11-23-2021 prc sumCHANHASSEN PARK AND
RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
NOVEMBER 23, 2021
Chairman Tsuchiya called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Karl Tsuchiya, Sandy Sweetser, Jim Peck, Don Vasatka, Scott Fischer,
Youth Commissioner Alex Jerdee.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Matt Kutz, Heather Markert.
STAFF PRESENT: Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director; Priya Tandon, Recreation
Supervisor.
PUBLIC PRESENT: None.
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 6 to 0.
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS.
Park and Recreation Director Ruegemer noted the next meeting will be on December 14, 2021
and the meeting will start at 6:30 p.m.
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS. None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES.
Commissioner Vasatka moved, Commissioner Peck seconded to approve the Minutes of the
Park and Recreation Commission Meeting dated October 26, 2021 as presented. All voted
in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 6 to 0.
GENERAL BUSINESS.
1. Establish 2022 Picnic Reservation Fees
Recreation Supervisor Tandon said annually Staff and Park and Recreation Commission review
aspects of the picnic reservation season. She noted a large group fee for 100 people or more was
implemented in the past to cover additional expenses related to those large groups. The fees seen
before the Commission are the same as the 2021 season and are pretty comparable to areas
around the City such as Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Chaska, and Three Rivers. The majority of
the feedback received through surveys from customers notes the fees are pretty reasonable. Staff
recommends not increasing the reservation fees for 2022.
Park and Recreation Commission Minutes – November 23, 2021
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Commissioner Sweetser moved, Commissioner Peck seconded to approve the Park and
Recreation Commission’s recommendation to the City Council to approve the 2022 Picnic
Reservation Fees. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 6 to
0.
REPORTS.
1. Halloween Party Evaluation
Ms. Tandon noted the 37th Annual Halloween Party was held on October 30th at the Chanhassen
Recreation Center. This year there was a total of 390 children ages 2-12 registered for the event.
Registrants and their families enjoyed trick-or-treating, carnival games, refreshments, spooky
rooms, hayrides, magic show, and other family activities. She noted many local businesses came
out and dressed up and volunteers included Chanhassen and Chaska Key Clubs, Chanhassen
National Honor Society, Tonka Serves Out, Eden Prairie Key Club, and Chanhassen Students
Today Leaders Forever Club, as well as other volunteers and community members. They are
very grateful to these volunteers for making the event a success. Ms. Tandon said once again T-
Mobile was the title sponsor of the event which was a huge help as they covered almost all of the
expenses of the event. She stated they will want to continue to pursue title sponsorship for the
event and other events in the future. Online registration went well and the post-event survey
information was very valuable.
2. Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Events Preview
Ms. Tandon shared that the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held on Friday, December 4,
2021 at 5:00 p.m. on the plaza at City Center Park and the event will run for approximately one
hour. Activities include refreshments, bonfires, smores, gingerbread house displays, carolers, and
live reindeer, a Toys for Tots donation station, and a visit from Santa Claus. The event is free
and open to all ages. The event typically draws 300-400 attendees and they are promoting in a
variety of ways. The City has many great sponsors for the event including the Southwest Metro
Chamber of Commerce, Mustard Seed Landscape and Garden Center, and Southwest Transit.
She noted she is very grateful for the Park Maintenance Department for stringing all the lights
out in the park and it looks beautiful. Other holiday events include the tour of lights and a
gingerbread house decorating contest. She clarified all events will comply with the most current
State mandates and policies surrounding Covid-19.
COMMISSION MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS. None.
COMMISSION MEMBER PRESENTATIONS. None.
Chair Tsuchiya asked Mr. Ruegemer if the Arboretum is all the way open and finished.
Mr. Ruegemer noted the pathway is open, they have already removed some graffiti from the
tunnel and will try to keep it as clean as they can.
Park and Recreation Commission Minutes – November 23, 2021
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ADJOURNMENT.
Commissioner Sweetser moved, Commissioner Peck seconded to adjourn the meeting. All
voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 6 to 0. The Park and
Recreation Commission meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
Submitted by Jerry Ruegemer
Park and Recreation Director