2014-10-14 Parks and Rec Comm MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING
October 14, 2014
The October meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on
Tuesday, October 14, 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, Jack Evans and David Miller. 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 EVANS SECONDED THE MOTION.
AYES 6: NAYS 0
Approval of Minutes of September 9, 2014
COMMISSIONER LEVINE MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES;
COMMISSIONER PAPER SECONDED THE MOTION.
AYES 6: NAYS 0
Marie Park Hockey Rink Update
Mr. Wallgren updated the commission on the status of the Marie Park Hockey Area. The hockey
rink was paved this week and the boards would be installed very soon.
Commissioner Paper noted that there was a puddle near the center of the rink and asked if that
would be fixed. Mr. Wallgren said the puddles would be addressed.
Mr. Wallgren noted that as of now the city was not planning on painting the surface, but if
necessary the area would be painted in the spring.
Park Bench Donation
Mr. Wallgren informed the commission that there is a process in place to donate a bench in a park.
The amount of $1,000 is required to donate a bench. The location of the bench must be approved
by the commission and council. Mr. Wallgren noted that he city supplies the concreate slab for the
bench and the labor to install it.
Commissioner Miller asked if there was list of places identified where benches were needed. Mr.
Wallgren said not at this time, but that would be a good list to start.
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Recreation Program Survey Results
Mr. Wallgren presented survey results from summer programs. Staff sent surveys to participants in the
tennis program, playground program, junior golf league and junior golf camps. We received a 25-30%
response from parents.
Mr. Wallgren stated that staff was able to learn some important information from the surveys. There
are staffing issues that need to be addressed at the golf course and tennis program. Also we will be
expanding and adding programs based off the feedback from parents.
Recreation Programming Report
Mr. Wallgren informed the commission that there are two field trips later this week for youth
during MEA break. Also staff has added four field trips during winter break and one more in
January during a non -school day.
Mr. Wallgren announced that the city will soon be hiring Warming House Attendants, and if
anyone knew or reliable youth that are looking for a winter job to please have them contact city
hall.
The city will be hosting the annual Halloween Bonfire on Friday, October 31, 2014 from 7:OOpm to
10:OOpm. Residents can begin to drop off brush on Saturday, October 25, 2014.
Archery Range
At the last parks and recreation commission meeting the idea of offering an archery program was
mentioned. Mr. Wallgren did some research and found that that our current city ordinance does not
allow for the shooting of bows in the city, with the exception of a city authorized deer hunt or a
special permit issued for target practice.
Mr. Wallgren informed the commission that Friendly Marsh Park was used as an archery range in
the past. Staff removed the targets years ago because people were vandalizing them.
Staff contacted the city of Eagan and Dakota County to inquire about their archery ranges. The city
of Eagan has a small range at one of their parks with four targets and it is free for people to use.
Eagan city staff said that the busy time of year is from Labor Day to Thanksgiving. Dakota County
offers a range at Spring Lake Park. The range is $5 to use or $30 for an annual pass, the county
generates about $8,000 from the sales of passes.
Mr. Wallgren informed the commission that the Minnesota DNR offers a grant that would match
funds from $2,500-$10,000 for archery ranges to be built. The grants are due at the end of the
summer 2015.
The commission discussed the idea and thought it an interesting idea, but would like to get
feedback from residents. The commission suggested including something about the archery range
in the February issue of the Heights Highlights asking for public feedback at a future meeting.
Par 3 Report
Mr. Wallgren informed the commission the cities of Mendota Heights and West St. Paul worked
together to offer a golf event on Saturday, September 27, 2014. There were 40 players that played a
round of golf at each course then had lunch and prizes at the Par 3.
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The popularity of Footgolf has been growing. In the month of September the course collected over
$300 in revenue from Footgolf. An article was feature in the Pioneer Press on October 11, 2014
and the phone has been ring off the hook with interest in the new sport.
Mr. Wallgren announced that fall maintenance was done to the greens and that the irrigations
system would be serviced for the season before the end of the month.
Total sales for the month of September were $15,450 are expenses were $14,380. Total sales for the
year through September are $130,834 and expenses are $107,817 resulting in a net revenue of
$23,017. The golf course in on track to have a yearend net revenue of around $5,000 to $8,000.
Dog Park
Chair Hinderscheid wanted to if there has been any progress on building a dog park.
Mr. Wallgren replied that as of now the city council has not given staff any direction regarding the
dog park.
The commission briefly discussed the issue. There was a sense that some of the commission would
like to see a site selected for a dog park. The commission talked about the feedback that was given
from residents at the May meeting. Many of the residents at the meeting wanted to see a dog park
large than one or two acres.
Mr. Wallgren suggested that if members of the commission wanted the city council to readdress the
issue they should do so outside of the parks and recreation commission meeting.
Parks Projects
Chair Hinderscheid distributed a log of current and future park projects. The commission discussed
the projects. Many of the trail projects on the list would be complete by the end of the season.
Staff noted that the Special Parks Fund currently has around $130,000.
Announcements
Mr. Wallgren announced that the Halloween Bonfire would be held from 7:OOpm to 10:OOpm on
October 31, 2014. Residents can begin to drop of brush on Saturday October 25, 2014.
Mr. Wallgren also wanted to acknowledge the Mendota Heights Athletic Association for all of their
hard work.
Commission Comments
Commissioner Miller thought it was a good meeting and thanked staff for their work.
Commissioner Levine encouraged everyone to get outdoor and enjoy our beautiful green spaces.
Commissioner Paper thanked staff and enjoyed seeing the survey results.
Commissioner Kipp thought it was a good meeting.
Commissioner Evans thought it was a good meeting and said that he had missed the last two
meeting because he and his wife had this first child.
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Chair Hinderscheid thought it was a good meeting and was glad to hear our tennis program is one
of the biggest in the metro. Chair Hinderscheid would also like to see some movement forward in
the dog park issue.
COMMISSIONER PAPER MADE A MOTION TO ADJOUN THE MEETING; COMMISSIONER
EVANS SECONDED THE MOTION.
Ayes 6: Nays 0
The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m. Respectfully Submitted by Sloan Wallgren
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MH Parks and Recreation Commission 10-14-2014 Page