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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.14.22 Parks and Rec Minutes Farmington Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes from the September 14, 2022 Regular Meeting Members Present: Katharine Caron, Elizabeth Koss, Katie Putt, and David McMillen Members Absent: Ashley Crabtree Other’s Present: Parks & Recreation Director Kellee Omlid and Recreation Supervisor Kohlbeck I. Call Meeting to Oder Vice-chair McMillen called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Quorum was present. II. Approval of September 14, 2022 Meeting Agenda Moved by Putt and seconded by Caron to approve the meeting agenda. All persons in favor (APIF). Motion carried. III. Approval of July 13, 2022 Regular Meeting Minutes Moved by Koss and seconded by Putt 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. B. Rambling River Center Operations Report Recreation Supervisor Missie Kohlbeck shared information and numbers for program participation, rentals, and memberships at the Rambling River Center (RRC). This included annual numbers from January 2017 through August 2022. The numbers this year are better than the last two years, but not back to pre-COVID numbers. Kohlbeck mentioned the software, MySeniorCenter, the center uses has a broadcast feature where you can send texts, emails, and voicemails to your membership. The center has used this feature with success; seen program participation double when sending a message promoting the program. Kohlbeck reminded the commission the 40th anniversary celebration of the Rambling River Center is Thursday, September 22 and tickets for the luncheon are still being sold. Also, the breakfast and silent auction fundraiser is Saturday, October 29 from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Rambling River Center. V. Business Items A. Agenda for Meeting with Empire Township’s Parks and Recreation Commission The draft agenda for the October 10, 2022 joint meeting with Empire Township’s Parks and Recreation Commission was included in the packet. Empire Township’s Parks and Recreation Commission approved the agenda at their August 22, 2022 meeting. Moved by Caron to approve the agenda for the joint meeting with Empire Township’s Parks and Recreation Commission, seconded by Putt. APIF. Motion carried. VI. Discussion Items A. Review Parks and Facilities Tour with Rambling River Center Advisory Board and City Council The overall consensus was the parks and facilities tour was great and should be continued. It was beneficial to see the trails and the condition they are in as willows are doing significant damage to them. It was also important to see the Schmitz-Maki Arena and moisture damage to the eastern wall. B. Review Fall Food Truck Event with Empire Township’s Parks and Recreation Commission The event went well, but the weather wasn’t good, so attendance wasn’t high. Some people stayed to eat, but a number took their food to go. There was discussion we should be contacting food trucks now for the fall event and in the spring for the fall event as many food trucks were already booked. This will be discussed during the joint meeting with Empire Township’s Parks and Recreation Commission in October. Thanks to commission member Crabtree for all the work contacting and arranging the food trucks! C. Review 2022 Work Plan Progress Vice-chair McMillen reviewed the goals and objectives of the 2022 work plan. VII. Commission Roundtable Koss: Asked about the Rambling River Model Railroad Club and when they meet. The club meets at the Rambling River Center the second Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. and has shows throughout the year. Crabtree: N/A Caron: Didn’t have anything to share. Putt: Didn’t have anything to share. McMillen: Farmington Liquors is celebrating its one-year anniversary at its downtown location. Tomorrow night there will be a wine tasting event with a car show from 6 to 8 p.m. to celebrate. VIII. Staff Report/Updates Director Omlid provided information on the following: A. Jim Bell Park and Preserve Master Plan and Parks Facilities Maintenance and Replacement Schedule Staff met with HKGi last Friday to review the Jim Bell Park site updates, new natural themed concept for the park and preliminary cost estimates, and park master plans. Next steps were also discussed which included a joint work session with city council, parks and recreation commission, and the advisory committee. B. Recreation Supervisor Position Emilee Shearer was hired for the Recreation Supervisor position and started full-time on August 16. Emilee worked for the parks and recreation department as a seasonal employee from June 2009 through August 2017 and again since May 2022. C. Spruce Street Reconstruction The contractor started working on Spruce Street, Division Street, and the Schmitz-Maki Arena parking lots. Access to the Arena is currently off 1st Street. D. Fall Programs and Special Events There are several events this fall including the 40th anniversary celebration of the Rambling River Center, the breakfast and silent auction fundraiser for the Rambling River Center, Tiger Cub Pep Fest in conjunction with the Homecoming Parade, and the Halloween Walk. E. 2023 Preliminary Budget The 2023 preliminary budget shows approximately a six-percent levy increase. This includes the addition of the two new full-time parks maintenance workers added in 2022, two new police officers to be added in mid-2023, and a new community development position. F. North Creek Greenway Trail An open house for the North Creek Greenway trail for the Lakeville- Farmington segment was held Monday from 4-7 p.m. in Lakeville. Approximately 60 people attended the open house and the feedback was positive for the greenway. Bidding is anticipated to be in early 2023 and construction in spring / summer 2023. IX. Meeting Agenda Topics The following items were tentatively identified by the Commission for its November 9 meeting agenda: 1. X. Adjournment Moved by Putt and seconded by Caron to adjourn the meeting. APIF. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 7:52 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Kellee Omlid Parks & Recreation Director and Recording Secretary