2023-12-12 PRC Agenda PacketCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Tuesday, December 12, 2023- 6:30 P.M.
Mendota Heights City Hall-Council Chambers
AGENDA
1.Call to Order
2.Roll Call
3.Pledge of Allegiance
4.Approval of Agenda
5.Approval of Minutes
a.November 14, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes
6.Public Comment Period (for items not on the agenda)
*See guidelines below
7.Acknowledgement of Reports
a.Par 3 Update
b.Recreation Update
c.Park Improvement Update
8.New Business
a.Wentworth Park Pickleball Discussion
b.Park Bench Donation-Valley Park
c.Approval of 2024 Meeting Schedule
9.Unfinished Business
a.Parks and Recreation Strategic Planning Update
10.Staff Announcements
11.Student Representative Update
12.Commission Comments and Park Updates
13.Adjourn
Auxiliary aids for persons with disabilities are available at least 120 hours in advance. If a notice of less than 120 hours is
received, the City of Mendota Heights will make every attempt to provide the aids. This may not, however, be possible on
short notice. Please contact City Administration at 651-452-1850.
Guidelines for Citizen Comment Period: The Citizen Comments section of the agenda provides an opportunity for the public to
address the commission on items which are not on the agenda. All are welcome to speak. Comments should be directed to the Chair.
Comments will be limited to 5 minutes per person and topic; presentations which are longer than five minutes will need to be
scheduled with the Recreation Program Coordinator to appear on a future Parks and Recreation commission agenda. Comments
should not be repetitious. Citizen comments may not be used to air personal attacks, to air personality grievances, to make political
endorsements, or for political campaign purposes. Commissioners will not enter into a dialogue with citizens, nor will any decisions be
made at that presentation. Questions from the Commission will be for clarification only. Citizen comments will not be used as a time
for problem solving or reacting to the comments made, but rather for hearing the citizen for information only. If appropriate, the Chair
may assign staff for follow up to the issues raised.
1
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS, DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
DRAFT PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 14, 2023
The November meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday,
November 14, 2023, at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve.
1.Call to Order – Chair Jaffrey Blanks called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
2. Roll Call – The following Commissioners were present: Chair Jaffrey Blanks, Commissioners: Tica Hanson,
Jo Schifsky, and Dan Sherer; absent: Commissioners Stephanie Meyer, Michelle Muller, and Michael Toth.
Student Representative: Meg Murphy. Staff present: Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence,
Recreation Coordinator Willow Eisfeldt, and Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek.
3.Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
4.Approval of Agenda
Motion Hanson/second Sherer, to approve the agenda AYES 4: NAYS 0
5.a Approval of Minutes from September 12, 2023 Regular Meeting
Motion Schifsky/second Hanson to approve the minutes of the September 12, 2023 Parks and Recreation
Commission Regular Meeting. AYES 4: NAYS 0
5.b Approval of Minutes from October 3, 2023 Worksession
Motion Schifsky/second Hanson to approve the minutes of the October 3, 2023 Parks and Recreation
Commission Worksession. AYES 4: NAYS 0
6.Citizen Comment Period (for items not on the agenda)
None.
7.Acknowledgement of Reports
Chair Blanks 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
Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence briefly reviewed the monthly update within the packet
highlighting improvements completed and the financial report through the month of August. She noted that the
year-to-date revenue exceeds the year-to-date expenditures, therefore a profit is showing for the course. She
stated that the course also had a good September and October which will come forward in future reports. She
noted that the turf condition was also good at the end of the season and does not have concerns going into
winter. She also highlighted the proposed 2024 capital improvement projects for the course which were
included in the City’s preliminary 2024 budget. She noted a 10,000-round increase for the season from 2018
to 2023.
7.b Recreation Update
Recreation Coordinator Willow Eisfeldt provided a recap of recent recreational events in the community and
highlighted upcoming programing opportunities. She also highlighted part-time seasonal positions available.
Commissioner Hanson commented that she attended the Par 3 Halloween event, which was so well attended.
She stated that her grandchildren enjoyed the event.
5a.2
7.c Parks Improvement Update
Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence stated that the report within the packet highlights the
completed 2023 projects as well as continued progress on projects. She stated that staff has received calls
asking if the Wentworth tennis courts would be lined for pickleball, noting that is not the plan at this time as
grant funds were received for those tennis courts. She stated that they are looking to place pickleball into the
hockey rink and notices were sent to residents within 750 feet. She noted that would be considered at the next
Commission meeting. She stated that the flood lights at Marie Park are in the progress of being converted to
LED lights prior to the hockey season. She also provided details on an upcoming pond improvement project at
Marie Park that will take place this winter along with removal of ash trees and buckthorn.
Commissioner Sherer asked for details on the change order and whether the asphalt base was additional.
Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that there was eight inches of an aggregate base, which is excellent
but there was trash material underneath. He stated that they added three or four inches of aggregate base
and paved 2.5 inches, with another 1.5 inches in the spring.
Commissioner Sherer asked the type of equipment that is used for pond dredging.
Mr. Ruzek provided additional details on the equipment and process that is used for that type of process. He
confirmed that part of the parking lot may be used for project equipment and material while the work is
occurring. He confirmed that all the removed material will be hauled offsite and not reused onsite.
8. New Business
8.a Review Park System Master Plan Draft
Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence stated that the intention tonight is to review the draft RFP.
She stated that the Park System Master Plan is the number one priority for the Commission in 2024 and was
included in the preliminary 2024 budget. She stated that this is being brought forward now, in order to move to
the City Council next week and bring proposals back at the first meeting in January. She stated that this
timeline would anticipate completion of the plan prior to the next budget cycle. She stated that the
subcommittee met with staff to provide input and staff used that input to draft this proposed RFP. She
provided more details on the purpose of a Park System Master Plan, reviewed the RFP components, and
scope of work. She reviewed the anticipated timeline which would anticipate completion of the plan in August
of 2024. She also provided details on the budget impact and stated that staff recommends approval of the
RFP.
Commissioner Hanson asked the type of consulting firm that would complete this type of work.
Ms. Lawrence replied that typically an engineering firm would respond that have landscaping and parks
planners.
Commissioner Sherer asked if there has been any outreach to determine the interest level from those types of
firms.
Ms. Lawrence stated that she has not, but cities similar in size have completed similar processes and received
a few proposals. She was not concerned with not receiving quality proposals.
Commissioner Sherer stated that he was concerned with the timeline because of the Thanksgiving holiday and
recommended a four-week timeframe. He asked how the proposals would be scored.
Ms. Lawrence commented that the subcommittee discussed consultant selection criteria and for this type of
project she was hesitant to develop a percentage-based scoring system. She reviewed some of the elements
that would be important to review, in addition to cost. She stated that she has not developed an in-depth rubric
for review of RFPs and the typical review process has worked well for the City. She stated that they will also
reach out to cities that have worked with these consultants to gain feedback on those experiences. She stated
that typically a three-week window is used and was not concerned with that timeline as it seems to be the
standard. She noted that the more time they add, the longer it will take to complete. She stated that if the plan
3
is not completed prior to the budget discussions, the plan would not be able to be implemented until 2026,
rather than 2025.
Commissioner Hanson asked for additional details on the process after the City Council votes on the RFP.
Ms. Lawrence stated that once the Council approves the RFP, the RFP would be released and would be sent
to about ten consulting firms directly. She noted that once those proposals are received, they would be
reviewed by staff and the subcommittee to make a recommendation to the City Council. She then provided
details on how the process would move forward with the selected consultant, which would include public
engagement.
Commissioner Schifsky asked if there is a minimum number of proposals that would need to be received.
Ms. Lawrence replied that if staff feels that sufficient proposals are not received, the RFP could be released
again, or modifications could be made.
Commissioner Sherer stated that he was concerned that they would not receive many proposals given the
current workloads of some companies and the holiday included in the timeline. He stated that he would like
something meaningful to be produced out of this process as this will help to determine whether a referendum
will be needed to support future parks needs. He asked if Kensington should be included.
Chair Blanks commented that the subcommittee did not believe there was sufficient parking available to make
substantial changes to that park.
Ms. Lawrence commented that originally Born Lane was included but that had been pulled at the direction of
the City Administrator. She stated that Mendakota will be a fairly large portion of the project. She stated that if
there is a desire to complete a concept plan for Born Lane or Kensington those could be done as one of
projects in the future.
Chair Blanks noted that it would still be included in the overall study, but a concept plan would not be
completed.
Ms. Lawrence confirmed that the overall study would look at the number of fields and whether additional
needs, or excess fields, are identified.
Motion Schifsky/second Hanson to recommend approval of the Park System Master Plan RFP to the City
Council. AYES 4: NAYS 0
8.b 2024 Fee Schedule Recommendation
Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence stated that each year staff brings forward the proposed fee
schedule for review. She provided an overview of the proposed fee recommendations for the Par 3 as well as
park bench donations. She recommended that the field and facility use fees remain the same. She
commented that she believes the picnic shelter rental fees are low but recognized that the Commission and
Council have an expressed an interest not to increase those fees. She noted that once reviewed and
approved by the City Council, these changes would become effective January 1, 2024.
Commissioner Hanson referenced the pull carts for the Par 3 and asked if the gas carts would also need to be
replaced. She stated that perhaps battery carts should be looked at rather than gas carts.
Ms. Lawrence replied that the City owns the pull carts but leases the gas carts. She stated that they have
looked at the possibility of battery carts, but they do not have the charging capability at this time.
Commissioner Schifsky asked if the Par 3 would be an ideal location for electric vehicle charging stations,
which could then perhaps bring more power to charge carts as well.
4
Ms. Lawrence stated that there was a recent review by a consultant to identify potential locations and the Par 3
was identified as a potential location. She stated that staff will begin looking into potential grant funds as well.
Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that the City Council authorized staff to enter into a Partners in
Energy agreement with Xcel Energy which will begin in December and provided a summary of the actions that
will be a part of that partnership.
Commissioner Sherer asked for more details on the lease agreement.
Ms. Lawrence stated that she is guaranteed to receive a golf cart within a certain number of years new that will
run, and the lease company is responsible for maintenance needs. She also provided some information on the
park bench donation program and potential considerations that will be brought forward in policy in the coming
year.
Chair Blanks asked and received consensus of the Commission with the proposed changes to the Par 3 fees.
The Commission further discussed the concept of adding a military discount. The Commission supported a $1
off discount for Veterans.
Chair Blanks confirmed consensus on the proposed increase to the park bench donation.
9. Unfinished Business
9.a Parks and Recreation Strategic Planning Update
Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence provided a review and update of the strategic planning
items. She also provided details on the discussions with West Saint Paul and a potential shared community
center, encouraging residents to complete the survey that is currently available as that will help to guide that
discussion and process.
10. Staff Announcements
Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence shared the following announcements:
• Winter job opportunities have been posted on the City website
• Other events can be found on the City’s website
11. Student Representative Update
Student Representative Murphy was glad to see the Par 3 close out a successful season. She was also
excited about upcoming community events. She noted that some friends are also interested in applying for
some of the seasonal positions.
12. Commission Comments and Park Updates
Commissioner Hanson
• People are still playing pickleball at Marie, bringing their own nets as the City has removed the nets.
• Is planning to visit the dog park soon noting that could be a good location for park bench donations
• Staff did a great job with the Par 3 Halloween event
Commissioner Schifsky
• Barktober at the dog park was a great event and commented that people would be interested in having
a bench in that location
• Exciting to see the Wentworth warming house coming along
• Thanked staff for their hard work
Chair Blanks
• Nothing new to report at Valley or Market Square parks
5
• Encouraged people to get out into the parks while the weather is nicer
Commissioner Sherer
• His kids have been spending time at Hagstrom King after school
• The field at Civic Center turned out great and the users will be appreciative in the spring
13. Adjourn
Motion Sherer/Second Hanson to adjourn the meeting at 8:08 PM
AYES 4: NAYS 0
Minutes drafted by:
Amanda Staple
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
6
DATE: December 12, 2023
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Meredith Lawrence, Parks and Recreation Manager
SUBJECT: Par 3 Update
Winter Months
With the course being closed, staff is already planning for the 2024 season. Staff has deep cleaned
the clubhouse and is ordering supplies for the 2024 season. Seasonal jobs for the golf course will
be posted in January, 2024 and staff will be working to get staff trained early for the potential of
an early 2024 season.
Well Pump Failure
On November 16 staff was made aware of a mishap with the course’s well pump. On November
15 the building lost power and when the power was restored the course’s well pump engaged,
ultimately resulting in standing water within the maintenance building and the filling of the
irrigation pipes with water. Staff cleaned up the building from the potential water damage and
analyzed the equipment to ensure no water damage to the motors. As of now staff is not aware
of any permanent damage. The irrigation system was re-blown out on November 21. The City’s
insurance provider has been made aware of this issue and will be working with the City should
staff determine there was any damage.
End of Season
The Par 3 closed for the season on Friday, October 27. The course had a record-setting season
with the most rounds recorded in course history.
2024 Capital Projects
•Additional Patio Benches and Tables $12,000
•Greens Roller Replacement $16,000
•Fiber (Door Access/Cameras) $100,000
These projects are what staff proposed for 2024 and will need Council approval before moving
forward. During budget work sessions, the City Council was unsure regarding the need for a few
of the proposed capital items/projects.
7a.7
DATE: December 12, 2023
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Willow Eisfeldt, Recreation Program Coordinator
SUBJECT: Recreation Update
Frozen Fun Fest
Frozen Fun Fest 2024 will occur February 9-11 with many activities throughout the weekend. The
weekend will begin with an “Ice Block Party” on Friday, February 9th at Friendly Hills Park from 4-
6pm. Saturday, February 10th will bring Ice Fishing as well as Cupid’s Crawl & Celebration at
Market Square Park. Last will be the puzzle competition on Sunday, February 11th. Throughout
the entire week will be the annual Medallion Hunt. Staff is still working on confirming details and
securing vendors so more detailed updates will come next month.
Tour De Rec
Tour De Rec has seen a high number of attendees this fall and we are excited to continue the
programming throughout the winter and into spring. The next dates are included below:
•Thursday, January 4 at the West St. Paul Dome: Sports Spectacular
•Thursday, February 1 at the Harmon Park Neighborhood Building: Crafts and Cookies
Blade with the Blue
Blade with the Blue is an annual event that Mendota Heights hosts in partnership with the City
of West St. Paul. Attendees have the opportunity to skate, play hockey games, and roast s’mores
with members of the Mendota Heights and West St. Paul police forces. Blade with the Blue is
scheduled for Saturday, January 27 from 1-3pm at Wentworth Park.
Field Trips
Through the winter, spring and summer 2024, Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation will
continue to offer field trips with other cities on non-school days. Staff met with Inver Grove
Heights, South St. Paul, and West St. Paul Parks and Recreation staff to develop a schedule for
these field trips with our earliest scheduled for December 27 and December 28. If parents work
these days while their kids are off of school, these field trips are a great opportunity for kids to
have a fun day off of school while being cared for. More information can be found at
mendotaheightsmn.gov/register.
7b.8
Summer Programming Update
Summer programming is currently being reviewed and prepared for summer 2024. Staff is
working on bringing back and improving programs from the past as well as developing and
organizing new programming for community members to enjoy. Residents of Mendota Heights
can expect a publication in their mailbox by mid-to-late January.
9
DATE: December 12, 2023
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Meredith Lawrence, Parks and Recreation Manager
SUBJECT: Park Improvement Update
2023 Project Update
Included in the 2023 budget for parks capital improvement projects are:
•Civic Center Foul Ball Fencing/Infield Maintenance: $40,000 COMPLETE
•Wentworth Park Warming House: $100,000 (project scope similar to Marie and Friendly
Hills Warming Houses) COMPLETE
•Roger’s Lake Skate Park Improvements: $225,000 IN PROGRESS
o Features will be installed during the Spring of 2024
o Update from Engineering Consultant: “The slab is now uncovered. They’ll come
back in the spring to burn off the exposed fibers and seal the joints. It looks like it
went well. We inspected the dowels and base prior to them pouring. We’ll be able
to tell in about 5 months during snow-melt. Hopefully, no standing water this time.
They’ll also have to touch up the seeding and take care of the erosion control in
the spring. For now, the site will remain as-is until May of 2024.”
•Wentworth Park Tennis Court Resurfacing: $90,000 IN PROGRESS
o The Wentworth Park Tennis court was paved on October 31 with the first lift. The
second lift will not be paved until next spring. It will then have to cure for around
30 days before the acrylic can be applied so the court is not likely to be open until
early summer.
•Valley View Heights Playground Replacement: $75,000 COMPLETE
2024 Project List
The projects included in the 2024 budget include the following:
•Marie Park Hockey Rink Acrylic Surfacing for Pickleball ($30,000)—Fund Balance
•Mendakota Fiber Installation—Cameras, Door Access ($100,000)—Special Parks Fund
•Marie Park Dugout Addition ($30,000)—Special Parks Fund
•Park System Master Plan ($75,000)—Special Parks Fund
•Wentworth Pickleball Installation in Hockey Rink ($30,000)—Special Parks Fund
•Marie Park Ball Field Resurfacing ($10,000)—General Levy
Staff is in the process of beginning work on these projects and updates will be provided as
projects move along.
7c.10
Special Park Fund Balance
Currently the Special Parks Fund is showing an estimated balance of approximately $442,000 as
of December 4, 2023:
Allocated Expenses for 2023:
• Dugouts at Valley, Victoria Highlands, and Civic Center: $53,574
• Skate Park Equipment Deposit: $108,938
• Valley View Heights Playground: $16,147
• Skate Park Concrete: $174,471
11
DATE: December 12, 2023
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Meredith Lawrence, Parks and Recreation Manager
SUBJECT: Wentworth Park Pickleball Discussion
INTRODUCTION:
The Commission has discussed the need to provide more pickleball opportunities for residents
in Mendota Heights. The Commission is asked to review the potential of adding pickleball
courts within the existing Wentworth skating rink.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Mendota Heights currently provides 12 pickleball courts within the City for residents
to utilize. Over the past few years, the City has installed six courts within the skating rinks at
Marie Park and at Friendly Hills Park.
The functionality of the pickleball courts within skating rinks has been successful. The Marie
Park courts were repaved in 2019 and are scheduled to be resurfaced in 2024. The City Council
approved the usage of the existing hockey rink lights for nighttime pickleball play in the Spring
and Fall in 2022 and 2023 at Marie Park. The Friendly Hills courts were not repaved when the
acrylic surface was applied, but are still very much playable.
Wentworth Park has historically not had any pickleball opportunities for residents. The tennis
courts are in the process of being renovated and will not include pickleball court lines.
DISCUSSION:
The City Council included the installation of six pickleball courts within the existing skating rink
at Wentworth in the 2024 budget. Prior to the approval of contractor to fulfill the project, the
City Council requested that staff engage the neighbors regarding the addition of the courts to
the park.
On November 22, staff sent a notice letter regarding the proposed park project to neighbors
within 750 feet of the park boundary. In the letter, staff encouraged residents with comments
about the proposed project to attend the December 12 Parks and Recreation Commission
meeting to voice their opinion.
Attachments: Pickleball Notice Letter Mailed November 22
Wentworth Letter Map of Recipients
8a.12
BUDGET IMPACT:
The City Council included $30,000 in the FY2024 budget for the installation of six pickleball
courts within the Wentworth Park skating rink. This project would be eligible for Special Parks
Funds usage.
A similar project was completed in 2021 at Friendly Hills Park and that total project cost was
$24,000.
RECOMMENDATION:
The Commission should review the resident testimony and make a formal recommendation to
the City Council on next steps in regards to the installation of pickleball courts at Wentworth
Park.
ACTION REQUESTED:
If the commission concurs, it should, make a formal recommendation to the City Council on next
steps in regards to the installation of pickleball courts at Wentworth Park.
13
NOTICE OF RECOMMENDED ACTION FOR PICKLEBALL COURTS
WENTWORTH PARK
673 WENTWORTH AVE
MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MN 55118
This notice is informing you that the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission, at its
regular meeting on December 12, will consider a recommendation to the Mendota Heights City
Council for the installation of seasonal-use pickleball courts within the ice rink at Wentworth Park.
Pickleball is a sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis and ping pong. It is played on a
badminton-sized court with a net. Pickleball is played with a paddle and a plastic ball with holes. The
sport can be enjoyed by players of all ages and skill levels.
Some municipalities that have constructed pickleball courts have received resident complaints due to
noise that may be produced when the game is played. The Commission would like to make area
residents aware of the proposed project before moving forward with a formal recommendation of the
project to the City Council.
A similar project has been completed both at Marie Park located at 1780 Lilac Lane and Friendly
Hills Park located at 2360 Pueblo Lane.
Persons with comments about the addition of seasonal-use pickleball courts to Wentworth Park are
asked to attend the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on Tuesday, December 12 at 6:30pm
at the Mendota Heights City Hall Council Chambers, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights,
Minnesota. There will be time during the meeting for attendees to voice their opinion regarding the
proposed addition of pickleball courts to the park.
Questions or comments related to this notice may be directed to Meredith Lawrence, Parks and
Recreation Manager at (651) 255-1354 or email mlawrence@mendotaheightsmn.gov
8a1.14
Dakota County, MN
Disclaimer: Map and parcel data are believed to be accurate, but accuracy is not guaranteed.
This is not a legal document and should not be substituted for a title search,appraisal, survey, or
for zoning verification.
Map Scale
1 inch = 400 feet
11/9/2023
8a2.15
DATE: December 12, 2023
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Meredith Lawrence, Parks and Recreation Manager
SUBJECT: Park Bench Donation—Valley Park
BACKGROUND:
The Park Bench Donation program was adopted in 2001. Through the program, a resident may
donate $1,000 to the City to offset the costs to purchase and install a park bench. Any costs
above the donated amount would be the responsibility of the City from the park’s maintenance
budget.
Mendota Heights received a park bench donation from the Harper Grace Memorial Fund to be
installed at Valley Park near the picnic shelter and bituminous trail. The attached photo provides
a pin-point of where the bench is proposed to be installed. City is grateful for this donation.
The desired plaque language for the bench would read:
“The Weeping Bench in Memory of Harper Grace Blanks
and all those we love and remember.”
Attachments: Park Bench Donation Application
Photo of Desired Park Bench Location
Map of Park Bench Location
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the Commission recommend approval of the donation and the location of the
proposed bench. If the Commission recommends approval, a formal resolution of acceptance will
be brought to the City Council meeting on December 19 and installation would occur in the Spring
of 2024.
ACTION REQUESTED:
If the Commission concurs, it should, by motion recommend approval of the Park Bench Donation
for Valley Park by the Harper Grace Memorial Fund.
8b.16
8b1.17
18
19
666666666666!!2821
T h is im ag ery is co pyrig h ted an d licen sed by Nearm ap US In c, wh ich retain so wn ersh ip o f th e im ag ery. It is bein g pro vided by Dako ta Co un ty un der th eterm s o f th at licen se. Un der th at licen se, Dako ta Co un ty is allo wed topro vide access to th e “Offlin e Co py Add-On fo r Go vern m en t”, o n wh ich th isim ag e services is based, at 6-in ch reso lutio n , six m o n th s after th e capturedate, pro vided th e user ackn o wledg es th at th e im ag ery will be used in th eirn o rm al co urse o f busin ess an d m ust n o t be reso ld o r distributed fo r th e
Park Bench DonationValley Park - Blanks
Date: 11/29/2023
City o fMen do taHeig h ts
0 50
SCALE IN FEET
GIS Map Disclaimer:This data is for informational purposes only and should not be substituted for a true title search, property appraisal, plat,survey, or for zoning verification. The City of Mendota Heights assumes no legal responsibility for the information containedin this data. The City of Mendota Heights, or any other entity from which data was obtained, assumes no liability for any errorsor omissions herein. If discrepancies are found, please contact the City of Mendota Heights.
Contact "Gopher State One Call" at 651-454-0002 for utility locations, 48 hours prior to any excavation.
Park Ben ch Lo catio n (Appro x.)
8b2.20
DATE: December 12, 2023
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Meredith Lawrence, Parks and Recreation Manager
SUBJECT: Approval of 2024 Meeting Schedule
BACKGROUND:
Each year the Parks and Recreation commissioners set their meeting dates.
Below are the proposed meeting dates for the Parks and Recreation Commission in 2024. All
meetings will have a 6:30pm start time and be conducted at City Hall.
•Tuesday, January 16 (3rd Tuesday due to Council meeting date change)
•Tuesday, February 13
•Tuesday, March 12
•Tuesday, April 9
•Tuesday, May 14
•Tuesday, June 11
•Tuesday, July 9
•Wednesday, August 14 (Wednesday due to Primary Election)
•Tuesday, September 10
•Tuesday, October 8
•Tuesday, November 12
•Tuesday, December 10
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Parks and Recreation Commission review the proposed 2024 meeting
dates and provide staff with any recommended changes.
ACTION REQUESTED:
If the Parks and Recreation Commission concurs, it should, by motion, set the 2024 meeting
dates.
8c.21
DATE: December 12, 2023
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Meredith Lawrence, Parks and Recreation Manager
SUBJECT: Parks and Recreation Strategic Planning Update
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Included is the planning calendar that staff is utilizing to ensure progress. Each month staff will
provide an update on the strategic planning calendar.
RECOMMENDATION:
Informational Only.
9a.22
ACTION ITEM STRATEGIC
INITIATIVE
RESPONSIBILITY TIMELINE
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec UPDATE
Receive Educa�on on Poten�al Funding Sources
(Referendum, Charitable Gambling, Franchise Fees,
Sponsorships)
Sustainable Funding Source
for Parks and Recrea�on
City Administrator/ Parks
and Recrea�on Manager
The City Council (and two commissioners atended) met in June
to learn the poten�al funding op�ons moving forward for the
City for items including Parks and Recrea�on.
Finalize Sponsorship, Dona�on, Naming Rights, Legacy
Program Policy
Sustainable Funding Source
for Parks and Recrea�on
Parks and Recrea�on
Manager
Staff received preliminary direc�on from the Council at their
work session in November and will bring a dra� for the
Commission to review in early 2024.
Work with businesses (Village and Plaza) for Event
Engagement
A Leading Community with
Invested Partners
Parks and Recrea�on
Manager/Recrea�on
Program Coordinator
The Cupid’s Valen�ne Crawl event was held in February, 2023.
The Concert in the Park Series took place this Spring, Summer
and early Fall. Trick or Teeing included businesses handing out
candy at the holes.
Work with the City of West Saint Paul to determine if
a joint facility is feasible.
A Leading Community with
Invested Partners
City Administrator/ Parks
and Recrea�on Manager
A survey was provided to Mendota Heights residents in late
November/early December. Results are being discussed
between West Saint Paul and Mendota Heights staff and next
steps are being considered.
Host Joint Work Session with Natural Resource
Commission
Greater Connec�on to the
Natural Environment
Parks and Recrea�on
Manager
A joint work session was held on March 22.
Create Trail CIP Program Greater Connec�on to the
Natural Environment
Public Works Director Staff is working to create some maps for this project as a visual.
The Trail CIP should be available for distribu�on to the
Commission in early 2024.
Host Bike Clinic/Fix It Clinic with a Local Bike Shop A Safe, Connected, Walkable
and Bikeable Community
Recrea�on Program
Coordinator/ Parks and
Recrea�on Manager
Staff hosted a bike fix-it clinic to be on Wednesday, September
20 from 5:30 PM- 6:30 PM at Market Square Park called “Cycles
& Cider.”
Update Trail Maps to Be More Accessible A Safe, Connected, Walkable
and Bikeable Community
Parks and Recrea�on
Manager/Senior
Engineering Technician
The Senior Engineering Technician has received the necessary
informa�on from the Parks and Recrea�on Manager and is
pu�ng finishes touches on this to launch. This project should
be complete in early 2024.
Increase Senior Programming Vibrant and Diverse
Community Programming
Recrea�on Program
Coordinator
First ever Coffee, Cards and Cribbage series was hosted in
January and February, 2023 and will take place this Winter. The
Summer Adult Walking group took place this Summer. An Adult
Pain�ng Group will take place this Fall and Winter.
Develop a Pre-K Program Vibrant and Diverse
Community Programming
Recrea�on Program
Coordinator
Staff Comple�on of a 15 Year CIP Ac�ve Recrea�onal Facili�es
for All
Parks and Recrea�on
Manager
Staff has completed a Parks CIP, which was reviewed at work
sessions in May and July.
Look at Op�ons to Expand Teen Programming
Opportuni�es Indoors
Ac�ve Recrea�onal Facili�es
for All
Parks and Recrea�on
Manager
Add QR Codes on Signage within Parks Effec�ve Two-Way
Communica�on with an
Informed Community
Parks and Recrea�on
Manager
Signs will be installed during the Spring of 2024
Con�nue Community Engagement Mee�ngs Effec�ve Two-Way
Communica�on with an
Informed Community
Parks and Recrea�on
Commissioners
Engagement will be completed as part of the 2024 Park System
Master Plan.
9a1.23