2010-10-12 Parks and Rec Comm MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING
October 12, 2010
The October 2010 meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on
Tuesday, October 12, 2010. The meeting included a tour of park sites, followed by a brief meeting 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, Tom Kraus, Michael Toth, David Miller,
Steve Commers and Stephanie Levine. Staff present: Jake Sedlacek, Assistant to the City Administrator.
The meeting started with a tour of the following parks — Mendakota Playground, Kensington Playground,
Hagstrom King (drive by only) and Friendly Hills softball/baseball field. Commissioners looked at new
and old equipment, park configurations and park use. There was agreement that it was nice to get out and
see the sites which have been the topic of frequent discussion. The group was approached by one parent
at Kensington Park, who asked that the City look into shredded tires for the playground surfacing, over
pea -rock and wood chips.
Following the parks tour, thee reconvened at City Hall to complete business items.
Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Miller made a motion to approve the July 13, 2010 minutes, seconded by Commissioner
Commers.
AYES 6: NAYS 0
Parks and Recreation Repm-t
Mr. Sedlacek reported that the fall youth trip is already full, interested residents are encouraged to call in
to be placed on a waiting list, as spots may open up. The winter skating program is also very popular;
waiting list will be created for that program as well.
The Commission had very good discussion around the parks celebration, and the idea of moving it to
coincide with the Fire Prevention Open House. Commissioner Levine expressed her interest in retaining
two separate events, and supported the idea of keeping one event in the summer and one in the fall.
This led to further discussion about the location and types of activities —the commission would like to
consider how we might include an event at Mendota Plaza to the weekend. The Village at Mendota
Heights already hosts live music on Friday evening, and the 5K run on Saturday morning, and the
traditional parks celebration events occur at Mendakota Park. The commission would like to see
complimentary events at multiple locations.
Mr. Sedlacek reported that no matter when the event occurs, planning efforts will be more organized in
the future, volunteer roles and a planning timeline have now been established. Perhaps the Parks and
Recreation Commission can dedicate a meeting to planning the event; with each commissioner having a
small to-do list.
Mr. Sedlacek will summarize the discussion, and follow up on some of the ideas (including the concept of
an art fair) for discussion at the November Parks and Recreation Commission meeting.
Park Permits were discussed, as the Recreation Programmer's report detailed some of the difficulty staff
experiences trying to balance field requests between MHAA and Sting Soccer. There is no action
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