PRC Minutes 02-28-24CHANHASSEN PARK AND
RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
FEBRUARY 28, 2024
Chair Vasatka called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Don Vasatka, Chair; Heather Markert, Vice Chair; Dan Eidsmo; Matt
Kutz; Jim Peck; Scott Pharis; and, Youth Commissioner Nischay Pattanashetty.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Rob Swanson.
STAFF PRESENT: Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director; Jamie Marsh,
Environmental Resource Specialist; Mitchell Czech, Recreation Supervisor; Priya Tandon,
Recreation Manager.
PUBLIC PRESENT: Mike Leisen, Judy Harder.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Commissioner Peck moved, Commissioner Pharis seconded to
approve the agenda as presented. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously
with a vote of 7 to 0.
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director, recognized Chair Don Vasatka for his
commitment to the Environmental Commission and the Park and Recreation Commission. He
stated the city has benefitted from Mr. Vasatka’s leadership and Mr. Ruegemer thanked him for
committing his time to serving the city.
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS:
1. Invasive Species Management Application
Jamie Marsh, Environmental Resource Specialist, shared about her work within the city
including forestry projects, Arbor Day, recycling events, Nomadic Gnomes, and the gravel bed
program. She spoke about the invasive species management application and explained that
Chanhassen residents have shown interest in removing invasive species from city property.
However, vegetation management on city property can only take place if it’s approved prior to
work being done. The City of Eden Prairie has a similar program, which was used as a guide in
putting together the application for the City of Chanhassen. In response to the desire to improve
public land by removing invasive species, staff is implementing a process where residents can
apply and submit their plan online.
Park and Recreation Commission Minutes – February 28, 2024
2
Commissioner Markert asked about the communication process for the public to educate and
increase awareness that the application is required.
Ms. Marsh replied they are keeping it small in the beginning. It will be on the website and in
general people know that they cannot remove invasive species from public property and will call
the city. At that time they will be directed to the application. A site visit will also be a part of the
program to help identify invasive species versus other types of vegetation or native species.
Mr. Ruegemer noted the city has been receiving a lot of feedback from the public about
buckthorn and people asking what they can do about it, which is prompting this documentation
process.
Chair Vasatka noted he emailed the city about buckthorn the previous fall in the city property
near his house, noting many ash trees that will be removed with only buckthorn remaining.
Commissioner Eidsmo asked if this is only related to buckthorn, as he noticed on the form it also
spoke about trees. He also asked regarding Home Owners Associations (HOAs) which have their
own rules, how will that be addressed?
Ms. Marsh replied the tree removal language piggy-backs off the Park and Recreation
Department documentation regarding tree removal on private property that may need to be
accessed by public property. Regarding HOAs, the city would want to keep this in mind if the
HOA is next to city property.
Mr. Ruegemer shared more about the HOAs noting the city would be giving them an avenue to
take care of things on their property, or “creating a path” to access and get some action done in
the areas of their purview within the HOA.
Chair Vasatka asked if people can determine a plant is a buckthorn when it does not have leaves.
Ms. Marsh replied she can identify buckthorn in different seasons, however, that is a concern
with residents, which is why a site visit is required to identify invasive species.
Informational; no action required.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
1. Approve Park & Recreation Minutes dated January 23, 2024
Commissioner Pharis moved, Commissioner Eidsmo seconded to approve the minutes of
the Park and Recreation Commission meeting dated January 23, 2024 as presented. All
voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 7 to 0.
Park and Recreation Commission Minutes – February 28, 2024
3
GENERAL BUSINESS:
1. Lake Ann Lifeguard Update
Mitchell Czech, Recreation Supervisor, provided an update on lifeguards at Lake Ann Beach,
noting the City Council adopted the Park and Recreation Commission’s recommendation of a
modified in-house schedule. Depending on staffing, the City Council is open to which days
would be staffed; it will be fine-tuned as applications come in and they understand staffing
availability. Positions were posted the previous week for lifeguard positions and a Lifeguard
Coordinator position. They are currently working with the communications team to help get the
word out about the position openings. If the city doesn’t have enough staff by April 1, the city
will proceed with a beach monitor position rather than a full lifeguard position.
Commissioner Eidsmo noted Carver County announced that they will not have lifeguards and he
asked if that was part of the discussion with the City Council. Mr. Czech replied the official
announcement came out after the City Council met, but they were aware that it was coming and
was included in the data regarding comparable cities.
Informational; no action required.
REPORTS: None.
COMMISSION MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS: None.
COMMISSION MEMBER PRESENTATIONS: None.
ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATIONS: None.
ADJOURNMENT:
Chair Vasatka shared that this will be his final meeting and thanked staff and his fellow
Commissioners, noting it has been an enjoyable three years and he is excited about the progress
they have made and about what will happen next.
Commissioner Markert moved, Commissioner Peck seconded to adjourn the meeting. All
voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 7 to 0. The Park and
Recreation Commission meeting was adjourned at 6:25 p.m.
Submitted by Jerry Ruegemer
Park and Recreation Director