2013-07-09 Parks and Rec Comm Minutes
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING
July 9, 2013
The July meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, July
9, 2013 at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve.
Chair Levine called to order the parks and recreation commission meeting at 6:30 p.m. The following
commissioners were present: Chair Stephanie Levine, Commissioners Mary McGrory-Ussett, Ira Kipp,
Joel Paper, David Miller, Pat Hinderscheid and Michael Toth. Staff present: Recreation Program
Coordinator Sloan Wallgren, and City Engineer/Public Works Director John Mazzitello.
Cliff Timm Fishing Derby
Sophia Moeller of Mendota Heights was presented with a Lifetime Fishing License. Her name was
drawn for the prize at the Cliff Timm Fishing Derby at Rogers Lake Park on June 20, 2013.
Approval of Minutes of June 11, 2013
Commissioner Hinderscheid made a motion to approve minutes of the June 11, 2013 meeting;
Commissioner Miller seconded the motion.
Ayes 7: Nays 0
Recreation Programming Update
Recreation Program Coordinator Sloan Wallgren noted that this was a very busy month for recreation
programs. The tennis program has seen a large increase in revenue. Mr. Wallgren noted that there were
still plenty of opportunities to participate in recreation programs, and that there are a number of upcoming
concerts and special events that everyone is welcome to attend.
Mr. Wallgren stated that recreation program revenue was up roughly 17% compared to 2012. The
commission asked if all of these programs break even or make money, Mr. Wallgren responded that as a
whole the programs make money. Program revenue and expenses will be provided when the programs
are finished.
Warming House Report
The commission viewed the usage report of the three warming houses over the last four years. It appears
that Marie Park Warming House is the busiest, followed by Friendly Hills Park, and then Wentworth
Park. Mr. Wallgren noted that all three warming houses have recently been painted inside, however the
outside of all three warming houses are starting to deteriorate.
Capital Improvements Planning
The commission reviewed the current Capital Improvement Plan. The commission removed the
Hagstrom King Shade Trees from the plan; the trees will become part of the Maintenance Budget. The
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commission placed a high priority on rebuilding the three warming houses, and also placed a high priority
on a Splash pad. The commission would also like to see more research and information about a
swimming beach at Rogers Lake Park.
Commissioner McGrory-Usset made a motion to place rebuilding the warming houses as a high priority
on the Capitol Improvements Plan, rebuilding one warming house every other year beginning in 2014;
motion was seconded by commissioner Miller.
Ideas were brought up about a tot lot and a sand volley ball court. Commissioners discussed these ideas
and decided that there were similar features already in the city.
Par 3 Update
Mr. Wallgren reviewed the Par 3 update. Participation in Golf Camps and Golf Leagues is up this year.
There are several new marketing activities taking place at the Par 3 at the end of July and early August.
The Par 3 has hired an additional staff member to work 20 hours a week. Mr. Wallgren noted that one
tree was lost during the storm on June 21, 2013.
Mr. Wallgren shared year to date expenditures and revenues, through June 30, 2013. Revenues currently
exceed expenditures by $18,604.
Dog Park
The commission discussed the idea of a dog park inside the hockey rink pins. Commissioner Miller made
a motion to have staff further research dog parks at other cities and have that information for the next
meeting; motion seconded by commissioner McGrory-Ussett.
Ayes 7: Nays 0
Task Force
Commissioner Paper mentioned that the City of Mendota Heights was going to be having workshop on
July 16, 2013 to discuss the involvement of a task force that will be looking into the feasibility of a
hockey arena supported by ISD 197, and the cities of West St. Paul, Mendota Heights, Mendota, Lilydale,
Sunfish Lake, and Eagan.
Commission Comments
Commissioners thanked staff for their efforts and commented that it was a productive meeting.
Adjourn
Commissioner Hinderscheid made a motion to adjourn; motion was seconded by Commissioner Paper.
Ayes 7: Nays 0
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted by Sloan Wallgren
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