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2011-10-11 Parks and Rec Comm MinutesPage - 1 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING October 11, 2011 The October 2011 meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, October 11, 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-Ussett, Mike Toth, David Miller, Stephanie Levine and Steve Commers. Staff present: Assistant to the City Administrator Jake Sedlacek and Recreation Programmer Teresa Gangelhoff. Approval of Minutes Commissioner Miller made motion to approve the September 13, 2011 minutes; Commissioner Commers seconded the motion. AYES 7: NAYS 0 Presentation of Cliff Timm Memorial Fishing Derby Fishing License Winner This year a lifetime Minnesota fishing license was awarded in a drawing of registrants for the Cliff Timm Memorial Fishing Derby. Chair Morris recognized Drake N., a Mendota Heights youth as the winner of the license. Drake’s Father Jason commented that they do quite a bit of fishing and would certainly put the license to good use. Parks and Recreation Report Ms. Gangelhoff reviewed the Recreation Programmers Report, noting that there are two openings on the horseback riding trip scheduled this month. Ms. Gangelhoff reminded the commission and audience that if they attempt to sign up for a program and find it full, it is a good idea to call city hall and get placed on a waiting list. The hiring process is getting underway for ice rinks, which are scheduled to open December 17, 2011. Skating lessons will be structured the same for this year as they have in the past – more classes may be added depending upon the level of interest and availability of the instructor. Kensington Park Restrooms The commission had discussed an opportunity to upgrade the restrooms at Kensington Park at their August 2011 meeting. Staff had found that Community Development Block Grant dollars could be spent on upgrading the restrooms to bring them into code compliance, specifically Americans with Disabilities Act requirements for accessibility. Staff worked with Dakota County Community Development Agency and an architect to refine a concept as discussed at the August 2011 commission meeting. However, when bids were received, all were far in excess of the available funds for the project. It was reported that any alternatives which required structural changes to the building were likely to exceed available funding. The commission recommended pursuing minor upgrades to the existing mens restroom to bring it up to code. Both restrooms would be signed unisex, resulting in one compliant restroom and one non-compliant restroom. Commission also directed staff to look into the restrooms at Page - 2 Mendakota Park, to see if improvements could be made to bring those restrooms up to current accessibility standards. Commissioner Kraus passed a motion recommending that city council authorize staff to continue working with CDA to bring the current Kensington Park men’s restroom up to code compliance. Commissioner Commers seconded the motion. AYES 7: NAYS 0 Par 3 Update Mr. Sedlacek reported that the second straight month of good weather has resulted in our second straight month of golf rounds on pace with our four year average. Through the end of the month of August, 2011, the course showed revenues over expenditures of $20,000. This number will be impacted by September maintenance costs. Staff is anticipating that the year will end with net revenues over expenditures of approximately $9,000, as was projected at the start of the year. Mr. Sedlacek stated that turning in a net profit despite declining rounds of golf is attributable to two primary factors, the first being cost savings, including the loss of the accounting clerk for much of the year. The other factor was sales of items outside of golf rounds – concessions and rentals at the clubhouse. The commission asked about upcoming equipment expenses and the status of the well. Mr. Sedlacek responded that the three major pieces of equipment have been replaced, and are running well. No additional equipment expenses are anticipated in the next few years. The well is inspected every year by McCarthy Well, who have rated the well as in good condition. The commission expressed relief for rounds matching the four year average for August and September. At the same time, they would like further detail on the four revenue streams, and more effort into marketing and advertising the course. Mr. Sedlacek reported that the new accounting clerk is on staff, and seems to be a quick learner. It is anticipated that work on reporting for the par 3 will begin soon. Mr. Sedlacek also met with Mayor Krebsbach and Council Member Vitelli on a preliminary draft of the annual report. With four and a half years of experience, it is a good time to revisit goals for the course, and set new goals. The greens committee has not set their next meeting date; intending to meet once more detailed reports are available. November Meeting Date The regular meeting for November 2011 falls on election night. Commissioner Kraus made a motion to move the November 2011 regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission to Wednesday, November 9, 2011, starting at 6:30 p.m. Commissioner Commers seconded the motion. AYES 7: NAYS 0 Parks Projects Updates: Trail Planning Process Mr. Sedlacek stated that the city engineering staff need to be a part of taking data collected on the trail system and putting it into the five-year plan format. Engineering staff has been extremely busy this summer/fall; it is hoped that the plan can be before the commission in draft format before the end of 2011. Page - 3 The commission asked if the delay in developing the plan would result in delays for trail maintenance. Mr. Sedlacek replied that maintenance is still occurring, the five-year plan will to provide a longer view on maintenance and improvement opportunities in case new funding becomes available. Tennis Court Maintenance The commission asked at the September 2011 meeting to have feedback on tennis courts in need of repair yet this year. Mr. Sedlacek reported that no new work has been completed since September, asking if the commission was aware of any courts which needed to be addressed. The question was posed whether staff does inspections of the courts and play equipment on a regular basis. All courts, playgrounds and facilities are inspected for safety concerns; the type of work currently being discussed would be more preventative in nature. All courts are currently safe, but there is available funding to do crack filling and painting. The commission asked staff to see if maintenance could be completed at the skate park and at least one court yet this year. Skate Park Improvements Staff has heard little from skate park users and/or potential contractors since this summer. The commission had asked that park users present some ideas for improvements for discussion purposes. The commission asked that skate park users be invited to the November commission meeting to further discuss potential projects. Commissioner Comments Commissioner Commers reminded the audience about the upcoming Open House at the Fire Station on Saturday, October 8, 2011. This is a free community event. Chair Morris asked that staff review the dates for the Halloween Bonfire. Brush may be dropped off at the bonfire site behind Mendota Plaza starting on Monday, October 24, 2011. Brush collections end at the end of the business day on Friday, October 28, 2011, or earlier if the fire department closes the site. Commissioner Toth reminded the audience that the fall is a great time to use Mendota Heights Parks and mentioned that Historic Pilot Knob is a great place to watch wildlife. Mr. Sedlacek reviewed the Partners in Preservation Grant Program which Historic Pilot Knob is part of. Residents have one more day to vote for the site through Facebook. Grant funds would be used to remove utility poles from the site, and address problem areas with the restoration process. Commissioner Levine made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Commissioner Commers seconded the motion. AYES 7: NAYS 0 The meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.