Parks & Recreation Commission

City of Oakdale, Minnesota -established 1974-- Department of Recreation 4444 Hadley Avenue North Oakdale, MN 55128 (651) 747-3867 julie.williams@ci.oakdale.mn.us February 17, 2023 Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners: Enclosed is your packet of information for the regular Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to be held on February 21. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. in the Oakdale City Hall Council Chambers, 1584 Hadley Avenue. Monica Stiglich, Oakdale’s 3M water settlement representative, will give a presentation regarding water settlement and natural resource funding opportunities. The commission will also vote on a new chair and vice-chair for 2023, instructions are included in your packet. Finally, the commission will be updated on current and upcoming park projects and recreation programs. Should you have any questions regarding the upcoming meeting, or are unable to attend, please feel free to contact me directly at (651) 747-3867. Sincerely, Julie Williams Julie Williams  AGENDA Oakdale Parks and Recreation Commission REGULAR MEETING February 21, 2023 7:00 PM Oakdale City Council Chambers 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. November 15, 2022 5. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION REVIEW a. OLD BUSINESS b. NEW BUSINESS i. Monica Stiglich (City Representative 3M Water Settlement) Water Settlement & Natural Resource Funding Opportunities ii. Chair/Vice Chair Vote 6. OTHER a. Council Liaison Update Koesling* b. Council Liaison Update Williams c. Commissioners Comments d. City Council Update, Council Member Andy Morcomb 7. ADJOURNMENT *Items marked with an asterisk have no accompanying materials The next regular Parks and Recreation Commission meeting will be held March 21, 2023.  REGULAR MEETING PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION City of Oakdale November 15, 2022 CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the Oakdale Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, November 15, 2022, at Oakdale City Hall, 1584 Hadley Avenue, Oakdale, Minnesota. The meeting was called to order by Chair Lockhart at 7 PM. CALL OF ROLL On a call of roll, the following were present: Chair: Paul Lockhart Vice Chair: Glen Giacoletto Commissioners: Glen Bearth Jan Cunningham Freddie Jiles Mark Giannini Steve Meyer Also Present: Jeff Koesling, Parks Superintendent Julie Williams, Recreation Superintendent Jake Ingebrigtson, City Council Absent: Jim Romanik, Public Works Manager Quorum Present: YES ☒ NO ☐ PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Meeting Minutes, September 20, 2022 A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER MEYER, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GIANNINI TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 20, 2022 AS PRESENTED. 7 AYES 0 NAYS PARKS UPDATE – Jeff Koesling Fall Cleanup – Mr. Koesling reported that park crews were cleaning all parks with two remaining; Guthrie and Tower Park. Boulevards were finished on Thursday at Tanners Park, Horseshoe Park PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION November 15, 2022 Page 2 was completed, and then the winter weather arrived. Seasonal equipment was then switched over to winter equipment. Walton Fields 5 through 8 – To Mr. Koesling’s surprise, Killmer Electric called yesterday morning to say they’ve arrived to install the electric. There had been a delay over the last three to four months. The zones that had been painted were now covered in snow. Hopefully the weather will cooperate to get electric in this week. It will only take a couple days to do. Satellite Portable Warming Houses – Next Monday, a delivery is confirmed for two portable 32 foot warming houses to arrive at Walton and Eastside Park. They worked out great last year. Eastside had a 28 foot portable warming house last year. The larger size ordered for this year will fit within the space. RECREATION UPDATE – Julie Williams Community Walk Recap – Nearly 300 walkers signed up; a typical number to have registered. 198 walkers earned gift cards, with 117 of them reaching the highest reward of a $25 gift card for walking 150 miles. Thanks Big Frog Custom T-Shirts for giving all walkers reaching 100 miles a free tee shirt. Pumpkin Carving Contest – Congratulations to the winners, whose pumpkins received votes from the guests of the Flashlight Pumpkin Hunt; “It’s Corn” won best pumpkin, “Big Apple” won spookiest, and “Horsey Pig” won bumpkin pumpkin. Indoor Market – The kick off market was last Saturday. Over 300 shoppers made for a really great turn out. The next market is November 26 for Small Business Saturday. The market runs select Saturdays all winter long, concluding on March 18. Art Fair – The fair will be on Saturday, November 19, from 10 AM to 3 PM, at the Discovery Center. The event is full with 22 vendors and will feature a performance by the 2 Sisters from 10 AM to 12 PM. Santa’s Mailbox – Letter boxes will be placed at Walton Park and the Discovery Center soon after Thanksgiving. Letters received are forwarded to the North Pole. Everyone gets a personalized letter from Santa. Santa Firetruck – Oakdale Recreation and Oakdale Fire will partner for the event on Thursday, December 8 from 6 to 7:35 PM. Santa hands out candy canes at stops along Hadley Avenue. His trip on a lighted fire truck begins at the North Fire Station. Winter Wonderland – The biggie of the year, with an annual turnout of over 1,000 guests, will take place Saturday, December 17 from 9 AM to 1 PM. There will be a visit with Santa, horse drawn hayrides, the dogs of winter, petting zoo, candy cane hunt, bonfire with s’mores, breakfast, lunch, face painting, holiday craft station, and new this year, gingerbread house contest. Partners for this event are the Oakdale Area Chamber of Commerce and First Resource Bank. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION November 15, 2022 Page 3 Rink Attendants – Oakdale Recreation is still hiring and looking for a couple more applicants. The season runs the end of December through February. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Oakdale Wellness 50+ - Commissioner Cunningham shared that another blood drive will take place at the Discovery Center on Friday, December 30 from 9 AM to 3 PM. The spots to donate blood fill quickly, and can be reserved through the Red Cross. Wellness 50+ is planning more events to take place in the new year. Commissioner Bearth added that donors can visit the Lions who will hand out snacks at the blood drive. Happy Holidays - Commissioner Bearth wished those on the Commission and watching at home a Happy Thanksgiving. Commissioner Giannini added to have a happy holidays and to be safe. CITY COUNCIL UPDATE – Jake Ingebrigtson Willowbrooke Parks - Councilmember Ingebrigtson shared that Council is planning for the parks in the new development. Decision making is easier for him now that the local option sales tax has passed. It provides a little budgeting flexibility across the board. There will still be several challenges in the next three to five years. The Willowbrooke Parks will be a substantial investment, north of five million dollars. Chair Lockhart is concerned with the cost of Willobrooke Parks and balancing the five year Capital Improvement Plan. Councilmember Ingebrigtson’s concern is the possible plummet in housing values in terms of the levy. Hopefully what will offset that is the increased tax revenue from the Willowbrooke Development. Budgeting is a delicate balancing act. Being one of the five members of Council who makes the decisions has a lot of stress and pressure in finding the happy medium between not wanting to pay more in taxes than necessary, and wanting nice parks kept up. It is tricky to keep everyone somewhat happy, and in a way, a thankless proposition that he signed up for. ADJOURNMENT A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER JILES, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CUNNINGHAM TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION, DATED NOVEMBER 15, 2022, AT 7:12 PM. 7 AYES 0 NAYS Respectfully submitted, Laura Linzmeyer Plan for Priority Two 3M Settlement Karen Carney, Abt Associates January 18, 2023  Objectives • Background • Settlement language to guide process • Managing Conflict of Interest • Priority 2 Process and Structure • Work Group Membership and Tasks • Next Steps 2 Priority 2 Background  Priority 2 Settlement Language “utilize the Grant on projects that restore and enhance aquatic resources, wildlife, habitat, fishing, resource improvement, and outdoor recreational opportunities in the East Metropolitan Area and in downstream areas of the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers. These projects may include, but are not limited to: (i) aquatic habitat and water resource protection and restoration; (ii) terrestrial and water trails; (iii) boat ramps and/or fishing piers along the Mississippi River, Lake Elmo, or other waterbodies in or downstream of the East Metropolitan Area; (iv) the restoration of wildlife habitat; and (v) implementation of other terrestrial conservation and recreational improvements in the same geographic area.” 4  Priority 2 Work Group Membership • Work group membership is broadly defined in the settlement: "Working Group" shall mean a working group established by the MPCA and the DNR, consisting of representatives of the MPCA, the DNR, East Metropolitan Area municipalities, and 3M. The composition of the Working Group may vary depending on the project(s) at issue. 5 Priority 2 Process and Structure  Priority 2 Process • Priority 2 projects will be solicited via a competitive, public Request for Proposals (RFP) process • The State will select the projects that best meet Priority 2 goals • The only venue for organizations or communities to advocate for projects under Priority 2 will be through the RFP process • NOT through work groups activities • Manages potential conflict of interest concerns by ensuring work group members will not have a competitive advantage 7  Managing Conflict of Interest Have revised workgroup and subgroup activities to ensure that: • Government/3M or Resident Work Group participants will be able to develop/submit Priority 2 proposals • Subgroup participants will be able to develop/submit Priority 2 proposals 8  Priority 2 Structure • Priority 1 and Priority 2 have similar Work Group structure, but will differ in: • DNR is leading Priority 2 effort and different staff is involved. • Work group and subgroup representatives and roles • Shorter time frame • Types of feedback 9  Revised Priority 2 Structure: Work Groups New Government/3M & Resident Work Groups • Who’s involved • Communities will select their representatives for the Government/3M Work Group • Option to opt out if they do not want to participate in planning process • Residents of Washington, Ramsey and Dakota can apply for membership on the Resident Work Group • Work group role • Will provide feedback on Priority 2 goals, evaluation criteria, and the RFP solicitation scope and language • Will NOT discuss specific project ideas or proposals* * Ensures work group participants are not conflicted out of submitting proposals 10  Consider revising Early Work Group Priority 2 Goals Priority 2 – Natural Resource Restoration, Protection, and Enhancement • Restore, protect, and enhance aquatic resources, wildlife, and habitats. • Reduce fish tissue contamination and remove PFAS-based fish consumption advisories. • Improve and enhance outdoor recreational opportunities. 11  Project Evaluation Criteria Examples • Resources and Services Restored by the Project • Projects that demonstrate a central focus on the key resources or services injured by the releases of PFAS by 3M would be preferred. • Projects that clearly and substantially benefit multiple injured resources or services would be evaluated more favorably than those that would achieve only modest benefits or only affect one resource or service. • Self-Sustaining Benefits • Unlikely the settlement could support projects that require long term monitoring and maintenance. • Projects that would yield their expected benefits with little maintenance or management would be favored over those requiring active management to maintain. 12  RFP Scope Examples of aspects of the RFP that would be discussed: • Should projects be allowed on private property? • Level of proposal detail for funding consideration • Short summary-submit ideas or concepts • Detailed plan (outlining permitting, itemized costs) • Shovel ready • Phased solicitation opportunities? • E.g., separate solicitations for habitat restoration, fishing, recreational trails? 13  Priority 2 vs. Priority 1 Approaches Priority 2 Priority 1 The focus is restoring wildlife and their The focus was on drinking water needs at habitats on a regional/watershed scale rather a community level scale than jurisdictional scale Due to limited funding, RFP process will be Projects were awarded based on drinking used to select projects that best meet goals water needs of each community (not focused on jurisdictions) Non-governmental restoration organizations, Only communities and counties can apply for counties, communities and other resource project funding managers can apply for project funding Work groups will provide feedback on goals, Work groups were used to understand key evaluation criteria, and the RFP solicitation needs as well as the specific projects that scope and language (not projects) would best meet these needs  Government/3M Work Group Membership • Communities will be invited to join the new Priority 2 Government/3M Work Group if they: 1. Have experienced natural resources injuries or recreational service losses from PFAS released by 3M; and 2. Are located in the East Metropolitan Area and downstream locations of the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers 15  Recommended Participants for Government/3M Work Group 1. Afton 14. Nininger township 2. Cottage Grove 15. Oakdale 3. Denmark 16. Prairie Island Indian Community 4. Grey Cloud Island 17. Rosemount 5. Hastings 18. St. Mary's Point 6. Inver Grove Heights 19. St. Paul 7. Lake Elmo 20. St. Paul Park 8. Lake St. Croix Beach 21. South St. Paul 9. Lakeland 22. West Lakeland 10. Lakeland Shores 23. Woodbury 11. Landfall 24. Dakota County 12. Maplewood 25. Washington County 13. Newport 26. 3M • Note that communities can opt out of contributing to the process and are still eligible to apply for a project grant 16  Resident Work Group Membership • New Priority 2 Resident Work Group will be formed in 2023 • Current Priority 1 Citizen/Business Work Group members can continue if desired on the Resident Work Group • Potential new members can apply from Washington, Ramsey and Dakota Counties • Sign up for Priority 2 Gov Delivery for the application announcement • https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNDNR/subscriber/new?topic_id=MNDNR_365 17  Gov/3M & Resident Work Group meetings: What to Expect? • Hybrid in-person and virtual meetings (location likely in Cottage Grove) • Meetings approximately every other month • There will likely be 3 to 4 meetings prior to the release of the RFP 18  Priority 2 Structure: Subgroup Ecosystem Services and Recreation Subgroup (SG2) • Who’s involved • Technical, recreational, natural resource, and environmental staff from Priority 2 work group communities and counties • Watershed districts • Resource- and recreation-focused stakeholders • Subgroup role • SG2 members will provide information about local natural resource and recreation planning efforts* • Includes restoring and enhancing aquatic resources, wildlife, habitat, fishing, and outdoor recreational opportunities * Subgroup participants are not conflicted out of submitting proposals 19 Examples of Planning Information 20  Subgroup: What to Expect? • State will invite organizations and communities to participate • No formal meetings or compensation for participating • Initial survey to members on available natural resource and recreational planning documents and priorities • State will meet one-on-one with some organizations • Summary of documents that will be considered during the project evaluation process (to assess project alignment with local planning) 21  RFP Evaluation Process • State Co-Trustees will convene an internal committee (comprising relevant agency experts) to evaluate proposals • This committee will screen out projects that do not meet the screening criteria and evaluate all remaining projects based on the evaluation criteria. • State Co-Trustees will consider the recommendations of the committee and make the final decision on which projects will receive funding • Work groups will not provide feedback on proposed projects (due to conflict of interest concerns) 22  Work/Sub-Groups and Conflict of Interest • Government/3M or Resident Work Group participants will be able to develop/submit proposals • Work groups will not evaluate or provide feedback on the final project selection • All meetings will be open to the public - work group participation will not provide competitive edge • Subgroup participants will be able to develop/submit proposals • Subgroup will be used to secure insights regarding ongoing planning efforts • Specific Priority 2 project ideas will not be discussed • Subgroup participation does not provide a competitive advantage 23  Priority 2 Next Steps • January/February • Recruit new members for Priority 2 Work Groups; Citizen and 3M/Government • Resident Work Group application will be posted on the webpage and open for three weeks • State will invite eligible communities and 3M to participate on the Government/3M Work Group • March/April • Initiate Priority 2 Work Group meetings • Initiate information gathering from Subgroup members • September-December • DNR to open Request for Proposal to identify projects from applications 24  Priority 2 • Questions? • All questions regarding Priority 2 should be sent to here: 3MPriority2@state.mn.us • Sign up for Priority 2 Gov Delivery for Priority 2 updates • https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNDNR/subscriber/new?topic_id=MNDNR_365 25 MEMORANDUM TO: Christina Volkers, City Administrator FROM: Julie Williams, Recreation Superintendent DATE: February 17, 2023 SUBJECT: Recreation Department Monthly Update – February 2023 The following information is provided to the City Administrator and Parks and Recreation Commissioners as information only. There is no need for any official commission, council, or administrative action; but rather, this is an effort by staff to keep you informed of the department’s day-to-day operations. 1. SPRING NEWSLETTER The spring newsletter hit mailboxes last month. The department has been busy taking registrations for upcoming programs. The newsletter covers the months of February through May. 2. AARP TAX ASSISTANCE The Discovery Center is once again acting as a tax assistance site for AARP, Mondays and Thursdays through April 13. Nearly all appointments are booked! 3. INDOOR MARKET This has been a terrific market season. The past two markets were record setting, averaging over 100 customers per hour. The last three Indoor Markets will be held February 18, March 4 and 18 and will include the Taqueria Los Paisanos food truck (farmers market favorite), complimentary coffee, and the free raffle basket drawing. With over 20 vendors and new vendors being added when space becomes available, there is something for everyone! 4. SNOWSHOE RENTALS Snowshoe rentals have been extremely popular this winter. The department has seen over 90 rentals since the end of December. Rates are $5/person for a two-hour rental. Sizes available for both kids and adults. Reservations recommended for groups of 6 or more. 5. ICE RINKS/WARMING HOUSES This has been a challenging ice rink season with the extreme weather events we’ve experienced. Ranging from heat waves to record setting snow storms, rain, and extreme cold, it has been hard to maintain good ice. Residents are still finding time to skate in between the unpredictable weather, and have been understanding with the modified openings, hours, limited staffing and rink conditions. 6. ARTIST OF THE MONTH The month of February will feature the acrylic paintings of artist Lynn Kruger. Lynn has participated in the fall Oakdale Art Discovery Fair, and this will be her first time as featured artist at the Oakdale Discovery Center. Displayed are abstract pieces that are either fluid or mimic explosions of contrasting paint colors, paintings of colorful flowers, and a beautifully texturized painting of an owl. 7. SUNDAE BINGO Our Sundae Bingo programs continue to be extremely popular. Our next bingo event will take place on Sunday, March 5 from 1 to 3. Sign up early as it will fill! 8. BEST SNOW SCULPTURE OF OAKDALE CONTEST The department continues to take photo entries through March 31. This year’s theme is “Updside Down Snowman”. The winning snow sculpture will receive a $100 Target gift card. 9. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES The department is now hiring Summer Recreation Program Instructors. Applications and job descriptions can be found on our website. We are accepting applications through the end of March. Interviews will be held in April. 10. 2022 RENTAL REPORT Please find report on next page.  2022 FACILITY RENTAL REPORT January 1 through December 31, 2022 DISCOVERY CENTER RENTALS Discovery Center Permits by Event Type: Party 29 permits Meeting 21 permits Wedding 5 permits Remembrance/Memorial 3 permits Sale 1 permit Total 59 permits $14,373.06 PICNIC SHELTER RENTALS Walton Park - North 42 permits $7,460.52 Walton Park - South 21 permits $3,238.11 Walton Park - Small 34 permits $2,034.89 Walton Park - Band Shell 15 permits $6,515.29 Eastside 15 permits $867.11 Eberle 13 permits $730.19 Guthrie 4 permits $246.98 Northdale 36 permits $2,319.48 Oakdale - Large 28 permits $3,406.56 Oakdale – Small 12 permits $805.03 Oakdale - Amphitheater 3 permits $241.62 Oakfield 6 permits $408.05 Tanners Lake 33 permits $2,101.03 Total Shelter Rentals 262 permits $30,374.86 __________________________________________________________________ PROCESS ELECTION OF 2023 COMMISSION CHAIR STEP 1. Nominate candidates for the Chair position. Nominations do not require a “second,” but other members may “second” the nomination to show support. “Motion to nominate Commissioner __________ for the position of Chair.” STEP 2. When there are no new nominations to be made, someone should make a motion that nominations close. The motion to close requires a second. “Motion to close nominations for the position of Chair.” STEP 3. Election using the ballot provided. Commissioners write in their choice from those nominated and pass the ballots to staff for tabulating. STEP 4. Staff will announce results. STEP 5. Election of Chair requires a motion and a second. “Motion to elect Commissioner __________ for the position of Chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission for a period of one (1) calendar year.” ELECTION OF 2023 COMMISSION VICE CHAIR STEP 1. Nominate candidates for the Vice Chair position. Nominations do not require a “second,” but other members may “second” the nomination to show support. “Motion to nominate Commissioner __________ for the position of Vice Chair.” STEP 2. When there are no new nominations to be made, someone should make a motion that nominations close. The motion to close requires a second. “Motion to close nominations for the position of Vice Chair.” STEP 3. Election using the ballot provided. Commissioners write in their choice from those nominated and pass the ballots to staff for tabulating. STEP 4. Staff will announce results. STEP 5. Election of Vice Chair requires a motion and a second. “Motion to elect Commissioner __________ for the position of Vice Chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission for a period of one (1) calendar year.” Assumption of the roles of Chair and Vice Chair may commence immediately following the vote.  BALLOT Election of 2023 Parks and Recreation Commission Chair February 21, 2023 Please write in your choice for Chair from those nominated tonight: Chair: ___________________________________________________ Pass your ballot to staff when completed; votes will be tallied and announced immediately following the vote.  BALLOT Election of 2023 Parks and Recreation Commission Vice Chair February 21, 2023 Please write in your choice for Vice Chair from those nominated tonight: Vice Chair: ________________________________________________ Pass your ballot to staff when completed; votes will be tallied and announced immediately following the vote.