2014-09-09 Parks and Rec Comm MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING
September 9, 2014
The September meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on
Tuesday, September 9, 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 Kip, Stephanie
Levine, Joel Paper and Michael Toth. Staff present: Recreation Program Coordinator Sloan
Wallgren.
Approval of Agenda
Chair Hinderscheid added Dog Park and Activity Log to the agenda.
COMMISSIONER LEVINE MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE AGENDA;
COMMISSIONER PAPER SECONDED THE MOTION.
AYES 5: NAYS 0
Approval of Minutes of August 11, 2014
COMMISSIONER PAPER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES;
COMMISSIONER TOTH SECONDED THE MOTION.
AYES 5: NAYS 0
Marie Park Hockey Rink Update
Mr. Wallgren updated the commission on the status of the Marie Park Hockey Area. Mr. Wallgren
informed the commission that the city council approved a change in the work order to include
paving the hockey rink when the nearby street project is complete. After the area is paved a
contractor will come and install the new hockey boards.
Commissioner Paper asked if the post for the new boards would be installed before or after the
pavement was put down. Mr. Wallgren replied that he believes the post will be installed after the
pavement is in place.
Recreation Programming Report
Mr. Wallgren informed the commission that the summer recreation programs are now all complete.
This summer we added several new programs and expanded some of the existing programs. Staff
has created surveys that were emailed out earlier this week to help evaluate the programs. The
results of the surveys will be provided at a future date. Mr. Wallgren also provide the commission
with a list that contained the number of participants in each of the programs over the last few years.
Commissioner Levine asked if there was a certain reason that the tennis program numbers were up
and the field trip numbers were down. Mr. Wallgren stated that we added evening classes this year
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to the tennis program, which is why we had more participants. The field trip numbers were down
because we offered one less trip this year and one of the trips was cancelled.
Mr. Wallgren updated the commission on the upcoming fall field trips and the trips that are planned
for winter break. In previous years we have only offered one field trip during winter break, this
year we are trying to expand that to four trips.
Commissioner Paper asked what the ages for the field trips were. Mr. Wallgren replied eight years
of age and up.
Commissioner Kipp asked if we ever have thought of offering and archery program. Mr. Wallgren
replied that they have thought about it and would check with area cities to see how they run their
archery programs.
The commission asked if we would again be creating a cross country ski trail at the Mendota
Heights Par 3 Golf Course. Mr. Wallgren stated that we are planning to offer cross country skiing
at the golf course. We will be working with St. Thomas Academy again to share equipment. More
information about the trail would be in the November issue of the Heights Highlights.
Commissioner Kipp said that we should consider working with St. Thomas Academy to offer skiing
out on Rogers Lake. Mr. Wallgren said that he would check with the school about the possibilities
of this.
Par 3 Report
Mr. Wallgren informed the commission that the Footgolf course is up and running. We started this
past weekend and had about a dozen people out to play. The Pioneer Press will be coming out at
the course to do a story next week. The rates for Footgolf are $8 for adults and $7 for youth, which
reflect the strategy of the Par 3 to offer affordable recreation.
On September 27, 2014 the cities of Mendota Heights and West St. Paul have partnered to offer the
4th Annual Thompson Oaks/Mendota Heights Open. The fee is $30 which includes golf at both
courses, breakfast, lunch and prizes.
Staff is planning to aerate the greens on the golf course very soon. Staff is also getting quotes to
replace some gravel and dirt areas around the clubhouse with concrete.
Financial data for the month of September were not available yet. Staff will send the information to
the commission as soon as it is available.
Golf Course Five Year Plan
Mr. Wallgren provided a brief background on how the city acquired the golf course and at what
price. Mr. Wallgren stated that the golf course is supposed to generate enough revenue each year to
cover the operating costs. The Par 3 Fund is also supposed to maintain a cash balance of $40,000
for emergencies and capital improvements. In recent years the fund has fallen below the $40,000
goal. Mr. Wallgren presented his plan to continue to improve the balance of the fund, while at the
same time making improvements to the course, equipment, and clubhouse.
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Dog Park
Chair Hinderscheid mentioned that he has found several articles that talk about the growing
popularity of dog parks. He said that of the sites we looked at the Pilot Knob site seemed like it
would be the only one that would be large enough to make it a quality dog park. Chair
Hinderscheid inquired if any companies were looking to purchase this land. Mr. Wallgren
responded that he was not aware of any, but he would follow up with staff and report back to the
commission.
The commission discussed the topic and would like further information. The commission would
like to know if there are any parties interested in purchasing the property and would the city be
liable for any injuries that might occur because of debris or old chemicals in the ground.
Parks Projects
Chair Hinderscheid presented a log of current and future park projects. The commission discussed
the projects. Mr. Wallgren said that he would share the information with Mr. Mazzitello and return
next month with an updated list.
Commissioner Paper asked about having a garbage can plased on Wagon Wheel Trail near the
fishing culvert. The commission discussed the issue. Mr. Wallgren informed the commission there
have been requests for a garbage can near the culvert in the past. Mr. Wallgren did not know the
reasons why there was not currently a garbage can there, but he would follow up at the next
meeting.
COMMISSIONER PAPER MADE A MOTION TO PLACE A GARABE CAN NEAR THE
CLUVERT ON WAGON WHEEL TRAIL. COMMISSIONER KIPP SECONED THE MOTION.
AYES 5: NAYS 0
Commissioner Kipp informed the commission that the Roger Lake Homeowners Association would
like to donate $300 towards a bench on Wagon Wheel Trail near the fishing culvert. Commissioner
Kipp stated the area was locate in the middle of Lexingtion Ave and Dodd Road. Commissioner
Kipp stated many people use the walking path and this would be a nice area for people to stop and
rest, while enjoying the views of the lake.
COMMISSIONER KIPP MADE A MOTION TO HAVE A BENCH INSTALLED ON WAGON
WHEEL TRAIL NEAR THE FISHING CULVERT. COMMISSIONER PAPER SECONED THE
MOTION.
AYES 2: NAYS 2
The commission continued to discuss the bench donation process and costs. Mr. Wallgren said that
here would provide more information at the next meeting.
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Announcements
On September 20, 2014 the Barbary Coast Dixieland Show Band will be performing outside of
Lilydale City Hall from 1:OOPM to 3:OOPM.
On September 27, 2014 from 1:OOPM to 10:OOPM there will be a fundraiser for Officer Patrick
outside of Moose County. There will be live music, a raffle and auction. All proceeds will go to the
Patrick family.
On September 29, 2014 the Sibley Girls Tennis program will be doing a park clean up at Rogers
Lake Park. This is a fundraiser for the program, and if anyone would like to make a donation
please send and make checks to Sibley High School and write girls tennis in the memo area.
Dakota County offering a Master Recycling program starting in mid-September. If anyone would
like to learn more about recycling please contact Dakota County.
Commission Comments
Commissioner Toth thought it was a good meeting and encouraged everyone to get out and enjoy
area high school football games.
Commissioner Levine thanked chair Hinderscheid for his list of projects and was glad the current
commission has a wide variety of expertise that everyone brings to the commission.
Commissioner Paper thanked staff for all their hard work and encouraged parents to take the online
surveys that were sent out by staff.
Commissioner Kipp thought it was an informative meeting and pleased to see positive changes at
the Par 3.
Chair Hinderscheid thought it was a good meeting and was excited to see how Footgolf takes off at
the Par 3
COMMISSIONER PAPER MADE A MOTION TO ADJOUN THE MEETING; COMMISSIONER
LEVINE SECONDED THE MOTION.
Ayes 5: Nays 0
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m. Respectfully Submitted by Sloan Wallgren
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