05-18-2020CITY OF HOPKINS
PARK BOARD MEETING MINUTES
May 18, 2020
A regular meeting of the Hopkins Park Board was held on May 18, 2020 — this meeting was a virtual
meeting via GoToMeeting video conference in accordance with Minn. Stat. 13D.021 and with the local
emergency declaration made by the City under Minn. Stat. 12.37.
I. CALL TO ORDER
Kyle Kaczmarek, Chairperson called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.
II. ROLL CALL
Present were Park Board members Kyle Kaczmarek, Emma Figgins, Megan Slindee, Anna Pohmer and
Kim Schlauderaff. Also present was Steve Stadler, PW Director/Park Board City staff liaison.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes for the February 24, 2020 Park Board Meeting
Emma Figgins made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Kim Schlauderaff. The motion
passed with a 5-0 vote.
IV. BUSINESS
A. Park Improvements Update.
Steve Stadler gave an update on the following park improvements:
- Valley Park picnic shelters: Construction is underway and expected to be completed by
mid-June timeframe. The budgeted amount for the two picnic shelters is $150,000. The
expected cost of the new east picnic shelter and the rehabbed west picnic shelter is
$121,161.
- Maetzold Field pavilion: structure maintenance - preservative treatment for the
timber/wood elements of the pavilion - $14,280
- Shady Oak Beach picnic shelter replacement: Current CIP project for 2021 construction.
Due to the current budget constraints this project design is on -hold. The picnic shelter
replacement is primarily driven by aesthetics as the current shelter is more than 35 years
old and doesn't complement the other beach buildings.
- The other current CIP park improvements will be reviewed later this year in light of
potential 2021 budget revenue cutbacks to the park improvement fund.
B. Redevelopment Plans Update
Stadler gave the Park Board members an overview of potential future redevelopment projects which
could result in additional revenue into the park improvement fund via park dedication fees. The two
-2 -
anticipated redevelopments include the old Hopkins Cold Storage site and redevelopment of the NW
quadrant parcels of the Blake Road/Excelsior Blvd intersection area. Discussions continue between
the City of Hopkins and the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District staff and Board of Managers,
regarding the Cold Storage site redevelopment.
C. Hopkins Parks & COV ID- 19
Stadler gave a rundown on the impact of the pandemic on park amenities and programs:
Basketball courts/play courts: the basketball hoops have been removed from the courts at
Valley, Cottageville and Burnes Parks. The hoops have not been removed from the
smaller play courts at Park Valley Playground, Elmo Park or Interlachen Park.
Unfortunately, the hoops were removed because there had been a consistent problem with
larger groups playing games at the larger courts despite the signs at the courts prohibiting
game play. This has not been a problem at the smaller play courts with the single hoop.
Pickleball and Tennis courts: The nets are installed and there are signs prohibiting
doubles play due to the difficulty maintaining social distancing, singles play is allowed.
Users of these courts have been complying with the restrictions.
Restrooms remain closed to public use and drinking fountains are not operating. Portable
toilets have been provided at each large park.
The splash pad will not open on Memorial Day as it has the past two years. Stadler read
the following proposed public statement on the splash pad:
Due to safety concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hopkins splash pad at Burnes Park
will not open on Memorial Day weekend. Although the CDC has released considerations for the safety
of those who operate, manage and use water playgrounds, the City is awaiting guidance from the
Minnesota Dept of Health regarding safe operations of Minnesota water parks, including splash pads.
This guidance is anticipated to be included in a June 1 State of Minnesota announcement. If it is
determined that the splash pad can be safely operated & supervised within the CDC and MN Dept of
Health guidelines, the splash pad will open later in June at a date to be determined. Watch the City's
website for an announcement on the splash pad in early -mid June.
After brief discussion, Emma Figgins made a motion to approve the public statement, seconded by
Kyle Kaczmerak. The motion passed with a 5-0 vote.
- Shady Oak Beach: The City Managers and City Councils of Hopkins and Minnetonka
have agreed that the beach will not open in 2020.
- Rec Softball is planned to start during the week of June 15.
- Cancelled Rec programs to -date include: Parks Playground Program, Rec-On-The-Go
Program, Volleyball
- Delayed Rec programs to -date include: Kickball, Softball, Hopkins Area Little League
and Wiffleball
D. Marketing Hopkins' Parks — Hopkins Parks Passport Program
-3 -
After discussion, it was decided to postpone the roll-out of a passport program. Instead, this year we
will highlight the City's parks on social media by emphasizing what is available to residents at our
parks, i.e. what select parks have to offer and how to enjoy them even within the current COVID-19
limitations. Stadler will discuss this with the City's communications coordinator and provide draft
information for Park Board member review/approval.
E. Park Area Assignment Report
Kyle Kaczmarek:
Burnes Park is being used already this spring, nothing else to report
Emma Figgins:
Nothing to report (NTR) Although, her Pickleball paddles have been
ordered!
Megan Slindee:
NTR
Anna Pohmer:
NTR
Kim Schlauderaff:
NTR
V. NEXT SCHEDULED MEETING:
The next regular Park Board Meeting is 6:30 pm on Monday, June 22, 2020 at City Hall, 1010 1" St S.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
Kyle Kaczmerak moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Meg Slindee. The motion passed 5-0.
The meeting adjourned at 7:4. m.
Attest:
I� P
,Chairperson