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08-04-2025 Parks and Recreation Commission August 04, 2025 7:00 PM 7071 University Avenue NE Agenda Call to Order Roll Call Approval of Agenda Approval of Meeting Minutes 1. June 2, 2025 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Open Forum The open forum allows the public to address the Commission on subjects that are not on the Regular Agenda. The Commission will accept feedback or questions from the public and asks that comments are limite d to five minutes or less. New Business 2. Discussion on Ordinance Update Allowing for Youth Member and Non-Voting Youth Sports Representative Member of Parks and Recreation Commission 3. Flanery Park Community Engagement Summary 4. Summit Square Park Community Engagement Summary 5. 2026 Proposed Meeting Dates Old Business Staff Reports 6. Fridley Parks and Recreation Staff Report Adjournment Accessibility Notice:  If you need free interpretation or translation assistance, please contact City staff.  Si necesita ayuda de interpretación o traducción gratis, comuníquese con el personal de la ciudad.  Yog tias koj xav tau kev pab txhais lus los sis txhais ntaub ntawv dawb, ces thov tiv tauj rau Lub Nroog cov neeg ua hauj lwm.  Haddii aad u baahan tahay tarjumaad bilaash ah ama kaalmo tarjumaad, fadlan la xiriir shaqaalaha Magaalada. 1 Parks and Recreation Commission 8/4/2025 Agenda Page 2 Upon request, accommodation will be provided to allow individuals with disabilities to p articipate in any City of Fridley services, programs or activities. Hearing impaired persons who need an interpreter or other persons who require auxiliary aids should contact CityClerk@FridleyMN.gov or (763) 572-3450. 2 Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses. AGENDA REPORT Meeting Date: August 4, 2025 Meeting Type: Parks and Recreation Commission Submitted By: Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director Title June 2, 2025 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Background Attached are the meeting minutes of the June 2, 2025 Parks and Recreation Commission. Financial Impact None. Recommendation Staff recommends approval of the June 2, 2025 Parks and Recreation Commission minutes. Attachments and Other Resources  June 2, 2025 Parks and Recreation Minutes. 3 Item 1. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting June 2, 2025 6:00 PM Edgewater Gardens Park – Fridley City Hall* Minutes Call to Order Chair Borman called the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Present EB Graham Peter Borman Melissa Luna Tim Kirk Ken Schultz Don Whalen Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director Absent Jodi Rehlander (There was an error in the published address of the park meeting and Jodi Rehlander did arrive at the published address of 138 Creek Park Lane. Staff acknowledges this error and connected with Ms. Rehlander after the meeting to provide an explanation of the mistake and apologize for the inconvenience) *The group met at Edgewater Gardens Park, but thunderstorm activity caused the group to relocate to Fridley City Hall at approximately 6:40 pm Approve Parks & Recreation Commission Agenda for June 2, 2025 Motion by Commissioner Schultz to approve the June 2, 2025 meeting agenda. Seconded by Commissioner Graham. The motion passed unanimously. Approve Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes for May 5, 2025 Motion by Commissioner Graham to approve the May 5, 2025 meeting minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Luna. The motion passed unanimously. Open Forum Two guests attended the meeting, Deb Braun and Jan Bodin. They expressed that additional trees are desired at the newly reconstructed Logan Park. Additionally, they indicated that a neighbor may 4 Item 1. Park Commission 12/4/2023 Minutes Page 2 be wiling to donate some transplanted white pine trees, and the neighborhood residents would care for the trees. Additionally, they asked if grills are scheduled to be installed in Logan Park and if the stumps left behind from removal of diseased Ash trees would be removed. New Business 1. Edgewater Gardens Park Discussion The group gathered at Edgewater Gardens Park as it is a good example of the park reconstruction process occurring at many city parks and part of Fridley’s park system improvement plan. The commissioners shared several observations about the park that they have heard from users:  The new pickleball and basketball courts are being well-utilized  Consider moving garbage cans closer to basketball courts  Consider lowering fencing material between pickleball courts as balls can roll beneath  Please make sure the court lighting is working properly and programmed correctly 2. 2025-2026 Commission Workplan Review Parks and Recreation Director Mike Maher reviewed the current work plan for 2025-2026, which will guide future meeting agendas and check-in meetings with community groups. The Commission did not have additions for the workplan and no formal action was taken to approve or endorse the workplan. Old Business Staff Reports Mr. Maher reviewed the staff report including a quick recap of events and programs that were held in May as well as highlighting upcoming summer events. Adjournment Commissioner Schultz made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:40 p.m. Seconded by Commissioner Graham. The motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Mike Maher Staff Liasion to the Parks and Recreation Commission and Recording Secretary 5 Item 1. Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses. AGENDA REPORT Meeting Date: August 4, 2025 Meeting Type: Parks and Recreation Commission Submitted By: Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director Title Discussion on Ordinance Update Allowing for Youth Member and Non -Voting Youth Sports Representative Member of Parks and Recreation Commission Background Ordinance No. 1430, Amending the Fridley City Code Chapter 105, Commissions, allows for the addition of a youth representative Commission member to be added to Fridley’s advisory Commissions. Parks and Recreation, in particular, allows for both a non-voting youth member and a non-voting member representing local youth sports. These members would be appointed by the City Council and staff would like to begin the process of advertising the opportunities and accepting applications. Financial Impact None Recommendation Staff recommends that the Commission discuss the opportunity to add non-voting youth and local youth sports representative members and to make any notes or recommendations they wish to have considered as positions are advertised or evaluated. Attachments and Other Resources  Ordinance No. 1430 Amending the Fridley City Code Chapter 105, Commissions 6 Item 2. Ordinance No. 1430 Amending the Fridley City Code Chapter 105, Commissions The City Council of the City of Fridley does ordain, after review, examination and staff recommendation that the Fridley City Code be amended as follows: Fridley City Code Chapter 105 Commissions 105.01 Purpose Pursuant to the Fridley City Charter Chapter 2, the Fridley City Council (Council) may create commissions with advisory powers to investigate any subject of interest to the City of Fridley (City). Advisory commissions provide for citizen input and are advisory to the Council. Advisory commissions shall have no decision-making authority, except as expressly established by the Fridley City Code or Minnesota Statutes (M.S.). 105.02 Commissions Generally 1. Membership (a) Each commission, unless otherwise indicated, shall consist of seven Fridley residents appointed by Council. (b) The Council will annually appoint, by Council resolution, a chairperson to each advisory commission. (c) Each commission shall elect a vice chairperson. At any meeting of the commission if the chairperson is unable to attend, the vice chairperson shall act as chairperson. (d) The commission members shall be appointed by the Council for three-year terms, except the Council shall make every effort to stagger the appointments so that the terms of no more than three members shall expire in any one year. Attempts shall be made to have all City wards represented on the commissions. Upon the expiration of their terms of office, members shall continue to serve until their successor shall have been appointed. (e) The Council may appoint one non-voting youth commission member to each of the City’s commissions. Youth commissioners must be at least 15 years of age, must be a resident of the City and enrolled in a high school or equivalent. Terms for youth appointments begin upon appointment and expire at the end of the school spring term. Youth commissioners may only serve on one commission at a time and may not serve more than three consecutive terms on the same commission. 2. Vacancy. Commission members may resign or be removed from office by a majority vote of the Council. The commission member appointed to fill any vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the vacated term. 7 Item 2. 3. Organization (a) Following the appointment of membership, each of the commissions shall meet, organize and with the exception of the chairperson, elect any officers, as it deems desirable. (b) Adopt rules for its meetings and the transaction of its business, in order to fulfill the responsibilities of the commission. (c) The chairperson shall assure the fulfillment of the following responsibilities: (1) Call and preside over meetings of the commission. (2) Appear or appoint a representative to appear, if deemed necessary, before the Council or any City commission pertaining to matters within the scope of the commission. (3) Provide liaison with other governmental and citizens' groups pertaining to matters within the scope of the commission for the purpose of timely and relevant information for consideration by the commission. 4. Staff Liaison. The City Manager shall assign one member of staff to serve as Staff Liaison to each commission. The Staff Liaison shall perform only such duties on behalf of a commission as may be assigned by the chairperson and with the consent of the City Manager. Additional advisory staff shall be assigned to the commissions by the City Manager within the restraints of the adopted general fund budget. A Staff Liaison shall not serve as an appointed member of any City advisory commission. 5. Project Committees. The commissions may establish special project committees to further the objectives of the commissions and provide for greater citizen participation. Such project committees shall be appointed by a commission for special projects and shall cease to exist when their activities are completed. The qualifications for membership, composition and duties of such project committees shall be at the discretion of the commission. The project committee may be chaired by a member of the commission, and at least one member of the commission shall act as a liaison for each project committee. 6. Compensation. The members of the commissions shall serve without pay, but may be reimbursed for actual expenses if funds therefore are provided in the adopted general fund budget. 7. Reports. The commissions shall make such reports as requested by the Council. or Planning Commission. 8. Meetings. Meetings shall be called by the chairperson and shall be held as necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the commissions. All meetings of the commissions shall be open 8 Item 2. to the public. Minutes shall be kept of all meetings. Findings and recommendations shall be transmitted by the commission chairperson to the to the Council. 105.03 Planning Commission 1. Commission Established. There is hereby created a Planning Commission for the City of Fridley, Minnesota pursuant to M.S. Chapter 462. 2. Purpose (a) The Planning Commission is established to provide comprehensive planning and zoning advice to the Council, provide a process by which the public may appeal staff’s interpretation of the Code, or request a variance to performance standards in the zoning chapters of the Code. (b) The Council hereby establishes the Planning Commission to serve as the Board of Appeals and Adjustments and exercise all authority and perform all functions of said Board pursuant to M.S. §§ 462.351 to 462.364 and operate according to this Code. 3. Scope (a) The Planning Commission shall serve in an advisory capacity to the Council. Matters shall be referred to the Planning Commission by the Council, City Manager or chairperson of the member commissions, and may be assigned to the member commissions for detailed study and recommendations as required. All recommendations by the Planning Commission shall be made to the Council. (b) The Planning Commission is charged with responsibility for community planning, growth and development of comprehensive goals and policies, including but not limited to, land use, housing, transportation, , and other related community activities. (c) The Planning Commission shall advise the Council in the development of programs to give increased effectiveness and direction in implementing established City goals and policies and recommend actions needed to carry out planning responsibility. 4. Appeals and Requests (a) The Planning Commission shall hear and recommend to the Council appeals or requests in the following cases according to the procedures established in Chapters 128 and 205 of this Code: (1) Appeals where it is alleged that there is an error in any order, requirement, decision, or determination made by a City compliance official in the enforcement of the Code, or State Building Code. 9 Item 2. (2) Requests for variances from the literal provisions of Code in instances where strict enforcement would cause practical difficulties due to circumstances unique to the individual property under consideration. 5. Membership of Planning Commission (a) The Planning Commission shall consist of the Planning Commission chairperson, the chairperson of the Parks and Recreation Commission, the chairperson of the Environmental Quality and Energy Commission, and four members at large. (b) Nothing herein shall prohibit any Planning Commission members from serving on other commissions; however, none of these shall be elected as chairperson or vice- chairperson of any other commissions. 105.04 Parks and Recreation Commission 1. Commission Established. There is established a Parks and Recreation Commission for the City. 2. Purpose. The Parks and Recreation Commission is established to promote the systematic and comprehensive development of park facilities and recreational activities necessary for the physical, mental and emotional health and well-being of the residents of the City. 3. Scope (a) The Parks and Recreation Commission shall act as an advisory commission to the Council for continuous community planning and development of comprehensive City goals and policies. Any change in related community planning and comprehensive City goals and policies must be reviewed by the Council. (b) The Parks and Recreation Commission shall advise the Council in the development of programs to give increased effectiveness and direction in implementing established City goals and policies and recommend actions as needed to provide park and recreational opportunities. 4. Program. The Commission shall each year, prior to June 1, recommend a capital investment program for park improvement and acquisition and for public recreation activities for the ensuing year. 5. Funds. For the purpose of financing the parks and recreation programs authorized by this Chapter, the accounting shall be the responsibility of the City Treasurer. The Commission shall be authorized to establish charges or fees for the restricted use of any facility or to make any phase of the recreation program wholly or partially self-sustaining. 6. Ex Officio Member. The Commission may include one commission position that will be an ex officio, non-voting member that is nominated by a Fridley youth sports organization and confirmed by the Council. Except for voting, the position will be charged with all the same 10 Item 2. rights, privileges and responsibilities as the other members of the Commission. The term of this position is subject to nomination and confirmation on an annual basis. 105.05 Environmental Quality and Energy Commission 1. Commission Established. There is established an Environmental Quality and Energy Commission for the City. 2. Purpose. The Environmental Quality and Energy Commission is established to stimulate interest in and to promote an awareness of environmental and energy concerns among citizens and businesses of the City. It will serve as a resource to the City in the conservation and management of energy and the environment, including information on environmental problems, laws, policies, and regulations of the county, metropolitan, state, and federal levels to the extent of their effect on Fridley and advise the Council, the City Manager, and other appropriate City commissions on matters pertaining to conservation and management of energy and the environment, including the review and recommendation of programs and policies within the City. 3. Scope (a) The Environmental Quality and Energy Commission shall act as an advisory commission to the Council for continuous community planning and development of the comprehensive City goals and policies. Any change in related community planning and comprehensive City goals and policies must be reviewed by the Council. (b) The Environmental Quality and Energy Commission shall advise the Council in the development of programs to give increased effectiveness and direction on implementing established City goals and policies, and recommend actions as needed relevant to the conservation and management of environmental and energy resources. Passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Fridley on this 28th day of April, 2025. ______________________________________ Dave Ostwald - Mayor ______________________________________ Melissa Moore - City Clerk First Reading: April 14, 2025 Second Reading: April 28, 2025 Summary Publication: May 1, 2025 11 Item 2. Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses. AGENDA REPORT Meeting Date: August 4, 2025 Meeting Type: Parks and Recreation Commission Submitted By: Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director Title Flanery Park Community Engagement Summary Background Flanery Park is scheduled for reconstruction in 2026 and several opportunities have been made available for residents to provide feedback on the park layout and components of a new playground. As part of the Park System Improvement Plan (PSIP), a concept plan for Flanery Park was developed and includes a concept design and set of recommendations. This information has been posted on the City of Fridley website and was presented at a neighborhood meeting held on July 10th. In addition to the park layout concept plan, two playground concept designs were developed by Flagship Recreation for residents to evaluate. An online survey was made available for three weeks for residents unable to attend the in-person event held in the park. Community engagement and Commission input will guide staff in developing an updated park plan to be used for park reconstruction. Financial Impact The improvements to Flanery Park were authorized by the approved Park System Improvement Plan and the concept plan calls for improvements ranging from $765,000 to $1.1 million. Recommendation Staff recommends that the Commission carefully review the community engagement summary and concept development plan in the PSIP and make recommendations for areas where engagement may show variation from the concept plan. Areas to consider include playground concept preference, the concept plan to remove the ice rink and plans for a small parking lot. Attachments and Other Resources  Park System Improvement Plan Concept Plan and Recommendations for Flanery Park  Flanery Park Community Engagement Summary 12 Item 3. 105104 EXISTING PARK FEATURES: Flanery Park1505 ONONDAGA STREET NE PARK TYPE: NEIGHBORHOOD PARK SIZE: 7�9-ACRES RESIDENTS SERVED: 1777 SPECIAL USES: HOCKEY RINK DESCRIPTION: Neighborhood park with nice character, mature trees and a broad range of recreation amenities� Services neighborhood #8 with additional service areas of #7 and #9 with improved connections� Currently it has on-street parking, double tennis courts (poor orientation), half basketball court, two ballfields, park building with restrooms, hockey rink and pleasure skating area� Open access to skating area invites improper vehicular use of this space� 900 900 900 900 900 900 900 Flanery Park 75TH A V E N E ONONDAGA S T N E BRIGADOON PL NE 73 1 / 2 A V E N E PI N E T R E E L N N E AR T H U R S T N E BA C O N D R N E Do c u m e n t P a t h : K : \ 0 1 6 9 2 7 - 0 0 0 \ G I S \ M a p s \ F r i d l e y P a r k s \ F r i d l e y P a r k s PR O \ I n d i v i d u a l M a p s D a t e S a v e d : 1 / 8 / 2 0 2 1 1 : 2 0 P M ¯1 inch = 100 feet 0 100 FeetPark Implementation Project Fridley, MN Park Location City Boundary Trail Type Trails Sidewalk Contours 2ft Contour 10ft Contour Flanery Park 13 Item 3. 107106 RECOMMENDATIONS & ESTIMATE OF PROBABLE COSTS: General recommendations include confirming an updated site layout with the neighborhood for an improved experience meeting a broad range of user groups� Recommendations include: • Removal of hockey rink (rink to remain at Madsen to service community) • Off-street parking lot with curb and gutter for improved safety and accessibility due to larger service area (this will also help deter existing vehicular uses) • Landscape enhancements • Open lawn with low-grow and/or bee-friendly turf mixture • New expanded playground meeting broader range of challenge levels and age groups with ADA compliant playground surfacing (engineered wood fiber) and rubber surfacing or tiles at primary access points and high-wear areas • Concrete playground border • Optional: Realign double tennis courts for N-S orientaiton • Full size basketball court • Park building improvements • Site furnishings with common characteristic (benches, tables, receptacles, bike racks, drinking fountain, etc�) • Expanded walks / trails for improved accessibility and internal loop route • Challenge or fitness area • Wayfinding signs • Security light The estimate of probable costs for completing the recommendations shown range from approximately $765,000 to $1�1 million� Specific assumptions and exclusions: • Does not account for unknown site factors (poor soils, drainage concerns, etc�) • Assumes general budget for building improvements LOW MEDIUM HIGHPRIORITY LEVEL: This neighborhood park offers a broad range of recreational amenities for multiple neighborhood service areas, and is ranked medium (Madsen is to be higher priority)� 14 Item 3.