2013-02-12 Parks and Rec Comm Minutes
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING
February 12, 2013
The February meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on
Tuesday, February 12, 2013 at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve.
Chair Levine called to order the parks and recreation commission meeting at 6:34 p.m. The
following commissioners were present: Chair Stephanie Levine, Commissioners Mary McGrory-
Ussett, Ira Kipp, Joel Paper, David Miller and Michael Toth. Excused absent: Commissioner Pat
Hinderscheid. Staff present: Assistant to the City Administrator Jake Sedlacek.
Election of Chair and Vice Chair
CHAIR LEVINE MADE A MOTION RECOMMENDING THE ELECTION OF
COMMISSIONERS MARY MCGRORY-USSETT AND DAVID MILLER AS CO-VICE
CHAIRS FOR 2013. COMMISSIONER PAPER SECONDED THE MOTION
AYES 6: NAYS 0
COMMISSIONER MCGRORY-USSETT MADE A MOTION RECOMMENDING THE
ELECTION OF COMMISSIONER LEVINE AS CHAIR FOR 2013. COMMISSIONER
MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION
AYES 6: NAYS 0
Review Rules of Order
Assistant to the City Administrator Sedlacek presented the existing rules of order adopted in
March 2010. The commission noted a reference to the airport relations commission, and did not
take action to modify the rules of order.
Approval of Minutes of January 8, 2013
COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES OF THE
JANUARY 8, 2013 MEETING; COMMISSIONER MCGRORY-USSETT SECONDED THE
MOTION.
AYES 6: NAYS 0
Recreation Programming and Facility Update
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Mr. Sedlacek reviewed agenda memo on recreation programming and facilities. The
commission expressed their hope that the Sr. Golf Program could be promoted at the upcoming
community discussion on aging detailed in the report.
The commission sought clarification on the city council discussion of field lights at Mendakota
Park. Mr. Sedlacek reported that the city council discussed the idea at their annual goal setting
work session. While no formal vote was taken the consensus of the city council was that lighting
ball fields at Mendakota Park would not be supported at this time. Responding to commission
comments, Mr. Sedlacek noted that individual commission members could speak with individual
city council members on the matter. Mr. Sedlacek cautioned the commission about any form of
communication which could be construed as a violation of public meeting laws.
The commission discussed the concept of field use capacity and evaluation. The commission
requested that a study of current use and capacity be presented at their October meeting.
Trail Open House Updates
Mr. Sedlacek shared comments from Commissioner Hindersheid, who had attended the February
6, 2013 Open House on the North Urban Regional Trail (NURT). Dakota County is seeking
feedback on trail alignments for the trail, from the intersection of Warrior Drive and the frontage
road to Highway 110, east to Robert Street.
Mr. Sedlacek provided a brief background on the NURT alignment, utilizing the flyer distributed
for the open house. The commission expressed their support for utilizing existing trails either
along Marie Avenue or Delaware Avenue within Mendota Heights. Commissioner Hinderscheid
reported that there will be another open house in April 2013, with further detail on the plan,
which will incorporate public input to date.
Park Bench Donation
A park bench donation has been received for a bench on the corner of Cheyenne Lane and Huber
Drive, in memory of Carol Grewing. The donation has been reviewed and approved by public
works staff. Mr. Sedlacek explained that the same style of bench has been used since the
inception of the program. Commissioner Paper commented that his family donated a bench
several years ago, and it is still in great condition.
COMMISSIONER PAPER MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPTING THE PARK BENCH
DONATION; COMMISSIONER MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION.
AYES 6: NAYS 0
Par 3 Update
Mr. Sedlacek reviewed the attached agenda materials, noting that the operating expenses just
slightly outpaced operating revenues for 2012. Staff continues seeking methods to reduce
operating expenses, which were trimmed again for 2012. Mr. Sedlacek outlined a four-pronged
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approach to increasing revenue for 2013, which includes improved promotion, enhancing
existing programs, new programs and special events. Rates are not proposed to change for the
2013 season.
There was discussion on course and equipment maintenance for 2013, as the city will test
directly employing Par 3 maintenance staff, instead of paying a third party to manage
maintenance staff.
The commission sought clarification on the Par 3 report, which only shows operating expenses
and revenues for the years 2008-2012. Mr. Sedlacek noted that the city budget, with far more
detail, is available on the city website (www.mendota-heights.com) for all residents to view at
any time.
Commission Comments
Commissioner Paper thanked the public works staff for their work in maintaining good ice at
hockey and pleasure rinks.
Chair Levine thanked the rink attendants and flooders for maintaining a safe and enjoyable
recreation experience for residents.
Commissioner Miller publicly recognized the Mendota Heights Public Works staff for their
efficiency in plowing streets and trails in response to recent snowfalls.
Commissioner Miller noted that the role of the parks and recreation commission is evolving into
one of analysis, and encouraged staff to provide more data on a timely basis.
Commissioner Toth thanked Parks Lead Terry Blum for having attended the January commission
meeting, and expressed his hope that Mr. Blum will attend meetings in the future.
Adjourn
COMMISSIONER TOTH MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING;
COMMISSIONER KIPP SECONDED THE MOTION.
AYES 6: NAYS 0
The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted by Jake Sedlacek
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