Board of Commissioners Meetings

The agenda for the December 18, 2025, Regular Board Meeting is available here.

The Board Meeting will begin at 5:00 PM in the Board Room of the Three Rivers Park District Administrative Center, 3000 Xenium Lane N., Plymouth, MN.

Superintendent's Recommendation:

NO ACTION REQUIRED.

Background Information:

Any individual wishing to address the Board on subjects which are not part of the meeting agenda may do so at this time. Such items will typically be referred to staff for review, action and/or recommendation for future board action. The public will also be provided an opportunity to address the Board on items which are on the agenda at the appropriate time.

If you would like to submit written comments in advance of the Board Meeting that will be shared with the Board, you may post them below in the comment box under the agenda item you wish to address or under People Wishing to Address the Board if it's a topic not on the Board Meeting agenda. Comments received by 5:00 p.m. on the Wednesday before the Board Meeting will be shared with Commissioners at the meeting.

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-24; A RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO JONATHAN VLAMING UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT.

Background:

Jonathan Vlaming began his career with the Park District on April 11, 2005, when he was hired as the Planning Manager. Over his 20-year career, Jonathan has been involved in acquiring property, developing trails, and delivering numerous projects. Even through the most challenging projects Jonathan displayed his playful spirit and great sense of humor.

In that period of time, perhaps his most significant contribution has been the development and implementation of our 5-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Juggling hundreds of projects and managing millions of dollars in the CIP is not an easy task, but Jonathan makes it look easy. He presents it in a way that is transparent and simple to understand.

It is difficult to know how many millions of dollars Jonathan has secured for the District, but it would not be a stretch to put it in the hundreds of millions. His success is due to the great relationships he has built both inside the District and with outside partners. Jonathan has been a wonderful employee, supervisor, friend and colleague to us all.

Jonathan will be retiring from the Park District at the end of 2025. We wish him and his family all the best in his retirement.

The attached Resolution of Appreciation is presented for Board consideration, recognizing Jonathan’s service to the Park District.

Attachments:

Resolution No. 25-24 Appreciation to Jonathan Vlaming.pdf

Superintendent's Recommendation:

NO ACTION REQUIRED; THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.

Prepared By: Sierra Spicer-Zimmerman, Donor Relations and Volunteer Supervisor

Background:

Commissioners and/or staff are encouraged to report any special matters, awards, recognitions or other acknowledgements at this time.

Acknowledgement of Donations

The Board wishes to acknowledge the following donations to the Park District of $500 or more made in the past month.

• Richard and Sandra Drapeau, Victoria - $7,000 for a tribute bench at Carver Park Reserve.
• Charles and Kim Gits, Edina - $5,000 to support buckthorn removal at Hyland Lake Park Reserve.
• David and Evelyn Breeden, Arden Hills - $500 directed to Silverwood Park.
• Hannah Bellanger, Orono - $500 directed to Carver Park Reserve in memory of Laura Wood.

Relationship to the System Plan:

The Request for Action supports the following goal(s) of the System Plan:

Goal 1: You Belong Here

Goal 2: Parks Matter

Goal 3: Lead by Example

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED 2026 BOARD MEETING AND STUDY SESSION CALENDAR.

Background:

• 2025 Proposed Board Meeting and Study Session Calendar attached.
• Calendar of Meetings and Events attached.

Update(s):

• 2026 Proposed Board Meeting & Study Session Calendar - Final Draft attached.

Attachments:

2025 Proposed Board Meeting and Study Session Calendar.pdf

Calendar of Meetings and Events.pdf

2026 Proposed Board Meeting and Study Session Calendar.pdf

All matters listed under Routine Business are considered to be standard items by the Board of Commissioners and will be enacted by one motion. For background information about any of the items listed below, visit this link.

Item 4A. Gale Woods Solar PV Grant Agreement

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO APPROVE TWO STATEWIDE SOLAR ON PUBLIC BUILDINGS PROGRAM GRANT AGREEMENTS TOTALING $172,550 OF FUNDING THROUGH STATE OF MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE.

Item 4B. 2026 Sentencing to Service Agreement with Hennepin County

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO AUTHORIZE THE BOARD CHAIR AND SUPERINTENDENT TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH HENNEPIN COUNTY FOR SENTENCING TO SERVICE WORK CREWS FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2026, AT A COST NOT TO EXCEED $172,074.24 WITH FUNDING DESIGNATED FROM LOTTERY-IN-LIEU-OF REVENUES COLLECTED BY THE PARK DISTRICT IN 2025.

Item 4C. Budget Adjustments for 2025

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO APPROVE AMENDMENTS TO THE 2025 GENERAL FUND OPERATING BUDGET BY INCREASING EXPENDITURES AND REVENUES BY $120,600.

Item 4D. Authorization to Pay Property and Liability Insurance Premiums in 2026

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF THE 2026 PROPERTY AND LIABILITY INSURANCE PREMIUM TO MINNESOTA COUNTIES INTERGOVERNMENTAL TRUST IN THE AMOUNT OF $767,792 AND AUTHORIZE THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER TO PROCESS AND PAY PREMIUM ADJUSTMENTS AS PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT ARE ADDED DURING THE YEAR.

Item 4E. Award of Contract for Whaletail Lake Water Quality Improvement Project

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO AWARD A CONTRACT FOR THE WHALETAIL LAKE ALUM TREATMENT TO SOLITUDE LAKE MANAGEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $379,393.

Item 4F. Regional Trail System Winter Use Permits

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO APPROVE WINTER USE PERMITS FOR 2025-2026 FOR THE CITY OF SHOREWOOD AND 2025-2028 FOR THE CITY OF SPRING PARK.

Item 4G. Award of Construction and Construction Administration Contracts for Mississippi Gateway Shoreline Stabilization and Fishing Improvements

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO:

1. AWARD A CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF SHORELINE STABILIZATION AND FISHING IMPROVEMENTS AT MISSISSIPPI GATEWAY REGIONAL PARK TO McLAFFERTY CONTRACTING GROUP, LLC. IN THE TOTAL BASE BID AMOUNT OF $711,407.40; AND
2. ENTER INTO A CONSULTANT AGREEMENT WITH WSB, LLC. TO PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION SERVICES FOR SHORELINE STABILIZATION AND FISHING IMPROVEMENTS AT MISSISSIPPI GATEWAY REGIONAL PARK WITH A TOTAL HOURLY NOT-TO-EXCEED FEE IN THE AMOUNT OF $107,700; AND
3. ESTABLISH A TOTAL CONSTRUCTION BUDGET IN THE AMOUNT OF $901,018, INCLUDING A TEN % CONTINGENCY WITH FINANCING FROM THE 2024 ASSET MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, INCLUDING FUNDING FROM NATIONAL PARK SERVICE (NPS), WEST MISSISSIPPI WATERSHED MANAGEMENT COMMISSION (WMWMC), AND ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES TRUST FUND (ENRTF) GRANTS.

Item 4H. Board Minutes of November 13, 2025

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 13, 2025, REGULAR BOARD MEETING.

Item 4I. Approval of Claims for the Period Ended December 11, 2025

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF CLAIMS AS RECOMMENDED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 11, 2025, IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,652,103.95.

Superintendent's Recommendation:

NO ACTION REQUIRED; THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.

Prepared By: Mandy Whiteside, Associate Superintendent, Engagement and Visitor Experience, and Jason McGrew-King, Intergovernmental Relations and Communications Supervisor

Background:

At the beginning of each Legislative session, the Board of Commissioners adopts a Legislative Platform (attached), which identifies legislative issues that are supported and monitored during the upcoming Legislative session in an effort to maintain the operation of Three Rivers Park District. Adoption of the Platform is a starting point for Three Rivers’ governmental relations efforts for the Legislative session, which will begin on February 17, 2026.

The following topics concerning Three Rivers Park District are included in the draft Platform:

Capital improvements

The upcoming session is the second year of the legislative biennium, which traditionally is a “bonding year” when the Legislature considers a large omnibus bill to fund capital improvements throughout the State of Minnesota.

Three Rivers has prioritized a request for $24 million in state capital improvement funding for improvements to the regional trail network. The project will expand and improve Three Rivers’ regional trail network in recognition that it is a critical component of the non-motorized active transportation network. The $24 million in state bonds would leverage more than $25 million in federal funds that have been committed to the project, and the request is scalable depending on the level of funding the Legislature deems is available.

In addition to the regional trail system improvements, the draft Legislative Platform includes a provision describing the importance of capital improvement funding for repairs to the Coon Rapids Dam. Inspections conducted in 2021 and 2024 identified repairs that are necessary for the continued operation and functionality of the dam. Under terms of the joint powers agreement between Three Rivers Park District and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MnDNR), MnDNR is responsible for maintenance of the dam. The draft Legislative Platform indicates Three Rivers Park District’s support for an appropriation to MnDNR to fund the necessary repairs to the dam.

The draft Platform also indicates support for a bonding appropriation for the Metropolitan Regional Parks System, which would be shared among the 10 implementing agencies and would provide funds for Three Rivers capital improvement projects.

Habitat restoration and protection

The draft Platform includes provisions highlighting recent natural resources partnerships, including the collaborative effort with Ducks Unlimited to enhance waterfowl habitat at Carver Park Reserve’s Lake 2 and the partnership with Hennepin County, the Minnesota Land Trust and the University of Minnesota to form the Natural Resources Partner Coalition with the goal of protecting, restoring and connecting high-quality natural resources in the region.

E-bikes and “e-motos”

The draft Platform also addresses the challenges trail providers throughout the state, including Three Rivers, are facing due to the increased use of non-legal “e-moto” bikes on the trails and supports statewide efforts to ensure the trails are safe and welcoming for all users.

Staff will seek direction from the Board on December 18 regarding the draft 2026 Legislative Platform. Staff will revise the draft Platform based on Board discussion and will seek Board approval of the final version of the plan at the January 15, 2026, Board meeting. Following Board adoption of the plan, copies will be printed and distributed to Legislators during the upcoming Legislative session.

Relationship to the System Plan:

The Request for Action supports the following goal(s) of the System Plan:

Goal 1: You Belong Here

Goal 2: Parks Matter

Goal 3: Lead by Example

Attachments:

Draft 2026 Legislative Platform.pdf

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH ONE TRACK MIND FOUNDATION TO DESIGN AND CONSTRUCT A SINGLETRACK TRAIL IN HYLAND BUSH ANDERSON LAKES PARK RESERVE.

Prepared By: Luke Skinner, Associate Superintendent - Facility Services, Maintenance and Natural Resource Management

Background:

The continued growth of mountain biking in Minnesota has led to an overwhelming interest in developing new singletrack trails, especially closer to the urban core. Local advocacy and interest of new mountain biking opportunities at Hyland Lake Park Reserve is at an all-time high. As the Park District took over management of a number of park reserve units from the City of Bloomington, the timing was right to explore what was possible. Staff spent a better part of 2025 evaluating the potential for new mountain bike trails within the Hyland, Anderson Bush Lake Park Reserve.

Considerations included natural resource impacts, impacts to other park users and to neighboring residents. From our review, staff concluded that we can develop a high-quality, destination mountain bike trail to serve the public (~ 10 miles).

The One Track Mind (OTM) Foundation, the Park District’s partner in the wildly successful development of the Monarch Singletrack at Carver Park Reserve, has agreed to partner with the Park District in the design and construction of this new trail system at Hyland. Staff have worked with OTM to develop a cooperative agreement, similar to past agreements for Monarch, which outlines roles and responsibilities for each party.

Key responsibilities in the cooperative agreement include:

• OTM will fund the design and construction of up to 10 miles of singletrack and along with trail features at Hyland;
• OTM will be responsible for selection and hiring of the design consultant and construction contractor (with Park District approval);
• OTM and its contractors will work collaboratively with the Park District to design and construct the new trail and features. Park District staff will work directly with the contractor through field visits and design work;
• The Park District has final approval of the design of the trail;
• OTM and its contractor will work collaboratively with Park District to construct the trail and features; the Park District will have staff on site during construction;
• The Park District will review and approve final construction of the trail; and
• The Park District is responsible for the use and maintenance of the trail.

Once the agreement with OTM is approved, staff will initiate the next phase of trail planning which includes public engagement and trail design (January - May). Tentatively, planning would be completed in 2026 and construction would start in 2027.

Relationship to the System Plan:

The Request for Action supports the following goal(s) of the System Plan:

Goal 1: You Belong Here

Goal 2: Parks Matter

Goal 3: Lead by Example

Attachments:

TRPD_OTM_Agreement_121825.pdf

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-25, A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE 2026 GENERAL FUND OPERATING BUDGET AND THE 2026 PROPERTY TAX LEVY.

Prepared By: Howard D. Koolick, Outgoing Chief Financial Officer and Shaan Hamilton, Chief Financial Officer

Background:

The Board of Commissioners approved the 2026 General Fund Operating Budget on November 13, 2025, and pursuant to state statute, it was submitted to the Hennepin County Board for consideration. The County Board reviewed the Park District's budget on November 18, 2025. Superintendent Carlson made a short presentation regarding the budget. County Commissioners commented and complimented the Park District for its work on the Mississippi Gateway Regional Park, its services to community members, its stewardship of the environment, and its collaboration with cities and other partners in the region.

The last step in the budget process is to adopt Resolution No. 25-25 which confirms the budget and certifies the property tax levy. The Park District certified a preliminary levy totaling $53,550,842, comprised of an operating levy of $44,911,110 and a debt service levy of $8,639,732. The final property tax levy has decreased by $9,379 due to the debt service levy for the 2025 bonds being reduced from the original estimate due to changes in the structure of the bonds.

The Park District's overall tax levy is increasing by 4.78% when compared to the 2025 levy. The comparison of the 2026 levy to the 2025 levy and the financial impact on a variety of sample residential properties is shown on the Property Tax Comparison table.

State law requires that the levy be certified to the County within five working days from December 20. This five-day period would expire December 29, 2025. Upon adoption of the resolution, the Chief Financial Officer will complete and file the necessary documentation prior to the deadline.

Relationship to the System Plan:

The Request for Action supports the following goal(s) of the System Plan:

Goal 1: You Belong Here

Goal 2: Parks Matter

Goal 3: Lead by Example

by funding services and facilities to ensure they are available and managing the Park District's financial affairs in a responsible manner.

Attachments:

Resolution Certifying FInal Tax Levy.pdf

2026 Property Tax Comparison.pdf

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO APPROVE THE 2026 ASSET MANAGEMENT PROGRAM TOTALING $19,313,209.

Background:

The goal of the Asset Management Program (AMP) is to provide a sound, comprehensive, fiscally responsible methodology for managing capital development, maintenance, rehabilitation, information technology and other capital-intensive activities at a District-wide level.

The Board approved the 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) at the October Board Meeting. The 5-year CIP helps guide investments based on principles and priorities set by the Three Rivers Board of Commissioners. The CIP helps formulate but does not replace the annual Asset Management Program (AMP). Final funding and implementation decisions are made by the Board as part of the annual AMP process.

The 2026 AMP project list is based on the first year (2026) of the approved CIP and is identical with the following exceptions:

1. The Planning program combined the parks and trails planning initiatives into one project to allow greater flexibility in use of Legacy funds.
2. The Bryant Lake Regional Trail project projected cost and funding was reduced by $4,200 to reflect updated Legacy funding information from the Metropolitan Council.
3. 2025 and 2026 Legacy funding assignments on individual projects were consolidated when possible to reduce grant paperwork. This has no impact on any of the projects.

The 2026 Asset Management Program is detailed in Attachment 1. The projects in the 2026 AMP are classified and organized in the same manner used for the 5-Year CIP. There are 94 projects in the AMP, totaling $19,313,209. There are 14 projects at specific sites with an anticipated cost of at least $250,000. Attachment 2 provides one-page information sheets for each project for use by Commissioners.

The 2026 AMP is proposed to be funded by a variety of sources including Federal transportation grants, State Lottery-in-Lieu Grants, State Parks and Trails Legacy Grants, Metropolitan Council Active Transportation Grants, Hennepin County Active Transportation Grants, Three Rivers Enterprise Funds and Three Rivers Bonding. $10,819,762 (56 percent) of funding is from outside sources and enterprise funds, and an estimated $8,493,447 (44 percent) of funding is from Three Rivers bonds.

Relationship to the System Plan:

The Request for Action supports the following goal(s) of the System Plan:

Goal 1: You Belong Here

Goal 2: Parks Matter

Goal 3: Lead by Example

Attachments:

Attachment 1 - 2026 AMP List of Projects and Funding Sources.pdf

Attachment 2 - 2026 AMP Projects over $250K.pdf