Park & Recreation Advisory Board

Public Services – Parks & Recreation REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF THE ANOKA PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD TUESDAY, July 16, 2024 COUNCIL WORK SESSION ROOM OF ANOKA CITY HALL 2015 FIRST AVENUE, ANOKA MN MEMBERS PRESENT: Steve Nelson, Derek Sebesta, Don Rowell, Kirk Schnitker, Anna Hauglie, Mary Blankenship and Joe Anderla MEMBERS ABSENT: Bob Erickson, Mark Beckenbach STAFF PRESENT: Lisa LaCasse, Public Services Administrator and Jon Holmes, Public Services Supervisor APPROVE MINUTES Nelson had three corrections to the May 21, 2024, meeting minutes. On page 3, first paragraph, tenth sentence, Nelson is requesting that the wording be changed from “Nelson mentioned that he supported rebuild sunny acres” to “Nelson mentioned that he supported rebuilding Sunny Acres” and “Sorenson Park is used much” to “Sorenson Park isn’t used a lot.” On page 3, fifth paragraph, that the wording be changed from “Nelson send the 5 year plan forward” to “Nelson recommended sending the 5-year plan forward.” A motion was made by Schnitker, seconded by Rowell to APPROVE THE MAY 21, 2024 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD WITH NOTED CHANGES. 7 AYES – 0 OPPOSED. Motion carried. OPEN FORUM None. NEW BUSINESS None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Budget Updates LaCasse stated that last night City Council reviewed the 2025 Budget, no changes were made yet and it will not be approved until December. LaCasse reviewed the proposed projects for 2025 projects totaling $1,295,000: Park Capital $320,000 Outside Sources $ 30,000 General Fund $389,000 Grants $556,000 Regular Meeting of the City of Anoka Parks and Recreation Advisory Board July 16, 2024, 2024 Page 2 Total City Funds $709,000 Total Non-City Funds $586,000 The following was submitted to City Council as the budget proposal for 2025 Projects Park Capital Fund: Stone House Bridge $ 90,000 Multi-Park Improvements $ 40,000 Upper Rum River Trail Reconstruction $ 40,000 Rum River Trail 4th Avenue Crossing $736,000 (Grant = $556,000, Outside Source = $30,000, Park Capital $150,000) The following was submitted to City Council as the budget proposal for 2025 Projects budgeted in the General Fund: Trail System Repairs $ 80,000 Planting Trees $ 10,000 Park Maintenance - two new employees $148,000 Grant Writing Assistance $ 20,000 Aquatic Center – Filter Room (pump/valves/pipes) $ 50,000 Aquatic Center – Feature Building Pump lint strainers $ 21,000 Aquatic Center - exterior paint $ 25,000 Aquatic Center - re-grit epoxy interior floors/fall safety $ 35,000 ARPA Funds received in 2022 by the City of Anoka totaled $1,917,794. Most funds were used to fund park projects and Anoka Aquatic Center improvements. There were three projects not related to parks/rec facilities. Funds spent to date equal $1,501.279 with a remaining balance of $416,515. On July 1, 2024, City Council approved the following ARPA Fund allocations: river dredging, WPA historic park chimneys (Akin / Goodrich), entertainment trailer, dredging by the docks, Social District garbage cans, Stout Pond benches and garbage cans, Rum River Trail reconstruction, and Aquatic Center pool strainer baskets totaling $416,000. This will leave a remaining balance of $514.77 The following are 2025 Park Capital Projects that are ARPA earmarked: Stout Pond Benches/Garbage Receptacles $20,000 Pool Pump Lint Strainer Baskets $13,000 of $21,000 project cost Upper Rum River Trail Reconstruction $40,000 ($40,000 ARPA Funds, $20,000 Other Sources) LaCasse has asked Anoka County to help Non-City Funds to our adjusted budget $73,000 The 2025 Projects total $1,222,222 Park Capital $260,000 ($60,000) Outside sources $ 30,000 General Fund $366,000 ($13,000) Grants $556,000 Total City Funds $626,000 ($73,000) Total Non-City Funds $586,000 LaCasse anticipates that there will be items eliminated or cut from the budget including: two new employees for Park Maintenance at $148,000 or maybe one employee will be allowed but Regular Meeting of the City of Anoka Parks and Recreation Advisory Board July 16, 2024, 2024 Page 3 not both. Painting the exterior of the Aquatic Center could be removed $25,000. Board members made suggestions and had a lengthy discussion about options to reduce costs without eliminating maintenance projects and should consider eliminating new infrastructure projects. LaCasse discussed the 4th Ave Trail Project Rail Crossing is grant funded so the match funds must remain in the budget. Nelson questioned the Stone House Bridge project funding. LaCasse said that the proposed budget of $90,000 might actually increase as the project is developed and designed. The connection to the West Rum River Trail is part of the long range trail plan. Before it may be constructed, a hydrology study needs to be complete, bridge schematics needs to be developed and submitted to the DNR, and the MN DNR Waters Permit will be required. Another $30,000 - $35,000 might need to be invested in addition to the budgeted amount. Three council members are in favor of the Stone House improvement. Anderla questioned isn’t the Stone House out of the water? LaCasse answered that it usually is submerged part of the year. Discussion involved whether there would be more issues of vandalism by creating access. Whether it is financially responsible to fund a project like this when there are other things needed such as maintenance of existing facilities. Board members expressed concern regarding the permitting process and those expenses which are currently unknown and not including in the $90,000 budget amount. Staff feels it could be an option to complete the stone house bridge with any future dam improvements. There is a good chance that the dam project will require FEMA mapping/flood plain amendment. Changes to the dam could change the results of a hydrology study completed today. Several members expressed that they would be in favor of waiting on the Stone House until the changes are made to the dam. LaCasse explained that staff believes that the project submitted and supported by the Board and included in the budget submitted to City Council for consideration for 2025 is already fiscally responsible. She and Holmes have a meeting with the city manager tomorrow morning with line items of daily operating and general fund accounts to review in attempts to make operating cost reductions. The tax levy gets set in October and is reported to Anoka County with what the high amount of the levy could be and it can not increase, but may decrease. Council must approve the final budget in December. Basically $100,000 is equal to 1% levy. To reduce the levy either revenues need to increase or expensed decreased. Multiple board members agree that if pencils need to be sharpened then the stone house bridge should go as it was not a high priority item for the board when the projects were discussed. Discussion continued about whether the park board should be eliminating or not supporting new projects and be focused/concerned with the state of our current parks and that should be hesitant to add new projects until we can take care of our present parks. Regular Meeting of the City of Anoka Parks and Recreation Advisory Board July 16, 2024, 2024 Page 4 She stated that in 2002-2003 parks had seven crew and streets had six crew. There were staff cuts in 2005 that resulting in reduction to 5 and 5. Now in 2024, Public Services is back to a staff level of 13 crew. Holmes and LaCasse have been asking for more employees since 2009 reconstruction of E/W Main Street. There has been some major infrastructure added without the addition of staff to support maintenance. In addition to 13 full time crew members, this summer we were able to hire 13 seasonal employees which has allowed us to stay caught up with weed whipping, landscape maintenance and to complete other smaller maintenance projects. Blankenship asked about getting the same group of seasonal workers next year. Holmes stated that he does ask them to come back each year. Nelson suggested the board pass a motion of recommendation that if the Council does not support the request for additional maintenance staff than the board should not create or approve any more projects. Blankenship is concerned about staff’s ability to maintain what we already have in the park system and adding additional structures. A motion was made by Schnitker, seconded by Anderla, to recommend that if the City Council does not support the request for additional Public Service employees than the Board should not approve any more projects. 6 AYES – 0 OPPOSED – Rowell Abstained from vote. Motion carried. LaCasse will have additional updates on this item next month. Project updates • West Rum River Trail Phase 1 – Staff is working with the consultant and contractor on the route of the trail through the Giddings Gardens. The contract expressed concern that the trail as designed would have major impacts on the gardens and would be difficult to construct. The idea of an elevated board was discussed and the engineers now have to determine if that would work and at what cost. The trail would still cross the gardens but limited regrading would be required – the user experience could be really cool and the gardens would not be impacted. The board walk would be steel and wood 2 x 12’s, and a railing would likely be required due to the elevation for safety. LaCasse and Holmes are meeting with the consultant tomorrow. The elevated board walk will impact other components of the trail design and may actually help reduce some costs. This contractor is very good to work with and is helping to figure out a better design. • Riverfront Park Veterans Stage Roof – The pillars legs of the roof are receiving granite cladding. The project was on hold for Riverfest, but should be completed this week. The stage needs vegetation on the back side of the stage; and possibly a shade panel to protect the musicians, similar to a black screen until the vegetation grows up. The project is on budget. • Senior Center Flooring Project – The project was passed through the Buildings Budget not Parks. The tile floor in the Senior Center is in bad condition. A budget of $35,000 was set aside for flooring. The quote for the flooring is less than $20,000. Plans are also underway to replace the window treatments as well. Anderla questioned why we are putting more money into the Senior Center instead of a future bigger area. Rowell said that there is plenty area for the people that attend the center and mentioned about the bus that picks up people. LaCasse stated that there is future $1.5 million budget item to add-on to the Regular Meeting of the City of Anoka Parks and Recreation Advisory Board July 16, 2024, 2024 Page 5 Senior Center and create additional parking, but it requires demolition of the George Green Pavilion. Overall, the center is in decent condition. • Highland Park Playground – LaCasse stated that it was built last week thanks to Holmes and his crew. The swing set frame should be installed tomorrow and that all should be completed by the first part of August. Nelson questioned what changed that it was worked on. LaCasse stated that City Council supported the installation. COMMUNICATIONS • Farmers Market Theme Weeks/Concert Schedule - LaCasse stated that in the board’s packet is a farmer’s market and concert schedule. The first senior day was on July 10th and $5 tokens were handed out to those over the age of 60. There were 45 tokens handed out and 40 spent. Senior Day will be held again on August 14th and September 11th. On August 21st there will be a canvas bag giveaway to the first 100 people. There were initially 15 vendors. Some have had to withdraw but overall it has been well attended. On Wednesdays, the market is open from 3:00 – 7:00 pm and the concert is from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. Both events have been a department effort with assistance also from Pam Bowman. Schnitker asked if LaCasse was asked about development of the TOD (Transit Oriented Development) by the train station and if it is really going to happen. LaCasse has not been involved with the project. She will check about getting information regarding it. Nelson asked about the money borrowed for the boat slips. LaCasse stated that there are ARPA funds for dredging and that boat slips are currently being backed by loan. Council had discussed using dock slip revenue for river related projects. The loan borrowed from the Urban Redevelopment Fund does need to be paid back. Blankenship asked about the Social District and how it is going. LaCasse replied that it’s going good. We initiated a Busker program which allows musicians and other street performers to perform in designated areas for tips. We received 21 musician busker applications. There have only been a couple of pictures on social media so she doesn’t know how many people have been in town experiencing it. After Riverfest, sections of Jackson Street will be shut down on weekends so people can walk in the street and establishments can plan activities. It is unknown how this will be received and if there will be any comments from the community. There have been no major issues attributed to the Social District thus far. Blankenship asked about noise issues with concerts and Peninsula Point Park. LaCasse stated that there have been no issues thus far that she was aware of. LaCasse asked about the noise level at Mississippi Crossings. Blankenship said the music is muffled. There doesn’t seem to be complaints. Regular Meeting of the City of Anoka Parks and Recreation Advisory Board July 16, 2024, 2024 Page 6 ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING Photos of Highland Park Budget Update Adjournment There being no further discussion, a motion was made by Schnitker, seconded by Rowell, to ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING. 7 – AYES, 0 – OPPOSED. Motion carried. Time of adjournment 7:12 pm Respectfully Submitted, LaCasse LaCasse, Public Services Administrator