Parks and Recreation Board
Regular MeetingMaple Grove, MN · September 19, 2024
Minutes
Maple Grove Parks and Recreation Board
Regular meeting
September 19, 2024
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 Deb Syhre, Kelly Cunningham, Andy
Mielke, Krista Kuhnly.
Board members Board Members absent were: Board Member Ken Helvey.
absent
Also present Also present in the Chambers were: Council Representative
Hanson, Chuck Stifter, 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 Mielke to approve the agenda for the September 19,
2024 meeting as presented.
Upon call for the question, on a voice vote, there were six ayes
and no nays. Motion carried.
Public comments No requests were received.
Special business No items present.
Board member reports Board Member Syhre stated the community gardens were
doing very well and residents were enjoying this amenity.
Chair Lewis agreed the community gardens were a great add to
the city and he appreciated how this amenity has become a
jewel in the community.
Staff reports Director’s report: Director Stifter reported the park tour would
be held on Thursday, October 17 at 5:00 p.m. He explained the
tour would include visits to Rice Lake Trail, Village Park,
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September 19, 2024
Page 2
Donahue North community gardens, and a drive by the
Community Center renovation and expansion area.
Director Stifter stated several staff members will be attending
the MRPA conference in Mankato, September 23 through
September 27.
Director Stifter explained three staff members would also be
attending an NRPA conference in Atlanta October 7 through
October 11.
Director Stifter provided the board with an update on the
Community Center noting the state acknowledged $4.3 million
in funds are now available. He indicated he would be working
on a grant agreement that would be reviewed and approved by
the council. In addition, predesign would have to be reviewed
and approved by the state architect.
Director Stifter recognized Brenda Krapfl and thanked her for
her years of dedicated service to the City of Maple Grove and
wished her all the best in her upcoming retirement.
Assistant Parks and Recreation Director’s report: Director
Stifter stated over 7,000 people attended the Grooves and
Foods concert series. He noted staff was working with Mick
Sterling to partner again in 2025. He shared a video with the
board that highlighted these great community events.
Director Stifter commented Rock’n the Grove featuring Hairball
was held on Friday, September 13. He stated over 2,800 people
were attendance. He thanked the Lions and city staff for their
efforts on this event.
Director Stifter indicated the city received grant funding for a
new sensory tent.
Director Stifter reported the September senior luncheon was
held today at Crosswinds United Methodist Church. Staff is
excited to expand on the new partnership opportunity.
Director Stifter reviewed the upcoming events in the
community which included a First Responders Appreciation
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September 19, 2024
Page 3
Night on September 19, the Water Lantern Festival on
September 28, Oktoberfest on September 28, and the Maria’s
Voice Candlelight Vigil on October 10.
Parks and Planning Superintendent’s report: Ben Jaszewski
provided an update on the progress that has been made at
Village Park.
Mr. Jaszewski explained the play equipment was being
installed at Donahue North.
Mr. Jaszewski stated the storm that rolled through on August
30 did some damage to the fencing at Fernbrook Fields. He
explained the fence has been temporarily reinstalled and staff
was looking for a contractor to complete the repair.
Community Center Manager’s report: Angie Dehn stated Taste
of Maple Grove was held on September 7 and over 250 people
attended.
Ms. Dehn explained the pool shutdown was just wrapping up.
She commented further on the maintenance work that
occurred in the pool area.
Ms. Dehn reported the Community Center project required
Grove Drive to be closed for a few days at the beginning of
September to allow the relocation of some underground. She
provided further information and photos on the work occurring
on the Community Center site.
Ms. Dehn updated the board on upcoming events which
included the Heartland Senior Expo, the Grace Full Gospel
Church Worship Night at Town Green, the Water Lantern
Festival and a Leading While Female Conference.
Board Member Mielke thanked staff for documenting and
sharing photos of the work being done on the Community
Center.
Council Liaison’s report: Council Member Hanson provided
the board with an update from the City Council. She reported
she attended most of the Grooves and Foods events. She
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September 19, 2024
Page 4
understood the Rotary had a shortfall with these events and
explained the Rotary was seeking more sponsors to ensure
these events remain free to the public. She indicated she
attended the First Responders Appreciation event earlier this
evening and stated this was a great event that was put on by
the Rotary Club and the Lookout.
CONSENT BUSINESS
Consent business Chair Lewis requested further information on the new
Community Center facility services coordinator. Ms. Dehn
introduced Jace Udy to the board noting he would be serving
as the new Community Center facility services coordinator.
Jace Udy introduced himself to the board noting he recently
moved to the area from North Carolina. He explained he was
looking forward to working for the City of Maple Grove.
Chair Lewis commended staff for the detailed information that
was included in the third quarter Community Center
participation report.
Chair Lewis appreciated the fact the city was able to get
lifeguards certified internally to effectively serve the
community this summer.
Motion made by Board Member Cunningham, seconded by
Board Member Kuhnly to approve the Consent Items as
presented.
A. Minutes – August 15, 2024 regular meeting
B. Approve claims
C. 2024 Third quarter Community Center participation
report
D. Recreation participation and rental reservations
summer 2024
E. Appointment - Community Center facility services
coordinator
F. Subdivision - Weaver Lake Gold Addition
G. Authorize recruitment - recreation coordinator -
seniors
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September 19, 2024
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Upon call for the question, on a voice vote, there were six ayes
and no nays. Motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
No Items to present.
NEW BUSINESS
New Business, Item A Director Stifter stated since the development of a formal
2025-2029 Park capital improvement plan (CIP), the park dedication fund has
Development Program - been incorporated into the citywide CIP identified as a unique
preliminary review fund for the planning and development of new parks and park
amenities. The plan lays out the anticipated park development
capital needs for the next five years that will utilize park
dedication funds. This program will continue to be reviewed
annually by the Park Board in September and be incorporated
into the citywide CIP. It should be noted the program is fluid in
nature and will likely adjust annually as projects and needs
advance in the coming years. Staff commented further on the
projects proposed for years 2025 through 2029. It was noted
that following feedback from the board, the Park Development
Program will come back to the board for final review at their
December meeting with any modifications as directed.
Chair Lewis thanked staff for working to find partial funding
sources for the relocation of the Lions Pavilion. Director Stifter
indicated the Lions Pavilion will come back to the board in
October for a recommendation to the council on design.
Chair Lewis explained he was glad to see the skate park had
been programmed for 2025, along with phase two for the
community gardens.
Further discussion ensued regarding the park trail maintenance
that would occur in 2025.
Board Member Mielke thanked staff for the high level of detail
included within the five year park development plan.
Board Member Syhre asked how the Lions playground
replacement would be funded. Director Stifter explained staff
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September 19, 2024
Page 6
had set aside $300,000 for this project in the Playground
Replacement Fund.
Vice Chair Ferm thanked staff for the five year timeline
included in the park development plan.
New Business, Item B Ben Jaszewski, Parks and Planning Superintendent stated the
Subdivision - Norheim proposed subdivision is 4.13 acres with 53 townhome units and
Maple Grove one amenity building as part of the Norsq Maple Grove PUD
and is an extension of the existing townhomes from phase one.
In the Norsq PUD this plat was intended to be developed into a
200-unit apartment complex. The developer is now seeking
change the apartment to 53 townhome units. The developer is
proposing a private pickleball court, tot lot, pool, and seating
areas.
53 single-family units x $4,092 per unit = $216,876
Mr. Jaszewski reported the Norheim Maple Grove subdivision
is located within the city’s Park Service Area 18. Residents of
this subdivision are served by Hidden Meadows Park. Because
of the significant barrier created by County Road 30 the 2018
Parks System Plan identifies a future playlot to the east of this
subdivision as residential development continues. Connections
to local and regional trail networks are planned just to the
west. Staff recommends the Park Board approve the Norheim
Maple Grove plat and accept the cash dedication.
Motion by Board Member Mielke, seconded by Board
Member Syhre to Approve the preliminary and final park
dedication requirements on the Norheim Maple Grove 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
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
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September 19, 2024
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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 six ayes
and no nays. Motion carried.
Adjournment Motion made by Board Member Kuhnly, seconded by Board
Member Cunningham to adjourn.
Upon call for the question, on a voice vote, there were six 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
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