Rambling River Center Advisory Board

Meeting Location: Rambling River Center 325 Oak Street Farmington, MN 55024 RAMBLING RIVER CENTER ADVISORY BOARD Monday, November 10, 2025 9:30 AM Page 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. APPROVE AGENDA 3. APPROVE MINUTES 3.1. October 13, 2025 Draft Meeting Minutes 3-6 The advisory board is being asked to review the attached draft October 13, 2025 meeting minutes, make any corrections needed, and then approve the meeting minutes. Agenda Item: October 13, 2025 Draft Meeting Minutes - Pdf 4. PRESENTATIONS 5. BUSINESS ITEMS 6. DISCUSSION ITEMS 6.1. Review Veteran's Recognition and Thank You Event 7 RRCAB members should come prepared to discuss and evaluate the Veteran's Recognition and Thank You event and provide input for next year. Agenda Item: Review Veteran's Recognition and Thank You Event - Pdf 6.2. Downtown Holiday Lighted Parade 8 Board members should come to the meeting prepared to discuss their ideas for the windows, the number of volunteers needed for the evening, and the tasks those volunteers will perform. Agenda Item: Downtown Holiday Lighted Parade - Pdf 6.3. 2026 Work Plan Ideas 9 Advisory board members should come prepared to discuss additional Page 1 of 17  ideas to be included in its work plan for 2026. Staff will then begin preparing a draft of the 2026 work plan for the December meeting. At the December meeting, time will be spent refining a draft work plan with final approval of the work plan occurring at the January 2026 meeting. Agenda Item: 2026 Work Plan Ideas - Pdf 6.4. 2025 Work Plan Progress 10 - 14 Advisory board members are asked to review the updated 2025 work plan prior to the meeting and come prepared to discuss, especially the items that were completed. The review also offers an opportunity for the advisory board to discuss work plan items they would like to work on at future meetings. Agenda Item: 2025 Work Plan Progress - Pdf 7. STAFF REPORT 7.1. Staff Report 15 Advisory board members should listen to the informational updates and then ask any questions they have about the updates. Agenda Item: Staff Report - Pdf 8. ADVISORY BOARD ROUNDTABLE 8.1. Advisory Board Roundtable 16 Advisory board members are being asked to come share information or ask questions about items not on the agenda. Agenda Item: Advisory Board Roundtable - Pdf 9. ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING AGENDA 9.1. Items for December 8, 2025 Meeting Agenda 17 Advisory board members are asked to come prepared to discuss the staff proposed agenda items and also provide other possible agenda items for the December 8, 2025 meeting. Agenda Item: Items for December 8, 2025 Meeting Agenda - Pdf 10. ADJOURN Page 2 of 17  RAMBLING RIVER CENTER ADVISORY BOARD AGENDA MEMO To: Rambling River Center Advisory Board From: Missie Kohlbeck, Recreation Supervisor Department: Parks & Recreation Subject: October 13, 2025 Draft Meeting Minutes Meeting: Rambling River Center Advisory Board - Nov 10 2025 INTRODUCTION: Included in the meeting packet are draft minutes from the advisory board’s October 13, 2025 meeting. DISCUSSION: Advisory board members should review the draft minutes to determine if there are any corrections or edits that need to be made prior to approval. ACTION REQUESTED: The advisory board is being asked to review the attached draft October 13, 2025 meeting minutes, make any corrections needed, and then approve the meeting minutes. ATTACHMENTS: October 13, 2025 RRCAB Draft Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 17 City of Farmington A Proud Past - A Promising Future 325 Oak Street Committed to providing High Quality Farmington, MN 55024 Timely and Responsive Service to All Of Our Customers OCTOBER 13, 2025 RAMBLING RIVER CENTER ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES 1. Call to Order: Chair Mary Garlets called meeting to order at 9:31 am. Members Present: Mary Garlets, Pat Hennen, Judy Janke, Rachel Edwards, and Jeff Spillman Members Absent: Pennie Page Others Present: Parks and Recreation Director Kellee Omlid, and Recreation Supervisor Missie Kohlbeck 2. Approve Agenda Motion by Janke to approve the agenda, seconded by Reichert. All persons in favor (APIF). Motion carried. 3. Approve Minutes Motion by Reichert to approve September 8, 2025, meeting minutes, seconded by Janke. APIF. Motion carried. 4. Presentations 5. Business Items 6. Discussion Items 6.1 Review Raffle Fundraiser with the Farmington Rotary A profit of $3,041 was made from this year’s raffle. To increase ticket sales next year, staff plan to have tickets available earlier and will begin the permit process right after the new year. During Top the Tater Days, raffle tickets are typically sold at the Rotary Bar; however, due to volunteers being busy serving drinks, it is not an ideal location for raffle sales. The Rambling River Center Advisory Board (RRCAB) suggested setting up a separate table next to the bar for raffle sales and asking the bingo host to announce that tickets are available for purchase. Staff will reach out to the Farmington Rotary to discuss their thoughts on conducting a raffle in 2026. 6.2 Review Patio Party with Rambling River Center Members and Minnwest Bank Edwards joined the meeting at 9:41 am Edwards heard many compliments on the band. Garlets commented that many people stayed until the end; she would also like to encourage more dancing. Overall, everyone thought it went well. Page 4 of 17 6.3 Review Breakfast and Silent Auction Fundraiser A total of 63 tickets were sold for breakfast profiting $575.12. The silent auction profited $1,458 for a combined total of $2,033.12. The number attending the breakfast continues to decline. The concern regarding serving Dad’s Belgian Waffles is the guarantee of 200 waffles sold. It was suggested to partner with a youth organization on the breakfast splitting the profits half and half and keeping the silent auction just for the Rambling River Center. 6.4 Veteran’s Recognition and Thank You Event Staff sent the event flyer to Doug Taube of the Yellow Ribbon Network for distribution. Janke will deliver flyers to the VFW and other local businesses. Janke also requested long banquet tables be set up instead of round tables for the event. Janke and Edwards will bring several treat bags to the veterans at Trinity following the board meeting. During the last Veterans Recognition and Thank You Event, several veterans shared wonderful stories. If a veteran is willing to share a story again this year, board members would like it to be featured in the newsletter. 6.5 Downtown Holiday Lighted Parade The parade is Saturday, December 6 at 7:00 pm. The entire day is filled with community events. Parks and Recreation has the Secret Holiday Shop, Homestead Church has a Children’s Carnival, and the library has an event. After the parade, there will be a tree lighting in the Homestead Church lot and the New Dimensions Choir from Farmington High School will sing. There will also be a window decorating contest for downtown businesses. The board discussed how they would like to be involved. The board decided to be open from 6-8 pm as a place to warm up and have holiday treats and cider. There will be a goodwill donation for the treats, tours of the center, and the van will be entered into the parade. 6.6 2026 Work Plan Ideas The RRCAB discussed continuing the fundraising, marketing, and recommending fees as continued goals for 2026. Reichert suggested finishing the curb in front of the McKnight Fitness Center for parking. Director Omlid suggested that it may not be possible due to funding, but we may be able to get temporary parking curbs and then get lines striped. Hennen would still like to fundraise for a cappuccino machine. Several board members would like to see the Rambling River Center more involved with Top the Tater Days. It was also suggested that a volunteer recognition event be planned like the anniversary party. The RRCAB will discuss it more at the November meeting. 6.7 2025 Work Plan Progress Chair Garlets remarked that we have done a lot of good work over the year and just about everything on the work plan is completed. 7. Staff Report 7.1 Informational Updates Page 5 of 17  • The Halloween Walk will be held on Friday, October 24 from 5:30-7:00 pm. Members from the Rambling River Center will once again be the Peanuts Gang. Janke will participate this year. • Lynn Gorski is back as the City Administrator. • The adult changing station was delivered two weeks ago. The City of Farmington is contracting with CM Construction to install it. Hopefully, it will be installed by the end of October. • The financial support program funding has a balance of $13,671. 8.1. Advisory Board Roundtable Reichert – Nothing Janke – Nothing Omlid – Nothing Page – Nothing Spillman – Nothing Edwards - Joann Durst secured over $1,100 worth of items for the Silent Auction. Hennen – Reminded everyone her last meeting would be December; this is due to vision issues, having to arrange a ride, and winter coming. Staff reminded her to submit a letter or email resignation. Garlets –Thanked staff for putting the daily schedule on the television; need more photos taken at activities. 9.1 Items for November 10, 2025, Meeting Agenda • 2026 Work Plan Ideas • Review Veteran’s Recognition and Thank You Event • Downtown Holiday Lighted Parade • Review 2025 Work Plan Progress 10. Adjourn Motion by Hennen and seconded by Spillman to adjourn the meeting, APIF. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 11:08 am. Respectfully Submitted Missie Kohlbeck, Recreation Supervisor and Recording Secretary Page 6 of 17  RAMBLING RIVER CENTER ADVISORY BOARD AGENDA MEMO To: Rambling River Center Advisory Board From: Missie Kohlbeck, Recreation Supervisor Department: Parks & Recreation Subject: Review Veteran's Recognition and Thank You Event Meeting: Rambling River Center Advisory Board - Nov 10 2025 INTRODUCTION: The Rambling River Center Advisory Board's (RRCAB) work plan for 2025 includes a goal to collaborate with veteran's groups for more involvement at the Rambling River Center. This was also a work plan goal in 2024. DISCUSSION: The Veteran's Recognition and Thank You event was held on Monday, November 10 at 8:30 am. Staff would like to discuss the event with the RRCAB members to get their feedback and recommendations for the next Veteran's Recognition and Thank You event. ACTION REQUESTED: RRCAB members should come prepared to discuss and evaluate the Veteran's Recognition and Thank You event and provide input for next year. Page 7 of 17  RAMBLING RIVER CENTER ADVISORY BOARD AGENDA MEMO To: Rambling River Center Advisory Board From: Missie Kohlbeck, Recreation Supervisor Department: Parks & Recreation Subject: Downtown Holiday Lighted Parade Meeting: Rambling River Center Advisory Board - Nov 10 2025 INTRODUCTION: The City of Farmington is partnering with Homestead Church and the Farmington Rotary to again host a downtown holiday lighted parade. The parade will be held on Saturday, December 6 at 7 pm. The parade will go on Oak Street in front of the Rambling River Center. A tree lighting in the Homestead Church green space will happen after the parade. DISCUSSION: At its October 13, 2025, meeting, the Rambling River Center Advisory Board (RRCAB) decided to open the Rambling River Center from 6-8 pm as a place to warm up. Board members will give tours of the building and have cookies and cider available. There will be a free will offering for the treats. As a part of the events downtown that day, businesses are encouraged to decorate their windows. The RRCAB agreed to decorate the windows. Staff will enter the Rambling River Center's van into the parade. ACTION REQUESTED: Board members should come to the meeting prepared to discuss their ideas for the windows, the number of volunteers needed for the evening, and the tasks those volunteers will perform. Page 8 of 17  RAMBLING RIVER CENTER ADVISORY BOARD AGENDA MEMO To: Rambling River Center Advisory Board From: Missie Kohlbeck, Recreation Supervisor Department: Parks & Recreation Subject: 2026 Work Plan Ideas Meeting: Rambling River Center Advisory Board - Nov 10 2025 INTRODUCTION: Annually in the fall, the advisory board begins the process of identifying items to consider for inclusion in the following year's work plan. This may or may not include items in the 2025 work plan that were not completed, and the advisory board would like to carry forward to the 2026 work plan. DISCUSSION: The advisory board started the discussion of 2026 work plan ideas at their October 13, 2025 meeting. Ideas included:  A volunteer recognition celebration  The Rambling River Center becoming more involved in Top the Tater Days  Finish curb and strip parking spots in front of McKnight Fitness Center  Fundraise to fund future capital improvements and/or equipment and furniture purchases  Market and promote the Rambling River Center at all apartments in Farmington  Review and recommend fees to the parks and recreation commission and city council  Parks and facilities tour with parks and recreation commission and city council ACTION REQUESTED: Advisory board members should come prepared to discuss additional ideas to be included in its work plan for 2026. Staff will then begin preparing a draft of the 2026 work plan for the December meeting. At the December meeting, time will be spent refining a draft work plan with final approval of the work plan occurring at the January 2026 meeting. Page 9 of 17  RAMBLING RIVER CENTER ADVISORY BOARD AGENDA MEMO To: Rambling River Center Advisory Board From: Missie Kohlbeck, Recreation Supervisor Department: Parks & Recreation Subject: 2025 Work Plan Progress Meeting: Rambling River Center Advisory Board - Nov 10 2025 INTRODUCTION: The annual work plan is reviewed at every monthly meeting to measure the progress being made. DISCUSSION: An updated work plan is included in the meeting packet. The updated work plan shows in red what items have been completed during or after the October 13, 2025 meeting. Items in bold black were items completed prior to the October 13, 2025 meeting. ACTION REQUESTED: Advisory board members are asked to review the updated 2025 work plan prior to the meeting and come prepared to discuss, especially the items that were completed. The review also offers an opportunity for the advisory board to discuss work plan items they would like to work on at future meetings. ATTACHMENTS: 2025 RRC Advisory Board Work Plan 111025 Page 10 of 17  Rambling River Center Advisory Board 2025 Work Plan Goal #1: Plan and host a grand reopening and ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate and show off the remodeled Rambling River Center. Status: Completed Objectives: 1. By April 1, the grand reopening and ribbon cutting details will be finalized. Status: Completed. At their April 14, 2025, meeting, the advisory board chose August 13, 2025, as the preferred date and August 14, 2025, as the back-up date for the grand reopening and ribbon cutting. The ribbon cutting will be held at 10 am and coffee and cake will be served. It will be open to the public and all project partners will be invited. 2. By May 1, publicity will have started. Status: Completed. The invitation was included in the River and Currents. Invitations were sent to all project partners, city staff, organizations, and Rambling River Center members on the email list. 3. By September 30, a grand reopening and ribbon cutting will have happened. Status: Completed. The grand reopening and ribbon cutting was held on Wednesday, August 13 at 10 am. Goal #2: Complete and celebrate the addition of the Minnwest Bank Patio to the Rambling River Center. Status: Completed Objectives: 1. By March 1, the Advisory Board will have discussed the outdoor patio, furnishings, landscaping, etc. 2. By April 1, furniture will be selected for the outdoor patio. Status: Completed. Patio furniture including tables with umbrellas, benches, swing, and trash and recycling receptacles have been ordered. 3. By May 1, details for a Patio Party to dedicate the Minnwest Bank Patio will be finalized. Status: Completed. A BBQ will be held on Friday, September 26 at noon with an entertainer playing country music. 4. By October 31, a Patio Party with Minnwest Bank will have happened to celebrate the addition of the patio. Status: Completed. The party was held on Friday, September 26 at noon with entertainment by the Dakota Ramblers. Goal #3: Review and recommend 2026 Rambling River Center fees and charges to the city council. Objectives: 1. By July 1, review and discuss the 2026 RRC fees and charges and determine if any revisions should be made to the 2026 fees and charges. 2. By August 1, forward recommended RRC fees and charges to the Parks and Recreation Commission. Page 11 of 17  3. By September 30, the Parks and Recreation Commission will have reviewed and approved the 2026 RRC fees and charges and will recommend to the City Council to approve them. Status: Completed. At the September 8, 2025 meeting, the advisory board discussed and recommended 2026 RRC fees be sent to the Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council for approval. 4. By December 31, the City Council will have acted on the Advisory Board and Parks and Recreation Commission recommended 2026 RRC fees and charges. Goal #4: Raise at least $15,000 from fundraising events and donations to fund future Rambling River Center capital improvements and/or equipment and furniture purchases. Status: Completed Objectives: 1. By March 1, discuss current fundraising events to see if any changes should be made to the existing fundraising events and a discussion should occur about creating a new fundraising event. Status: Completed. At their February 10 meeting, the board discussed adding an event. Ideas included a gala or casino night. 2. By July 1, assist with and complete at least one fundraising activity. Status: Completed. On May 3, 2025, the annual Arts and Crafts Fair was held. 3. By September 1, assist with and complete at least a second fundraising activity. Status: Completed. On May 17, 2025, a Steak Fry was held in conjunction with the Veteran’s Steak Fry Committee and Future Farmers of America students. 4. By October 1, assist with and complete at least a third fundraising activity. Status: Completed. Kiss the Pig and the Bike Auction were held on June 28, 2025, as part of Top the Tater Days. 5. By December 31, assist with and complete at least a fourth fundraising activity. Status: Completed. The raffle with the Farmington Rotary was held on September 9, 2025 and the Annual Breakfast and Silent Auction Fundraiser was held on Saturday, October 11, 2025. Goal #5: Participate in a parks and facilities tour with the Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council. Status: Completed Objectives: 1. By March 1, the Advisory Board, Parks and Recreation Commission, and City Council will have identified a date to have a tour. Status: Completed. Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 6 pm was chosen for the parks and facilities tour with the Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council. 2. By June 1, a draft list of parks and facilities to tour will be reviewed by the Advisory Board. Status: Completed. The Rambling River Center will be the first stop on the tour. Other locations might include the Rambling River Park warming house, Troy Hills Park, and Daisy Knoll Park. 3. By July 1, a final list of parks and facilities to tour will be approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission. Status: Completed. The Parks and Recreation Commission approved the tour stops and schedule at their July 9, 2025 meeting. Page 12 of 17  4. By October 1, a parks and facilities tour will have occurred. Status: Completed. The parks and facilities tour was held on Thursday, August 21. Goal #6: Collaborate with Veteran’s Groups for more involvement at the Rambling River Center. Objectives: 1. By March 31, a date, time, and details for a veteran’s recognition and thank you event (coffee and dessert) will have been discussed, finalized, and approved. Status: Completed. Board members chose Thursday, May 22 at 9:00 am to host the veteran’s recognition and thank you event. 2. By May 31, the Advisory Board will host a coffee and dessert event for veterans. Status: Completed. Board members chose and hosted a veteran’s recognition and thank you event on July 2, 2025, at 9:00 am. By August 1, the Advisory Board will have evaluated the coffee event and discussed additional ways to collaborate with veteran’s groups. Status: Completed. The event was well received; plans have been made to hold another veteran’s thank you coffee event the day before Veteran’s Day. 3. By September 1, the Advisory Board will have met with and learned more about the identified veteran’s groups and brainstormed with them ways to collaborate. 4. By December 1, a second collaboration with a veteran’s group(s) will have taken place. Goal #7: Market and promote the Rambling River Center to new residential developments in Farmington. Status: Completed Objectives: 1. By March 1, discuss and develop a plan for promotion of the Rambling River Center to new residential developments. Status: Completed. The board discussed and decided to purchase tote bags with the Rambling River Center logo and information on them, have an open house when the Center reopens, visit with The Emery residents when occupancy rates are higher, and explore fitness classes and pickleball events at Vita Attiva. 2. By May 1, send Rambling River Center representative(s) to meet with residents of new residential developments (i.e. Vita Attiva, The Emery, etc.). Status: Completed. Advisory board members and group leaders attended and talked with people at the pickleball tournament at Vita Attiva on Saturday, July 26. 3. By July 1, mail Rambling River Center promotional materials to new residents. Status: Completed. Advisory board members handed out 24 Rambling River Center logo bags with membership information, FSP applications, River (newsletter), business cards and pens at the pickleball tournament at Vita Attiva on Saturday, July 26. 4. By October 1, invite and host Farmington area residents to an open house and tour of the newly renovated Rambling River Center. Status: Completed. The entire community was invited to the grand reopening and ribbon cutting on Wednesday, August 13. Goal #8: Thank all City of Farmington staff and Rambling River Center members who facilitated the move and kept programming going during the Rambling River Center renovation project. Status: Completed Page 13 of 17 Objectives: 1. By March 1, thank you idea(s) will have brainstormed and decided. Status: Completed. The board discussed that staff members and volunteers that assisted with the move will receive a gift bag/box with treats and a handwritten thank you. These will be distributed by advisory board members. 2. By April 1 all materials to facilitate the thank you will have been secured and/or arranged. Status: Completed. At their April 14, 2025, meeting, the advisory board finalized decisions regarding the thank you’s, bags, and items to be included in the bag. Staff ordered all the items. 3. By May 31, thank you’ s / thank you event will have happened. Status: Completed. Rambling River Center Advisory Board members brought Thank You’s to staff, firefighters, and city council the third and fourth weeks in June. Page 14 of 17  RAMBLING RIVER CENTER ADVISORY BOARD AGENDA MEMO To: Rambling River Center Advisory Board From: Missie Kohlbeck, Recreation Supervisor Department: Parks & Recreation Subject: Staff Report Meeting: Rambling River Center Advisory Board - Nov 10 2025 INTRODUCTION: During each meeting staff provides an informational update that does not require advisory board approval. DISCUSSION: The following updates will be provided at the meeting: A. Fundraising B. Switchgear C. Boards and Commissions Reception D. Coffee Café ACTION REQUESTED: Advisory board members should listen to the informational updates and then ask any questions they have about the updates. Page 15 of 17  RAMBLING RIVER CENTER ADVISORY BOARD AGENDA MEMO To: Rambling River Center Advisory Board From: Missie Kohlbeck, Recreation Supervisor Department: Parks & Recreation Subject: Advisory Board Roundtable Meeting: Rambling River Center Advisory Board - Nov 10 2025 INTRODUCTION: The advisory board roundtable occurs during every monthly meeting. DISCUSSION: The advisory board roundtable agenda item provides an opportunity for advisory board members to share information or ask questions of staff about items that are not on the agenda. No formal decisions can be made during the advisory board roundtable. ACTION REQUESTED: Advisory board members are being asked to come share information or ask questions about items not on the agenda. Page 16 of 17  RAMBLING RIVER CENTER ADVISORY BOARD AGENDA MEMO To: Rambling River Center Advisory Board From: Missie Kohlbeck, Recreation Supervisor Department: Parks & Recreation Subject: Items for December 8, 2025 Meeting Agenda Meeting: Rambling River Center Advisory Board - Nov 10 2025 INTRODUCTION: This item is for staff and advisory board members to identify possible items for the next meeting agenda. DISCUSSION: Thus far staff has identified the following possible items for the December 8, 2025 meeting.  2025 Meeting Attendance Report  2026 Work Plan Ideas and Draft Plan  Review Lighted Holiday Parade  2025 Work Plan Progress ACTION REQUESTED: Advisory board members are asked to come prepared to discuss the staff proposed agenda items and also provide other possible agenda items for the December 8, 2025 meeting. Page 17 of 17