HomeMy WebLinkAboutPK PACKET 03042024CITY OF SAINT ANTHONY VILLAGE
PARKS AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING
AGENDA
Monday, March 4, 2024 at 7:00 PM
Join Meeting via Zoom
There is also a dial -in option available. Members of the public who wish to attend the
meeting may do so in person.
Call To Order
Roll Call
Approval Of Agenda
Approval Of Minutes
Approval Of PK Meeting Minutes
PARK 12 -04 -2023.PDF
Presentations
Silverwood Park Updates
Alyssa Baguss, Silverwood Park Supervisor, presenting.
PRESENTATION.PDF
Citizens For Sustainability Updates
Dan Kunitz presenting.
PRESENTATION.PDF
Commission Reports
Other Business
Beekeeping Ordinance
Richard Sonterre, Code Official, presenting.
COVER MEMO.PDF
ORDINANCE DRAFT.PDF
Work Plan Schedule
Charlie Yunker, City Manager, presenting.
COVER MEMO.PDF
PARKSWP2024.PDF
Community Forum
Individuals may address the Parks Commission about any City business item not
included on the regular agenda. Speakers are requested to come to the podium, sign
their name and address on the form at the podium, state their name and address for the
Clerk ’s record, and limit their remarks to five minutes. Generally, the Park Commission
will not take official action on items discussed at this time, but may typically refer the
matter to staff for a future report or direct the matter to be scheduled on an upcoming
agenda.
Adjournment
Next Meeting
If you would like to request special accommodations or alternative formats, please contact the City
Clerk at 612 -782 -3313 or email city@savmn.com . People who are deaf or hard of hearing can
contact us by using 711 Relay.
Our mission is to promote a high quality of life to those we serve through
outstanding city services.
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IV.
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Documents:
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VII.
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B.
Documents:
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CITY OF SAINT ANTHONY VILLAGEPARKS AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING AGENDAMonday, March 4, 2024 at 7:00 PMJoin Meeting via ZoomThere is also a dial -in option available. Members of the public who wish to attend the meeting may do so in person. Call To OrderRoll CallApproval Of AgendaApproval Of MinutesApproval Of PK Meeting MinutesPARK 12 -04 -2023.PDFPresentationsSilverwood Park UpdatesAlyssa Baguss, Silverwood Park Supervisor, presenting.PRESENTATION.PDFCitizens For Sustainability UpdatesDan Kunitz presenting.
PRESENTATION.PDF
Commission Reports
Other Business
Beekeeping Ordinance
Richard Sonterre, Code Official, presenting.
COVER MEMO.PDF
ORDINANCE DRAFT.PDF
Work Plan Schedule
Charlie Yunker, City Manager, presenting.
COVER MEMO.PDF
PARKSWP2024.PDF
Community Forum
Individuals may address the Parks Commission about any City business item not
included on the regular agenda. Speakers are requested to come to the podium, sign
their name and address on the form at the podium, state their name and address for the
Clerk ’s record, and limit their remarks to five minutes. Generally, the Park Commission
will not take official action on items discussed at this time, but may typically refer the
matter to staff for a future report or direct the matter to be scheduled on an upcoming
agenda.
Adjournment
Next Meeting
If you would like to request special accommodations or alternative formats, please contact the City
Clerk at 612 -782 -3313 or email city@savmn.com . People who are deaf or hard of hearing can
contact us by using 711 Relay.
Our mission is to promote a high quality of life to those we serve through
outstanding city services.
I.II.III.IV.A.Documents:V.A.Documents:B.
Documents:
VI.
VII.
A.
Documents:
B.
Documents:
VIII.
IX.
X.
1 CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
2 PARKS AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING
3 December 4, 2023
4 7:00 p.m.
5
I.6 CALL TO ORDER.
7
8 Chair Niemi called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
9
II.10 ROLL CALL.
11
12 Commissioners Present:Chair Bordeau, Doolan, Fee, Guest, and Holliday
13
14 Absent: None.
15
16 Also Present: City Manager Charlie Yunker, Three Rivers Park District
17 Superintendent Boe Carlson, Silverwood Park Supervisor Alyssa
18 Baguss, and Citizens for Sustainability Representative Dan Kunitz.
19
20 III.APPROVAL OF THE DECEMBER 4, 2023 PARKS AND ENVIRONMENTAL
21 COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA.
22
23 Motion by Commissioner Guest, seconded by Commissioner Holliday, to approve the
24 December 4, 2023 Parks and Environmental Commission agenda.
25
26 Motion carried unanimously.
27
28 IV.APPROVAL OF THE SEPTEMBER 18, 2023 REGULAR PARKS AND
29 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES.
30
31 Chair Bordeau noted City Manager Gumke should read City Manager Yunker.
32
33 Motion by Commissioner Holliday, seconded by Commissioner Guest, to approve the
34 September 18, 2023 Regular Parks and Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes as
35 presented.
36
37 Motion carried unanimously.
38
39 V.PRESENTATIONS.
40
A.41 Silverwood Parks Updates.
42
43 Three Rivers Park District Superintendent Boe Carlson and Silverwood Park Supervisor
44 Alyssa Baguss presented a PowerPoint presentation. Mr. Carlson referred to a newspaper
45 article in the StarTribune and Northeaster a few weeks ago. The article focused on the parks
46 outside the City of Minneapolis and whether there are opportunities for potential partnerships
47 and expansion of the program. The 2024 budget has been updated. There are no plans to close
48 Silverwood Park or decrease programs. Commissioner Guest asked how the topic came up
49 and Mr. Carlson stated it occurred during budget discussions. An expanded facility is opening
Parks and Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
December 4, 2023
Page 2
1 at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park. The focus was to look at facilities outside of suburban
2 Hennepin County. There are four in the system – Silverwood, Carver Park Reserve, the
3 Landing in Shakopee, and Bebe Lake in Wright County. Silverwood Park got the most
4 attention. The users of the park are from Anoka and Hennepin County mostly. Commissioner
5 Guest asked what percentage of the budget comes from State of Minnesota. Mr. Carlson
6 stated it is 40% in the law but they have only received a fraction of that percentage.
7
8 Commissioner Holliday asked how attendance is tracked at Silverwood. Mr. Carlson stated
9 park user studies are done. Visitor counts are done for the Met Council. They are attempting
10 to level the playing field when comparing agency to agency. Commissioner Holliday asked
11 what is being done to address the concerns voiced in the newspaper articles. Mr. Carlson
12 stated there are no changes for Silverwood in the 2024 budget. Commissioner Holliday stated
13 this is starting conversations and it shows intention. What opportunities does the public have
14 to voice their opinions. Mr. Carlson stated all meetings are open to the public and the board
15 can be addressed during Open Forum.
16
17 Commissioner Doolan stated she listened to the meeting and both counties programs are taken
18 advantage of. She thanked Mr. Carlson for coming to the Commission meeting. She asked
19 when a survey was last done. Mr. Carlson stated the summer of 2023 a survey was done. A
20 general count is done every year. The general fund budget is $45M. Silverwood is $1.8M
21 from a budgetary perspective. She asked how much of Hennepin County tax is allocated to
22 Silverwood. Mr. Carlson stated on the tax statement they are included in “other”.
23 Commissioner Doolan asked if St. Anthony is considered suburban Hennepin County and Mr.
24 Carlson stated a portion is within suburban Hennepin County. The next Board Meeting is
25 December 21 and this is not an agenda item but can be brought up in Open Forum. The
26 Commissioner that represents St. Anthony is Erin Kolb in District 3. Commissioner Doolan
27 asked creative ways for funding has been discussed and Mr. Carlson stated the legislators
28 need to be engaged. This is a region-wide issue. The Board requested seeing options first
29 before reaching out. Silverwood Park is a great asset to the community. The Salvation Army
30 Camp is part of that. Commissioner Doolan stated the Park Commission would be happy to
31 reach out to obtain partnerships with other agencies.
32
33 Ms. Baguss reviewed the mission of Three Rivers Park District is to promote environmental
34 stewardship through recreation and education in a natural resources-based park system. It
35 encompasses over 27,000 acres of parks and trails and serves millions of visitors annually.
36 The Art on Foot Sculpture Trail includes 16 public art works on a 1.1 mile trail. The
37 Silverwood Poetry Audio Tour features six poets. The Gallery Exhibition to be held January
38 11 – February 29, 2024 was described. Silverwood’s ANFT-certified Forest Bathing Trail was
39 featured in National Geographic. The Winter Artist Market will be held Thursday, December
40 7, 2023 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. featuring 15 local artists, drop-in artmaking, free hot chocolate,
41 food truck onsite and they will be accepting warm clothing donations. The Silverwood Sales
42 Gallery is open daily from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Ms. Baguss stated the Silverwood Park Café
43 features local and organic coffee drinks, kombucha on tap, and baked goods. A 50% student
44 discount is offered between 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. 112 large scale events were hosted in 2023 and
45 there are 78 events already booked for 2024. For up-to-date calendars and rental information
46 contact silverwoodevents@threeriversparks.org.
Parks and Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
December 4, 2023
Page 3
1
2 A Free Family Fun Day is held the second Sunday of the month from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. with a
3 naturalist walk 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. The next program for the NAMI Mindful Creations will be
4 held Wednesday, December 13th 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. The Great Northern includes active and
5 artistic events happening at Silverwood this winter include Untitled Night, a performance by
6 Morgan Thorson Saturday, January 27, 2024 5:15 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Frozen footgolf will be
7 held Sunday, January 28 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and Midwinter Melt on Friday, February 2
8 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
9
10 A bi-monthly professional speaker series featuring Minnesota experts in the field of
11 entomology will be held at Silverwood Park from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. on January 7, 28, February
12 4,18, and March 3,17, 2024. The Big Year of Bugs Signature Events will be held April 27,
13 June 28, July 13, August 3, and September 14 at various locations. There will be a pilot for
14 outdoor recreation equipment including kicksleds and showshoes. Written materials were
15 provided for the Commission.
16
17 Commissioner Holliday stated he was excited to see the partnership with NAMI. He asked if
18 there is any programming for those with physical or developmental disabilities. If not he
19 mentioned Reacher Resources. Programming has been done with Ausum and the Alzheimer’s
20 Association. There are a number of offsite senior programs.
21
22 Commissioner Doolan stated she is excited about the Bugs. She asked if the schedule is on-
23 line. Ms. Baguss stated it is almost ready to be posted. Planning is done 4-6 months in
24 advance. Commissioner Doolan asked about the sauna and Ms. Baguss stated it closed this
25 past weekend.
26
B.27 Citizens for Sustainability Updates.
28
29 Mr. Dan Kunitz reviewed a power point presentation including the Climate Plan Expo which
30 was held on October 7. The Climate Actions to Prioritize in 2024 Goals are:
31
1.32 Enshrine the Climate Plan into City policy (take up policy changes identified in Climate
33 Plan).
2.34 Allocate resources needed to move Climate Plan forward (designated roles, tools for
35 accountability and measurement).
3.36 Engage Xcel to develop an Energy Action Plan.
4.37 Develop a Bike/Pedestrian Plan and engage regional partners.
38
39 The next book discussion will be held January 30, 2024 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. at St. Anthony
40 Public Library on “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer.
41
42 The 2nd Annual Buy Nothing Toy Sale was held this past Saturday. Over 2000 toys were
43 donated by the Early Childhood Community.
44
45 Commissioner Guest asked about a Bike/Walk Committee that was present when he moved
46 into St. Anthony years ago. Mr. Yunker stated he has not heard of that committee. This is
47
Parks and Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
December 4, 2023
Page 4
1 being focused on in the Climate Plan. A grant was applied for last week that would cover
2 this.
3
4 Commissioner Doolan stated the Bike/Walk Committee was back in 2015. The leaders at that
5 time moved out of the community. A comparison was done and Commissioner Doolan will
6 forward that comparison to Mr. Yunker.
7
8 VI.COMMISSION REPORTS.
9
10 Commissioner Holliday stated after the last meeting, the Central Park Noise issue was
11 discussed with Community Services. The noise ordinance could be posted in the pavilion.
12 This was the first time Community Services was approached regarding the problem. There
13 needs to be more education to people reserving the space.
14
15 Commissioner Doolan stated on October 7 Commissioners participated in the Climate Plan
16 Expo. It was a good turnout. She worked with Mr. Gumke and others to get some student
17 demographics on grant request for the Silverwood playset. Commissioners participated in the
18 October 16 joint planning session. A water bottle filling station was installed at City Hall. The
19 water poster contest will be communicated to 4th graders.
20
21 Commissioner Fee provided an update on the well house court and the survey information she
22 put together. She thanked Lona for all her work on the Climate Plan. Commissioner Fee’s
23 presentation will be discussed during the Work Plan discussion.
24
25 Chair Bordeau stated she will be stepping down from the Commission at the end of 2023.
26
27 II.OTHER BUSINESS.
28
A.29 Climate Plan.
30
31 City Manager Charlie Yunker reviewed work has taken place over the past several months in
32 drafting a Climate Plan for St. Anthony. This evening the Commission is requested to review
33 the final draft of that document to recommend to the City Council for adoption at their
34 December 12, 2023 Regular Meeting. The previous draft had several Action Steps added and
35 the City Council did have an opportunity to review those at a work session and did not have
36 any major concerns. Staff was asked to make slight changes on verbiage on a few. The request
37 is to review the document a final time with a focus on implementation section in Appendix A,
38 which lists all the suggested Action Steps for the City to explore in the coming 3-5 years.
39 Once adopted by the City Council, the Climate Plan will be reviewed at Goal Setting in
40 January for the City Council to begin prioritizing the exploration/implementation of the
41 Action Steps. Mr. Yunker asked if the Commission has any further edits to the Climate Plan
42 Action Steps.
43
44 Ms. Amy Fredregill and Ms. Hannah Delker, from WSB, thanked everyone for all their work
45 on the Climate Plan. In a PowerPoint presentation the Timeline, Focus, and Next Steps were
46 reviewed along with the draft 2023 Climate Plan. The major focus areas are Water, Waste,
Parks and Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
December 4, 2023
Page 5
1 Energy, and Transportation. The City Council will review the Climate Plan for adoption at
2 their December 12, 2023 Meeting. The Annual Goal Setting scheduled in January will review
3 prioritization of Climate Plan action steps for 2024.
4
5 Chair Bordeau stated this would not be possible without the work of City Staff and WSB. She
6 loves Appendix A. This is a sort of Train the Trainer where learnings are provided to the
7 community.
8
9 Commissioner Holliday referred to Transportation the second initiative, under policy the
10 second bullet adding the word to “encouraging”.
11
12 Chair Bordeau suggested it be requiring or encouraging adding some flexibility to the
13 language. Mr. Yunker suggested the word encourage be used.
14
15 Commissioner Doolan referred to Appendix A – Under Water the last initiative. Changing the
16 word from strongest to resilient tree species. Under Waste, education third bullet should be
17 moved under third initiative. Under Waste, the last bullet the Operation Staff tracking should
18 be changed from water to waste. Under Energy, increase usage of renewables, the last bullet is
19 a duplicate. Under transportation – reduce avoidable emissions – implement infrastructure for
20 high speed access that enables residents to work remotely. This would be more
21 measurable/tangible.
22
23 Commissioner Fee noted on page 9 remove “are”. On page 10 there needs to be words added
24 regarding community engagement. On page 28, natural should be capitalized and on page 31,
25 the last two bullets are the same.
26
27 Dog Park Discussion.
28
29 City Manager Yunker stated this was requested to be put on the agenda by the Commission.
30 Commissioner Guest asked if the City Council had any feedback on options provided. Mr.
31 Yunker stated it didn’t make it into a priority. The Mayor had mentioned a possible dog park
32 at Silverwood. The Mayor reached out to Silverwood and was told that isn’t something they
33 would look at doing.
34
35 Commissioner Doolan stated she was at the Council Meeting where this was discussed and it
36 was a 2:2 vote. There was discussion about having one at Highway 88 and if that was too
37 close to a run-off space. She spoke with someone at MWMO and she was directed to Rice
38 Creek where there is a dog park next to the creek and as long as BMP’s are put in place that is
39 allowed.
40
41 Commissioner Guest asked if this should be put back on the agenda in January or should
42 Commissioners start talking to the County Board to try and use the parcel on 88 as a dog park.
43 Mr. Yunker suggested keeping it on the Work Plan.
44
45 Commissioner Holliday recommended advising the Council the Parks and Environmental
46 Commission will continue to look at the feasibility of a Dog Park.
Parks and Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
December 4, 2023
Page 6
1
2 Chair Bordeau suggested the Commission be present at the Goal Setting Sessions in January.
3 She asked if a representative from Commission could attend Goal Setting and carry forward
4 suggestions.
5
6 Mr. Paul White, 3201 32nd Avenue NE, stated Carley Stendahl is looking for an opportunity to
7 work on creating a dog park in St. Anthony as part of her senior project as a Girl Scout. Chair
8 Bordeau stated she is pro dog park and would like to see one in the future.
9
B.10 2024 Work Plan Discussion.
11
12 City Manager Yunker reviewed the 2024 Work Plan Draft for the St. Anthony Village Parks
13 and Environmental Commission. Dog Parks should be added. Commissioner Guest suggested
14 Silver Point Park access be added. Mr. Yunker stated Silver Point Park parking lot and access
15 was included in the bid. Commissioner Guest suggested cutting the fence so people can enter
16 on that side also. Commissioner Holliday requested adding the potential for lights that would
17 increase usable time. Chair Bordeau suggested adding Silver Point Park development to the
18 Work Plan. Mr. Yunker suggested keeping it more general. Commissioner Holliday suggested
19 adding – supporting continued programming at Silver Point Park.
20
21 Commissioner Fee presented the information she gathered on wellhouse court. She provided a
22 PowerPoint presentation including Good Things, Things to Address, Ideas to
23 Consider/Prioritize and Reasons to Limit Significant Investment from the notes on the Walk
24 Through in May 2023. She highlighted on a map the tennis courts in the area. There are 4
25 pickle ball courts in the area that are outside. She posted a QR Survey at the Court and
26 provided the 88 survey respondents. She estimates there was only a 30-50% response rate.
27 She took pictures of people on the court and did graphs on court usage. She suggested
28 improvements to the tennis court. These improvements could carry us over until a long term
29 plan is developed. She would like this added to the work plan for the Commission.
30
31 Commissioner Holliday likes WSB’s suggestion of having a loop that includes 39th, Silver
32 Lane, Silver Lake and Stinson. The redevelopment of the site would be desired. Mr. Yunker
33 noted the suggestion was from Urban Land Institute. He would like to see that added to the
34 Work Plan.
35
36 Commissioner Doolan suggested the pickle ball person that came before provided updated
37 information on the demand for pickle ball.
38
39 Chair Bordeau suggested Wellhouse Court be added to the Work Plan.
40
41 Commissioner Doolan requested adding the Energy Action Plan, Bike/Ped plan, and the
42 Water Conservation Poster contest. Mr. Yunker noted the poster contest is already included.
43 She suggested Collaborating with Local Organizations on Waste Reductions.
44
45 Chair Bordeau asked if there were any items to be removed from the Work Plan for 2024.
46 There were none mentioned.
Parks and Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
December 4, 2023
Page 7
1
2 Commissioner Doolan suggested adding regional agency outreach. Mr. Yunker stated there is
3 not staff capacity to help with this. She suggested some of the bullets on the Work Plan can be
4 more general.
5
6 Chair Bordeau asked the Commission how they felt about the 2024 Work Plan. The City
7 Council will appoint two Commissioners to the Commission to fill the vacancies.
8
9 Mr. Yunker reviewed the edits to the Work Plan for 2024.
10
11 The consensus of the Commission was to move forward to the City Council.
12
13 VIII.COMMUNITY FORUM.
14
15 Mr. Dan Kunitz, asked if the wellhouse court is something that could be rolled into a park in
16 the future. Mr. Yunker stated it is not listed as a City Park.
17
18 Commissioner Holliday referred to Silver Point Park, and the Council does not like naming
19 benches or bricks to raise funds for parks. He requested it be added to make those type of
20 fundraising options available.
21
22 IX. ADJOURNMENT.
23
24 Motion by Commissioner Guest seconded by Commissioner Doolan, to adjourn the meeting at
25 9:10 p.m.
26
27 Motion carried unanimously.
28
29
30
31 Respectfully submitted,
32 Debbie Wolfe
33 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
2/27/2024
1
Silverwood Park
Alyssa Baguss, Silverwood Park Supervisor
2023 Highlights
Silverwood Park
•467,000 Park Guests
•137,000 Visitor Center walk‐in guests.
•A series of 10 outdoor concerts with
over 3,500 in attendance.
•Introduced a Nature Play Area onsite.
•Worked with a total of 65 Minnesota
Artists.
•1,350 Volunteer hours.
•117 programs offered to seniors
•46 school programs
•32 programs held at local Library
2/27/2024
2
Summer ConcertsHow Will You Know When
You Belong
Nicole Sara Simpkins
March 14 through April 30, 2024
Opening Reception: Thursday,
March 14 from 6 – 8 pm
The Lock Seemed Solid, 2023
Distance Over Time
Mike Marks
March 14 through April 30, 2024
Opening Reception: Thursday, March 14
from 6 –8 pm
Gatherer, 2023
2/27/2024
3
Every second Sunday:
1-3PM, Puppet Art Adventures
2-3PM, Walk with a Naturalist
Every third Friday:
10AM-12PM, Pop-up: Nature Play!
All ages. Drop-ins welcome!
Free Family Fun - Every Month!
Preschool Drop-off
Series: Doodlebugs
Registration is Open for our
10-Week Spring Season:
March 19 to May 21
Tuesdays
9:30-11:30AM or 1-3PM
Ages 4 to 6
2/27/2024
4
The Art and Sport
of Fly Fishing
Saturday, April 27th
10AM – 2PM
Free, all ages
Drop-in activities include:
‐Aquatic insects up-close!
‐Learn how to fly cast!
‐Make fly-tying inspired jewelry!
Celebrate
International
Sculpture Day
Saturday, April 27th
Free, all ages
10 AM – 11 AM Sculpture walk
1 PM – 3 PM Build a Sculpture
2/27/2024
5
Free outdoor concerts return to
the park this summer!
Wednesdays, 6:30-8PM
June to August
Lineup to be announced, visit
www.silverwoodonstage.org
SILVERWOOD PARK CAFÉ 9 am – 5 pm
Enjoy local and organic coffee drinks, kombucha on tap, and baked goods
50% student discount, weekdays from 2 – 4 PM
2/27/2024
6
For up-to-date calendars and
rental information, contact
silverwoodevents@threeriversparks.org
Silverwood Rental Facilities
Consider our Island Picnic Shelter
for your spring graduation
celebration or family reunion
Every first Monday of the month:
5:30 PM,Rental Open House
Silverwood Park
Alyssa Baguss, Silverwood Park Supervisor
2/27/2024
1
Citizens for
Sustainability
Parks &
Environmental
Commission Update
March 4, 2023
Citizens working to create a resilient and sustainable community
Welcome New Commissioners!
2
Citizens for Sustainability is a passionate group of residents
focused on bringing about change in our community and in
our local government. We strive to raise awareness about
ways we all can reduce the impact we have on the natural
world around us and promote change for a sustainable future.
2/27/2024
2
Earth Week Parks Cleanup
3
April 21‐27: Neighborhood Clean Up
•Clean up your neighborhood/workplace on your own timeline
•Tell us where & how much you collected on Facebook
(@SAVsustainability) or info@citizensforsustainability.org
April 27: Parks Cleanup (10:00 – noon)
•Give our parks a spring cleaning by picking up trash or helping
with light gardening
•TONIGHT’S REQUEST: We invite park commissioners to join us
in planning and overseeing cleanup efforts. Any volunteers?
Thank You
4
Sign up for meeting reminders and local events at
http://citizensforsustainability.org
MEMORANDUM
To:City of Saint Anthony Village Parks & Environmental Commission
From:Richard Sonterre, City Code Official
Date:March 4, 2024 Parks & Environmental Commission Meeting
Request:Review Draft Beekeeping Ordinance
BACKGROUND
The draft ordinance provided has been created to meet the guidance given to staff by the Parks and
Environmental Commission. The code sections are summarized briefly below to assist in the Commission’s
discussion and review, along with the complete draft, visual examples of defined terminology and feedback from
the University of Minnesota Bee Lab.
STAFF RESEARCH
Staff found a draft ordinance on the MN Hobby Beekeepers Website and began using this a basis for a St.
Anthony Daft Ordinance. Staff followed this up by reviewing established language available from Coon Rapids,
Falcon Heights, Fridley and Mounds View. In doing so, the vast amount of language within these city ordinances
appears to have also come from the Minnesota Hobby Beekeepers draft ordinance as well. Each city, along with
our draft, made some modifications to meet their own specific needs, but on the whole are very similar. Lastly,
staff engaged Jenny Warner, beekeeping specialist in the U of M Entomology Department/Bee Lab who
reviewed our draft ordinance and was fully supportive of the content.
DRAFT ORDINANCE
staff asks that the Commission provide comments on the proposed ordinance. Some of the proposed sections
may be withheld for further study and researched if the Commission’s review requires it.
Proposed ordinance sections:
Section 1. Identifies and defines key words associated with the language contained within the proposed
beekeeping ordinance.
Section 2. Establishes a statement of purpose to guide the beekeeping ordinance.
Section 3. Defines the requirements for approval of a required beekeeping license.
Section 4. Establishes location and setback requirements for an apiary.
Section 5. Identifies required conditions for the purpose of licensing of an apiary, as well as a basis for
inspections and license renewal applications.
Section 6. Provides policies and practices for inspections and, if needed, revocation of licenses.
Section 7. Serves to provide guidance for the relocation and removal of an apiary.
DISCUSSION ITEMS FOR COMMISSION FEEDBACK
Below are the specific items for discussion and feedback for staff:
Does the Commission have any comments and/or recommendation on the draft ordinance?
Would the Commission wish to conduct community engagement around the proposed ordinance?
NEXT STEPS
Staff will integrate the Commission’s feedback into the draft ordinance and move it on to the Planning
Commission for a future public hearing and comments for recommendation to the City Council.
ATTACHMENTS:
Draft ordinance outline
Category LanguageDefinitions
1 Apiary ‐ The assembly of one or more colonies of bees at a single location
2 Beekeeper ‐ A person who owns or has charge of one or more colonies of bees.
3
Beekeeping equipment ‐ anything used in the operation of an apiary, such as hive bodies,
supers, frames, top and bottom boards and extractors.
4
Colony ‐ An aggregate of bees consisting principally of workers, but having, when perfect, one
queen and at times drones, brood, combs, and honey.
5 Flyway barrier ‐ A barrier that raises the flight path of bees as they come and go from a hive.
6 Hive ‐ The receptacle inhabited by a colony that is manufactured for that purpose
7 Honey bee ‐ All life stages of the common domestic honey bee, apis mellifera species.
8 Lot ‐ An area of land intended for occupancy or use as permitted in the zoning code, and otherwise
meeting the requirements of the zoning code.
9 Nucleus colony ‐ A small quantity of bees with a queen housed in a smaller than usual hive box designed
10
Undeveloped property ‐ Any idle land that is not improved or actually in the process of being improved
with residential, commercial, industrial, church, park, school or governmental facilities or other structures
or improvements intended for human occupancy and the grounds maintained in associations therewith.
The term shall be deemed to include property developed exclusively as a street or highway or property
used for commercial agricultural purposes.
Purpose
avoid issues which might otherwise be associated with beekeeping in populated areas. Compliance with
this ordinance shall not be a defense to a proceeding alleging that a given colony constitutes a nuisance,
but such compliance may be offered as evidence of the beekeeper’s efforts to abate any proven nuisance.
Compliance with this ordinance shall not be a defense to a proceeding alleging that a given colony violates
applicable ordinances regarding public health, but such compliance may be offered as evidence of the
beekeeper’s compliance with acceptable standards of practice among hobby beekeepers in the State of
Minnesota.
Beekeeping
License
1
No person may keep, harbor, maintain or allow to be kept any hive or other facility for the housing of
honeybees on or in any property in the City without an approved license. If the applicant is a tenant, they
must also provide proof of approval by the property owner permitting the keeping of bees on the property.
2
Beekeeping training and education is required for the beekeeper prior to the issuance of the initial
beekeeping license by the City. At the time of application for licensing, the beekeeper must submit a
certificate of completion of an approved honeybee keeping course.
3 The license application must be upon a form provided by the City. All required information must be
complete. The license term, license fee, and license renewal fee are established in the Fees chapter of the
4
Any person desiring a license for the keeping of honeybees shall make written application to the City
Manager on a form provided, accompanied by a site plan of the real property upon which bees are to be
kept, showing: 1) A site plan of the
property showing the location and size of the proposed apiary, setbacks from the apiary to property lines
and surrounding
buildings, including houses and buildings on adjacent lots;
2) Inclusion of and location of safety fencing, flyaway barriers and water supply;
3) Proof of the applicant having completed coursework on beekeeping;
4) Agreement that property may be inspected by City at all reasonable times;
5) The property must be in compliance with all other applicable City regulations in order to receive
approval and renewal. 6) ) If the licensee fails to maintain the conditions set forth
in the Required Conditions Section after issuance of a beekeeping license, the City Manager or their
designee may revoke the license.
The application shall include a statement that the applicant will at all times keep the bees in accordance
with the provisions of this ordinance and any additional restrictions, limitation conditions or prohibitions
5 The beekeeper licensed to maintain the apiary must reside upon the property in which the apiary located.
6
The beekeeping license will be valid until May 31 of each calendar year following initial issuance and must
be renewed prior to annual expiration by submitting a renewal form provided by the City and paying the
renewal fee in the amount set forth in the Fees schedule approved by the City Council.
7 The property must be in compliance with all other applicable City regulations in order to receive approval
8
To ensure that concerns over bee allergies are addressed, the applicant must produce a document showing
that no one within 100 feet of the property for which a beekeeping license is sought has a medically
documented bee allergy. The document shall include the printed name, address and signature of the
owner, and for rental properties, names and signatures from all adult non‐familial related occupants. If
any owner or occupant has a medically documented allergy to bees, the condition must be documented on
the form. A documented bee allergy within a 100 feet of the property seeking the license, will result in the
9 Beekeeping license are non‐transferable and do not run with the land.
Location
1 Licensed beekeeping shall be allowed on properties zoned R‐1, Single Family Residential .
2 Hives must be located in the backyard and must be located a minimum of 15 feet from all property lines
and 30 feet from any neighboring building.
Required
Conditions
1 No more than two colonies may be kept on the property at the same time.
2
For each colony permitted to be maintained in this Section, there may also be maintained upon the same
apiary lot, one nucleus colony in a hive structure not to exceed one standard nine and five‐eighths inch
depth box, ten frame hive body with a maximum of five supers.
3 Honeybee colonies must be kept in hives with removable frames which must be kept in sound and usable
4 within 10 feet of each active colony.
5 Materials from a hive such as wax combs or other materials that might encourage robbing by other bees
must be promptly disposed of in a sealed container or placed within a building or other bee and vermin
6
Each beekeeper shall maintain their beekeeping equipment in good condition, including keeping the hives
painted if they have been painted but are peeling or flaking, and securing unused equipment from
weather, potential theft or vandalism and occupancy by swarms. It shall not be a defense to this ordinance
that a beekeeper’s unused equipment attracted a swarm and that the beekeeper is not intentionally
7 Hives will be continuously managed to provide adequate living space for their respective honeybees in
order to prevent swarming.
8 In any instance in which a colony exhibits unusual aggressive behavior, it is the duty of the beekeeper to
promptly re‐queen the colony.
9
Each beekeeper shall ensure that no wax comb or other material that might encourage robbing by other
bees are left upon the grounds of the apiary lot. Such materials once removed from the site shall be
handled and stored in sealed containers, or placed within a building or other insect‐proof container.
10 For each colony licensed to be maintained under this ordinance, there may also be maintained upon the
same apiary lot, one nucleus colony in a hive structure not to exceed one standard 9‐5/8 inch depth 10‐
11
Flyway Barrier:
1) Except as otherwise provided in this ordinance, in each instance where a colony is kept less than 25 feet
from a property line of the lot upon which the apiary is located, as measured from the nearest point on the
hive to the property line, the beekeeper shall establish and maintain a flyway barrier at least 6 feet in
height.
2) The flyway barrier may consist of a wall, fence, dense vegetation or a combination there of, such that
bees will fly over rather than through the
material to reach the colony.
3) If a flyway barrier of dense vegetation is used, the initial planting may be 4 feet in height, so long as the
vegetation normally reaches 6 feet in height or higher.
4) If a wall or fence flyway barrier is used, the materials must be decay resistant, maintained in good
condition. A wall or fence flyway barrier over 7 feet in height requires a variance and a building permit.
5) The flyway barrier must continue parallel to the apiary lot line for 10 feet in either direction from the
hive, or contain the hive or hives in an enclosure at least 6 feet in height.
6) A flyway barrier is not required if the property adjoining the apiary lot line is (1) undeveloped, or is (2)
zoned agricultural or industrial, or is (3) outside of the City limits, or is (4) a wildlife management area or
naturalistic park land with no horse or foot trails located within 25 feet of the apiary. If the adjoining
property becomes developed, a flyway barrier must be erected according to the specifications of this
12 Hives shall be continuously managed to provide adequate living space for their resident honeybees in
order to prevent swarming.
Inspections
1
As part of the initial application or annual renewal, each beekeeper must allow an inspection of the apiary
site. The City Manager or their designee has the right to inspect any apiary for the purpose of ensuring
compliance with this Section upon providing prior notice to the owner of the apiary property. In the case
of a complaint regarding the apiary, the apiary site may be inspected by the City without prior notice.
2
If a licensed apiary site is found to be non‐compliant with any requirements of this section or any aspect of
the licensing process, a compliance order shall be issued by the City Manager, or their designee. The
licensee shall have up to ten(10) days to bring the apiary into compliance or risk the loss of their license.
3
If the City Manager orders the revocation of an existing Beekeeping License, a hearing before the City
Council shall be scheduled as follows: (A) Scheduling of hearing. If the city makes a
determination that it will be revoking a license pursuant to this subchapter, the City Council shall conduct a
hearing on the matter. The hearing shall be scheduled at the next regular City Council meeting following
the date of the notice of intent to revoke.
(B) Hearing. At the hearing, the City Council shall hear all relevant evidence and arguments and shall review
all testimony, documents and other evidence submitted. The licensee shall have the opportunity to
address the City Council at the hearing.
(C) Findings. After the hearing is concluded, the City Council shall make findings on whether to uphold the
Relocation or
Removal 1
If any licensed beekeeper serves the community by removing a swarm or swarms of honeybees from
locations where they are not desired, that person will not be considered to be in violation of the colony
density restrictions of this Section if the following conditions are met:
(1) The person temporarily houses the honeybees at an apiary site of a beekeeper licensed by the City;
(2) The honeybees are not kept for more than 30 days; and
(3) The site remains in compliance with the other provisions of this Section.
2 Any resident who has lost their license
3 Any resident who voluntarily forfeits the licensed colony
4 Any resident who wishes to transplant the licensed colony must first stablish a new license in whichever
jurisdiction they plan to relate to.
MEMORANDUM
To:City of Saint Anthony Village Parks & Environmental Commission
From:Jeremy Gumke, Public Works Director and Charlie Yunker, City Manager
Date:March 4, 2024 Parks & Environmental Commission Meeting
Request:2024 Work Plan Schedule
BACKGROUND
At its annual Goal Setting session, the City Council reviewed the draft 2024 Work Plan submitted by the Parks &
Environmental Commission. There were no changes discussed at that session, and the City Council subsequently
approved the work plan formally at their February 13, 2024 regular meeting.
When discussing the draft work plan, the commission asked to schedule the activities included in the work plan
over the upcoming year. As a result, staff is proposing the below schedule for the 2024 work plan items:
Regular Meetings
March 4, 2024 June 3, 2024 September 9, 2024 December 2, 2024
Beekeeping Ordinance Water restrictions –
enforcement and non-
compliance fees
Review Parks capital
Improvement Plan
TBD
Works Sessions
Late Spring/Earl Summer June 3, 2024 September 17, 2024
Annual walk-though of
all City parks
Review annual walk-
though of all City parks
Joint meeting with City
Council and Planning
Commission on Active
Transportation Planning
Formulate long-term plan for “Well House Park”
Enhance Silver Point Park parking accessibility and
future amenities
Exploration of a dog park in the city
Ongoing throughout 2024
Support City’s Climate Plan Implementation
Continue education & outreach in conjunction with community organizations to promote sustainability
Continue collaborations to enhance City green space, including with parks cleanup and pollinator plantings
Continue engagement with Three Rivers Park District on programming at Silverwood Park
DISCUSSION ITEMS FOR COMMISSION FEEDBACK
Below are the specific items for discussion and feedback for staff:
Does the Commission have any comments on the schedule?
ATTACHMENTS:
2024 Work Plan
City Council Approved __________
St. Anthony Village Parks and Environmental Commission
2024 Work Plan - Draft
The Parks and Environmental Commission is a five member advisory commission, appointed by the City Council and is
charged with the following duties (City Code Chapter 32, Section 32.25):
(A) To prepare, revise, and maintain a comprehensive, long-term plan for the redevelopment of parks within the city. This
plan shall be viewed as a working document that serves as a framework and reference to future redevelopment;
(B) To make recommendations to and advise the City Council and staff regarding park and environmental issues and ideas;
(C) To establish priorities and recommend a phasing plan and schedule for implementing innovative park and
environmental initiatives improvements, renovations, and plans;
(D) To work with other communities to explore cooperative arrangements to develop connecting routes in the form of
bikeways, walking paths, and corridors of green space wherever possible;
(E) To investigate funding sources, including requests for increases in the city budget, designated for parks, green spaces
and environmental initiatives;
(F) To seek new areas for additional parks, natural areas, walking paths, bikeways, and green space corridors;
(G) To generate community involvement in the development of parks, environmental initiatives and their elements;
(H) To review and recommend revisions to the operation and maintenance of city parks and environmental initiatives; and
(I) To periodically review, re-evaluate, and update the comprehensive park and environmental initiatives plan to reflect
current and future park needs of the city.
In 2024, the Parks and Environmental Commission will focus on the following items:
Continue education & outreach in conjunction with community and regional organizations to promote
sustainability, such as:
o Arbor Day and Tree City activities for residents and city contractors about tree diversity, climate
resiliency, expanding the City’s tree canopy, and proper planting techniques
o Water conservation initiatives working with Rice Creek and MWMO watersheds, and partner with
schools for water conservation poster contest
o Use of the organics drop off site, recycling and waste reduction
o Sustainability Fair at the Community Center
Complete annual walk-though of all City parks
Review annual Parks Capital Improvement Plan
Continue collaboration with Citizens for Sustainability to enhance City green space, including with parks cleanup
and pollinator plantings
Support Climate Plan implementation
o Xcel Energy Partners in Energy program
o Active Transportation Plan
Joint meeting with the City Council and Planning Commission
Exploration of a dog park in the city
Enhance Silver Point Park parking accessibility and future amenities
Formulate long-term plan for “Well House Park”
Continue engagement with Three Rivers Park District on programming at Silverwood Park