HomeMy WebLinkAbout12.11.24 Parks and Rec Minutes 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
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.
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