Board of Commissioners Meetings

The agenda for the November 12, 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; 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.

• Minneapolis Foundation - $6,836.94 directed to the Richardson Nature Center for the Lynch Internships Program.
• Janet Christiansen, Bloomington - $2,400 for three Forests Forever tribute trees to be planted at Richardson Nature Center in memory of Nola Townsend and Gary Lindberg.
• Jacob Swanson, New York, NY - $800 for a Forests Forever tribute tree to be planted at Fish Lake Regional Park in honor of 5th wedding anniversary.
• The Nelson Brothers, Carver - $690.89 directed to Lowry Nature Center.

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 $25,527.27 for various purposes, including:

• Room & Board - $10,000 directed to Parks and Trails.
• Lawrence Levine - $5,100 directed to Parks & Trails for trail maintenance.
• The Keeb Family Fund - $4,000 directed to Outdoor Recreation and Education and $4,000 for Natural Resources Management in memory of James T. Egan.
• Kathryn & Richard Hackett - $1,000 directed to Parks & Trails for Carver Park Reserve.
• The Grondahl Fund - $1,000 directed to Mississippi Gateway Regional Park for a dedication plaque on the River of Recognition Donor Wall.

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 ADOPT THE 2027 PROPOSED BOARD MEETING AND STUDY SESSION CALENDAR.

Background:

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

Update(s):

• 2027 Proposed Board Meeting and Study Session Calendar attached.
• Carver County Partnership Update

Attachments:

2026 Proposed Board Meeting and Study Session Calendar.pdf

Calendar of Meetings and Events.pdf

2027 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. Approve Consultant Agreement for East Bush Lake Beach House Remodel to U+B Architecture and Design, Inc.

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO ENTER INTO A CONSULTANT AGREEMENT WITH U+B ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN, INC. TO PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSULTING SERVICES FOR THE EAST BUSH LAKE BEACH HOUSE REMODEL - HYLAND-BUSH-ANDERSON LAKES PARK RESERVE, WITH A TOTAL HOURLY NOT-TO-EXCEED FEE IN THE AMOUNT OF $203,210.00 INCLUDING REIMBURSABLE EXPENSES, AND TO ESTABLISH A TOTAL CONSULTANT FEE BUDGET IN THE AMOUNT OF $223,531.00 INCLUDING A TEN % CONTINGENCY WITH FINANCING FROM THE CITY OF BLOOMINGTON'S 2026 AND 2027 ASSET MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS.

Item 4B. Baker National Golf Course Bunker Renovation Design

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO AUTHORIZE THE SUPERINTENDENT TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH CE DESIGN FOR DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE BAKER NATIONAL GOLF COURSE BUNKER PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $125,000 INCLUDING REIMBURSABLE EXPENSES, AND TO ESTABLISH A TOTAL CONSULTANT FEE BUDGET IN THE AMOUNT OF $137,500 INCLUDING A TEN % CONTINGENCY WITH FUNDING FROM THE BAKER NATIONAL GOLF COURSE ENTERPRISE FUND.

Item 4C. Approval of Applications for the 2027 Metropolitan Council Equity Grant Program

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO AUTHORIZE THE SUPERINTENDENT TO PREPARE AND SEEK EXTERNAL FUNDING FOR THE FOLLOWING PROJECTS THROUGH THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL’S EQUITY GRANT PROGRAM:

1. BEYOND THE BASICS: DEEPER RECREATIONAL EXPLORATION
2. PARKS MATTER: INCREASING COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLNESS THROUGH PARK CONNECTIONS
3. NATURE-BASED EXPERIENCES FOR ALL: INCLUSION SERVICES AND ADAPTED RECREATION
4. ENHANCED AND EXPANDED PARKS AND TRAILS WAYFINDING

Item 4D. Hennepin County Construction Cooperative Agreement: Shingle Creek Regional Trail Reconstruction

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO ENTER INTO A CONSTRUCTION COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT AND HENNEPIN COUNTY FOR THE DESIGN AND RECONSTRUCTION OF THE SHINGLE CREEK REGIONAL TRAIL ALONG NOBLE PARKWAY IN BROOKLYN PARK, MN.

Item 4E. Crystal/MAC Wildlife Area Cooperative Project Agreement: Second Amendment

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO APPROVE THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE COOPERATIVE PROJECT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT AND THE CITY OF CRYSTAL FOR THE THIRD PHASE OF BOARDWALK CONSTRUCTION AT CRYSTAL/MAC WILDLIFE AREA IN CRYSTAL, MN.

Item 4F. Resolution for Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Grant Funding Assistance for Coon Rapids Dam Improvements in Brooklyn Park, MN

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 26-16 AUTHORIZING THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT TO START THE AGREEMENT PROCESS WITH THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE COON RAPIDS DAM IN BROOKLYN PARK, MN.

Item 4G. Receive 2026 Third Quarter Financial Status and Projections Report

Superintendent's Recommendation:

NO ACTION REQUIRED.

Item 4H. Regional Trail Winter Use Permits

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO APPROVE WINTER USE PERMITS FOR 2026-27 FOR THE CITIES OF EXCELSIOR, PLYMOUTH, RICHFIELD, ROBBINSDALE AND WAYZATA, AND 2026-28 FOR THE CITIES OF EDINA AND ST. LOUIS PARK.

Item 4I. Board Minutes of October 15, 2026

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 15, 2026, REGULAR BOARD MEETING.

Item 4J. Approval of Claims for the Period Ended October 31, 2026

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF CLAIMS AS RECOMMENDED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2026, IN THE AMOUNT OF $9,638,570.94.

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE OF THE FOLLOWING EASEMENTS FOR THE BRYANT LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL PROJECT:

1. PURCHASE IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,100 FOR 703 SQUARE FEET OF TEMPORARY EASEMENT AT 5429 ROWLAND ROAD IN MINNETONKA, MINNESOTA.
2. PURCHASE IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,600 FOR 1,270 SQUARE FEET OF TEMPORARY EASEMENT AT 13020 MAYWOOD LANE IN MINNETONKA, MINNESOTA.
3. PURCHASE IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,100 FOR 290 SQUARE FEET OF TEMPORARY EASEMENT AT 4732 BAKER ROAD IN MINNETONKA, MINNESOTA.
4. PURCHASE IN THE AMOUNT OF $7,700 FOR 327 SQUARE FEET OF PERMANENT EASEMENT AND 2,078 SQUARE FEET OF TEMPORARY EASEMENT AT 4120 PEPPERWOOD TRAIL IN MINNETONKA, MINNESOTA.
5. PURCHASE IN THE AMOUNT OF $500 FOR 3,928 SQUARE FEET OF TEMPORARY EASEMENT AT ADDRESS UNASSIGNED OWNED BY INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 270 IN MINNETONKA, MINNESOTA.
6. PURCHASE IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,400 FOR 2,254 SQUARE FEET OF TEMPORARY EASEMENT AT 3830 BAKER ROAD IN MINNETONKA, MINNESOTA.

Prepared By: Josh Bowe, Director of Design

Background:

The Board authorized staff to acquire easements required to complete the Bryant Lake Regional Trail in Minnetonka at its regular meeting on February 19, 2026, with the understanding that finalized permanent and temporary easements would be brought before the Board for approval at future meetings.

Since the previous Board of Commissioners meeting, staff has been able to reach agreements with six private property owners where easements are required. A summary of information regarding each purchase is provided.

The easement costs vary depending on the size of permanent easements, temporary easements, and affected site improvements. Affected site improvements may include tree loss, landscaping removal, or fence removal and will increase compensation for an easement.

Parcel 40 – 5429 Rowland Road

• Trail construction requires 703 square feet of temporary easement.
• $1,100 accepted by property owner

Parcel 56 - 13020 Maywood Lane

• Trail construction requires 1,270 square feet of temporary easement.
• $2,600 accepted by property owner

Parcel 72 – 4732 Baker Road

• Trail construction requires 290 square feet of temporary easement.
• $2,100 accepted by property owner

Parcel 89 – 4120 Pepperwood Trail

• Trail construction requires 327 square feet of permanent easement and 2,078 square feet of temporary easement.
• $7,700 accepted by property owner

Parcel 92 – No Address; Independent School District No. 270

• Trail construction requires 3,928 square feet of temporary easement.
• $500 accepted by property owner

Parcel 104 – 3830 Baker Road

• Trail construction requires 2,254 square feet of temporary easement.
• $4,400 accepted by property owner

Staff will continue to negotiate with the other private property owners where easements are required.

If additional easement agreements are secured prior to the Board meeting, staff will walk-in a revised Board action to include those easements.

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:

P40_2026.03.10 THRIV 186616 Easement Exhibits.pdf

P56_2026.06.17 THRIV 186616 Easement Exhibits.pdf

P72_2026.03.10 THRIV 186616 Easement Exhibits.pdf

P89_2026.06.17 THRIV 186616 Easement Exhibits rev.pdf

P92_2026.06.17 THRIV 186616 Easement Exhibits.pdf

P104_2026.03.10 THRIV 186616 Easement Exhibits.pdf

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO REJECT ALL BIDS FOR THE SOCHACKI PARK WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT; AND TO AUTHORIZE STAFF TO RE-BID THE PROJECT AT A LATER DATE.

Prepared By: Jami Markle, Director of Natural Resources

Background:

With final design for the Sochacki Park water quality improvement project completed in September 2026, Three Rivers is now leading the bidding and construction phase of the project with Barr Engineering. A formal advertisement for bids was published in Finance and Commerce on October 9, 2026 with construction plans and specifications uploaded to Quest CDN for bids. A formal bid opening was completed on October 30, 2026 and the results are summarized in the table below. Out of 15 contractor plan holders, four companies responded to the solicitation with bids. With much the expense for this project driven by offsite disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous soil and debris, the cost of trucking and fuel are primary drivers of increased costs. All bids received exceed the current available construction budget of $2,000,000.

Staff recommends that the bids be rejected and that the Board authorize the Superintendent to re-bid the project during the summer of 2027 for construction during the winter of 2027/2028. This pause will allow time for staff to address design modifications that reduce cost, and to seek additional grants and partner funding to deliver the full project and its suite of water quality and habitat benefits.

The Joint Powers Board for Sochacki Park convened on November 2, 2026 to receive a project update and to discuss bids. The JPA partners concurred with the recommended approach to reject and re-bid 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

Superintendent's Recommendation:

CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE 2027 GENERAL FUND OPERATING BUDGET.

Background:

A public hearing has been scheduled for the purpose of receiving public comment on the proposed 2027 General Fund Operating Budget. The public hearing notice is attached.

The public hearing should consist of the following steps:

1. A motion to open the public hearing.
2. Commissioner questions.
3. Board Chair opens the public comment portion of the public hearing.
4. Receive public comment.
5. Board Chair closes the public comment portion of the public hearing.
6. Motion to close the public hearing.

The motion to approve the budget is included on the November 12, 2026, Regular Board Meeting Agenda.

Attachments:

Public Hearing Notice - 2027 Budget.pdf

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO APPROVE THE 2027 GENERAL FUND OPERATING BUDGET IN THE AMOUNT OF $57,392,150; AND FURTHER, AUTHORIZE THE SUPERINTENDENT AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER TO FORWARD THIS DOCUMENT TO THE HENNEPIN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS FOR REVIEW PURSUANT TO STATE LAW.

Prepared By: Shaan Hamilton, Chief Financial Officer

Background:

Development of the Park District’s 2027 General Fund Operating Budget began in early summer. The Superintendent led senior staff through multiple budget discussions where options and issues were discussed and evaluated. This process led to several budget discussions with the Board during the summer and fall, and resulted in a budget that supports the following goals for 2027:

• Continue to provide high-quality facilities, programs, and recreational opportunities.
• Continue to manage natural resources, be a leader in natural resource management issues, and educate the public on natural resource management issues.
• Continue implementation of the System Plan by providing a wide range of services to Park District users both within existing park locations and in residents' local communities.
• Use non-property tax revenue to fund needed budget increases.

The attached 2027 General Fund Operating Budget document shows the Park District's operating budget goals, challenges, and how funds are going to be received and expended.

The public was invited to comment on the budget at a public hearing held prior to the Commissioners considering adoption of the budget.

The major revenue changes for the 2027 budget totaling $1,979,137 include:

• A 3.79% increase in the total property tax levy which results in an increase for the General Fund of $1,320,457.
• Park use revenue estimate increases for a variety of locations and revenue streams combined with fee increases for some fees and passes resulting in a budgeted increase of $693,439 (fee increases are proposed for tube rental, swim ponds, overnight camping, summer camp programming, and merchandise sales).
• Met Council Operations and Maintenance funding decrease of $30,108 and outreach grant budget approach changes of -$44,000, which have a $0 net impact on the budget. These changes total -$74,108.
• Interest and other miscellaneous revenues are being increased by $39,349 based on amounts collected in past years.

The major expenditure changes for the 2027 budget, which total $1,979,137, are:

• Inflationary increases for union employees in addition to continuation of the existing step program as outlined in their contracts.
• A 2% inflationary increase for non-union employees combined with the existing merit pay program with an increased growth factor for pay ranges.
• Increased costs for health, life, and dental insurance due to increasing premiums. Increased contribution to the District’s Equipment ISF Fund to manage the costs of operating and maintaining the District’s fleet of vehicles and equipment.
• Increased the contribution to the Risk Management Fund to begin to address the negative fund balance in this fund and on-going annual deficits.
• Due to inflationary pressures and existing contracts and services, increased expenses associated with cleaning supplies, chemical products, janitorial and waste services, utilities, software, consulting services, and technology.
• Reallocation based on programmatic & leadership reorganization (reduce 3.2 FTE).
• Reallocation of seasonal staffing based on reorganization.
• Reallocation of communication, advertising, printing, & postage expenses due to centralization.
• Shifting Natural Resource Management and Maintenance seasonal salary expenses and non-salary expenses to Capital Investment Program Fund and Preservation and Rehabilitation Program Fund.
• Realizing efficiencies through reductions to expenses associated with general supplies, contracted services, equipment, mileage, and other expense categories.

Upon approval of the budget, the Park District, in accordance with state law, must submit the operating budget to Hennepin County for their review. The County Board has 15 days to review and recommend changes to the Park District’s Board. The Superintendent will present the 2027 budget at a Hennepin County committee meeting November 17.

As shown in the table below, the final phase of the budget process is the approval of the 2027 property tax levy. This item, including a resolution, will be presented to the Board for adoption on December 17, 2026. In addition, any comments from County Commissioners will be reviewed with the Board at that time.

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

The Request for Action supports the goals of the System Plan by providing and properly managing the financial resources of the Park District.

Attachments:

2027 General Fund Budget.pdf

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO ADOPT THE 2027 OPERATING BUDGET FOR HYLAND HILLS SKI AREA, WITH REVENUES AND EXPENSES OF $7,576,000 INCLUDING A BUDGETED CONTINGENCY OF $167,955.

Prepared By: Jeff May, Director of Enterprise Operations; Brad Chock, Director of Maintenance; Andrew Berns, Operations Supervisor; Damon Johnson, Ski Maintenance Supervisor and Shaan Hamilton, Chief Financial Officer.

Background:

The specifics of the 2027 Hyland Hills Ski Area proposed operating budget are discussed in the attached 2027 recommended budget packet. An overview of the proposed budget includes revenues of $7,576,000 and operating expenses of $7,576,000 including a contingency of $167,955. The proposed budget also includes debt service payments of $377,150 and a transfer to the chairlift fund of $250,000.

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:

HHSA Budget Draft 2027 AB JM SH 11-6.docx