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2019-08-13 Parks and Rec Comm MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS, DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING August 13, 2019 The August meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, August 13, 2019, at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve. 1. Call to Order – Chair Steve Goldade called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. 2. Roll Call – The following Commissioners were present: Chair Steve Goldade, Commissioners Patrick Cotter, Pat Hinderscheid, Bob Klepperich, David Miller, and Dan Sherer. Absent: Stephanie Meyer and Student Representative Matthew Boland. Staff present: Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence, Assistant City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson, Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek and Natural Resources Technician Krista Spreiter. 2.a Introduction of New Commissioner Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence introduced Patrick Cotter as the new Parks and Recreation Commission member, appointed by the City Council on July 16, 2019. A brief biography was included in the Commission meeting packet. Each of the Commissioners present introduced themselves and provided a brief background to Commissioner Cotter. 3. Pledge of Allegiance The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 4. Approval of Agenda Motion Hinderscheid/second Klepperich to approve the agenda as presented. AYES 6: NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 1 5. Approval of Minutes from June 11, 2019 Motion Miller/second Sherer to approve the minutes of the June 11, 2019 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. AYES: 6 NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 1 6. Citizen Comment Period (for items not on the agenda) There were no citizen comments. 7. Acknowledgement of Reports 7.a Par 3 Update Recreation Program Coordinator, Meredith Lawrence, noted that she did not have the financial report available before the packet went out to the Commissioners; however, it was provided to them at their seat. Currently, the Par 3 is showing a profit of approximately $15,000. There were some issues in June with the irrigation system due to what was believed to be a lightening strike. A new irrigation system has been installed and the City Council approved those funds coming from the General Fund rather than the Par 3 Fund. The cost of the irrigation system was approximately $30,000; which includes two new satellites and wireless capabilities. Ms. Lawrence also provided an update on the new equipment that was purchased last year and earlier this year. A new greens mower has been proposed to be in the budget for 2020. 7.b Recreation Update There were no questions from the Commission on the Recreation Update. 7.c Natural Resource Update Natural Resource Technician, Krista Spreiter, provided an update on information on curb-cut raingardens; Valley Park Pollinator Corridor, EAB Management, and Partnership with Great River Greening. Commissioners asked questions regarding EAB Management and the Partnership with Great River Greening; to which Krista Spreiter provided additional information. Ms. Spreiter also provided an update on the Valley Park Xcel Pollinator Corridor. This project is a partnership with Xcel Energy and Great River Greening. They have started the restoration work in the Xcel Energy Corridor getting ready to plant native plants. This work is being done directly under the power lines. When questioned, Ms. Spreiter expressed that she believed the city is on the right track as far as their partnership with Great River Greening on the removal of invasive species in Valley Park. The goal of continuing to control invasive species and restore the area is paramount; and she is looking to work with the water conservation district to obtain grant funds to enhance the area and the stream bank for the Valley Creek. 7.d Parks Improvement Update Commissioner Sherer expressed his appreciation on the quick action taken on the basketball expansion at Hagstrom King Park. He asked if the work would be put out for bid or if it was in the realm of capabilities of Public Works? Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied he received three quotes and Council awarded the project to a contractor. It appears that the expansion will take place towards the end of August 2019. Playground improvements are still on schedule for mid-September 2019. Commissioner Hinderscheid asked if the Marie Park resurfacing would be an acrylic surface? Mr. Ruzek replied that it would an acrylic surface, just like the adjacent tennis courts. It will have markings for pickleball. Commissioner Sherer asked if the use of the $180,000 grant funds were going to be applied to both the playground improvements and the warming house at Wentworth Park? Mr. Ruzek replied that it applies to both and would also include parking lot and trail improvements. Commissioner Sherer asked what kind of budget is being considered for the warming house at Wentworth Park? Mr. Ruzek replied that even with the grant dollars, City Council was looking at having a maximum budget of $150,000. There has been some discussion with the City Council and if they can get the cost down to $200,000 or $250,000, the City Council may be willing to move ahead with that project. Options are still under consideration to reduce the costs. Upon request, Mr. Ruzek provided background on the proposed Ivy Hills Sylvandale Trail, which he plans to present to the City Council sometime in the near future. It was noted that this is different than the Par 3 Trail Connection requested by a citizen at a previous Commission meeting. Motion Klepperich/second Miller to acknowledge receipt of the staff reports. AYES: 6 NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 1 8. Unfinished Business 8.a Park Visit Agenda Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence reminded the Commissioners that at their June meeting they set Wednesday, September 25, 2019, for the next parks tour with a starting time of 4:30 p.m. The first location is proposed to be Marie Park, followed by Ivy Hills Park, Friendly Hills Park, and Kensington Park. Members of the community are welcome to attend. Ms.Lawrence then asked for the Commission to confirm the agenda for the Parks Tour, which was confirmed as presented. She also agreed to take notes and document questions and concerns raised by the Commissioners during the tour. 8.b Outreach Meeting Update Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence reminded the Commissioners that at their June meeting, they discussed the Commissioners meeting with various community groups / stakeholders to gain insight on community parks and recreation needs. She then asked if there was anything she or staff could do to assist the Commissioners in this engagement effort. It was noted that Commissioner Meyer had provided the Commissioners with a protocol template at the last meeting. Chair Goldade suggested adding Review Outreach Protocol to the September 2019 meeting agenda. After the September 2019 meeting, each Commissioner group should hold their outreach meeting and report back to the Commission at the November 2019 meeting. 9. New Business 9.a Fee Schedule Discussion Ms. Lawrence explained that each year the City Council approves a fee schedule that would be used to assess fees for services. Staff requested the Commission review the current Parks & Recreation Fees in order to give direction or recommendations to City Council. The City Council would begin reviewing the fee schedule at their budget meetings. The list of approved fees for 2018 and 2019 provided in the Commission packet. A comparison chart of surrounding community golf rates was also included. Staff recommended that the Par 3 fees for 2020 remain the same as 2019. Ms. Lawrence did not recommend the Par 3 consider season passes at this time. Motion Cotter/second Klepperich to keep the Par 3 fees for 2020 the same as 2019. AYES: 6 NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 1 The Commission then discussed the picnic area/shelter fee schedule. Lawrence noted that the city’s fees were slightly lower than the surrounding communities; however, many residents use the picnic areas/shelters for family events. Staff recommended keeping the fees the same from 2019 to 2020; although an increase would be fair. Motion Miller/second Klepperich to keep the Picnic Area/Shelter fees for 2020 as they were for 2019. AYES: 6 NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 1 9.b Tennis Court Replacement Discussion Mr. Ruzek explained that staff was proposing to rehabilitate a tennis court in 2020, to be funded through the Special Park Fund. Staff would also propose applying for a USTA grant, most of which are approximately $20,000. The last improvement to Marie Park was approximately $80,000 (included complete pavement replacement, re-stabilization of soft areas, replacement of the chain link fencing, new acrylic surfacing, and striping), and staff would anticipate a similar cost to either one of the tennis courts at Friendly Hills or Wentworth Park. Points brought up during discussion included: • The tennis court improvements at Wentworth Park could possibly be included in the parking lot / trail improvements bids • The Friendly Hills tennis courts are used more often than the Wentworth Park tennis courts • Pickleball striping could be considered • Condition of the tennis courts under consideration • USTA recommendation on the number of tennis courts per number of residents • Staff is getting regular calls for rehabilitation of the tennis courts at both parks It was determined that the Commissioners, on their own time, will look at the tennis courts at Friendly Hills and Wentworth Parks and make a recommendation at the next month’s meeting. 10. Staff Announcements Ms. Lawrence made the following announcements: • Recreation program season is winding down • Fall programing is beginning; hoping to offer gymnastics and fall field trips • Movie night coming up on September 7th • Superhero Masquerade will take place again in November 11. Student Representative Update None. 12. Commission Comments and Park Updates Commissioner David Miller: • Not a lot to add about Victoria Highlands • It is in good shape, there are no issues or problems • He complimented staff in terms of being knowledgeable, having good information, and being responsive to the Commission’s questions and requests Commissioner Pat Hinderscheid: • He asked if the survey responses would be shared at some point – Assistant City Administrator, Cheryl Jacobson, replied that they would be reviewed with City Council at their budget work session on August 20, 2019. Afterwards she would issue a memo with a summary of those results. Discussion, if necessary, can be added to a future agenda. • Ivy Hills – challenges with mowing because of the low spots and the ground being saturated • The pond was dredged last year; however, it is completely covered again with green algae. Mr. Ruzek noted that this would be duck weed, not algae. Ms. Spreiter noted that stormwater ponds do tend to get green this time of year, whether it is duck weed or algae, or both. The function of stormwater ponds are to filter out pollutants and extra nutrients; sometimes a stinky green pond actually means it is actually doing its job. • He also expressed his appreciation for all of the information that was put together as it was very helpful. • Welcome Commissioner Cotter Commissioner Patrick Cotter: • Noted that he is just now getting onboard; however, in terms of Rogers Lake he and his family had a great experience with the fishing tournament • He has enjoyed his first meeting and expressed his appreciation for all of the great information Commissioner Dan Sherer: • Friendly Hills Park is in good shape; tennis courts are getting regular use; he has personally enjoyed the shade available on the playground • Hagstrom King Park continues to be a busy playground; a lot of people anxious for the new playground; no complaints on the portable toilet location Commissioner Bob Klepperich: • Visited the Civic Center baseball field and it is all quiet; the season is pretty much over • Visited Mendakota Park and there were a number of people using the playground, very peaceful scene • Looks as though the striping of soccer fields has started for the fall season • Very impressed with the condition of the parks – cleanliness, pristine, a real tribute to the people who are doing the work • Attended the final Concert in the Park at Mendakota, the crowd was huge and the atmosphere was fantastic Chair Steve Goldade: • Valley Park continues to be the crown jewel in Mendota Heights • Encouraged everyone to go as it is a fun place to walk • Quality of the path in some areas seems questionable and will need to be addressed in the future • Excited for the basketball court at Hagstrom King • Thanks to Ms. Lawrence and her staff for offering all of the free programming throughout the Summer • Thanks to staff for all of the work they do • Welcome Commissioner Cotter to the Commission 13. Adjourn Motion Klepperich/second Miller to adjourn the meeting at 7:49 PM AYES: 6 NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 1 Minutes Taken By: C. Darlene Oehlke Independent Contractor