2024-04-09 Park and Rec Work Session MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission Work Session
April 9, 2024
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a work session of the Parks and Recreation Commission, City of
Mendota Heights, Minnesota was held at 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, MN 55118.
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Jaffrey Blanks called the meeting to order at 5:04pm. Commissioners Jo Schifsky, Michael Toth,
Tica Hanson, Michelle Muller (arrived at 5:17pm) and Dan Sherer (left at 5:30pm) were also present.
Commissioner Steph Meyer was absent.
City staff present included Meredith Lawrence, Parks and Recreation Director/Assistant Public Works
Director.
PARK SYSTEM MASTER PLAN COMMISSIONER ENGAGMENT
Director Lawrence stated that Chair Blanks and Vice Chair Muller wanted to discuss the following:
1.Coordinate schedules for commissioners to attend recreation events to conduct engagement
2.Determine stakeholder groups that commissioners can connect with for engagement
3.Develop a goal for the number of postcards that Commissioners will hand out to residents of
Mendota Heights through their various social and recreation channels
The Commissioners planned who would attend the recreational events through May 22, which is the
conclusion of Phase 1 of the Park System Master Plan Engagement.
Director Lawrence discussed with Commissioners the goal of the engagement and what successful
engagement consists of when having dialogue with residents.
The Commissioners agreed to each hand out 50 post cards in person or via online platforms to Mendota
Heights community members—through social clubs, homeowner’s associations, talking with their
neighbors, youth groups, Facebook groups, etc.
The Commission discussed their goal to obtain 1,000 community members’ opinions as part of the Park
System Master Plan survey for Phase 1.
The commission adjourned the meeting at 5:52pm.
Minutes Taken By:
Meredith Lawrence, Parks and Recreation Director/Assistant Public Works Director