PRC SUM 2014 02 25
CHANHASSEN PARK AND
RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES
FEBRUARY 25, 2014
Prior to the meeting the commission interviewed the following applicants: Curt Kobilarcsik, Tyler
Kobilarcsik, David Wisniewski, Elizabeth Ahern, Jonathon Myers, and Tom Doll. Chairman Kelly
called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Cole Kelly, Steve Scharfenberg, Elise Ryan, Brent Carron, Jim Boettcher,
Rick Echternacht, Luke Thunberg, Jacob Stolar and Ryan Lynch
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Hoffman, Park and Rec Director; Jerry Ruegemer, Recreation Superintendent;
and Mitch Johnson, Recreation Supervisor
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Commissioner Ryan asked that number 3. Closing of Ice Rinks be added
under Reports; and Chairman Kelly asked that number 3. Recommendation of Appointments to Park and
Recreation Commission be added under New Business.
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS:
None.
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS:
None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:Carron moved, Boettcher seconded to approve the verbatim and
summary Minutes of the Park and Recreation Commission dated January 28, 2014 as presented.
PIONEER PASS PARK: RECOMMENDATION CONCERNING PROCESS FOR
PURCHASING PLAYGROUNDS AND PICNIC SHELTERS AND CIP BUDGET
AMENDMENT.
Todd Hoffman presented an update on preparations at Pioneer Pass Park for it’s final year of construction
and recommended a CIP budget amendment. Chairman Kelly asked for clarification on the property line
discrepancies. Commissioner Echternacht asked about the neighborhood installing the playground
equipment. Commissioners Thunberg and Ryan asked for clarification on budget numbers.
Scharfenberg moved, Carron seconded that the Park and Recreation Commission recommends the
City Council approve the purchase of playgrounds and park shelter for Pioneer Pass Park using a
competitive request for proposal (RFP); including supervised neighborhood installation of the
playgrounds and amend the overall Pioneer Pass Park project CIP budget from $350,000 to
$377,700 to accomplish these purchases. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously
with a vote of 9 to 0.
DISCUSSION CONCERNING FUTURE PROGRAM, EVENT AND RECREATION FACILITY
PROPOSALS.
Todd Hoffman explained that the City Council is asking the Park and Recreation Commission to come up
with new ideas for implementing new events, programming or facilities. Commissioner Ryan suggested
the installation of a splash pad, Art in the Park program which would bring art instructors to parks to
teach kids how to paint landscapes, doing something in the winter along the lines of the Summer Concert
Series, skateboard clinic at the skate park, hosting a triathlon or half marathon in Chanhassen, and
Park and Recreation Commission Summary – February 25, 2014
working with the Environmental Commission to address environmental issues such as installing recycling
bins at city parks. In talking with neighbors and friends Commissioner Thunberg stated the splash pad
came up a number of times, city pool or working with Lifetime Fitness to let city residents use their pool,
community gardens, yoga in the park, photography classes possibly incorporated with the City’s photo
contest, city golf course, continue to expand dining and retail options, garbage cans and waste bags along
walking trails for dogs, designation of trail routes, and better communication on programs already
available in the city. Commissioner Stolar suggested posting information on Twitter. Commissioner
Echternacht’s heard about people wanting a swimming pool somewhere in the community, dome for
soccer and lacrosse, going more green (environmentally friendly), and having an arts and craft show at
Lake Ann. Chairman Kelly suggested a Daddy/Son Get in Shape Walk, and giving away t-shirts to
people who walk a certain number of miles on Chanhassen trails in the summer before directing staff to
prepare a list and associated costs for the next meeting. Commissioner Carron suggested looking at ways
to improve the Rec Center.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS.
Chairman Kelly announced the Park and Recreation Commission recommendation for senior
commissioners as follows: Brent Carron, Luke Thunberg and Steve Scharfenberg. Junior
commissioners as follows: Jacob Stolar and Tyler Kobilarcsik.
RECREATION PROGRAM REPORTS:
FEBRUARY FESTIVAL EVALUATION.
Mitch Johnson presented highlights from Feb Fest that was
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held on Saturday, February 1 at Lake Ann Park. Commissioner Boettcher noted he heard comments that
people had a hard time hearing the PA system. Commissioner Scharfenberg suggesting having another
sheet for the door prizes and asked if there was a way to keep the raffle ticket sales open a little longer for
people who arrive late. Commissioner Ryan suggested better signage for the ticket sales table and
confusion over the sledding hill. Chairman Kelly explained that he and Todd Hoffman discussed ways of
improving the DJ set up.
DADDY/DAUGHTER SWEETHEART DANCE EVALUATION REPORT.
Mitch Johnson
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reviewed highlights from the Daddy/Daughter Sweetheart Dance held on Friday, February 7 and
provided suggestions for next year.
ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: ANNUAL BLUFF CREEK/CHANHASSEN REC CENTER
JOINT POWERS MEETING.
Todd Hoffman presented a short synopsis on this subject to educate how the City operates the
Chanhassen Recreation Center with School District 112. Chairman Kelly asked for an update on how the
City’s relationship with the School District is working.
CLOSING OF ICE SKATING RINKS.
Commissioner Ryan asked staff to comment on closing of ice
skating rinks and because cold weather is forecasted for the next 2 weeks, whether staff had considered
keeping any rinks open longer. Commissioner Ryan explained that she understands historical data and
maintenance costs but does not agree with an all or nothing option and would like to see one rink,
possibly at City Center Park, stay open. Commissioner Carron agreed with Commissioner Ryan and
asked that this topic be put on the next agenda.
COMMISSION MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS.
None.
COMMISSION MEMBER PRESENTATIONS.
None.
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Park and Recreation Commission Summary – February 25, 2014
CORRESPONDENCE PACKET.
None.
Carron moved, Echternacht seconded to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor and the motion
carried unanimously with a vote of 9 to 0. The Park and Recreation Commission meeting
adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Submitted by Todd Hoffman
Park and Rec Director
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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