10-26-2021 prc sumCHANHASSEN PARK AND
RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
OCTOBER 26, 2021
Chairman Tsuchiya called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Karl Tsuchiya, Sandy Sweetser, Jim Peck, Heather Markert, Scott
Fischer, Don Vasatka, Youth Commissioner Alex Jerdee.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Matt Kutz.
STAFF PRESENT: Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director; Priya Tandon, Recreation
Supervisor; Mitchell Czech, Recreation Supervisor.
PUBLIC PRESENT: None.
The Park and Recreation Commission welcomed Youth Commissioner Alex Jerdee and each of
the Commissioners and Staff shared a bit about themselves.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA. Commissioner Peck moved, Commissioner Sweetser seconded
to approve the agenda as presented. All voted in favor and the motion carried
unanimously with a vote of 7 to 0.
Mr. Ruegemer thanked the Commissioners who came to the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the
Highway 5 trail the previous Tuesday. He noted they have a new Communications Department
and showed a video of drone footage at Lake Ann. He shared that all of the departments are in
the process of getting certified to be drone pilots.
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS. None.
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS. None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES.
APPROVE PARK & RECREATION MINUTES DATED SEPTEMBER 28, 2021
Commissioner Peck moved, Commissioner Markert seconded to approve the Minutes of
the Park and Recreation Commission Meeting dated September 28, 2021 as presented. All
voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 7 to 0.
GENERAL BUSINESS.
1. 2021 Picnic Season Evaluation
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Mitchell Czech, Recreation Supervisor, noted they wrapped up a successful picnic reservation
season with many people excited to get outside and gather again. Paid reservations this year
totaled 126 for a variety of events such as birthday parties, anniversaries, family reunions,
weddings. The most popular site was the Klingelhutz Pavilion at Lake Ann followed by the
Lakeside Pavilion at Lake Ann, and the Lake Susan Picnic Shelter. These reservations generated
$19,357 in revenue and hosted over 11,100 picnickers. Mr. Czech shared that the City sends out
a survey after each event to receive valuable feedback on things that are going well and things
that could improve which he has attached for the Commissioners.
Commissioner Markert noted in the survey responses several people mentioned fireplaces and
asked if the City currently has them.
Mr. Czech replied there is one at Lake Susan but it is not operational.
Mr. Ruegemer noted that fireplace was beyond repair 15 years ago and the City closed it up as it
would have been too costly to fix. He clarified it is against City Ordinance to have fires in parks.
Chair Tsuchiya said someone noted that Chanhassen is double what Chaska costs and asked how
the City ranks in other things, noting a Chaska resident pays $50.
Mr. Czech replied it will be on the next month’s agenda to establish prices for the following
year. He believes Chaska reserves in blocks while Chanhassen’s reservations are for the entire
day.
Mr. Ruegemer noted Chanhassen’s facilities are larger, as well, and can accommodate higher
capacities. He noted they look at surrounding communities to see where they are at and try to be
in the ballpark of everyone else.
Commissioner Markert asked how many shelters are in Chanhassen.
Mr. Czech stated they have three that they take reservations for, but other shelters are
neighborhood parks are first come-first serve basis.
Commissioner Fischer has personal experience as he rented the Lake Susan pavilion in
September. He said it was great and would echo a comment about making reservations a bit
more clear as when they arrived to set up there were a couple other families already picnicking
there. He noted it was a great experience and they had a blast.
2. Severe Weather Guidelines
Priya Tandon, Recreation Supervisor, shared that given the significant number of days over the
summer that had high smoke and poor air quality, they thought it would be worthwhile to look at
the Severe Weather Policy and incorporate air quality guidelines to that. A total of 25 days of
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the summer season were under an air quality alert and the City had to reduce physical activity for
youth activities over 5 times due to air quality. She showed a chart with six air quality categories
and ranges from good to hazardous with recommendations for actions to take in each category.
Ms. Tandon noted the severe weather guidelines were last updated in 2010. She shared the
addition they made:
Outdoor programs will run with decreased strenuous physical activity when the Air Quality
Index (AQI), according to airnow.gov reaches a value of 101-150. Outdoor programs will be
modified, relocated, or canceled when the AQI reaches a value of 151 or higher. The AQI values
of 151 or above are unhealthy for everyone, even individuals who are not in sensitive groups or
at risk. Cancellations of special events will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Ms. Tandon stated that addition to the policy allows Staff some flexibility depending on the
activity to modify or move indoors. They want to keep programs running in a safe manner.
Chair Tsuchiya asked if the AQI fluctuates throughout the day.
Ms. Tandon replied yes, and she had airnow.gov pulled up throughout the entirety of the day and
every hour the AQI was updated. She noted they would try not to cancel programs as much as
possible if they could be run safely.
Chair Tsuchiya asked who would be making these decisions?
Ms. Tandon stated it would be the Staff member who oversees the program. They all talk to one
another and communicate so it is really a team decision.
Commissioner Vasatka moved, Commissioner Sweetser seconded that the Park and
Recreation Commission recommends that the City Council approve the updated Park
& Recreation Severe Weather Guidelines, including an addition outlining air quality
protocols. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 7 to 0.
COMMISSION MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS. None.
COMMISSION MEMBER PRESENTATIONS.
Commissioner Markert stated at the ribbon-cutting ceremony there was a lot of talk about signs,
and she noted the trail connects so many different areas. She asked if they could include funding
for the signs in the referendum.
Mr. Ruegemer replied potentially. A sign package is quite a bit of money to purchase, acquire,
and also maintain. It depends on how comprehensive it is. They currently have some directional
signage but have not signed a lot of the areas. If the Commission would like to advance, Staff
can provide information on that.
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Commissioner Markert noted Hennepin County trails have signage that is very well marked and
many people can pull up their phones but it is helpful when one is biking or walking.
Commissioner Vasatka showed a metal sign in Red Wing that has distance, time, walking,
biking, and local attractions.
Chair Tsuchiya asked with the new Communications Director, would it be possible to add QR
codes on the signage for smart phones to pull up drone footage of the area.
Commissioner Markert heard people asking at the ribbon cutting how to get to the other side of
Highway 5.
Mr. Ruegemer noted Staff can put something together and develop a plan.
Commissioner Markert suggested doing a Park Passport, perhaps a print-at-home design to
encourage residents to see how many parks they can cross off the following summer or year.
Ms. Tandon noted they have done some smaller-scale things which have had great success. The
bone adventure went really well with wooden bones throughout the parks. People would take a
picture of their dog by the bones and bring it to Chuck and Don’s to receive a treat for their dog.
There was also something around St. Patrick’s Day with painted rocks at the parks which also
went well. Ms. Tandon believes the Park Passport idea would take and Staff can put something
together for next year which would live on the new website.
Commissioner Markert suggested they could also add a Chanhassen Passport such as dining at 5
restaurants, go to 5 parks…perhaps it adds up to 22 things because of the 2022 vote.
Ms. Tandon said the Communications team is looking into doing a weekly park highlight which
would fit really well with the passport idea.
ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATIONS. None.
ADJOURNMENT.
Commissioner Markert moved, Commissioner Peck 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 7:54 p.m.
Submitted by Jerry Ruegemer
Park and Recreation Director