Board of Commissioners Meetings

The agenda for the July 16, 2026, 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:

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:

NO ACTION REQUIRED.

Background:

Mikayla Beuch, Recreation Supervisor for the City of St. Louis Park and representative of the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) Awards Committee, will present the Park District with the following MRPA Awards of Excellence:

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 26-12; A RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO JEFF JACOBS UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT.

Prepared By: Brad Chock, Director of Maintenance

Background:

Jeff began his full-time career with the Park District on July 10, 1995 as a Mechanic. In 2008, Jeff became what is known today as the Park District’s Fleet Supervisor. Upon his retirement on August 31, 2026, Jeff will have served the Park District for more than 31 years.

During Jeff’s time at the Park District, he has likely serviced or oversaw the service of nearly 3,000 unique pieces of equipment and vehicles. As Fleet Supervisor, Jeff has played a major role in the success and high level of maintenance provided to the Park District’s fleet program. He has always worked closely with his staff and instilled a great deal of pride within his team. Jeff’s goal when procuring equipment and vehicles, or approving a repair, has always been to spend every dollar as if it were his own. Jeff's dedication and resourcefulness have been a huge asset to the Park District.

Hardworking, knowledgeable, expert, reliable, self-motivated, mentor, and leader are some additional terms that help best describe Jeff and his outstanding career with the Park District.

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

Attachments:

07-16-26 Jeff Jacobs Resolution of Appreciation.pdf

Superintendent's Recommendation:

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

Prepared By: Sierra Spicer-Zimmerman, Development & Events Manager

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.

• Colleen Oliver, Minneapolis: $3,000 for dedication of two Rocking Chairs to be placed at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park and $1,000 for a plaque on the River of Recognition Donor Wall in the Gateway Center in memory of Terry and Larry.
• Dennis Grenell, Maple Plain: $3,500 for the renewal of a tribute bench at Baker Park Reserve in honor of Alex H. Grenell.
• Jeffrey Light, Arden Hills: $800 for the planting of a Forests Forever tribute tree at Silverwood Park in memory of Adele Louise Bergstrom.

Three Rivers Park District Foundation provides ongoing support to the Park District through partnerships and directed donations. In June 2026, the Three Rivers Park District Foundation conveyed various gifts totaling: $10,214.26 to the Park District.

• Earl Hetrick Jr. - $10,000 directed to Elm Creek Park Reserve for Nordic trails.

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:

• 2026 Proposed Board Meeting and Study Session Calendar attached.
• Calendar of 2026 Meetings and Events attached.

Update(s):

• Bloomington Natural Resources Partnerships Update
• Sochacki Park Water Quality Improvement Project Update

Attachments:

2026 Proposed Board Meeting and Study Session Calendar.pdf

Calendar of 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 4A. Receive the Second Quarter 2026 Public Safety Incident Report

Superintendent's Recommendation:

NO ACTION REQUIRED.

Item 4B. Metropolitan Council Cooperative Construction Agreement and License Agreement for Bryant Lake Regional Trail in Minnetonka

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO ENTER INTO METROPOLITAN COUNCIL COOPERATIVE CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENT NO. 26I036 AND METROPOLITAN COUNCIL LICENSE AGREEMENT NO. 26I037 FOR A PEDESTRIAN/BIKEWAY TRAIL WITHIN THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL RIGHT-OF-WAY IN MINNETONKA.

Item 4C. Metropolitan Council Active Transportation Agreement: Shingle Creek Regional Trail – Reconstruction

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO ENTER INTO GRANT AGREEMENT SG-25M-AT-16 WITH THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL ACCEPTING A $966,963 GRANT TO RECONSTRUCT THE SHINGLE CREEK REGIONAL TRAIL ALONG NOBLE PARKWAY AND BETWEEN 95TH AVENUE AND PRESTWICK PARKWAY IN THE CITY OF BROOKLYN PARK WITH THE REQUIRED LOCAL MATCH COMING FROM A SEPARATE HENNEPIN COUNTY COST PARTICIPATION PROGRAM GRANT.

Item 4D. Metropolitan Council 2026 Legacy Grants

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING METROPOLITAN COUNCIL 2026 LEGACY FUNDING GRANTS:

• SG-26P4-09-01 BAKER PARK RESERVE - KATRINA TRAIL LOOP RECONSTRUCTION IN THE AMOUNT OF $400,000
• SG-26P4-09-02 CARVER PARK RESERVE - ROAD AND PARKING LOT IMPROVEMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $220,000
• SG-26P4-09-03 FRENCH REGIONAL PARK - BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $955,000
• SG-26P4-09-04 GALE WOODS FARM SRF - IRRIGATION & LIVESTOCK IN THE AMOUNT OF $65,000
• SG-26P4-09-05 FORESTRY & HORTICULTURE INITIATIVES IN THE AMOUNT OF $400,000
• SG-26P4-09-06 LONG-RANGE PLANNING AND PARTNERSHIP COORDINATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $70,000
• SG-26P4-09-07 SUSTAINABILITY PLAN UPDATE AND ACTION STEPS IN THE AMOUNT OF $60,000
• SG-26P4-09-08 TRAIL SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS, EXPANSION, AND RECONSTRUCTION IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,845,799
• SG-26P4-09-09 NOERENBERG GARDENS SRF - CARRIAGE HOUSE IN THE AMOUNT OF $200,000

Item 4E. Regional Trail Feasibility Studies - Consultant Change Orders/Agreement Amendments

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO AUTHORIZE THE SUPERINTENDENT TO EXECUTE CONSULTANT AMENDMENTS/ CHANGE ORDERS FOR ADDITIONAL SERVICES RELATED TO THE FOLLOWING FEASIBILITY STUDIES:

• DAKOTA RAIL - LUCE LINE CONNECTOR IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,000 WITH BOLTON & MENK
• CROW RIVER REGIONAL TRAIL IN THE AMOUNT OF $9,800 WITH HOUSTON ENGINEERING
• CP RAIL/BELTLINE REGIONAL TRAIL IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,000 WITH SEH

Item 4F. Eagle Lake Regional Trail Agreements

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO ENTER INTO THE FOLLOWING AGREEMENTS FOR THE EAGLE LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL IN PLYMOUTH:

• REGIONAL TRAIL COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF PLYMOUTH
• CONSTRUCTION COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF PLYMOUTH AND HENNEPIN COUNTY

Item 4G. Board Minutes of June 18, 2026

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE JUNE 18, 2026, REGULAR BOARD MEETING.

Item 4H. Approval of Claims for the Period Ended June 30, 2026

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF CLAIMS AS RECOMMENDED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2026, IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,630,075.69.

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO APPROVE A PURCHASE AGREEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $415,000 FOR THE ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY WITHIN LAKE REBECCA PARK RESERVE (PID 3211924210003) IN THE CITY OF GREENFIELD AND TO ENTER INTO AN ACQUISITION REIMBURSEMENT GRANT WITH METROPOLITAN COUNCIL WITH LOCAL FUNDING FROM THE LAND ACQUISITION, DEVELOPMENT AND BETTERMENT FUND.

Prepared By: Ann Rexine - Principal Planner

Background:

Jason Griep, on behalf of North Winds Group LLC, reached out to Three Rivers staff to express interest in selling property (PID 3211924210003) located at 8495 Rebecca Park Trail, Greenfield, MN. The property is 0.89 acres and is surrounded on all sides by Lake Rebecca Park Reserve, adjacent to County Road 50/Rebecca Park Trail (See Attached: North Winds Group LLC Property Map).

Addition of this property supports Lake Rebecca Park Reserve natural resources protection and completes a significant stretch of parkland acquisition near the Crow River.

Should the Board be supportive of this acquisition, staff will submit a reimbursement request, making the property eligible for Metropolitan Council acquisition funding support. The signed purchase agreement is attached (See Attached: North Winds Group LLC Purchase Agreement) and reflects the appraised value of $415,000. The Purchase Agreement sets a close date on or before October 29, 2026.

The total estimated acquisition cost, which includes the sale price, appraisal, legal fees and title commitment/insurance, and demolition/stewardship costs is $520,000. The acquisition would be eligible for up to 75% (~$311,250) reimbursement from the fiscal year (FY) 2027 Parks and Trails Legacy Fund (PTLF) with the balance of about $103,750 coming from Three Rivers Land Acquisition and Betterment Fund (LADB).

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:

North Winds Group LLC Property Map

North Winds Group LLC Purchase Agreement

Superintendent's Recommendation:

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

Prepared By: Shaan Hamilton, Chief Financial Officer

Background:

The Park District is facing multiple challenges in 2027 to align its mission, strategic goals, and core operations with the resources it has available. Park use continues to grow, while operating costs continue to increase. The strategic goal of providing high quality facilities, programs, and natural resources management within current budget parameters has become more difficult as higher inflationary pressures reduce purchasing power. The ability to reallocate funds without decreasing service levels is limited as the Park District has annually reallocated resources within the budget to provide more efficient and effective services within existing funding.

The Park District uses ten operating budgets to manage the Park District’s day-to-day operations:

• General Fund
• Scott-Three Rivers Partnership
• Hyland-Bush-Anderson Lakes Partnership
• Baker Golf
• Eagle Lake Golf
• Glen Lake Golf
• Parkers Lake Golf
• Hyland Greens Golf
• Hyland Hills Ski Area
• Equipment Internal Services

Building the budget is a collective effort involving the Board of Commissioners, the Superintendent, and staff. Each group plays a specific role in constructing the budget and the strategic decisions that underlie it. The Board of Commissioners is responsible for approval of the budget and the goals and objectives supported by the budget. Staff will be focusing primarily on the General Fund Budget, but many of the issues will impact the other operating budgets as well.

A starting point for building the 2027 budget is an understanding of the larger economic environment and the challenges the District faces related to both revenues and expenditures. To develop a balanced 2027 operating budget, the Park District must use several levers within its decision-making control. These levers are part of a larger list of budget variables that include:

• Expenditures
  • Personnel – foundational to this variable is the strategic goal of recruiting and retaining the highest quality employees through cost-of-living and merit increases, current labor agreements, and benefits
  • Contracted Services, such as technology maintenance agreements
  • Commodities, such as utilities and fuel costs
  • Other Charges – largely comprised of Internal Service Fund (ISF) charges, Risk Management Fund charges, and credit card fees

• Revenues
  • Property Tax Levy
  • Park Use Fees
  • State Grants (State lottery-in-lieu-of funding and State/Metropolitan Council Operations & Maintenance funding)

The attached 2027 Budget Discussion presentation provides more background and details related to these budget levers and variables.

Relationship of Board Action to the Budget

The Park District's budget process, as shown in the table below, outlines the steps and board actions that will need to be completed over the next seven months. The table also shows the current status of each step in the process.

Relationship to the System Plan:

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

Goal 2: Parks Matter

by ensuring the Park District's finances are properly managed and planned.

Attachments:

2027 Budget Discussion Presentation - Board Meeting 20260716.pdf

Superintendent's Recommendation:

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

Background:

The Draft 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Program, or CIP, (attached) is being submitted to the Board for review and discussion. This initial step provides an opportunity for the Board to provide guidance on investment and funding strategies, as well as seeing project details.

The Draft CIP reflects the Board’s desire to minimize bonding, to maximize use of outside funds for non-discretionary projects, and to invest in discretionary projects that will enhance public use of the parks.

How this CIP is organized

There are four primary categories of capital investments, along with administrative costs:

Stewardship: Projects that maintain what we have.

Commitments: Projects that involve agreements with other parties.

Discretionary: Projects that provide benefits, but which can be deferred.

Enterprise: Projects specific to Hyland Hills Ski Area and Baker National Golf.

Administrative: Funding of Dept. of Design positions through the CIP.

Expenses Summary

Expenditures in the Draft CIP total $129.9 million, broken out as follows:

The 5-year CIP has identified and secured close to $72,000,000 in outside funds to support the listed projects. In addition, a number of projects have been identified and are being submitted for additional outside funding.

The intent is to bring the next draft of the CIP to the Board in the fall of 2026, with the expenses and funding balanced across all five years. By that time, we should have a better understanding of outside funding sources.

Staff will continue to seek additional outside funding, including additional funding from Hennepin County for trail projects, additional funding from the State for trail projects, additional funding from the LCCMR for eligible future projects, and through targeted fundraising campaigns.

If funding is still insufficient to meet expenses, staff will review proposed projects and may need to postpone discretionary projects, postpone commitment projects when or if feasible.

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:

2027 to 2031 DRAFT CIP.pdf