2011-07-12 Parks and Rec Comm MinutesPage - 1
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING
July 12, 2011
The July 2011 meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on
Tuesday, July 12, 2011at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve.
Chair Ray Morris called to order the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting at 6:34 p.m.
The following Commissioners were present: Chair Ray Morris, Commissioners Tom Kraus, Mike Toth, Mary McGrory-Usset, David Miller, Stephanie Levine and Steve Commers. Staff
present: Recreation Programmer Teresa Gangelhoff.
Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Commers made a spelling change to the June 14, 2011 minutes. Commissioner Kraus made motion to approve the June 14, 2011 minutes, Commissioner Commers seconded the motion.
AYES 7: NAYS 0
Parks and Recreation Report
Ms. Gangelhoff summarized the recreation programmer report which was provided at the
meeting. There are four field trips left, with openings. The tennis program has been going
strong, as well as the summer playground program.
Safety Camp is coming up in early August there are currently three openings left for that
program.
Adult softball tournaments are coming up soon, and the Fishing Derby to be held on September
11, 2011. The DNR will be at the event, with a touch tank to help identify native fish, along with
live entertainment.
The Puppet Wagon has been very popular, with approximately 70 attendees at each Monday
program.
More information on recreation programs can be found on the city website at www.mendota-
heights.com.
Kensington Park Playground Update
Four vendors provided five proposals for the replacement of the playground equipment at Kensington Park for consideration.
The commission quickly narrowed the proposals down to two – the proposals from Flagship
Recreation and Flanagan Sales were called out as best meeting the requirements of the request
for proposals.
The commission took time to compare and discuss the differences in the two applications, finding that the proposal from Flanagan Sales had more challenging components for school age
Page - 2
youth. The commission preferred the proposal as they felt it provided more opportunity for
athletic challenge.
The commission expressed concern on specific details, such as height of slides, decks,
warranty/quality and more. After lengthy discussion the commission determined that they had enough information to make a decision at the current meeting.
Commissioner Kraus made a motion to recommend approval of the proposal from Flanigan Sales
to the city council. Commissioner McGrory-Usset seconded the motion.
AYES 6: NAYS 1 (Commissioner Commers)
Commissioner Comments
Chair Morris shared feedback he received from resident Ira Kipp regarding the Wagon Wheel
Trail improvements – new curbs will pose a challenge to turtles. Chair Morris asked
viewers/residents to stop and assist turtles they may see trying to cross roads. Chair Morris also
wanted to remind the community that no motorized boats (gas or electric) are allowed on Rogers Lake.
Commissioner Miller shared his concern that the Par 3 was slipping as a priority for the city.
Commissioner McGrory-Usset would like more detailed reporting on revenue and expenditure,
and whether the course is near capacity.
Commissioner Toth thanked all the families who participated in the parks celebrations activities
Commissioner Levine reminded residents to take advantage of the recreation amenities across
Mendota Heights.
Commissioner Commers thanked Commissioners Levine and McGrory-Usset once again for
their work in garnering feedback on the Kensington Park playground.
Commissioner Miller made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Commissioner McGrory-Usset
seconded the motion.
AYES 7: NAYS 0
The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.