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08-05-2024 1 Park Commission Meeting August 5, 2024 7:00 PM Fridley City Hall, 7071 University Avenue NE Minutes Call to Order Chair Borman called the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present Luke Cardona EB Graham Peter Borman Suad Maow Don Whalen Absent Tim Kirk Ken Schultz Also Present Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director Approve Parks & Recreation Commission Agenda for August 5, 2024 Motion by Commissioner Cardona to approve the August 5, 2024 meeting agenda. Seconded by Commissioner Graham. The motion passed unanimously. Approve Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Motion by Commissioner Cardona to approve the March 4, 2024, May 6, 2024 and June 3, 2024 meeting minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Whalen. The motion passed unanimously. Open Forum No comments. New Business 1. Parks and Recreation Commission 2024 Goals and Workplan Review Park Commission 8/5/2024 Minutes Page 2 Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director, stated that he wanted to provide an opportunity to review the workplan to see what has been accomplished and what may be a focus for the remainder of the year. He reviewed highlights of what has been completed from the workplan as well as items still planned to be completed this year. Chair Borman asked if there was a request from the Lions Club received, related to the fee structure for the Moore Lake community building. Mr. Maher commented that staff followed up with that request to share the structure, which includes a nonprofit rate, and the organization was comfortable with that nonprofit rate. He noted that through that process staff was able to develop a form and process for that. Commissioner Whalen asked if there have been any issues with park takeovers. Mr. Maher commented that there has been a trend in the metro with a few hundred young people gathering at parks, which can lead to negative behaviors. He commented that the Fridley Police have been involved in the metro issue and public safety and park staff continue to monitor for that type of incident. Commissioner Graham asked if the City has received any feedback on the Moore Lake rental fees. Mr. Maher replied that the rental numbers have been good, and he has not received any specific feedback on the fees being too high. 2. Commons Park Recreation Building Discussion Mr. Maher commented that a mutually agreeable resolution was achieved with FYSA related to sports fields. He reviewed the vision for Commons Park, the existing Commons Park conditions, and provided an overview of the planning status for the project. He displayed an updated concept for the park along with the additional field development at Community Park. Commissioner Cardona asked the additional cost for the converted fields at Community Park. Mr. Maher was unsure but noted that the City staff can complete that work in-house rather than contracting out. He confirmed that the updated concept for Commons Park fits within the project budget. He noted that the grants the City has received for the project assist with meeting that goal. He stated that the Park System Improvement Plan recommendations for Community Park included developing the backside of the park for muti-use fields. He confirmed that all improvements at Commons Park would fit within the City owned property and would not encroach onto School District property. Chair Borman commented that he also likes the added parking on that side. Mr. Maher reviewed the next steps for the Fridley and FYSA partnership. He also provided details on the recreation building service delivery and updated elements of the concept plan. Park Commission 8/5/2024 Minutes Page 3 Commissioner Maow asked if grants are being pursued for the indoor playground. Mr. Maher replied that has not been something they have had time or opportunity to make a priority as of yet, as the inside of the building plan has been rapidly evolving. He stated that staff will continue to look for grant opportunities as he anticipated that element would be a few years out. Chair Borman asked if part of the reason for the downsizing is due to increasing costs for materials and labor since the plan was originally designed. Mr. Maher confirmed that there has been a significant increase that staff have seen in bids since the conceptual design of the project. He stated that grants or donations would most likely be the funding source for an indoor playground element. Commissioner Whalen commented that it is nice to have the foresight ahead of time and perhaps it could be incorporated in the future. Chair Borman asked if there was organized soccer happening at Commons Park, or whether the activity was mostly practice and neighborhood games. Mr. Maher stated that the City was previously striping for soccer but that has moved to Community Park and the City is no longer striping or renting space for formal soccer use at Commons Park. He stated that there are groups that meet there for a practice or pick-up game, but they are not renting the space. 3. 2024 Resident Survey Result Summary for Parks and Recreation Mr. Maher reported that the resident survey was completed in the last two months and the full summary of results is available on the City website. He provided details on the survey methodology, demographics, and other results from the survey. Chair Borman commented that after the parks revitalization process is completed, he would be interested in a parks specific survey to gain input from residents about the improvements. Mr. Maher commented that staff will look at that option, along with other more informal options to gain resident feedback. 4. Proposed 2025 Meeting Dates of the Park and Recreation Commission Mr. Maher stated that the proposed meeting dates for 2025 was included in the Commission packet and reviewed that with the Commission. Motion by Commissioner Graham to approve the Parks and Recreation Commission 2025 meeting schedule as presented. Seconded by Commissioner Maow. The motion passed unanimously. Old Business Commissioner Cardona acknowledged the work of Brian Strand, noting that he will be missed. Park Commission 8/5/2024 Minutes Page 4 Staff Reports 5. Springbrook Nature Center Report Mr. Maher provided an overview of the report including summer camp activity, roundabout construction progress, and expansion of the nature-based play area and other programming that is possible through the receipt of grant funds. He advised of an upcoming concert on August 13th at the Springbrook amphitheater. 6. Fridley Parks and Recreation Division Report Mr. Maher provided an update on recent and upcoming activities, events, and programing opportunities. He noted that the fireworks and movie night has been rescheduled to August 16th. He also noted some instances of vandalism that staff have addressed. He also provided details on the accessible access into the Moore Lake building. 7. Park Maintenance and Construction Report Mr. Maher provided an overview of the staff report highlighting recent park maintenance and construction progress. Unfinished Business Adjournment Commissioner Cardona made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:22 p.m. Seconded by Commissioner Whalen. The motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Mike Maher, Staff Liaison