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2012-06-04 Parks and Rec Comm MinutesMH Parks and Recreation Commission 6-4-2012 Page - 1 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING June 4, 2012 The June meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Monday, June 4, 2012 at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve. Chair Levine called to order the parks and recreation commission meeting at 7:13 p.m. The following commissioners were present: Chair Stephanie Levine, Commissioners Mary McGrory- Ussett, Ira Kipp, Mike Toth and Pat Hinderscheid. Commissioner Miller was an excused absence. Staff present: Assistant to the City Administrator Jake Sedlacek. Approval of the Agenda Commissioner Kipp asked if he could add a new agenda item – Chair Levine acknowledged that Commissioner Kipp’s item would follow the Par 3 Update on the agenda. Approval of Minutes Mr. Sedlacek apologized that the minutes from the May 10, 2012 meeting were not available for review. Chair Levine noted that the May minutes would be placed on the July agenda for consideration. Parks Celebration Follow-Up Chair Levine invited commissioners to share their thoughts about the parks celebration, and offer feedback for planning the event in 2013. Events held Friday evening included a concert at market square park and night golf at the Par 3. Events held Saturday included the 5K Run/Walk to benefit Special Olympics at Market Square Park, which 421 individuals participated in, a new record. The Parks Celebration was held at Mendakota Park, with an estimated crowd of 500, the most in recent memory. Events on Sunday included the Police Department Open House, a tour of Pilot Knob and a Ceremony dedicating Civic Center Ball Field as Mertensotto Field at Civic Center. Staff noted several suggestions for the commission to utilize in the planning process for next year’s celebration. No commission action was necessary. Skatepark Update Mr. Sedlacek and Chair Levine updated the commission on the ad-hoc meeting with skatepark users which occurred in May. The meeting resulted in a number of simple ideas for changes for MH Parks and Recreation Commission 6-4-2012 Page - 2 the park, which would fit within the proposed budget. Mr. Sedlacek felt that commission direction had been clear on the issue – quotes would be presented directly to city council for approval. No commission action was necessary. Playground Inspections Update Mr. Sedlacek presented the results of his research into playground safety inspections. Staff plans to research which parks have had comprehensive inspections, and develop a schedule to ensure that all playgrounds are inspected on a timely manner. Inspections will be funded through the Parks Maintenance Budget, no commission action was necessary. Park Visits and Projects Lists Mr. Sedlacek thanked the commission for their emails on park issues. Issues have ranged from downed trees to weeding flower gardens. The idea of a work-day in the parks was considered- seeking out tasks that could be completed by citizens, so that city staff could focus on tasks appropriate for the parks crew. Mr. Sedlacek will discuss this concept with staff for further consideration. There was discussion on the placement of trash cans at Rogers Lake Park – notably along Wagon Wheel Trail near the culvert between the two lakes, and the fishing pier. Mr. Sedlacek reported that a trashcan will be installed at the end of the fishing pier on a trial basis. Staff is keeping an eye on the shoreline along Wagon Wheel Trail to see if litter is better or worse than when trashcans are present, as in past years. No commission action was necessary on these items. Trail Updates Mr. Sedlacek reported that the trail segment on Wagon Wheel Trail, between Lexington Avenue and the bridge over Interstate 35E will be completed soon as requested by the commission at their May 2012 meeting. Chair Levine and Commissioner McGrory-Ussett reported that the north end of the Valley Park Trail remains in terrible condition. The commission asked that the city look into all options for getting paving completed in a timely manner. Par 3 Update Mr. Sedlacek provided preliminary figures on course revenues and expenditures through the end of May 2012. Greens fees are up from past years through May, offsetting recreation revenues which are lower than expected. Mr. Sedlacek also provided an update on course maintenance. The commission asked what time was committed to marketing the course – Mr. Sedlacek replied that our clubhouse manager works approximately 20 hours per week, working the counter at the clubhouse, the manager works on staff scheduling, purchasing, programming and marketing in MH Parks and Recreation Commission 6-4-2012 Page - 3 her free time. Mr. Sedlacek is allocated four hours a week for full oversight of the course. It is possible with cost savings on clubhouse salaries this spring can be utilized free up the clubhouse manager to dedicate time towards marketing and promotion. The Swing Into Summer open house at the Par 3 will run from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and will hopefully garner more registrations. No commission action was necessary Turtle Crossings at Wagon Wheel S Curve Commissioner Kipp shared an image of a Blanding Turtle which had been hit by a car on Wagon Wheel Trail near the culvert connecting the two ends of Rogers Lake. Mr. Kipp expressed his concern that the new curbs on Wagon Wheel Trail create “walls” which turtles are unable to climb to exit the roadway. Mr. Sedlacek provided background on the curbing, which has been effective in eliminating parking in the area and making the street safer for citizens. The commission expressed their concern for the situation. Mr. Sedlacek affirmed that signs could be installed, but cautioned that staff would not approve any material placed within the curb. No commission action was necessary. Commission Comments Several commissioners felt the meeting was very productive, and support the idea of have the less formal format for meetings at least once a year. Commissioner Hinderscheid asked if Rogers Lake would be treated for weeds this year – Mr. Sedlacek responded that the association of property owners around the lake made the request to city council. The city council approved a single treatment for weeds this year. Adjourn COMMISSIONER HINDERSCHEID MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING, COMMISSIONER MCGRORY-USSETT SECONDED THE MOTION. AYES 5: NAYS 0 The meeting adjourned at 9:12 p.m. Respectfully Submitted by Jake Sedlacek