July 15th meeting of the Oakdale Parks and Rec Commission. I can do the call to roll. Commissioner Bur here. Commissioner Cunningham here. Commissioner Jacalto here. Commissioner Gianini here. Commissioner Proer here.
Commissioner Shore here. At this we'll start with 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. Okay. a relatively short agenda. Everybody have a chance to take a look there? Yep. Okay. And can we approve the uh agenda?
Make motion. I'll second it. All in favor? I I opposed. Agenda approved. Approval of meeting minutes. Has everybody had a chance to look at the meeting minutes that were
sent out earlier? Yep. Any comments, any questions at all or any corrections that you could see? Okay, move to approve the uh meeting minutes of May 20. Make motion seconded.
All in favor? I opposed. And motion carries. Okay. Open forum. Does anyone uh don't seem to have any people here today to to uh have any questions or any
comments? Um so we can move forward with the parks rec commission review and we'll start with the old business. Uh so the 2025 work plan commissioner education recreational program assignments. Uh does anybody want to
make any comments about things they had seen in uh since the last meeting as far as attending any of the events or anything on that? I'll comment on some events that I attended. Um Summerfest I thought was really a good um event all weekend. Um I
know rain seemed to be like hovering around us, but luckily it didn't rain on the parade. Um, I did attend that and volunteered to um not let people in a parking area that they should not be in.
Um, and then I did the 5K uh walk run. I walked it with some of our wellness 50 plus people and I thought that went off well. It was um you know a fun event to do and um we you know it was all planned
out right and I think um everybody who was coordinating and organizing those events um did a really good job. Again the weather held out for that too and um then that evening I went to the concert and the fireworks and again I thought
that was all um very well organized. I just want to add on to that a huge thank you to Jeff and his group. I don't know how you pull everything together at the last minute, but you guys are you guys are superstars.
It's not fun getting seven inches of rain in 24 hours, but every year it does it right. You can't just get a half an inch. You can't just get a quarter inch. It's got to be a deluge. But yeah, that's that's goes to my staff. They're uh they're dedicated and we're it's got to make it happen. So, we got
it down. It's pretty always gets something thrown in there, but I appreciate that and I'll pass that along to them. But, yeah, they're the they're the rock stars. Anyone else have any comments? Yes. Uh yeah, at for Summerfest, I attended
the uh third layer skateboard contest as a as a spectator, not as a participant. Uh but that seemed to be a fairly popular event. There were between 50 and 100 people there by my estimation. Um and uh people had come to compete from all over the Twin Cities area. I counted
16 different cities that because every time they introduced someone it was like this person from this city um and 16 different places. It was uh they came from all over. But it was uh nice to see that someone from Oakdale actually came in second in the open division. So representing Oakdale nicely there.
Uh, also I went to um the Silverfin kayaking, the Buck Moon uh last Thursday. That one I did participate in. Uh went out on Tanner's Lake and uh rode around in a kayak uh with a group of people for two hours or so. Really lovely weather, really lovely event. Um
I recommend it to anybody. It's very beginner friendly. You don't need anything. Uh they provide all the equipment. So, okay, I'll say something else. It sounds like we have two people on the commission who didn't take the time to
come to the Lions Club beer garden. So, there will be a substantial fine uh in in to receive your guys support. So that's if you're referring to me, I wasn't talking about summer because it's not No, he's talking about me as one of
them. I didn't I was definitely there supporting. Yeah. So was I. I didn't see you with a beer in your hand. No, I don't drink beer. All right. Well, you're off the hook then.
I'll come next year. That was not in the city. Yeah. The OA did not support us this year. Anyone else? Okay, then we are finished with old business and we'll move on to new business which includes the new
elections. Um, first I would like to publicly u acknowledge uh Steve Meyer and the the years of u service and contributions that he made.
Uh he will be missed and so um I'm actually quite sad to see him have left. So but we move on. So you did a great job as parks and reccks commissioner and chair.
Okay. So then you all have ballots then before you. So we are going to nominate candidates for both the chairperson and the vice chairperson positions. And so uh there anyone want to make a motion for either the u position of
chairman uh or uh vice chairman I should say chairperson. Excuse me. I'd like to nominate Jen Shore for chairperson of the group. Does she have to accept that? Do I?
Well, let's continue with the the nomination. Okay. Any other nominations? I'll nominate Mike as vice chair. Okay. Any other nominations? Okay. Well, then we will close nominations. And so you have your ballot.
And so, uh, go ahead and, uh, again, it does not necessarily have to be somebody who did not wasn't nominated. Anybody can vote for anybody or including yourself. So Glenn, we're gonna we're gonna choose from the ones that were nominated.
Oh, I'm sorry. Okay. Yep. Yep. And also, let's um let's uh Did you make a motion to close the nominations? Nominations. Can we have a second? Second. Okay. So, you can complete your your
ballots and send them over to us. Um, since there was only one person nominated and a vice chair nominated, we'll still write those out, send them over this way. One more. I gave you Oh, you gave me the wrong one.
Is this the one I was supposed to Okay. So Glenn, if um someone wants to make a motion to elect Okay. So the chair and vice chair, you can follow that. I'll make a motion to elect uh uh
we it's already done deal. Jen Shore to elect uh uh Jan Shore for chairman. I'll second it. Did you motion? Oh, no. Motion first. I I'll make a motion to for that.
Hey, second. Any other comments? Anything? And for the vice chair? No. Jen, you were elected to chair for the for the next year. Uh motion to elect board member Mike
Proer for vice chair. A motion. Second. Okay. Anything any other comments? Okay. Motion to elect uh board member Mike Crosser to vice chair.
Did we just do that? Yeah, we just did the motion. Yeah, we did. Yeah. Okay. We Yeah, that was the motion to elect both. That was a Yes. Okay. So all so they will assume that immediately
after the vote. Okay. Not that you need to change your positions, but it'll be the chair Jen Shore. Okay. And vice chair Mike Proer. Okay. Congratulations. Awesome. Well, thanks everyone.
So assume like I move on now. Is that Yes, that's okay. Okay. Are you okay with that? Um, yep. Okay. I just didn't want to see your dead silence. Just um Okay. So, Julie, Jeff, any updates?
Yeah, I can give one. Um, so we're just uh as far as uh parks staff, uh we're just about wrapping up, starting to wrap up. It's hard to say this, but summer sports are coming sort of to a a windup. So, baseball, softball, I think we have
the rookies tournament is in this coming weekend. Two weekends. Yeah, Jeff. Oh, yeah. It'll be in uh uh it'll be the 25th, 26th, 27th, I think. So, yeah. Um it got pushed back a week. I'm sure all the rain outs. Maybe the makeup games.
Crazy. Um so yeah, that's coming to a to a to an end and um we'll be looking at getting fall sports ready to go. Uh soccer fields, football fields, and to say that, but that means summer's coming to an end, but still got some time, so
we'll enjoy it. Um obviously, we had mentioned Summerfest. Um it was wet. Uh we're trying to recoup the the turf out here to get that back. Uh we did do some core ariation and some uh scarifying and we overseed it and we're hoping within 3
weeks to four weeks it'll start coming back looking better. So um actually compared to what it was it's it's come a long way but we'll get it back. We do every year. Um we'll get it looking good for for uh the rest of the year. So um
we uh staying busy maintaining parks, cutting, trying to keep up with mowing, trimming. um got a great our seasonal staff has been great again this year. So very fortunate in that end. And then uh I know that um Glenn already touched on
this, but I had it on my list. I just wanted to say thank you to Steve Meyer myself too. I really enjoyed working with Steve. Um he was great, had great input. Um I'll miss him being here. So stand for any questions.
I have one question, Jeff. This is probably not something Oakdale is involved with, but I was coming off the roundabout on uh Hadley. I've lived here my whole life. I don't
know the names of the roads. Um Hadley on the north end, Glenn, or where? Coming on 36. Okay. Getting off. So, Yep. And the the weeds or the flowers, whatever in
there were so high. Yep. I almost hit somebody because we couldn't see them. It's funny you say that cuz we were up there last week looking at it. So we'll go out. We'll flail everything down. Some of that is with the state, some of it's with us. Um so yeah,
I wasn't sure if it was county road or No. Um but yeah, we'll get it. Me and Matt noticed it last week when we were up there. It's It's hard to see. So, it's pretty legit. So, yeah. Get it flailed down. Yeah. No, I appreciate you bringing it to our attention. Okay. Anything else? No.
Thank you, Julie. All right. So, I've got the um pretty much June, July, August update um summer programming. So, we're we're almost we're well, we're we're there. We're halfway now through our uh summer
season and we were lucky enough that most of our um seasonal staff came back this year. So, we had six returners and then one new staff persons for a total of seven, but they're doing a great job and kids are kids are having a blast as well. Um farmers markets, the produce
continues to arrive each week. They were a little slow going in the beginning with all of the rain and that that took a bit um to get that going, but um we have new vendors arriving each week. Strawberry season is wrapping up. Um, but sweet corn season is just around the corner and so we're hoping to have that
um by the end of July. Um, we've got our new food truck, Belly Bites, which is egg rolls and Asian cuisine. Not sure if anybody tried that. They were here once before, but they'll they'll be back tomorrow. And then on July 23rd,
we've also got a new vendor, Sticks, and that is the Ice Pop Shop. And um they're located they actually have a storefront downtown Still Water. So they're they're bringing the little here. I bought a few things. It's pretty good. Um but it's handmade and crafted real ingredients, ice pops, so it's all
natural, really good. Um so visit her if you're interested. And she'll be joining us um for the remainder of the season. And then um live music is also scheduled for Wednesday, um with acoustic guitarist and vocalist Lee Angelie. So hopefully no rain tomorrow. I know it's
projected at 60 70 80 90%. So, we'll see what happens. Fingers crossed with that one. Um, our amped up amphitheater program, the Raptor Center visit us on June 12th. Uh, we had over 100 in attendance. It was a rainy morning, so we had to move everybody inside, so it's
a full crew in the classroom, but all went well and everybody enjoyed that. Um, next up, we have Sustainable Safari. They'll stop by um with a live alligator and other things on Thursday, July 31st. Um and they actually have a place in Maplewood Mall, too, but they also have
their outreach program with their with their reptiles. So, that'll be fun. Um summer concert series, our first concert of the season, brought in a big crowd on Wednesday, June 18th, um with a fun and energetic performance by Salsa D So Soul. Um lots of dancers and
really good. Yeah. Yeah. I had a lot of good feedback on that one. That was fun. Yep. Um and then next up we have upcoming acoustic country artist Rafe Carlson and he'll perform on July 30th. Um apparently he's from originally from Duth and he's on
the rise so watch out for him. Um our popup splash pad. We had our second event this past Saturday. Um and that was from 1 to 2:30 at East Side Park. Um had about 150 in attendance, 150 to two. Um good crowd. Everything went well with
that one. So, um, that'll be our last one for the season and we'll follow up with our, um, popup water slide, which I'll I'll talk about shortly here. Um, we also have a movie in the park and that'll be on Friday, July 25th. Moana 2 will be shown at the band shell. Um, as
always, the Oakdale Police Department and Recreation Department sponsor that event. Also have concessions provided by the Maple Oakdale Lions Club. Thank you, Glenn. Um movie themed activities will be provided and the mo movie will begin
at approximately dusk 9:15 or so. Um we also have our Red Cross blood drive and that's uh Jans group Oakdale Wellness 50 plus and the Mapwood Oakdale Lions Club. They're hosting that event at the Discovery Center. That'll be this Friday from 9 to 3. I believe there are still
some openings. So, you can um jump online at the Red Cross website uh to register for that. And then just two more August programming u our next Sunday bingo. That'll be on Sunday, August 13th from 1 to 3 at the Discovery
Center. Um that one always fills up. So, if you're interested, sign up early. The 13th or August 3rd. I'm sorry. Did I say 13th? Yeah, that's the third. Um and then our popup water slide. So, we are bringing that back and that'll be Friday, August
8th and that's from 1 to 2:30. Um, ice cream will be available for purchase. So, basically, um, we throw down the plastic and put the hose down and everybody just shoots down in the water. Yeah. So, hopefully, um, we'll get some
hot weather back and hopefully that'll be a, uh, successful event that day. So, I'll stand for any questions. if anybody has any comments, questions. Thank you. Thanks, Julie. Welcome.
Um, we'll just go down the line. Glenn, do you have any updates? Uh, well, as Julie talked about, we the Lions Club will be providing concessions at the Movie in the Park July 25th.
Um, we will take credit cards this year, I think. Um, so if you're available and and are up there, come see us. Thanks, J. Yeah, I have an event coming up this
Saturday with our uh wellness 50 plus. Um, it is move with confidence. We have uh a personal trainer, Susan Williams. Um she is going to go over some exercises and safe movements to improve
your stride and balance and um bring a mat, refreshments and walk to follow. Um so we um you know you can sign up at by calling w or calling 651-7473860
or www. Oakdale uh fun.com. Great. Saturday the 19th 12:30 to 2:30. Glenn. Well, I concur with Summerfest. It was a lot of fun. Might have been a little
muddy, but it was fun. That's it. Um, I just want to also give kudos to Jeff and his staff. Uh, you know, with all these makeup games and the rain and cutting the grass and you guys have stayed on top of it and, um, I've had a
few people comment that, you know, they look good for all the rain um, and cut. So, thank you to you and your staff. Um, it's been challenging to say the least, uh, to reschedule everything and right,
you got to be. Um, I signed up for the blood drive on Friday. Uh, there was a few spots left as of yesterday. So, um, but yeah, do you want to go next? Uh, yeah. I plan to sign up for the
Sunday bingo if there's any slots left. I'm out of town that weekend, but I haven't been there. It's fun. And I also wanted to attend Moana, too, but we're out of town next weekend. I'm also very disappointed about that. Sort of a perfect movie for us next time.
Yes. Um that's all I have. So Andy, yes. Hey, thank you. I should say council member Morham. I can be Andy. It's fine. No, thanks for having me here. And like everyone said before, thanks to Steve and thanks to Glenn for serving as chair and vice
chair. Um it's important roles. It's big roles and you've done it well. So thank you very much. And congrats to Jen and Mike. So, we've got a lot going on in the parks. Obviously, Summerfest was huge. It's a huge deal. Um, man, we've got one of the things that's coming up
with all this development in Oakdale, we've got the public works facilities continuing to be built, and it's been a little bit of delay with the rain, but by December, it is still scheduled to be finished. Uh, which is the biggest, uh, public building in Oakdale's history.
Um, a really big deal, but we're rolling right into this building, city hall, and police. We've got some meetings with the council at the end of this month with the uh design architects for everything. Uh and that's going to obviously impact things in Walton Park come next summer.
So, there's a lot of conversations about how that's going to look. Um but it's exciting and it's it's needed. Uh this building is showing its signs of age, that's for sure. Um beyond that, in terms of parks, we've got Willowbrook North and West that is going to be I'm
trying to remember if the bids have gone out yet. Yep. So, uh, that's going to be constructed and then this fall we'll have those to enjoy in Oakdale. We also signed a development agreement with the Enclave, uh, development down by Norheart off at Third Street. So, next
to the big sevenstory tall building just to the east of that, there's going to be town homes with paths going between them, there's going to be an apartment complex along the highway adjacent to Norheart. There's also going to be another really nice park. So, it's going
to be a good opportunity for you as a commission. Um, that the way that that one is set up is a little different because it's negotiated so the developer is actually building out the park, but we also put language into the agreement so that the city would have strong
feedback inputs through that process. So, it'll be a really good opportunity um to have something on the south end of town in addition to Tanner's. There's gonna be a lot of people that are coming in with that new bridge across. So, lots
of opportunity. Uh I'm really excited. Um we're all kind of tired from how much is going on, but it's still really good and we want to make sure there's feedback from the public on it. So, talk to your neighbors, talk to your friends. Uh we want this to be a place people can share their thoughts and that we can get
the best possible parks in Oakdale. So, that's all I can think of right now. Any questions? Can you say anything more about the Walton Park being affected by the building of the new building?
Well, I know Summerfest going to be affected next year. As far as I understand, Summerfest is still going to be happening. I know in terms of building in this direct location, um making sure that it's strong enough soil to be able to do the work. They may have to move into the
parking lot. Uh the plans have all always been to take just a little bit to the north of city hall because there's going to be a parking structure for the police vehicles which we have never really had. So there'll be a a portion of it that needs to be considered. But again, no final design has been decided
on yet. So and as a part of that, I actually did bring up and I'm just one person. This isn't from the council. This is just from me, but if we're going to be doing work alongside Walton and there's anything we can do to support drainage um for the park, it's our flagship park. So, anything we can do to
make it easier for Jeff and his team, I don't know what exists out there, but I'd be open into some uh some ideas in the process as big parking lot. No, it's beautiful. We can't do that. That week? Yeah, just that week. Any other
questions? Um I have one. So, the new Willowbrook nor is that north where it's going to be soccer and pickle ball in that be the west part or west. Um, do we know what which one they picked? Um, you know, the
six or the however many pickle ball courts. Oh man, trying to remember. There was a reduced number. I think originally it was eight and we went down to four or six. It might be six. you know, is there going to be a sound wall between the condos or apartments there and the pickle ball
courts? Cuz if there's going to be lights and that, I see a lot of complaints coming out of that cuz that's going to be right on top of them. And that's been a concern from other cities. 10:00 pickle ball, you're going to get we're going to have the pickle ball club in here because people be yelling at them, you know? Right. Absolutely. Yeah. There's I mean, and
again, it's out in the open in the middle, so even a sound wall on the back of that isn't going to necessarily stop the sound of the operation. But it would still follow park hours. We had a lot of conversations about this as a council because in Woodbury at Ojiway Park, they built those pickle ball courts and it
was a huge concern with the adjacent homes. Um, we were assured it wouldn't be an issue, but if it does become an issue with noise and the neighbors, it's up to the council to have to address the policy so that people aren't disrupting the neighbors. I know there's been a few
cities, not in Minnesota, but have required padded paddles for pickle ball use in certain parks because of the noise. Hey, if there's there's new approaches that are addressing it, that's great. And it's also going to have a turf
volleyball court as well, and there's been a huge demand for volleyball. East Side still has three or four nets up on the weekends of days sometimes. So, being able to provide some volleyball options, I'm really excited to see how that turns out. Good. Anything else?
Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you. [Music] All right. Um, so our next meeting is scheduled for August 19th at 6 o'clock here in Chambers. Um, and then if I can get a
motion to adjurnn. I'll make a motion to adjurnn. Second. Right. Thank you.