SUM PRC 2005 07 26
CHANHASSEN PARK AND
RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES
JULY 26, 2005
Chairman Stolar called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m..
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Glenn Stolar, Jack Spizale, Paula Atkins, Steve Scharfenberg, Kevin
Dillon, and Tom Kelly
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Ann Murphy
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Hoffman, Park and Rec Director; and Jerry Ruegemer, Recreation
Superintendent
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Scharfenberg moved, Spizale seconded to approve the
agenda, amended to include an update of the City Council meeting by Todd Hoffman and
discussion of the off leash dog area under the CIP discussion. All voted in favor and the
motion carried unanimously with a vote of 6 to 0.
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Todd Hoffman informed the commission that Friday, August
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19 is Chanhassen Day at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, and that Saturday, August 20
there will be the Miracles for Mitch Triathlon and Highway 212 ground breaking ceremony. He
also noted that Susan Marek has resigned from the Rec Center. Chairman Stolar asked for an
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update on the concert in the park series which will be held Thursday, August 18 at City Center
Park with a reggae band and update on the playground installation.
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS:
Todd Neils, Vice President of the Chanhassen Athletic
Association Little League, speaking on behalf of the Board of Directors, thanked the commission
for their support in the past and requested that the Park and Recreation Commission look at
amending their 2006 budget to include the addition of dugouts and lighting standards on Fields 2,
3 and 6 at Lake Ann Park over the next several years. Commissioner Dillon asked for an update
on the scoreboards. Commissioner Atkins asked Mr. Neils to comment on which was more
important to the CAA, the lighting or dugouts.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:Scharfenberg moved, Dillon seconded to approve the
summary and verbatim minutes of the Park and Recreation Commission meeting dated
June 28, 2005 as presented.
2006 PARK AND TRAIL ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT, CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP).
Todd Hoffman reviewed the list of proposed park and trail capital improvements for 2006
through 2010. Commissioner Dillon asked staff to clarify funding for the proposed $5 million in
projects for 2006. Commissioner Kelly asked for clarification on the $60,000 proposed for
Park and Rec Commission Summary – July 26, 2005
athletic field improvements and if there is any money in the CIP to address the rollerblade
surface at the Recreation Center. Commissioner Atkins stated he desire to finalize the off leash
dog park issue and was concerned about noise from the City Center Park performance stage.
Commissioner Scharfenberg asked for an update on the Lake Minnewashta Regional Park off
leash dog area. Chairman Stolar asked for further clarification on the $60,000 proposed for
athletic field improvements and suggested keeping the $20,000 to Carver County for 2005 for
the off leash dog park at Lake Minnewashta Regional Park suggesting that if Carver County
doesn’t commit to a plan by the end of 2005, then the city should do their own off leash dog park
at Lake Susan. Commissioners Scharfenberg and Kelly were in favor of having one off leash
dog park site at Lake Minnewashta Regional Park. Commissioner Spizale felt locating the off
leash dog park more centrally to downtown such as Lake Susan would get more use. Todd
Hoffman suggested the option of allowing dogs to be off leash in the city parks before noon each
day. Staff noted that Lake Ann and Lake Susan parks are currently at full capacity. The
consensus of the commission was to have one line item for the off leash dog park in the CIP and
finalize the type and location at a later meeting. Todd Hoffman continued reviewing the
proposed park and trail improvements by year. Commissioner Scharfenberg asked for
clarification of the location of Power Hill Park and where the proposed trail would go.
Commissioner Dillon felt it was important to complete the trail system and keep an eye on the
City Center Park area. Commissioner Scharfenberg suggested ballfield improvements as an area
to look at. Commissioner Kelly stated he receives constant questions about an ice rink at
Bandimere Park. Commissioner Atkins stated that the athletic field netting at Bandimere Park is
something that’s been talked about since she got on the commission and is needed badly. She
also suggested spreading the cost of ballfield lighting over a number of years rather than waiting
until 2008 to do it all. Chairman Stolar stated his main theme would be to get Lake Ann athletic
fields to the point where they can optimize their capacity and safety. Commissioner Kelly
suggested swapping the 101 north trail segment to 2007 and moving the athletic field lights up to
2006. Chairman Stolar concurred. Todd Hoffman suggested that the commission identify some
of these priorities and then allow staff to go through numbering the costs. Todd Neils’ only
question was whether the $300,000 that is earmarked now for lighting ballfields will be
sufficient in 2008.
Kelly moved, Dillon seconded to table the 2006 Park and Trail Acquisition and
Development CIP. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 6
to 0.
The commission directed staff to provide background information for a discussion on the off
leash dog area at the August meeting.
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2005 4 OF JULY CELEBRATION REPORT.
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Jerry Ruegemer presented the evaluation on the 4 of July celebration. Commissioner Dillon
asked for feedback on music with the fireworks. Commissioner Atkins noted that the melodrama
was attended by about 300 people and seemed to be well received. Commissioner Kelly
suggested adding games for teenagers, activities for seniors and noted one problem with
somebody not claiming their prize in time from the prize board. Chairman Stolar suggested
making announcements during the band’s breaks, more port-a-potties, and not selling t-shirts.
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Park and Rec Commission Summary – July 26, 2005
Commissioner Atkins suggested they order more children sizes and smaller sizes for women.
The commission suggested ways for increasing t-shirt sales and ways to increase revenues.
FALL ADULT SOFTBALL LEAGUE REPORT.
Jerry Ruegemer presented this item as
information only.
ADMINISTRATIVE PACKET.
Todd Hoffman provided updates on the City Council meeting
where they discussed National Night Out, Highway 41 pedestrian underpass grant application,
and approving the plans and specifications for Lake Susan playground. Chairman Stolar asked
for clarification of the park dedication fee structure.
Dillon moved, Atkins seconded that the Park and Recreation Commission meeting adjourn.
All voted in favor and the motion carried.
Submitted by Todd Hoffman
Park and Rec Director
Prepared by Nann Opheim
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