Parks and Recreation Board
Regular MeetingMaple Grove, MN · April 21, 2022
Minutes
Maple Grove Parks and Recreation Board
Regular Meeting Minutes
April 21, 2022
Call to Order The Regular Meeting was called to order by Chair, Bill Lewis at
7 p.m.
Board Members Present Present in the Chambers were Chair Bill Lewis, Vice Chair John
Ferm, Board Members Ken Helvey, Deb Syhre, Kelly
Cunningham, Debbie Coss, and Andy Mielke.
Board Members Board Members absent were: none
Absent
Also Present Also present in the Chambers were: City Council
Representative Leith; Chuck Stifter, Parks and Recreation
Director; Ben Jaszewski, Parks and Planning Superintendent;
Aimee Peterson, Recreation Superintendent; and Angie Dehn,
Community Center Manager.
Approval of Agenda Chair Lewis called for any changes to the agenda. Director
Stifter replied there are none.
Motion made by Vice Chair Ferm, seconded by Board
Member Mielke to approve the agenda for the April 21, 2022
meeting as presented.
Upon call for the question, on a voice vote, there were seven
ayes and no nays. Motion carried.
Public Comment No requests were received.
Special Business No items to present.
Board Member Reports Chair Lewis commented on the ice show that was held this past
Saturday. He noted his granddaughter participated in this
Park Board Meeting
April 21, 2022
Page 2
great event. He thanked staff for all of their efforts on behalf
of the community.
Board Member Cunningham explained her son started soccer
practices in the dome this past week and it was fantastic.
Staff Reports Director’s Report: Director Stifter thanked the Park Board
members for participating in the joint council work session
meeting on Monday night, where the Territorial Road Master
Plan was discussed. He explained staff would continue to
study this area to determine where a park could be placed. He
requested the board provide him with any additional feedback
they may have in order to assist staff with their planning work.
Director Stifter reported the city was looking to acquire land in
Park Area 5. He noted a lot has become available and staff was
negotiating with the property owner. The land acquisition
would be going before the City Council for approval at an
upcoming meeting.
Director Stifter stated he spoke to over 100 seniors today
regarding the Community Center expansion. He noted this
group was very engaged in the community, and he appreciated
the questions they asked of staff.
Director Stifter explained on Thursday, May 19 the Park Board
would be touring the Plymouth Community Center. He
reported they recently completed an expansion of their facility.
Parks and Planning Superintendent’s Report: Ben Jaszewski
reported the Gleason Fields reconstruction project began and
park equipment was being removed. He explained earth work
would begin next week. He indicated signs would be posted
directing residents to nearby parks while Gleason Fields is
under construction.
Mr. Jaszewski stated park maintenance staff had been working
on trail cleaning, brush mowing, tree cleanup, and built a
screen around the portable toilets at the Weaver Lake boat
launch.
Recreation Superintendent’s Report: Aimee Peterson
explained the new promotional activity guide was mailed out
Park Board Meeting
April 21, 2022
Page 3
to all Maple Grove residents. She reported this information
was also available on the city’s website. She described how the
activity guide and been altered and enhanced. She thanked her
staff members for their assistance on the activity guide. She
commented further on the new promotional guide that was
sent to seniors in the community. She reported summer
registration begins next week.
Ms. Peterson discussed the skate show that took place last
weekend. She explained this was the first full performance
since COVID began. She thanked Mandy Pirich and her staff for
all of their hard work. She reported this show was available for
viewing on CCX. She then reviewed the new logo for the Maple
Grove Skating School.
Ms. Peterson noted her winter recreation report was provided
to the Board in her staff report and commented on the
numbers for the city’s fee-based recreation programming in
2021. She stated some programming was down and explained
this was generally due to a lack of instructors.
Ms. Peterson encouraged residents to participate in the Walk
to Remember on Saturday, May 7.
Ms. Peterson reported an Arbor Day event would be held on
Saturday, May 7 at City Hall.
Ms. Peterson explained a park cleanup day would be held on
Tuesday, May 10.
Ms. Peterson noted a Memorial Day event would be held on
Monday, May 30 at the Veterans memorial in Central Park.
Community Center Manager’s Report: Angie Dehn stated she
was getting a good number of groups back into the Community
Center. She discussed a Rubik’s cube event that was held,
noting over 200 people attended. In addition, a Taekwondo
event was held that brought in over 100 people.
Ms. Dehn stated the teen center was shut down for a short
time in order to complete maintenance work and a deep
Park Board Meeting
April 21, 2022
Page 4
cleaning. She noted the teen center was reopened right after
Easter.
Council Liaison’s Report: Council Member Leith reported the
Council held interviews on Wednesday, April 20 for the Human
Resources Director and a candidate was selected.
Council Member Leith indicated the Maple Grove Hospital
recently announced they would be owned 100% by North
Memorial.
Council Member Leith explained Hy-Vee announced in an
article in the Sunday Star Tribune that they would not be
constructing their other store in Maple Grove. He reported
there has since been a lot of interest in this site.
Council Member Leith indicated the Council awarded a
reconstruction project for Main Street at their meeting on
Monday. He anticipated work on this project would begin after
Memorial Day and would be completed in phases.
Council Member Leith discussed the ribbon cutting ceremony
he attended for Kung Fu Tea.
CONSENT BUSINESS
Consent Business Chair Lewis requested further comment from staff on Item J.
Recreation Superintendent Peterson explained staff received
applications from 27 individuals and held interviews with the
top six candidates. She stated staff would like to offer the
Recreation Program Specialist – Farmers Market and Park
Sponsorships position to Mao Lee. She noted Ms. Lee has
worked at the Minneapolis Farmers Market since 2018, has a
strong passion for local food, and has been a long-time vendor
at the Maple Grove Farmers Market.
Mao Lee introduced herself to the board and stated she was so
happy to have this opportunity. She discussed her experience
with the Minneapolis Farmers Market and stated she was
excited to be working with the City of Maple Grove.
Park Board Meeting
April 21, 2022
Page 5
Board Member Coss welcomed Ms. Lee to the City of Maple
Grove and believed she would do a great job on behalf of the
community.
Motion made by Board Member Cunningham, seconded by
Board Member Coss to approve the Consent Items as
presented.
A. Minutes – March 17, 2022 Regular Meeting
B. Approve Claims
C. Special Use Permit – Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep
D. Special Use Permit and Fee Waiver Request – Maple
Grove Lions
E. Premier Rink Bleacher Top Replacement
F. Maple Grove Middle School – Ballfield Netting Project
G. Gleason Athletic Complex – Resolution Authorizing
Grant Application
H. 2022 Winter Recreation Participation Report
I. 2022 First Quarter Community Center Participation
Report
J. Appointment of Recreation Program Specialist –
Farmers Market and Park Sponsorships
Upon call for the question, on a voice vote, there were seven
ayes and no nays. Motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
Old Business, Item A Ben Jaszewski, Parks and Planning Superintendent, stated bids
Gleason were received on February 10, 2022, and awarded by the Park
Resolution 22-082 Board at their meeting on February 17, 2022. Bids for items
Assignment and Change 11B Scoreboards and 13A Shade Structures were rejected by
Order the Board and reassigned as Owner Costs. Additionally, quotes
for categories 5A Structural Steel, 5C Handrails and Guardrails,
and 6D Millwork were not received at the time of bid opening.
The contract held allowances for both categories. Staff
reviewed the costs for these items. Quote Categories 5A, 5C,
and 6D were re-solicited and quotes were received in early
April, 2022. Quotes for each category came in under budget.
The price for these items was reviewed with the Board.
Following positive review by the Board, the Guaranteed
Park Board Meeting
April 21, 2022
Page 6
Maximum Price (GMP) will be reduced by $12,203. The change
order modifies the GMP for a total of $10,530,059. Owner
Costs remain unchanged and are estimated to be $4,301,340
with a total project cost of $14,831,399. Updated project costs
are as follows:
Construction Costs (GMP).....................$10,530,059
Owners Costs...........................................$4,301,340
Total Project Cost..................................$14,831,399
Staff recommends the Board approve the Resolution accepting
and awarding the contracts, the Assignment of Contracts, and
the Change Order modifying the Guaranteed Maximum Price
for the project at $10,530,059.
Motion made by Board Member Syhre, seconded by Board
Member Helvey to approve Resolution 22-082 accepting
quotes and awarding contracts for Gleason Fields Athletic
Complex contingent on final review by the City Attorney and
the Parks and Recreation Director.
Upon call for the question, on a voice vote, there were seven
ayes and no nays. Motion carried.
Motion made by Board Member Coss, seconded by Vice Chair
Ferm to approve the Assignment of Contracts associated with
Resolution 22-082 for Gleason Fields Athletic Complex
contingent on final review by the City Attorney and the Parks
and Recreation Director.
Upon call for the question, on a voice vote, there were seven
ayes and no nays. Motion carried.
Motion made by Board Member Mielke, seconded by Board
Member Coss to approve Change Order No. 1 modifying the
Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) to $10,530,059 and
authorize the Parks and Recreation Board Chair and the Parks
and Recreation Director to execute the change order
contingent on final review by the City Attorney and the Parks
and Recreation Director.
Park Board Meeting
April 21, 2022
Page 7
Upon call for the question, on a voice vote, there were seven
ayes and no nays. Motion carried.
Old Business, Item B Director Stifter stated the Parks and Recreation staff annually
2021 Parks and Recreation prepare a year‐end report summarizing the financial outcome
Year End Budget of the past year. The staff has always done an excellent job
managing their individual area budgets, as well as keeping the
board apprised to ensure efficient and effective fiscal
management. Board members will find the 2021 Parks and
Recreation year‐end budget report. It was noted 2021 was a
recovery year that started amidst pandemic restrictions with
lower than normal participation in programs and facilities
patronage but higher than normal park use. The year ended
with solid increases in facility patronage and program
participation. Recovery has been consistent but has not
returned to pre‐pandemic numbers. Following preliminary
reconciliation by the Finance Department, the 2021 Parks and
Recreation Board General Fund allocation had a positive
balance of $143,937. The Park and Recreation Fund remains
healthy with a balance of $704,231. The Community Center
had a cost recovery of 68.6% and the Sports Dome recovered
98% of its expenditures. Staff commented further on the year
end budget and recommended the board receive the
document.
Board Member Mielke commended staff on the thorough and
comprehensive report.
Chair Lewis thanked staff for the results and for overcoming so
many adversities in the past two years. He appreciated the
fact the city still had healthy park fund balances after two years
of less than average usage.
Motion made by Vice Chair Ferm, seconded by Board
Member Syhre to receive the 2021 Parks and Recreation year‐
end budget report.
Upon call for the question, on a voice vote, there were seven
ayes and no nays. Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
Park Board Meeting
April 21, 2022
Page 8
New Business, Item A Director Stifter stated in February 2021, the Board approved
Arena Sponsorship the arena sponsorship program and the consultant services
Agreement - agreement with Prime Advertising and Design directing staff to
Lookout Loft proceed with the approved branding concept and the sale of
sponsorships. The proposed agreement outlines parameters of
the sponsorship agreement for the Lookout Loft, which
includes graphic artwork facing the west rink, upgrades to the
loft area, and to allow for private use of the loft by the sponsor
during high school hockey games. The sponsor is responsible
for expenses related to all artwork and installation. The Park
Board is responsible for expenses related to painting, furniture,
tv monitor, and curtain upgrades. Funding for board upgrades
will come from dollars generated from the sponsorship
program.
Motion by Board Member Helvey, seconded by Board
Member Cunningham to approve the arena sponsorship
agreement with Lookout Bar and Grill, subject to final review
by the Parks and Recreation Director and the City Attorney.
Upon call for the question, on a voice vote, there were seven
ayes and no nays. Motion carried.
New Business, Item B Ben Jaszewski, Parks and Planning Superintendent, stated the
Arena Painting – proposal this evening is from RJM Construction to provide
Construction Manager at Construction Manager (CM) at Risk services for the
Risk Agreement construction and project administration of the Ice Arena
Painting Project. In March, staff attempted to solicit quotes
from individual contractors but quickly realized vast differences
in quotes and pricing from contractors. Staff consulted RJM to
provide scope and assist in the bidding process. The CM at Risk
project delivery method allows for a more efficient process and
a better overall product. Following positive review and action
approving the agreement with RJM, the board will review
quotes for the project in a separate action. If awarded, those
contracts would be assigned to RJM based on a proposed
Guaranteed Maximum Price. RJM has an extensive history of
work in Maple Grove providing expert construction
management services in the development of the Ice Arena
Expansion, Town Green, Sports Dome, Central Park, and
Fernbrook Fields. Staff recommends the Board accept the
proposal to retain RJM Construction as Construction Manager
Park Board Meeting
April 21, 2022
Page 9
at Risk for the Ice Arena Painting Project as defined in the AIA
proposal and contract subject to final review by the City
Attorney and Parks and Recreation Director.
Board Member Cunningham stated she supported staff’s
recommendation for this project.
Motion by Board Member Cunningham, seconded by Board
Member Coss to approve the agreement dated April 21, 2022
with RJM Construction for construction management and
administration services for the Ice Arena Painting Project, and
authorize execution of the Agreement, subject to final review
by the City Attorney and the Parks and Recreation Director.
Upon call for the question, on a voice vote, there were seven
ayes and no nays. Motion carried.
New Business, Item C Ben Jaszewski, Parks and Planning Superintendent, stated
Arena Painting Contract - quotes were received in April 2022 corresponding with the
Resolution 22-083 branding design by Prime Advertising that the Board reviewed
Assignment of Contracts, at their March 2022 meeting. Quotes include painting the
Guaranteed Maximum premier rink walls, bleachers, concession area, main entrance,
Price and upper walkway area. The lower lobby area was quoted as
an add alternate. The project was reviewed by several
contractors and two bids were received. The schedule
corresponding with the annual ice arena shut down was
limiting and prohibited additional contractors from providing
quotes. Because the project is unique and contractors are
quoting off of visual inspection of the facility rather than
detailed building plans RJM is recommending a contingency of
$30,000 to cover additional expenses, additions, and potential
changes to the scope. Updated project costs including
contingencies and Contractors Fees are as follows:
Construction Costs……………....$140,499
Alternate 1…………………….…………$5,092
Project Total…………………………$145,541
Staff recommends the Board approve the Resolution accepting
and awarding the contracts with Alternate 1, the Assignment of
Contracts, and the Guaranteed Maximum Price Amendment
for the project at $145,541.
Park Board Meeting
April 21, 2022
Page 10
Motion by Board Member Coss, seconded by Board Member
Syhre to approve Resolution 22‐083 accepting quotes and
awarding contracts for the Ice Arena Painting Project
contingent on final review by the City Attorney and the Parks
and Recreation Director.
Upon call for the question, on a voice vote, there were seven
ayes and no nays. Motion carried.
Motion by Board Member Mielke, seconded by Board
Member Cunningham to approve the Assignment of Contracts
associated with Resolution 22‐083 for the Ice Arena Painting
Project contingent on final review by the City Attorney and
the Parks and Recreation Director.
Upon call for the question, on a voice vote, there were seven
ayes and no nays. Motion carried.
Motion by Vice Chair Ferm, seconded by Board Member Coss
to approve Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) Amendment
to $145,591 and authorize the Parks and Recreation Board
Chair and the Parks and Recreation Director to execute the
change order contingent on final review by the City Attorney
and the Parks and Recreation Director.
Upon call for the question, on a voice vote, there were seven
ayes and no nays. Motion carried.
New Business, Item D Angie Dehn, Community Center Manager, stated due to a
Weaver Lake Beach lifeguard shortage, staff is requesting the Board to consider
Operational Modification modifying our beach operation to limit the time when Weaver
Lake beach has lifeguards on duty. Current city code prohibits
swimming or entering park waters unless a lifeguard is on duty.
Staff recommends the modification of city code to allow
swimming when lifeguards are not on duty. Guarding the
community center pools would take priority over the
beach. As lifeguard resources allow, staff will schedule
guarding the beach during peak hours on the weekends and
high use days. Staff researched other communities with
beaches. During that review it was found that many
communities allow swimming at unguarded beaches. Staff
Park Board Meeting
April 21, 2022
Page 11
commented further on the proposed modifications and
recommended approval.
Board Member Cunningham recommended signage be posted
to make people aware they are swimming at their own risk or
to encourage parents to be present if children are swimming.
Ms. Dehn reported signage would be posted.
Board Member Coss asked if there were any other safety
precautions that should be considered. Ms. Dehn indicated
staff may be present during peak hours and noted signage
would be posted.
Board Member Coss recommended staff update the city’s
website to state no lifeguard would be present at the Weaver
Lake beach this summer. Ms. Dehn stated she would update
the website.
Chair Lewis suggested staff speak with other communities to
see how they have mitigated concerns.
Board Member Helvey supported the city not guarding the
beach and having signs posted. He recommended staff speak
with the City Attorney regarding the liabilities for this matter.
Vice Chair Ferm stated his biggest concern was this beach was
somewhat hidden. He suggested a stronger police presence be
considered if there would be no city staff at the beach.
Responding to a question, Director Stifter explained the action
would be a recommendation by the Park Board for the City
Council to consider.
Motion by Board Member Helvey, seconded by Board
Member Cunningham to approve a recommendation for
consideration by City Council to modify City Code 1984,
220:20 Section 22‐67 to allow swimming at Weaver Lake
Beach when lifeguards are not on duty.
Upon call for the question, on a voice vote, there were seven
ayes and no nays. Motion carried.
Park Board Meeting
April 21, 2022
Page 12
Adjournment Motion made by Board Member Helvey, seconded by Board
Member Cunningham to adjourn.
Upon call for the question, on a voice vote, there were seven
ayes and no nays. Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 7:49 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Chuck Stifter, Director
Parks and Recreation Board
City of Maple Grove
Get email alerts for Maple Grove
A daily email when new agendas and minutes are posted.