It's 4 o'clock. We'll call the park board meeting to order and start with roll call, please. >> Burns. Mickelson >> here. >> Powell >> here. >> Miller. >> Yes. >> Sh >> here. Next is the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Do the kids still do those? >> Uh, next we'll be looking for an approval of the agenda.
>> We'll move to approve the agenda. >> I'll second. >> Awesome. Any further discussion? Hearing none. All in favor say I. >> I. >> I. Oppose. Same sign. Next, we'll move to the consent calendar. Notice to the public. All
matters listed are considered routine by the board and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless good cause is shown prior to the time the board votes on the motion by roll call. >> I will move to approve the consent calendar. >> Thank you.
>> Second. Any discussion about the consent calendar hearing? None. Please call the role. >> Mickelson >> here. >> Powell >> here. >> Miller. >> Yes. >> Sh. >> Yes. All right. Uh after that, we have the
public forum. Time for citizens to bring matters not on the agenda to the attention of the board. Time limits may be imposed. You'll need it. Oh boy. Uh David O, executive director, Brandon Community Action, 321 South Seventh
Street. Uh I come before you today with a request. We uh are getting ready for our summer events. One of which, as you know, is Arts in the Park at Gregory Park. Uh over the last couple years, we've uh along the sidewalks, we've had
some uh degradation of the soil uh that is creating a little bit of a lip next to the sidewalk where the dirt and the uh grass is not quite reaching up to that level. Um, and just from an overabundance of safety, our organization would like to request from
you guys that we be allowed to purchase some dirt and have a company come in and lay some black dirt along the sidewalks there and then have it seated. I had a conversation with uh, engineer Dean uh, yesterday and uh, from his perspective,
he believes it would probably be best to have city staff do the hydro seating. Uh but we would like to cover that cost as well. Um just as a user of the park, as someone that holds probably the biggest event that's in that park, uh we understand that over the last 50 years,
we've probably added to uh some of that foot traffic and whatnot on that sidewalk. Uh but just out of over an abundance of care, uh just to make sure that we are having a a nice facility there. Specifically, what we are looking at is the southeast spoke of the
sidewalks. So, as you're facing, if you're standing next to the fountain to your right, uh if you're facing north, obviously, uh it's a long spoke that is about 350 400 ft probably. Um and we're just looking to do the area next to the
sidewalk probably, you know, um skid steer wide roughly on both sides. There is another area that is on the east spoke that I'm getting a quote on as well where it's it's a natural depression. If you're looking at it, it looks like maybe there was a creek or
something in there a long long time ago. I think you know what it is. Sidewalk kind of goes down a little bit, but there's a specific spot there that has a little bit of a hump um that has is somewhat of an issue for people when they're trying to have a booth there. Um, we had I'm getting a quote to see what it would cost to maybe just push
that hump over a little bit and then fill a little bit of dirt in there as well, but that would be additional. I don't know if the the bigger thing I'm interested in is that southeast spoke. And if that other thing comes back and it's not a gazillion dollars to put a little bit of dirt and, you know, level that part off as well, we would do that
as well. But, uh, don't want to do it at any cost to the city. However, after talking with Mr. Dean, uh, usage of of the staff for the seating would probably be a part of the request as well. Uh, questions for
Dave or for staff? A couple. Um, Jesse, how feasible is it for us to water that seed? I know there's probably a hose on the warming house, but so that'll be a couple of the different options that we look at is if we were to do hand
seating, it would we would have to find a way to run water and sprinklers from that distance. Um, we do have a hydra seedater. It's a little bit smaller of a of a piece of equipment. So, uh, depending on how much seating we're talking about, that might be the better option, too. U, so we're looking into
those options. Um, the hydro seedar won't need regular watering. and holds moisture a lot better. >> Oh, cool. >> So, awesome. Yeah, just so we seed it and then it thrives. Uh, big fan of that. Cool. >> Hope hopefully as long as it's not a drought or anything.
>> Yeah. If I got to stand there with a hose, I'll stand there with a hose. We just would like we we just would like to again as stewards of of the park and and this is a fundraiser. It is our biggest fundraiser of the year and there are a lot of people that come through there and we've done it for 50 years. So, we
understand that there is some, you know, there's some usage there that does some degradation and that specific sidewalk would be where we'd like to start and then hopefully if that works, we'd like to continue to kind of give back a little bit each year to that park to just keep it up in in a clean area in
terms of the best usage for us. Wink wink. >> Awesome. Uh, Jesse, would that be on next month's agenda? >> Yeah, we could put a formal item together for the park board. Cool. Thank you. >> Thank you.
An actual public forum today. Anything for you? All good. Cool. Uh, anybody online for this, Max? It looks like our skate folks. Perfect. All right, we will close the public forum at 406.
Move on to item 7A, unfinished business. Um, the deed grant for the Memorial Skate Park. Assume James. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, so Jake Renker from the Lakes Area Skatepark Association presented a proposal for a skatepark in Memorial Park at the December 19th, 2023 park
board meeting. Uh, the park board reviewed the plans and directed staff to work with the proposer. A 2025 bonding bill allocated $750,000 towards the construction of a skate park in Memorial Park. Uh, skate park association has also raised about $120,000 through local
donations and events. uh skatepark association is requesting $200,000 in additional funds from the park board for the construction of a 15,000 square foot regional skate park. Uh Jake is online to present the association's request. Uh the skatepark association would like to
begin construction in 2027. In order for distribution of the $750,000 in allocated funds in the bonding bill, the park board and city council must authorize submitt of an application to deed. Uh the blank application was included in the packet.
Uh so staff would like the board to consider the skate park association's request for additional funds and make a decision after hearing from the proposer and then a motion to authorize staff to complete the application to deed and to bring it back for final consideration. And with that, I'll turn it over to
Jake. >> Thanks, James. >> Hey guys, uh it's Jake with the skate park here. Uh glad to be back here to see you guys again. I apologize for not being in person, but I appreciate the combinations to meet remotely here. Um, Jesse, did did you
have a is there a slideshow? Um, did you get that slideshow link? >> It's the ones in the packet. >> Did Did you um Is there a slideshow being being presented on the screen? Do you know? >> You have the packet. I can resend the
PowerPoint over to Max really quick. >> Okay. Um, but I I can get started here anyways. But essentially, I had like a slideshow put together with some stuff there. But, uh, but first off, we just want to we want to show our immense
immense gratitude for the park board's um, support from the very very beginning. Like seriously, you guys have been there every step of the way and you guys have believed in us and we really really appreciate that fact. So, we wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you guys helping along.
So, um, we want to we want to also thank you for letting us build the skate park, um, or have designation at Memorial Park. It is it is the absolute perfect perfect location. Um, and everyone everyone seems to always say that it's a great great location.
Um, but anyways, we've been uh hard at work raising funds for the skate park project uh, as you guys know. Um, and we've been still doing that. I think since 2021, we've been uh raising some funds and we we've gotten a ton of support from our community through volunteers
and over uh in our community of course and over 50 organizations which we're really thrilled about. >> So we we've raised about $120,000 through grassroots efforts and uh and that's been a really really good amazing
collaborative effort through the city. Um, and that's been through events, service work, and donations and grants. Uh, so you can go to the next uh next slide there. And then uh looks like yep,
that's it right there. So yeah, so $120,000 which we're we're really really thrilled about and it's been a great community effort. And then next slide, please. So, because of our hard work, the state of Minnesota noticed what we had going on with all the fundraising and with
your guys' support, uh, Minnesota put together a grant program for skate parks. Um, and, uh, uh, multiple grants were awarded, I believe, last year, and that was statewide. And with the help of City of Skate, and Paul's on the line with us right now, uh, with the help of
him and and City of Skate, our project received $750,000 grant from the state. So, it's it's it's pretty incredible. Um, and that's that's the largest grant out of all the grants that were given for skatep parks and it's um unbelievable that that we
received that money. So, they they definitely uh saw value in our project that we have going on and support from from you guys in the city. So, we're very excited and very very grateful for for that sum of money. Um, which brings our total to $870,000.
Uh, and um so we're like we're so close. We are so close to making this skatepark happen. Uh, next slide, please. So, we are shooting for a 15,000 foot skatepark. That's kind of what we've had in our minds from the very beginning,
which will uh uh definitely um be great for a community and u be large enough to handle all our citizens and tourists and everything. And we but we need we need to figure out the space at Memorial Park. Uh, and right on where Mill Avenue there is in Q Street where they where they intersect, that's kind of where
we're thinking the skatepark's going to go. Um, and and I believe you guys, uh, um, were thinking that as well. So, essentially, um, we got to figure out what we need, what we're going to do for the skatepark there because essentially there are two there needs to be two
entrances for a firetruck turnaround. Um, and right now there's an entrance on Q Street there and then one on Mill Avenue as we all know. So essentially there's a two designs. Um and the first design is having like a one-way going around the skate park where you can
still exit on on Q Street. Uh lose some green space and lose some uh potential lighting space there. And then the second option is if there is a second um if there's a second uh entrance put on Mill Avenue and that's that's that has
to be approved by the county unfortunately. Um, but we definitely like the second option because we can do the green space all the way around. We can do lights all the way around the skate park and won't have to make room for the one way there to street. But, uh, of course that's, um, that I'm sure
will be figured out here as we go. Um, but next slide, please. So, uh, there are three price breakdowns here, and that is, uh, the skate park is going to be the same, but it's it's about the lighting. Um, and the the
lighting is where we're trying to figure out what is best. So, um, the three budgets that we kind of came up with was, uh, was the number one there for the six the six full light package. That would be a full set. That was, um, this
was estimated by of a lighting company. Um, so that would be about $180,000 for the lights alone, which is a large sum of money, which would put a budget at about $1.2 million. And then we have the second option which is two lights. So we
at least have some light there with conduit for the other four lights in the future. And that's about $85,000 for the lights, the lighting package and the conduit. Uh that'd be about $1.1 million budget or so. And then the next option is no lights. And that would be uh just
the conduit for the six lights and and making um plans for that in the future. Uh, and that's 20 $25,000 or so we're estimating for the conduit. And that's about a million dollar budget or so, a little more than a million dollars. Um, so the six lights, like I mentioned, are
going to be very hard to fund, but we feel like the best option would be finding a way to get the two lights and then get the conduit in there so it's all easy and we can throw lights up in the future for the other four lights when it comes time. Uh and if we're really short on funds, we'd at least
have the conduit uh put in for this the six lights uh initially for future lighting. And hopefully it depends on everyone's opinion to uh if the lighting from Mill Avenue would be enough lighting for security in the meantime until we can uh
plan for the couple lights in the future and and build on that. But this is all up for discussion as well on your guys' opinions. All right, next slide, please. So now to fund the 15,000 foot skate park, we will continue fundraising
through 2026. We're we're definitely going to put the our pedal to the metal. And our goal is uh we're hoping for um we're looking at $1.1 million budget so we can get those lighting and and lighting and get a a good size skate park that that we're looking at there.
Um we think we can raise $80,000 through grants, events, and donations uh through through the life of the project. And in order to reach our financial goal, we definitely are requesting uh your continued support. Please, please,
please. We'd really appreciate that. And we can hit our goal if you'd be willing to make a $200,000 match. Um and your financial support would bring one of the largest and best recreation facilities to Minnesota. Um bringing an even bigger
draw to the Brainer area for tourists and stuff. So, we're we're um we're shooting for that. Next slide, please. So, we are asking for you to help us make the final push. Let's get this skatepark built in 2027.
Uh, thank you guys so much for having me. And, uh, I've got Paul on the line here from City of Skate. Paul, you want to add a couple things? >> Sure. Yeah. Um, first of all, thanks for letting me join the meeting. Um, I'm Paul Forsane. I'm with City of Skate. We are a nonprofit organization uh
operating out of Minneapolis, but we work on projects throughout the state. Um we actually initiated the skate grant program at the state level um knowing that there was communities like yours um who needed assistance funding uh high
quality skate parks and facilities. And so that's something we've worked on for the last eight years. So it was nice to finally get it across the finish line in 2025. And our goals is really, you know, our our theory at city of skate when by the way we've worked on numerous other skate
parks uh not only Minneapolis but St. Paul and some of the suburbs and we're actually advising some of the other grantees um that were awarded state grants as well. Um but we we really think the best way to a quality skate park is having everybody have a little skin in the game. and uh your group, I
have to say, by the way, Jake and and the Lakes Area Skate Group. Um, one of the reasons Brainard was awarded the largest grant was just recognizing the hard work they've done and and uh the really great organizing they did and the outreach they done did within your community. It's it's it's hard to raise $100,000
for a skate park. Um, and just like a lot of other recreational um facilities, they aren't cheap, right? uh whether you're talking swimming pools, uh you know, quality ball fields, what have you, hockey arenas, they're not cheap. So, the skate grants from the state,
we're hoping to really push you over that that hurdle as well as hopefully bring other resources into the project. Um, and we find the more more people involved in the project, the higher success rate there is as far as a fully completed uh and realized skate park.
So, um, we're here to help to assist. Um, uh, and one thing I guess one thing I I can ask answer any questions as far as the state grant program, how it came about, what it's there for. I will add just one thing for you to to recognize
is within the the uh, grant program at the state level. There's language in there allows your project to go forward as a design build project. And what that does is for you to designate the area which you already have um give give a budget put the put the project out as a
design build project which is going to really bring you some um value in the fin and who you get to do that as well as a quality level. Um especially in the skateboard uh design build market uh projects that are design build projects are definitely looked as favorable from
from the the builders because of there there's an interest there that not only did they design the project but they're building a project and it it really streamlines the process and again assures that higher quality pro project and outcome. So um no congratul
congratulations to your community. Um I hope you're excited about $750,000 grant. It's It's pretty great. Um it's the first time there's there's there's no state in the country that's put out state skate park grants like this and um so um we're hoping as city of skate
we're hoping we have we have a long list of other communities that are need help. We're hoping to be back at the legislators. We're back there this year. Um we'll see which way the political winds go, but uh we're definitely hoping in the years ahead we have more grants coming out for other communities. I hope we can point to Brainard as an example
of how it's done and and what an asset it is to your community. >> Thank you, Paul. >> Perfect. Thank you both. Um for questions from the board for Jake and Paul or staff.
start with your questions. >> Sure. Um, so thank you both. I am super excited about the skate park. Um, I'm also the the Debbie Downer of the board as the budget nerd. Um, to be very
honest, we don't have $200,000. uh if we did, there's a lot of buildings that are practically falling down that we would need to prioritize. Um I would love to to make that contribution. Um I think just looking at our our capital
budget for Memorial Park, u we had a a kid put their foot through the playground at the park last summer, so we're working on replacing that this year. Uh we also have 75,000 allocated to convert the parking lot um as part of the development. And so I think
right our our kind of budgeting process um with in working with the council right we would ask them this fall this late summer fall for money in 2028. Um so we would need to go to the council
July August September and say hey we're looking for $200,000 for the skate park. Um the earliest they would consider that would be 2028. Um, and we have to weigh that against uh the rest of the city budget which has I'll say tightened up in the past few
years and we've had our budget cut as a result of right all those priorities. So um I guess right I would love to just say yep we can do that. Let's get it going. Um I think unfortunately at least from my perspective I don't think we could even really ask
the council successfully. I think that would sort of hurt our application for other capital improvement funds for um things that are kind of falling apart in our parks. Um so that's unfortunately I think where our budget is at. Um but I
would look to other >> other board members for their thoughts because I I think I am feeling negative but I don't want to be. >> Yeah, certainly. And I think you know Jake you and I of course have interacted a lot about this over the uh over the years here. to it's one of those things where the skate park is huge. It's a big
project and it's really important to you know what the outlook of the park and how we've kind of designed it. Um but to echo Andrew we we just don't have the money. Um and um you know I I think a general sentiment um if we were to go to request from council again given our
process first of all we wouldn't have it within two years and and second of all I think the general sentiment here is that we have a lot of services across the city that need the funding uh more than the park system does maybe I mean by by just
general council sentiment and I I also feel like to Andrew's point you know the the parking lot development the amount of staff time that we have worked work to try to put a lot of the the things in kind. You know, we've as a as a board and as a department have put in a significant amount of work um trying to
do this and I you know I I think we tried to set expectations early on in this process as well just saying hey like you know when we began our capital budget planning like we're not going to have any money for for any new construction across the entire system and that's held true um for us
specifically. We we've really just been replacing amenities. So, um, again, you know, applaud you on all the fundraising and things like that, but, you know, I I have to echo Andrew on this, like not only do we just not have the money, but I I feel like the, uh, the request for,
um, a contribution of that size would maybe not go super well, not simply because of, you know, negative sentiment, but because of our budgeting process and and the amount of contribution that the city has made um, in kind um, for this entire process and
the development uh, that uh, money we've set aside to improve the parking lot around the the park as well. So, um I'm going to have to be with Andrew on this one. Again, I don't want to be negative. I mean, you guys have done an incredible job and that's a lot of money from the state of Minnesota um to prop us up, but
uh you know, I have to ask you Andrew on this one. I I we just don't have the money. >> Well, uh Oh, yeah. Please go. I guess I'm kind of on the same page, too. You know, it's a great opportunity, but that's a lot of money that we don't
have. >> Yeah. Right. We've got the the money set aside for the parking lot. If we can do that uh cheaper, it's less expensive than we thought. Like, I think I would be in favor of putting the remainder towards the skate park. But again,
that's, you know, an order of magnitude less than than you're looking for, which I get. Um, I wonder if there's any way we could help partner for some things to reduce costs. Um, like for your lighting discussion, BPU came to mind. If we could reach out to them and say, "Hey,
could we do street lights um as some lighting options that might be more efficient than the I think the Musco lighting." Um, if we could make that equivalent and still useful. Um, but I I want to make this happen. I just we
don't have the the money. Um I wish you know I think if we could budget for this over five or six years and say hey council we want 20 or 30,000 a year um that would be a more palatable ask but um this would already increase our kind of maintenance request by about 5% which
I think we're totally willing to do. Um that's certainly something we want to do is to maintain this facility. Um but the initial ask is is a big lift for us unfortunately. Um, so I guess James, is there any do you
see any ways we can help as a board or try to reduce costs or find cost savings? Maybe Jesse too. I'll just highlight the one comment you had regarding the lighting. Uh, the proposal that you have in the packet or the
proposals I suppose are from Musco. uh obviously very specialized in sports and athletic lighting. Uh this would be the most appropriate for that type of facility. Uh we can explore getting a uh price proposal from the BPU staff to install something along the lines of
street lighting along that area. However, it definitely will not be as effective as sport and athletic lighting as regards to uh how it would cast onto the facility, if it would provide uh the appropriate lighting levels. Um so it is something that we can explore. uh likely
would be less uh co cost compared to the Musco proposal. Um but you'll definitely sacrifice probably some of the lighting quality that that is desired for that type of facility. >> Sure. Yeah. If it's not appropriate, I don't think we want to force it. >> Well, that and I mean liabilities and
things like that. I mean, I don't know like what the city would be responsible for if somebody got hurt, I guess, in the evening hours, you know. I I don't know necessarily. I mean, I I applaud the, you know, the thought. I mean, it's a great idea. And I mean I think part of the conversation was like we'll go
without lights if we have to um just to try to to do some cost savings. So I think it is worth an exploration at least from a security standpoint like you know if we're if we're going to say like you know you can't skate after dark cuz there's just no lighting there. I mean it is what it is. Um and we're just going to try to get it done and figure
it out afterwards. But I think for if we do go that route we probably should explore street lighting just for protecting the asset in general. So I think you know that's not unreasonable. So to at least explore. >> Yeah. I think right once it is
constructed we have agreements with the baseball association. I think the soccer association for advertising at facilities they use. I think we'd certainly be open to that to help you raise money once it's open. But again that doesn't help right where you are today if you need to need to build it
and get it open in the first place. Um, if you want to use parks for fundraising events, um, I think we're certainly open for that as well. Um, yeah, I wish I wish we could help more. Um, but we are just about to start our own process of
confronting the things we need to fix throughout our system uh, in the next couple months. So, uh, yeah, I guess James, you have any kind of next steps? Yeah. So, with the discussion here, um, next steps might be best for us to have a
staff meeting with, um, city of skate as well as the skate park association, um, to figure out, you know, we can certainly explore the options of, you know, potentially partnering with BPU or or looking at alternative lighting options, come up um, come up with, you know, potentially options for the park
board to consider. Um, as well as, you know, perhaps there's some things that could be downsized slightly. So, I think uh before we'd fill out the deed application, having a meeting um you know in this next month here with the skatepark association, I think would be beneficial before going forward on the
the application. >> Awesome. Yeah. Is is there a way to kind of phase the construction to say, "Hey, we're going to reserve right the 100 by 150 space, but we're going to do, you know, amenities A, B, C, and D, but not
ENF yet." >> Paul, you want to speak to that? Yeah, I would I'd just say yeah, just to chime in. Um, you know, I think as James said, it probably be prudent to go forward with the deed and get that in place. You know, the grants the grants there's a number of years to make use of the grant. It doesn't have to be used
necessarily right away next year. But again, I guess back to that design build, if as long as you have the footprint of what you you're going to work with, you can put it out as a design build with an option, you know, option A is the money we have right now
with a potential if more money is raised, here's what could be added on as well. And and that that would be another really advantageous thing with pursuing this as a design build contract that you you'll be working with the designer and the builders at the same time. So even even if money came in at the last minute, whether it be privately or
publicly, they'd be able to to pivot and add on or, you know, facilitate um more fuller skate park, you know, at that time. So um that would be one thing I guess, you know, just I know everybody's CFS all around all around the state are tight right now, municipalities, and I
think Jake and James' intention too is maybe just to plant a seed to something some things change. I know in city government sometimes projects you think are going forward and they're funded all a sudden something comes up and that money is not going to be spent in 2027 or 2028 and just for you as elected
officials to know that hey this project's here it could go really fast if the money is there it's there so um I think we fully understand you know where people's city our city's budgets municipalities budgets are at right now and and for something last minute what seems very last minute to you is
difficult to do but again it's just to raise your awareness that this project's here. It's uh moving forward and it can be incrementally done and if money does come available could always use a little more money. >> Perfect. Yeah. So, James, if this come
back Oh, boy. Next month or you know the month? >> Yep. I would say probably next month or the month after we'll have another kind of update on it and consideration from the park board. >> Perfect. Thank you. All right. And thank you both for joining today. We appreciate your your input. Um, again, sorry. I wish wish it
was a a more pleasant conversation, but um I I am really excited about this still. I think the whole board is and there's things we can do um to help. We definitely want to. So, >> thanks for your time. >> Great. Thank you all so much. Appreciate
it. >> All right. Um item 7B, award proposal for the Lions Park sidewalk. Jesse. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh we went out and requested proposals for the additional sidewalk at Lions Park. We received one proposal from Lynn Masonry uh for that
sidewalk based on their proposal of $7.50 per square foot and the square footage that was estimated. Uh work is estimated to be about approximately $10,000. Um we're requesting approval from the park board to award the
proposal to Lin Masonry in the amount of $7.50 50 cents per square foot for that new proposed sidewalk. >> Thank you, Jesse. Any questions for staff? >> I'm not a measurer of things. Uh, this is just with the 8 foot, right, that we
kind of talked about. Correct. Okay. Yeah, I the diagram looked good, but I, you know, >> could have failed geometry. I don't know. Uh Jesse, I think I see the little bumpout. Yeah, the nine foot right by the That's kind of what we talked about. >> Exactly. Yep.
>> And this includes the ballards. I assume those are >> does not We would do that with city staff, city maintenance staff. So this is just for the sidewalk. >> Cool. Awesome. Yeah, I think seems >> I'm going to move to approve the
proposal um from LinMasonry for $7.50 50 cents per square foot. >> I'll second that. >> Any further discussion? >> Hearing none. All in favor say I. >> I. >> I. >> Oppose. Same sign. >> Sidewalk.
Uh item 7 C other ADA improvements. Jesse. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. So, just kind of a followup to the previous item now. Uh so, we're bringing the back the discussion regarding the other planned ADA improvements. uh understanding that there was approximately 45,000 with that award that lowers it to about 35,000.
Now, um did include some of the discussion regarding a potential layout for the sidewalk and memorial. Uh staff is still recommending the sidewalk and pedestrian ramps at Lum Park. Uh just based on the improvements previously as well as planned, um but are looking for
direction from the park board on how you'd like to proceed with the remaining ADA dollars. >> Thank you. questions for Jesse. Uh, I really appreciate the photos with the the added sidewalk. That's helpful.
Um, seeing it, I still kind of hate it, but I appreciate you creating that visualization for me to to understand that more fully. Um, so I'm certainly in favor of the lum sidewalk, but would love other folks thoughts. I know this is a contentious. >> Yeah. No, I still think it I still I
still think that sidewalk's hideous. Uh or would be hideous. And again, I mean the amount of like I mean the trees are going to grow roots are going to grow around that over the years and destroy the sidewalk anyway. I mean and we want to keep the trees and so the trees are the preference over the sidewalk and so
you know um I'm still it's nice to nice to see what it would look like and Yep. Just as I thought. Horrible. So so I'm in favor of the L park sidewalk as well. Any other thoughts? Or anyone want to attempt a motion?
>> Yeah, I'll just make a motion to approve the uh improvements at Lump Park laid out as attached. I'll second that. Any other discussion? Hearing none. All in favor say I.
>> I post. same sign that Lum Park sidewalk is approved. Um then we'll go to item 8A, new business of benches. Jesse, >> thank you, Mr. Chair. So, uh we are requesting park board authorize an
alternative vendor for our memorial benches. Uh we've had multiple issues of misspellings, um missed shipments, uh half shipments, uh just some poor overall service with the folks that we use currently. Uh so we've had staff has
worked through looking at alternative vendors for memorial benches as well as just uh alter alternative like designs and and structures and stuff like that for memorial benches. Uh we've included several uh options both as vendors and options uh for discussion and just
looking for directions on the park board from the items that are included in the alternative section those numbers one through five. uh and looking for direction from the park board. And I don't know if he had anything further. Okay, >> perfect. >> Thank you, Jesse.
Um my primary comment is I hate the look of every single one of the memorial benches, like ones that would have words on them like across all vendors um or both vendors. So, I don't know. I mean, as far as as far as benches are concerned, they're very nice benches, some of the nicest. But, uh, putting
letters on them, uh, I I really like like the benches as they are now. Um, and I didn't see across a lot of these. I mean, again, I saw ones that had like a small carveout with lettering on it or like a stuck on piece of metal. Um, but,
you know, somebody's going to pay series D for a bench. Um, I kind of want it similar. and I just didn't see anything that was comparable um in in this in the packet. Um and I could
very well be wrong, but I just yeah, I didn't really care for um the actual memorial part of it. So, that was my only comment. Otherwise, I think again the benches look great. There just isn't any like dedicated to,
you know, like people paying money to have somebody's name on it like the benches that are now. They're really effective. They look great with people's names on them and it's it's a good tribute as far as the bench is concerned. So yeah, I
I mostly agree with you. I think the the cutouts get a little gross throughout the year, like especially the spring and Gregory, the pollen kind of adheres in such a way that it's like a '9s word art effect from from Word.
>> That is nice. >> Um, and so the plaque I think would would handle that better, but also to your point, you got to like walk up to the bench and see what this sixinch plaque is is about. Um, but like also it doesn't seem like
our current vendor is sustainable, so that is a bummer. But you don't really need to ship us a typo. Oh, the one of the St. Croy ones has >> Yeah. >> Uh, Max, if you could go to page 103.
That's the bottom middle >> kind of with the snow around it. Is that kind of like the ones that are >> the options? Okay, very good. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, that one. Thank you. >> So, is the is the one next to it
engraved or is that just like a I mean because it in black and white it looked >> Oh, that is a serious >> Yeah, that's but yeah, >> there's a drought. I think you would actually get like the shadow st. >> Yeah, you could. Yeah, you could. But um
yeah. Okay, so synchro does have an option. I just it's pretty ugly too by comparison. Again, I'm trying to compare it to our current bench and I I understand it's unrealistic because it's our current bench, but and we can't have it anymore, but um I don't know. I think
>> my fear with the the plaque that's added to it is that there's potential for that to get removed and then once it's removed what are we doing then at that point you know like I the kind of the point of the memorial benches is that they are there for the useful life of the bench
>> but if the plaque can be removed the bench is still useful but then are we paying to replace the plaque and are we in a position to do that would be my fear with it. Like once these go in, I would hope that they would be something that are there for its useful life and then it once it's done, it's removed,
which is what the parkboard has stated with its policy. I I'd be fearful of anything that you could potentially have to go mend in, you know, in the life of the of the bench. So, and I know we have that with a couple of the things at the um
the splash pad. There's a couple of plaques that are on the thing that you I don't want to say it although but probably take a screwdriver or two that and pop it off there and then we got to replace it. So that would be my only fear with something like that. Yeah, I this one I think is my favorite.
Even though it doesn't have armrests, I like the recycled plastic over the the metal ones, both for heat and I think it just blends into the park a little bit better. Um,
Jesse, do you know, um, is there I didn't see any looking through like that recycled plastic style but with armrests on the side. That's like the one combination I couldn't find, which was improbable.
>> We We can check with St. Croy on that matter. Um, we're not we're not 100% sure and and could advise, but we can we can look into that with St. Croy. >> Oh, yeah. I mean, it looks like there's a billion options, so that seems fair. Um, that would, I think, be my
preference. We could keep, to Dave's point, the permanent memorialization, we're going to say that's a word. Um, of whoever purchased it, and it kind of fits the style of our existing benches, so it doesn't stand out as much like, oh, you have an old bench and you have a
new bench. Um, so that would be my vote. If we can get armrests, I think all the better to help with accessibility for for folks. >> The current ones don't have armrests though, right? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Upgrade.
>> Yeah, I think that would be nice. Um, so >> yeah, >> that's kind of where I'm at. Uh, >> yeah. Next step would just be, can you just look into what all of the recycled plastic engraving options would be then for us? just to try to match what we've
got as best as we can. >> I think we've received enough comments from the park board that we could go back to if the preferred vendor is St. Croy uh which is similar to what we use uh for a vendor on other um like the playgrounds uh for instance in our design standard uh we can explore uh
getting a more refined uh set of options for the parkboard to take a look at. >> Awesome. Cool. Thank you. Thank you for pulling all that together. That's uh assume you get a lot of emails you wish you didn't know. So
>> you're on a few lists. >> Bench enthusiast mailing list. All right. Um item 8B 2026 tree plantings proposal memorial glowup. Jesse. >> Thank you Mr. Chair. So we received two proposals for tree plantings in Memorial
Park. Uh attached are the proposals from Ducets and Lansburg. Uh which are the two uh Ducets was the low proposal. uh based on that total amount um the staff is recommending award two ducets with the additional five Norway pines uh that we would place along Mil Avenue uh just
to expend up to but not exceeding the $25,000 that we have in the budget. Uh based on their proposal, we're estimating that just to be under 24,000 with the additional five Norway pines and looking for uh authorization and approval from the park board to award as
presented. >> Cool. Uh questions or thoughts on the trees and the grasses? >> Significant difference? Um or no, not really. Right. I mean, it was cuz
there's a few things on the on the invoice that are not us, right? Because these invoices are for 44 854 and um 47437.
So some of those are not us, right? It's just the pines and the grass. >> Correct. For the for economy of scale gains, uh we combined the proposal with the street trees. >> So makes sense. It's a it is a one proposal piece. I >> say it's so about a $2,600 difference
between the two. >> Sure. Okay. Um, yeah, I'll make a motion to approve the proposal from Ducets Landscaping. I'll second that. Cool. Um, I just have
one discussion item. I think knowing the skatepark would be roughly 150 ft from Q to like north in the parking lot, I would think we'd want to leave that without trees to make it a little more
visible from the road. And to your point earlier, Jonathan, about kind of the asset protection, you're screened off by pine trees. It could be lit to high heaven and nobody's going to be able to see the kid with his can of spray paint. Um that that'd be my only thought is
leaving a gap there. >> Sure. A little gapper. Yeah. Um I I tend to agree with you there. I think um you know if we approve this, you guys can still have a discussion with the skate park about that lighting and if we decide to move like do we have to get these trees planted like before next
month? >> Uh no no we we don't. Uh I'll I'll just note that in that layout um just trying to pull two things together at the same time, but you'll see this compared to the layout that they had in the uh presentation from the skatepark. There
are no planned plantings within the area that the skate park is laid out in their proposal. Uh we're essentially starting from that light pole moving to the north. >> Um and that that wouldn't conflict with what they're they're looking to put in. Uh we have had discussions with the
county regarding a secondary access. uh they'd like to see us keep the one on Q Street. So, that would be something that we'd work with the skate park uh group on uh is finding a layout that maintains access via Q, whether that be the existing access location or sliding it
slightly to the east maybe to accommodate differently. Um but the county would not like to see another access off a mill. Uh, so we can feather the additional five trees kind of in between to uh match that same 25 foot spacing versus the 50 foot spacing that
you're seeing here. Uh, while still not impacting the potential layout for the skatepark. >> Cool. I didn't know if like the extra five would just keep going south from the the map. So that's awesome. Thank you. Uh, something I just thought of when
you're saying that, Jesse, one thing that might be helpful for the next conversation about the skate park is when Q Street would be up for any kind of road work. Not for a while. >> It's not on our 10-year plan right now. >> Okay, that answers that. Thank you. Uh,
cool. That totally unrelated though. Probably shouldn't have done that, but I guess I'm the the chair. So, anyway, um, any other discussion on the trees and the grasses hearing? Seeing none. All in favor say I. >> I >> post same sign. We've approved the
trees. All right. 8 C. Uh TWWM Architectures plan for the L Park Shower Building. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. So, we received a proposal from TWWM Architecture for design services um for the planned 2027
rehab of the Lumpark Shower Building. uh very similar scope to what we included at the Kuwanas Park uh pavilion and uh restrooms over in 2022. Um based on some of the comments that we've received from uh park visitors as well as maintenance staff, uh we do have issues with uh kind
of that shared shower space and and how that entry works. Um we've had different things like u vandal vandalization and um other issues. Um so we did ask for not only the base proposal uh which we've included in here
which is 5500 which is essentially the same scope as Kiwanas. Uh we did ask for a secondary alternative proposal to include uh design services to add an alternative separate shower entry.
The showers would be connected. we'd still have them connected available for people to go between the two um lavatories and showers, but having a separate specific entry for the shower build or showers specifically on that side of the building. So that's what
we're looking for uh for park board right now is to uh award the design uh proposal for one of the two proposals either the 5500 uh for the base proposal or 7500 uh to include the additional design services to look
at alternative separate entry for the showers. And just a reminder we have 110,000 planned in the capital budget for that work. thoughts, discussion, got a couple. Uh, thank you so much for planning ahead on this and getting a a
number. Well, because we get like a a project estimate as part of this, right? we would work within the budget uh and scope the work to fit the budget. >> Oh, sure. Okay, cool. Um and then the thought with the alternate entrance like
when the public restrooms are closed then campers could still get into the showers but not >> I think that was part of the intent. >> Okay, cool. Yeah, that sounds great. And anything that reduces vandalism and maintenance there is good.
Um, yeah, this seems great to me. Uh, >> yeah. I don't think I don't think the $2,000 is really all that much of a waste just to check in on, you know, those options. I guess I think that was the only real sticking point for me. It was like an extra 2G's for like access
to showers that, you know, I don't know how much really they're getting after hour or after restroom hour use, but um you know, I don't think it can hurt to uh at least take a gander. >> Cool. Uh, so I will make a motion to um
move to approve the design proposal from TWWM Architecture to include both the remodel of the Lump Park Shower Building and include the design for alternate entry to the showers. >> I'll second that.
>> Any other discussion? Hearing none. All in favor say I. >> I post same sign. That is approved. Uh 8D, epoxy coating of concession stands in bathrooms. Jesse, >> thank you, Mr. Chair. So, we received proposals from Erinson epoxy. Uh they've
done previous work for us uh with the epoxy coatings on our floors. Uh we've asked for several buildings in the park system. Uh the total of all the proposals that were received was about $14,786.60. Uh just note this is around 20% of our full year's maintenance and repair
budget. So this could have an effect on how much maintenance and repair could be done later on in the year uh based on how much we have in remaining funds. Um so we did put together an alternative option to take a look at as well uh just to consider only addressing the concession stand at JC's as well as the
restroom uh restrooms at Memorial and Lyman P. White. Uh just those facilities would be about $9,282. Um the remaining facilities we could include with the requested budget in 2027. Uh so staff is looking for direction on one of the options listed.
>> Thank you. Uh questions, comments? >> Do we have tens of thousands of dollars uh available from our concession profits for last year so we can pay for our concession stand at least? >> We typically cannot carry that >> funds over from year to year.
>> Very good. Um I was looking at it. I mean, I think a lot of this conversation came from um, you know, especially the Lyman P. White Park because that cement I mean, we're what two years into this thing and it's pretty gross in the in
the restrooms. So, I I think you know um if we're not going to I mean it it's tough to do it all at once, right? Because we we don't want to burn it this early, but um just doing the like the higher volume um parks first, right? like Lyman and P and and Memorial. And
then I mean, you know, looking at JC's concessions, again, we we've talked about this a lot because it's such a huge project, but like what is our what is our concession plan specifically at JC's Park and event hosting looking like? I mean, are we
going to get a lot of mileage out of this concession stand this summer or I mean because four 4 I mean it is the most expensive piece on this and so um if we're not using it and the restrooms are seeing a lot of use which again you look at Kowanas you look at
Lman P and Memorial Kuanas is a relatively new structure as well so keeping track of that cement floor and not having it get get nasty like it like some of these parks have have been um does seem like a higher priority to me. So when I was looking at it, if we're
less inclined to do the full amount, you know, looking just at utilization from top to bottom and then where the the biggest volume and the biggest opportunities are going to be. And I just again I I don't know um as far as event planning and you know what we're
going to be hosting over the year if we're going to even come remotely close to the type I mean we won't come close to the Memorial Park volume and concessions. I I don't see that as a possibility but um you know what what are we missing out on if we don't do
concessions there? And then you know looking at again volume in in Kiwanas Lions Park Lyman P and Memorial. So again, if we were going to put anything on hold, it'd probably be concessions there. I mean, parring any staff input. Um, and then if we were going to like
try to do half now, half later, I' I'd probably also shave Lions Park and handle the other three. But again, that's that's kind of my opinion. And again, I don't know what this the opinion of staff is on on JC's concessions this year, >> Mr. Chair. So, just a quick uh on that
piece of it. I'll let Kayla talk about the quantity and um the frequency of use in there. Uh I do know that the Department of Health as a permitted facility does inspect that and based on the requirements that they have. Uh this addresses some of those pieces. Uh not having it does put it at risk for
potential fines from the MDH if it is found out of compliance as a permitted facility if we do utilize it. Um so that is something that they would look at. Um, so that is that is a risk that we do have as a with a with a permitted facility such as that uh under state
regulation. Uh, I'll let uh Kayla talk a little bit about uh frequency of use. >> For JC's concessions, it was about three weekends last year and more and likely will be the same for this year. >> Yeah, it's a great question. Yeah, I
mean I like I said it's just general sentiment like if we want to just drop the whole 15,000 and get it done and want whack and we're good, you know, that was the thought, but you know, if we want to shove some over the next year, I mean that was kind of one of those situations where, you know, as as
the events I mean, we we're doing more and more in every park now, which is great. And obviously JC's going to see a little bit more foot traffic in general, but I mean us manning the the the stand specifically, the frequency probably isn't going to
increase drastically. So again, if we're going to shave any money, again, I'm more so in the, you know, half now, half later type of camp just to make sure that we we don't expend everything that we have at their, you know, 20% is a large sum um to begin the year. So, if
we can, you know, just shave Lions Park and JC's and move it to next year, um, and then just do the the three restrooms that again either have the highest volume of traffic or have newer facilities. Um, I think that's probably the uh the path that I would choose, but
again, I'm still also not necessarily not in favor of doing the full five uh facilities presented. So, >> um I think my thoughts, so the JC's I think this maybe would buy us a little leniency with our parking problems
there. If we have concessions, folks are coming and going less often and encountering any frustration with parking less. If they end up parking three blocks away and they're mad about it, but they can get a hot dog and don't have to leave between games, right? We've eliminated a little bit of that
friction. And so does that investment help buy us a little time for the angle parking which I think was its own situation? Um or to to find other options. Um I guess my other point is this feels like a great application of
our long-term maintenance fund. Right. For our bathrooms, it's extending the in the case of Lyman, right? A new facility, extending the life of that before we'd have to redo the floor. Um, and for the concession stands, it's extending the life of those buildings as
concession stands instead of saying, "Oh, well, everything's broken. We got to tear it down and build a new one." We're spending some of that money to avoid a a much much larger investment. So, I think we could make a case to the council that, hey, we need 14,000 and
change to protect the investment in some of our newer, right? Kuanas is new, Lyman is new, Lions, we're just doing a giant sidewalk for. Um, and then, hey, this is a little bit of money for our concession stands to keep the life of those buildings, you know, from us
coming to you and say, hey, the JC's concession stand building is falling down, >> you know, they're not going to give us 20 $200,000 for a warming house there. Um, >> 200,000 for anything. So, like I think that is a a savvy use of that money is
to preserve what we have and protect it and reduce staff maintenance time. Right? If somebody does something to the floor in the bathroom, it's going to clean up faster. It's going to stain less. I think it'll be less. It can only be less sticky. So, um,
>> I hope agree. Yeah. >> Okay. So, I love that we're having this conversation. This actually came up last July when somebody came to me and proposed sponsoring this. So, I just reached out to them and asked if they're still interested in sponsoring it, and they were interested in sponsoring Lime P. White. So, can you pull up that
price? It was like just under 2,000. >> Yeah, it was like 19. >> 19. Okay. Would the park board be interested in receiving a sponsorship and some kind of placard they would get that said, "Hey, we took care of the bathroom floors because the the conversation happened. I'm looking back
at it here. It's July 14th." So, I think it was one of the concerts we had >> or uh >> Lake S musical or something. >> July 14th. Yep. Is when it came up. And it was specifically this. But I think it's a great conversation to have that we put in these nice bathrooms and then
didn't really think about, hey, they're bathrooms. >> They are bathrooms >> and and concrete is is uh porous. So, if you would be interested, I I would I'd be interested in putting this person in contact with staff about that one in particular. >> Yes.
>> I love as many layers as we can add to pouring epoxy on our on our bathroom floors. >> This is saving us money. >> I look, I'm all for saving money. >> Somebody offered offered money. So, let's circle it all back here. So, we are going to explore a $2,000ish dollar
sponsorship for the epoxying of Lyman and P White Park. We'd like to explore um you utilizing our long-term maintenance fund for this entire project in general, I think, is the sentiment here because I do think to your point it is a good application of this. Um and uh
I you know as far as like maintenance is concerned like overall like maintenance budget type stuff I don't this is an improvement. I mean this is this isn't necessarily maintenance to me in general. So I think I think you're you're spot on with with a request like that. So I think I would also like to
explore utilizing um our funds for that. >> Cool. Um, Jesse, do you want a motion to ask council or just direction? >> Yes, we would like a motion to direct staff to bring something to the council
requesting um the funds that you're requesting. Cool. Um, okay. So, um, Trident layers here. Let's uh so let's uh I will make a motion to direct
staff to request the entire sum of $14,786.60 to replace all of the illicit items under capital improvement and then um you know uh after well we can solve the rest of like the sponsorship thing after
we know if console will give us this money um under capital improvement. That was a good one. Yeah. Very good. >> I'll second that. >> Cool. Uh yeah, I like the way you worded it
because council's not going to be mad if it goes down by $2,000 and it >> Yeah, >> we're not like hooked on a timeline of >> Oh, you can spend less snow. >> Uh and then we can get the ball rolling on this and get it epoxy before everybody's using them in the spring, which is also muddy and you know,
concrete and mud don't get along. Cool. Um, any other discussion? Um, Dave, >> I just want to reiterate that I think this is great. I really appreciate that you guys are looking at this and it is an improvement that we need. So, it's a it's a good use of uh funding for maintenance
>> improvement. Very good. >> It's maintenance. Well, >> maintaining the concrete I would say concrete that smells of >> urine is not good concrete. That is less That is less concrete.
>> We got to We got to dance around it all item. >> Your main Your main gross, but All right. Yeah. Fair enough. Fair enough. >> That's what the metro is for. >> All right. Any other discussion? >> I got one just question. Are we when we're building this new one at LUM, are
we figuring that into the cost right away >> so we're not going back and redoing it? >> You're referring to the shower building. Yeah, as far as the epoxy floors in there, >> we can include it with the project depending on how obviously the design
and the cost estimate shakes out depending on the Again, we have a pretty uh firm budget. So, we would work within that if that's what the park board wanted to prioritize over uh potentially some other I don't for like new lighting for instance, that would be up to the
park board to determine if if that was one thing you wanted to balance or if we wanted to look to expend money in a different way through maintenance and repair budget or long-term maintenance budget, something separate from the project, we would look to the park board for that direction.
>> Cool. Good question. Yeah, because we know we want to do this. Let's do it going forward. >> Cool. All right. Um, all in favor say I. >> I post same sign. Going to ask for some money.
All right. Um, Lions Park playground servicing materials. Jesse. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. So, staff's been communicating with St. Croy as well as the Lions Club regarding their planned playground replacement over at Lions Park in Buffalo Hills. Uh we've included a layout and concept from St. Croy based
on their discussion with the Lions. Uh right now we're looking for direct uh direction from the park board regarding um the items that are included in the attachment kind of specifically in regard to some of the previous park board discussions regarding the location of the playground um the surfacing
materials. I'll note the location as shown in the master plan. Uh it's kind of a low point does uh catch quite a bit of storm water drainage. I mean, if you go out there right now, the snow melt uh tends to just kind of gather there. It's a very low-lying area. Uh it's a very
small area in regard to what's available for flat area, I guess you want to call it that. Uh obviously the existing facility um they have it kind of shown fitting within the kind of that footprint of where the existing uh facility is. So there wouldn't be impact
to the trees there. So that's what they're recommending. St. Croy was recommending uh was utilizing the existing facility. Uh so again location is a discussion as well as some of the surfacing materials. There has been uh previous discussion regards to the uh
ground surfacing material used. So looking for some direction from the park board uh if you support the concept as it's shown uh moving forward in full design um or any other direction from the park board. questions,
strong feelings. No strong feelings nor thoughts on this one. I kind of enjoyed the, you know, I this is where they want. I mean, the the the playground was bigger than what the original plan scope was to begin with.
And, you know, again, we're putting this accessible sidewalk up to the I mean, you know, it all kind of just plays out right. And the unlevelness of it, I suppose, and being on some, uh, we'll call it terrain, um, you know, is, I
guess, concerning, I guess. And with some a lot of that drainage issues, I mean, are we going to run into problems with this turning into some sort of collection point for all of the water? Um you know
>> is so just to clarify the questions if it's constructed in the existing location is there going to be issues or if it would be in the location as referred to >> in the in the referred to um the plan here >> in the master plan. >> Yeah in this plan >> as of right now it's a low-lying point.
It does not drain very well. Um the problem is the the groundwater is already pretty high. If you look at the the low point we tried to artificially create on the east side of the the two fields, we kind of dug out a low point for everything to kind of drain to. It's
it's full of water now. Um there's very little separation um just because it is naturally lowlying. So, uh it doesn't flow very well from there. So, it's a potential that that would have um sanding water issues around that that build and that would be a concern.
Um, Jesse, the the port in place rubber that's not permeable, right? Like water's going to sit on that. >> I believe it does shed water. I don't think it uh >> um it just I don't think it infiltrates into it or I would assume that they're
going they would plan to build it in a way that it doesn't pond on the on that surface. Oh, Dave. >> Yeah, I believe that's the same material that's used at the one at Lincoln, correct? By the high school, the new
Lincoln school. I want to say it's the same stuff. And so our kids use that quite a bit. It It does a pretty good job. You know, sometimes the water will pull in areas, but not massive amounts. Um I don't I I don't understand what's underneath it. I assumed that there was concrete
underneath that. Is there not a a subsurface underneath that? >> I can't say. >> Okay. >> It's not I'm not familiar. >> It feels like something that has like concrete under there, but I guess maybe not because that would be really cost prohibitive to it. But it it does do a pretty good job, I think, of of that
moisture getting out of there. The one issues that they do have is that they do collect debris. So, we would need to be mindful of that in in a treated area like that. They it will probably need to be brushed off. the one up there, Pine Needle Sentry. So, just going to be
careful about that. But in terms of holding water, it seems like it sheds pretty well. So, >> I guess it's kind of tacky, isn't it? >> A little bit. Yeah. Every You'll see pools on there, but not massive pools. It It seems like it's pretty well laid out.
>> It's going somewhere. Cool. Um, I guess my thoughts, I generally bored with what the Lions are interested in. I think we've been transparent about the money we have to contribute and if they feel like this is
in their scope, I think this looks amazing. >> Yep. >> Um, I know I think Lisa coordinated a meeting with me and some folks from there tomorrow um to talk about some of this stuff. So that may be Lisa this is kind of what
tomorrow's meeting is about too. Okay. So I might have more information to share. >> Yeah. I I think for that meeting direction from the park board on on these facets is going to be very beneficial for that conversation. >> Okay. >> And I I I think again to your sentiment
I I just like to move forward with what the Lions prefer. I mean, you know, we'll warn them, of course, of any um potential hurdles that might be from the placement and material usage. I mean, but again, part of the thought put
behind a lot of this, it's a lot of money. I would imagine we would be checking our list uh maybe twice, but um but you know, again, just we know the city or and the park system and our department knows it better than anybody. So, just making sure that we relay this
information. But again, I'm on board with, you know, we've already had conversations about design standards and things like that. If if the Lions Club wants to pursue this direction, I'm on board. >> So, yeah, I think the portant place is like
the gold standard for accessible surface. So, if that >> is in their budget, I think all the better. As long as they're aware of any drainage issues and maybe they do a survey earlier to make sure they have a plan for some of that. Cool. Um,
yeah, I feel prepared with our direction for tomorrow. Jesse, Lisa, Kayla, do you feel okay about the discussion? >> Is as I'm gathering, it's support the concept as it's kind of shown and generally okay with the location as well in the existing footprint. Correct.
>> Yes. >> Thank you. Yeah. Find out if that is the same stuff. If you could find out if it is the same stuff that is over there because it's easy. It's easy for us to go. I mean, it's literally Oh, yeah. >> You know, right around the corner. We could easily go look at that and see right now if there's water on it. So,
>> I believe it's a very similar material. >> Okay. Yeah. It's just it's good to have an example that you can go tactively look at. So, >> excellent. All right. Uh, so I think we're good on that.
We'll do 8F, uh, parkboard calendar. Um, so I can kind of talk through this one. So, thank you, Lisa, for pulling that spreadsheet together. Um, so the goal of this is
to have a list for us of everything that we have going on in a year so that we're both aware of everything that needs to happen and also not kind of missing out on things that maybe we don't do as often as we should that can
bite us in the future. Um so there's kind of a few buckets and I think for today and following this meeting I I want to focus on the list of stuff uh we can tweak right when it happens totally um but just are we
missing things around the budgeting process or working with our partners that we need to to know about um so that we can get all of that together and then um as I was thinking about dates looking at this right it's it's kind of an overwhelming number of things, but I
would rather us know everything that we're signed up for. Um, so I'll just quickly run through it. Y'all can read. I'm not going to go through everyone. U, but we have the capital budget process. The goal of that is to keep us on schedule for getting something to the council and a a time
frame that's not stressful for us, not stressful for staff. Um, and that makes us appear professional to the council. We're not sneaking in uh the last possible day um to present that. So, uh, that's the capital process. Um, the
operating budget. This came out of, um, kind of the the revelation last year that we had been underhiring our temporary staff by quite a bit. Um, but also then, hey, we need more park staff. Um, so just making sure we're also
thinking about the operating budget. You know, Jesse, you've done a good job in the past of preparing that and giving that to us, but I think making sure we're in the loop however much you want us to be about, hey, we need another FTE next year. Um, we're thinking
strategically about that. Um, for adult sports, um, I think it's really just the softball pre and postseason meetings. Kayla, is there anything I missed there for other meetings or team things?
Cool. Awesome. Uh, and then our park partnerships. I think this is a good practice for us to start. I think this is a lot of work. Um, but is something that would kind of
make sure we're being a good partner with our organizations that do stuff for free for us. Um, so it's around meeting with them, I think once or twice a year, and then bringing that report to the board. Um, so that we are all kind of in the loop, but we have a person
designated on the board that says, "Hey, you're the JC's person. You're the Lions person." Um, so that we can funnel some of that communication and be on top of any funding requests, right? I think we had this challenge with the Lions of, hey, right, we want to do this big playground thing. Oh, it's right after a
budget process. Let's wait 11 months. Kind of stinks if we can get ahead of that. Um, I know Rotary, right? They have so many cool plans for the park. Um, being able to be in the loop with them of you want to do that bird watching post, that's cool. Let's just be aware of when we would need to ask
for that money. Um, grant timelines, everything like that. So, um, that's all the park partnership stuff. Um, youth sports. Um, I think we're all all aware why we we need to have this on the calendar. Um, especially with those presentations and
then reviewing the contracts. Um, and knowing when our partners' timelines are, I think that was a surprise of, hey, this pamphlet needs to go out mid December and we hadn't signed anything yet, which put them in a bad spot and and we're also in a bad spot. And then the
skioons, um, thank goodness this has been going well, just having it on the list. Um, so if there's anything you can think of that's not on here, let's throw it on today. um or think about it over the next month and then bring any other ideas to the April meeting.
>> Yeah. And I think uh immediately it's just kind of when we were talking about consistency in like the skills type contracts, you know, we are working with the BBBA now um and have a similar agreement and then same with LSA. So those two organizations have a contract
similar to operating like the skioons have now. So again, as another park partner um partnership or usage uh agreement for our facilities, um you know, whether or not we just need to designate somebody to come to some sort of meeting or have uh whoever the point
of contact is. Um speaking with those people and just saying, hey, you know, this is how the season went. Maybe not even necessarily pre- or post, but to your point with the loons, um kind of just having anybody that signs an agreement like that, you know, we we need some sort of contact with those
folks and just information instead of just passing by staff once in a while and, you know, or have them showing up with some sort of gripe or whatever it might be or, you know, um and just kind of holding again people responsible to their contracts and making sure that uh
things are running smoothly. So >> yeah, it's a great one. Dave, >> yeah, just for clarification, is this meeting like your parkboard meeting? Is that the month or is that like you know, you're meeting with the the partnership
or whatever on this month it would be on the next because I like I'd almost like to think of it from a perspective of from for staff mostly. When do you foresee this being at one of your meetings? because I would assume that you would have a followup at the next meeting. So for staff, if they need
something ahead of that, they need to know when they need to have that done. So are we are you envisioning this as the parkboard meeting or you envisioning this as prior to that? Like is are am I overthinking this? But at the same time, like I'm just thinking from their
standpoint like I'm looking at Lisa. Lisa's got to get you something to meet with with the partnerships, right? When does she need to have it? because is it going to be at the end of the month, beginning of the month? Like what are you thinking in terms of that? >> Yeah, just looking back at the email I
sent to Lisa, I I had the exact same question in my head as I was writing this and I believe I picked the board meeting. >> So, this would be the board meeting. >> Yes. >> Okay. Well, just based on based on your uh August timeline to have a capital
request presented to council, I think is lines up to that, right? So, because we would meet in August. >> Yeah, >> that time as well. So, >> yeah. And that one might actually need to be July because the deadline's August 30th. I just want to make sure that we're like as we're because we're creating it right now that we're just
laser focusing on. >> Yeah. >> When do you think that needs to be done? Like what is that date so that we can work our way backward for staff so that they can have the things in line ahead of time for that. >> It's a good point. I mean, yeah, your your original point was to not worry
worry so much about the timeline, but it is an excellent point when you're making it. >> Yeah. I mean, yeah. >> Yeah. >> So, very good. >> Uh, and I forgot one thing as well. So, on the right side of the spreadsheet, uh, it's a little bit past the month max.
Uh, oh, and past the notes. Yep. Cool. Thank you. Um, so the other thing we have is keeping up to date with our master plans. So, it's right. great that we have them. We haven't looked at some of them since Kevin made them, which is fine because
they're not heavily used parks. Uh my thought was every three months we're looking at one of our bigger complex parks. Every four months we're looking at our smaller straightforward ones, right? Mississippi Landing, it exists. Great. We're done. Uh and maybe some of those, right? We don't have master
plans. Probably fine. um which is setting a schedule so we're looking at them on a somewhat regular basis that empowers our partner leaison to know right rotary says hey we want to do a bird watching platform we say great master plan has nothing there that seems
cool versus you know JC says we want to do a ice rink in the middle of the baseball fields say sorry we've got baseball fields there you know bad example um but just doing that on a semi-regular basis the goal would be we're getting through every master plan.
We're looking at a park every 3 years um so that it's never too far out of date. If something comes up, right, hey, somebody wants to reddonate this uh do a project here. Not like, oh boy, right? We haven't looked at that in 10 years. It's out of date. So that's the other
thing to think about as well. So this is just kind offormational. Jesse, >> uh, one item I'd note for the park board to consider would be, uh, reviewing adopting the next year's fee schedule,
uh, around October. Uh, we I don't want to say it's a hard deadline, but we'd really like to have that established by the end of November. So, if it has to carry over for further discussion into November, that way it gives us time to update the system with the new fee schedule for reservations when they kick
off the first of the year. Well, you know, and I'd like to just point out like I know it's a little bit of a burden on staff, but I think a lot of this does well down to when you guys have availability as well. Like over when you look over the course of the year, like is it going to be the appropriate time for us to sit down and
talk to you about such and such a thing? I mean, there are obviously some really hard deadlines, but you know, you certainly could assist in like, hey, when you're looking at over these documents, like I what's the preference of us doing the pre and post you know, softball meetings and having a
conversation about those and some of those types of things when like where we can talk to partners or like when when would certain things be ideal for us to have conversations and again that will evolve as we kind of iron all of this out but you know again direct feedback
on like yeah we need to talk about this previously or like during this time it's really busy for us doing X Y and Z or you know when can we talk like because obviously priority wise you know we need to get budgets done we need to put structures out. We need to, you know,
all that stuff. But there are going to be a few of these things that we can be like, "All right, well, this would just be, we don't need to do this right now, so let's work on it at some point." And again, the inner workings of the department are kind of your guys' specialties. So, um, meeting with partners like the soccer association,
obviously, you know, if we're doing, you know, a pre and post for the soccer association, there's a specific timeline and those types of deals or the loons. I mean, that's all kind of fleshed out now. But you know there are just certain things that internally if you guys would struggle with a certain timeline too like feedback is on this is going to be
really important for us as well. So >> yeah I think the most important part of this is that this becomes the the model for when people of in the public are able to come talk about things as well. I think the biggest thing I've been
trying to push for this group is there are times in which it is appropriate for us to have conversations about XYZ and everyone wants something now now now now but we're so far ahead of where we have to be we have to be two years on our budget which means if you want to have
conversation about new tennis courts or whatever it is you know being able to put it to staff to be able to say we have those conversations in the fall you know come back in January or in the end of July, we'll start having that conversation just so that they're aware
and they're in a better position so that they're not always feeling like they have to scramble on something. Look, we the park board has set up a schedule for when we talk about these things. You're looking at August for that. >> Yeah, it's pitch month, baby. >> It's pitch month. Yeah, whatever it is.
But I I just want to you utilize this for you guys so that you know what's happening, but more so than anything, then our staff has something to fall back on as well. >> Yeah. Yeah, and I appreciate the time putting into a lot of this. I mean, you know, even a general outline, it's been pretty good. And I mean, to your point, you keeping up to date, maybe assigning
each of us parks or whatever it might be to take a gander at, you know, however we want to do it. But yeah, I mean, this is a great step in the right direction. So, thank you. >> Cool. Yeah. So, for the April meeting, um, just think of anything else you'd
want on here, right? I think the peace schedule's great. um January certainly too late. Uh and then yeah, like an idea capital request window I think is awesome as well. So that >> five years ago
>> that too. >> Uh yes. So that's all I had. Uh feel free to email me or write Bug Lisa with ideas you think of or just bring them to the next meeting. Yeah, that's all we've got for that.
So, we will go on to staff reports. >> I don't necessarily have much more to add to what's in the packet. I will highlight one item. Uh park staff did start on doing repairs at the Bane Park rink. Uh we are uh working with the
Public Works Association of Minnesota. They're going to have their spring conference again this uh upcoming May. Um we've worked with them in the past. They painted the uh garage over at Millsfield. Uh they've agreed to repaint all the boards over there at the bane
rink. Uh so maintenance staff just get did get started on doing those repairs to the wood over there so that way it's prepped and ready to go for those folks when they come uh to do their uh volunteer project. Uh and to be honest with you, I think it's probably the busiest season for uh recreation with
all the signups. So I'll let uh Kayla highlight anything else that she has in in the packet. Uh, so I would just like to announce some upcoming events. Uh, so we have the Easter egg hunt at Gregory, the dog ball hunt at Buster Dog Park. Um, that is
April 4th. Um, the early bird tournament scheduled April 25th, and then MS1 and MS2 leagues will begin April 28th and 29th. Any questions about the staff reports?
It's just an impressive list of events you've got for this year. It's uh frightening just to look at and you have to plan them also. >> Well, you but it's also nice to see it for once too. I uh you know I think historically speaking uh you know now
that you're settled in historically speaking we haven't really seen the uh the top to bottom of what what all goes on. I mean and apart from that I mean whatever else is being just thrown in the middle um of any of this other you know nonsense. So um I guess not
nonsense but really cool to see the whole list for change. So thank you Perfect. Uh we'll move on to I think that was it. Yeah. Board member reports. Uh start with me. Yeah. So actually I was uh I think you I mean you brought it
up today. I the uh the community garden thing um was one of those deals where I you know I know we talked about this what I we mentioned it was like two years ago or I showed the post from two years ago but I I don't know. I thought somebody else was running that not us. Um, and I, you know, I know we approved
it to be run by us, but, um, I was, uh, kind of curious as to, uh, like what that's looked like over the last couple of years. I mean, if we've just been filling plots every year and everything's been going great, no problems. >> So, I can clarify a little bit. We did
send clarification over um, historically that is a an FFA program. We work with them. We've generally been the say the fiscal agent. we've taken in the the cost of registrations and uh funneled that money over to the FFA, but it
ultimately has been an FFA program. Uh a couple years ago, we did um let Chris Schubert at the time know that uh we were going to utilize our recreation specialists to kind of help push um some of that information out uh just kind of from like marketing standpoint and help
people be aware that we have a community garden. It's available for folks. Um, but the intention was never that staff was going to actually run the program for the FFA. It is their program. That's where the funds go to is the FFA. Um, so we did clarify that with the those folks is that that is the intent is that staff
really isn't in charge in administering the program. That is still an FFA program. Um, we will continue to help assist with the fund the funding that comes in for registrations. Um, as well as helping kind of push out some of the marketing as well. >> Cool. uh added to the list of
partnership because I mean obviously we're I mean you know what it seems like not nec I don't know if that partnership has been necessarily timeintensive but um you know I guess it's a conversation we haven't clearly talked about it in a couple years that I was like well I
better dredge through the Facebook page and see what we were talking about at some point. So, um, yeah, interesting. And then, um, you know, for me, oh, am I supposed to let I did do you have another comment on the community? >> I was just going to say I was asked today specifically who where to go to
get that application. So, uh, they are supposed to come to city hall. >> There was a there's a pile of them in my packet. So, >> I saw I saw it now here how interesting it is how life happens. >> You got a couple of them. So, they're available. >> People come here. If you're watching at home, if you're the community hall,
that's where you get your application. >> Okay. Now, now we know >> very Yeah, very good. Um, and then yeah, I mean, we we drudged through a lot of the uh you know um the uh um like downtown um over the weekend um looking
for uh a certain medallion that was discovered um you know beneath the snow. Um and um I you know again I I don't know who's changing the garbages on the weekend. I I just don't get it. Like the they're just still full on the weekends
um downtown. So um you know I I I just you know um it gets really bad. I mean it's just mainly honestly there there are two garbages that get that I've I've consistently noticed are full and that's the one um in front of the pit stop and
then or is it in front of the pit stop but um and then the one in front of SC's like that is those things are just crammed full uh every weekend. I mean, I don't know how I know, but the uh but that particular weekend, it was the same thing. You know, we've talked about this for the last two months and and they have been full um on the weekends again.
So, >> so I can clarify, we do contract with waste partners uh to do the removals downtown and that cost is assessed to the uh property owners, the adjacent property owners, uh as part of the special assessment district. Uh during the off season, uh when there's not as
much foot traffic, uh that schedule changes to about once every other week for pickup. uh during the peak season when obviously there's a lot more foot traffic. It is a weekly uh pickup. Uh city staff has once in a while helped out uh when those issues have come up to
go pick up garbage uh and pick up cans. Uh we have had issues in the past and we still do have issues uh where folks are um that potentially live in that area rather than depositing the the garbage into the dumpsters that they should be. Uh they end up in those smaller cans. Um
so that is something that we have to constantly address. >> Yeah. Yeah. And I I I think, you know, as far as clarity was concerned, I, you know, we didn't really know the frequency or like who the contractor was. I mean, you know, again, so I appreciate you clarifying that. I just one of those things where I just, you know, walked the city all weekend long.
Um, it was like, man, when if they are going to be emptied out on Friday and they're still full on Saturday, there ain't nobody coming to get these. So, um, you know, that was kind of one of those scenarios, but otherwise, I mean, inside of the park, I mean, cuz everybody was all over Lyman P White on
Friday. Um, so, uh, you know, the garbage cans were great. I mean, and and the park was in pretty good shape for being the end of winter. Um, but you know, it was just another one of those things like if that's something that we did. And I think that was the question. That's why I bring it up here because originally the comment was like, "Hey,
we empty those garbage cans um when our contractor doesn't do it." So, now that it's clarified, um, very good. Um, and we'll just continue to try to combat that maybe um with another garbage can across the street or something. I don't know. Um, but um, yeah, interesting. So,
very good. Thank you for the info. Uh, I have a couple things from JD. Um, let me just read it so I do justice. Um, he noticed some holes in the ground at Bane Park from some utility work in the area. He was
just interested in making sure they get solded up when they're done. Uh, actually that was his only thing. So, but yes, that's from him. Um for me uh one question for the board if anyone
would be opposed to moving our June meeting one week later. We have five Tuesdays in June. Uh that trip think about it. Um I ask April. Oh my other thing. I'm gonna miss the April meeting. I have a ask at the May
meeting. Um I have a a work meeting that got scheduled before I started the job, so I couldn't shuffle it. Um, otherwise I appreciate seeing the garbage cans out in the park and I thank staff for deploying those. So that's great. Oh, I
did have another. Sorry, this is just all over the place. Um, the play structure and triangle. There's stickers on the posts that say these should be buried. And I can see them on just about every post. Um, so I
don't know if we need mulch there. I just I don't know if that's like a support thing or a a child could fall farther than it's designed for thing, but >> we'll look into it. >> Thank you. I mentioned it last spring and uh yeah, anyway, that's all I got.
>> Anything? >> You know what? I got nothing. Let's go home. >> Looking for a motion to adjurnn. >> I will make a motion to adjurnn. >> Sure. Somebody's got to do it. Quick quick before Dave thinks of something. >> All in favor say I. >> I.
>> I. Post. Same sign. We'rejourned.