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2011-05-10 Parks and Rec Comm MinutesPage - 1 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING May 10, 2011 The May 2011 meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, May 10, 2011at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve. Vice-Chair Steve Commers called to order the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting at 6:32 p.m. The following Commissioners were present: Vice Chair Steve Commers, Commissioners Tom Kraus, Mary McGrory-Usset, David Miller and Stephanie Levine. Staff present: Assistant to the City Administrator Jake Sedlacek and Recreation Programmer Teresa Gangelhoff. Approval of the Agenda Commissioner McGrory-Usset made a motion to approve the agenda, Commissioner Kraus seconded the motion. AYES 5: NAYS 0 Approval of Minutes Commissioner Kraus made a motion to approve the agenda, Commissioner Miller seconded the motion. AYES 5: NAYS 0 Parks and Recreation Report Ms. Gangelhoff summarized the recreation programmer report, starting with summer field trips- the trip to the Twins game and the tour of Target Field were already filled, all other trips have openings. Simple Steps is offered free again this year through Dakota County, to provide citizens incentives to be active. Tennis registration is little slower than usual, summer playgrounds has a handful of openings. Performances in the Park are scheduled for the summer and are listed on the city’s website. Puppet Wagon Contract Ms. Gangelhoff stated that “Imagination Station” is no longer available, staff is recommending that we partner with the City of Eagan with their “Puppet Wagon” to provide a weekly free program for families. The program will be held on Mondays, 11:45 a.m. at Market Square Park in the Village at Mendota Heights. The proposed contract provides a cost-savings for the city. Commissioner Kraus made a motion to recommend approving the contract with the City of Eagan, Commissioner Levine seconded the motion. AYES 5: NAYS 0 Page - 2 Kensington Park Playground Update The open house at Kensington Park was a rainout, Commissioners Levine and McGrory-Usset both shared feedback they received in bringing the concept plans to the park at different times. • Have a small structure for toddlers • Please remove pea rock • Primary colors preferred • “Active” play elements – monkey bars, etc. preferred The commission expressed concern that there has not been enough public awareness of opportunities for input. The Parks Celebration was identified as an opportunity for more feedback, as well as touching base with the local schools. Vendors also could have useful input on the best project for the park, based on the play area and current trends. The commission had a lengthy discussion about surfacing materials – the lowest cost material, wood fiber, is estimated at $16,000. Rubber tiles, poured rubber surfacing and synthetic turf are all options at a higher cost. The commission provided direction to staff to seek options for a hybrid approach – rubber tile (or similar) at key points and engineered wood fiber for the remaining area. The commission then provided staff to issue a request for proposals, with a maximum cost of $52,000. The commission provided feedback on the elements the proposals must include: • Keep the individual play units • Keep the existing swings • Keep the digger • Keep the See-saw • Include a tire swing The commission also expressed interest in having two structures, to accommodate school-age youth, and two to five year old youth. Staff will issue a request for proposals, to be presented at the June 14, 2011 parks and recreation commission meeting. The commission will continue to garner feedback from park users as the process unfolds. Skate Park Improvements Mr. Sedlacek showed recent images from the skate park, showing areas which need maintenance – including damage on the half-pipe feature, as well as cracking in the asphalt surfacing. Tim Meyer and Joe Hogandahl addressed the commission, and would like to bring forward ideas for improvements to the park, specifically concrete features. It has been some time since new features were added to the park, even a single new feature would be much appreciated by our users. The commission expressed concern with a couple of the ideas proposed, regarding who may complete the work. Staff reported that any equipment needs to be designed or reviewed and approved by an engineer. There was consensus among the commission to encourage Mr. Meyer and Mr. Hogandahl to find out what can be done for $20,000, reflecting cost savings from the Friendly Hills Park backstop. Parks Celebration Update Page - 3 The Mendota Heights Parks Celebration is set for June 4, 2011. The event will run from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Mendakota Park. The Mendota Heights 5K will be held at the Village at Mendota Heights earlier Saturday morning, benefitting Special Olympics. Trail Feedback/Planning Process The trail improvements and maintenance open house is set for June 14, 2011. Signs are going up around the trail system. Par 3 Update The Par 3 opened on April 11, 2011, experiencing extreme weather, including three snow-outs. The projected revenues and expenditures show an estimated profit at the end of the year of approximately $9,000. The course itself is in good shape in terms of turf health. Mr. Sedlacek reported that the majority of staff from 2010 have returned, continuing the level of service our customers have come to expect. The Greens Committee is self-organizing this year, and will be holding a meeting on May 24, 2011, 6:30 p.m. at the Par 3 clubhouse. The greens committee takes a first look at course improvements and programming, to discuss a wide variety of opportunities and make a more defined recommendation to the parks and recreation commission. Mr. Sedlacek was not able to get sign quotes for a new monument sign prepared for the meeting, and has asked Clubhouse Manager Tom Perkins to bring some ideas to the greens committee meeting. Commissioner Comments Vice-Chair Commers encouraged the public to attend the parks celebration and 5K events on Saturday, June 4, 2011. Commissioner Miller made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Commissioner Levine seconded the motion. AYES 5: NAYS 0 The meeting adjourned at 8:14 p.m.