2010-09-14 Parks and Rec Comm MinutesApproved
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING
September 14, 2010
The September 2010 meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on
Tuesday, September 14, 2010, in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve. The
meeting was called to order at 6:30 P.M.
The following Commissioners were present, Chair Ray Morris, Commissioners Michael Toth and
Steve Commers. Commissioner Kraus and Levine were excused. Absent was Commissioner Miller.
Staff present: Jake Sedlacek, Assistant to the City Administrator, Teresa Gangelhoff, Parks and
Recreation Programmer, and Nancy Bauer, Recording Secretary.
Chair Morris announced there was no quorum present so no actions could take place but discussions
could be held.
Parks and Recreation Report
Ms. Gangelhoff reported a summary sheet of the parks celebration was handed out to the
commissioners for their records.
Safety Camp was successful again this year. For the three days of camp there were 131 kids that
attended safety camp, 54 of the kids were from Mendota Heights.
The fishing derby was canceled because of severe weather earlier in the day. It is being considered
to move the fishing derby to the fall.
Skate Camp had 12 participants and was ran by Third lair.
The tennis program held 160 kids and the two travel teams went undefeated this summer.
The summer playground had 315 kids over the six weeks it was held. The fishing week was the most
popular and was held twice.
Softball ended on July 26, 2010.
The school flyer will be going out next week.
Gymnastics will be this fall on Saturday's at Henry Sibley High School.
Skating lessons will be starting in January and are popular. If classes fill up call City Hall to be put
on a waiting list and more classes will be added as needed. Applications are now being accepted for
rink flooders and rink attendants.
The city is being swamped with park permits for soccer fields. The school district has implemented a
new fee for users. There is concern with the many requests for soccer permits and over use of the
fields in Mendota Heights.
Page- 1 9/14/10
Approved
The field trips are horseback riding and a hayride on Thursday, October 21, 2010 the cost is $36.00.
It is limited to 15 participants. There is aback up plan in case of rain. On December 28, 2010 the
trip is bowling, lunch and movie. The cost is $26.00 and will be on Tuesday, December 28, 2010.
Chair Morris asked if the trips are listed on the website?
Ms. Gangelhoff said they will be. They will be in the Heights Hilites and on the school flyer.
Commissioner Toth asked if this is the first year the school district is charging for fields?
Ms. Gangelhoff said it is the first time they started charging fees for their fields. There are no soccer
permits issued this year from the school district. West St. Paul also said no to soccer field use too.
Commissioner Toth asked if other districts charge for soccer field use?
Ms. Gangelhoff responded districts do charge and some do not charge for permits.
Mr. Sedlacek remarked that soccer field permits were a problem a couple of years ago. Sting is a
popular organization and a majority of the participants are Mendota Heights youth. There are not
enough fields. The need is greater than the facilities, but we are looking at meeting their needs.
Commissioner Commers asked if there are any solutions?
Mr. Sedlacek said the city is trying to form a policy for soccer field use. The fields do need rest. It is
hard to find a solution.
Commissioner Commers asked if the outfields at Wentworth Parlc, Ivy Park, and Valley Park could
they be used for soccer practice e
Ms. Gangelhoff said many are used for flag football by Mendota Heights Athletic Association.
Mr. Sedlacek said Victoria Highlands is being used for soccer practice.
2010 Parks Celebration After Action Report
Mr. Sedlacek reported that the 2010 parks celebration was held on June 5, 2010 from 12:00 p.m, to
3:00 p.m. It was the second year in a row that was wet and rainy with less than 300 people attending.
There was a petting zoo, face painting, two bands, tennis block party, bike rodeo and fire truck rides.
$4,597.17 was spent on the parks celebration in 2010. There was an excess of funds from last year
so no solicitation of sponsorship for funds was done this year. Some funds did come in for 2010.
There is a balance of $6,991 in the account with enough money for one more celebration.
It is too much for one person to organize because of the size of the event. Mr. Sedlacek proposed
bringing down the scope of the event, and has worked out a draft planning worksheet for next year.
The structure of the event is in place. Also, June is a very busy time for Ms. Gangelhoff.
Ms. Gangelhoff responded it is a very busy time for her working part time. She has talked with some
fireman and asked about moving the celebration to be held in conjunction with the Fire Department
Page - 2 9/14/t0
Approved
Open House in October. The topic will be brought up at their meeting. It could be changed to a fall
festival.
Chair Morris said the weather would be less hit or miss that time of year.
Ms. Gangelhoff said it could be planned with cool weather activities in mind.
Chair Morris said it sounded like a good idea. No formal action can be taken on it tonight because of
the lack of a quorum. Bad weather has happened more than once on this event. June is pretty a hit or
miss for weather. It is generally drier in the fall.
Commissioner Commers said it is definitely something to look at.
Chair Morris said especially to look at your time commitments and if the time is crushing for you.
Chair Toth said with the ball tournament parking is hampered.
Chair Morris said this would be discussed at the October meeting.
Chair Morris asked if there would be unofficial minutes of this meeting?
Mr. Sedlacek said there would be.
Iw Falls Outdoor Skating Rink
Mr. Sedlacek said that Ivy Falls had an outdoor skating rink for many years, but it was closed due to
low use and poor soil conditions.
The neighborhood requested a skating rink last year and ice was put down. The sheet of ice got a lot
of use last year with a homemade lighting system. Residents again requested a skating rink for this
year with a bigger sheet of ice and lighting.
Mr. Blum from Public Works has reported that the ice got a lot of use last year. Expanding the ice
would not be a big cost. The ice could be moved 30 feet to the east. A small tree would have to
moved along with a berm. Lighting would cost about $5,000 and was put in the 2011 budget.
Mike Ohmes, 1022 Brompton Place, said Mr. Sedlacek summarized the request very nicely. Thank
you for all the help last year, the ice did get a lot of use. The sheet of ice could be bigger and light
would be nice. It gets dark early and the lack of light limited the use of the ice in the evening. We
were grateful for the rink last year but if made bigger would be a useful amenity to the neighborhood.
Bill Rascher, 613 Kirchner Avenue, said thank you for the consideration you gave us last year. The
rink was well used last year, his two kids were two of the top users. All the kids enjoyed using it.
Lights would be helpful and the ice would get used more often. A bigger sheet of ice would be good
because the rink filled up fast last year. The first time it was plowed the boundaries were set and it
could have been plowed wider. The berm was great for holding the ice in place. Thanks again for
considering the request and getting it done last year.
Alicia McMonigal, 1003 Chippewa, said she was grateful the rink was there last year. She hopes it
gets made bigger this year and a light added. A lot of kids did use the rink last year.
Page - 3 9/14/10
Approved
Jacob McMonigal, 1003 Chippewa, said he and his brother Joey used the rink a lot last year. His
mother would shine her headlights on the ice so they could use it in the dark.
Chair Morris asked what he did at the skating rink?
Jacob responded he played hockey.
Commissioner Morris asked if there were enough kids to play a pick up game?
Jacob responded yes.
Chair Morris asked if he brought goals?
Mr. Ohmes responded the city set up goals.
Commissioner Commers said someone even brought benches to the rink.
Commissioner Commers asked if the light is in the 2011 budget would it be installed in 201 1?
Mr. Sedlacek said he could look in the budget for this year and see if there is money to install the
light this year.
Chair Morris said he would support a light at Ivy Falls Park.
Commissioner Commers said a light has been talked about and would be used in the summer for
safety reasons also.
Commissioner Toth said the light should be considered when there are more members of the
commission present and that it should be adequately lit.
Chair Morris said it is a modest cost compared to other items brought before the Parks Commission.
We can not act on the request tonight. Council seems receptive to the idea of the skating rink.
Mr. Sedlacek responded the City Council was in support of the skating rink last year but not the light.
Chair Morris said the City Council would need to approve the expenditure for the light.
Commissioner Toth asked if the light expenditure would come out of the Park and Recreation Budget
or City Budget.
Mr. Sedlacek said he believes it is a maintenance item that would come out of the city budget.
Chair Morris thanked the families that came to the meeting. It is a good chance for kids to burn off
calories. There is support from the Commission for the skating rink and light.
Capital Improvement PlanninE
Chair Morris tabled the issue until the October meeting.
Page
Approved
Par 3 Update
Mr. Sedlacek reported that August was a profitable month. August showed a net revenue of $8,603.
The maintenance contract is caught up. Course conditions were great for growing grass and turf and
also good for insects and disease. More chemicals were used than anticipated. Total revenues are
$37,168. There were $12,500 in recreation programs. There were $1,500 in pop sales for August.
Cost of sales was $259028 that includes salaries. The contract is $11,982 and is up-to-date.
Maintenance costs are now coming down. Overhead expenses are $3,500 for accounting time, legal,
insurance and advertising.
Anticipated revenue for the end of year is $8,440 if things keep on pace. September is shaping up to
be a good month. Fall playing conditions should be the best ever. The tees had a full fall treatment.
There are two fall specials — on Sunday nights children golf free with an adult. Also, you get a
second round is free after paying for one round of golf.
Commissioner Morris asked if the Greens Committee had any thoughts or changes for next year?
Or. Sedlacek said the Greens Committee last met at the beginning of the year.
Commissioner Morris asked if we are looking for people to sign up for the Greens Committee?
Mr. Sedlacek responded yes and they could email lovetheparks@mendota-heights.com if they are
interested.
Project Updates
Mr. Sedlacek reported that the Mendakota Park Tot Lot was approved by the City Council and will
be installed at the end of September. Commissioner Levine asked that the monkey bars be kept.
Monkey bars are at a low height and they are hard to find in the Twin Cities. The monkey bars will
be installed in another park.
Chair Morris
asked if they
were
up to code.
Or. Sedlacek
said yes, but
they
need to be repainted
Staff hoped to have a gap analysis of the trail system for this meeting but it is not ready for
presentation.
Restoration work continues at the Pilot Knob site. An overlay has been made to the trail and
interpretive signs are up. Funding is being maintained in 2011. Great River Greening will have a
celebration at the Pilot Knob site this fall.
The website is being updated and launched tentatively on October 2, 1010.
Chair Morris asked if the Par 3 would have a web page?
Mr. Sedlacek said it would.
Page - 5 9/14/10
Approved
Commissioner Toth asked if the website was being designed in house?
Mr. Sedlacek said the work was contracted out.
Commission Comments
Commissioner Commers had a correction to the minutes.
Chair Morris asked if the minutes would be brought back to the October meeting?
Mr. Sedlacek said they would be.
Commissioner Commers asked if the capital improvement plan would be brought back to the
October meeting?
Mr. Sedlacek said it would be on the October agenda.
Commissioner Commers encouraged people to sign up for skating lessons.
Commissioner Toth asked if there would be a bonfire this year?
Mr. Sedlacek said Paster Enterprises offered the Mendota Plaza for the Halloween bonfire again this
year. Drop off dates are October 25, 2010 to October 29, 2010 because of the construction going on
at the site.
Commissioner Commers thanked Paster Enterprises for allowing the city to have the bonfire again
this year.
Chair Morris thanked the families for coming to the meeting and talking to the Parks and Recreation
Commission,
Chair Morris adjourned the meeting at 736 p.m.
Page - 6 9/14/10
List of Addresses
Street Name
House
St, Gabriel Eritrean Orthodox
PO Box
40429
Tewando C
Peter J. & Carol H. Egan
2224
Alice
Lane
Michael E. Chapin & Debra A.
2235
Alice
Lane
Mikelson
Marvin H. & Mary J. Seefeld
2255
Alice
Lane
Mark J. & Susan G. Rogers
2210
Alice
Lane
Robert E. & Evelyn L. Sunness
2215
Alice
Lane
Todd F. & Trixie A. Golberg
2219
Alice
Lane
John K. Omodt
2223
Alice
Lane
Janet Marie Landsberger
2236
Alice
Lane
Mary Susan Hood
2230
Alice
Lane
Erin Anderson
11850
Blue
Stem
Dan & Pamela A. Sweeney
681
Callahan
Place
Dale M. &Mary Lou Johnson 2215 Dodd Road
Dale M. & Mary Lou Johnson 2215 Dodd Road
State of Minnesota 1590 Highway 55
Robert J. & Patricia Pace 1269 Oakdale Avenue
Ronald J. &Joanne C. Himes
2243
Rogers
Court
Jamie W. & Jane F. Lerbs
2254
Rogers
Court
Michael P. & Jean L. Brennan
2240
Rogers
Court
James C. Elander & Margaret M.
2232
Rogers
Court
Wilson
Mark T. & Angela Esslinger
2226
Rogers
Court
Steven W. & Robyn J. Huspek
2214
Rogers
Court
Mark & Sharon L. Reichenbach
2209
Rogers
Court
Keith & Brenda Dahm
2217
Rogers
Court
John W. Lambert
2237
Rogers
Court
Geoffrey Lory & Beth Ellen
2218
Rogers
Court
Hoffman Lory
Timothy M. & Beverly Eide
2249
Rogers
Court
1062 Wagon
Wheel Trail
2229 Alice Lane
809 Wagon
Wheel Trail
991 Wagon
Wheel Trail
Amount
$8,500,00
$2,515.06
$2,515,06
$2,515.06
$2,515.06
$2,515.06
$2, 15,06
$2,515.06
$2,515,06
$2,515,06
$2,515.06
$8,500,00
$2,516.06
$2,516.06
$8,500,00
$8,500,00
$2, 515.06
$2, 515.06
$2,515.06
$2,515,06
$2,515.06
$2, 515.06
$2,515.06
$2,515,06
$2,515.06
$2, 515.06
$2,515.06
Wednesday, November 77, 2010 Pnge 1 of 3
Street Name
House
Notes
Amount
David L. & Becky L. Huebner
2257
Rogers Court
$2,515.06
Michele G. Stegeman
2225
Rogers Court
$2,515.06
Bruce Camitsch
2210
Rogers Court
$2,515.06
Brian P. & Lesley A. McDougall
2216
Swan Court
$2,515.06
Darlyne F. Metzger
2255
Swan Court
$2,515,06
Alan III Harkrader & Katherine
2239
Swan Court
$2,515.06
Marsland
John & Kama A. Campobasso
2231
Swan Court
$2,515.06
Jonathan C. & Connie Eide
2225
Swan Court
$25515,06
Randall L. Johnson
2219
Swan Court
$2,515.06
Gary A. & Lynnea J. Jones
2213
Swan Court
$2,515.06
David A. Valen & Margaret A.
2212
Swan Court
$2,515.06
Valen
Ronald W. & Gail M.
2224
Swan Court
$2,515.06
Katzenmaier
William & Eleanora Friederichs
2228
Swan Court
$25515.06
David A. Epstein
2234
Swan Court
$2,515.06
Allen E. & Trudy A. Dye
2244
Swan Court
$2,515.06
Robert & M. Emily Nieters
2252
Swan Court
$2,515,06
Ralph M. & Kathleen F. Dumond
2247
Swan Court
$2,516.06
Jonathan E. Rexeisen & Emilie
2211
Swan Court
$2,515.06
L. Rexeisen
Mark R. & Carol A. Cemensky
2343
Swan Drive
2250 Lexington
$8,500.00
Avenue
City of Mendota Heights
1101
Victoria Curve
$8,500.00
City of Mendota Heights
1101
Victoria Curve
$8,500,00
City of Mendota Heights
1101
Victoria Curve
$8,500.00
Rita K. Tste Lahtonen
854
Wagon Wheel
Trail
$8,500.00
Joseph T. & Anne M. Igo
862
Wagon Wheel
Trail
$8,500.00
Rita Y. Leloup
870
Wagon Wheel
Trail
$8,500.00
Susan & Gary J. Stevens
878
Wagon Wheel
Trail
$8,500.00
Gregory S. & Jean Fay Clapp
884
Wagon Wheel
Trail
$85500.00
Lois K. Nowlin
900
Wagon Wheel
Trail
$8,500.00
Barbara Randall
954
Wagon Wheel
Trail
$8,500.00
Mary Bebel
1011
Wagon Wheel
Trail
$8,500.00
Wefitesriny, November 77, 2010 Page 2 of 3
Street Name
House
Notes
Amount
Scott L. & Phyllis Miller
1021
Wagon
Wheel
Trail
$8,500.00
Laurene Buckmiller
1053
Wagon
Wheel
Trail
$8,500,00
Dean Hobbs
1057
Wagon
Wheel
Trail
$8,500.00
Jerold & Lois Hobbs
1065
Wagon
Wheel
Trail
$8,500.00
Timothy M. & Diane C. Gillespie
1064
Wagon
Wheel
Trail
$8,500.00
Richard M. & Geneviev Paul
940
Wagon
Wheel
Trail
$8,500.00
Courtney J. & Helyne Pince
945
Wagon
Wheel
Trail
$8,500.00
David G. Cunningham
890
Wagon
Wheel
Trail
$8,500.00
Keith & Rhonda Stein
845
Wagon
Wheel
Trail
$8,500,00
Sylvia A. Trandem
818
Wagon
Wheel
Trail
$8,500.00
Susan A. Limback
826
Wagon
Wheel
Trail
$8,500,00
Mark Olson
832
Wagon
Wheel
Trail
$8,500.00
Sean Parnell & Pollee
838
Wagon
Wheel
Trail
$8,500.00
Pharkkayoana Chit
Timothy John Lynch
840
Wagon
Wheel
Trail
$8,500.00
Benjamin D. Gowell & Jennifer
819
Wagon
Wheel
Trail
$2,515.06
M. Gowell
Gary E. Mansfeldt & Constance
839
Wagon
Wheel
Trail
$8,500.00
M. Blaschka Mansfeldt
Karen E. White & Suzanne K.
850
Wagon
Wheel
Trail
$8,500.00
Ferguson
Paul L. & Carolyn R. Dreelan
881
Wagon
Wheel
Trail
$8,500.00
Helyn Kulhanek
953
Wagon
Wheel
Trail
$8,500.00
Barbara J. Rose
994
Wagon
Wheel
Trail
$8,500.00
Scott L. & Phyllis Miller
1021
Wagon
Wheel
Trail
$8,500,00
Richard & Pamela J. Shaw
999
Wagon
Wheel
Trail
$8,500,00
Vincent R. Belmares & Collen E.
805
Wagon
Wheel
Trail
$8,500.00
Belmares
Patrick J. & Stacie A. Oleary
987
Wagon
Wheel
Trail
$8,500.00
Roseanne Eschle
901
Wagon
Wheel
Trail
$8,500.00
George J. & K. Linafelter
209
Woodland Road 810 Wagon
$8,500.00
Wheel Trail
Wednesdny, NovernGer 17, 2010 Pnge 3 of 3