10-03-2022
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MEETING
October 3, 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
EB Graham
Peter Borman
Ryan Gerhard
Ken Schultz
Suad Maow (arrived at 7:07 p.m.)
Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director
Scott Hickok, Community Development Director
APPROVE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA FOR OCTOBER 3, 2022
MOTION by Commissioner Graham to APPROVE the October 3, 2022 meeting agenda. SECONDED
by Commissioner Schultz. The MOTION PASSED unanimously.
APPROVE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
2. Approve Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of September 6, 2022
MOTION by Commissioner Schultz to APPROVE the September 6, 2022 meeting minutes. SECONDED
by Commissioner Graham. The MOTION PASSED unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS/ACTION ITEMS
3. Locke Park Joint Powers Agreement Between the City of Fridley and Anoka County
Scott Hickok, Community Development Director, provided background information on the joint
powers agreement between the City and Anoka County which began in 1980 and the roles each
entity took on. He noted that the entities have been discussing the agreement and the ability for
Fridley to take back the maintenance and programing of the parks identified in the agreement. He
stated that Anoka County Commissioners are in support of that action and noted that Fridley would
continue to use the land as maintained park and trail. He reviewed the legislation that would be
Parks and Recreation Minutes Page 2
Commission
10/3/2022
necessary to allow the City to recoup its costs for maintenance and upkeep, which is currently paid
to Anoka County.
Chairman Peter Borman asked who maintains the trails that are in Locke Park now. The County should
as park of the commitment through the JPA, but that is one of the issues that has brought this matter
to the fore. The level of maintenance has been the subject of discussion.
Commissioner Schultz asked whether the City would choose to move forward if the legislation were
not passed, how other communities are reimbursed for maintenance completed. Mr. Hickok replied
that the City would still move forward regardless of the legislation in order to get control of
maintenance and programing and explained how other communities are reimbursed by other
entities.
Mayor Lund provided additional input on implementing agencies. He explained that the City would
like to do more than what is being done by Anoka County in the parks mentioned. Mayor Lund
continued that he has spoken with County Commissioners, as well as Reva Chamblis Metropolitan
Council Member. In both cases Lund iterated that he is looking for their support in not objecting
when they approach the legislature for new words in the Implementing Agencies law. The change in
the law as described by the mayor would be five additional words, and the city of Fridley, after the list
of other Implementing Agencies listed currently.
Chairman Borman asked for, and received, clarity on the maintenance responsibility of the regional
trail segments both within the mentioned parks and outside of those areas. The Commission asked
if it has been determined as to the amount Anoka County receives for these parks. Mr. Hickok
confirmed that Anoka County does not breakdown the funds allocated in that manner but explained
that the City would develop a five-year maintenance plan with specific costs identified.
Commissioner Maow, asked, so I understand this, we could say we own our own stuff, and we want
to do our own thing with it, do I have that correct. Staff responded yes, not to change the use, just
to maintain, and program in a manner that meets our standard.
Chairman Borman asked how much money are we talking about? Mayor Lund responded that in a
recent discussion he had with the County $1.2M had been given to the County, but it was earmarked
for projects elsewhere and not Fridley.
Mayor Lund asked the commissioners if there was anyone who would object to moving forward with
dissolving the JPA. While all agreed with the action to dissolve the JPA, E.B. Graham said, I would be
disappointed if we didn’t. Commissioner Gerhard said he thought it was a good idea.
The Commission supported moving forward with the dissolution of the JPA.
4. Moore Lake Park Update
Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director, provided an update on the Moore Lake Park process and
recapped that community meeting that was held onsite. He reviewed the themes identified from
resident conversations and presented different playground options. He reviewed the revised site
plan as well as additional updates and considerations.
MOTION by Commissioner Graham to ENDORSE the playground concept shown in the presentation
as “Option B”. SECONDED by Commissioner Schultz. The MOTION PASSED unanimously.
5. 2023 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Dates
Mr. Maher presented the proposed 2023 meeting dates for the Commission.
MOTION by Commissioner Schultz to ADOPT the 2023 meeting schedule as presented. SECONDED
by Commissioner Graham. The MOTION PASSED unanimously.
STAFF REPORTS
6. Springbrook Nature Center Report
Mr. Maher provided an overview of the report including recent events and programing and upcoming
events.
7. Fridley Parks and Recreation Division Report
Mr. Maher reviewed the report and provided a summary of programing opportunities for both youth
and adults.
8. Park Maintenance and Construction Report
Mr. Maher reviewed the written report highlighting recent maintenance and construction activity in
the parks.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Gerhard made the MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 8:04 p.m., SECONDED by
Commissioner Maow. The MOTION PASSED unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Amanda Staple
Recording Secretary