Board of Commissioners Meetings

The agenda for the January 14, 2025, 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.

Superintendent's Recommendation:

1. CHAIR: MOTION TO ELECT COMMISSIONER ______________________ AS CHAIR OF THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS FOR 2025.

2. VICE CHAIR: MOTION TO ELECT COMMISSIONER ______________________ AS VICE CHAIR OF THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS FOR 2025.

Background:

Park District enabling legislation, Minnesota Statutes Section 398.06 states that the Board shall elect from its membership a Chair and Vice Chair at the first meeting of the Board for each calendar year. The proposed process is consistent with Chapter 398, the Open Meeting Law, the Rules of the Board, and Robert's Rules of Order.

Under the Park District’s current Rules of the Board, Section III. Election of Officers is as follows:

III. Election of Officers

A. Board Chair and Vice Chair. At the first meeting in each calendar year the Board shall elect from its membership a Chair and Vice Chair who shall serve in said capacity for the calendar year and until their successors are elected and qualified. In the event the Chair or Vice Chair is vacated by resignation or otherwise, the Board, at its next regularly scheduled meeting, shall elect a Chair and/or Vice Chair from its membership. In the interim, the Vice Chair shall act as Chair.

Superintendent's Recommendation:

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

Prepared By: Eric Quiring, General Counsel

Background:

The Rules of the Board were originally approved by the Board in 1992 and have been revised several times, most recently on April 18, 2024. The current Rules of the Board are attached. The Legislative Procedures and Media Relations Guidelines are also attached for reference.

With regard to amendments, the Rules of the Board state the following:

XIII. Suspension, Repeal, or Amendment of the Rules: These rules may be amended or repealed at any regular meeting, but only after such rule change has been proposed at a prior regular Board meeting.

Following the revisions in 2024, staff does not have any proposed amendments to the Rules of the Board. Commissioners may propose and discuss amendments to be considered for adoption at the February 2025 Regular Board meeting.

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:

Rules of the Board - Adopted 4-18-2024.pdf

Rules of the Board - Legislative Procedures - Adopted 04-18-24.pdf

Rules of the Board - Media Relations Guidelines - Adopted 04-18-24.pdf

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 Monday before the Board Meeting will be shared with Commissioners at the meeting.

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-01; A RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO DOUG TOUHEY UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT.

Prepared By: Jami Markle, Director of Natural Resources and Dan Comerford, Forestry Supervisor

Background:

Doug Touhey served the Park District over 32 years, starting June 24, 1992. His last day of work will be January 31, 2025.

Throughout his tenure with the Park District, Doug contributed significantly to landscape-scale reforestation efforts and forest health management. His extensive forestry and natural resources skills and experience have been an asset to the Park District, and helped create a lasting legacy of restored park lands for current and future generations to enjoy.

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

Attachments:

Resolution of Appreciation to Doug Touhey.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.

• Susan Nelson, Bloomington - $1,500 for a tribute Adirondack chair in memory of Fulton Nelson.
• George Anderson, Brooklyn Park - $1,000 for a Forests Forever tribute tree in memory of Jack & Gwendolyn Klaesges.

The Three Rivers Park District Foundation provides ongoing support to the Park District through partnerships and directed donations. In the past month, the Three Rivers Park District Foundation conveyed $21,934.50 for various purpose, including:

• Earl Hetrick - $6,500 directed to cross-country ski trails at Elm Creek Park Reserve.
• Anonymous - $5,000 directed to Adapted Programs.
• William and Lona Schreiber - $3,000 directed to Mississippi Gateway Regional Park.
• Lawrence Levine - $2,000 directed to Parks and Trails.
• Alex Johnston - $1,500 directed to Gale Woods Farm.
• Sara Wyatt - $530 for a Forests Forever tribute tree in memory of Bill Wyatt.
• Marianne and Dick Seidenstricker - $500 directed to the First Tee Program.
• Mary Apuli - $500 directed to Silverwood Park.

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:

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

Background:

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

Update(s):

• Lake Two Project with Ducks Unlimited

Attachments:

2025 Proposed Board Meeting and Study Session Calendar.pdf

Calendar of 2025 Meetings and Events.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 5A. Designation of Official Newspaper

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO APPROVE FINANCE AND COMMERCE AS THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT’S OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER FOR 2025.

Item 5B. Designation of Official Depositories

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO DESIGNATE WELLS FARGO NATIONAL BANK, US BANK AND HENNEPIN COUNTY AS OFFICIAL DEPOSITORIES FOR 2025 AND TO DESIGNATE THE MINNESOTA MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND (4M FUND) AND PMA FINANCIAL NETWORK AS OFFICIAL DEPOSITORIES FOR INVESTMENT PURPOSES FOR 2025.

Item 5C. Authorization to Pay Property and Liability Insurance Premiums

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF THE 2025 PROPERTY AND LIABILITY INSURANCE PREMIUM TO MINNESOTA COUNTIES INTERGOVERNMENTAL TRUST IN THE AMOUNT OF $696,912 AND AUTHORIZE THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER TO PROCESS AND PAY PREMIUM ADJUSTMENTS AS PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT ARE ADDED DURING THE YEAR.

Item 5D. Receive Third Quarter Financial Status Report

Superintendent's Recommendation:

NO ACTION REQUIRED.

Item 5E. Receive the Fourth Quarter Public Safety Incident Report

Superintendent's Recommendation:

NO ACTION REQUIRED.

Item 5F. Receive Mississippi Gateway Regional Park Construction Progress Update

Superintendent's Recommendation:

NO ACTION REQUIRED.

Item 5G. Rush Creek Regional Trail: Winnetka Avenue Grade Separating Crossing Parkland Impacts and Metropolitan Council Approval Coordination

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO AUTHORIZE STAFF TO WORK WITH THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO AMEND THE RUSH CREEK REGIONAL TRAIL BOUNDARY AND MODIFY THE ASSOCIATED AGREEMENT AND RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS AS PART OF THE CSAH 103/WINNETKA AVENUE GRADE SEPARATED CROSSING IN BROOKLYN PARK.

Item 5H. Bassett Creek Regional Trail: Plymouth Amendment #2

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO ENTER INTO THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE JANUARY 12, 2021, BASSETT CREEK REGIONAL TRAIL COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT AND JULY 23, 2024, FIRST AMENDMENT WITH PLYMOUTH AND TO SEEK AND ENTER INTO AN ACQUISITION REIMBURSEMENT GRANT WITH THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL AT WHICH TIME THE CITY DESIRES TO CONVEY TRAIL PROPERTY RIGHTS TO THREE RIVERS.

Item 5I. Approve Consultant Agreement for Bryant Lake Regional Trail to Short Elliot Hendrickson for the Bryant Lake Regional Trail in Minnetonka

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO ENTER INTO A CONSULTANT AGREEMENT WITH SHORT ELLIOT HENDRICKSON, INC. TO PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING CONSULTING SERVICES FOR THE BRYANT LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL IN MINNETONKA, MN, WITH A TOTAL HOURLY NOT-TO-EXCEED FEE IN THE AMOUNT OF $262,760.00 INCLUDING REIMBURSABLE EXPENSES, AND TO ESTABLISH A TOTAL CONSULTANT FEE BUDGET IN THE AMOUNT OF $289,036.00 INCLUDING A TEN % CONTINGENCY WITH FINANCING FROM THE 2025 ASSET MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.

Item 5J. Award Contractor Agreement to B&D Plumbing, Heating & A/C Inc. for HVAC Improvements at Baker National Clubhouse

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO AWARD A CONTRACT FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE AIR HANDLING EQUIPMENT AT THE BAKER NATIONAL GOLF CLUBHOUSE TO B&D PLUMBING, HEATING & A/C INC. IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $106,948. FUNDING WILL BE FROM THE BAKER GOLF FUND BALANCE.

Item 5K. Cooperative Agreement for Cross-Country Skiing at Glen Lake Golf and Practice Center

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO ENTER INTO A COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF MINNETONKA, HENNEPIN COUNTY AND THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT FOR CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING AT GLEN LAKE GOLF AND PRACTICE CENTER.

Item 5L. Board Minutes of December 19, 2024

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 19, 2024, REGULAR BOARD MEETING.

Item 5M. Approval of Claims for the Period Ended January 8, 2025

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF CLAIMS AS RECOMMENDED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED JANUARY 8, 2025, IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,391,412.35.

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO ENTER INTO A PURCHASE AGREEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $380,000 FOR THE ACQUISITION OF 9045 REBECCA PARK TRAIL IN GREENFIELD (PID3111924120010) AT LAKE REBECCA PARK RESERVE, ENTER INTO AN ACQUISITION REIMBURSEMENT GRANT WITH THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL, AND TO ESTABLISH A PROJECT BUDGET OF $467,525 WITH LOCAL FUNDING FROM THE LAND ACQUISITION DEVELOPMENT AND BETTERMENT FUND.

Prepared By: Kelly Grissman, Director of Planning

Background:

There are six remaining inholdings at Lake Rebecca Park Reserve including one which is available for acquisition and whom the property representatives are supportive of selling to Three Rivers. The long-standing five-acre inholding is located at 9045 Rebecca Park Trail in Greenfield, MN and northwest of the maintenance facility and main recreation area (See Attached: Property Map).

The property includes a small single-family home and detached garage, both built in 1960. Upon closing the structures will be removed and the property will be restored to the big woods plant community in accordance with the natural resources management plan for the park.

The staff prepared purchase agreement (See Attached: Purchase Agreement) is consistent with the appraised value and includes a purchase price of $380,000 and future tentative closing date of August 22, 2025 so that staff can request partial funding from the Metropolitan Council and Parks and Trails Legacy Fund (PTLF) in FY 2026 which starts July 1, 2025. This timing is critical as Three Rivers has already reached its FY2025 PTLF funding limit.

The total estimated acquisition cost, which includes the sale price, appraisal, legal fees, title commitment/insurance, and general property stewardship and structural removal is $467,525. The acquisition is eligible for up to 75% ($350,644) reimbursement from the Metropolitan Council and PTLF. The remaining balance of $116,881 will be covered by the Three Rivers Land Acquisition Development and Betterment Fund (LADB).

Upon Board approval of the purchase agreement, staff will request the standard resolution of support from the City of Greenfield.

Relationship to the System Plan:

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

Goal 2: Parks Matter

Attachments:

Location Map

Purchase Agreement

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO AUTHORIZE THE SUPERINTENDENT TO TRANSFER OWNERSHIP OF THE LAKE MINNETONKA REGIONAL TRAIL WITHIN CARVER COUNTY FROM THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT TO CARVER COUNTY.

Background:

Three Rivers operates the 16-mile Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail. The trail begins in downtown Hopkins and passes through Hopkins, Minnetonka, Deephaven, Excelsior, Tonka Bay, Shoreview, and Victoria. The 3-mile section in Victoria is wholly within Carver County (Attachment 1).

The Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail is located within an old railroad corridor owned by Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority (HCRRA). Three Rivers has a use permit through HCRRA to operate the trail. HCRAA has negotiated the sale of their corridor segment within Carver County to the County. That sale and transfer occurred in late 2024. As part of that sale and transfer, Three Rivers' regional trail use permit for the Carver County segment was transferred from HCRRA to Carver County.

In 2021, The Three Rivers Board of Commissioners approved the transfer of the segment of the Minnesota River Bluffs Regional Trail within Carver County to the County. Today's action is another step forward in the developing relationship between Three Rivers and Carver County.

Carver County and Three Rivers share the mutual goal of having Carver County be fully responsible for the segment of the Lake Minnetonka LRT Regional Trail located within the County. Within Carver County, the County will be responsible for all trail maintenance, trail repair, trail replacement and all trail road crossings, including the trail underpass of Trunk Highway 7. The requested Board authorization will allow Three Rivers to cancel its permit for the segment of trail with Carver County. Three Rivers' HCCRA use permit for the trail within Hennepin County will remain in effect.

Relationship to the System Plan:

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

Goal 3: Lead by Example

Attachments:

Attachment 1 - Regional Trail System Map .pdf