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2011-06-14 Parks and Rec Comm MinutesPage - 1 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING June 14, 2011 The June, 2011 meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, June 14, 2011at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve. Chair Ray Morris called to order the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting at 6:32 p.m. The following Commissioners were present: Chair Ray Morris, Commissioners Tom Kraus, Mary McGrory-Usset, David Miller, Stephanie Levine and Steve Commers. Staff present: Assistant to the City Administrator Jake Sedlacek and Recreation Programmer Teresa Gangelhoff. Approval of the Agenda Commissioner Commers made a motion to approve the agenda; Commissioner McGrory-Usset seconded the motion. AYES 6: NAYS 0 Approval of Minutes Jake Sedlacek said that minutes were not yet completed for the May meeting, and would be included in next month’s packet. Trail Improvements and Maintenance Open House Mr. Sedlacek explained that the commission had discussed the concept of a comprehensive plan for trail maintenance and improvement in late 2010. The Winter edition of the Heights Highlights newsletter seeking feedback which resulted in a handful of responses. Mr. Sedlacek reviewed comments received from citizens to date. Comments were received from Larry Craighead, Tom Quinlan, Ann Connelly, Ann Farrell, Eric Pasternack, Bruce Becker, David Herridge, Tom Clifford and James Blake. In addition, Carol Deeds attended the open house. Mr. Sedlacek also provided the commission with the map of priorities which was developed by staff. The comments from citizens did not identify any new issues, but did reinforce observations which staff has made over the last year. The next step in the process would be for staff to take feedback received so far and put it into a more detailed five year plan. The plan could be ready for public review at the August parks and recreation commission meeting, depending upon staff workloads over the summer. The parks commission asked staff to look at the schools, to prioritize trail connections to schools, and to strongly consider ways in which the system can improve opportunities to commuting to work. Commissioner Kraus made a motion to direct staff to move ahead with a five year trail comprehensive planning project, splitting costs for this work between engineering and parks. Commissioner Miller seconded the motion. AYES 6: NAYS 0 Page - 2 Parks and Recreation Report Ms. Gangelhoff summarized the recreation programmer report which was provided at the meeting. Summer programs are underway; there are still a handful of spots open for field trips, tennis leagues and golf camps. Residents are encouraged to utilize web registration to find out more and sign up for programs. The Puppet Wagon had a successful first performance on Monday, with 70+ in attendance. Market Square Park proved to be a good location for the event and the Puppet Wagon staff did a very nice job entertaining the kids. The parks celebration activities drew good crowds – live music at Market Square Park on Friday night, a record number of participants in 5K on Saturday morning, and 300+ attendees at the parks celebration at Mendakota Park. Good feedback was received on the slightly scaled back version, the parks and recreation commission will be more involved in planning next year’s event, which will again be held on the first Saturday in June. Kensington Park Playground Update The commission received proposals from three vendors for replacing play equipment at Kensington Park. After receiving presentations on each proposal, the commission discussed the merits of the proposals as well as feedback which commissioners McGrory-Usset and Levine had garnered through visits to local schools. After much discussion, the commission opted to reject the proposals and re-issue the request for proposals with more specific instructions on play elements to be included. Staff will re-issue the request, for consideration at the July 12 commission meeting. Skate Park Improvements There were no attendees to discuss potential improvements to the skate park, no further discussion. Par 3 Update Mr. Sedlacek presented the rounds analysis for 2011 which shows a low number of rounds played so far this year as compared to the four preceding years. Staff is attributing the low number of rounds to the poor weather, and hopes for a return to “normal” Minnesota summer weather. The commission asked if staff is considering that rain may not be the only factor in the low number of rounds played. Mr. Sedlacek thanked the commission for the comment and reiterated that the city council was very clear in the referendum process that the course would be self-sufficient and not require any operating subsidy. As such, continued low numbers will trigger further study. The Pro-Forma showed a net loss of $700 for the month of May – while operating costs were lower than projected, revenues were far lower than projected. This prompted a discussion on Par 3 greens fees, and how expenses are reflected in reports. The commission provided staff with direction for the July commission meeting. Page - 3 Staff reported that the course is in very good shape, especially the greens, and that adult evening leagues are very well attended. Commissioner Comments Commissioner Comers commented on the successful parks celebration, and felt that the slightly scaled back version was a success. Commissioner Miller thanked commissioners Levine and McGrory-Usset on the extra work they put in on the Kensington Park project to get valuable feedback from Mendota Heights youth. Commissioner Commers made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Commissioner Kraus seconded the motion. AYES 6: NAYS 0 The meeting adjourned at 8:53 p.m.