2025-01-14 Park and Rec Work Session MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission Work Session
January 14, 2025
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 6:30pm. Commissioners Jo Schifsky, Michael Toth, Jennifer Weichert,
Steph Meyer (arrived at 6:50pm), Dan Sherer (left at 7:20pm), and Student Representative Evangeline Fuentes (left at
7:30pm) were also present. Commissioner Michelle Muller was absent.
City staff present included Meredith Lawrence, Parks and Recreation Director/Assistant Public Works Director, Ryan
Ruzek, Public Works Director, and Willow Eisfeldt, Recreation Program Coordinator.
IVY HILLS PLAYGROUND REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) REVIEW
Parks and Recreation Director Lawrence presented the draft RFP that was written based on extensive discussion and
research by the Ivy Hills Park Playground Subcommittee consisting of Jo Schifsky, Michael Toth, and Evangeline Fuentes.
Staff discussed the Master Plan’s priority of accessibility moving forward based off community engagement, and that
this playground would provide a more accessible playground for the city residents and visitors to enjoy. Commissioners
discussed the budget, whether Ivy Hills is an appropriate park for the unique swing feature, and the potential layout of
the playground. Director Lawrence noted that there will be engagement opportunities for the neighbors living near the
playground and for the community once proposals are received. The Commissioners present were in full support of the
project and noted they are excited to see the proposals received.
2025 COMMISSION WORK PLAN
Parks and Recreation Director Lawrence led the commissioners through a discussion regarding the following topics:
• 2024 Accomplishments
• In Progress Items/Strategic Priorities
• Barriers/Setbacks for Success
• Goals for the Next Three to Five Years
Commissioners each shared their thoughts in regards the different discussion points. The commissioners discussed how
this analysis will impact the 2025 work plan priorities.
Parks and Recreation Director Lawrence thanked the commissioners for their time and insight. She noted that staff will
begin compiling the information into a Draft 2025 Parks and Recreation Work Plan to be reviewed by the commissioners
at their next meeting.
Parks and Recreation Director Lawrence recognized this is Steph Meyer’s last meeting as a commissioner. She thanked
Commissioner Meyer for her six years of dedicated service and shared some of the highlights and accomplishments
during her tenure with the Commission.
The commission adjourned the meeting at 9:01pm.
Minutes Taken By:
Meredith Lawrence, Parks and Recreation Director/Assistant Public Works Director