Parks and Recreation Board

Maple Grove Parks and Recreation Board Regular meeting December 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 Ken Helvey, Andy Mielke, Krista Kuhnly. Board members Board Members absent were: Kelly Cunningham and Deb absent Syhre. Also present Also present in the Chambers were: Council Representative Hanson, Chuck Stifter, Parks and Recreation Director; Ben Jaszewski, Parks and Planning Superintendent; Aimee Peterson, Assistant Parks and Recreation Director; and Angie Dehn, Community Center Manager. Approval of agenda Chair Lewis called for any changes to the agenda. Director Stifter replied Item 5G - Appointment of administrative assistant 1, had been added to the Consent Agenda. Motion made by Vice Chair Ferm, seconded by Board Member Mielke to approve the agenda for the December 19, 2024 meeting as amended. Upon call for the question, on a voice vote, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Public comments No requests were received. Special business No items present. Board member reports There were no reports. Staff reports Director’s report: Director Stifter stated on Monday the Council reviewed the three requests for the Community Center expansion project. He noted the dryland training space was approved without comment. He indicated the TCO Rink replacement was also approved without discussion. He reported the Lions Park Pavilion replacement was discussed Park Board Meeting December 19, 2024 Page 2 and the council had concerns regarding the restroom building design and how the pavilion would be funded. He stated action on this item was tabled to January 21, 2025 when council will revisit design concepts and funding options. Director Stifter explained the city and school district have been working to update the JPA. He noted staff received an updated draft document that would be reviewed and commented on by city staff. More to come on this important partnership agreement. Director Stifter shared there were five staff members recognized for years of service at the annual Employee Recognition Breakfast. Liz Faust - senior programs supervisor 5 years, Connor Wolf - parkkeeper 5 years, Tom Bradley – parkkeeper 10 years, James Beckius – arena supervisor 15 years, and Casey Clark – maintenance technician 25 years. Thank you to all for their service to Maple Grove. Assistant Parks and Recreation Director’s report: Aimee Peterson discussed the Turkey Trot that was hosted by Experience Maple Grove in Central Park. Ms. Peterson explained the Angel of Hope candlelight memorial was held on Friday, December 6 and about 220 people were in attendance at the Maple Grove Arboretum. Ms. Peterson stated Santa at the Loop was held this past weekend. Ms. Peterson explained the Sensory Santa event was held on Sunday, December 15 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Ms. Peterson reported the senior holiday luncheon was held on Thursday, December 19. Ms. Peterson commented on the Gleason Sled Shed that was constructed by city staff making sleds available for use by park users. Parks and Planning Superintendent’s report: Ben Jaszewski explained staff was working on the outdoor ice rinks Park Board Meeting December 19, 2024 Page 3 throughout the community. He expected the outdoor rinks would open on Friday, December 20. Mr. Jaszewski noted staff removed the Woodcrest Park boardwalk last week and the new boardwalk has been installed but won’t be complete until spring. Mr. Jaszewski stated the Central Park Skate Loop opened on Black Friday and has been running well this season. Community Center Manager’s report: Angie Dehn stated the Lions hosted a breakfast and lunch with Santa at the Community Center on Saturday, December 7. Ms. Dehn reported an employee recognition event was held at the Community Center on Thursday, December 12. Ms. Dehn stated a food drive was held from December 9 through December 15 and noted 144 pounds of food were donated to CROSS Services. Ms. Dehn displayed photos and provided the board with a construction update on the Community Center. Ms. Dehn reviewed the upcoming events that would be held at the Community Center. Council Liaison’s report: Council Member Hanson explained this was her last Park Board meeting. She stated she has appreciated serving as the Park Board liaison over the past two years and she thanked the Park Board and staff for all of their efforts on behalf of the community. CONSENT BUSINESS Consent business Motion made by Board Member Mielke, seconded by Board Member Kuhnly to approve the Consent Items as presented. A. Minutes – November 21, 2024 regular meeting B. Approve claims C. Fee waiver request - Hennepin County Fix-It Clinic D. Beverage provider agreement Park Board Meeting December 19, 2024 Page 4 E. Parks union labor agreement F. Accept donation - foosball table - Resolution No. 24- 174 PB G. Appointment of administrative assistant 1 Upon call for the question, on a voice vote, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. OLD BUSINESS Old Business, Item A Director Stifter stated the City Council held a public hearing on 2025 Parks and Recreation the 2025 city general fund budget at their December 2, 2024 park fund budget and meeting. The proposed 2025 general fund budget totals enterprise budgets $52,331,800, a 7.73% increase over 2024, and provides funding for a growing suburban community. This reflects the tremendous residential construction in Maple Grove over the last thirty years. The Parks and Recreation park fund and enterprise budget summary includes the breakdown of each of the funds managed by the department – general fund, recreation participation fund, music consortium, farmers market and age friendly along with the Community Center and Sports Dome enterprise funds. The Parks and Recreation Department, specifically the Community Center budget includes a new ice arena maintenance coordinator position to support the added third ice sheet. This position will deliver full- time employee stability to the seven day per week operation providing ice maintenance and customer service to this high use facility. The position would be added mid-year 2025 in preparation for the facility fully opening in October. The cost to the operating budget is about $100K per year. The expense will be covered by revenues generated in the arena. Director Stifter reported the Parks and Recreation park fund budget has a proposed increase of 6.64% for a total budget of $6,484,100 which includes targeted program and rental revenues of $1,471,500. The largest impact on operating costs are salaries and wages. The largest impact on revenues is the popularity of facility and field rentals. Board Member Mielke thanked staff for all of their efforts on the budgets. Park Board Meeting December 19, 2024 Page 5 Motion made by Vice Chair Ferm, seconded by Board Member Helvey to approve the 2025 Parks and Recreation park fund budget. Upon call for the question, on a voice vote, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Director Stifter stated the proposed Community Center budget reflects an operating increase of 5.52% for a total budget of $4,171,100. The Community Center budget is partially supported by 2025 City General Fund Budget which includes a planned transfer of $1,063,400 to subsidize the operation. The transfer is 7.87% more than 2024. A targeted cost recovery (revenues/expenses) of 74.5% is anticipated for the Community Center in 2025. Motion made by Vice Chair Ferm, seconded by Board Member Mielke to approve the 2025 Community Center enterprise budget. Upon call for the question, on a voice vote, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Director Stifter explained the proposed budget reflects an operating increase of 3.60% for a total budget of $438,000. Significant operating cost increases in gas utilities is the bulk of the impact. Increases were also made to the equipment replacement transfer. Expenses to assemble and disassemble the dome continue to have a large impact on the budget. The proposed 2025 Parks and Recreation budgets reflect the continued growth and demand for services of the department. The department continues to strive each year to implement efficiencies and cost saving strategies. This action by the board ratifies the approval of the City Council on December 16, 2024. Chair Lewis stated he was pleased the increase was only 3.6% for the coming year, given cost pressures and inflation. Parks and Planning Superintendent Jaszewski discussed how staff had been working to improve the energy costs. Director Stifter commented on how the city had recently invested in the HVAC Park Board Meeting December 19, 2024 Page 6 system and dome fabric, noting the school district recently replaced the turf. Motion made by Vice Chair Ferm, seconded by Board Member Kuhnly to approve the 2025 Sports Dome enterprise budget. Upon call for the question, on a voice vote, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Old Business, Item B 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 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 reviewed the Park Development plans for the next five years in further detail. The park development fund remains healthy with an anticipated 2024 year-end balance of over $10 million. Staff recommends the board approved the 2025-2029 park development program as part of the city wide 2025-2029 capital improvement plan. Chair Lewis discussed how this program budget would be impacted by the Lions Park Pavilion replacement project. Board Member Kuhnly commented on how some park signs have been replaced and asked if the $50,000 budgeted was for additional sign replacement. Director Stifter reported this was the case. Board Member Mielke thanked staff for their efforts on this plan noting this planning document helps the Park Board to budget for future projects. Park Board Meeting December 19, 2024 Page 7 Motion made by Board Member Kuhnly, seconded by Board Member Helvey to approve the 2025-2029 Park Development Program. Upon call for the question, on a voice vote, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. NEW BUSINESS New Business, Item A Park Ben Jaszewski, Parks and Planning Superintendent stated the planning update PSA’s 10, Maple Grove Senior High expansion project proposal involves 6N and 4 modifications to the sports dome parking area and the removal of certain park assets, including a basketball court and play equipment, located on the high school campus. These assets currently serve residents of Park Service Area (PSA) 10 and users of the athletic fields at the north end of the campus, which are occasionally rented to local youth athletic associations. The high school campus is classified as a community playfield in the Maple Grove Parks and Recreation System Plan. At the November 25 Planning Commission meeting, the school district shared—and the city attorney later confirmed—that the Supplemental Joint Powers Agreement between the city and school district, executed in 1996, states “If the district has a need for the property for other district use, the city will remove, at its expense, any item that interferes with the district program.” As requested by the Planning Commission, the school district has agreed to allocate space for the Park Board to consider relocating the displaced play equipment on the high school campus. Staff requests the board’s feedback and recommendations for locating the play equipment in PSA 10, given the necessary relocation at the high school and the reduced community use of high school fields. Board Member Helvey asked if the city heard back from the school district and were they comfortable having public users on this space. Parks and Planning Superintendent Jaszewski indicated they were supportive of having a playground on the campus. Board Member Helvey explained he initially did not support replacing the playground equipment on the high school Park Board Meeting December 19, 2024 Page 8 property, nor did he have an appetite for purchasing private property. After some discussion he supported the existing playground equipment be repurposed on the high school campus. Councilmember Hanson thanked staff for the thorough staff report on this park. She appreciated hearing how field usage had shifted to Fernbrook Fields. She indicated she still liked the idea of having a playground structure at the high school. Board Member Kuhnly questioned how the domed turf field was utilized at the high school in the summer months once the dome was removed. Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported this field had high use in the summer months. Board Member Kuhnly stated she did not support the playground being relocated to the arboretum because the use did not fit, but noted she could support the playground remaining on the high school property. Vice Chair Ferm commented he would like to see the grass softball fields more heavily utilized and suggested staff look into a better location within the parks system for the playground, other than the arboretum. Board Member Mielke agreed the playground equipment should not be moved to the arboretum. He stated he liked the high school site, but supported staff looking for additional options. Chair Lewis summarized the comments that have been made and thanked the Planning Commission for pointing out the fact the Park Board may want to further investigate the park needs at the high school. He requested staff come back with more information as to the options for this playground equipment. Parks and Planning Superintendent Jaszewski reported a recent subdivision application was submitted for development of approximately 160 acres in Park Service Area 6N near the newly developed Evanswood PUD and the Hindu Temple. The comprehensive plan identifies the need for a neighborhood Park Board Meeting December 19, 2024 Page 9 park in the area, typically 5 to 15 acres, to meet community needs. Options include partnering with the school district or developing park amenities on an alternative site. Due to the school site’s limitations on usage, it is necessary to consider alternative park options. Alternative Park Site A could potentially be acquired through park dedication as part of the Bella Woods development, making it a viable short-term option. In contrast, Alternative Park Site B would involve either waiting for future development or purchasing the land from its current owner. However, acquiring park land completely through park dedication may be limited due to the size of the existing properties, and therefore may require some additional land be purchase. Staff requests the board’s feedback, and direction for finding a suitable neighborhood park location in PSA 6N. Chair Lewis asked if staff met with the school district to learn more about their after-school programming. Director Stifter indicated this meeting was canceled due to the weather. Vice Chair Ferm questioned how big the park would be for PSA 6N. Parks and Planning Superintendent Jaszewski stated generally neighborhood parks are six to twelve acres in size. Vice Chair Ferm commented he was not in favor of putting a park next to the school given the tight restrictions the school district was proposing. He recommended alternate sites be considered for PSA 6N. Board Member Mielke strongly encouraged staff to meet with the developers to see how a park could be situated within the residential housing development. He was of the opinion the situation between the city and the school district would not be favorable. He indicated he supported Site A at this point. Board Member Kuhnly commented she believed Site A seemed like a better option. Board Member Helvey indicated he did not support putting a park on the school property given the restrictions that would be in place. He explained he liked Site B, but recommended the city work with the developer on the future park plans. Park Board Meeting December 19, 2024 Page 10 Parks and Planning Superintendent Jaszewski explained Park Service Area 4, located off of Territorial Rd near the Rush Hollow PUD is a critical region for recreational development, serving what will become a densely populated area and one of the few recreational amenities in a land-constrained corner of the city. A future park site is planned for this area, and a thoughtful evaluation of land use and amenities is essential to maximize its potential. Park Service Area 4 presents an exceptional opportunity to create a dynamic neighborhood park through strategic planning and collaboration. By leveraging the land swap with Three Rivers Park District and pursuing additional land acquisition, the city can develop a park that meets the growing demand for pickleball, basketball courts and open space and in the same space provide access to the regional trail network. Staff requests the board’s feedback, recommendations, and direction the planned neighborhood park in PSA 4. Board Member Mielke thanked staff for addressing the intensity of development that was occurring in this area. Director Stifter commented on how staff has been discussing the amenities that would be needed for the entire northwest corner of Maple Grove, noting each of the four parks planned for the northwest area would require a significant investment by the city. Chair Lewis asked if a park would be located in this area across the creek in Dayton. Parks and Planning Superintendent Jaszewski explained a playlot exists in the Sundance Woods neighborhood north of the creek. Vice Chair Ferm reported the Segul and Alono property did not have a lot of useable space along the creek. Parks and Planning Superintendent Jaszewski reported this was the case, given the topography of the land. Chair Lewis recognized Dave Jacobson and thanked him for his dedicated service to the City of Maple Grove. Park Board Meeting December 19, 2024 Page 11 Chair Lewis thanked Councilmember Judy Hanson for her tremendous service on the City Council and for serving as the liaison to the Park Board. Vice Chair Ferm thanked Councilmember Hanson for her fantastic service to the city and wished her all the best in the future. Board Member Helvey thanked Councilmember Hanson for her service to the community. Board Member Kuhnly thanked Councilmember Hanson for standing up for the citizens of Maple Grove and for being an advocate for the Park Board. Board Member Mielke thanked Councilmember Hanson for her dedicated service to the city and on the Park Board. Councilmember Hanson stated she had huge shoes to fill when she came onto the City Council and explained she has greatly enjoyed her time serving as the liaison to the Park Board. Chair Lewis thanked the Park and Recreation staff members for another great year of service to the city and its residents. Adjournment Motion made by Councilmember Hanson, seconded by Board Member Kuhnly to adjourn. Upon call for the question, on a voice vote, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:36 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Chuck Stifter, Director Parks and Recreation Board City of Maple Grove