2012-07-10 Parks and Rec Comm MinutesMH Parks and Recreation Commission 7-10-2012 Page 1
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING
July 10, 2012
The July meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve.
Chair Levine called to order the parks and recreation commission meeting at 6:31 p.m. The
following commissioners were present: Chair Stephanie Levine, Commissioners Mary McGrory-
Ussett, Ira Kipp, David Miller, Mike Toth and Pat Hinderscheid. Staff present: Assistant to the City Administrator Jake Sedlacek, Recreation Programmer Teresa Gangelhoff and City
Engineer/Public Works Director John Mazzitello.
Approval of the Agenda
COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE AGENDA;
COMMISSIONER MCGRORY-USSETT SECONDED THE MOTION.
AYES 6: NAYS 0
Approval of Minutes of May 8, 2012
COMMISSIONER HINDERSCHEID MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES OF THE
MAY 8, 2012 MEETING; COMMISSIONER MCGRORY-USSETT SECONDED THE
MOTION.
AYES 6: NAYS 0
Approval of Minutes of June 4, 2012
COMMISSIONER HINDERSCHEID MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES OF THE
JUNE 4, 2012 MEETING; COMMISSIONER TOTH SECONDED THE MOTION.
AYES 6: NAYS 0
Recreation Programmer Update
Ms. Gangelhoff reviewed the programmer’s report which was provided at the meeting. Special
attention was drawn to the Cliff Timm Fishing Derby, as staff and the commission wanted to
recognize Gander Mountain for sponsoring the event, Fischerville Coffee Shop for provided cool
beverages on a hot evening. The Cliff Timm Memorial Trust Fund continues to be the biggest supporter of the fishing derby
MH Parks and Recreation Commission 7-10-2012 Page 2
The commission asked staff to provide more emphasis on learn-to-swim programs available to
residents.
Trail System Update
Mr. Mazzitello reviewed the memo provided to the commission, noting that the City of Mendota Heights has a higher percentage of trails compared to total roadway than most cities. The
commission had several questions about specific trail segments and funding opportunities.
Specific areas discussed included the intersection at Dodd and 110, Dodd Avenue trail between
110 and Marie Ave, as well as Marie Ave. up to Wentworth Ave. The Eugenia Ave unused right
of way, Valley Park Trail and opportunities to access Dodge Nature Center Properties were also discussed.
Mr. Mazzitello reported that engineering staff hopes to have a draft Trail Improvement Program
for review this fall/winter. This plan will detail short and long term priorities for maintaining
and improving the trail system, to assist with budgeting and grant seeking. Without taking
formal action, the commission committed to keeping a close eye on trail system issues and forwarding that information to staff for planning purposes.
No commission action was necessary
Par 3 Update
Mr. Sedlacek provided the June 2012 update for the Par 3 golf course. Agenda materials
included the 2012 Pro-Forma showing projections for revenues and expenditures, and a comparison of June 2012 to June 2011. The course made a profit of just under $10,000 for the
month of June, staff is cautiously optimistic – the months of June, July and August should see
revenues higher than expenditures. Staff continues to keep a close eye on expenses, including
maintenance and clubhouse staff costs.
Upcoming summer events were reviewed, including the new Sr. Golf League on Friday mornings, and a lunch special aimed at working professionals.
Storm damage at the Par 3 includes the loss of two mature trees and damage to the roof of the
clubhouse. The losses will be covered in some part by insurance, but staff is not certain what the
deductible will be.
No commission action was necessary
August Meeting
The regular meeting date for the August 2012 parks and recreation commission meeting falls on
the day of the Minnesota Primary Election. The commission discussed whether to push the start
time back to 8:00 p.m., to change dates or cancel the meeting altogether. Staff reported that
there are no items anticipated to require a decision by the commission for the August meeting.
MH Parks and Recreation Commission 7-10-2012 Page 3
The consensus of the commission was to request that city council cancel the regularly scheduled
meeting.
Commission Comments
The commission asked for an update on the issue of electric motors on Rogers Lake. Mr. Mazzitello provided information on the request that has been received by council, to allow
electric motors on the southern portion of Rogers Lake. The commission expressed concern that
motors may have a negative impact on water quality and that there is no good place to launch a
boat for the general public.
Chair Levine provided a reminder about the Night to Unite, which is scheduled for Tuesday, August 7, 2012. If residents would like to register their party with the city, they can find contact
information for Officer Denise Urmann. Public safety staff will do their best to visit each party
which invites them.
Mr. Mazzitello reported that the curbside clean-up from the June storms was completed. Crews
from public works have been through the entire city. A contractor will be on site this week with a tub grinder to remove debris from Mendakota Park. Neighbors to the park will be sent notice of the projected hours of operation, as the grinder will be quite noisy. The contractor will be
removing all woodchips, which was a factor in the favorable bid received for grinding.
Adjourn
COMMISSIONER MCGRORY-USSETT MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING; COMMISSIONER HINDERSCHEID SECONDED THE MOTION.
AYES 6: NAYS 0
The meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted by Jake Sedlacek