Board of Commissioners Meetings

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

Three Rivers Park District Board of Commissioners meetings are being held in-person at the Three Rivers Park District Administrative Center, 3000 Xenium Lane N., Plymouth. The public is invited to attend and comment at the meeting on agenda items or during People Wishing to Address the Board.

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 meeting agenda. Comments received by 5:00 p.m. on the Wednesday before the Board Meeting will be shared with Commissioners at the meeting. The agenda for the upcoming Board Meeting is available for review within the Meeting Archive or by clicking the link below.

Click here for an archive of past Board agendas, minutes and audio recordings of meetings.

Three Rivers Park District Board of Commissioners meetings are being held in-person at the Three Rivers Park District Administrative Center, 3000 Xenium Lane N., Plymouth. The public is invited to attend and comment at the meeting on agenda items or during People Wishing to Address the Board.

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 meeting agenda. Comments received by 5:00 p.m. on the Wednesday before the Board Meeting will be shared with Commissioners at the meeting. The agenda for the upcoming Board Meeting is available for review within the Meeting Archive or by clicking the link below.

Click here for an archive of past Board agendas, minutes and audio recordings of meetings.

  • March 21, 2024 Regular Board Meeting Agenda

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    The agenda for the March 21, 2024, Regular Board Meeting is available here.

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

  • Item 3A. People Wishing to Address the Board

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    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.

  • Item 3B. Superintendent’s Report

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    Superintendent’s Recommendation:

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


    Background:

  • Item 4A - 4I. Routine Business

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    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. Award Construction Contract for Trail Pre-Repairs at Elm Creek Park Reserve to MP Asphalt Maintenance

    Superintendent’s Recommendation:

    MOTION TO AWARD A CONTRACT FOR THE TRAIL PRE-REPAIR PROJECT AT ELM CREEK PARK RESERVE IN MAPLE GROVE/DAYTON, MN TO MP ASPHALT MAINTENANCE IN THE TOTAL BASE BID AMOUNT OF $105,834.00 AND TO ESTABLISH A TOTAL CONSTRUCTION BUDGET OF $116,417.40 INCLUDING A 10% CONTINGENCY, WITH FINANCING FROM THE 2024 ASSET MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS.


    Item 4B. Mississippi Gateway Park Redevelopment – Construction Progress Update

    Superintendent’s Recommendation:

    NO ACTION REQUIRED.


    Item 4C. Award Contract for the Outdoor Learning Center Accessible Entrance at Baker Park Reserve

    Superintendent’s Recommendation:

    MOTION TO AWARD A CONTRACT FOR THE OUTDOOR LEARNING CENTER ACCESSIBLE ENTRANCE IN BAKER PARK RESERVE TO BLAKEBOROUGH HARDSCAPES IN THE TOTAL BASE BID AMOUNT OF $153,616.50 AND TO ESTABLISH A TOTAL CONSTRUCTION BUDGET OF $168,978.15 INCLUDING A TEN % CONTINGENCY, WITH FINANCING FROM THE 2021 ASSET MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.


    Item 4D. Elm Creek Horizontal Infrastructure Improvements SG-24P2-09-02 Grant Agreement

    Superintendent’s Recommendation:

    MOTION TO APPROVE THE REVISED ELM CREEK PAVEMENT IMPROVEMENTS SG-24P2-09-02 GRANT AGREEMENT TO INCLUDE ADDITIONAL FUNDING OF $1,067.55, NOW TOTALING $5,416,721.91 OF FUNDING THROUGH THE STATE OF MINNESOTA AND METROPOLITAN COUNCIL.


    Item 4E. Jurisdiction-wide Forestry-Horticulture Initiatives SG-24P4-09-06 Grant Agreement

    Superintendent’s Recommendation:

    MOTION TO APPROVE THE JURISDICTION-WIDE FORESTRY-HORTICULTURE INITIATIVES SG-24P4-09-06 GRANT AGREEMENT TOTALING $357,571.46 OF FUNDING THROUGH THE STATE OF MINNESOTA PARKS AND TRAILS LEGACY PROGRAM.


    Item 4F. Jurisdiction-wide Water Quality Improvement Initiatives SG-24P4-09-07 Grant Agreement

    Superintendent’s Recommendation:

    MOTION TO APPROVE THE JURISDICTION-WIDE WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVES SG-24P4-09-07 GRANT AGREEMENT TOTALING $200,000 OF FUNDING THROUGH THE STATE OF MINNESOTA PARKS AND TRAILS LEGACY PROGRAM.


    Item 4G. Approval of Metropolitan Council Temporary Construction Easement at Noerenberg Gardens

    Superintendent’s Recommendation:

    MOTION TO CONVEY A TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT TO THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL AT NOERENBERG GARDENS FOR RELOCATION OF SANITARY SEWER FACILITIES.


    Item 4H. Minutes of the February 15, 2024, Regular Board Meeting

    Superintendent’s Recommendation:

    MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 15, 2024, REGULAR BOARD MEETING.


    Item 4I. Approval of Claims for the Period Ended March 14, 2024

    Superintendent’s Recommendation:

    MOTION TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF CLAIMS AS RECOMMENDED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED MARCH 14, 2024, IN THE AMOUNT OF $7,985,000.51.


  • Item 5A. Silverwood Park Programming and Operations

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    Superintendent's Recommendation:

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


    The following information was prepared by Boe Carlson, Superintendent; Luke Skinner, Associate Superintendent of Recreation, Education and Natural Resources; Wendy Weirich, Director of Education and Outdoor Recreation; Alyssa Baguss, Silverwood Park Supervisor; and David Donovan, Silverwood Park Program Coordinator.

    Background:

    At the October 2023 meeting, the Three Rivers Board of Commissioners reviewed usage and residency data for multiple parks in the Three Rivers system. Following the review and discussion, the Board requested staff further analyze the information and develop recommendations for Silverwood Park in light of the comparatively low percentage of suburban Hennepin County residents utilizing the park and its programs. The direction was for staff to return with these recommendations in first quarter of 2024.

    Since the October meeting, the Park District has received comments from over 400 people related to the operations at Silverwood. All of these comments were in support of the park’s current operations and programming. Some questions were raised regarding the Park District selling or transferring ownership of Silverwood Park. This is not an option, as the park has restrictive covenants on it as a condition of funding received from the Metropolitan Council for the park’s acquisition. In addition, the Park District would require district court approval for the sale of any land.

    It was also raised that the Park District may consider restricting access for guests who live outside of suburban Hennepin County. This would not be feasible nor is it an approach the Park District would take at any park or facility.

    Ultimately, staff landed on a collection of recommendations related to Silverwood’s programs and operations. The goal of these recommendations is to expand partnerships that will allow the Park District to continue programming at Silverwood Park while also enhancing art-based programs in suburban Hennepin County.

    The detailed descriptions of these recommendations are organized into one document for Board consideration and discussion (Reference 5A-1). Additionally, a PowerPoint presentation summarizing the recommendations (Reference 5A-2) will be available for reference during the Board’s discussion.

    All of the messages received via email, the Let’s Talk website and USPS mail have been organized and made available for review (Reference 5A-3).

    Relationship to the System Plan

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

    • Goal 1: You Belong Here
    • Goal 2: Parks Matter
  • Item 5B. Resolution of Support for LCCMR Grant Application – Mississippi Gateway Shoreline Stabilization and River Access

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    Superintendent’s Recommendation:

    - ROLL CALL VOTE REQUIRED -

    MOTION TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 24-03 IN SUPPORT OF APPLYING FOR A LEGISLATIVE CITIZENS COMMISSION ON MINNESOTA RESOURCES GRANT FOR $735,000 TO BE USED FOR STABILIZING SHORELINE AND PROVIDING RIVER ACCESS AT MISSISSIPPI GATEWAY REGIONAL PARK.


    The following information was prepared by Jami Markle, Director of Natural Resources

    Background:

    Three Rivers Park District is requesting funding for stabilization of 1650 linear feet of Mississippi River shoreline at five highly erosive areas that continue to deteriorate (Reference 5B-1). The proposed project will stabilize each of these areas with bioengineering best management practices consisting of grading/re-sloping of banks, vegetated riprap, native plantings/seeding, rock deflectors, and toe wood. Ultimately, the project will restore nearshore fish and wildlife habitat that has been negatively impacted by sediment accumulation in spawning and emergent vegetation areas as well as improve water quality for native mussels. The adjacent upland areas will receive native plantings to further enhance critical riparian habitat for pollinators and other wildlife.

    A concurrent benefit and opportunity of the project is improving water-based recreational opportunities for the public. Shoreline fishing is one of the more popular activities within Mississippi Gateway Regional Park. This project will further improve shoreline fishing opportunities for the 8,800 annual summer fishing visitors (95/day) through the construction of fish habitat and fishing access platforms at three locations. Mississippi Gateway Regional Park provides inclusive/equitable access to outdoor recreational programs and activities for under-represented communities.

    The estimated overall cost of the project is $960,000. A National Park Service grant has been secured for $150,000 and the West Mississippi Watershed Management Commission has pledged $75,000 in local support. The LCCMR application will request $735,000 as outlined in the Resolution of Support (Reference 5B-2).

    Relationship to the System Plan

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

    • Goal 2: Parks Matter
    • Goal 3: Lead by Example
  • Item 5C. Schmid Farmstead Ruins Stabilization Project Contract Amendment

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    Superintendent’s Recommendation:

    MOTION TO INCREASE THE CONSTRUCTION BUDGET FOR THE SCHMID FARMSTEAD RUINS PROJECT TO THE AMOUNT OF $118,055.00 WITH FINANCING FROM A PERSONAL DONATION AND THE 2022 ASSET MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.


    The following information was prepared by Nathaniel Straka, Project Manager.

    Background:

    The Park District owns the historic Schmid Farmhouse Ruins located in Lake Minnetonka Regional Park (Reference 5C-1). The ruins offer an opportunity to serve as a self-guided interpretive feature of the park. The ruins are deteriorating and are currently not safe for public access.

    At their October 2023 meeting, the Board accepted a Donation of up to $120,000 for construction costs and consultant fees from Douglas Schmid, a descendant of the original homesteader, and awarded a construction contract for the Schmid Farmstead Ruins Permanent Stabilization project in the amount of $108,317.00, including a 10% contingency allowance. The Park District further agreed to fund up to $27,847.00 for construction contingency, interpretive materials, and in-kind site work. Previously, Mr. Schmid had provided an $80,000 donation for temporary stabilization and consultant costs.

    Unanticipated conditions require an increase in the construction budget:

    Following the installation of the steel framing and infilling of the basement, the interior of the Schmid Farmstead became safe to access. Once accessed, Park District staff and the consultant noticed concerning conditions that will require additional treatments to safely stabilize the structure. Additional treatments include added steel framing and mortar pointing.

    Over the next few months, Park District staff will be clearing buckthorn, installing an interpretive sign, creating an accessible gravel pathway to the structure, and installing a bronze memorial plaque as required in the donation agreement. Once overnight temperatures rise, the contractor will be finalizing the mortar work in the current contract, and preforming graffiti removal.

    At the completion of the project, the Park District plans to host a ribbon cutting/grand opening event with the donor, Douglas Schmid, and invited guests to officially welcome visitors to learn more about the site and its history.

    Administrative policy when a contract increases by more than the construction contingency:

    The current construction contract change order policy recommends Board approval when a construction contract increases beyond the contingency allowance. The resulting cost increases to the project are $9,738.00 over the board approved construction budget of $108,317.00, including the 10 percent contingency.

    Consequently, staff is seeking board approval to increase the construction contract to $118,055.00.

    Existing project funds are available to cover the additional construction costs.

    Relationship to the System Plan

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

    • Goal 1: You belong here
    • Goal 2: Parks Matter
    • Goal 3: Lead by Example


  • Item 5D. Elm Creek Park Reserve Acquisition Opportunity and Boundary Adjustment

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    Superintendent’s Recommendation:

    MOTION TO AUTHORIZE THE SUPERINTENDENT TO:

    1. NEGOTIATE A PURCHASE AGREEMENT AND CONDUCT ALL ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENTS AND COORDINATION REQUIREMENTS FOR 12651 ELM CREEK CROSSING IN CHAMPLIN, PARCEL 2412022340002;

    2. NEGOTIATE CONVEYANCE OF THE PORTION OF PARCEL 2412022340001 LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF ELM CREEK CROSSING WITH THE CITY OF CHAMPLIN; AND

    3. AMEND THE ELM CREEK PARK RESERVE MASTER/LONG-RANGE PLAN TO INCLUDE PARCELS ALREADY OWNED BY THREE RIVERS (2412022340008, 2412022340011, 2412022340012, 2412022340013) AS WELL AS PARCEL 2412022340002 AND THE PORTION OF PARCEL 2412022340001 LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF ELM CREEK CROSSING SHOULD PURCHASE/CONVEYANCE AGREEMENTS BE REALIZED.


    The following information was prepared by Maggie Heurung, Planner, and Kelly Grissman, Director of Planning.

    Background:

    Acquisition Opportunity

    A property owner adjacent to Elm Creek Park Reserve is interested in selling their property located at 12651 Elm Creek Crossing in the City of Champlin to Three Rivers (Reference 5D-1). This property is adjacent to the northeast side of Elm Creek Park Reserve but is not within the official park boundary; and is not an identified inholding (Reference 5D-2). The property totals 2.83 acres and includes a house built in 1972 and an outbuilding/shed.

    This property has significant natural resource value given its location along Elm Creek, whose watershed covers approximately 104 square miles (66,400 acres) and is located entirely within Hennepin County. One of the greatest natural resource values of this creek is its watershed is within the North Central Hardwood Forest ecoregion and only about 25 percent is developed. The property includes 420 feet of Elm Creek and 1.5 acres of untouched watershed area. Acquisition of this property will help further protect the creek and its watershed in perpetuity.

    Hennepin County parcel data indicates the estimated market value of the property to be $370,000 (2023 assessment). If authorized, staff will contract for an appraisal and negotiate a purchase agreement based on the appraisal findings. If the parties enter into a purchase agreement, staff will proceed with all associated acquisition steps including but not limited to an environmental site assessment, local municipal consent, title work, and similar.

    Master/Long-range Plan Boundary Amendment

    If a successful purchase agreement is negotiated, staff will prepare an amendment to the 2007 Elm Creek Park Reserve Long-range Plan to include this property so that it is eligible for Metropolitan Council acquisition, CIP, and operation and maintenance funding. Additionally, staff will include the following parcels as well in that amendment, so they too are eligible for Metropolitan Council funding support (Reference 5D-2):

    • Parcels 2412022340008, 2412022340011, 2412022340012, and 2412022340013 which total about 9 acres and were obtained as part of a previous land exchange agreement with the City of Champlin.
    • The portion of parcel 2412022340001 which is located on the west side of the Elm Creek Crossing. This parcel is currently owned by the City of Champlin. City staff concur with conveying the .1 acres to Three Rivers should Three Rivers successfully acquire the parcel 2412022340002 property. This would likely require an administrative lot split and conveyance agreement with the City which staff would prepare and bring back to the Board at a future date.

    This boundary amendment is consistent with Three Rivers Policy VII – Land Acquisition, Section B. Park Boundaries:

    To protect parkland from undesirable encroachments or negative environmental impacts, park boundaries, where possible, will coincide with nature or existing features such as roads, water bodies and/or delimiting topography or vegetation.

    Board Approval

    Upon successful negotiation of the purchase and conveyance agreements, Staff will forward the purchase agreement, conveyance agreement with the City of Champlin, and amendment to the master/long-range plan to the Board for formal consideration and approval.

    Funding

    Once the Master Plan is amended to incorporate the subject property, it would be eligible for up to 75% acquisition reimbursement from the Metropolitan Council. The remaining 25% local match would likely be funded with Land Acquisition Development and Betterment funds.


    Relationship to the System Plan

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

    • Goal 2: Parks Matter
  • Item 5E. Hyland Greens Update

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    Superintendent’s Recommendation:

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


    Background:

    The three-year term on our agreement with the City of Bloomington expired at the end of 2023. Park District staff has been in negotiation with the City of Bloomington for a renewed agreement. Rather than detailed discussions regarding investments, profit splits, and the facilities development, the City has proposed the idea of giving the property to the Park District. This would include both the golf course and the undeveloped 10 acres along Normandale Boulevard.

    The City proposed holding a public hearing at their February 26th Council meeting to consider conveying the property to the Park District. Prior to that, they had a survey available on their website to allow the public to provide feedback. A total of 184 people responded to the survey and overwhelmingly showed their support for the property to remain a golf course and remain under the operation of the Park District.

    At the public hearing, six testifiers indicated their strong support for the Park District to continue operations and the property to remain as open space. This led to a discussion of the Council who also expressed their support of the property being conveyed to the Park District and being protected as open space.

    Legal Counsel from the City is working with Park District’s Legal Counsel on the appropriate conveyance document which will be brought back to the Board for future consideration.

    Relationship to the System Plan

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

    • Goal 1: You Belong Here
    • Goal 2: Parks Matter
    • Goal 3: Lead by Example
  • Item 5F. Legislative Update

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    Superintendent’s Recommendation:

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


    Background:

    The Superintendent (or designee) will provide a verbal update to Commissioners on current Park District legislative initiatives. A copy of the 2024 Legislative Platform is attached (Reference 5F-1) for Commissioners’ reference.

    Relationship to the System Plan

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

    • Goal 1: You Belong Here
    • Goal 2: Parks Matter
    • Goal 3: Lead by Example
Page last updated: 20 Mar 2024, 03:01 PM