SUM 2003 09 23CHANHASSEN PARK AND
RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 23, 2003
Chairman Franks called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Rod Franks, Glenn Stolar, Amy O'Shea, Susan Robinson, Jack
Spizale, Tom Kelly and Paula Atkins
STAFF PRESENT: Todd Hoffman, Park and Rec Director; Jerry Ruegemer, Recreation
Superintendent; Corey Hoen, Recreation Supervisor; Susan Marek, Recreation Center Manager;
and Dale Gregory, Park Superintendent.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Chairman Franks accepted the agenda as presented.
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS: None.
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS: None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Robinson moved, Spizale seconded to approve the Minutes of the
Park and Recreation Commission dated August 26, 2003 as presented.
MRPA PARK COMMISSIONERS WORKSHOP.
Todd Hoffman informed the commission that executive director, John Gurban is setting up a
workshop specifically for commissioners to offer some insight into park planning and other
related issues on October 14th.
2004 PARK AND TRAIL ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT~ CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP).
Todd Hoffman provided the staff report on this item, highlighting the replacement of the wood
playground structures. He outlined the top ten worst playground equipments which total
$595,000 in capital replacement and recommended to request that the City Council look at
replacement over a 3 year time schedule, with a recommended funding source of capital
equipment bonds. Year one, Lake Ann, Meadow Green and Lake Susan totaling $270,000. Year
two, replacing North Lotus, Curry Farms Park and Chart Hills totaling $175,000. Year three,
doing some of the smaller parks, Minnewashla Heights, Rice Marsh Park, Carver Beach
Playground and Bandimere Heights Park totaling $150,000. Commissioner Robinson asked for
other priorities recommended by staff. Trail improvements always rank second and the one on
Highway 41 was an improvement that the commission was interested in at the last meeting. Also
the trail connection up on the north side of 101 to Minnetonka. Commissioner OtShea asked for
clarification on the funding sources and staff ranking of the playground equipment. She also
asked if the commission needs to re-think what these parks should look like before spending half
a million dollars worth of equipment. Commissioner Stolar asked besides playground equipment,
what other items will need replacement in the future. Chairman Franks asked for clarification on
how the bonding process works. After commissioner comments, the following motions were
made.
Park and Rec Summary - September 23, 2003
Stolar moved, O'Shea seconded that the Park and Recreation Commission recommends
approval of the staff recommendation in the memo dated September 23, 2003 to have a 3
year program for playground replacement as listed with one added statement that the
schedule will be reviewed annually. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously
with a vote of 7 to 0.
Stolar moved, Robinson seconded to reconsider the recommendations from the Park and
Recreation Commission meeting of August 26th regarding the capital improvement
recommendations for 2004. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a
vote of 7 to 0.
Chairman Franks opened up discussion on proposed capital spending for 2004. Commissioner
Kelly stated he was strongly in favor of additional playground equipment at Bandimere Park.
Commissioner O'Shea stated she would like to see the trail connector on Highway 41 considered
as well. Chairman Franks asked if the commission should hold off on this recommendation until
the commission has a chance to look at the 5 year CIP. There was discussion around the funding
source for these two projects, whether it should be out of Fund 410 or alternative source.
Kelly moved, O'Shea seconded that the Park and Recreation Commission recommend that
the City Council consider funding Phase II playground equipment for Bandimere Park and
the trail connector on Highway 41 in 2004. If money is not available out Fund 410, that an
additional funding source be considered. All voted in favor and the motion carried
unanimously with a vote of 7 to 0.
RECREATION PROGRAM REPORTS:
DAVE HUFFMAN 5K MEMORIAL RUN.
Jerry Ruegemer provided an update on this item and thanked commissioners and staff for their
help in the event. Chairman Franks suggested using the new plaza by the library for this event
next year.
2003 LAKE ANN PARK CONCESSION OPERATIONS.
Jerry Ruegemer presented the report for the 2003 season. The commission suggested adding
kayak to the boat rental, and asked if there was a location for Frisbee golf. Chairman Franks
suggested raising the price of the meal deal to $3.50 for next season.
2003 HALLOWEEN PARTY.
Corey Hoen provided information on the annual Halloween party and asked for volunteer help.
RECREATION CENTER REPORT.
Susan Marek provided the report on the Recreation Center. Chairman Franks suggested holding a
future Park and Recreation Commission meeting at the Rec Center in order to meet the staff and
see the facilities.
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Park and Rec Summary - September 23, 2003
PARK & TRAIL MAINTENANCE REPORT.
Dale Gregory provided the report on park and trail maintenance, on what work was done over the
summer, and what is planned for this fall. The park maintenance department is getting involved
with the pavement management plan for trails and inputting the information into a computer
database, as well as a tree inventory program.
ADMINISTRATIVE:
HIGHWAY 5 TRAIL UNDERPASS MAINTENANCE.
Todd Hoffman reported that the city has installed signage warning people of the slippery
condition of the Highway 5 underpasses but informed the commission the trail is still under the
jurisdiction of MnDot so it limits what improvements can be made on the trail by the city.
TEST WELL FOR WELL g9.
Todd Hoffman stated this was a FYI item from the City Engineer/Public Works Director.
COMMISSION MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS. None.
COMMISSION MEMBER PRESENTATIONS.
Commissioner Stolar provided an update on the City Council meeting he attended on September
8th. Commissioner O'Shea asked the commission if they were interested in studying the issue of
an aquatic center/field house/community center. Todd Hoffman stated he will be bringing the
item to a City Council work session, as part of their strategic plan, and will be interested to find
out the results from the school district referendum. Chairman Franks asked if there'd be any
interest in forming a committee to research this item.
ADMINISTRATIVE PACKET.
Chairman Franks commented on the letter written by the Boy Scouts for their citizenship merit
badge. He also commented about District 112 looking at sites in Chanhassen for a middle/high
school site and asked if Kate Aanenson could come to the Park and Recreation Commission to
talk about the AUAR study, Commissioner Kelly asked if there had been any negative effects
from raising the fees for the picnic shelters. Commissioner Robinson asked about the request for
more horseshoe pits.
Kelly moved, O'Shea seconded to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor and the motion
carried. The Park and Recreation Commission meeting was adjourned.
Submitted by Todd Hoffman
Park and Rec Director
Prepared by Nann Opheim