Loading...
2021-04-13 Park and Rec Comm MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS, DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING April 13, 2021 The April meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve. 1. Call to Order – Acting Chair Bob Klepperich called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Chair Goldade joined the meeting. 2. Introduction of Student Representative Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence introduced the new Student Representative Niko Hess and provided background information on Mr. Hess. Chair Goldade welcomed Student Representative Hess to the Commission and thanked the other students that applied for the position as well. He stated that Mr. Hess’s experience with the City’s nature areas and wetlands really set his application apart. Student Representative Hess introduced himself and provided background information on his experience with the nature center and wetland initiative. 3. Roll Call – The following Commissioners were present: Chair Steve Goldade, Commissioners: Jaffrey Blanks, Patrick Cotter, Pat Hinderschied, Bob Klepperich, Stephanie Meyer, Dan Sherer and Amy Smith; and Student Representative Niko Hess. Staff present: Recreation Program Coordinator, Meredith Lawrence, Assistant City Administrator, Cheryl Jacobson and Public Works Director, Ryan Ruzek. 4. Pledge of Allegiance The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 6. Approval of Agenda Motion Klepperich/second Cotter, to approve the agenda. A roll call vote was performed: Commissioner Smith aye Commissioner Blanks aye Commissioner Cotter aye Commissioner Sherer aye Commissioner Meyer aye Commissioner Klepperich aye Chair Goldade aye 6.a Approval of Minutes from March 9, 2021 Regular Meeting Motion Klepperich/second Cotter to approve the minutes of the March 9, 2021 Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting. A roll call vote was performed: Commissioner Sherer aye Commissioner Meyer aye Commissioner Klepperich aye Chair Goldade aye Commissioner Smith aye Commissioner Cotter aye Commissioner Blanks aye 7. Citizen Comment Period (for items not on the agenda) None. 8. Acknowledgement of Reports Chair Goldade read the titles of the three updates (Par 3, Recreation, Park Improvement, and Skate Park Updates) and polled the Commissioners for questions. 8.a Par 3 Update Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence reported that the course opened early this season compared to other years but has had times when it has been closed due to snow. She stated that there are COVID-19 procedures in place and the City is following all regulations. She stated that the well rehabilitation project is almost complete. She stated that it was a good winter and while they will continue to address thatch issues; there are no turf issues. She stated that the new logo is being utilized with marketing items updated. She stated that there is a family kickoff golf event coming up. Chair Goldade commented that the Par 3 continues to be an asset to the community, its residents, and residents of surrounding communities. He stated that he is pleased to see the family event offering on May 1st. 8.b Recreation Update Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence noted that recreation program registration is open. She encouraged residents to register for the waitlist if all spots are taken at this time as additional spots may become available if orders from the Governor are changed. She stated that MHAA submitted a request to the City for a tournament waiver for both basement and softball at Mendakota Park. She stated that the Council reviewed the request and approved it on April 6th. She stated that the Council also made a decision related to the field and facility use policy related to tennis court reservations and provided an update. She stated that canoe rack rental spaces have all been reserved by Mendota Heights residents. She provided an update on the “See-a-Truck” event that is scheduled for May 15th. Commissioner Cotter asked if there was greater interest from residents in canoe rack rentals above the allotted spaces. Ms. Lawrence commented that she has not received any other requests but noted that additional requests may come forward in the future. Commissioner Meyer asked if there have been problems with tennis court reservations. Ms. Lawrence commented that people want to reserve the new courts at Marie Park and there were residents concerned that they would not be able to use the courts because they were reserved for a large portion of the day. She stated that some of the reservation requests were related to lessons and there were no parameters around that type of use. She explained that under the policy there was a $25 application fee, but outside of that someone could reserve the court throughout the summer to provide lessons and only pay $25 for unlimited use. She stated that in addition to the application fee, reservations now have a $5 fee per time reserved and reservations can only be submitted by residents and not by coaches. Chair Goldade asked how someone would know a court is reserved. Ms. Lawrence commented that a permit holder must bring the permit with them. She stated that there is no formal training for someone that obtains a permit. She stated that if someone is using the court at time of reservation the permit holder is instructed to show their permit respectfully and if there is an issue, the Recreation Program Coordinator can come to the court to address the issue. She stated that there have not been issues that could not be addressed. She commented that there is not a public listing of reservations, as it would be difficult to keep those records accurate. Chair Goldade asked if the See-a-Truck event is a standalone event or meant to replace the Parks Celebration event that typically occurs in June. Ms. Lawrence replied that staff has been discussing that prior to the meeting, noting that a formal decision has not been made on the Parks Celebration, as they are still awaiting further guidance from the Governor. She stated that currently park events are limited to 250 participants, and being that MHAA has a tournament the weekend of the Parks Celebration, the event would exceed that limit and most likely will not occur in June this year. Chair Goldade asked if the Officer Scott Patrick 5K will be held virtually or in person this year. Ms. Lawrence replied that she has been working with Neil Garlock on the 5K and they are hoping to hold the event in person, as long as the proper CDC and Department of Health guidelines can be followed. She stated that if the event cannot be held in person, the event could continue virtually. 8.c Parks Improvement Update Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence noted that demolition will begin the following day for the Marie Park playground. She provided an update on tree removal at Mendakota Park and Wentworth Park. She stated that staff has been working on the Park Asset Management Plan and hoped to present a draft to the Commission at the May meeting. Commissioner Meyer commented that when she was at Marie Park the previous weekend some of the neighbors asked if there are plans for the existing mulch, specifically if neighbors could take the mulch for use in their yards. Ms. Lawrence commented that staff is not planning to utilize the mulch for the new playground. She stated that the contractor is in charge of the process, therefore she was unsure if residents could go to the park to take mulch. She said she could look into it more. Chair Goldade asked for a review on why the Marie Park playground is being replaced for those residents that may be watching tonight and have not heard previous presentations. Ms. Lawrence replied that the playground is being replaced because it is at the end of its useful life. She stated that they are spending more time on maintenance for those playground items, and playground safety regulations have changed and need to be complied with. She commented that the deceased tree will also be removed as part of the project. 8.d Skate Park Update Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence commented that the workgroup has been put on hold as the City is undergoing strategic planning in order to prioritize park projects, budgeting, and long-term goals. She stated that strategic planning will be discussed later on tonight’s agenda. She stated that a future project is not canceled but has been put on hold. She noted that staff is working to address the existing maintenance issues at the existing Skate Park until the time an improvement project could move forward. Chair Goldade commented that he continues to be impressed with the ideas he receives from residents related to the Skate Park. He thanked the members of the work group for their work and continued participation in the future. Commissioner Klepperich commented that one of the main accomplishments of the work group was to create an excellent sign with expectations and rules. He stated that the sign will be installed for this season at the Skate Park. Motion Sherer/second Klepperich to acknowledge the staff reports. A roll call vote was performed: Commissioner Cotter aye Commissioner Smith aye Commissioner Blanks aye Commissioner Klepperich aye Chair Goldade aye Commissioner Sherer aye Commissioner Meyer aye 9. New Business 9.a Park, Recreation, and Par 3 Annual Report Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence presented that Park, Recreation and Par 3 Annual Report. She reviewed the impacts of COVID-19, field and facility use, recreational program review, and 2021 plans related to parks and recreation. She also reviewed the impacts of COVID-19, usage review, financial review, and 2021 plans for the Par 3. Chair Goldade asked if there is an app families could use to prepay for golf. He asked if there is a way to find families of four who could golf during a weekday for under $40. He commended the City for its practices during the challenges of COVID-19. Student Representative Hess asked how advertising and outreach is done for the youth golf leagues. Ms. Lawrence reviewed the different marketing that is done, including flyers at the schools. She welcomed additional ideas. Chair Goldade asked the definition of youth. Ms. Lawrence replied that there are different age ranges for the different program offerings in order to provide programming to everyone. Commissioner Sherer thanked staff for the presentation and recap of the last year. He stated that when golfing recently his son pointed out the solar panels on the maintenance shed that appear shattered and asked for details on how those could be repaired. Ms. Lawrence commented that she also noticed the damage and will reach out to the vendor to address that issue. Commissioner Cotter asked if there were more than 250 residents attending the movies and concerts in the park last summer. Ms. Lawrence replied that she does have attendance numbers, but not in front of her. She stated that there was only one event where residents had to be turned away because capacity had been reached. Chair Goldade thanked staff for the report and continued hard work. 9.b Park Bench Donation Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek provided details on the City’s park donation policy and stated that a resident has provided a request to donate a park bench. He stated that this is the resident’s second park bench donation request. He stated that this resident is requesting to place the bench next to the original park she donated at Rogers Lake. He commented that Public Works would plan to install a table between the benches. Chair Goldade asked the distance between the benches. Mr. Ruzek commented that the table would be small and estimated about three feet between the benches. Commissioner Cotter thanked the resident for her donation. He stated that an additional bench and table will provide another asset to that park. He also thanked Public Works for their willingness to make this project work. Motion Cotter/second Smith to accept the park bench donation as proposed. A roll call vote was performed: Commissioner Blanks aye Commissioner Klepperich aye Commissioner Meyer aye Commissioner Sherer aye Commissioner Smith aye Chair Goldade aye Commissioner Cotter aye Chair Goldade thanked the resident for her donation. He stated that if other residents are interested in donating park benches, they can reach out city staff via email or telephone. 9.c Park Strategic Planning Assistant City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson asked for the participation of the Commission in an upcoming strategic planning session with the Council and City staff related to parks. She provided details on the facilitator, location, potential dates, length of sessions, and topics for discussion. It was the consensus of the Commission to support the dates of June 2nd and June 8th. Ms. Jacobson stated that she will work with the Council and the City Administrator to schedule the dates of June 2nd and June 8th from 3:15 to 9:15 p.m. She thanked the members of the Commission for their participation in these planning sessions. Chair Goldade asked for details on Huelife and whether a residents owns that company. Ms. Jacobson commented that Huelife is a local company, and the City received that referral from another municipality that recently completed parks strategic planning using that firm. Chair Goldade asked if this could be groundwork for a future park referendum. Ms. Jacobson confirmed that to be true. She stated that this information would be used in the financial and budgeting discussions that would be necessary to come to a conclusion related to a possible referendum. 9.d Ivy Hills Park – Trail Connection Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek provided an update on the street rehabilitation the City will be completing this year, noting that this section is adjacent to Ivy Hills Park. He noted that the City received a comment from a resident in that area related to a lack of trail connections in that area. He noted that this project would propose to provide an eight-foot trail connection to Ivy Hills Park that would utilize an existing 60-foot right-of-way. He noted that staff would work with adjacent property owners to address any concerns related to screening. He estimated a cost of $50,000 for the trail connection noting that the City would bond for the cost of the trail connection in conjunction with the road project. Commissioner Sherer asked if the project would be put out to bid or completed in-house using staff. Mr. Ruzek confirmed that this would be a line item within the overall project that would be out for bid. Chair Goldade asked if there are any other projects within the park that could be done in conjunction with the project. Mr. Ruzek replied that the existing trails and parking lot were overlaid about 10 years ago and do not require additional maintenance at this time. He confirmed that the basketball court is concrete and therefore would not be eligible for pavement improvements using asphalt. Commissioner Sherer recognized the desire to make the paths ADA accessible. He referenced the slope, which would not meet ADA requirements. Mr. Ruzek stated that the grade would simply require a landing pad in order to be ADA compliant and confirmed that element is included in the plans. Commissioner Klepperich commented that he will review the area where the trail is to be constructed prior to the next meeting as that is his assigned park. 10. Unfinished Business None. 11. Staff Announcements Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence shared the following announcements: • Positions are posted for golf and tennis instructors on the City website • Other events can be found on the city’s website 12. Student Representative Update No comments. 13. Commission Comments and Park Updates Commissioner Blanks • Residents have asked about the basketball hoop at Valley Park that was removed Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek commented that Public Works purchased a new adjustable hoop and noted that he could follow up on when installation will occur. Commissioner Blanks commented that it is nice to see more activity in the parks with the warmer weather. Commissioner Sherer • Market Square Park has a lot of activity with people having coffee and enjoying social activity • The container border is loose for the playground, the basketball courts are heavily used, the grading of the basketball courts cause balls to roll towards the ponds and perhaps a small fence/barrier would assist, and attention is needed in the areas where seeding was completed at Hagstrom King • The weed barrier fabric at Mendakota has been pulled up and needs attention • Kensington is due for new mulch and the digger area could use attention • A ladder rung appears crooked at Wentworth Commissioner Smith • Agreed that the digger area needs attention, and more wood chips would be helpful at Kensington • Updates to the Friendly Hills basketball court could take pressure off Hagstrom King • Asked when the hockey court would be striped for pickleball Ms. Lawrence replied that she is hopeful that the City would go out for quotes on that project soon. She stated that new mulch has been purchased and all of the playgrounds in need of attention will receive mulch. Commissioner Cotter • Hopefully more ability to fish and use the dock and canoe rack amenities at Rogers Lake this summer • He is optimistic that the Skate Park could have a good year in its existing location • It is incredible to see the increased use of the parks throughout the community • The Dog Park continues to be extremely popular Commissioner Klepperich • Civic Center Park baseball field has been used for batting practice by some residents • A resident commented that Ivy Hills Park is in wonderful condition and the Commission should be proud of it • Thanked staff for the excellent reporting and continued efforts to prepare for meetings Commissioner Meyer • Victoria Highlands will be a new destination for residents that typically use Marie Park • The neighborhood is excited about the Marie Park playground construction to begin Chair Goldade • Tennis, pickleball, and basketball users continue to have great interaction at Marie Park with users in a wide range of ages • A resident asked that the landscaping near the sign be updated • Was the plastic lining from the hockey rink saved for Wentworth Ms. Lawrence commented that lining was unable to be saved and the City would likely purchase a new liner next year. Chair Goldade commented that he will be gather input from elementary students on the Valley View Heights Park playground. 14. Adjourn Motion Blanks/Second Sherer to adjourn the meeting at 8:19 PM A roll call vote was performed: Commissioner Cotter aye Commissioner Meyer aye Chair Goldade aye Commissioner Blanks aye Commissioner Smith aye Commissioner Klepperich aye Commissioner Sherer aye Minutes drafted by: Amanda Staple TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.