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2017-09-12 Parks and Rec Comm MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING September 12, 2017 The September meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, September 12, 2017, at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve. 1. Call to Order‐‐Chair Pat Hinderschied called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. 2. Roll Call‐‐The following Commissioners were present: Chair Par Hinderscheid, Commissioners Ira Kipp, Steve Goldade, David Miller, Bob Klepperich, and Stephanie Levine. Also present was Student Representative Claire Dunham. Staff present: Assistant City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson, Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek, and City Administrator Mark McNeill. Absent: Student Representative Miles Bowen. 3. Approval of Agenda The agenda was approved as presented 4. Approval of Minutes from August 8th, 2017 Motion Levine/second Klepperich to approve the minutes of the August 8, 2017 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. AYES 6: NAYS 0 5. Unfinished and New Business 5.a Informational Presentation‐‐MHAA Mendota Heights Athletic Association Executive Director John Masica presented an update on the MHAA operation. He said that, as a private organization, finances were best discussed at a MHAA meeting. In response to a question from Chair Hinderscheid, he did acknowledge that at one time, the City did make financial contribution to the organization, but that ended in 2015. The City does make a small contribution for the operation of T‐ball. Otherwise, he said that 95% of the revenue is from registrations. The Annual Meeting is in January, when financials will be discussed in more detail. He made a Power Point presentation, noting that it had begun in Eagan in 1960, and changed its name to the present one in 1995. It serves ages 3‐15, and is all volunteer. He is the only paid employee. There are 450 volunteers as coaches and assistants who make the organization work. Soccer is the largest program, with 772. Registrations are increasing at 8 to 10% annually. He said needs included:  Additional field space, including upgrades and maintenance  Lacrosse fields  Additional gym space  More volunteers Commissioner Goldade asked for a prioritized list of parks’ needs. 5.b Resignation of Commissioner Michael Toth/Election of Vice Chair Ms. Jacobson reported that the City Council had appointed Michael Toth to a vacancy on the Planning Commission, and, as a result, he has had to resign from his position on the Parks and Recreation Commission. The Council has authorized an advertisement to be made to fill the position. In the meantime, a new vice–chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission will have to be determined, as Mr.Toth held that office. Discussion followed regarding Commissioner Goldade to serve in that capacity. Commissioner Miller was also asked about his interest in the position, but he declined to be considered. Motion Levine/second Klepperich to nominate Commissioner Goldade to serve as Vice Chair through February, 2018. AYES 6: NAYS 0 5.c Dakota County Comprehensive Plan Update A presentation was given regarding the County’s Comprehensive Plan update, including the Natural Systems plan. No action was taken. 5.d Rogers Avenue Right of Way Vacation Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek presented information about a petition for the vacation of an unused street right of way south of Wagon Wheel Trail west of the “S” curve. He said the Public Hearing for this is October 17th. The item was on the agenda so that the Commission could provide comments. He said that the right of way had never been developed. Questions were asked about any benefits of the vacation, and whether it could be used for fishing access. Mr. Ruzek noted it would reduce the City’s liability for tree maintenance, and that due to problems with access, the recommendation of staff was for the vacation to take place. He said that anyone is welcome to speak at the Public Hearing. 5.e Roger Lake Mr. Ruzek said that the meeting between the Rogers Lake HOA and the DNR had not yet been scheduled. Commissioner Kipp recommended that more than one bench be placed on shore, and on the fishing pier, for people to sit. He further stated that the lack of a place for people to dispose of fireplace ashes properly caused phosphorus to leach into the lake. 5.f Parks, Recreation, and Programming Shuffleboard‐‐Commissioner Kipp asked that people who might be interested in more shuffleboard opportunities to call City Hall to let their feelings be known. Basketball at Marie Park Hockey Rink—Commissioner Goldade asked for a bigger discussion on how to provide basketball in the parks. Chair Hinderscheid asked staff to investigate what it would cost to set up a basketball facility with two hoops, and whether a second hoop could be added in areas with a single hop currently? He said that Ivy Falls has a lot of space. Market Square Picnic Area—Staff reported that a local resident had asked for picnic facilities to be added to Market Square Park. Mr. Ruzek reported that while it is a City Park, the developer of the Village (RMF Group) is responsible for maintenance. He said that the RMF group is undergoing some reorganization changes now, and therefore any improvements at that park would need to go through the City. No action was taken. 6. Reports 6.a Park and Recreation Commission Activity Report Chair Hinderschied reviewed the log of action items. Items noted included:  Master gardeners had provided information to staff about landscaping at the Par 3  The Dodd Road Trail study is now “on the shelf”, and no further action is being pursued  Discussed adding 1% funding to future City levies for when the hockey debt is retired  Status of school art in City Hall. Ms. Jacobson will check the status  A grant is needed for an archery range; Commissioner Kipp felt it should be pursued  Dog Park gate for a larger mower to access is needed. Mr. Ruzek will follow‐up on its status with John Boland of Public Works.  Natural Resources to be discussed at October Commission meeting.  Marie Park Tennis Improvements to be design for installation in Spring, 2018.  Playground inspections done as observed by Public Works, or when reported by member of the public. Invite Landscape Structures to next meeting; let them know the time limit will be 15‐20 minutes.  Commission desires an annual $50,000 in budget for parks improvements 6.b Par 3 Update Ms. Jacobson provided on update on the facility. She reported on use by the Women’s and junior leagues, and golf camps. She said that Meredith Lawrence has been providing much needed help during the vacancy of the Recreation Coordinator position. Ms. Jacobson reported that she will have the financial reports for the Commission at the next month’s Commission meeting. 6.c Recreation Updates Ms. Jacobson states that the Recreation Coordinator position will be posted later that week. She updated the Commission on the skate park, and upcoming MEA week field trips. Chair Hinderschied asked about weeds which existed in the play areas of the park. Mr. Ruzek said that he would check with Public Works. The Chair also asked whether it would be possible to stripe the tennis courts for pickle ball; Ms. Lawrence felt that that might be confusing to players. 7. Commission Comments Several Commissioners expressed their appreciation to Mr. Toth for his service on the commission. Commissioner Goldade asked Student Rep Claire Dunham if she could get a group of high schoolers together to discuss what they wanted from Mendota Heights parks. The Chair and Vice Chair (and whatever other commissions were interested) could attend). He stated that he would also like to see a family night at Par 3 in 2018. Adjourn Motion Kipp/Second Klepperich to adjourn the meeting at 8:34 PM AYES 6: NAYS 0 Minutes Taken By: Mark McNeill City Administrator