2015-01-13 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda PacketCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
AGENDA
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Tuesday January 13, 2015 - 6:30 P.M.
City Council Chambers
1. Roll Call
2. Approval of Agenda
3. Approval of the December 9, 2014 Minutes
4. Student Representative Update
5. Minnesota DNR Archery Grant
6. Ice Rink Update
7. Cross Country Ski Trail Update
8. Kensington Park Activity
9. Recreation Program Report
10. Par 3 Report
11. Announcements
12. Commission Comments
13. 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.
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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.
The gymnastics program started December 6th 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.
3
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
4
CITY OF
MENDOTA HEIGHTS
1101 Victoria Curve 1 Mendota Heights, MN 55118
651.452.1850 phone 1 651.452.8940 fax
www.mendota•heights.com
DATE: January 13, 2015
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Sloan Wallgren, Recreation Program Coordinator
SUBJECT: Parks & Recreation Commission Student Representative
Update
We had two individuals apply to be the student representative of the parks and recreation
commission. Both of the applicants are students at Henry Sibley High School, one male and one
female. The mayor and city council will be interviewing both candidates on February 3rd. The
individual selected would be expected to join our commission on February 10th
Required Action
No action required at this time.
5
CITY OF
MENDOTA HEIGHTS
1101 Victoria Curve 1 Mendota Heights, MN 55118
651.452.1850 phone 1 651.452.8940 fax
www.mendota-heIghts.com
DATE: January 13, 2015
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Sloan Wallgren, Recreation Program Coordinator
SUBJECT: Ice Rink Update
Update
The ice rinks and warming houses were opened on December 5, 2014. Due to warm temperatures
the warming houses and rinks were closed on December 7, 2014. We were able to reopen the rinks
and warming houses on December 30, 2014. The warming houses will remain open as long as
weather will permit. We close the warming houses when temperatures and wind chills fall
below zero. To determine the status of the warming houses residents can call our hotline at
651-255-1174.
Staff will provide usage reports at the February 10t meeting.
Currently the Sibley Area Youth Hockey has reservations at Marie Park Monday & Wednesday
evenings from 6:OOpm to 8:OOpm, Friendly Hills Park Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings
from 6:OOpm to 8:OOpm, and Wentworth Park on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:OOpm to
8:OOpm. These hours are posted at each of the 3 warming houses. The pleasure rink at all four
parks will be open to users all the time, with the exception of Friendly Hills Park for our Skating
Lesson program on Saturday mornings during the month of January
Required Action
No action required at this time.
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2014/2015 Rink Reservations
Park Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
W
E
N
T
W
0
R
T
H
6 — 8 p
Sibley Area
Hockey Assoc
6-8 pm
Sibley Area
Hockey Assoc.
6-8 pm
6-8pm
M
Sibley Area
Sibley Area
A
Hockey Assoc.
Hockey Assoc.
R
I
E
F
6-8 pm
6-8 pm
6-8 pm
Skating lessons
R.
Sibley Area
Sibley Area
Sibley Area
9 am —1 pm
Hockey Assoc.
Hockey Assoc.
Hockey Assoc.
Jan. 3 — Jan. 31
HI
L
L
(to Feb 7 if any
weather
cancelations)
S
Please let me know if you need any weekend times and any park. Sloan 651-255-1354 or 612-321-6225
CITY OF
MENDOTA HEIGHTS
1101 Victoria Curve 1 Mendota Heights, MN 55118
651.452.1850 phone 1 651.452.8940 fax
www.mendota-heights.com
DATE: January 13, 2015
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Sloan Wallgren, Recreation Program Coordinator
SUBJECT: DNR Archery Grant
Background
The Minnesota DNR is again offering matching grants up to $10,000 for the construction of archery ranges
in 2015. A couple months ago the commission discussed having an open house to gage the interest of an
archery range. If the commission still wishes to have an open house at a future date to discuss the archery
range, we would need to include the date and time of the open house in the next issue of the Heights
Highlights in order to advertise a meeting in April or May. The deadline for submitting the grant is August
31, 2015.
Budget Impact
Funds for this project would come from the Special Parks Fund.
Action Required
If the commission still wishes to hold an open house to gage the public's interest in the building of an
archery range in the city, please pass a motion directing staff to advertise the meeting including the date
and time of the meeting.
8
CITY OF
MENDOTA HEIGHTS
1101 Victoria Curve 1 Mendota Heights, MN 55118
651.452.1850 phone 1 651.452.8940 fax
www.mendota-heIghts.com
DATE: January 13, 2015
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Sloan Wallgren, Recreation Program Coordinator
SUBJECT: Cross Country Ski Trail
Update
The cross country ski trail was groomed out at the Par 3 on December 31St. We created a 2 mile
loop and 1 mile loop. The clubhouse will remain open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:OOam
to 3:OOpm. The clubhouse will be open for people to use the restrooms, warm up, change boots or
purchase a beverage or snack. We did have several people out the first weekend to take advantage
of the trail and the open clubhouse. A banner will be put up that indicates the hours of operation.
We will groom the trail again when temperatures are warmer and there is more snow. It is our
goal to groom the trail once every 7-10 days.
Staff is excited about additional opportunities for our new winter recreation area. We could rent
out snowshoes or fat tire bikes at the clubhouse to use on or around the golf course. A set of
snowshoes complete with poles and a storage bag cost $50-$75, and a less expensive fat tire bike
would run $150-$250. Staff will provide examples of the equipment at the meeting on January
13, 2015.
Budget Impact
There is room in the Recreation Budget to purchase roughly $2,000 worth of equipment and
supplies.
Required Action
If the commission wishes to offer new equipment for rent at the clubhouse, please make a motion
for staff to purchase the equipment as soon as possible.
9
CITY OF
MENDOTA HEIGHTS
1101 Victoria Curve 1 Mendota Heights, MN 55118
651.452.1850 phone 1 651.452.8940 fax
www.mendota-heights.com
DATE: January 13, 2015
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Sloan Wallgren, Recreation Program Coordinator
SUBJECT: Kensington Park Activity
Update
This past summer and fall city staff received some complaints from residents in the Kensington
neighborhood in regards to the amount of additional traffic and parking in the area. The residents
are concerned with the increased noise, traffic and amount of cars parked on the streets associated
with the soccer groups using the fields at Kensington Park.
During the spring and summer Sundays are very busy at the park. Groups of adults rent the fields
and play soccer from 8:OOam to 8:OOpm. One large group of adults uses the fields from 8:OOam to
5:OOpm then another adult group uses the fields from 5:30pm to 8:OOpm. During the weekdays
the Sibley Sting Youth Traveling Soccer and Mendota Heights Athletics Association Lacrosse use
the fields, but the traffic during the week is slower.
During the fall the Mendota Heights Athletic Association uses the fields Monday through
Thursday from 5:30pm to 8:OOpm and Saturdays from 8:00 am to 6:OOpm. Over the past three
years the soccer association has grown from 250 participants to nearly 600 participants. The soccer
association primarily uses Kensington Park fields and Friendly Hills Middle School fields.
Some things that residents are asking for are no parking on the streets and reduced times for the
soccer groups.
Required Action
No action required at this time. The city council will be discussing this issue on February 3, 2015.
10
CITY OF
MENDOTA HEIGHTS
1101 Victoria Curve 1 Mendota Heights, MN 55118
651.452.1850 phone 1 651.452.8940 fax
www.mendota-heights.com
DATE: January 13, 2015
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Sloan Wallgren, Recreation Program Coordinator
SUBJECT: Recreation Program Report
Update
We will be offering our usual popular programs such as: adult softball, skateboard camps, tennis
camps, playground program and field trips for youth ages 7-12. More information about these
program will be available in the next issue of the Heights Highlights that will be delivered to homes
at the end of February. Registration for summer programs will begin March 17, 2015.
Upcoming Field Trips
March 30- Field Trip Bowling & Swimming in South St. Paul
March 31- Field Trip Skyzone & Cinema Cafe
April 9- Disney on Ice Frozen
Skating Lesson Program
Our skating lesson program is taking place at Friendly Hills Park on Saturday mornings during the
month of January. We have 25 kids registered for one of our five classes offered. If anyone still
wants to participate we have space in some of the classes, please contact city hall for more
information.
New Programs
Staff has been busy this winter planning and scheduling some new exciting programs. Below is a
list of new programs that we will offer this summer:
Teen Tuesdays- Teens are a very tough age group to program for. This upcoming summer we will
be offering 4-6 trips that are geared towards teens. The trips will be offered on Tuesdays. Some
of the trips that we have planned are: Valleyfair, Kayak/Canoe on the Kinnickinnic River, Zip Line
Tour in Henderson, Twins/Saints Game and waterpark/beach trips.
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Senior Programs -We are working with the ISD 196 Community Education and Dakota County
to offer activities for seniors in Mendota Heights. We are still working out the details, but our
plan is to offer 2-3 programs this summer, 4 in the fall, then many more activities as the program
grows. We are working to find a place in the city where senior can come weekly to play
games such as cribbage and 500. We are also working on starting a book club that would meet
monthly to discuss a new book each month. A week or two after we have discuss the book, we
will plan an activity related to the book such as photography, fly fishing or canoeing.
Theatre Camp- We working with Eagan Theatre Company to offer three camps this summer. We
are planning on hosting three camps at Sibley High School. The camps will be full day camps
for two consecutive weeks. The fee will be $225 per student which includes breakfast and lunch
each day. The camps will be for youth ages 8-14.
Science & Technology Camps- We are trying to partner with Youth Tech to offer 3 classes this
summer. The programs will be for youth ages 7-14. Some of the classes that they offer are: Multi -
Media Adventures, Robotics, Gaming Adventures and Gaming Design. We would offer these
classes at one of the area schools.
Youth Sports Camps- We are working with Skyhwaks to offer 4 camps this summer Each camp
will be Monday -Friday from 9:OOam to noon. The costs of the camps are $99 each. We
plan on offering a Mini Hawk Camp for ages 4-7(which is a multi -sport camp), a Flag Football
Camp for youth ages 6-12, a Basketball Camp for youth ages 6-12 and a Soccer Camp for youth
Ages 6-12. The Mini Hawk Camp and the Basketball Camp would take place in June and the
Flag Football Camp and Soccer Camp would take place at the end of July. We are trying to hold
these camps at Mendota Elementary, Sibley High School and/or Kensington Park.
Travel Recreation Program- Some families can't provide transportation to programs or can't
commit to a week long programs. Many parents still would like an organized program that is
close to their homes. The goal of the Traveling Recreation program is to promote exercise and
our parks by getting kids to some of the smaller local parks and playing outside. There would be
no charge for the program. We could play many games such as Frisbee, whiffle ball, soccer,
tennis, basketball, tag, fishing, volleyball there are so many options. We already have many
of the supplies all we would have to do is advertise and hire two staff to run the programs.
Below is an example of how the week would look:
* * For activities at Rogers Lake we would offer all equipment and bait for fishing, volleyballs &
basketball, badminton and I would like to purchase several kayaks.
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Monday
Wednesday
Friday
10:00-11:30
Marie Park
Friendly Hills Park
11:30-12:30
Lunch at Sibley HS
Lunch at Sibley HS
12:30-2:00
Kensington Park
Wentworth Park
10:00-2:00
Rogers Lake Park
* * For activities at Rogers Lake we would offer all equipment and bait for fishing, volleyballs &
basketball, badminton and I would like to purchase several kayaks.
12
CITY OF
MENDOTA HEIGHTS
1101 Victoria Curve 1 Mendota Heights, MN 55118
651.452.1850 phone 1 651.452.8940 fax
www.mendota•heights.com
DATE: January 13, 2014
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Sloan Wallgren, Recreation Program Coordinator
SUBJECT: Par 3 Update
Update
During this winter staff has been working on bring two new groups out to the Par 3. One group is
local athletes that will be participating in the Special Olympics. The athletes need a place to
practice and play, our course would be perfect for the athletes. The second group that will be new
to the Par 3 this summer is a group of local Veterans that are legally blind. Each golfer will bring
a spotter with them to help them find their golf ball.
As of now staff is planning on having our Spring Golf Swap on Saturday, May 9th
Maintenance Update
Our city staff will be preforming the typical spring maintenance on our equipment during the
month of March. Some pieces of equipment have to be specially serviced, so we have partnered
with a local course to provide this service. During December we noticed some damage to the golf
course caused by moles. We will fix the damage and deal with the villains in the spring.
Staff will begin to get bids for the concreate work to be done around the clubhouse in March. The
plan would be to have the work done before June.
Budget
Total sales for the month of December were $1,336 and total expenses were $7,461. Total sales
for the year through December are $138,322 and expenses are $133,139 resulting in a net profit of
$5,183 for the 2014 season.
MENDOTA HEIGHTS PAR 3
BUDGET TO ACTUAL REPORT
December 2014 (100% OF YEAR)
REVENUES DECEMBER YTD YTD
BUDGET 2014 2014 %
GREENS, LEAGUE & TOURN FEES $105,000 $996 $83,624 79.64%
RECREATION PROGRAMS $35,000 $0 $37,328 106.65%
CONCESSIONS $21,000 $339 $17,257 82.18%
SUNDRY REVENUE $100 $0 $113 113.00%
INTEREST $250 $0 $0 0.00%
CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS $0 $0 $0 0.00%
PAR 3 FUND REVENUE TOTAL $161,350 $1,336 $138,322 85.73%
EXPENDITURES DECEMBER YTD YTD
BUDGET 2014 2014 %
CLUBHOUSE SALARIES $32,700 $0 $24,100 73.70%
ADMINISTRATIVE SALARIES $24,021 $1,877 $23,975 99.81%
FICA/PERA $8,844 $273 $7,241 81.88%
MEDICAL INSURANCE $7,144 $490 $5,876 82.25%
U/E & W/C INSURANCE $6,100 $0 $1,223 20.05%
RENTALS $1,500 $61 $2,583 172.23%
UTILITIES $9,800 $587 $10,377 105.89%
PROFESSIONAL FEES - AUDIT $2,425 $0 $2,425 100.00%
PROF FEES - CONSULTING FEES $900 $0 $1,520 168.86%
PROF FEES - GROUNDS MGMT $8,000 $0 $6,000 75.00%
PROF FEES - GROUNDS WAGES $18,000 $58 $13,398 74.44%
PROF FEES - TREE MAINTENANCE $500 $0 $0 0.00%
ADVERTISING/NEWSLETTER $600 $104 $413 68.86%
LIABILITY/AUTO INSURANCE $3,450 -$554 $2,688 77.92%
OPERATING COSTS/SUPPLIES $7,200 $22 $6,008 83.45%
FUEL $2,000 $0 $1,735 86.73%
REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE $15,000 $4,544 $16,803 112.02%
SUNDRY/DUES/MILEAGE/CLOTHING $1,700 $0 $2,339 137.59%
CONTINGENCY $0 $0 $1,760 0.00%
ONLINE REG & CREDIT CARD FEES $2,750 $0 $2,675 97.27%
PAR 3 EXPENDITURES TOTAL
$152,634 $7,461 $133,139 87.23%
MENDOTA HEIGHTS PAR 3
BUDGET TO ACTUAL REPORT
December 2013 AND 2014
REVENUES
DEC
DEC
YTD
YTD
2013
2014
2013
2014
GREENS, LEAGUE, TOURNAMENT FEES
$1,379
$996
$93,263
$83,624
RECREATION PROGRAMS
$0
$0
$30,920
$37,328
CONCESSIONS
$518
$339
$19,773
$17,257
SUNDRY REVENUE
$0
$0
$27
$113
INTEREST
$0
$0
$0
$0
CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS
$0
$0
$0
$0
PAR 3 FUND REVENUE TOTAL
$1,897
$1,336
$143,983
$138,322
EXPENDITURES
CLUBHOUSE SALARIES
$51
$0
$27,086
$24,100
ADMINISTRATIVE SALARIES
$1,745
$1,877
$22,482
$23,975
FICA/PERA
$258
$273
$7,509
$7,241
MEDICAL INSURANCE
$428
$490
$5,225
$5,876
U/E & W/C INSURANCE
$0
$0
$4,361
$1,223
RENTALS
$0
$61
$1,424
$2,583
UTILITIES
$1,130
$587
$9,047
$10,377
PROFESSIONAL FEES -AUDIT
$0
$0
$2,390
$2,425
PROF FEES -CONSULTING FEES
$0
$0
$402
$1,520
PROF FEES -GROUNDS MGMT
$0
$0
$6,000
$6,000
PROF FEES -GROUNDS WAGES
$28
$58
$13,460
$13,398
PROF -FEES -TREE MAINTENANCE
$0
$0
$0
$0
ADVERTISING/NEWSLETTER
$0
$104
$295
$413
LIABILITY/AUTO INSURANCE
`'-`
$3,249
$2,688
OPERATING COSTS/SUPPLIES
$61
$22
$5,309
$6,008
FUEL
$0
$0
$2,147
$1,735
REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE
$818
$4,544
$14,926
$16,803
SUNDRY/DUES/MILEAGE/CLOTHING
$0
$0
$2,096
$2,339
CAPITAL OUTLAY
$0
$0
$0
$0
ONLINE REG & CREDIT CARD FEES
$33
$0
$2,531
$2,675
CONTINGENCY
$2,618
$0
$3,955
$1,760
PAR 3 EXPENDITUES TOTAL
$7,087
$7,461
$133,894
$133,139