Parks and Recreation Board

Maple Grove Parks and Recreation Board Regular Meeting February 16, 2023 Regular Meeting The Regular Meeting was called to order by Chair, Bill Lewis at 7:29 p.m. Board Members Present Present in the Chambers were Chair Bill Lewis, Vice Chair John Ferm, Board Members Ken Helvey, and Andy Mielke. Board Members Board Members absent were: Deb Syhre and Kelly Absent Cunningham. Also Present Also present in the Chambers were: Council Representative Hanson; Chuck Stifter, Director; Aimee Peterson, Assistant Parks and Recreation Director; Ben Jaszewski, Parks and Planning 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 Helvey to approve the agenda for the February 16, 2023 meeting as presented. Upon call for the question, on a voice vote, there were four ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Public Comments No requests were received. Special Business No items to present. Board Member Reports No reports presented by the Board. Staff Reports Council Liaison’s Report: Council Member Hanson reported the Council approved two liquor licenses last week. The first liquor license was for Optimal Golf and the second was for Rojo Mexican Restaurant. Park Board Meeting February 16, 2023 Page 2 Director’s Report: Director Stifter stated staff was working on developing a new method of delivery for the annual report. He explained staff would be delivering the 2022 annual report to the Park Board in April of 2023. Assistant Parks and Recreation Director’s Report: Aimee Peterson reported the Wonders of Winter event was held on February 3. She explained this years event had over 1500 participants. She stated Crokicurl was popular again this year. She displayed pictures that highlighted the events that were held during the Wonders of Winter. Ms. Peterson discussed the Sweets and Treats event that was held on Monday, February 13 noting this was a sensory aware event that focused on Valentine’s Day activities. Ms. Peterson stated the Maple Grove farmers market would be holding an indoor market on March 2, March 16, March 30, and April 13 at the Maple Grove Community Center from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Ms. Peterson reported planning has begun on the summer farmers market. Ms. Peterson discussed the Rock Your Socks day celebrating World Downs Syndrome Day which would be held on Tuesday, March 21 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Ms. Peterson commented on the new senior programs that began this month. She stated one of the programs was a historical series and the other was a senior safety series, which included a tour of the fire station conducted on February 2. Ms. Peterson explained the Central Park has been very busy with rentals and noted that patrons can now rent Phenow Pavilion online. This new service allows customers to view availability and reserve online, which is more efficient for both the customer and staff. Ms. Peterson stated the skate inventory has fluctuated weekly, noticing that skates are being returned not after each use but at a later date. The staff has increased messaging stating Park Board Meeting February 16, 2023 Page 3 skates must not leave the property. Staff will provide an end of season skate inventory audit which will be presented in the Park and Recreation annual report. Parks and Planning Superintendent’s Report: Ben Jaszewski provided the Board with an update on the outdoor rink conditions in the community. He explained February was quite warm which kept staff busy maintaining the rinks. He thanked his staff for getting the rinks up and running again this week. Mr. Jaszewski provided an update on the Lakeview Knolls Park improvements. He explained staff feel they needed to take a step back on this project as indications are the cost projection is exceeding the budget previously presented when only 12 courts were included in the concepts. He discussed the current concept plan which includes 12 new pickleball courts, 6 renovated pickleball courts, restrooms and parking. He also shared a consolidated court concept stating the cost for 18 new courts. Each of these concepts; the original with 12 new courts, the revised with 12 new and 6 renovated courts, and the latest with 18 new court are all impacted by the rising cost of construction driving all options over the original budget. Mr. Jaszewski restated this is just an update but any feedback or direction at this point would assist in the development of plans to be presented and discussed at the March meeting. Board Member Mielke stated he did not yet have a real strong opinion on the preferred direction of this project. He indicated that including the renovation of the existing six courts in the project would be beneficial as the existing courts would need repairs later on. Mr. Jaszewski confirmed the cost associated with renovating the six existing courts was not originally included in the project estimate. Chair Lewis stated he looked forward to further discussing this project in March. Community Center Manager’s Report: Angie Dehn stated the TCO sign was recently installed in the east rink. She discussed the furniture that had been purchased for the Falcon Nest and Lookout Loft. She commented on the tremendous attendance Park Board Meeting February 16, 2023 Page 4 at Maple Grove/Andover boys hockey game hosted in the rink on February 11. The Board commented on how great the rink and lobby area looks after all of the renovations. CONSENT BUSINESS Consent Business Chair Lewis asked staff to introduce the new Youth Engagement Coordinator to the Board. Crystal Anderson introduced Roberto Tapiz to the Board, discussed his work history, and stated Mr. Tapiz will be a tremendous asset for the community. Mr. Tapiz explained he loved working with teenagers, supporting them, and being a positive presence in their lives. Chair Lewis welcomed Mr. Tapiz to the City of Maple Grove and noted his work experience was quite impressive. Motion made by Board Member Mielke, seconded by Vice Chair Ferm to approve the Consent Items as presented. A. Minutes – January 19, 2023 Regular Meeting B. Approve Claims C. Accept Donation to Central Park D. Appointment of Youth Engagement Coordinator E. Award Contract – 2023 Portable Toilet Service F. Special Use and Fee Waiver Request – Friends of the Angel G. 2023 Fernbrook Fields Storage Agreement – MGYLA H. Letter of Support – Three Rivers Park District RAISE Grant Application I. Fee Waiver Request – Hennepin County Fix-It Clinic Upon call for the question, on a voice vote, there were four ayes and no nays. Motion carried. OLD BUSINESS No items to present. Park Board Meeting February 16, 2023 Page 5 NEW BUSINESS No items to present. Adjournment Motion made by Board Member Helvey, seconded by Board Member Mielke to adjourn. Upon call for the question, on a voice vote, there were four ayes and no nays. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:57 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Chuck Stifter, Director Parks and Recreation Board City of Maple Grove