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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025/04/23 - ADMIN - Minutes - Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission - Regular Parks & recreation advisory commission meeting April 23, 2025 6 p.m. Parks & recreation advisory commission and Environment & sustainability commission Official minutes of April 23, 2025 Members present: Bruce Cantor, Jay Jaffee, Sonya Rippe, David Yakes, Amy Brandli, Jessie Hendrix, Eric Zweber, Ethan Kehrberg, Bennett Myhran, Avery Kuehl, Marisa Bayer, Shaina Ashare, Tatiana Giraldo, Natalie Wagner, Ryan Griffin and Abigail Oppegaard Members absent: Ramil Goonetilleke and Sasha Shahidi Staff present: Jason West, Parks and Recreation Director, Michael Bahe, Natural Resources Manager, Mark Oestreich, Nature Center Manager, Annie Pottorff, Sustainability Specialist, Carrie Mandler, Recording Secretary Guests: Nancy Rose 1. Call to order Jason West, Parks and Recreation Director, called the meeting to order at 6:06 p.m. 2. Introductions / roll call 3. Presentations a. Tree programs and projects update (Michael Bahe) Mike Bahe, Natural Resources Manager, advised that he oversees several areas including forestry, weed inspection, brush sites, restoration and wildlife habitat throughout the city. He stated that St. Louis Park has been a Tree City USA Award recipient for the past 45 years and recently added a Growth Award. He advised that St. Louis Park is also one of 200 cities worldwide to receive a Tree Cities of the World Award. Commissioners viewed a slide which pictured a map showing the tree removals in 2024. Mr. Bahe advised that Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) continues to destroy the trees on both public and private property. In 2024 there were 257 private property trees, and 431 public property trees marked with EAB. He added that there were some residents who were able to receive tree removal payment relief through a grant covering 100% of the cost of the removal provided their income was within the required threshold. In 2024 there were 1,204 trees planted along streets and in parks. Mr. Bahe advised that in the spring of 2025 the city expects to plant 711 trees and added that the fall sites have not yet been determined. Commissioners viewed a slide of a new process for planting trees. In response to a question from Commissioner Hendrix, Mr. Bahe advised that the containers are reusable and the wood under the tree decomposes. He added that this new method causes very little disturbance to tree roots and only requires a 12’ planting depth. Parks & recreation advisory commission meeting April 23, 2025 2 Mr. Bahe highlighted the upcoming Arbor Day event at Browndale Park on May 10 from 9 - noon. He advised that the Arborators, a musical group who climb and play in trees, will be performing. He added that one of the city staff, Alissa Cotton, is one of the arborists who will be playing in the band. Commissioners viewed a short video of the Arborators. He added that there will be tree planting funded by Tree Trust and activities for children. At Nelson Park there will also be a Tree ID Walk. Mr. Bahe noted that there are some new pre-Arbor Day art events on April 28 and May 1. Mr. Bahe advised that most of the St. Louis Park tree canopy is on private property. He added that the city sponsored tree sale helps to promote the canopy. He advised that in 2024 there were 515 trees sold and that some sales were through the Shade SLP Plus program. Mr. Bahe advised that the St. Louis Park City Council is in support of the natural resource initiatives; to increase the tree canopy goals (30% by 2035 and 35% by 2045) and to identify and preserve trees on commercial property through the Heritage Tree program. Commissioners viewed pictures, which showed alterations that the city can make to prioritize trees. He pointed out how the sidewalk in one picture was altered to protect a large tree. Commissioners viewed a map which identified some of the final areas of the Great River Greening buckthorn removal at Westwood Hills Nature Center. Mr. Bahe advised that they are applying for the next phase of the LCCMR funding. Mr. Bahe indicated there were 41 attendees for the Pollinate the Park speaker last night at Westwood Hills Nature Center. He advised that the city is converting low use park areas to prairies. There are 3.35 acres currently converted, and two more areas will be converted in 2025. Commissioners viewed a slide that listed the upcoming 2025 happenings and Mr. Bahe offered time for questions. In response to a question from Commissioner Yakes, Mr. Bahe advised that they recently built a web page containing information on how to care for mature trees, including irrigation and landscaping. Mr. Yakes inquired if the north side of the nature center could be excavated and planted for better tree coverage. Mr. Oestreich, Nature Center Manager, advised that there have been some trees planted in that area along with some prairie restoration. He added that the soil is not very good, however, there were small seedlings planted. Mr. Bahe added that with help from the county, there were 4,000 seedlings planted last year. Commissioner Brandli inquired if there is more information about buckthorn management on private property. Mr. Bahe referred to the city website for additional information. Commissioner Giraldo commented that a water alert system for tree watering would be helpful to citizens to identify signs of stress and when to water mature trees. Mr. Bahe advised that there is information about watering trees on the city website and that the city has a great social media team who might be able to post more tree care information. Parks & recreation advisory commission meeting April 23, 2025 3 b. Westwood Hills Nature Center update (Mark Oestreich) Mr. Oestreich noted that six years ago, on April 22, the city broke ground for the new nature center building. He advised that the joint powers agreement with the school district began in the 1970’s and many St. Louis Park school groups attended programs at Westwood Hills Nature Center during that time. However, prior to the new building, the number of students attending field trips from the St. Louis Park schools decreased. Mr. Oestreich advised that the new school district curriculum director, Patrick Duffy, reestablished partnerships with Westwood, the school district and community education. Mr. Oestreich advised that now the district covers the cost for every student to attend a trip to Westwood at least once per year from early learning through 8th grade. He advised that partnerships with the nearby middle school are reestablished and there is consideration for high school classes to be taught at Westwood Hills Nature Center. Mr. Oestreich advised that the Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) program meets with a naturalist at Westwood every Wednesday. There are adult programs taught from archery to forest bathing and senior nature walks. He added that the Westwood staff also worked off-site to contribute to school programs like the Annual Winter Carnival. Mr. Oestreich advised that, although environmental education is still the main focus, there are many types of groups who rent space at Westwood. There are large 12-hour rentals (i.e. weddings) using private rooms during regular business hours and expanding their use to the entire building after hours. He advised there are repeat customers who use the building regularly for business meetings and there are many other events like baby showers, wedding showers, life celebrations and graduation parties. He advised that the rental revenue increased 45% from 2023 to 2024. He added there will be a very large business group meeting at Westwood tomorrow for most of the day. Mr. Oestreich advised that the average yearly attendance prior to construction was around 35,000 visitors per year. In 2024, the total attendance rose to 226,844. Mr. Oestreich advised that summer camps are very popular. In the 1960’s Westwood was a day camp. He added that there are 493 participants registered for 19 different camps this summer providing approximately 11,000 hours of programming for children at camp. He advised that the camps are Monday through Thursday and on Friday outside groups are often scheduled to provide approximately 1,050 additional participants with Westwood summer programming through on-site and off-site programs. Commissioners viewed programming slides of the bike camp and the Mobil Metal Lab foundry in which participants were able to create metal nature art in a repurposed city bus that came to Westwood. Another highlight, noted by Mr. Oestreich, is the on-going partnership with Friends of the Arts, Trail of Small Wonders. He noted the grand opening for the trail is in early July. He advised there are workshops for participants to create their own small houses, or they can register with the Friends of the Arts organization to make at home and place a house on the trail. Mr. Oestreich advised that thousands of visitors from all over the metro attend this event. Commissioners viewed pictures of the trail and participants. He added that numbers have grown exponentially. Parks & recreation advisory commission meeting April 23, 2025 4 Mr. Oestreich advised that Tree Trust has worked with Westwood Hills Nature Center since the 1970’s. He advised that there is on-going boardwalk repair, and they will be working on those repairs throughout the summer. He added that there will be a contractor completing concrete work in the upper and lower water gardens this spring to provide better accessibility to those areas. Commissioners viewed a slide of the new apiary pollinator art wall created by Chris Tully, a St. Louis Park graduate. Mr. Oestreich advised that the wall will show that there are many kinds of pollinators. Funding for the educational art wall was provided by a nature center visitor. Mr. Oestreich advised that staff hived bees in the new observation enclosure today. He added that three memorial benches and a new entry gate will be installed this summer. Mr. Oestreich advised that Westwood was chosen for an NRPA sustainable building design webinar in January. The nature center was also used in a U.S. Department of Energy case study last summer. He advised that there were twenty buildings chosen from across the country for the study. Commissioner Yakes inquired if some of the boardwalk pieces could be placed near the dock for visitors to see turtles sunning. Mr. Oestreich advised that he directed the parkkeeper, Katie, to place some of the tree sections in the pond for that purpose. In response to a question from Commissioner Brandli, Mr. Oestreich advised that word of mouth has been the best promotion for Westwood building rentals. He advised that there needs to be a balance between rental space and programming space and added that Heidi Batistich, Recreation and Facilities Manager, created some unique promotional opportunities for weddings and wedding vendors through an event she arranged approximately two years ago. Commissioner Giraldo advised that she attended a maple syrup program with her child at Westwood, and they learned a lot while having fun. She commented that there are very few places where there is quality education for very young students. Mr. Oestreich advised that the Westwood staff have served Westwood a very long time, adding that they are able to build lasting relationships. He added that some of the students become volunteers and some even become employed when they are old enough. Mr. West added that the city is very fortunate to have such amazing longevity in its staff. 4. Business a. Minnehaha Creek clean-up date discussion (Commissioner Yakes) Commissioner Yakes inquired if the Environment and Sustainability Commission (ESC) would be interested in assisting the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission (PRAC) with the Minnehaha Creek clean-up. In response to a question from Commissioner Hendrix, Commissioner Yakes advised that every year a section of the creek is chosen for the Parks & recreation advisory commission meeting April 23, 2025 5 clean-up. Mr. Bahe added that the location will most likely be at Knollwood again this year. In response to a comment regarding clean-up in the summer, Commissioner Yakes advised that summer is a challenge. Mr. West added that the water level is often a challenge in the summer. Commissioner Canter advised that the clean-up took place in the spring in previous years, however, fall has worked out better for this event. There is an opportunity to walk the creek that might not happen any other time. A comment was made that wood tick season is over and there are fewer mosquitoes in the fall. Mr. Bahe suggested Saturday, October 4 from 9 – noon. The ESC agreed to help. Mr. Bahe advised that bags, gloves and pickers are provided. In response to a question from Commissioner Brandli, Mr. Bahe advised that the event is open to the public. Commissioner Giraldo suggested advertising in the schools. b. Promote value of trees, ESC work plan item (Annie Pottorff) Ms. Pottorff advised that at the ESC annual retreat, the ESC generated a plan to invite the PRAC to form a tree promoting sub commission with the ESC. One of the ESC work plan initiatives is to promote the value of trees and native ecosystems. Ms. Pottorff advised that the ESC proposed a new tree-promoting idea for the sub commission and called it the MV-Tree award. She requested that commissioners consider a tree to nominate and to help lead a tree planting event at the nature center as a part of the sub commission. She advised that the sub commission could provide a resource table at the Arbor Day event to assist staff in educating residents about tree care. Commissioner Myhran advised that this sub commission will work together to brainstorm ideas. Commissioner Griffin advised that he would like to further evaluate the value of wild spaces with native trees in natural spaces and added that he would like to see more children in real nature, and to preserve the old trees. Commissioner Myhran advised that this new commission will help communicate the importance of trees. In response to a question from Commissioner Yakes, Ms. Pottorff advised that if there is interest from the PRAC please let her know. Commissioner Yakes advised that he is interested. Commissioner Jaffee suggested further discussion. Ms. Pottorf advised that this commission is a subgroup. Mr. West inquired if the ESC and PRAC joint meeting was beneficial, and commissioners agreed that it was. 5. Adjournment The joint ESC and PRAC meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m. Parks & recreation advisory commission meeting April 23, 2025 6 PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING This meeting began immediately following the joint ESC and PRAC Commission meeting. 1. Approval of minutes – March 19, 2025 It was moved by Commissioner Jaffee, seconded by Commissioner Rippe, to approve the meeting minutes of March 19, 2025, as presented. The motion passed 5 – 0. 2. Business a. Youth Association President Summit reminder, May 21, 6 p.m. Mr. West advised that the upcoming presidential summit is part of the PRAC work plan. He added that there is synergy in the meeting and representatives communicate. Mr. West advised that Andy Ewald, St. Louis Park Schools Athletic Director, would like to see an increase in diversity and examples of the increase. Mr. West has been in contact with Pixellot, a company that can live stream sports. He advised that he met with the representatives at a conference and would consider inviting them to give a presentation at the summit to show what their services can provide. Commissioner Jaffee inquired if it requires a subscription. Mr. West advised that he would have more details on Pixellot in a couple weeks. Commissioner Cantor advised that since the hockey association ROC financing portion is almost complete, he would like to see some discussion on the possibility of more grants from that fund. He added that he would also like to have more discussion on the cost savings for group sports insurance. In response to a question from Commissioner Brandli regarding whether there are standing agenda items and how many associations attend the summit, Commissioner Rippe advised that there is usually a video created by some of the high school students. Mr. West advised that 10 to 12 associations attend, and he will be meeting with community education to create the agenda soon. He added that he would like input from Commissioners to help determine the agenda. Commissioner Cantor noted that every seat was taken at the last summit. He added that sports numbers and financing are very common issues. Commissioner Rippe added that facility space is also an important topic of discussion. She advised that what can and cannot be controlled must be clarified and the associations must work together. Commissioner Cantor noted that there is less gym space at this time due to construction, and less field due to field rotation. Mr. West advised that fundraising will likely be discussed. Commissioner Yakes added that associations are working to diversify their participation. Parks & recreation advisory commission meeting April 23, 2025 7 3. Staff Communication Mr. West advised that the next Park Perspective issue will feature the Parks and Recreation Department. 7. Member communication Commissioner Jaffee commented that he and his wife recently visited the Rock Island Park location and suggested it could be a location for dog park consideration. He advised that there is already a wall on one side, houses on only one side and ample street parking. Mr. West advised that it is an active neighborhood park, however, it could receive further consideration at the August meeting. He suggested involving the neighborhood in the discussion. He mentioned that the residents would like to keep the rocks in their historical condition. Commissioner Rippe advised that the neighborhood will likely want to keep the area preserved. Mr. West advised that the dog park criteria can be walked through at the August meeting. Mr. West advised that the parking lot on Gorham Avenue will be removed. He added that it is currently zoned for commercial development. In response to a question from Commissioner Bradli, Mr. West advised that the city owns the parking lot. He advised that he will bring this matter to the August meeting. He added that Webster Park is still a possibility for a dog park. Mr. West advised that council is very happy with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission and their hard work to investigate details of each location. In response to a question from Commissioner Cantor, PRAC Commissioners agreed that the ESC request to form a sub commission to promote the value of trees is worthwhile and the ESC is invited to contact the PRAC with further details. Commissioners agreed that the April joint commission meeting is worthwhile as well. Commissioner Rippe advised that there may be some staff time saved if the two commissions meet in April. Commissioner Jaffe added that there are many interconnections between the groups and that events promoted by both commissions are worthwhile and can be supported. Mr. West advised that he would continue to hold the joint ESC and PRAC meeting every April. Commissioner Yakes advised that he attended the State of the Parks Address, and he found it very interesting. Mr. West also attended and added that Three Rivers, Eden Prairie, Richfield, Bloomington and St. Louis Park were all in attendance. The Mississippi watershed was highlighted. In response to a question from Commissioner Jaffee, Mr. West advised that St. Louis Park has a very good relationship with the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District. There was a short discussion in which Commissioner Yakes advised that he would like to help develop more opportunities to promote parks and recreation jobs and careers with high school students. Commissioner Rippe suggested that professionals talk about their Parks & recreation advisory commission meeting April 23, 2025 8 careers with high school students. Commissioner Jaffee would like to encourage students to join the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission. Commission Yakes inquired if there are projects that students can help with. Commissioner Jaffee mentioned that he was at the Rec Center in early April and observed a very impressive figure skating event. Mr. West advised that it was the 2025 US Adult Figure Skating Championship and added that it was a very large event, and the oldest competitor was 86. 8. Adjournment It was moved by Commissioner Rippe, seconded by Commissioner Cantor, to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 p.m. The motion passed 5 – 0. Respectfully Submitted, Carrie Mandler Recording Secretary