PRC Minutes 03-26-24CHANHASSEN PARK AND
RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
MARCH 26, 2024
Vice Chair Markert called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Heather Markert, Vice Chair; Matt Kutz; Jim Peck; Scott Pharis; and
Youth Commissioner Nischay Pattanashetty.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Don Vasatka, Chair; Dan Eidsmo; and Rob Swanson.
STAFF PRESENT: Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director; Priya Tandon, Recreation
Manager; Mitchell Czech, Recreation Supervisor; Jodi Sarles, Rec Center Manager; and Mary
Blazanin, Senior Center Coordinator.
PUBLIC PRESENT: Judy Harder.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Commissioner Kutz moved, Commissioner Peck seconded to
approve the agenda as presented. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously
with a vote of 5 to 0.
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director, thanked Commissioner Markert and
Commissioner Kutz for their service on the Park and Recreation Commission.
Mitchell Czech, Recreation Supervisor, announced his resignation effective April 10, 2024.
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS: None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
1. Approve Park & Recreation Minutes dated February 28, 2024
Commissioner Pharis moved, Commissioner Kutz seconded to approve the minutes of the
Park and Recreation Commission meeting dated February 28, 2024 as presented. All voted
in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
1. Receive 2023 Park and Recreation Department Annual Report
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Priya Tandon, Recreation Manager, provided a summary of the 2023 Park and Recreation
accomplishments and information. She noted the programs, facilities, and services to the
Chanhassen community.
Vice Chair Markert congratulated Ms. Tandon on the establishment of 144 partnerships and
sponsorships.
Commissioner Peck moved, Commissioner Pharis seconded to recommend the City
Council approve the 2023 Park and Recreation Department Annual Report. All voted in
favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0.
REPORTS:
1. 2023-2024 Ice Rink Season Evaluation
Mitchell Czech presented an overview of the ice rink season from January 17 to January 25. He
thanked the maintenance crew for their hard work to open the rinks. He presented charts to
highlight expenses associated with the ice rink season, including rink attendant salaries,
maintenance, and warming houses.
Vice Chair Markert thanked the maintenance and recreation crew for their hard work.
2. Recreation Center Quarterly Update
Jodi Sarles, Rec Center Manager, presented information about the facility updates to the
Chanhassen Recreation Center taking place in June 2024. She highlighted the program updates
and discussed the upcoming recreation center events.
Vice Chair Markert stated that the garden tool swap seemed like a great idea. She complimented
the youth basketball coaches on their engagement.
3. Park Maintenance Quarterly Update
Jerry Ruegemer presented information regarding completed park maintenance throughout the
mild winter. He reviewed the success with tree landscaping and an overview with the stormwater
irrigation process.
4. Senior Center Quarterly Report
Mary Blazanin, Senior Center Coordinator, presented an overview of the programming that will
take place at the Recreation Center during the Civic Campus construction. She highlighted the
successful programming and events with increased attendance due to the warm weather.
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5. Easter Egg Candy Hunt Preview
Priya Tandon presented a preview of the Easter Egg Candy Hunt and other Easter events. The
Easter Egg Candy Hunt location may switch to the parking lot west of City Hall because of the
weather. During the Easter Egg Hunt, there is an opportunity to take a photograph with the
Easter bunny and for residents to name the new speed trailer. She invited Commissioners to
volunteer for the event, if available.
Vice Chair Markert also encouraged Commissioners to volunteer for the event if they are
available.
COMMISSION MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS: None.
COMMISSION MEMBER PRESENTATIONS:
Commissioner Kutz thanked the Park and Recreation Commission for the opportunity to serve.
ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATIONS: None.
ADJOURNMENT:
Commissioner Kutz moved, Commissioner Pharis seconded to adjourn the meeting. All
voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0. The Park and
Recreation Commission meeting was adjourned at 6:47 p.m.
Submitted by Jerry Ruegemer
Park and Recreation Director