I want to hear more about that though. >> Um Sarah, can I please have a roll call? >> Yes. Laura Greenley Karp >> here. >> Sarah Zaraka >> here. Lloyd Grochek >> here. >> David Andren >> here. Ben Hansen is excused. Ingred Kohler >> here. And Rachel Lucas should be coming.
And Cassidy Schwar >> here. Awesome. Um, can I please have a motion to adopt the agenda? >> I make a motion. >> I'll second that. >> Uh, any Wait, discussion first? Why do I forget this every month?
>> All those in favor? >> I. All those opposed. Great. Um, can I get a motion for approval of the minutes? >> I make a motion. >> I second. >> Wonderful. Any discussion? >> All those in favor? >> All those opposed.
I flipped that around, didn't I? Okay. Meeting open to the public. No one. >> Nothing from the young lady in front. >> Yes, lady. >> She'd like a popcorn stand.
>> Um, okay. So, the item on commission business is 2026 CIP brainstorming. >> Yeah. So, I'll introduce this. This should be pretty straightforward today. Um it's kind of it's time to start looking at the projects that the
commission proposed for 2026 which I included in the packet. Um and begin brainstorming what those should look like. So an example was um last year um Laura and Sarah put together a wonderful
document that had photos and potential costs and other examples for projects specifically like the Gaga ball pit or the playground at Polar. It was really helpful for our public works team to see it and um that's what we're asking for
um for the 2026 project. So um today wasn't designated for discussion unless there needs to be today. It was more how do we want to approach this? Do we want to take this as homework and bring back some loose ideas for November that we
can discuss and then um in January when public works is here then we can present kind of more concrete ideas that the commission has um or how we want this to look. I guess um my proposal would be that maybe there subcommittees are
formed for each of the CIP uh for 2026. to work together in the next few weeks um to just put some loose ideas together to bring back to the commission. But I'd love to hear your thoughts and we can talk through um the few projects. There aren't many for 2026.
>> Are we allowed to meet with subcommittees or >> three or less? >> Three or less. Okay. >> Y >> Okay. So, the projects are Casey Lake open air shelter, Casey Lake active playground, uh, Northwood Park update, but that's
6,000. I'm forgetting what that was for. >> That was for the Gaga ball pits, which we did. We just moved money around, so Okay, ignore that for now. >> Okay. Uh, Casey Lake Park update. >> That again was going to be like a gaga ball pit. Okay. >> Understanding.
>> Uh, KBY Hills small park add-on. Mhm. >> Didn't we Am I misremembering that that was going to be more difficult than we thought >> it was? So, we kept it on here to discuss at a further time. We can't add anything on due to just size restrictions or space restrictions where
the playground and the shelter currently is. But if the commission wanted to explore anything on the open green space that's across the street, um I know we had talked about with public works that there was some push back about people we took hockey the hockey rink away from
there and then people really wanted it back. So if we do build something there, the hockey rink's going to go permanently. Um and then we would have to make it ADA compliant which is fine. It just adds cost. Yeah. >> Um so that was the considerations but that was something that the commission
felt wanted to look forward look more into at a later date. So >> and I think there was concern about kids crossing the street between the parks just to to level set. >> Okay. So we left it there to ear mark it and we can or cannot touch it.
>> Um and then playground at at Mcnite. Mhm. >> So, those are the projects that we're talking about. >> Can I ask a question? What is the Casey Lake open air shelter? >> So, we removed the two open air shelters with the picnic benches um this year.
The uh because they were just in disrepair. The idea is to rebuild one. Um essentially what we would be looking from guidance from the commission is if there's some sort of design feature that you'd be looking for in a particular location. Okay. >> In the park. So, none of these are set
in stone. These were just kind of the ones based on our initial recommendations that we can go look into. Okay. >> Exactly. >> Um, that works for me. >> Okay. So, it looks like the the big ones or the the three Well, I guess the big
ones would be the active playground at Casey and then the playground at Mcnite. Um, and then I guess if we feel really passionately about what the Casey Lake open air shelter design or location would be. Exactly.
>> Maybe less important than the other two. >> Yep. And then, yeah, KBY Hills would be a big one if the commission wanted to look at that. >> Okay. I think because we have um a handful of things planned for next year and especially since two of them are
potentially for Casey Lake, I don't think we need the Casey Lake park update of the Gaga ball pit. Well, and I didn't I know I think I wrote a lot of these, but I don't remember putting the active playground in for 2026. Um just as a just a gut because knowing
I've been working on the Mcnite stuff, I would have prioritized that. And so I think when we come back, I think if this sounds like homework, I don't want to like go down a rabbit hole tonight, but um my first gut reaction is I think we need to prioritize Mcnite and maybe that
flex field over the active playground or whatever. So that's just where I'm going to come at from this, but I we take it back and look at it if it's homework. So if we're not talking about it tonight. >> Yeah. Um Okay.
Do people want to make subcommittees for I mean really we're theoretically we're we're talking about the playground at Mcnite, >> right? >> I think I think the 2026 focus should be starting on Mcnite and getting some of
those dollars to use and just doing a tiny little part of that isn't going to do us a lot of good, I don't think. And Casey does have a lot of really great features. Yeah, I think we had talked about that a lot is that Casey waiting, but >> I don't know if you guys remember, but there's also we had the update with Ron
last night uh or excuse me, it was during uh workshop, but he still is to purchase the um soccer nets out there as well. So, I mean, I think there's been we've tapped into Casey Lake a little bit. That's one of our um larger parks.
It's been up todate. Um not saying that should go to the wayside, but I think you're right. If we're going to tap into something, we're going to start fresh. I think the big focus should be that McNight. >> So, if we talk about subcommittees, are we getting into the nitty-gritty of like what we want that to look like? Like,
are we picking playground equipment like kind of Laura and I did last year or what? >> I think so. That was my vision. And you guys can totally change it. I was thinking yes, if you could put together like what you and Laura did and we could bring that back to discuss with the commission before we bring it to public
works um in January. And that's not something the HGA because I know they like had a random drawing in there, but >> they had a random drawing um but they didn't have like specific >> so it's up to us to kind of build. Okay. Yeah. I'd like to put myself on that playground since I've been part of that
Mcnite project. But I >> I'm I'm wondering like does it make sense for us to make a subcommittee for one project? Like cuz if we're if we're realistically just talking about we're talking about breaking ground at Mcnite with roughly $800,000. >> Mhm.
>> Um could our homework I don't know. I'm torn cuz like we could make a subcommittee and then we could bring it back at the next meeting, but then everyone can't necessarily be involved in that. We could talk about it at our next meeting and talk about like the
elements and stuff that we would want and work through that. Um, and then after that we like create the proposal after the big discussion. Uh, I just want to know I guess I need to know like timelinewise if we are like we're going to come prepared to talk about Mcnite
next month. Does that push everything back that would negatively impact the city in any way? >> Not necessarily. But um I keep in mind um next meeting we did our communications coordinator is going to come so she's going to be presenting. um
that was just added yesterday. >> Is that Ava? >> Yes. Okay. >> She'll be coming to talk. So, it might be a little bit longer meeting, which is totally fine, but I just want to make everything transparent. Um and as long as we feel prepared for public works to be here in our January meeting because we don't have a December one. Um then
that is completely fine. >> What if they had a special meeting? >> We could have >> regarding Mcnite. And so you guys specifically have the special meeting in December and say we're going to focus in on Mcnite. So there is no subcommittees that there's it's just specifically
>> talking about Mcnite and the plans moving forward. >> I It's such a huge project. I do like everyone having some input on it. It feels weird to subdivide it down into Yeah. I I think everyone kind of wants to be a part of this big project. And plus, I don't really do well with
homework because I'm pretty busy and then I tend tend not to prioritize it and I feel bad about, you know, it just feels like extra. But I love I love talking together about what we want. Um, do we have to be in this space for a special meeting?
>> I don't think so, but I do have to have it recorded. >> It Yeah, you guys can meet in um I always get that name wrong. >> Sber group. Yes. if we could do a special meeting in Sandberg where we can like we can pull up a computer different um elements and stuff and talk through it in maybe like a more organic setting
than this. >> Sure. >> And then come prepared for >> perhaps early December so we don't run into people's holidays or travel like December week two or something. >> Aren't we going to do it in no >> November? >> November before our next meeting.
>> Oh, we do because >> you want to do it before? Because I thought you were saying because Ava is going to be the next one that's going to be long and then we have to present to public works January. So we have from now till January. We don't have to give budget >> in the November meeting, right? There's
not a deliverable. >> Yeah. So we have till January. >> So we could propose like three different times and see if someone if we're all available in one of the times like maybe a a an early November or a mid or early December, even early January.
Well, we don't have a December meeting, so instead of we could shift it to earlier December. That would make I think that would make the most sense unless there's like a glaring thing that somebody has going on >> in December. >> No. >> No.
>> Okay. >> And then we don't have to double up meetings. >> And if we could keep just preferably Wednesdays if that's okay. Just cuz >> Sure. I work around Wednesday nights being try. >> So that would give us December 4th or December 11th.
>> Um the earlier the better. December. >> December. >> December 4th >> in the month. Yeah. >> Nope. Sorry. December 3rd. >> I'm busy. I'm busy then. >> That week's hard for me. The 10th or the 17th is fine.
>> Um >> yeah, the 10th I could >> 10th or the 17th. We're talking about a Wednesday evening. >> Yeah, >> I can do the 10th. >> I can do the 10th. >> 30. >> Hold on. We got to make sure everybody
can do the 10th. >> Well, this is December. >> I know. >> Oh, yeah. Totally. Can you do the 10? >> Yeah. Yeah. Okay. >> Sarah, can you do the 10th? >> Oh, sorry. >> I think so, but if I can't, I can get my boss to come in probably. So,
>> okay. >> Can you all do the 10th? >> Rachel, can you do the 10th at 6:30? >> But the timing doesn't have to be 6:30. We can do it earlier, too, if that works. >> I teach right up until this meeting. >> Okay. >> Okay. December 10th at 6:30
in Sandberg special meeting. And what room is it? >> It's just a conference room right over there, but it's a table where we can like look at each other and there's a screen at the top so we can just like look through playground equipment and all of that stuff together. >> And are we going to be doing any
preparation for this meeting or are we all coming in? >> I think it wouldn't hurt to review what HGA prepared. >> Okay. >> And come in with that mindset of all right, this is what they have prepared. What kind of adjustments would you like to move? That would be my recommendation. And do we all have
access to all of the do we all get a we all got a copy of that? >> How about how about what we do is we will co-author an email outlining everything for everybody. Have it all in one spot with like clear expectations and then we don't have to have any guess
work. >> Wonderful. >> Yeah. Just give us a couple of days to figure that out. >> Yeah. >> I would like to suggest though if you do have certain features that you're thinking in your mind like I would love to see this at the Mcnite playground. Please like come prepared with that. >> Yeah. Yeah. So we aren't like googling it during
>> Should we send it to someone in advance or if you're not going to be there just bring it? >> Preferably if you could send it to me like the week before. Yeah. >> Um because then I can add it and everybody can review it >> ahead of time. Um if you can't though, we'll review it at the meeting. No big
deal. >> So we'll in our um email that we write, we'll just write deadlines like it'll be super clear. >> Perfect. >> Okay. Awesome. So then we're going to discuss where at Mcnite we may be putting this. >> Uh no the areas the area is already set.
It's more what it would actually look like what the playground elements would be. >> We do have it in place. We don't have the >> Yeah, it's where the dilapitated tennis court is. >> Did I see a lot of dirt piled up there? Has there been activity down at Mc Mcnite already?
>> Yeah, I was going to talk about that in my report. Not for this though. It's a different project but >> different thing. Okay. >> Do we feel okay? We feel good about we're going to do a special meeting. We'll get you all the the syllabus for the meeting and then um we can all come
prepared. Are we okay closing that discussion? >> Yep. The I do want to add something about the Casey Lake open air shelter though. And of course um Ben isn't here, but he had suggested developing maybe like a way to talk to residents in that area about where they
would like to see the open air shelter. That's kind of where I was going with this. if there's some recommendation from the commission on how we should go about that if we're interested in talking to residents in that area um and just picking a location. So I don't not
we don't necessarily need a subcommittee for that but >> still something that needs consideration for >> what if the recommendation becomes that we don't think this is the year for that >> replacement I guess >> that's fine >> okay
I'm just curious >> we have gotten like a dozen phone calls asking why did you remove it I want it back I will note that >> which one the the one that just got taken out >> both of them from Casey >> it's funny how many people say when When I go out on my walks and it's raining, I have nowhere to go. And I didn't know
that many people walk out there when it's raining, but apparently they do. >> So, great. >> Okay. >> Yes. >> Good to know. Keep >> that in mind. >> Well, >> rain jackets are also solid investment for Minnesota weather. >> It so is. >> But that's good. I mean, clearly the
residents have >> heard the feedback's there. They use them. Maybe that is something that you make a priority. And those open air shelters just this is me speaking from my own opinion. I don't think that there's that much that needs to go into them that it can be a discussion and at
the next meeting that you can say all right this is what we want to see and come prepared with that. >> Sure. Absolutely. >> Now is there some features that could be really cool? I don't know. I think a really cool open air shelter would be awesome. What kind of features do you have with that? >> What extra does it cost? I don't know exactly.
>> I think a lot would be where we where we would locate those shop. I mean, that's the biggest discussion, too. And I see Ben's perspective from it, too. >> What if it's right near a resident's house or group of homes? That's like, >> right,
>> I know, you know, that's a lot of craziness happening at once. So, I do think that perspect, you know, maybe a neighborhood perspective would be good, but I can see Ben's point on that. >> Absolutely. >> I feel like there's a a network of people who talk to each other around
Casey. So maybe we can plug that plug into that network and it can just be more like word of mouth. Like if you want to come talk to us about it at the next meeting. >> There's a Facebook group for that neighborhood that's pretty active. So, I bet if you posted even a like survey on
there like I think something in communications if Ava put something in communications that indicated um there's we will be putting up a open air shelter in uh in Casey Lake and that will get things. I mean
>> that'd be great. Yeah. People >> please send an email to this with your questions or concerns or recommendations >> questions about where Yeah. If anybody's listening to this, send emails my way. I'm happy to take them. >> Perfect. >> I think another thing to remember though is that we're adding the um active
playground and then we should probably see how the usage of the like flex field soccer football situation works out because that might better indicate where proper placement should be best utilization. Yeah, I was going to note
just as a fun side note, I don't go to Casey that often because it's not super close, but we've been taking our dogs there lately and every time I've gone, which is probably four times in the last two weeks, there's kids playing soccer on that open air open area. So, I'm really excited. So, good call. >> Awesome.
>> For that. Yeah. >> Okay. >> Good. >> So, we will get the word out about the open air shelter. >> Okay. and um collect feedback passively, I guess. >> Yeah. >> And just and stay informed about where
people would like to see it and also the usage of the new elements that we're going to put in and make sure it makes sense. >> Perfect. >> Do you want me to keep continuing looking at grants for the skate park at Mcnite? That was >> Yes. >> Yep. Okay. >> Okay. Uh reports from staff.
>> Yeah, mine are super brief today. Um, so about Ingred the Mcnite, uh, dirt piles. Um, it's nothing super exciting, but great for public works. Um, they've just been working on leveling three of the four softball fields, uh, for drainage purposes. So, it's been they've been
holding a lot of water, so they removed a lot of dirt and have been leveling them out. The fourth one was done last year, so they did the last three, >> okay, >> this year. So, um, going to be a lot easier for them to remove water next year when it rains. So, it's exciting.
And then um I'll let Cassidy if you have anything to add to this, but um last night the park rental policy went in front of city council and it was approved um with all of the fees changes that we had made. Um only one suggested change which was super minor was to add
language that um deposit checks are mailed in four to six weeks after city council approval. Um just to be super transparent, it currently says two to four weeks um but sometimes it can take a little longer. So, >> um, do you have anything to add to that? >> No, I mean, she nailed it. I will just
just a few things. They do, um, council had indicated that, uh, because we are so quote unquote inexpensive that maybe we should revisit our rates and go a little higher. Um, but I interjected and just said, hey, you know, we can't just
fly rates up, right, immediately. Um and that this commission does recognize that and that Sarah has put together a lot of information. Um Troy uh council member Woods had also indicated that you know it's we should create or have that
language in that contract indicating that it takes four to six weeks. The reason why it would take six weeks is um gosh, what was it? Because it's council. So if we missed a meeting in August or we missed a meeting in November, they wouldn't get that check immediately because we still have to approve all the
expenditures. So that's where the as we were all discussing last night that transparency. Not a lot of people understand that council has to approve the monies going in and out. So um that was really the that the biggest highlight. So uh they liked the alcohol
fee. They thought that was a good idea. Um questions came around, well how do you know how you going to catch somebody if they are drinking? Well, we know that our cleaning crew is pretty strong that they communicate that stuff. So, um, everything was good. We're
>> Yeah. Good. >> Right. That's all I had. Thank you, Cassidy. >> Mhm. >> Okay. Reports from commissioners. Uh, Lloyd. >> Sure. Uh, working with the DNR on possible grants for outdoor
recreation programs. So, but the ne the new deadline to start for 2026 is in December of 2025. So, I will keep uh when I get some information, I'll let uh Laura can let
you and Sarah know when things are rolling again. But, >> okay. >> I'll see what kind what detailed stuff they have. I'm working on that. >> Is that the get outside grant? You remember? It's outdoor wreck program grant. >> Okay.
>> There's two types, but this one seems to fit better for us. >> Okay. Awesome. Thanks for looking into that. >> You're welcome. That's it. >> Okay, Sarah. >> Yeah. Um, just one thing. So, Urban Ecology Center, that's that um outdoor
area that's kind of tucked away out on the Gateway Trail. Um I have been unsuccessful in being able to walk around that whole park this entire like summer and year. So there's some really bad um it's a nature area, but it drains
pretty low and then uh obviously um public works can't get back there to mow. There is a boardwalk on one part of it and so I don't know if there's a way with any extra like cedar chips or something. Um, the last couple times I've gone, I've been seeing people use it, which is kind of funny because I've
lived there four years and this is the first year I've tried to like use it. And it's a really actually kind of amazing tucked away little nature trail. Um, but it is disappointing that you can't go the full way around because the water like becomes like a pond in in an area. So, obviously we have a boardwalk
in part of it um for that probably same reason because it's a marsh land, but maybe just seeing if um public works can lay some excess from somewhere else or just something to maybe help level that out. I think you know would be great.
>> Is that something they would have to check with the watershed on? >> Yeah, that's exactly what I was going to say. Either DNR or watershed. That area is a little that's a rocky situation right there because you also are hitting uh county area. >> Oh. >> Um >> well there is a boardwalk so it's almost
like they just need to extend the boardwalk like 15 ft but that's an expense. >> Yeah. I mean hey I I it's great and it's a great walkound for everybody because I've done the same thing. Yeah. >> Also reviewing like it doesn't take much more to build that whatever. So, it's
just who do we and Sarah that might be good for you to go back with on Ken is how can we extend this because I I do believe that if we can get a hold of the right parties we could do something by the end of next year. >> Yeah, I think that would be great. Just I mean because I live there and I've yet
like three or four times tried to go around and I can't. Yeah. >> Without like I don't have the proper boots. I need like knee high boots. >> I don't even know if I would chance it. No, >> you don't know how deep it is. That's I mean when you go there it's >> I don't know if you don't know how far
you're going to go. >> It just feels like a miss on our part to like not We did do a boardwalk on part of it. So anyways, just wanted to bring that up and that's all I have for you. >> Maybe it's up here. >> Um I do not have anything. >> Um I don't have anything for the parks
that I represent. I just want to um remark again about the intersection. Um, I kind of, you know, talked about this last time and, um, the the dangerous intersection that's I can't even be very specific right now.
>> South and Gateway. >> Thank you. Yes. Um, the G where the gateway >> or B or whatever it's called at that spot. >> South. Um, so I and I don't drive over there and so I'm not reminded of it, but my my friend um who feels pretty
strongly about this. um what is my next step um to I I I just can't even remember how how we left things. What is the next action step on like who can I contact? >> Um well, so I will say our public works
director and our city manager are both aware of it and have tried talking to the county because it is a county road. That would be the next step if you wanted to. Anybody from the public can certainly reach out to the county, >> reach out to the county. >> Um but I do know that they've have conversations. I don't know exactly how those have went, but I do know that
they've done it. >> Yeah. Um it's one of those things where the mowing, you know, they they mowed. >> Um but of course then it takes a while for the suggestion to mow again happens and then it's tall again. So apparently it's
>> again not not very safe. So I will um I will try to take up with the county. I know she has contacted county commissioners and things like that. Has she reached out to the city? because I've come to speak to the council before about that road needing a sidewalk which would actually really help the situation
because people roll right out onto that road because there is no sidewalk on South and that's a terrible road to not have I counted like 24 kids out on the side of that road this morning for buses and I'm like >> wow >> and cars just 24 kids like
>> wow >> we need and I've come before to petition for a sidewalk but what's been told is like until they do a road project on South >> they won't touch it. But I think that might be another vehicle is to also come to the city council or maybe have her
speak at a city meeting and bring it in front of other people's attention besides stars. >> Yeah, I invited her to come tonight. She couldn't she couldn't come tonight. Um but that's probably more effective if I if she goes before a city council on it. >> Yeah, I would recommend the same thing. Okay.
>> She's a resident of >> I'd be happy to support her and have a lot of >> kids on school buses whose parents would be glad to come and speak to that too. Okay, great. Good to know. Thank you. And but I have nothing else for the other parks. Okay,
>> I have no updates currently. >> Okay, Dave. >> No, nothing to report. >> Okay, next or any last words? Like anything you have to get in there before before
>> Happy Halloween. >> All right, final words. >> Make a motion to adjurnn. I second. >> Oh. >> Uh, >> who seconded? Rachel. >> Both. >> Everyone. >> Everyone. Everyone did. >> Uh, any discussion? All those in favor?
>> All those opposed? Meeting adjourned. >> Way to go.