01.28.2025 PRC MinutesCHANHASSEN PARK AND
RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
JANUARY 28, 2025
Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director, called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Dan Eidsmo; Rob Swanson; Kristin Fulkerson; Michael Leisen; Clara
Christenson, youth; Aayan Shrestha, youth.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Jim Peck, Chair; Sean Morgan; Scott Pharis.
STAFF PRESENT: Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director; and Priya Wall, Recreation
Manager.
PUBLIC PRESENT: None.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Commissioner Swanson moved, and Commissioner
Fulkerson seconded to approve the agenda as presented. All voted in favor and the motion
carried unanimously with a vote of 6 to 0.
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS: None.
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS: None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
1. Approve Park & Recreation Minutes dated December 10, 2024
Commissioner Fulkerson moved, Commissioner Leisen seconded to approve the minutes of
the Park and Recreation Commission meeting dated December 10, 2024, as presented. All
voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 6 to 0.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
1. Park and Recreation Commission Vacancy
Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director, stated that Commissioner Eidsmo’s term was up
in March. They had five people apply for the position. He thanked Commissioner Eidsmo for his
work on the Park and Recreation Commission.
2. Chanhassen Bluffs Community Center Update
Park and Recreation Commission Minutes – January 28, 2025
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Mr. Ruegemer presented an overview of the schedule for the Chanhassen Bluffs Community
Center. He explained the process of hiring an architectural firm and a construction manager for
the project. He described the amenities included in the Chanhassen Bluffs Community Center.
He said the initial permitting would begin in the spring, but they had already identified the
utilities. He explained that staff would give input throughout the process and that the complete
construction documents would be 100 percent in November or December. He described that the
project would be out to bid in March 2026, with construction starting in May 2026. He said that
they were projecting the grand opening in November 2027 or early 2028.
Commissioner Eidsmo asked how the funding worked, including the sales tax and the property
tax. He asked if a special City fund was already collecting that money. Mr. Ruegemer responded
that the sales tax was not collected yet. He said that money allocated to pay for the Community
Center would be the sale of the previous Recreation Center, naming rights, property tax levy,
park dedication fees, and property taxes generated by the Avienda Development. He projected
that the fees would pay for the operation of the Community Center.
Commissioner Eidsmo asked if all aspects of the Community Center were fee-based. Mr.
Ruegemer responded that individuals could use the track for no cost. He described a punch-card
system they are considering and are considering other ideas.
Commissioner Leisen asked about opportunities for community input. Mr. Ruegemer answered
that the images and designs previously provided to the public were conceptual. The City is open
to ideas as long as the main pieces are included in the design. There would be opportunities for
public engagement.
Commissioner Leisen asked about Avienda’s schedule in contrast with the schedule for the
Community Center. Mr. Ruegemer answered that he hoped the Community Center would
provide a jumpstart and be part of the development progress.
Commissioner Swanson asked about how the architectural companies and construction
management companies were chosen. Mr. Ruegemer responded that the documentation was
public, so the interview process was open. He stated companies with more experience with these
types of projects are preferred.
Youth Commissioner Christenson asked about winter weather impacting construction. Mr.
Ruegemer responded that the Construction Manager determined the construction schedule in the
winter. He provided examples of different construction approaches to work through the winter.
REPORTS:
1. 2025 February Festival Preview
Park and Recreation Commission Minutes – January 28, 2025
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Priya Wall, Recreation Manager, provided an overview of the February Festival. She explained
that this would be the second or third time the event has run in full in the last five years. She
summarized the Medallion Hunt, which started the week before the February Festival. She
explained the event activities on February 1st. She described new events this year, including
snow yoga and the youth ice fishing demonstrations. She thanked the Rotary Club of Chanhassen
and other volunteers for their support for the February Festival. She reviewed the $4000 door
prizes. She commented that they would give away merchandise from previous events. Ms. Wall
summarized the prizes for the ice fishing contest that were donated by area businesses. She
thanked the Lion’s Club of Chanhassen and local businesses for their help and sponsorship of the
event.
Commissioner Eidsmo asked if it was possible to get the flyer to send out to his homeowner’s
association. Ms. Wall responded that she could send him the PDF via email.
Commissioner Eidsmo expressed excitement about hosting the event.
Ms. Wall stated that they should have good weather for the event.
Commissioner Swanson asked if the weather had impacted the ice. Ms. Wall responded that
there was between 18.5 inches and 19 inches, so she did not think the event would be impacted.
Mr. Ruegemer said that he did not think they would lose ice, but they would lose snow. The ice
may be messy because of the snow melting. He expressed hope that the day would be partly
cloudy.
COMMISSION MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS: None.
COMMISSION MEMBER PRESENTATIONS: None.
ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATIONS: None.
ADJOURNMENT:
Commissioner Swanson moved, Commissioner Leisen seconded to adjourn the meeting.
All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 6 to 0. The Park and
Recreation Commission meeting was adjourned at 6:38 p.m.
Submitted by Jerry Ruegemer
Park and Recreation Director