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Pk 08-14-2024CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS, DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 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.