04-26-2021CITY OF HOPKINS
PARK BOARD MEETING MINUTES
April 26, 2021
A regular meeting of the Hopkins Park Board was held on April 26, 2021.
I. CALL TO ORDER
Kyle Kaczmarek, Chairperson called the meeting to order at 6:35 pm.
II. ROLL CALL
Present were Park Board members Kyle Kaczmarek, Emma Figgins, and Anna Pohmer. Meg Slindee was
absent. Members attended virtually via Zoom video conference. Also present via Zoom video conference was
Steve Stadler, City of Hopkins PW Director/Park Board City staff liaison.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes for the March 22, 2021 Park Board Meeting:
Kyle Kaczmarek made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Emma Figgins. The motion passed with
a 3-0 vote.
IV. BUSINESS
A. Exploring Hopkins' Parks — Valley Park and Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail
The Board members agreed to move ahead with a second information/activity sheet promoting Valley Park
and all the amenities in the Valley Park area. The goal is to release it in the month of June. Stadler is
developing an aerial image of the Valley Park area where the various amenities can be outlined and labeled.
It was suggested that we promote this next park via social media in advance of the activity sheet release.
Infornation for the sheet will be provided to Emma Figgins by mid-May so that a draft document can be
completed for review at the May Park Board Meeting.
B. Parks Capital Improvement Plan 2022-2026
Stadler reviewed with the Board members a document he put together showing what he sees as needed park
system improvements for the near term, 2022-2024 and intermediate tern, 2025-2030. Stadler stated that it
will be a challenging time over the next few years for park improvement funding as franchise fee revenue has
been diverted in order to help the General Fund and additional park dedication fees from redevelopment
projects are very uncertain. As a result, Stadler stated that he would prefer to rehab the existing Shady Oak
Beach picnic shelter rather than replace it with a new facility. The near term improvements include: Central
Park picnic shelters rehab, Replace Central Park East Play Equipment, Rehab Valley Park basketball court,
Rehab Cottageville Park basketball court, Rehab Shady Oak Beach picnic shelter and Rehab Oakes Park
tennis courts. It was noted that the listed park system improvements do not include: Central Park Upgrade,
Downtown Park Upgrade or the Minnehaha Creek Overlook/Plaza projects. It was agreed that during this
period of funding uncertainties, the focus of the capital program needs to be maintaining/repairing existing
park amenities vs. upgrades or new construction. Board members expressed concern about funding and being
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able to maintain a quality park system. The Board thought it would be good to have a joint meeting with the
City Council this year. It was noted that plans for a joint meeting in 2020 were disrupted by the COVID
pandemic. After some additional discussion, the Board agreed to have Stadler propose a draft 2022-2026
Capital Improvement Plan for review and approval at the May meeting
C. City Comprehensive Plan and U of M student Capstone project recommendations
There was very brief discussion on this topic. It was agreed to continue to consider the recommendations to
improve parks' accessibility and enhance the natural environment in the parks and to find opportunities to act
on them.
D. Other Topics of Interest
Kyle Kaczmarek asked for an update on the unsolicited proposal for a public/private partnership to construct
a dome covering two of the four Central Park tennis courts and converting the two domed tennis courts for
year-round play on eight pickleball courts. Stadler reported that he had some difficulty making contact with
the Hopkins School District but has now connected with them. As the property owner, the School District
would be the one working more directly with the party proposing the dome. The City would have to agree
to change its existing lease agreement covering the tennis courts. There is no update yet on how or if the
School District responded to the proposal.
It was brought up that the Park Board could consider meeting in person at City Hall. Stadler will look into
having the next meeting as both in-person and via Zoom, whatever is each Board member's preference.
F. Park Area Assignment Report
Kyle Kaczmarek: Nothing to report (NTR)
Emma Figgins: NTR
Megan Slindee: Absent
Vacant position:
Anna Pohmer: NTR
V. NEXT SCHEDULED MEETING:
The next regular Park Board Meeting is 6:30 pm on Monday, May 24, 2021 at City Hall, 1010 1 st St S.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
Kyle Kaczmarek moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Anna Pohmer. The motion passed 3-0. The
meeting adjourned at 7:42 p.m.
Attest:
Steve Stadler, Park Boa?d Staff Liaison