2017-02-14 Parks and Rec Comm MinutesMH Parks and Recreation Commission 2-14-2017 Page 1
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING
Tuesday February 14, 2017
The February meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on
Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve.
Acting Chair Hinderscheid called to order the parks and recreation commission meeting at 6:30
p.m. The following commissioners were present: Chair Hinderscheid, Commissioners: Ira
Kipp, Michael Toth, Steve Goldade, Bob Klepperich and Stephanie Levine. Staff present:
Recreation Programmer Sloan Wallgren.
Election of Officers
COMMISSIONER LEVINE MADE A MOTION FOR PAT HINDERSCHEID TO BE THE
CHAIR OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AND FOR MIKE TOTH TO
BE THE VICE CHAIR OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION.
COMMISSIONER KIPP SECONDED THE MOTION.
AYES 6: NAYS 0
Approval of Agenda
CHAIR HINDERSCHEID MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE AGENDA;
COMMISSIONER LEVINE SECONDED THE MOTION.
AYES 6: NAYS 0
Approval of Minutes from December 13, 2016
COMMISSIONER LEVINE MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM THE
December 13, 2016 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING;
COMMISSIONER TOTH SECONDED THE MOTION.
AYES 6: NAYS 0
Announcements
Mr. Wallgren announced that the Mendota Heights Athletic Association will be starting
registration for lacrosse, baseball and softball soon. There will be two Pollinator Friendly
Workshop held at the end of February.
Emerald Ash Borer
Chair Hinderscheid invited Jeff Hafner from Rainbow Tree Care to present on how his
company can work with the city to treat trees that have become infected with the Emerald Ash
Borer. The commission discussed the benefits and the costs associated with the process of
treating trees on city property.
Mr. Wallgren will discuss with city staff the current policy and the budget available for 2017,
he will follow up at the next meeting.
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Victoria Highlands Ballfield
Mr. Wallgren informed the commission that the Mendota Heights Athletic Association has
requested that the city make some improvements to the ballfield at Victoria Highlands Park.
The improvements include installing an outfield fence, a fence on the first baseline, expanding
the infield to accommodate 75 foot base path and making improvements to the backstop.
COMMISSIONER TOTH MADE A MOTION FOR THE COUNCIL TO CONSIDER
MAKING IMPROVEMENTS TO THE BALLFIELD AT VICTORIA HIGHLANDS PAR.
COMMISSIONER KLEPPRICH SECONDED THE MOTION
AYES 6: NAYS 0
Mendakota Park Storage Shed & Dugouts
Mr. Wallgren informed the commission that the Mendota Heights Athletic Association has
made a request for the city to construct a storage shed and add dugouts at Mendakota Park.
The shed would be used for MHAA to store baseball equipment, softball equipment, soccer
equipment, football equipment and an extra refrigerator and freezer for concessions. The
dugouts would provide shelter and shade for the ball players during their games.
The commission discussed the storage shed and dugouts. The commission thought both items
would be good additions to the park, but for now would like to continue to have conversations
about it.
Archery Range
Mr. Wallgren reintroduced the topic of adding an archery range. The Minnesota DNR would
have matching grant funds available sometime during 2017. The commission discussed the
history and need for an archery range. For the time being they would like staff to apply for
grants, and if we are awarded grant money the topic can be further addressed.
Ice Rink Usage
Mr. Wallgren presented the commission with the attendance at the ice rinks for December and
January. The attendance numbers are similar to year past, however February numbers will be
very low because the rinks have already closed for the season. Unfortunately, it was a very
short season this year.
Summer Programs
Mr. Wallgren updated the commission on all of the summer programs that are being offered
this summer. New in 2017 will be the Family Kick Ball Tournament hosted in collaboration
with the school district, Mendota Heights, West St. Paul and South St. Paul. The kickball
tournament will be held August 5th at Harmon Park in West St. Paul. Staff is also working a
Party in the Park Family Night that would include games, food and conclude with a family
friendly movie at Mendakota Park.
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Commission Comments
Commissioner Kipp thanked Chair Hindersched for inviting Jeff from Rainbow Tree, he also
welcomed the new commissioners.
Commissioner Goldade thanked MHAA for everything they do in our community and he also
thanked staff for everything they do.
Commissioner Levine welcomed the new commissioner to the group.
Commissioner Toth welcomed the new commissioner and encouraged residents to contact the
staff and commission if they have ideas for the parks.
Commissioner Klepperich thanked everyone for welcoming him. He is looking forward to
servient the residents.
Chair Hinderscheid welcomed the new members and is looking forward to a great year serving
the residents.
COMMISSIONER GOLDADA A MOTION TO ADJURN THE MEETING.
COMMISSIONER TOTH SECONDED THE MOTION.
AYES 6: NAYS 0
The meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m. Respectfully Submitted by Sloan Wallgren