Parks and Recreation Board

Maple Grove Parks and Recreation Board Regular Meeting October 20, 2022 Regular Meeting The Regular Meeting was called to order by Chair, Bill Lewis at 7:00 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: Council Representative Leith, Chuck Stifter, 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 Board Vice Chair Ferm, seconded by Board Member Helvey to approve the agenda for the October 20, 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 Board Member Syhre expressed concern with the fact people were parking on the other side of the walking path at Fernbrook Fields. She asked staff to look into this concern and post the area “No Parking”. She suggested the city consider installing security cameras in order to assist with deterring vandalism. Park Board Meeting October 20, 2022 Page 2 Board Member Mielke suggested the city have a stronger police presence at their parks and that staff report back with the cost for installing security cameras in problem areas. Board Member Coss stated it may benefit the city to speak with the Police Department to see what steps could be taken to improve security in the parks. Chair Lewis supported staff speaking with the Police Department about possible steps moving forward. Director Stifter explained the Police Department are aware of what is going on and started their investigation. He anticipated cameras would help, but they were expensive. He stated the city could look into improving the security lighting within the parks. Board Member Cunningham reported crime was occurring everywhere these days, and she appreciated the fact Maple Grove did not have to deal with the high level of crime that was occurring in other communities. She did not believe installing cameras would be worth the expense. She suggested city staff speak with other communities to see how they address vandalism in their parks. Vice Chair Ferm supported the city improving security lighting. Chair Lewis requested staff speak further about how to address this concern. Board Member Helvey requested staff report back to the Board at a future meeting regarding the cost and feasibility of a community garden. Board Member Cunningham stated the renovations and upgrades at the ice arena were very well done. Staff Reports Director’s Report: Director Stifter stated work and public engagement continues on the potential Community Center improvements. He updated the Board on the plans for Park Service Area 9. He reported staff members recently attended the MRPA Annual Conference. Park Board Meeting October 20, 2022 Page 3 Board Member Mielke thanked staff for organizing the Community Center Working Group. Superintendent of Parks and Planning’s Report: Ben Jaszewski discussed how staff could address the recent vandalism events that occurred within the city’s parks. Mr. Jaszewski provided the Board with an update on the progress that has been made at Gleason Fields. Mr. Jaszewski commented on an Eagle Scout planting and mulch project that was recently completed at the Veteran’s Memorial. Mr. Jaszewski discussed the fire that occurred at Lakeview Knolls/Old Village Hall and provided the Board with a history of the building. He stated unfortunately it appears the fire was the result of arson. Further discussion ensued regarding the future of this property. Board Member Syhre requested the portable restrooms remain in Jonquil Meadows Park later in the season. Superintendent of Recreation’s Report: Aimee Peterson gave an update on the Rock N the Grove outdoor concert event. Ms. Peterson stated the Harvest-Tober Fest was very well attended on October 8 at Central Park. Ms. Peterson shared Zach Moulton has been hired as the new Recreation Facility Supervisor and noted Central Park now had a new skate sharpener. Ms. Peterson reviewed the upcoming recreation brochure schedule for the end of 2022 through 2023. Vice Chair Ferm asked if the city was replacing skates on a yearly basis. Ms. Peterson explained the city has been replacing about $3,500 worth of skates each year at the skate loop. Park Board Meeting October 20, 2022 Page 4 Community Center Manager’s Report: Angie Dehn discussed the pool shutdown and maintenance that occurred in September and October. Ms. Dehn commented on the updates that were made to the gym floor and shared photographs of the ice arena rebranding. Ms. Dehn discussed the Meals from the Heart and Northwood Church Serve Day that were held at the Community Center. Council Liaison’s Report: Council Member Leith reported Assistant Fire Chief Rob Peterson recently retired. He noted the city recently swore in four new Police Officers. He explained Sierra would be opening on Saturday, October 22 and Main Street would be holding a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, October 24 at 4:00 p.m. He invited the public to attend the Lions Waffle Breakfast on Sunday, October 23 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. CONSENT BUSINESS Consent Business Chair Lewis requested items 5D, 5E and 5F be further discussed prior to approving Consent Business. Tanya Huntley introduced Roee Hecht to the Park Board noting Mr. Hecht was appointed to the Recreation Program Assistant- Special Events and Farmers Market position. She explained Mr. Hecht started as an intern with the City of Maple Grove this summer. Mr. Hecht thanked the Park Board for welcoming him to the Parks and Recreation team. He explained he greatly appreciated working with the team this summer as an intern and looked forward to continuing to serve the community in his new position. Mr. Jaszewski noted Thomas Shaw has been appointed to the Parkkeeper position. Mr. Jaszewski introduced Sam McNellis to the Park Board and noted he would be appointed to the Park Supervisor position. Park Board Meeting October 20, 2022 Page 5 Mr. McNellis thanked the Park Board for the opportunity to serve as a Park Supervisor and noted he was excited to serve the community in his new position. Motion made by Board Member Cunningham, seconded by Board Member Coss to approve the Consent Items presented. A. Minutes – September 15, 2022 Regular Meeting B. Minutes – September 15, 2022 Special Meeting – Park Board Tour C. Approve Claims D. Appointment – Recreation Program Assistant – Special Events and Farmers Market E. Appointment – Park Supervisor F. Appointment – Parkkeeper G. Subdivision – Dental Associates of Maple Grove Addition Upon call for the question, on a voice vote, there were seven ayes and no nays. Motion carried. OLD BUSINESS Old Business No items to present. NEW BUSINESS New Business, Item A Aimee Peterson, Recreation Superintendent stated the Parks Outdoor Rink Program and Recreation Department floods and maintains a total of Discussion nine pleasure rinks and twelve hockey rinks at 8 sites throughout the park system. Rink supervisors are on duty during skating season rotating between sites during the following hours: • Monday through Friday: 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. • Saturdays and Sundays: 12 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. • Holidays and Non-School Days: 12 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Ms. Peterson reported rink usage is recorded by rink supervisors when present. For the winter 2022-2023 season, Gleason Park ice rinks will not be in operation due to Park Board Meeting October 20, 2022 Page 6 construction. In October 2020 the Board reviewed outdoor ice participation and community survey results. Discussion led to no change in the service delivery but to promote outdoor recreation opportunities during the pandemic. At the September 15, 2022 Park Board meeting staff was asked to prepare and present an outdoor ice attendance and operations report for Board review. Staff is seeking feedback and direction from the Board for the 2022-23 outdoor ice season. Board Member Coss asked how attendance numbers were gathered for this past year without rink attendants. Ms. Peterson reported attendance logs were kept at each building when staff were present. Vice Chair Ferm expressed it is the Board’s role to operate outdoor ice with fiscal responsibility. He discussed the amount of money that is spent to flood, maintain and operate the city’s rinks. He explained residents did not mind traveling to get to rinks. He suggested some of the rinks be eliminated and that more focus be put on increasing the quality of the remaining rinks. He indicated there were some rinks that had lower usage than others. He recommended the city reduce the number of rinks maintained by the Parks Department to four. Further discussion ensued regarding the location of the current ice rinks. It was noted the rinks at the schools were more heavily used. Vice Chair Ferm commented the usage at the city’s outdoor rinks went down dramatically when the skate loop was opened. Board Member Cunningham reported the Gleason Fields ice rink was heavily used and would not be available this winter. She noted her children have used all of the ice rinks in the city. She discussed how the success at the rinks was weather related. She indicated her son is currently playing squirt hockey and there were over 150 kids at tryouts. She stated she did not support taking away rinks at this time given how many kids in the community were playing hockey. She commented she really appreciated being able to walk to her neighborhood park with her kids to play hockey. Park Board Meeting October 20, 2022 Page 7 Board Member Coss stated if the city can afford it, she would like to see all of the outdoor rinks remain open. Board Member Mielke explained he supported the Board taking a further look at maintenance and operation of each rink. He wanted to better understand the overall cost of the city’s outdoor rink program. He stated his goal in the future would be to have concrete bases under each of the outdoor rinks because the winter season was short. Vice Chair Ferm commented he would like to see the city being fiscally responsible when it comes to the outdoor rinks. He questioned what the cost was to the city if only four people were using an outdoor rink. He wanted to see the Board taking a closer look at the numbers. He suggested staff come back to the Board in November with a recommendation. Board Member Helvey stated he supported closing several of the rinks and enhancing the remaining rinks. He requested staff put together a recommendation that takes into consideration ease of use, geographical equity, maintenance and usage for all of the outdoor rinks. He indicated the city was not obligated to provide free rinks for the schools. Board Member Syhre stated in order to make a responsible decision the Board has to know how much time staff spent on maintaining the ice, overseeing the skaters, as well as more detailed information on overall costs. She believed this information would assist the Board in making a fiscally responsible decision for the community. Vice Chair Ferm thanked the Board for all of their comments. He asked for Mr. Jaszewski to speak further on the outdoor rink usage. Mr. Jaszewski stated he believed it made sense to look further into the impacts of rink utilization, as well as comparing the number of rinks in the city to other communities. He reported from a maintenance standpoint, the quality of the rinks would improve if the city had fewer rinks to maintain. Park Board Meeting October 20, 2022 Page 8 Board Member Cunningham indicated she was not comfortable making a decision on the outdoor rinks without having additional information. She then dismissed herself from the meeting. Ms. Peterson reported this meeting was to serve as a discussion for this topic and no action from the Board was recommended. Board Member Coss indicated Maple Grove had one of the largest skating schools in the country, along with one of the largest hockey associations in the State. She questioned why the numbers on outdoor rinks was going down. Mr. Jaszewski explained there were more indoor options for skaters at this time both in Maple Grove and in surrounding communities. Board Member Helvey encouraged staff to speak with the figure skating people as well as the hockey association in order to better understand how they use the outdoor rinks. He understood that the recommendation may be to close rinks or to not close rinks, and he looked forward to having more information from staff before making a decision. Board Member Mielke stated he supported Board Member Helvey’s comments. Chair Lewis explained he also supported staff bringing a recommendation to the Board on this topic in November, while also providing further information regarding usage, costs, ease of maintenance, future capital improvement costs, and geographical equity. Director Stifter thanked the Board for all of their feedback. New Business, Item B PSA Ben Jaszewski, Parks and Planning Superintendent stated in 5 Improvement – 2020 the city purchased two properties on 105th Avenue N in Structure Demolition and Park Service Area 5 for a future neighborhood park. Both Site Clean Up properties contained single family dwelling units. The property at 16530 105th Ave N also has a wood barn structure and steel storage building. Since 2020 both properties have been utilized by the Maple Grove Police and Fire Departments for training. Park Board Meeting October 20, 2022 Page 9 The Fire Department eventually burned all structures, with the exception of the large barn, as part of their training exercises. Mr. Jaszewski reported the remaining foundations and debris will be removed and discarded. The site will then be backfilled and graded to match existing conditions. Both quotes include fill and seeding the areas. The large barn will also be removed and backfilled. To remove the barn the contractor will bring the structure to the ground and allow staff to assess whether or not timbers can be removed and reused. The work will be completed in November. Dormant seeding will be utilized to restore the areas where structures will be built. Some asphalt and concrete will be left in place so maintenance staff can access both properties. Two quotes were received from reputable contractors as follows: Giertsen Company................................... $164,101.92 All State Companies Inc..............................$58,830.00 Mr. Jaszewski explained staff estimated $100,000 for the cost of demolition and removal of the existing structures. Funding for this project comes from the Park Development Fund. Staff recommends the Board accept the quotes and award the contract to All State Companies Inc. in the amount of $58,830 for the PSA 5 Structure Demolition and Site Clean Up. Vice Chair Ferm asked why there was such a dramatic difference between the two quotes. Mr. Jaszewski explained Giertsen Company specializes in fire rehabilitation and All State Companies was a smaller demo company. Motion by Board Member Mielke, seconded by Vice Chair Ferm to receive the quotes for the PSA 5 Structure Demolitions and Site Clean Up and award the contract to All State Companies Inc. in the amount of $58,830 pending 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. Park Board Meeting October 20, 2022 Page 10 New Business, Item C Ben Jaszewski, Parks and Planning Superintendent stated the Subdivision – Rush Hollow Rush Hollow PUD is a 160.21‐acre development located north Addition of Territorial Rd and west of Fernbrook Lane N in PSA 4. This development will include an arterial road connection to Fernbrook Lane N from Maple Grove Parkway. The 2018 Park System Plan includes a neighborhood park that is planned to the west of this subdivision along Territorial Road per the approved Territorial Road Master Plan. Trails are needed throughout the development to connect residents to the future park and planned regional trail system which will eventually link Elm Creek Regional Park with Crow Hassan Regional Park to the northwest. Staff commented further on the proposed development and recommended the Park Board approve the Rush Hollow Addition plat and accept the land and cash dedication. Vice Chair Ferm asked where the creek crossing would be. Mr. Jaszewski explained the creek crossings would be the responsibility of the Three Rivers Park District and their location have not been determined at this time. Chair Lewis asked what parks were in place in the City of Dayton on the other side of the creek. Mr. Jaszewski reported a small park was in place in the City of Dayton. Chair Lewis stated the proposed Rush Hollow development would bring a significant amount of people to this area and to the proposed park. Motion by Board Member Coss, seconded by Board Member Helvey to approve the final park dedication requirements on the Rush Hollow Addition plat pursuant to Maple Grove Subdivision Ordinance, Chapter 30:18, Provision of Land for Public Use: • Applicant shall fulfill the park dedication requirements on the plat with a land donation, land and cash dedication based upon 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 Park Board Meeting October 20, 2022 Page 11 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. Upon call for the question, on a voice vote, there were seven ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Adjournment Motion made by Board Member Mielke, seconded by Vice Chair Ferm to adjourn. Upon call for the question, on a voice vote, there were seven ayes and no nays. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:44 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Chuck Stifter, Director Parks and Recreation Board City of Maple Grove