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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.11.24 Parks and Rec Minutes Farmington Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes from the September 11, 2024 Regular Meeting Members Present: Cody Fishman, Katie Putt, David McMillen, and Katharine Caron Members Absent: Megan Merricks Other’s Present: Parks and Recreation Director Kellee Omlid I. Call Meeting to Order Chair Fishman called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Quorum was present. II. Approval of September 11, 2024 Meeting Agenda Moved by Putt to remove the Rambling River Center Operations Report and approve the meeting agenda; seconded by Caron. All persons in favor (APIF). Motion carried. III. Approval of August 14, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes Moved by McMillen 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 Removed from the agenda as Supervisor Kohlbeck couldn’t attend the meeting. The report will be presented at the October 9, 2024 meeting. V. Business Items A. 2025 Parks and Recreation Department Fees Director Omlid reviewed the proposed 2025 Parks and Recreation Department fees and charges. The fee increases are to help offset increasing operational expenses. Proposed fee increases include Schmitz-Maki Arena ice rental rates, advertising rates, and turf rental, Rambling River Center annual membership, fitness room non-member one-time visitor pass, banquet room, Empire Room, and additional cleaning rate, park shelter rental rates, and outdoor field rental rates. Director Omlid mentioned the issue of renters of the Rambling River Center rooms using glitter and confetti even though it is against the rules. It was suggested to have a glitter / confetti fee and charge it to renters that break the rule. There was a question about if the WiFi in the parks was included in the park shelter rental rates. Director Omlid stated no the WiFi in the parks wasn’t included in park shelter rental rates, but were increased due to increasing operational expenses and hadn’t been increased in several years. Commission requested to see a comparison of fees and charges of neighboring cities to see where the city falls in fees compared to other communities. Moved by McMillen and seconded by Putt to approve the 2025 parks and recreation fees and recommend city council approve the fees. APIF. Motion carried. VI. Discussion Items A. Review Parks and Facilities Tour with Rambling River Center Advisory Board and City Council The commission thought the tour went well and the ribbon cutting for the new playground equipment at Rambling River Park was great as part of the tour. Appreciated the Mayor, City Council, Rambling River Center Advisory Board, Administration, and kids were part of the ribbon cutting. Commission thought should do more community engagement; a suggestion was to participate in National Night Out. An idea was to have reference materials for the tour, i.e. why we are stopping at that particular park, when the equipment was replaced, general details of the park, and future improvements. A suggestion was to tour the Rambling River Center instead of parks next year to see the facility improvements. Potentially a virtual video tour of parks for those who can’t attend. B. Depot Way Arts Park There was much discussion, questions, and ideas for Depot Way Arts Park. This included: • Do we still want to call it an art park? • Why is it called Depot? • Could we partner with the Street Art Class at Farmington High School • More seating areas, benches • This is a long narrow park next to the railroad tracks, so not much you can do safely • Outdoor signs with the history of Farmington on them • Park more geared towards adults • Amenities could include dog waste station, hammocking poles, new trees, shade structure • Have the open house in the spring. Have a vision for the park and have visual options of amenities to include in the park • Meet with downtown businesses before open house. Invite business to a parks and recreation commission meeting • Commissioner Caron will visit with the Street Art Class instructor, Commissioner McMillen will visit with Zion Tattoo, and Director Omlid will visit with Muddy Waters about their interest in Depot Way Arts Park and possible partnerships. Will report back to the commission at the October 9 meeting C. 2024 Work Plan Progress Director Omlid reviewed the progress of the goals and objectives of the 2024 work plan. VII. Commission Roundtable McMillen: The Rambling River Center’s breakfast and silent auction fundraiser is Saturday, October 12 at the center. Breakfast will be from 8:30-10:30 am with the silent auction ending at 11 am. Breakfast is $12 per person and includes egg bake, cinnamon rolls, fruit, juice, and coffee. Putt: Didn't have anything to share. Caron: Didn’t have anything to share. Merricks: N/A Fishman: Didn't have anything to share. VIII. Staff Report/Updates Director Omlid provided information on the following: A. Rambling River Park and Veteran’s Pavilion Angie Craig visited Rambling River Park to learn about the veteran’s pavilion and future improvements to the park. Staff should learn end of 2024 or beginning of 2025 if awarded a Community Project Funding grant for the veteran’s pavilion. Congresswoman Craig agreed to be the guest speaker at the Memorial Day program in May. Director Omlid met with the Director of Special Services from the Farmington School District at the playground this week. She has no concerns with where the playground equipment is in relation to HWY. 50 and the Vermillion River. Thinks we built a great inclusive playground. Have been trading emails to confirm a date to meet at the park to look at the playground equipment and location with a Senior Therapist of Sensory Supports and Training Program Manager at Fraser. B. Rambling River Center Renovations Staff received 90% construction documents this week and will get 100% plans on September 18. Staff then has 10 days to review and provide feedback to JLG Architects. Construction plans and authorize advertisement for bids will go to city council on October 7 for approval. C. Rambling River Center and Farmington Rotary Raffle Two hundred twenty-three (223) tickets were sold. This is less than last year, but both groups profited $2,600. The printer was late in getting the raffle tickets turned around, so there was less time to sell. The Rambling River Center and Farmington Rotary talked about applying for the gambling permit sooner and having tickets available for purchase in spring. They also talked about pushing the drawing back by one day to the Wednesday after Labor Day. D. North Creek Greenway – Farmington and Lakeville Segment The trail is completely paved. There is still off-trail work to complete and machinery / equipment to be removed. Staff isn’t sure when the trail will open. E. Prairie Waterway Trails Infrared trail repair is happening this week at Prairie Waterway trails. The contractor is focusing on deep cracks, potholes, and tree roots. F. Pilot Knob Road Trail Draft Feasibility Report Bolton & Menk presented the trail layouts and draft feasibility report for Pilot Knob Road Trail preliminary design to city council on September 3. Feedback was positive and consensus was the underpass was needed. Council asked about two other locations for the box culvert. There was discussion about the roundabout at 195th St. and the difficulty and concerns for pedestrians. Bolton & Menk, Dakota County, and city staff met to discuss how to proceed. Bolton & Menk is reviewing the remaining project budget and how much it would cost to analyze the two other box culvert locations. IX. Meeting Agenda Topics The following items were tentatively identified by the commission for its October 9, 2024 meeting agenda: 1. Rambling River Center Operations Report X. Adjournment Moved by McMillen and seconded by Putt to adjourn the meeting. APIF. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 8:21 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Kellee Omlid Parks & Recreation Director and Recording Secretary