2013-01-08 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda Packet
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
AGENDA
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Tuesday, January 8, 2013 – 6:30 P.M.
Large Conference Room
1. Roll Call
2. Approval of Agenda
3. Approval of the December 12, 2012 Minutes
4. Recreation Programmer’s Update – available Tuesday
5. Parks Maintenance Discussion
6. Par 3 Programs: 2013
7. Trails - upcoming opportunities:
a. Dakota County Greenway Open House January 15
b. Dodd Rd/Hwy 110 Pedestrian Improvements presented to city council
January 15
8. Recreation/Par 3 Staffing Update – verbal report
9. Commission Comments
10. Adjourn
Auxiliary aids for persons with disabilities are available at least 120 hours in
advance. If a notice of less than 120 hours is received, the City of Mendota Heights
will make every attempt to provide the aids. This may not, however, be possible on
short notice. Please contact City Administration at 651-452-1850.
Meetings can be viewed anytime on-demand at: www.mendota-heights.com.
MH Parks & Rec Comm. 1/8/2013, Page 1
MH Parks and Recreation Commission 12-11-2012 Page 1
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING
December 11, 2012
The December meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on
Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve.
Chair Levine called to order the parks and recreation commission meeting at 6:32 p.m. The
following commissioners were present: Chair Stephanie Levine, Commissioners Mary McGrory-
Ussett, Joel Paper, David Miller, Mike Toth and Pat Hinderscheid. Staff present: Recreation
Programmer Teresa Gangelhoff, Assistant to the City Administrator Jake Sedlacek, Public
Works Director/City Engineer John Mazzitello and Civil Engineer Michael Albers.
Approval of the Agenda
COMMISSIONER HINDERSCHEID MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE AGENDA;
COMMISSIONER PAPER SECONDED THE MOTION.
AYES 6: NAYS 0
Approval of Minutes of November 13, 2012
Mr. Sedlacek noted two changes to the minutes in the agenda packet, both on page one. The first
line of the minutes should read: The September November meeting of the Mendota Heights
Parks and Recreation Commission…”
Under Approval of Minutes, the minutes should read: Commissioner Hinderscheid made a
motion to approve the minutes of the May 8 October 9 meeting;”
COMMISSIONER PAPER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES OF THE
NOVEMBER 13, 2012 MEETING WITH CORRECTIONS; COMMISSIONER TOTH
SECONDED THE MOTION.
AYES 6: NAYS 0
Presentation of Lifetime Fishing License
Recreation Programmer Teresa Gangelhoff presented a seven year old resident (Timothy F.) with
a lifetime fishing license from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The license is a
prize drawn at random from participants in the 2012 Cliff Timm Memorial Fishing Derby.
Recreation Programmer Update
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Recreation Programmer Teresa Gangelhoff reviewed the report including in the agenda packet,
including upcoming field trips and programs. The outdoor ice skating rinks are anticipated to
open on Saturday, December 22, 2012.
Staff has been receiving field use permits for 2013. Chair Levine noted that the ice rink warming
houses are a great place for birthdays and other gatherings, Ms. Gangelhoff outlined facility
rental procedures for the group.
Mendota Heights Trail Improvement and Maintenance Plan
Michael Albers presented the commission with the first draft of a five-year Trail Improvement
and Maintenance Plan for the city. Modeled after other infrastructure plans, this document will
help to ensure that trails are properly maintained, and that new requests for maintenance and
improvement can be properly evaluated. The plan may also help procuring resources to make
improvements or fill gaps in the trail system. Mr. Albers defined three categories of trail
maintenance – preventative, rehabilitation and construction of new trails.
Mr. Albers reviewed trail segments which will be completed with planned street rehabilitation
projects in the coming years. Mr. Albers also reviewed trail segments which are not yet
prioritized. These latter trail segments were identified by public works staff, the commission is
being asked to suggest priorities for rehabilitation.
The commission sought clarification on funding for the non-prioritized trail segments. Mr.
Mazzitello confirmed that there are no identified funding sources, noting that once the list has
been prioritized, staff can investigate funding opportunities.
Mr. Mazzitello clarified that maps included in the agenda materials did not show all trails
throughout the city; only those which had been identified as in need of maintenance.
The commission discussed the addition of crosswalks on Sibley Memorial Highway; staff will
share those concerns with MnDOT.
Mr. Albers informed the commission that there is not a set time for prioritizing the trail needs,
and encouraged commissioners to think about what sections should be rehabilitated first,
suggesting Spring 2013 as a good time to revisit this discussion.
The commission thanked Mr. Albers and Mr. Mazzitello for the Trail Improvement and
Maintenance Plan, and for attending the commission meeting.
Mendota / Lebanon Hills Greenway
Mr. Sedlacek reported that the county, some years back, defined a new approach to park
planning – connecting parks, trails and other regional resources through a network of
Greenways. City staff has previously participated in greenway planning processes; the current
project is of particular interest to the community.
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Dakota County is currently planning a greenway corridor from The Village at Mendota Heights
to Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan. Mr. Sedlacek provided background on the greenway
process. To date, a technical advisory group has identified potential trail orientations, as well as
historical and natural features in the area. An open house has been scheduled for January 15,
2013 at the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. The open house is a chance for
the general public to learn more about and to provide feedback on the plan.
Mr. Sedlacek hoped that the public will participate in the open house, as this is a unique
opportunity to be a part of a regional planning process.
The commission had several questions about pedestrian safety at the intersection of State
Highways 110 and 149. Staff reported that the city has received a Metropolitan Council grant to
improve the intersection for pedestrians, which will be presented to the city council in the near
future. The commission had several ideas for pedestrian safety and traffic flow; staff thanked the
commission for their input.
Par 3 Update
Mr. Sedlacek reported that the Par 3 golf course closed for business on November 3, 2012. The
expense and revenue report through the end of November 2012 showed revenues slightly ahead
of expenditures. The course is anticipated to finish the year with a small net revenue. Staff is
working on program offerings which will be presented in January 2013, and the annual report
which will be presented February 2013. The presentation in January would include an outline of
promotional activities planned for the upcoming year.
Commissioner Paper asked for a clarification on maintenance expenses. Mr. Sedlacek explained
that maintenance services were contracted out to GM Management, who employed staff to
maintain the course and equipment. The expense and revenue report for 2012 shows two lines
related to maintenance expenses – grounds management and grounds wages. The management
contract includes oversight of the course, and supervision of maintenance employees. Grounds
wages reflected the time spent maintaining the course and equipment.
The commission noted that 2011 costs for maintenance were much higher than 2012. Mr.
Sedlacek responded that this year there had been an emphasis on only the necessary maintenance
tasks, and that several projects had not been approved. Maintenance in 2011 also included more
time fighting turf diseases.
Commission Comments
Mr. Sedlacek informed the commission that the regular meeting scheduled for January 8, 2013
would be moved to the Large Conference Room at City Hall, as the Council Chambers would be
occupied by the city council.
The commission expressed gratitude for having engineering staff present the trail improvements
and maintenance plan.
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Chair Levine noted that the tennis net at Marie Park was used throughout the Thanksgiving
weekend, and hoped that staff would keep tennis nets up later into the year.
Adjourn
COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING;
COMMISSIONER MCGORY-USSETT SECONDED THE MOTION.
AYES 6: NAYS 0
The meeting adjourned at 8:02 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted by Jake Sedlacek
MH Parks & Rec Comm. 1/8/2013, Page 5
Page 1 of 1
DATE: January 8, 2013
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission, Mayor and City Council
FROM: Jake Sedlacek, Assistant to the City Administrator
SUBJECT: Par 3 Update
BACKGROUND
As discussed at the December 2012 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, account staff are
pulling together all remaining expenses and credits for the 2012 Golf Season. The year-end
statement should be available for the Par 3 2012 Annual Report, to be presented to the
commission at the February 2013 meeting.
Attached to this memo are documents regarding 2013 programs and special events to be offered
at the Mendota Heights Par 3. In response to feedback garnered from program participants at the
course and through the informal survey previously discussed, staff is not proposing significant
changes to program offerings, but focusing on the following aspects of programs:
Enhanced promotion
Improving value of programs
More special (seasonal) promotions
Expansion of successful programs
Exploring sponsorship opportunities
Pending city council approval, staff will begin the hiring process for part time seasonal staff
earlier this year, and hope to have a .5 FTE dedicated to clubhouse operations. Staff is in the
process of meeting with PGA Professional instructors, to review golf camp and lesson structure
and content.
BUDGET IMPACT
The activities described above can be done with little impact upon the 2013 Par 3 Budget.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the commission receive the 2013 programming report, and provide
feedback.
MH Parks & Rec Comm. 1/8/2013, Page 6
MHP3 2013 Programing Work Sheet Page 1
Mendota Heights Par 3 Programming Worksheet
Existing Program Analysis 2013 Plan
Adult Leagues
Successful programs, fees, times and contacts set for
2013.
No changes proposed
Visitation Golf Club Several years in, this program has been a success for
the course and for the school.
No changes proposed for Visitation
Invitations will be sent to other schools
Individual Lessons Individual lessons have always been a challenge. The
offering provides flexibility, and can be
cancelled/moved in response to participation.
Will offer in two formats – weekly, and one time clinic
Opportunity for social media marketing offers
Family Golf Sunday Nights Room for growth: could use more promotion,
opportunity to partner with local restaurant
Include in 2013 promotions to schools.
Junior Golf Leagues – June through Mid-August, tee
times from 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Mondays,
Wednesdays, Thursdays.
Offered in partnership with Eagan
Registration numbers have been declining, switch
back to Friday mornings from Thursdays. Still need to
make registering a foursome easier.
2013 offerings to be streamlined to free up space
for other programming
Better publicity around offerings – Ads, flyers to
additional schools
Junior Golf Camps – one-week camps, June through
Mid-August – Monday through Thursdays. Offered
each week in a.m., once per month in p.m.
Offered in partnership with Eagan
Room for growth: more promotion, possibly involve
PGA professionals for teaching.
Better publicity around offerings – Ads, flyers to
additional schools
Develop afternoon camp to coincide with Mendota
Heights Playground Program
Youth Tournament – August Popular offering, will seek sponsorship for event in
2013.
No changes proposed
Women’s League – Wednesday Nights, June through
August
Offered in partnership with Eagan
Registration numbers for Mendota Heights has been
declining, Eagan still strong
No Program Changes:
Better publicity
Opportunity for enhanced program –
occasional clinics on golf techniques
MH Parks & Rec Comm. 1/8/2013, Page 7
MHP3 2013 Programing Work Sheet Page 2
Senior’s League – Friday mornings, early season
session, late season session
Successful pilot program No Program Changes:
Better publicity
Opportunity for enhanced program –
occasional clinics on golf techniques
Par 3/Thompson Oaks Joint Tournament Event is well received and well attended, but is not
profitable.
Event should only continue if it can be made profitable
through sponsorships, increased fees, etc.
Glow Golf Events Timing for 2012 events was poor. Fine-tune offerings – one in late spring, one in early fall
Living Social Coupon Offered golf package for two golfers and a cart at a
discounted rate.
Repeat for 2013, Start in mid-July.
Jr. PGA Tournament Jr. PGA pays a discounted fee for golfer, which is
made up for in concessions for the day.
No changes proposed
Host YMCA Golf Camp YMCA golf camp rents space at course. No changes proposed
New – Birthday and Employee Parties Pilot program, can be scheduled with clubhouse
manager.
New for 2013, promote on website, Facebook and
others.
Seasonal Promotions/special events New for 2013 New for 2013, aimed to increase weekend rounds, and
fun atmosphere.
*Staff will be working with PGA pros to define current camp and lesson structure – an opportunity to review/enhance curriculum, and provides a great
opportunity to publicize efforts to improve program offerings.
MH Parks & Rec Comm. 1/8/2013, Page 8
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Marketing Plan for the City of Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course
The Par 3 needs to be more proactive in promoting the course and the range of programming offered. The
following plan outlines opportunities to grow the Par 3 business by ensuring that the general public is aware of
course activities.
Media Relations Plan
The following press releases and media advisories will be sent out on or before target dates to generate free
media to drive traffic to the course:
“MHP3: a Great Place to Grow Your Game” release, detailing any new features/programs at the course
for 2013 – Late February
“Course Open” media advisory - as soon as opening date is decided
“MHP3: a Fun Place to Grow Your Game” outlining seasonal promotions and party packages– late March
“Youth Leagues Begin in June” release – three weeks before registration begins (March 19, 2013)
“Youth League Registration Open” advisory – week of March 19, 2013
“Senior and Family Programming at the Mendota Heights Par 3” – week of April 8, 2013
“MHP3 Youth Open Tournament August 17, 2013” – week of July 8, 2013
“Par 3 Teams up with Living Social” – week of July 15, 2013
“Fall Senior League Starts August 2” – week of July 22, 2013
“Fall Hours and Fall Rates in Effect” – week of September 2, 2013
“October is Great for Golf” advisory – week of September 30, 2013.
“Course Closing on X Date” advisory – as soon as final day of season is determined
Traditional Media/Sources
Heights Highlights city newsletter
Winter 2013 summer program descriptions
Spring 2013 promotion of special events, family golf night, youth open, senior league session II
Flyers to schools
Spring Flyer
o Program descriptions, special events, registration information
End of school year flyer
o Program descriptions, family golf night, special events, registration information
MH Parks & Rec Comm. 1/8/2013, Page 9
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*Somerset Elementary
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
*Mendota Elementary
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
*Convent of the Visitation Elem.
Mendota Heights, MN 55120
*St. Joseph’s Elementary
West St. Paul
Faith Shepard Catholic School
Eagan
Seven Hills Academy
Eagan, MN
Trinity Lutheran
Eagan
*Garlough Elementary
West St. Paul, MN
Talmud Torah of St. Paul
St. Paul
*on current distribution list
Advertising space in Community Ed Winter/Spring Catalog
Advertising in Southwest Review – April 2013 – youth and adult programs
Email Blast – collect emails at clubhouse, utilize emails in registration system.
Participate in local golf shows?
Presence at Parks Celebration
Donations/prizes for fundraisers: send rate cards with free passes issued
More Informative Website
The following information will be added the par 3’s website at www.Mendota-Heights.com:
A better description of the course, specifically detailing that the course is a great place for beginners
A list of all leagues and programs with sign-up dates and contact info
Calendar of Events
A clear indicator that the course is open
Link to City of Mendota Heights Facebook page
Utilize Patch.com business listing
Utilize Patch.com event listing
Social Media
The City of Mendota Heights Facebook page will be used to provide two or three posts a week about the Par 3,
including:
Pictures of the course
Favorable weather forecasts
Registration dates
Individual accomplishments at the course
Costs of green fees
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In addition to the City Facebook page, Twitter and Foursquare are being evaluated as possible social media tools
to drive traffic.
Partnerships
Sponsorships for special events such as the Junior Open, Night Golf
Cooperative efforts with other local businesses – cross promotions, events, etc.
Have presence at other group’s events – MHAA registration, etc.
Associations – Rotary, DCR Chamber of Commerce, U of M Alumni, others
Telling the Story:
The Mendota Heights Par 3 golf course was established in 1961 – a short five years after the City of Mendota
Heights was established. The course was laid out over existing farmland, and was quickly surrounded by
development. As far back as 1961 right through today, the Par 3 has catered to golfers of all ages. Beginning
golfers and experienced golfers alike enjoy the forgiving layout and customer friendly atmosphere. For better
than 50 years, the Mendota Heights Par 3 has been a great place to grow your golf game.
The Mendota Heights Par 3 is one of the best golf values in the Twin Cities area. Offer learning programs and
lessons as well as leagues for all ages.
Be Creative
We should find ways to get people to the course for a reason they have not thought about before.
MH Parks & Rec Comm. 1/8/2013, Page 11
2013 Calendar of Events - Draft
Sunday, March 31st MLB Promotion, wear MLB apparel, get $3 off
April 11th-14th Masters Tournament Promotion
Friday, April 26th Spring Senior League Begins
Sunday, May 12th Mother’s Day Promotion, mom’s golf free with 1 paid child
Friday, May 17th Night Golf, 8:30pm shotgun start
May 24th-May 27th Memorial Day Weekend Promotion, Military golf free with 1 paid
guest
Wednesday, June 5th Women’s League Begins
Monday, June 10th Junior Golf Camps and Leagues Begin
Sunday, June 16th Father’s Day Promotion
Friday, June 28th Spring Senior League Ends
Thursday, July 4th 4th of July Promotion, wear red, white and blue, get $3 off
July 18th – 21st Living Social Promotion Begins
Friday, August 2nd Fall Senior League Begins
Friday, August 2nd Jr. PGA Tourney, 12pm tee times
August 8th - 11th PGA Championship Promotion
Saturday, August 17th Youth Open Tourney
Wednesday, August 21st Women’s League Ends
Friday, August, 23rd Junior Golf Camps and Leagues End
August 30th –September 2nd Labor Day Weekend Promotion
Sunday, September, 8th NFL Kickoff Promotion, wear NFL apparel, get $3 off
Saturday, September 14th Adult Open Tourney
Friday, September 20th Fall Rates Begin
Friday, October 4th Fall Senior League Ends
Friday, October 4th Night Golf, 7:30pm shotgun start
October 17th-20th MEA Promotion, All teachers golf for free with 1 paid guest
MH Parks & Rec Comm. 1/8/2013, Page 12
Birthday Parties at
Mendota Heights Par 3
Golf Course
COME CELEBRATE YOUR BIRTHDAY AT THE PAR 3.
Make your special day, even more exciting by golfing with you and twenty of your friends.
We have a large patio overlooking the course or an indoor dining area for eating food, cake
and opening presents. You may also want to participate in contest holes, such as longest
putt and closest to the pin. The putting green is available for playing putting games.
Convenience and value for the parents and FUN, FUN, FUN for the kids!
Golf Party Package
Greens Fee $12.00
Club Rental $4.00
Pull Cart Rental $3.00
Free round of golf pass $10.00
Hot Dog Basket $3.75
Includes hot dog, chips and pop
Ice Cream Treat $1.50
Total Value: $34.25
All this for only $20.00 per golfer!
Children and adults are included in this package.
Birthday parties are available during the weekdays between 12pm-4pm or on Friday evenings.
Weekend parties are available anytime, from open to sunset. There is an 8 child minimum to
receive the party package discount.
Call Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course at (651)454-9822 or visit us at 1695 Dodd Road to make
your reservation. Reservations are made based on availability and must be made at least two
weeks in advance of the party date.
MH Parks & Rec Comm. 1/8/2013, Page 13