2014-12-09 Parks and Rec Comm Minutes
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING
December 9, 2014
The December meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on
Tuesday, December 9, 2014 at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve.
Vice-Chair Paper called to order the parks and recreation commission meeting at 6:30 p.m. The
following commissioners were present: Chair Hinderscheid, Commissioners Ira Kip, Stephanie
Levine, Joel Paper, Jack Evans, Michael Toth and David Miller. Staff present: Recreation Program
Coordinator Sloan Wallgren and City Engineer/Public Works Director John Mazzitello.
Approval of Agenda
COMMISSIONER PAPER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE AGENDA; COMMISSIONER
LEVINE SECONDED THE MOTION.
AYES 6: NAYS 0
Approval of Minutes of November 10, 2014
COMMISSIONER LEVINE MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES;
COMMISSIONER MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION.
AYES 6: NAYS 0
Park Maintenance and Trails
Mr. Mazzitello updated the commission on all of the trail projects that took place during 2014. He
also updated them on the projects that will be taking place during 2015.
Mr. Mazzitello also explained to the commission what type of projects are paid for with Park
Maintenance funds and which type of projects were paid for with Special Parks Funds.
2015 Goal Setting Workshop
Mr. Wallgren informed the commission that the council would be meeting in late January or
February to discuss goals for 2015. He directed the commission to identify three items that they
would like staff to bring to the council during the workshop.
Commission Evans would like the council to find a long term funding source for the Special Parks
Fund. He mentioned that after the projects in 2015 the fund would almost be depleted.
Commissioner Levine would like to see increased recycling opportunities in the parks as one of the
goals for 2015.
Chair Hinderscheid would like the council to consider building a Splash Pad in the near future.
The commissioners all agreed that the three items that should be brought to the council were: future
funding for the Special Parks Fund, increased recycling in the parks, and building a Splash Pad in
the city. The commission also would like the council to discuss the Dog Park issue.
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Cross Country Ski Trail
Mr. Wallgren presented the cost of staffing the Par 3 clubhouse on the weekend from early January
to mid-March. He state the cost for labor and utilities would be roughly $1,150.00. The
commission discussed this idea, and thought it was a good service to offer the residents. The
commissioner also wanted to see snacks and beverages available for sale to help offset some of the
operational costs.
COMMISSIONER LEVINE MADE A MOTION TO STAFF THE PAR 3 CLUBHOUSE ON
SATURDAY AND SUNDAYS FROM JANUARY THROUGH MID-MARCH.
COMMISSIONER PAPER SECONDED THE MOTION.
AYES 7: NAYS 0
Recreation Programming Report
Mr. Wallgren updated the commission that he was meeting with Dakota County this week to
discuss opportunities to partner to offer programming for senior activities. He is also meeting with
staff from the Eagan Theatre Company to offer a summer theatre camp this summer.
Registration is now taking place for our winter ice skating lessons. Please sign up soon because the
classes fill up.
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The gymnastics program started December 6 at Henry Sibley High School. There are about 50
kids participating in the program.
There are four field trips scheduled during winter break. Mr. Wallgren informed the commission
that all the information could be found on the city website.
Par 3 Report
Mr. Wallgren informed the commission that the course closed for the season on November 2, 2014.
The golf course will be working with St. Thomas Academy again to create a cross country ski trail
at the Par 3. The ski trail should be open by the first of the year.
Staff is working on programs for next year already. Staff is planning a spring golf swap for juniors
in late March.
Mr. Wallgren informed the commission that today he purchased some equipment form Minnetonka
Country Club, which is closing for good. He bought a Toro Sand Pro, 10 garbage cans for the
course, 10 rakes for the sand traps, 72 tee markers and 6 sets of patio furniture.
Total sales for the month of November were $664 are expenses were $7,171. Total sales for the
year through November are $136,731 and expenses are $125,678 resulting in a net revenue of
$11,053. Mr. Wallgren informed the commission that the golf course in on track to have a profit of
$5,000 at the end of the year, bring the Par 3 cash balance to roughly $33,000.00.
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Announcements
Mr. Wallgren informed everyone that we are recycling Christmas tights at city hall.
Mr. Wallgren also noted that we are still taking applications for a student representative to serve on
the parks and recreation commission, applications are being accepted until December 29, 2014.
Mr. Wallgren updated the commission that the name of the North Urban Regional Trail (NURT)
has been renamed the River to River Greenway.
Commission Comments
Commissioner Toth mentioned to everyone to be patient with the outdoor rinks, staff will have
them open as soon as possible. He also wishes everyone Happy Holidays.
Commissioner Levine thanks Mr. Mazzitello for attending the meeting and encouraged everyone to get
out and use the trails.
Commissioner Miller was glad to see the Par 3 having success and wished everyone Happy
Holidays.
Commissioner Paper thanked Mr. Mazzitello for attending the meeting.
Commissioner Kipp thanked the police department for keeping people off Rogers Lake until the ice
is thicker. Commissioner Kipp also mentioned that it would be helpful if we could somehow track
the usage at each of our parks.
Commissioner Evans was glad that the council will be looking at how to fund the Special Parks
Fund.
Chair Hinderscheid thanked staff for their work and wished everyone a Happy Holidays.
COMMISSIONER PAPER MADE A MOTION TO ADJOUN THE MEETING; COMMISSIONER
TOTH SECONDED THE MOTION.
Ayes 7: Nays 0
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m. Respectfully Submitted by Sloan Wallgren
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