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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.11.22 Parks and Rec Minutes Farmington Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes from the May 11, 2022 Regular Meeting Members Present: Katharine Caron, Elizabeth Koss, Ashley Crabtree, David McMillen, and Katie Putt Members Absent: Other’s Present: Parks & Recreation Director Kellee Omlid I. Call Meeting to Oder Chair Caron called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Quorum was present. II. Approval of May 11, 2022 Meeting Agenda Moved by Crabtree and seconded by McMillen to approve the meeting agenda. All persons in favor (APIF). Motion carried. III. Approval of April 13, 2022 Regular Meeting Minutes Moved by Koss and seconded by Crabtree to approve the meeting minutes with no revisions. APIF. Motion carried. IV. Presentations A. Public Comments There were no public comments shared at the meeting. V. Business Items A. 2023-2027 Capital Improvement Plan for Park Improvement Fund Director Omlid provided an overview of the draft 2023-2027 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for Park Improvement Fund. There was discussion regarding diversifying our park system and not every park needs a gazebo. Different amenities at different parks are good so residents visit other parks. There was discussion to identify a long-term funding source for the Park Improvement Fund as in 2027 there won’t be enough monies to cover the improvements. Ideas included fundraisers, rounding up at the Liquor Stores, donations, and QR codes tied to a Venmo account. Discussion took place regarding Depot Way Arts Park and what should that park look like / become in the future. It was asked if the referendum happens if we could set money aside for repair and replacement. Moved by McMillen to approve the 2023-2027 Park Improvement Fund CIP Plan, seconded by Crabtree. APIF. Motion carried. VI. Discussion Items A. City Council Work Session Review The city council work session regarding the Jim Bell Park and Preserve and potential referendum was reviewed. Feedback on the work session included: • Agree with reviewing what we have and making much needed improvements in current parks • Need to make sure properly staffed and have equipment to develop park • Could remain a nature preserve with no roads, parking, etc. to cut costs • Fix up Rambling River Park; make it look good as is the gateway to downtown • Income of ice arena, if in referendum won’t pass • Didn’t listen to community; and got people together to form advisory committee and put forward a draft master plan with potential cost estimates • Still need to push for skate park • Splash pad is still wanted B. Review 2022 Work Plan Progress Chair Caron reviewed the goals and objectives of the 2022 work plan. There was discussion regarding the bike pedestrian plan priorities and the joint meeting with Empire Township Parks and Recreation Commission (ETPRC). Potential dates for the joint meeting will be discussed in June and then Director Omlid will reach out to the Chair of ETPRC. VII. Commission Roundtable Koss: Didn’t have anything to share. Crabtree: Didn’t have anything to share. Caron: Didn’t have anything to share. Putt: Didn’t have anything to share. McMillen: The Steak Fry Fundraiser benefiting the Rambling River Center is May 21 and the Food Truck Event with Empire Township Parks and Recreation Commission is May 20. VIII. Staff Report/Updates Director Omlid provided information on the following: A. American Rescue Plan Act Funds (ARPA) City council had a work session on May 2, 2022 regarding the spending of American Rescue Plan Act Funds (ARPA). There were several parks and recreation projects proposed using these funds including (1) all-inclusive playground at Rambling River Park, (2) replacement of two boilers at city hall, (3) demolition of bathhouse at Evergreen Knoll Park, (4) recreation scheduling software (RecTrac), (5) tennis courts improvements at Rambling River Park, and (6) LED message display. City council authorized funds to replace the boilers, demolish the bathhouse, and purchase new recreation scheduling software. Funds were earmarked to purchase the all-inclusive playground, but was to wait until HKGi finishes the review of the parks and facilities maintenance and replacement schedule and potential referendum or issuance of G.O. bonds. B. Rambling River Park Director Omlid contacted the playground manufacturer to see if it was possible to still get equipment this year. That manufacturer has a backlog of $65 million in playground equipment and the other manufacturer in the same plant has $35 million in backlog. We need to order equipment in the next month or two if want to have in it April 2023. Parks and Facilities Supervisor Pire and Director Omlid met a tennis court contractor to evaluate what could be done with the courts. The contractor sent a proposal to develop plans and specifications for the tennis court reconstruction project. He suggested expanding the area and adding two additional pickleball courts as it wouldn’t cost much more. The thought is to bid the project in fall 2022 and construction in spring 2023. C. Flagstaff Meadows Park Master Plan The updated park master plan and cost estimates were received. The draft concept was emailed to the neighbors and posted on their Facebook page today with feedback requested by May 25. Based on the backlog and delays of equipment, the park probably won’t be built until 2023. D. Food Truck Event with Empire Township Parks and Recreation Commission The event is Friday, May 20, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Stelzel Fields in Empire. As of today, the food trucks committed to attending the event are BD Sammies, Blue Loon Concessions Donut Cart, Pretty Great Cheesecake, Schroeder Concessions, and D&D Goodies. E. VFW Steak Fry Benefiting the Rambling River Center The steak fry fundraiser is Saturday, May 21, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Farmington VFW. The cost is $15 for a Von Hanson’s grilled steak, baked potato, salad, and dessert. IX. Meeting Agenda Topics The following items were tentatively identified by the Commission for its June 8 meeting agenda: 1. American Rescue Plan Act Funds (ARPA) X. Adjournment Moved by Crabtree and seconded by Koss to adjourn the meeting. APIF. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 8:07 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Kellee Omlid Parks & Recreation Director and Recording Secretary