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10-07-2024 1 Park Commission Meeting October 7, 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 Tim Kirk Don Whalen Absent Suad Maow Ken Schultz Also Present Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director Cody Rosetti, Springbrook Nature Center Interpretive Coordinator Susan Bauer, Parks and Recreation Administrative Assistant Approve Parks & Recreation Commission Agenda for October 7, 2024 Motion by Commissioner Kirk to approve the October 7, 2024 meeting agenda. Seconded by Commissioner Graham. The motion passed unanimously. Approve Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes for September 3, 2024 Motion by Commissioner Graham to approve the September 3, 2024 meeting minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Whalen. The motion passed unanimously. Open Forum Justin Bauer stated that he is a Boy Scout and present to earn the final two badges on his pathway to becoming an Eagle Scout. New Business Park Commission 10/7/2024 Minutes Page 2 1. Springbrook Nature Center Pumpkin Night in the Park Cody Rosetti, Springbrook Nature Center Interpretive Coordinator, introduced himself and stated that Pumpkin Night in the Park will take place this year on Saturday, October 19th. He provided details on the event and noted that volunteers are still needed. He stated that there is a park and ride with a shuttle as parking onsite is limited. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased in person at City Hall or Springbrook Nature Center, or online with an additional convenience fee. 2. Commons Park Site Plan Review Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director, summarized the different community engagement that was done to prepare for the Commons Park concept and reviewed the themes that were identified through that process. He presented the original concept plan and compared that to the schematic design, highlighting items that had been changed. Commissioner Whalen identified the berm on the north end of the parking lot and asked if there would be a fence in addition to the berm. Mr. Maher commented that he did not believe the plan called for fencing on City property. He explained the purpose of the berm is to block lights from vehicles from shining into homes and noted that many homes already have their own fencing. Commissioner Graham asked the number of parking stalls. Mr. Maher estimated that the new lot would have about 70 stalls, which is about double of what currently exists. Chair Borman recognized residents and those involved in the creation of the original concept present in the audience and welcomed input. Kevin Johnson, 63rd Avenue, commented that staff has been great to work with and stated that the group likes the new concept, and their concerns have been resolved. He appreciated the berm and extended parking, agreeing that most of those homes along that stretch have their own fencing. He stated that he likes the revised concept and believes that his neighbors agree. He recognized that the park is an amenity and one of the reasons they purchased their home. He noted that his only comment would be whether the high school would desire a 90-foot baseball field for their JV games. Mr. Maher commented that the intent is to have the ability on the northwest field for magnetic bases that can be moved to the different distances to accommodate the needs of the community. He stated that an existing softball field at Community Park is also going to be modified to have the adjustable bases as well. Commissioner Cardona referenced the firepit and asked if that would be for public use, staff use, or renting. Mr. Maher replied that the current intention would be for that to be a gas firepit and Park Commission 10/7/2024 Minutes Page 3 would be controlled through a locked access that would require staff to turn it on and off and would not be available for general public use. Chair Borman asked for details on lighting throughout the park. Mr. Maher provided more specific details on the schematic plans as they have been updated, identifying the different amenities proposed to be included. He provided details on lighting, noting that the lighting plan may shift as things move along. Commissioner Graham asked if both hockey rinks would be removed. Mr. Maher confirmed that the hockey rinks are being removed and explained that the intent is to separate the utility area from the general park use as a best practice. He noted that there would be a community skating area around the park building and other community rinks in the community. Commissioner Graham asked and received confirmation that the only parking would be in the north lot. Commissioner Cardona noted that the community feedback showed that the hockey rink was not a desired amenity. He stated that he does support the additional parking being added, especially as they have seen the demand at Moore Lake. Mr. Maher provided more details on the potential uses of the green space within the plan. Motion by Commissioner Cardona to endorse the schematic design plans for Commons Park. Seconded by Commissioner Whalen. The motion passed unanimously. 3. Non-Profit Fee Waiver Request Mr. Maher provided background information on the non-profit fee waiver request process. He stated that two requests have been received from Lee Carlson Center and Mississippi Watershed Management Organization and provided details for each of those requests. Commissioner Whalen asked if the weekdays are typically full for rentals. Mr. Maher replied that generally the weekends are full for bookings but lighter during the weekdays, with perhaps two or three rentals on weekdays. Commissioner Cardona asked and received confirmation that these are the first two requests for a reduced rate at Moore Lake. Mr. Maher explained that this fee waiver request process was established about two months ago. Commissioner Cardona stated that while he supports this, he would not support weekend requests and recognized that most non-profits can afford to pay the non-profit rate. He expressed concern that this could set a precedent and open the doors for requests. Commissioner Kirk stated that he would be inclined to deny most waiver requests as it would tend to favor larger, more organized groups. He believed that there is value in having a fee and noted that he would not want to get into a pattern of receiving and approving fee waiver requests. Park Commission 10/7/2024 Minutes Page 4 He stated that he would support flexibility for the event that straddles the line of being a half or full day event. Chair Borman agreed that request from the watershed could make sense as they are only renting for a half day, but the time straddles the line. He also agreed with the concerns that have been expressed about approving a complete fee waiver as that could open the door for additional requests and there are costs for operating the facility. Commissioner Cardona stated that he could support these requests tonight and perhaps staff brings back a review of the policy at a future meeting. Motion by Commissioner Cardona to approve the full waiver for a half-day rental fee waiver request for Lee Carlson Center for the event on Thursday, November 21, 2024 and to approve the fee waiver request to pay the half-day rental fee for a full-day rental for Mississippi Watershed Management Organization for their event on Thursday, October 17, 2024. Seconded by Commissioner Graham. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Cardona stated that he would like the Commission to revisit this policy at a future meeting. Mr. Maher confirmed that he can bring this forward to a future agenda along with information from other communities. 4. Scholarship Program Report Mr. Maher provided background information on the scholarship program, which was implemented last fall. He provided an overview of the use of the scholarship program during the last year and stated that staff recommends no changes to the program. He stated that the intent would be to continue to review the program on an annual basis. Chair Borman asked if there is a maximum funding for this program. Mr. Maher commented that a maximum amount was set per person, but no maximum for the program itself. Commissioner Cardona asked if utilization of the program has increased from the previous year. Susan Bauer, Parks and Recreation Administrative Assistant, stated that the 40-student number is steady from the previous year. She stated that this has allowed families to participate in the program recurrently. She noted that younger siblings are entering the program this year, which is exciting to see. Staff Reports 5. Springbrook Nature Center Report Mr. Maher provided an overview of the written report, highlighting maintenance and construction, school programs, the expanded nature play area, and the upcoming Pumpkin Night in the Park event. Park Commission 10/7/2024 Minutes Page 5 6. Fridley Parks and Recreation Division Report Mr. Maher stated that the class and activity offerings were included in the packet, noting good enrollment in the after-school classes which have filled to capacity. He highlighted recent events and provided a recap of recent facility rentals. He noted that the adult athletic leagues continue to grow in popularity. 7. Park Maintenance and Construction Report Mr. Maher provided an update on the progress of different park projects. Unfinished Business None. Adjournment Commissioner Graham made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:34 p.m. Seconded by Commissioner Kirk. The motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Mike Maher, Staff Liaison