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2021-07-13 Park and Rec Comm MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS, DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING JULY 13, 2021 The December meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, July 13, 2021, 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: Bob Klepperich, Jaffrey Blanks (arrived at 6:32 p.m.), and Stephanie Meyer; absent: Commissioner Amy Smith, Patrick Cotter, and Dan Sherer. Student Representative: Nico Hess. Staff present: Recreation Program Coordinator, Meredith Lawrence, Assistant City Administrator, Cheryl Jacobson and Public Works Director, Ryan Ruzek. Recreation Coordinator Meredith Lawrence stated that the Commission currently does not have a quorum of members present and therefore formal action cannot be taken unless another member arrives. She stated that staff presentations can still be provided, and resident comments can be received. Commissioner Blanks arrived and therefore quorum was achieved. 3. Pledge of Allegiance The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 4. Approval of Agenda Motion Klepperich/second Meyer, to approve the agenda AYES 4: NAYS 0 5.a Approval of Minutes from May 11, 2021 Regular Meeting Commissioner Klepperich stated that in item 8B, it should state, “…the pleasure rink is light lit…” Motion Klepperich/second Blanks, to approve the minutes of the May 11, 2021 Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting as amended. AYES 4: NAYS 0 6. Citizen Comment Period (for items not on the agenda) Bob Blumberg Jr., of 1740 James Road, stated that he lives near Marie Park and loves that park. He complimented the Commission on the new swing set. He stated that he noticed that there was previously a grill at the park that has been removed and asked if that would be replaced. He stated that he would highly recommend that the grill be replaced for use in the park. Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence commented that the grill was removed to make additional space for the larger playground. She noted that staff is reviewing the condition of the grill to determine if it could be relocated or whether a new grill should be purchased but advised that a grill will be reinstalled at the park. Mr. Blumberg recommended that the City look at a grill model that has one post with two back- to-back grills that would allow for two users. He stated that he is a senior citizen that loves the Par 3 Course and commented that it would be great to see carts available for use with the senior golf pass. Chair Goldade commented that the Commission can consider the use of carts with the senior pass when the annual review is done of the Par 3. Mr. Blumberg commented that he recently visited Valley Park to see the new pavilion and did not see any grills. He suggested that perhaps a review of all the parks be done related to grill availability. Chair Goldade stated that the Commission is doing a study to update the amenities at the parks and grills can be an included option. He thanked the resident for his input. 7. Acknowledgement of Reports Chair Goldade read the titles of the three updates (Par 3, Recreation, and Park Improvement Updates) and polled the Commissioners for questions. 7.a Par 3 Update Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence provided a brief update including turf conditions related to the drought, completion of aeration, golf camps and registrations, and senior golf pass. She reported that a Junior PGA event was held on July 6th with over 70 participants. She reviewed the details of the May 2021 Financial Report. Chair Goldade asked the percentage of the 70 participants that were from outside of Mendota Heights. Ms. Lawrence commented that Junior PGA events tend to bring participants from all over the state and estimated perhaps five or six Mendota Heights residents. 7.b Recreation Update Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence commented that recreation programing has been off to a good start, and they are looking to expand programing as they continue to move forward. She stated that information was included in the packet on the Officer Scott Patrick 5K Memorial event. She stated that the Park Celebration will occur in August. She stated that details were also provided within the packet on free programing provided in the parks. Commissioner Meyer asked if the Commission members would sign up for shifts for the Park Celebration event. Ms. Lawrence commented that they have attempted to expand the celebration beginning with a food truck festival on Friday night along with a band and then reviewed the events planned for Saturday. Commissioner Klepperich asked if the calendar within the packet could be shared with residents. Ms. Lawrence reviewed the upcoming City events. Chair Goldade asked if the Commission should assign representatives for each of the events for the weekend of the Park Celebration. Ms. Lawrence confirmed that could be done. Commissioner Meyer agreed it would be nice if each member of the Commission were involved with different parts of the celebration. 7.c Parks Improvement Update Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence noted that within the report was an update on the ribbon cutting for the new playground at Marie Park. She stated that there are still a few elements that will be added that were delayed. She stated that the two additional pickleball courts were added at Marie Park, for a total of six courts. She noted that staff is still working to complete the relining of the basketball courts and hope to have that completed in August. She noted that there was some work completed at the Skate Park in June and it looks to be a lot safer for those users as they continue to discuss the future of the Skate Park. She noted that staff will be completing a walk through with the Loss Control representative from the League of Minnesota Cities the following day. Commissioner Meyer referenced the Valley Park basketball hoop and asked where the hoop would be located on the court. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek commented that the hoop would be located on the outfield side, which would be the north side. Chair Goldade recognized former Mayor Garlock for the excellent work on the Scott Patrick Memorial 5k. He stated that people are very excited about the ribbon cutting at Marie Park and the new playground. He stated that he has received questions about the zipline and whether there should be platforms at both ends. Ms. Lawrence replied that it is technically not a zipline and is called a track ride. She stated that the construction is different than a zipline as it is meant to bring you back where you started. She noted that could follow up to determine if there should be another platform. Motion Meyer/second Klepperich to acknowledge the staff reports. AYES 4: NAYS 0 8. New Business 8.a Review Request for the Usage of Lights at Marie Park Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence stated that the Commission is asked to review a request from multiple residents, to use the existing hockey lights during the summer season for pickleball. She provided details on the light use during the winter months for hockey play. She stated that City Code establishes the park hours from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. She stated that she received a request from a resident in May for the lights to stay on until 10:00 p.m. She noted that this was considered by the Commission at its May 11th meeting where the Commission agreed to a trial program and reviewed the timeframe and allowed times of light use for the trial period. She stated that the Commission asked the Council for its consideration and at the May 18th meeting the Council directed staff to send out notification to surrounding residents to gather input. She stated that notices were sent to residents within 500 feet of the entire park boundary on June 7th asking residents to attend this meeting to provide any input on the potential use of lights for pickleball. She noted that the Commission would make a recommendation and the final decision would be of the City Council. She estimated a cost of $30 per month if the light use is approved. She provided written comments from residents that were unable to attend the meeting. Chair Goldade complimented City staff and the direction of the Commission for getting the mailing out to residents. He stated that whether someone is for or against the issue, he believed that this would be the correct process for the City to follow in order to gather input and make residents aware of the request. Ms. Lawrence commented that staff would ask the Commission to acknowledge receipt of resident comments at any time before a recommendation is made. Chair Goldade noted that four comments were received from three households opposed to the light use. Motion Meyer/second Blanks to acknowledge the resident comments received via email on this issue. AYES 4: NAYS 0 Bob Blumberg asked if the lights on the hockey rink would light up the basketball and tennis courts. Ms. Lawrence commented that will be part of the discussion tonight. She stated that there is ability to light the basketball court, but the tennis court does not have lighting available. Mr. Blumberg stated that if the pickleball courts are going to be lit, perhaps it would make sense for the basketball court. He also asked if those amenities would then be open until 10 p.m. Ms. Lawrence commented that the park hours are until 10 p.m. and therefore any sport could be played until that time. She stated that the residents requested that light use be allowed until 10 p.m. but the Commission is considering a pilot program that would allow light use until 8 p.m. She stated that the only courts that would be illuminated would be the hockey rink for pickleball, but the Commission could also choose to light the basketball court. She confirmed that users can be within the park until 10 p.m. regardless of whether the lights are on. Mr. Blumberg stated that he does not have an objection to lighting whether it is until 8 or 10 p.m. Chair Goldade stated that as originally proposed, the pilot program would be from mid- September to October 31st with the lighting on until 8 p.m. He stated that everyone would agree that Marie Park is a busy park but acknowledged that everyone reacts to that busyness differently. Student Representative Hess commented that it would be helpful to have access to the courts at later hours. He stated that younger people would tend to choose basketball over pickleball. He asked that if the pickleball courts are illuminated, the basketball courts should be lit as well. Commissioner Meyer commented that when reviewing the sunset times for September, the lights would not be on that long after sunset and therefore it would not be a huge amount of time. She was unsure that it would be worth having the lights on for a short period of time with the risk that the timer may not work correctly, and staff would need to correct that. She stated that perhaps it is more hassle than it would be worth but could go either way. Commissioner Klepperich agreed because of the sunset times for September and October, noting that much time would not be gained by the use of the lights. He stated that sunset would begin earlier at the end of October, but then weather conditions begin to set in. Chair Goldade asked for input from staff. Ms. Lawrence stated that she spoke with the parks lead and parks superintendent and they did not have a position and would be happy to support the recommendation of the Commission. She stated that she would be happy to complete the trial period if the Commission desires but would not have strong feelings if the Commission chooses not to recommend that. Commissioner Klepperich stated that if this does not move forward tonight, perhaps this be brought back again for consideration in the spring. Chair Goldade suggested a modification that would increase the time for people to play pickleball; changing the time period to use the lights during October and November, weather permitting. He also suggested changing the end time to 7 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. Commissioner Klepperich stated that he would prefer to vote on the original pilot program rather than making changes. Motion Klepperich/second Blanks to recommend allowing lighting at Marie Park for the pickleball courts until 8 p.m. during the months of September and October as needed to enhance pickleball play. Further discussion: Commissioner Meyer asked if the impact to wildlife has been considered from the lighting. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek commented that the request for lighting at Rogers Lake Park was denied for that reason but noted that light would have been on 24/7. A roll call vote was performed: Commissioner Meyer aye Commissioner Klepperich aye Chair Goldade aye Commissioner Blanks aye Motion carried. Motion Klepperich/second Blanks to recommend allowing lighting at Marie Park for the basketball court until 8 p.m. during the months of September and October. Further discussion: Commissioner Blanks asked and received confirmation that the Commission/City would have the ability to stop the lighting if issues arise. A roll call vote was performed: Commissioner Blanks aye Chair Goldade aye Commissioner Klepperich aye Commissioner Meyer aye Motion carried. Ms. Lawrence noted that this will move forward to the City Council next Tuesday, July 20th. Chair Goldade thanked all the residents that provided input during this process. 8.b Park Bench Donation – Skate Park Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek commented that earlier this year the Commission put in a request to advertise the park bench donation program, which generated two park bench donations. He stated that tonight the Commission is asked to consider proposed locations for three park benches that have been donated. He provided details on the residents that donated the benches and the proposed locations. Chair Goldade asked for clarification on a proposed bench location. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek provided additional explanation. Chair Goldade suggested walking that trail when the Commission conducts park tours. He asked that the spelling be verified for one of the memorial plaques. Chair Goldade thanked all three families for donating and staff for advertising the program. He stated that people stop to remember loved ones and use the benches throughout the community. Motion Klepperich/second Meyer to accept the recommended locations for three donated park benches. AYES 4: NAYS 0 9. Unfinished Business 9.a Strategic Planning Update Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence stated that an update on the strategic planning for the parks was included in the packet. She thanked the members of the Commission for volunteering their time to participate in the planning sessions. She noted that the next step of the process will be to prioritize park improvements and recreational programming. She noted the upcoming worksession date. 10. Staff Announcements Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence shared the following announcements: • Announced the summer concert series • Other events and recreation opportunities can be found on the City’s website 11. Student Representative Update Student Representative Hess stated that the majority of teens using the parks has been focused on the skate park, trails, and basketball courts. He stated that he has also noticed teens using the athletic fields, tennis courts, and other park facilities. Chair Goldade commented that it seems the local coffee shop attracts a lot of youth. He noted that perhaps there would be an opportunity for youth programing at Market Square. He noted that there is property behind the preserve, Friendly Marsh, and asked if there could be something there for middle and high school students. 12. Commission Comments and Park Updates Commissioner Blanks • There has been a lot of baseball activity at his assigned parks. Commissioner Klepperich • Visited Ivy Hills and Civil Center Baseball parks and provided notes to staff. • Tennis lessons were being given at Ivy Hills. Commissioner Meyer • Marie Park has been very busy, in a positive way, being used by different people at different times of the day. • She is interested to see how the pilot lighting project goes, if approved by the Council. • Victoria Highlands saw more use when Marie Park playground was under construction. Chair Goldade • Marie Park has been busy, and people should be courteous of others and residents that live in the area. • He noticed a family grilling and enjoying the gazebo at Wentworth. • Acknowledged that a new sign was put up at Pilot Knob Hill Park. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek provided an update on a Dakota County park project which will be completed later this fall. 13. Adjourn Motion Klepperich/Second Meyer to adjourn the meeting at 7:41 PM AYES 4: NAYS 0 Minutes drafted by: Amanda Staple TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.