100820024 PRC Agenda Packet
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
October 8, 2024 at 6:30 PM
Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
a. Introduction of New Commissioner
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 August 14, 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
Page 1 of 26
d.Park System Master Plan Update
e.Parks and Recreation Strategic Planning Update
8.New Business
a.Park Bench Donation Recommendation
9.Old Business
a.FY2025 Budget Update
10.Staff Announcements
11.Student Representative Update
12.Commissioner Comments and Park Updates
13.Adjourn
Next Meeting
November 12 at 6:15pm
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.
Page 2 of 26
2.a
Parks and Recreation Commission
Meeting Date: October 8, 2024
Agenda Item: Introduction of New Commissioner
Item Type: Action Item
Department: Parks and Recreation Contact: Meredith Lawrence, Parks
and Recreation/Assistant
Public Works Director
Action Request:
Commissioners are encouraged to introduce themselves to the new Parks and Recreation
Commissioner.
Background:
On August 20, the City Council appointed Jennifer Weichert to the Parks and Recreation
Commission.
Jennifer has been a resident of Mendota Heights for more than 33 years and lives near Victoria
Highlands Park. She is a retired Corporate Executive and Small Business Owner. She has a
strong history of collaboration and problem-solving, being able to analyze situations and find
solutions. She has a passion for healthy living and staying active, being engaged socially,
spiritually and intellectually. She has enjoyed and engaged in many of the City's sponsored
and supported activities. As a traveled woman, she hopes to introduce fresh trendy ideas and
concepts that she has enjoyed in other communities to the People of Mendota Heights.
Fiscal and Resource Impact:
None.
Attachments:
None
Item Relation to Commission Guiding Principles:
A Leading Community with Invested Partners
Page 3 of 26
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS, DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
DRAFT PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING MINUTES
AUGUST 14, 2024
The August meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on
Wednesday, August 14, 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 Meredith Lawrence, Parks and
Recreation Intern Sydnee Yengo, Recreation Program Coordinator Willow Eisfeldt, and Public
Works Director Ryan Ruzek.
3.Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
4.Approval of Agenda
Chair Blanks requested to move the item: Parks and Recreation Intern Presentation to the
beginning of the meeting.
Motion Sherer/second Meyer, to approve the agenda as amended. AYES 6: NAYS 0
5.New Business
5.a Parks and Recreation Intern Presentation
Parks and Recreation Director Meredith Lawrence stated that staff is proud to have the Parks
and Recreation Intern Sydnee Yengo present tonight to provide a presentation. She noted that
her last day with the City will be next Friday. She stated that Sydnee has been a great addition
to the team this summer and thanked her for her contributions, noting that she was able to
accomplish things that Parks and Recreation staff would not have been able to do without her.
Parks and Recreation Intern Sydnee Yengo introduced herself and identified her goals for the
summer. She reviewed her responsibilities during her time in Mendota Heights and provided
details on the programs and projects that she was involved with, along with other items she
worked on including drafting policies and creating a sustainability webpage. She stated that she
enjoyed working with City staff and members of the community.
Commissioner Muller thanked Ms. Yengo for her service this summer, noting that she saw her
at many community events this summer.
Commissioner Sherer commented that the summer intern experience is great for both the intern
and the staff. He asked which park is next for a sign planting.
Ms. Yengo replied that she is not aware of which park will be next.
Page 5 of 26
5a.
Commissioner Schifsky expressed thanks noting that she has also seen Ms. Yengo at several
summer events. She appreciated her joyful attitude and commented that she is excited about
the sustainability webpage.
Chair Blanks asked the most challenging project this summer.
Ms. Yengo replied that the fleet policy was the most challenging as it involved a lot of research
collection.
Chair Blanks and the Commission expressed thanks for the work that was completed this
summer.
6.a Approval of Minutes from July 9, 2024 Regular Meeting
Motion Schifsky/second Toth to approve the minutes of the July 9, 2024 Parks and Recreation
Commission Regular Meeting. AYES 6: NAYS 0
7.Citizen Comment Period (for items not on the agenda)
None.
8.Acknowledgement of Reports
Chair Blanks read the titles of the three updates (Par 3, Park Improvement, Recreation, Park
System Master Plan, and Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan Updates) and polled the
Commissioners for questions.
8.a Par 3 Update
Parks and Recreation Director Meredith Lawrence briefly reviewed the written report including
the number of rounds, maintenance, and the challenges of the rain. She stated that they are
still working to address vandalism that is occurring at the course. She stated that two budget
requests were presented to the Council for 2025 relating to the golf course including a staff
position that would be split between the golf course and parks and recreation. She stated that
the financial report from the course was distributed to the Commission prior to the meeting and
provided a brief overview.
Commissioner Toth asked if there has been an increased cost in maintenance of weeds due to
the increased rainfall.
Ms. Lawrence confirmed that they have worked with a consultant to change the mixture of
applications for the site to address the things that have been growing.
Commissioner Sherer referenced the proposed staffing position split and asked if the person
would be the main contact for the golf course, which would free Ms. Lawrence for other
activities.
Ms. Lawrence confirmed that the golf course is taking more and more of her time, and this
additional position would allow designated focus on the course for marketing, course technology
updates (tee management software) and employee management at the course. In addition to
helping out with the golf course, this position would assist with existing recreation programs and
events.
Commissioner Sherer asked if a second intern has been considered.
Page 6 of 26
Ms. Lawrence commented that has been considered. She noted the amount of staff time that is
spent to add an intern and make the internship a valuable experience is extensive and it would
be difficult to have an intern at a site with little staff interaction--therefore the golf course would
not be a good fit for that type of position.
Commissioner Schifsky asked if they have looked at deliveries for products.
Ms. Lawrence commented that they have done that but there is an issue with storage and staff
completing those store runs has become the best fit. She commented that there is a low
number of staff and high demand, therefore there needs to be additional staff or less duties.
Commissioner Muller commented that Mendota Heights has a significantly smaller staff than
cities of similar size.
Ms. Lawrence stated that at the Master Plan presentation of information from the consultant, it
was projected that the City is four employees short in terms of park and recreation. She stated
that staff is going to reach out to other cities to see what their staffing levels are. She stated
that she received a report from West St. Paul today and reviewed the parks and recreation staff
in that community, which would be in addition to public works/park staff members.
8.b Parks Improvement Update
Parks and Recreation Director Meredith Lawrence provided a status update on the different
park improvement projects. She noted that the 2025 budget requests have been presented to
the City Council and stated that the budget process will involve discussion about the special
parks fund balance policy.
Commissioner Toth referenced the fund balance policy and asked if the Commission should
provide input to the Council on whether that policy should be amended.
Ms. Lawrence replied that the Commission is always welcome to provide a recommendation to
the Council. She stated that the special parks fund is not a maintenance fund and if they are
going to continue to improve the parks, they will need those funds. She stated that there is an
apartment project that will go forward in the next few years, which will replenish the fund but that
will most likely be the last substantial contribution and therefore future funding for the parks will
need to be a continued discussion topic. She recognized that there was intent behind the
original policy, but the City is now in a different place and those funds will need to be used.
Commissioner Sherer commented that he recalled that $350,000 to $400,000 in annual funding
would be needed to continue to provide park improvements. He asked for more information on
the locking mechanism for the Mendakota bathrooms.
Ms. Lawrence commented on the many meetings they have had on this project. She noted that
users will be able to lock the bathroom when in use and leave the bathroom when done.
Commissioner Meyer asked the contractor that was used for the Marie Park pickleball courts.
Ms. Lawrence replied that CNH Sports Surfaces was the contractor, noting that the City has had
great experiences working with that contractor.
Commissioner Meyer agreed, noting that she wanted to commend the contractor for the
excellent job that they did on the project and cleaning up.
Page 7 of 26
Commissioner Sherer asked if anything is suggested to protect the pickleball surface when it is
flooded in the winter.
Ms. Lawrence replied that they have not received any additional recommendations.
8.c Recreation Update
Recreation Program Coordinator Willow Eisfeldt provided an update on the Parks Celebration
events held this past weekend. She also reviewed other recent activities and programing
events as well as upcoming events and programing opportunities for youth and adults.
Chair Blanks and the Commission thanked staff for all the planning and effort that goes into the
Parks Celebration events.
Commissioner Muller asked why the Maker’s Market is not going to be the same day as the 5K.
Ms. Eisfeldt commented that they are hoping to attract more shoppers during the cooler
weather, that may be shopping for the holidays.
8.d Park System Master Plan Update
Parks and Recreation Director Meredith Lawrence provided an update on the Park System
Master Plan process, noting that phase two of engagement has begun. She explained that
phase one opened the door for requests and desires within the park system while phase two will
focus more on the level at which residents would be supportive of funding. She thanked the
Commission for their assistance with engagement.
Commissioner Muller asked why a water feature was not a direct question on the phase two
survey, as that was a clear request in phase one.
Ms. Lawrence commented that element would be dependent on the funding information
gathered during phase two, as there would be no point in asking the question if residents are
not willing to fund at that level. She stated that while there is a desire for a water feature by
some residents, there are water features and pools available in adjacent communities. She
stated that the answers received in the funding portion of engagement would open the
discussion for phase three to include the elements that could be provided at the different
funding levels.
9.Old Business
9.a Park System Master Plan Commissioner Engagement
Parks and Recreation Director Meredith Lawrence stated that staff has been out a fair amount
interacting with residents and discussing the project within the past week. She stated that they
engaged a lot of youth during phase one, where phase two will focus more on adults because of
the financing focus. She stated that phase two marketing materials are available for the
Commission members, acknowledging their assistance throughout this process. She stated
that the schedule of upcoming engagement events was provided to the Commission, should
they wish to participate in phase two, which will close on September 7th.
Chair Blanks encouraged the Commission members to continue to get out in their own
neighborhoods to engage residents.
Page 8 of 26
Ms. Lawrence reviewed some ways the Commission can continue to reach out to their
neighbors, friends, networks and to share the City social media posts.
Commissioner Schifsky stated that there are back to school events and perhaps they could
request a table.
Commissioner Sherer commented on the high number of attendees for soccer Saturdays.
Commissioner Meyer commented that she has received questions from residents on where the
phase one results could be shared.
Ms. Lawrence commented that she could work with the consultant to develop a summary of
those results that could be posted on the website.
8.Acknowledgement of Reports (Continued)
8.e Parks and Recreation Strategic Planning Update
Parks and Recreation Director Meredith Lawrence provided an update on the Parks and
Recreation Strategic Plan progress.
10.Staff Announcements
Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence shared the following announcements:
•Winter seasonal positions will be posted around Labor Day
•Master Plan survey is available on the website and paper copies are available at City
Hall
•The City Council interviewed three candidates for the vacant Park and Recreation
Commission seat and a new Commissioner will be appointed at the Council meeting
next week
•Thanks to the recreation staff for all their hard work during the busy summer season
•Other events can be found on the City’s website
11.Student Representative Update
None.
12.Commission Comments and Park Updates
Commissioner Sherer
•Commented that the basketball hoop at the east side of Hagstrom King seems to be
stuck at the lowest setting
•Commented that the baseball fields were a bit rough recently
Commissioner Toth
•Commented that he spoke with residents and other users of Rogers Lake Park recently
to gain feedback including a need for brush maintenance on the sides of the trails, a
desire for a pedestrian crossing sign at Wagon Wheel, vegetation maintenance near the
fishing pier
•Suggested that they look at potential lake treatment for Rogers Lake to address the
weed growth
Page 9 of 26
Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek commented that staff is going to get out and clear brush
along the pedways this next week. He commented that they do not promote fishing in the area
off Wagon Wheel, and therefore will not install signs promoting people to cross in that area. He
stated that the City does work with the Lake Homeowners Association to do treatments of the
lake and agreed that a second treatment could be helpful around the fishing pier. He noted that
there is also a shoreline project scheduled for 2025.
Commissioner Muller
•Received input about the desire for a swimming beach at Rogers Lake, but noted the
poor water quality
•Enjoyed activities at Friendly Hills this past weekend
•Kensington also looks nice and green
•Thanked the Summer Intern for her work over the summer
Chair Blanks
•Market Square is a great place for music in the park and encouraged residents to attend
•Some incidents of vandalism at Valley Park
Commissioner Schifsky
•It is fun to continue to see all the users at Wentworth
•Thanked the Summer Intern for her services this summer
Commissioner Meyer
•Marie Park continues to be full of users
•Mendakota continues to be great, and people enjoyed all the activities this past weekend
•Wished the best for the Summer Intern as she continues her education
13.Adjourn
Motion Meyer/Second Muller to adjourn the meeting at 8:03 PM
AYES 6: NAYS 0
Minutes drafted by:
Amanda Staple
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
Page 10 of 26
7.a
Parks and Recreation Commission
Meeting Date: October 8, 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 during the Spring/Summer and dry during the Fall, the golf
course has had a successful season. The following rounds have been played in 2024:
•March: 261
•April: 1,923
•May: 2,664
•June: 3,395
•July: 3,093
•August: 3,089
•September: 2,095
•Schools: 263
Aeration Complete
Par 3 maintenance staff and administrative staff completed the annual aeration of the greens
on September 17. This process takes approximately nine hours with four staff working the
entire day. Aerating is imperative to reduce thatch and ensure a healthy playing surface for the
future.
Close Date
A close date has not been identified yet, but staff continues to monitor the weather and the
course's profitability in order to determine the course's last day open for business for 2024.
Historically, the course has closed at the end of October or in early November.
Page 11 of 26
Financial Update
Staff has requested an August Financial Report from the Finance Department for review at the
October meeting.
Turf Conditions
Overall the turf was in great condition for the 2024 season. The turf was the healthiest it has
been in the past seven years. Staff is proud of the work of the Par 3 maintenance team and the
stellar playing conditions that were provided to customers this season.
2025 Budget
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:
Active Recreation Facilities for All
Vibrant and Diverse Community Programming
Page 12 of 26
7.b
Parks and Recreation Commission
Meeting Date: October 8, 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:
2024 Project Updates
The following projects have been completed in 2024:
•Marie Park Hockey Rink Acrylic Surfacing for Pickleball
•Mendakota Park Fiber Installation--Cameras, Door Access
•Marie Park Dugout Addition/Baseline Fencing
•Wentworth Park Pickleball Installation
•Marie Park Ball Field Resurfacing
2025 Budget Requests
Staff included the following requests as part of the 2025 budget consideration:
1.Wentworth Park Basketball Court Expansion (NOT included in Preliminary)
2.Ivy Hills Playground Replacement (Included in Preliminary)
3.Wentworth Hockey Board Replacement (NOT included in Preliminary)
4.Valley Park Picnic Shelter Refurbishment (NOT included in Preliminary)
5.Hagstrom King Park Connection Point (Included in Preliminary)
6.Basketball Hoop Replacement/Relining (NOT included in Preliminary)
7.Friendly Hills Tennis Court Resurfacing (Included in Preliminary)
As part of the Parks Maintenance budget, staff did request an 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 $190,000
Page 13 of 26
available as of October 1, 2024. 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
Page 14 of 26
7.c
Parks and Recreation Commission
Meeting Date: October 8, 2024
Agenda Item: Recreation Update
Item Type: Monthly Report
Department: Parks and Recreation Contact: Willow Eisfeldt, Recreation
Program Coordinator
Background:
Barktober
Barktober occurred on October 5, 2024. Staff will provide an update on event numbers and day
of details.
Trick-Or-Teeing
Trick-Or-Teeing will occur on Saturday, October 19 from 4:00-6:00 PM at the Par 3 Community
Golf Course. Currently, four businesses are joining the event; three volunteers, the Natural
Resources Commission, as well as the Mendota Heights Police and Fire Departments. This is a
free event for all. Come out and enjoy stress-free trick-or-treating, free snacks, cider, crafts and
more!
Makers Market
In partnership with West St. Paul Parks and Recreation and TriDistrict Community Education,
the Makers Market will be returning this fall on Saturday, November 9 from 9:00 AM-3:00 PM
at Two Rivers High School. Currently, there are 40+ vendors registered to sell local and
handmade goods at the market.
Winter Programming
Winter programming registration opens on Friday, November 1 at 8:00 AM. These programs
will include ice skating lessons, gymnastics, winter field trips and more! Programs that will
continue throughout the winter are Coffee, Cribbage, and Cards as well as Tour De Rec.
Schedules and additional information can be found online
at www.MendotaHeightsMN.Gov/Register.
Page 15 of 26
Attachments:
None
Item Relation to Commission Guiding Principles:
Vibrant and Diverse Community Programming
Page 16 of 26
7.d
Parks and Recreation Commission
Meeting Date: October 8, 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 completed the community engagement for Phase 2 of the Park System Master Plan.
The survey, which opened on August 1 and closed on October 6 focused 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. The Phase 2 survey had over
500 survey responses, which is an impressive response rate. Staff was present at many
community events and met with various community groups throughout Phase 1 and Phase 2
to ensure proper awareness and engagement throughout the process, as the more community
input received, the stronger the plan will be.
Staff coordinated Focus Groups with various segments of the Mendota Heights population on
October 2. The focus groups included the following four groups: Partners of the City, Active
Adults/Senior Citizens, Residents with Disabilities and Sports User Groups. The consultant and
staff received great information from the residents that took part in the Focus Groups and the
staff is grateful for their time and dedication to the plan.
A joint work session of the City Council and the Parks and Recreation Commission will take
place on November 12 at 6:00pm. The consultant will present their findings from Phase 1 and
Phase 2 of engagement, in addition to their programming analysis, benchmark study, financial
sustainability report, and equity analysis. This meeting will take the place of the regularly
scheduled November 12 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting.
Staff continues to meet bi-weekly with the consultant team and will continue to do so until the
completion of the project. Staff anticipates project completion in February, 2025.
Page 17 of 26
Attachments:
None
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
Active Recreation Facilities for All
Effective Two-Way Communication with an Informed Community
A Safe Connected and Walkable/Bikable Community
Page 18 of 26
7.e
Parks and Recreation Commission
Meeting Date: October 8, 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 the 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 26
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 for Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Master
Plan is complete. The consultant will be sharing
their findings in preparation for the final document
at the November 12 Joint Work Session.
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 at Frozen
Fun Fest. Music in the Park had a great 2024 year.
Staff has contacted 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 has increased
to a weekly event. The Summer Adult Walking
group took place in 2023 and in 2024. Staff
continues to look for ways to engage 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
was discussed at the August meeting.
Continued Success of the Volunteer in the
Parks (VIP) Program
All Commissioners and
Staff
Staff continues to seek volunteers for events when
necessary.
Page 20 of 26
7.e.1
8.a
Parks and Recreation Commission
Meeting Date: October 8, 2024
Agenda Item: Park Bench Donation Recommendation
Item Type: Action Item
Department: Parks and Recreation Contact: Meredith Lawrence, Parks
and Recreation/Assistant
Public Works Director
Action Request:
If the Commission concurs, it should, by motion, recommend approval of the Park Bench
Donation for Wentworth Park by Bill and Joan Gacki.
Background:
The Park Bench Donation program was adopted in 2001. Through the program, a resident may
donate $1,500 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 Parks Maintenance
Budget.
Staff received a park bench donation from Bill and Joan Gacki to be installed at Wentworth
Park near the pond. A map that is attached provides a point point of where the bench is
proposed to be installed. The bench would be installed twenty feet from the pond to ensure a
proper buffer is adhered to. Staff has walked the site with the residents and feels it would be a
good location for the bench.
The desired plaque language for the bench would read:
In Loving Memory of Our
Son Daniel Gacki
Sunshine and Laughter and Love
Fiscal and Resource Impact:
Bill and Joan Gacki provided a $1,500 donation for the park bench. The City is grateful for this
donation.
Page 21 of 26
Attachments:
1.Bill and Joan Gacki Donation Map
Item Relation to Commission Guiding Principles:
Greater Connection to the Natural Environment
A Safe Connected and Walkable/Bikable Community
Page 22 of 26
Gacki Bench Donation-Wentworth
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 = 75 feet
9/30/2024
9/30/24, 2:28 PM Dakota County GIS
https://gis.co.dakota.mn.us/dcgis/1/1Page 23 of 26
8.a.1
9.a
Parks and Recreation Commission
Meeting Date: October 8, 2024
Agenda Item: FY2025 Budget Update
Item Type: Action Item
Department: Parks and Recreation Contact: Meredith Lawrence, Parks
and Recreation/Assistant
Public Works Director
Action Request:
The Commission will be provided an update on the FY2025 budget. Commissioners should ask
questions related to the budget if they have them.
Background:
At the September 17 City Council meeting the Preliminary 2025 Budget was approved. The
Preliminary Budget sets the maximum tax levy that the Council can approve for 2025; thus, the
levy can be lowered prior to the final December approval, but cannot be increased.
Included in the packet is the Budget Improvement Package Summary List--2025 which outlines
the items requested and which items are included in the Preliminary Budget for 2025.
The requested position of Recreation Facilities Coordinator will be discussed further at a work
session on October 15 with the City Council to determine if the position will be included in the
final 2025 budget or if it will be removed.
Fiscal and Resource Impact:
None.
Attachments:
1.BIP Summary List 2025
Item Relation to Commission Guiding Principles:
Sustainable Source of Funding for Parks and Recreation
Page 24 of 26
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 25 of 26
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
2025 BUDGET IMPROVEMENT PACKAGE (BIP) WORKSHEET - GENERAL FUND & GENERAL FUND BALANCE
Unassigned General Fund Balance 12/31/2023 12,090,906$
Obligated Funds 1,359,809$
Unassigned General Fund Balance 10,731,097$
Proposed FY2025 General Fund Expenditures 13,227,127$
75%9,920,345$
(Estimated) Available Unassigned Fund Balance 810,752$
Yes No Levy Fund Balance Other
Administration ADA Transition Plan 35,000$ X 35,000$
Administration City Hall: Cubicle Replacement 27,500$ X 27,500$ City Hall Fund
Administration City Hall: Door Knob Replacement 25,000$ X 25,000$ City Hall Fund
Administration City Hall: Boiler Replacement 75,000$ X
Administration Position: Assistant to the City Administrator 131,000$ X 131,000$
Administration Elections: Absentee Voting Administration 4,500$ X 4,500$ Policy Decision
Administration IT: Public Works Door Access 20,000$ X
Fire Replacement of Chief 1 Vehicle 72,500$ X
Fire Parking Lot Replacement 100,000$ X
Fire Replacement of Brush 10 100,000$ X 100,000$
Fire Fire Relief 18,000$ X 18,000$
Eng Pavement Rehabilitation Project (Streets)300,000$ X
Parks Wentworth Park Basketball Court Expansion 45,000$ X
Parks Ivy Hills Playground Replacement 160,000$ X 160,000$
Parks Wentworth Hockey Board Replacement 45,000$ X
Parks Valley Park Picnic Shelter Refurbishment 165,000$ X
Parks Hagstrom King Park Connection Point 77,500$ X 30,000$ 47,500$ MSA Funds
Parks Basketball Hoop Replacement/Relining 24,500$ X
Parks Friendly Hills Tennis Court Resurfacing 18,000$ X 18,000$
Parks Oheyawahe Interpretive Plan - Phase III 10,000$ X 10,000$ Part of a larger state funded project
Parks Oheyawahe Bury Power Lines 10,000$ X 10,000$ Part of a larger state funded project
Parks/Par3 Position: Recreation Facilities Coordinator 119,565$ X 76,080$ 43,485$ Par 3
Par3 Online Tee Time Software/POS System 12,000$ X
PW Replacement of Parks Truck F-550 81,000$ X 81,000$
PW Staff Summer Hours Overtime 2,200$ X 18,000$ Policy Decision
PW Cold Planer Attachment for Skid Steer 20,000$ X 20,000$
PW Garage Door Aprons and Ballards 43,000$ X
PW Garage Door Replacement 80,000$ X 53,333$ 26,667$ Sewer Fund
PW Wheel Loader 195,000$ X 2026CIP
PW Public Works Facility Parking Lot Replacement 190,000$ X
PW Replacement of Engineering Truck 48,000$ X 48,000$
PW Scada System Upgrades 36,000$ X 36,000$ Sewer Fund
Fire Station Roof 100,000$ 100,000$
Building Fund: Police Department and City Hall 250,000$ X 200,000$
Depreciation TBD 175,000$
TOTAL 2,640,265$ -$ 482,580$ 805,333$ 206,152$
Amounts in blue will be included in the General Fund Budget
Department Budget Item Requested Initial
Budget Request
Recommended? Included
Budget Amount
Notes Funding Source
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9.a.1