HomeMy WebLinkAbout01.08.25 Parks and Rec Packet
Meeting Location:
Farmington City Hall
430 Third Street
Farmington, MN 55024
PARKS AND RECREATION REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
7:00 PM
Page
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. APPROVE AGENDA
3. APPROVE MINUTES
December 11, 2024 Meeting Minutes
Agenda Item: December 11, 2024 Meeting Minutes - Pdf
3 - 6
4. PRESENTATIONS
4.1. Public Comments
Agenda Item: Public Comments - Pdf
7
4.2. Recognition of Outgoing Commission Member Cody Fishman
Agenda Item: Recognition of Outgoing Commission Member Cody
Fishman - Pdf
8
5. BUSINESS ITEMS
5.1. 2025 Work Plan
Agenda Item: 2025 Work Plan - Pdf
9 - 12
5.2. Spring Food Truck Event with City of Empire Parks and Recreation
Commission
Agenda Item: Spring Food Truck Event with City of Empire Parks and
Recreation Commission - Pdf
13
5.3. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Outdoor Recreation
Grant Program
Agenda Item: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Outdoor Recreation Grant Program - Pdf
14 - 15
6. DISCUSSION ITEMS
6.1. Chair and Vice-Chair Elections During February Meeting
Agenda Item: Chair and Vice-Chair Elections During February Meeting -
16
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Pdf
7. COMMISSION ROUNDTABLE
7.1. Round Table Format
Agenda Item: Round Table Format - Pdf
17
8. STAFF REPORT/UPDATES
Informational Updates
Agenda Item: Informational Updates - Pdf
18
9. MEETING AGENDA TOPICS
Possible Items for February 12, 2025 Meeting Agenda
Agenda Item: Possible Items for February 12, 2025 Meeting Agenda -
Pdf
19
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: December 11, 2024 Meeting Minutes
Meeting: Parks and Recreation Commission - Jan 08 2025
INTRODUCTION:
Attached are the draft minutes from the parks and recreation commission’s December 11, 2024
meeting. Commission members are asked to review the minutes and provide any corrections or
additions that are needed at the meeting.
ATTACHMENTS:
December 11, 2024 PRC meeting minutes
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Farmington Parks and Recreation Commission
Minutes from the December 11, 2024 Regular Meeting
Members Present: Katharine Caron, Cody Fishman, and Megan Merricks
Members Absent: David McMillen and Katie Putt
Other’s Present: Parks and Recreation Director Kellee Omlid and Planning Manager Tony Wippler
I. Call Meeting to Order
Chair Fishman called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Quorum was present.
II. Approval of December 11, 2024 Meeting Agenda
Moved by Caron and seconded by Merricks to approve the meeting agenda. All persons in favor (APIF).
Motion carried.
III. Approval of November 13, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes
Moved by Caron and seconded by Merricks 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. Residential and Business Developments Report
Planning Manager Tony Wippler did a presentation on current and future residential and
business developments.
V. Business Items
A. 2024 Meeting Attendance Report
The 2024 meeting attendance report was reviewed and the commission was reminded the
report would be updated to reflect member’s attendance at tonight’s meeting. Moved by Caron
and seconded by Merricks to approve the 2024 meeting attendance report with the additional
attendance added to the report for members attending tonight’s meeting. APIF. Motion carried.
VI. Discussion Items
A. Tobacco-Free Parks Policy
Director Omlid provided an update on the city council and planning commission work session on
draft code (ordinance) language relating to the new cannabis legislation and regulations. This
included discussion on parks, smoking, and cannabis. The parks and recreation commission
discussed, and consensus was they were in favor of a smoke free parks ordinance to include
parks and trails. If there was a burn ban, benefit to include trails. Commission saw parks and
trails as one entity, so should have same requirements and restrictions. Director Omlid will have
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the city attorney draft a smoke-free parks ordinance to be presented at a future commission
meeting.
B. 2025 Work Plan Ideas and Draft Plan
Director Omlid reviewed the 2025 Work Plan draft. Based on the previous discussion on
Tobacco-Free Parks Policy, Director Omlid suggested updating Goal #9 to “Develop a smoke-free
parks ordinance.”. No other changes were suggested. Director Omlid will update the draft plan
to be approved at the January 8, 2025 meeting.
C. Playground Equipment for Westview Acres Park
Westview Acres Park playground equipment for 5-12 years old and the swings are planned for
replacement in 2025. Commission discussed replacing the structure with similar equipment or
gearing (i.e., ninja course) it to middle school students. There is opportunity for movement
outside of class for students from Boeckman Middle School. Commission asked if a ninja course
would leave a gap in playground equipment in the park for 5–8-year-olds, is this the right
location based on small size, and most of the parks and playground equipment cater to
elementary school aged children. Director Omlid will visit with playground equipment vendors
to see what the options are, size, and cost to bring to a future commission meeting.
D. 2024 Work Plan Progress
Director Omlid reviewed the progress of the goals and objectives of the 2024 work plan.
VII. Commission Roundtable
McMillen: N/A
Putt: N/A
Caron: There is a park near Springbrook Nature Center in Fridley that has a beaver playground, logs for
climbing, and climbing boulders with ropes between them. Suggested equipment like this would be
perfect for Vermillion Grove Park when replacing the playground equipment.
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. Rambling River Center Renovations
The contract with CM Construction Company, Burnsville, is currently being finalized. The project
superintendent was given access to the building Monday to set up his temporary office and
confirm existing conditions. Staff is anticipating the preconstruction meeting will be next week.
B. Pilot Knob Road Trail Additional Underpass Evaluation and Trail Phasing Analysis
City and county staff met with Bolton and Menk yesterday to discuss the additional underpass
alternatives and a trail phasing plan. Director Omlid is going to meet with the Parks
Maintenance staff to get feedback on the two underpass alternatives. County and city staff
have tentatively discussed applying for a grant in 2026 to construct the trails on Pilot Knob Road.
C. Holiday Lights Tour
The holiday lights tour started on December 2 with 21 houses plus a cul-de-sac on the tour. A
few houses are collecting food for the Farmington Food Shelf and hygiene products for 360
Communities.
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D. Outdoor Rinks and Warming Houses
Parks Maintenance staff started flooding outdoor rinks today. The Mobile Mini (warming house)
for Distad Park was delivered Monday and the electricity has been hooked up to it. The
warming houses are scheduled to open Monday, December 23.
E. Park Dedication for Farmington Technology Park
City council approved the development contract for the Farmington Technology Park at its
December 2, 2024 meeting. The city will collect cash-in-lieu park dedication in the amount of
$569,718.62 with this development contract.
IX. Meeting Agenda Topics
The following items were tentatively identified by the commission for its January 8, 2025 meeting
agenda:
1.
X. Adjournment
Moved by Caron and seconded by Merricks to adjourn the meeting. APIF. Motion carried. The meeting
was adjourned at 8:45 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 - Jan 08 2025
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: Recognition of Outgoing Commission Member Cody Fishman
Meeting: Parks and Recreation Commission - Jan 08 2025
INTRODUCTION:
The city and commission have a tradition of recognizing members whose terms are coming to an
end. Cody Fishman started his service with the City of Farmington as a Parks and Recreation
Commission member in August 2023. Commission member Fishman served from 2023 to 2025.
This is an opportunity for the commission and staff to recognize and thank Cody for his service on
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: 2025 Work Plan
Meeting: Parks and Recreation Commission - Jan 08 2025
INTRODUCTION:
Included in the packet is the final 2025 Work Plan based on commission members input at the last
three commission meetings. It is a very exciting plan; one that has great promise to guide the city’s
future parks and recreation system.
Commission members should come to the meeting prepared to discuss the final 2025 Work Plan
and then formally approve it after the discussion.
ATTACHMENTS:
2025 Parks and Recreation Commission Work Plan
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FARMINGTON PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Draft 2025 WORK PLAN
Goal #1: Provide to the City Council a recommended 2026-2030 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 2026 to 2030.
2. By August 1, the Commission will finalize the five-year capital improvement projects for the
years 2026-2030 and make a recommendation to the City Council for approval.
3. By December 31, the improvement projects recommended for funding from 2026-2030 will be
included in the City Council’s approved 2026 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.
2. By May 1, a draft list of parks and facilities to tour will be reviewed by the Commission.
3. By June 1, a final list of parks and facilities to tour will be approved by the Commission.
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 replacing the playground equipment and swings (5-12
years) at Westview Acres Park.
Objectives:
1. By February 1, the Commission will have discussed and decided on preferences for playground
equipment style, play features, etc.
2. By April 1, the Commission will have reviewed playground equipment proposal(s) and made a
recommendation to the City Council on the purchase and construction of new playground
equipment.
3. By May 1, City Council will have approved the purchase and construction of new playground
equipment.
4. By October 31, installation of the new playground equipment at Westview Acres Park will have
been completed and a ribbon cutting ceremony will have occurred.
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Goal #5: Identify Bike Pedestrian Plan Priorities to Accomplish in 2025.
Objectives:
1. By March 31, the Commission will have reviewed the priorities identified in the Bike
Pedestrian Plan.
2. By May 15, the Commission will have developed and approved a list of priorities to work on
and complete in 2025-2026.
3. By December 31, Commission members will have worked with staff to accomplish the Bike
Pedestrian Plan priorities it identified to complete.
Goal #6: Participate in the process of identifying and making improvements at Depot Way Arts
Park.
Objectives:
1. By March 1, the Commission will have decided if art remains a focus of the park and have set a
date for the open house.
2. By May 1, an open house seeking ideas for improvement will have been held.
3. By July 1, the Commission will have given input on potential improvements.
4. By August 1, cost estimates and potential funding sources will be identified and shared.
5. By November 1, improvements that can be completed by staff and/or volunteers will be
finished.
6. By July 1, 2026 all other improvements will have been completed and a ribbon cutting
ceremony will have occurred.
Goal #7: Host food truck event in the spring with the City of Empire Parks and Recreation
Commission.
Objectives:
1. By February 1, the date and location for the spring food truck event will be approved.
2. By May 15, Commission members will have decided who will help at what times with the spring
food truck event.
3. By May 31, the spring food truck event will have happened.
Goal #8: Participate in Community Outreach and Engagement.
Objectives:
1. By April 1, the commission will have discussed community outreach and engagement, what the
Commission wants to know / learn, and where and how to reach and engage.
2. By May 1, community outreach and engagement opportunities and details will have been
finalized.
3. By December 1, community outreach and engagement will have occurred.
Goal #9: Develop a Smoke-Free Parks Ordinance.
Objectives:
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1. By March 1, the Commission will have reviewed the draft smoke-free parks ordinance and
made recommendations for edits.
2. By April 1, feedback on the draft ordinance will have been received from Dakota County Public
Health and Tobacco-Free Alliance.
3. By April 15, further discuss and revise the ordinance, if needed, based on feedback from Dakota
County Public Health and Tobacco-Free Alliance, and forward to City Council for approval.
4. By May 1, the ordinance will have been presented 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.
2. By May 15, the Commission will have received a presentation by professional staff members of
the Department’s 2024 Annual Report.
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.
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.
Goal #11: Tour City of Rosemount Parks and Recreation Facilities and Amenities to learn more
and see options for desired improvements.
Objectives:
1. By March 1, the Commission will have identified a preferred and backup date for the tour and
draft list of facilities and amenities to tour and see respectively.
2. By May 1, a date and final list of facilities and amenities to tour will be approved by the
Commission.
3. By October 1, a tour of City of Rosemount Parks and Recreation Facilities and Amenities will
have occurred.
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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: Spring Food Truck Event with City of Empire Parks and Recreation Commission
Meeting: Parks and Recreation Commission - Jan 08 2025
INTRODUCTION:
The third annual spring food truck event with the City of Empire Parks and Recreation Commission
was held on May 17, 2024, from 5 – 8 p.m. at Stelzel Ball Fields, 19200 Centerfield Court, Empire.
There were seven (7) food trucks and approximately 1,200 attendees at the event. Farmington
Parks and Recreation brought two sets of bags and boards, which attendees played.
Director Omlid contacted the Deputy Clerk with the City of Empire to confirm the Parks and
Recreation Commission wanted to collaborate on a spring food truck event in 2025. Their
commission wants to and discussed May 16 and would like to go forward with that date to stay
consistent with it being the 3rd Friday of May.
Commission members should be prepared to discuss the spring food truck event, details, and if are
good with Friday, May 16, 2025, for the event, should formally approve it.
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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: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Outdoor Recreation Grant
Program
Meeting: Parks and Recreation Commission - Jan 08 2025
INTRODUCTION:
In December, staff received an email from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
announcing grant funding opportunities for park and trail projects across Minnesota. Applications
are now being accepted for grant programs including outdoor recreation, natural and scenic area,
regional trail, local trail connections, and federal recreational trails. These grants help local
governments in the state create partnerships with the DNR to fund projects ranging from local parks
to regional trails to trail connections.
The DNR Outdoor Recreation Grant was identified as a funding option and source in the Rambling
River Park Master Plan that was approved in August 2023. The purpose of the Outdoor Recreation
Grant is “To increase and enhance recreation facilities in local and community parks throughout the
state.”. The Outdoor Recreation Grant program provides matching grants to local units of
government for up to 50% of the cost of acquisition, development and/or redevelopment of local
parks and recreation areas. The maximum grant awards is $350,000 for a total project of
$700,000. The program requires a one-to-one match which can consist of cash, value of materials,
labor and equipment usage by the local sponsor, donations, or any combination thereof.
Project proposals must include one or more major recreation facilities as outlined by the MN DNR.
A permanent skatepark is one of the eligible recreation facilities. Support facilities are also eligible
for funding as part of a grant application that contains at least one facility from the eligible
recreation facilities identified by the DNR. Support facilities include, but not limited to, landscaping,
lighting, park furnishings such as benches, drinking fountains, picnic tables, and trash receptacles,
and walkways or accessible routes that connect facilities to one another.
Two important grant requirements of this program are (1) all parks or recreational areas that receive
funds under this program must be operated and maintained for public outdoor recreation purposes
into perpetuity, even if facility type changes in the future and (2) the applicant must be the current or
intended owner and manager of the property to be acquired or developed.
During the Rambling River Park master planning process, stakeholder engagement showed a
strong desire for a skatepark in the community to serve teens who are currently going to other
communities for skating, scootering, and biking. The city council approved master plan for the park
included building a skatepark at Feely Fields as a short-term park improvement. Also included in
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the approved master plan is support facilities of new tree plantings, new shade structure, and new
park trails from the parking lot to the skatepark and shade structure.
Over the last several years, the parks and recreation commission’s priority besides new playground
equipment at Rambling River Park is adding a skatepark to the park system. A new playground
with poured-in-place rubber surfacing was installed and opened for play July 1, 2024. The city
applied for an Outdoor Recreation Grant for a skatepark and support facilities in spring 2024.
Unfortunately, the city’s application wasn’t funded. The MN DNR received over $16.5 million in
grant requests for an available $4.6 million funding. The MN DNR provided feedback on the city’s
application and encouraged to resubmit next year as it is a good project and highly competitive.
Staff’s recommendation is to apply again for the MN DNR Outdoor Recreation Grant with the major
recreation facility being the skatepark to be constructed at Feely Fields within Rambling River Park.
Support facilities to be included in the grant application are landscaping, shade structure, trail from
the parking lot to the skatepark and shade structure, and park furnishings (i.e. benches, picnic
tables, trash and recycling receptacles).
The commission should ask any questions they have about the grant, staff’s recommendation, and
have a discussion if the skatepark is still their priority and if it should be the major recreation facility
included in the city’s grant application. Following the discussion, the commission by motion should
make a recommendation to city council to authorize the city’s grant application for the MN DNR
Outdoor Recreation Grant and matching funds of $350,000.
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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: Chair and Vice-Chair Elections During February Meeting
Meeting: Parks and Recreation Commission - Jan 08 2025
INTRODUCTION:
According to the commission’s bylaws and city ordinance, the commission is to elect a chair and
vice-chair from its members. The election occurs in February due to the possible appointment and
seating of new members at this meeting.
The purpose of this item is to have a brief discussion to gauge the interest commission members
have about serving in the chair or vice-chair position for the next year. This makes the February
election go quicker and smoother.
Commission members should come to the meeting ready to share if they have an interest in serving
in either the chair or vice-chair position for the next year.
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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 - Jan 08 2025
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 - Jan 08 2025
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.Rambling River Center Renovations
2.The Son’s of the American Legion Omelet Breakfast
3.Outdoor Rinks and Warming Houses
4.Work Session on Wayfinding Plan with Economic Development Authority (EDA)
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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 February 12, 2025 Meeting Agenda
Meeting: Parks and Recreation Commission - Jan 08 2025
INTRODUCTION:
The following are possible topics staff has identified for commission to consider for its February 12,
2025 meeting agenda:
•Introduction of New Parks and Recreation Commissioner
•Chair and Vice-Chair Elections
•Open Meeting Law
•Parks and Recreation Commission Bylaws
•Depot Way Arts Park
•Playground Equipment for Westview Acres Park
•Smoke Free Parks Ordinance
•Parks and Facilities Tour with City Council and Rambling River Center Advisory Board
•2025 Work Plan Progress
Commission members should come prepared to identify other possible topics for the February 12,
2025 meeting agenda.
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