Loading...
09-06-2022 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING September 6, 2022 7:00 PM Fridley Civic Campus, 7071 University Avenue N.E. MINUTES CALL TO ORDER Chair Borman called the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. PRESENT Peter Borman Ryan Gerhard Ken Schultz Shanna Larson Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director APPROVE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA FOR SEPTEMBER 6, 2022 MOTION by Commissioner Schultz to APPROVE the September 6, 2022 meeting agenda. SECONDED by Commissioner Larson. The MOTION PASSED unanimously. APPROVE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES 2. Approve Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of August 1, 2022 MOTION by Commissioner Schultz to APPROVE the August 1, 2022 meeting minutes. SECONDED by Commissioner Larson. The MOTION PASSED unanimously. NEW BUSINESS/ACTION ITEMS 3. Fridley Youth Sports Association Soccer Discussion Nikki Karnopp, Fridley Heights Lightning Soccer, provided background information on the organization, its volunteer Board, and the youth served by the programs. She commented on the previously dwindling registration which has since increased. She noted that the other communities that participate in the league are run by that city whereas this organization is unique in that it is run by volunteers. She noted that they moved fields and have been happy with the change. She commented that the City has been good in cooperating and collaborating, but they do not have many asks of the City. She asked that they continue to work together to accommodate future growth. Parks and Recreation Minutes Page 2 Commission 9/6/2022 The Commission asked the number of children participating. Ms. Karnopp replied that there were 145 children for the fall season and 160 for the spring/summer season. The Commission thanked Ms. Karnopp for attending to provide an update and for the contributions of the volunteers that run the organization. 4. Moore Lake Site Design Update and Feedback Mike Maher, Community Services Director, introduced the consultant that is present to provide a presentation of the slightly updated site design for Moore Lake Park. Candace Amber, consultant, stated that the previous plan was meant to be schematic and therefore as the process moves forward, they get into the final design details. She provided a presentation highlighting how the plan has evolved. She confirmed that the parking lot to the north would remain as is and explained that the new parking lot would add additional stalls than are currently available. She explained that almost the entire park is within the floodplain and therefore mitigation is required and provided those details. The Commission advocated for the nature play area to remain in the plan. Additional questions were asked about the ongoing maintenance. Mr. Maher explained that $50,000 was budgeted for the small nature play area compared to the $300,000 to $350,000 cost of the Springbrook Nature Center natural play area. He noted the concerns with maintenance and safety of that area. A suggestion was made to make use of the trees in a more cost-effective option for that space. Ms. Amber commented that natural materials degrade more quickly. The Commission asked about the possibility of pickleball and the timing of the County roundabout. Ms. Amber replied that it may not be feasible to have pickleball at this location, but they are doing soil borings. She stated that they are collaborating with the County on a timeline. Mr. Maher reviewed the two recommendations from the project team. The Commission asked the funds that would be needed to investigate the feasibility of a pickleball court, noting the known issues with soil, as that could take away from the ability to complete other elements. It was asked if there is an area that could support a pickleball court based on previous borings. Ms. Amber stated that they sited the building based on the best soil conditions and they identified areas where additional borings would be needed. It was noted that removing the natural play area will allow those funds to be used in different areas of the park and also eliminates the concern with parents perhaps not wanting their children to go play in a corner of the park. MOTION by Commissioner Schultz to recommend moving and combining the two play areas and reallocate funds. SECONDED by Commissioner Gerhard. The MOTION PASSED 3-1 (Larson opposed). The Commission further discussed the potential of pickleball and whether it would be adequate in this location where the soils are not in great condition which may cause faster degradation, therefore perhaps a different park would be a better location. Ms. Amber provided additional details on excavation and the requirements specific to this site because of the floodplain. MOTION by Commissioner Larson to recommend inclusion of a pickleball court as an alternate bid for the project. SECONDED by Commissioner Gerhard. The MOTION PASSED unanimously. 5. Park System Common Elements Selection Process Mr. Maher stated that staff is proposing a process to work with the Commission on the common elements that would be seen within the parks system. He noted that last month they looked at park entrance signs and would continue that work to create a catalog of styles that would provide a unified look and feel within the parks system. STAFF REPORTS 6. Springbrook Nature Center Report Mr. Maher provided an overview of the report including summer programing, upcoming events, and grants. 7. Fridley Parks and Recreation Division Report Mr. Maher reviewed the highlights of the report including summer programing. 8. Park Maintenance and Construction Report Mr. Maher reviewed the report and highlighted the activities of staff. He asked of the upcoming event at Moore Lake on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. He stated that the Community Services Department will be changing its name back to the Parks and Recreation Department, therefore his title will be changing to Parks and Recreation Director. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Larson made the MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 8:07 p.m., SECONDED by Commissioner Schultz. The MOTION PASSED unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Parks and Recreation Minutes Page 4 Commission 9/6/2022 Amanda Staple Recording Secretary