Loading...
2022-12-13 Parks and Rec Comm MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS, DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING DECEMBER 13, 2022 The December meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, December 13, 2022, at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve. 1. Call to Order – Chair Bob Klepperich called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. 2. Roll Call – The following Commissioners were present: Chair Bob Klepperich, Commissioners: Jaffrey Blanks, Patrick Cotter, Stephanie Meyer, Michelle Muller, and Dan Sherer; absent: Commissioner Stephanie Meyer, Amy Smith, and Student Representative: Meg Murphy. Staff present: Parks and Recreation Manager, Meredith Lawrence, and Public Works Director, Ryan Ruzek. 3. Pledge of Allegiance The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 4. Approval of Agenda Motion Blanks/second Cotter to approve the agenda AYES 5: NAYS 0 5.a Approval of Minutes from November 9, 2022 Regular Meeting Motion Blanks/second Sherer to approve the minutes of the November 9, 2022 Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting. Further discussion: Chair Klepperich noted on page two, an additional statement was added as requested by Commissioner Sherer stating that, “MHAA has multiple sports and each works independently within its budget and one sport does not substitute for another.” AYES 5: NAYS 0 5.b Approval of Minutes from December 1, 2022 Work Session Motion Blanks/second Muller to approve the minutes of the December 1, 2022 Parks and Recreation Commission Work Session. AYES 5: NAYS 0 6. Citizen Comment Period (for items not on the agenda) None. 7. Acknowledgement of Reports Chair Klepperich read the titles of the three updates (Par 3, Recreation, Park Improvement Updates, and Park and Recreation Strategic Planning Update) and polled the Commissioners for questions. 7.a Par 3 Update Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence provided an overview of the October report and compared that to the previous year. She also reviewed the year-to-date revenue and expenditures for the course. She stated that the round report also receives information from previous years going back to 2018, noting that 2022 had the highest number of rounds. She reported that the course closed November 10th and the discontinuation of the senior golf pass and other recommended fees were approved by the City Council. She noted that two pieces of equipment have been received and it is anticipated that the other two pieces of equipment could be received later this month. She noted the 2023 projects for the course that were included as part of the approved budget. Commissioner Cotter noted that in the last four years the number of rounds has doubled and commended staff for that success. Commissioner Sherer stated that the revenue has exceeded the budget forecasts and asked the plan for the excess revenue. Ms. Lawrence replied that if there is a positive balance at the end of the year that goes into the Par 3 Fund which can be used for equipment purchases and other maintenance expenditures. She noted that the carryover could also be used to offset a year that does not generate as much revenue, should that be necessary. She noted that there are future maintenance items on the horizon as well, such as the underground piping replacement for the irrigation system which has an estimated cost of $750,000. Commissioner Sherer asked for budget details on the proposed budget for 2023 for the course in regards to line items. Ms. Lawrence stated that staff reviews the actuals for current season expenditures to make increases where appropriate. She stated that they attempt to estimate costs as close to where they will be for the next year. 7.b Recreation Update Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence highlighted upcoming recreational programing activities and events. She also highlighted the events planned for Frozen Fun Fest. 7.c Parks Improvement Update Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence provided an overview of the report which highlights progress on different projects. She also noted the park improvement projects that were included in the 2023 budget. Commissioner Cotter asked if the City still qualified for the grant for the tennis court resurfacing. Ms. Lawrence replied that staff believes that the project will qualify. She stated that in the last receipt of funds the City received $20,000 and noted that the project is estimated at $110,000. 7.d Park and Recreation Strategic Planning Update Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence stated that the Commission met December 1st to discuss 2023 priorities. She stated that staff will bring back a draft of that information and a work plan for the Commission to review at the January meeting. 8. New Business 8.a Approval of 2023 Meeting Schedule Chair Klepperich stated that the proposed 2023 meeting schedule was included in the packet and noted that there were not any anticipated conflicts with the regular meeting date. Commissioner Sherer noted that the February meeting is scheduled for Valentine’s Day and perhaps might be a conflict. Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence noted that the Natural Resources Commission meets the second Wednesday of the month, therefore moving to the next day will no longer be an option. She stated that if desired, staff could look for another option for that meeting. The Commission confirmed consensus with the February date as scheduled. Motion Blanks/second Muller to approve the 2023 meeting schedule. AYES 5: NAYS 0 8.b Recommendation of Playground RFP for Valley View Heights Playground Project Chair Klepperich noted that the project scope and proposed RFP were included in the packet for review. Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence provided background on the Valley View Heights playground. She stated that the work group met and provided a recommendation of features for the playground to include in the RFP, noting that the RFP would be sent to all reputable vendors. She reviewed the proposed project budget, photographs of the existing playground, and anticipated project timeline. Chair Klepperich noted that he was assigned to check on this park this year and advised that it is a park tucked away in a neighborhood, providing the location. Commissioner Sherer commented that there is a path connection to the south which makes the park easy to access from Rogers Lake. He asked if the language related to the climbing feature and the suitable age ranges reads appropriately. Ms. Lawrence noted that there are standards for the different age level equipment and advised that is the same language that was used in the Marie Park playground RFP. She noted that certain features are only designed for those two to five, while other features are designed for those five to 12. Commissioner Cotter noted that most new playgrounds have sections for smaller kids and older kids. He stated that he would be fine with the language as proposed. He noted that if clarification were desired, they could add in the organizations that enact those standards. Commissioner Sherer stated that he is comfortable with the language as proposed, noting that if a vendor has a question, they could ask staff. Commissioner Muller noted that there is not a parking lot. She stated that there is a basketball court and asked if it would make sense to upgrade to an adjustable hoop at this location. Ms. Lawrence replied that she would not add that to the RFP because it is not a playground feature. She stated that dependent on the cost of the project, they could potentially look at the basketball hoop. She noted that there is a separate plan that would update all of the basketball hoops to adjustable hoops within the next five years. She confirmed that if that is desired that is something that could probably occur during 2023 using special parks funds. Commissioner Muller noted the increase in donated benches and asked if donors request specific locations. She stated that the benches within the playground container would take away from playground space. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek provided details on the donated bench program of the City. He stated that it is great to have benches replaced as part of a park as well. He stated that he did recently receive two donated benches that had location requests. He noted that there could be an opportunity to put one of those benches in this location if the donor agrees. Ms. Lawrence stated that there are fall zones and regulations as to where equipment can be placed. She noted that typically benches are placed near the equipment for smaller children to make it easier for parents to keep their eyes on their children. Motion Cotter/second Blanks to recommend to the City Council to issue the RFP in order to advertise bids for the replacement of Valley View Heights Playground. AYES 5: NAYS 0 9. Unfinished Business 10. Staff Announcements Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence shared the following announcements: • Staff will begin flooding outdoor rinks this Friday, anticipating that skating could begin in 10 to 14 days • Temporary warming house at Wentworth will be delivered December 19th. The City is still looking for more warming house attendants. • Three Commission members will be leaving after the January meeting: Commissioners Cotter, Smith, and Chair Klepperich. She welcomed interested residents to apply. • Other events can be found on the City’s website 11. Student Representative Update None. 12. Commission Comments and Park Updates Commissioner Cotter • Excited about the Par 3 Report • Winter activities proposed reflect the different demographics and interests of the community • Wentworth Park continues to be a work in progress, and he is excited to see it moving forward Commissioner Blanks • Valley and Mendakota parks are both doing well Commissioner Muller • Thanked staff for having the Copperfield Ponds trails cleared • Excited about the winter clubhouse activities • Thanked Council for approval of the budget and related parks projects Commissioner Sherer • Hagstrom King and Market Square parks have been quiet with the recent weather Chair Klepperich • Snow had been removed from the basketball court at Valley View • Thanked staff for their presence and work in preparation for the meetings 13. Adjourn Motion Blanks/Second Sherer to adjourn the meeting at 7:24 PM AYES 5: NAYS 0 Minutes drafted by: Amanda Staple TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.