2012-09-11 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda Packet
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
AGENDA
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Tuesday, September 11, 2012 – 6:30 P.M.
City Council Chambers
1. Roll Call
2. Approval of Agenda
3. Approval of the July 10, 2012 Minutes
4. Recreation Programmer’s Update
5. Par 3 Update
6. Discussion of Topics for Future Meetings
7. Commission Comments
8. 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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MH Parks and Recreation Commission 7-10-2012 Page 1
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING
July 10, 2012
The July meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on
Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve.
Chair Levine called to order the parks and recreation commission meeting at 6:31 p.m. The
following commissioners were present: Chair Stephanie Levine, Commissioners Mary McGrory-
Ussett, Ira Kipp, David Miller, Mike Toth and Pat Hinderscheid. Staff present: Assistant to the
City Administrator Jake Sedlacek, Recreation Programmer Teresa Gangelhoff and City
Engineer/Public Works Director John Mazzitello.
Approval of the Agenda
COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE AGENDA;
COMMISSIONER MCGRORY-USSETT SECONDED THE MOTION.
AYES 6: NAYS 0
Approval of Minutes of May 8, 2012
COMMISSIONER HINDERSCHEID MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES OF THE
MAY 8, 2012 MEETING; COMMISSIONER MCGRORY-USSETT SECONDED THE
MOTION.
AYES 6: NAYS 0
Approval of Minutes of June 4, 2012
COMMISSIONER HINDERSCHEID MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES OF THE
JUNE 4, 2012 MEETING; COMMISSIONER TOTH SECONDED THE MOTION.
AYES 6: NAYS 0
Recreation Programmer Update
Ms. Gangelhoff reviewed the programmer’s report which was provided at the meeting. Special
attention was drawn to the Cliff Timm Fishing Derby, as staff and the commission wanted to
recognize Gander Mountain for sponsoring the event, Fischerville Coffee Shop for provided cool
beverages on a hot evening. The Cliff Timm Memorial Trust Fund continues to be the biggest
supporter of the fishing derby
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The commission asked staff to provide more emphasis on learn-to-swim programs available to
residents.
Trail System Update
Mr. Mazzitello reviewed the memo provided to the commission, noting that the City of Mendota
Heights has a higher percentage of trails compared to total roadway than most cities. The
commission had several questions about specific trail segments and funding opportunities.
Specific areas discussed included the intersection at Dodd and 110, Dodd Avenue trail between
110 and Marie Ave, as well as Marie Ave. up to Wentworth Ave. The Eugenia Ave unused right
of way, Valley Park Trail and opportunities to access Dodge Nature Center Properties were also
discussed.
Mr. Mazzitello reported that engineering staff hopes to have a draft Trail Improvement Program
for review this fall/winter. This plan will detail short and long term priorities for maintaining
and improving the trail system, to assist with budgeting and grant seeking. Without taking
formal action, the commission committed to keeping a close eye on trail system issues and
forwarding that information to staff for planning purposes.
No commission action was necessary
Par 3 Update
Mr. Sedlacek provided the June 2012 update for the Par 3 golf course. Agenda materials
included the 2012 Pro-Forma showing projections for revenues and expenditures, and a
comparison of June 2012 to June 2011. The course made a profit of just under $10,000 for the
month of June, staff is cautiously optimistic – the months of June, July and August should see
revenues higher than expenditures. Staff continues to keep a close eye on expenses, including
maintenance and clubhouse staff costs.
Upcoming summer events were reviewed, including the new Sr. Golf League on Friday
mornings, and a lunch special aimed at working professionals.
Storm damage at the Par 3 includes the loss of two mature trees and damage to the roof of the
clubhouse. The losses will be covered in some part by insurance, but staff is not certain what the
deductible will be.
No commission action was necessary
August Meeting
The regular meeting date for the August 2012 parks and recreation commission meeting falls on
the day of the Minnesota Primary Election. The commission discussed whether to push the start
time back to 8:00 p.m., to change dates or cancel the meeting altogether. Staff reported that
there are no items anticipated to require a decision by the commission for the August meeting.
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The consensus of the commission was to request that city council cancel the regularly scheduled
meeting.
Commission Comments
The commission asked for an update on the issue of electric motors on Rogers Lake. Mr.
Mazzitello provided information on the request that has been received by council, to allow
electric motors on the southern portion of Rogers Lake. The commission expressed concern that
motors may have a negative impact on water quality and that there is no good place to launch a
boat for the general public.
Chair Levine provided a reminder about the Night to Unite, which is scheduled for Tuesday,
August 7, 2012. If residents would like to register their party with the city, they can find contact
information for Officer Denise Urmann. Public safety staff will do their best to visit each party
which invites them.
Mr. Mazzitello reported that the curbside clean-up from the June storms was completed. Crews
from public works have been through the entire city. A contractor will be on site this week with
a tub grinder to remove debris from Mendakota Park. Neighbors to the park will be sent notice
of the projected hours of operation, as the grinder will be quite noisy. The contractor will be
removing all woodchips, which was a factor in the favorable bid received for grinding.
Adjourn
COMMISSIONER MCGRORY-USSETT MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN THE
MEETING; COMMISSIONER HINDERSCHEID SECONDED THE MOTION.
AYES 6: NAYS 0
The meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted by Jake Sedlacek
Parks and Recreation Comm. 9-11-2012, Page 4
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
MEMORANDUM
Date: SEPTEMBER 11, 2012
To: PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
From: TERESA GANGELHOFF
RE: AUGUST/SEPTEMBER PARK AND RECREATION REPORT
Safety Camp
Safety Camp celebrated 21 years this summer. This year’s camp was held August 7, 8, 9th
at Kaposia Park in South Saint Paul. This program includes topics like stranger, weather,
animal and home safety along with first-aid, drug awareness and much more. Our MHFD
and MHPD also assisted park and rec as camp instructors.
A total of 43 kids from Mendota Heights attended Safety camp. This camp is co-sponsored
with SSP and WSP Parks and Rec and SSP VFW Post 295.
55+Programs
MH Park and Rec works with and promotes the Northern Dakota County-TPAC
programming for our area seniors. For more info on 55 plus activities please visit Thompson
Park Activity Center’s website at www.comed.isd197.org or stop in the center in West Saint
Paul at Butler and Stassen Avenue.
Fall and Winter Schools Out Youth Trips
We provide chaperoned youth trips on days kids are out of school.
October 18: Bunker Hills Horseback Riding and Hayride - $36.
December 27: Bowling, Lunch and a Movie - $26.
Gymnastics
Sibley Gymnastics team will again offer gymnastics for Mendota Heights youth this fall on
Saturdays at Henry Sibley High School starts Dec. 1st for 10 weeks.
Learn to Skate
Outdoor skating lessons will be held at Friendly Hills in January/February for 5 weeks. Fee is
35.00 and children register for classes according to ability. Our instructor Alexandra will
return again for the 2013 season.
Registration Information
Online information: Revtrak our online registration system is available on our city website.
Here you may pay with a credit or debit card for all our activities. We will also take
registrations in person at City Hall by check/cash or debit/credit cards. We prefer that people
register on-line if possible. We no longer accept mail in registrations.
All registration and program information is available on our city website at www.mendota-
heights.com.
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School Flyer and Heights Highlights
The school flyer for fall programming will go out to local schools the second week of
September with another one to follow in December. The next edition of Heights Highlights
due in October will also have all fall and winter activities listed.
Ice Rink Season is just around the Corner!
We will be hiring the 2012/2013 rink attendants this month. More information will be on our
website in the next few weeks for those interested in applying. We have set a tentative
opening date for the rinks weather permitting December 15th.
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Page 1 of 1
DATE: September 11, 2012
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission, Mayor and City Council
FROM: Jake Sedlacek, Assistant to the City Administrator
SUBJECT: Par 3 Update – August 2012
BACKGROUND
The Par 3 Golf Course finished the month of August 2012 with expenditures slightly ahead of
revenues, bringing net revenue to just over $6,000.
Included in August 2012 expenditures is $1,680 for storm damage related to the June 19, 2012
storm. Also included are third payrolls for administrative and clubhouse staff. This is a factor of
how the calendar falls. The third payroll makes personnel costs for the month appear high, these
expenses remain on-budget for the year.
Course revenues year-to-date are up, with a nice increase in walk-up fees offsetting lower than
anticipated recreation program revenue.
SEASON WRAP-UP
As we near the end of the season, the Clubhouse Manager Jen Zweber and I have a number of
important tasks. This includes revisiting program offerings, the marketing plan, concessions
offerings, promotions, staffing and more. Ms. Zweber has implemented several new ideas and
has a number of ideas to enhance revenues.
After the Labor Day weekend, the course opens later in the mornings; the course stays open until
sunset. The clubhouse manager has been authorized to close the clubhouse depending upon
traffic and weather conditions.
MAINTENANCE UPDATE
Maintenance staff is responding to Japanese Beetles in the fairways, and Dollar Spot on the
greens. Both issues are common for golf courses; staff is well prepared to minimize their impact.
BUDGET IMPACT
The attached monthly expenditure report shows revenues and expenditures through the end of
August. The course has taken in $128,325 in revenues; expenditures for this period total
$122,194. This results in net revenue over expenditure of $6,129 year to date.
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