2019-11-06 Parks and Rec Comm Work Session MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission Work Session
Held November 6, 2019
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a work session of the Parks and Recreation Commission, City of
Mendota Heights, Minnesota was held at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota
Heights, MN 55118.
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Steve Goldade called the meeting to order at 4:32pm. Commissioners Dan Sherer, Bob Klepperich,
Patrick Cotter, David Miller and Pat Hinderscheid were also present. Stephanie Meyer arrived at 4:35 pm.
City staff present included Meredith Lawrence, Recreation Program Coordinator; Cheryl Jacobson,
Assistant City Administrator; and Ryan Ruzek, Public Works Director.
REVIEW OPEN MEETING LAW
Meredith Lawrence, Recreation Program Coordinator, reminded the commission of the state’s Open
Meeting Law Statute. Each year staff reminds the commissioners of the statute, answers questions, and
explains the importance of following the Minnesota Statute requirements. Commissioners discussed the
proper avenue to share information and agreed they were in compliance.
REVIEW ADDITION TO AGENDA PROCESS
Meredith Lawrence explained the Chair and Vice-Chair’s policy for additions to the agenda for regularly
scheduled meetings. Packets are emailed to commissioners by Friday at 6:00pm the week prior to the
meeting. If commissioners have items they would like added to the agenda they must email the
Recreation Program Coordinator, Chair and Vice Chair by the day before the meeting at noon to be
considered. Once the request is received staff will work with the Chair and Vice Chair to determine if the
item can be added based on available information and time, as well as meeting agenda length and urgency
of the request.
Chair Goldade expressed his desire to receive commission input, but he wants it to be organized and
properly prepared by staff. He would also like to keep the meetings between 60 and 90 minutes in respect
to people’s time.
PARKS FUNDING/BUDGET
Cheryl Jacobson, Assistant City Administrator, presented background on the Special Parks Fund and
General Levy Funds. The commission discussed the city’s two budgeted financial obligations: Par 3 and
Ice Arena Bonds.
The commission discussed whether the $4,000 Park Dedication fees were still fair compared to other
comparable cities. The commissioners all felt the fees should be reviewed every few years.
PRIORITY LIST DISCUSSION/REVIEW PARKS TOUR
Ms. Jacobson gave the commissioners the results from the proposed priority list that the Commission and
City Council came up with at the July Joint Work Session. She reviewed the importance of providing
staff direction on projects they would like to recommend to the City Council. The commissioners
reviewed the list based off the number of votes received from the commissioners and City Council.
Staff recommended the commission focus on projects that the City Council and Commission on behalf of
the residents are interested in. The commissioners asked staff to recommend adding dugouts to
Mendakota Park. There is some concern that there may not be space in the current facility, so staff will
research this.
The commission discussed the long-term plan for playground replacements. Staff recommended a
playground replacement every other year, which would enable playgrounds to be utilized until they reach
the end of their useful life. The commissioners will review the 2018 Inspection report to determine which
playground should be replaced next. Commissioners agreed that Marie Park is the likely candidate. The
commission will discuss long-term planning for playground replacement at the December Parks and
Recreation Commission meeting.
The commissioners discussed the possibility of adding a Par 3 Trail Connection in addition to an Ivy Hills
Park Trail Connection. Commissioners asked questions regarding the possible projects and asked staff to
gather information and present it at the December Parks and Recreation Commission meeting.
ADJOURN
The commission adjourned the meeting at 6:18.
Minutes Taken By:
Meredith Lawrence
Recreation Program Coordinator