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04-04-2022 PARK COMMISSION MEETING April 4, 2022 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 Ken Schultz Shanna Larson Mike Maher, Community Services Director APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION by Commissioner Larson to APPROVE the April 4, 2022 meeting agenda as amended to add a New Business, Item 5, Election of Officers. SECONDED by Commissioner Graham. The MOTION PASSED unanimously. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of March 7, 2022 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes MOTION by Commissioner Evanson to APPROVE the March 7, 2022 meeting minutes. SECONDED by Commissioner Borman. The MOTION PASSED unanimously. NEW BUSINESS 2. Review of First Draft of Final Park System Plan Document Mike Maher, Community Services Director, stated that the information included in the packet is the th same draft that was reviewed by the Commission with the City Council at the March 28 meeting. Park Commission 4/04/2022 Minutes Page 2 The Commission commended staff for the excellent work with the earlier presentation. Questions were raised as to when the Council would take formal consideration of the plan and whether any feedback has been received. Mr. Maher stated that there has not yet been follow-up discussion on the plan since the presentation and he was unsure when action would be taken on the plan. 3. City of Fridley Memorial/Tribute Guidelines for Park System Mr. Maher commented that there has been successful implementation at Springbrook which allows for people to commemorate a loved one or event throughout sponsorship of certain items. He presented a concept that would potentially expand that opportunity throughout the parks system. The Commission supported this concept, provided additional sponsorship ideas, and suggested additional marketing of the program. Questions were raised related to vandalism and useful life the sponsored items, noting that information would be helpful to share with donors in order to set accurate expectations. Mr. Maher noted that he would incorporate the feedback received and bring it back to the Commission for consideration in the future. 4. Outdoor Facility Rental Guidelines and Fees Draft Mr. Maher presented an updated draft of the outdoor field and facility rental guidelines and fees. The Commission asked questions for clarity and provided some suggestions on field maintenance and use. Additional questions were asked related to fees. Mr. Maher noted that a section will be added related to special use. It was noted that there are not fees included for soccer tournaments. A suggestion was also made to convert softball fields at a park to soccer fields to perhaps increase use. 5. Election of Officers It was noted that the Commission typically elects officers in April/May and suggested that February would be more appropriate in the future as that is the first meeting of the year and new members would have joined the group. Commissioner Larson made the MOTION to move the election of officers to February beginning in 2023, SECONDED by Commissioner Graham. The MOTION PASSED unanimously. OLD BUSINESS STAFF REPORTS 6. Fridley Parks and Recreation Division Report Mr. Maher provided an update on recent activity of the parks and recreation division, recreational programing, and recruitment for vacant parks positions. The Commission recognition event will be th held at Springbrook Nature Center on April 18. 7. Springbrook Nature Center Report Mr. Maher provided an overview of the report highlighting collaborations with local schools. He also advised of available staffing and volunteer opportunities. 8. Park Maintenance and Construction Report Mr. Maher reviewed the report and encouraged interested candidates to apply for seasonal park maintenance positions. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Larson made the MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 8:21 p.m., SECONDED by Commissioner Schultz. The MOTION PASSED unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Amanda Staple Recording Secretary