2013-10-08 Parks and Rec Comm MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING
October 8, 2013
The October meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday,
October 8, 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 Public Works Director /City Engineer John Massitello.
Approval of Agenda
COMMISSIONER MCGRORY - USSETT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE AGENDA;
COMMISSIONER TOTH SECONDED THE MOTION.
AYES 7: NAYS 0
Approval of Minutes of August 13, 2013
Chair Levine pointed out an error in the minutes; Mr. Wallgren noted the error and will make changes.
COMMISSIONER MCGRORY — USSETT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM
THE SEPTEMBER 10, 2013 MEETING; MOTION SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MILLER.
AYES 7: NAYS 0
North Urban Regional Trail
Chris Hartzel from Dakota County was present to provide an update on the North Urban Regional Trail.
The commission was very pleased with all of the work that has been done. The commission also thanked
Mr. Hartzel and his staff for their efforts with working with all of the user groups that this project has
involved.
Ivy Hills Park Tennis Courts
Mr. Wallgren informed that commission that Ivy Hills Tennis Courts are in need of repair. There are
several options regarding the tennis courts. Option #1 would be to reclaim the existing asphalt, grade, and
compact. Option #1 would also include installing a 2 inch layer of asphalt, new fencing and netting which
would cost roughly $70,000. Option #2 make necessary repairs to asphalt and install sport tiles, which
would cost roughly $50,000. Option #3 Remove the tennis courts and replace with an open green space,
which would cost roughly $6,000. Options #4 turn the space into an area for other recreational activities.
Options #5 leave the courts in their current condition.
Commissioners Toth, Hinderscheid, Miller, Paper, and Chair Levine were in favor or option #1, if we
could secure grants to help with the funding. Commissioner Kipp was in favor of option #2.
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Commissioner McGrory - Ussett was in favor of option #3, noting that there is an ample amount of tennis
courts in city.
COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO RECOMMEND THAT CITY COUNCIL MOVE
FORWARD WITH OPTION #1, IF THE CITY COULD SECURE A GRANT TO HELP OFFSET
THE COSTS. THE MOTION WAS NOT SECONDED AND TABLED FOR FURTHER
DISCUSSION.
Commissioner Toth commented that we will need to have a plan for the future when this same issue
comes up at other parks in the city. The commission directed staff to get additional information on costs
and life expectancy of asphalt courts vs. sport tiles.
Recreation Programming Report
Mr. Wallgren provided the commission with a list of revenue and expenses for recreation programs
through September of 2013, noting we have taken in $50,947 in revenue and expenses are $42,025
resulting in net revenue of $8,922. The list also included figures from 2012 as well as participation
numbers from both 2012 and 2013. Mr. Wallgren informed the commission that staff is working on
expanding some programs for next year and also introducing some new programs. Mr. Wallgren also
informed that commission about upcoming field trips and winter recreation programs that are being
offered.
Par 3 Report
Mr. Wallgren informed the commission that things are starting to slow down at the Par 3, but the course
would remain open as long as possible. The Par 3 hosted a couple events in September and the Par 3 is
hosting a Glow -in- the -dark golf event on October 19, 2013; the cost is $15 per person.
The course has taken in $137,988 in revenues; expenditures year to date are $110,368. The net result in
revenue over expenditures is $27,620 year to date.
Commission Comments
Commissioner Kipp shared that a study was done on the five lakes in Dakota County around Mendota
Heights, and Roger's Lake was the only one found not to be significantly polluted. Commissioner Paper
thanked all of the residents that attended the open house prior to the meeting. Commissioner Toth asked
that we check the hockey boards at Friendly Hills Park, and thanked the commission for everything they
have done and are doing. Chair Levine commented on how wonderful the newly refurbished playground
at Mendakota Park looks.
Adjourn
COMMISSIONER PAPER MADE A MOTION TO ADJOUN THE MEETING; COMMISSIONER
TOTH SECONDED THE MOTION.
Ayes 7: Nays 0
The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m. Respectfully Submitted by Sloan Wallgren
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