08082024 PRC Agenda PacketCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at 6:30 PM
Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights
1.Call to Order
2.Roll Call
3.Pledge of Allegiance
4.Approval of the Agenda
The Commission, upon majority vote of its members, may make additions or deletions to
the agenda. These items may be submitted after the agenda preparation deadline.
5.Approval of Minutes
a.Approve Minutes from the July 9, 2024-- Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
6.Public Comment - for items not on the agenda
Public comments provide an opportunity to address the Commission on items which are not
on the meeting agenda. All are welcome to speak. Individuals should address their
comments to the Commission as a whole, not individual members. Speakers are requested
to come to the podium and must state their name and address. Comments are limited to
five (5) minutes. No action will be taken; however, the Chair and Commissioners may ask
clarifying questions as needed or request staff to follow up.
7.Acknowledgement of Reports
Items on the Acknowledgement of Reports are approved by one motion of the Commission.
a.Par 3 Update
b.Park Improvement Project Update
c.Recreation Update
d.Park System Master Plan Update
e.Parks and Recreation Strategic Planning Update
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8.New Business
a.Parks and Recreation Intern Presentation
9.Old Business
a.Park System Master Plan Commissioner Engagement
10.Staff Announcements
11.Student Representative Update
12.Commissioner Comments and Park Updates
13.Adjourn
Next Meeting
September 10, 6:30pm
Information is available in alternative formats or with the use of auxiliary aids to individuals
with disabilities upon request by calling city hall at 651-452-1850 or by
emailing cityhall@mendotaheightsmn.gov.
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CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS, DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
DRAFT PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING MINUTES
JULY 9, 2024
The July meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on
Tuesday, July 9, 2024, 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: Stephanie Meyer, Michelle Muller, Jo Schifsky, Dan Sherer, and Michael Toth;
absent: none. Staff present: Parks and Recreation Director/Assistant Public Works Director
Meredith Lawrence, Recreation Coordinator Willow Eisfeldt, Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek,
and Assistant City Engineer Lucas Richie.
3. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
4. Approval of Agenda
Motion Muller/second Schifsky to approve the agenda. AYES 6: NAYS 0
5.a Approval of Minutes from June 11, 2024 Regular Meeting
Motion Meyer/second Sherer to approve the minutes of the June 11, 2024 Parks and
Recreation Commission Regular Meeting. AYES 6: NAYS 0
6. Citizen Comment Period (for items not on the agenda)
None.
4. Approval of Agenda (Continued)
It was requested to amend the agenda to swap the positions of Items 7 and 8.
Motion Meyer/second Muller to approve the agenda as amended. AYES 6: NAYS 0
7. New Business
7.a Consideration of Ivy Hills Basketball Enhancement Project
Parks and Recreation Director Meredith Lawrence stated that staff is going to present a
potential basketball enhancement at Ivy Hills.
Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek stated that the City is reconstructing the parking lot of Ivy
Hills Park along with the surrounding streets. He commented that there will be materials that
will need to be stored during the project and the contractor requested to use the parking lot as
that staging and storage area. He stated that staff suggested that the east side of the tennis
courts be used, but recognized that is not enough room. He stated that the existing basketball
court is very low and stays wet, therefore they had the idea to fill that area and construct a new
basketball court that would be closer to full court standards. He stated that staff reviewed that
idea with the Council on June 18th and the hoop was then removed to allow that activity to
occur. He noted that letters have been sent out to neighbors to gain input. He stated that the fill
and restoration will be provided at no cost to the City, and the City would be responsible for the
5.a.
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installation of the concrete pad. He provided background information on the pleasure rink that
previously existed, but was not being used. He stated that the potential of a pleasure rink could
continue to be an option, while a full hockey rink would not be feasible at this location. He
asked if the Commission supported the concrete basketball court. He recognized that the hoop
has been removed and there have been some inquiries, so staff suggested possibly placing a
portable hoop on the tennis court as an interim option.
Chair Blanks asked how long the basketball court would be offline.
Mr. Ruzek replied that this would be the duration of the season, as the contractor is behind on
their current job because of the rain conditions and therefore has not yet started this project. It
is anticipated that the project would begin within the next week. He commented that the fill
would sit over the summer, and they would anticipate to pour the concrete court next June.
Chair Blanks asked if the adjustable hoops would be installed.
Mr. Ruzek commented that the adjustable hoops have not been successful as they become
broken to the point where they are no longer adjustable.
Ms. Lawrence replied that the portable hoop has been ordered and should be delivered to the
City this week with the intention to install on the tennis courts when time allows. She stated that
notice letters were sent to residents within 500 feet of the basketball court, encouraging them to
attend tonight if they had questions or comments. She also provided emails that she received
from residents. She stated that she also received two calls asking what happened with the
basketball hoop and they were in favor of the enhancement.
Commissioner Meyer asked the streets that would be a part of the project.
Mr. Ruzek reviewed the streets included in the project.
Commissioner Meyer asked if there would be an option to add parking to the south side of the
park, closer to the playground.
Mr. Ruzek commented that additional stalls could be added on the north side, but they are being
cautious of the memorial tree. He acknowledged that it would appear the open space on the
south is park space, but that is privately owned by the HOA.
Commissioner Toth asked what the plan is if this area can’t be used for material storage.
Mr. Ruzek replied that the material would need to be trucked off and stored offsite, and other
materials could potentially be placed on the sides of the road.
Commissioner Toth asked for an estimate on the number of truckloads that would need to
otherwise be hauled off.
Mr. Ruzek estimated about 500 loads. He confirmed that the material will be reclaimed during
the road project. He noted that many drivers are currently using this area as a cut through to
avoid the highway construction and anticipated that would stop once this project begins, and
that traffic would stay on the posted detours.
Commissioner Sherer recognized that would save the contractor a good amount of money and
asked if those savings would be passed to the City.
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Mr. Ruzek commented that the benefit the City would receive is filling the low area and
restoration of that area, which would otherwise cost the City about $100,000.
Commissioner Sherer commented that he receives the most complaints about this area
because of the poor conditions due to the low elevations. He asked if anything could be done to
make the ballfield more usable as well.
Mr. Ruzek commented that would be outside the scope of this project.
Commissioner Sherer stated that he was wondering if the elevation of the field could be moved
up a couple feet as well, to make that more usable.
Commissioner Schifsky asked if the storm sewer would enhance the drainage.
Chair Blanks invited residents to provide input.
Mary Ford, 1147 Ivy Hills Drive, commented that she had no idea there was going to be
anything happening on the tennis court and is trying to imagine the noise that would come from
that. She asked if they could hear the comments of the residents that emailed about this.
Chair Blanks commented that all four residents were in support of the basketball enhancement.
Commissioner Muller noted that one resident expressed concern with the traffic that the new
basketball court could bring.
Ms. Ford stated that she would like to keep the park as quiet as it is now and would share the
concern of increased traffic.
Mike Flood, 1043 Brompton Place, stated this unusable area has a created problem because of
the berms. He stated that the court used to be functional but changed with improvements made
to the park and pond. He stated that he has no problem with the basketball court
improvements, but wanted to ensure that it is done right. He encouraged staff to take the time
to review the drainage and ensure that this would drain correctly and not pass water to the other
areas of the park. He reiterated that the court and the ball field drained correctly and were not
wet until the changes to the park were made 10 to 15 years ago. He commented on the number
of young families that now live in the neighborhood and use the park.
Commissioner Muller stated that the full courts are heavily used by young teens once installed.
She commented that this park is pretty hidden and asked if there are any concerns with
negative activity at the courts.
Mr. Flood replied that his biggest concern would be for the residents in the townhomes as they
would hear the noise. He stated perhaps lights are not installed to prevent that activity at night.
He stated it has been very seldom that he has had to go out and ask teens to move on at night.
He also commented on a sump pump from a townhome that dumps out onto the park property
and often prevents that area from being mowed by the City. He confirmed that he supports the
project but wants to ensure that it is done correctly, and that the drainage is addressed.
Chair Blanks commented that he likes the idea of not using lights on the courts in order to
mitigate potential negative activity in the evening.
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Commissioner Toth commented that there is a rain garden in the concept and asked staff to
provide information on that feature.
Mr. Ruzek explained how the rain garden functions to assist with infiltration. He commented
that they will be surveying everything and explained how the water flow will be directed within
the park. He also provided details on the pond dredging that occurred, noting that material was
hauled offsite. He commented that the trucks would be hauling the material either way, whether
it is hauled to this location or hauled offsite.
Chair Blanks refocused the discussion towards the proposed enhancement of the basketball
court.
Commissioner Schifsky commented that she is excited that they will be doing something to fix
the spongey area. She stated that she has heard interest in park users for a pleasure rink. She
was also pleased that the court would not be poured until next June as they are still in the
master planning process, and they can ensure that the amenity is placed in the right location.
Ms. Lawrence stated the consultant is not predicting that this park would see a large transition,
noting that the consultant is not completing any concepts for park layouts. She stated that Ivy
Hills has the third highest equity rating because of the ranging demographics of the residents in
this area. She stated that basketball does provide a good option for lower income families as
there are not many barriers to playing basketball, as you just need a ball. She stated that for
that reason she feels that this would be a good opportunity for this neighborhood. She did not
foresee any large-scale impacts to this project because of the completion of the Master Plan.
Commissioner Muller commented that the Commission is looking at full court basketball courts
across the community and this would be a low-cost option for the amenity.
Mr. Ruzek commented that this would be part of the overall street project cost and therefore
would not impact on the special parks fund. He stated that this would be an amenity that could
be added to the park without impact to the park funds.
Commissioner Sherer commented that his concern is the impact that drainage has on the
usability of the park. He suggested a half-court basketball court as this is a neighborhood park
rather than a destination park. He stated that he would also like to see a drainage solution that
would improve the entire park.
Chair Blanks commented that five of the six residents that reached out were in favor of a full
court at this location.
Commissioner Muller commented that if they are not using adjustable hoops that may cause it
to be less of a destination.
Commissioner Meyer commented that there is an influx of teens that need something to do, and
she supports full court basketball. She provided input on the positive experience she has
noticed at Marie Park with that full court. She stated that she also trusts that staff will look at the
drainage engineering.
Commissioner Toth asked if there is something else that the concrete pad could be used for.
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Mr. Ruzek commented that the striping typically also includes some other options such as
hopscotch or tic tac toe. He stated that if there is not snow on the ground, it would typically be
used for basketball and in winter conditions there would be an option to use the area for a
pleasure rink.
Commissioner Muller commented that the four-square striping is very popular as well.
Ms. Ford asked if there would be lighting proposed for the court.
Mr. Ruzek replied that there would not be lighting proposed for the court. He stated that if there
was a pleasure rink added in the future, the existing lighting could be used for that.
Ms. Lawrence noted that if there was a request for lighting in the future, that would involve
resident engagement.
Commissioner Muller commented that the Commission has denied lighting requests at other
parks based on the feedback of neighbors.
Commissioner Toth commented that this is one of the few basketball courts that they have, and
it is important to have some options for residents, noting that the Commission tries to implement
amenities for everyone.
Motion Meyer/second Schifsky to approve the full court basketball enhancement as proposed.
AYES 5: NAYS 1 (SHERER OPPOSED)
8.Acknowledgement of Reports
Chair Blanks read the titles of the five updates (Par 3, Recreation, Park Improvement, Park
System Master Plan, and Parks and Recreation Strategic Planning Updates) and polled the
Commissioners for questions.
8.a Par 3 Update
Parks and Recreation Director Meredith Lawrence stated that June has been busy on the
course and staff has been challenged with the wet conditions and growing grass. She reviewed
the financial information for the course thus far.
Commissioner Sherer asked if the irrigation is tracked by utilities.
Ms. Lawrence replied that the irrigation for the course is provided through the well and therefore
the only cost is for the electric that is used to run the well.
8.b Parks Improvement Update
Parks and Recreation Director Meredith Lawrence provided an update on the progress of
different parks improvement projects. She reviewed the balance of the special parks fund and
stated that staff is continuing with the budget process with the City Council, carrying forward the
recommendations from the Parks Commission. She stated that she would notify the
Commission of when the parks items will appear on the Council workshop agenda in the case
that they would like to attend.
Commissioner Sherer commented that he was surprised that the skate park is not getting as
much use as he thought it would, recognizing that he is only driving by in the evening or on
weekends. He asked if there has been feedback on the new equipment from the users.
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Ms. Lawrence replied that she spoke with a member of the Dirty Dota, who was very happy with
the skate park project and suggested some small fixes that could potentially be implemented
next year. She stated that when she has driven by the skate park has been busy and she has
received very positive feedback.
Commissioner Schifsky commented that everyone is very excited about the Wentworth
pickleball courts.
Commissioner Sherer commented that the tennis courts look great too.
8.c Recreation Update
Recreation Coordinator Willow Eisfeldt highlighted upcoming recreation events and
programming.
8.d Park System Master Plan Update
Parks and Recreation Director Meredith Lawrence provided an update on the Parks System
Master Plan process, noting that phase one is complete and the update will be provided to the
Council next Tuesday. She also noted the engagement plan and asked that the Commission
provide any changes to the list.
The Commissioners provided input on the engagement events that they could attend.
8.e Parks and Recreation Strategic Planning Update
Parks and Recreation Director Meredith Lawrence provided an update on the progress of the
Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan items.
Commissioner Schifsky noted that some park benches are in rough shape and asked if
volunteers could be used to sand and stain the benches.
Ms. Lawrence commented that power tools are not promoted as something for volunteers to be
involved with. She stated that she could follow up to determine which benches she is referring
to and develop a plan to address that.
9.Unfinished Business
10.Staff Announcements
Parks and Recreation Director Meredith Lawrence shared the following announcements:
•There is a vacant position on the Commission following the resignation of Tica Hanson.
The position has been posted and the application process will remain open until July
19th. She encouraged Commissioners to refer anyone that may be interested.
•The Student Representative seat is currently vacant, as that term ended in June. Staff
will post that position in the fall once school starts back up.
•Other events can be found on the City’s website
11. Student Representative Update
None.
12. Commission Comments and Park Updates
Commissioner Sherer
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•The Civic Center ballfield receives a lot of use during the summer and drains remarkably
well
•Hagstrom King continues to be busy and is a great park, but the ballfield does not drain
well
Commissioner Toth
•The users at the dog park take ownership of that park and clean up after themselves
•Encouraged other park users to clean up after themselves
•Would like information on the treatment of Rogers Lake and any changes that have
occurred
•Encouraged residents to be cautious of pets around blue/green algae blooms in the
waters
Commissioner Muller
•Commented that the parks are well used and maintained
•Has witnessed more people playing tennis than pickleball lately
•Asked if there is anything that could be done about the increase in bugs and mosquitos
Chair Blanks
•The dugouts have standing water at Valley Park
•Market Square is a great park and encouraged residents to attend the live music events
Commissioner Schifsky
•Witnessed Yoga in the Park at Ivy Hills and encouraged residents to check it out
•Wentworth is a great park
•Has attended a few of the Tour de Rec events which have been a lot of fun
Commissioner Meyer
•Pickleball continues to be popular at Marie Park and she looks forward to the resurfacing
•Echoed the comments of Tour de Rec, commenting that the event today seemed well
attended
Ms. Lawrence noted that the August meeting will be on Wednesday, August 14th, as the Primary
Election is taking place on Tuesday, August 13th.
Commissioner Muller noted an area of high grass near Market Square. It was confirmed that is
private property and not City owned property.
13. Adjourn
Motion Meyer/Second Muller to adjourn the meeting at 8:17 PM
AYES 6: NAYS 0
Minutes drafted by:
Amanda Staple
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
Page 9 of 23
7.a
Parks and Recreation Commission
Meeting Date: August 14, 2024
Agenda Item: Par 3 Update
Item Type: Monthly Report
Department: Parks and Recreation Contact: Meredith Lawrence, Parks
and Recreation/Assistant
Public Works Director
Background:
Season Statistics
Although an extremely wet season, the golf course has had a successful season thus far. The
following rounds have been played in 2024:
•March: 261
•April: 1,923
•May: 2,664
•June: 3,395
•July: 3,093
•Schools: 263
Golf Course Conditions
The month of July was an extremely wet month with excessive rainfall. The course has been
wet, which has made it difficult for the maintenance team to conduct routine course duties. The
maintenance team has shifted their schedule to ensure the turf has been properly maintained.
The course looks and plays very well. Staff continues to test the irrigation system, as it has not
been needed much this season, to ensure it is working properly should dry weather come.
Increased Vandalism
The Par 3 continues to see a heightened amount of vandalism throughout the course property.
Staff is working on creative ways to mitigate vandalism without having a camera system on a
fiber optic network.
2025 Budget
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The Par 3 requested the following in the 2025 budget:
1.Recreation Facilities Coordinator (60% Par 3, 40% Recreation/Parks)
2.Online Tee Software/POS Software
Attachments:
None
Item Relation to Commission Guiding Principles:
Vibrant and Diverse Community Programming
Active Recreation Facilities for All
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7.b
Parks and Recreation Commission
Meeting Date: August 14, 2024
Agenda Item: Park Improvement Project Update
Item Type: Monthly Report
Department: Parks and Recreation Contact: Meredith Lawrence, Parks
and Recreation/Assistant
Public Works Director
Background:
2023 Projects Outstanding
•Roger's Lake Skate Park Improvements: COMPLETE
•Wentworth Park Tennis Court Resurfacing: COMPLETE
2024 Project Updates
•Marie Park Hockey Rink Acrylic Surfacing for Pickleball (Budget: $30,000)--Fund
Balance
Approved: $26,985
COMPLETE
•Mendakota Park Fiber Installation--Cameras, Door Access (Budget $100,000)--Special
Parks Fund
Approved: $108,710.60
SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLETE
•Marie Park Dugout Addition/Baseline Fencing (Budget $30,000)--Special Parks Fund
Approved: $26,240
COMPLETE
•Park System Master Plan (Budget: $75,000)--Special Parks Fund
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Approved: $85,970
2024 Calendar Year--January, 2025 Completion
•Wentworth Park Pickleball Installation (Budget: $30,000)--Special Parks Fund
Approved: $23,550
COMPLETE
•Marie Park Ball Field Resurfacing (Budget: $10,000)--General Levy
Approved: $7,704.05
COMPLETE
2025 Budget Requests
Staff included the following requests as part of the 2025 budget consideration:
1.Wentworth Park Basketball Court Expansion
2.Ivy Hills Playground Replacement
3.Wentworth Hockey Board Replacement
4.Valley Park Picnic Shelter Refurbishment
5.Hagstrom King Park Connection Point
6.Basketball Hoop Replacement/Relining
7.Friendly Hills Tennis Court Resurfacing
As part of the Parks Maintenance budget, staff did request a infield renovation project at a ball
field in 2025.
Special Parks Fund Balance
Currently, the Special Parks Fund is showing an estimated balance of approximately $432,500
as of August 7, 2024. Approved projects for 2024 impacting the Special Parks Fund balance
include the following:
Mendakota Park Fiber Project: $108,170.60
Park System Master Plan: $85,970
Wentworth Park Pickleball Installation in Hockey Rink: $23,550 (Nets, Posts, Post Work
Not Included)
Marie Park Dugout Project: $26,240
These projects, once funded, will leave the balance at approximately $188,000. Current policy
states the Special Parks Fund should have a balance of at least $200,000. The Council will need
to determine next steps in regards to spending the Special Parks Fund.
Attachments:
None
Item Relation to Commission Guiding Principles: Active Recreation Facilities for All
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7.c
Parks and Recreation Commission
Meeting Date: August 14, 2024
Agenda Item: Recreation Update
Item Type: Monthly Report
Department: Parks and Recreation Contact: Willow Eisfeldt, Recreation
Program Coordinator
Background:
Parks Celebration
Parks Celebration 2024 occurs on Friday, August 9 through Sunday, August 11. Staff will
provide an update on how the weekend went.
Summer Wrap-Up
Summer programs are beginning to wrap-up. This year parks and recreation programming
served 200+ participants at Tour De Rec Programming, 80 kids at Safety Camps, 250
participants at Magic in the Park, 173 kids in golf lessons and camps, 179 kids in tennis lessons
and camps, and countless other participants in many of our other program offerings. Staff
would like to thank all the program instructors and assistants for providing a fun, engaging,
and successful summer. Instructors and assistants are out on the tennis courts, pickleball
courts, golf course, and in various parks providing day to day work that keeps recreation
programs and events running smoothly.
Fall Programming
Fall programming will open for registration on August 15 at 8:00 AM. This year's fall
programming includes gymnastics classes in partnership with West St. Paul, Tour De Rec,
Coffee, Cribbage & Cards, and more!
Fall Events-Mark Your Calendars!
Three large community events are back this fall. The first event is Barktober, occurring on
Saturday, October 5 from 9:00-11:00 AM at the Mendota Heights Dog Park. This is a free event
for pups to come out and enjoy time with other dogs! There will be Minute to Win it games, a
photo booth, a costume contest, business booths and more. Our second large event will be
Trick-Or-Teeing on Saturday, October 19, from 4:00-6:00 PM at the Par 3 Community Golf
Course. This is a free event open to all ages for trick-or-treating on the course with games,
Page 14 of 23
activities and snacks! Lastly, Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation partners with ISD 197
Community Education and West St. Paul Parks and Recreation to provide a yearly Makers
Market. This year's Makers Market will occur on Saturday, November 9 from 9:00 AM-3:00 PM.
We are still accepting vendor applications for this year's market and shoppers are welcome to
join us at Two Rivers High School on the day of the event for all their holiday gift needs. For
more information about these events, visit www.MendotaHeightsMN.gov/165/Recreation.
Attachments:
None
Item Relation to Commission Guiding Principles:
Vibrant and Diverse Community Programming
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7.d
Parks and Recreation Commission
Meeting Date: August 14, 2024
Agenda Item: Park System Master Plan Update
Item Type: Monthly Report
Department: Parks and Recreation Contact: Meredith Lawrence, Parks
and Recreation/Assistant
Public Works Director
Background:
Staff has begun community engagement for Phase 2 of the Park System Master Plan. The
survey, which opened on August 1 and closes on September 7, focuses on the finances to help
determine whether residents are comfortable with the potential financial implications based
on the wants and needs identified in the Phase 1 survey.
Staff conducted community engagement activities discussing the project and the second
survey with residents at Night to Unite, Rotary, and at various Park Celebration events. As of
August 6, approximately 50 responses have been received.
Focus groups with the four various segments of the Mendota Heights population will be
conducted on October 2. Staff has received positive responses to the invitation and look
forward to discussing the future of Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation with these
passionate stakeholders.
Staff continues to meet bi-weekly with the consultant team and will continue to do so until the
completion of the project. The City Council received a project update at their July 16 Work
Session. Commissioners Blanks, Muller and Schifsky were in attendance and were able to hear
the consultant's presentation and the Council discussion about the project.
Attachments:
1.Commissioner Engagement Sign Up 071124
Item Relation to Commission Guiding Principles:
Sustainable Source of Funding for Parks and Recreation
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Greater Connection to the Natural Environment
A Leading Community with Invested Partners
Vibrant and Diverse Community Programming
A Safe Connected and Walkable/Bikable Community
Active Recreation Facilities for All
Effective Two-Way Communication with an Informed Community
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MASTER PLAN COMMISSIONER ENGAGEMENT
To sign up, email Meredith Lawrence mlawrence@mendotaheightsmn.gov,
up to three commissioners can attend each event in an official capacity.
Event Date and Time Location Commissioner(s)
Frozen Fun Fest
Ice Block Party
Friday, February 9
(4-6pm)
Friendly Hills Park Michelle Muller
Jaffrey Blanks
Frozen Fun Fest
Ice Fishing
Saturday, February 10
(9-11am)
Rogers Lake Park Michael Toth
Jaffrey Blanks
Frozen Fun Fest
Valentine’s at the Village
Saturday, February 10
(5-8pm)
Market Square Park
Frozen Fun Fest
Puzzle Competition
Sunday, February 11
(9-Noon)
(Noon-3pm)
Mendota Elementary Steph Meyer
Jo Schifsky
Pickleball with Public
Safety
Thursday, April 25
(5:30-7pm)
Friendly Hills Park Jo Schifsky
Tica Hanson
Touch a Truck Saturday, May 11
(10am-Noon)
Mendakota Park Jaffrey Blanks
Jo Schifsky
Music in the Park Wednesday, May 15
(6:30-8pm)
Market Square Park Jaffrey Blanks
Spring Pickleball
Tournament
Saturday, May 18
(8am-Noon)
Marie Park Jo Schifsky
Tica Hanson
Music in the Park Wednesday, May 29
(6:30-8pm)
Market Square Park Jaffrey Blanks
Steph Meyer
Music in the Park Wednesday, June 12
(6:30-8pm)
Market Square Park Jaffrey Blanks
Dan Sherer
Music in the Park Wednesday, June 26
(6:30-8pm)
Market Square Park Jaffrey Blanks
Jo Schifsky
Music in the Park Wednesday, July 10
(6:30-8pm)
Market Square Park Jaffrey Blanks
Dan Sherer
Cliff Timm Fishing Derby Thursday, July 18
(4-7pm)
Rogers Lake Park Michelle Muller
Music in the Park Wednesday, July 24
(6:30-8pm)
Market Square Park Jaffrey Blanks
Music in the Park Wednesday, August 7
(6:30-8pm)
Market Square Park Jaffrey Blanks
Dan Sherer
Parks Celebration
Friday Food Truck Fest
Friday, August 9
(4:30-8pm)
Mendakota Park Michael Toth
Jo Schifsky
Steph Meyer
Parks Celebration
Yoga in the Park
Saturday, August 10
(7:30-8:45am)
Ivy Hills Park Michelle Muller
Parks Celebration
Kid’s Fest
Saturday, August 10
(Noon-2pm)
Friendly Hills Michael Toth
Jaffrey Blanks
Music in the Park Wednesday, August 21
(6:30-8pm)
Market Square Park Dan Sherer
Music in the Park Wednesday, September 4
(6:30-8pm)
Market Square Park Jaffrey Blanks
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7.d.1
7.e
Parks and Recreation Commission
Meeting Date: August 14, 2024
Agenda Item: Parks and Recreation Strategic Planning Update
Item Type: Monthly Report
Department: Parks and Recreation Contact: Meredith Lawrence, Parks
and Recreation/Assistant
Public Works Director
Background:
Included is the planning calendar that staff is utilizing to ensure progress. Each month, staff
will provide an update on strategic planning calendar.
Attachments:
1.PRC Planning Calendar 2024
Item Relation to Commission Guiding Principles:
Sustainable Source of Funding for Parks and Recreation
A Leading Community with Invested Partners
Greater Connection to the Natural Environment
Vibrant and Diverse Community Programming
A Safe Connected and Walkable/Bikable Community
Active Recreation Facilities for All
Effective Two-Way Communication with an Informed Community
Page 19 of 23
2024 STRATEGIC GOALS
TIMELINEACTION ITEM STRATEGIC
INITIATIVE
RESPONSIBILITY
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec UPDATE
Completion of Park System Master Plan All Parks and Recreation
Director
Engagement Phase 1 closed on May 22. The survey
for Phase 2 opened on August 1 and will close on
September 7.
Finalize Sponsorship, Donation, and Event
Policies
Sustainable Funding
Source for Parks and
Recreation
Parks and Recreation
Director
The sponsorship policy has been approved by the
City Council and is in effect. Staff will begin work on
the donation and event policies next.
Work with businesses (Village and Plaza) for
Event Engagement
A Leading Community
with Invested Partners
Parks and Recreation
Director/Recreation
Program Coordinator
Cupid’s Crawl with businesses was held as Frozen
Fun Fest. Music in the Park started in May. Staff is
beginning to contact businesses for Trick or Teeing.
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 Recreation
Director
West Saint Paul has a new subconsultant for the
project—the City of West Saint Paul will be
including a question on the potential Community
Center as part of their statistically valid survey this
Summer.
Create Trail CIP Program Greater Connection to
the Natural
Environment
Public Works Director This item was presented at the June meeting.
Update Trail Maps to Be More Accessible A Safe, Connected,
Walkable and Bikeable
Community
Parks and Recreation
Director/Senior
Engineering
Technician
The interactive online map for the Mendota Heights
Park System has been completed and is now
launched on the City’s website.
Diversify Programming Offered (Senior and
Teen Programming)
Vibrant and Diverse
Community
Programming
Recreation Program
Coordinator
The Coffee, Cards and Cribbage series is in full
swing. The Summer Adult Walking group took place
in 2023 and has started in 2024. Fall 2024 will
provide the opportunity for new recreation
activities for seniors and teens.
Coordinate Ongoing Community
Engagement Plan for Commissioners
Effective Two-Way
Communication with an
Informed Community
Commissioners Commissioners discussed engagement at their April
work session for Phase 1 and Phase 2 engagement
will be discussed at the August meeting.
Continued Success of the Volunteer in the
Parks (VIP) Program
All Commissioners and
Staff
Page 20 of 23
7.e.1
8.a
Parks and Recreation Commission
Meeting Date: August 14, 2024
Agenda Item: Parks and Recreation Intern Presentation
Item Type: Presentation
Department: Parks and Recreation Contact: Meredith Lawrence, Parks
and Recreation/Assistant
Public Works Director
Action Request:
This presentation is for informational purposes only, but the commissioners are encouraged to
ask questions if they have them.
Background:
This Summer, Sydnee Yengo has served as the City’s Parks and Recreation Intern. At the
August meeting, Sydnee will be presenting a short presentation that highlights the projects she
has been working on and what she has learned during her employment with the City.
Sydnee has been an incredible asset to our team and staff is grateful for the work she
completed this Summer.
Fiscal and Resource Impact:
None.
Attachments:
None
Item Relation to Commission Guiding Principles:
Effective Two-Way Communication with an Informed Community
Active Recreation Facilities for All
A Safe Connected and Walkable/Bikable Community
Vibrant and Diverse Community Programming
Greater Connection to the Natural Environment
A Leading Community with Invested Partners
Sustainable Source of Funding for Parks and Recreation
Page 21 of 23
9.a
Parks and Recreation Commission
Meeting Date: August 14, 2024
Agenda Item: Park System Master Plan Commissioner Engagement
Item Type: Action Item
Department: Parks and Recreation Contact: Meredith Lawrence, Parks
and Recreation/Assistant
Public Works Director
Action Request:
The commissioners should discuss and assign roles for Park System Master Plan Community
Engagement for Phase 2.
Background:
On August 1, the City released the Park System Master Plan Phase 2 Survey. The Survey will
close on September 7 at 11:59pm. The City's goal is to engage with as many residents as
possible for Phase 2 in order to receive the most accurate results.
Commissioners play a large role in project awareness with residents. Staff has prepared Phase 2
marketing materials and has provided each Commissioner with approximately 150 postcards to
give out. Chair Blanks would like the Commissioners to discuss and determine how each
Commissioner will hand out their postcards.
Fiscal and Resource Impact:
None.
Attachments:
None
Item Relation to Commission Guiding Principles:
Sustainable Source of Funding for Parks and Recreation
Page 22 of 23
Greater Connection to the Natural Environment
A Leading Community with Invested Partners
A Safe Connected and Walkable/Bikable Community
Vibrant and Diverse Community Programming
Active Recreation Facilities for All
Effective Two-Way Communication with an Informed Community
Page 23 of 23