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2011-11-09 Parks and Rec Comm MinutesPage - 1 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING November 9, 2011 The November 2011 meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Wednesday, November 9, 2011at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve. Chair Ray Morris called to order the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting at 6:31 p.m. The following Commissioners were present: Chair Ray Morris, Commissioners Mary McGrory-Ussett, Mike Toth, Stephanie Levine and Steve Commers. Commissioners Tom Kraus and David Miller were excused absences. Staff present: Assistant to the City Administrator Jake Sedlacek. Approval of Minutes One correction was made to the October 11, 2011 minutes. Commissioner Commers made motion to approve the October 11, 2011 minutes; Commissioner Toth seconded the motion. AYES 5: NAYS 0 Parks and Recreation Report Mr. Sedlacek presented the Recreation Programmers Report. There is one field trip planned for the winter school break – bowling and a movie, which has been very popular in the past. The fall trip to Bunker Stables was excellent – all participants and staff enjoyed a nice day, with beautiful weather. The learn to skate programs are already filled; citizens are encouraged to call City Hall to be placed on a waiting list. The instructor will add classes as she is able. Hiring is underway for ice rink attendants, if the commission or public know of anyone interested, they should contact Teresa or Tamara at City Hall as soon as possible. Planning is already underway for spring and summer programs for 2012, which will be featured in the winter edition of Heights Highlights. Par 3 Update The Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course has closed for the 2011 season. The last three months of the season included typical Minnesota weather for August, September and October – likely a factor in the course seeing rounds played right on the four-year average for these months. The course continues to operate at a net profit, with revenues exceeding expenditures through the month of September of approximately $9,000. There will be some additional maintenance costs for time and materials as the course is prepared for winter. The commission had brief discussion on course revenues and reporting. Some interesting ideas for specials were provided by the commission – staff will bring a summary of the commission discussion to the next greens committee meeting. Parks Celebration Planning Page - 2 2012 will mark the 25th anniversary of the Mendota Heights Park Celebration. The commission discussed the date, which has been the first Saturday in June. This date poses some problems for friends and families of graduates, but is also viewed as a great time to kick-off summer. The commission reported that they were pleased with the scaled back version of the celebration this summer. If the event is to be expanded, it should be to include activities that appeal to a broader range of citizens, and do more to promote recreation opportunities in Mendota Heights. Mr. Sedlacek reported that Councilmember Ultan Duggan would like to see the commission more involved in the planning of the event, as well as involving other commissions, and staff departments. The commission asked staff to recap the discussion from this meeting, and prepare for further discussion in December. Parks Projects Updates: MHAA Chair Morris asked if it would be possible to have MHAA provide the commission with an annual update – this had occurred a number of years back, but not since. Mr. Sedlacek replied that the city council had also asked for greater accountability from MHAA, as the city contributes to the youth athletic association in a number of ways. Commissioners Toth and Levine volunteered to be on a sub-committee to meet with MHAA about what type of reporting would be useful, and also to discuss ways in which the commission can better support MHAA. Trail Planning Process Mr. Sedlacek stated that there has been no progress on this project – city staff has the feedback from the community, and a format. However, engineering staff have been extremely busy; unable to commit time to the project. It is important to have engineering involved in the planning process as they will oversee improvements and maintenance to the trail system. Tennis Court Maintenance Mr. Sedlacek spoke with vendors about court maintenance, it is too late in the year to move ahead. Contacts were made for scheduling in the spring, with the skate park listed as the first priority. Skate Park Improvements Staff has not had a chance to look up old petitions from the original skate park discussions to invite users to propose new ideas to the commission. Valley Park Commissioner McGrory-Ussett asked about the work occurring in Valley Park. Mr. Sedlacek reported that it is utility work for the development at the old tennis club site in Lilydale. The site will be restored with trail and vegetation and should be completed soon. Commissioners Levine and McGrory-Ussett expressed their concern that there was no signage on either end of the trail to warn users that the work was in progress. While the workers were noted as being very polite, it is important that staff ensure that proper signage goes up for these types of projects. Great River Greening did a buckthorn removal project on Saturday in targeted areas in the park. The brush clearing under the power lines was completed by the utility companies, with no input from the city. The commission asked staff to follow up with Page - 3 the utilities to see if a controlled burn could be conducted in the utility easement to foster native plant growth. December Meeting Chair Morris stated that the commission usually cancels the December meeting. Mr. Sedlacek asked if the commission would be interested in holding the meeting, but changing the format to be a non-televised, goal setting meeting. Commissioner Levine made a motion requesting that December 13, 2011 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting be a non-televised work session. Commissioner Commers seconded the motion. AYES 5: NAYS 0 Commissioner Comments Commissioner Toth asked that the speed limit signs be put up on Wagon Wheel Trail as soon as possible – now that the construction is done, it is important to remind folks of the speed limit. Commissioner McGrory-Ussett expressed her pleasure that the December meeting will be used to set major initiatives for the coming year. Chair Morris reminded the commission that this would be his last televised meeting – he thanked the commission for everything they do, and asked staff to make sure to get the roof on the Par 3 completed as soon as possible. Commissioner Levine noted that the Halloween Bonfire is a perfect example of how unique Mendota Heights truly is. It is a wonderful event, appealing to all ages – it is an important tradition to carry on. Commissioner Commers made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Commissioner McGrory-Ussett seconded the motion. AYES 5: NAYS 0 The meeting adjourned at 7:29 p.m.