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Pk 06-11-2024CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS, DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING MINUTES JUNE 11, 2024 The June meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, June 11, 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: Tica Hanson, (arrived at 6:35 p.m.) Michelle Muller, Jo Schifsky, and Michael Toth; absent: Commissioner Stephanie Meyer, Dan Sherer, and Student Representative Meg Murphy. Staff present: Parks and Recreation Director Meredith Lawrence, Recreation Program Coordinator Willow Eisfeldt, Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek, Assistant City Engineer Lucas Ritchie, and Parks Summer Intern Sydnee Yengo. 3. Pledge of Allegiance The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 4. Approval of Agenda Motion Muller/second Schifsky, to approve the agenda. AYES 4: NAYS 0 5.a Approval of Minutes from May 14, 2024 Regular Meeting Motion Schifsky/second Muller to approve the minutes of the May 14, 2024 Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting. 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, Park Improvement, Park System Master Plan, and Park and Recreation Strategic Planning Updates) and polled the Commissioners for questions. Parks and Recreation Director Meredith Lawrence introduced the new Parks Summer Intern Sydnee Yengo and reviewed some of the tasks she will assist with. 7.a Par 3 Update Parks and Recreation Director Meredith Lawrence commented that the Par 3 is off to a good start and provided statistics from the month of May, noting that rain has had a slight impact on the number of rounds. She stated that there was an underground leak in the irrigation system which has been repaired. She provided an update on capital projects for this year as well as ongoing maintenance activities at the course. She stated that there has been an increase of vandalism at the Par 3 and therefore staff continues to attempt to mitigate that behavior. Commissioner Toth asked if the irrigation system is repaired internally by staff or contracted out. Ms. Lawrence commented that the seasonal Par 3 staff work to address those types of issues. She stated that if the issue goes beyond the scope of her and the Par 3 staff, they would contract out for that service. Commissioner Hanson arrived. 7.b Recreation Update Recreation Coordinator Willow Eisfeldt stated that the seasonal camps and programs have begun and provided an overview of the current offerings for youth and adults. She stated that the Parks Celebration is planned to occur August 9th – 11th and will feature a number of parks throughout the community. Commissioner Schifsky stated she attended the Tour de Rec fishing event today and commented that all the children were having a great time. 7.c Parks Improvement Update Parks and Recreation Director Meredith Lawrence provided an update on recently completed projects as well as the status and timing for upcoming park projects. 7.d Park System Master Plan Update Parks and Recreation Director Meredith Lawrence provided an update on the Park System Master Plan process. 7.e Parks and Recreation Strategic Planning Update Parks and Recreation Director Meredith Lawrence reported that there have not been many major changes and provided a brief update. 8. New Business 8.a Trail Improvement and Maintenance Plan Summary Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek provided background information on the City improvement and maintenance plans. He provided an overview of the Trail Improvement and Maintenance Plan (TIMP) as well as an overview of the park and trail system. He reviewed the existing trail system and the goals of the TIMP, TIMP project details, and the proposed trail system over the next five years. Commissioner Toth asked about a trail that he did not see on the map. Mr. Ruzek replied that is shown on the existing trail system map, but not the proposed improvement map. Commissioner Muller referenced a trail connection from Marie and commented that segment was not showing on Google maps. Mr. Ruzek replied that there is an improvement project at the Lilydale lift station, so a segment of the trail is closed along with the Mendota bridge. Commissioner Muller noted a trail connection that was discussed at Hagstrom King at the last meeting and was surprised to see the timing of that potential project shown later than discussed. Mr. Ruzek replied that the intention was to complete that connection with the Hampshire Drive road project and if the Commission recommends that to be done sooner, special park funds would need to be used. Commissioner Muller commented that she believes that people in the neighborhood would like to see that done prior to 2028. 9. Unfinished Business 9.a 2025 Budget Recommendation Parks and Recreation Director Meredith Lawrence reviewed the budget timeline and provided information on the 2024 budget, including the total general fund budget and individual budgets for recreation, parks maintenance, and the Par 3. She reviewed the Council strategic priorities, which are used in the budgeting process. She stated that at the May meeting the Commission narrowed the potential list of projects for 2025 to ten and provided further direction to staff. She stated that since that time staff were able to better refine the project details and estimates for certain items and presented that information to the Commission. She stated that a survey was then conducted of the Commission members on the preferred priorities for the 2025 projects and reviewed those results. She asked for input on the Commission on the rankings which resulted from the Commission survey, explaining that not all ten projects will be approved by the Council which is why the prioritization is important. She stated that the parks and Par 3 CIPs have not yet been updated and noted that staff will bring those back for further review once a recommendation for the 2025 budget is completed. Commissioner Muller commented that she did not believe that the Commission desired to update two playgrounds and therefore believes that the Valley playground could be removed from the list. Commissioner Toth commented that each member was allowed the ability to rank the projects, and everyone has their reasons for their own rankings. He stated that he does accept the list as proposed with the understanding that the bottom three may not be included in the final budget. Commissioner Muller agreed, noting that she would feel comfortable recommending the list through project six. She also recognized that would use the balance of the special parks fund, which may not be replenished, and therefore the Council should be made aware of the need for a funding source in the future. Commissioner Toth stated that there is already something at Rogers Lake that has been updated recently, and therefore if there is a decision needing to be made on shelters, he would prefer to do Valley and delay Rogers Lake. Ms. Lawrence commented that she would agree that this list would provide equity in terms of both location and amenities throughout the parks system. Chair Blanks asked if the Council has provided direction on the park's budget for 2025. Ms. Lawrence replied that she does not have such a recommendation. She noted that the Parks System Master Plan completion will time up nicely later this year to continue the discussion on funding needs for the parks in the future. She recognized that not all the projects on the list may be approved and therefore she wants to be confident that the preferences of the Commission are known if items are removed from the list. Commissioner Muller asked if there would be a cost savings for bidding certain projects together, such as the basketball court projects. Ms. Lawrence agreed that could be an option. Chair Blanks commented that he would want to see project seven included in the list and the Commission agreed. Adrian Waltz, 642 Hampshire Drive, commented that he and his neighbors hope that the Hagstrom King connection would be on the priority list for 2025 as that area is heavily used by the neighborhood. He commented that people currently walk and bike through the grass. He commented that the improvement would benefit walkers, accessibility, and for anyone using wheels such as strollers and bikes. He stated that if the picnic area at Valley Park is going to be improved, he would hope that the playground is going to be updated as well. He noted that playground currently does not include much for older kids. He commented that many of the features at the park are older and people will not be drawn to the picnic area if the amenities are outdated. Ms. Lawrence suggested that staff provide clarity to the Hagstrom King connection to ensure everyone is on the same page. Mr. Ruzek provided additional details on the proposed connection, noting that two different connections were mentioned. He stated that staff assumed that the Hampshire Drive connection would occur with the 2028 road project and would then be funded through the street project. He noted that both connections could be included with the road project and then not use special parks funds, but would then be delayed to 2028. He confirmed that staff could reach out to some of the direct neighbors if that is desired as well. Commissioner Schifsky commented that she would support completing that project as soon as possible to provide access. Ms. Lawrence noted that the portion of the project as described had the estimate of $30,000 and therefore wanted to ensure that was the desired segment. It was confirmed that the other segment described by Mr. Ruzek is proposed to be completed with the road project in 2028. Commissioner Schifsky stated that she would support adding that additional segment and not waiting for the road project. Commissioner Muller noted that would complete a missing link in a larger trail circle. Ms. Lawrence commented that staff could provide updated information on that additional segment to include in the request to the Council if that is desired. Commissioner Toth asked if there is an estimate of funds that would potentially be saved by combining the two trail projects into one, rather than completing one next year and another in the future. Mr. Ruzek confirmed there would be some savings as costs continue to rise each year but did not feel comfortable attempting to provide a percentage or figure that could be saved. Commissioner Schifsky commented that the Commission seems to fully support both segments, noting that there was also support from the community expressed. Commissioner Muller commented that Two Rivers Athletic Association provided an email communication with their priorities and provided a summary of those requests and how she believes that the Commission has addressed those or will address those in the future. She noted that the Commission discussion was well underway before receiving this communication. Ms. Lawrence commented that user groups were asked to provide their requests by April 1st. She stated that she will continue to work with TRAA to gain their input on the field renovation project suggested for 2025. Commissioner Muller recognized that the Commission ranked the playground replacement at Ivy Hills as the highest and therefore that will move forward as the recommendation in 2025 and noted that the Valley Park playground will most likely then move forward as a recommendation in 2026. Motion Blanks/second Muller to recommend that priorities one through seven move forward to the City Council with an update to the Hagstrom trail connection as discussed. AYES 5: NAYS 0 Ms. Lawrence noted the proposed budgets for the Par 3 and recreation budgets and explained how staff develops those. Commissioner Muller recognized the need for an online tee reservation system and therefore would support whatever is necessary to bring that to fruition. Chair Blanks agreed and noted that a security camera system would also help to mitigate the vandalism that is occurring. Ms. Lawrence commented that staff also continue to look into options for a stronger internet connection to provide those services without fiber. She confirmed the consensus of the Commission that the online tee reservation system, stronger internet service, and security cameras would be priorities for 2025. Commissioner Muller asked if members from the public can request a reservation for a picnic shelter online or for field use requests. Ms. Lawrence commented that service is available for picnic shelter requests, noting that staff still review those requests for approval/denial. She was unaware of a system available like that for field use. She explained how staff reviews the field use requests from user groups. 10. Staff Announcements Parks and Recreation Director Meredith Lawrence shared the following announcements: • Noted July fireworks which will occur before the next meeting • Great opportunities for recreation are available online • Thanked seasonal staff for all the work they do • Other events can be found on the City’s website 11. Student Representative Update None. 12. Commission Comments and Park Updates Commissioner Hanson • Commented that she is listing her home for sale and will be moving to Eagan, therefore this will be her last Commission meeting • It has been a pleasure to serve on the Commission Ms. Lawrence thanked Commissioner Hanson for her service and the things that she has advocated for in her time on the Commission. She noted that Commissioner Hanson will also be recognized at an upcoming Council meeting. She stated that the Council will consider the resignation of Commissioner Hanson at their next meeting and will then authorize the posting for the vacant seat on the Commission. She reviewed the timeline, noting that she would hope that a new Commissioner would join the Commission in August. Commissioner Schifsky • Commented that she has enjoyed serving with Commissioner Hanson • Ivy Hills and Wentworth are both looking great, and residents were happily enjoying both parks Chair Blanks • Valley and Market Square parks are both great • Music in the Park has been great with good attendance • Valley continues to be well used by the public as well Commissioner Muller • Kensington is lush, green and looking good • Has noticed many people playing pickleball at Friendly Hills • All the parks are great noting that her family visits many of the parks throughout the community Commissioner Toth • Thanked Commissioner Hanson for her service • The users at the skate park are enjoying the new amenities and the amenity is well used • He continues to remind park users about the fishing pier at Rogers Lake • This is a great time of year to gather at the parks but encouraged users to keep an eye on their children, noting the recent loss of life of a young child in another community 13. Adjourn Motion Schifsky/Second Toth to adjourn the meeting at 8:14 PM AYES 5: NAYS 0 Minutes drafted by: Amanda Staple TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.