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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.12.24 Parks and Recreation Meeting COTTAGE GROVE PARKS, RECREATION AND February 12, 2024 NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION 12800 RAVINE PARKWAY COUNCIL CHAMBERS- 7:00 PM 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of the Agenda 4. Approval of Minutes 4.A December 11, 2023 Minutes 5. Open Forum 6. Presentations 7. Action Items 7.A Mississippi Dunes Park Naming 7.B E-Recreational Equipment Educational Messaging 7.C Community Garden 7.D Bike Park Project 7.E Commissioner Terms/Officer Positions 8. Action Updates 8.A Kingston Park Building 8.B Mississippi Dunes Building 9. Donations 10. Staff Reports and Materials 10.A Ice Arena Update 10.B Parks Update 10.C River Oaks Update 11. Commission Comments 11.A Washington County Update 12. Council Comments 12.A City Council Agendas 13. Workshop 14. Adjournment 1 2 Minutes City of Cottage Grove Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Meeting December 11th, 2023 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a Cottage Grove Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Meeting was held on November 13th, 2023. I.CALL TO ORDER & READING OF MISSION Meeting called to order at 7:00pm at City Hall II.Roll Call Members Present: Susannah Brown, Adam Larson, Kelly Glasford, Debra Gustafson, Justin Waterman, Shane Waterman & David Olson Members Absent: Samanthia Crabtree, Others Present: Zac Dockter Parks & Recreation Director, Tony Khambata City Council Liaison, & Molly Petruszewski Recreation Manager III.Approval of Agenda A Motion to approve agenda made by Commissioner Olson. Seconded by Commissioner Waterman. Agenda approved. IV.Approval of Minutes th A Motion to approve minutes from November 13, 2023, meeting made by Commissioner Gustafson. Seconded by Commissioner Larson. Minutes approved. V.Open Forum-None - None VI.Presentations a.Winter Program & Events i.Molly presented a brief update on upcoming winter program and events. We just finished up the 2023 Holiday Train, and we are still accepting registrations for the holiday lights home tour. ii. Molly wanted to remind everyone that parks, trails, skating rinks, sledding hills, cross country skiing, and snowshoe trails are all open year round, though most of these activities are delayed due to the warmer weather. Winter warming houses will be open 7 days a week once we have enough ice built by our park department. Our goal is to have these open by the day after Christmas, however, due to the warm weather we will not meet that goal, and we do not have an estimated time right now so when they will open is to be determined. If there is significant snow fall, we will open warming houses that are near the sledding hills. iii.We will be hosting our winter break supervised playground program thth at Peter Thompson Park December 26-29. Registration is currently full. iv.Snowshoe rentals are on hold due to the warm weather. We need a minimum of one foot of snow to get trails prepared. We are still planning on utilizing the Mississippi Dunes Reserve for the snowshoe rental program (weather dependent). v.The Glacial Valley Park building is 95% complete, with only furniture and other odds and ends that need to be installed. Glacial Valley will be available for rental applications (as will be our other facilities) in February. The cost to rent Glacial Valley will be $450 for residents and $550 for non-residents to rent the building from 10am-10pm. vi.Opening Day Details. th 1.Jan 17Highway 61 Hockey registration opens. nd 2.Feb 2 Grizzly 3v3 Hockey registration opens. th 3.Feb 6 Park reservations opens. th 4.Feb 13 Supervised playground registration opens. th 5.Feb 28 Pickleball Club registration opens. th 6.March 15 Summer program registration opens. VII.Action Items a.Mississippi Dunes Park Naming i.Zac-Currently we are using “Mississippi Dunes Reserve” as the park name for the site. ii.Commissioner Brown liked that there are a variety of names that were submitted. Commissioner Brown spoke on the behalf of Commissioner Crabtree (who was not present) & wanted to express her desire to have more community input and was interested in seeing if we could put something on one of our social media pages or other ways to gather more input. Crabtree also wanted to try to stay away from names of previous ownership and try to have a fresh start and positive influence for this area. Commissioner Olson asked if we had talked to the Communication department yet. Zac responded no, as we were going to table the conversation until the next meeting. Commissioner Olson agreed with Commissioner Crabtree as going in a new naming direction and does not have a preference of any current names. Commissioner Brown liked the idea of “Grey Cloud Channel Park” as that reflects the body of water we are connected to and is our access point. Brown would like to get closer to deciding on a name, as the park has more activity with the snowshoe rental program. Commissioner Larson inquired if Commissioner Crabtree wants to have a list that is sent out to the community or more of a “name your park” type of submission. Councilman Khambata recommended that the Commission is the representative of the community. The fear would be that folks would not be serious or sincere, similar to the new Minnesota state flag submissions. Given the experience we have with naming, some of the best park names that we have are commemorative of the location, history of the park, or the memorial of honoring someone who has been involved in the park. Commissioner Olson Respectfully disagreed with Councilman Khambata stating it would be odd that we would not want input from citizens of our city. The fact that it is controversial is even more reason to involve our citizens. Commissioner Brown addressed that the Commission had no name to put forward at this time. Commissioner Gustafson suggested that we narrow down the list to move the process forward, Commissioner Brown agreed. Zac stated that if the commission prefers, we could move this to a workshop after adjournment and put it on the next meeting. Commissioner Brown stated that by having a workshop, and having to wait until the next Commission meeting and then the next City Council meeting really bogs down the timeline when winter activities are picking up. She suggested that the Commission remove names that involve “Dunes” to begin to narrow down the list. Zac gave a brief history of the Mississippi Dunes Golf Course. Commissioner Olson stated that the word “landing” represents where the land meets the water, and the city owns this spot. The Commission narrowed down the list to the following: Mississippi Landing, Grey Cloud Channel, Harold Kernkamp Park. Commissioner Olson stated he has zero interest in being rushed in this decision and would still like to ask the fellow citizens for their input. Commissioner Glasford agreed with Commissioner Brown that we need to come up with something before programming starts in February. Zac advised the Commission that having another meeting will not derail recognition of the park name, and if another meeting is wanted the Commission should do so. Commissioner Olson expressed that we should keep the name “Dunes” in the name. He also liked the idea of Zac’s suggestion of a workshop. Zac recommended amending the agenda & after the meeting hold a workshop. Commissioner Brown motioned to amend the agenda and hold a workshop to work on this further. Commissioner Olson seconded. Motion carried. b.Kingston Park Building Design Concept i.Zac- recalled to the Commission that at the previous meeting we had large display boards and stakeholders were invited to see preliminary designs of the new building at Kingston Park. There were 6 primary goals given by Council for this project: Increase the number of restrooms, retain & expand the picnic shelter, add a large programming space, storage for events, serving kitchen/concession, and create a unique exterior design from our standard park buildings. Designs and site/floor plans are included in Commissions’ packets. Looking for direction and feedback to bring to Council. Currently this is an unbudgeted project that Council will discuss at their upcoming workshop. Commissioner Brown commented she appreciated a good turnout at the previous workshop. She stated that the pillar that says “Kingston Park” is not appealing to her, and it is inconsistent with the rock we have with all the other shelters. That being said, the exterior of the building looks very good. Commissioner Gustafson likes the ability to change colors on the exterior of the building. Commissioner S. Waterman inquired about the footprint of the new building compared to the old building and if there would be any impact on the playground. Zac stated that it is not much wider, but it is much longer, however it will not impact the playground, the courts, or the trail to the west, which we would tie into with a concrete patio. The parking lot might be slightly altered to accommodate accessibility. Commissioner Brown likes the current flagstones in the front garden and would like to keep that feature in perimeter work. Commissioner Larson asked if there will be enough storage for the picnic tables. Zac responded that we will not be storing the tables, and they will be out year-round. Looking for a recommendation to accept the Kingston Park building concept design with consideration for eliminating or redesigning the front entry sign/pillar, keeping a flagstone path in the front entry landscaping, & addressing community concerns of the serving window, and serving logistics. Commissioner Olson Motioned. Commissioner S. Waterman seconded. Motion carried. c.E-Recreational Equipment Educational Messaging i.Zac took feedback from last Commission meeting and tried to design educational signs that were a little more personalized. There are 5 signs that were created & presented to the Commission. Looking for feedback and engaging in conversation with the Commission to make sure the direction is to allow multi use trials and how to educate the public. Zac reminded the Commission that these images can be used for more than just signs. Commissioner Brown, Gustafson, & Glasford liked #3 and #5. Commissioner Olson likes #2 but would like the word “please” removed. He stated you should be told and not requested to follow the speed limit. Commissioner Brown inquired about location of the signs. Zac stated that placement would be strategic, and we would put them on our main trailway systems such as Hamlet, Woodridge, community parks, & transportation trails th such as 80 & Jamaica & CG Trailway Corridor. Commissioner Olson liked the color schemes. Commissioner Brown still liked a piolet trail signage to help educate the public on speed since most bikes do not have speedometer on it. Zac explained that signage may not the best way to do educate speed, but instead suggested to have something on the trail itself. Commissioner S. Waterman asked if we could combine #3 & #5, which can be done, and Zac also suggested combining #2 (base) & #4. These signs will be permanent. Zac will come back with the revisions at the next meeting. VIII.Presentation of Information-None IX.Action Updates a.Community Garden i.Zac has had multiple follow ups with the community garden group. The group is now looking at a new location across from Public Works where there used to be a house and a small motor shop. In the site review, the pollution control agency went out and did testing which all passed. However, the group did send a soil sample to the UMN to ensure the quality. They will hold off for now on an official proposal and would like to take some more time to look for a different site. They will be attending the February meeting. Commissioner Brown asked why Meadowgrass did not work out. Zac stated that the space by Public Works will offer at least triple if not quadruple in size and have easy access to water. Commissioner Olson expressed his excitement and support of our efforts for this in our community. X.Donation and Acknowledgements a.Safe Stations (AED) have been installed at Woodridge Park, HSC (Woodbury), & Glacial Valley Park. The Athletic Association also purchased 6 additional units that are located at Lamar, Highland, Hamlet (2), & CGMS (2). XI.Staff Reports & Educational Materials a.Zac submitted update from the Ice Areana for review. XII.Commission Comments-None XIII.Council Comments a.Councilman Khambata recapped the last two meetings. First big news, we did move forward with the local options sales tax application with the state. This will go on the November 2024 ballot. We also authorized a service agreement for installation of the new playground equipment at Nina’s Park. The newest council member Monique Gaza was sworn in at the last meeting. Commissioner Olson inquired if Cottage Grove Public Safety has discussed social workers that would respond to calls that require special training to handle emotional & de-escalation situations. Councilman Khambata explained that between ourselves, Woodbury, and Washington County we have a dedicated group that specifically respond to high escalation calls. We do not have a dedicated social worker at this time. XIV.Adjournment- Motioned by Commissioner Olson & seconded by Commissioner Larson. Meeting Adjourned at 8:30 pm to the Mississippi Dunes Reserve naming workshop. To:Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission From:Zac Dockter, Parks and Recreation Director Cc: Date:December 12, 2023 Subject: Park Naming Request – Mississippi Dunes Reserve Introduction/Background The City acquired a portion of the former Mississippi Dunes Golf Course and is recommending to start the process of officially naming the park. The City’s Park Naming Policy is included with this report to aid Commissioners in processing the request. The Park Naming Policy advises that the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission discuss the merit of naming applications or a list of names as prepared by staff. No formal application for this site has been made. At the August, September, November meetings, Commissioners reviewed the list of names and made no formal recommendation. The naming process may sequence as follows: August – Initial naming review September – Secondary review of name options November – Third review of name options December – Fourth review of name options and workshop to narrow list February - Commission park naming recommendation to City Council February/March – Council resolution approving name At this time, Commissioners may make a formal recommendation to Council to name the park or table the item and request more time or information for the process. The following names were proposed from the December meeting: 1.Rivers Landing Park 2.Mississippi Dunes Park 3.Dunes Park on the Mississippi Action Requested Recommend a park name for the site currently referred to as Mississippi Dunes Reserve. To:Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission From:Zac Dockter, Parks and Recreation Director CC: Date:December 12, 2023 Subject:E-Recreational Equipment Safety Measures Introduction/Background At its’ November meeting, the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission discussed educational measures that could be used to increase safety of all trail users in our park system. A key part of the conversation was to identify messaging and signage that can be used to clearly articulate the usage expectations/rules. Staff used Commissioner feedback to create five draft images/messages that could be used for signage, social media postings, CG Connect emails, Newsletter, maps and more as part of an educational campaign. At the December meeting, Commissioner further modified the list and included recommend edits. Based on that recommendation, attached are the four signs for further review. Staff would recommend limiting production to three designs or less to start the program. Staff Recommendation Provide feedback and/or direction on the draft signage/messaging. To:Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission From:Zac Dockter, Parks and Recreation Director Cc: Date:January 25, 2024 Subject:Community Garden Introduction/Background The Hope Garden of Cottage Grove group approached the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission in November regarding interest in starting a community garden. They presented their proposal to Commissioners and received feedback. In response, attached with this report is the proposed plan which addresses many of the questions and comments from that meeting. The group plans to be in attendance at the February meeting to further dialogue with the Commission as necessary. Their goal is to receive approval from the Commission so that the volunteer group can begin grant writing and logistical planning as soon as possible in preparation for a May 2024 opening. Staff sent the attached letter to adjacent residents notifying them of the potential park use change. Residents were invited to attend the meeting or contact me directly. I will bring any correspondence received (if any) to the Commission meeting. Action Requested Receive information and provide staff direction on the Hope Garden of Cottage Grove proposal. Community Garden Recommendation for City of Cottage Grove Monday, February 12, 2024 Prepared by Committee: Ed Myatt, Washington County Master Gardener; Daryl Verhoeven, Woodbury Church of Christ Community Garden Manager; Eric Ini, Influencer Hotspot Founder; Murugi Mutiga, Washington County Community Engagement Team Supervisor; Alyssa Wolf, Washington County Public Health Community Specialist; Maggie Noubissie, Resident & Community Gardener Location: Meadow Grass Park Garden Dimensions: 52’ x 200’ Plots: 40 plots 10’ x 22’ each plot Walking paths with wood chips are included See next page for diagram Fencing product: 6 foot welded wire 2 inch X 4 inch with chicken wire at the bottom to keep rabbits out. The post are 4x4 pressure treated (set in concrete) with iron t-post every 6 to 8 feet. Cost of materials is estimated at $3,500 and will be funded through Washington County SHIP grant. Image of the fence at Woodbury Garden that will be replicated. Image of fence corner detail. Shed: Dimensions 4’ x 6’ x 3’ What will be visible to the public? The shed will be visible, but tools will be stored inside and not generally seen by the public. The hose/spigot will be visible and a tote bin may be placed next to the spigot to place hose inside when not in use (see tote bin in photo below). Cost of materials is estimated at $2,000 and will be covered by Washinton County Master Gardeners. Water access: Conversations with the Parks & Recreation Director indicate that there are two water sources available: from the street or from the fire hydrant For either option, underground high-density polyethylene pipe will be used If the water source is the fire hydrant, a valve cage will be installed Estimated cost is $10,000-$20,000 and funding will be through Washington County SHIP Water access is requested by May 1 (prior to tilling) Tilling: The growing season is typically mid-May through mid-October. Tilling will be needed in early May AND late October (weather dependent). Committee Contributions: Create and compile plan for community garden. Present to Parks Commission and propose Final Recommendation to the City of Cottage Grove. Erect fence and shed alongside volunteers from community organizations, such as Master Gardeners. Provide community garden description to the City and registration questions with garden rules/requirements listed. Provide outreach to underserved community groups and assist them with securing plots. Manage plot allocations. Manage conflict between gardeners and other issues that may arise. Answer questions from community members as they arise. Communicate and partner with the City of Cottage Grove. Apply for Parks Commission grant, if needed, to cover final expenses up to $2,500. Washington County Master Gardener Contributions: Provide grant funding through Washington County Master Gardeners to pay for shed and tools. Estimated cost $2,000. Provide guidance to the City of Cottage Grove on fencing materials to purchase through SHIP grant (see below). Complete soil testing for nutrients and contaminants. Provide compost. Transport dead plants on behalf of community gardeners to compost in the Fall. Facilitate support from local groups, such as Boy Scouts, on projects such as a picnic table. Provide gardening tips and onsite support. Washington County Public Health & Environment Contributions: Contract with the City to provide grant funding through SHIP to pay for fencing and water connection (including materials & contracted labor). Maximum funding available $20,000. Requests to the City of Cottage Grove (in-kind): Provide land access to create community garden. With funding through SHIP, provide access to water for the garden. Provide tilling of garden in spring and fall (see timeline above). Drill holes for 4’ x 4’ posts. Supply water to gardeners through-out the season. Provide onsite port-a-potty. Advertise garden through City communication channels, such as social media and newsletters. Post community garden to website that includes brief description, registration link and phone number for registration. Provide registration assistance: o Collect registrations (online and phone) and token fee of $20 from gardens. Fees can go to Parks Department general operating fund. City will offer scholarship for participants who can’t pay. o Reserve 30% of the plots for underserved community group participants (12 plots in 2024). Communicate and partner with the Community Garden Committee. Plans for growth: There are currently no plans for growth, however, the committee is open to adding garden locations over time and with community need. The main objective of Meadow Grass Community Garden is to provide a successful experience for gardeners, the City of Cottage Grove, committee members and people in the community that interact with the shared space. To:Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission From:Zac Dockter, Parks and Recreation Director Cc: Date:January 25, 2024 Subject:Bike Park Improvements Introduction/Background The Bike Park volunteer group is requesting consideration for approval for modifications of the dirt pump track to a bike skills plaza. This modification would require the following construction activities: 1.Grading of the site to level (dirt would be used on site for other work) 2.Concrete slab pouring 3.Purchase of equipment and installation for bike skill plaza elements The 2024-2028 Capital Improvements Plan has $50,000 budgeted for improvements to this track in 2024 and could be utilized towards this project if approved by the Commission. The Bike Park volunteer group is also soliciting donations and/or sponsorships to help fund the project. Those donations/sponsorships would be recognized with signage similar to the current donation/sponsorship signage at the park. Further, the volunteer group is requesting consideration by the Commission to approve $2,500 from its Matching Funds program from the Park Improvement Fund. The Matching Funds program allows the Commission to directly authorize up to $10,000 per year in matching funds towards project requests that include a minimum match of 100% of the request. Historically, the majority of matching requests are about $2,500 per project but have gone higher based on the Commissions recommendation. A journal of the use of those funds is tabled below. Park Commission Matching Funds Program Journal YearProjectGroupValue 2014Bike Park Match to $33,000 GrantMN Off Road Cyclists/Bike Park Volunteers$3,000 2017Dog Park Water Line/FountainWAG Farms Dog Park$2,500 2017Hamlet Football/Soccer ScoreboardCGAA$5,000 2019Grey Cloud Softball Field FencingCGAA$2,500 2019Kingston Soccer NetsCGAA$2,500 2020Bike Park Pump Track PavingMN Off Road Cyclists/Bike Park Volunteers$2,500 2021Bike Park Jump Line ImprovementsMN Off Road Cyclists/Bike Park Volunteers$2,500 2021Woodridge baseball field #1 scoreboardCGAA$5,000 2022Kingston soccer netsCGAA$2,500 2022Oakwood Disc Golf BasketsDisc Golf Volunteer Group$2,500 2023Oakwood Disc Golf SignageDisc Golf Volunteer Group$2,500 2023Pine Coulee RCA TrackRCA Track Volunteer Group$2,500 2023Bike Park track realignmentsMN Off Road Cyclists/Bike Park Volunteers$2,500 Action Requested Receive information and provide staff direction for Bike Park improvements. Dear Parks Commission, We, the volunteers of the Cottage Grove Bike Park and representatives of MORC (Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists)) are applying for the Park Improvement Fund Grant. We are requesting a $2,500 matching grant from the parks board to be used in the upcoming 2024 season. This money will be utilized for the purchase of materials in the form of lumber for the completion of a wood ramp addition to the park. The matching portion of this grant will be contributed by The Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists (MORC), in the form of volunteer labor to exceed $2,500. This addition to the park will consist of the replacement of the old dirt pump track, which is directly next to the existing paved pump track. That current section will be replaced with a new concrete slab that will have wooden ramps built on top. This addition to the park will not only decrease the maintenance burden on the volunteers but increase access to the park. This new section will be able to be ridden earlier and later in the season, as well as sooner following adverse weather conditions. In addition to the increased access for current uses, this section will open the park up to a wider audience of users, such as other bike riders, skateboarders, rollerbladers and scooter riders. There is currently no other public facility of this style in the Twin Cities or the State of Minnesota and because of this will continue to add to the attractiveness of the bike park to draw people to our community. Please see the attached proposed design layout. Thank you for your consideration and support, Chance Glasford Phone: 605-216-5676 Email: cglasford@gmail.com To:Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission From:Zac Dockter, Parks and Recreation Director CC: Date:January 25, 2024 Subject:Officer Appointment Introduction/Background The Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission has two officer positions; Chair and Vice Chair. The Chair position is appointed by the Council Liaison. Commissioner Chair Brown has requested a new Chairperson to assume her role. Councilman Khambata has recommended appointment of Commissioner Larson as Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Chair. The Council will take final action on that recommendation at its February 21 City Council meeting. The Commission is responsible for appointing a Vice Chair. The current Vice Chair is Commissioner Crabtree and could retain the seat if so desired by Commission action. Nominations will be sought at the meeting followed by a vote (if necessary). I am also happy to report that all Commissioners with expiring terms have offered to serve another term and will be officially appointed by Council in February. We look forward to another great year of work with our Commissioner team! Staff Recommendation Appoint Vice Chair position for the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission. To:Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission From:Jordan Hirman, Facility Services Manager CC: Date:February, 2024 Subject:Update on Ice Arena Activities Below is an overview of Ice Arena Activities that are complete, projects/programs we are working on, and upcoming projects/programs: COMPLETED PROJECTS/PROGRAMS Completed over 25 home high school hockey games with over 11,000 people in attendance and over $47,000 in concession revenue. Hosted our first ever First Responders night with Park vs East Ridge. We had local first responders recognized on the ice with over 760 people in attendance. thth Hosted CGHA JR Gold tournament January 27 and 28 with 12 teams and over $4,000 in concession revenue. CURRENT PROJECTS/PROGRAMS Scheduling ice time for outside user groups for Spring and Summer of 2024. Gathering proposals for 2024 budget item for party lights on both CG Logistics and West Rinks. thth Pre-planning CGHA Mite Jamboree hosted on December 8-10. thth Pre-planning CGHA End of Year Bash hosted on December 27 – 30. th Pre-planning hosting a High School hockey game each day between December 19 through rd December 23. UPCOMING PROJECTS/PROGRAMS thth Mite Jamboree December 8-10 with an anticipation of 52 teams registering. th Year End Bash CGHA Bantam B2/Peewee B2 tournament December 27 through December th 30. Multiple home High School hockey games. Start of Winter Skate School. Spring Skate School lessons registration. To:Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission From:Jim Fohrman, Parks Superintendent Date:February 2024 Subject:Park Maintenance Activity Update Below are the projects for the Parks Maintenance division. The projects are either in the process of being completed or have been completed. January 1-15 Ice rink flooding with tanker Building maintenance remove chair and mailbox at City Hall Trash run plowing Install ice resurfacer blade Tree cutting Woodridge woods Glacial Valley building prep Hearing Test equipment replacement Chainsaw maintenance January 16-31 Ice rink flooding/maintenance Plowing Building maintenance Trash run Tree cutting remove hose reels from trucks Chainsaw maintenance February 1-15 Trash run Building maintenance Clean equipment and bay Organize storage areas Shed at Glacial Valley Install tennis nets at Kingston Install pickleball nets at Granada Tree Cutting remove hockey goals remove mats from buildings Post seasonal staff positions Plowing Order new trailers February 16-28 trash run Building maintenance: painting organizing Plowing building cleaning Tree cutting Order summer supplies