04.22.2025 PRC MinutesCHANHASSEN PARK AND
RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
APRIL 22, 2025
Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director, called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
OATHS OF OFFICE:
Jenny Potter, City Clerk, administered the oath of office to Commissioner Nashawaty.
Ms. Potter administered the oath of office to Commissioner Nagel.
Ms. Potter administered the oath of office to Commissioner Scheppmann.
NOMINATION AND APPOINTMENT OF 2025-2026 CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR:
Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director, explained the process for the nomination and
appointment of the 2025-2026 Chair and Vice Chair.
Commissioner Leisen provided a summary of his involvement with the Park and Recreation
Commission, focusing on volunteer experience for events. He summarized the goals for his
service on the Park and Recreation Commission.
Commissioner Morgan moved, Commissioner Swanson seconded to nominate Michael
Leisen for Chair of the Park and Recreation Commission. All voted in favor and the
motion carried unanimously with a vote of 8 to 0.
Commissioner Morgan described his involvement with the Park and Recreation Commission. He
discussed his priorities as the Vice Chair to move beyond validating good work to add value for
the City staff.
Chair Leisen moved, Commissioner Swanson seconded to nominate Sean Morgan for Vice
Chair of the Park and Recreation Commission. All voted in favor and the motion carried
unanimously with a vote of 8 to 0.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Rob Swanson; Kristin Fulkerson; Michael Leisen; Sean Morgan;
Emily Nagel; Kurt Scheppmann; Nora Nashawaty; Clara Christenson, youth.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Aayan Shrestha, youth.
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STAFF PRESENT: Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director; Priya Wall, Recreation
Manager; and Jenny Potter, City Clerk.
PUBLIC PRESENT: None.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Commissioner Fulkerson moved, Commissioner Morgan
seconded to approve the agenda as presented. All voted in favor and the motion carried
unanimously with a vote of 8 to 0.
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS: None.
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS: None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
1. Approve Park & Recreation Minutes dated March 25, 2025
Commissioner Swanson moved, Commissioner Fulkerson seconded to approve the minutes
of the Park and Recreation Commission meeting dated March 25, 2025, as presented. All
voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 8 to 0.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
1. Review Park and Recreation Commission Bylaws
Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director, stated that they review the Park and Recreation
Commission Bylaws. He opened for discussions or questions.
Commission Morgan asked about the hearing procedure process. He asked if there were types of
hearings that would be at the Commission. Mr. Ruegemer answered that there would not be a lot
of public hearings, but there may be topics that were controversial. He said that there would be a
motion on the table that would be elevated to the City Council. He said that the Park and
Recreation Commission would help work through that decision-making process.
Commissioner Nashawaty asked how often subcommittees come about and the process for
creating them. Mr. Ruegemer responded that the process would be if there was a topic of
consideration, they would put it on a future agenda, and the Chair would form a subcommittee to
gather information and report back.
Commissioner Nashawaty asked if there were some examples. Mr. Ruegemer responded that a
previous 5K race, the park referendum task force, or the centennial celebration.
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Commissioner Morgan moved, Commissioner Fulkerson seconded to approve the Park and
Recreation Commission Bylaws. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously
with a vote of 8 to 0.
2. Recognize City Council Appointments to the Park and Recreation Commission
Chair Leisen welcomed the new commission members.
Commissioner Scheppmann stated his family enjoyed utilizing the outdoor spaces in
Chanhassen, and he wanted to give back to the community.
Commissioner Nagel said that they were fortunate to take advantage of community events, and
she had a vested interest in continuing to help make the community better to benefit her family.
Commissioner Nashawaty said there were opportunities to get residents involved with regular
programming. She said her goal was to engage parts of the community that had been left out.
REPORTS:
1. Easter Egg Candy Hunt Evaluation
Priya Wall, Recreation Manager, reviewed the Easter Egg Candy Hunt. She stated that over 1000
people attended the event, including children, parents, and guardians. She thanked the
businesses that helped sponsor the event. She voiced appreciation for the Fire Department and
High School Volunteers for their assistance with the event. She summarized the feedback from
the event, including the hope to recruit additional businesses to add to the event, and a zone for
children two to three.
Chair Theisen asked about any feedback from the businesses and if she thought they would be
back. Ms. Wall responded that she thought they would be back. They voiced appreciation for a
chance to connect with residents at the event. She mentioned many of the businesses were local.
They looked forward to the chance to have smaller financial contributions.
Youth Commissioner Christenson voiced a need to separate the Easter egg hunt for children
under four, since there was a lot of congestion.
Commissioner Scheppmann said that the timing of Easter, the proximity of spring break, and the
weather might impact the participation. He said the event was well done.
Commissioner Morgan asked about the structure reviews of corporate sponsorship and
admissions. Ms. Wall responded that the two large youth events were $6 to help cover the costs
of the net fees for the online pre-registration. She said they try to keep the event as low-cost as
possible. She said that Feb Fest has free admission, but you pay for the ice fishing contest.
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Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director, said that the fishing contest used to be broken
down by kids and adults, but now the cost is $10 a ticket. He said that they were trying to do a
combination of the revenue collected. He said they give a lot of prizes away at Feb Fest.
Ms. Wall said that they were trying to figure out the sponsorship program for other events. They
started a title sponsor option for larger events. She said that they do not want to price the
sponsors out of events. She stated that the Easter Egg Hunt had tiers to the sponsorships.
Mr. Ruegemer said that they were looking for sponsorship and naming rights for Chanhassen
Bluffs Community Center.
Commissioner Morgan asked if the sponsorships are renewed. Ms. Wall responded that they do
an annual sponsorship campaign in the fall. She said that half of the sponsors follow the timeline,
but the other half like to be reached out to a few months in advance.
COMMISSION MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS: None.
COMMISSION MEMBER PRESENTATIONS:
Commissioner Swanson discussed the Gnomadic Gnome Hunt.
ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATIONS: None.
ADJOURNMENT:
Commissioner Fulkerson moved, Commissioner Swanson seconded to adjourn the meeting.
All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 8 to 0. The Park and
Recreation Commission meeting was adjourned at 6:41 p.m.
Submitted by Jerry Ruegemer
Park and Recreation Director