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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025/09/17 - ADMIN - Minutes - Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission - Regular Parks & recreation advisory commission meeting September 17, 2025 6 p.m. Official minutes Parks & recreation advisory commission Members present: Amy Brandli, Bruce Cantor (6:09), Jay Jaffee, Adrienne Krill, Sonya Rippe and David Yakes Members absent: None Staff present: Jason West, Parks and Recreation Director, Larry Umphrey, Parks Superintendent, Erick Francis, Water Resources Manager, Heidi Batistich, Recreation and Facilities Supervisor and Carrie Mandler, Recording Secretary Guests: David Johnston, Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission 1. Call to order Commissioner Yakes, chair, called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. 2. Introductions / roll call Commissioners and staff introduced themselves. 3. Approval of minutes – August 20, 2025 It was moved by Commissioner Jaffee, seconded by Commissioner Rippe, to approve the meeting minutes of August 20, 2025, as presented. The motion passed 5 – 0. 4. Presentations a. Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission update (David Johnston and Erick Francis) David Johnston, Commissioner, Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission (BCWMC) advised that the original native name, Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ, will be integrated into the Basset Creek name. He explained that Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ will be placed at the beginning of the name to acknowledge that the native name came first. He advised that nine cities including St. Louis Park, are members of the BCWMC, each with a commissioner representative. He advised that originally the BCWMC was formed to focus on flood control and has now expanded to include improving and protecting water quality of the lakes and streams in the watershed area. Commissioners viewed a map of the extensive Bassett Creek watershed which runs from Medina to Minneapolis. Mr. Johnston advised that there are four priority streams and ten priority lakes within the watershed. To prevent flooding, he advised that tunnels were constructed in Minneapolis. Erick Francis, Water Resource Manager, added that one of the tunnels runs underneath Target Field. Parks & recreation advisory commission meeting September 17, 2025 2 Mr. Johnston advised that the BCWMC annual operating budget is $850,000 which includes contributions from the nine cities along with development review fees and grants. An additional amount for capital improvements is funded through a Hennepin County tax levy along with more grants. Mr. Francis advised that Westwood Lake is part of the watershed. Mr. West, Parks and Recreation Director, indicated that the water gardens and floating bog on the north side of the building at Westwood Hills Nature Center were provided with grant funds from the BCWMC. Mr. Johnston advised that the BCWMC plan is updated every ten years and that the last plan was updated in 2015. The BCWMC is currently in the process of updating a new plan to begin in 2026. The draft is open for public comment through September 30. He noted that according to a survey, 80% of residents who responded say lakes and streams are important to quality of life. There were several high priority issues in the 2026 plan noted by Mr. Johnston, however, impaired waters and chloride pollution were at the top of the list. He advised that winter deicers are the main chloride pollution contributors. The BCWMC is seeking ways to mitigate these issues, perhaps with more street sweeping and additional public education. He advised that people oversalt in the winter due to concern for people slipping on ice. In response to a question from Mr. West about alternative forms if deicing, Mr. Francis advised that the city pre-treats many roads and added that deicers can be ineffective if the temperature is too cold. He added that chloride is the most cost effective. He mentioned educating residents on the overuse of salt may be helpful. Mr. Francis advised that the City of St. Louis Park only salts primary streets within the city. Mr. Umphrey, Parks Superintendent, advised that a 12-ounce scoop of salt covers an immense amount of road. Mr. Francis advised that different site designs are effective as well. In response to a question from Commissioner Jaffee, Mr. Johnston advised that both chloride and phosphates equally hurt lakes. He added that those chemicals must be removed from the lakes and streams. Mr. Francis explained that chloride accumulates for decades. Reverse water treatments need to be applied to remove the chemicals and replace the contaminated water with clean water. Commissioner Yakes advised that this could be a story for the sustainability webpage. Mr. Francis advised that much of the clean water information is on the storm water page. Mr. Johnston noted the high priority goals and advised that the first two are very important. First, the BCWMC would like Medicine Lake to be improved enough for it to be removed from the nutrient impaired waters list. The next is to significantly improve water quality in Lost and Northwood lakes. He explained that several tools, when used together, can be effective including flood protection and stormwater management. Another very important tool he noted is stream bank restoration. He explained that providing a natural buffer between a lawn and the water is very effective. Mr. Francis advised that there are miles of erosion areas that need mitigation. Mr. Johnston added that much of the shoreline property is private and will require conversations with landowners about management practices. Parks & recreation advisory commission meeting September 17, 2025 3 In response to a question from Commissioner Yakes, Mr. Francis advised that the BCWMC meets monthly. Mr. Johnston advised that all nine cities must unanimously agree on the next plan. Mr. West advised that the St. Louis Park City Council directed staff to meet with the BCWMC. Mr. Francis highlighted the St. Louis Park Rainwater Rewards Program and advised information on pet waste and yard waste can all be found on their city webpage. Mr. Johnston indicated he could provide quarterly reports. Mr. West requested that the reports be sent to Ms. Voelker, Administrative Coordinator, and she can forward them to anyone else who is interested. Ms. Batistich, Recreation and Facilities Supervisor, advised that Westwood Hills Nature Center will be hosting the Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ water blessing ceremony in 2026. Commissioner Yakes commented that residents care about the environment and thanked Mr. Johnston. Mr. Johnston provided handouts prior to departure. b. Capital Improvement Project update (Larry Umphrey) Mr. Umphrey provided slides that highlighted the City of St. Louis Park 2025 Capital Improvement Projects. The first slide depicted the Fern Hill tennis courts resurface project. Pickleball lines were added. He referenced another slide of the Minikahda Vista basketball court which was resurfaced in July 2025 as well. The contracts were completed by Court Surfaces Repair, Inc. In response to a question from Commissioner Yakes, Mr. Umphrey estimated a 10-to 12-year duration for the courts. Commissioner Brandli mentioned Fern Hill is in a lower area and may not last as long to which Mr. Umphrey advised that those surfaces should last about the same length of time as the Minikahda Vista surfaces. He explained that the process involves removing the old surface, installing new and painting. Mr. Umphrey indicated that the Bronx Park play structure was contracted by Midwest Playscapes and completed in August 2025. Commissioners viewed a presentation slide of the park. Mr. Umphrey advised that Ainsworth Park play structure reconstruction is still in progress. Commissioners viewed a presentation slide of the play structure and Mr. Umphrey noted that the equipment is installed and scheduled for new curbing then woodchip filling. He advised that there was also grant funding which provided for a new shade structure and added that the project was contracted by MWP Recreation. Mr. West advised that Ainsworth is a very active park with a well-received weekly basketball program on the site. Mr. Umphrey highlighted some trail improvements. He advised that the Carpenter Park path will be expanded to allow easier access for maintenance vehicles and the handicapped parking sign will be moved. He also mentioned that there needs to be a hard path to the playground at Ainsworth Park. Parks & recreation advisory commission meeting September 17, 2025 4 Louisiana Oaks soccer fields were seeded, aerated, leveled and watered. The fields are now resting until 2026. Mr. Umphrey advised that Walker fields will be rehabilitated and rested in 2026. He added that the plans will be publicized in advance. Mr. Umphrey indicated that shade structures will be installed over the Aquila Park bleachers on fields one and two next week. New dugouts will be installed on fields three and four in the fall of 2025 or spring of 2026. Mr. West advised that this has been planned for a couple of years. Mr. Umphrey added that a canoe landing was completed in the spring. The landing is located near the Boone/Aquila Avenue intersection and north of Highway 7. Mr. Umphrey advised that staff are working on a grant for up to $300,000 for an all- inclusive playground at Oak Hill Park. The application was approved by council on Monday. Nikki Friederich, Recreation Superintendent, will provide more information at the October Commission meeting. Ms. Batistich was commended for the work she did to research other inclusive playgrounds in the metro area. In response to a question from Commissioner Rippe, Mr. Umphrey advised that he has not received noise complaints from residents who live near pickleball courts. He added that the major court is at Wolfe Park where it is not close to residents’ homes. The courts at Fern Hill are somewhat isolated, he added. Commissioner Rippe advised that acoustic fences cost over $20,000 and don’t work very well. Commissioner Yakes inquired if a wind screen would soften the sound. Commissioner Rippe advised that an acoustic fence works better. Mr. Umphrey advised that staff are considering adding more pickleball courts. Commissioner Krill commented that she enjoys pickleball, it is very popular, and it would be beneficial to add more courts. Commissioners thanked Mr. Umphrey for his updates and discussion. c. Program update (Heidi Batistich) Ms. Batistich advised that in 2024 the city was awarded a Hennepin County Youth Sports Equipment Grant in the amount of $10,000. With the funds 80 pairs of roller skates were purchased from Riedell in Red Wing, MN. She advised that she heard about the Roller Garden closing in 2020 and wanted to offer roller skating opportunities in St. Louis Park. In 2024 the city hosted three free Rollin’ at the ROC events. Each public event had approximately 100 attendees. The city partnered with Twin Cities Skaters who provided extra roller skates. She advised that the Rollin’ at the ROC program has grown. In 2025 the city started a biweekly open roller skating program. On Juneteenth there were over 200 attendees for the free Rollin’ at the ROC event. In response to a question from Commissioner Jaffee, Ms. Batistich advised that the roller skates are primarily children’s sizes. In response to a question from Commissioner Yakes, Ms. Batistich advised that you can bring your own roller skates to use at the events. Ms. Batistich advised that Burnsville and Coon Rapids are the Parks & recreation advisory commission meeting September 17, 2025 5 only other cities in the area that provide roller-skating opportunities. Mr. West commended Ms. Batistich for seeing a vision, applying for grants, finding roller skates and bringing them all together by 2025. Ms. Batistich mentioned that she is considering offering roller skating birthday parties in the future. Ms. Batistich advised that the Juneteenth Celebration has shifted from a one-day event to a series of events. Previously, a black-owned business market at the ROC was held on Juneteenth. She advised that now there is a series of events leading up to the Juneteenth Rollin’ at the ROC event. The city partners with the St. Louis Park Library, St. Louis Park Community Education and the Race, Equity and Inclusion Division. Ms. Batistich updated Commissioners on St. Louis Park Youth Sports. She advised that Kicks Soccer and T-ball leagues are run in-house from May through July. There were contracted tennis and basketball camps in the summer of 2025. She added that contracted sport lessons for soccer, t-ball, basketball and tennis began in May and run through the fall. She added that 100 kindergarteners and first graders played mites basketball at the middle school during the winter. In collaboration with Golden Valley, Robbinsdale and Crystal, a basketball league for grades 2 – 5 was formed. Numbers grew from 15 teams in 2024 to 18 teams in 2025. Ms. Batistich indicated that the ROC dry floor was booked every weekend last year. This year, almost every Friday, Saturday and Sunday is reserved. She advised that some of the annual rentals include the St. Louis Park Art Fair, Upper Midwest Koi Club and Game Day Cross Fit Competition along with the Slavic Experience and the Roller-Derby which are in their second season renting the space. In response to a request for clarification from Commissioner Yakes, Ms. Batistich explained that the City of St. Louis Park provides events that are organized and promoted by city staff like ROCtoberfest, while private groups rent the facility to hold their own events. In response to a question from Commissioner Brandli, Ms. Batistich advised the city does not provide advertisements for rental groups. Ms. Batistich updated Commissioners on new events scheduled for the ROC in 2026. She noted that the US Open Korfball Championship will be held at the ROC in 2026. Ms. Batistich mentioned that holding the championship in St. Louis Park will provide a positive economic impact for the city. Commissioners were briefed on the sport of korfball. Mr. West advised there is no dribbling in korfball and added that players must pass the ball. Ms. Batistich advised that potentially, there is a virtual reality gaming event coming to the ROC in 2026. Ms. Batistich indicated that Westwood Hills Nature Center event scheduling requires finding a balance between private rentals and programs scheduled by the nature center staff. She advised that in 2025 there are 11 wedding rentals. She added that some weddings add the upper picnic shelter to their rental. She advised that in 2026, 11 weddings are already scheduled. Commissioner Yakes inquired if there is a ceiling on events at Westwood to which Ms. Batistich advised that there is not, however, she is in constant communication with Greg Feinberg, Naturalist, and Mark Oestreich, Westwood Hills Nature Center Manager. She added that nature center programing is also growing. Parks & recreation advisory commission meeting September 17, 2025 6 Commissioner Jaffee indicated one concern with the large group rentals is that the entire parking lot is filled by those attending the rental. Visitors not attending the rental must park and walk a long distance, sometimes in the street, with their young families. He also noted there have been times when non-electric cars have parked in the electric charging stations. He suggested sending out requests for groups to consider carpooling due to insufficient parking space. Ms. Batistich advised that a request could easily be added to the pre rental information. Commissioner Cantor commented that the rental groups have a right to use the lot since they are paid customers. Ms. Batistich noted that many people first learn about the nature center when attending a rental event and are excited to come back with their families. Mr. West commented there is a fine balance between rentals and programs. He is glad to hear that staff are collaborative. Commissioner Jaffee noted the parking lot is not large enough for some of the rentals and often requires almost twice the parking capacity than it currently has. Commissioner Yakes advised that he attended the public input meetings for the nature center, and that he recalls there was a lot of discussion about parking space. A suggestion was made that perhaps a path on the west side of the street would provide more safety for pedestrians who need to park on the street. Mr. West advised that staff could include a carpooling request along with attention to the EV parking issue in the event communication. Ms. Batistich advised that when the Access to Fun Scholarship Program was expanded to include low-income and very low-income families, there were more applications. Therefore, in 2024 the city council approved a budget increase from $12,000 to $25,000. She added that there is also an individual donation opportunity at the check-out on the registration website. She noted that to date in 2025, $20,575 has been allocated to program participants. 5. Business a. Discuss 2026 workplan (Jason West) Mr. West advised that he took the initiative to add “reviewing and updating the park naming rights policy” to the 2026 workplan. Commissioners agreed to the addition. Each workplan item was briefly discussed. Commissioners agreed to continue the joint meeting with the sustainability commission. Commissioners requested clarification on the strategic priority of the Youth Association President Summit and were reminded that the priority number is not an order of importance but a number that matches one of the strategic priorities of the city. The youth association summit format was reviewed. Mr. West advised that he will discuss the concerns of the Commission with Pat Coleman, Community Engagement Coordinator. Mr. West commented that he sees a lot of positive synergy between coaches and that many good ideas have evolved from the youth association meetings. Vision 4.0 and Minnehaha Creek Clean-up were both agreed by Commissioners to continue to keep on the workplan. Commissioners agreed to review and provide input on the Webster Park Master Plan. Mr. West advised that he received a Memorandum of Understanding from the MnDOT which provides some progress on this workplan item. Parks & recreation advisory commission meeting September 17, 2025 7 Commissioners agreed to host the annual staff appreciation event and to continue inviting community groups and associations to provide presentations at meetings. Commissioner Brandli inquired who invites the groups to the meetings to which Mr. West responded that he and Ms. Voelker reach out to the groups. He added that if any of the commissioners have an interest in hearing from a particular group, please let him know. Commissioners agreed to continue to volunteer for community events. Mr. West mentioned they do not need to be at everything and can attend an event or volunteer if they choose. Commissioner Yakes added that he usually volunteers for the nature center annual Halloween event. Mr. West noted that strategic priority number five (“…committed to creating opportunities to build social capital through community engagement”) is almost always checked on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission work plan items. Commissioner Yakes advised that both number two (“… committed to continue to lead in environmental stewardship”) and number five should be checked for the Minnehaha Creek Clean-up workplan item. b. Discuss staff appreciation event (Commissioners) Mr. West advised that the parks and recreation staff appreciation event is scheduled for September 22 at the ROC. Commissioners reviewed the list of responsibilities from 2024. Commissioner Jaffee, Commissioner Yakes and Commissioner Cantor agreed to pick up the items purchased from Costco. Mr. West advised that round tables and chairs will be set up by staff. Commissioner Brandli will make coffee and Commissioner Rippe will pick up the donut holes. Mr. West will make sure all supplies are ready to go, including the coffee maker. Commissioner Yakes reminded Commissioners to wear their name badges. Commissioner Krill is unable to attend due to school attendance. c. Discuss agenda for Youth Association President Summit meeting (Jason West) Mr. West put together a tentative agenda for the Youth Association President Summit and requested comments from Commissioners. He read through each agenda item. Commissioner Rippe expressed concern that the meeting does not get bogged down too much on each topic. She suggested having a timekeeper to allow for a fair amount of time on each item including the last agenda items. Commissioner Yakes offered to keep track of time. Mr. West indicated that he will designate the time frame. Commissioner Jaffee mentioned that TRIA GameFace might need a little extra time for questions and answers. Parks & recreation advisory commission meeting September 17, 2025 8 6. Staff Communication a. Confirm attendance for October 15 meeting due to MEA (Jason West) Commissioners agreed to change the date of the October 15 meeting to October 22. Mr. West provided Commissioners with copies of parks and recreation catalogs, bracelets, trail maps, and quarter-page handouts promoting, “Be the light”, “Howl-O-Ween”, “Bundled Up” and the nature center Halloween party. He advised that the “Share your Story” program received an award. Commissioner Jaffee inquired if there was a response from Mr. Lehman following the commission’s decision regarding his request to name a play structure. Mr. West advised that he has heard back, and Mr. Lehman advised he has to think about the direction the Commission has chosen. 7. Member communication Commissioner Yakes requested that a Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission photograph be taken. Mr. West suggested taking the photo at the October 22 meeting and advised that he would like to include Ms. Voelker. Commissioner Rippe inquired about a request from a resident for the city to provide dog waste stations. Commissioner Rippe advised that the stations are very difficult to manage and would not suggest moving forward with this initiative. Mr. West advised that he would check to see if the city already owns and manages any dog waste stations. Mr. West will also invite the person to attend the October 22 commission meeting. 8. Adjournment It was moved by Commissioner Rippe, seconded by Commissioner Jaffee, to adjourn the meeting at 8:38 p.m. The motion passed 6 – 0. Respectfully Submitted, Carrie Mandler Recording Secretary