Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017/05/03 - ADMIN - Minutes - Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission - RegularOFFICIAL MINUTES Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission May 03, 2017 6 p.m. – Meeting in MSC 1st Floor Conference Room MEMBERS PRESENT: Rich Bluma, George Foulkes, Elizabeth Griffin, George Hagemann, Tiffany Hoffmann, Sarah Foulkes, Peter May (6:07 p.m.) MEMBERS ABSENT: Edward Halvorson GUEST(S) PRESENT: Charlie Gross, Sara Collins and Amy Burns, (SLP Fastpitch Association) Candace Amberg (WSB & Associates) STAFF PRESENT: Rick Beane, Park Superintendent, Jason West, Recreation Superintendent, Cindy Walsh, Director of Operations and Recreation, Carrie Mandler, Recording Secretary 1. Call to Order Commissioner Hoffman, called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. 2. Presentations None. 3. Approval of Minutes a. March 15, 2017 Commissioner G. Foulkes made a motion to approve the minutes of March 15, 2017. Commissioner Hoffman seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 7 – 0. 4. New Business a. Fastpitch Softball Task Force Presentation Commissioner Griffin discussed the background behind the Task Force Study. The City Council requested the creation of a Task Force to explore options for providing additional field space for Fastpitch Softball. The City hired Candace Amberg from WSB & Associates to study and research available options in St. Louis Park. The Task Force Study and discussion tonight should address the following questions for City Council: 1) Is there a need for an all-in-one location? 2) If yes, a location recommendation from the Commission. 3) Recommendations for funding sources. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting 2 May 3, 2017 The recommendations will be presented to the City Council at a study session on June 12. Ms. Walsh also indicated if June 12 is not a good date for the discussion it can be changed. Fastpitch members indicated that June 12 works for them. Commissioner Griffin introduced Candace Amberg from WSB & Associates. Ms. Amberg provided an overview of her research and briefly covered each page of the document. She cited specific information on each page which included covered field needs and projected growth, an inventory of existing fields and future trends, how current field users will be displaced by some of the potential changes and cost estimates and/or potential loss of revenue. Each of the five options were reviewed and discussed. Option 1A. This option would provide a pinwheel layout which has a central location with four fields at Aquila Park. All four fields require regrading in this option. There are considerable costs involved with this option. Ms. Walsh advised these costs are rough estimates. There would be two permanently fenced 200’ fields and two 275’ fields. One adult field will be lost with this option. Option 1B. Two permanently fenced 200’ fields at Aquila Park. Fields are not regraded to form the wheel configuration. Fields stay in their currently lay out. One adult field will be lost with this option. Option 2A. Three fields at the Middle School. Two permanently fenced 200’ fields and a third field fenced temporarily during the season. (Fence added during the season to minimize the impact on school PE programs. Commissioner Griffin advised this option will require a partnership with the School District. The City and School District have a history or partnering. Ms. Burns mentioned there is still a concern for the relocation of football and other sport teams currently using the field. Mr. Gross inquired if the School District has been contacted by the City. Andy Ewald and Tom Bravo from the district have been involved in this task force. Commissioner Griffin advised if this option becomes the #1 recommendation, additional conversations will be had with school staff. Option 2B. Similar to Option 2A, there could be two permanently fenced 200’ fields and one field fenced temporarily during the season. An additional field could be construction of land was purchased from the adjacent property owner to the east. Coordination with the school district along with the purchase of property is needed with this options. This would allow for growth of the program and the property could be purchased in the future as the program grows. Option 3. Three permanently fenced 200’ fields at Dakota. This option will require regrading and dealing with contaminated subsoil. There is considerable expense to this option and two adult fields will be lost. In response to a question from Ms. Collins, Ms. Amberg advised that the fast pitch association had indicated that the length of the playing season is 12 weeks for summer and five for fall. The events at each site are based on the info that was supplied by the association. Fields are limited in April and May due to High School use. Since the High School doesn’t have fields, they play their Varsity, JV and B Squad games in the park. During the high school season, the teams compete Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting 3 May 3, 2017 against the association for field space. Ms. Amberg advised that was taken into account in the study. Commissioner Griffin inquired if there were any further questions for Ms. Amberg. No further questions to the study were presented. The SLP Fastpitch Association provided a list of bullet points supporting Option 1A at Aquila Park. Ms. Burns stated Option 1A is their preferred option and the option they request. It would give the Fastpitch Association a presence in St. Louis Park and room to grow. She stated nearly every surrounding community has a complex for fastpitch. When teams switch to various locations it is difficult to achieve support and unity. She acknowledged the Aquila complex is currently used for tournaments. Ms. Burns emphasized a central location is the best option for their organization. She noted the additional benefits of reconfiguring the fields at Aquila. The field drainage issues can be addressed. Kickball can have additional room to play. She also mentioned Option 1A will help girls gain more support toward equity in sports. She mentioned there are no covered dugouts and pitching areas on other fields. Many of their players feel second class without a home field. A central home location would show support for Fastpitch. Mr. Gross commented a perfect scenario for fastpitch would be a pinwheel configuration with all four fences 200 feet. He described it like a freeway. Adding lanes will encourage traffic to flow onto the freeway. By adding quality facilities, more girls will begin to participate. He mentioned boys have had a long time to establish their programs, now the girls have to catch up. He mentioned if there is any revenue loss it can be recovered within a year from tournament revenue. He also stated the fields can be used for growing kickball leagues and that slow pitch demand is decreasing. Mr. Gross also mentioned the current situation doesn’t take into account fastpitch is limited to specific nights due to a traveling league. Fields need to be available every night. Late practices are hard on younger players. Staff mentioned that our adult softball program is not declining and we do have a kickball league. Commissioner Foulkes inquired how many nights are required for practice and questioned if the teams can use local fields when other teams have their ‘away’ games. Ms. Collins stated there are 75, 8-10 year-olds and they generally have two practices and one game per week. She added by including the younger K-1 players there are approximately 85 – 90 girls. Commissioner Hoffman mentioned fastpitch is not the only sport where players have limited practice space with challenging schedules noting hockey as an example. In response to a question from Commissioner Hoffman, Ms. Collins stated there are 125 girls in their program not including the High School girls. Mr. G. Foulkes commented not all the numbers will transfer to High School suggesting there is a percentage that will quit. He inquired about the carryover history. Ms. Collins stated last year was the first year they were able to field two U-12 teams. Ms. Burns added last year they could only field two high school level teams and now they have three with 10-11 girls per team. Mr. Gross stated they will consider adding a U-16 team this year. Ms. Burns also mentioned last year was the first in many years the High School team had a 500 record. The SLP High School has three teams. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting 4 May 3, 2017 Ms. Walsh advised little league has 440 players with 35 teams, baseball has 110 players and 10 teams. The older baseball teams also compete with the association in the spring due to the High School team’s use of the City fields. Commissioner Griffin stated she and Commissioner Hoffman have a different recommendation. Both agree it would be beneficial to have all fields in one location. However, they would like first to explore the 2A recommendation which allows for three fields at the Middle School, two of the fields will be permanently fenced. This recommendation will require a partnership with the School District. Ms. Burns commented never once has a school official shown support for giving up that land. Commissioner S. Foulkes inquired if that is the only objection to the Middle School option. Mr. Gross responded it is not the only objection. They want full complete fields. Commissioner G. Foulkes inquired if 2A will correct the quality of the fields. Ms. Amberg stated the fields would be regraded and built to be quality fields. Commissioner Hoffman commented the space we have can be better utilized. Commissioner Griffin and Commissioner Hoffman also stated that they do not believe there is a gender equity issue. The facts stated in all of these options show there is adequate fields. It is misleading to call this a gender equity issue. Ms. Griffin stated exploring the 2A option is a starting point and she noted the School District uses city fields. Ms. Burns stated all school officials have told her no. Commissioner Griffin suggested moving forward with the 2A option following the established process until there is an official rejection. Commissioner Griffin inquired why she was having conversations with the district before the process is complete. Commissioner Bluma requested Fastpich list a first, second and third choice option. Ms. Collins stated Dakota Park is a mess and a last choice for Fastpitch. Commissioner G. Foulkes suggested option 2B. Ms. Collins commented it is a better choice than 2A. Mr. Gross commented according to Ms. Amberg’s draft, Pennsylvania is not used in 2B. Ms. Amberg stated Fastpitch asked to have it taken off. Commissioner Griffin advised it can certainly be added back in to the design. Commissioner G. Foulkes suggested the 2B option with Pennsylvania Field added back in. Commissioner Griffin directed the meeting back to Commissioner Bluma’s request to rank the top three options. The SLP Fastpitch Association ranking order was as follows: option 1A, 2B then 2A. Commissioner S. Foulkes inquired if all of the fields need to be close, then recommended 2A with Pennsylvania added back in. Ms. Collins commented the middle school fields have no bathrooms or concession stand. She added there is not a suitable facility to store maintenance vehicles. Ms. Walsh advised storage, pitching and bathrooms are not in any of the designs. Commissioner Griffin advised the primary objective is to meet the needs and accommodate some of wants for Fastpitch. Commissioner Griffin inquired if three fields, at this time, are acceptable for Fastpitch. Ms. Collins advised not for tournaments. Aquila is the best option for tournaments. Following a brief discussion Commissioner Griffin summarized Aquila can still be used for tournaments. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting 5 May 3, 2017 She advised it is acceptable to give City Council the SLP Fastpitch Association request, along with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission recommendation, even if they disagree. Commissioner Hagemann inquired about participation numbers and how many teams surrounding communities are able to field. Ms. Collins stated Hopkins, Minnetonka and Edina all have a large number of teams using their fields. Commissioner Bluma recommended Option 2A, stating it will build community and leave room for future growth. Commissioner Hagemann agreed with Option 2A stating it is scalable and can be built upon in the future with no displacement of other teams who use the other fields. Commissioner S. Foulkes and Commissioner G. Foulkes agreed with Option 2A. Commissioner May inquired if Option 2A could potentially add the 4th field shown in 2B to meet future needs. After a brief discussion there was agreement that adding the 4th field is a possibility to explore in the future. Commissioner May then agreed to start with Option 2A. Commissioner Hoffman agreed Option 2A is the best choice to meet the need and desire for the SLP Fastpich Association to have one location. Councilmember Hageman added there is a value in providing quality facilities and agrees to moving forward with a recommendation. Presenting 2A to City Council will support the desire for the SLP Fastpitch Association to have all their fields in one location. Commissioner Griffin agreed with Option 2A. Commissioner Hagemann made a motion to move forward presenting Option 2A to City Council. Commissioner May seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 7 – 0. Mr. Gross inquired about changing the placement of the fields. After limited discussion Ms. Walsh advised further questions can be a part of future discussions with the School District regarding how the layout can have the least amount if impact to school facilities. Discussion can also include finding a central location for storage, concessions and other related requests. Commissioner Griffin advised all parties to kindly respect the established process and allow it to unfold in the proper order. City Council will discuss this issue with the School District. Commissioner Hoffman inquired how the project will be funded. There was a discussion about City, School and grants along with contributions from individual organizations. In the past, organizations have funded projects from tournament revenue and increased participation fees. The Fastpitch Association recently contributed to some improvements at Pennsylvania Park. Many other projects involved financial partnerships with the city also. Ms. Walsh advised a contribution from Fastpitch will be requested should the process continue to move forward. Commissioner Griffin confirmed the next step will be the June 12, City Council Study Session. The Commission and Fastpitch Association members agreed to the June 12 date. Ms. Amberg also confirmed she can attend the June 12 meeting. Ms. Walsh stated she will confirm the meeting by early June. In response to a question from Ms. Collins, Ms. Walsh advised the minutes from tonight’s meeting will be available after they are approved. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting 6 May 3, 2017 Mr. Beane advised the golf cart ordered requested by the Fastpitch Association has been ordered. He also stated fences are up at Pennsylvania Park and a drinking fountain is ready for use. Ms. Walsh stated a storage location should be discussed with Mr. Beane. In response to a question from Ms. Burns, there was a brief discussion about the Commission’s second and third option choice. Commissioner May indicated Dakota would be a last choice. Commissioner Griffin agreed, although the draft looks like a good option, it is not feasible. Commissioner Hagemann mentioned 1A as a potential 3rd Option. 5. Old Business a. ROC Update • Grand Opening: Sunday, May 21, 2 – 5 p.m. (Conjunction with Ice Cream Social) Mr. West distributed ROC magnets to the Commission Members. He stated the magnets will be given to the first thousand attendees at the ROC Grand Opening Event on May 21. The Grand Opening will be in conjunction with the Children First Ice Cream Social. He distributed copies of the layout of activity locations. He stated entertainment will include dance groups, singing groups and vendors, along with ice cream and the kid’s garage sale. There will be an official Mayor ribbon cutting at 2:35 p.m. please try to attend and arrive by 2:15. The rooftop of the ROC is in the process of installation. It must be stretched every day. The electric work is complete. In fact, the lights will be on until 9:30 p.m. tonight. He also mentioned the sound system is going in this week. The facility will be ready by May 21. There are already birthdays and a wedding booked. The Float and Flick event will be using the ROC. b. Minnehaha Creek Clean-up Recap Jim Vaughan (Natural Resources Coordinator) provided a recap and thank you note for Ms. Walsh to read to the Commission. Over 75 people attended. The boys and girls lacrosse teams were especially helpful. There were lots of items pulled from the creek. 6. Staff Communication Ms. Walsh reminded the Commission Arbor Day is Saturday, May 6. There is a tree planting event at the ROC at 9 a.m. Tree Trust will lead and train volunteers. Ms. Walsh provided an update on the Request for Proposals for architectural services for the Westwood Hills Nature Center building project. There were eleven architectural firms from various states who responded to the Request for Proposals. The proposals have been narrowed down to six. Commissioner Griffin asked if there is an estimated opening date. Ms. Walsh advised sometime in 2019. Mr. West, Sean Walther (Planning/Zoning Supervisor), Commissioner G. Foulkes and Mark Oestreich (Nature Center Manager) will interview representatives from six of the firms. The Commission will make a recommendation to Council and will have the best choice attend a Commission meeting. They plan to have a recommendation by the end of next week. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting 7 May 3, 2017 Mr. West stated California Skate Parks was selected for the new skate park project. He will send out an e-mail regarding a user group meeting. Commissioner Bluma is on the task force. Mr. Beane mentioned he received a request for a Gaga pit at the Junior High School. Mr. Beane explained a Gaga pit is used for a game. The Girl Scouts will submit a petition. 7. Member Communication Commissioner Hagemann requested the Commission members submit a comment for the Vision Board before leaving tonight if they were unable to write one at the Minnehaha Creek clean up. He would like each Commission member to write down one wish for St. Louis Park. Ms. Walsh mentioned it is her understanding there will be a Vision Board at the ice cream social as well. Commissioner Foulkes commented on the nature art pictures by Chelsey Bahe at the nature center. He stated the pictures are fantastic. Ms. Walsh mentioned they are on the website. Commissioner Hagemann stated Chelsey will be at the Children First Ice Cream Social creating nature art with children. Commissioner Hoffmann mentioned the name change for Lake Calhoun and inquired if there are potential offensive names in St. Louis Park. Ms. Walsh stated she is not aware of any. 8. Other / Future Agenda Items • Ms. Walsh suggested late May or Early June for the next Commission meeting. The Commission agreed to June 7 at 6 p.m. • Ms. Walsh advised this is the last meeting for Commissioner S. Foulkes. She is resigning from her Commission position. She will be missed. 9. Adjournment It was moved by Commissioner G. Foulkes and seconded by Commissioner S. Foulkes to adjourn at 8:12 p.m. The motion passed 7 - 0. Respectfully submitted, Carrie Mandler Carrie Mandler Recording Secretary