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11-06-2023 Park Commission Meeting November 6, 2023 7:00 PM Fridley City Hall, 7071 University Avenue NE Minutes Call to Order Acting Chair Graham called the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present Luke Cardona EB Graham Tim Kirk Ken Schultz Absent Peter Borman Suad Maow Don Whalen Also Present Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director Approve Parks & Recreation Commission Agenda for November 6, 2023 Motion by Commissioner Kirk to approve the November 6, 2023 meeting agenda. Seconded by Commissioner Cardona. The motion passed unanimously. Approve Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes for October 2, 2023 Motion by Commissioner Schultz to approve the October 2, 2023 meeting minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Cardona. The motion passed unanimously. New Business 1. Locke Park Improvement Plan Outline Discussion Parks and Recreation Director Mike Maher stated that in June the Commission held a worksession at Locke Park to discuss the transition of duties from Anoka County to the City, which will occur on November 15, 2023. He reviewed some of the short-term improvement priorities along with priorities for programming and opportunities. He also reviewed the long-term improvements Park Commission 11/6/2023 Minutes Page 2 that have been discussed noting that those would require additional funding, engagement, and planning. He asked for input from the Commission on whether the improvements cover the items discussed by the Commission and whether any changes to priority would be suggested. Acting Chair Graham commented that part of the appeal of the park it is natural setting and therefore would not want to see it cluttered with things, but believed that most of the improvements would be welcomed. Commissioner Cardona commented that he was unsure how effective feedback would be on improvements and prioritization until more information is known on potential funding that could be available. Commissioner Schultz stated that he supports the maintenance of the creek and noted that there may be partnerships available to support that maintenance. He believed that should be a priority. The Commission and staff had additional discussion about the creek and its use as a potential water trail. Commissioner Cardona commented that this is a key park, and it will be nice to have the City in control of the park. He believed that this park should be brought into the mix right away. Mr. Maher commented that it would seem logical to amend the Park Master Plan to include this park. Commissioner Kirk noted that he attended a private event at the park this summer and they were able to request a special addition to their rental permit which allowed a food truck. He commented that location seemed well suited for that type of use. Mr. Maher commented that the City would have a similar review process for rentals. 2. Moore Lake Community Building Rental Fees and Policies Discussion Mr. Maher estimated that the community building would be completed and available for public use around April 2024. He stated that over the coming months they would develop a set of policies that would include rental fees, policies, rules and regulations. He provided a comparison of community building rental rates and explained that the intention tonight would be to gain input on what would be a fair fee for a weekend rental and an hourly weekday rate. The Commission agreed that a security deposit should be charged. Commissioner Cardona noted that different rates should be available to residents, nonprofits and business type rentals. He noted that the comparison from Woodbury at $500 seems too high. Commissioner Schultz commented that $250 to $300 would seem to be a good price, with perhaps $60 per hour. Commissioner Cardona noted that they would also need to define a full day rental, suggesting perhaps eight hours within an allowed window. He stated that perhaps nighttime events are not allowed the first year. It was suggested that 9 p.m. be the latest allowed time for rentals to end as that would leave one hour for people to leave prior to the 10 p.m. park close time. Commissioner Schultz asked if there would be an additional cleaning fee as that would make a difference in rental costs as well. Mr. Maher recapped that a half day could be four hours while a full day rental could be seven hours with a full day rental in a price range of $250 to $300 for residents and $400 to $500 for non-residents. Commissioner Cardona stated that perhaps during the first-year staff could pop in once or twice during an event to keep an eye on things. He also suggested additional options for accessibility potentially using a similar scale to the scholarship/fee assistance program. Commissioner Schultz stated that he would not support a full credit through the program, but perhaps up to 50 percent. Commissioner Cardona noted that his suggestion for reduction would be more applied to the security deposit rather than the rental rate. 3. Pumpkin Night in the Park 2023 Event Report Mr. Maher provided a recap of the Pumpkin Night in the Park event. Old Business Staff Reports 4. Springbrook Nature Center Report Mr. Maher provided an overview of the written report highlighting information on school partnerships and the recent and planned improvements. The Commission 5. Fridley Parks and Recreation Division Report Mr. Maher provided a brief overview of the written report. 6. Park Maintenance and Construction Report Mr. Maher summarized the written report, highlighting progress on different projects. Adjournment Commissioner Kirk made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:16 p.m. Seconded by Commissioner Schultz. The motion passed unanimously. Park Commission 11/6/2023 Minutes Page 4 Respectfully submitted, Amanda Staple Recording Secretary