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2014-04-08 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda PacketCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA AGENDA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Tuesday, April 8, 2014 - 6:30 P.M. City Council Chambers 1.Roll Call 2.Approval of Agenda 3.Approval of the March 11, 2014 Minutes 4. Student Representative Job Description 5.Trail Projects Update 6.Mendakota Softball Field Lights 7.Recreation Program Report 8.Ice Rink Report 9. Par 3 Report 10.Announcements 11.Commission Comments 12.Adjourn Auxiliary aids for persons with disabilities are available at least 120 hours in advance. If a notice of less than 120 hours is received, the City of Mendota Heights will make every attempt to provide the aids. This may not, however, be possible on short notice. Please contact City Administration at 651-452-1850. Meetings can be viewed anytime on-demand at: www.mendota-heights.com. 1 MH Parks and Recreation Commission 3-11-2014 Page 1 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING March 11, 2014 The March meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, March 11, 2014 at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve. Chair Hinderscheid called to order the parks and recreation commission meeting at 6:30 p.m. The following commissioners were present: Chair Hinderscheid, Commissioners: Jack Evans, Joel Paper, Stephanie Levine and Michael Toth. Absent were Commissioners Miller and Kipp. Staff present: Recreation Program Coordinator Sloan Wallgren. Approval of Agenda COMMISSIONER PAPER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE AGENDA; COMMISSIONER TOTH SECONDED THE MOTION. AYES 5: NAYS 0 Approval of Minutes of February 11, 2014 COMMISSIONER LEVINE MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES; COMMISSIONER PAPER SECONDED THE MOTION. AYES 5: NAYS 0 2030 Comprehensive Plan Mr. Wallgren provided the commission with a copy of the Parks and Open Space section of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Wallgren thought that this piece of information was important for the commission to view from time to time. Commissioner Paper stated the Comprehensive Plan identifies duties of the parks commission as evaluating park needs based on existing facilities, available land and budget considerations. Commissioner Levine asked if in the future we could add South St. Paul and West St. Paul to the list of groups that the city works cooperatively with. Chair Hinderscheid ask if Mr. Wallgren has any information about the Foss homestead by Wentworth Park. Mr. Wallgren was not sure where this area was but would look into it. Rogers Lake Water Quality Report Mr. Wallgren provided the commission with a copy of the St. Thomas Academy A.P. Environmental Science Program Chemical Assessment of Rogers Lake. Mr. Wallgren informed the commission that the water quality has Rogers Lake has continued to improve over the last 10 years. The lake is safe to swim in or recreate. 2 MH Parks and Recreation Commission 3-11-2014 Page 2 The commission asked if we could include something in the next issue of the Heights Highlights about what people can do to help keep the lake clean. Mr. Wallgren said that staff could include a list of activities that would help contribute to improving the water quality. Dog Park Update Mr. Wallgren updated the commission on the status of the Dog Park. He stated that the next issue of the Heights Highlights would include an invitation for residents to attend the May meeting and provide input or concerns about certain locations. The commissioners asked if we could include the specific locations they identified at the February meeting. Mr. Wallgren said that he wanted to leave all possible locations open for discussion, but that staff would put the possible Dog Park locations on the website so that residents could further look at them. Commissioner Toth asked if there is funding for this project. Mr. Wallgren replied that the city council has made it a goal to build a dog park, and that the council had options for where the funds would come from. Commissioner Levine asked what the timeline of the project would be. Mr. Wallgren said that the project could possibly be completed by the end of the summer. Recreation Programming Report Mr. Wallgren announced that registration for summer recreation programs began on Monday March 10, 2014. During the first two days we took registrations for over 400 programs, 95% were taken online. Currently, staff is working on booking summer musical acts. The city and the school district are working together to offer a Bike Rodeo at Mendota Elementary on May 31, 2014 from 10:00 to noon. Mr. Wallgren encouraged anyone looking to rental a park shelter of an event this summer to book the event sooner than later, because we are starting to fill out the schedule. Commissioner Paper asked if recreation registrations were up over previous year’s first couple of days. Mr. Wallgren said that he believed there was a slight increase. Commissioner Toth asked how softball registration was coming. Mr. Wallgren replied that all of our teams are returning and that we are full for the summer. Chair Hinderscheid ask if the city has ever looked into lighting the fields at Mendakota Park. Mr. Wallgren said that previous employees had looked into the costs and that he would see what he could find. Ice Rink Report Mr. Wallgren informed the commission that the warming houses closed for the season on March 9, 2014, and that during the month of February the warming houses were open 22 or the 28 days. Commissioner Toth asked if this year was longer than normal. Mr. Wallgren said that the season usually ends around late February, so we were able to get about and extra 2 weeks of ice this year. 3 MH Parks and Recreation Commission 3-11-2014 Page 3 Par 3 Report Mr. Wallgren informed the commission that there was going to be a “Swing into Spring” event at the Par 3 on May 17, 2014 to kick off the new season. Registration is now under way for all of the 2014 Golf League and Lesson programs. The repair to the clubhouse should be completed in the next couple of weeks, and when completed it will be a beautiful and efficient clubhouse. Staff has been working on several promotional items. We will again work with Groupon later this summer, there is a special currently with Crowd Cut until April 1st, and there will be a direct mailer going out to homes in April, May and June. Announcements Mr. Wallgren informed the commission that the Mendota Heights Athletic Association was still taking registrations for Lacrosse, Softball and In-House Baseball. Commission Comments Commissioners Toth thought it was a good meeting. Commissioner Levine thanked St. Thomas Academy for the Water Quality Report and also thanked the staff for all their hard work maintaining the rinks and trails this winter. Commissioner Paper thanked staff for their work on the rinks this winter; he thought the ice was great. Commissioner Evans really liked to see the thought and work that went into the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. Chair Hinderscheid was glad to see the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. He thanked staff for their work on the roads, trails, and rinks this winter. COMMISSIONER PAPER MADE A MOTION TO ADJOUN THE MEETING; COMMISSIONER TOTH SECONDED THE MOTION. Ayes 5: Nays 0 The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. Respectfully Submitted by Sloan Wallgren 4 DATE:April 8, 2014 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM:Sloan Wallgren, Recreation Program Coordinator SUBJECT: Student Representative Background At the February 11, 2014 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting the commission discussed the idea of having a student representative on the commission. Staff has looked into the idea, and there are a number of cities in the area that have adopted this practice. The goal of the student representative would be to keep an open line of communication with youth in the city. Staff has attached a job description that outlines qualifications and expectations of the position. Action Required Make a recommendation that the city council consider changing the city code to include a student representative as a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission, if that is still the desire of the commission. 5 City of Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission Student Representative Job Description Purpose The Student Representative is to effectively and efficiently meet the City of Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission needs by providing input through interaction with youth as well as supporting the interest of residents of all ages. The Student Representative will serve as a communication link for: ideas, observation, concerns, satisfaction, and questions to the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission. The Student Representative serves in an advisory capacity and is not entitled to an official vote on Commission issues. Qualifications Must be a Mendota Heights resident and attend Henry Sibley High School, St. Thomas Academy, or Visitation School (freshmen, sophomore or junior). The student shall be appointed by the Mayor and must be in good standing with the school he or she attends. Expectations 1.Attendance is required for all monthly Parks and Recreation Commission meetings and any important related meetings such as work sessions at the City Hall or designated location. 2.If for any reason the Student Representative cannot attend a scheduled meeting, he or she must notify City Hall four hours prior. 3.Student Representative shall serve for a one year term (February through January of the following year). 4.Any appointed Student Representative term can be terminated by the Parks and Recreation Commission or City Council at any time for the following reasons: a.No longer remains to be a resident of Mendota Heights. b.No longer remains a student at Henry Sibley, St. Thomas Academy, or Visitation School. c.Misses more than 50% (or three consecutive meetings). If the Parks and Recreation Commission have terminated the appointed Student Representative, city staff will notify him or her in writing. 6 DATE:April 8, 2014 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM:Sloan Wallgren, Recreation Program Coordinator SUBJECT: Trial Projects Update Update The trails on Wentworth (Wachtler to Dodd) and Pilot Knob (Mendota Heights Road to Highway 13)are scheduled for rehabilitation in the upcoming summer. The projects will reclaim the existing pavement and install ADA compliant ramps along each trail. Construction is anticipated in June and July. Another project that is scheduled to take place this summer will connect the trail from Lilydale Road to Wachtler Avenue along Highway 13. There are currently two seperate trails in this area, and this project will connect them. Required Action No action required. This is just an update on trail projects for the upcoming summer. 7 DATE:April 8, 2014 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM:Sloan Wallgren, Recreation Program Coordinator SUBJECT: Mendakota Ball Field Lights Background At the March 11, 2014 meeting the subject of lights on the ball fields at Mendakota Park was brought up. Staff has done some research on the topic. When the ball fields were built there were many adult softball teams and leagues. At that time there was a big interest in having the fields lighted. The neighbors near the park were very concerned about the extra traffic, later ball games, and lights shining on their homes. The cost to have lights installed on the four fields in 1996 was $225,000 and the cost to operate them would have been roughly $3,000 per year. Staff has contacted companies and cites that have installed lights in recent years and the price today would be roughly $300,000 and $5,000 a year to operate the lights. When the fields at Mendakota were built there was space left to install the lights, so in the future this would be an available option. Required Action This memo is for your information only, no action is required. 8 DATE:April 8, 2014 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM:Sloan Wallgren, Recreation Program Coordinator SUBJECT: Recreation Update Recreation Programs Registration for Summer Recreation programs began March 10, 2014. Many of the popular programs and field trips filled up very fast. We still have room in many of our programs which include: Summer Playgrounds, Field Trips, Safety Camp, Cliff Timm Memorial Fishing Derby, Skateboard Camps, Disc Golf Camps, Kickball Leagues, Paddleboard Lessons and Tennis Lessons & Leagues. Registrations will continue being accepted online or in person at City Hall. We have collected registrations totaling over $19,000 so far this year. Flyers will be distributed to schools next week, and again in May with full details on summer programming opportunities. We will also have details of all our summer programs in the next issue of Heights Highlights which will be delivered in late April. Softball League registration has closed. Tuesday and Thursday night leagues were both filled this year. We have 5 Women’s teams and 14 Men’s team this year. A manager’s meeting was held on April 10, 2014 and the season begins April 29th and May 1st. Parks Celebration Activities are being finalized for the June 7th event. There have been many generous donations coming in from residents and local businesses to help offset the costs of this event. We have many fun activities and entertainment planned this year. Some of the activities include: live music, Kevin Hall the “Magic Maniac”, DJ, petting zoo, pony rides, fire truck rides, tennis party, soccer kick, obstacle course, climbing wall, Duggan’s Dashes, inflatables, face painting, prizes and much more. 9 Summer Performances in the Park Staff has partnered with the Village at Mendota Heights to offer outdoor performances almost every Wednesday night for the upcoming summer: June 4, 2014 Echos of Elvis June 6, 2014 Fu-Ga-We Band June 11, 2014 Teddy Bear Band *at Sibley High School Truck & Travel Show June 18, 2014 Pat Donohue June 25, 2014 Somewhat Dixieland Band July 9, 2014 Cash & Kerry Show July 16, 2014 Twin Cities Show Chorus July 23, 2014 Connie Evingson July 30, 2014 Mannie & Debbie Cortez August 6, 2014 Kid Power with Rachel & Animal August 13, 2014 North Suburban Show Chorus August 20, 2014 Kids Dance September 10, 2014 TreVeld Bike Rodeo The city has partnered with the Mendota Elementary School and Boehm’s Cycles to offer a Bike Rodeo at Mendota Elementary School on Saturday May 31, 2014. Families are encouraged to come with or ride their bikes. Participants will learn bike safety, bike maintenance and get a chance to ride through our obstacle course. 10 DATE: April 8, 2014 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Sloan Wallgren, Recreation Program Coordinator SUBJECT: March Ice Rink Usage BACKGROUND The city of Mendota Heights maintains a warming house, hockey rink and pleasure rink at Friendly Hills Park, Marie Park and Wentworth Park. The city also maintains a pleasure rink at Ivy Hills Park. The warming houses were open 9 days in March. The warming houses closed March 9, 2014 for the season. The warming houses were open from December 16, 2013 to March 9, 2014 and were closed for 17 days during this period due to cold temperatures. Below are March attendance records from each of the three parks with warming houses: Hockey Pleasure Total Friendly Hills Park 80 30 110 Marie Park 209 51 260 Wentworth Park 100 33 133 Totals 389 114 503 Season Totals Year Marie Park Wentworth Park Friendly Hills Park Totals 2009-2010 2759 2118 2074 6951 2010-2011 1979 1594 2002 5575 2011-2012 915 648 1051 2614 2012-2013 1739 1619 1723 5081 2013-2014 2019 1519 1581 5119 Totals 9411 7498 8431 25,340 11 DATE:April 8, 2014 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM:Sloan Wallgren, Recreation Program Coordinator SUBJECT: Par 3 Update Update The golf season is just around the corner. The repairs to the clubhouse should be done just in time for the start of the golf season. Registration for 2014 leagues and lessons began March 10, 2014 and so far we have collected $8,172 in fees. This number is $2,335 higher than at this point last year. All of our golf leagues are returning for the 2014 season, some of the leagues are hoping to begin their season the week of April 14th. There will be a “Swing into Spring” golf event at the Par 3 on May 17th, 2014 from 10:00 to noon. We will be offering a free golf clinic, fun games, discounted golf and free hot dogs. We will use this as an opportunity to promote or golf course, leagues, and lesson programs. Our first advertising with Hibu will be delivered to homes near the end of April, so watch for great discounts coming to your front door. We will also have a door hanger advertisement delivered in May and June. Staff is also working with Crowd Cut, Living Social and Groupon to schedule several other promotions throughout the golf season. Maintenance Update At first look it appears that the golf course has made it through the rough winter in great shape. The equipment at the Par 3 has been serviced and is ready to go for the season. The city has finalized and signed the maintenance contract with GM Management for services as our Golf Course Superintendent Consultant. Staff will provide the commission and council with financial information each month beginning at the May meeting. 12