12-13-2022 PRC MinutesCHANHASSEN PARK AND
RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
DECEMBER 13, 2022
Chairman Tsuchiya called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Karl Tsuchiya, Jim Peck, Don Vasatka, Scott Fischer, Dan Eidsmo,
Matt Kutz, Heather Markert, Youth Commissioner Alex Jerdee.
MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director; Priya Tandon, Recreation
Manager; Adam Beers, Park Superintendent; Mitchell Czech, Recreation Supervisor; Mary
Blazanin, Senior Center Coordinator.
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 8 to 0.
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS: None.
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS: None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
APPROVE PARK & RECREATION MINUTES DATED NOVEMBER 22, 2022
Commissioner Peck moved, Commissioner Fischer seconded to approve the Minutes of the
Park and Recreation Commission Meeting dated November 22, 2022 as presented. All
voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 8 to 0.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
1. 2022 YEAR IN REVIEW PRESENTATION
Recreation Manager Tandon gave a slideshow presentation highlighting the Park Department
programs and events from throughout 2022. New opportunities in 2022 included Youth Ice
Fishing Camps and Team Ski and Snowboard Camps, Bunny Yoga, the Senior Center 30th
Park and Recreation Commission Minutes – December 13, 2022
2
Anniversary, Summer Concert Series Kick Off Day, Community Day at the Rec Center, and the
55+ Senior Expo.
2. 2023 PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION VACANCIES
Park and Recreation Director Ruegemer shared that Commissioners Fischer, Peck, and Chair
Tsuchiya’s terms will be up on March 1, 2023 and applications will be ready on January 12,
2023.
REPORTS:
1. TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY REVIEW
Recreation Manager Tandon stated the 2022 Tree Lighting Ceremony was held on Saturday,
December 3 from 5-6pm. Councilmember Haley Schubert and family flipped the ceremonial
switch illuminating City Center Park. Despite low temperatures there was a strong turnout with
around 500 people in attendance. The event had refreshments, s’mores, bonfires, carolers, live
reindeer, and a visit from Santa. Ms. Tandon thanked Buy Chanhassen, SouthWest Metro
Chamber of Commerce, The Mustard Seed Landscape and Garden Center, Living Christ
Lutheran Church, and SouthWest Transit. She thanked the Park Department for putting up all the
lights which looked great. She noted that 19 homes were registered for the Tour of Lights
program throughout Chanhassen.
2. RECREATION CENTER QUARTERLY UPDATE
Mr. Ruegemer updated the Commission that the City entered into a new contract for wall
replacement with W.L. Wall. He shared about Rec Center events including the Artisan Fair,
Holiday Boutique, Dance for Fun, Go Gymnastics, Paint your Pet (personalized cat and dog
paintings), and sports including Small Fry Sports and Lil’ Star Sports, as well as Pickleball. Mr.
Ruegemer noted upcoming events include Fit for Life Free Trial Class on January 17, and the
Royal Ball on January 27.
3. SENIOR CENTER QUARTERLY REPORT
Mary Blazanin, Senior Center Coordinator, gave an update noting they are wrapping up many
fun holiday gatherings and parties right now. Quarterly events included Life Long Learning
speakers and classes with 150 participants, Health and Wellness Services with 162 monthly
attendees, as well as Weekly Groups and Clubs with 157 weekly attendees. She shared about the
Senior Expo, Octoberfest Luncheon, Veterans Day Pancake Breakfast, Holiday lunch and
celebration, and Noon Years Potluck Lunch. Day trips included Paramount Theater in St. Cloud,
Ames Center in Burnsville, and A Christmas Carol at the Guthrie. She shared about donations
and fees to help offset cost of the events and programs.
Park and Recreation Commission Minutes – December 13, 2022
3
4. PARK MAINTENANCE QUARTERLY UPDATE
Adam Beers, Park Superintendent, gave an update stating the Roundhouse Park playground will
be installed in the spring of 2023, the North Lotus hockey rink is ready, and they have been
working on facility shutdown and winterizing the buildings. He noted the winter season is when
the department work on trees along the trails, and skating rinks are being prepared. Temps
should fall the following week and flooding will occur 24 hours a day to stabilize the ice and get
the rinks ready for use.
COMMISSION MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS: None.
COMMISSION MEMBER PRESENTATIONS: None.
ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATIONS:
Mr. Ruegemer updated the Commission on the previous night’s City Council meeting, noting
they adopted the 2023 budget with a 6.3% levy. The increased levy will cover additional trail
maintenance dollars of $138,000. He noted they will get two of the three playgrounds the
Commission proposed and depending on any surplus the City may be able to do the third
playground at Carver Beach. They will do South Lotus and Sugar Bush in 2023.
ADJOURNMENT:
Commissioner Markert moved, Commissioner Kutz 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 7:12 p.m.
Submitted by Jerry Ruegemer
Park and Recreation Director
Prepared by Amy Weidman
Administrative Support Specialist