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2011-09-13 Parks and Rec Comm MinutesPage - 1 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING September 13, 2011 The September 2011 meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, September 13, 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, Mike Toth, David Miller and Steve Commers. Commissioners McGrory-Ussett and Levine were excused absences. Staff present: Assistant to the City Administrator Jake Sedlacek and Recreation Programmer Teresa Gangelhoff. Approval of Minutes Commissioner Miller made motion to approve the August 9, 2011 minutes; Commissioner Commers seconded the motion. AYES 5: NAYS 0 Parks and Recreation Report Ms. Gangelhoff reviewed the Recreation Programmers Report, starting with the 20th annual Safety Camp. 50 Mendota Heights youth in third and fourth grades were in attendance. The Cliff Timm Memorial Fishing Derby was a success. Chair Morris shared some kind words about Cliff Timm, a West St. Paul resident who was a great advocate for fishing, and for Roger’s Lake. The commission thanked Teresa for her work on another great event, as well as the Cliff Timm Trust, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Sea Life Aquarium, Midwest Extreme Outdoors and Gander Mountain for their contributions to the event. Chair Morris and Commissioner Toth described the derby as a wonderful family event, which helps youth maintain a link with the natural world. Commissioner Toth recognized Midwest Extreme Sports for refurbishing fishing rods and reels, and encouraged citizens with old fishing gear around to donate it to Midwest, who will clean it up and put it in the hands of youth. The attendance for the event was comparable to previous years; Ms. Gangelhoff noted that the scheduling should be carefully considered, as this particular date had considerable competition. Fall trips are planned; families can sign up on-line or at City Hall. The hiring process is getting underway for ice rinks, which are scheduled to open December 17, 2011 Par 3 Update Mr. Sedlacek reported that this summer has been one of extremes in terms of weather, but the month of August had perfect conditions for golfing, as reflected by the rounds analysis. Page - 2 Financial numbers, reported through the end of July show a smaller net profit than had been projected for the month. Maintenance staff has had a busy year, with excellent turf growing conditions this summer. This fall the course did experience an infestation of grubs and Japanese beetles, which has been addressed. The new monument sign was recently installed. The greens committee discussed limiting the clubhouse hours of operation in September and October this season as well as creating a punch-card/discount card. The committee also asked staff to revisit the administrative overhead costs for the course. Commissioner Miller emphasized the usefulness of reviewing the four revenue streams at the course, Mr. Sedlacek agreed, stating that there is currently a lack of staff to pull the report together. Commissioner Kraus asked for an update on the roof of the clubhouse – it has been budgeted for replacement in 2011, but not yet completed. Mr. Sedlacek reported that staff has held off on moving that project forward until the course is certain to show a profit for the year. The current roof is functioning, but is very old. The commission encouraged staff to get estimates for replacement this fall. November 8 Meeting Date The regular meeting for November 2011 falls on election night. The parks and recreation commission will need to move or cancel the meeting. Consensus was to move the meeting back one night, to Wednesday, November 9, 2011. Trail Planning Process The parks and recreation commission had discussion and an open house regarding trail maintenance and improvements needs earlier this year. Staff’s intent was to have a draft five- year capital improvements plan for the trail system for the August meeting. Staff has not had time to complete the plan, but hope to have it at the October 2011 parks and recreation commission meeting. The intent of the project is to identify areas where the trails need maintenance work, but also to identify and prioritize gaps in the trail system. Chair Morris asked about tennis court maintenance – Mr. Sedlacek replied that this is a separate item, and that residents may contact City Hall to provide feedback on what courts need patching. Condition of our tennis courts will be a specific item on the October 2011 parks and recreation commission agenda. Commissioner Comments Chair Morris asked for an update on the city administrator search process. Mr. Sedlacek reported that there were 45 applicants for the position and a first cut has been made. It is hoped that a new administrator will be in place before the end of the year. There will be a meet and greet with finalists for the position – commissioners can look for updates on the process in the Friday News. Commissioner Commers asked about the Heights Highlights – Mr. Sedlacek informed the commission that the next issue is scheduled to come out in the first week of October, 2011. Of note, the Halloween Bonfire will occur at Mendota Plaza again this year. Residents can bring their brush to the site starting on Monday, October 24, 2011, and ending on Friday, October 28, 2011. Page - 3 Mr. Sedlacek also wanted to mention that there will be an open house at Historic Pilot Knob on Sunday, October 9, 2011. The commission acknowledged Chair Morris’ long service to the community and best wishes to him following his resignation effective December, 2011. Chair Morris expressed his gratitude for serving and noted that he has had opportunity to positively impact every park in the system over his twelve years of service. He stated that it is time for new volunteers to step up and bring fresh ideas to the commission. The commission spoke briefly again about the fishing derby and their own enthusiasm to get children out into nature for activity. Commissioner Commers reported that the Kensington Park Dedication occurred on Saturday, September 10, 2011. The park was very busy with soccer activities and the new playground was very well received by park visitors. Commissioner Commers made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Commissioner Toth seconded the motion. AYES 5: NAYS 0 The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.