Parks & Recreation Commission

Name: Parks & Recreation Commission — Mendota Heights, MN
Start: 2023-09-12
End: 2023-09-12
Location: Mendota Heights, MN

Regular Meeting

Mendota Heights, MN · September 12, 2023

Agenda Minutes

Minutes

CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS, DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 12, 2023 The September meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve. 1. Call to Order – Chair Jaffrey Blanks called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. 2. Roll Call – The following Commissioners were present: Chair Jaffrey Blanks, Commissioners: Stephanie Meyer, Michelle Muller, Jo Schifsky, Dan Sherer, and Michael Toth; absent: Commissioner Tica Hanson. Student Representative: Meg Murphy. Staff present: Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence, Recreation Program Coordinator Willow Eisfeldt, and Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek. 3. Pledge of Allegiance The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 4. Approval of Agenda Motion Sherer/second Muller to approve the agenda AYES 6: NAYS 0 5.a Approval of Minutes from August 8, 2023 Regular Meeting Motion Muller/second Schifsky to approve the minutes of the August 8, 2023 Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting. AYES 6: NAYS 0 6. Citizen Comment Period (for items not on the agenda) None. 7. Acknowledgement of Reports Chair Blanks read the titles of the three updates (Par 3, Recreation, and Park Improvement Updates) and polled the Commissioners for questions. 7.a Par 3 Update Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence briefly reviewed the report, noting that the June financial report was also included and provided an overview. She highlighted record breaking rounds in both June and July and also noted that concession sales have increased as well. She commented that August was also a strong month and September has been strong thus far as well. She stated that all of the equipment that was ordered in 2021 has now been delivered and aeration was completed the previous week. She highlighted additional improvement projects that have been completed or will still be completed this season. 7.b Recreation Update Recreation Program Coordinator Willow Eisfeldt provided an overview of the different events held during the Parks Celebration weekend. She highlighted upcoming events and programming opportunities. Commissioner Muller thanked staff for their efforts for the Parks Celebration events. She commented that the events were great and there were many volunteers of all ages. She noted that the Makers Market follows the District’s 5K and encouraged people to participate in the 5K as well. Commissioner Schifsky asked for details on Cycles and Cider and asked who the fixers would be. Recreation Program Coordinator Willow Eisfeldt stated that she reached out to Dakota County and was able to secure some volunteers that assist with County bike fix it events. She stated that a staff member also has a family member with that skill that will be volunteering. Commissioner Muller thanked staff for incorporating the new event. 7.c Parks Improvement Update Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence provided an overview of the report highlighting progress on the different improvement projects. Commissioner Muller asked if skaters should remain off the concrete at Rogers Lake Park. Ms. Lawrence confirmed that there are signs that the park is closed as the concrete needs to cure for 30 days. She stated that people will be made aware of when the concrete is available for use. Commissioner Schifsky stated that perhaps better signage is needed as she saw people skating on her way into the meeting tonight. Ms. Lawrence noted that there is also caution tape but noted that staff will need to find something better to block off that area. 8. New Business 8.a Establish Master Plan RFP Subcommittee Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence stated that staff is seeking two or three commissioners to serve on a Master Plan RFP Subcommittee. She stated that staff would like to begin working on the RFP now, explaining that if the project is included in the budget for 2024, they would be able to begin work much quicker than if the creation of the RFP is delayed until 2024. She recognized that all members may want to provide input and therefore once the subcommittee work is completed, it would come before the Commission for input. She stated that if the item is included in the budget, staff would issue the RFP in December. Commissioners Meyer and Schifsky volunteered. Commissioners Sherer and Toth commented that their schedules would not allow participation in the subcommittee. Chair Blanks commented that he could also participate. Motion Blanks/second Muller to appoint Chair Blanks, Commissioner Meyer, and Commissioner Schifsky to a subcommittee to establish a Master Plan RFP. AYES 6: NAYS 0 8.b Parks Tour Agenda Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence stated that the Commission annually holds a park tour and at the last meeting, October was chosen as the month for that tour. She noted that the tour will take the place of the regularly scheduled October meeting. She reviewed the parks that were included in the tour for the previous year. She noted that Valley Park has been requested as one of the locations and welcomed input on the other park locations. Chair Blanks asked the next park assigned for remodel. Ms. Lawrence noted that would be Ivy Hills. She stated that Valley was included in the CIP for next year but was pushed back to allow trail work to be completed. Commissioner Meyer suggested Marie to review the pickleball courts. She noted that could be the last visit to allow staff to get back to City Hall easily. Commissioner Sherer suggested Friendly Hills as well to compare the pickleball courts. Commissioner Toth asked if they should focus on parks that need attention and have upcoming projects. Commissioner Muller noted that Valley would be a good location because of the need for improvements and commented that would also give them an opportunity to look at the pavilion as the pavilion improvements keep getting put off. Commissioner Meyer stated that perhaps Victoria Highlands would be a good choice because of the age of the swing set, as the swings were not replaced at the same time as the playground. She stated that she would not be opposed to Mendakota but has spent a fair amount of time there this summer as may have other members of the Commission. Commissioner Muller noted that Mendakota could be a good fit as they go into the master planning process. Ms. Lawrence provided details on the potential for that playground to be fully accessible, noting that is scheduled for five years out. She stated that they would be soliciting outside funding for that project and therefore it would be a different process than typical playground replacement projects. Commissioner Sherer stated that Kensington could be another opportunity as they move into soccer season as it has nice fields but not a lot of parking. Ms. Lawrence replied that facility is maxed out for the allowed soccer field hours, although it does not get large tournaments. Commissioner Muller noted that would also provide an opportunity to review the fencing issue that was declined by the City Council. Ms. Lawrence confirmed the parks as Valley, Marie, Friendly Hills, and Kensington and commented that staff would solidify the order of the visits. 9. Unfinished Business 9.a Parks and Recreation Strategic Planning Update Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence provided an update on the progress on the strategic goals. Commissioner Meyer referenced community engagement, noting that it is great to do new and different things in the future. She noted that one of the intentions was to inform people about the Park Commission, encourage interested people to serve, and receive input in a less formal setting. She commented that she feels that it is important to meet people where they are rather than asking them to come to City Hall, where they may not feel as comfortable sharing their thoughts. Ms. Lawrence recognized that community engagement is up to the Commission and if that is something the Commission wants to do, staff would support that, but staff will not take the lead. Commissioner Meyer agreed, noting that she believed that they did get benefits out of the previous sessions. Chair Blanks agreed as well, noting that he would like to increase visibility of the Commission at different events, suggesting t-shirts which would allow the public to know they are part of the Commission. He agreed that they did get a lot out of the engagement focusing on visibility and programing. He stated that they are not necessarily not doing community engagement anymore, but perhaps that is done more through interactions in the community rather than the focus groups. Ms. Lawrence stated that they could move more quickly with nametags for the group, while t- shirts may take a bit longer to design. Commissioner Schifsky agreed that nametags would be a good start. Chair Blanks stated that he would also like to do t-shirts. Ms. Lawrence confirmed that she could work with Chair Blanks and Commissioner Muller to develop a draft design for the shirts that could be presented to the Commission for review. Commissioner Sherer encouraged the members of the Commission to engage with residents and groups, informally, to continue to gather input and different perspectives. 10. Staff Announcements Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence shared the following announcements: • She will contact the subcommittee members to begin that process • Seasonal employment positions have been posted on the website for the winter season • Thanks to staff as it has been a busy few months with the summer recreation and event season • Other events can be found on the City’s website 11. Student Representative Update Student Representative Murphy commented that it is great to see the Par 3 doing well and there appear to be some fun activities coming up in the next few weeks. 12. Commission Comments and Park Updates Commissioner Sherer • Everything is in good shape at Hagstrom King with the playground and basketball court are getting a lot of use and some teams are still using the fields • The contractor did a fabulous job at Civic Center on the baseball field Commissioner Toth • Asked how often the woodchip material is leveled back out at Mendakota • Spoke with a resident at Friendly Hills that was gathering acorns to feed the squirrels during the winter and a number of residents were playing pickleball Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence provided details on the monitoring of park condition done by season and regular parks staff. Commissioner Muller • Rogers Lake has been very active with people enjoying fishing and canoeing and noted people skating on the concrete • Asked about a pedestrian trail crossing • Kensington looks great but the fencing is rusted Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek provided an update on the timing of that pedestrian crossing as part of a MnDOT project. Chair Blanks • Market Square is great and there is a new restaurant open • Valley Park is a great park, and the basketball court was being used by young children Commissioner Schifsky • Was impressed with the new concrete pad at Rogers Lake, noting that she also saw people skating on the surface • Ivy Hills looks great • It is great to see the projects underway at Wentworth Commissioner Meyer • Marie has been busy with pickleball play • Valley View Heights is also wonderful with the new playground equipment • Echoed thanks to staff for the events that have occurred this year and those yet to come 13. Adjourn Motion Muller/Second Toth to adjourn the meeting at 7:31 PM AYES 6: NAYS 0 Minutes drafted by: Amanda Staple TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.

Agenda

CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS 1 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Tuesday, September 12, 2023- 6:30 P.M. Mendota Heights City Hall-Council Chambers AGENDA 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Pledge of Allegiance 4. Approval of Agenda 5. Approval of Minutes a. August 8, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes 6. Public Comment Period (for items not on the agenda) *See guidelines below 7. Acknowledgement of Reports a. Par 3 Update b. Recreation Update c. Park Improvement Update 8. New Business a. Establish Master Plan RFP Subcommittee b. Parks Tour Agenda 9. Unfinished Business a. Parks and Recreation Strategic Planning Update 10. Staff Announcements 11. Student Representative Update 12. Commission Comments and Park Updates 13. Adjourn Auxiliary aids for persons with disabilities are available at least 120 hours in advance. If a notice of less than 120 hours is received, the City of Mendota Heights will make every attempt to provide the aids. This may not, however, be possible on short notice. Please contact City Administration at 651-452-1850. Guidelines for Citizen Comment Period: The Citizen Comments section of the agenda provides an opportunity for the public to address the commission on items which are not on the agenda. All are welcome to speak. Comments should be directed to the Chair. Comments will be limited to 5 minutes per person and topic; presentations which are longer than five minutes will need to be scheduled with the Recreation Program Coordinator to appear on a future Parks and Recreation commission agenda. Comments should not be repetitious. Citizen comments may not be used to air personal attacks, to air personality grievances, to make political endorsements, or for political campaign purposes. Commissioners will not enter into a dialogue with citizens, nor will any decisions be made at that presentation. Questions from the Commission will be for clarification only. Citizen comments will not be used as a time for problem solving or reacting to the comments made, but rather for hearing the citizen for information only. If appropriate, the Chair may assign staff for follow up to the issues raised. 2 5a. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS, DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA DRAFT PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING MINUTES AUGUST 8, 2023 The August meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve. 1. Call to Order – Chair Jaffrey Blanks called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. 2. Roll Call – The following Commissioners were present: Chair Jaffrey Blanks, Commissioners: Stephanie Meyer, Michelle Muller, Jo Schifsky, Dan Sherer and Michael Toth; absent: Commissioner Tica Hanson. Student Representative: Meg Murphy. Staff present: Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence, Recreation Program Coordinator Willow Eisfeldt, Parks and Recreation Intern Darby Keech, and Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek. 3. Pledge of Allegiance The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 4. Approval of Agenda Motion Sherer/second Meyer to approve the agenda AYES 6: NAYS 0 5.a Approval of Minutes from June 13, 2023 Regular Meeting Motion Muller/second Schifsky to approve the minutes of the June 13, 2023 Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting. AYES 6: NAYS 0 5.b Approval of Minutes from July 11, 2023 Work Session Motion Muller/second Toth to approve the minutes of the July 11, 2023 Parks and Recreation Commission Work Session. AYES 6: NAYS 0 6. Public Comment Period (for items not on the agenda) None. 7. Acknowledgement of Reports Chair Blanks read the titles of the three updates (Par 3, Recreation, and Park Improvement Updates) and polled the Commissioners for questions. 7.a Par 3 Update Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence briefly reviewed the report highlighting updates that are being made to the clubhouse and other golf course projects. She stated that they have received a piece of equipment that was ordered in 2021 but they are still awaiting one additional piece that was also ordered in 2021. She provided information on the turf conditions as well as the number of rounds played. She noted that June had the highest number of rounds the course has ever seen and July had even higher numbers. Commissioner Muller asked how long the “five-for-five” deal has been offered. Ms. Lawrence replied that she is unsure as that predates her time with the City. 7.b Recreation Update 3 Recreation Coordinator Willow Eisfeldt reviewed the different activities of the Parks Celebration which will take place this coming weekend. She also provided highlights from Safety Camp, Tour de Rec, and Music in the Park. She noted that fall program registration will open August 17th at 8 a.m. and provided a brief overview of some of the programs that will be offered to adults and youth. Commissioner Meyer asked if the pickleball tournament is pairs. Ms. Eisfeldt replied that it is teams of two, with one person required to be a Mendota Heights resident. She noted that registration is still being accepted through Wednesday. 7.c Parks Improvement Update Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence provided a highlight of the report and status of the different projects. Commissioner Toth asked for clarification on the difference between the engineer’s estimate and the original bids received for the skate park. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that all the bids the City received were within a tolerance of each other and the estimate was low. He stated that when they did some redesign, the bids came in near the engineer’s estimate and reviewed the changes that were made to the design to lower the cost. Commissioner Sherer commented that contractors are very busy, and the high bids were most likely reflective that contractors do not need the work. Chair Blanks noted that the original bid had a smaller timeline whereas the rebid had a more flexible timeline. Ms. Lawrence noted that she has spoken with other cities, and they are receiving similar bids for concrete work. Commissioner Toth asked if the pad was left the original size that was discussed 90 days ago. Ms. Lawrence replied that they had talked about an 8,000 square foot pad and they were able to increase that to 10,000 square feet. Commissioner Meyer asked for details on the layout of the features and whether the recommendation of the Commission was accepted by the Council. Ms. Lawrence replied that staff brought forward the Commission recommendation with a few modifications. She stated that they rotated the design 90 degrees, and the additional pad space will provide more room. She commented that they did not remove any features but are still finalizing the final placement. Commissioner Meyer commented that she felt the two residents that spoke at the Commission meeting had good input on the design and layout and suggested that they be consulted for the flow of the design. Ms. Lawrence stated that staff did work with those residents following that meeting to formulate the design that was presented to the Council. 4 Commissioner Meyer commented that she is excited to see the Wentworth warming house moving forward and asked if that would include bathrooms. Ms. Lawrence replied that there will not be bathrooms or running water. She commented that this design is similar to the Friendly Hills warming house. Commissioner Meyer asked if there would be opportunity to add on in the future. Mr. Ruzek replied that the likelihood of adding on to this structure would be slim to none. He stated that if they decided to add bathrooms, that could be a standalone feature somewhere in the park at a later date. 8. New Business 8.a Parks and Recreation Intern Presentation Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence introduced the summer intern, Darby Keech. Intern Darby Keech introduced herself and provided background information on her educational experience. She reviewed her summer goals, project list, and different programming and events that she was involved with over the summer. She recapped the things that she learned during her summer internship and the things that she will take away from the experience. 9. Unfinished Business 9.a Review QR Code Signage Locations Chair Blanks noted that each member of the Commission was assigned the task of choosing a location for the sign within their assigned park. Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence provided a sample of the sign that will be placed in each park. She stated that she used the input from the Commission to mark the proposed locations on the maps. She reviewed the proposed locations for signs as submitted by the Commission members. Commissioner Toth provided input on his placement locations. Commissioner Muller asked that a trash bin be placed near the sign location proposed for Hagstrom King. Ms. Lawrence asked for input on locations for Victoria-Highlands and the Dog Park. The Commission provided suggested locations for those two parks. She commented that staff will begin installing the signs as time allows. 9.b Parks and Recreation Strategic Planning Update Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence provided an update on the progress on the Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan items. 10. Staff Announcements Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence shared the following announcements: • The budget worksession that will include parks topics will be held on Tuesday, August 15th at 3 p.m. 5 • Parks Celebration events will be held this weekend • Thanks to the parks and recreation staff as the summer is a busy season • Other events can be found on the City’s website 11. Student Representative Update Student Representative Murphy commented that many of her friends and family have been using the Par 3 Golf Course and she has noticed more youth at the course. She has enjoyed the Music in the Parks events and has high hopes for the skate park project. The Parks Celebration sounds like a great event for youth and the community. 12. Commission Comments and Park Updates Commissioner Meyer • Marie Park is doing great, and everyone loves the pickleball courts • Valley View Heights is wonderful, and her kids love the new playground • Thanks to staff for their hard work this summer • Looking forward to the Park Celebration events Commissioner Schifsky • The Parks Celebration events sound great • Thanks to Summer Intern Darby Keech for her presentation and hard work this summer • Lots of volleyball played at Ivy Hills • Wentworth is looking good • Recently visited Inver Grove Heights to see their pickleball courts and would be eager to have continued discussions on pickleball facilities. Chair Blanks • Received great feedback from the businesses about the Music in the Park events at Market Square • Valley Park is a great park Commissioner Muller • Rogers Lake looks empty without the skate park equipment, and she is excited for what is to come • Always people fishing and enjoying Rogers Lake • Kensington looks good with well-maintained bathrooms • Has been enjoying the Par 3 Golf Course Commissioner Toth • Mendakota has had a lot of baseball activity this summer and he notices the City employees prepping the park and cleaning after tournaments • Expressed thanks to the City employees in the Parks Department • Recently talked with a visitor at Rogers Lake from another community that had great things to say about the park Commissioner Sherer • Hagstrom King has a lot of activity on the playground and basketball court • The baseball fields were dry this year with the drought conditions 6 • The porta potty at Hagstrom King gets a lot of use from transients that seem to stop just to use the bathroom • Looking forward to the repairs at Civic Center and perhaps there could be a meeting with user groups in the spring to ensure the investment is well maintained 13. Adjourn Motion Schifsky/Second Toth to adjourn the meeting at 7:39 PM AYES 6: NAYS 0 Minutes drafted by: Amanda Staple TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. 7 7a. DATE: September 12, 2023 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Meredith Lawrence, Parks and Recreation Manager SUBJECT: Par 3 Update Concrete Leveling Staff has hired a contractor to raise the concrete on the West side of the clubhouse near the patio. Over the years the concrete has become severely uneven and staff is concerned regarding the safety of the unevenness for staff and customers. This project will be completed on September 25. Maintenance Equipment Acquisition The City Council approved the acquisition of the following pieces of equipment in October, 2021: Aerator, Workman/Topdresser and Sandpro. The Sandpro is set to be delivered to the Par 3 on in September. All outstanding maintenance pieces that were approved by the City Council will then have been received. Aeration Complete Par 3 maintenance staff completed the annual aeration of the greens on September 5. This process takes approximately 9 hours with four staff working the entire day. Aerating is imperative to reduce thatch and ensure a healthy playing surface for the future. Record Months The Mendota Heights Par 3 Community Golf Course had two record setting months for rounds of golf played in June and July of 2023. Staff is proud of the course’s staff who provide exceptional experiences for our community to recreate. Year 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 March 0 0 0 748 0 0 April 0 576 327 1678 896 1181 May 1710 1521 3138 2285 2797 2923 June 1674 1542 2881 2305 2839 3365 July 1744 1784 2470 2673 3213 3753 August 1681 1888 2568 2306 3042 3052 September 861 785 1962 1758 1798 October 246 76 937 1157 1077 November 20 0 0 257 207 Additional 0 152 0 451 377 478 Total 7936 8324 14283 15618 16246 14752 8 7b. DATE: September 12, 2023 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Willow Eisfeldt, Recreation Program Coordinator SUBJECT: Recreation Update Parks Celebration Update Parks Celebration 2023 occurred on August 11-13 and went well. The Food Truck Fest was shorter than anticipated due to severe storms but there was fantastic turnout during the first hour. Bogey with the Red and Blue ran successfully with Mendota Heights Police Department and Fire Department helping out and golfing with community members. The Family Fun Fest and Open House saw approximately 450 people. Community members enjoyed the event and staff received positive feedback during the event from community members. On Sunday, the city held the Parks Celebration Pickleball Tournament at Marie Park. 21 teams competed for a championship trophy. Maker’s Market The City of Mendota Heights partners with the City of West St. Paul and Community Education to host an annual Maker’s Market at Two Rivers High School. This year, Maker’s Market will be on Saturday, September 30 from 9:00 AM-3:00 PM. Maker’s Market is a craft show that features local artists and small businesses. The proceeds from vendor registration support District 197 Community Education Family Programs and will provide funding for a partnered spring program with West St. Paul and Community Education. Tour De Rec Tour De Rec starts back up for the school year beginning on Thursday, October 5 from 6:00 PM- 7:00 PM at Thompson County Park in West St. Paul. Mendota Heights, West St. Paul, and Community Education have decided to continue scheduling Tour De Rec events with themes. Our first theme in October will be S’mores and Stories! Our other sessions include: • Thursday, November 2 at Garlough Elementary Gymnasium: Yoga and Games Galore • Thursday, December 7 at Mendota Elementary Gymnasium: Ninja Night Cycles & Cider Cycles and Cider is scheduled for Wednesday, September 20 from 5:00 PM-7:00 PM at Market Square Park. This free bike fix-it event is free for anyone to come and have their bicycle checked- out while enjoying apple cider and camaraderie. Fixers will be available to address minor issues 9 and diagnose bigger ones. If you know you need a specific part replaced, bring it with you! We can’t guarantee a fix, but we’ll give it our best shot. Barktober Barktober is a new event being held at the Mendota Heights Dog Park on Saturday, October 14 from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM. Bring your four-legged, furry friend out to the dog park for fun and games for everyone! This event will feature a dog costume contest, a pet friendly photo booth, and games for furry friends, and more. This is a free event open to all ages. Dogs should be leashed. Trick or Teeing The annual Mendota Heights Trick or Teeing will be on held on Saturday, October 21 at the Mendota Heights Par 3 Community Golf Course from 5:00 PM-7:00 PM. Trick or Teeing will feature local businesses, activities for participants, mini golfing, and more. This is a free event open to all. 10 7c. DATE: September 12, 2023 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Meredith Lawrence, Parks and Recreation Manager SUBJECT: Park Improvement Update Budget/2023 Project Update Included in the 2023 budget for parks capital improvement projects are: • Civic Center Foul Ball Fencing/Infield Maintenance: $40,000 • Wentworth Park Warming House: $100,000 (project scope similar to Marie and Friendly Hills Warming Houses) • Roger’s Lake Skate Park Improvements: $225,000 • Wentworth Park Tennis Court Resurfacing: $90,000 • Valley View Heights Playground Replacement: $75,000 Civic Center Infield Renovation Work: This project was completed in August. Staff is happy with the end result. The total project cost for the infield work was $28,162.50. The field will be offline for the rest of the year for the new sod to heal. Civic Center Foul Ball Fencing Replacement: The City Council approved on May 2 the replacement of the first and third base fencing. The total project cost was $10,368. This project has been completed. Wentworth Warming House: Staff received three bids for this project. On June 6, the City Council approved a contract with the low bidder in the amount of $58,800 to construct the new warming house. Not included in the contract price is the new heater and the electrical quote. The City Council approved a purchase order for the electrical work, which equaled $15,100. In addition, the City will also need to pay the City building permit fees. Thus, the total project cost is estimated to be $78,000. The new warming house will be ready by the 2023-2024 season. Roger’s Lake Skate Park: The Commission reviewed the design proposal for the skate park at their April Commission meeting. The City Council approved the design at the April 18 meeting. The total cost for the equipment is $217,876.72. Staff sought bids for the concrete portion of the project. The engineers estimate for the 100-foot x 80-foot pad was $147,810. Unfortunately, the low bid for the concrete came in at $227,153.35. Thus, the City Council rejected the bids and staff worked to rebid the concrete pad with a thinner 11 concrete base in order to reduce the project cost. The new low bid came in at $173,496. The Council agreed to include the bid alternate, which increased the pad size to 100x100 feet, and was an additional $25,857. Thus, the total price of the concrete will be $199,353. The construction of the skate park base began on August 14. The concrete is anticipated to be poured in the beginning of September and cured by the beginning of October. The features will be available in November. Staff anticipates the features to be delivered and installed in the Spring of 2023, due to weather factors. Wentworth Tennis Courts: Staff has submitted a grant application to the United States Tennis Association (USTA) National for up to $25,000 towards this project and to USTA Northern for up to $5,000. Staff hosted a bid opening for the reconstruction of the two tennis courts at Wentworth Park on August 9, with the low bid coming in at $118,800. A majority of this project will be completed this Fall, with the surface painting and lines being completed in the Spring of 2024. Valley View Heights Playground: The City Council approved the renovation of the Valley View Heights playground at their March 21 meeting. The project was completed on May 23. The City hosted a ribbon cutting for the new amenity on June 8. Special Park Fund Balance Currently the Special Parks Fund is showing an estimated balance of approximately $620,000 as of September 6, 2023. Allocated Expenses for 2023: • Dugouts at Valley, Victoria Highlands, and Civic Center: $53,574 • Skate Park Equipment Deposit: $108,938 • Valley View Heights Playground: $16,147 12 8a. DATE: September 12, 2023 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Meredith Lawrence, Parks and Recreation Manager SUBJECT: Establish Master Plan RFP Subcommittee INTRODUCTION Staff is recommending a subcommittee be appointed to work with staff to create the Request for Proposals that will be used should the Park System Master Plan be included in the 2024 budget. BACKGROUND The Parks and Recreation Commission recommended funding in the 2024 budget to hire a consultant to develop a Park System Master Plan for Mendota Heights. In order to plan for this project to occur in quarter one and two of 2024, staff would like to begin writing the Request for Proposals (RFP) in the event that funding is available. Staff is recommending two or three individuals from the Commission work with staff to determine the scope of the project and the deliverables that will be requested from consultants. Staff anticipates this group would meet a few times prior to December in order to develop an RFP which would then be reviewed by the Commission prior to consideration from the City Council. DISCUSSION At the September 12 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, commissioners should discuss which commissioners are interested in being on the subcommittee. RECOMMENDATION: Chair Blanks should appoint two or three commissioners to serve on the Park System Master Plan RFP Subcommittee. ACTION REQUESTED: The Commission should approve two or three commissioners to serve on the Park System Master Plan RFP Subcommittee. 13 8b. DATE: September 12, 2023 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Meredith Lawrence, Parks and Recreation Manager SUBJECT: Parks Tour Agenda BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The Commission discussed the need to conduct a parks tour on October 3 from 4:30-6:30pm. The parks visited in 2022 included the following: Wentworth, Ivy Hills, Valley View Heights, and Rogers Lake. The Commission should determine which four parks they intend to visit for the 2023 tour, which will establish the meeting’s agenda. Chair Blanks and Vice Chair Muller are recommending Valley Park be included on the 2023 Parks Tour. The Parks Tour will be posted on the posting board as a possible notice of a quorum. Members of the community are welcome to attend. This meeting will take the place of the regularly scheduled October 10 meeting. REQUESTED ACTION: The commission should approve the agenda for the 2023 parks tour. 14 9a. DATE: September 12, 2023 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Meredith Lawrence, Parks and Recreation Manager SUBJECT: Parks and Recreation Strategic Planning Update BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Included is the planning calendar that staff is utilizing to ensure progress. Each month staff will provide an update on the strategic planning calendar. RECOMMENDATION: Informational Only. 15 9a1. 2023 STRATEGIC GOALS ACTION ITEM STRATEGIC RESPONSIBILITY TIMELINE INITIATIVE Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec UPDATE Receive Educa�on on Poten�al Funding Sources Sustainable Funding Source City Administrator/ Parks The City Council (and two commissioners atended) met in (Referendum, Charitable Gambling, Franchise Fees, for Parks and Recrea�on and Recrea�on Manager June to learn the poten�al funding op�ons moving forward for Sponsorships) the City for items including Parks and Recrea�on. Finalize Sponsorship, Dona�on, Naming Rights, Legacy Sustainable Funding Source Parks and Recrea�on Staﬀ will be seeking direc�on from the Council on this topic at Program Policy for Parks and Recrea�on Manager the November Council work session. Work with businesses (Village and Plaza) for Event A Leading Community with Parks and Recrea�on The Cupid’s Valen�ne Crawl event was held in February, 2023. Engagement Invested Partners Manager/Recrea�on The Concert in the Park Series took place this Spring, Summer Program Coordinator and early Fall. Work with the City of West Saint Paul to determine if A Leading Community with City Administrator/ Parks The City of West Saint Paul has signed a contract with Mend a joint facility is feasible. Invested Partners and Recrea�on Manager Consul�ng for their Parks System Master Plan. Included in their plan is a feasibility study for a community center. Results are an�cipated in the next few months. Host Joint Work Session with Natural Resource Greater Connec�on to the Parks and Recrea�on A joint work session was held on March 22. Commission Natural Environment Manager Create Trail CIP Program Greater Connec�on to the Public Works Director Staﬀ is working to create some maps for this project as a visual. Natural Environment The Trail CIP should be available for distribu�on to the Commission this Fall. Host Bike Clinic/Fix It Clinic with a Local Bike Shop A Safe, Connected, Walkable Recrea�on Program Staﬀ have set a date for a bike ﬁx-it clinic to be on Wednesday, and Bikeable Community Coordinator/ Parks and September 20 from 5:30 PM- 6:30 PM at Market Square Park. Recrea�on Manager This event will be called “Cycles & Cider.” Update Trail Maps to Be More Accessible A Safe, Connected, Walkable Parks and Recrea�on and Bikeable Community Manager/Senior Engineering Technician Increase Senior Programming Vibrant and Diverse Recrea�on Program First ever Coﬀee, Cards and Cribbage series was hosted in Community Programming Coordinator January and February, 2023. The Summer Adult Walking group took place this Summer. An Adult Pain�ng Group will take place this Fall. Develop a Pre-K Program Vibrant and Diverse Recrea�on Program Community Programming Coordinator Staﬀ Comple�on of a 15 Year CIP Ac�ve Recrea�onal Facili�es Parks and Recrea�on Staﬀ has completed a Parks CIP, which was reviewed at work for All Manager sessions in May and July. Look at Op�ons to Expand Teen Programming Ac�ve Recrea�onal Facili�es Parks and Recrea�on Opportuni�es Indoors for All Manager Add QR Codes on Signage within Parks Eﬀec�ve Two-Way Parks and Recrea�on Signs have been delivered and will be installed this Fall as �me Communica�on with an Manager allows for Public Works. Informed Community Con�nue Community Engagement Mee�ngs Eﬀec�ve Two-Way Parks and Recrea�on Chair Blanks and Vice Chair Muller have determined that they Communica�on with an Commissioners are not moving forward with organized community Informed Community engagement for 2023.

Get email alerts for Mendota Heights

A daily email when new agendas and minutes are posted.

Report an issue with this meeting