Parks and Recreation Board

Maple Grove Parks and Recreation Board Regular Meeting Minutes June 16, 2022 Regular Meeting The Regular Meeting was called to order by Vice Chair John Ferm at 7:00 p.m. Board Members Present Present in the Chambers were Vice Chair John Ferm, Board Members Ken Helvey, Deb Syhre, Kelly Cunningham and Andy Mielke. Board Members Board Members absent were: Chair Bill Lewis and Debbie Coss. Absent Also Present Also present in the Chambers were: Council Representative Leith; Ben Jaszewski, Parks and Planning Superintendent; Aimee Peterson, Recreation Superintendent; and Angie Dehn, Community Center Manager. Also Absent Also absent in the Chambers was: Chuck Stifter, Parks and Recreation Director Approval of Agenda Vice Chair Ferm called for any changes to the agenda. Ms. Peterson replied there are none. Motion made by Board Member Mielke, seconded by Board Member Syhre to approve the agenda for the June 16, 2022 meeting as presented. Upon call for the question, on a voice vote, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Public Comment No requests were received. Special Business Minnesota Recreation and Recreation Superintendent Peterson stated staff is honored to Parks Association – Award announce Maple Grove Parks and Recreation’s of Excellence Presentation Intergenerational Garden has been selected as one of the 2021 Minnesota Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) Award of Park Board Meeting June 16, 2022 Page 2 Excellence for Programming. The Intergenerational Garden was selected to receive a 2021 Award of Excellence for Programming and Events. The Intergenerational Garden Club launched in May of 2021 through a partnership between the Youth Outreach and Senior programs, with support from Age Friendly Maple Grove. This garden area was supported by Lowe’s and previous donations. In 2021 the garden consisted of eight standing garden beds that were built with the help of our parkkeepers. This garden design is inclusive and allows for those to garden that have mobility issues or cannot kneel on the ground. Nick Jacobs, Interim Parks and Recreation Director for Otsego, introduced himself to the Board, noting he was a representative of the Minnesota Recreation and Park Associations Awards Committee. He discussed the history of this organization and presented the city with the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association Award of Excellence for Programming. He commended the city for its work on the Intergenerational Garden Club and for bringing seniors and youth together in the community. Crystal Anderson, Recreation Program Specialists – Youth Outreach, stated the first eight intergenerational gardens began in 2021. She thanked Lowe’s for their numerous donations to this program. Ms. Anderson explained they had 18 participants ranging from 11 to 80 years old. The program is continuing to grow. With added support from Lowe’s and Maple Grove Hospital, they were able to add an additional eight garden beds in 2022. Currently, there are over 30 participants. They have the support of a gardening expert, Byron Emmons, who volunteers his time throughout the summer to teach and guide the group on their planting and garden. In 2021, they also had support from Bobby Jensen of Kare 11 Grow with KARE program to help kick off the garden. Throughout the summer the produce created from the garden is shared between the participants of the garden. This program not only teaches about health and sustainability, but also helps bridge the gaps between the different generations as they work together all summer to care for their gardens. Park Board Meeting June 16, 2022 Page 3 Liz Faust, Recreation Program Specialist – Seniors, explained the first year was a tremendous success, and she was pleased to see that interest in the Intergenerational Garden Club was growing. She thanked North Memorial Health and Lowe’s for their continued support. Ms. Faust commented further on the strip irrigation system that was installed this spring and stated it would greatly assist with watering over the summer. Vice Chair Ferm stated this was a fantastic program for the community and he applauded Ms. Faust and Ms. Anderson for their efforts. Board Member Mielke thanked staff for all of their work on this excellent program. He truly appreciated how this program pulled together different generations for an outdoor activity in the community. Board Member Cunningham stated she loved to garden and be part of the growing process. She encouraged staff to investigate more locations for the intergenerational gardens. Board Member Reports Board Member Cunningham commented her family has been out visiting the city’s local parks and enjoyed the recent Chalk Fest. Board Member Mielke stated the community was looking forward to having the Gleason Fields open for use next summer. Staff Reports Parks and Planning Superintendent’s Report: Ben Jaszewski commented on the vandalism that has occurred in several city parks. Mr. Jaszewski discussed the planning that was being done for Territorial Road. He reported the Planning Commission recommended approval of the Master Plan on Monday and the Council will be reviewing this matter on Monday, June 20. Mr. Jaszewski provided the Board with an update on the progress that has been made at Gleason Fields. He reviewed several photos of the project area with the Board and Park Board Meeting June 16, 2022 Page 4 commented on the steel canopies that would be installed at the fields. Board Member Helvey commented on the berm at Gleason Fields and stated it was a lot higher than he anticipated. He asked if staff had received any comments or questions from the neighbors regarding the berm. Mr. Jaszewski indicated he had not received any comments or complaints to date. Board Member Mielke thanked staff for their efforts on the steel canopies. Board Member Cunningham asked if the Board would be able to tour the Gleason Fields. Mr. Jaszewski suggested the Board wait and tour the site in September when more of the work was completed. Recreation Superintendent’s Report: Aimee Peterson stated the Cross Community Players would be showing Legally Blonde at Town Green for the next few weeks. Ms. Peterson commented on the schedule of events that were planned for Juneteenth. Ms. Peterson reviewed the Sounds of Summer schedule with the Board, noting the first event would be held on Monday, June 27. Ms. Peterson commented on the retirement of Recreation Facilities Supervisor Jeanne Vestal and thanked Ms. Vestal for her 35 years of dedicated service to the City of Maple Grove. Vice Chair Ferm wished Ms. Vestal a long and healthy retirement and thanked her for her service to the City of Maple Grove. Board Member Cunningham suggested long-standing Parks employees be recognized within the renovated Community Center with a plaque. Community Center Manager’s Report: Angie Dehn stated she did a news story with WCCO regarding lifeguard shortages. She Park Board Meeting June 16, 2022 Page 5 reported she received five applications for water safety instructors and lifeguards after the story aired. Ms. Dehn updated the Board on the signs that were posted at Weaver Lake. Ms. Dehn reviewed photos that showcased the changes made to the arena as part of the rebranding project. Board Member Mielke stated the renovations at the arena were looking great. He questioned when the work would be completed. Ms. Dehn anticipated work on the arena would be completed in the coming weeks. Council Liaison’s Report: Council Member Leith stated the Council approved a rental housing moratorium that would go into effect on July 1 and would last for one year. He reported this moratorium would allow staff time to investigate the number of rentals in the community and what the city’s staffing needs were. He explained Dunn Brothers closed and would be turned into a local coffee shop. CONSENT BUSINESS Consent Business Motion made by Board Member Helvey, seconded by Board Member Cunningham to approve the Consent Items as presented. A. Minutes – May 19, 2022 Regular Meeting B. Approve Claims C. Accept Resignation of Youth Outreach Assistant D. Special Use Permit – Mick Sterling – Grooves and Foods E. Recruitment Approval for Recreation Facilities Supervisor Upon call for the question, on a voice vote, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Park Board Meeting June 16, 2022 Page 6 OLD BUSINESS Old Business, Item A Ben Jaszewski, Parks and Planning Superintendent, stated after Lakeview Knolls the Park Board reviewed the three concept plans showing Engagement Results and possible locations for the addition of twelve pickleball courts at Preferred Concept Lakeview Knolls, park staff and consultant built and marketed a website on social pinpoint. The website allowed residents and pickleball users to comment on each concept. In addition, staff and consultant held an in person open house meeting with residents on June 2 to discuss the concepts and gather feedback. The public meeting was promoted through social media, on the city website, and with signage placed throughout the park leading up to the date of the meeting. Staff reviewed the online survey results and comments received from the public. Staff is recommending the Park Board approve concept 2 and authorize the project. With favorable bids relocation of the ballfields would be completed this fall. Construction of courts, trails, shelter, restrooms, and landscaping would begin in the spring of 2023. Board Member Cunningham stated she supported concept 2. She asked if staff was able to speak with the two homes that would be closest to the pickleball courts. Mr. Jaszewski reported both of these residents attended the neighborhood meeting and staff was able to speak with them. Motion made by Board Member Helvey, seconded by Board Member Syhre to approve concept 2 as the preferred concept plan for the Lakeview Knolls park authorizing the project to proceed with design and construction documents. Upon call for the question, on a voice vote, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. NEW BUSINESS New Business, Item A Ben Jaszewski, Parks and Planning Superintendent, stated the Lakeview Knolls proposal is to facilitate the schematic design, construction Consultant Proposal documents, bidding, and construction administration for the Lakeview Knolls Park pickleball complex. The proposal is based on Park Board approval of the preferred concept. Consultant services fees were reviewed with the Commission. Park Board Meeting June 16, 2022 Page 7 Mr. Jaszewski reported at their May 2022 meeting the Board reviewed three concepts for the Lakeview Knolls Park pickleball complex, which included total estimates for each concept. The overall budget estimate for the preferred concept was $1.82 million. The current pre-design budget estimates were discussed in further detail with the Board. Mr. Jaszewski explained during the design phase staff and consultant will evaluate options to mitigate noise and traffic impacts to the neighborhood. Value engineering will be utilized throughout the process to reduce costs where possible. After a positive review by the Board, staff and consultant will begin the design phase with the goal of conducting site preparation and relocation of the ballfields in the fall of 2022. Construction of the pickleball courts, parking lot, restrooms, trails, and shelter would begin in the spring of 2023 with a substantial completion in mid to late summer. Staff is recommending the Park Board approve the consultant services proposal from HKGi for schematic design, construction documents, bidding, and construction administration. Funding for this project comes from the 2022 Park Development Program. Currently the Board has allocated $1.5M for the project. Motion by Board Member Helvey, seconded by Board Member Cunningham to approve the consultant services proposal from HKGi and to direct the Parks and Recreation Director to execute the agreement subject to final review by the Director of Parks and Recreation and the City Attorney. Upon call for the question, on a voice vote, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. New Business, Item B Ben Jaszewski, Parks and Planning Superintendent stated this Subdivision – Tricare 7th PUD is 5.0 acres for a senior affordable housing complex with Addition 160 units and is located just west of Interstate 94 off of Garland Ln N near County Road 30 and Menards. Tricare 7th is located within the city’s park service area 18. Residents of this subdivision are served by Hidden Meadows Park and various trail connections. The 2018 park system plan calls for a playlot to the north of this subdivision and a neighborhood park along Rush Creek to the west. The need for the playlot will be Park Board Meeting June 16, 2022 Page 8 dependent on private amenities and resident access to nearby existing and planned neighborhood parks. Public trails along Garland Lane will connect residents to any future neighborhood park or playlot along Garland Lane and will connect with public sidewalks along County Road 30. Park dedication for the outlots A and B will be required when they are platted in future developments. According to the 610 northwest area master plan, both outlots will be developed as low density residential. The Park Dedication obligation for the proposed subdivision would be a cash dedication. Fees will apply as follows: 160 Single‐Family Residential lots x $3,389 = $542,240 Mr. Jaszewski reported connections to local and regional trail networks are planned just to the west. Roadside paths will connect with neighborhoods to the north, south, and west as development continues. Staff will continue to work with city engineering staff to develop safe pedestrian crossings of the 610‐runoff roadway and provide neighborhood access to the planned neighborhood park to the northwest. Staff recommends the Park Board approve the park dedication requirements related to the Tricare 7th Addition and accept the cash dedication. Motion by Board Member Cunningham, seconded by Board Member Mielke to approve the preliminary and final park dedication requirements on the Tricare 7th Addition plat pursuant to Maple Grove Subdivision Ordinance, Chapter 30:18, Provision of Land for Public Use: • Applicant shall fulfil the park dedication requirements on the plat with a cash dedication based upon the residential rate in effect at the time the plat is released by the city for recording. • Applicant may pay the fee at any time after the final plat has been approved by the City Council, but it must be paid before the plat is released for filing with the county. The final cash dedication is based on the rate at the time the dedication is paid. Rates are reviewed annually by the City Council at their first meeting in February. This may affect the final cash dedication requirements. Park Board Meeting June 16, 2022 Page 9 Upon call for the question, on a voice vote, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Adjournment Motion made by Board Member Syhre, seconded by Board Member Cunningham to adjourn. Upon call for the question, on a voice vote, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:53 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Chuck Stifter, Director Parks and Recreation Board City of Maple Grove