Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025/03/19 - ADMIN - Minutes - Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission - Regular Parks & recreation advisory commission meeting March 19, 2025 6 p.m. Official minutes Parks & recreation advisory commission Members present: Amy Brandli, Bruce Cantor, Jay Jaffee, Sonya Rippe and David Yakes Members absent: None. Staff present: Jason West, Parks and Recreation Director, Larry Umphrey, Parks Superintendent, Jason Eisold, Facilities Superintendent, Geoff Clarke, Rec Center Manager and Carrie Mandler Recording Secretary Guests: Rob Anklam, St. Louis Park Hockey Association 1. Call to order Commissioner Yakes, chair, called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. 2. Introductions / roll call 3. Approval of minutes – February 19, 2025 It was moved by Commissioner Rippe, seconded by Commissioner Cantor, to approve the meeting minutes of February 19, 2025, as presented. The motion passed 5– 0. 4. Presentations a. Hockey Association (Rob Anklam) Rob Anklam, St. Louis Park Hockey Association, introduced himself and mentioned that he is covering for the president who could not attend. He advised that as the district 3 representative, he attends the district meetings and reports back to the St. Louis Park Hockey Association (SLPHA). Mr. Anklam focused on highlights from the past season. He advised that the Pee Wee B1 team participated in the state tournament this season and took second place. He added that they only lost by one goal. The Junior Gold team was comprised of St. Louis Park and Benilde-St. Margaret’s players and took third in state. He advised that the Girls 15B team advanced to the regional tournament. Mr. Anklam indicated the association hosted a series of tournaments this season. SLPHA was awarded the highest AA Bantam and Pee Wee tournaments this season and that they are expecting to host more in the future. He mentioned that, unfortunately, they cannot use the ROC ice due to the state rule that does not allow outdoor ice for tournaments. In response to a question from Commissioner Yakes, Mr. Anklam advised that most outdoor ice consistency varies too much for tournament play. Parks & recreation advisory commission meeting March 19, 2025 2 Mr. Anklam advised that they have a new Rookie Camp recruiting initiative. The goal is to boost the participation of younger players (4 and 5-year-olds) adding that there were fewer players in this age group following the COVID–19 pandemic. Another highlight is the installation of the Orioles name and logo behind the home bench in the Rec Center. The association also switched to a new organization, Crossbar, to help with managing the ice and coordinating volunteers. Mr. Anklam highlighted the association goals: to grow the association, increase development opportunities, establish a healthy hockey community and improve how SLPHA operates. They started a very affordable Summer Sunday program and are rewriting the SLPHA bylaws. The boy’s youth association operates under a separate board and the girls are combined with Hopkins, called the Nordics. Mr. Anklam indicated during the 2024-2025 season there were 322 registered players providing for 28 Hopkins-Park teams. Five families benefited from the scholarship program and the association hosted seven tournaments. He added that this was their 13th season partnering with Hopkins for the girls’ program. In response to a question from Commissioner Jaffee, Mr. Anklam indicated that the scholarships were driven by the families who requested them. He added that the association partners with Bunny’s pull tabs. The pull tabs help fund scholarships and equipment. He indicated that very minimal information is required to receive a scholarship. Commissioner Yakes inquired if cost is a barrier to the program. Mr. Anklam advised that cost is less prohibitive now, and that transportation is a concern. He added that the summer program is only $50. Geoff Clarke, Recreation Center Manager, advised that the association provides almost all the equipment for the mite program. Players registered for the Rookie Camp receive a voucher for equipment. In response to a question from Commissioner Jaffee, Mr. Anklam advised that a large portion of the Bunny’s pull tab funds are used to cover the cost of ice, and a portion of the ROC was funded by the pull tabs as well. Mr. Anklam mentioned that other organizations will approach the board to request donations. The SLPHA has two years left to pay off the ROC. Once that is paid there will be an additional $100,000 per year to use for something else, perhaps some other Rec Center enhancement. Mr. Anklam advised that the Rec Center is noted for having some of the best ice and that is why the association was awarded so many premium tournaments. Mr. Anklam and the Commissioners traded thanks. b. Rec Center Campus 2025 capital improvement project review (Geoff Clarke) Jason Eisold, Facilities Superintendent, advised that there are 27 capital improvement projects for 2025 along with 10 carry-over projects from 2024. He advised that Mr. Clarke will address the Rec Center and Aquatic Park projects. Parks & recreation advisory commission meeting March 19, 2025 3 Commissioners viewed slides of the improvements to be completed. The iconic water park whale was pictured first. Mr. Clarke advised it was recently sandblasted, recoated and is now in much better shape. In response to a question from Commissioner Yakes, he advised that the city saved between $50,000 - $60,000 by recoating the whale verses purchasing a new water feature. Mr. Eisold added that there is also a water connection in the whale. He added that this is the fourth refurbishment of the whale and that the new coating should last between five and seven years. Mr. Clarke advised that another Aquatic Park improvement to be addressed this season is gutter stone replacement. He indicated that only select stones will be replaced. Other necessary repairs include Diamond Brite plaster repair, slide tower shade installations and pump and filter electrical repairs. Mr. Clarke indicated 48 reclining deck chairs will be replaced and a new concession oven will be installed this year. Mr. Eisold added that only some corners and spots will be replastered. Commissioner Brandli inquired as to what happens to the broken equipment. Mr. Clarke advised that most of the equipment is unreplaceable or put on auction if still useable. He added that ovens can go to auction but often don’t sell. Jason West, Parks and Recreation Director, advised that municipal items must be sold at an auction and this process is a part of state regulations. In response to a question from Commissioner Jaffee, Mr. Eisold advised that the pool, in theory, pays for itself. However, the funds are very weather dependent. He added that the entire Rec Center facility recovers about 80 - 90 percent of its cost. In response to a question from Commissioner Yakes, Mr. Eisold mentioned that he completed an assessment of nearby community pools last year. Most pools will last around 30 years, and many surrounding pools are at or near the 30-year maximum. The St. Louis Park pool is 28 years old. Mr. Eisold mentioned that the city is aiming for another five to nine years of use for the pool and added that a new facility will cost between $15 – $20 million. He indicated that there will be many other municipalities in need of new aquatic facilities in the next few years. Commissioner Yakes suggested the possible opportunity to combine with another city. Mr. West advised that the Commission will be involved in these future discussions. Mr. Clarke advised that the Rec Center’s ice rink refrigeration and dasher board replacement schedule contributes to the desirability of the Rec Center by other organizations. Last year the ROC received these repairs; in 2026 the west and east rink will be replaced. Mr. Eisold added that this was done ten years ago, and that the city would like to continue to keep things in good shape. In response to a question from Commissioner Jaffee, Mr. Eisold advised that dasher boards are the frame around the rink. Commissioner Yakes noted that parents communicate with each other and these good things will carry over year after year. Mr. Eisold added that this is the pride and joy of the staff and that a lot happens throughout the day and night. Mr. Clarke advised the Rec Center’s east roof was replaced in 2021. The west roof and banquet room roof are undergoing replacement design this year with plans for replacement in 2026. Staff would like to add a solar array; however, the roof is pitched east. For optimal solar energy production, the slant should be south. Mr. Eisold mentioned that the east arena roof currently has the largest solar array in the city. In response to a comment from Parks & recreation advisory commission meeting March 19, 2025 4 Commissioner Yakes, Mr. Eisold advised that the city received an approximate $80,000 return for the solar initiative. Mr. Clarke highlighted some smaller projects like the need to replace security cameras, banquet room carpet tile replacement, refrigeration repair and upkeep and landscaping. He added that the rock needs to be held in place by the ROC and mulch is needed throughout the pool area. Commissioner Yakes commented that the roundabout at the Rec Center entry helps with the traffic flow. In response to a question from Commissioner Jaffee, Mr. Clarke advised that there is a plan for more EV chargers at the Rec Center, however, electricity production will need to increase. Mr. Eisold added that geothermal energy will be studied in the future as well. c. Facilities 2025 capital improvement project review (Jason Eisold) Mr. Eisold advised that city hall was built in 1963, and an assessment must be conducted. He added that the city will hire a consultant and start in the fall. There is also a need for higher efficiency windows at city hall. The Municipal Service Center (MSC) will receive a new vehicle hoist installation in 2025. Commissioner Brandli inquired about the city hall repairs. She commented that the building is beautiful. Mr. Eisold agreed that the inside looks great, however, there may be things behind the surface that cannot be seen. Commissioner Yakes inquired if there is a maintenance schedule for the vehicles. Mr. Eisold advised there is a program that monitors their use, including GPS. In response to a question from Commissioner Jaffee, Mr. Eisold advised that more electric vehicles will be purchased. He added that before this can happen the electric grid will need to be increased. Commissioners viewed a picture of the MSC fuel island. Mr. Eisold highlighted the repair explaining the city would like to replace the entire pad and redesign it, so the rainwater doesn’t flow toward the pumps. Mr. Eisold advised that the gates and Westwood Hills Nature Center and the police station will be replaced in 2025. Mr. Eisold advised that there are 265 cameras in the city that will need to be upgraded throughout time. Commission Brandli inquired where the camera feed goes. Mr. Eisold advised that it goes to the police dispatch, is saved for up to seven days and then destroyed. Mr. Eisold highlighted other notable projects including HVAC control upgrades at city hall and installing one system garage door openers. He added that there is a need for universal remotes. He also highlighted ceiling tile replacements at city hall and the police department as well as an office remodel for the police department. Mr. Eisold advised that there was a police Parks & recreation advisory commission meeting March 19, 2025 5 department facility assessment completed last year. Mr. West added that Commissioners will be asked to provide input during the process. In response to a comment from Commissioner Yakes regarding plowing divots, Mr. Clarke advised it is very difficult for the plow operators to see where the sidewalk and street is. Mr. Eisold advised that stakes help, along with conversations. Mr. Umphrey, Parks Superintendent, added that stakes often get removed. He also commented that the machines bounce and are difficult to direct. Commissioner Rippe added that divots are very common and can be repaired later. Mr. Clarke advised that staked property is helpful and appreciated. In response to a question from Commissioner Cantor, Mr. Eisold advised that auction items are sold on Minnesota bid. Commissioners thanked Mr. Eisold and Mr. Clarke, and they thanked the Commissioners. 5. Business a. Louisiana Oaks Park off-leash dog park update (Jason West + Larry Umphrey) Commissioner Yakes briefly reviewed the off-leash dog park background. Mr. West provided a slide of the criteria for off-leash dog parks which was edited and newly approved by the Commissioners at the January 2025 meeting. He advised that the criteria will be included in the council report. Mr. West then presented a slide depicting an aerial photo of the Louisiana Oaks Park off- leash dog park proposed location, along with research by Mr. Umphrey which included an itemized price list for installation of an off-leash dog park at that location. The site is located on the former Reilly Tar & Chemical Corp. and will require considerable soil mitigation. The estimated total cost to have an off-leash dog park at Louisiana Oaks Park is $266,200. Part of that cost is to add two to three feet of clean fill over the site which is estimated at 6,000 cubic yards totaling $200,000. Following an inquiry from Commissioner Yakes, Mr. Umphrey confirmed that the additional soil is due to the location of the site on the former Reilly Tar & Chemical location. He added that whenever there is clean topsoil required for a project, the price will increase substantially. Commissioner Jaffee inquired as to approximately how long the clean fill will last. Mr. Umphrey advised that it would last a long time. He added that delivery of the soil is a concern, however, and advised that there is no road or nearby parking space. Commissioner Yakes suggested providing signs to inform users not to let their dogs dig on the site. Commissioner Yakes noted that there are some nearby houses and suggested that some resident dog owners may like having the off-leash dog park there, others who don’t have dogs may not. Commissioner Rippe commented that no matter where an off-leash dog park is chosen there will be unhappy neighbors unless they are dog owners. Mr. West summarized that Louisiana Oaks Park could be a possible location, however, there will be a cost. Parks & recreation advisory commission meeting March 19, 2025 6 Mr. West provided another slide that showed that the current use for the land adjacent to the proposed off-leash dog park is a restored prairie planted by Mike Bahe, Natural Resource Manager, and staff. Mr. West advised that there are plans in 2025 to continue the prairie plantings to the top of the hill and over the site where the proposed off-leash dog park is being considered. Mr. Umphrey advised that the off-leash dog park could have adverse effects on the prairie due to waste from the dog park and user access to the dog park. b. Potential off-leash dog park at Aquila Park discussion (Jason West + Larry Umphrey) Commissioners viewed a picture showing the aerial view of Aquila Park. It outlined the location of the proposed off-leash dog park. Mr. Umphrey indicated the proposed location is just south of the tennis courts and mentioned that an off-leash dog park next to the tennis courts may not be well received. He added that there is no buffer. Commissioner Brandli indicated the location would interfere with the sledding hill. Mr. Umphrey advised that Aquila Park is highly programmed, and parking is limited. Commissioner Jaffee commented that tennis players may not like dogs chasing their tennis balls. Mr. Umphrey advised that Benilde-St. Margaret’s provided half of the funding for the tennis courts. In response to a question from Commissioner Rippe, Mr. Umphrey advised that the area does fit the required size criteria, however, it is tight. He added that the proposed area is a low wetland. In response to a question from the Commissioner Cantor concerning the recent frequent increase in dog park requests, Mr. West indicated that the current requests are driven by an increase in requests from residents. Therefore, the council is requesting that staff research each location, and that Commissioners make a recommendation on each location. He added that St. Louis Park is not a large area, so parks are tight and small. Commissioners viewed a slide that showed where the City of St. Louis Park stands in comparison to other similar communities. Very few cities have formal, year-round off-leash dog parks that are maintained by the city. Four out of the seven cities surveyed do not have off-leash dog parks, however, some use seasonal hockey rinks. Two have assistance from either Three Rivers Park District or Ramsey County. Mr. West advised that the City of St. Louis Park exceeds the average. He inquired if Commissioners would consider seasonal hockey rinks. Commissioner Brandli suggested that more public education be released, and Mr. West agreed. In response to a question from Commissioner Jaffee regarding off-leash dog parks in Minneapolis, Mr. Umphrey advised that Minneapolis is eight times the size of St. Louis Park and not a good comparison, although he estimated approximately four off-leash dog parks are in Minneapolis. Commissioners considered possible reasons why there is an increase in off-lease dog park requests citing possible safety concerns or a desire for convenient locations. Commissioner Rippe advised that rather than discuss reasons, diligence with thoughtful research and response is what the council needs from the Commission. She added that Plymouth is 36 Parks & recreation advisory commission meeting March 19, 2025 7 square miles and has two off-leash dog parks. One is very large and mostly wetland, the other is an old hockey rink. Commissioner Brandli proposed that the reports written by Mr. Umphrey should be sent to the council along with their recommendation. Mr. West inquired where else in the city can there be another off-leash dog park? Commissioner Jaffee mentioned that residents with dogs want an off-leash dog park close to where they live. He added that the information Mr. Umphrey provided was very helpful. Commissioner Brandli advised that the data shows that St. Louis Park is fine already in a good position concerning the number of off-leash dog parks. In response to a question from Commissioner Yakes, Mr. West advised the city council would like a motion tonight. It was moved by Commissioner Jaffee, seconded by Commissioner Brandli, not to recommend Louisiana Oaks Park for an off-leash dog park due to soil mitigation costs stemming from the environmental restraints at that location. The motion passed 5 – 0. It was moved by Commissioner Brandli, seconded by Commissioner Rippe, not to recommend Aquila Park for an off-leash dog park due to the undesired closeness to tennis courts, impact on sledding hill, location is a wetland and the lack of nearby parking in a highly programmed area. The motion passed 5 – 0. It was moved by Commissioner Jaffee, seconded by Commissioner Brandli, to amend the off-leash dog park recommendation for Louisiana Oaks Park to include the lack of nearby parking as an additional reason not to recommend Louisiana Oaks Park for an off-leash dog park. The motion passed 5 – 0. Mr. Umphrey indicated that he has identified other areas that could potentially be developed into off-leash dog parks in the future. Mr. Umphrey updated his estimation of off-leash dog parks in Minneapolis to nine parks, although most are simply grass or dirt and no lights. Commissioner Rippe advised that the park comparisons should continue to be with like sized communities. Mr. Umphrey was thanked and, likewise, thanked by Commissioners. 6. Staff communication a. Fleet Maintenance Video (Jason West) Mr. West shared a fleet maintenance video created by the St. Louis Park communications staff. He mentioned it is good to showcase what staff do and how passionate they are about their work. Commissioner Jaffee noted that residents don’t often think about everything that is included in their taxes. Commissioner Cantor suggested providing a link to the video. Parks & recreation advisory commission meeting March 19, 2025 8 Commission Jaffee agreed that the link is a good idea. Commissioner Brandli suggested using Bitly also. b. Upcoming meetings and events Mr. West mentioned that the upcoming March skate show is this weekend at the Rec Center. He commented that the show is phenomenal and that the skate school is one of the parks and recreation’s largest grossing events. Mr. West advised that the joint meeting with the St. Louis Park Environment and Sustainability Commission will be April 23rd. The meeting will start in the Aspen room. Then the commissions will separate to conduct their own business. Mr. West advised that he and Mr. Umphrey will provide more potential off-leash dog park locations at a future meeting. Mr. West noted that May 21 is the next Youth Association President Summit. He commended Commissioners for the successful initiative. Mr. West advised that the Parks and Recreation Activities catalogue and Park Perspective Newsletter were recently mailed to residents. 7. Member communication Commissioner Yakes advised that he met with Mr. Umphrey at Lamplighter Park to evaluate the drainage issue and that Mr. Umphrey pinpointed exactly what the issue was. 8. Adjournment It was moved by Commissioner Cantor, seconded by Commissioner Rippe, to adjourn the meeting at 8:03 p.m. The motion passed 5 – 0. Respectfully Submitted, Carrie Mandler Recording Secretary