HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.14.24 Parks and Rec Packet
Meeting Location:
Farmington City Hall
430 Third Street
Farmington, MN 55024
PARKS AND RECREATION REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
7:00 PM
Page
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. APPROVE AGENDA
3. APPROVE MINUTES
3.1. July 10, 2024 Meeting Minutes
Agenda Item: July 10, 2024 Meeting Minutes - Pdf
3 - 6
4. PRESENTATIONS
4.1. Public Comments
Agenda Item: Public Comments - Pdf
7
5. BUSINESS ITEMS
5.1. Rambling River Park Playground Equipment Ribbon Cutting
Agenda Item: Rambling River Park Playground Equipment Ribbon
Cutting - Pdf
8
6. DISCUSSION ITEMS
6.1. Review Parks and Facilities Tour with Empire Parks and Recreation
Commission
Agenda Item: Review Parks and Facilities Tour with Empire Parks and
Recreation Commission - Pdf
9
6.2. 2024 Work Plan Progress
Agenda Item: 2024 Work Plan Progress - Pdf
10 - 14
7. COMMISSION ROUNDTABLE
7.1. Round Table Format
Agenda Item: Round Table Format - Pdf
15
8. STAFF REPORT/UPDATES
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8.1. Informational Updates
Agenda Item: Informational Updates - Pdf
16
9. MEETING AGENDA TOPICS
9.1. Possible Items for September 11, 2024 Meeting Agenda
Agenda Item: Possible Items for September 11, 2024 Meeting Agenda -
Pdf
17
10. ADJOURN
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PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA MEMO
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Kellee Omlid, Parks & Recreation Director
Department: Parks & Recreation
Subject: July 10, 2024 Meeting Minutes
Meeting: Parks and Recreation Commission - Aug 14 2024
INTRODUCTION:
Attached are the draft minutes from the parks and recreation commission’s July 10, 2024 meeting.
Commission members are asked to review the minutes and provide any corrections or additions
that are needed at the meeting.
ATTACHMENTS:
July 10, 2024 PRC meeting minutes
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Farmington Parks and Recreation Commission
Minutes from the July 10, 2024 Regular Meeting
Members Present: Megan Merricks, Katharine Caron, Cody Fishman, Katie Putt, and David McMillen
Members Absent:
Other’s Present: Parks and Recreation Director Kellee Omlid, Dakota County Parks Director Niki Geisler,
and Dakota County Greenways Manager Tony Wotzka
I. Call Meeting to Order
Chair Fishman called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Quorum was present.
II. Approval of July 10, 2024 Meeting Agenda
Moved by McMillen and seconded by Putt to approve the meeting agenda. All persons in favor (APIF).
Motion carried.
III. Approval of June 10, 2024 Work Session Meeting Minutes
Moved by Putt and seconded by Merricks to approve the meeting minutes with no revisions. APIF.
Motion carried.
Approval of June 12, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes
Moved by Caron 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. Dakota County Parks Overview
Niki Geisler, Dakota County Parks Director, introduced herself. Geisler provided an overview of
Dakota County parks mission, services provided, 2024 highlights and projects, White Tail Woods
Regional Park long-range plan to be updated in 2025-2026 and return on investment study on
additional camper cabins, and recent upgrades (water, lights, paved parking lot, and hazard tree
removal) at Dakota Woods Dog Park.
Tony Wotzka, Dakota County Parks Greenways Manager, introduced himself. Wotzka provided
an overview of greenway 101 including the County’s plan for more than 200 miles of trails
linking cities, schools, parks, and townships. Farmington is the “hub” of the system as four (4)
greenways run through Farmington including Lake Marion Greenway, North Creek Greenway,
Vermillion Greenway, and Vermillion Highlands Greenway (future Chub Creek Greenway).
Dakota County Parks partners with cities, townships, and schools to build greenways. The
current cost share is 85% county / 15% city with some flexibility. The County has an interactive
map, Greenway Status Viewer, which shows the latest in Greenway status information.
V. Business Items
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A. Parks and Facilities Tour Schedule with the Rambling River Center Advisory Board and City
Council
The parks and facilities tour with the Rambling River Center Advisory Board and city council is
Wednesday, August 28 at 6 p.m. We will meet at city hall and walk to Depot Way Arts Park to
start the tour. Motion by McMillen and seconded by Merricks to approve the parks and
facilities tour schedule and locations. APIF. Motion carried.
B. Flagstaff Meadows Park Ribbon Cutting
Most of the park improvements at Flagstaff Meadows Park have been completed. To celebrate,
staff would like to hold a ribbon cutting. Motion by Putt and seconded by Fishman to hold the
ribbon cutting on Wednesday, August 14 at 6 p.m. at Flagstaff Meadows Park. APIF. Motion
carried.
VI. Discussion Items
A. 2024 Work Plan Progress
Chair Fishman reviewed the progress of the goals and objectives of the 2024 work plan.
VII. Commission Roundtable
McMillen: Didn’t have anything to share.
Putt: Shared a Parent Family Directory brochure, which she picked up at a Subway in Burnsville.
Rambling River Park and Westview Acres Park were highlighted in the brochure.
Caron: Didn’t have anything to share.
Merricks: Didn’t have anything to share.
Fishman: Didn't have anything to share.
VIII. Staff Report/Updates
Director Omlid provided information on the following:
A. Public Park, Trail and Open Space Dedication Ordinance
The public hearing for the Public Park, Trail and Open Space Dedication Ordinance was held last
night at the Planning Commission. There were no questions or comments from the public. The
Planning Commission had a few questions for staff and were very appreciative of the city’s park
and trail system and all the work the parks and recreation commission has done. The Planning
Commission recommended city council approve the draft ordinance regarding Public Park, Trail
and Open Spaced dedication with a vote of 5-0. It is on the agenda for Monday’s city council
meeting.
B. Rambling River Park and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Outdoor Recreation
Grant
Staff learned in early July the City’s application for design and construction of a skatepark wasn’t
funded. The DNR received over $16.5 million in grant requests for an available $4.6 million in
funding. We’ve asked the DNR for feedback on our application to correct for next year. Staff
will continue to look for grant opportunities for the skatepark and other improvements in the
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park. Discussion on the ribbon cutting for the playground equipment; staff will look at July 31 at
6:30 p.m. (prior to Music in the Park) and follow-up with commissioners if the date works.
C. Rambling River Center Renovations
JLG Architects and the engineers (electrical, mechanical, and structural) continue to work on
design for the Rambling River Center renovations. We meet biweekly to discuss design
progress.
D. Rambling River Center Raffle Fundraiser with the Farmington Rotary
The Rambling River Center is partnering with the Farmington Rotary again for a raffle fundraiser.
Three hundred (300) raffle tickets will be sold at $52 each. There will be 52 drawings for $100
and four (4) drawings for $250. All winning tickets will be thrown back in so have a chance to
win multiple times. Once the gambling permit is received, raffle tickets will be printed and start
to sell.
E. Parks and Recreation Month
July is Parks and Recreation Month. To celebrate, we will be hosting Party in the Park on Friday,
July 26 at 7 p.m. at Lake Julia Park. Kidsdance will start at 7 p.m. with Shrek shown at dusk
(approximately 8:40 p.m.). There will also be games, crafts, and face painting.
F. Farmington Feed Podcast
The July podcast is out and focuses on parks and recreation including the new playground
equipment at Rambling River Park. Thanks to commissioner Putt for being on the podcast; she
did great!
G. North Creek Greenway Farmington-Lakeville Segment
Progress continues on the North Creek Greenway Farmington-Lakeville segment. Still
anticipating August completion.
H. Parks and Facilities Tour with Empire Parks and Recreation Commission Reminder
The parks and facilities tour with the City of Empire Parks and Recreation Commission is
Tuesday, August 6 at 6 p.m. We will meet at Town Hall Park in Empire. If you want to ride in the
passenger van to Empire, please be at the Rambling River Center by 5:45 p.m.
IX. Meeting Agenda Topics
The following items were tentatively identified by the commission for its August 14, 2024 meeting
agenda:
1.
X. Adjournment
Moved by Caron and seconded by McMillen to adjourn the meeting. APIF. Motion carried. The meeting
was adjourned at 8:28 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kellee Omlid
Parks & Recreation Director and Recording Secretary
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PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA MEMO
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Kellee Omlid, Parks & Recreation Director
Department: Parks & Recreation
Subject: Public Comments
Meeting: Parks and Recreation Commission - Aug 14 2024
INTRODUCTION:
This agenda item allows the public to speak to commission members about any item that is not on
the agenda. When speaking to the commission it must be in a respectful and non-threatening
manner.
Anyone wishing to provide public comments must provide their name and address for the record.
Public comments shall not exceed five minutes.
The commission will not respond to the comments and a formal written response will be sent prior
to the next commission meeting to the person who made the public comments. Under no
circumstances will any formal action be taken on the public comments that are provided to the
commission.
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PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA MEMO
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Kellee Omlid, Parks & Recreation Director
Department: Parks & Recreation
Subject: Rambling River Park Playground Equipment Ribbon Cutting
Meeting: Parks and Recreation Commission - Aug 14 2024
INTRODUCTION:
The ribbon cutting for the new playground equipment at Rambling River Park was scheduled for
July 31, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. This was planned for right before Music in the Park, which starts at 7
p.m. Due to inclement weather, it was cancelled and is going to be rescheduled.
The commission should discuss and approve a new date and time for the ribbon cutting and
celebration. The last Music in the Park for the year is Wednesday, August 28 at 7 p.m. However,
August 28 is the parks and facilities tour with City Council and the Rambling River Center Advisory
Board. In addition, the September parks and recreation commission meeting is the 11th, which is
Farmington High School’s Homecoming parade.
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PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA MEMO
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Kellee Omlid, Parks & Recreation Director
Department: Parks & Recreation
Subject: Review Parks and Facilities Tour with Empire Parks and Recreation Commission
Meeting: Parks and Recreation Commission - Aug 14 2024
INTRODUCTION:
The commission and Empire Parks and Recreation Commission had a parks and facilities tour on
Tuesday, August 6. Commission members should be prepared to discuss the parks and facilities
schedule and locations. Following the discussion, some general guidelines should be provided for
future tours with Empire Parks and Recreation Commission to keep it beneficial for both groups.
The commission should also discuss and provide feedback about a joint meeting with Empire Parks
and Recreation Commission in 2025.
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PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA MEMO
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Kellee Omlid, Parks & Recreation Director
Department: Parks & Recreation
Subject: 2024 Work Plan Progress
Meeting: Parks and Recreation Commission - Aug 14 2024
INTRODUCTION:
The commission’s updated 2024 work plan is included in the meeting packet. Shown in bold red
are work plan items completed either at or since the last commission meeting held on July 10,
2024. Items that are in bold black have been completed.
Commission members should be prepared to review the work plan to identify any other additional
items that have been completed and then discuss other work plan items it would like to work on at
future meetings.
ATTACHMENTS:
2024 Parks and Recreation Commission Work Plan August Update
Page 10 of 17
FARMINGTON PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
2024 WORK PLAN
Goal #1: Provide to the City Council a recommended 2025-2029 capital improvement plan for
the park improvement fund.
Objectives:
1. By April 1, the Commission will have discussed and identified a preliminary list of five-year
capital improvement projects for the park improvement fund that will include a list of parks,
costs, and schedule to be completed in the years 2025 to 2029.
Status: Completed. The commission discussed and approved a recommendation to city
council to approve a five-year CIP for the park improvement fund for the years 2025-2029.
2. By August 1, the Commission will finalize the five-year capital improvement projects for the
years 2025-2029 and make a recommendation to the City Council for approval.
Status: Completed. The commission discussed and approved a recommendation to city
council to approve a five-year CIP for the park improvement fund for the years 2025-2029.
3. By December 31, the improvement projects recommended for funding from 2025-2029 will be
included in the City Council’s approved 2025 final budget.
Goal #2: Participate in a parks and facilities tour with the Rambling River Center Advisory
Board and City Council.
Objectives:
1. By March 1, the Commission, Advisory Board and City Council will have identified a date to
have a tour.
Status: Completed. August 28 has been set for the tour.
2. By May 1, a draft list of parks and facilities to tour will be reviewed by the Commission.
Status: Completed. The commission recommended parks and facilities to tour at their May 8
meeting.
3. By June 1, a final list of parks and facilities to tour will be approved by the Commission.
Status: The commission approved the tour sites and schedule at their July 10, 2024 meeting.
4. By October 1, a parks and facilities tour will have occurred.
Goal #3: Participate in a work session with City Council.
Objectives:
1. By February 1, a date to have a work session with City Council will be identified.
2. By May 1, a list of work session topic(s) will be approved by the Commission.
3. By October 1, a work session with City Council will have occurred.
Goal #4: Participate in the process of finishing and making improvements at Sunny Hills Park,
Flagstaff Meadows Park, and Rambling River Park.
Objectives:
1. By January 1, City Council will have approved the purchase and installation of new
playground equipment for Rambling River Park.
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Status: Completed. At their December 18, 2023 meeting, City Council approved the purchase
and installation of playground equipment for Rambling River Park.
2. By June 1, the final improvements at Sunny Hills Park will be completed and a ribbon cutting
ceremony will have occurred.
Status: Completed. A ribbon cutting at Sunny Hills Park was held on July 10, 2024.
3. By July 1, the final improvements at Flagstaff Meadows Park will be completed and a ribbon
cutting ceremony will have occurred.
4. By July 15, installation of the new playground equipment at Rambling River Park will have
been completed and a ribbon cutting ceremony will have occurred.
Goal #5: Identify Bike Pedestrian Plan Priorities to Accomplish in 2024.
Objectives:
1. By March 31, the Commission will have reviewed the priorities identified in the Bike
Pedestrian Plan.
Status: Completed. The Commission reviewed and discussed the priorities identified in the
Bike Pedestrian Plan at their March 13 meeting.
2. By May 15, the Commission will have developed and approved a list of priorities to work on
and complete in 2024-2025.
Status: Completed. The Commission discussed completing an Educational and
Encouragement Program.
3. By December 31, Commission members will have worked with staff to accomplish the Bike
Pedestrian Plan priorities it identified to complete.
Status: Completed. Parks and Recreation partnered with the Police Department to host
Helmet Heroes on Saturday, June 1 from 9-11 a.m. in the parking lot at Farmington
Lutheran Church.
Goal #6: Participate in the process of identifying and making improvements at Depot Way Arts
Park.
Objectives:
1. By November 1, the Commission will have discussed Depot Way Arts Park and brainstormed
potential improvements, ideas, partners, etc.
2. By February 1, 2025, an open house seeking ideas for improvement will have been held.
3. By March 1, 2025, the Commission will have given input on potential improvements.
4. By May 1, 2025, cost estimates and potential funding sources will be identified and shared.
5. By August 1, 2025, improvements that can be completed by staff and/or volunteers will be
finished.
Goal #7: Host food truck events in the spring and fall with City of Empire Parks and Recreation
Commission.
Objectives:
1. By January 1, the date and location for the spring food truck event will be approved.
Status: Completed. Friday, May 17 from 5 – 8 p.m. in Empire at Stelzel Ball Fields was
approved for the spring food truck event at the joint meeting on October 23, 2023.
2. By April 1, the details, including, but not limited to date, location, and music, of the fall food
truck event will be approved. Commission will also have decided who will contact the food
trucks to see if they are interested in participating.
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Status: Completed. It was decided by both parks and recreation commissions to not host a
fall food truck event in 2024.
3. By May 15, Commission members will have decided who will help at what times with the spring
food truck event.
Status: Completed. The Commission decided at their April 10 meeting who would work from
4:45-6:30 p.m. and 6:30-8:15 p.m.
4. By May 31, the spring food truck event will have happened.
Status: Completed. The spring food truck event was held May 17 with seven food trucks and
over 1,200 attendees.
5. By September 1, Commission members will have decided who will help at what times with the
fall food truck event.
Status: Not Completed. It was decided by both parks and recreation commissions to not host
a fall food truck event in 2024.
6. By September 30, the fall food truck event will have happened.
Status: Not Completed. It was decided by both parks and recreation commissions to not host
a fall food truck event in 2024.
7. By October 31, the commissions will have jointly discussed and evaluated the spring and fall
food truck events.
Status: Not Completed. It was decided by both parks and recreation commissions to not host
a fall food truck event in 2024.
Goal #8: Continue to build and strengthen relationships with the City of Empire Parks and
Recreation Commission, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and Dakota
County Parks.
Objectives:
1. By February 1, organize and host a presentation by the Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources (DNR).
Status: Completed. TJ Debates, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, attended the
January 10 parks and recreation commission meeting and presented on fisheries
management and Vermillion River.
2. By June 1, organize and conduct a joint parks tour with the City of Empire.
3. By October 1, organize and host a presentation by Dakota County Parks.
Status: Completed. Niki Geisler, Parks Director, and Tony Wotzka, Greenway Manager,
attended the July 10 parks and recreation commission meeting and presented on Dakota
County Parks, projects, and greenways.
Goal #9: Develop a Tobacco-Free Parks Policy.
Objectives:
1. By April 1, review tobacco-free parks policies from other cities in Dakota County and discuss
what should be included in a City of Farmington Tobacco-Free Parks Policy.
Status: Completed. At their February 14 meeting, the commission reviewed policies and
ordinances from other cities and discussed what should be included in the City of
Farmington Tobacco-Free Parks Policy.
2. By May 1, review draft tobacco-free parks policy and make recommendations for edits.
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3. By July 1, forward updated draft policy to Dakota County Public Health and Tobacco-Free
Alliance for feedback.
4. By August 15, further discuss and revise the policy, if needed, based on feedback from Dakota
County Public Health and Tobacco-Free Alliance, and forward to City Council for approval.
5. By September 15, present policy to City Council for approval.
Goal #10: Receive periodic presentations from each of the parks and recreation department’s
professional staff members about programs, parks, facilities and trails and a presentation from
the Finance Director on the budget and a presentation from the Planning Manager on new
housing and business developments.
Objectives:
1. By April 15, Commission members will have received a presentation from the Finance Director
on the city’s budget and funding sources.
Status: Not Completed. It was decided at the May 8 meeting to not have a presentation from
the Finance Director this year to let her get settled into her new position.
2. By May 15, the Commission will have received a presentation by professional staff members of
the Department’s 2023 Annual Report.
Status: Completed. The Annual Report was presented at the March 13 meeting.
3. By June 15, Commission members will have received a presentation from staff on the results of
the Schmitz-Maki Arena’s winter ice season.
Status: Completed. Parks and Facilities Supervisor Jeremy Pire presented the results of the
Schmitz-Maki Arena’s 2023-2024 winter season at the April 10 meeting.
4. By July 15, Commission members will have received a presentation from the Planning
Manager on current and future developments.
5. By September 15, Commission members will have received a presentation from staff on the first
half operations of the Rambling River Center.
6. By October 15, Commission members will have received a presentation from staff on the results
of the summer programs offered.
7. By December 15, Commission members will have received a presentation from staff about the
spring turf season and summer ice season.
8. By December 15, the Commission will have received a presentation from staff about
maintenance and improvements to parks and trails.
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PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA MEMO
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Kellee Omlid, Parks & Recreation Director
Department: Parks & Recreation
Subject: Round Table Format
Meeting: Parks and Recreation Commission - Aug 14 2024
INTRODUCTION:
The round table agenda item allows commission members to share information or ask staff about
items not on the agenda. No formal decisions are made during this agenda item.
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PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA MEMO
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Kellee Omlid, Parks & Recreation Director
Department: Parks & Recreation
Subject: Informational Updates
Meeting: Parks and Recreation Commission - Aug 14 2024
INTRODUCTION:
This agenda item is an opportunity for staff to provide informational updates to commission
members. These items are informational only and no formal decision can be made during this
agenda item.
Staff will provide an update during the meeting about the following:
1.DNR Outdoor Recreation Grant
2.Rambling River Park and Veteran’s Pavilion
3.Rambling River Center Renovations
4.Tanaka Murder Mystery on the Rambling River Express
5.North Creek Greenway – Rambling River Park to Mystic Meadows
6.Mystic Meadows Trail
7.Dakota County Request for Proposals for Design Engineering for New Sections of Greenway
8.Wayfinding Plan
9.Pilot Knob Road Trail Draft Feasibility Report
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PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA MEMO
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Kellee Omlid, Parks & Recreation Director
Department: Parks & Recreation
Subject: Possible Items for September 11, 2024 Meeting Agenda
Meeting: Parks and Recreation Commission - Aug 14 2024
INTRODUCTION:
The following are possible topics staff has identified for commission to consider for its September
11, 2024 meeting agenda:
•Rambling River Center Operations Report
•Tobacco-Free Parks Policy
•2025 Fees and Charges
•Review Parks and Facilities Tour with City Council and Rambling River Center Advisory Board
•Depot Way Arts Park
•2024 Work Plan Progress
Commission members should come prepared to identify other possible topics for the September 11,
2024 meeting agenda.
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