update on that process. He stated that the concept plans for those parks are available on the City website for those that would like to review them. He noted that the th group will next meeting on Thursday, December 9 and the meeting is open to the public. STAFF REPORTS A. Springbrook Nature Center Mr. Maher commented on the success of the Pumpkin Night in the Park. He commented that snowshoes are available for rent at Springbrook. He provided details on the Christmas Bird Count event. He advised of a new exhibit that will be added to the facility through partnerships with grants received from other entities. B. Fridley Parks and Recreation Division Report 4 Mr. Maher stated that enrollment numbers were included for programming and staff is working to finalize the winter and spring brochures. He stated that staff has been discussing developing mission, vision and value statements for the department in order to create a focus and ensure that everyone is on the same page in types of programs that should be offered to the community. He stated that the finalists for different contests were included in the report and thanked residents that participated in the events. C. Park Maintenance and Construction Report Mr. Maher noted that an update was submitted within the report. He stated that staff has transitioned from summer/fall to prepare for winter activities and duties. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Graham made the MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 7:45 p.m., SECONDED by Commissioner Larson. The MOTION PASSED unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Amanda Staple Recording Secretary 5