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Home My WebLink About04-16-24 - PTRC Chair: Jill Anderson (2024) Committee Members: Dan Dietz (2024) Lacy Loosbrock (2025) Tim Nelson (2024) Kerri Seemann (2025) Kate Olson, Vice Chair (2025) Emelia Rogers (2025) Nancy Jacobson (2025) Abigail Weber (2024) Elizabeth Johnson (2026) Youth Committee Member: Maeve Edgar (term exp. 8/31/2024) Council Liaison: Emily Rousseau Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee April 16, 2024 6:30 pm 1245 W. Highway 96 Arden Hills, MN 55112 651-792-7800 www.cityofardenhills.org City Vision Arden Hills is a strong community that values its unique environmental setting, strong residential neighborhoods, vital business community, well-maintained infrastructure, fiscal soundness, and our long-standing tradition as a desirable City in which to live, work, and play. Agenda CALL TO ORDER 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. March 19, 2024 3. REPORTS A. Council Liaison Update 4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Trail and Parks Projects Update B. Work Group Updates 5. NEW BUSINESS A. Bench Initiative B. PTRC Holden Event Ideas C. Backstop at Cummings Park D. Eagle Scout Project E. Great River Greening Buckthorn Management Update 6. NEXT MEETING A. Tuesday, May 21, 2024 7. ADJOURNMENT CITY OF ARDEN HILLS PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2024, 6:30 PM ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL CALL MEETING TO ORDER Committee Chair Jill Anderson called the March 19, 2024 meeting of the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee to order at 6:30 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Jill Anderson, Committee Members Dan Dietz, Nancy Jacobson, Kerri Seemann, Abigail Weber, Kate Olson, Emelia Rogers, Elizabeth Johnson and Youth Committee Member Maeve Edgar OTHERS PRESENT: Council Liaison Emily Rousseau, Recreation Supervisor Matt Johnson, City Councilmember Brenda Holden, and Greg Rubenstein, Arden Hills Foundation ABSENT: Committee Members Tim Nelson and Lacy Loosbrock 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chair Anderson requested that a presentation by Arden Hills Foundation member Greg Rubenstein be added to the agenda as item 3, prior to the approval of minutes. Committee Member Rogers asked about adding Committee Update to the agenda. Chair Anderson suggested this be added as New Business item 6F Work Group Updates. MOTION: Committee Member Olson moved and Committee Member Edgar seconded a motion to approve the meeting agenda as amended. The motion carried (9-0). 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. February 13, 2024 PTRC Minutes Committee Member Olson indicated that on page two there was a comment referenced that she made “the one thing missing from the memo was the screening to the neighbor’s home.” She noted this was in reference to Freeway Park and not about the neighbors’ homes. She said it was regarding the screening to the park and the Old Snelling on ramp. MOTION: Committee Member Rogers moved and Committee Member Olson seconded a motion to approve the meeting agenda as amended. The motion carried (9-0). 3. PRESENTATION Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee – March 19, 2024 Page 2 Greg Rubenstein, Arden Hills Foundation (the Foundation), stated he was speaking in the place of Foundation Member Arlene Mitchell. He noted the Foundation had been in place since 2012. He explained the group was comprised of resident volunteers that help manage donations provided to the Foundation that in turn are donated to the City to help with expenses related to various projects. He noted various companies have donated money to the Foundation and that the group also receives donations for items such as remembrance benches and plaques that are located around the city, and he briefly discussed the process. Mr. Rubenstein requested the PTRC and Parks staff share suggestions regarding where donations and items could be deployed. He stated that it was possible the Foundation could provide donations that could be applied toward 2024 projects and urged the PTRC to let the Foundation know of their needs. He recited several more examples of past donations related to City parks and scholarships for Arden Hills residents. Committee Member Olson asked for clarification regarding the reference to current park, trail and related balances. Mr. Rubenstein stated that the amount referenced was the money allocated toward that fund, but the Foundation has received additional funding for other things that have yet to be allocated. A short discussion ensued about the specifics of how some of the funds were allocated for past projects. Committee Member Dietz said it was his understanding that they could propose what the donated funds could be used for and then the Foundation authorizes it. Mr. Rubenstein confirmed that is correct. He asked if the PTRC has a budget. Councilmember Rousseau stated that the PTRC does not have a budget. A discussion ensued regarding streamlining the process and options for purchasing items. Recreation Supervisor Johnson stated that perhaps the PTRC could have an account at Beisswenger’s and this could address the money transaction issue. Committee Member Anderson asked for clarification on the role of the PTRC regarding making recommendations, such as to the City Council, and how the approval process works. Recreation Supervisor Johnson indicated the City Council would approve installation of items. Committee Member Olson asked if the Foundation has ever held a fundraiser. Mr. Rubenstein stated he has not been involved in one but the group has been around longer than he has, and he did not know the answer. Committee Member Jacobson asked if the funds generally available are $2,300. She asked if the need for benches was lower. Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee – March 19, 2024 Page 3 Committee Member Olson asked if the PTRC could propose a project that was larger than $2,000. Mr. Rubenstein replied this was correct and reiterated the Foundation was looking for ideas from the PTRC regarding how to deploy the funds. Committee Member Olson asked how many board members the Arden Hills Foundation has. Mr. Rubenstein indicated the members are himself, Arlene Mitchel, David Mitchel, Brian Holmes, and David Grant. Committee Member Rogers asked for the best way to present the PTRC’s recommendations to the Foundation. Mr. Rubenstein noted the back page of the Foundation’s information contained his contact information, as well as Arlene Mitchel’s. He noted an email would be the best. Chair Anderson and PTRC members thanked Mr. Rubenstein for his presentation. 4. REPORTS A. Council Liaison Update Council Liaison Rousseau indicated that Arden Manor Park hardcourt reconstruction was put on hold by the Council last year due to estimates for that and Floral Park were 30% higher than predicted by the consultant. She noted the Council had hoped to apply for a grant for underserved communities again this year but instead the City was looking at funding the project with a DNR grant. The City would need to match the grant at about 50%. Council Liaison Rousseau stated that she and Committee Member Olson met with the Arden Hills-Shoreview Rotary regarding building a strategic partnership. She noted the PTRC’s prior meeting with the Lions Club and today’s presentation from Mr. Rubenstein of the Arden Hills Foundation. She hoped the PTRC could identify future projects to partner on and that would align with their missions. Council Liaison Rousseau stated the Council approved a contract with the community work group and this could be a potential resource for buckthorn. She also noted a recent City Council discussion regarding encroachment issues and the Council’s direction for the PTRC to bring forward recommendations on how to address this. She stated the PTRC’s work plan has been created for this year but could be considered for 2025. Committee Member Jacobson asked for clarification on the encroachment issue. A short discussion ensued regarding encroachments. A short discussion ensued regarding the Spring Egg Hunt. Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee – March 19, 2024 Page 4 Council Liaison Rousseau requested Committee Member Weber and Youth Committee Member Edgar share their future college plans with the group. She asked Youth Committee Member Edgar to share the specifics of the US Presidential Scholar Program is. Youth Committee Member Edgar stated this is a scholarship program recognizing high school students in the nation, noting she was nominated for the scholarship along with three others from the school district. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Trail and Parks Projects Update Recreation Supervisor Johnson stated the City was working with a consultant to pursue a grant for State bonding funds for a trail at Lake Valentine Road to Highway 96 along Old Highway 10. He noted the project estimate is $4.1 million and estimated actual construction of the trail is 2025/2026 if grant money is awarded. He stated that the project was being considered for a regional Safe Routes to School grant, that it did not score well for such, but a final determination had yet to be made. He referenced the open house held on October 25, 2023, which was well attended. Recreation Supervisor Johnson indicated the Lake Johnanna Boulevard trail study was completed by Ramsey County. He said the project would cost $9.5 million with a local match estimated at $2 million, noting this project also did not score well and so depending on funding, the project could happen in 2028. Committee Member Olson asked why the projects didn’t score well. Recreation Supervisor Johnson stated he did not know why. Council Liaison Rousseau indicated there were a number of other projects in Ramsey County vying for the grants. Committee Member Jacobson provided copies of the information pertaining to the scoring. A short discussion ensued regarding the data pertaining to the grant submissions and subsequent scoring. Recreation Supervisor Johnson noted the PTRC’s additional parks projects list was presented to the City Council at its work session on March 11. Committee Member Jacobson requested an update on the status of the Lake Johanna trail project. Council Liaison Rousseau asked Recreation Supervisor Johnson to obtain an update from Assistant Public Works Director Miller or Public Works Director Swearingen and that he provide that information to Committee Member Jacobson. Committee Member Dietz requested information pertaining to the excavation markings at Floral Park. Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee – March 19, 2024 Page 5 B. Ramsey County Update Committee Member Jacobson stated she attended the March 11 quarterly Active Living Zoom meeting sponsored by Ramsey County Communities. She noted there were over 30 individuals in attendance from a range of entities and she discussed the various topics. She said she was not interested in participating further but wanted to let the group know it is a good opportunity for those wishing to learn more. Committee Member Jacobson also said she attended the Ramsey County bike/walk group meeting that is currently focusing its energy on the northwest quadrant of Ramsey County, the Rice Creek Commons area. She briefly discussed the focus of the group and encouraged others to participate. 6. NEW BUSINESS A. Newsletter item Committee Member Seemann requested the City’s May newsletter include an article about the goats returning for buckthorn removal in June. Chair Anderson asked how the goat project was previously communicated. Recreation Supervisor Johnson stated there was a video of the goats and he believed it was in a newsletter. Committee Member Rogers said information that was sent to the Valentine Hills families and it was on Facebook and the different Arden Hills sites. Council Liaison Rousseau suggested a motion be made to request this topic be included in the May newsletter. MOTION: Committee Member Seemann moved and Committee Member Olson seconded a motion to include an article in the City’s May newsletter regarding the goat buckthorn removal project. The motion carried (9-0). B. Lindey’s Park Update Committee Member Jacobson stated she requested this item be on the agenda as she would like to have an update as to where things are at. Committee Member Olson stated that as a citizen, she contacted Ramsey County in January or February regarding cleaning up the area, which the County did, and she also asked if the site would be restored to look as it did prior to the project. She did not yet have an answer from the County regarding this question. Chair Anderson asked if the PTRC was interested in further discussing Lindey’s Park. A discussion ensued regarding the past appearance of the Lindey’s area, the associated trails, the maintenance of the roundabout and Lindey’s park, and the future of Lindey’s Park. Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee – March 19, 2024 Page 6 Recreation Supervisor Johnson stated he could get background information on the park and Committee Member Olson reported she would continue to be in contact with the County and provide an update to the group in the future. Chair Anderson wanted to gauge the interest of the PTRC regarding forming a work group, noting the focus would be for future planning of the park. A discussion ensued as to how a potential work group could function. C. Agenda Packet Discussion Recreation Supervisor Johnson indicated that other committees/commissions have moved to digital packets, noting this would alleviate the potential issue of late packet arrival. He noted paper copies could still be provided to the members at the meeting. He requested the members let him know their preference. Chair Anderson explained the packet would be accessible digitally well in advance but paper packets would still be available the night of the meeting for the members. D. Work Session Update Chair Anderson noted that she along with Committee Members Olson and Seeman were in attendance at the City Council’s March work session. She provided a summary of their presentation which included the PTRC’s 2024 work plan, fire pit donations, bathroom locks, community outreach and Lindey’s roundabout landscaping. She indicated that the Council was not in favor of the fire pits but was in favor of bathroom locks, noting the implementation process for the locks was to be determined by City staff. She said there was no action on the community outreach and Lindey’s topics as further discussion would occur in the future. E. Community Outreach/Events Councilmember Holden stated she was excited when she saw the PTRC’s goals and work plan. She said that in her neighborhood, instead of letting things rot in the garden, there is a table where excess produce is placed for anyone to take. She noted this practice is referred to as gleaning and said this could be a potential offering for the community that would need outreach. Committee Member Olson asked about the City’s community garden off of Old Highway 10. Councilmember Holden stated that individuals pay for a garden plot site and the produce is the property of that individual. Councilmember Holden stated there is a group in Minneapolis called Food Group Glean Team. A short discussion ensued about gleaning, the community sharing of excess produce. Councilmember Holden indicated that isolation in communities in Minnesota as well as around the country is a big theme. She stated a possibility for community outreach could be to have an initiative in which neighbors reach out to those that live alone to provide assistance or companionship. She noted the importance of education on isolation within our community. Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee – March 19, 2024 Page 7 Councilmember Holden explained a pollinator initiative at wineries in Oregon in which an old whiskey barrel that is cut in half is rented by a business that plants pollinators specifically. She stated that the PTRC could request the Arden Hills Foundation purchase barrels and then solicit businesses to rent the barrel and plant pollinators, not just any plants. A discussion ensued regarding this potential initiative. Councilmember Holden stated that Arden Hills and specifically the 2,000 acres including TCAAP is second in the state for bird watching. She urged the group to check out the Audubon Society’s website. Councilmember Holden noted in closing that the reason Lindey’s Park has not been further developed is that Bethel University had previously donated money and requested the location be a site for college students to utilize the area for frisbee golf and rugby. F. Work Group Updates 1:12:53 Chair Anderson stated the various groups were in beginning stages and asked if anyone wanted to provide an update or add anything. Youth Committee Member Edgar asked if any action was needed regarding the work tracker spreadsheet. Committee Member Jacobson shared information regarding the rain garden work group. She noted the group met with Public Works Director Swearingen regarding rain gardens, noting he requested the group assist with an inventory in general and also the evaluation of specific problem rain garden locations. She stated this process was currently being developed, noting the assistance of Night to Unite block captains may be helpful. A discussion ensued regarding rain gardens, including how to identify potential problems within a rain garden itself, and how to engage the community. Committee Member Olson noted Lake Johanna Fire Department’s initiative to keep fire hydrants clear which basically was “show us your fire hydrant” and suggested something similar for rain gardens. A discussion continued regarding rain gardens and potential options for community outreach. Council Liaison Rousseau suggested that once a plan for rain gardens comes together, the PTRC make a motion to bring forward a formal, comprehensive plan to the City Council. A discussion ensued about the issue of maintenance of rain gardens. Committee Member Olson stated that she and Committee Member Rogers had discussed 2024 community outreach events, specifically the Lions Club event and how the PTRC could support such an event. She noted the event could include food trucks and a bounce house. She also said they will bring their 2025 mission to the next meeting. Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee – March 19, 2024 Page 8 Council Liaison Rousseau asked if the group had considered medallion hunts to which the response was no. Chair Anderson asked if there were any further updates. 7. NEXT MEETING A. Tuesday, April 16, 2024 ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m. UNFINISHED BUSINESS – 4A MEMORANDUM DATE: March 19, 2024 TO: Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee FROM: Lucas J. Miller, Assistant Public Works Director SUBJECT: Trail and Parks Projects Update Previously Discussed Items: • Hazelnut Parking lot negotiations continue between the City and Trinity Lutheran Church. The City has completed geotechnical work in the lot to help determine the cost impacts which will determine scope and extent of work. • Safe Routes to School from MVHS to E2 down Lake Valentine Road/Old Highway 10 is paved. There will be some repair work needed this Spring with anticipated final completion in June. Meanwhile it can be used by pedestrians at this time. • Floral and Arden Manor parks are substantially completed and open. Hardcourt striping, site clean-up and restoration of both parks will be completed this Spring. New/Updated Items: • City is working with a consultant to pursue grants and it is a candidate to pursue state bonding funds for the trail from Lake Valentine Road to Highway 96 along Old Highway 10. Estimated project cost is now projected to be $4.1 Mil since the design is near final. Estimated construction would be in 2025/2026 dependent on funding awarded. The Consultant has been directed to pursue federal and state funding for safe routes to school grants. o Met Council Regional Solicitation – SRTS: $1,000,000 o MnDOT – SRTS: $1,000,000 o State GO Bond funds: $2,050,000 It did not score well for the Met Council Regional Solicitation safe routes to school grant but the final determination has not yet been made and it could still be awarded. We won’t know more until summer, likely June/July. As soon as the funding situation is known, staff will bring this item to a City Council Work Session discussion. • Lake Johanna Blvd conceptual trail study was completed by Ramsey County and they are pursuing funding currently. They are shooting for a final design in 2028, dependent on funding awarded. Estimated construction cost is $9.5M. Council has adopted resolution 2023-023 which is the local match commitment for Lake Johanna Blvd Trail Project (estimated $2M). County is going for grants and bonding this year potentially up to $5.5M. Ramsey County presented in November about the project corridor with Council. Ramsey County had applied for the Met Council Regional UNFINISHED BUSINESS – 4A Solicitation “Multiuse Trails and Bicycle Facilities” grant for $5,500,000. This project did not score well in its category but funding is still being pursued. • The 2025 Parks Project (Arden Oaks Park & Freeway Park), was presented to Council at the Work Session on 3/11/24 which included PTRC motions/recommendations. On April 8, 2024 City Council approved professional services with Bolton & Menk to begin community engagement and provide planning level cost estimates with the end goal of determining the project scope to move forward with into design. Staff does not have exact dates for everything at this time but next steps are: o April/May - Online Community surveys – Direct mailer will be sent to the adjacent neighborhoods with a QR code to take the survey. Posters will be installed at each park and at City Hall also with the QR code. The survey will also be shared on social media and the City website. o May 28th - City Council Work Session – to present final online survey report, review planning level cost estimates and determine final project scope. o July/August – Concept design with updated cost estimates and host Open- House event o August/September – PTRC and City Council involvement and final cost estimates o Fall 2024 – lock in purchase of play structures o Feb/March 2025 - Project bidding o April 2025 – Award construction contract o Summer/Fall 2025 - Construction Staff will keep PTRC up-to-speed with the Community Outreach events as the dates get nailed down. PTRC members are encouraged to complete the online survey and attend the Open-House event when that takes place in the near future to provide their direct input. • Arden Manor Park Hardcourt Construction – City staff has applied for the DNR Outdoor Recreation Grant Program to pursue funding for this project. Awards are announced in June. Following award decision, staff will be bringing this item back to Council for direction to proceed. NEW BUSINESS – 5A MEMORANDUM DATE: April 16, 2024 TO: Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee FROM: Jill Anderson SUBJECT: Be Active! Be Green! Bench Initiative Action Requested: Discuss whether there is PTRC interest in pursuing this project. Background: See attached. Attachment: Email with explanation of initiative. https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=c18795b938&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f:1794543889812992088&simpl=msg-f:17945438898129920…1/6 Jill Oleson <jill.oleson@gmail.com> Fwd: 2024 Be Active! Be Green! Bench Launch - Apply for free benches with Active Living Ramsey Communities 4 messages Emily Rousseau <ERousseau@cityofardenhills.org>Mon, Mar 25, 2024 at 6:46 PM To: Jill Oleson <jill.oleson@gmail.com>, Kate Olson <kzieman@gmail.com> Cc: "Matthew S. Johnson" <MJohnson@cityofardenhills.org> Hi, I wanted to share. Please let me know if any of the ptrc projects may find this information valuable and I will share. Matt, any thoughts on if we could apply based on recommendations for the two upcoming park improvement projects. Emily Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: Ramsey County <ramseycounty@public.govdelivery.com> Date: March 25, 2024 at 4:27:35 PM CDT To: Subject: 2024 Be Active! Be Green! Bench Launch - Apply for free benches with Active Living Ramsey Communities A s imp le a p p lic a tio n c a n b e s u b mitte d b e tw e e n n o w a n d Mo n d a y , Ma y 2 0 , 2 0 2 4 to A c tiv e L iv in g R a ms e y C o mmu n itie s . F e e l fre e to c o n ta c t u s ! 4/9/24, 5:50 AM Gmail - Fwd: 2024 Be Active! Be Green! Bench Launch - Apply for free benches with Active Living Ramsey Communities https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=c18795b938&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f:1794543889812992088&simpl=msg-f:17945438898129920…2/6 Active Living Ramsey Communities Be Active! Be Green! Bench Initiative Applications accepted thru Mon, May 20, 2024 The 2024 Be Active! Be Green! Bench Initiative is now launched! Acti ve Living R amsey C ommuni ti es i s taking appli cati ons for new bench corridors and l oops in Ramsey County. Non-profits and governmental units are eligi ble. The easy to fil l out appl ication due date is Monday, May 20, 2024. Below, you can check out the bench routes that w ere aw arded in 2023. This may help you think of ideas for your community. Want to apply? Fi ll out the simple B e A ctive! B e Green! B ench Application Form, send i n a map of the bench route, choose the bench style (Vi ctorian or Park Seri es), and provi de any additional requested information. Acti ve Living R amsey C ommuni ti es w orks to pl ace benches on trail s and pedestrian corridors throughout Ramsey C ounty to create a more walkabl e environment for peopl e of all ages and abilities. Through a partnershi p with funding from the Environmental Health D ivi sion of Saint Paul – Ramsey County Publ ic Heal th, Acti ve Living R amsey C ommuni ti es grants free benches made from recycled pl astic with a Be Active! Be Green! message to non-profit organi zati ons and governmental uni ts in Ramsey County. Be Acti ve! Be Green! Bench grant schedule: May 20, 2024: Appli cations are due. May 20 to June 10, 2024: Schedule and complete a proposed bench route tour. June 17, 2024: Awards made to grantees. Grantees secure l ocati on ri ght- a-w ays. July 16, 2024: Contract agreement signed and executed. August 19, 2024: Soonest grantee pi cks up benches from R amsey C ounty. Learn more about the bench program Q i ?C C i B d l @ 4/9/24, 5:50 AM Gmail - Fwd: 2024 Be Active! Be Green! Bench Launch - Apply for free benches with Active Living Ramsey Communities https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=c18795b938&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f:1794543889812992088&simpl=msg-f:17945438898129920…3/6 Questions? Contact C onni e Bernardy at al rc@co.ramsey.mn.us. 2023 Be Active! Be G reen! Bench Routes Mounds View Boulevard – Mounds View 32 benches on 2.5-mile trial sections al ong the north and south si de of Mounds View Boulevard. The Park and Recreation and Forestry Commissi on of Mounds View i dentified potential bench si tes along this corri dor. This bench route wi ll not only serve the resi dents of Mounds Vi ew, but also those i ndi viduals who use the reginal trail system in both R amsey and Anoka C ounty and w il l all ow them to connect with other Tri al systems in the ci ti es of N ew Bri ghton, Bl aine, Fridl ey, and Spring Lake Park. Silver Lane Be Active! Be Green! Bench R oute - Saint Anthony Village Two new benches creati ng a four-bench route al ong thi s corridor. Thi s one-mile route of Sil ver Lane N E that connects New Bri ghton to Col umbia Hei ghts. There i s a sidewal k along the south side of the street with tw o exi sti ng benches. This area of St. Anthony is util ized by pedestri ans i n both St. Anthony and N ew Bri ghton to access the Sil ver Lake Vi ll age Shopping Center. Thi s route i s al so utilized by school -aged children and parents for school bus stops. Lexington Avenue B e A ctive! B e Green! B ench Route from Lake Josephine to Central Park with Woodhill C onnector - Roseville Five benches are on the Lexington Avenue corri dor with a tw o-bench connector on Woodhill Drive. This 1.2-mil e l ength along Lexi ngton Avenue and Woodhil l Drive li nks seven benches on a route between Rosevil le's C entral Park and Ramsey County's Josephine Park Beach which incl udes: The Oval, C ity H all, Li cense/Passport C enter, Veterans Park, Ow asso Ballfiel ds, and 7 multi-fami ly homes and senior communities. C urtiss Field Park Be Active! Be Green! Bench Route – Falcon Heights One new bench creati ng a two-bench route loop. Approximately 950' of paved si dew alk surrounds C urtiss Fi eld Park and runs through the park. A Be Active! Be Green! bench wi ll provi de a resti ng place at the north end of the park, creating a 2-bench loop i n the park. A Be Active! Be Green! bench w il l provide a resting place at the north end of the park. 4/9/24, 5:50 AM Gmail - Fwd: 2024 Be Active! Be Green! Bench Launch - Apply for free benches with Active Living Ramsey Communities https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=c18795b938&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f:1794543889812992088&simpl=msg-f:17945438898129920…4/6 C urti ss Fi eld Park has one paved pathw ay encircli ng the area and runni ng through the park, connecting the park to high-density areas fi ll ed w ith businesses, mul ti ple apartment buil dings, senior housing, and singl e-famil y homes. Falcon H eights C ommunity Park Be Active! Be Green! Bench Route – Falcon H eights A seven-bench route l oop. Communi ty Park has an ag-li me pathway, totaling approximatel y a ½ mil e ci rcle around the park. The park was leased from the U niversi ty of Minnesota and is being purchased and upgraded by the city. Emerald Park Be Active! Be Green! Bench Route - Saint A nthony Village Three new benches creating a fi ve-bench route loop. This quarter mi le trail route surrounds Emerald Park. MISSION Active Living Ramsey Communities improves health through community engagement. We promote and create environments that make it safe and easy for everyone to integrate physical activity into their daily routine. Get Involved: C onnie Bernardy Acti ve Livi ng R amsey C ommuni ti es Coal ition Director Email | 651-266-7181 Learn More C oalition C o-Chairs: Mary Jo McGuire Ramsey County Commissioner Peter Lin d strom Metropolitan Council Member Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. View this email through Google Translate: Español | Hmoob | Soomaali 4/9/24, 5:50 AM Gmail - Fwd: 2024 Be Active! Be Green! Bench Launch - Apply for free benches with Active Living Ramsey Communities https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=c18795b938&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f:1794543889812992088&simpl=msg-f:17945438898129920…5/6 This email wa s sen t to roussea u.ec@gmail.com using Go vDelivery Commu nications Clou d o n beha lf of: Ramsey County, Min nesota · 121 7th Pl E · St Paul, MN 551 01 · 65 1-2 66-850 0 ram seycounty.us/contactus | 651-266-8500 SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: Manag e Pre feren ces | Unsu bscribe | Help Kate Olson <k z ieman@gmail.com>Mon, Mar 25, 2024 at 8:06 PM To: Emily Rousseau <ERouss eau@city ofardenhills.org> Cc: J ill Oles on <jill.oleson@gmail.c om>, "Matthew S. Johns on" <MJ ohnson@c it yofardenhills .org> Is there a map of our current benches ? Kate [Qu ote d text hidd en] Jill Anderson <jill.oles on@gmail.c om>Mon, Mar 25, 2024 at 8:11 PM To: Kate Olson <kzieman@gmail.com> Cc: Emily Rousseau <ERousseau@cityofardenhills.org>, "Matthew S. Johns on" <MJ ohnson@c it yofardenhills .org> My only thought is to talk to the Arden Hills Foundation. I thought they had money /donations for benc hes that had not yet been placed. [Qu ote d text hidd en] Matthew S. Johnson <MJ ohnson@cityofardenhills.org>Tue, Mar 26, 2024 at 8:22 AM To: J ill Anderson <jill.oles on@gmail.com>, Kate Ols on <k z ieman@gmail.com> Cc: Emily Rousseau <ERousseau@cityofardenhills.org> Hello Ev ery one, Yes, I only k now of one map in PDF from but it s from 2010. We have a location map on our GIS s oftware, that I think is more up to date but not s ure how ac c urate it is. I think is for a route that will hav e benc hes plac es t hroughout it? So it would be different f rom what the Arden Hills foundation bench donation us es . From : J ill Anderson <jill.oleson@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, March 25, 2024 8:12 PM To: Kate Ols on <k z ieman@gmail.com> NEW BUSINESS - 5B MEMORANDUM DATE: April 16, 2024 TO: Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee FROM: Matthew Johnson SUBJECT: Community Outreach/Events – Councilmember Holden Background Councilmember Holden presented to PTRC on March 19th about the following event topics. • Gleaning – Programming • Isolation Day • Pollinator Barrels Action: PTRC will decide if any of the presented items would be a good fit to host. NEW BUSINESS – 5C MEMORANDUM DATE: April 16, 2024 TO: Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee FROM: Jill Anderson SUBJECT: Cummings Hitting Wall Action Requested: Discuss whether there is PTRC interest in pursuing this project. Background: A community member reached out and asked whether the City could re-install a hitting wall that had been removed during renovation. Her request was as follows: “I’m writing to you today as a neighbor and frequent user of Cummings Park. Before the park renovation, the hard top basketball area had a hitting wall. During that remodel or maybe shortly before that, it was removed. I am wondering if there’s any chance we can look at once again installing a wall like this. https://www.tenniscourtsupply.com/Economy-Flat-Series_c_242.html The neighborhood would definitely use it for tennis, lacrosse, and pickleball drills and practice. The area in question is very rarely used for the shuffleboard and four square that is currently painted on the area-it could simply just be another option for that space. Thank you for your consideration. please let me know if there are other steps I should take to have this considered.” Attachment A: Tennis Court Supply print out with cost. 4/9/24, 6:12 AM Economy Flat Series https://www.tenniscourtsupply.com/Economy-Flat-Series_c_242.html 1/3  (/)  (/view_cart.asp) Search Call Us Today (877) 504-5657 (tel: (877) 504-5657) Home (/)|Tennis Court Supplies (/Tennis-Court-Maintenance-and-Accessories.html)|Backboards & Rebounders (/tennis-court-backboards.html)|Bakko Backboards (/Bakko-Backboards_c_239.html)|Economy Flat Series (/Economy-Flat-Series_c_242.html) ECONOMY FLAT SERIES Products [6] Sort by: Use Default Sorting Bakko Economy Flat Series Backboard (8 X 12) (Bakko-Economy- Flat-Series-Backboard-8-X-12.Html) Your Price: $2,227.00 ADD TO CART (ADD_CART.ASP?QUICK=1&ITEM_ID=124&CAT_ID=242) (bakko-economy-at-series-backboard-8-x-12.html) Bakko Economy Flat Series Backboard (8 X 16) (Bakko-Economy- Flat-Series-Backboard-8-X-16.Html) Your Price: $2,855.00 ADD TO CART (ADD_CART.ASP?QUICK=1&ITEM_ID=123&CA (bakko-economy-at-series-backboard-8-x-16.html) (bakko-economy-at-series-backboard-8-x-20.html) 4/9/24, 6:12 AM Economy Flat Series https://www.tenniscourtsupply.com/Economy-Flat-Series_c_242.html 2/3 Bakko Economy Flat Series Backboard (8 X 20) (Bakko-Economy- Flat-Series-Backboard-8-X-20.Html) Your Price: $3,591.00 ADD TO CART (ADD_CART.ASP?QUICK=1&ITEM_ID=122&CAT_ID=242) Quick Links SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER Email Address  NEW BUSINESS – 5D MEMORANDUM DATE: April 16, 2024 TO: Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee FROM: Kerri Seemann SUBJECT: Eagle Scout Project Action Requested: Discuss parks that could benefit from a small floral planting. Background: The city was contacted by someone who is interested in planting in one of the parks as part of an Eagle Scout project. He would currently like to “plant one tree and some smaller plants around it” and is looking for advice on which park would be best. NEW BUSINESS – 5E MEMORANDUM DATE: April 16, 2024 TO: Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee FROM: Kerri Seeman and Great River Greening SUBJECT: State funding for assistance with park habitat management through Great River Greening partnership Action Requested Discuss this partnership and work priorities with the PTRC, including the proposed project timelines, the next steps with the City Council, the development of a cooperative agreement with the City, and the requested cash match from the City for the projects. Background City public works staff and PTRC members have met with the non-profit habitat restoration organization, Great River Greening (https://www.greatrivergreening.org/) regarding the potential partnership and state funded work on invasive species control and native species establishment at a number of parks in Arden Hills. There currently is funding available from an Outdoor Heritage Fund grant managed by Great River Greening that could support contracted invasive species control, plant / seed supply purchases and installation, the development of Natural Resources Management Briefs, and as well as add to community and City led work at Hazelnut and Chatham Parks. There is also funding written into an Outdoor Heritage Fund grant for a full natural area restoration project at Floral Park anticipated to come online in July, 2024. Attachments Attachment A – Great River Greening Background Attachment B – History of partnership, project proposal, timeline, and anticipated budgets. Great River Greening is a 501(c)(3) non-profit; tax ID 41-1940024. Great River Greening | 251 Starkey Street, Suite 2200 | Saint Paul, MN 55107 | Tel: 651.665.9500 | greatrivergreening.org Attachment 1 – Great River Greening background Great River Greening is a 501(c)(3) non-profit; tax ID 41-1940024. Great River Greening | 251 Starkey Street, Suite 2200 | Saint Paul, MN 55107 | Tel: 651.665.9500 | greatrivergreening.org Attachment 1 – Great River Greening background Great River Greening is a 501(c)(3) non-profit; tax ID 41-1940024. Great River Greening | 251 Starkey Street, Suite 2200 | Saint Paul, MN 55107 | Tel: 651.665.9500 | greatrivergreening.org Attachment 2 – History of partnership, project proposal, timeline, and anticipated budgets. • History of partnership – o PTRC members Kerri Seemann and Mark Kelliher approached Great River Greening in early 2023 to discuss a potential partnership between the City of Arden Hills, the community stewards of the natural areas of the City’s parks, and Great River Greening for funding to assist the restoration and enhancement of several parks. ▪ Conservation Director Todd Rexine joined a PTRC meeting in April 2023. o Great River Greening staff met and walked sites to establish potential projects, budgets, and timelines for this potential restoration work to include tentative budgets in Outdoor Heritage Fund grants being written at that time. ▪ These grants are state funding designated for this type of habitat enhancement work funded by state sales tax dollars through the Clean Water, Land and Legacy amendment that are recommended by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council and pass through Great River Greening to support staff time, subcontracting, plant purchasing, and volunteer coordination. o One grant is now online with funds available currently (April 2024) for use, and a second grant is anticipated to be online and available for use in July 2024. o Community members and Arden Hills City staff have met with Great River Greening to discuss current priorities (call on Thursday, March 28, 2024), Great River Greening staff have now walked the parks again and have received further background from community members and are proposing a final set of projects for PTRC review. • Project proposal – o After discussing habitat restoration needs and potential timelines, seeing final funding allocations from state grants, and current state of park natural resource management, Great River Greening’s recommendations are as follows: ▪ Perry Park – The natural areas in this park need a large and intensively planned project that would have to be coordinated with the habitat enhancement work that is being done at the adjacent Ramsey County property Tony Schmidt Regional Park. This may be a future goal, but we recommend managing the other areas where there is community coordination now first before taking on this large project. • No action requested. ▪ Hazelnut Park – The woodland area is in good condition from a lot of effort put in by the community on understory habitat enhancement through invasive species control and native species planning. We propose to put 3 years of contracted buckthorn follow-up control and 2 years of garlic mustard control in to boost this effort and make the invasive plant population manageable with minimal effort in the long term, as well as fund native grass and forb seeding and shrub planting to add diversity for environmental health and park user enjoyment and education. • Action requested – Plan approval by the PTRC, and the development of a cooperative agreement between Great River Greening and the City of Arden Hills to make official the budget being brought by OHF funds, City funds, and the project plan and goals. Great River Greening is a 501(c)(3) non-profit; tax ID 41-1940024. Great River Greening | 251 Starkey Street, Suite 2200 | Saint Paul, MN 55107 | Tel: 651.665.9500 | greatrivergreening.org ▪ Chatham Park – The currently prioritized center section of this park has had the initial stages of buckthorn removal started by community members as assisted by City staff but has considerably larger concerns that need to be defined and addressed prior to on-the-ground habitat enhancement as funded by Outdoor Heritage Fund dollars. The current funding available to Great River Greening is not enough to support a complete project from start to finish in this area, and once OHF money has been spent on an acre of a project, OHF funds cannot be returned to that acre in the future. The larger concerns include dead and dying ash trees that are or will present hazards and will need to be removed, future forest diversity goals that need to be defined and budgeted for, and erosion issues that may require regrading and water management engineering prior to natural resource management within the impacted area. We are proposing to use the currently available OHF funds to write a Natural Resource Management Brief for the center priority areas in the park and to provide guidance on continued PTRC community habitat management work and write the budget for management into a future OHF grant that could come online in July 2025 if funded. • Action requested – Plan approval by the PTRC and approval from the City to write a Natural Resources Management Brief and be available for community guidance. ▪ Floral Park – The natural resource management for the full woodland and prairie acres of this park have been written into the M.L. 2024 OHF budget on the Great River Greening grant that will be online in July 2024. Once the grant is online, we propose to define the natural resources management for 5 years through a Natural Resources Management Brief, subcontracted habitat invasive species management and native species establishment, and coordinated community stewardship and volunteer engagement. • Action requested – Broad plan approval by the PTRC and approval by the City for the future work once the grant is online in July 2024. o Community engagement and stewardship - ▪ This state funding may also support the time for Great River Greening coordinated volunteer habitat restoration opportunities to add to the community engagement already strong at these sites for both short and long- term stewardship. ▪ Public information on project timelines may also be provided through on-site signage, neighbor letters prior to major restoration work, and educational events hosted over the duration of the projects. ▪ All project closes will include a Natural Resources Management Brief written to outline continued maintenance and stewardship needs for the City and community to reference going forward. Great River Greening is a 501(c)(3) non-profit; tax ID 41-1940024. Great River Greening | 251 Starkey Street, Suite 2200 | Saint Paul, MN 55107 | Tel: 651.665.9500 | greatrivergreening.org • Timeline – OHF Grant Funding Park 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 City Commitment Metro Big Rivers 12 Hazelnut Online through June 2027, to support contracted woodland invasive species control and native understory species establishment at Hazelnut. Habitat maintenance after grant completion. Chatham (priority areas) Natural Resources Management Brief and guidance of volunteer work at Chatham. Metro Big Rivers 14 Floral Online from July 2024 through June 2029, to support Natural Resources Management Brief development, contracted woodland and prairie habitat restoration and enhancement activities, as well as community stewardship and volunteer engagement. Metro Big Rivers 15 Chatham (priority areas) Grant is currently being written, if awarded, would be online from July 2025 through June 2030, and would support tree and understory work in the priority sections of Chatham as defined by the Natural Resources Management Brief as well as community stewardship and volunteer engagement. Summary detail for initial OHF funding (MBR12) 2024 April Group meeting and PTRC meeting / approval. May - June City Council meeting / approval, Coop agreement. Summer Contracted buckthorn follow up work at Hazelnut, NRMP writing for priority areas at Chatham. Fall Contracted buckthorn follow up work at Hazelnut, volunteer steward guidance at Chatham for continued buckthorn cutting and stacking (material either removed by the City, or stacked for potential future disposal). 2025 Winter Hand seeding of understory grasses and sedges at Hazelnut. Spring / Summer Contracted buckthorn and garlic mustard work at Hazelnut, guided volunteer stewardship at Chatham. Fall Contracted buckthorn work at Hazelnut and continued hands-on assistance will depend on additional funding which may come from OHF grant. 2026 Winter Hand seeding of understory flowering plants at Hazelnut. Potential buckthorn disposal through biochar kiln burning at Chatham - dependent on funding. Spring / Summer Contracted BT sweep (foliar), contracted GM sweep at Hazelnut. Fall GRG / volunteer planted understory shrubs at Hazelnut. 2027 Winter - Spring Establishment maintenance of plantings at Hazelnut if there is remaining funding. Great River Greening is a 501(c)(3) non-profit; tax ID 41-1940024. Great River Greening | 251 Starkey Street, Suite 2200 | Saint Paul, MN 55107 | Tel: 651.665.9500 | greatrivergreening.org • Budgets – Grant Funding Proposed Park / Work priorities Total GRG state OHF project funding City of Arden Hills cash match requests Metro Big Rivers 12 Hazelnut Park continued invasive control and native establishment, Chatham NRMB writing and guidance $54,700 (including GRG staffing and support)* $12,00 total (over 3 years, $4,000 per year) Metro Big Rivers 14 Floral Park full NRMB, woodland and prairie habitat restoration with volunteer stewardship $215,100 (including GRG staffing and support)* $26,125 total (over 5 years, $5,225 per year) Metro Big Rivers 15 Chatham Park priority area habitat enhancement with volunteer stewardship Currently being written Will request some cash contribution still being written *Includes all required state grant administration, yearly auditing, biannual reporting and required storage of grant related documents for 7 years after completion. Great River Greening is a 501(c)(3) non-profit; tax ID 41-1940024. Great River Greening | 251 Starkey Street, Suite 2200 | Saint Paul, MN 55107 | Tel: 651.665.9500 | greatrivergreening.org Great River Greening is a 501(c)(3) non-profit; tax ID 41-1940024. Great River Greening | 251 Starkey Street, Suite 2200 | Saint Paul, MN 55107 | Tel: 651.665.9500 | greatrivergreening.org Great River Greening is a 501(c)(3) non-profit; tax ID 41-1940024. Great River Greening | 251 Starkey Street, Suite 2200 | Saint Paul, MN 55107 | Tel: 651.665.9500 | greatrivergreening.org