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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025/01/15 - ADMIN - Minutes - Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission - Regular Parks & recreation advisory commission meeting January 15, 2025 6 p.m. Official minutes Parks & recreation advisory commission Members present: Bruce Cantor, Jay Jaffee, Sonya Rippe and David Yakes Members absent: Amy Brandli Staff present: Jason West, Parks and Recreation Director, Larry Umphrey, Parks Superintendent, Carrie Mandler, Recording Secretary Guests: Paul Bierhaus, Kids Around the World 1. Call to order Commissioner Rippe, chair, called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. 2. Introductions / roll call 3. Approval of minutes – December 4, 2024 It was moved by Commissioner Cantor, seconded by Commissioner Jaffee, to approve the meeting minutes of December 4, 2024, as presented. The motion passed 4 – 0. 4. Presentations a. Kids Around the World (Paul Bierhaus) Paul Bierhaus from Kids Around the World, advised that the Kids Around the World organization (KATW) provides refurbished playground equipment to areas of the world where children have never seen playgrounds. He advised that the organization removes old, retired playground equipment donated from cities or other organizations in the United States, refurbishes the equipment, ships and rebuilds it in other parts of the world where children can reuse it. There is no cost to the cities to donate the equipment and KATW takes care of all costs and labor. St. Louis Park has donated 15 playgrounds. He added that other suburbs have also made the decision to donate. Mr. Bierhaus advised that there are St. Louis Park city staff who offer to help the KATW by assisting with the removals. Commissioners viewed slides of the refurbished playgrounds in Uganda and the Dominican Republic. Mr. Bierhaus advised that no other organization in the world does what KATW does. He added that more children will use the equipment in one week than the children in our community will use the equipment in a month. He indicated the playgrounds literally transform communities. Mr. Bierhaus listed examples of how the communities added to and built around the playgrounds and how people who never spoke to each other began to connect. He added an example of how a city and county tried to outdo each other with additional embellishments for the playground and surrounding area. In Europe, Mr. Bierhaus advised, many cities only have one playground. Mr. Bierhaus advised that KATW is growing. In the past, it would take two years per playground, however, now with the help of Parks & recreation advisory commission meeting January 15, 2025 2 volunteers and financial donations, they have grown dramatically and have installed over 1,000 playgrounds worldwide. Mr. Bierhaus indicated that the organization helps to provide the right for children to play and St. Louis Park partnership help make play possible. He added that of the 2.2 billion children in the world, one billion live in poverty. Commissioner Yakes advised that St. Louis Park should provide a link to the Kids Around the World story. Mr. Bierhaus indicated some cities provide information signs as the equipment is removed. Commissioner Yakes advised that families could use the story as a way to connect children and the community with the rest of the world. Commissioner Jaffee advised that this would be good information for the taxpayers to know that the old equipment is not simply destroyed. Commissioners thanked Mr. Bierhaus for his presentation. b. Parks Capital Improvement Project review (Larry Umphrey) Larry Umphrey, Parks Superintendent, provided slides for Commissioners of the capital improvement updates from 2024, beginning with the completion of the Aquila Park tennis courts. Next, he advised that Browndale Park was one of the St. Louis Park playgrounds that was donated to Kids Around the World. The new playground installation was completed in September of 2024. Jackley Park was also donated to KATW, and the new installation was completed in August. Knollwood Green installation was completed in October, however, the equipment was in rough condition and could not be donated to KATW. Mr. Umphrey advised the Jorvig Park Depot building was repainted, lead paint removed and approximately 160 rotted boards were replaced in 2024. He added that there are currently holiday lights still up on the building. He indicated that the Wolfe Park light poles were replaced and LED lights installed in 2024 as well. Mr. Umphrey provided slides of the scheduled 2025 Capital Improvements. Ainsworth Park is scheduled for a playground replacement in September 2025. A Request for Proposal (RFP) is currently out with a deadline of January 22. Mr. Umphrey advised that the Brox Park playground is scheduled for replacement in July. A RFP is out, and that deadline is also January 22. Mr. Umphrey advised that the city is considering adding shade structures and a concrete boarder to the Bronx Park RFP. Other 2025 projects include: Fern Hill Park tennis court resurface along with the basketball court at Minikahda Vista. Bass Lake, Ainsworth and Fern Hill parks will need park shelter replacements. Mr. Umphrey advised that the Wolfe Park amphitheater paver replacement project will involve more research to find a way to keep the pavers from being overgrown with weeds. Commissioner Jaffee mentioned that rain and water pooling might become an issue as well. Mr. Umphrey advised that they likely will have an engineer take a look at the project. Mr. Umphrey advised that the trails at Carpenter, Edgebrook, Jersey and Shelard Parks will be reconstructed. He added that Webster Park is on the list for a playground pending decisions from MnDOT. Parks & recreation advisory commission meeting January 15, 2025 3 Commissioner Yakes inquired if there are any plans to consider an adult playground. Mr. Umphrey indicated there are many companies that focus on adult amenities. He added that there would need to be an agreement on the location and mentioned that there are possible grants for adult fitness. Mr. West advised that there are adult exercise pieces at Carpenter Park. Commissioner Jaffee commented that children are more likely to use any equipment in the winter. Commission Rippe commented that she really liked an outdoor fitness area, however, children played on it often, so she would avoid using it. Another comment was made that children often use adult equipment inappropriately. Commissioner Rippe advised that the City of Plymouth was able to receive a matching grant for one of their parks. In response to a question from Commissioner Cantor, Mr. Umphrey advised that although it was a tough decision to leave his previous job, he is very happy he made the choice to work for St. Louis Park. He added that all the staff from the top down are supportive and great to work with. Mr. Umphrey added his thoughts about resting fields from overuse and not using artificial turf. He advised that the staff has done well to sell the point to youth organizations. He added that St. Louis Park is a well-run and well supported city, with employees that care and take pride in their work. Mr. West advised that the City of St. Louis Park is very fortunate to have Mr. Umphrey. He is always positive and willing to learn and grow. Commissioner Yakes advised that artificial turf takes a lot of maintenance and is very costly over time. He added that he does not like the idea of covering the earth with plastic and commented he is concerned about micro plastics. Mr. Umphrey advised that he needs the support of youth associations to keep the turf free. It is hoped that people will see the long-term gain. He added that the city will also need to replace and use irrigation wisely and use the least toxic and most effective spray. Mr. Jaffee suggested publicizing the field resting information in the newspaper and that notices should be sent out to the surrounding community. Commissioner Yakes agreed that early community information will help create support. Commissioner Rippe commented that she hopes the fence will keep participants off. 5. Business a. Approve 2025 Commission Workplan (Jason West) Each initiative for 2025 Workplan was reviewed by Commissioners. • Joint Meeting with Environment & Sustainability Commission: Mr. West advised that the Environment & Sustainability Commission is interested in the joint meeting and would like to help create a pre-meeting agenda. Mr. West suggested that the two commissions could separate after the initial meeting. Commissioners agreed to a 2nd quarter April meeting. • Youth Association President Summit: Commissioners agreed to continue with the May and November summits. Parks & recreation advisory commission meeting January 15, 2025 4 • Support Vision 4.0: Mr. West advised that Pat Coleman, Community Engagement Coordinator, will be meeting with the Commission more often. • Minnehaha Creek Clean-up: Commissioner Rippe inquired if this could be a joint project with the Environment & Sustainability Commission and that they be notified earlier if they are interested in joining. • Webster Park – review and provide input: Mr. West advised that there will be updates. • Host annual staff appreciation event: Mr. West noted that the staff greatly appreciates the Commission providing this for them. • Association/community group connection: Commissioners agreed that they would like to continue inviting community groups to give presentations at the meetings. • Commissioners volunteer for Community Events It was moved by Commissioner Yakes, seconded by Commissioner Cantor to accept the 2025 Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Workplan as presented. The motion passed 4 – 0. b. Potential sites for Off-Leash Dog Park discussion (Jason West) Mr. West provided the Commissioners with the background of the council request for review of two Off-Leash Dog Park sites. He advised that two different residents spoke to two different council members about creating an Off-Leash Dog Park at two different parks in St. Louis Park. The council requested that the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission review and update the Considerations and the Concerns lists that were created in 2005 then make a recommendation on each of the two potential sites. After looking at the two separate lists, Commissioner Rippe advised that since most people own their own cell phones, an emergency 911 telephone would not be needed, however, accessibility and emergency access should be on the list. Commissioner Jaffee suggested combining and amending the two lists and Commissioners agreed. Commissioner Rippe advised that any resident near a park will have noise and light issues to deal with. Commissioner Jaffee advised that some residents may not like dogs barking. Commissioner Cantor advised that any public facility would have increased traffic, parking issues and noise at times. Mr. Umphrey advised that the Dakota Park Off-leash dog park has a timed solar light, however, the park hours are the same as any other park in St. Louis Park. Commissioner Yakes advised that a parking lot should be somewhat close. Commissioners agreed that the dog park should not interfere with other park amenities. Commissioner Rippe recommended removing the fee since dog licenses already create revenue and there is not a way to monitor the additional fee. Following discussion about the size of one acre, Commissioners agreed to reduce the required minimum size to half of an acre. Parks & recreation advisory commission meeting January 15, 2025 5 A final list of requirements and considerations was combined and amended as follows: • Minimum size: half an acre • Dog waste disposal and trash disposal • Double gate for control • Close parking and street access to entrance of site • Lighting at entrance for safety • Mud control and drainage • Minimum five-foot fence • Accessibility • Restrooms for dog owners • Hours of operation would be same as park hours • Consider proximity to other park amenities • Consider noise pollution (i.e. barking dogs) • Consider community engagement Commissioners discussed the need for a public engagement process if a park is under strong consideration for this purpose. In response to a question from Commissioner Jaffee, Commissioner Rippe advised that the City of Plymouth is 36 square miles in size and has two dog parks. Mr. West advised that St. Louis Park has two dog parks and is 10 square miles in size. Commissioner Jaffee suggested future research on how much the current Off-Leash Dog Parks are used. Commissioner Rippe added that Plymouth has a 20-acre dog park, however, mostly it is wetland. It was moved by Commissioner Yakes, seconded by Commissioner Cantor to approve the combined and amended Off-Leash Dog Park Requirements and Consideration list. The motion passed 4 – 0. Twin Lakes Park possible off-leash dog park site Commissioners discussed Twin Lakes Park as a possible off-leash dog park site. Commissioner Rippe inquired if the field is used by sports associations. Mr. West advised that a portion of the outfield would be cut off by the dog park. Commissioners agreed that Twin Lakes Park is small and does not meet the approved criteria. Louisiana Oaks Park possible off-leash dog park site Mr. West advised that there are contaminants capped off approximately two feet under the topsoil from the former Reilly Tar site. He added that it would be very expensive to mitigate the contamination issue and build a suitable off-leash dog park. Commissioners agreed Louisiana Oaks would not be a good choice for an off-leash dog park. Mr. Umphrey mentioned that there will be a native prairie restoration in that area also. Parks & recreation advisory commission meeting January 15, 2025 6 Commissioner Yakes advised that he would like to continue discussions to find creative ways to provide accommodations for dog owners and their dogs. It was moved by Commissioner Jaffee, seconded by Commissioner Yakes, not to recommend Twin Lakes Park for an off-leash dog park due to the inability to accommodate the half-acre size requirement, and not to recommend Louisiana Oaks for an off-leash dog park due to the environmental restraints at that location. The motion passed 4 – 0. Mr. West mentioned he recently reached out to Sean Walther, Deputy Community Development Director, to see other vacant properties within St. Louis Park. Mr. West advised that there might be some other areas that may fit the approved criteria for an off-leash dog park. He suggested that the Commissioners take a deeper look at another time. Mr. Umphrey advised that he is not receiving calls about the current off-leash dog parks being too crowded. c. Discuss April meeting date (Jason West) In response to a question from Mr. West, Commissioners agreed to move the April 16 meeting to April 23. Mr. West will contact the Environment & Sustainability Commission regarding the date. 6. Staff Communication a. MRPA Professional award recipients for 2024 (Jason West) Commissioner Rippe advised that there were close to 150 colleagues in attendance at the recent Minnesota Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) awards luncheon. She added that she was pleased to acknowledge that two St. Louis Park staff received awards. Jason West, Parks and Recreation Director, received the Dr. Gerald B. Fitzgerald Leadership Award and Nikki Friederich, Recreation Superintendent, received the Nelson Niles award, a leadership award for a professional in the field for at least 15 years. Mr. West thanked Commissioner Rippe for nominating him. He advised that the awards are for leadership in the community as well as in the MRPA organization. He mentioned that Commissioner Rippe was sworn in at that same event as the 2025 President of MRPA. He added that Cindy Walsh introduced him, and his family attended. Commissioners viewed slides of photos from the event. Mr. West highlighted small, quarter-sheet advertisements for upcoming Parks and Recreation programs. 7. Member communication Commissioner Yakes commented that he enjoyed researching and advising about dog parks. Commissioner Jaffee agreed. Mr. West advised that he appreciates that the Commissioners did the work and visited the proposed sites prior to the meeting. Parks & recreation advisory commission meeting January 15, 2025 7 8. Adjournment It was moved by Commissioner Yakes, seconded by Commissioner Cantor, to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 p.m. The motion passed 4 – 0. Respectfully Submitted, Carrie Mandler Recording Secretary