HomeMy WebLinkAbout06.23.21 Parks and Rec MinutesFarmington Parks and Recreation Commission
Minutes from the June 23, 2021 Regular Meeting
Members Present: Katharine Caron, Elizabeth Koss, Ashley Crabtree, and Laurie Suchanek
Members Absent: Brian Tenant
Other’s Present: Parks & Recreation Director Kellee Omlid, City Administrator David McKnight
I. Call Meeting to Oder
Chair Crabtree called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Quorum was present.
II Approval of June 23, 2021 Meeting Agenda
Moved by Caron and seconded by Koss to approve the meeting agenda. All persons in favor (APIF).
Motion carried.
III. Approval of May 12, 2021 Regular Meeting Minutes
Moved by Suchanek and seconded by Caron to approve the meeting minutes with with no revisions.
APIF. Motion carried.
IV. Presentations
A. Public Comments
There were no public comments shared at the meeting.
V. Business Items
A. Introduction of Parks and Recreation Director
Parks & Recreation Director Omlid introduced herself. Commission members and City
Administrator McKnight introduced themselves.
B. Possible Community Survey Questions
Discussion took place regarding the survey and how to proceed. City Administrator McKnight
shared we need to determine (1) how much is the community willing to spend, (2) what do we
build, and (3) how do we get input. The plan needs to include bringing utilities into the Jim Bell
Park. Director Omlid and City Administrator McKnight will have further conversation regarding
the survey and the role of the Commission. Director Omlid will provide an update at the July
meeting.
City Administrator McKnight left the meeting.
VI. Discussion Items
A. Pickle Ball Courts
Director Omlid inquired about Commission’s preference for pickle ball courts. The Commission
would like to convert one of the tennis courts at Rambling River Park into two pickle ball courts.
Director Omlid informed the Commission one contractor was stopping at the courts this week to
submit a quote for the work. The contractor won’t be able to do the work until late August or
September. Director Omlid will continue to contact other firms so have multiple quotes to
compare prices. Moved by Suchanek to resurface the courts at Rambling River Park and convert
one to two pickle ball courts and seconded by Koss. APIF. Motion carried.
B. Naming Contest Fairhill Estate at North Creek Development Neighborhood Park
Director Omlid provided an update on the progress made in the build out of the development.
Currently, there are 35 homes occupied. After much discussion, Commission decided to
proceed with a contest to name the park. Participants need to live or be building in the
development. Director Omlid will mail letters promoting the contest and bring back a list of
submitted names to the August 11 meeting so Commission can select one preferred name for
the park and recommend it to City Council for consideration. Suchanek is collecting items from
Farmington businesses and the winner will receive a gift basket. Moved by Caron and seconded
by Koss to proceed with a contest to name the park at Fairhill Estate at North Creek
Development with only those in the development eligible to participate. APIF. Motion carried.
C. Review 2021 Work Plan Progress
Chair Crabtree reviewed the 2021 work plan goals and objectives. There was consensus the July
meeting should include discussions on a number of the goals and objectives. Commission asked
if City Council was aware of the Parks and Facilities Tour on August 11. Director Omlid will find
out and follow-up at the July meeting. Commission asked about the joint meeting with Empire
Township’s Parks and Recreation Commission (ETPRC). Director Omlid will follow-up with the
Chair of the ETPRC and if they are interested ask about potential dates in October or November
and report back at the July meeting.
VII. Commission Roundtable
Koss: Asked about the Community Gardens as nothing was happening there this summer. Director
Omlid stated the person who was in charge of the gardens last summer wasn’t able to do it and no one
else stepped forward.
Caron: Didn’t have anything to share.
Suchanek: Won’t be here for the July meeting. Asked about teleconferencing in.
Crabtree: Might be gone in July as well. Brought up an all-inclusive playground in the Jim Bell Park.
Mentioned Eagan and Burnsville recently installed all-inclusive playgrounds.
VIII. Staff Report/Updates
Director Omlid provided information on the following:
A. Music in the Park
Reminded Commission the next concert is Wednesday, June 30 at 7:00 PM at Rambling River
Park. Mike Poot is performing.
B. Prairie Waterway Shelter
Parks staff is in the process of re-roofing the shelter at Prairie Water Way. The shingles have
been removed and will be replaced with metal.
C. Recreation Programs
Most recreation programs started last week.
D. Dew Run
The Dew Run was held June 12. It went well and had approximately 120 runners.
IX. Meeting Agenda Topics
The following items were tentatively identified by the Commission for its July 14 meeting agenda:
1. 2022-2026 Capital Improvement Plan
2. Revised Parks and Facilities Tour Schedule
X. Adjournment
Moved by Koss and seconded by Caron to adjourn the meeting. APIF. Motion Carried. The meeting was
adjourned at 8:43 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kellee Omlid
Parks & Recreation Director and Recording Secretary