HomeMy WebLinkAbout3-2-26 PARC Agenda PacketCITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS Parks & Recreation Commission
City Hall 2077 West Larpenteur Avenue
AGENDA March 2, 2026 at 6:30 P.M.
A.CALL TO ORDER:
B.ROLL CALL:
Eric Brenton (Chair)_____Tom Faust (Vice-Chair) _____Joe Morseth (Secretary)_____
Robert Haight_____ Jerry Buckridge_____Naomi Loud Heinsch_____Chuck Long_____
COUNCIL LIAISON:
Randy Gustafson ____
STAFF LIAISON:
Kelly Nelson_____
C.PRESENTATION:
D.APPROVAL OF MINUTES:1.February 2, 2026 – Parks and Recreation Commission and Environment Commission Joint MeetingMinutes
E.AGENDA:
1.2026 City Events
2.Programming Discussion3.Community Garden – 2nd Plot Requests4.Community Advisory Committee
F.INFORMATION/ANNOUNCEMENTS:
G.ADJOURNMENT:
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CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS Joint Meeting
Parks & Recreation Commission Environment Commission City Hall 2077 West Larpenteur Avenue MINUTES February 2, 2026 at 6:30 P.M. A. CALL TO ORDER: 6:34 PM B. ROLL CALL: Eric Brenton (Chair)__X___Tom Faust (Vice-Chair) _____Joe Morseth (Secretary)__X___ Robert Haight__X___ Jerry Buckridge__X___Naomi Loud Heinsch__X___ Adam Keester (Chair) __X_ John Pellegrini (Vice-Chair) __X__ Nuz Sanidad (Secretary) __X__ Beth Mercer-Taylor__X__ David Smith __X__ Monika Chandler__X__Erica Bjelland__X__ Mercer-Taylor arrived just after roll call
COUNCIL LIAISON: Randy Gustafson X___
Georgiana May __X__ STAFF PRESENT:
Kelly Nelson__X__ Hannah Lynch _X__ C. PRESENTATION: D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 1. January 5, 2026 - Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Morseth motions to approve the minutes; approved 5-0
E. AGENDA: 1. In Common Commission Goals a. Community Garden Expansion
Parks and Rec Staff Liaison Nelson explains that the goal of this joint meeting is to foster partnership and discuss common goals between the two commissions, namely the potential for expanding community garden plots. She explains that currently there are 38 garden plots; 20 plots are gardened by Falcon Heights residents, 16 are gardened by non-residents, and two are currently unassigned. Previously, a wait list was used for open plots, but this year, the City will be moving to a lottery system that will open on February 4. Keester believes there is a demand to support additional plots.
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Commissioners discussed the cost to support the current plots, the cost of adding a water line to Curtiss Field (currently budgeted at $10,000, specifically for a water fountain), the potential of
adding plots at City Hall, and ensuring those without yard space have access to plots. Staff Liaison Lynch adds that Curtiss Field does make some sense for future expansion due to its proximity to apartments. Gustafson gives an overview of how the Community Garden plots first began. Issues were brought up around Curtiss Field flooding and the potential of taking away from the existing recreational area. May wonders how much green space is actually available at Curtiss Field.
Haight adds that there are pluses and minuses at each possible location.
Mercer-Taylor is hesitant to add garden plots at Curtiss Field due to previous flooding issues. Haight says that the commissions should address whether they are trying to support their
neighboring communities with garden plots or determine what the goal is by adding more. Staff Liaison Lynch explains that the Environment Commission completed a Climate Action Plan last year. One goal of the Climate Action Plan is to “Increase production of local food, particularly serving low-income and food-insecure individuals.” Two action items for this goal include, “Identify and map potential sites for community gardens or farms, prioritizing underserved populations and food-insecure areas. Include parks and public lands, and collaborate with parters to implement garden locations,” and “Establish a ‘Grow Falcon Heights’ program to expand community garden plots and create a market garden that offers youth training and internships.”
The Commissions discussed forming a subcommittee to focus on the location, need, and goals for additional plots, pending the results of how many lottery submissions are received. Gustafson adds that it may take a period of time to look at the need/demands in order to make a future recommendation and to implement.
Loud-Heinsch wonders if the earliness of the plot lottery may not garner the same interest it would if it were closer to the planting season; it may not reflect true interest. May suggests informing residents that garden plots are available through a lottery. Staff Liaison Nelson says that they will include the garden plot lottery in the weekly newsletter(s) and will update both commissions after the lottery submission period has closed at the end of February to then inform them of current demand. The Parks and Recreation Commission and the Environment Commission break
apart at 7:41 PM to continue discussing their commission’s additional agenda item(s) separately.
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2. Community Park Phase 2 Discussion Staff Liaison Nelson says that no decisions are needed tonight, but it would be helpful for the commission to begin discussing their vision for Phase 2 of renovations at Community Park. This will allow Staff to research and budget in the future. Buckridge feels like the basketball court will eventually become a liability if the cracked pavement is not addressed. Haight mentions that the Falcon Heights / Lauderdale Lions Club may need storage. Loud-Heinsch wonders if it makes sense to leave the existing playground, at least for now. Or, to
not spend the money on having it removed so that money can be used elsewhere. She adds that she rarely sees people playing baseball.
Brenton says that resurfacing the basketball court and/or replacing the exercise equipment around the perimeter of the park might both be worthwhile upgrades.
Morseth points out that the current, cracked basketball court will only look worse right next to our other new amenities being installed in Phase One. The commission will continue to discuss and eventually form a wish list as both the budget and timeline for Phase 2 are firmed up. In addition, they discuss the idea of a tree museum at Community Park as a low-cost activity for park users to self-explore. F. INFORMATION/ANNOUNCEMENT G. ADJOURNMENT: 8:38 PM
Buckridge motions to adjourn the meeting; Approved 5-0
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REQUEST FOR ACTION
City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota __________________________
Item 2026 City Event Discussion
Description
Ice Cream Social historically is held on the third Thursday in July. Therefore, it
will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on July 17 at Community Park (unless park
renovation requires event to move to City Hall).
The first annual fall festival in 2024 was held from 2:00 to 5:00 PM on October
26 at City Hall. The commissioners felt that, while lucky, weather could
become more of a threat the later the event is held in October. So, in 2025, the
event was held from 1:00 to 3:00 on October 11 and moved to Falcon Heights
Elementary School. The event cost approximately $2,500 in 2025.
In addition, the Parks and Recreation Commission has expressed interest in
hosting an event at The Grove Park. This is an opportunity to further discuss
all events that the City will hold in 2026.
Commissioners should recommend any time/date changes for events, as
applicable, as well as the activities offered onsite.
Budget Impact TBD
Attachment(s)
Action(s) Requested Staff recommends commission members discuss the City’s 2026 events.
Meeting Date March 2, 2026
Agenda Item E1
Attachment
Submitted By Kelly Nelson, Administrative Services
Director / Deputy Clerk
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REQUEST FOR DISCUSSION
City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota __________________________
Item Summer Programming Discussion
Description Youth summer programming enrollment numbers have been steadily declining over the past several years. As a result, at the conclusion of 2023’s summer programming, the Parks and Recreation Commission supported moving away from traditional programming, to try offering free recreation from Curtiss Field, and to re-evaluate
afterwards. Unfortunately, almost half of the organized free programming dates in
2024 were canceled due to rain. Attendance was extremely low on the programming days that did occur. Hiring part-time staff for just six weeks of summer programming has also been a challenge.
The Parks and Rec Commission has also previously discussed promoting field trips and
camps that Bell Museum, Gibbs Farm, and other local organizations already offer and directed staff to try to establish partnerships before 2025 summer programming. Staff did have conversations, and it was determined that reimbursement of fees worked better than a redemption code used at time of registration. During the February 3, 2025 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, there was support for the idea that the city
could pay a portion of Falcon Heights residents’ enrollment fees. The programming scholarship idea was brought to the City Council Workshop meeting on February 5, 2025, and received Council support. Staff was directed to offer a reimbursement fee of $25 towards partner programs and to finalize the reimbursement
criteria in time to include in the mailed biannual newsletter to residents by March 1. The Scholarships Program went live in late February 2025, and residents were able to submit reimbursement requests for classes enrolled in from January 1 through August 1, 2025. Program Guidelines and Eligibility from 2025 are attached.
The City received just three reimbursement requests in 2025, totaling $75. Of the three requests, one was for pre-tee baseball (ages four and five) through the City of Roseville (total expense $88), one was for soccer (ages four and five) through the City of
Roseville (total expense $96), and one was for a Bell Museum summer camp for grades
1 and 2 (total expense $1,580).
Meeting Date March 2, 2026
Agenda Item E2
Attachment Activities Scholarships Program –
2025 Program Guidelines and
Eligibility
Submitted By Kelly Nelson, Administrative Services Director/Deputy Clerk
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This is an opportunity for commissioners to establish a programming plan for summer
2026, and if scholarships should continue to be offered in 2026. The commission must also take the Community Park construction into consideration, as that greatly limits recreation space.
Budget Impact N/A
Attachment(s) City of Falcon Heights Activities Scholarships Program – 2025 Program Guidelines and Eligibility
Action(s) Requested Determine the direction of programming so that information can be included in the
City’s Spring newsletter to be mailed to residents in/around late March.
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City of Falcon Heights Activities Scholarships Program - 2025
The City of Falcon Heights is committed to promoting community engagement and active
participation in recreational activities for our youth. The Activities Scholarships Program
provides financial assistance to encourage Falcon Heights youth residents to enroll in
activity programs offered by approved institutions in Falcon Heights and neighboring
communities. As the City of Falcon Height's program offerings are limited in 2025, we want
to encourage youth to stay active and engaged. To encourage this youth participation in
activities this Spring/Summer, the City is offering a reimbursement of up to $25 per
household to support children ages 4 to 17 attending camps, enrolling in arts or sports
activities, taking swimming lessons and more.
Program Guidelines & Eligibility:
1. Resident Requirement:
• Applicants must be permanent residents of Falcon Heights, MN, at the time of
application and throughout the program duration.
• Eligible participants must be between the ages of 4 through 17.
• Residency verification is required for each application cycle.
2. Reimbursement Amount:
• A maximum reimbursement credit of $25 per household will be provided.
• Reimbursement applies only to paid class enrollments occurring between January 1
and August 1, 2025.
• Reimbursement is issued in the form of a check mailed to the applicant’s registered
address.
• Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis until program funds are
exhausted.
3. Class Eligibility:
• The class registration fee must be a minimum of $25 to qualify for reimbursement.
• Reimbursement is available for activities provided by the following approved
institutions:
♣ Bell Museum
♣ Gibbs Farm
♣ City of Roseville
♣ City of Lauderdale
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♣ City of St. Paul
♣ City of Falcon Heights
♣ University of Minnesota
♣ Roseville School District 623
• Eligible activities include educational programs, youth sports, arts and cultural
classes, science and nature workshops, and other structured enrichment programs.
• Programs must provide structured instruction over multiple sessions; single-session or
drop-in activities are not eligible.
4. Required Documentation:
• Proof of Falcon Heights residency (such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or valid ID).
• Proof of paid registration (such as a receipt or confirmation from the activity provider)
clearly indicating the amount paid, participant’s name, and activity dates.
_________________________________________________________________________
Exclusions: The following activities are not eligible for reimbursement under this program:
• Adult sports (ages 18+)
• Drop-in or single-session classes
• Facility rentals
• Birthday parties
• Forestry services
• Greens fees or golf lessons
• Individual instruction
• Camps or overnight programs
• Activities conducted outside of the approved institutions list
• Any other activities as determined by City Staff
___________________________________________________________________
Application & Processing:
• Applicants must submit a completed reimbursement request form along with required
documentation via email or mail to the City of Falcon Heights Parks and Recreation
Department.
• Eligibility for reimbursement will be determined within 10 business days of submission.
• If approved, please allow 4-6 weeks for payment processing and mailing.
• Incomplete applications or missing documentation may delay processing or result in
denial of reimbursement.
For additional information, application forms, or assistance, please contact the City of
Falcon Heights at (651) 792-7600 or online at www.falconheights.org
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REQUEST FOR DISCUSSION
City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota __________________________
Item Community Garden -2nd Garden Plot Requests Discussion
Description
The Parks and Recreation Commission held a joint meeting on February 2, 2026 with
the Environment Commission since both commissions have expressed a common goal
of increasing community garden plots in the future to help meet the demand from residents. At the conclusion of the meeting, it was determined that both commissions would receive an update on the number of applications received during the lottery, and if the
available plots could support the current demand.
The lottery is still open through February 28th, but it currently looks like the supply appropriately matches the current demand.
That said, this is only taking into consideration the requests for first plots and not
requests for second plots from existing gardeners. While the Parks and Recreation Commission felt no second garden plots should be granted to existing gardeners until there were no requests for first plots, the commission has not determined how to handle second plot requests if any garden plots
remain after fulfilling lottery requests. The Commission should now consider how to handle the requests it has previously received for second plots from existing gardeners.
Budget Impact N/A
Attachment(s)
Action(s) Requested Staff recommend that the Parks and Recreation Commission make recommendations
regarding the selection process for second garden plot requests for any remaining unassigned Community Garden plots.
Meeting Date March 2, 2026
Agenda Item E3
Attachment
Submitted By Kelly Nelson, Administrative Services
Director/Deputy Clerk
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REQUEST FOR ACTION
City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota __________________________
Item Les Bolstad Golf Course Redevelopment - Community Advisory Committee (CAC)
Description During the February 11, 2026 City Council Workshop Meeting, and at the
recommendation of the City’s hired consultant, Bolton & Menk, Council
directed staff to create a Community Advisory Committee (CAC) for the
redevelopment of the Les Bolstad Golf Course.
The CAC is a focus group made up of nine (9) voting members, consisting of
the following membership:
•One representative from Falcon Heights at-large
•One representative from the Planning Commission
•One representative from the Environment Commission
•One representative from the Parks and Recreation Commission
•One representative from the Community Engagement Commission
•One representative from The Grove neighborhood
•One representative from Lauderdale (selected by the Lauderdale City
Council)
•One representative from Roseville (selected by the Roseville City
Council)
•One representative from St. Anthony Park (selected by the St. Anthony
Park Community Council – District 12)
Meetings will be held monthly on the 3rd Wednesday of the month, at 6:30 PM,
at Falcon Heights City Hall. The first meeting is anticipated to start on
Wednesday, April 15th. The anticipated duration of the CAC is 18-24 months.
In addition, the stipend of $50/meeting attended is available for this role.
The Parks and Recreation Commission should now discuss and determine
which commissioner(s) would like to represent the commission and serve on
the CAC. Anyone interested would then be directed to complete an
Meeting Date March 2, 2026
Agenda Item E4
Attachment Overview; Resolution; Application
Submitted By Kelly Nelson, Administrative Services
Director / Deputy Clerk
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application to move forward in the process and be interviewed by council
members.
Budget Impact TBD
Attachment(s) • CAC Overview
• Resolution
• Application
Action(s) Requested The Council Liaison recommends commission members discuss and identify
those interested in interviewing for the CAC to represent the Parks and
Recreation Commission.
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Les Bolstad Golf Course Redevelopment Community Advisory Committee
Overview
The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) will serve as a voice for the
community and act in an advisory capacity to help shape the future
redevelopment of the Les Bolstad Golf Course. The CAC will be made up of
local community members who represent the diverse economic, ethnic and
social service interests of the City of Falcon Heights and of adjacent cities.
The committee does not have independent duties or authority to take
actions that will bind the City of Falcon Heights.
The group will be appointed by the Falcon Heights City Council and made up
of nine (9) voting members to consist of the following membership:
• One representative at-large for Falcon Heights
• One representative from the Planning Commission
• One representative from the Environment Commission
• One representative from the Parks and Recreation Commission
• One representative from the Community Engagement Commission
• One representative from The Grove neighborhood
• One representative from Lauderdale (selected by the Lauderdale City Council)
• One representative from Roseville (selected by the Roseville City Council)
• One representative from St. Anthony Park (selected by the St. Anthony Park
Community Council – District 12)
Additionally, staff from the City of Falcon Heights will serve as liaison to the
CAC, as well as non-voting member participation from our consultants at
Bolton & Menk, Barr Engineering and Braun Intertec. Representatives from
the University of Minnesota and the identified buyer will also have an active
role in this process.
Meeting Information
o Monthly, the 3rd Wednesday of the month, at 6:30 PM, at Falcon Heights City Hall.
o Anticipated first meeting date of Wednesday, April 15th.
o Anticipated duration of CAC is 18-24 months.
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CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS COUNCIL RESOLUTION
February 25, 2026 No. 26-17 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A LES BOLSTAD GOLF COURSE REDEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE WHEREAS, the Les Bolstad Golf Course property, owned by the University of Minnesota, is
located adjacent to the City of Falcon Heights and represents a significant redevelopment
opportunity affecting land use, infrastructure, environmental systems, housing, and community character; and WHEREAS, redevelopment of the property will have regional implications for Falcon Heights
and neighboring jurisdictions; and
WHEREAS, the Falcon Heights City Council recognizes the importance of structured community engagement and broad stakeholder input in shaping redevelopment outcomes; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to establish a formal advisory body to serve as a
community voice and provide recommendations to the City Council regarding the redevelopment process; and WHEREAS, the Community Advisory Committee shall act solely in an advisory capacity and
shall not have independent authority to bind the City of Falcon Heights.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Falcon Heights hereby establishes the Les Bolstad Golf Course Redevelopment Community Advisory Committee (CAC) for the purpose of advising the City Council on matters related to
redevelopment of the Les Bolstad Golf Course property.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Community Advisory Committee shall: 1. Purpose and Duties a. Serve as a community focus group representing a cross-section of residents and
stakeholders. b. Provide input and recommendations to the City Council regarding land use concepts, environmental considerations, infrastructure, housing, community amenities, and related redevelopment matters. c. Identify community priorities, concerns, and opportunities associated with
redevelopment. d. Act solely in an advisory capacity without independent authority to take action on behalf of the City. e. Commit to actively participate in meetings for a period of up to two years.
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2. Membership
a. The Committee shall consist of nine (9) voting members appointed as follows:
i. One Falcon Heights resident appointed at-large; ii. One representative from the Falcon Heights Planning Commission; iii. One representative from the Falcon Heights Environment Commission; iv. One representative from the Falcon Heights Parks and Recreation
Commission;
v. One representative from the Falcon Heights Community Engagement Commission; vi. One representative from The Grove neighborhood; vii. One representative from the City of Lauderdale (selected by the Lauderdale
City Council);
viii. One representative from the City of Roseville (selected by the Roseville City Council); ix. One representative from St. Anthony Park (selected by the St. Anthony Park Community Council – District 12).
3. Staff and Consultant Participation a. The City Administrator, or designee, shall serve as staff liaison to the Committee. b. Non-voting participation may include representatives from the City’s professional consultants, including but not limited to Bolton & Menk, Barr Engineering, and
Braun Intertec. c. Representatives from the University of Minnesota and, as applicable, an identified buyer or development entity may participate as non-voting stakeholders. 4. Meetings
a. Meetings shall generally occur monthly at Falcon Heights City Hall unless otherwise
determined by the Committee in coordination with staff. b. Meetings shall comply with the Minnesota Open Meeting Law. 5. Duration
a. The Community Advisory Committee shall remain in existence until dissolved by
further action of the City Council. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that staff is directed to solicit applications for the Falcon Heights at-large member using the adopted Community Advisory Committee application form and to
coordinate with partner jurisdictions and organizations regarding their respective appointments.
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Moved by: Approved by: ________________________
Randall C. Gustafson Mayor
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GUSTAFSON ____ In Favor Attested by: ________________________ MAY Jack Linehan
MIELKE ____ Against City Administrator
MOGEN WASSENBERG
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CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
APPLICATION FOR
LES BOLSTAD GOLF COURSE REDEVELOPMENT
COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CAC)
DATE:
NAME:
ADDRESS:
PHONE:
EMAIL ADDRESS:
1. How long have you been a resident of Falcon Heights?
2. Tell us why you wish to serve on the Community Advisory Committee (CAC).
3. Do you currently serve, or have served recently, on a Commission of Falcon Heights? If so, please list those Commissions and approximate dates of service.
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4. Please list any other prior public service.
5. List your work experiences, community involvement, education or other experiences which
you could bring to the CAC.
6. Have you served in a leadership role in Falcon Heights Commissions or government, or in other neighborhood or work capacities? If so, please describe those here.
7. Can you commit to regular attendance of the monthly CAC meetings for 18-24 months?
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