SUM 2003 12 16PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING SUMMARY MINUTES
CHANHASSEN RECREATION CENTER
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2003, 6:30 P.M.
Chairman Franks called the meeting to order at 6:50 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Rod Franks, Jack Spizale, Glenn Stolar, Amy O' Shea, Paula
Atkins, Tom Kelly
MEMBERS ABSENT: Susan Robinson
PUBLIC PRESENT: Brad Bloomquist, Chanhassen Snowmobile Club Member
STAFF PRESENT: Todd Hoffman, Park and Recreation Director; Susan Marek,
Recreation Center Manager; Kara Wickenhauser, Senior Center Coordinator; Dale
Gregory, Park Superintendent; Jerry Ruegemer, Recreation Superintendent; Corey
Hoen, Recreation Supervisor.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: The agenda was approved as presented.
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS: None
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS: Mr. Brad Bloomquist, representing the Chanhassen
Snowmobile Club gave the Commission an overview of the Club's operations in
Chanhassen, their affiliation with the Southwest Trail Association and handed out
2003/04 Southwest Snowmobile Trail Maps. The curfew on the southwest trail system is
from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. Five clubs from Chanhassen, Chaska, West Tonka, Carver
County and Shorewood make up the Southwest Trail Association. Commissioner Franks
encouraged the Club to continue education efforts to keep snowmobiles off the city's
paved trail system. Commissioner Franks also commented that he supports keeping
snowmobiling in Chanhassen as long as the trail connections can be maintained. He
commented that snowmobiling is the kind of outdoor recreation that many people moved
to this area to enjoy. Commissioner Spizale commented on how well behaved the riders
are.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Spizale moved and O' Shea seconded to approve the Park
and Recreation Commission minutes dated November 25, 2003 as presented. All voted
in favor.
NEW BUSINESS - None
OLD BUSINESS - None
REPORTS
2003 TREE LIGHTING PROGRAM: Recreation Supervisor Hoen gave a staff report.
He commented on how well the event went this year and recommended the event be kept
short and simple. Commissioner Franks encouraged staff to consider expanding or
altering the event only if it was felt that the changes would improve the event.
RECREATION CENTER: Recreation Manager Marek gave a brief staff report
concerning the operations at the Recreation Center. The December punch card sale is
going well. Staffing schedules will be reduced by approximately 15 hours per week to
meet budget cuts. Closing on Sundays during the summer months is also being
considered. Ms. Marek will return to a regular schedule in January upon completing a
family leave in which she worked part time. Yoga, Pilates, Tae Kwon Do, and Dance
continue to be popular. Aerobics classes are declining.
SENIOR CENTER: Senior Coordinator Wickenhauser gave a report on the activities in
the Senior Center. Participation numbers at the Center are at an all time high. Recorded
monthly visitors during the months from June to December 2003 averaged 650 people.
Current activities include daily trips, extended trips, monthly programs, new programs
and special programs. Commissioner Franks commented that it was nice to have Ms.
Wickenhauser back from her leave.
PARK AND TRAIL MAINTENANCE: Park Superintendent Gregory gave a report on
the activities of the park maintenance division. The weather is not cooperating with the
rink flooding schedule. Some water is being put down but progress is slow with
temperatures in the 20's and 30's. Trail work was completed over the summer at Lake
Ann Park and Curry Farms Park. Drainage improvements and the reorientation of the
ball field and back stop were also completed.
ADMINISTRATIVE: Chairman Rod Franks is resigning from the commission after
nearly 7 years of service. Mr. Franks has assumed his role as an elected School Board
Member in District 112. Rod thanked his fellow commissioners and staff for a great run
on the commission and reminisced with his fellow board members about times gone by.
He also commented on all the great park and recreation projects that have been completed
in recent history, including all those associated with the 1996 referendum. His
contributions to the Commission and the City will be missed.
The 2004 meeting calendar was distributed.
ADJOURNMENT: Kelly moved, O' Shea seconded to adjourn the meeting. All voted
in favor and the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.