2013-08-13 Parks and Rec Comm Minutes
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING
August 13, 2013
The August meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday,
August 13, 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, Joel Paper,
David Miller, Pat Hinderscheid and Michael Toth. Staff present: Recreation Program Coordinator Sloan
Wallgren.
Approval of Agenda
Commissioner Paper requested that Park Signs be added to the agenda. Commissioner Hinderscheid
made a motion to approve the agenda; Commissioner Miller seconded the motion.
Ayes 6: Nays 0
Approval of Minutes of July 9, 2013
Commissioner McGrory-Ussett made a motion to approve minutes of the July 9, 2013 meeting;
Commissioner Paper seconded the motion.
Ayes 6: Nays 0
Recreation Programming Update
Recreation Program Coordinator Sloan Wallgren noted that this was a very busy month for recreation
programs. Most of the recreation programs finished up in July. Staff is currently evaluating programs,
meeting with seasonal staff, and planning trips and programs for the fall and winter.
Mr. Wallgren stated that recreation program revenue was up roughly 18% compared to 2012. The
commission asked staff to look into the waiting lists for all programs, and how we can try to get all
interested individuals involved in the programs.
Regional Bicycle System
Mr. Wallgren updated the commission on a workshop that he attended. The work shop was put on by the
Metropolitan Council and the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Both organizations are working
on a Regional Bicycle System Master Study, and were looking for ideas from people.
The commission asked staff to looking into rules and etiquette of multiuse trails in our city. If there is
space in the next highlights this important safety information could be included.
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Par 3 Update
Mr. Wallgren informed the commission that the Par 3 has been very busy with leagues, lessons and open
golfers. Many of the leagues will be finishing up in late August. The golf course participated in two
different marketing projects in July, and we have been seeing many positive results from the two projects.
Mr. Wallgren stated that the Par 3 is in great condition and that he has received many compliments about
course conditions. Mr. Wallgren also noted that there was an incident that occurred on July 17, 2013
involving our irrigation system. Staff has fixed the issue and everything is working better than ever with
the new irrigation pieces in place.
The course has taken in $93,877 in revenues; expenditures year to date are $65,830. The net result in
revenue over expenditures is $28,047 year to date.
Off-Leash Dog Area
The commission discussed the idea of allowing off-leash dog areas inside of the “hockey pins” at Marie
Park and Wentworth Park. The commission discussed some rules and regulations that would need to be
in place which included: dog owner expectations, dog license requirements, and facility setup.
Commissioner McGrory-Ussett made a motion that city council consider issuing a trial period for using
stst
the “hockey pins” at Wentworth Park and Marie Park as off-leash dog areas from May 1 to October 31.
Each park would have signage for owner expectations and rules, and there would be a place inside the
“hockey pins” to leash and unleash dogs. All owners using the off-leash dog area must register their dog
with the city. The commission also would like the council to seek resident feedback. Motion seconded by
commissioner Hinderscheid.
Ayes 6: Nays 0
Splash Pad
Mr. Wallgren informed commission that he and commissioner Hinderscheid met with Jay Webber of
st
Webber Recreation Design on July 31. The purpose of the meeting was to get more information on ideal
designs and features of a splash pad. He also provided a timeline for manufacturing parts and
construction of a splash pad.
The initial cost of the splash pad the commission is look at is $300,000. Features such as shelters or shade
structures can be added with costs varying from $5,000 to $50,000. Operation cost of a splash pad would
be roughly $10,000 per year, with labor being a majority of the operating costs. There would be an
opportunity to charge a user fee to help offset operating costs.
The commission also discussed a location for the splash pad. Staff will continue to research parks that
would be able to accommodate the splash pad.
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Capital Improvements Planning
The commission reviewed the current Capital Improvement Plan. The commission talked about items
that were a high priority for the commission, which included rebuilding the warming houses and a splash
pad.
Commissioner Hinderscheid made a motion that the council adopts their Capital Improvement Plan for
the purposes of developing the annual budgets. The commission would like to see the projects completed
as soon as funds become available, with the understanding that some of these projects will not take place
for a few years. The commission also recommends using any or all of the Special Parks Fund to complete
these projects. Motion seconded by commissioner McGrory-Ussett.
Ayes 6: Nays 0
Park Signs
Commissioner Paper brought up the idea of having signs at the parks that would include historical
information about each of the parks. There could be an opportunity to work with the schools to do
research on the parks. Staff will look into costs of signs.
Commission Comments
Commissioner Hinderscheid commented that the meeting was productive. Commissioner Miller stated
that the commission is very respectful and that it is a great group with work with. Commissioner Paper
thanked staff for their work. Commissioner McGrory-Ussett thanked staff and really liked the idea of
historical signs in the parks.
Adjourn
Commissioner Paper made a motion to adjourn; motion was seconded by Commissioner Toth.
Ayes 6: Nays 0
The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted by Sloan Wallgren
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