Parks and Recreation Commission

Meeting Location: Farmington City Hall 430 Third Street Farmington, MN 55024 PARKS AND RECREATION REGULAR MEETING AGENDA Wednesday, May 8, 2024 7:00 PM Page 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. APPROVE AGENDA 3. APPROVE MINUTES 3.1. April 10, 2024 Meeting Minutes 3-7 Agenda Item: April 10, 2024 Meeting Minutes - Pdf 4. PRESENTATIONS 4.1. Public Comments 8 Agenda Item: Public Comments - Pdf 5. BUSINESS ITEMS Parks and Facilities Tour Schedule with Empire Parks and Recreation 9 - 10 Commission Agenda Item: Parks and Facilities Tour Schedule with Empire Parks and Recreation Commission - Pdf 6. DISCUSSION ITEMS 6.1. Parks and Facilities Tour Schedule with the Rambling River Center 11 - 12 Advisory Board and City Council Agenda Item: Parks and Facilities Tour Schedule with the Rambling River Center Advisory Board and City Council - Pdf 6.2. 2024 Work Plan Progress 13 - 17 Agenda Item: 2024 Work Plan Progress - Pdf 7. COMMISSION ROUNDTABLE 7.1. Round Table Format 18 Agenda Item: Round Table Format - Pdf 8. STAFF REPORT/UPDATES Page 1 of 20  8.1. Informational Updates 19 Agenda Item: Informational Updates - Pdf 9. MEETING AGENDA TOPICS 9.1. Possible Items for June 12, 2024 Meeting Agenda 20 Agenda Item: Possible Items for June 12, 2024 Meeting Agenda - Pdf 10. ADJOURN Page 2 of 20  PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA MEMO To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kellee Omlid, Parks & Recreation Director Department: Parks & Recreation Subject: April 10, 2024 Meeting Minutes Meeting: Parks and Recreation Commission - May 08 2024 INTRODUCTION: Attached are the draft minutes from the parks and recreation commission’s April 10, 2024 meeting. Commission members are asked to review the minutes and provide any corrections or additions that are needed at the meeting. ATTACHMENTS: April 10, 2024 PRC Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 20  Farmington Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes from the April 10, 2024 Regular Meeting Members Present: Megan Merricks, Cody Fishman, Katharine Caron, Katie Putt, and David McMillen Members Absent: Other’s Present: Parks and Recreation Director Kellee Omlid and Parks and Facilities Supervisor Jeremy Pire I. Call Meeting to Order Chair Fishman called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Quorum was present. II. Approval of April 10, 2024 Meeting Agenda Moved by Caron and seconded by Putt to approve the meeting agenda. All persons in favor (APIF). Motion carried. III. Approval of March 13, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes Moved by Merricks and seconded by McMillen to approve the meeting minutes with no revisions. APIF. Motion carried. IV. Presentations A. Public Comments There were no public comments shared at the meeting. B. Schmitz-Maki Arena’s Seasonal Report Parks and Facilities Supervisor Jeremy Pire presented the winter 2023-2024 ice season. There were six (6) more hours rented in the winter 2023-2024 ice season than the 2022-2023 season. Last year snow fell off the roof severing the gas line. Staff received one quote for an ice breaker system for the roof; it was for $27,000. Based on this, staff received quotes to move the gas line to run against the building. Minnesota Energy Resources gave the city a $5,000 grant to move the gas line. In exchange, a dasher board ad was produced and installed for Minnesota Energy Resources. There are two new staff at the Arena this year; Anthony Berra, Parks and Facilities Maintenance Worker, and Molly Burmeister, Lesson Coordinator. The turf has been installed; there was an Arts and Crafts fair last weekend and youth lacrosse practice starts Monday. The Rambling River Center Arts and Crafts Fair is Saturday, May 4. Ice will be reinstalled in early June. V. Business Items VI. Discussion Items A. Park Tour with City of Empire’s Parks and Recreation Commission Director Omlid provided an overview of the upcoming park tour with the City of Empire’s Parks and Recreation Commission. The tour is Wednesday, May 22 at 6 p.m. Commission discussed potential tour stops in Farmington. It was decided to tour Flagstaff Meadows Park, Schmitz- Page 4 of 20  Maki Arena’s drop-off lane and parking lot improvements, and Rambling River Park. At Rambling River Park, will tour / discuss new playground equipment, location for proposed skatepark, trails, and Vermillion River access and stream habitat restoration project. Director Omlid will bring the tour schedule to the May 8 meeting for approval. B. Food Truck Events with City of Empire’s Parks and Recreation Commission The spring food truck event is Friday, May 17 from 5-8 p.m. at Stelzel Ball Fields in Empire. Currently, there are nine (9) food trucks confirmed for the event. Commissioners Merricks and Putt will help from 4:45 – 6:30 p.m. and Commissioners Caron and McMillen from 6:30 – 8:15 p.m. An overview of the subcommittee meeting for the fall event was provided. There was confusion among the subcommittee members what was discussed at the fall joint meeting. Empire didn’t want to pair the fall food truck event with their Sunday night entertainment. They thought it would take away the focus of the FHS Marching Band. There were only three (3) days in September when the ballfields would be available for the event. The Empire Parks and Recreation Commission discussed this at their meeting Monday and were on board with canceling the fall event. They also proposed Empire would secure the food trucks for the spring events as logistically it makes sense since at their ballfields. It would still be promoted as a joint event, staff and/or commission members would work the event, as well as garbage pick-up. Commission agreed to cancel the fall event and continue with the spring event. The consensus was if only going to do one event going forward to make it more of an event. This could include yard games, balloon artist, face painting, and photo booth. The Parks and Recreation Department has bag boards we could bring this year. Director Omlid will follow-up with Empire to see if they are good with bag boards this year and exploration of a bigger event for spring 2025. C. City Council Work Session Director Omlid provided an overview of the most recent work sessions with city council. The commission discussed potential topics for a work session with city council. Ideas included Depot Way Arts Park, Vermillion River and presentation by Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Rambling River Park improvements, trail system and more connections, and what they would like to see improved on the commission’s side. The thought is to have a fall work session after the parks and facilities tour and continue to discuss potential topics for discussion. D. 2024 Work Plan Progress Director Omlid reviewed the progress of the goals and objectives of the 2024 work plan. VII. Commission Roundtable McMillen: Didn’t have anything to share. Putt: Didn’t have anything to share. Caron: Asked if Eastview Avenue will be finished to the south to 208th Street W. Crystal’s Cuddle Bugs is interested in using the trails in Middle Creek Park. The master plan for Middle Creek Park proposes Page 5 of 20 western parcel park acquisition if it becomes available. This would be the best access for the park as the other entrance is off a cul-de-sac with no parking. Merricks: Asked about motorized scooters on the trails. Director Omlid thought City Code is silent on electric scooters as e-bikes are allowed, but will review Code and let commission know. Fishman: Didn't have anything to share. VIII. Staff Report/Updates Director Omlid provided information on the following: A. Rambling River Park The application for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Outdoor Recreation Grant for design and construction of the skatepark was submitted on April 1. We should hear in June if we receive the grant. Parks Maintenance staff have been removing the tennis court and hauling fill in. The playground equipment was delivered this morning. Staff met at the park with a Resource Conservationist from Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District about native prairie restoration. Unfortunately, the area that was going to be restored there is reed canary grass, which is an invasive species. If anything was planted there, the reed canary grass would choke it out. It was decided to wait until 2025 to explore a native prairie restoration in the area where the playground is currently. B. Rambling River Center and VFW Steak Fry Staff met with city council in a work session in March to discuss proceeding with the Rambling River Center renovations as a single-phase project and include several of the Kraus-Anderson facility condition assessment items in the overall project. Finance staff presented the tax impact for issuing tax abatement bonds for the unfunded portion of the project. The city council directed staff to proceed with a single-phase project and include Kraus-Anderson facility condition assessment items. Staff is hoping to bring the Agreement with JLG Architects to Monday’s (April 15) city council meeting for approval. The VFW Steak Fry benefiting the Rambling River Center is Saturday, May 18 from 4-8 p.m. Price is $15 which includes a Von Hanson’s grilled steak, baked potato, salad, and dessert. C. North Creek Greenway Trail The erosion control fence was installed and tree removals should start soon. The schedule is as follows: trail construction starts in early May, bridge truss placement and bridge deck construction in mid-May, crossing work at 173rd St. W. in Lakeville in July, trail paving in late July, and landscaping, node items, and seeding / restoration in August. Substantial completion and punch list items are anticipated for mid-August, weather dependent. D. Regional Solicitation Grant Application for North Creek Greenway Trail Staff applied for a Regional Solicitation Grant for the remaining North Creek Greenway trail in Farmington from Riverview Elementary School to Mystic Meadows. In early March, staff were notified the project scored #15. In late March, staff learned there was a scoring mistake on the city’s application resulting in an additional 84 points and moving the project to #5. Staff received an email from the Met Council with two additional questions to see if this project would be a good fit for Active Transportation monies. These dollars are from a regional sales tax increase to provide additional resources for transportation investments. Dakota County staff noticed there was an error on our application, which probably dropped the project to #7. We Page 6 of 20  should find out relatively soon if awarded Active Transportation dollars to complete the project. Construction would need to start by 2026. E. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Trout Stocking of Vermillion River The DNR will be stocking approximately 3,500 rainbow trout (11-13 inches) in the Vermillion River Friday around 9:30 a.m. The stream trout season fishing opener is Saturday (April 13). The DNR will be stocking the Vermillion River two more times this spring with totals of 10,000 rainbows by Memorial Day. F. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) No Child Left Inside Grant The Parks and Recreation Department received a No Child Left Inside Grant for approximately $13,375 to purchase snowshoes and archery equipment. Recreation Supervisor Kohlbeck is excited to use the snowshoes for programming at the Rambling River Center. G. Community Event with Tanaka Tanaka is a non-profit that combats social isolation. The Director of Tanaka contacted Director Omlid to explore collaboration opportunities. Director Omlid and Recreation Supervisor Missie Kohlbeck met with the Director of Tanaka. We are going to collaborate with Tanaka for an all- ages murder mystery with light appetizers at the Rambling River Center. “Murder on the Rambling River Express” will be Thursday, August 15 at 6 p.m. and is free to participate. Recreation Supervisor Kohlbeck is working with the Rambling River Model Train Club for them to collaborate on the event as well. IX. Meeting Agenda Topics The following items were tentatively identified by the commission for its May 8, 2024 meeting agenda: 1. X. Adjournment Moved by Caron and seconded by Putt to adjourn the meeting. APIF. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Kellee Omlid Parks & Recreation Director and Recording Secretary Page 7 of 20  PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA MEMO To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kellee Omlid, Parks & Recreation Director Department: Parks & Recreation Subject: Public Comments Meeting: Parks and Recreation Commission - May 08 2024 INTRODUCTION: This agenda item allows the public to speak to commission members about any item that is not on the agenda. When speaking to the commission it must be in a respectful and non-threatening manner. Anyone wishing to provide public comments must provide their name and address for the record. Public comments shall not exceed five minutes. The commission will not respond to the comments and a formal written response will be sent prior to the next commission meeting to the person who made the public comments. Under no circumstances will any formal action be taken on the public comments that are provided to the commission. Page 8 of 20  PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA MEMO To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kellee Omlid, Parks & Recreation Director Department: Parks & Recreation Subject: Parks and Facilities Tour Schedule with Empire Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting: Parks and Recreation Commission - May 08 2024 INTRODUCTION: The parks and facilities tour with the City of Empire Parks and Recreation Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, May 22, 2024. At its April 10, 2024 meeting, the parks and recreation commission discussed and recommended several stops in Farmington. The commission decided the stops would include the Schmitz-Maki Arena, Rambling River Park, and Flagstaff Meadows Park. Empire Parks and Recreation Commission decided Town Hall Park would be the first stop as it is the most recently updated park in Empire. Farmington Parks and Recreation Commission wanted to see the disc golf course, so it will be the second stop in Empire. At their April 22, 2024 meeting, Empire Parks and Recreation Commission recommended just the two aforementioned stops as there will be some walking on the trail while viewing the disc golf course. The commission is asked to review the attached parks and facilities schedule and locations to visit. If the commission is comfortable with the schedule and locations, the commission should approve the tour schedule. The approved schedule will then be sent to the Empire Parks and Recreation Commission. ATTACHMENTS: 2024 Parks and Facility Tour Schedule with Empire Parks and Recreation Commission Page 9 of 20  City of Empire and City of Farmington Parks and Facilities Tour May 22, 2024 Schedule Time Location Action 6:00– 6:10 p.m. Empire Pick up Empire commission members Town Hall Park and tour Town Hall Park 6:15 -6:45 p.m. Empire Park Look at disc golf course 6:55-7:00 p.m. Schmitz-Maki Arena Look at parking lot and drop-off lane improvements 7:00 - 7:15 p.m. Rambling River Park Walk trails and look at the Vermillion Trails and River stream restoration project Vermillion River 7:20-7:30 p.m. Rambling River Park Look at new playground equipment and Playground discuss other proposed improvements 7:40-7:50 p.m. Flagstaff Meadows Look at park improvements and Park and Trail to new trail to FHS FHS 8:00 p.m. Empire Town Hall Tour ends Page 10 of 20  PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA MEMO To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kellee Omlid, Parks & Recreation Director Department: Parks & Recreation Subject: Parks and Facilities Tour Schedule with the Rambling River Center Advisory Board and City Council Meeting: Parks and Recreation Commission - May 08 2024 INTRODUCTION: The parks and facilities tour with the Rambling River Center Advisory Board and City Council is scheduled for Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at 6 p.m. At the March 13, 2024 parks and recreation commission meeting, the commission discussed potential park and facility stops. Initial suggestions included the Schmitz-Maki Arena, Flagstaff Meadows Park, Rambling River Park to see the new playground equipment, and Jim Bell Park and Preserve to see the progress of the removal of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) trees and buckthorn. The Rambling River Center Advisory Board (RRCAB) discussed the parks and facilities tour at their April 8, 2024 meeting. Ideas they had for stops included Rambling River Park, Flagstaff Meadows Park, Depot Way Arts Park, and Westview Acres Park. The parks and recreation commission discussed Daisy Knoll Park for the 2023 parks and facilities tour, but based on the number of stops and time allotted for the tour it was decided to not include it but discuss again for the 2024 tour. The Commission should discuss and recommend park and facility stops for this year’s tour. Staff will then develop a schedule and present it to the commission at a future meeting for approval. The approved schedule will then be sent to the advisory board and city council. Included in the meeting packet is the Parks and Open Space Inventory to refer to for potential stops. ATTACHMENTS: Parks and Trails 2024 Page 11 of 20 Page 12 of 20  PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA MEMO To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kellee Omlid, Parks & Recreation Director Department: Parks & Recreation Subject: 2024 Work Plan Progress Meeting: Parks and Recreation Commission - May 08 2024 INTRODUCTION: The commission’s updated 2024 work plan is included in the meeting packet. Shown in bold red are work plan items completed either at or since the last commission meeting held on April 10, 2024. Items that are in bold black have been completed. Commission members should be prepared to review the work plan to identify any other additional items that have been completed and then discuss other work plan items it would like to work on at future meetings. ATTACHMENTS: 2024 Parks and Recreation Commission Work Plan May Update Page 13 of 20 FARMINGTON PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION 2024 WORK PLAN Goal #1: Provide to the City Council a recommended 2025-2029 capital improvement plan for the park improvement fund. Objectives: 1. By April 1, the Commission will have discussed and identified a preliminary list of five-year capital improvement projects for the park improvement fund that will include a list of parks, costs, and schedule to be completed in the years 2025 to 2029. 2. By August 1, the Commission will finalize the five-year capital improvement projects for the years 2025-2029 and make a recommendation to the City Council for approval. 3. By December 31, the improvement projects recommended for funding from 2025-2029 will be included in the City Council’s approved 2025 final budget. Goal #2: Participate in a parks and facilities tour with the Rambling River Center Advisory Board and City Council. Objectives: 1. By March 1, the Commission, Advisory Board and City Council will have identified a date to have a tour. Status: Completed. August 28 has been set for the tour. 2. By May 1, a draft list of parks and facilities to tour will be reviewed by the Commission. 3. By June 1, a final list of parks and facilities to tour will be approved by the Commission. 4. By October 1, a parks and facilities tour will have occurred. Goal #3: Participate in a work session with City Council. Objectives: 1. By February 1, a date to have a work session with City Council will be identified. 2. By May 1, a list of work session topic(s) will be approved by the Commission. 3. By October 1, a work session with City Council will have occurred. Goal #4: Participate in the process of finishing and making improvements at Sunny Hills Park, Flagstaff Meadows Park, and Rambling River Park. Objectives: 1. By January 1, City Council will have approved the purchase and installation of new playground equipment for Rambling River Park. Status: Completed. At their December 18, 2023 meeting, City Council approved the purchase and installation of playground equipment for Rambling River Park. 2. By June 1, the final improvements at Sunny Hills Park will be completed and a ribbon cutting ceremony will have occurred. 3. By July 1, the final improvements at Flagstaff Meadows Park will be completed and a ribbon cutting ceremony will have occurred. 4. By July 15, installation of the new playground equipment at Rambling River Park will have been completed and a ribbon cutting ceremony will have occurred. Page 14 of 20 Goal #5: Identify Bike Pedestrian Plan Priorities to Accomplish in 2024. Objectives: 1. By March 31, the Commission will have reviewed the priorities identified in the Bike Pedestrian Plan. Status: Completed. The Commission reviewed and discussed the priorities identified in the Bike Pedestrian Plan at their March 13 meeting. 2. By May 15, the Commission will have developed and approved a list of priorities to work on and complete in 2024-2025. 3. By December 31, Commission members will have worked with staff to accomplish the Bike Pedestrian Plan priorities it identified to complete. Goal #6: Participate in the process of identifying and making improvements at Depot Way Arts Park. Objectives: 1. By November 1, the Commission will have discussed Depot Way Arts Park and brainstormed potential improvements, ideas, partners, etc. 2. By February 1, 2025, an open house seeking ideas for improvement will have been held. 3. By March 1, 2025, the Commission will have given input on potential improvements. 4. By May 1, 2025, cost estimates and potential funding sources will be identified and shared. 5. By August 1, 2025, improvements that can be completed by staff and/or volunteers will be finished. Goal #7: Host food truck events in the spring and fall with City of Empire Parks and Recreation Commission. Objectives: 1. By January 1, the date and location for the spring food truck event will be approved. Status: Completed. Friday, May 17 from 5 – 8 p.m. in Empire at Stelzel Ball Fields was approved for the spring food truck event at the joint meeting on October 23, 2023. 2. By April 1, the details, including, but not limited to date, location, and music, of the fall food truck event will be approved. Commission will also have decided who will contact the food trucks to see if they are interested in participating. Status: Completed. It was decided by both parks and recreation commissions to not host a fall food truck event in 2024. 3. By May 15, Commission members will have decided who will help at what times with the spring food truck event. Status: Completed. The Commission decided at their April 10 meeting who would work from 4:45-6:30 p.m. and 6:30-8:15 p.m. 4. By May 31, the spring food truck event will have happened. 5. By September 1, Commission members will have decided who will help at what times with the fall food truck event. 6. By September 30, the fall food truck event will have happened. 7. By October 31, the commissions will have jointly discussed and evaluated the spring and fall food truck events. Page 15 of 20 Goal #8: Continue to build and strengthen relationships with the City of Empire Parks and Recreation Commission, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and Dakota County Parks. Objectives: 1. By February 1, organize and host a presentation by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Status: Completed. TJ Debates, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, attended the January 10 parks and recreation commission meeting and presented on fisheries management and Vermillion River. 2. By June 1, organize and conduct a joint parks tour with the City of Empire. 3. By October 1, organize and host a presentation by Dakota County Parks. Goal #9: Develop a Tobacco-Free Parks Policy. Objectives: 1. By April 1, review tobacco-free parks policies from other cities in Dakota County and discuss what should be included in a City of Farmington Tobacco-Free Parks Policy. Status: Completed. At their February 14 meeting, the commission reviewed policies and ordinances from other cities and discussed what should be included in the City of Farmington Tobacco-Free Parks Policy. 2. By May 1, review draft tobacco-free parks policy and make recommendations for edits. 3. By July 1, forward updated draft policy to Dakota County Public Health and Tobacco-Free Alliance for feedback. 4. By August 15, further discuss and revise the policy, if needed, based on feedback from Dakota County Public Health and Tobacco-Free Alliance, and forward to City Council for approval. 5. By September 15, present policy to City Council for approval. Goal #10: Receive periodic presentations from each of the parks and recreation department’s professional staff members about programs, parks, facilities and trails and a presentation from the Finance Director on the budget and a presentation from the Planning Manager on new housing and business developments. Objectives: 1. By April 15, Commission members will have received a presentation from the Finance Director on the city’s budget and funding sources. 2. By May 15, the Commission will have received a presentation by professional staff members of the Department’s 2023 Annual Report. Status: Completed. The Annual Report was presented at the March 13 meeting. 3. By June 15, Commission members will have received a presentation from staff on the results of the Schmitz-Maki Arena’s winter ice season. Status: Completed. Parks and Facilities Supervisor Jeremy Pire presented the results of the Schmitz-Maki Arena’s 2023-2024 winter season at the April 10 meeting. 4. By July 15, Commission members will have received a presentation from the Planning Manager on current and future developments. Page 16 of 20 5. By September 15, Commission members will have received a presentation from staff on the first half operations of the Rambling River Center. 6. By October 15, Commission members will have received a presentation from staff on the results of the summer programs offered. 7. By December 15, Commission members will have received a presentation from staff about the spring turf season and summer ice season. 8. By December 15, the Commission will have received a presentation from staff about maintenance and improvements to parks and trails. Page 17 of 20  PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA MEMO To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kellee Omlid, Parks & Recreation Director Department: Parks & Recreation Subject: Round Table Format Meeting: Parks and Recreation Commission - May 08 2024 INTRODUCTION: The round table agenda item allows commission members to share information or ask staff about items not on the agenda. No formal decisions are made during this agenda item. Page 18 of 20  PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA MEMO To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kellee Omlid, Parks & Recreation Director Department: Parks & Recreation Subject: Informational Updates Meeting: Parks and Recreation Commission - May 08 2024 INTRODUCTION: This agenda item is an opportunity for staff to provide informational updates to commission members. These items are informational only and no formal decision can be made during this agenda item. Staff will provide an update during the meeting about the following: 1.Spring Food Truck Event with Empire Parks and Recreation Commission 2.Rambling River Park 3.Rambling River Center Renovations 4.Helmet Heroes 5.Sunny Hills Park 6.New City Website and Farmington Fix Page 19 of 20  PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA MEMO To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kellee Omlid, Parks & Recreation Director Department: Parks & Recreation Subject: Possible Items for June 12, 2024 Meeting Agenda Meeting: Parks and Recreation Commission - May 08 2024 INTRODUCTION: The following are possible topics staff has identified for commission to consider for its June 12, 2024 meeting agenda: •2025-2029 Capital Improvement Plan for Park Improvement Fund •Review Parks and Facilities Tour with Empire Parks and Recreation Commission •Tobacco-Free Parks Policy •Rambling River Park •Park Dedication Study •Ribbon Cuttings for Sunny Hills Park and Flagstaff Meadows Park •2024 Work Plan Progress Commission members should come prepared to identify other possible topics for the June 12, 2024 meeting agenda. Page 20 of 20