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2011-08-09 Parks and Rec Comm MinutesPage - 1 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING August 9, 2011 The August 2011 meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, August 9, 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 Mike Toth, Mary McGrory-Usset, David Miller, Stephanie Levine and Steve Commers. Commissioner Kraus was an excused absence. Staff present: Assistant to the City Administrator Jake Sedlacek. Approval of the Agenda Chair Morris added an item to the agenda – improvements to the Kensington Park Restrooms. Approval of Minutes Commissioner Commers made motion to approve the May 10, 2011 minutes; Commissioner McGrory-Usset seconded the motion. AYES 6: NAYS 0 Commissioner Commers made motion to approve the July 12, 2011 minutes; Commissioner McGrory-Usset seconded the motion. AYES 6: NAYS 0 Parks and Recreation Report Mr. Sedlacek mentioned that Recreation Programmer Teresa Gangelhoff spent the day at Safety Camp, a day camp offered in partnership with the cities of West St. Paul and South St. Paul. Mendota Heights has fifty youth attending this great recreational and learning program. Summer Tennis and Playground programs were successful again this year; staff did a great job dealing with weather extremes this summer. The playground program staff would like to recognize the fire department for use of the Fire Station on days that were too cold or too warm for outdoor activities. There are three “Music in the Park” events left this summer and the Fishing Derby is set for Sunday, September 11, 2011. The DNR will be at this year’s derby, with a touch tank featuring fish native to Minnesota. There will also be live entertainment. The Puppet Wagon had a successful first year at Market Square Park, with approximately 70 attendees at each Monday program. Commissioners asked about Rogers Lake and lake weeds near the dock. Staff replied that the lake has been treated for weeds, including a strip on the private property near the eastern shore, and an area around the dock. Staff will continue to monitor lake weeds. Any weed clearing activity is subject to a permit from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Page - 2 Mr. Sedlacek answered questions regarding park reservations – the fee is still $25 per event for residents – there is no additional charge for trash as long as your event garbage fits within the containers in the parks. If our staff needs to make a special trip for trash following an event, that will be taken from the security deposit. Park Improvement Updates Mr. Sedlacek reported that city council accepted the recommendation of the parks and recreation commission to accept the proposal for the Kensington Park playground update from Flanagan Sales. Work began with the removal of the old play structure on Friday, August 5. The old surfacing material is set to be removed in the coming week, giving our parks crew a chance to work on the drainage issue in the play area. Commissioner Levine noted that an independent play feature, a water/sand table had not been removed. Mr. Sedlacek replied that the piece of equipment would be removed as directed by the parks and recreation commission. The commission discussed having a dedication of the play equipment on Saturday, September 10, 2011. Mr. Sedlacek replied that this is a new concept for Mendota Heights and encouraged the idea. Commissioner Levine made a motion asking that City Council dedicate Saturday, September 10, 2011 as Kensington Park Day; Commissioner Miller seconded the motion. AYES 6: NAYS 0 The backstop at Friendly Hills Park has been repaired. The commission had originally planned for a full replacement for the backstop, but after a visit to the site asked staff to look into repairs. It was noted by the commission that the recently completed repair was a significant cost savings over replacement. Mr. Sedlacek provided an update on an opportunity to improve the restrooms at Kensington Park. The city has access to Community Development Block Grant funds for improving accessibility to parks facilities. These funds may be used to enhance the accessibility of the restrooms at Kensington Park for all citizens. Mr. Sedlacek reviewed concept plans and noted feedback from the commission. The commission expressed concern that the any improvements meet the needs of all park users. The commission expressed their desire to bring the restrooms up to today’s accessibility standards. Three alternative layouts for the building were discussed. All proposals would be fully funded by grant dollars. While there is no specific deadline for the grant, Mr. Sedlacek expressed that the funding has been available for some time and should be used soon. Commissioner Commers made a motion directing staff to continue working to develop a proposal to improve the accessibility of the Kensington Park restrooms, utilizing Community Development Block Grant dollars; Commissioner Toth seconded the motion. AYES 6: NAYS 0 Par 3 Update Page - 3 Mr. Sedlacek reported that the city is still without an accounting clerk, whose duties include compiling reports for the parks and recreation commission on golf course performance. As such, the Par 3 report is pared down from what the commission is used to seeing; the numbers are only current through June 2011. The Par 3 revenues through the end of June were slightly higher than projected, and expenses were slightly lower than projected, resulting in net revenue of $5,299. Pre-season projections through the month of June included net revenue of $1,213, meaning that the course is $4,000 ahead of projected revenue through June 30, 2011. Costs for staff were lower than anticipated due to the wet spring and administrative costs were lower than anticipated due to the vacant accounting position, both contributing to lower course expenses. While rounds of golf in 2011 are below the four-year average, revenues are higher than anticipated by golf course staff maximizing the revenue of each visit. In terms of analysis, Mr. Sedlacek mentioned that the city has typically looked at course performance by analyzing walk-up rounds played. Following a conversation with Commissioner McGrory-Usset, staff will attempt to pull together a regular report showing the four revenue streams which are highlighted in the Par 3 Annual Report. This may provide a more accurate picture of course performance. Mr. Sedlacek reported that there is capacity at the golf course for more business, and this needs to be the focus of the greens committee and parks and recreation commission. A greens fees analysis was conducted by the clubhouse manager and presented to the commission – the Mendota Heights Par 3 continues to be the lowest cost par three or executive golf course in the area. The commission asked that the greens committee look into punch cards, discounts for citizens and focus on promotions to bring customers to the course in times where it is underutilized. The typical process for approving a rate increase is to have the greens committee discuss the broad variety of alternatives and make a recommendation to the parks and recreation commission. The commission would review the proposals publicly and make a recommendation to the city council. Mr. Sedlacek provided an update on the monument sign – while it has taken longer than anticipated, a new monument sign will be installed this year. The Par 3 Customer Appreciation Day is set for Sunday, September 25, 2011, featuring $3 rounds of golf from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The Mendota Heights Par 3 Youth Open is Saturday, August 20, and the first ever Par 3/Thompson Oaks Tournament is coming up shortly. Commissioner Comments Commissioner McGrory-Usset is excited about Kensington Park and to look further into Par 3 opportunities to increase business. Commissioner Toth applauded Flanagan Sales for their proposal at Kensington Park Commissioner Miller looks forward to the greens committee meeting August 16, 2011 – the margin is very thin at the golf course and needs to be guarded. Commissioner Levine encouraged citizens to take advantage of the weather and enjoy the parks. Commissioner Commers reported that his neighborhood had a wonderful event at Ivy Falls Park on August 2, 2011 for the Night to Unite. Commissioner Commers encouraged more citizens to Page - 4 get involved and have events in their own neighborhood. Each commissioner shared a little about Night to Unit events in their own neighborhoods. Chair Morris asked for a vote to adjourn the meeting. AYES 6: NAYS 0 The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.