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04-01-2024 Park Commission Meeting April 1, 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 Ken Schultz Don Whalen Absent Suad Maow Also Present Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner Approve Parks & Recreation Commission Agenda for April 1, 2024 Motion by Commissioner Kirk to approve the April 1, 2024 meeting agenda. Seconded by Commissioner Graham. The motion passed unanimously. Approve Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes for February 5, 2024 Motion by Commissioner Cardona to approve the February 5, 2024 meeting minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Schultz. The motion passed unanimously. Open Forum New Business 1. Sylvan Hills Park Stormwater and Habitat Improvements Park Commission 4/1/2024 Minutes Page 2 Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner, provided background information on the project noting the park project planned for this year. She provided additional details on the stormwater elements of the park, the existing conditions, and prior incidents. She provided details of the feasibility study completed by the WMO, the City and the consultants which reviewed multiple concepts. She presented the concept which provides a balance between underground and surface water features to manage stormwater. She stated that the WMO awarded $1,493,000 at its March 12th meeting for the stormwater project. The City is asked to provide a $15,000 contribution. She noted that the City Council will consider this project at its April 8th meeting and if approved, the project is planned for construction in the fall of 2024. Commissioner Whalen asked for details on maintenance. Ms. Workin commented that $50,000 of the budget from the WMO can be used for native habitat maintenance over the next three years to ensure success in establishing that habitat. She stated that the City would be responsible for ongoing maintenance of the underground stormwater facility. Chair Borman asked if the stormwater treatment would collect runoff from the neighborhood. Ms. Workin commented that the plan would balance above ground water treatment that would collect water from the immediate area, while the underground facility would collect water diverted from the stormwater system to treat water and infiltrate that into the ground. She commented that these combined methods of treatment would be estimated to remove 5,000 pounds of sediment from runoff each year, as well as additional phosphorus removal that would be provided, prior to the water discharging into the Mississippi River. Commissioner Kirk asked the anticipated lifespan of the underground structure. Ms. Workin commented that the maintenance needs would depend on the quality of the stormwater reaching the park. She stated that there will be a pretreatment element to collect leaves and debris, but finer particulates will reach the underground facility. She noted a similar underground facility the City uses which is vacuumed every three to five years. She believed that the facility has a useful life expectancy of 25 to 30 years. Motion by Commissioner Whalen to endorse the modified Sylvan Hills Concept Plan. Seconded by Commissioner Kirk. The motion passed unanimously. 2. City of Fridley Park Bench Sponsorship Guidelines Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director, reviewed the purpose of a park bench sponsorship program. He stated that these draft guidelines and program used the Springbrook Nature Center program as a model to expand upon. He reviewed the proposed program details and typical bench types for the different types of parks. Chair Borman asked if Springbrook Nature Center has reached the capacity for benches. Mr. Maher confirmed that there are currently 28 benches at that location, all of which have been sponsored. Motion by Commissioner Cardona to approve the park bench sponsorship program and guidelines. Seconded by Commissioner Graham. The motion passed unanimously. Old Business Staff Reports 3. Springbrook Nature Center Report Mr. Maher provided an overview of the report noting the upcoming Springbrook Spree fundraiser on Saturday, April 6th. He also highlighted information on partnerships with the schools, a grant received and registration status for summer day camps. 4. Fridley Parks and Recreation Division Report Mr. Maher provided a summary of the written report, noting that the department is hiring for the summer season. He stated that the Summer ROCKS program is at full capacity and there will be new programing at two park locations. He also provided details on a robust offering of adult athletic leagues and fitness classes and noted that performers have been booked for the community concert series. 5. Park Maintenance and Construction Report Mr. Maher reviewed his written report. Unfinished Business Adjournment Commissioner Kirk made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:47 p.m. Seconded by Commissioner Graham. The motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Amanda Staple Recording Secretary