02-25-2025 PRC Agenda Packet
A.6:00 P.M. - CALL TO ORDER
B.ROLL CALL
C.APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Commissioners may postpone or remove items at this time. Commissioners may discuss adding
items to a future agenda during Commissioner Member Presentations.
D.PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
E.VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
Commission Procedures allow for presentations from the audience at this time. If a motion is
required, the item will be forwarded to the next available agenda to allow for publication and
review prior to consideration.
F.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
F.1 Meeting Minutes: January 28, 2025
G.GENERAL BUSINESS
G.1 Great River Greening Lake Ann Park Preserve Project Update
H.REPORTS
H.1 February Festival Evaluation
I.COMMISSION MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS
J.COMMISSION MEMBER PRESENTATIONS
K.ADMINISTRATIVE PACKET
AGENDA
CHANHASSEN PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2025
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 7700 MARKET BOULEVARD
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L.ADJOURNMENT
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Park & Recreation Commission Item
February 25, 2025
Item Meeting Minutes: January 28, 2025
Item No:F.1
Agenda Section APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Prepared By Kate Vogt, Admin Support Specialist
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve the Park & Recreation Commission meeting minutes dated January 28, 2025.
SUMMARY
BACKGROUND
DISCUSSION
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the Park & Recreation Commission meeting minutes dated January 28, 2025.
ATTACHMENTS
Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes: January 28, 2025
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CHANHASSEN PARK AND
RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
JANUARY 28, 2025
Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director, called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Dan Eidsmo; Rob Swanson; Kristin Fulkerson; Michael Leisen; Clara
Christenson, youth; Aayan Shrestha, youth.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Jim Peck, Chair; Sean Morgan; Scott Pharis.
STAFF PRESENT: Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director; and Priya Wall, Recreation
Manager.
PUBLIC PRESENT: None.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Commissioner Swanson moved, and Commissioner
Fulkerson seconded to approve the agenda as presented. All voted in favor and the motion
carried unanimously with a vote of 6 to 0.
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS: None.
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS: None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
1. Approve Park & Recreation Minutes dated December 10, 2024
Commissioner Fulkerson moved, Commissioner Leisen seconded to approve the minutes of
the Park and Recreation Commission meeting dated December 10, 2024, as presented. All
voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 6 to 0.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
1. Park and Recreation Commission Vacancy
Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director, stated that Commissioner Eidsmo’s term was up
in March. They had five people apply for the position. He thanked Commissioner Eidsmo for his
work on the Park and Recreation Commission.
2. Chanhassen Bluffs Community Center Update
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Park and Recreation Commission Minutes – January 28, 2025
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Mr. Ruegemer presented an overview of the schedule for the Chanhassen Bluffs Community
Center. He explained the process of hiring an architectural firm and a construction manager for
the project. He described the amenities included in the Chanhassen Bluffs Community Center.
He said the initial permitting would begin in the spring, but they had already identified the
utilities. He explained that staff would give input throughout the process and that the complete
construction documents would be 100 percent in November or December. He described that the
project would be out to bid in March 2026, with construction starting in May 2026. He said that
they were projecting the grand opening in November 2027 or early 2028.
Commissioner Eidsmo asked how the funding worked, including the sales tax and the property
tax. He asked if a special City fund was already collecting that money. Mr. Ruegemer responded
that the sales tax was not collected yet. He said that money allocated to pay for the Community
Center would be the sale of the previous Recreation Center, naming rights, property tax levy,
park dedication fees, and property taxes generated by the Avienda Development. He projected
that the fees would pay for the operation of the Community Center.
Commissioner Eidsmo asked if all aspects of the Community Center were fee-based. Mr.
Ruegemer responded that individuals could use the track for no cost. He described a punch-card
system they are considering and are considering other ideas.
Commissioner Leisen asked about opportunities for community input. Mr. Ruegemer answered
that the images and designs previously provided to the public were conceptual. The City is open
to ideas as long as the main pieces are included in the design. There would be opportunities for
public engagement.
Commissioner Leisen asked about Avienda’s schedule in contrast with the schedule for the
Community Center. Mr. Ruegemer answered that he hoped the Community Center would
provide a jumpstart and be part of the development progress.
Commissioner Swanson asked about how the architectural companies and construction
management companies were chosen. Mr. Ruegemer responded that the documentation was
public, so the interview process was open. He stated companies with more experience with these
types of projects are preferred.
Youth Commissioner Christenson asked about winter weather impacting construction. Mr.
Ruegemer responded that the Construction Manager determined the construction schedule in the
winter. He provided examples of different construction approaches to work through the winter.
REPORTS:
1. 2025 February Festival Preview
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Park and Recreation Commission Minutes – January 28, 2025
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Priya Wall, Recreation Manager, provided an overview of the February Festival. She explained
that this would be the second or third time the event has run in full in the last five years. She
summarized the Medallion Hunt, which started the week before the February Festival. She
explained the event activities on February 1st. She described new events this year, including
snow yoga and the youth ice fishing demonstrations. She thanked the Rotary Club of Chanhassen
and other volunteers for their support for the February Festival. She reviewed the $4000 door
prizes. She commented that they would give away merchandise from previous events. Ms. Wall
summarized the prizes for the ice fishing contest that were donated by area businesses. She
thanked the Lion’s Club of Chanhassen and local businesses for their help and sponsorship of the
event.
Commissioner Eidsmo asked if it was possible to get the flyer to send out to his homeowner’s
association. Ms. Wall responded that she could send him the PDF via email.
Commissioner Eidsmo expressed excitement about hosting the event.
Ms. Wall stated that they should have good weather for the event.
Commissioner Swanson asked if the weather had impacted the ice. Ms. Wall responded that
there was between 18.5 inches and 19 inches, so she did not think the event would be impacted.
Mr. Ruegemer said that he did not think they would lose ice, but they would lose snow. The ice
may be messy because of the snow melting. He expressed hope that the day would be partly
cloudy.
COMMISSION MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS: None.
COMMISSION MEMBER PRESENTATIONS: None.
ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATIONS: None.
ADJOURNMENT:
Commissioner Swanson moved, Commissioner Leisen seconded to adjourn the meeting.
All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 6 to 0. The Park and
Recreation Commission meeting was adjourned at 6:38 p.m.
Submitted by Jerry Ruegemer
Park and Recreation Director
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Park & Recreation Commission Item
February 25, 2025
Item Great River Greening Lake Ann Park Preserve Project Update
Item No:G.1
Agenda Section GENERAL BUSINESS
Prepared By Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director
SUGGESTED ACTION
Discussion
SUMMARY
BACKGROUND
Annually, Great River Greening - working with its partners - restores at least 6,000 acres of habitat on
public lands and engages 5,000 volunteers and community members in the implementation of these
restoration projects. They currently work throughout Minnesota but have deep programmatic roots in
the Twin Cities Metro, Anoka Sandplain, Canon River watershed, and Minnesota River watershed.
Their team of ecologists have broad experience and training, working on a range of sites, including
county and city parks, wildlife management areas, and scientific and natural areas. Partners have
included the US Fish & Wildlife Service, the Department of Natural Resources, and hundreds of city
and county landowners across Minnesota.
DISCUSSION
The Lake Ann Park Preserve has been isolated from public access for many years, which has allowed a
high-quality maple basswood forest to flourish in the central area of the property. Invasive species, such
as buckthorn, garlic mustard, reed canary grass, and narrow-leaved cattails are creeping into the site
along the edges of the property, but much of the area is high quality and represents historic vegetative
communities. The most prominent invasive species on the property is buckthorn, which is dense within
the forested fringes and adjacent private properties.
Great River Greening (GRG) will restore and enhance 100 acres of forest habitat. Projects include
invasive tree removal, tree stand thinning, onsite biochar processing, planting and seeding native grass
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and wildflowers, planting climate-resilient large stock and bare-root trees and shrubs, understory
management, herbicide application and spot-spraying, and prescribed burning. GRG will be
implementing the use of a mobile biochar system to process biomass, reduce offsite disposal, minimize
the environmental impacts of pile burning, and incorporate biochar onsite to promote healthier soil.
Below is a description of project details, grant timelines, and grant funding available for the Lake Ann
Park Preserve.
Metro Big Rivers Phase 13 - active July 2023 - June 2028
BIG132, Lake Ann Park Preserve Phase 1
40 acres of forest enhancement Project budget = $139,600 (including $112,800 in contracting,
$5,000 in supplies, and $21,800 in GRG staff time and travel)
Requested cash match from city = $20,000 (total over the duration of the grant for GRG
operational costs)
Metro Big Rivers Phase 14 - active July 2024 - June 2029
BIG141, Lake Ann Park Preserve Phase 2
60 acres of forest enhancement
Project budget = $210,700 (including $180,000 in contracting, $7,500 in supplies, and $23,200 in
GRG staff time and travel)
Requested cash match from City = $22,000 (total over the duration of the grant for GRG
operational costs)
Collectively, these grant budgets can be combined to work on the approximately 100 acres of woodland
and adjacent wetlands focusing on invasive buckthorn removal, follow-up control, and ash removal, in
the newer portion of the Lake Ann Park Preserve. Great River Greening staff will provide the oversight
and coordination for the design and implementation of the contracted natural resource management
work, with full approval from the city, as funded by the OHF grants described above. The broad
timeline for the project would be as follows:
Winter 2025
1st year buckthorn cut and stump treat. The material would be slash-cut flush with the ground to
decompose. Possible pile burning where the material is denser.
Winter 2025
Selective removal hazard trees (Emerald ash borer affected trees)
2025 through spring 2029
Multiple years of buckthorn follow-up control (summer brush cut w/fall herbicide treatment)
As needed BT grass understory seed mix
Garlic mustard treatment and mapping
RECOMMENDATION
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ATTACHMENTS
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Park & Recreation Commission Item
February 25, 2025
Item February Festival Evaluation
Item No:H.1
Agenda Section REPORTS
Prepared By Priya Wall, Recreation Manager
SUGGESTED ACTION
SUMMARY
The City of Chanhassen's 32nd annual February Festival was held on Saturday, February 1, 2025 from
Noon-3 p.m. on Lake Ann in Lake Ann Park. It is estimated that 1,000 people attended this year's event.
BACKGROUND
DISCUSSION
Ice Fishing Contest
A total of 573 ice fishing contest tickets were sold, 135 of which were pre-registrations and 438 of
which were day-of. A total of 121 fish were caught during the contest, so all top 50 fish prizes were
given away. The largest fish by weight went to Lukas Kehagias of Chanhassen, who caught a 2.062 lb.
Northern Pike, and won a Vexilar FL-20 Pro Pack II Fishing System donated by Automotive Unlimited
in Chanhassen. Over $6,500 in total fish prizes were given away as part of the contest with
contributions coming from 10 local businesses. Special thanks to the Rotary Club of Chanhassen for
drilling over 1,000 holes for the ice fishing contest.
Fishing Contest Marshals
Ten Chanhassen Lions Club members volunteered their time as ice fishing contest marshals again this
year. They helped at the event by checking fish participants as they entered the contest area, educating
participants of special regulations and contest rules, and weighing fish at the weigh station. Staff hope
to continue working with the Lions Club in future February Festivals as they do a fantastic job as
contest marshals and are a huge asset to the event.
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Food and Drink Concessions
The Rotary Club of Chanhassen coordinated and operated the concessions at this year's festival. The
Rotary sold a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as snacks, and Grill Star
Catering sold burgers, fries, cheese curds, and chicken tenders. We appreciate the service of the Rotary
Club of Chanhassen and Grill Star Catering and are looking forward to partnering with them at future
FebFests.
Door Prizes
Each person in attendance at the festival could register for one door prize ticket for a chance to win over
$4,000 in prizes. The door prize tickets are separate from the ice fishing contest tickets and were free to
all participants. Twelve local businesses contributed to the 2025 door prizes.
Bonfires
Two bonfires were placed on opposite ends of the festival area. Both were very popular throughout the
day, especially as it was fairly cold outside. It is recommended that we continue to have to fires to
ensure an area to warm up and roast marshmallows.
S'mores and Bait Sales
Chanhassen BSA Scout Troop #330 sold s'mores kits and live bait on the ice. Many people take
advantage of the bait sales on the ice and we appreciate the annual service of Troop #330. One thing to
consider for 2026 would be expanding the options of bait available.
Snowshoeing Demo Hikes and Kids' Bingo
The Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District (RPBCWD) returned to February Festival this year
and offered free snowshoeing demos, snowshoeing information, a kids' Bingo activity, and educational
information about the watershed district. Though snow was limited this year, the snowshoeing demo
hikes are always popular and it is recommended that we continue inviting the RPBCWD back to offer
this activity.
Skating Rink
Many event attendees utilized the skating rink for ice skating and kick sled demos, provided by Carver
County Parks. Kick sled demos are always a popular activity and were especially so in 2025.
Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides
The horse-drawn wagon rides provided by Klaers Family Farms continues to be extremely popular and
provides another activity not related to the fishing contest. It is a fun family event that should continue
in the future.
Snow-ga
8 people participated in snow yoga "Snow-ga," which was run by Chanhassen nonprofit Onelove.yoga
for the first time this year. It is recommended that this activity is offered again next year, then evaluated
on its growth and popularity.
Medallion Hunt
The FebFest medallion was found on Friday, January 31st by Erik Vieyra of Chanhassen. The
medallion was found at Rice Marsh Lake Park, underneath a log in the woods across from the ballfield.
Erik received a prize basket from Nicolet National Bank in Chanhassen valued at over $500. Nicolet
has been the title sponsor of the medallion hunt since 2020.
Comments for Next Year
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Tonka Cycle and Ski of Hopkins expressed interest in providing fat-tire bike demos, but was
unable this year due to staffing limitations. It is recommended to work with them next year to
provide this activity.
The youth ice fishing demos from the Future Anglers of Minnesota were cancelled. Staff were
notified Feb. 1 that FAM was not able to make the event. It is recommended that in future years a
back-up plan is set with FAM and/or another organization assists with the youth ice fishing
demos.
New this year, the top 50 fishing contest prize list was updated and displayed digitally every 10
minutes during the fishing contest. Participants enjoyed viewing live results during the contest,
and it is recommended that the digital display be utilized in future years.
It is recommended that new promotional strategies continue to be explored for this event after the
loss of the Chanhassen Villager and Chaska Herald local papers.
RECOMMENDATION
ATTACHMENTS
Expense Report 2025
Top 55 Fish 2025
Annual Ticket Sales & Temperatures
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REVENUE (Target: $6,500)AMOUNT
Ticket Sales $5,730.00
Total $5,730.00
EXPENDITURES
101-1611-4129 (Budget: $2,300)
Minnesota Trophies (Medallion) $42.40
Fishing Contest prizes $29.36
Medallion Hunt prizes $19.67
Total $91.43
101-1611-4130 (Budget: $200)
Volunteer coffee & donuts $170.00
Miscellaneous supplies $67.51
Total $237.51
101-1611-4340 (Budget: $1,300)
PeachJar Advertisements $325.00
Sponsored Meta Advertisements $50.00
Total $375.00
101-1611-4345 (Budget: $3,500)
Robert Bealke Industries (DJ)$1,200.00
Randal Klaers (Hayrides)$900.00
Onelove.yoga (Snow-ga)300
Digital Impact Solutions (Fishing Contest Tickets)$159.00
MNDNR (Fishing Contest Permit) $35.00
Total $2,594.00
101-1611-4402 (Budget: $2,000)
Ultimate Events (Tent & Tables)$1,775.00
Total $1,775.00
101-1611-4410 (Budget: $1,400)
Warning Lites (Cones)$406.00
Rent-N-Save (Portable Restrooms) (est.)$400.00
Waste Management (Garbage Carts)$212.86
Total $1,018.86
TOTAL REVENUE: $5,730.00 (Target: $6,500)
TOTAL EXPENSES: $6,091.80 (Budget: $10,700)
BALANCE: -$361.80 (Target balance: -$4,200)
*February Festival is the first of four events under the Community Event
Sponsorship Program. Thirty-seven businesses have pledged $38,420.36 in cash
and goods for 2025 to support these four events.
2025 February Festival
Expense Report
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k
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Year Lake Date Daily High Total Tickets Pre-registrations Day-of Notes
Inaugural Lake Susan February 19, 1994 49 °F No data No data No data
2nd Annual Lake Susan February 18, 1995 43 °F No data No data No data
3rd Annual Lake Ann February 17, 1996 25 °F No data No data No data
4th Annual Lake Ann February 15, 1997 19 °F No data No data No data
5th Annual Lake Ann February 14, 1998 35 °F 632 249 383
6th Annual Lake Ann February 6, 1999 28 °F 895 268 627
7th Annual Lake Ann February 5, 2000 30 °F 1094 325 769
8th Annual Lake Ann February 3, 2001 23 °F 918 277 641
9th Annual Lake Ann February 2, 2002 32 °F 744 205 539
10th Annual Lake Ann February 1, 2003 38 °F 998 267 731
11th Annual Lake Ann February 7, 2004 21 °F 1032 224 808
12th Annual Lake Ann February 5, 2005 53 °F 1061 213 848
13th Annual Lake Ann February 4, 2006 18 °F 1061 162 899
14th Annual Lake Ann February 3, 2007 -1 °F 821 316 505
15th Annual Lake Ann February 2, 2008 28 °F 1275 293 982
16th Annual Lake Ann February 7, 2009 35 °F 1224 424 800
17th Annual Lake Ann February 6, 2010 28 °F 594 136 458
18th Annual Lake Ann February 5, 2011 28 °F 709 139 570
19th Annual Lake Ann February 4, 2012 30 °F 602 114 488
20th Annual Lake Ann February 2, 2013 12 °F 509 72 437
21st Annual Lake Ann February 1, 2014 19 °F 518 73 445
22nd Annual Lake Ann February 7, 2015 36 °F No data No data No data
23rd Annual Lake Ann February 6, 2016 36 °F 635 97 538
24th Annual Lake Ann February 4, 2017 34 °F 779 127 652
25th Annual Lake Ann February 3, 2018 36 °F 662 112 550
26th Annual Lake Ann February 2, 2019 34 °F 664 113 551
27th Annual Lake Ann February 1, 2020 36 °F 780 291 489
28th Annual Virtual February 1-6, 2021 (-10) - 30 °F 284 223 61 *Virtual contest
29th Annual Lake Ann February 5, 2022 28 °F 688 276 412
30th Annual Lake Ann February 4, 2023 0 cancelled, unsafe ice
31st Annual Lake Ann February 3, 2024 0 cancelled, unsafe ice
32nd Annual Lake Ann February 1, 2025 28 °F 573 135 438
*event cancellation occurs when wind chill temps are -30 degrees at 10am on event day
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