2018-11-13 Joint Council-ParksRec Work Session minutes CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Joint City Council—Parks and Recreation Commission Work Session
Held November 13, 2018
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a work session of the City Council, City of Mendota
Heights,Minnesota was held at the City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights,Minnesota.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Garlock called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. Councilmembers Paper and Petschel were
present. Councilors Duggan and Miller were absent. Parks and Recreation Commission members
present included Hinderscheid, Kipp, Miller, Klepperich, Tupper, Levine, and Goldade.
City staff present included Cheryl Jacobson, Assistant City Administrator; Meredith Lawrence,
Recreation Program Coordinator; Ryan Ruzek, Public Works Director; Kristen Schabacker,
Finance Director; and Lorri Smith, City Clerk.
PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS BUDGET
Public Works Director Ruzek presented options for 2019 improvements to Wentworth Park and
Hagstrom King Park. He presented layouts for playground equipment at each of these parks. It
was noted that some of the currentp lay equipment will be maintained and integrated with the
new equipment. Some of the current play equipment could be sold. The members discussed a
budget amount for the improvements at each park. It was noted that, in the future, improvements
to one park per year will be included in the Capital Improvement Plan. Ryan Ruzek stated that
an inventory of the parks was conducted, and it was found that Wentworth Park and Hagstrom
King Park need the improvements the most.
The members discussed what they preferred to see in Mendota Heights parks and what amount
they preferred to budget per year for park upgrades. Commissioner Tupper suggested that each
neighborhood park reflect the needs of the neighborhood they are located in. She also suggested
that each park include a unique feature.
Options for sustainable funding for the Parks Fund were discussed.
This item will be returned to the next Parks and Recreation Commission meeting for follow-up.
RESIDENT FUNDRAISING FOR PARK/PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS
Recreation Program Coordinator Lawrence informed the members of a request from a resident to
fundraise for park improvements at Hagstrom King Park. Members were in agreement that if
any fundraising was conducted, then the proceeds should go to all of the parks. Staff will
suggest to the resident that they work with the newly formed Mendota Heights Foundation, since
it is a non-profit agency.
PARK AND RECREATION ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES
FIELD AND FACILITY USE FEES; SPECIAL EVENTS
Cheryl Jacobson and Meredith Lawrence presented a revised Field and Facility Use Policy and a
revised fee schedule for review. It has been discussed that there is a need to offset the
maintenance and administrative costs associated with field and facility usage through the
implementation of use fees for all users. The Field and Facility Use Policy includes seven
priority levels, which establish criteria for priority use. City staff is proposing to charge an
application fee, a use fee, and a field prep fee. The proposed usage fees include either a per user
fee, or a per hour/day rate or a per week rate. The fees would be added to the City's 2019 fee
schedule for approval by the City Council. By having a usage fee, this could also free up some
of the field time.
Councilor Paper suggested a usage fee based on per participant. He stated it would be more
streamlined and equitable.
Commissioner Goldade suggested less priority levels to simplify the policy.
John Masica, representing Mendota Heights Athletic Association(MHAA),reminded the group
that MAHA has purchased field equipment for the City to use. The group also gives out many
scholarships to those who cannot afford the cost of their programs. He stated that the policy and
the usage fees should to be fair. The fees would have to be passed along to their participants,
and that 56% of the MHAA participants are residents of Mendota Heights.
Rachel Quick, resident, suggested a flat fee contract for the athletic associations to simplify the
fee schedule and billing.
Staff was directed to work with MHAA to develop a fair and equitable fee schedule.
The Special Event Policy being proposed would be used to coordinate tournaments, company
celebrations, fundraising events,productions, exhibitions, community observances, festivals,
entertainment, races, and other events being held on City property. No comments were heard.
TOBACCO FREE POLICY FOR PARKS
Ryan Ruzek presented a revised Tobacco Free Policy for the parks. The policy includes updated
language to today's standards and adds the prohibition of electronic nicotine delivery devices
(such as vapors, e-cigarettes, etc.) in city parks. The members recommended no changes to the
policy. This will be heard at the next City Council meeting.
MENDOTA HEIGHTS PARK SYSTEM PLANNING
Ryan Ruzek presented an overview of the existing parks in Mendota Heights. He presented maps
showing the existing neighborhood parks, community parks, and natural resource areas in the
City. The members discussed the southwest area of the city, which only includes a dog park.
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ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 pm.
Neil Garlock, Mayor
Lorri Smith, City Clerk/
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