PRC SUM 2011 12 13
CHANHASSEN PARK AND
RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES
DECEMBER 13, 2011
Chairman Daniel called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Jeff Daniel, Steve Scharfenberg, Tom Kelly, Cole Kelly, Elise Ryan, Peter
Aldritt, and Brent Caron
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Hoffman, Park and Rec Director; Jerry Ruegemer, Recreation Superintendent;
Mitch Johnson, Recreation Supervisor; Dale Gregory, Park Superintendent; Jodi Sarles, Recreation
Center Manager; and Susan Bill, Senior Center Coordinator
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Matt Chambers 7043 Highover Drive
Jill Zafke 7030 Highover Drive
John Stutzman 6901 Yuma Drive
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:Cole Kelly moved, Carron seconded to approve the agenda as
published. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 7 to 0.
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Jerry Ruegemer introduced Mitch Johnson, the new Recreation
Supervisor.
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS:
John Stutzman thanked commission members for their help over his
last 4 1/2 years with the City.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:Carron moved, Cole Kelly seconded to approve the verbatim and
summary minutes of the Park and Recreation Commission meeting dated November 22, 2011 with
the change noted on page 5 of the verbatim minutes. All voted in favor and the motion carried
unanimously with a vote of 7 to 0.
REVIEW PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS, HIGHWAY 41 TRAIL EXTENSION AND
STAIRWAY CONNECTOR.
Todd Hoffman provided background information before introducing Mike McGarvey with SRF who
reviewed the details of the project. Commissioner Scharfenberg asked about flashing lights at the Chaska
Road crosswalk. Commissioner Ryan expressed serious concerns with the crossing at Chaska Road and
asked if the intersection at Lake Lucy Road was considered for a crosswalk. Commissioner Aldritt asked
about neighborhood notification. Commissioner Carron asked about funding sources for future upgrades
at Chaska Road, maintenance and shoveling of the staircase and outlot, and the restoration plan.
Commissioner Cole Kelly asked about feedback from the middle school administration regarding the
crosswalk at Chaska Road. Chair Daniel asked for some sort of pedestrian protection at the median before
opening up the meeting for public comment. Matt Chambers asked why a staircase was chosen over a flat
trail surface. Jill Zafke, the adjacent property owner, asked about maintenance of outlot. After
discussion and comments from commission members, the following motions were made.
Cole Kelly moved, Ryan seconded that the Park and Recreation Commission recommend the City
Council approve the plans and specifications for the Trunk Highway 41 trail extension and island
and strongly suggested that the City look for more safety options to help with the pedestrian
crossing. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 7 to 0.
Cole Kelly moved, Scharfenberg seconded that the Park and Recreation Commission recommend
the City Council approve the staircase from Highover to the Trunk Highway 41 trail system. All
voted in favor, except for Carron and Ryan who opposed, and the motion carried with a vote of 5 to
2.
RECREATION PROGRAM REPORTS.
NOVEMBER 2011 CHANJAM EVALUATION AND TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
EVALUATION.
Jerry Ruegemer asked for questions on the evaluations for the two events. Chair Daniel asked about
ChanJam attendance at the new high school venue.
RECREATION CENTER REPORT.
Jodi Sarles asked for questions on the Rec Center update.
SENIOR CENTER REPORT.
Sue Bill asked for questions after providing updates on the parking lot
reconstruction, recent trip to Mystic Lake showroom and the holiday party.
PARK AND TRAIL MAINTENANCE REPORT.
Dale Gregory asked for questions after providing
an update on flooding of the ice skating rinks. Chair Daniel asked about maintaining the Trunk Highway
41 crosswalk and stairs that were discussed earlier.
COMMISSION MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS.
None.
COMMISSION MEMBER PRESENTATIONS.
None.
ADMINISTRATIVE PACKET.
Todd Hoffman provided an update on the City of Shorewood’s trail
plan with connections to Powers Boulevard, Galpin Boulevard and Highway 7. Commissioner
Scharfenberg commented on Eden Prairie’s trail plans.
Carron moved, Aldritt seconded to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor and the motion carried
unanimously with a vote of 7 to 0. The Park and Recreation Commission meeting was adjourned at
8:00 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Hoffman
Park and Rec Director
Prepared by Nann Opheim