The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2022-08-17 PRC Packet - AMENDED AGENDA - AMENDED CITY OF MAPLEWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION 6:00 PM August 17, 2022 City Hall, Council Chambers Meeting is also available on Comcast Ch.16 and streaming via vod.maplewoodmn.gov A. CALL TO ORDER B. ROLL CALL C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. April 20, 2022 E. NEW BUSINESS 1. Goodrich Park Improvements 2. Natural Resources Update 3. Sherwood Park Playground F. UNFINISHED BUSINESS G. VISITOR PRESENTATION 1. 4 Seasons Bike Park H. COMMISSION PRESENTATIONS I. STAFF PRESENTATIONS 1. Parks and Natural Resources Updates J. ADJOURNMENT RULES OF CIVILITY FOR THE CITY COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND OUR COMMUNITY Following are rules of civility the City of Maplewood expects of everyone appearing at Commission Meetings - elected officials, staff and citizens. It is hoped that by following these simple rules, everyone’s opinions can be heard and understood in a reasonable manner. We appreciate the fact that when appearing at Commission meetings, it is understood that everyone will follow these principles: Speak only for yourself, not for other Commission members or citizens - unless specifically tasked by your colleagues to speak for the group or for citizens in the form of a petition. Show respect during comments and/or discussions, listen actively and do not interrupt or talk amongst each other. Be respectful of the process, keeping order and decorum. Do not be critical of Commission members, staff or others in public. Be respectful of each other’s time keeping remarks brief, to the point and non-repetitive. MINUTES MAPLEWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION 6:00p.m., April 20, 2022 Wednesday, April 20, 2022 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes A.CALL TO ORDER A meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairperson Mallet at 6:00 p.m. B.ROLL CALL Commissioners Craig Brannon, Commissioner Present Vickie Lee-Her, Commissioner Present Monica Barton, Commissioner Present Terri Mallet, Chair Present Mark Harris, Commissioner Absent Karen Poppa, Commissioner Absent Kimii Porter, Commissioner Present Staff Audra Robbins, Parks and Recreation Manager Present Nikki Villavicencio, City Council Liaison Present C.APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA Commissioner Barton made a motion to approve the agenda. Seconded by Commissioner Brannon.Ayes – All The motion passed. D.APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1.February 16, 2022 Commissioner Porter made a motion to approve the February 16, 2022 Parks and Recreation Commission minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Barton Ayes – Porter, Barton, Lee-Her, Mallet Abstention - Brannon E.NEW BUSINESS 1.Maplewood Historical Society Presentation D1 Wednesday, April 20, 2022 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thomas (TJ) Malaskee gave a presentation to the commission about the history, present and future of the historical society and Bruentrup farm. He provided an update to the commission on their summer camps, the upcoming Sunday farmers market at the farm and discussed other upcoming discussions/classes being offered. 2.Update to Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan Natural Resources Coordinator, Carole Gernes, gave an update on a change to the Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan, to include the option to selectively treat specimen trees, and provided the commission an explanation regarding reasoning and need for the change. Commissioner Brannon made a motion to approve the changes to the Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan as presented. Seconded by Commissioner Mallet Ayes – All F.UNFINISHED BUSINESS G.VISITOR PRESENTATIONS H.COMMISSION PRESENTATIONS 1.Commissioner Mallet noted she went to the Easter Egg Hunt and thanked the staff for a great event. I.STAFF PRESENTATIONS 1.Earth Week Challenge Audra Robbins, Parks and Recreation Manager, updated the commission on the Earth Week Plalking Challenge. 2. Campus Cleanup Audra Robbins, Parks and Recreation Manager, informed the commission about the City Hall campus cleanup. 3. Programming Update Audra Robbins, Parks and Recreation Manager, gave an update to the commission on the summer/early fall programs. Including the RevSports summer camps and classes and YMCA programs. 4.Nature Center Update Audra Robbins, Parks and Recreation Manager, updated the commission on some events/programs at the Nature Center including the 4-H Project Workshop Day and the first Bird Hike program in partnership with ISD622 Community Ed. D1 Wednesday, April 20, 2022 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes 5.Arbor Day Event Carole Gernes, Natural Resources Coordinator, updated the commission on the upcoming Arbor Day Event at the Nature Center. J.ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Brannon made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Porter Ayes – All The motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m. D1 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION STAFF REPORT Meeting Date August 17, 2022 REPORT TO: Parks and Recreation Commission REPORT FROM: Audra Robbins, Parks and Recreation Manager PRESENTER: Audra Robbins, Parks and Recreation Manager AGENDA ITEM: Goodrich Park Updates Action Requested:  Motion ☐Discussion ☐ Public Hearing Form of Action: ☐Resolution ☐ Ordinance Contract/Agreement ☐ Proclamation Policy Issue: The Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan calls for taking care of the assets that we have as well as making necessary improvements to our parks system based on the changing needs of the community. The Parks and Recreation Commission will consider approving the draft design provided by LHB, Inc. (LHB) for the next phase of Goodrich Park Updates. Recommended Action: Motion to approve the draft design for the next phase of Goodrich Park Updates Fiscal Impact: Is There a Fiscal Impact? ☐ No  Yes, the true or estimated cost is $59,500. Financing source(s): ☐ Adopted Budget ☐ Budget Modification ☐ New Revenue Source ☐Use of Reserves  Other: Park Improvement Fund Strategic Plan Relevance: Community Inclusiveness Financial & Asset Mgmt ☐Environmental Stewardship ☐Integrated Communication  Operational Effectiveness ☐Targeted Redevelopment The proposed updates to Goodrich Park touch on several of the City Council’s strategic initiatives by evaluating what we have, planning for the future, and improving accessibility to our facilities for the community. Background: Maplewood’s Parks and Recreation system has transitioned from a developing system into a mature system, which presents unique challenges. At the core of future issues is the need for extensive park revitalization and reinvestment and system-wide replacement of aging park facilities such as playgrounds, courts, fields, shelters, and signage is needed. E1 Maplewood’s first, universally designed playground was installed at Goodrich Park in 2017 and has been very popular with the public since the day that it opened. A parking lot to improve accessibility to the playground has always been a part of the plan as there is currently only street parking in that area of the park. The addition of a picnic shelter is also an amenity that residents have long wanted to see included at Goodrich Park. The City is utilizing the professional services of LHB from the City’s consultant pool, for the addition of a parking lot and picnic shelter to Goodrich Park. LHB, along with staff held an open house at the park on Thursday, August 4 to garner feedback on the initial designs. We compiled a list of resident’s comments and recommendations and they are in the PRC packet. E1 MEETING MINUTES Goodrich Park Parking Lot City of Maplewood August 4, 2022, 5:30-7:00pm, Goodrich Park, Maplewood, MN To: From: LHB, Inc. Re: Open House Date Sent: August 5, 2022 Present: NAME ORGANIZATION / ROLE EMAIL Audra Robbins City of Maplewood Audra.Robbins@maplewoodmn.gov Lydia Major LHB, Inc. Lydia.Major@LHBcorp.com Summary Neighbors of Goodrich Park were invited to a public open house to discuss a new parking lot and related amenities near the recently installed playground on Ripley Avenue. All neighbors expressed concern about traffic, garbage (especially diapers), and noise and most would like to see the playground moved to the other side of the park. Several also requested a driveway entrance off North St. Paul/7th has been determined to be dangerous by Public Safety. The team talked about options to reduce the negative impacts of the playground. More trash cans and possibly an outdoor diaper changing station could help reduce garbage issues. The parking lot itself is intended to reduce the traffic impacts associated with on-street parking and should not increase traffic or speeds. A parking lot light will increase security at night. The neighbors requested signage to eliminate on-street parking (or only allow residents and their guests to park on-street), seasonal speed bumps to reduce speed, and more enforcement of laws. City staff will communicate these requests to Maplewood Public Works Department staff. Several children at the meeting requested additional play equipment, such as gaga pits. Post-it Notes 1.Climbing wall and skating. 2.More trash cans. 3.Gaga pit. 4.Need enforcement for drug use. 5.Speed control on Ripley? Temp speed bumps. 6.Street signage for on-street parking issue. 7.Move the parking lot to the back ball field that’s not used. 8.Make parking lot bigger. E1-2 MEETING MINUTES: GOODRICH PARK PARKING LOT PAGE 2 DATE OF MEETING: AUGUST 4, 2022 9.Porta-potty enclosure is good! 10.Move park to ball park – all voted yes. 11.Resident parking only on Ripley. A must. 12.Resident only parking on Ripley Ave. 13.Make a turn lane on No S. Paul Rd. 14.Free lending library (little library exchange). 15.Some flowers around. 16.Entrance/Exit off of 7th NOT Ripley. 17.No parking on Ripley. 18.Dirt bike trail. 19.Garbage on the ground all the time. Cars parking in the park must cease. 20.Consider diaper changing area. 21.Need a bike lock. This constitutes my understanding of items discussed and decisions reached. If there are any omissions or discrepancies, please notify the author in writing. Attachments: None c: LHB Project No. 200290 m:\20proj\200290\200 communication\meetings\200290 20220804 goodrich park open house meeting minutes.docx E1-2 Natural Resources Update Carole Gernes, Natural Resources Coordinator E-2 Introduction: Carole Gernes •Natural Resources Coordinator since November 23, 2020 •Former Ramsey County Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA) Coordinator •Former part -time Naturalist •Master’s Degree -Biology •College Biology Instructor •Certified Tree Inspector •30 year Maplewood resident •Outdoor, traditional hobbies + dogs & dog training •Tree City USA -Certified for 2021 •Tree Sale -150 Trees sold •2020-2022 EAB Boulevard Replacement Tree Grant –closed out ($30,000). •2021 EAB grant –first planting in fall 2022. Trees Ash Replacement Plantings •October 2021 -53 replacementtrees planted. •EAB replacement tree video. •Winter 2021-2022: ~140 ashremoved. •Spring 2022: 50 ash replacementsplanted. •Replacement tree inspectionsunderway. New Grant Projects in 2022 Pollinator Central Grant, City Hall Campus •Natural areas restoration to support imperiled Monarch butterflies and Rusty-patched bumble bees •Turf reduction –native prairie plants •Invasive plant removal -contracted goats –will be seeded with native woodland plants •Volunteer involvement Partner: Non-profit Great River Greening (GRG) •Minnesota projects protect, conserve, preserve and enhance the state’s natural resources. •“Funding for this project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).” Pollinator Habitat Restoration at Applewood and Carver Preserves •$135,000 -remove woodyencroaching /invasives •Add a diverse mix ofnative plants for Monarchbutterfly and Rusty-Patched Bumble Beesupport •Community engagementand education –includinga cultural component Partner: Non-Profit Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) •Based in St. Paul, projectsaffecting the river in Twin CitiesArea •Land conservation, watershedprotection, river corridorstewardship Great River Greening Jim’s Prairie Restoration grant application. •Included in a Lessard-Sam’s Outdoor Heritage Council (LSOHC) proposal for Outdoor Heritage Funds, at the beginning of this year. It has advanced to the House Environment Finance Committee. •Will provide $24,900 for 11 acres of mesic prairie enhancement -invasives species removal via goat grazing and native seed “tractoring”. •May be signed by the Governor as early as July 2022. Education presented •March edition of City News -Deer feeding and Attractants Ban•April edition of City News -Tips for Tree Pruning and Tree Diseases•Arbor Day event –Saturday May 14, 10:00am –noon. Commission members are invited!•Tree Care and Shrub Pruning; June 9, 6:30 –8:30pm at Maplewood Nature Center•Annual buckthorn program articles and coupon in August Maplewood Living Education planned •Buckthorn Removal Class: Friday August 26, 6:30 – 8:30 pm, at Maplewood Nature Center •Rain Garden Rescue Class: September 23, 6:00 –7:30 pm, at Maplewood Nature Center •EAB, What Can I Do? Class: Friday, October 7, 6:30 – 8:30 pm at Maplewood Nature Center and or Zoom. Volunteers •Open Space, Frog and Bluebird Monitors •Various dates: Ramsey County Master Gardeners and Maplewood volunteers –Community Garden projects •June: 4H: Native planting installed at Priory Preserve Larpenteur Entrance. •July: EAB Replacement Tree Grant mailing helpers •September –October: 7 Century College Ecology lab sessions •September 29: Fish Creek oak study area planting – Century College Principles of Biology 2 students, + Great River Greening, Maplewood volunteers. Questions? Carole Gernes (651) 249-2416 carole.gernes@maplewoodmn.gov E-3-1 E-3-1 E-3-2 E-3-2 E-3-3 E-3-3 E-3-4 E-3-4 Bring Life to the Four Seasons Park Tennis Courts!• The Four Seasons Park Tennis Courts are no longersuitable for playing tennis due to a deteriorated courtsurface which is very expensive to repair.•Four Seasons | Maplewood, MN (maplewoodmn.gov)G1 Using the Tennis Courts as a Bike Skills Park for young riders can reuse the space smartly.• Existing Tennis Court can be used as-is.• Small wooden ramps can be built and placed inside the courtsand have a very low cost per fun quotient for young riders.• Even a simple ramp like this canbe fun for at least 10 minutes!G1 WHY a BIKE PARK?• Biking is the most popular youth activity from age 1-17.• Riding a bike in the city these days is not safe for young riders.• Young riders no longer have the option to build their own bike trails/features in empty lots like we did inthe 80’s and 90’s. Bike parks now need to be part of our park system.• Street and parking lot riding is very dangerous for young riders. They are too small to be seen.• Paved paths can be dangerous too with street crossings and fast electric bikes and adult riders using thepaths.•Really young riders need an enclosed area to ride so they don’t wander off.• Kid’s and families need ridable access to neighborhood parks with fun bike park features so they can ridedaily if they want to and not have to load bikes up in a car to a distant bike park to ride safely.G1 Reference Articles for other similar Bike Parks in the Twin Cities:•Tennis Court Bike Parks:•https://www.longfellownokomismessenger.com/stories/kids‐on‐bikes,2660•https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HdhKOnOeMo•Hockey Rink Bike Park:•https://www.eplocalnews.org/2022/08/15/on-course-for-pedaling-up-some-skill-building-fun/• EXTRA CREDIT:• The website for the Grassroots effort in Minneapolis for Bike Parks:•Bike Parks | Minneapolis Bike Parks (mplsbikeparks.org)• Pump track Bike Parks from around the world. These are very fun for all wheeled human powered vehicles and donot require pedaling:•Find a pump track – pumptrack.comG1