Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-02-2023 Parks_Rec PacketCall To Order Roll Call Approval Of The Minutes Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes - October 5, 2023 10 -05 -2023_PARKS_REC MINUTES.PDF Old Business Pioneer Park Update PIONEER PARK UPDATE - OCTOBER 5.PDF Tobacco And Cannabis Use In Parks And Park Facilities Update TOBACCO AND CANNABIS USE IN PARKS AND PARK FACILITIES UPDATE.PDF 10.11.23 STAFF REPORT TO COUNCIL.PDF 10.11.23 CC MINUTES.PDF New Business 2023 Summer Farmers Market Overview FARMERS MARKET OVERVIEW 2023.PDF Recreation Coordinator Update STAFF REPORT - NOVEMBER 2.PDF Reports From Commissioners Adjourn This agenda is subject to change by additions and deletions. Chairperson Ron Horwath Parks/Recreation Commissioners Anna Abruzzese Shawn Hipp Maggie DeLong Miller Mike Mui Peter Schletty - Vice Chair Kate Williams Youth Commissioner Ayanna Churcher Regular Meeting of the Little Canada Parks & Recreation Commission Thursday, November 2, 2023 6:30 p.m. City Center Council Chambers A G E N D A 515 Little Canada Road East Little Canada, MN 55117 651 -766 -4029 www.littlecanadamn.org Staff Liaison Bryce Shearen 1. 2. 3. A. Documents: 4. A. Documents: B. Documents: 5. A. Documents: B. Documents: 6. 7. Call To OrderRoll CallApproval Of The MinutesParks & Recreation Commission Minutes - October 5, 202310-05 -2023_PARKS_REC MINUTES.PDFOld BusinessPioneer Park UpdatePIONEER PARK UPDATE - OCTOBER 5.PDFTobacco And Cannabis Use In Parks And Park Facilities UpdateTOBACCO AND CANNABIS USE IN PARKS AND PARK FACILITIES UPDATE.PDF10.11.23 STAFF REPORT TO COUNCIL.PDF10.11.23 CC MINUTES.PDFNew Business2023 Summer Farmers Market OverviewFARMERS MARKET OVERVIEW 2023.PDFRecreation Coordinator Update STAFF REPORT - NOVEMBER 2.PDF Reports From Commissioners Adjourn This agenda is subject to change by additions and deletions. ChairpersonRon HorwathParks/Recreation CommissionersAnna AbruzzeseShawn HippMaggie DeLong MillerMike MuiPeter Schletty - Vice ChairKate WilliamsYouth CommissionerAyanna Churcher Regular Meeting of the Little Canada Parks & Recreation CommissionThursday, November 2, 2023 6:30 p.m.City Center Council ChambersA G E N D A 515 Little Canada Road EastLittle Canada, MN 55117651-766 -4029www.littlecanadamn.orgStaff LiaisonBryce Shearen1.2.3.A.Documents:4.A.Documents:B.Documents:5.A.Documents:B. Documents: 6. 7. STAFF REPORT TO:Parks & Recreation Commission FROM:Bryce Shearen, CPRE, Parks & Recreation/Community Services Director DATE:October 5, 2023 RE:Pioneer Park Updates ACTION REQUESTED None. Information update to the Parks and Recreation Commission. BACKGROUND Progress for Pioneer Park continues to move forward and is nearing completion for the construction season of 2023. The weather caused some delays but the grand opening and ribbon- cutting ceremony was able to be held on October 17. There were over 350 people in attendance in support of the new playground at the ceremony. Additionally, with the weather, the completion of the water feature was delayed. The plan is to finalize the water feature next spring. Weekly Updates: Work completed the week of October 2 – October 6 o Prepped water feature with sand and gravel o Added boulders o Fence posts and rails installed o Landscaping completed o Irrigation completed o Topsoil and seed added to the site o Electrical and plumping added Work completed the week of October 9 – October 13 o Existing trail removed o Gravel base for the trail was added and site prepped o Trail paved o Sod was added throughout the site o Added rock along the base of the fence o Mulch and edging completed Work completed the week of October 16 – October 20 o Concrete pedestrian ramps poured o Water feature poured o Concrete boardwalk poured and stamped o Continued work on masonry Work completed the week of October 23 – October 27 o Sandblasted colored concrete o Picnic shelter completion o Masonry on all columns completed o Picnic tables added to site o Staff walkthrough to review site and create punch list items Work scheduled for the week of October 30 – November 3 o Completion of plumbing and electric o Large stones set on the water feature o Security camera poles installed o Parking lot to be cleared of all equipment and supplies Figure 2: Fence installation. Photos: Figure 1: Bike rack and fence installation. Figure 3: Landscaping. Figure 4: Rain garden plantings. Figure 5: Stone at base of fence. Figure 6: Playground container path and bench. Figure 7: Plantings and mulch. Figure 8: Trail paving. Figure 9: Water feature preperation. Figure 10: Shelter construction. Figure 12: Pedestrian ramp finishing. Figure 11: Picnic shelter construction. Figure 13: Boardwalk finishing. Figure 14: Pumping in colored concrete for water feature. Figure 16: Pouring water feature. Figure 15: Concrete stamps. Figure 17: Leveling water feature. STAFF REPORT 1 TO:Mayor Fischer and Members of the City Council FROM:Bryce Shearen, CPRE, Parks & Recreation/Community Services Director DATE:November 2, 2023 RE:Tobacco and Cannabis Use on Public Property Update ACTION TO BE CONSIDERED: No action requested. Information update to the Parks & Recreation Commission. BACKGROUND: On October 11, the City Council adopted Ordinance 879 and approved Chapter 1209, enacting a new City Code Chapter prohibiting tobacco and cannabis use in the city. Ordinance 879 prohibits and defines smoking and the use of commercial tobacco, cannabis products, and vaping on any property owned, leased, rented, contracted, or otherwise used or controlled by the city. This prohibition includes but is not limited to all facilities, grounds, parking lots, work areas, vehicles and equipment, off-street paths and trails, park and recreation areas, lands and bodies of water, and nature areas. City staff will be working on an educational campaign and adding signage to all parks to help inform park users of the new city code. Attached is the city council staff report and minutes of the October 11, 2023 city council meeting of this item. ATTACHMENTS: October 11, 2023 city council staff report October 11, 2023 city council meeting minutes STAFF REPORT TO: Mayor Fischer and Members of the City Council FROM: Heidi Heller, City Clerk/HR Manager Brian Reimers, Administration Fellow Bryce Shearen, Parks & Rec/Community Services Director DATE: October 11, 2023 RE: Ordinance 879, Enacting City Code Chapter 1209, Tobacco & Cannabis Use on Public Property Ordinance 880, Amending City Code Chapter 2601, Control & Management of Parks and Park Facilities ACTION TO BE CONSIDERED The City Council is asked to consider adopting Ordinance 879 enacting City Code Chapter 1209 prohibiting tobacco and cannabis use in the city, and adopt Ordinance 880, amending City Code Chapter 2601 to prohibit tobacco and cannabis use in parks and update the penalties language. BACKGROUND The City currently does not regulate tobacco use in city parks or other city controlled public property. Ramsey County adopted a smoking and commercial tobacco use ordinance in August 2022 that prohibits tobacco use in all Ramsey County controlled property, and within 25 feet of public places and places of employment. City staff felt it was time to adopt an ordinance prohibiting smoking in Little Canada since cannabis has now become legal in Minnesota. The City Council discussed this proposal at the September 27 Workshop, and all Council members were supportive of moving forward with amending the city code to prohibit tobacco and cannabis use in the city. There was a lot of discussion about what products to prohibit and where they should be prohibited. Staff has drafted Ordinance 879 which creates a new chapter in the city code to prohibit smoking (as defined in the chapter) and use of commercial tobacco products (as defined in the chapter) on any property that is owned, leased, rented, contracted, or otherwise used or controlled by the City. This prohibition includes but is not limited to: all facilities, grounds, parking lots, work areas, vehicles and equipment, off-street paths and trails, park and recreation areas, lands and bodies of water, and nature areas. The ordinance is not prohibiting tobacco and cannabis on any type of pathways that are adjacent to streets, only off-street trails on city used or controlled property. The smoke, vapors and smell from the act of smoking and vaping anything is what bothers people and where the majority of complaints come from, so staff opted to focus on eliminating smoking and all tobacco use. The definition of Commercial Tobacco Product includes any type of tobacco product, including chew, snuff, cigars, e-cigarettes and all electronic delivery devices, so any type of vaping or chewing tobacco is prohibited. Ordinance 880 adds language to City Code Chapter 2601, Management of Parks and Park Facilities to refer to the new Chapter 1209 for the language prohibiting tobacco and cannabis use on public property, along with updating the language for penalties to include verbal warnings as requested by the Parks & Rec Commission. RECOMMENDATION Action 1: Motion to adopt Ordinance 879 enacting City Code Chapter 1209 prohibiting tobacco and cannabis use in the city, and approve publication of a summary ordinance. Action 2: Motion to adopt Ordinance 880, amending City Code Chapter 2601 to prohibit tobacco and cannabis use in parks and update penalties language. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Section 412.191, in the case of a lengthy ordinance, a summary may be published. CITY OF LITTLE CANADA RAMSEY COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA ORDINANCE NO. 879 AN ORDINANCE ENACTING LITTLE CANADA CITY CODE CHAPTER 1209, TOBACCO AND CANNABIS USE ON PUBLIC PROPERTY The Little Canada City Council, Ramsey County, Minnesota does hereby ordain: SECTION 1. The City Council of the City of Little Canada hereby enacts City Code Chapter 1209 as follows: CHAPTER 1209 TOBACCO AND CANNABIS USE ON PUBLIC PROPERTY 1209.010. PURPOSE. The main objectives of this Ordinance are to protect the health of the people of the City of Little Canada form the negative effects of commercial tobacco, cannabinoids, cannabis and cannabis related products while on public property. To affirm the right of people to breathe air without secondhand smoke. To reduce commercial tobacco, cannabis, and cannabis related product use and exposure in children, youth and young adults. To protect the health of vulnerable and disproportionately impacted populations. And, to reduce waste from tobacco, cannabis, and cannabis related products that can harm human and animal health, and the environment. 1209.020. JURISDICTION. a. This chapter applies throughout Little Canada. b. Nothing in this chapter authorizes smoking or the use of commercial tobacco products in any location where smoking or the use of commercial tobacco products is restricted by other laws. 1209.030. DEFINITIONS. a. City – shall mean and refer to the City of Little Canada. b. City Staff – city staff and service providers included but are not limited to: employees; independent contractors; contractors; vendors; consultants; volunteers; and elected and appointed officials. c. Commercial Tobacco Product – any product containing, made, or derived from tobacco or nicotine, whether natural or synthetic, that is intended for human consumption, whether chewed, smoked, absorbed, dissolved, inhaled, snorted, sniffed, or ingested by any other means, or any component, part, or accessory of a tobacco product including, but not limited to cigarettes; cigars; cheroots; stogies; perique; granulated, plug cut, crimp cut, ready rubbed, and other smoking tobacco; snuff; snuff flour; cavendish; plug and twist tobacco; and other kinds and forms of tobacco. Commercial tobacco products do not include traditional or ceremonial tobacco plant material used as part of an American Indian cultural practice or a lawfully recognized religious, spiritual or cultural ceremony or practice or any nicotine cessation product that has been authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to be marketed and for sale as “drugs,” “devices,” or “combination products,” as defined in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. d. Commercial Tobacco Product Use – The act of smoking or the consumption of any commercial tobacco product. e. Electronic delivery device – any product containing or delivering nicotine, lobelia, cannabinoid/cannabis or any other substance, whether natural or synthetic, intended for human consumption through the inhalation of aerosol or vapor from the product. Electronic delivery device includes, but is not limited to, devices manufactured, marketed or sold a e-cigarettes, e- cigars, e-pipes, vape pens, mods, tank systems, or under any other product name or descriptor. Electronic delivery device includes any component part of a product, whether or not marketed or sold separately. Electronic delivery device does not include any “drug,” “device,” or “combination product” as defined in the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act that has been authorized by the United States Food and Drug Administration for sale as a tobacco cessation product, a tobacco dependence product, or for other medical purposes. f. Smoking – Inhaling, exhaling, burning or carrying any lighted or heated cigar, cigarette, pipe, bong or any other lighted or heated product containing, made of derived from nicotine, cannabis/marijuana, or other plant, whether natural or synthetic, that is intended for inhalation. Smoking will also include carrying or using an activated electronic delivery device. 1209.040. PROHIBITION. Smoking and commercial tobacco product use are not allowed at any time by any person on any property that is owned, leased, rented, contracted, or otherwise used or controlled by the City. This prohibition includes but is not limited to: all facilities, grounds, parking lots, work areas, vehicles and equipment, off-street paths and trails, park and recreation areas, lands and bodies of water, and nature areas. 1209.050. ENFORCEMENT. City staff may check property that is owned, leased, rented, contracted, or otherwise used or controlled by the City to make sure this City Code Chapter is not violated. Any person who violates this chapter will be reminded of its requirements and asked to immediately stop smoking or using commercial tobacco products. Any person who does not stop smoking or using commercial tobacco products will be asked to immediately leave City property and are subject to further penalties as stated in Ch. 1209.060 of this code. 1209.060. VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES. Any person(s) violating any of the provisions of this Chapter are subject to a documented verbal warning from either a City employee or law enforcement officer, and/or as outlined in accordance with City Code Chapters 3301.030 - 3301.050. An administrative citation or misdemeanor will be issued to the person charged with the violation, or in the case of a corporation, to any officer or agent authorized to accept such issuance. 1209.070. SEVERABILITY. If any section, subsection, clause or phrase of this chapter is for any reason held invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion of the chapter. SECTION 2. REPEAL OF CONFLICTING ORDINANCES. That all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby appealed. SECTION 3. SEVERABILITY CLAUSE. In any section, sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance or any part thereof is for any reason found to invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this ordinance or any part thereof. SECTION 4. This ordinance shall take effect and be in full force from and after its adoption and publication. Adopted this 11th day of October, 2023. By: __________________________ Thomas Fischer, Mayor Attest: __________________________________ Christopher Heineman, City Administrator AYES: NAYS: Published October 16, 2023 CITY OF LITTLE CANADA ORDINANCE NO. 879 AN ORDINANCE ENACTING LITTLE CANADA CITY CODE CHAPTER 1209, TOBACCO AND CANNABIS USE ON PUBLIC PROPERTY SECTION 1. SUMMARY PUBLICATION. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Section 412.191, in the case of a lengthy ordinance, a summary may be published. While a copy of the entire ordinance is available without cost at the office of the City Clerk, the following summary is approved by the City Council and shall be published in lieu of publishing the entire ordinance: The ordinance enacts City Code Chapter 1209 to prohibit commercial tobacco product use and smoking tobacco and cannabis on public property in Little Canada, which includes in parks and off-street paths and trails. The full text of Ordinance 879 is available for inspection at Little Canada City Hall during regular business hours or online in the October 11, 2023 City Council packet. SECTION 2. Effective Date: This ordinance shall be effective immediately upon its passage and publication. ADOPTED by the City Council of Little Canada this 11th day of October, 2023. CITY OF LITTLE CANADA Thomas Fischer, Mayor ATTESTED BY: Christopher Heineman, City Administrator CITY OF LITTLE CANADA RAMSEY COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA ORDINANCE NO. 880 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING LITTLE CANADA CITY CODE CHAPTER 2601, CONTROL & MANAGEMENT OF PARKS AND PARK FACILITIES TO PROHIBIT TOBACCO AND CANNABIS USE AND UPDATE PENALTIES The City Council of the City of Little Canada, Ramsey County, Minnesota does hereby ordain: SECTION 1. The City Council of the City of Little Canada hereby amends Chapter 2601 of the Little Canada Municipal Code by deleting and adding the following language 2601. CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT OF PARKS AND PARK FACILITIES 2601.075. TOBACCO AND CANNABIS. Reference City Code Chapter 1209 Tobacco and Cannabis Use on Public Property. 2601.080. PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION. Any person violating any of the provisions of this Ordinance chapter are subject to a documented verbal warning, may be excluded from the use of the park, playground or recreational facility at the discretion of a law enforcement officer or City employee and may, or as outlined in accordance with Chapter 3301 Administrative Enforcement of City Code Violations Subd. 3301.030-3301.050. SECTION 2. REPEAL OF CONFLICTING ORDINANCES. That all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby appealed. SECTION 3. SEVERABILITY CLAUSE. In any section, sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance or any part thereof is for any reason found to invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this ordinance or any part thereof. SECTION 4. This ordinance shall take effect and be in full force from and after its adoption and publication. Adopted this 11th day of October, 2023 By: ________________________________ Thomas Fischer, Mayor Attest: _________________________________ Christopher Heineman, City Administrator AYES: NAYS: Published October 16, 2023 MINUTES CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 11, 2023 9 The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by D. Miller. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. Mayor Fischer introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 2023-10-114 – ADOPTING ORDINANCE 883, AMENDING THE LITTLE CANADA FEE SCHEDULE TO ADD A STORMWATER UTILITY FEE WITH ONE EQUIVALENT RESIDENTIAL UNIT (ERU) SET AT $82 PER YEAR EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2024 The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by D. Miller. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. ORDINANCE 879, ADD CITY CODE CHAPTER 1209, TOBACCO AND CANNABIS USE ON PUBLIC PROPERTY AND ORDINANCE 880, AMENDING CITY CODE 2601, CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT OF PARKS TO PROHIBIT TOBACCO & CANNABIS USE The City Clerk commented that this was discussed at the September 27th workshop, and it was determined that they would focus on the smoking component at this time. She noted that this would ban smoking of tobacco and cannabis, as well as all tobacco products. She noted that this ordinance focuses on the parks and any property controlled by the City. She stated that the second piece would add language related to parks and management of park facilities to add a section related to tobacco and cannabis, along with updating the penalties for violation. She provided input from the discussion of the Parks Commission related to enforcement. She stated that Ramsey County does have a smoking ordinance in effect and therefore much of that language was used in order to provide consistent ability for enforcement. She asked the Council to hold a public hearing and then consider the ordinances as proposed. She noted that if changes are desired, this could come back to a future meeting. Mayor Fischer opened the public hearing for comments from the general public. Tonya Weigel, 2613 Edgerton, asked for the background for different rules in parks versus on roads/streets. The City Clerk commented that there has been a lot of talk about where people could go. She explained that someone could cross the road if they saw someone coming whereas it would be harder to get away from someone on a trail. Ms. Weigel expressed a concern and would like to see the walking paths along streets regulated in the same manner as trails within parks. There were no further comments from the public. Upon motion by Fischer, seconded by T. Miller, the public hearing was closed. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Motion adopted. D. Miller thanked staff for doing an excellent job and keeping similar language to Ramsey County as the City uses Ramsey County for law enforcement. He recognized that this is the start and amendments can be made if needed. Kwapick agreed and noted that staff did a great job summarizing the discussion in the workshop. He commented that while he is not a fan of smoking, he does agree that people should have the option to smoke along a roadway. He recognized that people living in a structure with a shared wall with MINUTES CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 11, 2023 10 another unit would still need somewhere to go to partake in cannabis. He commented that if there are complaints about people smoking on the sidewalk, he would think this could come back for amendment. Mayor Fischer commented that perhaps there could be a distinction between sidewalks and dedicated trails in the future if that becomes an issue. He noted that this was a topic at the local mayors meeting and every community is looking for the perfect ordinance. T. Miller agreed that there have to be options for outdoor use and believes that this is something to start with and amendments could be made in the future if needed. T. Miller introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 2023-10-115 – ADOPTING ORDINANCE 879 ENACTING CITY CODE CHAPTER 1209 PROHIBITING TOBACCO AND CANNABIS USE IN THE CITY, AND APPROVING PUBLICATION OF A SUMMARY ORDINANCE The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by D. Miller. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. T. Miller introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 2023-10-116 – ADOPTING ORDINANCE 880, AMENDING CITY CODE CHAPTER 2601 TO PROHIBIT TOBACCO AND CANNABIS USE IN PARKS AND UPDATE PENALITIES LANGUAGE The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Kwapick. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. The City Clerk noted that this will go into effect beginning Monday and staff will work to place signage in the parks. CONSENT AGENDA T. Miller introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 2023-10-117 – APPROVING THE CONSENT AGENDA WHICH CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING:  Approval of the Vouchers  Approve Reduction of Letter of Credit for Gervais Woods 2nd Addition Development  Approve ADA Self Evaluation for Public Rights of Way in the City of Little Canada  Approve Partial Pay Request No. 5 to MN Paving and Materials for Twin Lake Boulevard Improvement Project  Accept 3rd Quarter Financial Report The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Fischer. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. STAFF REPORT TO: Parks & Recreation Commission FROM: Sierra Hietala, Recreation Coordinator DATE: November 2, 2023 RE: Farmers Market Overview ACTION REQUESTED Informational Update. No action is requested. BACKGROUND The Little Canada Farmers Market has ended for the season. The dates of this year’s Market were from June 12-October 9. There were 16 planned Markets, and one was canceled due to inclement weather. Each Market had 200-300 people in attendance on average, which is roughly the same as last year’s attendance. VENDORS We had a variety of vendors and goods for sale including: • Fruits and vegetables • Wisconsin Cheese • Microgreens • Elderberry drinks and other probiotics • Spices • Eggs • Jams and jellies • Honey and syrup • Greeting Cards • Soap and lotions • Handmade Jewelry We had 12 vendors apply for the Market and ended the Market with seven staple vendors. The cost to be a vendor was either $170 for all 16 markets or $20 per market. Vendor fees go towards signage (A-Frame signs, and Market yard signs), updated equipment (tents, tablecloths), and marketing materials. After review, Staff is recommending increasing vendor fees to $180 for the 2024 season to remain consistent with other markets in the area. SPONSORSHIP This year the Little Canada Farmers Market had one sponsor, the Little Canada Recreation Association (LCRA). The LCRA donated $1500 in 2022 for the Power of Produce Club (the POP Club). In 2022, $678.21 was utilized of these funds ($332.21 to purchase POP Tokens, and $346 from Market Checkins). This year we utilized $484 from their sponsorship, which leaves us at $337.79. Staff is working on a proposal for the LCRA to request additional funding for the POP Club due to its success. Next year staff hopes to obtain sponsorship for a POP+ token, which would give seniors 60+ a $3 token one Monday a month. Most of the participants at the Little Canada Farmers Market are approximately 60+, so staff believes this would be a great addition to the Market. If the Commissioner knows of anyone who may be interested in sponsoring either the POP or POP+ Club we encourage any leads to be forwarded to the Recreation Coordinator or share the link to the Sponsorship Opportunities package on the city website. MARKETING Staff marketed the Farmers Market in a variety of ways. The Market Manager/Recreation Coordinator posted to Facebook at least once each Monday as a reminder for the Market. As a reminder, the Little Canada Farmers Market has its own Facebook page! From this account, Staff also created an event page that sends reminders on Market days. Staff also handed out flyers to local businesses, schools (to promote the Power of Produce Club), apartment complexes, and senior living centers. Facebook interactions varied, but the average number of interactions per post was about 230, with a high of 1,763. Next year staff will allocate funds for ‘boosting’ either posts or events to hopefully gain more participants. NineNorth created an updated promotional video to add to the City’s website, which highlighted the vendors, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program with electronic Benefit Transfer cards (a.k.a. SNAP/EBT), and the POP Club. SNAP/EBT This was the second year the City used $1 SNAP/EBT tokens. These tokens could be purchased from the City’s booth with a card reader that was obtained from Ramsey County through a grant. Tokens could be used to purchase fruits and vegetables, meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, honey and maple products, jams, jellies, pickles and sauces, baked goods, seeds, and plants that produce food. Staff would like to thank Ramsey County, especially Franny Clary-Leiferman, for their assistance in receiving grant funds last year to introduce SNAP/EBT to the Market. The City wanted to utilize SNAP/EBT at the Market to promote equity and create a more accessible market reducing barriers. Everyone must have access to fresh, local food! Staff also applied to receive Market Bucks and Produce Bucks from Hunger Solutions: “Hunger Solutions Minnesota works to end hunger in our state. We take action to assure food security for all Minnesotans by supporting programs and agencies that provide food to those in need…”- hungersolutions.org. Because of this partnership, the Little Canada Farmers Market was able to triple SNAP/EBT users’ Farmers Market spending (up to $10). Example: A visitor could purchase $10 worth of EBT Tokens. Staff would then add $10 Market Bucks and $10 Produce Bucks to their total spending, giving them an additional $20 to spend on farm-fresh staple foods. Market Bucks can be spent the same way a SNAP/EBT token can be spent, and Produce Bucks can only be spent on fresh fruits or vegetables. Overall, we had 82 SNAP/EBT transactions this season, which equaled $905 distributed in SNAP/EBT tokens. Of the $905 distributed EBT dollars $761 were used. We also had $736 in Market Bucks, and $760 in Produce Bucks. This adds up to $2257. Compared to last year we had two fewer vendors and about 5 fewer EBT transactions, but we brought in very similar numbers (2022- $910 in EBT, $668 Market Bucks, $670 Produce Bucks which is $2248 total). While these numbers may not seem like much of a difference at a glance, accounting for the two fewer vendors our sales did better on average for our vendors. On average, for the entirety of the Market, each vendor received about $127 in EBT Tokens. The least was 6 (vendor only there for 2 months), and the most was $291. Not only do our SNAP/EBT transactions positively impact our visitors, but this also is a great source of revenue for our vendors (see Graph). The Market Manager received a lot of positive feedback from visitors who used SNAP/EBT, and even some who do not. We will continue to distribute SNAP/EBT next year, and hope that Hunger Solutions receives enough funding to continue Market Bucks and Produce Bucks. $- $50.00 $100.00 $150.00 $200.00 $250.00 $300.00 $350.00 Collova Farms Rice Creek Farms Svihel Vegetable Farm Vang Farm WI Cheese Outlet Yang Produce 2023 Farmers Market Redemptions Power of Produce Produce Bucks Market Bucks EBT Vendor 1 Vendor 2 Vendor 3 Vendor 4 Vendor 5 Vendor 6 POP CLUB Another source of revenue for vendors came from the Power of Produce (POP) Club. This initiative was funded by the Little Canada Recreation (LCRA) and aims to teach kids ages 4-12 about healthy food choices. The POP Club started as a simple idea in Oregon and has now spread nationally to Markets all over the states. This season 87 kids signed up for the POP Club, which began June 12. We had 211 visits, with $484 POP Tokens spent. On July 31 we had double token day, and on that day alone we had 30 visits. Last year we had 97 participants, $364 redeemed from tokens, and 181 total visits. When a parent/guardian signed their child up for the POP Club Staff asked for their name, age, and zip code so Staff could visualize the areas being served. A map with Zip Code information and POP Tokens used per month can be found on the graphs provided. A goal for this program was to increase the number of youth participating in the Farmers Market each week. Our total number of children participating was lower this year, but we did get more consistent visitors than last year. Because of this, we were able to reach the goal we made last year around this time. With the Little Canada Farmers Market, on average, about 17 % of the vendor’s income was from POP tokens. Fun fact: 88% of parents surveyed from the POP program stated that their child was more likely to try new foods and enjoy them! BETWEEN MARKET SEASONS Staff will begin the Little Canada Indoor Market starting next month. The Indoor Market season will be November 6, December 4, and January 8 from 2-5 PM at the Little Canada Bingo Hall. Staff decided to cut the Indoor Market season from 6 markets to 3 after noting low attendance for the February, March, and April markets. There are currently 9 confirmed vendors and 2 tentative. Please check out the Facebook page to view our vendor list. Staff also participates in monthly Farmers Market Manager Meetings with the Minnesota Farmers Market Association and the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership/Minnesota Department of Health. These meetings discuss a variety of topics ranging from diversity, food access, market programs, etc. There is also an annual Minnesota Farmers Market Association Conference in December with many informative classes and discussion topics for Market Managers and Volunteers. 16% 45% 17% 22% Power of Produce Sales Per Month (Total: $484) June July August September/October 40% 28% 7% 6% 5% 4% 3%2%1%1%1%1%1% POP Club Zip Codes 55117 55113 55126 55109 55127 55434 55104 55122 55112 55056 55025 55119 55104 The winter months are a great time to create promotional materials, reach out to potential vendors, and continue to make improvements to our Market. GOALS FOR NEXT SEASON Staff is looking into adding a Senior Token program for ages 60+. Many other cities have a senior token program (Ex. Elk River gives out $3 tokens the first Thursday of the month, and Albertville gives a $2 token at each Market). A large majority of the visitors at the market are 60+, so this would be a good incentive or a good way to encourage more people to come to the Market. This would be a great program for a potential business sponsor! Staff would also like to continue to increase the number of vendors, and the number of attendees we have per market. Staff will continue to look for different effective ways to reach diverse groups to encourage more participation in the Market. Staff would also like to promote SNAP/EBT, Market Bucks, and Produce Bucks more next year. Next season Staff would like to add vendors who sell produce, plants, sweets, crafts, etc. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS Due to all of the new additions to the Market this season, Staff will be looking into adding either a volunteer or seasonal staff to be at the Market. These staff/volunteers would be at the booth and assist in distributing SNAP/EBT and POP Tokens, take in vendor tokens at the end of the day, take pictures during the Market, record attendance, and promote City events and activities. Staff would appreciate any feedback or comments on the Farmers Market or new ideas from the Parks & Recreation Commission. STAFF REPORT TO:Parks & Recreation Commission FROM:Sierra Hietala, Recreation Coordinator DATE:November 2, 2023 RE:Recreation Updates ACTION REQUESTED Informational Update. No action is requested. BACKGROUND Upcoming Youth Activities Winter Registration for ice skating, gymnastics, robotics, and Build Your City has been open since October 1. Spaces are limited for each, so sign up today! Upcoming Adult Activities -Master Gardener Class: These virtual classes are typically held once a month. Upcoming class topics are: o November 7: Winter Sowing o December 16: All About Seeds -Morning Talks: Morning Talks is back! Join the City of Little Canada’s Parks and Recreation Department, Roseville Area Senior Programs, and Monarch Healthcare Management on the first Tuesday of the month (except January) at the Aŋpétu Téča Education Center in Roseville for an educational speaker series from 9-10 AM. Monarch Healthcare will provide free blood pressure testing from 8:30-9:00 AM. Our upcoming talks include: o November 7: The Future of Healthcare o December 5: The History of Little Canada with Curt Loschy o February 6: Day of Remembrance for Japanese Americans During WWII o March 5: From North Star to GPS -Adult Trips: Partnering with the surrounding cities' Parks & Recreation Department we are excited to offer our residents the opportunity for adult trips throughout the year. o December 6- Mini Trip: American Swedish Institute Tour & Holiday Exhibit o December 14- Coach Bus trip: Christmas in Duluth o January 10- Coach Bus Trip: Jersey Boys at the Chanhassen Dinner Theater o February 7- Coach Bus Trip: St. Paul’s Grandious Homes, History and Flavor o March 12- Coach Bus Trip: Irish Descendents in St. Paul Upcoming Events Cookies with Santa: Coming up on Saturday, December 2 from 1-3 PM is the City’s annual Cookies with Santa event! This year includes prepackaged cookies, cocoa, a take-home craft, live reindeer, and a picture with Santa Gary. Thank you to our sponsors, the LCRA, McDonald’s, and Royal Credit Union! The Toys for Tots and One Warm Coat drives have now begun. There are boxes for donations in City Hall for both drives. We greatly appreciate those who can donate or help us advertise so we can spread holiday cheer. If you are interested in volunteering to assist during Cookies with Santa please reach out to the Recreation Coordinator, or click the link to sign up. We are still in need of volunteers for set up and take down, a greeter, Santa’s Helper, Cookies & Cocoa Crew, and a parking lot attendant. Little Canada Indoor Market: The first Indoor Market of the season will begin next Monday from 2-5 PM at the Little Canada Bingo Hall. Our vendors will have plants, produce, crafts, self- sweet treats, and more! Don’t miss out on our seasonal items!