Loading...
PRC Minutes 05-28-24CHANHASSEN PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MAY 28, 2024 Chair Peck called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Jim Peck, Chair; Dan Eidsmo; Rob Swanson; Scott Pharis; Kristin Fulkerson; Michael Leisen; Sean Morgan; Nischay Pattanashetty, youth. MEMBERS ABSENT: None. STAFF PRESENT: Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director; Priya Tandon, Recreation Manager; Laurie Hokkanen, City Manager. PUBLIC PRESENT: None. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Commissioner Morgan moved, Commissioner Fulkerson 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: Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director, provided a summary of the Memorial Day Ceremony. He invited the commissioners to attend the Civic Campus Groundbreaking ceremony on May 30. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS: None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 1. Approve Park & Recreation Minutes dated April 23, 2024 Commissioner Fulkerson noted that the April 23, 2024, meeting was called to order by Chair Peck. Commissioner Fulkerson moved, Commissioner Pharis seconded to approve the minutes of the Park and Recreation Commission meeting dated April 23, 2024, as amended. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 8 to 0. GENERAL BUSINESS: Park and Recreation Commission Minutes – May 28, 2024 2 1. Chanhassen Bluffs Community Center Update Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director, provided background information about the Chanhassen Bluffs Community Center. Laurie Hokkanen, City Manager, presented images of the Chanhassen Bluffs Community Center and explained the different usages for the areas of the Community Center. Commissioner Pharis asked if the images showed a video board. Ms. Hokkanen confirmed that there was a video board as an example, but it might not be a part of the budget. She stated the basketball courts would be multi-sport. There is a high demand for basketball and pickleball. She showed images to show how the facility could be utilized for graduations. She noted that the facility could be used for events. She commented that the local option sales tax would be on the ballot in the next election which would help fund this facility. She stated that individuals could help provide information about this project to the public. Chair Peck asked for the size of the restaurant. Mrs. Hokkanen answered that the capacity for the restaurant was 160 people, including seating inside, at the bar, and outside. Chair Peck suggested installing outdoor heaters at the restaurant. He asked if there was enough land for a cricket field. Mrs. Hokkanen responded that there was not enough space for a cricket field. Commissioner Fulkerson asked whether the question on the ballot would be for the state levy tax or also include the property tax increase. Mrs. Hokkanen answered that the question would be the local option sales tax. The question would explain how the building of the facility would be funded. Commissioner Swanson asked if the sales tax failed, would there be a backup option. Mrs. Hokkanen responded that if the sales tax failed, the project would die. Commissioner Eidsmo asked if there was any success with funding from the legislature. Ms. Hokkanen confirmed that the funding request from state dollars was not approved. There is time to request bonding next year as well. There would need to be a construction sales tax exemption next year. Park and Recreation Commission Minutes – May 28, 2024 3 Commissioner Pharis asked about the timing of the project. Mrs. Hokkanen stated that if the referendum is successful in November, there would be ten to twelve months of design work. The ambitious opening would be in Spring 2027. The realistic opening would be the end of 2027. Commissioner Pharis asked how this would fit with the rest of the Avenda project. Mrs. Hokkanen stated that there are no additional tenants or projects with the Avenda project other than the townhomes. She hoped that other potential retail options would be ahead of this project. Chair Peck asked if they were looking for restaurant people for this project. Mrs. Hokkanen commented that they would need to consider the RFQ. They would like to meet with individuals in the restaurant business, which provides positive feedback. Commissioner Leisen asked if the existing recreation center was assumed in this project. Mrs. Hokkanen explained they would need to assume they would close the existing rec center to address the financing gap. Commissioner Morgan asked if the recreation center would be 100 percent city-owned. Mrs. Hokkanen stated this project was at one time considered to be a private-public partnership, but instead, this facility would be owned and operated by the city. Chair Peck asked if they would rent out hockey facilities. Mrs. Hokkanen confirmed this information and that a facility like this could break even. They could not recover the investment in the facility, and they will not be able to save the need for complete deferred maintenance. Commissioner Fulkerson asked if there would be an opportunity to get developmental figure skating ice. Mrs. Hokkanen confirmed that both hockey and figure skating ice were discussed. 2. North Lotus Lake Park Storm Water Project – Riley Purgatory Creek Bluff Creek Watershed District Terry Jeffery, District Administrator with the Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District, provided an overview of the watershed districts and ongoing projects. He presented a PowerPoint Park and Recreation Commission Minutes – May 28, 2024 4 to explain the water quality standards at Lotus Lake. He explained the project plans to help alleviate the flooding while maintaining the amenities of the park. He reviewed a map of North Lotus Lake Park and explained different usages and access. Commissioner Eidsmo asked if the water to the west is tied to North Lotus Lake. Mr. Jeffery stated that there are two ponds south of the road. They considered how to improve the hydraulics in these ponds. These ponds are not currently tied to North Lotus Lake. Commissioner Eidsmo commented that the ponds used to be high water but it is now inundated with vegetation. Mr. Jeffery responded that stormwater ponds are expensive to maintain. Commissioner Leisen asked if there was a way to bring a view of the lake into the park. Mr. Jeffery confirmed that this could be possible. Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director, stated that a boat landing was previously proposed at this lake. Cat tails make up a portion of the vegetative cover. Mr. Jeffery commented that the district would like to work on vegetation management. Commissioner Morgan asked how these projects were funded and if the dynamics were impacted by whether the amenity was aesthetically pleasing. Mr. Jeffery explained how the district covers the costs of parts of the project, while the city covers the costs associated with regular maintenance. Mr. Ruegemer provided an overview of the relationship with Mr. Jeffery throughout different projects. REPORTS: 1. 2024 Summer Program Preview Priya Tandon, Recreation Manager, provided an overview of the 2024 summer programming. These programs include track, t-ball, dance camps, and additional options. She commented that the Minnesota Twins are coming for the youth baseball clinic at the high school. The Kids Night Out program is a new option this year. She summarized the teen volunteer program and training. She explained additional programming for teens and adults throughout the summer. Chair Peck asked how many booths there were at the farmer’s market. Park and Recreation Commission Minutes – May 28, 2024 5 Ms. Tandon responded that there are approximately twenty to twenty-five regular booths. Chair Peck asked if individuals were charged for the spot. He asked if the funds would go to the city. Ms. Tandon answered that the funds help with the operational costs of the farmer’s market. Youth Commissioner Pattanashetty asked if the teen volunteers still ran the t-ball camps. Ms. Tandon confirmed this information and that the teen volunteers appreciate the experience. 2. 2024 Lake Ann Park Summer Programs Priya Tandon, Recreation Manager, reviewed the schedule for the concession stand and watercraft rentals. She stated that the summer concert series would move due to construction and summarized the schedule for the summer. She commented that food trucks and Chanhassen Brewing Company would sell treats and beverages. She reviewed the position of the concession stand manager. She stated that the picnic shelters are already reserved for the three parks. She said that there would not be lifeguards on duty at Lake Ann due to the loss of the contracted lifeguard services. She provided a background on the recommendations for lifeguard services at Lake Ann Park. Commissioner Eidsmo asked if the city received feedback on the removal of lifeguards at Lake Ann. Ms. Tandon responded that there was no initial feedback, but there has been feedback on social media with negative responses. Mr. Ruegemer stated that if parents are keeping an eye on their young children, there will be continued safety at Lake Ann Park. Commissioner Morgan commented that the promotion for the Lake Ann Summer Series was great. Youth Commissioner Pattanashetty asked if the summer concert series would be held in the pavilion since there is reduced seating. Ms. Tandon explained where the band and the seating would be located for the concert series. She stated that parking on Thursday evening may be difficult, but they would communicate parking options. Mr. Ruegemer showed a map to explain the dynamics of the summer concert series. Park and Recreation Commission Minutes – May 28, 2024 6 COMMISSION MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS: None. COMMISSION MEMBER PRESENTATIONS: None. ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATIONS: None. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Pharis moved, Commissioner Fulkerson 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 7:25 p.m. Submitted by Jerry Ruegemer Park and Recreation Director