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2014-04-08 Parks and Rec Comm MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING April 08, 2014 The April meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, April 08, 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 Ira Kipp, Joel Paper, David Miller, Stephanie Levine and Michael Toth. Staff present: Recreation Program Coordinator Sloan Wallgren. Approval of Agenda COMMISSIONER LEVINE MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE AGENDA; COMMISSIONER PAPER SECONDED THE MOTION. AYES 6: NAYS 0 Approval of Minutes of March 11, 2014 COMMISSIONER LEVINE MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES; COMMISSIONER PAPER SECONDED THE MOTION. AYES 6: NAYS 0 Student Representative The commission discussed the idea of adding a Student Representative to the parks and recreation commission. Mr. Wallgren presented a job description that he had developed for the position. Chair Hinderscheid would like an expectation of the position to develop a knowledge of the parks and programs. Mr. Wallgren said that he would include that as one of the expectations. Commissioner Toth commented that it would be great if the commission could be available to answer questions or provide background about parks for the student representative. Commissioner Levine asked when this position would begin and what the terms would be. Mr. Wallgren stated that the term of the position would be one year February to January, the same as the commissioners. He also said that the right person could serve multiple terms and it may be possible to have a student start as soon as sometime in late summer. COMMISSIONER LEVINE MADE A MOTION TO HAVE CITY COUNCIL CONSIDER CHANGING THE CITY CODE TO INCLUDE A STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE ON THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AS A NON-VOTING MEMBER FOR A TERM OF ONE YEAR. MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COMMISSION TOTH. AYES 5: NAYS 1 MOTION PASSES MH Parks and Recreation Commission 4-08-2014 Page 1 Mendakota Ball Field Lights Mr. Wallgren stated that at the March meeting the commission inquired about the cost of installing lights on the ball fields at Mendakota Park. Mr. Wallgren reported that the cost to install lights would be about $300,000 and roughly $5,000 to operate the lights each summer. The commission inquired whether there was a need for lights on the fields. Mr. Wallgren state that there was going to be a field shortage this summer, due to neighboring cites working on parks, but after this summer the demand for fields should not be as great. Recreation Programming Report Mr. Wallgren informed the commission that the city has collect over $19,000 in revenue for summer recreation programs, which is about the same as last year. Mr. Wallgren updated the commission on the Parks Celebration activities. The commission discussed the idea of having a booth at the celebration to answer questions and promote our parks. Mr. Wallgren said that he could come up with an activity for the commission to participate in. Mr. Wallgren also informed the commission that there would be live music at Market Square almost every Wednesday evening this summer. Commission Paper inquired about the variety of entertainment. Mr. Wallgren replied that there would be a wide variety of music and entertainment for people or all ages. March Ice Rink Report The March Ice Rink Report was presented by Mr. Wallgren. He informed the commission that the rinks were open form December 16, 2013 to March 9, 2014. During that time the warming houses were closed 17 days due to cold temperatures. This season there were 5,119 people that visited the ice rinks. Chair Hinderscheid commented on the 2011-2012 season and the low numbers. Mr. Wallgren replied that the weather that year was very warm and the rinkS did not open until January and closed in February. Par 3 Report Mr. Wallgren informed the commission that the Par 3 would be opening very soon for business. Registration for golf programs has started. The course has collected $8,172 in revenue for programs, and that number is up $2,335 from last year. All of our leagues are returning for the 2014 season, some of the leagues will be starting April 17, 2014. Mr. Wallgren stated that the Par 3 would be hosting a "Swing into Spring" event on May 17, 2014 from 10:00a.m. to noon. The event will consist of a golf clinic, fun games, discounted golf and free hot dogs. Staff will use this time to promote leagues and lesson programs. The golf course is working on several promotional opportunities which include: Crowd Cut, Groupon, Living Social and Hibu. Mr. Wallgren informed the commission that the work on the clubhouse is almost complete, and that when it is finished it will be beautiful. Commissioner Levine wanted staff to look into renting out the clubhouse for parties. Mr. Wallgren replied that he will come up with a package for people to rent the facility, but that it most likely won't be available to rent until later this year. Mr. Wallgren also commented that the maintenance equipment has been serviced and is ready to go. Commissioner Toth asked about the duties and responsibilities of GM Management. Mr. Wallgren offered a brief description of the work that GM Management performs. MH Parks and Recreation Commission 4-08-2014 Page 2 Announcements Mr. Wallgren informed the commission that the city is having their annual recycling day on May 3, 2014 at Mendakota Park. He also said that there was on individual that was interested in discussing skate park projects at the next meeting. Commission Comments Commissioners Miller said that it was good to be back and he thought it was a good meeting. Commissioner Levine encouraged people to get out and enjoy the weather and our parks. Commissioner Paper was excited for people to use the parks this summer. Commissioner Kipp stated that it was a good meeting. Chair Hinderscheid thanked everyone for their work and looks forward to a great summer. COMMISSIONER PAPER MADE A MOTION TO ADJOUN THE MEETING; COMMISSIONER TOTH SECONDED THE MOTION. Ayes 6: Nays 0 The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. Respectfully Submitted by Sloan Wallgren MH Parks and Recreation Commission 4-08-2014 Page 3