HomeMy WebLinkAbout8-5-24 PARC Agenda PacketCITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS Parks & Recreation Commission
City Hall 2077 West Larpenteur Avenue
AGENDA August 5, 2024 at 6:30 P.M.
A.CALL TO ORDER:
B.ROLL CALL:Mike Bradbury_____ Eric Brenton_____Bob Haight_____ Tom Faust_____ Randi Lundell_____ Erin Williams_____
COUNCIL LIAISON:
James Wassenberg _______
STAFF PRESENT: Kelly Nelson____
C.PRESENTATION:
D.APPROVAL OF MINUTES:1.June 3, 2024 – Parks and Recreation Regular Meeting Minutes
E.AGENDA:
1.Park Audit Findings and 2025 Budget Planning
2.Fall Programming3. Vice Chairperson Election4. Fall Event Discussion
F.INFORMATION/ANNOUNCEMENT
1.Recap 2024 Ice Cream Social2.Update on MN DNR Outdoor Recreation Grant Request3. Update on Summer Programming
G. ADJOURNMENT:
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CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS Regular Meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission
City Hall 2077 West Larpenteur Avenue MINUTES June 3, 2024 at 6:30 P.M.
A. CALL TO ORDER: 6:36 PM
B. ROLL CALL:
Jeff Yager__X___ Mike Bradbury__X___ Eric Brenton__X___ Bob Haight__X___ Tom Faust__X___ Randi Lundell___X__ Erin Williams__X___ COUNCIL LIAISON: James Wassenberg ___X____ STAFF PRESENT: Kelly Nelson___X___ _ C. PRESENTATION: N/A
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 1. May 6, 2023 – Parks and Recreation Meeting Minutes - Joint Meeting - Community Engagement
Commission Faust motions to approve the Park minutes; approved 6-0
Commissioner Yager arrived just after the vote E. AGENDA:
1. Ice Cream Social 2024 Event
City Staff, Nelson, gives Commissioners an update that the City is awaiting a response from Blaze Credit Union in regards to whether cars could park in their lot for Ice Cream Social if it is held at City Hall.
Bradbury suggests having Ice Cream Social at The Grove. The Commissioners discuss the logistics, including where to park cars/walk, etc.
Faust points out that there is an underground tunnel closer to the clubhouse but wonders if people would walk the extra distance in order to use it. And, parking likely won’t be possible
at the golf course or driving range. Brenton says that we would need power and restrooms at the Grove.
Williams thinks City Hall would be more turnkey. The Commissioners decide that City Hall would work and will allow Staff to make the decision based on the Community Park construction timeline and the response from Blaze.
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2. Curtiss Field Amenity Nelson reminds the commission that $5,000 was added to the budget in 2024 and earmarked for improving Curtiss Field through an added amenity. If the money is not used in 2024, it won’t carry over for use next year. Williams asks if we can solicit attendees at Ice Cream Social. Brenton says that a few of the suggestions (collected at Spring Together) are already in the works
at or best-suited at Community Park. Williams suggests gathering data from those that submit the ideas so that we have a better
understanding of their age and their park usage. Commissioners consider whether there is water access at Curtiss Field.
Williams asks if the Environment Commission could help with a prairie garden.
Haight is not in favor of re-landscaping the pond area. He adds that the portable bathroom sees a lot of use. Staff will look into how often the bathroom is serviced and can inquire if it could be done more frequently. Bradbury recommends adding a timer to the lights. The State Fair Task Force mentioned how dark the park was last year. The timer could automatically turn the lights off at park close. Wassenberg suggests redirecting the lights that are in the skating area so they are cast into the park more during non-skating months.
Yager reminds commissioners that a skating liner was previously discussed and that it would extend the use of the ice rink.
Bradbury summarizes that the commissions favors the following three amenities in this order: water fountain, timer for lights and a tarp for under the ice rink.
Faust says there is a tree that will need to be replaced at Curtiss at some point.
Williams mentions gravel beds and how you can plant bare root trees in the gravel and then transplant them elsewhere. Bradbury and Wassenberg mention that there isn’t a sidewalk to connect Iowa to Idaho and it would be nice to add that during a Pavement Management Project (PMP) in the Northome area. 3. Fall Programming Nelson updates the commission that the City hired three staff members for summer programming
but the challenge is that the summer staff typically moves on and a different staff must then be hired for fall programming. Last year, the City did not offer fall programming.
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Brenton suggests doing the same free rec programming model again in the fall but suggests having it at the Grove.
Yager questions what the current demographics are and if there are many young kids in Falcon Heights.
The commissioners continue discussions and say that printing the fall programming schedule in the biannual newsletter that gets mailed out isn’t important since that has to typically be ready by
August or September and fall staff may not be hired by then. Instead, they recommend taking a wait-and-see approach to how the free summer rec program does. Then, maybe that is repeated or maybe the City looks to hosting board games at City Hall in the fall, as an example of what programming might look like.
F. INFORMATION/ANNOUNCEMENT
1.Recap 2024 Spring Together
Nelson says that 273 frozen treats were handed out in 2023 and 249 were handed out this year. There was less duplication this year so attendance was likely equal.
Staff and fellow Commissioners thank Brenton for the open mic portion of the event.
Bradbury says that if the Commission opts not to have an open mic next year, the City should hire an acoustic musician.
2.Update on Grant Requests
Nelson shares that the City was not selected to receive grant funds from AARP Community Challenge. The funds would have been used to purchase a wheeled pickleball net for the
combination basketball/pickleball court at the Grove. AARP received over 3,300 applicants from communities nationwide.
The City was selected to receive grant money from the University of Minnesota Good Neighbor Fund. Nearly $7,300 will be awarded to the City and be used to purchase sports and activities equipment for summer programming at Curtiss Field.
3.Update on Summer Programming
Nelson updates the commission that three staff members were hired for summer programming and that a work schedule will be put together next week so that the City can determine if
additional nights/days of programming can be offered to residents.
Williams proposes discussing park improvement ideas that could be brought to the Lions Club at
the next Parks and Recreation meeting in August. There will be no meeting in July and commissioners will conduct individual park audits instead.
Commissioners also discuss pricing estimates that the City received from Kraus-Anderson and how estimates were higher than anticipated. The City Council will discuss ways to reduce costs at their workshop meeting on Wednesday (June 5).
G. ADJOURNMENT: 8:22 P.M.Yager motions to adjourn the meeting;
Approved 7-0
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Item 2024 Audit of Parks
Description The PARC did not have a commission meeting on July 1, 2024 and opted to use
the time to conduct park audits, individually, throughout the month instead.
The purpose of the audits is to compile a list of improvements to be considered
in 2025 and to allow Staff to budget appropriately, with such improvements in
mind.
Budget Impact TBD
Attachment(s) Commissioners’ Individual Audit Reports
Action(s)
Requested Staff recommends commission members further discuss audit findings to
compile a final list of suggested improvements to be made under 2025 budget
consideration.
Meeting Date August 5, 2024
Agenda Item E1
Attachment Park Audit Findings
Submitted By Kelly Nelson, Deputy Clerk / Admin.
Services Director
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Park Name: Curtiss
Date of Audit:
Auditor: Erin W.
Landscaping / Grounds
1. Are weeds absent from grass and surrounding grounds (mulch beds, playground, courts,
etc.)? Yes _______ No _______ N/A _______
Comments: Small amount of weeds in some areas; expected and not impactful.
2. Is grass is in good condition (no excessive wear, brown spots, wet spots, no scalping, no ruts,
etc.)? Yes Mostly No _______ N/A _______
Comments: Some notable bare/wear near the social trail at ramp from parking lot to garbage
can.
3. Is grass properly maintained (grass is cut, has been edged recently, and is trimmed along
fence lines, curbs and trees)? Yes __X_____ No _______ N/A _______
Comments: Grass looks great.
4. Are grounds clean and free of debris (no trash, pine needles, leaves, or other debris)?
Yes ____X___ No _______ N/A _______
Comments:
Concrete and Pathways
1. Are concrete pathways and curbs, along with aglime pathways in good condition (no excessive cracking or
heaving, no significant damage or wear and tear)? Yes _______ No ____X___ N/A _______
Comments: Larger curb cracks and large pieces missing along parking lot especially near t the handicap
spot.
2. Are trails and pathways properly maintained (pathways are clean - no trash or debris, no
washout, no graffiti along walkway, etc.)? Yes ____X___ No _______ N/A _______
Comments:
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Playground
1. Is surface material in playground area well maintained, clear of debris and in good condition?
Yes ___X____ No _______ N/A _______
Comments:
2. Is playground equipment in good and working condition?
Yes ___X____ No _______ N/A _______
Park Facilities
1. Is equipment and are all amenities, as outlined in this packet, accounted for and in good
condition? Items to inspect and report on include picnic tables, grills, etc.
Yes __X_____ No _______ N/A _______
Comments:
2. Are courts free of debris and in good condition? Look for cracks in the court, paint flaking,
and check condition of nets.
Yes ___X____ No _______ N/A _______
Comments:
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Park Name: The Grove
Date of Audit: July 2024
Auditor: Erin W.
Landscaping / Grounds
1. Are weeds absent from grass and surrounding grounds (mulch beds, playground, courts,
etc.)? Yes _______ No ___X____ N/A _______
Comments: Some weeds in the playground mulch beds – not a lot.
2. Is grass is in good condition (no excessive wear, brown spots, wet spots, no scalping, no ruts,
etc.)? Yes _Mostly____ No _______ N/A _______
Comments: Some ruts in front of benches and the free library (and under trees in shadier
areas).
3. Is grass properly maintained (grass is cut, has been edged recently, and is trimmed along
fence lines, curbs and trees)? Yes ___X____ No _______ N/A _______
Comments:
4. Are grounds clean and free of debris (no trash, pine needles, leaves, or other debris)?
Yes ____X___ No _______ N/A _______
Comments: Some leaves have fallen (Sunday) but not impactful or noticeable if I wasn’t looking.
Concrete and Pathways
1. Are concrete pathways and curbs, along with aglime pathways in good condition (no excessive cracking or
heaving, no significant damage or wear and tear)? Yes ___X____ No _______ N/A _______
Comments:
2. Are trails and pathways properly maintained (pathways are clean - no trash or debris, no
washout, no graffiti along walkway, etc.)? Yes __X_____ No _______ N/A _______
Comments: Social trail by playground.
Playground
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1. Is surface material in playground area well maintained, clear of debris and in good condition?
Yes ____X___ No _______ N/A _______
Comments:
2. Is playground equipment in good and working condition?
Yes ___X____ No _______ N/A _______
Comments:
Park Facilities
1. Is equipment and are all amenities, as outlined in this packet, accounted for and in good
condition? Items to inspect and report on include picnic tables, grills, etc.
Yes ___X____ No _______ N/A _______
Comments:
2. Are courts free of debris and in good condition? Look for cracks in the court, paint flaking,
and check condition of nets.
Yes ___X____ No _______ N/A _______
Comments: Court looks great!
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Community Park -
Dig out suckering stumps along fence of basketball court
Hole in one soccer net
Big boulder in woods (inside of path in the woods) would be a great addition to
the playground area (would require a bobcat to move)
Station 10 bed - wire is broken
Buckthorn in woods - maybe a project for community members, maybe just
ignore it.
Dead trees in woods around perimeter.
Curtis -
Sediment on basketball court due to poor water drainage. Install buried drain pipe with 3 drain
openings on south end, cornering and heading north along the west side to tie into the existing drain
line. This is a 4 hour project for one guy, cost about $50 and I’d be happy to explain it if needed.
Grove
Weeds in playground nearest the woods
Bench on vitacourse is shot.
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Park Name: Grove Park
Date of Audit: 7/21/24
Auditor: Eric Brenton
Landscaping / Grounds
1. Are weeds absent from grass and surrounding grounds (mulch beds, playground,
courts, etc.)? Yes x_______ No _______ N/A _______
Comments: some weed growth on edges of playground
2. Is grass is in good condition (no excessive wear, brown spots, wet spots, no
scalping, no ruts, etc.)? Yes x_______ No _______ N/A _______
Comments: some wear in normal places like under basketball hoops
3. Is grass properly maintained (grass is cut, has been edged recently, and is
trimmed along fence lines, curbs and trees)? Yes x_______ No _______
N/A _______
Comments:
4. Are grounds clean and free of debris (no trash, pine needles, leaves, or other
debris)?
Yes x_______ No _______ N/A _______
Comments: no noticeable trash
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Concrete and Pathways
1. Are concrete pathways and curbs, along with pathways in good condition (no excessive
cracking or heaving, no significant damage or wear and tear)? Yes x_______ No
_______ N/A _______
Comments:
2. Are trails and pathways properly maintained (pathways are clean - no trash or
debris, no washout, no graffiti along walkway, etc.)? Yes x_______ No
_______ N/A _______
Comments:
Playground
1. Is surface material in playground area well maintained, clear of debris and in good
condition?
Yes x_______ No _______ N/A _______
Comments:
2. Is playground equipment in good and working condition?
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Yes x_______ No _______ N/A _______
Comments: mostly good, plastic edging on playground areas is worn and broken in places
Wooden benches could use a power washer cleaning and trimming away of brush
Park Facilities
1. Is equipment and are all amenities, as outlined in this packet, accounted for and in good
condition? Items to inspect and report on include picnic tables, grills, etc.
Yes x_______ No _______ N/A _______
Comments:
2. Are courts free of debris and in good condition? Look for cracks in the court, paint flaking,
and check condition of nets.
Yes x_______ No _______ N/A _______
Comments:
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Park Name: Curtiss Field
Date of Audit: 7/20/24
Auditor: Eric Brenton
Landscaping / Grounds
1. Are weeds absent from grass and surrounding grounds (mulch beds, playground,
courts, etc.)? Yes x_______ No _______ N/A _______
Comments:
2. Is grass is in good condition (no excessive wear, brown spots, wet spots, no
scalping, no ruts, etc.)? Yes x_______ No _______ N/A _______
Comments: some wear in normal places like under basketball hoops
3. Is grass properly maintained (grass is cut, has been edged recently, and is
trimmed along fence lines, curbs and trees)? Yes x_______ No _______
N/A _______
Comments:
4. Are grounds clean and free of debris (no trash, pine needles, leaves, or other
debris)?
Yes _______ No x_______ N/A _______
Comments: some small trash around, paper scraps, but nothing major
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Concrete and Pathways
1. Are concrete pathways and curbs, along with pathways in good condition (no excessive
cracking or heaving, no significant damage or wear and tear)? Yes x_______ No
_______ N/A _______
Comments:
2. Are trails and pathways properly maintained (pathways are clean - no trash or
debris, no washout, no graffiti along walkway, etc.)? Yes x_______ No
_______ N/A _______
Comments:
Playground
1. Is surface material in playground area well maintained, clear of debris and in good
condition?
Yes x_______ No _______ N/A _______
Comments:
2. Is playground equipment in good and working condition?
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Yes x_______ No _______ N/A _______
Comments: tetherball came back! Tetherball could use an inflation and a shorter rope
Park Facilities
1. Is equipment and are all amenities, as outlined in this packet, accounted for and in good
condition? Items to inspect and report on include picnic tables, grills, etc.
Yes x_______ No _______ N/A _______
Comments: soccer nets are a little disheveled and displaced but all here.
2. Are courts free of debris and in good condition? Look for cracks in the court, paint flaking,
and check condition of nets.
Yes x_______ No _______ N/A _______
Comments:
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Park and Facility Audit -2024
Venue Amenities at Park Findings/Updates
Community Park Building and Upper Picnic Area 2050 Roselawn Ave.
(corner of Roselawn and Cleveland)
Portable bathroom 2 BBQ Grills
4 Outdoor picnic tables Parking lot (50 spots); there’s also on street parking
Comm. Park East Picnic Area (near playground)
2 Picnic Tables
Trash receptacles Portable bathroom Parking lot (50 spots); there’s also on street parking
Comm. Park Lower Picnic Area (Southwest corner of park)
2 Picnic Tables
1 BBQ Grill Trash receptacles Portable bathroom Parking lot (50) and on street
parking
Curtiss Field 1551 W. Iowa Ave.
Playground (2 toddler swings, 1 belt swing and teeter totter)
Basketball court with one regular hoop and one mini court/hoop Tetherball pole 3 picnic tables Portable ADA bathroom Parking lot (10 spots); there’s also on street parking 1 BBQ Grill 4 benches at playground area
4 trash receptacles 2 picnic tables near sitting area (one moved to basketball court) No tetherball 1 homeless guy sleeping on park bench one gazebo with 2 benches one bench on sidewalk adjacent to Snelling Ave 2 large soccer goals 1 Four Square net 1 storage shed
The Grove
1600 Coffman Street
Playground (outdated)
Basketball court with two hoops; painted pickleball lines. Mini library 2 picnic tables 1 BBQ grill 3 benches scattered around On street parking
NO restroom
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Item 2024 Fall Programming Discussion
Description 2024 Summer Recreation has ended and Staff would like to recap this season and
reflect on what can be improved or changed for next year, as well as use it as a starting
point to establish 2024 fall programming.
Enrollment numbers have continued to decrease over the years. In 2023, the City initially offered tennis, soccer and Summer Discovery Playground classes but then only had adequate registration numbers for soccer in order to move forward. The City also
did not have adequate enrollment numbers to move forward with any programming at Commonwealth Terrace Cooperative (CTC) on the U of M campus.
At the conclusion of 2023 summer programming, the Parks and Recreation
Commission supported moving away from traditional paid programming, to try
offering free recreation from Curtiss Field, and to re-evaluate after.
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Fall Programming:
During the June 5, 2023 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, Commissioners advised Staff to look into different fall programming options. One option was to reach out to the St. Paul Blackhawks to ask if they would offer soccer programming to Falcon Heights youth in some capacity, whether as a series of classes or as a one-day
soccer clinic at Community Park. Staff did not hear back from Blackhawks in time for
2023 fall programming. Staff can reach out to the Blackhawks again this year for consideration if the Commission supports this option.
Staff also reached out to Roseville’s Parks and Recreation Director to see if they would
be able and willing to provide reciprocity to Falcon Heights residents registering for
Roseville programming. And, if they needed additional facilities, then the City would be open to discussing use of ours as part of the agreement. Roseville said that they face similar challenges to ours (staff already overextended or having just enough staff for current enrollment numbers) but they said they’d be willing to discuss further with
the City at a TBD time and date. Staff asked to discuss further but no further
discussion occurred. Staff could try approaching them again if the Commission supports this option.
Meeting Date August 5, 2024
Agenda Item E2
Attachment
Submitted By Kelly Nelson, Deputy Clerk / Admin.
Services Director
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Budget Impact N/A
Attachment(s)
Action(s) Requested The Commission should discuss how to proceed with fall programming.
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Item Officer Election for Vice-Chairperson
Description
The Commission nominated and elected officers for 2024 at their February 5, 2024
meeting. With the resignation of Jeff Yager, acting Vice Chairperson, commissioners
should now nominate and elect a new Vice Chairperson. Descriptions of all positions are below. While only the Vice-Chairperson position is vacant, in case the Secretary should be nominated for the Vice-Chairperson position, for example, I’m including descriptions for all.
Chairperson Main contact between the commission and staff, conducts the meeting by opens/closes, calls for votes, and helps set the agenda for upcoming meetings.
Vice Chairperson
Fills duties in the Chair’s absence and encouraged to work as a team and communicate needs with staff. Secretary Responsible for taking meeting minutes and sends to staff for review and approval at
next meeting.
Budget Impact N/A
Attachment(s) N/A
Action(s) Requested Staff recommends nominating and electing a Vice Chairperson for the remainder of 2024.
Meeting Date August 5, 2024
Agenda Item E3
Attachment Officer Elections
Submitted By Kelly Nelson, Administrative Services
Director/Deputy Clerk
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Item Discuss Fall Event
Description
The commission had previously discussed how the winter event,
Snowstravaganza, has been cancelled multiple years in a row. The weather
often plays a role in this. And, attendance is often low as well.
The Parks and Recreation Commission then decided they would like to move
towards hosting a fall event in its place and to host it sometime in 2024 . PARC
may collaborate with and receive additional input from the CEC if they want
to at a later date.
The City is celebrating 75 years and Staff would like to host an event in
October at City Hall, in part, to recognize the anniversary.
The Commission should now discuss what this event might look like.
Budget Impact TBD
Attachment(s) Area fall events calendar
Action(s)
Requested
Staff recommends that commissioners discuss which activities they would like
to offer, consider how much the event might cost to put on, etc.
Meeting Date August 5, 2024, 2023
Agenda Item E4
Attachment Area Fall Events Calendar
Submitted By Kelly Nelson, Administrative Services Director/Deputy Clerk
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OCTOBER 2024
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1 1 2 3 4
TC Oktoberfest at
Fairgrounds 5 PM -
10 PM
5
Como Park Harvest Fest
3-5 PM
TC Oktoberfest at
Fairgrounds 12 PM - 10
PM6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17
NO
SCHOOL
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NO SCHOOL
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20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Roseville
Halloween Spooktacular
1 PM -4 PM
Gibbs Farm Trick or Treat
Trail
Noon - 6 PM27 28 29 30 31
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