11-22-2022 PRC MinutesCHANHASSEN PARK AND
RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
NOVEMBER 22, 2022
Chairman Tsuchiya called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Karl Tsuchiya, Dan Eidsmo, Jim Peck, Don Vasatka, Matt Kutz, Scott
Fischer, Youth Commissioner Alex Jerdee.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Heather Markert.
STAFF PRESENT: Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director; Priya Tandon, Recreation
Manager.
PUBLIC PRESENT: None.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Commissioner Peck moved, Commissioner Kutz 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: None.
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS: None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
APPROVE PARK & RECREATION MINUTES DATED OCTOBER 25, 2022
Commissioner Kutz moved, Commissioner Peck seconded to approve the Minutes of the
Park and Recreation Commission Meeting dated October 25, 2022 as presented. All voted
in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 7 to 0.
GENERAL BUSINESS: None.
REPORTS:
1. Halloween Party Evaluation
Recreation Manager Tandon gave an overview, noting the 38th Annual Halloween Party was
held on Saturday, October 29th at the Chanhassen Recreation Center. A total of 462 children
Park and Recreation Commission Minutes – November 22, 2022
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aged 2-12, approximately 480 children under age 1, and their family members attended. This was
the most registrants the City has had attend.
Registrants and their families enjoyed trick-or-treating, carnival games, snacks, crafts, a spooky
room, hayrides, and a magic show. Ms. Tandon spoke about the many volunteers, including:
Chanhassen Students Today, Leaders Forever Club, and the Chanhassen, Chaska, and Eden
Prairie Key Clubs, as well as community event sponsors. She shared general comments and
recommendations, including:
This year's Halloween Party had the highest participation to date, with 462 participants.
With their families, it totaled approximately 900 people.
Continue to provide allergen-friendly refreshments for participants with dietary
restrictions to feel included.
Special thanks to The Mustard Seed Landscaping & Garden Center, Chick-fil-A
Chanhassen, Culver's Chanhassen, Kiddywampus, Old National Bank, Code Ninjas,
Children of Tomorrow Learning Center, and Traci Preciado, Keller Williams Realty Elite
for helping with trick-or-treating.
Research feasibility of a "sensory room" or a "quiet zone" as part of the event. These
rooms are available to participants with diverse sensory needs (i.e. autism) to provide a
space to regulate emotions in a high-stimulus environment. These facilities are gaining
popularity in both permanent facilities and special events throughout the Twin Cities.
2. Tree Lighting Ceremony & Holiday Events Preview
Ms. Tandon stated each year the City of Chanhassen hosts a variety of holiday events throughout
the season, including the Holiday Boutique on December 3, 2022 and the Tree Lighting
Ceremony on December 3, 2022. The tree lighting will include refreshments, bonfires, s'mores,
gingerbread house displays, live reindeer, a Toys for Tots donation station, and a visit from Santa
Claus. The event is free and open to all ages. Ms. Tandon shared about the Chanhassen Tour of
Lights from December 3-31, 2022, the Gingerbread House Decorating Contest from November
29-December 1, 2022, and the Letters to Santa mailbox. She noted the Senior Center is also
putting on a 55+ Holiday Party on December 8 with food and a speaker.
Commissioner Vasatka suggested at the Tree Lighting Event, to have the reindeer in two
different locations to cut down on the time families wait in lines for photos.
COMMISSION MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS: None.
COMMISSION MEMBER PRESENTATIONS: None.
ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATIONS:
Mr. Ruegemer shared the next meeting on December 13 will include a holiday social time after
the meeting is adjourned.
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ADJOURNMENT:
Commissioner Kutz moved, Commissioner Eidsmo 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 7:16 p.m.
Submitted by Jerry Ruegemer
Park and Recreation Director
Prepared by Amy Weidman
Administrative Support Specialist