Parks and Recreation Commission

Meeting Location: Farmington City Hall 430 Third Street Farmington, MN 55024 PARKS AND RECREATION REGULAR MEETING AGENDA Wednesday, July 9, 2025 7:00 PM Page 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. APPROVE AGENDA 3. APPROVE MINUTES 3.1. June 11, 2025 Meeting Minutes 3-6 Agenda Item: June 11, 2025 Meeting Minutes - Pdf 4. PRESENTATIONS 4.1. Public Comments 7 Agenda Item: Public Comments - Pdf 5. BUSINESS ITEMS 5.1. Parks and Facilities Tour Schedule with the Rambling River Center 8-9 Advisory Board and City Council Agenda Item: Parks and Facilities Tour Schedule with the Rambling River Center Advisory Board and City Council - Pdf 6. DISCUSSION ITEMS 6.1. Depot Way Arts Park 10 - 19 Agenda Item: Depot Way Arts Park - Pdf 6.2. Community Outreach and Engagement 20 Agenda Item: Community Outreach and Engagement - Pdf 6.3. 2025 Work Plan Progress 21 - 25 Agenda Item: 2025 Work Plan Progress - Pdf 7. COMMISSION ROUNDTABLE 7.1. Round Table Format 26 Agenda Item: Round Table Format - Pdf Page 1 of 28 8. STAFF REPORT/UPDATES 8.1. Informational Updates 27 Agenda Item: Informational Updates - Pdf 9. MEETING AGENDA TOPICS 9.1. Possible Items for August 13, 2025 Meeting Agenda 28 Agenda Item: Possible Items for August 13, 2025 Meeting Agenda - Pdf 10. ADJOURN Page 2 of 28  PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA MEMO To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kellee Omlid, Parks & Recreation Director Department: Parks & Recreation Subject: June 11, 2025 Meeting Minutes Meeting: Parks and Recreation Commission - Jul 09 2025 INTRODUCTION: Attached are the draft minutes from the parks and recreation commission’s June 11, 2025 meeting. Commission members are asked to review the minutes and provide any corrections or additions that are needed at the meeting. ATTACHMENTS: June 11, 2025 PRC meeting minutes Page 3 of 28  Farmington Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes from the June 11, 2025 Regular Meeting Members Present: Doug Pewowaruk, David McMillen, Katharine Caron, and Megan Merricks Members Absent: Katie Putt Other’s Present: Parks and Recreation Director Kellee Omlid, Cody, Heidi, and Bodie Fishman I. Call Meeting to Order Vice-chair McMillen called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm. Quorum was present. II. Approval of June 11, 2025 Meeting Agenda Moved by Caron and seconded by Merricks to approve the meeting agenda. All persons in favor (APIF). Motion carried. III. Approval of May 14, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes Moved by Pewowaruk and seconded by Merricks to approve the meeting minutes with no revisions. APIF. Motion carried. IV. Presentations A. Public Comments Cody Fishman stated the importance of good well-maintained trails, especially for those pushing strollers and in wheelchairs. Cody and his family have been using the new North Creek Greenway trail, which is smooth and very nice. He is also concerned about the number of motorized / gas powered vehicles, bikes, and golf carts on the trails. V. Business Items A. Purchase of Playground Equipment for Westview Acres Park The commission discussed the seven (7) playground proposals. Consensus was the playground equipment from Northland Recreation was preferred and this was the same equipment the students from both Riverview Elementary School and Boeckman Middle School chose. Moved by Caron and seconded by Merricks to recommend the city council approve the purchase and installation of playground equipment from Northland Recreation. APIF. Motion carried. B. 2026 – 2030 Park Improvement Fund CIP Director Omlid reviewed the proposed projects in the 2026 – 2030 Park Improvement Fund CIP focusing on the projects identified for 2026. The five-year CIP is annually included in the approved city budget. The most important year is the first as funding is only provided for the first year and projects can move back or forward in the plan. Proposed projects for 2026 include a skate park at Rambling River Park if the city is awarded a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Outdoor Recreation grant, improvements at Depot Way Arts Park which were pushed back from 2025, new 5–12-year-old playground equipment and park sign at Prairie View Park, basketball surface improvements at Hill Dee Park, Meadowview Park, and Tamarack Park, and a park master plan for Vermillion Commons. There were questions regarding whether Meadowview Elementary School has a basketball court as youth are riding their bicycles on the Page 4 of 28  court at Meadowview Park and long-term plans for Evergreen Knoll Park. A zero-depth splash pad is included in the master plan for Evergreen Knoll Park. Moved by Pewowaruk and seconded by Merricks to approve the 2026-2030 Park Improvement Fund CIP. APIF. Motion carried. VI. Discussion Items A. Review Food Truck Event with Empire Parks and Recreation Commission The commission thought the food truck event was a success considering the weather, which was windy and rainy. The playground was packed, people took food to go or ate in their cars, and there was little garbage at the end of the night. There was discussion about having background music and / or a DJ next year. Commission also suggested partnering with Kwik Trip next year; some attendees parked there and walked down to the event. B. Parks and Facilities Tour with Rambling River Center Advisory Board and City Council Director Omlid has a conflict with the originally scheduled date of Wednesday, August 20. The commission discussed and decided to move the tour to Thursday, August 21 at 6 pm. The tour schedule and stops will be brought to the July Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. C. 2025 Work Plan Progress Vice-chair McMillen reviewed the progress of the goals and objectives for the 2025 Work Plan. VII. Commission Roundtable McMillen: Didn’t have anything to share. Putt: N/A Caron: Didn’t have anything to share. Merricks: Didn’t have anything to share. Pewowaruk: Mentioned in England they hold rummage sales / flea markets in parks where vendors rent a table(s). This is an opportunity for residents and visitors to be aware of parks in the community. VIII. Staff Report/Updates Director Omlid provided information on the following: A. Rambling River Center Renovations and Ribbon Cutting Event The punch list inspection was Friday (June 6). CM Construction has two weeks to address the items on the punch list. Staff are hoping to move back into the facility the week of June 16 and open the center the following week. The grand reopening and ribbon cutting will be Wednesday, August 13 at 10 am. Invitations will be sent via email. B. Top the Tater Days and the Tater Trot Top the Tater Days is June 26 – 29. The Tater Trot is Saturday at 8 am. The train club will have the trains running at the RRC, the Puppet Wagon, and Kiss the Pig are all also on Saturday. The Grand Parade is Sunday at noon. Page 5 of 28  C. Parks and Recreation Month (July) The Parks and Recreation Department will be celebrating Parks and Recreation Month by hosting a Party in the Park on Friday, July 18 at Lake Julia Park. The Party starts at 7 pm with Kidsdance, games, crafts, and games. At dusk, the movie “IF” will be shown. Thanks to the sponsors including Castle Rock Bank, Farmington Youth Hockey Association, Marschall Line, State Farm Sierra Juhl, and VFW Post 7665. D. Depot Way Arts Park and The Emery At the end of June, The Emery will be about 80% occupied. They have seven (7) move-ins in the next three (3) days and four (4) more before the middle of June. Thus, it is time to start the conversation again about Depot Way Arts Park and schedule an open house to seek improvement ideas. This will be brought to the July meeting for discussion. E. T-Mobile Grant Proposal for Wayfinding The city’s grant application for the two (2) downtown identifiers wasn’t selected for funding. T- Mobile said they received a significant number of applications and they are only able to move forward with up to 25 projects per quarter. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications they received they can’t provide feedback on individual applications. Staff plans to update the city’s application and resubmit for the next deadline, which is June 30, 2025. IX. Meeting Agenda Topics The following items were tentatively identified by the commission for its July 9, 2025 meeting agenda: 1. X. Adjournment Moved by Caron and seconded by Merricks to adjourn the meeting. APIF. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 pm. Respectfully Submitted, Kellee Omlid Parks & Recreation Director and Recording Secretary Page 6 of 28  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 - Jul 09 2025 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 7 of 28  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 - Jul 09 2025 INTRODUCTION: The parks and facilities tour with the Rambling River Center Advisory Board and City Council is scheduled for August 21, 2025. At its March 12, 2025 meeting, the parks and recreation commission discussed and recommended several stops. These include Rambling River Center, Troy Hill Park, Daisy Knoll Park, and Westview Acres Park if the new playground equipment is installed. The new playground equipment at Westview Acres Park won’t be installed until September. The Rambling River Center Advisory Board at their April 14, 2025 meeting suggested Farmington Preserve Park as a potential tour stop. 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 advisory board and city council. ATTACHMENTS: 2025 Parks and Facilities Tour Locations and Schedule Page 8 of 28  Rambling River Center Advisory Board, Parks and Recreation Commission, and City Council Parks and Facilities Tour August 21, 2025 Schedule Time Location Action 6:00 pm Rambling River Meet at Rambling River Center Center 6:40 pm Rambling River Park Stop and look at improvements Warming House 7:00 pm Farmington Preserve Stop and look at park Park 7:15 pm Troy Hill Park Stop and look at park 7:30 pm Daisy Knoll Park Stop and look at park 8:00 pm Rambling River End of Tour Center Page 9 of 28  PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA MEMO To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kellee Omlid, Parks & Recreation Director Department: Parks & Recreation Subject: Depot Way Arts Park Meeting: Parks and Recreation Commission - Jul 09 2025 INTRODUCTION: The parks and recreation commission’s work plan for 2024 and 2025 includes a goal to “Participate in the process of identifying and making improvements at Depot Way Arts Park.”. The park is 0.7 acres and in the heart of downtown Farmington and an underutilized park. It hasn’t had improvements in several years and most of the art has been removed due to poor condition and not being able to repair. The Emery is a new 74-unit apartment located adjacent to the park at the intersection of Elm Street and Third Street and had tenants at the end of September 2024. The grand opening for The Emery was October 8. At that time, nine (9) units had been rented. Depot Way Arts Park was part of the parks and facilities tour with city council and the Rambling River Center Advisory Board on August 28, 2024. The commission discussed their initial thoughts and ideas from the tour and brainstormed potential improvements and partners at their September 11, 2024 meeting. There was good discussion, questions, and ideas for Depot Way Arts Park. This included: •Do we still want to call it an art park? •Why is it called Depot? •Could we partner with the Street Art Class at Farmington High School •More seating areas, benches •This is a long narrow park next to the railroad tracks, so not much you can do safely •Outside signs with the history of Farmington on them •Park more geared towards adults •Amenities could include dog waste station, hammocking poles, new trees, shade structure •Have an open house in the spring. Have a vision for the park and have visual options of amenities to include in the park. •Meet with downtown businesses before open house. Invite business to a parks and recreation commission meeting. At the September meeting, the commission also decided to wait until spring 2025 to hold an open house in the park to seek ideas for improvements. Page 10 of 28 In fall 2024, staff and commissioners spoke with different artists to gauge their interest in Depot Way Arts Park and possible partnerships. This includes the Street Art Class instructor at Farmington High School, Muddy Waters, Wettrock Co., and Zion Tattoo. Meeting minutes from October and November 2024 meetings are included in the packet. At the October 9, 2024 commission meeting, there was consensus if the park remains an art park, maintenance of the art needs to be included and a priority, rotating art was preferred, and there needs to be thought behind the pieces and placement. A historical timeline of Farmington and the railroad should be considered for inclusion in the park. There was also discussion about contacting someone at the Historical Society for more information on Farmington including on the railroad, Vermillion River, and elevator. In early 2025, consensus from staff and commission was to wait to hold an open house in the park until The Emery had a higher occupancy rate. As of the June 11, 2024 parks and recreation commission meeting, The Emery would be approximately 80% occupied by the end of June. Thus, it is time reengage the conversation about the vision for Depot Way Arts Park and schedule a date and time for an open house in the park. The Parks and Recreation Department brainstormed improvement ideas for Depot Way Arts Park. Ideas included: •Keep the big blue chair as see park users taking pictures there •More solid pieces of art •More garden; something to look at as a long, skinny park •Space to gather •Install concrete lawn games (e.g., bags) and/or putting green •Benches to stop and watch the trains •Invite El Charro to participate in open house; “Tacos in the Park” The commission should come to the meeting prepared to discuss vision of Depot Way Arts Park and decide on a date for the open house in the park. ATTACHMENTS: October 9, 2024 PRC meeting minutes November 13, 2024 PRC meeting minutes Page 11 of 28  Farmington Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes from the October 9, 2024 Regular Meeting Members Present: Cody Fishman, Katie Putt, David McMillen, Megan Merricks, and Katharine Caron Members Absent: Other’s Present: Parks and Recreation Director Kellee Omlid, Recreation Supervisor Missie Kohlbeck, and Recreation Supervisor Emilee Shearer I. Call Meeting to Order Chair Fishman called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Quorum was present. II. Approval of October 9, 2024 Meeting Agenda Moved by McMillen and seconded by Putt to approve the meeting agenda. All persons in favor (APIF). Motion carried. III. Approval of September 11, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes Moved by Putt 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. Rambling River Center Operations Recreation Supervisor Missie Kohlbeck shared information and numbers for program participation, rentals, and memberships at the Rambling River Center (RRC). This included annual numbers from January 2017 through August 2024. Program participation numbers are better this year than the last two, but not back to pre-covid numbers. Rentals are down as lost two regular renters. There have been more crucial conversation type classes (i.e., living wills, fraud prevention) this year and fitness classes remain popular. There was a question on rental costs and costs to sponsor a room. Rental costs depend on room renting and the costs to sponsor a room were from when the center moved into its current location in 2009. The banquet room is the only room remaining without a sponsor name. C. Recreation Programs and Events Report Recreation Supervisor Emilee Shearer and Recreation Supervisor Missie Kohlbeck presented information and participant numbers for spring through fall recreation programs and special events. Recreation Supervisor Shearer highlighted this is the first year all three age groups for in-house soccer were run, Safety Camp, Helmet Heroes offered with Farmington Police, additional Muddy Waters art classes, all parks are currently adopted, archery lessons, and Halloween Havoc Tour. Recreation Supervisor Kohlbeck highlighted Breakfast with the Bunnies, Firearms Safety Class, new littles camps, and adding a Puppet Wagon stop at Rambling River Park again in 2025 as very busy daily with new playground equipment. Staff thinks program participation numbers are down due to the switch in registration software from ActiveNet to RecTrac. Received phone calls they couldn’t register and/or find programs; during discussion Page 12 of 28  realized were trying to register on ActiveNet though we had switched already. Question regarding if camps need to have a licensed instructor. The Rambling River Model Railroad Club would be interested in helping with a class; a suggestion was a presentation on railroad safety at Safety Camp. V. Business Items VI. Discussion Items A. Depot Way Arts Park Commissioner McMillen hasn’t been able to connect with Zion Tattoo yet. Commissioner Caron provided update that Street Art Class is interest partnering somehow, but not sure what the collaboration looks like. Will continue to visit with Street Art Class instructor. Director Omlid provided update on site visits and conversations with Kevin at Wettrock Co. and Emily at Muddy Waters. Discussion on history of Farmington on panels. Commissioner McMillen will contact the Historical Society for information. Leave a few panels blank for students to paint, spray paint, etc. Suggestion was there could be a seasonal or yearly theme. Discussion on who owns the theme and consensus was parks and recreation commission were best as they are consistent from year to year. Idea to get more kids involved and invested in community. Boy Scouts and 4-H were suggested. B. 2025 Work Plan Ideas The commission started the discussion of what should be included in the 2025 Work Plan. Ideas include: • Depot Way Arts Park • Community Engagement • Park and Facilities/Rambling River Center Tour • Connect with City Parks and Recreation Departments. Rosemount was suggested. • Playground replacement at Westview Park • Items that are regularly included in the work plan, such as Capital Improvement Plan for the Park Improvement Fund, Bike Pedestrian Plan Priorities, Food Truck Event with Empire Parks and Recreation Commission, and Presentations from Parks and Recreation Department staff members about operations. C. 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 when the Vermillion Grove Park boardwalk was built. Director Omlid didn’t know but will find out. Suggested adding a dock for bird and other animal watching. Inquired about adding equipment for middle school students when replacing the 5–12-year-old playground equipment at Westview Park. Perhaps a ninja obstacle course. The students at Boeckman School regularly ask if they Page 13 of 28 can go play at the park. Going to check with the principal to see if taking the students to the park is an option. Merricks: Didn’t have anything to share. Fishman: Didn't have anything to share. VIII. Staff Report/Updates Director Omlid provided information on the following: A. Rambling River Park The area where the playground equipment was hydroseeded today. The bathrooms will be winterized and closed for the season next week. B. Rambling River Center Renovations City council approved the Plans and Specifications and authorized the Advertisement for Bids at their meeting Monday. Bidding is from October 8 – November 5. The Rambling River Center is moving to Fire Station 1 and the fitness center to city hall during the renovation. C. Rambling River Center Breakfast and Silent Auction Fundraiser The breakfast and silent auction fundraiser is Saturday. Breakfast is $12 per person, which includes egg bake, cinnamon rolls, fruit, juice, and coffee. Breakfast is from 8:30-10:30 am and silent auction ends at 11 am. D. Pilot Knob Road Trail Additional Underpass Evaluation Bolton and Menk will explore up to two different locations for an underpass on Pilot Knob Road. Staff is just waiting for the second amendment to the Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) from Dakota County. E. North Creek Greenway – Farmington and Lakeville Segment Staff met with the Greenways Manager and Grounds Maintenance Manager to discuss maintenance on the Greenway. This includes plowing, mowing, trimming, and trash removal. Dakota County pays cities a cost per mile for equipment and labor activity on the Greenway trail. The County is going to get the cost per mile information to staff to decide who will take care of the maintenance on the new Greenway. The County is exploring adding lights to this section of the Greenway and asked if the city was interested. Staff stated we would be interested in lights on the Greenway. F. Halloween Walk The Halloween Walk is Friday, October 25 from 5:30-7 pm at Dodge Middle School parking lot. G. Downtown Lighted Holiday Parade The city, Farmington Rotary, and Homestead Church is organizing a downtown lighted holiday parade for Saturday, December 7 at 7 pm. The preliminary parade route is starting at Walnut Street and Fourth Street, north on Fourth Street to Oak Street, west on Oak Street to Third Street, south on Third Street to Maple Street. There will be a tree lighting on Saturday, November 30 (Small Business Saturday); the tree will be in Homestead Church’s green space. H. Preliminary 2025 Budget The preliminary tax levy increase is just under six percent (6%). The preliminary budget includes increasing the Rambling River Center Program Assistant hours from 20 to 28 per week and changing one of the Parks Maintenance Worker positions to a Parks Maintenance Foreman. IX. Meeting Agenda Topics Page 14 of 28 The following items were tentatively identified by the commission for its November 13, 2024 meeting agenda: 1. X. Adjournment Moved by Merricks and seconded by McMillen to adjourn the meeting. APIF. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 8:33 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Kellee Omlid Parks & Recreation Director and Recording Secretary Page 15 of 28  Farmington Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes from the November 13, 2024 Regular Meeting Members Present: Katie Putt, David McMillen, and Megan Merricks Members Absent: Cody Fishman and Katharine Caron Other’s Present: Parks and Recreation Director Kellee Omlid and Parks and Facilities Supervisor Jeremy Pire I. Call Meeting to Order Vice-Chair McMillen called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Quorum was present. II. Approval of November 13, 2024 Meeting Agenda Moved by Putt and seconded by Merricks to approve the meeting agenda. All persons in favor (APIF). Motion carried. III. Approval of October 9, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes Moved by Putt and seconded by Merricks 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. Parks and Recreation Department Reports Parks and Facilities Supervisor Jeremy Pire presented the summer ice report for the Schmitz- Maki Arena and park and trail improvements and maintenance. Recent improvements at the Arena include installation of LED lights over the ice surface and concrete curbing and landscaping around the sign in front of the Arena. The rebate from Xcel Energy for the LED lights was significant, which reduced the cost of the lights and installation to less than $5,000. Parks Maintenance staff completed numerous projects in 2024 with the largest being improvements to Rambling River Park. Commission thought Rambling River Park looked great, staff did an impressive job, and thanked staff for all their hard work and efforts. V. Business Items VI. Discussion Items A. Depot Way Arts Park Commissioner McMillen provided an update on his conversations with Zion Tattoo. They would be interested in partnering if it was rotating art that was interactive. Commission members were hesitant on the art theme due to upkeep and who is going to manage it. If the Street Arts Class from Farmington High School is eliminated and/or teachers change in the future, will the art park turn into what is currently there. Long-term is maintenance and upkeep practical. There was interest in keeping the tiles at the entrances to the park and the other art pieces can Page 16 of 28  be removed. Hammocking poles and more seating was recommended. Commissioner McMillen will contact the Dakota County Historical Society for information on the railroad, Vermillion River, and elevator. Director Omlid mentioned the Fire Department is looking for a park to install a first responder’s memorial and mentioned to them Depot Way Arts Park and Jim Bell Park and Preserve. Their initial thought was Rambling River Park next to the Veteran’s Memorial. Discussion on will Rambling River Park be too crowded, how large, and where. The Fire Department is planning to form a committee and will start to identify a location in 2025. B. 2025 Work Plan Ideas The commission reviewed the 2025 work plan ideas they suggested at their October 9, 2024 meeting. The consensus was it is a full work plan. There was discussion regarding meeting with the City of Empire Parks and Recreation Commission. Commission thought keep it in the rotation and were fine meeting with them in 2025 if they wanted to meet with us. The tour was great, but unless something changes don’t need to do it annually. Tour suggestions in the City of Rosemount included the skate park, splash pad, disc golf course, Steeples Center, and possibly the Community Center if renovations are completed. C. 2024 Work Plan Progress Vice-Chair McMillen reviewed the progress of the goals and objectives of the 2024 work plan. VII. Commission Roundtable McMillen: Didn’t have anything to share. Putt: Asked about not being able to reserve park shelters after October 1. Director Omlid stated the restrooms at Rambling River Park are usually winterized the first week in October and portable toilets might be removed from parks as it depends on the flag football schedule. Caron: Director Omlid red an email sent by Commissioner Caron for roundtable regarding Westview Park: “I spoke with Joe Sage quickly about if there would be any interest in working with BMS to help gear this park more towards a secondary level, and he said that would be great. We should decide if this is something we are interested in, is it even a good idea, etc.” Merricks: Didn’t have anything to share. Fishman: N/A VIII. Staff Report/Updates Director Omlid provided information on the following: A. Holiday Events in Farmington There are several holiday events happening in Farmington this season including, but not limited to, Toys for Town, Small Business Saturday, Rotary Tree Lighting, Holiday Lights Tour, Secret Holiday Shop, Homestead Church Carnival, Library Festivities, Dakota Village, Lighted Holiday Parade, Downtown Farmington Celebration, Toys for Town Wrapping Day, Skate with Santa, and Rotary Senior Holiday Luncheon. B. Rambling River Center Renovations Bids for the renovation project were due November 5; eight (8) bids were received. CM Construction Company, Inc. was the lowest bidder at $2,021,126. Staff checked references, which were positive. Accepting the bids and awarding a contract is on city council’s agenda for Monday. Hopefully, the preconstruction meeting for the project will be the week of Page 17 of 28  December 2. C. Pilot Knob Road Trail Additional Underpass Evaluation and Trail Phasing Analysis The Second Amendment to the Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) with Dakota County for additional underpass evaluation and trail phasing analysis was approved by city council on November 4. Bolton & Menk started on these additional trail design projects and staff should see the underpass re-evaluation results for Pilot Knob Road trail in December. D. Farmington Preliminary Greenway Design Dakota County contracted with KLJ Engineering for preliminary design of the Greenways through the cities of Farmington, Empire, and Rosemount. This includes the trails through Rambling River Park and the final segment of the North Creek Greenway, which will be new trail from Riverview Elementary School to Mystic Meadows. The kick-off meeting for the project will be on Monday and will include staff from the city, county, and KLJ Engineering. E. Dakota County’s 2050 Vision Plan – Parks, Greenways, and Natural Systems Dakota County is developing their 2050 Vision Plan for Parks, Greenways, and Natural Systems. Thus, city staff met with staff from Dakota County to provide input on parks and greenways. The county asked if there were ideas for community trail loops off the greenways. The county heard through the visioning process that trail loops are important to users. They have created a concept plan for a Farmington – Lakeville trail loop. The county is exploring a conservation area in Farmington, which may include trails and benches. City staff asked about partnering for Jim Bell Park and Preserve; the county was interested in exploring this opportunity. The draft plan will be presented in December at a city council meeting or work session. Suggestion was made to have it as a work session with both city council and the parks and recreation commission. F. Tobacco-Free Parks Policy The Planning Commission is working on an ordinance for potential zoning regulations for cannabis uses including cultivation, manufacturing, wholesale, retail, and transportation and delivery. This may or may not include smoking cannabis. Does the tobacco-free parks policy get combined with cannabis regulations? The planning commission and city council are meeting Monday in a work session to discuss cannabis legislation and regulations. G. Vermillion Grove Boardwalk At the October meeting, Commissioner Caron asked about the Vermillion Grove boardwalk and suggested a dock for bird and animal watching. The Vermillion Grove Park boardwalk was built / installed in approximately 2004. Parks and Facilities Supervisor Pire thought Parks Maintenance could build / add a sitting dock. IX. Meeting Agenda Topics The following items were tentatively identified by the commission for its December 11, 2024 meeting agenda: 1. Depot Way Arts Park X. Adjournment Moved by Merricks and seconded by Putt to adjourn the meeting. APIF. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Page 18 of 28 Kellee Omlid Parks & Recreation Director and Recording Secretary Page 19 of 28  PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA MEMO To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kellee Omlid, Parks & Recreation Director Department: Parks & Recreation Subject: Community Outreach and Engagement Meeting: Parks and Recreation Commission - Jul 09 2025 INTRODUCTION: One of the parks and recreation commission’s 2025 work plan goals is to “Participate in Community Outreach and Engagement.” An objective of this goal is to decide what the commission wants to know / learn and where and how to reach and engage. The commission started the discussion on community outreach and engagement at their April 9, 2025 meeting. The discussion included National Night Out (NNO), Top the Tater Days, Music in the Park, and Movies in the Park. Top the Tater Days would be a large time commitment, but the other events wouldn’t be. There was also discussion that National Night Out might be the easiest, being intentional with engagement, having an increased presence, and are a part of the community. The commission decided to wait until the May meeting to further discuss when all commission members were present. At the May 14 meeting, the parks and recreation commission decided to organize a plan for community outreach and engagement this year and then implement it next year. However, they decided to participate in NNO on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. Thus, commission should be prepared to discuss NNO and who is available to attend. Director Omlid will provide an update at the meeting regarding the parties and locations. In addition, the commission should start developing the plan, goals, and objectives, of community outreach and engagement. Page 20 of 28  PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA MEMO To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kellee Omlid, Parks & Recreation Director Department: Parks & Recreation Subject: 2025 Work Plan Progress Meeting: Parks and Recreation Commission - Jul 09 2025 INTRODUCTION: The commission’s updated 2025 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 June 11, 2025. 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: 2025 Parks and Recreation Commission Work Plan July Update Page 21 of 28 FARMINGTON PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION 2025 WORK PLAN Goal #1: Provide the City Council a recommended 2026-2030 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 2026 to 2030. Status: Completed. The commission discussed and approved a recommendation to city council to approve a five-year CIP for the park improvement fund for the years 2026-2030. 2. By August 1, the Commission will finalize the five-year capital improvement projects for the years 2026-2030 and make a recommendation to the City Council for approval. 3. Status: Completed. The commission discussed and approved a recommendation to city council to approve a five-year CIP for the park improvement fund for the years 2026-2030. 4. By December 31, the improvement projects recommended for funding from 2026-2030 will be included in the City Council’s approved 2026 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 20 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. Status: Completed. A work session with the Economic Development Authority (EDA) was held on February 18 for the Wayfinding Plan presentation and a work session with City Council was held on March 3 for Dakota County’s 2050 Vision Plan for parks, greenways, and natural systems presentation and discussion. Goal #4: Participate in the process of replacing the playground equipment and swings (5-12 years) at Westview Acres Park. Objectives: 1. By February 1, the Commission will have discussed and decided on preferences for playground equipment style, play features, etc. Page 22 of 28  Completed. The commission decided at their February 12 meeting they preferred a ninja/obstacle course for the playground equipment style and involve the students at Boeckman Middle School (BMS) in selecting the new equipment. 2. By April 1, the Commission will have reviewed playground equipment proposal(s) and made a recommendation to the City Council on the purchase and construction of new playground equipment. Status: Completed. At their June 11 meeting, the Commission reviewed seven (7) playground proposals and made a recommendation to city council to purchase the equipment including installation from Northland Recreation. 3. By May 1, City Council will have approved the purchase and construction of new playground equipment. Status: Completed. City Council approved the purchase and installation of new playground equipment at their June 16 meeting. 4. By October 31, installation of the new playground equipment at Westview Acres Park will have been completed and a ribbon cutting ceremony will have occurred. Goal #5: Identify Bike Pedestrian Plan Priorities to Accomplish in 2025. 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 12 meeting. 2. By May 15, the Commission will have developed and approved a list of priorities to work on and complete in 2025-2026. 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 March 1, the Commission will have decided if art remains a focus of the park and have set a date for the open house. 2. By May 1, an open house seeking ideas for improvement will have been held. 3. By July 1, the Commission will have given input on potential improvements. 4. By August 1, cost estimates and potential funding sources will be identified and shared. 5. By November 1, improvements that can be completed by staff and/or volunteers will be finished. 6. By July 1, 2026 all other improvements will have been completed and a ribbon cutting ceremony will have occurred. Goal #7: Host food truck event in the spring with the City of Empire Parks and Recreation Commission. Objectives: 1. By February 1, the date and location for the spring food truck event will be approved. Status: Completed. Friday, May 16 from 5-8 pm at Stelzel Ballfields in Empire was approved by commission at their January 8 meeting. Page 23 of 28  2. 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 9 meeting who would work from 4:45 – 6:30 pm and 6:30-8:15 pm. 3. By May 31, the spring food truck event will have happened. Status: Completed. The spring food truck event was held on May 16 with seven (7) food trucks and over 600 attendees. Goal #8: Participate in Community Outreach and Engagement. Objectives: 1. By April 1, the commission will have discussed community outreach and engagement, what the Commission wants to know / learn, and where and how to reach and engage. Status: Completed. The Commission started the discussion on community outreach and engagement at their April 9 meeting and decided to continue the conversation at the May meeting. 2. By May 1, community outreach and engagement opportunities and details will have been finalized. Status: Completed. It was decided to participate in National Night Out on August 5, 2025 and develop an organize a plan this year for community outreach and engagement and then implement it in 2026. 3. By December 1, community outreach and engagement will have occurred. Goal #9: Develop a Smoke-Free Parks Ordinance. Objectives: 1. By March 1, the Commission will have reviewed the draft smoke-free parks ordinance and made recommendations for edits. 2. By April 1, feedback on the draft ordinance will have been received from Dakota County Public Health and Tobacco-Free Alliance. 3. By April 15, further discuss and revise the ordinance, if needed, based on feedback from Dakota County Public Health and Tobacco-Free Alliance, and forward to City Council for approval. 4. By May 1, the ordinance will have been presented 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 2024 Annual Report. Status: Completed. The Annual Report was presented at the March 12 meeting. Page 24 of 28  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 2024-25 winter season at the April 9 meeting. 4. By July 15, Commission members will have received a presentation from the Planning Manager on current and future developments. 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. Goal #11: Tour City of Rosemount Parks and Recreation Facilities and Amenities to learn more and see options for desired improvements. Objectives: 1. By March 1, the Commission will have identified a preferred and backup date for the tour and draft list of facilities and amenities to tour and see respectively. Status: Completed. The commission identified July 30 as the preferred date and July 31 for the backup date for the tour. Recommended tour stops included the splash pad, amphitheater, skatepark, Schwarz Pond, Amber Fields, and pickleball courts and dog park. 2. By May 1, a date and final list of facilities and amenities to tour will be approved by the Commission. 3. By October 1, a tour of City of Rosemount Parks and Recreation Facilities and Amenities will have occurred. Page 25 of 28  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 - Jul 09 2025 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 26 of 28  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 - Jul 09 2025 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.Rambling River Center Grand Reopening and Ribbon Cutting 2.Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) Proposals for Environment and Natural Resources Funding 3.Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Outdoor Recreation Grant 4.Tour City of Rosemount Parks and Recreation Facilities and Amenities 5.Dirt Bikes and Golf Carts on Trails Page 27 of 28  PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA MEMO To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kellee Omlid, Parks & Recreation Director Department: Parks & Recreation Subject: Possible Items for August 13, 2025 Meeting Agenda Meeting: Parks and Recreation Commission - Jul 09 2025 INTRODUCTION: The following are possible topics staff has identified for commission to consider for its August 13, 2025 meeting agenda: •Rambling River Center Operations Report •Depot Way Arts Park •Community Outreach and Engagement •Review Tour City of Rosemount Parks and Recreation Facilities and Amenities •2025 Work Plan Progress Commission members should come prepared to identify other possible topics for the August 13, 2025 meeting agenda. 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