2019-01-08 Parks and Rec Comm MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS, DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING
January 8, 2019
The January meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on
Tuesday, January 8, 2019, at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve.
1. Call to Order – Chair Pat Hinderscheid called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
2. Roll Call – The following Commissioners were present: Chair Pat Hinderscheid,
Commissioners Steve Goldade, Ira Kipp, Bob Klepperich, Stephanie Levine, David Miller, and
Nissa Tupper. Staff present: Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence, Assistant
City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson and Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek, and City
Administrator Mark McNeill.
3. Approval of Agenda
Chair Hinderscheid asked f or two additions to the agenda:
1. Status update on filling the openings on the Parks & Rec Commission
2. Estimates on the Wentworth Warming House
Motion Miller / second Tupper to approve the agenda as amended AYES 7: NAYS 0
4. Approval of Minutes from December 11, 2018
Commissioner Klepperich provided clarification on the email reference under Item 5: Citizen
Comment Period by saying that the Commission does not want to discourage people from
writing or appearing before the Commission. It is part of City Policy for citizens to be identified
by name and address, which was not done in this case. Citizens should feel free to comment
but realize that they would need to provide a name and address as part of the record.
Chair Hinderscheid also noted that if an email is sent to any of the Commissioners on a topic
they wish to have discussed at a meeting, their name should be revealed.
Motion Klepperich / second Miller to approve the minutes of the December 11, 2018 Parks and
Recreation Commission meeting. AYES 7: NAYS 0
5. Citizen Comment Period (for items not on the agenda)
There were no citizen comments
6. Unfinished and New Business
6.a North Kensington Horseshoes
Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek explained that the Commission was being requested to
consider adding horseshoes to North Kensington Park. In discussion with some of the members
of the townhome association surrounding the park, it sounds like there is a group of people that
play horseshoes weekly; however, the closest location they can find is in We st St. Paul. They
asked the city to consider adding a couple of horseshoe pits to North Kensington Park.
Mr. Ruzek shared a map of the North Kensington Park area; however, an assessment for the
best fit or location has not been completed. Parking in the f all on the south side is a concern
during soccer season and there are some native plantings put in by the city fifteen years ago
that are actively managed.
Chair Hinderscheid asked what the cost would be to put these pits in. Mr. Ruzek replied with the
removal of the top soil, installation of treated lumber, backboard and sand he did not anticipate
an outrageous expense. This is something that Public Works could probably do themselves.
Commissioner Miller asked if there had been any other interest expressed besides from this one
group. Mr. Ruzek replied in the negative.
It was noted that one or two pits could be installed in a location that, if interest increased, could
be expanded upon. Also, it’s possible that residents could request to have pits instal led in other
parks throughout the city.
Commissioner Goldade asked for clarification that North Kensington Park is not connected to
Kensington Park. Mr. Ruzek replied that South Kensington Park is located across Concord Way
– via a crosswalk – from North Kensington Park. Commissioner Goldade asked if there was a
specific location that staff would suggest. Mr. Ruzek replied in the negative.
Commissioner Goldade then asked if staff was aware of how North Kensington Park is currently
being used by the residents. Mr. Ruzek answered that he was not aware of any activities that
occur in the park at this current time.
Chair Hinderscheid asked if they would be installing benches or other items as well as the
horseshoe pits. Mr. Ruzek replied that all items are on the table at this time.
Commissioner Levine stated that she loves the idea and is excited that some neighbors are
interested. She herself is not a horseshoe player but she has seen them in other parks, usually
near or in a picnic area. She asked if there would be an interest at looking at Mendakota Park
and if there would be a spot there that could accommodate this activity. Mr. Ruzek assumed
that there would be a suitable location in Mendakota. Commissioner Levine suggested that a
location near picnic-type areas in other parks may be better conducive. Mr. Ruzek noted that
the ease of access was the reason for the North Kensington Park suggestion. However,
Mendakota is a still a lot closer than West St. Paul.
The Commission directed staff to ask the interested group if they would accept a different
location. Also, staff should provide more information on what other types of amenities would be
requested along with the pits; seating, shade, space for tournaments, scoreboards, etc.
6.b Park and Trail Map
Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek stated that staff did some updates and cleanups to the city’s
Park and Trail Map and shared an image. He requested feedback and comments from the
Commission.
Chair Hinderscheid noted that on the Trail Improvement and Maint enance Plan Map, it
appeared that the tunnel was showing as being proposed; however, it has been completed. Mr.
Ruzek replied that this particular map, dated May 1, 2017, was included in the Commission
Packet as a reference so they could see that there are more trails in town. When that map was
printed that tunnel was not completed.
Mr. Ruzek clarified that the Parks and Trails Map is what the Commission was being asked to
comment on, not the Trail Improvement and Maintenance Plan Map.
Commissioner Tupper said that the map was very readable and easy to decipher. However, she
did not see a scale on the map so if someone were to try and determine how long it would take
to walk somewhere they would have a hard time making that judgment.
Commissioner Goldade asked how it was decided to designate dotted lines for the wide
shoulder, for instance the piece of Lexington between Highway 62 and Mendota Heights Road.
It would be nice to designate how folks could know to not bike on that and avoid it by going over
to Wagon Wheel and then back over. Staff agreed to make that addition.
It was noted that once updated and approved, the Parks and Trails Map would be provided in
the park kiosks and would be available on -line.
6.c Playground Subcommittee Update
Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek explained that the Parks & Rec Commission assembled a
sub-committee. On January 2, 2019, this sub-committee met with Flagship Recreation, who
specializes in Landscape Structures equipment and Minnesota/Wisconsin Playgrounds, who
represents Game Time equipment. Both companies had been asked to use a $140,000 budget
for improvements to Wentworth Park Playground equipment and a $160,000 budget for the
Hagstrom-King Playground improvements. Mr. Ruzek noted that additional site work needs t o
be done and expansion of the container is needed to put in a recomm ended zip-line structures
at Hagstrom-King location and to expand the container.
The sub-committee looked at proposals from Landscape Structure s, provided some feedback,
looked at different equipment and offered suggestions. Minnesota/Wisconsin Playground did not
have any revised layouts; however, they were not requested to bring that to this first meeting.
Mr. Ruzek stated that he has not gotten an email out to the sub -committee since their initial
meeting, but asked if they had anything they would like to share or recommend to the
commission at this time.
Chair Hinderscheid asked if Mr. Ruzek had heard anything from Flagship Recreation on the
‘reveal’ they indicated would take place this past Monday. Mr. Ruzek replied in the negative.
Chair Hinderscheid also noted that it was easier to work with Flagship Recreation as they had
come in with a diagram laid out; whereas Minnesota/Wisconsin was only talking about pieces.
However, Minnesota/Wisconsin will come back with a design layout.
The sub-committee saw some features that they thought were interesting, and they mixed
things up a little bit. They are anxious to see what the suppliers come back with.
Chair Hinderscheid also noted that the budget dollars cited above included the site work, the
new equipment, and removal / disposal of the existing equipment. He then asked if any
determination had been made on how to dispose of the existing equipment; either by selling or
having someone come in and take it. Mr. Ruzek replied that it might save the city a little bit on
disposal costs as there are some companies that would send the equipment to another country.
The city would still be on the hook for remova l of the concrete foundation, surfacing, and any
container work.
Commissioner Klepperich asked if anything was going to be kept at Wentworth. Mr. Ruzek
replied that the plan is to keep the 2-5 age equipment as it is in almost like new condition.
Commissioner Tupper stated that they had a good discussion; they went back and reviewed the
comments from the open house and reminded themselves what people had preferred. Both
designs are moving in an exciting direction and she is excited to see what they come back with .
Commissioner Levine echoed Commissioner Tupper’s comments and stated that one of the
things that came up was the possibility of integrating teen and adult fitness in with the
equipment. It probably would not require very much different equipment itself. One of the
exciting things is they are looking at equipment that is parent/grandparent friendly.
Chair Hinderscheid said this was a nice first step and he is very intrigued in what they will be
able to come up with. He then asked what the plan was going forward.
Mr. Ruzek replied that it would take the vendors some time, and once spring arrives their time
will become even more limited. He also noted that two of the members of the sub -committee will
no longer be members of the Commission effective January 30, 2019 and asked if they should
be kept on as citizen representatives; should another commissioner be appointed to the sub -
committee to prevent the breaking of any open meeting laws. Mr. Ruzek expressed his desire to
have the sub-committee meet one more time and have recommend ations ready for the
February Parks and Recreation Commission meeting; however, that may be a bit aggressive.
Commissioner Goldade liked the idea of Commissioners Levine and Tupper staying on the sub -
committee in whatever role they could and see the proje ct through. He also liked the idea of
coming back to this topic at the February meeting so the two new commissioners have the
opportunity to be a part of that discussion and possibly fill those spots.
Commissioner Tupper stated that she would be happy to serve in whatever capacity to see the
project through. Commissioner Levine agreed to the same sentiments.
Commissioner Levine, in an effort to keep this project moving forward, suggested that staff be
directed to contact the vendors for their updated draw ings and timing information. She also
encouraged the sub-committee to meet in January with the vendors. Scheduling that meeting is
paramount.
6.d Fee Assistance Program Update
Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence reminded the Commission that at their
January 2018 meeting, they discussed the implementation of a Scholarship Donation Program
or Fee Assistance Program for city recreation programs. On March 6, 2018, the Council
adopted a Recreation Fee Assistance program. She then reminded the Comm ission that this
program would allow for a reduction of fees by 50% for qualifying applicants, with a maximum of
$150 per year; the overall cap for the scholarship program for the City was $3,000 per calendar
year of 2018; City Council did budget $1,000 fo r 2019 for the Scholarship Program.
Additional information on the program, including qualifications, the process if accepted, and the
programs that are eligible were included in the Commission Packet.
In 2018, there was one applicant that applied and received scholarship money. A fair amount of
other inquiries were received; however, the applicants did not meet the qualifications – mainly
because they were residents of another city. When these types of inquiries are received, staff
works with them to let them know that other cities do offer a scholarship program and then put
them in contact with the right person. These other communities also know that the City of
Mendota Heights offers scholarship opportunities if they receive inquires which pertain to the
city.
Staff will work to promote this program in the future in the marketing materials provided to
residents and in the flyers dropped off monthly at the schools.
Commissioner Goldade requested that this information be included in the Friday News, at least
quarterly. He also suggested an adjustment that if there is a citizen sponsor for a friend who is
not a citizen, they be included in the program. He also asked about having the write -up about
the program in multiple languages. Ms. Lawrence agreed that the Friday News is a great way to
promote this program, as well as in the Heights Highlights. As for the write -up in multiple
languages, there is not anyone on staff that could do that; however, it is so mething staff could
look into providing. In regards to the sponsorship or refer -a-friend type program, she knows that
the city tries to not subsidize other cities residents; however, it could be discussed and brought
up to the Council if the Commission see s fit.
Commissioner Levine stated that she would like to see this program moved off of the city’s
responsibility and added to the Mendota Heights Foundation as it would be a good place for
those kinds of scholarships. Meanwhile, she felt that the criteria made sense. There is just a gap
between the accessibility of the information and the applications. It is new and it will take a while
for it to get up and running. She really appreciated the fact that if a citizen who is not a resident
can be referred to their own city; and likewise the Mendota Heights residents going to a different
city are referred back to Mendota Heights.
Commissioner Goldade asked for Commissioner Levine’s thoughts on qualifica tion #4, would it
be easy to do:
Provide ONE of the following as documentation with the application:
o Copy of the eligibility notification letter from the ISD 197 Child Nutrition Office, if
your child participates in the “Free and Reduced Lunch Program.”
o Documentation of parent on Active Duty in the military
Commissioner Levine replied that the information noted exists so why not.
Commissioner Goldade continued by explaining that a lot of the programing is in the summer
and if they don’t have that letter from the school district, it would be tough to find and difficult to
get access to the staff in the school district. Commissioner Levine replied that it was a great
question and suggested this question be taken off -line and contact the district office to find out if
that was something they could do in the summer.
Commissioner Levine also said that a phone number could be provided in the Heights
Highlights where people could call and get additional information or ask questions.
Commissioner Tupper agreed that this is a good program to offer; howev er, she questioned the
eligible programs. She asked if the original discussions included a reason why things like the
Cinderella Ball or some of the other events were not included. Parks are the catalyst for
community building, as well as recreation. Ms. Lawrence replied that the eligible programs were
picked because those are programs that the city is in charge of running and pays for the staffing
and knows the costs associated with them. The Royal Ball is done in partnership with three
other cities and there are a lot of costs associated with the building that is rented, the food
provided, and the other consultants and vendors. However, if that is something the Commission
would like to see added – it might make more people interested in applying and she could work
with th e finance department to make sure that those funds then get transferred into that Royal
Ball budget.
Chair Hinderscheid asked if this assistance program was part of the golf programs that the city
puts on. Ms. Lawrence replied in the affirmative. He then asked if that could be promoted at the
club house. Ms. Lawrence replied that it is not promoted at the club house at this time.
However, this could be another way of marketing the program.
Commissioner Goldade complimented Ms. Lawrence on offering ‘no cos t’ events; such as the
movie coming up in February and the movie that was offered in September. Those events are
accessible to all and he complimented her on offering that type of program as well.
7. Reports
Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence, in response to the request for an update
on the new commissioners, noted that the city had received nine applications for the Parks &
Recreation Commission. Those interviews will take place on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 before
the City Council meeting. The Council is the entity that interviews all applicants and would
nominate two who, if they accept, will be on the Commission. Hopefully, they can be introduced
at the February Parks & Recreation Commission meeting.
The February meeting will also the commission’s reorganization meeting. They will review the
Rules of Order and have the election for chair and vice -chair.
7.a Par 3 Update
Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence noted that she did not have the October
2018 financial report as she had not received it yet. She hopes to have this information to share
with the Commission at the February meeting.
However, she was excited to report that the Council did approve the purchase of a new Toro
Workman utility cart – an $8,850 cost to come out of the General Fund and would not impact the
Par 3 budget.
It is her plan to bring to Council on January 15, 2019 a proposal for a new fairway mower. That
machine has a lot of work that needs to be done on it; staff received a pretty good quote on a
new one.
7.b Recreation Update
Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence provided the following updates:
W inter Skating started last Saturday (January 5, 2019) with approximately 25
participants; a lot more than years past. They actually hired another instructor because
they had so many kids interested. This is done with West St. Paul.
The Dodge Nature Center is providing a naturalist-led snowshoeing hike on Saturday,
January 12; which most likely will just be a hike because of the lack of snow. Th e event
starts at 1:00 p.m. and registration is available on the website until Friday, January 11 at
4:00 p.m.
The Royal Ball will be held on February 10, 2019 in South St. Paul. Registration is
available on the website. Already there seems to be a lot of interest and lots of
registrations have been received.
Blade with the Blue – teaming up with the Police Department to host a free hockey
event; registration is available online. This event will be held at Friendly Hills.
Movie Night – hosted by the Tri-District Community Education; this free event will be
held indoors at Henry Sibley High School on February 9, 2019. There is a poll on the
city’s Facebook page to vote on which movie would be shown.
Winter Break Field Trips – she had the privilege of taking children on these two field trips
Flag Football Camp – held at the West St. Paul dome with over 25 participants
Warming Houses – opened on December 26, 2018 and a report on ice rink usage was
included in the Commission packet. It has been tough with the wea ther. Hours are
posted on the city’s website as well as a hotline to call to confirm if warming houses are
open.
2019 Summer Programs – hard work is underway. Ideas and suggestions are welcome.
Commissioner Tupper expressed her appreciation for staff’s an d her hard work in offering such
a diverse array of programming. These opportunities provided for such a small city is amazing.
Commissioner Goldade asked how she has found partnering with these other entities and what
are the wins for the city. Ms. Lawre nce replied that they are working a lot with the City of West
St. Paul, the school district, and the Dodge Nature Center. Partnering with the school district
and West St. Paul enables the city to keep the price down as they are able to promote the
events to more people. It also helps to have additional people working on the projects and
saves her a little bit of time. The city’s new Natural Resource Technician had a contact at Dodge
Nature Center and she has been working with them to try and get more progra mming with them.
They have a great facility and good staff; this is a good way for the city to keep prices down and
have an option that is close to home for people to do unique things.
7.c Commissioner Park Updates
Wentworth Park – Commissioner Goldade drove by today and the new hockey rink lights look
great. He loves the protective wrap around one light post and the basketball post. He was
impressed with the overall beauty of Wentworth Park and all that park has to offer.
Hagstrom-King – Commissioner Goldade asked if the bike racks had been installed. Public
Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that he had not received an update; however, he received a
bill for the basketball expansion but not for the bike rack.
He was unaware that the basketball court was so far away from everything and he thought there
had been some discussions about adding pickleball courts in between the basketball court and
the remainder of the rest. He also suggested Hagstrom -King as a possible location for the
horseshoe pits discussed earlier.
Ivy Hills – Chair Hinderscheid talked with people walking through and they commented on what
a gem it is for the neighborhood.
Victoria Highlands – Commissioner Miller had nothing new to report for Victoria Highlands i n the
winter.
Marie Park – Commissioner Levine drove by and saw a lot of pee wee skaters with parents
standing on the sidelines and it brought such a smile to her face. She wanted to stress that
other cities do not have ice right now and it says a lot abo ut the Mendota Heights Public Works
Dept. that the city has ice on their rinks.
Dog Park – Commissioner Levine suggested that people DO NOT go the dog park right now
because the ice is so prevalent it could be ice skated on. The condition is not safe for walkers or
dogs right now and residents should exercise caution and good judgment.
Please do not complain to Public Works as there is nothing they can do about it.
Chair Hinderscheid asked that a discussion about the pickleball courts at Hagstrom-King be
added to an upcoming agenda. Mr. Ruzek agreed.
In response to an earlier request for an update on the Wentworth Park Warming House, Public
Works Director Ryan Ruzek explained that he did not have an update. The architect did provide
an update during the workshop meeting; however, Mr. Ruzek had some conflicting meetings
and was unable to touch base with the architect in person and has not reached out by email. He
does have a pre-construction meeting scheduled with the contractor on Friday, January 11,
2019. They are likely to begin a sediment removal project at Wentworth park next week.
This is probably that last season the current warming house, in its current condition, would be
used. There will be a different structure there for the next season.
Chair Hinderscheid asked if it would be helpful for the fee assistance program to be
communicated at the high school. Student Representative Matthew Boland replied that it would
be a good idea. He also asked if Henry Sibley and other local high schools have flyers around
the school advertising for it. Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence replied that
they provide flyers for the programs but not for the fee assistance program. However, it would
be a good idea to promote it at the high school level.
Chair Hinderscheid asked if the Wentworth Warming House was a Special Park Fund expense
or was it just maintenance. Mr. Ruzek replied that the scope of the project has not yet been
determined. Council could choose to use Special Park Funds or they could look at some other
fund or general fund expenditures, infrastructure funds, etc. The funding has not yet been
determined. If this were a one -to-one replacement it would be the Special Park Fund as used for
the Marie and Friendly Hills replacements. However, this is more of an expanded structure and
Council may be willing to entertain some other fu nding opportunities.
8. Announcements and Commission Comments
Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence provided the following announcements:
Automatic lights (via a timer) will be installed at Friendly Hills and Marie Park, like at
Wentworth Park. This should occur this month or next month.
She expressed staff’s appreciation to Commissioners Levine and Tupper for their time
on the Commission and it had been great working with them. They will be missed.
Commissioner Tupper expressed her appreciation to the Commission for their support. This has
been the first commission she has been involved with and shared that it has been really great to
get involved at this level in the city. This has been a very welcoming group. Staff has been really
well prepared to inform on issues; the commission has had some healthy discussions and has
done a lot of really great things. It has been exciting for her to see the momentum engaging with
the community, the creation of new partnerships for programming, pushing more
communications, and would expect to see that continue. She will continue to be involved as an
active citizen and hopes the commission continues to see the parks as a great catalyst for
building community and for environmental stewardship.
Commissioner Levine echoed Ms. Tupper’s sentiments. She added that she has been on the
commission for nine years and when she first got involved there was no dog park; and now
there is one. The commission has accomplished so much – the city was the second pollinator-
friendly city in Minnesota, expanded the parks and trails, increased engagement with the
community, expanded the number and types of programming provided and partnerships with
other cities. She has seen the Council investing in these programs as well. Where monies are
put shows where the priorities are – this city has shown that the priorities are green space,
stewardship, and parks & recreation for the kids. It is a great city to live in and to be a part of.
Serving on this commission has made her really appreciative of the people who do the work
everyday, the commission, and the people who are unseen.
Commissioner Miller expressed his appreciation for the work done by Commissioners Levine
and Tupper and for their help.
He believed this was a good meeting and felt that the items they have been working on are
moving along and the reports / follow-up received have been very good.
Commissioner Klepperich also expressed his appreciation of Commissioners Levine and
Tupper for their contributions to the commiss ion and to the city.
He welcomed the citizens to use the parks and trails during the wintertime as it is a great time to
get out. He did caution everyone to watch their steps as some places are slippery.
Commissioner Goldade encouraged residents to see t he decorated tree at Valley Park between
Marie and Highway 13. He was also impressed with the number of benches available along that
path and complemented the Bench Program.
He also expressed appreciation to Commissioners Levine and Tupper for their servi ce.
Commissioner Tupper brought great energy to the Natural Resources projects and he admired
her wanting to have community engagement. Commissioner Levine’s participation for nine
years is quite impressive, her passion for the parks was easy to see at eve ry meeting, and she
is truly an ambassador for the park-rich city.
He also thanked the nine residents who applied for the open commission seats; it is a strong
testament to how valuable the city’s parks are and a part of the community.
He encouraged residents to get outside and enjoy the parks and trails in the winter.
He suggested to Ms. Lawrence the addition of Cardboard Camp for the summer. Kids like
building with cardboard.
Chair Hinderscheid also expressed his appreciation to Commissioners Levine and Tupper for
their contribution.
He was excited to see a strong field of candidates for the open positions. He was also excited to
see the updates to the two playgrounds. He thanked Public Works for the great job they have
done on the ice.
9. Adjourn
Motion Goldade / Second Levine to adjourn the meeting at 7:49 PM
AYES 7: NAYS 0
Minutes Taken By:
C. Darlene Oehlke
Independent Contractor