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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-03-09 Parks & Rec Comm MinutesDraft Minutes☐ Approved Minutes☒ Approved Date: 4/13/2021 Minutes City of Edina, Minnesota Edina Parks & Recreation Commission VIRTUAL MEETING March 9, 2021 7 p.m. I. Call to Order Chair Ites called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. II. Roll Call Answering roll call were Commissioners Doscotch, Good, Haas, Miller, Nelson, Strother, McAwley, Ites and Student Commissioners Nahlovsky, Sorem, Mork Absent: Commissioner Willette Staff present: Staff Liaison Perry Vetter, Assistant Director Parks & Natural Resources Tom Swenson, Assistant Director Recreation & Facilities Tracy Petersen, Administrative Coordinator Janet Canton, Recreation Supervisor Tiffany Bushland III. Approval of Meeting Agenda Motion made by McAwley to approve the meeting agenda. Motion seconded by Nelson. Roll call vote. Motion carried. IV. Approval of Meeting Minutes Motion made by Strother to approve the Feb. 9, 2021 minutes. Motion seconded by McAwley. Roll call vote. Motion carried. V. Special Recognitions and Presentations A. Welcome new Commissioner Brian Haas to the Parks & Recreation Commission Staff Liaison Vetter introduced Brian Haas the newly appointed member of the Parks & Recreation Commission. Commissioner Haas introduced himself to the commission and gave a brief background of himself. VI. Reports/Recommendations A. Recreation Programming Recap Recreation Supervisor Bushland gave an update on what has been happening with winter programming, the athletic associations and adult programs this past winter season. She also gave an overview of the outdoor rinks this past season. Recreation Supervisor Bushland informed the commission a lot of people have registered for Spring/Summer programs. They are currently going through a lot of waiting lists to try to accommodate as many people as they can in a safe environment. She also noted they are struggling to find applicants for seasonal staff. Draft Minutes☐ Approved Minutes☒ Approved Date: 4/13/2021 Commissioners asked questions and thanked Recreation Supervisor Bushland and the Park Maintenance Staff for the fantastic job they have been doing especially with the ice rinks. Staff Liaison Vetter informed the commission that Recreation Supervisor Bushland has also worked very hard with other staff on things like the Hunt for the Yeti, RECtivity boxes, Best in Snow Contest, in addition to her normal duties that have been impacted by the pandemic. There has been a great sense of teamwork amongst the recreation supervisors on executing other options for residents to participate in during the pandemic. B. 2021 Work Plan Discussion Chair Ites asked the commission to confirm they are listed on the initiatives they signed up for. He also went over the leads of each initiative and asked for any updates there may be on the initiatives. Initiative #1 - Review and comment on proposed plan to identify barriers for participation and reach communities of color through different modes and feedback. Staff Liaison Vetter informed the commission staff is currently working on the initiative for the working group to review and provide their comment. It was noted Commissioner Strother will take the lead on this initiative with Commissioners Miller and McAwley. Initiative #2 – Create presentation to share information about Parks & Recreation facilities, services and systems with up to six community groups. Commissioner Nelson informed the Commission the working group met last week and made some good progress. It was noted Commissioner Nelson will take the lead on this with Commissioners Good, Haas, Nahlovsky and Ites. Initiative #3 – Report and provide recommendations on alternative funding sources for park related improvements including parks, facilities and enterprise upgrades. It was noted Commissioner McAwley will take the lead on this with Commissioners Haas, Willette and Ites. Initiative #4 – Study and report on options to categorize underutilized park amenities/areas and identify park amenity needs. It was noted Commissioner Doscotch will take the lead on this with Commissioners Good, McAwley and Nelson. Initiative #5 – Study and report evaluating options for determining benchmarks (park amenities, operations, service areas) the commission started studying in 2020. It was noted Commissioner Good will take the lead on this with Commissioners Doscotch, Sorem and Mork. Staff Liaison Vetter asked the leads to send him any updates they have and he will put it together for the City Council’s first quarterly review. VII. Chair and Member Comments  Commissioner McAwley informed the Commission that the new cell tower is currently being put in at Highlands Park so there has been a lot of activity going on there. Draft Minutes☐ Approved Minutes☒ Approved Date: 4/13/2021 VIII. Staff Comments A. Informational Items Staff Liaison Vetter gave the following updates:  The Spring/Summer registration took place on Feb. 17; there is a lot of demand for the programs and they are very happy to see so many people are satisfied and interested in the programs.  Along with the new cell phone tower at Highlands Park they are also going to replace the hockey lights that service that rink.  Tom Shirley, General Manager of Centennial Lakes Park, has announced his retirement after 31 years of service and they wish him well. Staff has begun recruitment for his replacement.  Seasonal hiring is underway and they need applicants.  Edinborough Park opened Adventure Peak and the Great Hall with limited capacity.  Mayor Hovland and City Manager Neal testified at the Minnesota State Legislature in support of the local options sales tax. This was the first hearing on the issue for the city. B. Upcoming Meetings and Events Staff Liaison Vetter informed the commission their May 11 meeting will need to be rescheduled because of a school district election that will be taking place. It was decided the Parks & Recreation Commission meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 12. He also noted that the Parks & Recreation Commission annual joint session with City Council will take place on May 18. The next Parks & Recreation Commission meeting will be virtual and will take place on April 13. IX. Adjournment Motion made by McAwley to adjourn the March. 9, 2021 meeting at 7:58 p.m. Motion seconded by Nelson. Roll call vote. Motion carried.