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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016/01/20 - ADMIN - Minutes - Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission - RegularOFFICIAL MINUTES Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission January 20, 2016, 6:30 p.m. Meeting The Rec Center Programming Office 1. Call to Order Ms. Foulkes, Chair, called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Walsh added two old business items to the agenda: Westwood Hills Nature Center master plan update and an update on park signage. Commission members present: George Foulkes, Sarah Foulkes, George Hagemann, Edward Halvorson, Kirk Hawkinson and Peter May. Commission members absent: Elizabeth Griffin Staff present: Rick Beane, Parks Superintendent, Cindy Walsh, Director of Operations and Recreation, Jason West, Recreation Superintendent, and Stacy Voelker, Recording Secretary. 2. Presentation St. Louis Park Little League (Matt Moran) Matt Moran, President of the St. Louis Park Little league, presented an update. The association offers baseball to boys and girls ages 5 – 12 who live or attend school in St. Louis Park. Last year there were approximately 400 youth that participated. Due to the close proximity of Minneapolis, 10% of participants are from that city. The Little League sent a proposal to the Little League International to extend their boundaries to southwest Minneapolis. They are awaiting a response. The baseball season begins in January with winter clinics which teach the basics and work with coaches in groups. The core season is April through the end of July. The older level participants (ages 11-12) play approximately 18 games in a season and may participate in the Little League World Series. The levels of play include AAA / majors (ages 10-12), AA (ages 9 – 10), A (ages 7 – 8) and rookie (ages 5 – 6). The fees for the rookie level are $100; $125 for A level, $150 for AA level and $175 for AAA/majors. The fee is low compared to other communities plus scholarships are available. Typically there are 15 - 20 players per year that utilize scholarships. Some sponsors (i.e. local business that sponsor teams, etc.) assist with the scholarship fees. Mr. Moran indicated the association hopes to increase the interest in T-ball. The city currently oversees the T-ball program so Little League doesn’t push that option. Machine pitch play is provided to 5 to 6 year olds. They have one game and one practice per week to get kids and parents interested in the sport. Everyone can play; none are turned away. The Association would like to expand the programs for 12-13 year olds as that’s when participation drops. Their goal is to keep kids in the game, Mr. Moran explained, so are looking at sponsorships to assist in growing the programs in that age group. 2 The five fields with diamonds they us are excellent, expressed Mr. Moran, especially considering the use they get. The neighboring communities enjoy playing on the grass infields in St. Louis Park, plus the press box and concessions at Skippy field are appreciated. The Little League Association is working on the area at Skippy Field, indicated Mr. Moran. They would like fresh turf and have received a turf donation from the old metro dome. They would like to have a pitching facility available for all age groups. The association is in discussions with the school district on the possibility of adding a batting cage at the Middle School. Ms. Walsh encouraged the association to contact the Fastpitch Association for a partnership. Ms. Walsh inquired if Little League has participants from cities other than Minneapolis and if they provide any fields for usage. Mr. Moran explained Golden Valley has their own Little League. At this time the association does not use Minneapolis ball fields but will keep it in mind. The Little League has hosted district tournaments, which are good for the community, but are challenging due to lack of volunteers in the summer. Ms. Walsh directed Little League to connect with Discover St. Louis Park as they could assist with lodging, etc. in the city for the tournaments. Members thanked Mr. Moran for attending the meeting and for his volunteer efforts with the Association. Mr. Beane commented “it is a pleasure to work with the Little League group”. 3. Approval of Minutes a. December 2, 2015 Commission member May requested a revision to page 2, topic 5a., second line down. The minutes should state “…of the new signs Mr. West…”. Commission member May requested a revision to page 3, third paragraph, fourth line down. The minutes should state “…fencing, etc. on trails by railroad”. Commission member May requested a revision to page 3, fourth paragraph, second to last sentence in paragraph. The minutes should state “There is $25 million budgeted in the CIP to build trails but additional funds would be needed to maintain them”. It was moved by Commission member Hagemann, seconded by Commission member May,to approve the December 2, 2015 meeting minutes as amended. The motion passed 7 – 0. 3 4. Old Business a. Westwood Hills Nature Center Master Plan Update (Jason West) Mr. West indicated the city hired Miller Dunwiddie to assist on the master plan process for Westwood Hills Nature Center. The last public meeting was held on January 12. A few requests that arose from the public meetings include: moving the facility closer to the parking lot; making facility more accessible; making the trail system around or through the building; and increasing the parking. Mr. West provided a drawing of the proposed location of the building, path and parking area. Miller Dunwiddie displayed boards at the public meeting (which were presented to the commission members) to show options for what the building could look like. They discussed programming rooms (which could open to accompany 150 people overall), a sitting room/observation room, office space, catering kitchen and storage. Mr. Hagemann included that the building will be designed with various options presented at the public meeting. Some options discussed include a fire pit, outdoor fire place, outdoor programming area, plus what the building would include. The building discussions included the entrance, restrooms, exhibit hall, and three classrooms to fit 50 people each. If the classrooms are being utilized, individuals could visit the exhibits and observation areas without disturbing the classrooms. Mr. Hawkinson inquired on the trail through building and expressed concern it would disturb the classrooms. Mr. Foulkes indicated in his group it was discussed the trail could either go through the building via the exhibit/observation area and/or would go around the building. Mr. Hagemann shared that his group discussed having a separate kid’s education area from the regular trail. Mr. West indicated another group discussed a wet play area for kids. Mr. Foulkes complimented Mark Oestreich, Westwood Hills Nature Center Manager, on his discussion with residents. Staff heard that residents would like more people to use the nature center as it’s a great amenity, Ms. Walsh commented, but do not want to over populate. The next step is to meet with peer focus groups and obtain information on their nature centers, along with come site visits, Mr. West indicated. Miller Dunwiddie will create a proposed plan and timeline. May be able to start on proposal in 4 - 5 years once funding is determined. b. Park Signage Update (Rick Beane) Mr. Beane advised changes to park signs were made per the Commission’s recommendation and showed an example of a hard-coated sign. Staff is obtaining quotes on hard-coated signage and standard printed signage. Staff will test both signs to determine how vandal proof they are. Members discussed and suggested more contrast to the colors on the sign. Staff will review with the Communications Director for final design. Mr. Beane indicated the signs are scheduled to be installed in the parks mid- summer. 4 5. New Business c. Discuss Annual Calendar and Goals for 2016 Ms. Walsh reviewed the process to present the Commissions goals to the City Council on Monday, February 22. The members discussed and decided the top three goals of the Commission for 2016 will be: community group relationships (include meeting with non- athletic groups), environmental stewardship (i.e. Minnehaha Creek clean-up), and to support city initiatives relating to Parks and Recreation (collaboration and internal support). Staff will prepare for the City Council meeting. Members decided to hold the Minnehaha Creek Clean up on Saturday, May 7 and the Staff Appreciation luncheon on Wednesday, September 14 at Oak Hill Park. d. 2016 Capital Improvement Projects (Rick Beane & Jason West) Mr. Beane and Mr. West updated the commission on the Capital Improvement Projects scheduled for 2016. Mr. Beane advised automated locks and security cameras will be added at Aquila and Louisiana Oaks Park buildings. Both buildings will have Wi-Fi connections. Carlson Park’s scoreboard will be replaced, the fencing at Carpenter Park Little League fields will be replaced. Playgrounds are scheduled for replacement in Jersey, Justad, Nelson and Wolfe Parks. The standard process, Mr. West explained, is to remove the old playground equipment and give it to “Kids around the World”, solicit bids, and host a neighborhood meeting to show proposals for the attendees to choose the playground equipment. Neighborhood meetings are published via direct mailing (around the specific neighborhood), social media and the city’s website. Anyone that attends the public meeting can vote; they do not need to live in the neighborhood. Staff will discuss how to increase promoting the meetings to obtain more votes for the equipment. Wolfe Park playground is scheduled for April 18, before Parktacular celebration. Nelson Park playground is scheduled to be replaced July 8 and Jersey/Justad Parks are scheduled to be replaced in mid-August, Mr. Beane explained. Mr. Beane explained trail work will occur at Oak Hill, Shelard and Wolfe Parks. The trails are in good condition due to the regular maintenance and care taken. Staff is working with Engineering to review processed that ensure the trails are smooth. The trail lights at Wolfe Park will also be retrofitted with LED lights. Mr. West explained the ravine bridge on the upper trail at Westwood Hills Nature Center will be replaced. Engineering may have a bridge available for the site that would be removed from somewhere else. Mr. West advised some projects scheduled at the Nature Center may be pushed back depending on the progress of the Nature Center master plan. The Rec Center Banquet Room is scheduled for new carpet and floor replacement, advised Mr. West. Floor replacement is also scheduled for the gallery and hallway. The refrigeration system replacement is currently underway. Ms. Walsh commented it is a busy time at The Rec Center. Members were reminded the Rec Center revenue will be lower this year due to one rink being down. Staff awaits the 5 results of the bids for the outdoor rink as the work on both projects could happen at the same time. 6. Staff Communication Ms. Walsh advised of the new Zero Waste ordinance going into effect beginning January of 2017. Staff will begin to communicate to businesses that they must have compostable to-go containers by that time. Staff will invite Kala Fisher, Solid Waste Program Coordinator, to attend a future meeting to share details of the new ordinance. Mr. Beane shared that Ms. Fisher also applied for, and received, a grant to increase the number of recycling containers and bags in parks. This will double the number of recycling containers in parks. The outdoor ice rinks and open and busy, advised Mr. Beane. There are two new rinks this year located at Jersey and Twin Lakes Parks. Staff has received compliments on the clean buildings. There are also two new wind shelters built at Jersey and Jackley Parks. Ms. West distributed the new city, park and trail maps. The map combined three previous publications into one and include city streets, parks and trails, plus a map of the trails at Westwood Hills Nature Center. Staff is currently working on the summer brochure, Mr. West advised. The timeline of the brochure and process on creating the publication was reviewed. Mr. West reviewed an upcoming event, the Adventure Race, which is a bike trip around St. Louis Park to locate various items. The winner obtains reserved parking and front row seats at the Aquila Fireworks on July 4. Staff is also working on another publication which is a facility rental guide, Mr. West informed. Staff obtained guides from other communities for ideas in the creation of a guide. Networking and connecting as such assists in various areas of the field. Ms. Walsh advised staff recently attended the annual meeting of the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association. Jason Eisold, Rec Center Manger, received the Jack Niles award and Lisa Abernathy, Recreation Supervisor, received the presidential award and programming section award. The city is fortunate to be part of the association. 7. Member Communication Mr. Hawkinson inquired if there is an age limit to participate in the Minnehaha Creek clean-up. He knows a second grade girl scout group that may be interested in volunteering. Staff advised the event is open to anyone as long as there is proper supervision. Mr. Hawkinson inquired on the relationship between the baseball associations. Staff indicated there are some issues but their relationship with one another is much better. 8. Other / Future Agenda Items The next regular meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 17. On Monday, February 22, the Commission will meet, along with other boards and commissions, with the City Council in the Rec Center Banquet Room to discuss goals. 6 9. Adjournment It was moved by Commission member Hagemann and seconded by Commission member G. Foulkes to adjourn at 8:01 p.m. The motion passed 7–0. Respectfully submitted, Stacy Voelker Stacy Voelker Recording Secretary