PRC Minutes 11-26-24CHANHASSEN PARK AND
RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
NOVEMBER 26, 2024
Chair Peck called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Jim Peck, Chair; Rob Swanson; Scott Pharis; Kristin Fulkerson
(arrived at 6:10 p.m.); Michael Leisen; Sean Morgan; Aayan Shrestha, youth; and Clara
Christenson, youth.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Dan Eidsmo.
STAFF PRESENT: Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director; and Priya Wall, Recreation
Manager.
PUBLIC PRESENT: None.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Commissioner Pharis moved, Commissioner Swanson
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:
Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director, informed everyone that the Chanhassen Bluffs
Community Center referendum passed. He summarized the number of votes for the yes and the
number of votes for the no and discussed the next steps, including the design, architecture, and
construction manager.
Commissioner Fulkerson arrived at 6:10 p.m.
Chair Peck asked about the sale of the recreation center and where the funds would go. Mr.
Ruegemer answered that it would go towards the new community center. He did not know the
price the old recreation center would sell for.
Mr. Ruegemer said that the City would retain the outdoor components of the current recreation
center, including the sports fields. He commented that the school district might be interested in
the old recreation center property. He said construction would start in 2026, with a completion
date of 2027/28.
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS: None.
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APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
1. Approve Park & Recreation Minutes dated October 22, 2024
Commissioner Swanson moved, Commissioner Pharis seconded to approve the minutes of
the Park and Recreation Commission meeting dated October 22, 2024 as presented. All
voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 8 to 0.
GENERAL BUSINESS: None.
REPORTS:
1. Halloween Party Evaluation
Priya Wall, Recreation Manager, summarized the events at the Halloween Party. She said that
fifteen local businesses participated in the trick-or-treating. They hosted carnival games,
hayrides, and crafts. She stated that the comedy show received constructive feedback. They plan
to change the live entertainment for next year. She explained that they had a title sponsor,
Southlake Agency, who donated funds for the event costs and hosted a photo booth, which was a
nice addition. Southlake Agency plans to participate as a title sponsor next year. She summarized
the survey responses about the event. She commented that the participation decreased from 2023.
Chair Peck asked about the decreased participation. Ms. Wall responded that the weather was
nice, which could have been a potential. It could also have been due to conflict with other
activities or previous crowds at the event.
Chair Peck asked if they received survey feedback from first-time attendees. Ms. Wall answered
that she did not know, but they could add that as a question in the future.
Commissioner Leisen asked for more information about the businesses that help. Ms. Wall
responded that there are many attendees, so the businesses get personal interactions and can get
their names out there.
Commissioner Pharis asked about businesses that participated each year. Ms. Wall answered that
all the businesses from last year came back.
2. Tree Lighting Ceremony & Holiday Events Preview
Priya Wall, Recreation Manager, commented that Santa’s Mailbox and Santa’s Workshop would
be set up between where the family rink and the hockey rink would be near City Hall between
November 28th and December 23rd. She said that the Gingerbread Decorating House Contest
Participation would be displayed at the tree lighting ceremony and could receive small prizes.
She summarized the Holiday Boutique that would occur on December 7th. The annual tree
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lighting will occur on December 7th at 5 p.m., with live reindeer and a special visit from Santa
Claus. She thanked the event sponsors for the tree-lighting ceremony. She thanked the park
maintenance department for hanging the many strings of holiday lights. She commented that the
Tour of Lights program would run from December 7th to December 31st. There were seven
homes registered currently. She stated that there was less participation from homes each year, so
they will analyze the event to determine if it is something that should be retired.
Commissioner Pharis asked about the best time to show up for the tree lighting ceremony to
volunteer. Ms. Wall responded that they needed volunteers from 4:40 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. Since the
holiday lights are in a new location, many switches would need to be plugged in a synchronized
manner to create the magical tree lighting moment. Ms. Wall wrote down the names of the
commissioners who volunteered to help with the event.
Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director, stated that there was confusion about the event
happening, so he encouraged commissioners to spread the word about the event.
COMMISSION MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS: None.
COMMISSION MEMBER PRESENTATIONS:
Commissioner Fulkerson stated that the Environmental Commission was hosting a trivia night in
February. She thought it would be fun to create a Park and Recreation Commission team for the
event.
ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATIONS: None.
ADJOURNMENT:
Commissioner Fulkerson moved, Commissioner Morgan 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 6:37 p.m.
Submitted by Jerry Ruegemer
Park and Recreation Director