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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-03-19-PRC Packet AGENDA CITY OF MAPLEWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION 6:00 PM March 19, 2025 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. February 19, 2025 E. NEW BUSINESS 1. Election of Officers 2. Boardwalk Replacement of the Thunder Bay Trail System 3. Friends of Maplewood Nature Discussion F. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. Student Commissioners Update G. VISITOR PRESENTATION H. COMMISSION PRESENTATIONS I. STAFF PRESENTATIONS 1. Parks and Natural Resources Division 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., February 19, 2025 Wednesday, February 19, 2025 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes A.CALL TO ORDER A meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order by Commissioner Brannon at 6:00 p.m. B.ROLL CALL Commissioners Craig Brannon, Commissioner Present Vickie Lee-Her, Commissioner Present Jason DeMoe, Chair Absent Terri Mallet, Commissioner Present Monica Barton, Commissioner Present Russell Smith, Commissioner Present Kimii Porter, Commissioner Absent Staff Audra Robbins, Parks and Recreation Manager Present Student Commission Mallory Present Charlie Present Todd Present Nischal Absent C.APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA Commissioner Brannon made a motion to amend and approve the agenda by moving election of officers to March. Seconded by Commissioner Mallet. Ayes – All The motion passed. D.APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1.January 15, 2025 Commissioner Mallet made a motion to approve the January 15, 2025 Parks and Recreation Commission minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Lee-Her. Ayes – All The motion passed. D-1 Wednesday, February 19, 2025 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes E.NEW BUSINESS: 1.Trails and Connectivity Discussion Audra Robbins, Parks and Recreation Manager, introduced guest speakers from the City of Maplewood and Ramsey County to the commission who provided information regarding trails/connectivity, plans, projects, programs and more. F.UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1.2025 Parks and Recreation Commission Goal Setting The commission reviewed the rough draft of goals from previous meeting, continued the discussion and finalized 2025 commission goals. Commissioner Lee-Her made a motion to approve the 2025 Parks and Recreation Commission goals. Seconded by Commissioner Barton. Ayes – All The motion passed. G.VISITOR PRESENTATIONS H.COMMISSION PRESENTATIONS 1.Commissioner Mallet Commissioner Mallet discussed the challenges the YMCA is having with staffing lifeguards and if there was anything the city can do to help in that area. I.STAFF PRESENTATIONS 1.Department Updates Audra Robbins updated the commission on upcoming classes including Bluebird Monitor, Tree/Shrub Care and Pruning, 4H schools out class and Revsports. Audra also provided an update on timing of the student commission members terms and recruitment. J.ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Mallet made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Commissioner Barton.Ayes – All The motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m. D-1 MEMORANDUM TO: Maplewood Parks & Recreation Commission FROM: Bryce Shearen, CPRE Project Manager with Bolton & Menk, Inc. DATE: March 19, 2025 RE: Thunder Bay Trail Boardwalk – MnDNR Local Trail Connections Program Grant ACTION REQUESTED A motion to recommend that the City Council adopt a Resolution of Support to be submitted with the application for the MnDNR Local Trail Connections Program for the replacement of the Thunder Bay Trail Boardwalk in Little Canada and Maplewood. BACKGROUND The city of Little Canada is pursuing a grant through the Minnesota DNR’s Local Trail Connections Program for the replacement of the Thunder Bay Trail Boardwalk that connects Little Canada and Maplewood at Walter Street that has reached its end of life. This boardwalk and surrounding trail system was constructed in 2008. Like the original construction project, Little Canada will be leading the efforts in partnership with the City of Maplewood. When reviewing the project costs, trail/boardwalk impact on residents of both communities, and regional trail users, it was evident improvements were needed, and additional funding sources should be explored. EXISTING CONDITIONS E-2 MnDNR Local Trail Connections Program The Local Trail Connections Program is intended to accelerate local trail connections to planned and existing state trails and other public facilities, and not to create significant new recreation trails. Its primary purpose is to make connections between where people live (e.g., residential areas within cities, entire communities) and significant public resources (e.g., historical areas, open space, parks and/or other trails). Grants are awarded for the acquisition and development of connecting trails and for removal of barriers that impede full access to these facilities. Historically, priority has been given to projects that seek to develop residential connections to state and regional facilities and to link existing trail systems. The Local Trail Connections Program depends on local communities and their local government representatives to provide inspiration, planning and commitment, as well as the local matching financial requirement, to make these trail projects a reality. Local governments complete the acquisition and/or projects and are reimbursed for a portion of the acquisition and/or project completed. The program was first funded in 1993 and has funded 294 trail projects statewide to date. The Local Trail Connections Program provides matching grants to local units of government for up to 75% of the cost of acquisition, development, and/or redevelopment of local trails. The grant has a maximum award of $250,000 and minimum of $5,000. A requirement of the grant resolution is to obtain a resolution of support from the local government stating the eligibility of the city to apply for the grant, ability to meet the matching funds required, and that the proposed project will be constructed in accordance with the grant requirements. Since the boardwalk is in both Little Canada and Maplewood, a resolution of support is needed from both communities. The grant deadline is March 31, 2025, and staff will be requesting the Maplewood City Council adopt a resolution of support at the March 24, 2025, City Council meeting that can be submitted with the grant application. NEW BOARDWALK The existing floating boardwalk was installed in 2008 and is in a state of disrepair. Both Little Canada and Maplewood maintenance staff have dedicated many staff hours into keeping the boardwalk usable with replacement of wood decking, curb repairs, and attempting to patch holes in the rotting wood. Additionally, the boardwalk has experienced warping and uneven surfaces from the weather. In partnership with the City of Little Canada, the new boardwalk design will be constructed with minimal maintenance materials, will be ten feet in width (to adhere to the grant requirements), and adhere to ADA accessibility standards. The new boardwalk will also be installed with helical piles that will withstand the elements better than the existing floating system boardwalk. Product Example Image: BUDGET IMPACT Funds have been budgeted in the Capital Improvement Plan for the boardwalk replacement, but funding support through a grant would allow for the installation of a premier product that will hold up over time. The current project estimates are: • Materials - $197,948.97 • Removal - $13,000 • Installation – $110,000 • Soft Costs - $70,000 • Estimated Total - $390,948.97 *Project costs will be shared amongst both Little Canada and Maplewood. Final costs and complete project specifications will be in an updated Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) agreed to by both Little Canada and Maplewood. NEXT STEPS • March 6 – Little Canada Parks & Recreation Commission recommendation of approval • March 11 – Draft applications due to MnDNR Grant Coordinator for comments • March 19 – Maplewood Parks & Recreation Commission recommendation of approval • March 24 – Maplewood City Council approval of Resolution of Support • March 26 – Little Canada City Council approval of Resolution of Support • March 31 – MnDNR Local Trail Connections Program grant final submittal • July 2025 – Grant award notifications • Fall 2025 – 100% plan set completion and project bidding • 2026 – Anticipated construction STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the Parks and Recreation Commission make a motion to recommend that the City Council adopt an resolution of support to be submitted with the application for the MnDNR Local Trail Connections Program for the Thunder Bay Trail Boardwalk replacement project. ATTACHMENTS • Thunder Bay Trail Project Location • Example Product Information © 2025 Microsoft Corporation © 2025 Maxar ©CNES (2025) Distribution Airbus DS X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X FEETSCALE 0 25 50 HORZ. R H: \ L T C A N A D A _ C I _ M N \ 2 4 X 1 3 7 0 3 8 0 0 0 \ C A D \ C 3 D \ 1 3 7 0 3 8 C 6 0 1 . d w g 2 / 2 7 / 2 0 2 5 1 1 : 1 9 : 2 8 A M R Thunder Bay Boardwalk Replacement City of Little Canada Figure 1: Site Plan March 2025 253 FEET LINEAR BOARDWALK REPLACEMENT REUSE EXISTING CONCRETE ABUTMENT CI T Y O F M A P L E W O O D CI T Y O F L I T T L E C A N A D A EXISTING BITUMINOUS TRAIL TO REMAIN, TYP. WA L T E R S T REUSE EXISTINGCONCRETE ABUTMENT & / / -----SELF-TAPPING SCREWS PRE-ASSEMBLED DECK PANEL (TYP.) STRUCTURAL FAST. (2)PER SIDE Tvi"ru l I 11111 I 11111 I 111 11 I 1111 1 I 1111 1 I 111 1 1 I 111 �I/ / �TH VARIES PER PROJECT-SEE NOTE #1 2x4 CURB RAIL HELICAL PILE SADDLE CAP (TYP.) BOARDWALK FRAMING (8)SELF TAPPING SCREWS TO SECURE LEG. LOCATE INANY OF THE HOLES PROVIDEDBOTH SIDES ------PILE SIZED/DESIGNED BY OTHERS-WICKCRAFT ASSUMES 2½n O.D. w 2x4 RUNNER RAIL THIS DRAWING AND THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IS CONFIDENTIAL AND IS THE PROPERTY OF WICKCRAFT CO. INC. USE, REPRODUCTION OR DISCLOSURE OF THE CONTENT OF THIS DRAWING (OR ANY PORTION) MUST BE APPROVED BY WICKCRAFT. w I CK CRAFT W�t�t��fl �(Q)��[Q)W �l�� BO A R D WA L KS 2317 DANIELS ST. MADISON, 'NI 53718 (608)244-9177 TITLE LONG SPAN w/ 2x4 RUNNER RAIL DRAWN BY JLL DATE: 07 24 24 DWG. NO. E-2 Mission Statement  To support and advocate for the maintenance and preservation of the Maplewood Nature Center and Preserves  To help maintain and support community environmental health  To support environmental education  To increase awareness of nature  To provide a means for community citizens to connect with nature By Roxie Aho By Jill Bemis ( Who we are • All volunteer, independent non-profit • Founded in 2007 • Supported by memberships, private donations and grants How you can help • Become a member of the Friends • Volunteer with the Friends  Member of the Board  Newsletter editor  Participate in Friends' activities such as field trips • Volunteer with Maplewood Parks and Natural Resources  https://maplewoodmn.gov/2090/Parks-and-Natural- Resources-Volunteer-Op Friends of Maplewood Nature Partnership with ISD 622 In 2024, the Friends of Maplewood Nature initiated a partnership with the ISD 622 Education Foundation. The Friends worked with the Foundation to expand a program offering mini-grants to teachers for creative projects. We hope this will be the beginning of a broader partnership to expand and improve educational programs about nature and the environment. Photo by Steve Meisel Friends help maintain and support community environment health Preservation and maintenance of remaining natural areas in Maplewood is a key to our environmental health. The Friends have been working with other organizations to preserve natural habitat at the 77 acre Battle Creek Grassland next to the Ramsey County Correctional Facility and the 92 acre former Ponds Golf Course. The significance of our work has been recognized by the Star Tribune in articles published 9/1/24 and 1/28/22. Final decisions regarding both properties are expected in 2025. By K. Wachal Annual Gnome Challenge Look for gnomes while enjoying a FREE, self-guided walk on the Maplewood Nature Center trails. Take a picture of your favorite gnome and submit it for a prize drawing! Next Gnome Challenge is February 22-March 2. Tree Trek Is a self-guided Tour along a path that leads visitors through the Maplewood Nature to find more than 30 tree & shrub species. At each tree in the Tree Trek a sign post with information regarding the specific species is installed. A QR code at each tree provides a map with more information about the tree. Supporting the Maplewood Nature Center Friends Partnership With St. Paul Bird Alliance (formerly St. Paul Audubon) The Friends of Maplewood Nature recently received two grants totaling $3,588 from St. Paul Bird Alliance for a bird and pollinator garden next to Maplewood Nature Center. Featuring a broad variety of beautiful native plants. Volunteers always welcomed! Greg Burns (St. Paul Audubon) & John Zakelj (Friends) Breaking ground New Birdfeeder station Friends Social Media Links: Friends of Maplewood Nature website: https://friendsofmaplewoodnature.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/friendsofmaplewoodnature/ Friends YouTube channel,which includes birding videos produced by Konnie Her: https://www.youtube.com/@friendsofmaplewoodnature6460/ X (formerly Twitter) page: https://x.com/MaplewoodNature?mx=2 Maplewood Nature Camera Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/maplewoodnaturecameraclub/ By K. Wachal By Jim Guy By NyiaJ Leej Waj By John Zakelj By Steve Porter Full details: maplewoodmn.gov/2068 Scholarships available for all classes/camps Register at Maplewood.RevSports.org Questions: info@RevSports.org or (612) 234-7782 REVSPORTS CLASSES Basketball Volleyball THURSDAYSTHURSDAYS SESSION 3: April 10, 17, 24, May 1 5:30PM -6:10PM MightyStars (Ages 6-9) 6:15PM - 6:55PM SkillStars 1 (Ages 8-11) 7:00PM -7:40PM SkillStars 2 (Ages 10-14) SESSION 3: April 5, 12, 26, May 3 9:30AM - 9:55AM TotStars (Ages 2-3 10:00AM - 10:40AM KinderStars (Ages 4-6) 10:45AM - 11:25AM MightyStars (Ages 6-9) SATURDAYS At Edgerton Community Gym