2014-01-14 Parks and Rec Comm Minutes
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING
January 14, 2014
The December meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday,
January 14, 2014 at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve.
Chair Hinderscheid called to order the parks and recreation commission meeting at 6:30 p.m. The
following commissioners were present: Chair Hinderscheid, Mary McGrory-Ussett, Joel Paper, and
Michael Toth. Staff present: Recreation Program Coordinator Sloan Wallgren.
Approval of Agenda
COMMISSIONER MCGRORY-USSETT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE AGENDA;
COMMISSIONER PAPER SECONDED THE MOTION.
AYES 4: NAYS 0
Approval of Minutes of December 10, 2013
Chair Hinderscheid made a correction to the motion passed last month regarding the Ivy Hills Tennis
Courts. Mr. Wallgren noted the correction and will make the changes.
COMMISSIONER PAPER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES; COMMISSIONER
MCGRORY-USSETT SECONDED THE MOTION.
AYES 4: NAYS
Recreation Programming Report
Mr. Wallgren informed the commission that there were 32 youth participating in our Skating Lesson
program at Friendly Hills Park on Saturday mornings. Mr. Wallgren also stated that the city has groomed
a cross country ski trail out at the Par 3 with the help of St. Thomas Academy. The trail is 1.5 miles and
is free for anyone to use. Commissioner McGrory-Ussett said that she has used the trail and it is a
wonderful amenity for the city. Staff is now accepting reservations for athletic fields and picnic shelters,
application can be found online or at city hall. The next issue of the Heights Highlights will be delivered
to homes around February 17, 2014 and will contain more information about Spring/Summer activities.
Ice Rink Report
Mr. Wallgren informed the commission that during the 14 days in December when the warming houses
were open that there were almost 1,300 users. Commission Paper asked how we obtain these numbers.
Mr. Wallgren explained that the rink attendant takes a head count each hour and record these numbers.
Mr. Wallgren also mentioned that the 2014 budget included funds to replace the hockey boards at
Wentworth Park.
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Par 3 Report
Mr. Wallgren informed the commission that on December 17, 2013 he arrived at the Par 3 to find that
water line had broken and there was significant water damage to the clubhouse. Staff has taken the
necessary steps to dry the clubhouse out, and is waiting on quote from contractor before we can move
forward with repairs.
Mr. Wallgren announced that the revenue in December was remaining balance form our Groupon of that
we ran this summer. We sold 520 deals with Groupon, which generated $8,500 for the course.
The course took in $143,973 during the 2013 season, down less than 2% compared to 2012 when sales
were $146,751. Mr. Wallgren said that the Par 3 Annual Report will be available in February.
Announcements
Mr. Wallgren informed the commission that city staff is collecting holiday lights at city hall for recycling.
Mr. Wallgren also said that the Mendota Heights Athletic Association is taking registrations for softball,
lacrosse, T-ball, and in-house baseball. Registration forms are now available for the June 7, 2014 5K
online or at city hall. Mr. Wallgren also said that staff hopes to have more information about a Dog Park
at the February meeting.
Commission Comments
Commissioners Toth thought thanked staff for all their work, and thanked commissioner McGrory-Ussett
for serving on the commission.
Commissioner Paper thanked staff for all of the work at the Par 3. He also thanked commissioner
McGrory-Ussett for serving on the commission, and commented on the great rinks that we have in town
and encouraged people to get out and use them.
Chair Hinderscheid said it was good meeting. He wanted to thank commissioner McGrory-Ussett for
serving on the commission and has enjoyed working her and valued her opinions and comments.
Commissioner McGrory-Ussett stated that she will miss working with the commission, but believes that
the commission on doing a lot of great things and moving in the right direction. She has enjoyed her time
on the commission and will continue to use the parks regularly.
COMMISSIONER MCGRORY-USSETT MADE A MOTION TO ADJOUN THE MEETING;
COMMISSIONER TOTH SECONDED THE MOTION.
Ayes 4: Nays 0
The meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m. Respectfully Submitted by Sloan Wallgren
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