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2011-03-08 Parks and Rec Comm MinutesPage - 1 10/12/10 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING March 8, 2011 The March meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, March 8, 2011at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 P.M. The following Commissioners were present: Chair Ray Morris, Commissioners Mary McGrory-Usset, Michael Toth, David Miller, Stephanie Levine and Steve Commers. Staff present: Assistant to the City Administrator Jake Sedlacek and Recreation Programmer Teresa Gangelhoff. Introduction of New Commissioner Chair Morris welcomed Mary McGrory-Usset to the commission, and asked her to say a couple words. Commissioner McGrory-Usset is a 24 year resident of Mendota Heights. She has raised three children in the community, serving on the ISD 197 School Board and as a youth athletics coach. Approval of Minutes Commissioner Commers made a motion to approve the February 8, 2011 minutes, Commissioner Toth seconded the motion. AYES 6: NAYS 0 Parks and Recreation Report Ms. Gangelhoff summarized the recreation programmer report which was provided at the meeting. Summer programs were emphasized; registration for all programs will be available online on Thursday, March 24, 2011 starting at 8:00 a.m. Registrations for Junior Golf League at the golf course will be taken in person at City Hall, on Wednesday, March 23, 2011 starting at 6:30 p.m. Commissioner Commers noted that the registration falls on spring break week – staff replied that this had been an oversight, and that it had been determined that it would be better to maintain registration dates rather cause confusion by making a change. Parents looking to register for junior golf leagues who cannot be in town on March 23, 2011 are encouraged to complete a registration form and send the form, with payment with another parent from their foursome. Mendota Heights Par 3 Annual Report Mr. Sedlacek reviewed the 2010 annual report, which has been updated with comments from the February commission meeting. The course had a good year, despite poor weather conditions. A new chart illustrating the four revenue streams at the course was discussed. Commissioner Miller noted that goal three for 2011 made reference to increasing rounds played over the previous year. The commission agreed that it would be more appropriate to reference the average of previous years to limit the effect of weather on rounds played. Page - 2 10/12/10 The commission discussed the addition of rental carts – group consensus was that the course should start the season with three power carts – the one the course owns, and two leased units. Commission asked that the clubhouse manager keep a close eye on whether or not an additional cart would be profitable. Commissioner Toth described a potential course promotion, which Mr. Sedlacek will share with the clubhouse manager. Commissioner McGrory-Usset asked if the report could include goals for each revenue stream. Future reports will include better detail on each revenue stream. Mr. Sedlacek will make changes to the report before presenting to city council. The report will be made available on the city website after being accepted by the city council. Commissioner Commers made a motion to forward the Par 3 Annual Report to the city council, Commissioner Levine seconded the motion. AYES 6: NAYS 0 Kensington Park Playground Update Mr. Sedlacek reviewed discussion points from the February parks and recreation commission including the questions which they would like public input on for the early stages of playground design. Mr. Sedlacek reported that in response to the February meeting, he contacted a member of our local daycare association about the best parks in the area, who describes the play area at Rich Valley Athletic Complex in Inver Grove Heights as the best all-around play ground for a variety of youth in the area. The commission discussed using SurveyMonkey as a means to collect preliminary thoughts on playground design. The survey would serve to help the commission develop options for discussion at a community open house to be held at Kensington Park. Commissioner Commers asked staff to address water runoff issues with the playground, staff acknowledged that correcting runoff is a necessary step in this project. This cost is likely eligible to be paid for from the park maintenance fund. Commissioner Commers stated that in his observation that the park is primarily used by the young siblings of youth who are playing soccer at Kensington. The commission expressed their hope that the project could be completed in 2011. Mr. Sedlacek described the challenge in developing a timeline as a balance between moving the planning process quickly, while providing an opportunity for quality public input. The commission hoped that a request for proposals could be submitted to the city council for their July meeting. The commission scheduled an open house at Kensington Park on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at 5:30 p.m. The event will be hosted by the parks and recreation commission. Commissioner Toth pointed out that this is a first for the city – the commission is seeking public input at the start of the process, rather than simply reviewing a finalized proposal. Parks Celebration Update Mr. Sedlacek reported that the park celebration is set for Saturday, June 4, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Village at Mendota Heights will have live music the evening of Friday, June 3, 2011. The Mendota Heights 5K is slated for Saturday morning at The Village at Mendota Heights and MHAA will be hosting a baseball tournament at Mendakota Park all weekend long. Commissioner Comments Page - 3 10/12/10 Important Dates  The Mendota Heights Spring Clean Up is scheduled for Saturday, May 7, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Mendakota Park.  The Mendota Heights Park Celebration is scheduled for Saturday, June 4, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Commissioner Commers made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Commissioner Toth seconded the motion. AYES 6: NAYS 0 The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.