Agenda and PacketAGENDA
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2021, 7:00 P.M.
CHANHASSEN RECREATION CENTER, 2310 COULTER BOULEVARD
ELECTRONIC MEETING
Due to the COVID19 pandemic, for the next few weeks it is anticipated that some or all of the members of
the Park and Recreation Commission will participate in meetings by telephone and/or web conference
pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 13D.021, rather than in person at the Park and Recreation
Commission's regular meeting place in the Chanhassen City Hall Council Chambers, 7700 Market
Boulevard, Chanhassen, Minnesota.
If you would like to provide comments on any of the agenda items, email
prccomments@ci.chanhassen.mn.us. All comments received by 6:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting will be
included as a part of the Park and Recreation Commission meeting.
Due to the COVID19 pandemic, for the next few weeks it is anticipated that some or all of the members of
the Park and Recreation Commission will participate in meetings by telephone and/or web conference
pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 13D.021, rather than in person at the Park and Recreation
Commission's regular meeting place in the Chanhassen City Hall Council Chambers, 7700 Market
Boulevard, Chanhassen, Minnesota.
If you would like to provide comments on any of the agenda items, email
prccomments@ci.chanhassen.mn.us. All comments received by 6:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting will be
included as a part of the Park and Recreation Commission meeting.
A.7:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER
B.ROLL CALL
C.APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Commissioners may add or delete items at this time.
D.PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
E.VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
Commission Procedures allow for presentations from the audience at this time. If a motion is
required, the item will be forwarded to the next available agenda to allow for publication and review
prior to consideration.
F.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
AGENDAPARK AND RECREATION COMMISSIONTUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2021, 7:00 P.M.CHANHASSEN RECREATION CENTER, 2310 COULTER BOULEVARDELECTRONIC MEETINGDue to the COVID19 pandemic, for the next few weeks it is anticipated that some or all of the members ofthe Park and Recreation Commission will participate in meetings by telephone and/or web conferencepursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 13D.021, rather than in person at the Park and RecreationCommission's regular meeting place in the Chanhassen City Hall Council Chambers, 7700 MarketBoulevard, Chanhassen, Minnesota.If you would like to provide comments on any of the agenda items, emailprccomments@ci.chanhassen.mn.us. All comments received by 6:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting will beincluded as a part of the Park and Recreation Commission meeting.Due to the COVID19 pandemic, for the next few weeks it is anticipated that some or all of the members ofthe Park and Recreation Commission will participate in meetings by telephone and/or web conferencepursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 13D.021, rather than in person at the Park and RecreationCommission's regular meeting place in the Chanhassen City Hall Council Chambers, 7700 MarketBoulevard, Chanhassen, Minnesota.If you would like to provide comments on any of the agenda items, emailprccomments@ci.chanhassen.mn.us. All comments received by 6:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting will beincluded as a part of the Park and Recreation Commission meeting.A.7:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDERB.ROLL CALLC.APPROVAL OF AGENDACommissioners may add or delete items at this time.D.PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTSE.VISITOR PRESENTATIONSCommission Procedures allow for presentations from the audience at this time. If a motion isrequired, the item will be forwarded to the next available agenda to allow for publication and reviewprior to consideration.
F.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1.Approve Park & Recreation Commission Minutes dated October 27, 2020
2.Approve Park & Recreation Minutes dated November 24, 2020
3.Approve Park & Recreation Minutes dated December 8, 2020
G.NEW BUSINESS
1.Consider Recommendation To City Council; 2021/2022 Lake Ann Park Beach
Lifeguard Contract
H.OLD BUSINESS
I.REPORTS
1.2020 Tree Lighting Review
2.2021 February Festival Preview
3.Chanhassen Park and Recreation Refund Policy
J.COMMISSION MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS
K.COMMISSION MEMBER PRESENTATIONS
L.ADMINISTRATIVE PACKET
M.ADJOURNMENT
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
Subject Approve Park & Recreation Commission Minutes dated October 27, 2020
Section APPROVAL OF MINUTES Item No: F.1.
Prepared By Nann Opheim, City Recorder File No:
ATTACHMENTS:
Summary Minutes
Verbatim Minutes
CHANHASSEN PARK AND
RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES
OCTOBER 27, 2020
Chairman Boettcher called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Jim Boettcher, Karl Tsuchiya, Matt Kutz, Haley Schubert, Sandy
Sweetser, Jim Peck and Youth Commissioner Zoe Erpelding
MEMBERS ABSENT: Joe Scanlon
STAFF PRESENT: Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Rec Director; Priya Tandon, Recreation
Supervisor: and Jodi Sarles, Rec Center Manager
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Jerry Ruegemer added item number 3 under reports regarding
Lake Ann Park playground presentation.
Tsuchiya moved, Kutz seconded to approve the agenda as amended. All voted in favor and
the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 7 to 0.
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS: Priya Tandon provided a brief overview of the Halloween
Party that was held on Saturday, 24th.
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS. None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Tsuchiya moved, Kutz seconded to approve the verbatim
and summary minutes of the Park and Recreation Commission meeting dated September
22, 2020 as presented. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote
of 7 to 0.
YOUTH ASSOCIATION PRESENTATIONS.
Terry Kemble, 3160 West 82nd Street, administrator for the Chanhassen Athletic Association
(CAA) and Lenny Checheris, 2411 Hunter Drive spoke to the history of CAA and the associated
sports. Commissioner Kutz asked about registration for CAA. Commissioner Peck asked if the
CAA gets kids from the Minnetonka School District, and CAA’s involvement with the Legion
baseball program. Jonathan Tudor with the CC United Soccer program explained the goals and
purpose of the CC United Soccer program.
Park and Recreation Commission Summary – October 27, 2020
2
REPORTS: 2020 PICNIC SEASON EVALUATION. Priya Tandon reviewed the evaluation
of the 2020 picnic reservation season. Commissioner Tsuchiya asked if the City did any kind of
enforcement on the 25 person limit on picnic reservations.
CHANHASSEN PARK AND RECREATION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM REVIEW.
Jodi Sarles explained how the City of Chanhassen scholarship program has worked since it’s
inception in 2009.
Tsuchiya moved, Sweetser seconded that the Park and Recreation Commission adopt the
recommendation outlined in Item number I-2 regarding the 2021 Park and Recreation
Scholarship Program. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote
of 7 to 0.
LAKE ANN PARK PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT UPDATE.
Jerry Ruegemer showed pictures of the before and after progress of the Lake Ann Park
playground equipment replacement.
COMMISSION MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS. None.
COMMISSION MEMBER REPORTS. None.
Tsuchiya moved, Sweetser 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 8:21 p.m.
Submitted by Jerry Ruegemer
Park and Rec Director
Prepared by Nann Opheim
CHANHASSEN PARK AND
RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 27, 2020
Chairman Boettcher called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Jim Boettcher, Karl Tsuchiya, Matt Kutz, Haley Schubert, Sandy
Sweetser, Jim Peck and Youth Commissioner Zoe Erpelding
MEMBERS ABSENT: Joe Scanlon
STAFF PRESENT: Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Rec Director; Priya Tandon, Recreation
Supervisor; and Jodi Sarles, Rec Center Manager
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Jerry Ruegemer added item number 3 under reports regarding
Lake Ann playground presentation.
Tsuchiya moved, Kutz seconded to approve the agenda as amended. All voted in favor and
the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 7 to 0.
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Boettcher: Do we have anything Jerry?
Ruegemer: Not tonight.
Boettcher: No Halloween Party?
Ruegemer: That was last week. Priya certainly can share.
Tandon: Sure we can do a brief overview of the Halloween Party. Given I guess the extreme
cold it went very well. We got a lot of positive feedback from families and kids so that was
awesome. Jodi and Mary were there and Jerry was there helping out and Commissioners
Sweetser and Shubert and Erpelding also helped out.
Ruegemer: Matt was there with family.
Tandon: Yep, so helping out the day of the event. Overall went very smoothly. A lot of
positive feedback. We had 22 businesses and organizations either donate or partner at the event
helping out as well and then the Chaska High School Key Club, Chanhassen High School Key
Club, and Students Today Leaders Forever service organization from Chanhassen school also
Park and Recreation Commission – October 27, 2020
2
helped out. So overall a lot of help with the event. It was a group effort. Very cold but it went
pretty well.
Boettcher: Did you get a rough count did you say on people?
Tandon: Yeah we did. So we had about 200, 150 to 200 at a time and then we did four waves of
that.
Boettcher: So still had at least some type of a party then.
Tandon: Yes, yes.
Boettcher: Alright thank you Priya. Anything else?
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS:
Boettcher: Next item we have visitor presentations. I believe we’ll wait with that until we get to
the new business under youth associations.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Boettcher: Any additions, changes, corrections need to be made? Hearing none motion to
approve.
Tsuchiya moved, Kutz seconded to approve the verbatim and summary minutes of the
Park and Recreation Commission meeting dated September 22, 2020 as presented. All
voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 7 to 0.
YOUTH ASSOCIATION PRESENTATIONS.
Boettcher: And we’ll go right into the new business. Jerry you want to introduce the topic?
Ruegemer: I sure can. So just as kind of our brainstorming that we had in August and
September, we had kind of talked about wanting to become really kind of familiar and have our
youth associations come in. Give some presentations and talk about their associations and what
sports they offer. What population they serve. Just a history of Chanhassen and the area
community so we’re really lucky to have CAA here tonight, the Chanhassen Athletic Association
and CC United Soccer so we’re excited. They both have really long lasting history in our
communities and serving our residents in Chan and around the area as well so their groups really
go back to the 70’s and 80’s when their associations and soccer clubs got started so they do have
a long rich history serving our community so, so really I think it will be informative tonight for
the council, or council. For the commission to hear. I was at the council meeting last night. Just
Park and Recreation Commission – October 27, 2020
3
to hear kind of first hand really what great service they have so we’ll kind of start with CAA and
then we’ll move over to CC United Soccer so Terry and Lenny the floor is yours.
Boettcher: And if of you would for record state your name and address.
Terry Kemble: Terry Kemble, 3160 West 82nd Street. I’m the administrator for the Chanhassen
Athletic Association.
Lenny Checheris: And my name is Lenny Checheris. If you can spell I’ll give you a cookie. C-
h-e-c-h-e-r-i-s.
Boettcher: Did you tell him about me and cookies? Seriously.
Lenny Checheris: 2411 Hunter Drive.
Boettcher: Alright thank you.
Lenny Checheris: So I thank you for inviting CAA here. Terry asked me to speak because for
some reason she says she doesn’t like public speaking, I’ll BS on that. She’s never had short of
words but she asked me to just kind of go over some of the history of CAA. You know I’ll
introduce myself. I’m Lenny Checheris. I’m the Baseball President…League Director. I’ve
been with CAA since 2001. I’m sorry, 2011. 2011 so I have two boys that have been involved
with CAA since they were youngsters and now one is in high school. I have a 13 year old who
continues to play baseball and will continue to do so for the next couple of years, but a little
history. I’m just taking some of the notes. The history of CAA. Terry and I were talking earlier
tonight and we were trying to figure out how long CAA’s been around. She said she was in
middle school so that would make me in diapers so it’s somewhere around 1970. About 1970
and it’s been a robust program for many years. I know baseball really took off because I
witnessed my next door neighbor with baseball. It seemed like it just took off from there. This
was probably 2006 or ‘07 and we’ve been able to form several teams throughout, you know
we’ve had issues as it relates to numbers. We’ve got competing factors. We’ve got kids have to
make a decision to play soccer or baseball because they align if I remember correctly.
Ruegemer: All the ages groups.
Lenny Checheris: And the older age groups and some kids decided to play soccer. Some
decided to play lacrosse, baseball and they, our program numbers throughout the last 8 years
have seen some fluctuation. Terry printed everything up for you so you guys can take a look at it
but through CAA we offer baseball, softball which is under the Diamond Sports umbrella. We
offer basketball. We offer soccer. Volleyball is no longer part of our umbrella under CAA.
Club has taken most of the kids.
Terry Kemble: Yes. The high school coaches recommend.
Park and Recreation Commission – October 27, 2020
4
Lenny Checheris: Yeah so you know and that’s what CAA is really competing with is our club
teams now. We’ve lost several teams, members to even at the younger ages now. They’re
marketing to 10 and 11 year old kids to play club for the better experience and more competitive
experience and most people are finding that it’s really not. The fun is really at CAA. But you
know all in all we have a dedicated group of volunteers at CAA that really are passionate about
the sport. You know this year was an anomaly as COVID took hold of nearly everything in our
lives but we, when it started out in March. I think it was March 13th when they closed the
schools or something happened on that day. I can’t remember. You know we were meeting,
certainly weekly because we had already formed teams. We didn’t know what we were going to
do. Once pardon my French all hell broke loose in May we started meeting several times a week
and by the end of, Governor Walz was supposed to give us some information on May 1. It was
postponed to May 14th. Once again postponed and we had to make a decision so parents and
families could go on with their lives. We couldn’t hold them on and tell whether we were
playing baseball or not playing baseball. We don’t know. It wasn’t fair to them so we decided
to end the league this year. Or end the season I should say on May 26th and June 1st we opened it
back up but we were only, we were the sanctioning body for teams that were independent of
CAA so they needed our insurance. We left them play. We formed most of the teams formed
again because we cancelled the season. It was a huge mess but it was really neat to see that out
of all the teams that we postponed or cancelled the season two kids didn’t show back up and in
fact we had 3 other kids that joined which was really neat because people were scared. I mean
everybody was scared at that time about COVID and we put in safety measures. We did a really
good job, we had wonderful persons that tackled, we did a tremendous job providing sanitization
at all the fields. She just did a great job so you know we had a great season. All the kids had
fun. You know it was an abbreviated season but it was still a lot of fun. But you know getting
back to the other sports. I know Bill on the basketball side is, he’s just going through it. He
doesn’t know if we’re one COVID case away from cancelling the season and fingers are crossed
that it doesn’t happen that way. I know all of the basketball programs throughout the city have
safety protocols in and are very sensitive to making sure that no one gets sick with COVID and if
they do they just, what is the process? I was talking to Bill about it. If a kid gets, they isolate
him.
Terry Kemble: They have to stay home for 2 weeks.
Lenny Checheris: But at these tournaments they’re not going to be as robust as they once were.
Two people per kid are allowed in the gymnasium which you know baseball usually you’re
outside right. You can socially distance really well. Soccer took a hiatus this year because
obviously it was unprecedented times. We use that word ad nauseam but they decided not to
play because they’re younger. I’m sorry, CAA soccer decided to take a hiatus this year.
Younger children. Parents were a little bit more concerned. There was more concern from the
parents so they decided not to play this year but as you can see the numbers are still robust
within our community and our sports. We have kids that not only encompassing Chanhassen but
also Victoria, Carver and some from Minnetonka there that are involved in our program because
Park and Recreation Commission – October 27, 2020
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it’s a lot better, quote unquote better program that what Minnetonka can provide because they
don’t offer the competitive tournament teams that everybody clamors for… So we use all of the
fields within Chanhassen. We use Lake Ann which is by far my favorite field to watch baseball
at. I mean there’s a buzz when kids are there and we’re able to have our baseball games there
and this year and instead of traveling so much a lot of baseball was played at Lake Ann. We
have Lake Susan which is shared with the high school and Minnetonka. Bandimere. All those
parks. What was that Sunset Ridge there’s one and there’s just quite a few parks. You guys are
great. You maintain them for us. They look great and I think you fold into the mix the Dugout
Club and boy they’ve really, they were instrumental at putting lights up at Lake Susan. The City
Council really helped us out. Gave us a solid and helped us fund it and we raised money for it
and obviously the plans for other things like restrooms at Lake Ann instead of Porta Potties.
Those are kind of long term ideas. I’m off the board by then but you know but I think that’s
really kind of the direction certainly Diamond Sports is going. You know the facilities as it
relates to basketball that use all of the schools around here and so forth. There’s a couple of
notes. One thing about certainly for baseball because I’m at the mercy of baseball, I mean it’s a
feeder sport to town or high school but also the Red Birds. How many kids from Chanhassen are
on the Red Birds?
Terry Kemble: We’ve looked at 5 or 6 now.
Lenny Checheris: Yeah there’s just, you know and it’s just these kids really just want to play
ball and it wouldn’t be possible if we didn’t have such beautiful fields here in Chanhassen and
you go from the small fields to the little bit bigger fields to the full sized fields and we can
service them all. There was one other thing I was going to bring up. You know we have some
head winds coming up I think I mentioned earlier as it relates to club baseball. If you’re familiar
with club soccer. People believe it’s a better experience. You know it’s more competitive and
candidly it’s not. These kids really get a great coaching from volunteer parents that coach
baseball and it’s something that we’re going to have to really look at. Back up about 10 years
ago softball, once you hit 12 years old you’re off to club and it used to be housed in here didn’t it
up until they were like 14. Until high school. Now they’re going younger and younger and
pulling these really high level softball players and recruiting them so the growth projections as it
relates to baseball we don’t know. It’s been flat for the last couple of years which is better than
the decline that we’ve had in the last several and that’s, we’re just grateful that the kids keep
coming out and they’re having fun playing ball and the price is reasonable. CAA offers
scholarships for those in need so if you don’t have the money to play there’s scholarships
available and so it’s very inclusive as it relates to play and you know if the coaches candidly
make calls if the kids don’t come back. They find out why aren’t you playing? If they say hey I
don’t want to play baseball anymore. I sucked at it or it’s too slow for me, I’m playing lacrosse.
God bless you. Go do something else but if it’s because of money we make sure that they’re
playing baseball or softball. So it’s really a brief synopsis of our program. Is there anything
about soccer because it’s been kind of soft. You’re going to talk about real soccer.
Park and Recreation Commission – October 27, 2020
6
Terry Kemble: So the youth soccer program we compete with Jonathan and then the City also
has a soccer program too so when I first started in CAA there was probably 700-800 kids in the
program in the fall and now it’s gone down to say 200 because there’s just so many different
options to play in the fall and a lot of kids decide to play traveling soccer now because Jonathan
has a really great program. My daughter played it 3 years.
Kutz: Do you advertise for your programs like I’ve heard of you but I’m trying to think like
where we could have signed up to play? How would we have gotten an email saying hey.
Lenny Checheris: Honestly you wouldn’t have because that has been our dilemma. It’s been
word of mouth. We have now hired a marketing director for our baseball program. Diamond
Sports Program and that’s really something that because Google provides you, if you’re A 501C
league, Diamonds Sports is. CAA baseball/softball, they will provide you X amount of dollars to
market and that’s been a rub that we’ve had for quite a while so we’ve had people that would
actually say hey I’ll champion this and nothing got done and we are of course a volunteer
organization and we spend quite a bit of time trying to generate more numbers for kids or more
for the program because it exposes kids to baseball. Candidly this year I think we’ve got the
right person to really deal with it.
Terry Kemble: We also use that Peach Jar…
Kutz: Yes, that’s where I’ve heard. That’s where I found, you jogged my memory now.
Terry Kemble: We used to supply flyers and send them home with every child in their packets
but they don’t do the packets for that Peach Jar has actually saved us a lot of time and money.
Kutz: So like the City they do the 3 and 4 year olds and the 5 and 6 year olds but that’s kind of
where you guys stop right?
Sarles: Right.
Kutz: In comes you guys, you know that might be an opportunity to work…saying hey here we
go.
Lenny Checheris: Where are you from I’m sorry?
Sarles: I run the Rec Center.
Lenny Checheris: The Rec Center, okay.
Terry Kemble: Jodi and I worked together a lot when I ran the softball program.
Park and Recreation Commission – October 27, 2020
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Sarles: And we do, I mean we basically tell people when they ask where do we go from here,
you know because the kids have aged out and needs more competition. We send them all to
CAA or over here to the CC United.
Lenny Checheris: Yes sir.
Peck: I’ve got several questions. I’m Jim Peck and...but I’m a baseball freak.
Lenny Checheris: Well good. We’re in good company.
Peck: I’ve been doing baseball for 58 years. One of my questions is the northern third of
Chanhassen is not in the East Carver County or East Carver School District. Do you get any kids
out of that or do they all end up in the Minnetonka system because that’s where they go to
school?
Lenny Checheris: Jim you know we have quite a few kids that we’ve been able to pull from that
corridor but eventually, and the reason being is because they tell us, they’re qualified to play
anybody within 112. St. Hubert. All of the parochial schools within our association boundaries
are eligible to play. That area, and I think you’re talking like just north of.
Peck: Well it’s not very far. It’s about 6 blocks north.
Lenny Checheris: Right. A lot of kids playing from, who go to school in Minnetonka play for
Chanhassen.
Peck: But as they get old they stay at Minnetonka because they don’t have much option from
what I can tell.
Lenny Checheris: Correct. We’ve had one kid who’s in my older boy, my 16 year old boy’s
class that is a Minnetonka kid that’s choosing to go to Chan.
Peck: My second question is you don’t, you don’t do anything with the Legion programs?
That’s a separate entity?
Lenny Checheris: It is a separate entity but we are certainly a feeder program for them.
Peck: My next question is your numbers from the last 6 years to not last year which you went up
some, are about half. Do you think that’s partially due to travel baseball?
Lenny Checheris: I do not. What I do think it is, is the competing sports like lacrosse is really
looking at 2013-2014, that was I’m trying to do the math.
Peck: Yeah lacrosse is not on here so I can’t relate to the numbers.
Park and Recreation Commission – October 27, 2020
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Terry Kemble: We don’t have lacrosse.
Lenny Checheris: No we don’t have lacrosse under our umbrella.
Peck: But you have lacrosse in Chanhassen.
Lenny Checheris: Oh yes we do.
Peck: So it’s competition.
Lenny Checheris: Yep.
Ruegemer: City Lacrosse, Minnetonka Lacrosse…
Peck: Because I deal a lot with travel ball and that’s fine. It’s here to stay. I’ve got a couple
theories you pay me I’ll tell you how good your kid is. Your kid can’t play very well because I
want your money. That’s going on a lot.
Lenny Checheris: That’s it, you know and to your point that’s really what’s happening at club
areas right now that we’re struggling with. We had one kid who was rostered on a club team at
the Millers and played in the summer and in the fall but then for the following 2020-’21 summer
he was cut because guess what they got a better kid in his position.
Tsuchiya: Or he got too old.
Lenny Checheris: No, no, this kids is an 11 year old kid.
Peck: This kid might not have.
Lenny Checheris: Yeah so he joined our program.
Peck: And a child that comes from a family that doesn’t have very much wherewithal
monetarily, we’re not interested in his unless he’s really, really good and then we’ll scholarship
him on the other kid’s dime. That’s exactly what’s going on. So I commend you that you’ve got
it going and you’ve got a lot of kids playing and it’s fun for them. They’ve got to enjoy it. If
they don’t enjoy it and not having fun they shouldn’t be doing it. They should do something else
whatever that may be.
Lenny Checheris: Correct.
Peck: Thank you.
Park and Recreation Commission – October 27, 2020
9
Lenny Checheris: You’re welcome. Any other questions?
Kutz: Just briefly we talked about baseball and softball. Where are you guys play the basketball
at?
Lenny Checheris: Throughout, we’re sprinkled through all of the schools around here. Rec
Center.
Terry Kemble: Mostly the high school.
Lenny Checheris: Pioneer Ridge. Chaska Middle School East and West.
Terry Kemble: Victoria. But the school district charges a lot of money for us to play in their
facilities. We’re very fortunate that the City of Chan doesn’t charge us for field usage.
Lenny Checheris: Yeah and kudos to whoever it is… The field when it’s ready to play ball
they’re landscaped properly. They’re, we’ve got enough infield dirt. You know it takes once it’s
there we still have to maintain it of course as an association but the initial start up man if you
could take a picture of that it looks beautiful so commend the park board for taking care of the
fields so well.
Boettcher: The one thing you touched on was about baseball and the number is going down for
different reasons but you hear it all the time about, especially high school sports. Parents are
getting their kids out of football because it’s too dangerous so they want to get them over to
baseball and you mentioned it briefly and the kids say it’s too boring. Like I try to watch the
games like the World Series again tonight I’ll be watching it but you know when somebody’s
standing up there and he has to undo his strap, like please when I played Babe Ruth and Junior
League I mean I wasn’t very good by any means but I was there. I mean we loved it. Now
apparently kids look as it’s too time consuming. You say some are going over to lacrosse so
when you lose someone do you do like an exit review, you know what did you like? What did
you like type of thing.
Lenny Checheris: Yeah I think I touched on that a little bit. We do. For baseball in particular. I
don’t know about basketball or soccer but you know we reach out to the families and figure out
what’s up. What’s wrong? Was it the coaching? Oh no not the coaching. Was it anything else?
I just didn’t want to play ball anymore. I wanted to play lacrosse and it’s like as long as he’s
doing something and not playing video games I’m alright with it right, but if it’s, you know we
had a couple of people certainly throughout COVID that struggle financially and we supported
them regardless what we had in our coffers. We have to take care of the kids and make sure they
keep coming back.
Peck: Sometimes when a player’s 10 years old he’s really playing because his dad’s forcing him
to play and he really doesn’t want to. There’s a little more of that than you really get to know.
Park and Recreation Commission – October 27, 2020
10
Lenny Checheris: There is some of that.
Peck: Not a lot but there’s some.
Lenny Checheris: Yeah you know and to your point I think you’ve got some really engaged
dads who lived vicariously through their kids and wish their kids were something that they
weren’t you know and you can tell. You can tell the kid’s heart’s not in it. You’ve been what
did you say, coaching 58 years. You’ve seen it all then so.
Peck: I don’t think it’s as bad now as it might have been 10 years ago. I think that’s backed off
a little bit with a lot of education.
Lenny Checheris: I think it has but the truth of the matter is baseball, you have to have passion
for that sport. Diamond Sport. Any diamond sport. Softball can get boring too but you just
have to have passion about whatever you’re doing. I have a son that plays baseball and downhill
skis. Well he has a passion for both and you know hockey could be someone’s passion or soccer
could be someone’s passion or baseball but eventually what I’m noticing now especially with my
older boy, he was the first year he’s not playing basketball since he was 5. He’s in high school
now. He’s focused on football and baseball so you know kids gravitate to what they feel they’re
best at.
Peck: In bigger schools they get so much pressure to play whatever 14 months a year that they
can key on football or whatever if they don’t play year round…
Lenny Checheris: And that’s the thing with my older boy. He’s really training. He’s a pitcher
and he’s training his pitching and hitting and winter long which is kind of breaks my heart
because he’s played basketball since he was a kid. You know he had, gymnasiums get a little
stuffy and stinky and hot but it was still fun. The passion was there. You know everybody gets
excited. A lot of noise and I miss it so.
Ruegemer: Any other questions from the commission?
Boettcher: I have one more but it’s in regards to the basketball. I’ve been on the commission
now this is my 9th year. We’ve heard a lot of presentations, is it Todd?
Ruegemer: Neils?
Boettcher: Neils came in and we talked about we did the lights at Susan. The dugouts. The
scoreboards and stuff. The basketball I can’t remember anyone coming in for CAA talking about
basketball so I was kind of surprised when I looked at this and I see the numbers for participation
actually more than baseball but it’s something that’s like a well kept secret.
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Lenny Checheris: You know it’s a well oiled machine.
Terry Kemble: My husband runs it.
Boettcher: There’s no problems with it?
Lenny Checheris: Well and to be fair I mean he really has, a really stuffed program where kids,
there were very few cuts this year right if any?
Terry Kemble: I don’t know.
Lenny Checheris: Alright but that’s just a rumor mill that not very many kids get cut but they’re
trying to be a lot more inclusive and he really does a great job. That’s a lot of work.
Terry Kemble: It’s probably never been brought up because we don’t use the city facilities for
that but we use the school district’s so that’s probably why it’s never been presented.
Boettcher: Any other questions for anyone?
Lenny Checheris: Thanks for having us.
Terry Kemble: …and what we should have talked about is, in normal years we host large
tournaments for baseball and baseball and it brings a large number of people to the community
and they go out to the restaurants. They stay in the hotels. You know they go to the grocery
stores and I don’t know if the City, maybe Jerry probably does because we do a lot with him but
I don’t know if the City people realize how much CAA brings to the community.
Lenny Checheris: Yeah it’s true. You know we had a baseball tournament which generates a
great deal of money for the program but it also generates a lot for the restaurants and the hotels.
Terry Kemble: The basketball tournament is the largest in the state. I said it’s the largest one in
the state and Sandy used to help us with that.
Schubert: Oh basketball?
Terry Kemble: Yes.
Ruegemer: So just so the commission knows too and in probably February of this year I started
working with Jackson…older kids with baseball. We kind of starting developing kind of an
economic model to kind of gauge and track per team how much money is, what are we talking
about here so we were kind of putting together some information to kind of try to measure that
and have kind of a benchmark for year to year to kind of try to chart that so I was kind of
working on that. I still have it and it’s going to be a goal for 2021 to kind of hoping we’ll be
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12
back to 80 percent normal, who knows but that is something that certainly I have interest in to
present. I think it would it be helpful for our commission also for City Council as talking points
I guess for economic so that could really tie into a lot of things. With future funding and field
improvements for lighting or soccer improvements, that type of thing so based on…we certainly
want to support our business community. Council’s very in tune with that so that’s kind of one
of the reasons why we started to talk about that…but we’ll dust that off and we’ll get it kind of
moving again so. Thank you both. Appreciate you coming in. Jonathan with CC United.
Jonathan Tudor: Good evening. My name’s Jonathan Tudor, T-u-d-o-r for those of you have not
seen my last name around for a while. I’m the Director of Coaching at CC United Soccer. I’m
figuring out more and more, and I apologize for a lack of preparation tonight. I changed by
email address about a month ago and we’ve been trying to figure out people that don’t have my
new email so I got a call yesterday that says hey, there’s a meeting and it was pretty vague but I
put some things together on the club and if you’ve got any questions afterwards I’ll be only too
happy to chit chat some more about it. CC United is like the community based program. I’ve
been privileged to be a part of community sub programs for the last, close to 30 years. Both
myself, I worked for my dad at Tonka United and we were there for, my dad was there for
probably 20 years and then he came over to us and I was his assistant at Tonka United and then
CC United which was Chan Chaska Soccer Club back then which was some 16 years ago asked
me to come over and help their program and I’ve been very, very fortunate to have a lot of good
experiences over the year. Currently our club we have about 650 competitive players. We have
about 1,100 in the rec. We are 40 percent gen in our total programs. We are a District 112 club
so we cover the cities of Chaska, Chan and Carver and Victoria. The field usage that we get
from the City of Chan, we’re fortunate to get Bandimere and they’re definitely overused in the
fall program City Center. We absolutely and I apologize batter it up a little bit. We were there
every day, every moment this year with our COVID requirements we struggled. Our season kind
of came to a close in March and we were told basically, like everybody else it’s been a very
unsure time and obviously the safety of every family that’s part of the program has been our
highest priority. But we came back slowly and they had a guideline where we could only have 9
kids at practice but I’d have to mark out grids for them and that was very entertaining and they
had to sit 5 yards apart and coaches with masks and spray bottles and we did that for a couple of
months and it was very, very creative and I think the positive thing about COVID that I hope has
happened is it’s kind of, it’s brought about something that’s missing. You know we get lost in
what we want from youth sports I feel currently and I think COVID kind of brought it back on
track. We just want to see our kids play. We want our kids to be outside and want them to be
away from the screen. We want them to be active. We want them to be engaged and missing
that more than anything I think was absolutely huge for whatever sport they play. Whatever
activity they do just having the ability to go and interact. I’ve got two kids. My oldest played
through the CC United program and is currently in college. I never really understood kind of the
value of youth sports until I became a parent coach and I think that, who’s been a parent coach?
Alright. I think the beauty of becoming a parent coach and being there with your kids and seeing
them at some part in the journey or Sandy helping out with her kids…just being a part of it I
think is such a fantastic thing. You know you’re privileged to see, to be on this journey with
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13
them that they seem to have, one of our coaches pointed out at what point do the smiles stop on
the team pictures and it’s usually about 13 when competition gets a little bit too serious and we
focus on something else but like I said I think the COVID situation brought into what we
actually want from this sport. As a community organization, like I said we’re fortunate to get the
facilities. We’re in the July the 4th parade. We’re fortunate there. Last year’s, was it last year’s
July the 4th parade the club actually lost money by going in the parade because all the kids turned
up with their soccer balls and put them on the back of the float and I thought they were to be
given away so I was kicking these balls into the crowd and by the time we finished our loop
there were like 12 crying children so it…the club very well with everybody getting these new
soccer balls. We had a picture of all these kids being pulled around on the back of these cars you
know. Who knew soccer would make your kid miserable. You know we focus, CC United is a
community based club. We focus on the attachment phase and we’re very committed to
community development. How we batten that up is that, we don’t recruit. We don’t, we have no
flyers absolutely anywhere. We solely care about the kids that come out from District 112 from
the start to the finish. You know there’s no phone call. There’s no advertisements in any
magazines. There’s no Facebook page that says come here. We have a very respectful approach
to other people’s community because I believe that if we take one player from another program
like say Eden Prairie it creates a negative effect in that Eden Prairie program that affects
somebody else’s soccer experience so just having an open conversation with them and finding
out why you here? You know what do you want out of this? What are you hoping to get that
you’re not getting and it’s, if it’s not happy where they’re at and they’re making sure that the
kids are responsible and the parents are responsible and they reach out and do the right thing.
But like I say we are very committed to the development of the kids in this. The attachment
thing I think is the most important phase in anything that the children do. It’s that part that they
get to like and I think to be a part of the attachment thing it has to be local. It has to be cost
effective and they have to be doing it with their friends. At the club we’re very, very conscious
on putting people with friends in our rec program. It’s all friend based. When they get up to 11
years old then we take into account friendships and drives and things like that just so that we
keep them connected. Our goal, and baseball’s probably the same, it’s not what happens now.
It’s by the time they hit 18 that they still want to come and swing a bat and hit a ball and if
you’ve got kids that come back and they’re playing and you’ve given them that I think that is
more priceless than any state tournament that you could ever, ever win. In our program we have
a large amount of parent coaches. The last successful year we had which was previous as far as
the full season, we had 429 coaches and 380 were parents. And the reason why we strive to get
parents coaches is it keeps the cost low. We don’t have to pay for parent coaches. Without the
increased fees to get them to come in but we make sure that the pressures are that they’re well
trained and these people would be absolutely lost without, because basically when you become a
parent coach you have to do your background check and your safe…and concussion training.
It’s a long requirement of safety precautions that we ask our parents to do and they’re on top of
that. We ask them to come in 3 times a month to come and do coach training and then they’ve
got their own training and they’re assessed on the field ongoing so we do hold them accountable
but we want them to be a part of the program and they too see the joy in being a parent coach.
On a personal note I think that youth sports lost it’s purpose a little bit. I think we’re losing the
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purpose of the name and the game and I’ve had a little bit chance to work with the cities to get
the kids back in the game. You know it shouldn’t be about playing for an elite team or a
showcase team. It should be about playing for a team and it should be about the sport and the
sport’s name should surpass anything else. Some of the greatest soccer clubs in the world are
just called their name. There’s no academy or league or showcase that goes with it because we
want them to play for the name not the game. We’ve proven in the club that even when we keep
our kids together they can achieve. Last year we had a group of 18 year old girls that stayed
together and play right through the program and out of a 16 player squad, 14 are playing college.
6 of them are playing Division 1 college. Two of them are playing at the U so that from a
community club that doesn’t search players is phenomenal achievement. It is an absolute
phenomenal achievement and I think in my position I’m just privileged to have lots of memories
of chasing Karl’s dad. You know trying to keep up with him for many years. He’s probably still
playing age who knows what now.
Tsuchiya: 66.
Jonathan Tudor: Oh my goodness. He’s defied age. You know and being a part of Sandy’s kids
and everywhere I go I see these memories of kids and it’s not about the state tournament. It’s
about the years of practice and being around the group and keeping connected with the group and
where they go and grow up and when they come back into the community with their own kids
and make me feel twice as old so. The future of our club. We’re trying to provide every single
site. We’re trying to provide an attachment for the kids in the community but we also recognize
it’s about development. It’s about development of an ability to play a sport. We’ve added Annie
Kutz who is the former Assistant Director of Coaching for Minnesota Youth Soccer to our staff.
We’ve got Cole O’Connor as our goal keeper coach who was the Minnesota United Soccer
Coach and we’ve recently just added a position for Katie Clark who was the Chanhassen Girls
High School coach. She’s going to be Director of Women’s Sporting Attachment Phase so
Katie’s going to be in charge of any female experience within the club. If you’ve noticed despite
the girls hauling the slide up the side on sports participation it’s a male dominated coaching
world and we want to get those moms involved. We want to get that balance because I think
playing, I think having a girl playing for a female coach I think is priceless and can provide a lot
more moving forward for them in their longevity. That’s a lot of information there. Like I say
we are struggling right now with our neighbors. Our neighbors in Minnetonka, we recognize
that the borders cross and Chanhassen runs into Minnetonka just as Minnetonka runs into
Chanhassen but they’re crossing a few boundaries and we’re having a few difficulties with them.
They are a recruiting club and there are different beliefs and directions to us but it is making it a
challenge with their current stance and mail out’s and things like that so we’re trying to work
together. We welcome any help to be able to work together to provide an opportunity for all kids
to play in any community. So we are looking at that. The thing I think we need from the City of
Chan is the fields are fantastic and we’re sad that they weren’t used as much as they were the
previous year. They were always well kept and they’re as accessible as ever and I understand the
importance of pulling the trigger when the rain comes. We could use some working together
maybe to get some goals out there on Bandimere because are still, they’re the oldest things that
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we have. I’d invite Cole’s probably got 3 or 4 goals on him that tells you how old they actually
are so any questions? That’s about everything that our club is, you know we are year round
program now. Now developing the District 112 dome. We utilize that. We utilize space in
Eden Prairie. We’re trying not to push our kids into you must play soccer year round. It is the
belief of myself and the club’s direction that kids should multi sport. They should play hockey,
basketball, football, baseball, whatever that they want. They shouldn’t be pressured into one
sport and what we have at the club is called an open door policy where our kids can just email a
coach and go practice with that team. So if they’ve got baseball on Mondays and that’s when
their team is practicing, if there’s a team practicing on Tuesday they can go play with them and
just say to that coach and say hey I trained with that team just to keep my team in so we’re not
trying to force our kids to play soccer. What we’re trying to do is to get them to understand what
their goals are. What do you want to do with your soccer? How good do you want to be? If you
just want to play with your friends that’s fine. If you want to push then you need to be
accountable to those goals and that’s the big thing we focus on in the club and this year I’m very
excited to have the staff to it. We have an office just down by Paisley Park and I’m very excited
to see what the next few years hold for the club so.
Ruegemer: Does the commission have any questions for Jonathan?
Sweetser: Jonathan are we still one of the larger clubs with kind of…?
Jonathan Tudor: We used to be but the change in the soccer dynamic and I don’t know what it’s
like in other sports but other community clubs emerging to survive so for example there’s just
been Woodbury and Dakota Red merged to form a club called Salvo which loses their
community name which I don’t know how they do it and still get community fields but now
they’re trying to get Lakeville in there too. Burnsville has merged with Apple Valley.
Minnetonka merged with Hopkins and Plymouth so they’ve got their programs so it’s survival all
over the place.
Tsuchiya: Wayzata?
Peck: Plymouth’s Wayzata.
Jonathan Tudor: Yes Wayzata Soccer Club merged with Plymouth to form PSA and then Tonka
merged with PSA to form the fusion. Soon we’ll all be just one big club. You know that’s the
kind of thing that we’re fighting against because we are an attachment based club. We want the
kids to have the experience but like saying, the challenge just lately is, I think some clubs have
lost focus on their grass roots which is the kids…and you’ve got to prioritize them in every way.
They’re the ways that are going to keep your club going and growing so.
Ruegemer: Thank you Jonathan. Anything else? We appreciate your guys coming in tonight
and sharing your stories and we applaud your passion for the community and really provide the
opportunities for the kids so thank you for that.
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Jonathan Tudor: Thank you.
Ruegemer: You’re welcome to stay if you’d like to but you’re certainly welcome to go eat
tonight. Take care.
REPORTS: 2020 PICNIC SEASON EVALUATION.
Boettcher: I don’t see anything listed here under old business. You didn’t have anything
additional Jerry?
Ruegemer: No.
Boettcher: We go onto item I, Reports. First one is 2020 Picnic Season Evaluation. Priya this
looks like it’s your’s.
Tandon: Yep, thank you Chair Boettcher and thank you commissioners. So this year’s 2020
picnic reservation season was significantly shorter than previous seasons, as you can imagine due
to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on gathering size so this year paid picnic
reservations totaled 32. We normally have around 120 so obviously very down just due to the
cancellations and restrictions on gathering size. So the paid picnic reservations ran from July
21st through October 3rd compared to May 1st to October 1st or so which it normally is. And
these 32 reservations generated about $3,000 in revenue compared to the $15,000 that we
normally bring in. And many other picnics and small gatherings take place weekly at all the
locations but reservations aren’t made so that’s an option for people as well. So just going over
some background like I said, the typical picnic reservation season was May 1st through October
1st but this year the first portion of that picnic season fell under the Stay at Home Minnesota
order in phases 1 and 2 of the State’s Safe Reopening plan and so the Stay at Home or Stay Safe
they really encouraged no social gatherings and that increased to 10 so it didn’t make sense to
have a lot of those picnics because a lot are larger company picnics or family reunions that by
nature have more than 10 people and cost of those groups cancelled their events on their own so
we just kind of didn’t open the picnic season. And then the other point there is yeah typically
most picnic shelter reservations throughout the years are for groups over 25 people so that’s kind
of why we kind of waited til the guideline of 25 people in a social setting to reopen those picnic
reservations. So for 2020 like I said 32 paid picnic reservations brought in a total of $3,000
revenue. To remain compliant with the CDC and State Safety Guidelines the capacity for all
picnic shelter reservations was limited to 25 people and that was based off of the social setting
classification as part of the State’s Safe Reopening Plan. Not the outdoor entertainment
classification which is that 250 number so that’s why we went with the 25 people. The revenue
typically is around $15,000 compared to the $3,000 this year just again with COVID. If you see
there are a few attachments that detail the number of reservations. The number of people. Kind
of a total throughout those reservations and then the revenue as well. Unfortunately 2020 isn’t
really comparable to any of the previous years because of by nature it’s 2020 as you can kind of
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see by the graphs there. Everything down but consistent with other seasons. Most popular site
was the Klingelhutz Pavilion at Lake Ann which was then followed by the Lakeside Pavilion at
Lake Ann which was then followed by Lake Susan. And there is a breakdown that kind of
details that each pavilion, how many residents made reservations. Was it school district? Non-
residents and those were pretty consistent with previous years but just very, very scaled down in
number. And we did have over 700 picnickers that were parts of picnics that were under
reservation so that was cool to see. At the end of the picnic season an evaluation was sent out to
those who made picnic shelter reservations and the information collected was largely positive.
The big comments and suggestions included fees, especially for the lower capacity of people and
hope for some sort of online reservation system or request form so we’ll review that for next
year. And yeah overall I guess we’re pleased that we had the picnic facilities to offer to people
especially as they look for ways to maybe social distance for a gathering with family. You know
especially the Klingelhutz is pretty big and wide open and so people could come with their
groups of family and spread out so it was a nice thing that we were able to offer, and that’s about
it. Anyone have any questions?
Boettcher: Anyone have any questions for Priya? We’ve still got something with a shorten year
and a weird year and hopefully the last year like that.
Tandon: There were a lot more weddings and celebrations of life this year than I think maybe
previous years just because we were one of the spaces that were open and outdoors for people to
use so that was kind of nice to see.
Tsuchiya: Priya I was wondering with the 25 person limitation, did you guys do any kind of
enforcement on that?
Tandon: We did not. So every reservation we made we really asked people to follow the spirit
of the Executive Order and make sure they are limiting capacity and kind of did our best to make
sure that they were at the 25 person limit prior to making the reservations so there were no
surprises at then end, like oh. My group has 100 people, you know. We tried to make it very
clear from the beginning and I think people understood.
Tsuchiya: Okay so more of an honor system.
Tandon: Yeah.
Ruegemer: Just so the commission knows, I mean the phone rang all summer long and had we
had higher capacity of our 25 people we could have made our $15,000 and probably more
because Priya was constantly taking phone calls and Jodi same thing with, you know if we had
increased capacity at the Rec Center as well we could have been booking rooms all day long but
obviously we’re following the CDC guidelines and the Department of Health guidelines so we
know our parks were being extremely used this summer as it was kind of a place where you
could go together as Priya said so I think our community feels extremely lucky and fortunate that
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our facilities were open. Our playgrounds were open. Skate park was open. Our beaches were
open. Our picnic facilities were open so we at least have some positivity in the cruddy year that
2020 has been with that so I think people were extremely appreciative of that and as Priya
touched on it we had just cancellations upon cancellations from you know birthday parties to
graduation parties and family reunions so you can see in the numbers we were down on our
revenue projections but I think that’s across the board for everybody right so we’re hoping for a
strong rebound in 2021 and hopefully once we get the vaccine and things start getting hopefully
back to normal we’re hoping for 70, 80 percent or 90 percent next year so fingers crossed but
you know Priya and Jodi and Mary they all did a great job of informing people of what they can
and can’t do and providing safe protocol in place to get people involved and make sure that
we’re going in the right direction for our facilities so thank you.
Boettcher: Alright thank you.
CHANHASSEN PARK AND RECREATION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM REVIEW.
Boettcher: This looks like Jodi.
Sarles: Thank you Chair Boettcher and commissioners. I’m not sure if you’ve uncovered it or
not but we have had a scholarship program here, a formalized one in the City of Chanhassen
since 2009. It’s on our website. We offer it to anybody here. Under our current program
applicants can receive up to $100 per person per year with a family maximum of $350. We have
a few minimum co-payments so it’s 20 percent for that program so if they were to come and go
to one of the playground programs they would have to pay that first 20 percent and then the park
and rec covers the 80 percent there. So we have some exclusions currently. So a lot of Mary’s
trips, overnight trips. We’ve got punch cards were one. Day camp. Sports unlimited and Sky
Hawks camps, shelter and facility, personal training and then the competitions and that. Each
recipient may use that for a total of up to 4 programs annually and then only 3 of those can be
summer programs. So since 2009 we’ve granted $4,000 in scholarship funds so it’s not, for that
time period that’s a fairly low number. But as we’re looking at it and we kind of decided to do
an investigation and see how other areas are doing. What we’re doing differently. What can we
do to include more activities so we decided to kind of shift how we offer our programs. Change
that percentage so folks will pay for 50 percent instead of 20 percent but then with that switch we
include things like punch cards. Make a purchase of punch cards. Now punch cards are like
cash and they would have to stay here in house but they could use it for their family and that
would offer a lot more options for people to use that money. Also we would include those Sky
Hawks and Sports Unlimited camps who did remove kind of the $10 programs and less. Just that
is a lot of the administrative fees and everything to get people, it makes sense with those and
they can use that for more programs annually with a limit of 3. We allow that for all ages. Some
area programs were just for ages 18 and under but we felt it was important to continue to offer it
for everyone. You know for all people’s health so if you kind of look around a couple of the
attachments are what we will put out for 2021. Got to remember those dates in my head here so
it’s just basically, it is for just residents of the City of Chanhassen. Can’t have any outstanding
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balances of course and then the kind of program scholarships will be awarded as resources allow.
So if all of a sudden got inundated and everybody was taking a gymnastic class and we kind of
ran through the entire season for our year with that, that gives us the flexibility to pull back some
of that. The dollars that we would be covering. A lot of area programs either have a scholarship
fund so they’re doing different programs and things to try to generate funds with that. Some of
them are like memorial funds. That’s what Chaska has is a memorial fund. And so this one
we’re basically kind of covering that cost for the folks so we are going to still not include things
like day camps and field trips. Adult sports, personal training, birthday party facility rentals,
those sort of programs but we did include those other programs such as the Rec Center punch
cards and also the attachment is the upgraded scholarship application form so if you do have
neighbors, friends, people you know that are looking to participate and don’t think they can we
should sure love to have them here. We don’t want to exclude anybody for any of our programs
so. Do you have any comments on the scholarship program or things you’d like to see added or
changed?
Kutz: So are you…dollar amount fee or is it just whatever it ends up being?
Sarles: We’ve set a maximum for $1,000 I think it was per quarter and that was set in 2009 so
we’ve used $4,000 so we’re doing okay with that one for now.
Sweetser: And that’s just based on the number of applicants.
Sarles: Correct. And kind of looking at this we were also anticipating that we may be seeing
additional applications for folks right now with this COVID phase so wanted to make sure we
can take care of people and provide them those activities that they can do in the city here.
Boettcher: So when you go through the vetting process I mean do you ask the tough question, I
mean if somebody asks for assistance do you say can we see your mom and dad, two kids, do
you get to that degree or how is it, I mean that’s always the tough question.
Sarles: Right.
Boettcher: You don’t always ask that but.
Sarles: So kind of on our program we really don’t want to keep people’s personal information
here. That was one of the things so we do ask if you’re receiving a form of public assistance and
these are how many people are in your household and also if there’s any hardships that we
should know about and then your annual income estimate so that’s kind of the questions we ask.
We do not make them provide us with any statements from the State or anything that they’re
receiving you know free and reduced lunches with the school district.
Ruegemer: And that’s basically kind of based on their answers with that. We’re kind of taking
people at their word on that so obviously they do have an annual income. We can see what
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people are making and how many kids and people they’re supporting within their family so you
can kind of see the number of years that we’ve been doing, we don’t get a lot of people generally
asking for assistance so I don’t view this as a wide spread problem and I guess we have, like the
associations tonight have really kind of looked at this as it’s really our goal to include our public
in our recreation programs. We don’t financial barrier to be a problem so we’ve always
absorbed annual costs and it hasn’t been a large sum of money through the years. You know we
have a lot of in kind things that we can just provide for our staffing and we don’t have a lot of
money going out that we can’t cover or absorb within the revenue phase of these programs so.
Obviously Jodi and Priya talk about this. We have to anticipate part of this too. The associations
kind of touched on it tonight but people lose their jobs or furloughed and we do have a lot of
needs out there potentially so if people have enough courage I guess to ask, we want to make, we
really want to navigate them through that easy process for them and I don’t think we’ve ever
turned anybody down at all so it’s going to be easy for people to get their kids involved. I guess
in my mind and I think in staff’s mind it really is a confidence booster. It’s something positive
for people whether it be their kids or a parent, they can provide for their family and that’s a
positive light within a tough situation so we’re all on board with this and hope the commission is
as well.
Tsuchiya: Does any of this proposal need a motion?
Ruegemer: We should have a motion on that yeah.
Sarles: It’s not written but it would be to accept the recommendations for a 2021 scholarship
program.
Boettcher: Would someone like to make a motion?
Tsuchiya: I’ll make a motion. I would move that the recommendation that staff has outlined in
item number I-2 be adopted. Is that sufficient Jerry?
Ruegemer: Yep.
Boettcher: Alright we have a motion. Is there a second?
Sweetser: Second.
Boettcher: Motion and a second. Any other discussion?
Tsuchiya moved, Sweetser seconded that the Park and Recreation Commission adopt the
recommendation outlined in Item number I-2 regarding the 2021 Park and Recreation
Scholarship Program. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote
of 7 to 0.
Park and Recreation Commission – October 27, 2020
21
LAKE ANN PARK PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT UPDATE.
Boettcher: Thank you Jodi. Very good. Jerry you’ve got I-3.
Ruegemer: I do.
Boettcher: With a presentation.
Ruegemer: So obviously we did not have an opportunity to get out to Lake Ann Park to visit the
new playground equipment this year with darkness and cold and snow but I just wanted to put
together just a brief, it’s nothing over the top. I just wanted to kind of show the commission
tonight kind of a start to finish in pictures the progress and finished product at Lake Ann so. Just
want to kind of go through that here real quick with the commission so we know that the Lake
Ann Beach, we took that playground equipment down right after Labor Day. Right after the
beach season closed. We knew that the beach was extremely busy this year with COVID, so we
wanted, we didn’t want to interrupt the kind of flow of that so we waited until school kind of
started after the Labor Day weekend until we took that down so. So we took down the old
equipment and kind of got the process started so the commission will probably remember the
playground cost was around $50,000 for that replacement of the concrete border. There was
kind of a combo bid between Power Hill Park and Lake Ann Park so that was $40,000 in total so
we kind of split that out so we figured about $18,000 for the border. We’ll see some pictures of
that here coming up as well with that and the interior wood fiber. We kind of got rid of the pea
gravel. You know a lot of times we’ll do the poured in place for the community park structures.
That’s kind of the surface for that so that was basically $1,800 for a total of $69,800 for that so
this playground replaced the original, well not the original but a playground from 1992 so 28
years old. That playground was so it was time. It was getting tired with that. The border was
getting tired so we’ll just kind of go through that itself. So you can kind of see on the left hand
side, that was the original structure since 1992 with that and we’ll kind of go through and the
crew was starting to assemble the project. You can see the leaves so that was probably in late
September for that. For kind of the starting of that project so take a picture of that and we’ll kind
of work through the process here. So this is kind of the beginning of the project. Everything
was fenced for safety and there was throughout the course of the day the crew would get done
working and they would button up everything for the night so people wouldn’t get in there. So
kind of the removal process here. So we took out the wood border for that and then one of our
skids here, Bobcats then pulled out the old piping and concrete footings out with that and
basically kind of started with a clean slate. This is the concrete company, Tietz Construction was
down there so the container was expanded to make it a little bit more room down there as well so
you kind of see how they form the concrete. The concrete border for that. Has some different
angles of that so obviously concrete was poured all the way around the structure itself so you
kind of see it from different angles what it looked like so that’s kind of the start of that. I think
this was done 1 or 2 days before they poured. So that’s when the concrete was pouring. You can
kind of see the concrete…so our crew comes in and starts to kind of lay out the decking and the
support posts for the playground equipment itself so if you can kind of see the orange dots kind
Park and Recreation Commission – October 27, 2020
22
of painted in the dirt, you kind of see that? That is where it’s, the posts were basically laid out so
the insulation could happen so the rental machine is called a Dingo so we used to do a lot of the
digging with a Bobcat attachment and then 2 foot auger. We’d work with it down and ripe out
the dirt. This has got a lot smaller footprint. Little bit easier to navigate through that container
with that. You’ll see some additional pictures so everything gets done. I see one, that’s JJ
holding that but holding up laser level so we can get exact depth on that so, with that so we can
kind of go from side to side so. Our crew you see them holding the level with that and you can
kind of see that auger bit that goes down to a certain depth and then pulls out the dirt and then
that’s kind of an exact depth based on height of the pole and a number of different factors of kind
of how that has to be constructed. So again old and new, same angle. This is a complete
product. This is done probably about the first week or two in October out at Lake Ann so you
can see the wood fiber, kind of the base material that’s in there so Adam and crew usually leave
about 3 inches over the winter time. We’re letting it kind of compact with moisture, rain,
play, everything kind of settles down and then they’ll come back at a later time and then kind of
top dress it again to make sure they’ve got their safety depth and stuff for that around all areas of
the playground itself so old versus the new for that. You can kind of see the different angles of
the new playground equipment itself. I think the last shovel of wood fiber and there were
already kids playing on it so we know that this will be a very welcomed site come next spring
and summer. Early summer with the beach reopens back up again but park maintenance staff did
a great job of getting it completed and kind of buttoned up here prior to the winter season so it’s
ready to go. If those commissioners who have kids or grandkids that want to go down and play,
have at it. It’s really a nice addition to Lake Ann so questions?
Tsuchiya: I’m just curious Jerry, what happens to the old equipment? Is it recycled or donated?
Ruegemer: Usually by the time, usually it is kind of outlived it’s usefulness so a lot of times you
know when I first started working here a lot of times we would put it on public auction but now
just kind of through liabilities of old equipment and that sort of thing it’s basically just recycled
and destroyed.
Boettcher: You said it was 28 years old.
Ruegemer: 28 years old, yep. Installed in 1992.
Boettcher: Because what is it, normally isn’t it 25?
Ruegemer: 20-25, yeah. This is really kind of a first generation epoxy poles and kind of a lot of
the stuff was old redwood and wood type of structures that kind of were that first generation.
And then we kind of evolved through the course of time so now you don’t see wood borders
anymore. It’s all kind of poured in place concrete now so we’re really kind of looking at really a
longevity thing so they do last the number of years. Obviously we have a significant investment
in these playground pieces so we just want everything to last so I will not be around when this
one is replaced again. Hopefully.
Park and Recreation Commission – October 27, 2020
23
COMMISSION MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS. None.
COMMISSION MEMBER REPORTS. None.
Boettcher: I did notice one thing today. I drove by Lotus Lake boat landing and it looked like
one of the residents that lives right by the landing had cleared some timber or someone came in
and did a landscape service. There was a bunch of firewood stacked on the sidewalk. Is that to
be given away or do you know anything about it?
Ruegemer: I don’t know anything about that.
Boettcher: It was all I could do to not stop and load it back in my Jeep. As soon I would if
someone would come out, but it’s right where the restroom usually is. It’s right out here on the
sidewalk and they even have it stacked by size. The bigger diameter here to the smaller.
Ruegemer: Easy for pickens huh?
Boettcher: That’s what I thought. I mean like I said it was really tough.
Sarles: We don’t know how you get home tonight but if it goes away.
Ruegemer: In the dead of the night go load up.
Boettcher: I mean you wouldn’t have to worry about Emerald Ash Borer. It’s close for
transporting it. Alright seeing no other business anyone want to make a motion to adjourn?
Tsuchiya moved, Sweetser 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 8:21 p.m.
Submitted by Jerry Ruegemer
Park and Rec Director
Prepared by Nann Opheim
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
Subject Approve Park & Recreation Minutes dated November 24, 2020
Section APPROVAL OF MINUTES Item No: F.2.
Prepared By Kim Meuwissen, Office Manager File No:
ATTACHMENTS:
Verbatim Minutes
CHANHASSEN PARK AND
RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 24, 2020
Chairman Boettcher called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Jim Boettcher, Karl Tsuchiya, Matt Kutz, Haley Schubert, Sandy
Sweetser, Jim Peck, Joe Scanlon, and Youth Commissioner Zoe Erpelding
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Rec Director; Priya Tandon, Recreation
Supervisor; and Jodi Sarles, Rec Center Manager
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Jerry Ruegemer added an item under Public Announcements
regarding providing an update on Phase II operations within the City.
Tsuchiya moved, Kutz seconded to approve the agenda as amended. All voted in favor and
the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 8 to 0.
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Boettcher: Anything else, Jerry? You’ve got one item?
Ruegemer: I just want to give the Commission an update as to where we are right now. As of
yesterday morning, Monday morning, the City of Chanhassen went from Phase I to Phase II
operations. Just with the rise in COVID cases, we decided as an organization to shut down all of
our public building to try to get a handle on exposure to our employees as well as our public
coming in contact with our public buildings. City Hall is closed. Public Works, the Chanhassen
Senior Center and the Chan Rec Center. They are all closed to the public. What that means is no
in-person programming at this point anymore so we are really trying to modify a lot of our
operations as to kind of what we’re doing. Priya, Jodi, and Mary have all gotten together the last
couple of weeks in anticipation of this coming down the line and really trying to beef up our
virtual recreation program in offerings that we are going to be having going forward through the
four weeks that the mandate from Governor Walz is in place and beyond. We’re kind of looking
that it’s probably going to go until after the first of the year into January. Programming staff is
doing a great job on looking ahead for that. Mary is looking already at modifying her holiday
party that’s coming up here. That was going to be in early December. Taking it out of the Rec
Center and have a drive-by food pickup and that’s… Staff is in the modifying, making it work
mode again here for everything. Public Works, we’re certainly taking precautions. Everybody is
masking up. We’re not riding together in the same vehicle. We’re staying apart six feet at least.
Everybody’s trying to take precautions in washing hands and if there are symptoms that are
Park and Recreation Commission – November 24, 2020
2
present within our organization, we certainly are asking people to take a mandatory two-week
quarantine period at home whether that is exposure of yourself or a family member or spouse.
whatever. People have been very diligent about recognizing that and staying away. Knock on
wood, our employee base has been pretty good across the board, whether that’s at City Hall of
Public Works. Certainly we’ve had some cases with that but our percentage certainly do not rival
that of Carver County’s high percentages. We are in that 13-15% rate right now. We are doing
everything we can to lessen our operation exposure like I said again to our employees and also
the public. That’s kind of where we are at right now. We were operating Phase I and that was
kind of the mass and offices and really trying to distance as much as we can. That was really the
reasoning for going virtual. In Phase II all of the public meetings now are all virtual. That’s the
Environmental Commission, Park & Recreation Commission, Planning Commission, City
Council, all those types of things. That’s kind of where we’re going to be at for a awhile so
anticipate our December meeting also being virtual with that as well. We’ll send out another link
for the Zoom meeting information so I just wanted to give the Commission an update as to kind
of where we are at right now going forward for a while.
Boettcher: Jerry, is the anticipation is that you will follow the timeline of the Governor’s
restaurant and gym shutdown or are we just looking at on your own from internal City of
Chanhassen and make a decision that way?
Ruegemer: No, Chair Boettcher, we are following the Governor’s lead on that. Certainly with the
MDH and health guidelines with that as well but we are following the Governor’s lead on that.
Boettcher: Okay. Thank you.
Ruegemer: You’re welcome.
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS:
Boettcher: Any other questions for Jerry? Hearing none, we will move on. Visitor Presentations?
…on the public there? Karl’s got a grin on his face. He may have somebody in the room with
him.
Tsuchiya: No. I don’t see anybody Zoom-bombing us.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Boettcher: Approval of the Minutes I think is kind of a done deal since they weren’t included so
we can move on from that.
Ruegemer: Apologies again to the Commission on that. We are going to be working through
some details on our end on that, so apologies again to the Commission.
Park and Recreation Commission – November 24, 2020
3
Boettcher: It shows where we rank in the importance of the City.
Ruegemer: Hopefully you don’t feel that way but I’m not sure what’s going on with that. We
will get that cleared up on our end.
NEW BUSINESS: PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION INTERVIEW PROCESS
Boettcher: No problem. Thank you. All right, moving on to New Business. Jerry, this looks like
it’s yours.
Ruegemer: Yes. Thanks Chair Boettcher. I think we had talked a little bit about this. Sorry I need
to put my glasses on. The writing I think is getting smaller on these reports. Kind of what we are
doing as a city is taking a look at the whole interview process across the board in all
commissions. On a staff level we certainly are discussing kind of looking at the process. In the
past, all of you have gone through that process of applying, coming in and talking to the Park &
Rec Commission, going through that process, then recommendations have been made for the
Park & Rec Commission on to City Council. You come again for a second interview with that
process. What we are trying to do across the board in all commission is trying to streamline that
process. We’re kind of looking to eliminate the commission interview and go right to the Council
level with that. What we are looking to do is 1) brainstorm between the Commission here and
look at what are the 5, 6, 7 top characteristics that you guys are looking at in potential
candidates. We are looking for that so we can brainstorm on that and then 2) we are also looking
for a person that will represent the Park & Rec Commission and have a seat at that table, and
then a backup. Typically, the person that represents the Commission is the chair and the second
person that could fill in potentially could be the vice chair as well. That’s the way it’s breaking
down so really what we are looking to do is come up with those key characteristics tonight and
then nominate two people, one person as kind of the lead person to go in on those interviews and
the second person to be in that spot. The background is the information that is listed in your
report. That’s the information attached to all the Boards and Commissions as far as attendance
and powers and duties and that sort of thing. Just for your information that you guys can draw
upon. Obviously, we are going to be, with Commissioner Schubert successfully gaining a spot on
the City Council. Congratulations to Haley on that. We are going to be looking for a replacement
for her spot. That will be an application process again to fill her spot and that will start by this
new process. After the first of the year, after Commissioner Schubert is sworn in to City Council,
we will be paralleling that process and getting some candidates available to interview. I will
entertain characteristics that the Commission would like me to write down and I can forward
those on Interim City Manager Johnston.
Boettcher: How soon would you want? A couple of week’s timeframe that we get our
suggestions to you?
Ruegemer: I would love to do that tonight, Chair Boettcher.
Park and Recreation Commission – November 24, 2020
4
Boettcher: Would you? Okay. I don’t know if anyone had anything prepared so everybody can
think on their feet or their seat since we have to do this early because short-timer Schubert wants
to leave us.
Ruegemer: She’s not laughing, Jim.
Boettcher: She’s not!
Tsuchiya: Don’t call down the wrath, Jim. Come on!
Boettcher: We will miss her, definitely.
Tsuchiya: Nice recovery.
Boettcher: Any ideas? Matt, you’re usually pretty vocal and do you have some ideas you would
like to lead us off?
Kutz: I don’t know. It would be nice to have somebody that is familiar with the city process and
how to navigate it, if possible. But, then again, somebody else that’s a little bit newer so that they
have fresh ideas. That’s always nice in my opinion. If they have any experience with park and
rec stuff I think that’s always a plus and how they moved previous park and rec stuff forward
like if they were part of a park and rec in a neighboring city. If they have had a hand in a project
before.
Ruegemer: Thank you, Matt.
Boettcher: Sounds good. Anyone else have any suggestions?
Tsuchiya: I don’t know how we can measure this but I would say someone who is active.
Someone who will use the park and other recreational facilities. Some firsthand knowledge to
demonstrate that either they have or they will use the parks. Has gone to Lake Ann. Have been to
Bandimere. Has some first-hand knowledge. I think that would be helpful.
Boettcher: Jerry, is the anticipation the candidates, a successful candidate, would that be a one-
year term same as Chair and Co-Chair. What were the thoughts on that?
Ruegemer: No, that position would assume Commissioner Schubert’s remaining time on that.
Boettcher: No. I mean the person that was going to be assigned to the selection committee.
Ruegemer: Yes, that would coincide with that. Yes.
Boettcher: So both of them would be a one-year commitment?
Park and Recreation Commission – November 24, 2020
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Ruegemer: Yes, or less potentially depending when your term is up.
Boettcher: Okay. Anyone else have any thoughts? Commissioner Schubert, since you are leaving
us you can give one last blast here.
Schubert: I figure I’m going to be on the committee helping pick the next person out so I’m
listening to you guys. Question, though. Any thoughts on people with experience with youth
sports associations in town versus not? Plus, minus, kind of net neutral? I don’t know.
Boettcher: So you are saying like a CAA member or a soccer group…
Schubert: Yeah. Or like Commissioner Sweetser having had children... I think everyone here
mostly except for me has had children go through youth sports within the town and how
important is that on to this because youth sports in town do use our facilities for the most part.
The City facilities. Is that something people feel strongly one way or another on?
Boettcher: Sandy, what do you think?
Sweetser: I think that’s definitely part of kind of what Karl was saying just with knowing the
community and having been involved with it in different capacities, using different programs and
facilities, but also I was thinking… way to pinpoint it but somebody with some fundraising
knowledge or some just capabilities of thinking outside of that box. Not that we’ve had an
opportunity to do a lot of that recently but just how can we come up with new and different ideas
and revenue-producing opportunities. I don’t know. I wouldn’t put that as the number one, but
just somebody that maybe has some of that capability of thinking in those directions.
Ruegemer: Good thoughts, Sandy. I appreciate that.
Tsuchiya: I’m wondering also can we add something in there that talks about looking at the
current composition of the commission and if you are consideration a candidate, looking for
some other points of view, whether that be age, gender, race, capabilities. Looking at park and
recreation from a handicapable point of view for example. We haven’t really entertained
anything like that. Can we get somebody else that might be able to bring that perspective that we
have been overlooking, as an example.
Boettcher: That is a great point, Karl. There is actually someone going on right now in the
Watershed District. It’s called DEI and it’s looking to get in more minorities and such. Getting a
more diverse group together on different commissions like the Watershed District. A couple of
DNR committees that I’m on they’re doing the same thing so it’s pretty much what’s going on
across the board that I see right now.
Ruegemer: Great. Joe or Zoe, do you guys have any thoughts?
Park and Recreation Commission – November 24, 2020
6
Scanlon: Yeah. I really like what Karl said about adding a voice that we don’t necessarily have
right now. I think that’s something that’s always good to add to the fold if possible. Obviously,
that kind of depends on who applies and stuff. If you can get that and then somebody who’s
passionate about the parks or the recreation facilities and someone who either wants to be
involved or is involved I think that’s always a plus, too.
Boettcher: Zoe, any thoughts from you?
Erpelding: Those all sounded good to me. I liked the point about with the fundraising. How that
would be a new, kind of different thing and to have perspective to have new ideas.
Boettcher: Okay. Are you jotting all these down, Jerry?
Ruegemer: Yes, I am.
Boettcher: You’re the faithful jotter this evening?
Ruegemer: I got my notepad right here.
Tsuchiya: Are you writing really big, too?
Ruegemer: Absolutely. I’ll show you right here.
Boettcher: No stick figures though, huh?
Ruegemer: Not yet. That’s great. Those are great ideas. Great thoughts. That’s a great starting
point so if there is anything else that the Commission would like to think about tonight you
certainly can email me the next couple of days if you would like to and get some more thoughts
before it goes on to the Interim City Manager Johnston on that. All the commissions are kind of
going through this exercise as well. We’re trying to look for new ways to do things. Like you
guys said, kind of thinking outside the box. Not do it the same way we have done for the last
thirty years and try new things. We appreciate that and your thoughts. The next thing would be to
identify a couple of people going forward that will be part of that committee and interview
process.
Tsuchiya: Jerry, is that something that has to be advertised or do you look at past applicants and
reach out to them? What happens? For Haley’s position?
Ruegemer: We would advertise that. It would go on our city web pages and social media posts
and that would kind of start that process all over again. We don’t necessarily go back to the
people with past applications. We just advertise again to get new candidates. Certainly, people
can reapply if they would like.
Park and Recreation Commission – November 24, 2020
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Tsuchiya: Okay.
Ruegemer: So what we are looking for is the first person and second person that would be
involved in that process here that we can identify to be on that interview committee with the
Council.
Boettcher: I guess nominations would be open? Anyone has any choice?
Tsuchiya: Chair Boettcher.
Boettcher: Why did I know you were going to say that?
Tsuchiya: Because you can see my face.
Boettcher: That’s it. That’s why mine is hidden so you can’t see what I’m looking at you with.
Tsuchiya: I’m sure that’s it. I think you’re out on the lake somewhere.
Boettcher: And I guess we’ll need a second?
Sweetser: Second.
Boettcher: All rights. And for the alternate commissioner? If I could I would choose Matt Kutz.
Sweetser: I’ll nominate Karl.
Kutz: I’ll nominate Karl, too.
Boettcher: I just wanted Matt to sit up in his chair. That’s why I called his name. Do we have a
second for Karl? I think there is two of them.
Kutz: Yeah, there’s two.
Boettcher: With those two choices I’ll entertain a motion to approve.
Kutz: Motion.
Boettcher: Second?
Sweetser: Second.
Boettcher: A motion and a second and those in favor signify by saying aye.
Park and Recreation Commission – November 24, 2020
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Ruegemer: Chair Boettcher? Can we repeat who made the motion please?
Boettcher: We did the selections. We didn’t do the proposed motion as of yet, I don’t think. I
think this was just the commissioner and the alternate commissioner that we just voted on.
Ruegemer: And who made that motion?
Boettcher: Karl picked me.
Ruegemer: Okay. I thought you just voted on something here so I wanted to know who made the
motion.
Kutz: I think Commissioner Sweetser picked Karl and I kind of seconded it.
Sweetser: Yes.
Boettcher: But to Jerry’s point, there is a request here on the agenda for a motion to develop a list
of key characteristics. So if someone would want to make a motion and a second on the listed
motion?
Tuschiya: I would move to propose the key characteristics that Jerry so eloquently wrote down
on his notepad for our interview process.
Boettcher: All right. And a second?
Sweetser: Second.
Boettcher: We have a motion and a second. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Opposed,
no.
Commissioner Tuschiya moved and Commissioner Sweetser seconded to propose the key
characteristics as noted by Jerry Ruegemer for the interview process. All voted in favor
and the motion carried 8-0.
NEW BUSINESS: YOUTH ASSOCIATION PRESENTATIONS
Boettcher: Jerry, it looks like this is also yours.
Ruegemer: Yep. Chair Boettcher, last month we had CAA and CC United come and give
presentations as to what they have done, their history in our community. We were all set to have
Tonka United in tonight but there was a COVID situation that this person is in quarantine right
now so we are not going to be doing that tonight. We are going to postpone their presentation to
Park and Recreation Commission – November 24, 2020
9
a future date. I just heard that this afternoon. That is where we are going to go tonight so we are
just going to reschedule that for a future meeting.
Boettcher: Great. That works.
NEW BUSINESS: ESTABLISH 2021 PICNIC RESERVATION FEES
Boettcher: Jerry, this is still yours.
Ruegemer: Thank you, Chair Boettcher. What we are looking to do is the Parks & Rec
Commission takes a look at our annual picnic fees every year. Obviously, our picnic reservations
as you have kind of seen here from past reports, we did not have a stellar year in 2020. There
certainly was a lot of interest out there for people using our park system and our park shelters.
We were really limited for the number of group members I guess that we could have and the total
people in these groups. Our revenues were not great this year so looking ahead it didn’t really
feel the right time to raise fees since we did raise fees for the 2020 picnic season. Staff is
recommending that we stay the same as our 2020 rates for the 2021 season. We did raise those I
think $25 per group last year for resident and non-resident. We are still going to have our large
group fees for groups of 100 or more. We’re hoping that we can get people back in our park
system having group picnics again and hopefully to raise those revenues again for 2021.
Boettcher: In regards to everything going on this year Jerry with COVID and all even though
these were outside, what were the precautions? Was city staff there to do cleaning like at the
Klingelhutz Pavilion cleaning tables and seats and such? What additional safeguards were taken.
Ruegemer: You know it’s, we certainly were there picking up garbage and those type of things.
We did have signs up saying that we did not clean every table in there, much like our
playgrounds and that sort of thing. They were available for people but wanted to make sure that
people kind of knew that we didn’t have the capacity to wash down every picnic table every half
a day or every day, that type of thing. People were there and welcome to use those for that but
what we tried to do certainly was limit the number of people so they could spread out so Priya
was very busy this summer, spring and summer, fall, taking many phone calls on that so we
really limited it to 25 people so they could really spread out. That is part of the things that we
were certainly taking precautions on for the summer. Just really trying to limit the group
numbers.
Boettcher: Thank you. Is there any, I don’t know how far ahead you go, are you already getting
any reservations for the 2021 calendar year?
Ruegemer: Typically, Chair Boettcher, the new reservations for the calendar year start after the
first business day after the first of the year. What we try to do is keep all those reservations
within the same calendar year so its then easier for accounting revenue to keep track on our end
for that. What we try to do then is work with our youth associations to get the tournaments on the
Park and Recreation Commission – November 24, 2020
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books so we can book a lot of that information out prior to that picnic season starting. The
masses for the grad parties, family picnics, reunions, and that sort of thing will start after the first
of the year.
Boettcher: Thank you. If there isn’t any more discussion we will look for, three is a proposed
motion on the agenda if someone would like to make it?
Tsuchiya: I’ll do that.
Commissioner Tsuchiya moved, Commissioner Sweetser seconded to recommend that the
City Council approve the 2021 Picnic Reservation Fees. All voted in favor and the motion
carried 8-0.
OLD BUSINESS: 2020-2021 RINK SEASON UPDATE.
Boettcher: Priya’s been sitting there so patiently for 32 minutes waiting so here’s your chance.
Priya?
Tandon: Thank you, Chair Boettcher and thank you, Commissioners. So there is an update to an
update. Speaking to Jerry’s point, when we moved into Phase II and all city facilities were closed
to the public that will include the warming houses as well. Again, due to the uptick in cases in
Carver County, those warming houses are such a confined space that we wouldn’t be able to
open them at least at this moment safely. Those are on hold until I guess further notice. But if
and when those do reopen there is an update to hours. Just due to some budgetary restrictions
kind of resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the warming house staff hours will be reduced.
All warming house locations and days open will be unchanged. We kind of just shaved a little bit
off of each end of the various days. So changes on weekdays at the four locations that have
warming houses: City Center, Rec Center, North Lotus and Bandimere, will change from 4pm-
9pm hours to 4pm-8pm hours. Those rinks will also change on Saturdays from 10am-9pm hours
to 12pm-9pm hours, and then on Sundays instead of being from 1pm-7pm they will go to 1pm-
6pm. Also on school release and holidays rather than being open from 10am-9pm, the warming
houses will be open from 12pm-9pm. We tried to look at, we keep track at each rink of how
many patrons are at the rink at each hour of the day. The rink attendants go out hour by hour and
track so we can look at that data and close during those hours that the rinks are used the least to
accommodate as many people as possible. By reducing these hours the reductions will save the
city approximately $3,000 in the 1600 Recreations Budget which will overall help with the
process this year of cutting back due to COVID and the decrease in revenue that we’ve seen. If
you look at the attachments you can see the graph of where the hours will be cut and where
participation and use of the warming houses and rinks are at those time.
Boettcher: I like the reports that you have here going back to 2015-16 and in five years you see
the difference.
Park and Recreation Commission – November 24, 2020
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Tandon: Unfortunately, our 2020 edition to that document, the same with the picnics, won’t be
the same or as ideal but hopefully we will be able to get the warming houses open if the situation
allows:
Ruegemer: Priya, would you give the Commission and update as to if the warming houses aren’t
open, we’ll have additional seating and benches and that sort of thing outside for people?
Tandon: Yes, absolutely. Thank you, Jerry for the reminder. Because of the warming house
closures and even with the warming houses being open to encourage to maybe sit outside and put
on their skates. We will have picnic tables at all rink locations: City Center, Rec Center, North
Lotus, Roundhouse and Pioneer Pass as well. They will all have picnic tables for people to sit,
put on their skates, put their bags at to hopefully still provide some space for people to use. The
rinks will still be flooded, of course weather dependent as per usual, but that will give people an
option to still use the rinks and have some where to put their things while they are enjoying those
facilities because we will likely see an increase in people out there because so many things are
closed and kids aren’t in school as much in person. We are going to try to have some resources
out there for people to use.
Tsuchiya: Priya, what is the situation with the warming houses? You said they are on hold, are
they not going to be delivered until you give the call or what was that about?
Tandon: We work with Mobile Mini and they’ve been very great about this whole situation.
They are not going to be delivered here until we give them a call and we wouldn’t start any sort
of payment to them until they are physically delivered here as well. They are available for us if
and when we need them but they’re just kind of waiting on our call.
Tsuchiya: Thank you.
Kutz: Just a couple of comments. I think I would like to have the City maybe reconsider their
closing time. If they want to open up an hour later I think that would be fine because most people
are probably still working, but 8pm is in my opinion too early to close. I’d rather try something
like if okay if there is nobody there, close at 8pm, but we’re going to stay open until 9pm or
8:30pm at least and cut back that way. I agree there’s going to be a lot more use with not a lot of
other things to do potentially. When do we normally flood the rinks? Mid-December maybe? So
we’re probably looking at hopefully two weeks of a shutdown by then left? Maybe three? I think
I would like to see the City reconsider the closing times of the warming houses because to be
honest with you without the warming houses there you’re really going to have a decrease in
usage and I would be hard pressed to not voice my opinion here and say I think it’s the wrong
move to close earlier. If you want to open later, I think that’s fine. But closing sooner I just
disagree and I ask you guys to reconsider it, at least, like I said if nobody’s there then by all
means shut down by 8pm, but if there’s people there, especially at the Rec Center, that one I can
see people staying at for sure until 9pm. Just my thoughts.
Park and Recreation Commission – November 24, 2020
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Tandon: Sure, absolutely we can take a look at that. Another thing that we may try to take a look
at is the lights to see if there is some way to keep them on longer to accommodate for those
people but again that just depends on I guess the facilities that are out there so we will definitely
take a look at that for sure. That’s a good point.
Tsuchiya: Clarification. What does it mean if it turns out that on weekdays at 8pm it gets closed?
What does it mean that its closed? What happens? Does the attendant leave or do the lights get
turned off?
Tandon: Yeah, the lights would get turned off and the rink attendant would leave.
Tsuchiya: Okay. I feel like Matt has a point here if we can find a way to have public access to the
lights with a timer or something like that but the rink attendant’s not there and people still want
to use it. I think that’s a great idea.
Ruegemer: I can speak to that point, Commissioner.
Tandon: Absolutely.
Ruegemer: It’s kind of an either or situation. We have a summer and a winter mode for those
lights. If we are in the winter mode than the attendant kind of controls, is kind of the master
controller of that. If we put it in summer mode then it’s like a push-button system like at the
skate park and tennis courts, pickleball, that sort of thing where you have to go and reactivate
that about every 45 minutes for it to continue to be on. For us to ask a rink attendant to switch
that from, we really don’t want rink attendants kind of master high voltage electrical boxes to
make that point. It’s kind of a, we’re taking your certainly your comments to heart here and what
we are certainly trying to do is kind of look at traditionally when, Priya did a great job of kind of
looking at kind of past attendance numbers as to where we were. We do have attendants between
8-9pm a lot of times but a lot of times the attendant is sitting by themselves for that extra hour.
We really kind of try to gauge that and really what we need to do is stay consistent with those
hours. We can’t just, you know, Tuesday night we close at 8:15pm, then we’re going to close at
8:30pm, then we’re going to be at 8:01pm. It doesn’t give our residents a sense of when things
are going to be open so it kind of has to be, it’s 8pm versus 9pm isn’t that different I guess in our
mind for that. There will be some circumstances and we can certainly take a look at adjusting
those hours but it really was kind of part of that budgetary process for us to look at reductions in
those areas and that’s really what we had come up with to make the budget balance.
Boettcher: Very good points. Thank you. Anyone else have any questions? So looking at this
point, Jerry, the hours will stay as listed that Priya’s report showed?
Ruegemer: At this point that is likely where they are going to stay and obviously to some of the
Commissioner’s points here even if the Governor’s mandate is going to go beyond the four
weeks, we really have to stay consistent with those hours across our skating season. We certainly
Park and Recreation Commission – November 24, 2020
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can take a look at how we did for those reduction of hours and the timing of the hours type of
think in the evaluation. If we swung and missed on this horribly then we can look to adjust hours
next year.
Boettcher: Okay. Thank you, Jerry. Any other questions? If not, Priya, thank you very much.
We’ll move onto the next item.
REPORTS: DISCUSSION OF MIXED USE IN CHANHASSEN PARKS AND
FACILITIES
Boettcher: Jodi, this is yours.
Sarles: Great. Thank you, Chair Boettcher. Happy Thanksgiving to the whole commission here
early. I hope you guys have a safe and healthy and Happy Thanksgiving. With that, I just, we’ve
been kind of talking about this for a while through the summer and into the fall and just trying to
deal with how folks are using the parks right now. With the pandemic of course we’ve seen
numbers and numbers of people coming out and using the parks and it is such an important part
of their mental and physical health. Anything from people gathering to have meetings in a picnic
shelter just so they can see their parents or grandparents. We’ve got a number of health and
fitness folks using our parks for different classes. The beach was busy. The pickleball courts are
nuts. They still are busy. They had to put the nets back out there for them. So we just kind of
wanted to start a little bit of discussion with you with all of this increased usage just kind of a
discussion and how our resources are provided to the community. We want to make sure, first
and foremost, our residents are able to access to the parks and use all of the amenities that we
have. So we just wanted a little bit of discussion. Appropriate guidelines, possibly, that we
should be putting out there with the understanding that we do have limited resources. Other cities
are using different attendants to kind of enforce these rules or regulations. That is something we
do not have at this time. So we just wanted to start a discussion on the activities that we’ve
witnessed in the facilities this summer, and then as things moved indoors, Mary and I have had
some conversations of different groups kind of utilizing our spaces for their own personal, we’ll
say personal gain. Examples that we have here are paid, private tennis programs that have been
operating on our city tennis courts whether that be Meadow Green or out at the Rec Center.
We’ve seen them there. We get the outdoor group fitness classes, private lessons on our
pickleball courts. The Senior Center we’ve got a number of groups wanting to run their own
private activity clubs or groups in the Senior Center and what we think of those things. Then of
course at the Rec Center there are always folks wanting to do private lessons in our gym using
the open gym time. I guess we just wanted to open a discussion, get some opinions before we
create a little more formalized plan here for what we want to put out there. I would appreciate all
of your opinions and I’m going to start taking notes here.
Kutz: Just to start off for me. If the people are local, if it’s not being abused I feel it’s great that
they’re using it. I personally don’t feel that they should be charged fees. That’s part of what
they’re paying for when they live here to have some opportunities to do things. I don’t want to
Park and Recreation Commission – November 24, 2020
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charge people for every single little thing that they have to do in the city and I feel this is one
area where we don’t have to do that yet. Hopefully, we can continue to provide that without
having to charge fees, especially if they are already paying for a pass at the Rec Center. We are
already getting fees that way for them just to be in the building. I don’t really want to see us
charging and have to do more recordkeeping and tracking then what we are already doing. Just
my opinion. I’d rather keep it nice and clean unless you feel it’s getting abused then maybe it’s
time to make some changes, but as long as it is not getting abused, I don’t feel there’s a need to
charge. Just my thoughts.
Boettcher: Thanks.
Sweetser: I have a little bit of a different take on that. Just from the standpoint of and I agree
with everything that it’s not being abused if it’s residents, but I kind of know people Jodi that use
some of those facilities and they are making quite a bit of money off of it. Not that we have to
get a take of that but I also wonder, and maybe Karl can chime in a little bit more here, but using
our facilities for business purposes, what about the legalities of the insurance? If they just come
in and they’re using the facility, training basketball players and somebody gets hurts. I don’t
know if that’s even an issue or if by paying the Rec Center fee when they come in, are they
covered. I would throw out the financial part of it in that direction a little bit from the insurance
coverage. I do agree I don’t want to gouge anybody but it does take space away from when X-
trainer comes in with basketball girls into the Rec Center does take away those nets from kids
coming in to play and I’ve seen that personally happen. Just from that standpoint, what liabilities
do we have if there is an organized activity going on but necessarily under our oversight? And
that I don’t know because I’m no attorney.
Tsuchiya: I can’t give a legal opinion. I would say that Jerry would probably say you could ask
the City Attorney about that but it’s almost…legal side because I don’t want to say anything that
would bind me. I agree with Sandy and Matt on this on different points. I would be curious, what
does everybody understand by the term “abuse?” This is the attorney in me talking. Abuse in this
case is very subjective so what does that mean? What do we all think? To me it’s if someone is
going into the Rec Center and they’re using the basketball courts, is that actually turning away
other residents that want to use the basketball courts because it is all being taken by someone that
is making money on running a clinic or something like that? Just using that as an example of that
point. That to me seems like it’s kind of stepping over some line but how do you police that? As
Jodi said we don’t really want to ask attendants to go out there and police this. We don’t want
have city staff do that. What’s the easy way of addressing this with written policies? What I
understand Jodi’s getting at with the minimalist amount of enforcement that we have to use in
trying to make as bright line of rule as possible in this situation. Coming from an attorney who
has to draft stuff, what is abuse? It seems I know it when I see it but I can’t really vocalize what
it is. I don’t know.
Sarles: I can throw in another example. Over the summer there has been the two tennis courts at
the Rec Center, and we had been shut down for most of the time but they were in use for private
Park and Recreation Commission – November 24, 2020
15
clinics all summer long many days so it was taking away from some other folks that would come
up, see them booked full, and then they would drive off somewhere else to go play. So we had
certain things like that. The other concern that I guess Jerry and I had talked about too was just
making sure that are these folks, do they have their background checks done? Are they insured?
Are they a safe, if it’s perceived that it’s possible that it’s a Park & Rec activity, we wouldn’t
want to be involved with something that wasn’t up front on all of those items.
Tsuchiya: Would it be possible, Jodi, maybe to use your Rec Center, your staff there. If this is
what you guys observed and you see it multiple weeks in a row, at some point someone goes
over there and talks to them. If we observe that it seems like you’re more of a business venture,
you’re not just using it as a recreational facility, you’re using the facilities to coach or train,
whatever it may be. Do we make an exception or do we carve that out in the City in a policy to
say look, you can do this; however, you’re going to have to get on a schedule? Think of it as
maybe like the different sports athletics facilities or teams that use the baseball fields and the
soccer fields. I think I remember talking to Jerry about this. Tonka United and CC United really
want our soccer field time and that requires scheduling. I’m not saying that city staff needs to do
that for down to the basketball court and pickleball court, but do we have to entertain the
possibility like look, if you’re going to come out here and you’re going to use our facilities with
somewhat regularity and you’re going to make money by using our facilities, do we need to have
you schedule time so that we know when you are coming or we limit the amount of space that
you can use? Say look, we understand that you come out here, you can use a tennis court every
Saturday from 3-5pm, but only one, because we want to make sure one is open for residents. I’m
just thinking out loud here. I invite everybody else to talk about it but I’m just trying to find
some sort middle ground on where is that line of abuse and how do we address it if we observe
it?
Kutz: One other thing, maybe we to just have an online scheduling thing for all park facilities.
There’s got to be a way to have a calendar out there saying hey, tennis courts are reserved from
1-2, 2-3, 3-4 throughout the day for each facility if that’s what it has to come down to. I’m sure
that software’s out there somewhere and some other community is using it somehow.
Tsuchiya: Yeah, but that involves more costs.
Kutz: Well if we’re going to get revenue, you’re going to have costs.
Tsuchiya: Well sure. It’s a balance then between scheduling online and they first come first
served.
Kutz: I agree but you can’t have it every which way. There’s got to be either rules or there’s got
to be first come first served. One of the two.
Tsuchiya: Well then it’s going to be, especially if it’s non Rec Center, who is going to enforce
that? If you show up and I have the place reserved and you show up and you want to use it,
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obviously we don’t want this to turn into, this all depends on the people that are involved and we
can’t control that but what happens if there is an altercation? Does City staff respond? Does the
Carver County Sheriff have to respond? I hope it never escalates to that. My mind always goes to
these places with my profession.
Ruegemer: That certainly isn’t what we wanted and really to kind of staff’s point is really what
we’re trying to do and this really has kind of come to the forefront during this past spring,
summer, fall, winter. So obviously with that, Cross-fit classes down on Park Road. Everybody’s
looking for an outdoor space to hold their private event. We’re trying to schedule mowing grass,
irrigation, maintenance work on tennis courts, any type of thing that we’re trying to do and
people are always there. I guess to Jodi’s point what we are trying to do is really just kind of get
a handle on that whether there is a revenue piece to that or not or a scheduling process for that.
What we’re really trying to do is just be aware of who’s in our park system. It’s really no
different than we’ve had baseball camps out at Lake Ann Park for 25-30 years, right? So they go
through the process, schedule through me. There is a fee assessed for that because we know
they’re charging $300-$400 a kid for that and I guess that’s maybe my philosophy is if they are
using public facilities for private gain, I guess I look at that maybe we should get a little piece of
the pie and that’s kind of the way that I look at things because these public facilities are public
for our residents to use to what Jodi had kind of said. If these courts are completely filled to
capacity all the time and then one of our residents wants to come out and play, throw the ball
with their kids or play tennis or pickleball, there’s private kind of situations going on right now
that they’re not available for residents anyway. I’m not saying that we have to, that this is
completely revenue based because it really isn’t. It’s just really about kind of getting a handle on
and kind of what’s going on in our park system is really kind of the main focus of this.
Boettcher: This is all a bunch of good points. Everyone, to Karl’s point, what I see, I guess a
personal sticking point for me, is when you go somewhere and you want to use a facility and it’s
completely filled up and there is someone professionally training or whatever. In the case of a
tennis court, if there are two courts, don’t book both of them for someone to do training. Leave
one of them available for the public. For me, it’s a little bit different situation but if I go to a boat
ramp at 5:30 in the morning and there’s normally no one there, there’s 47 boat trailers sitting
there and I can’t even get to the water, you don’t want to hear what comes out of my mouth at
5:30 that morning, but if someone wants to do this, the problem with a trainer you also have to
make sure they are listed as an independent contractor and that they are licensed and bonded.
That doesn’t take all of the liability away from the city that I’ve seen. Again, I can’t speak to
legalities either but the biggest thing is to maintain and opening for the residents along with
when Jodi, when you made that comment I was watching everyone’s faces when you said
something about pickleball is still going right now everybody had big grins on their face. You’re
imagining people out then in mittens and gloves and galoshes chasing each other off the court
because they want their time to play pickleball in November and December. That shows right
now with the whole pandemic thing. I heard and interview with a gym owner, he owns four or
five gyms in the state of Minnesota. His concern with the lockdown was that right not people
need to be exercising. They need to be out there. That is part of not only your personal health but
Park and Recreation Commission – November 24, 2020
17
your mental and your physical health to get outside and do something and anything that we can
do to keep encouraging that. I’m open to the point that is someone is going to be out there using
the fields for professional and financial gain, don’t take everything up. Don’t use all the space.
As to Matt’s point earlier, you live in Chanhassen. That’s a part of your deal as a resident here.
You’re paying taxes. That’s part of your deal as a member of the Chanhassen community to be to
have access to this. All really good points. Anything else Commissioner Peck or Schubert,
Scanlon?
Tsuchiya: Jim, your point there is that if you are a resident of Chanhassen you get to use it but
with the caveat in my mind is for personal use.
Boettcher: Right.
Tsuchiya: That’s how I would see it and I would just want a clarification. I don’t know. If that’s
something that maybe we can, if everybody is on that same consensus. There’s nothing wrong
with personal use but where is that threshold where you’re using it for personal gain, right?
Boettcher: That’s a fine line. If there’s availability at the Park & Rec Center, don’t tie up an
entire court. Don’t tie up all the meeting rooms or whatever. Leave some options there. People
are going to come in off the street. They are not going to see all the notifications you can put on
Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, MeWe, Parlor, whatever you want so Jerry can walk around
Chanhassen with a stapler and flyers and stick them on every light pole. Somebody is not going
to see it and they are going to be offended. You can’t please everyone 100% but personally again
it’s just a sword I’ve fallen on too many times to get to a place with anticipation and say, oh
wow, 17 tennis courts are all full. It leaves a bitter taste in your mouth. Just my two cents.
Schubert: Has the City Attorney been contacted on what the liability issues are at that point. I
think that is a valid concern and question and get and answer, Can someone sue the City if they
are getting a private lesson because it was on City property, even though the City had no clue
that it was happening. It’s a weird, in my mind I feel like that’s a good question that should
probably be answered.
Ruegemer: Certainly we had conversations with the City Attorney on past practices with general
ballfield use, swimming at the beach, skate park, those types of things. To kind of take it to this
level as far as kind of private we would need to explore that further to that point.
Tsuchiya: The doctrine of sovereign immunity us probably going to apply in this situation but
when you get down to the local government level again I would defer to the City Attorney but
my guess is going to be there will be some protections for the City. It’s going to come down to a
matter of the threshold of negligence in this situation. Was the City negligent? I don’t know
exactly where that threshold is in those kind of situations if someone were to hurt while they
were practicing pickleball with a paid professional or paid coach, I’m sure the City would get
named on any kind of suit because you would throw the net as wide as possible but unless the
Park and Recreation Commission – November 24, 2020
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city was actually negligent, if we demonstrated negligence, then the City might be on the hook.
But, that threshold because it’s a City is usually fairly high. You have to prove a pretty high
standard of negligence against a sovereign entity like a city or a government. But you didn’t hear
that from me.
Boettcher: It was somebody that looked like Karl. Very good discussion. Anyone else have
anything to add? Jodi, are you looking for a consensus or just suggestions or what all would you
be looking for yet?
Sarles: I think we were just looking for some guidance here. If it’s something that we just need to
update some rules and regulations. We weren’t necessarily to try to go charge everybody because
that’s not what we do but just kind of a little more guidance, maybe a little more signage but we
kind of know how that works, too. You can have a sign on every post like Jerry said and no one
reads it. Just some ideas from you guys just to help us navigate as these activities are growing
and we don’t want to create a new problem. You hear some nightmare stories out in Washington
and Oregon where they’ve had a lot of trouble with Cross Fit classes and people bringing out
those giant tires and tearing up turf and all sorts of fun stuff you end up having to repair on the
back end because it wasn’t on the front. That’s kind of what we are hoping to chat about a little
bit. Make sure…
Tsuchiya: Should Adam be here then?
Sarles: I didn’t tell Adam that yet. He would have his own opinion there I think.
Boettcher: So Karl, take the US Land Rover tires off the SUV and go and do damage on the
baseball fields.
Tsuchiya: I get mine off of big dump trucks, Jim.
Boettcher: Oh, do you? Okay. Any other discussion? Does that give you enough ideas then, Jodi?
Sarles: Yeah, I think that’s great. We’ll start working on this and just try to find a way make sure
we are open and happy to all.
Boettcher: All right. Thank you, Jodi.
REPORTS: 2020 HALLOWEEN PARTY EVALUATION
Boettcher: Priya, this looks like it’s yours.
Tandon: Yes, thank you, Chair Boettcher and thank you Commissioners. We talked a lot about
this particular even before so I will try to keep it short. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,
obviously the traditional Halloween Party was modified into the three different pieces: Trick or
Park and Recreation Commission – November 24, 2020
19
Trail, Boo Your Neighbor and the Halloween Costume Contest. Again, we talked about the Trick
or Trail a lot but overall the theme is made successful by a ton of different people. All the
businesses. We had 21 businesses and service organizations participate which was fantastic.
Three different volunteer organizations came to help out set up and take down. Park
Maintenance was great. So helpful. Mary, Jodi, Jerry they were all there making sure the even
ran well so it all came together from a variety of different people putting in their efforts and I got
a lot of positive feedback so thank you to everyone who was there and participated. Boo Your
Neighbor also went very well. We sold 62 Boos. The child Boos we sold 37, the family we sold
6, and the adult we sold 19. Again, a lot of positive feedback on that program as well as the
Halloween Costume Contest. We had 11 entries. Three in the individual category and eight in the
group. One fun thing is we had an entry from California. A family looking to do activities all
across the country virtually and they requested a postcard from the City of Chanhassen just as
kind of a souvenir from that so that was a really fun thing that happened. Overall, there was a lot
of positive feedback that we were able to modify the event into something even though it was not
the original plan. That’s pretty much all I have on Halloween.
Boettcher: I like those Trick or Trail. That’s a good play on the words there. And it looks like
even after everything with the conditions, still made $1,600, so that’s good.
Tandon: Yeah. Overall it turned out great. We had a very generous donation from T-Mobile of
$1,500 to cover all the costs of the Boos so that was key in making all of these programs possible
so we were very happy about that.
Boettcher: All Right. Good. Any other questions for Priya?
Tsuchiya: I got a Boo. Thank you, Priya. Those were great. The families loved them
Tandon: Good. I’m glad to hear that.
REPORTS: 2020 TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY PREVIEW
Boettcher: Priya, this is still yours.
Tandon: Yep. Thank you, Chair Boettcher. So the City of Chanhassen’s annual tree lighting
ceremony is held each year at City Center Park. The typical event draws between 100-400
community members so with the current regulations on social gatherings that typical event is not
possible this year. Just the background. So we were in Phase III of Minnesota’s Stay Safe plan
when we made that decision which limited the number of individuals in an outdoor entertainment
gathering to 250. In our discussions, it wasn’t very feasible way to make that possible at City
Center Park while social distancing and still having our event components like Santa we
normally have. We can’t have kids sit on Santa’s lap this year. Petting of the Reindeer. Just a lot
of contact in those activities so we are modifying this year’s tree lighting ceremony into a new
COVID-friendly program. We named it the Chanhassen Tour of Lights and that will be kicked
Park and Recreation Commission – November 24, 2020
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off by a virtual tree lighting by Mayor Elise Ryan on Facebook Live and on the City’s web page.
The concept of the Chanhassen Tour of Lights is a citywide driving or walking tour of residential
holiday light displays. Any home in Chanhassen can register their light display to be a part of the
tour and then we’ll take their address and put a pin drop on Google Maps and then come
December 5, which would have been the day of the original tree lighting ceremony, we will
publish a map of all of those households. We are not doing exact addresses or any sort of names
associated with the houses just out of an abundance of caution and respect for people’s privacy,
but we will publish a map with all the various locations around Chanhassen and then maybe
some suggested paths that people can drive through or walk through and enjoy the lights
completely social distanced, completely with their own household to not have any more spread
of the Coronovirus through that activity. Again, that will be kicked off on Saturday, December 5
at 5pm with a virtual lighting of the tree in City Center Park. Mayor Elise Ryan will flip the
switch on Facebook Live and we will kind of pan across and show the lights and people are
encouraged to tune in on both Facebook Live and the website, same as we kind of did for the 4th
of July Fireworks Display. If they would like at home we are encouraging people to flip on their
own holiday display lights at 5pm just as kind of a fun unity community sort of deal and they can
start their own personal Chanhassen Tour of Lights that will run through December 31. We are
taking measures as well just to encourage people or let them know that this is a strictly virtual
event, both events for the tree lighting and the tour of lights. We’re on social media, the web site.
We’re kind of putting that out there that this is strictly virtual, there no event at the park, and the
day of the event too we will have signs and some cones out to indicate to people watch on
Facebook Live, watch on the web site. There’s no in-person component of the event this year just
with the current regulations that are in place. That’s about all I have.
Kutz: Is there anything on the virtual trail, did you say virtual trail or just trail of lights?
Tandon: Yeah. Trail of Lights.
Kutz: Is there like a contest we could make out of that with first, second, and third place or does
it just get too troublesome to tally that up? Make it work? Maybe reward them with some
Chanhassen Bucks or something like that? I don’t know. It’s always more fun when there is
money involved.
Tandon: The only thing with that is we went with the option of not disclosing exact addresses so
it would be difficult at this point to have people vote but we are offering for all houses that enter
they will go into a drawing for a holiday prize pack so that will include gift cards from our
sponsors from various locations around Chanhassen to kind of spice it up to like what you are
speaking to.
Kutz: Yup. Perfect.
Boettcher: Any other questions for Priya? If not, thank you very much, Priya. We appreciate it.
Park and Recreation Commission – November 24, 2020
21
Tandon: Thank you.
COMMISSION MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS. None.
COMMISSION MEMBER REPORTS. None.
Boettcher: Jerry, I wanted to ask about December. Is our meeting is going to be on the 15th, is
that correct, or the 8th?
Ruegemer: Let me look real quick on that. I believe it is the 8th versus the 15th. Give me a quick
sec.
Boettcher: Because we usually went with the second Tuesday.
Ruegemer: Yup. That will be December 8 and we’ll get an exact time of that. Typically, we’ve
met earlier because we’ve gone on kind of a holiday social afterwards but that will not happen
this year unfortunately so this year we will likely start at 7pm that night.
Boettcher: So if any of us want to order anything from Door Dash or Grub Hub we can send the
bill to the City and you’ll take care of it?
Ruegemer: Put it on your tab.
Boettcher: Anyone else have anything to add? If not, I’m going to throw in a final note about
everything going on right now. I sent an email to Jerry and Priya this morning so I appreciate
you changing to a Zoom meeting. Some of you know that my wife is a nursing manager at
Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park. She manages four units and just over 200 nurses so this
whole thing that’s been going on for eight months I have to give her kudos. Hopefully she can’t
hear me. I have to give her kudos. I mean, she’s gone to work every day. She’s never
complained, much. What she goes through with scheduling, if she has a nurse that’s in contact
with a patient that has COVID, there’s a whole protocol, two weeks off and everything. Finally,
last week she came home one night and she told me it’s getting bad. Stay home. For her to say
that after eight months told me that something was changing. She just came home this evening
just as an example walked in the door, she’s on her phone, making three/four phone calls. They
had a patient that had two negative results of a COVID test. The third results after four days in
the hospital, the third result came up positive. In that four days she had 17 nurses and 13 support
staff that were exposed which means that out of 200 people she could have 30 people off work
for two week. Trying to keep four units running you normally need 200 nurses. Now you have to
take it down to 170. I don’t even ask what she goes through. I just phew, wow. But with that in
mind, everybody really be careful out there. I mean it’s, like I say my wife is not the type of
person. She’s not an alarmist by any means. When she says its bad, for lack of better terms it’s
hitting the fan. Everyone be careful. Have a great Thanksgiving and I look forward to seeing
everyone. Haley, hopefully you get over what you’ve got going. Let’s us know your conditions.
Park and Recreation Commission – November 24, 2020
22
Schubert. Yup. We’re going to get tested tomorrow so we’ll find out then. Eric’s two weeks off
of Methodist right now, too. He just got told to stay home for at least two weeks.
Boettcher: What unit does he work in?
Schubert: He’s in the OR right now but transferring to be an ICU nurse in the next couple of
weeks.
Boettcher: That’s not one of my wife’s units.
Sweetser: I have a positive story, though, from Methodist. My husband and I both had COVID
earlier in the fall, late summer. My husband ended up in the hospital for six days at Methodist
and the care was amazing and my heart goes out to everybody who works there, Jim. Please tell
your wife thank you because they really…My husband wasn’t in the ICU but he certainly was
really sick and they were great so thanks.
Boettcher: In fact, a nurse that works for my wife on the last Friday, she has COVID and she
posted a video to all of her fellow nurses at the hospital and to listen to this girl. I shouldn’t say
girl. Thirty-eight years old in very good health and she was gasping for every word. I just
watched and I went holy crap! And here’s someone who is in really good shape, athletic type of
person and it’s taken her down to that and she says I’ll be back in two weeks and I’m like wow.
So Haley, don’t make the big eyes. I hope you don’t get to that level.
Schubert: Yeah. Me too.
Boettcher: We definitely will be thinking of you. Anyone else have anything? If not, I’ll
entertain a motion to adjourn.
Schubert moved, Kutz seconded to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor and the motion
carried unanimously with a vote of 8 to 0. The Park and Recreation Commission meeting
was adjourned at 8:19 p.m.
Submitted by Jerry Ruegemer
Park and Rec Director
Prepared by Kim Meuwissen
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
Subject Approve Park & Recreation Minutes dated December 8, 2020
Section APPROVAL OF MINUTES Item No: F.3.
Prepared By Jean Steckling, Sr. Admin. Support
Specialist
File No:
ATTACHMENTS:
Verbatim Minutes
CHANHASSEN PARK AND
RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 8, 2020
Chairman Boettcher called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Jim Boettcher, Jim Peck, Haley Schubert, Youth Commissioner Zoe
Erpelding, Karl Tsuchiya, Matt Kutz, Sandy Sweetser and Joe Scanlon
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Rec Director; Priya Tandon, Recreation
Supervisor; and Jodi Sarles, Rec Center Manager; Adam Beers, Park Superintendent; Mary
Blazanin, Senior Center Coordinator
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Peck: I would like to discuss an item from last meeting when I couldn’t get on the thing to speak.
I have some grave concerns about the use of our facilities like….of people in different genres
that don’t pay any fees to use it and beyond that I have concerns about background checks and
sexual abuse.
Boettcher: Do you want to add that under New Business, Jim?
Peck: Either New Business or Old. Wherever you wish to put it.
Boettcher: Let’s put it under New Business. What do you want to title it? Just Facility Use?
Peck: Facility Use by Private Entities
Boettcher: OK. We’ll add that in. Item 2 under G. New Business when we get to that if that’ll
work for you. So looking at the agenda then, any other items, if looking for a motion to approve.
Tsuchiya moved, Peck seconded to approve the agenda as amended. All voted in favor and
the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 8 to 0.
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Boettcher: Jerry? Priya? Anyone have anything?
Ruegemer: Just real quick and Priya can jump in on this as well. Wanted to make everybody
aware, I don’t know if anybody watched the tree lighting virtually on Saturday night but
Park and Recreation Commission – December 8, 2020
2
everything went off without a hitch. So thanks to Mary, Jodi, Priya, Adam’s crew, Jason… was
there from our Park Maintenance Division. Keith, one of our Rec Center facility supervisors was
out there and Heather and her mom and Mayor Ryan and her family were there to flip the
ceremonial switch. It was really kind of a, too back we couldn’t do it in person, but in the year of
modification, we really had a good time of it. Just thanks again to staff for really going above
and beyond and figuring it out again how we could do a Facebook Live and go to Granicus and
watch on our Facebook page and our Facebook Live page and so staff did a bang up job on that.
Adam’s crew did a wonderful job. I just drove through again tonight with all the lights on. It
looks spectacular. Over 1,400 views so far from the video from Saturday night. Many positive
comments on our city Facebook page. People seem to be extremely pleased that we still held the
event, although virtual. I think people were very appreciative of the city’s efforts to really kind of
carry on the tradition and just make something beautiful out of cruddy year. Anyways, I just
wanted to make the Commission aware if and please feel free to stop by the City Center Park
anytime. We were talking about the mailbox; Adam’s crew built a really cool mailbox. Priya,
Mary and Jodi had kind of come up with that idea and brainstormed the Letters to Santa. Jodi,
Priya or Mary, you want to talk about the letters that were going into the mailbox and what
happens at that point?
Sarles: Sure. What we decided once the mailbox went out that Macy’s and Make a Wish, for
every letter that goes through Macy’s, they donate a $1 to Make a Wish so all the Santa letters,
and it goes up to a $1,000,000 so each week I’ll be dropping off those letters over at Macy’s just
to make sure those get in the count. All the kids can make their letters. I don’t know that Santa’s
going to respond to all of them at least somebody will get something good out of it.
Ruegemer: Just another way that staff is being super creative and making some positivity of our
holiday season. So a hats off for our great team for making all that happen. Just really trying to
look for some relief in this last month of the year here and I think everybody’s looking 2021. Just
wanted to fill in the Commission a little bit on that item.
Boettcher: Thank you, Jerry. I couldn’t watch it Saturday evening but I think several years ago
when it started and Santa was in the little house and the little kids found out about it and the next
two years they were trying to rip the door off so I’m sure all the kids miss that. That was always
a good time.
Ruegemer: Well we’re smarter, Jim, now. Adam’s crew screws the door shut.
Sweetser: I’m sure that was when my kids were little. They were probably the ones doing it.
Boettcher: The first year I think it went over fine. Everybody was surprised when we came out
and there were six little boys lined up going “he’s in there, get him”. Great. Alright.
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS: None
Park and Recreation Commission – December 8, 2020
3
Boettcher: Next item we have visitor presentations. Not seeing any visitors present, let’s move
on to Minutes.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Boettcher: Were approving the October minutes. Have you had a chance to look at it? Any
changes, deletions? If not, I’ll look for a motion to approve October minutes.
Tsuchiya moved, Peck seconded to approve the verbatim and summary minutes of the
Park and Recreation Commission meeting dated October 27, 2020 as presented. All voted
in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 8 to 0.
NEW BUSINESS:
Boettcher: 2020 Year-End Review. Priya this looks like it’s yours.
Tandon: Yes, thank you, Chair Boettcher, and thank you Commissioners. We have our annual
year-end review PowerPoint presentation. We’re going to try something new this year since it’s
over Zoom. We’re going to try a screen share and then I’ll play the presentation from my screen
so I have not tested given that this is our first meeting so apologies if it’s a little touchy but we’re
going to try this. Can you all see my screen?
Voices: Yes.
Tandon: Great. We’ll go ahead and try to present. [Priya plays PowerPoint.] Alright, and that is
all I have.
Boettcher: I want to know why Commissioner Shubert had a cake. I didn’t get a cake. I thought
that was a perk of being the Chair.
Tsuchiya: You don’t want a cake, Jim. We know that.
Boettcher: I know, I’d rather it be cookies. So it looked like some things still went on this year
with everything else going bad in the world. Still some things did happen.
Ruegemer: It made me smile looking through. It was fantastic. We had a lot going on.
Boettcher: Oh ya.
Voice: Great job.
Ruegemer: Ya, thank you so much, Priya. Great job on that.
Park and Recreation Commission – December 8, 2020
4
Tandon: Yep, absolutely.
Ruegemer: And thanks to staff for getting photos together and getting it all ready to go. Good
job.
Boettcher: Good. Well hopefully 2021 will have even more going on. We can only hope it’ll be a
better year. Thank you, Priya. Appreciate it. Item 2, Commissioner Peck, you want to get into
your Facility Use. Some of the issues you wanted to raise.
Peck: I had some concerns about the facility use by private entities, whatever they may or may
not be. If I’m business, no matter what it is, I either have to own or lease some space. It seems
like we have people in private entities at the taxpayers’ expense on our property that don’t pay a
fee and I don’t know if that’s right or wrong. I personally don’t think it’s right but that doesn’t
make me right. My second part of that is these people, whoever they are, do they have to pass
some sort of background check or do they just show up and use our facilities? A long time ago, I
was involved in a sexual abuse thing from a baseball training, it didn’t happen to me personally,
but somebody I know, the person got charged and spent some time in jail over this and after he
got out, he moved away and my understanding is….it happened again and if something like that
were to happen on our property on our watch, we’d probably get thrown into that deep debt. Carl
probably know more about that then I might but I have concerns about that.
Boettcher: So, Commissioner Peck, is this in regards to like a follow up to last month when you
couldn’t join the meeting?
Peck: Yes it is, sir.
Boettcher: It is, OK, because I was going to say it sounds very familiar. We had some of this
discussion but again we couldn’t get your input last month because of technical issue but some of
the questions I think that came up last month or last meeting that was something about, like you
say, the outside entities. They need to be licenses, they need to bonded and what is the city’s
liability. I think Jerry you gave us a pretty good rundown of everything as far as scenarios. Is
there something you want to go over again for Commissioner Peck and the rest of us?
Ruegemer: We certainly can. Jodi feel free to jump in here as well. Jodi was kind spearheading
that conversation last month and obviously we have a lot groups, particular with 2020 kind
what’s been going on with private groups, yogo studios, CrossFit. A lot of those groups had
maybe limitations of being inside and holding classes so they kind of took a pilgrimage I guess
outside and were using a lot of our park system, soccer fields, picnic facilities, private pickle ball
lessons, tennis lessons, those types of things on our public courts so those are the types of things
that I think Commissioner Peck is kind of getting at right now that we had kind of discussed last
week or last month I should say for a November meeting. Those are the types of things that we
were kind of interested in kind of hearing the Commissions discussion points on that or are
creating something that really isn’t a problem or are we trying to, I guess staff is kind of looking
Park and Recreation Commission – December 8, 2020
5
at this and Jodi can jump in, kind of getting some type of handle on this so we kind of know
who’s there. We’ve done baseball camps out at Lake Ann Park or other parks, Lake Susan Park
or Bandimere for years that people kind go through that process and rent or go through a facility
permit so we kind of know who’s there. They have general liability type of insurance. I kind of
think lately it’s been onesie, twosie companies that are certainly charging for their services that
are going on in public facilities for that. I think that really the point of this wasn’t necessary a big
revenue stream for us it’s just more a lesson is kind of having an idea of who is on our courts, for
Adam’s crew, if we have scheduled maintenance on a tennis court or pickle ball courts or
mowing certain grassed areas that can of manage and work around this type of thing. It’s always
kind of nice to know who’s using your facilities. So those are really the discussion points that we
had kind of talked about last week or last month. Jodi, pop in.
Sarles: Ya, right. Jerry’s right on that and we’ve seen it all over the place. It’s not just here. We
don’t have the staff to be out in the parks and patrolling that all the time of course but we’re just
trying to look a little bit of direction whether or not we post some signage which we know we’ve
got hundreds of signs out in our parks so really didn’t want to go that route but have some sort of
backing of what we want when folks call and say “you know, there a gentleman running tennis
every day on the Rec Center courts for three hours” or whether it’s pickle ball or people just even
using the shelters. It’s just everything kind of under the sun has come up and making sure that
we’re aware and things are going on in the parks that are safe and our community is being taken
care of too. So it was just a general discussion as to…I certainly don’t want to add more work to
ourselves to add permitting for every single for every single activity either so this wan an open
conversation to get some input to see what direction you would like us to take on that a little bit
or get some input so that we can formulate a plan because as this has been going on, I think,
you’ve got the CrossFit out there that can cause some turf damage, we get people taking over
courts, that’s also another issue for other people and we’re just trying to alleviate any tension in
the city too. That’s kind of where we were at with that.
Boettcher: Any of that that you want to address, Commissioner Peck? Does that answer any of
your concerns?
Peck: A little bit but I still don’t see where we’ve got people using our facilities and have no
background check, in today’s world and that really bothers me because if something happens
we’re going to be in that net whether we’re guilty or not. It’s immaterial, we let them use our
property either knowingly or unknowingly. I can’t do anything now in my baseball if I’m not
cleared, no one can participate with us if they aren’t background cleared and we’ve had to drum
a couple people because they didn’t clear.
Ruegemer: Yep and the city certainly has gone through that exercise before with a tennis
instructor who’s done private lessons on our courts. It’s a process. It takes probably three weeks
or a month to go through from start to finish but those are the people that come to us and call us
so those are the people that we know about. There’s a ton of people that we don’t and we
certainly put an educated type of a feeler out there to see who’s out there that may be doing this.
Park and Recreation Commission – December 8, 2020
6
I think Jodi has a decent handle on who is doing pickle ball lessons and tennis lessons at the Rec
Center but I think the biggest unknown is these little pop up yoga studios and CrossFit and some
of those types of things and Matt had made a point last month that they are public facilities and
should be open to the general public. So we’re just kind of try to get a handle on what’s going
out there, if there are ways that we can limit our liabilities in certain ways and protect ourselves I
think was our motivation behind this.
Peck: I don’t want us to take away from our city residents that they want to use the space but
they can’t because we’ve got a non-revenue paying pickle ball instructor running the camp or
whatever.
Boettcher: Commissioner Peck, that was one of my issues last month too. As a resident, say of
Chanhassen, I don’t want to go to a pickle ball or tennis court or whatever and find out that’s it’s
blocked up because someone is doing that, someone is making revenue or whatever. I guess my
thing I’d like to see, I’m sure it probably isn’t done, if someone is doing it for that purpose, could
they post it, could they bring a sign with them just to put at the entrance to the court or hang it
from the net or whatever, from these hours, we’re doing this. As a residential and you pull and
the thing is blocked, you tend to get this feeling of apprehension and you know, “why can’t I use
it”. If there’s something that at least explains it without even a confrontation, is that something
that’s ever been done? Do you think something that would, would it make you feel better if you
drove and it said “Such and such tennis pro is here teaching from 4:00-5:30 p.m. this evening.
Sorry for the inconvenience.” I don’t know. Would that be something to alleviate it because like
I say, I wouldn’t want to pull up and see that the entire facility is used and I don’t know why.
Then I find out that someone is actually making money, giving lessons. I would feel as a resident
of the city kind of slighted.
Ruegemer: Mr. Boettcher, we certainly have done some of that in the past with some of our
recreation programs at the Rec Center. We’ve it certainly for the Skate Park. We did skate
camps, that sort of thing up town at the skate park so it’s just kind of an education piece that
certainly staff could do if we know about rentals that are going on or usage but we’re just kind of
looking to the Commission for some guidance on that and you are wanting staff to pursue more
of a formalized process for that but certainly we’ll take direction from the Commission on that.
Sarles: I don’t know that whenever we offer programs out there at the courts, we do make sure
we have notice up there two weeks ahead of time so that when people and going and using them,
they have that knowledge that “oh the city’s going to do a pickle ball tournament these three
days, from this time to this time” they have that information up front so we also have that to fall
back on when folks are getting upset.
Boettcher: I like that. I’d like to see that for any other individual too. If the city does it, we don’t
have to do it but it we are then I’d like to see the same request, requirement, whatever for
someone coming in from the outside as Commissioner Peck said.
Park and Recreation Commission – December 8, 2020
7
Kutz: Jodi, this is Matt. I was wondering as long as you’ve been working here, how many
complaints or questions have you gotten regarding not being able to use the courts at all of any
field for the matter? Have we received a handful, are we talking 100?
Sarles: No, we probably receive maybe a handful. When pickle ball started, that became kind of
the hot button sport and took everything by storm out at the Rec Center. So that did inflame
some folks about “who are these people coming in and using our courts” and all of that. I
wouldn’t say it hundreds, it’s probably tens.
Kutz: A year?
Sarles: Ya, tens a year. Of course, it’s always the ones, the squeaky wheels too.
Kutz: Right. I’m just trying to get a handle of, if this really is an issue or if it just one of two
people that are having a bad day and they need to vent a little at us for some reason or another.
I’m just trying to get an understanding on how big of problem this is. That’s all.
Peck: Matt, I’m of the opinion most people if whatever facility is full, they don’t question why.
They just go away. They won’t complain, they won’t ask, they don’t even know it was a private
entity.
Kutz: Well, Commissioner Peck, Jim, the only, I drive around the city and to be perfectly honest,
the only facilities that I see full are the pickle ball court are the Lake Ann baseball parks,
consistently. I don’t really see a problem with tennis courts. I don’t really see a problem with ice
skating rinks, per se. I’m just trying to figure out where the exact issue is here so we can narrow
it down.
Peck: And there may be no issue, it might just be me, as I’ve said twice already, I have a great
issue with potential sex abuse.
Kutz: As we all would of course, for sure. If people are coming to us and they’re asking to use
our facility, I’m really glad that the staff is doing those checks as they come in. It’s the ones that
don’t do anything that, how hard are we going to try to patrol that.
Peck: Well, we don’t have enough staff and you don’t always know if it’s what you just said a
legitimate entity that we’ve already approved or said they could use it.
Kutz: Ya.
Schubert: I have two kind of comments/questions. First one, last meeting I thought we had talked
about kind of talking to the city attorney and seeing if they had any viewpoints on what the city
level of responsibility would be in times of those situations. I don’t know if that question has
been asked or has been answered yet but I think that might be worth getting a little more
Park and Recreation Commission – December 8, 2020
8
clarification to Commissioner Peck’s concerns. If the city attorney said, get their viewpoint on it
too because I think would help quell a lot of the questions that are being thrown out. And then
the second thing which is a complete kind of a 180, is I think outside of people making money on
using public property, the other big concern was maintenance staff not being able to perform the
maintenance when they showed up somewhere because a group was using a field or something.
Am I correct in that? Is there a way, I don’t know, Adam, probably you can answer this. Is there
a way to say this field be, maintenance will be performed on this field every Wednesday from 7
a.m. to 8 a.m. Is there a way to try and get the maintenance process, I know weather plays a fun
little factor in everything in the summer, especially in spring. But is there a way to maybe try and
have a process in terms of what fields get maintained when, and mowed so that then that can be
posted and then people go “oh I should probably stay away because city maintenance is going to
be here during this time”.
Beers: So historically we’ve never had, and run into these issues from time to time, periodically.
It’s never been a major point of concern, for example, if there’s a baseball camp, Jerry’s staff and
Priya and Jodi always do a really, really good job communicating with us. We kind of alter any
of schedules and if that is the case, it’s just as simple as us moving on and going to the next
location. It’s never really been in my time in seven years has it been a point of contention. Any
time there’s a tournament or tennis or pickle ball, we just make sure we get in there ahead of
time and people……….that we’re going do……….or whatever it might be. I think from a
maintenance perspective, there’s not really a major issue. As far as the fields go, we work with
Jerry every year and we kind of close off one of the soccer fields or baseball fields. We actually
take it out of commission for a few month while we do aeration and our top dress or over
seeding. I guess from my perspective, it’s not really a, I think that we would unnecessarily
creating another layer where we may not have to. I hasn’t been an issue.
Schubert: OK, thank you.
Boettcher: No I think, Haley, you were right, I do remember that conversation about getting the
city attorney involved in this and some of the issues that were raised at last month’s meeting. I
think that’d be a great idea. I think that’s more of an indicator where are decision would come
from based on what our liability is.
Sarles: Alright, I will get on that right away.
Tsuchiya: I also want to comment that even if there is a concern after the city attorney comes
back wouldn’t implementation of any kind of rules or required registration, wouldn’t that have to
go through City Council but also, I don’t know what the current ordinances are in Chanhassen
about that. Is this going to be ordinance based or is this just strictly department rule based?
Ruegemer: A lot of that, Karl, is probably no different than John Q. Public with the family going
and playing baseball. There’s probably some immunity with that as well, whether it’s a
playground, skate park, that type of thing. Obviously, we’re not having people sign waivers at
Park and Recreation Commission – December 8, 2020
9
the skate park, that type of thing. They’re not going through background checks type of thing
with the kids but anything that’s we’ve done as far as a program type of has been contracted and
gone through us so they kind of go through and make sure they have the liability type of
insurance. For the little onesie, twosies to everybody’s points, it really kind of hard for us to kind
of shake down or chase down everybody with that so I guess we’ll have to find out what our
representation says but a lot of that stuff may be covered under general liability kind of stuff if
something would happen. You know, playing baseball games and sliding into second base and
break an ankle type of thing, if they want to go through that process, they certainly can. Probably
within the last month, we’ve had somebody on their bicycle out by Century Boulevard and hit a
crack or bump on a trail and go over the handlebars and lose some teeth, but it kind of sounded
like he was on his phone while he was doing this so that went through the insurance claim and
denied so the city didn’t have any, we weren’t negligent at that point even though the section of
trail had little bit of a bump on it but that was just kind of I guess normalcy for trails and people
have to kind of be aware so those types of things, like I said, we kind of do have some immunity
with that. We have to be kind of gross negligent for us to be on the hook for those types of things
but to Commissioner Peck’s point as far as any kind of sexual abuse, certainly we can’t control
the world of who uses public facilities but those were the type of things that we were kind of
discussing about, is here a way for us to have some measures or controls in place that we can
kind of govern I guess a little bit. I like I said, we’re not looking to create more work for staff
and we’re just trying to get kind of a handle on our world a little bit and people using these
public facilities.
Sweetser: Maybe it’s just as simple as, on the website with whatever the kind of policy or
procedure has become, just having it on the website, basically stating, “if you are going to be
conducting a ‘formal’ program of some sort, you need to contact us in advance. And then you’re
still going to have somebody that doesn’t and if then, to Matt’s point, if it then becomes a
problem, you’re going to hear about it, Jodi. So then it can be addressed with that individual
who’s giving the private lessons or whatever. I think just having that information, the website
probably going to be the place someone goes first if they’re legitimately trying to get a facility to
do whatever their business is or they’re going to go there to look to see, how does the
Chanhassen Rec Center rent out their fields or whatever. Even if they’re not going to do it,
they’re going to go look and just see what the process is. It might just be that simple.
Boettcher: Anyone else have any other input, suggestions? If not, Commissioner Peck, does that
address our next steps?
Peck: Yes, if we’re going to go to our city attorney to get a little more guidance that should be
fine.
Boettcher: Ok, thank you. This one we won’t let drop. We’ll see if we can find someone on the
Council that maybe is favorable to Park & Rec Commission, maybe used to be a member of
such. Maybe when the vote comes could swing it in, what’s this head shaking, you’re going the
Park and Recreation Commission – December 8, 2020
10
wrong way. We would not ask you for a favor afterward. Alright, next item, H. Old Business.
We don’t have anything listed. Is there anything, Jerry or anyone else, that comes to mind?
Ruegemer: Not at this time.
OLD BUSINESS: None
Boettcher: Alright, then we’ll move on to Reports. First item under Section I, No. 1. Looks like
Adam, Quarterly Update.
REPORTS: PARK MAINTENANCE QUARTERLY UPDATE.
Beers: Thank you Chair Boettcher and commissioners. Just have kind of a quick snapshot of
what the Park Maintenance staff has been working on the last month or two. Facility shut downs
are all but complete. Rental facilities obviously are closed. We’ve done some maintenance in the
Lake Ann concession building, ….replacing lights, doing some kind of deep cleaning. All the
drinking fountains are closed and have been removed. Fountains are now shut
down…..winterized.
Ruegemer: Adam, can you talk closer to your microphone? You’re breaking up a little.
Beers: Ya! Is that better?
Ruegemer: Yes, sir.
Beers: I was going to say the only facility we have now open is the pickle ball courts and with
this wonderful, long fall we’ve been having, we’ve just left it out there at the Rec Center so I
think, Jodi, you can probably attest to this….happy pickle ball customers. Other than that, we’ve
been pulling in the docks and the fishing piers which is out annual maintenance program.
Worked with the DNR this year and we were able to secure a replacement fishing pier at Lake
Ann. I believe the last one was put in in the early 90’s, I think that’s probably correct,
somewhere around so it’s pretty old. So staff has been working at our Lake Ann shop right now
through the winter…a lot of major project to get that rebuilt and ready for the next season. As far
as skating rinks go, we are patiently waiting to get out and start flooding. Unfortunately, the
weather has not cooperated at all with the flooding conditions so staff is ready to go as soon as
we get some cooler weather. Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, we are unfortunately kind of
pumping the breaks on putting the warming houses out so staff is out to put some ancillary picnic
tables and benches around so people can use them to get ready to go out and skate. That’s kind of
our plan right now. Other than that, we’ve been really trying to peck away at just some tree
trimming projects. Been working with the forestry department and Jill Sinclair on getting some
buck thorn removed and we have some high school students doing some fall clean up at City
Hall and the library. So it’s been a pretty busy fall. We’ve been very fortunate with some good
Park and Recreation Commission – December 8, 2020
11
weather but other than that, I’d just like to say Happy Holiday from Park Maintenance and
hopefully we can actually get back into the Council Chambers and see you guys soon.
Boettcher: Alright, thank you, Adam. Quick question. What is the staff number through the
winter, your maintenance staff?
Beers: There are eight total. There’s seven and myself.
Ruegemer: Commissioner Boettcher, Adam can certainly touch on this but we have a brand new
Parks operator starting next Monday, the 14th of December. He’ll be replacing JJ Wahl who was
with our department. He took a job with another city, the City of Mound. So Adam, Gary, Jake
Foster and myself went through the interviewing process. I think we had 25-30 apps. Narrowed it
down and then we hired Nick Jacobson. Nick has extensive golf course experience. Most
recently he’s been work down at Target Field, so with the Twins. So he was on the maintenance
crew, field crew. We’re excited that is Nick is going to be starting with us. He’s pretty excited to
be starting with us and Adam will have full plate on his hands. He’s getting another employee,
kind of trained and ready to and we’ll get him in a plow truck and a flooding truck before he
knows it so we’re excited for that so just a little update on Adam’s division.
Boettcher: Looks like he’s got a pretty good resume with maintenance at Twins stadium. I mean,
does he live close to here, was that the reason for a job change or did he indicate that?
Beers: Ya, so he has been, his wife is an attorney and had been kind of traveling around the
country, so he’d been kind of moving around and they, I think within the last two years decided
to make south…. of the metro kind of home. I think they’re plan is to stay and raise their family
here so he was pretty excited for the opportunity to ……….
Boettcher: Sounds like a good addition. Thank you, Adam, I appreciate it. Next item, Senior
Center Quarterly Report. Looks like Mary’s been keeping people busy.
REPORTS: SENIOR CENTER QUARTERLY UPDATE.
Blazanin: Ya, thank you, Chair Boettcher and Commissioners. Hello. I won’t go whole in the
interest of time, you have it, you can see that we’ve had a lot going on in spite of that fact that we
have to keep the numbers really low. I’ll just point out three things about what’s been happening
this quarter. Interestingly enough, once we reopened, we had a lot of, what I call, younger
seniors, so really younger, active, older adults. People age probably 55-70. They’re in the
younger set at the senior center. But they started contacting me to bring their small groups in knit
or crochet or book clubs. We had a Scrabble group come in who had been playing together but
needed a place be. Some Mahjong. I hired a Mahjong teacher who was able to teach a group of
ladies how to play and they continued to come along with another group and all those things
could be done fairly socially distanced and those are the types of games you can clean easily, so
that worked out well. Our card groups couldn’t come back yet. We’re still just waiting on that
Park and Recreation Commission – December 8, 2020
12
but that was really exciting that a lot a younger folks were working their way in. A lot of people
who are must more tech savvy so posting things on our website and on our Facebook pages,
really brought in a lot of folks who didn’t necessary use the senior center in the past or know that
we existed for their benefit. So that’s really been a plus with this that we’ve been able to sort of
tie into those folks who are more computer savvy and watching what the city is doing on its
website and Facebook page. So that’s a good deal. The second thing I wanted to mention is that
we have our holiday party coming up. We decided not to cancel it completely. We’re going to do
a drive up event and it’s all just kind of coming together but I’ve got about 55-60 folks who are
going to drive up a week from Thursday to pick up a meal. The Chan O’Laires were thrilled
because I asked them if they would be willing to stand outside and sing some carols and so there
is a small group of Chan O’Laires coming to sing carols as people drive up. Jerry, you don’t put
the Santa suit on. I know you’re disappointed but I found a Santa who is also going to be in the
parking lot greeting people. We we’re super excited about that. We have some businesses who
have put together some really nice gifts for our folks so we’ll be able to hand those out as people
come up to pick up their meal and it’s just be nice to see people. And again, I have probably 30%
of people that signed for this are people that I don’t know who just happened to see it on our
webpage or Facebook page and keyed into and signed up so that’s really nice. The 3rd thing I
wanted to mention is that I have started a cell phone recycling program. The National Council on
Aging offers senior centers in the United States the ability to turn in old cell phones and get paid
for them. So I started that recycling program. People have been dropping cell phones off, a lot of
them at City Hall and I’ve turned them in and have already earned over $100 which is, you
know, better than nothing. I will keep doing it and I’m hoping people give a lot of cell phones
Christmas presents this year and need a place to recycle their cell phones, they can bring them to
the Senior Center and we’ll turn around and put that into programming to keep our costs down
for our folks. I thought there was one thing but I think that’s where I’m going to leave it. Do you
have any questions for me?
Boettcher: Mary, I have an old bag phone from about 1993 when I was working with Ford in
Detroit. It that thing worth…can you get a nickel for it?
Blazanin: Yes! Probably. I have had several phones where I really only get about a dime but, no,
bring it in. The nice thing about this program is what they can’t repurpose or reuse again, they
will give some phones to let’s say like shelters or to folks that can’t afford to buy phones. They’ll
repurpose them and get them ready for that. If they do that, they take them apart and recycle the
parts. So, it’s all a good thing.
Boettcher: Good.
Schubert: I was going to say, I know for a while there was an ask for phones for the Meals on
Wheels program. Is that still, are you kind of going between the two of them for this or are they
one in the same?
Park and Recreation Commission – December 8, 2020
13
Blazanin: Ya, no, we started with that idea but we’re not going to use it towards that. I think
instead we’ll use it towards things like the holiday party where we ask people to pay for a meal
but those folks that might be, that I know of who might struggle with even coming up with $10
or $8, I’ll just sign them up and use that money to help pay their cost.
Schubert: OK. I did find a phone over the weekend while I was cleaning so I’ll drop it off
sometime soon.
Boettcher: Thank you, Mary. Any other questions for Mary. If not, thank you for a great job as
always. We appreciate it.
Blazanin: You’re welcome.
REPORTS: CHANHASSEN RECREATON CENTER QUARTERLY UPDATE.
Boettcher: Item 3. I don’t see a report for it so I’m thinking Jodi is going to tell us about the Rec
Center from just off the top of her head.
Sarles: No report?
Boettcher: No, the link was dead.
Sarles: OK, I’ll have to check what happened there.
Boettcher: You can wing it. We’ll believe you.
Sarles: I will wing it. I’ve got some paper here in front of me. I have one but sorry about that. I’ll
email it over tomorrow to you all. So basically, it’s been an interesting time here with, we shut
down at the end of our day on November 20th. The good news is the staff have been given the
opportunity to continue working. Albeit, not as facility supervisors, but things have been
custodial tasks. I have one assigned to City Hall that is doing scanning for city documents into
Laserfiche files so it’s kind of tough time out at the Rec Center right now so if you want to work
out or do anything, that’s just not happening but for me the walls are getting painted, the trip
around all the doors that hasn’t been touched since 1995, other than to be scratched by
everybody, that’s getting worked on so we’re getting a bit of a makeover right now. It’s not the
job that I would like to have right now that’s for sure. Right now one of the things that happened
through that Covid 19 Cares funding, any of the lobby furniture that was more than 2, so a
loveseat, we had I think six of those out in the front lobby and if anybody had been in the Rec
Center for a while, you know that those couches are well, they have seen a lot of love and so well
worn and so the good news is we were able to replace all of our lobby furniture, anything that
was a two-seats or loveseat we were able to use the Covid or Cares funding and then they cit y
bumped up our Capital funding that we had coming next year to this year so that we could
replace everything. So we have a very fancy, antimicrobial, vinyl fabric. I did some fine
Park and Recreation Commission – December 8, 2020
14
shopping so they are very heavy duty. I think they have 400 lb., so my little toddlers when they
jump and down on it may be they’ll withstand some of the abuse that happens out front but it
looks the total amount that we spent was about $12,000 or $11,873. About $3,460 was from that
Covid Cares funding so that’s been very nice right now. If you look behind my vending
machines, you’ll see the pieces we can’t have out in the lobby just yet because of spacing needs
so we have a max of 12 out there and I think I’ve got another eight back in the or seven, by the
vending machines. As I’m looking here, the things I was writing about, we had to update, being a
drop-in facility with the Covid 19, we’ve had to make a lot of adjustments to try to meet those
capacities so basically our fitness center is now, or has now and probably will be when we
reopening under a 5-person limit in the fitness center so we created a reservation system for
people to register up to an hour and a half, so 30-minute blocks, they could pick three a day so
that they would be guaranteed a space. We were having some trouble with people being turned
away and having to wait in the lobby and that just wasn’t feasible for any longer that way so
we’ve had this adjustment but I think people are finally, well had, finally been kind of use to that
and they were signing up for all their workouts from now until December at that time, so that
was a good one. So then when that happened, indoor pickle ball, once we came inside, when it
snowed, we went to a maximum of 20 people and they had to sign up. We did get some push
back with some of the pickle ball players a little concerned with the sharing of courts and spaces
and rotations and so we added another opportunity where people could sign up for just their four
people or a group of four to six. They wouldn’t intermix with any of the other courts so we called
it pickle ball pod play and that seemed to, they have that choice now. They did not get the most
popular time that we offer pickle ball but they have that choice and people had been using that
before everything kind of shut down on us. Thanks to Adam, he really, really…those guys are so
excited to have courts outside. I was getting calls even this week for people wanting to borrow
the indoor net to set them up anywhere they could go because of the weather here this week so
they were very appreciative of the work that crew did to get those nets out. Programs of course
have been changed and pretty limited in numbers. We’ve offered babysitting, dance, that’s, we
almost made it through our whole fall session of dance with the exception of the last Saturday,
they transitioned to Zoom on that day. Now we’re into the winter session and for the most part,
fortunately, we’ve been able to keep most of our dancers into the winter even being taught
through the Zoom application. Rec Center sports. We did pretty well with our soccer because we
were outside and then soccer came inside and then we kind of lost a little bit of participation with
some folks, got a little concerned about sitting in the gym. We had all of our bleachers are
marked out, we’ve got a limit of one parents per child that can come in during that time just so
that we could offer enough safe space for folks to wait at that point. We’re hoping we can come
back in possibly January, February, but right now, it’s up in the air. And then as far as some
virtual ideas we’ve had going on, Mary, Priya and I have been meeting quite a bit to throw a few
ideas together. A couple of them just making sure we’re out there all the time, all weeks. So if
you’re checking on our Facebook page, our training at the Rec Center, Julie, she’s offering a
Monday Motivations, so she’ll do different fitness activities, whether it’s cardio or strength,
things you can do, I think her first one was, things you can do while you’re waiting for your
coffee to brew in the morning. She’s got one, things you can do during commercials during your
football games, so it they’re kind of fun little, quick topics about two minutes or so that she just
Park and Recreation Commission – December 8, 2020
15
gives some ideas and shows how to do proper positioning for your exercises. And then, if you’re
willing to attend and do this one, we’ll have the Chanhassen Trivia Challenge so that’s going to
be next week on December 17 so we’re putting it together as a Zoom trivia. We’ll have groups
up to I think we’ve got the limit right now at about 25. So it’s you and your immediate family or
people, just no more than 2 adults per team and then kids and we’ll different ideas, or different
topic throughout the night. I think it’s going to be about 45 minutes and the winners will receive
some prizes from some of our local businesses. So we’re trying to encourage folks to get out and
spend some money, get some take-out maybe, stop by at the hardware store to pick up you need
to fix the cupboard door. Hoping to drive some business to our local group. And then we’re, last
thing here is that our punch card sales, sadly, has been postponed. Typically, every December we
have a pretty big punch card sale for the month. With being shut down, we’re going to move that
to whenever we open and then probably have it as a six-week period. Keep your eyes peeled for
that one. Anyway, with that, I hope you guys all have a wonderful holiday, great December and
hope to you see you soon in person.
Boettcher: Alright, thank you, Jodi. Great. So there is still something going on there ….after
Covid.
Sarles: Oh ya!
Boettcher: What is the official, is the 18th the end of the state shutdown? Is that correct?
Sarles: Ya.
Boettcher: So by the 21st, that week, Christmas week, restaurants and businesses are supposed to
be open again? I can’t keep up anymore. I mean…Every state has their own rules now.
Sweetser: I don’t that that’s, I think that that’s the end of, you remember how in the spring it
kind of kept extending a little bit. I don’t think the Governor’s committed that it’s completely
reopening on the 19th but, let’s hope.
Boettcher: Especially for the restaurants in the area.
Ruegemer: I think that’s the approach I think the city it taking. Kind of a wait and see attitude
and approach to that. So, like I said, Jodi, Mary and Priya have been doing a really great job on
meeting frequently and kind of going through program, virtual programming ideas and coming
up with fun things for our community to do to try to keep people engaged. People are growing
weary and growing tired of the just the whole situation everybody is in. Just really just to do a
great job. They’re really kind of banding together and I think our department is much stronger
now than we were in March, certainly. I think we’re much better prepared through the phasing
processes and procedures that we’ve been going through and Mary and Jodi and Adam’s groups,
certainly with the outdoor maintenance. Everybody’s done a really great job of coming up with
safety protocols and really dumping everybody’s division out on the floor and kind of figuring it
Park and Recreation Commission – December 8, 2020
16
out. So, you know, it’s been a lot of thought processes and to try to do things differently and with
virtual this and virtual that and putting X’s on the bleachers and spacing 4, 5 and 6 year olds for
soccer and t-ball and those types of things. I just really complement our staff for really working
hard and really putting in the time. Just a case in point, I mean, Mary and Jodi have certainly
been working together on making sure that our facilities supervisors and our Park Maintenance
staff have, Adam has enough to do all the time, but incorporating Park Maintenance into some
projects at City Hall. Adam’s crew are putting in a chair rail for Mary down in the Senior Center
and fixing some trim. Jodi’s crew have been coming over and helping with scanning in the
Building Department. I think there’s enough scanning for at least another 10 to 15 years of plans
and I mean, Rick Rice over the moon with getting some of that kind of stuff done. There’s just a
lot of people rolling up their sleeves and maybe going outside their lanes and really just doing
what’s best for the city employee base as well as our residents and just really, everybody’s been
working extremely hard through 2020. It’s been extremely challenging for staff to really go
outside the norm of what we’re kind of used to. We certainly long for those days of what we’re
kind of used to. We certainly long for those days of having a normal Feb Fest and Tree Lighting
Ceremony and fireworks and all those types of things. We’ll get there at some point in time but
everybody’s doing just a great job just really giving it their effort and not putting their heads in
the sand and going into the corner in the fetal position. I mean seriously, everybody’s just been
really working hard and just trying to make it a better situation for our residents and guests of our
city. So just tip of the cap.
Boettcher: So for Feb Fest for the ice fishing contest are you just going to have people go to the
Google play store and download one of the ice fishing games and then we’ll do a virtual top 50?
Would that work?
Ruegemer: Priya, you certainly can talk about that. We’ve had lots of discussions about Feb Fest.
Tandon: Ya, for sure. Jerry and I have met a few times over the past couple weeks to try to figure
out what’s going to happen with Feb Fest. We’ve also had some communication with other
tournaments across the state and it seems like a lot of groups have tried to do an in-person
tournament. Not many are going virtual. One of the fishing, I think it is the biggest fishing
tournament in the state, the Brainerd Jaycee Fishing Tournament. They are doing a virtual
contest. So we hope to do a virtual contest. Our concern is just maintaining the integrity of Feb
Fest. We do have some higher value prizes and we want to avoid any sort of cheating or
dishonesty and just keep the integrity. So it seems like as of now, we do plan on doing a virtual
Feb Fest where participants fish on their own and they either submit via email or through an app.
There’s an app called Fish Donkey I learned about that you can submit your fish through that and
then go into some sort of drawing for prizes but we’re working out the specific logistics of that to
find out what can be best for participation and keeping the brand of the event, but Feb Fest will
happen it just won’t be, you know, as we all know the way it has been before.
Ruegemer: So unlikely we’ll, we will not be having the dogsled rides, or the tent out on the ice,
the bonfires, s’more kits, hayrides, that sort of thing, will not be happening this year just because
Park and Recreation Commission – December 8, 2020
17
of the guidelines put into place by the CDC and health organization and that sort thing. But we’re
trying to hold onto the tradition of the ice fishing contest and we’re going to kind of spread it out
over the course of that week and have people fish, we’ll certainly talk about Lake Ann and also
Carver County as well. Having it open up potentially to lakes in Carver County during that
timeframe and limit to the species that inside Lake Ann so we’re not having 30 lb. walleyes that
are coming out of Lake Waconia type of thing. I know Priya’s been working extremely hard on
getting background and information from other cities and contests and kind of what they’re
doing so we’re formulating that and I think we’re very close to kind of finalizing a format and
getting information put together and Priya’s been talking to the DNR about getting the permit
processed certainly for that so. You know, a lot of it kind of up in the air as well with the
December 18 deadline by Governor Walz. There isn’t a lot of movement right now with the
DNR…certainly anything more than 250 people. Priya’s on top of that and she’ll keep moving
and advancing that forward and we’ll have an update for the Commission very shortly.
Boettcher: I just read about the one in Brainerd that Priya was talking about, the big fishing
contest and said it was going virtual. I didn’t read all the detail on it but with that one, I mean,
that always had a first prize of $10,000 so there’s going to have to be some serious, someone’s
going to have to monitor that, not that fisherman ever lie or cheat but I mean, I don’t know, I
don’t know how it’s, how it would take place. Yes, Commissioner Shubert doing the….
Ruegemer: I think what Priya has mentioned, I think that is a state-wide, any lake in the state of
Minnesota is eligible to fish in the Brainerd contest so I think that’s what Priya had mentioned
and she certainly can explain is that Fish Donkey will be available from, what, noon to 3:00 on
that contest day and you can fish anywhere in the state and then register a fish during that time
and range for that and that’s how they’re going to do it.
Boettcher: So if there’s still open water, can I take my boat out and go fishing?
Ruegemer: I guess so.
Tandon: I think they’re still working out some logistics. I do think our virtual Feb Fest, assuming
that we’ll be virtual, will be structured a bit differently than they are structuring there’s just
because, ya, keeping the integrity of the contest but, ya, they’re from noon to 3:00 on that
specific day and you have to take your photo of your fish through an app but they have big prizes
but it will be interesting to see what happens.
Boettcher: Definitely. Anyone else have anything to add?
Kutz: I was just going to ask, has anyone checked the local lakes? Do we have a ½ inch of ice on
the lake right now or anything?
Boettcher: I don’t that it would be that much to tell you the truth.
Park and Recreation Commission – December 8, 2020
18
Kutz: I’ve noticed some ponds are froze over but I haven’t seen, I haven’t went by any of the
bigger lakes. Just curious if anybody knew.
Ruegemer: We have not as a city gone out and tested any depths on those ices. I’m sure there’s
open water still on some of the areas so we are not advising any ice travel at this point.
Kutz: Ya.
Boettcher: Everybody always tries to push the seasons. Alright, well with that, I’d like to say to,
I’ve got an echo here. Somebody got a mic on yet? Commissioner Shubert, he just had to leave
us. Don’t forget the little people as you climb the ladder. You know, there’s someone on the
Council that’s going to state senate so in two years that may be your next, oh, no, you’re not
going pole vault to there? OK. But remember where we are, Tuesdays, fourth Tuesdays, 7:00.
You can come and sign in and site and hassle us if you want. We won’t be offended.
Schubert: [Laughing]. No. Thank you, Chair Boettcher and Commissioners. It’s been a
phenomenal, phenomenal two years with you guys and I am definitely going to miss you guys
but am very excited for the future.
COMMISSION MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS. None.
COMMISSION MEMBER REPORTS. None.
Boettcher: Good. We look for good things from you too. I think the Council just got a big boost
with you joining them. Does anyone else have anything else to add? If not, I would like to say to
everyone, be safe, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year. Commissioner Schubert, since this is
your last meeting, kind of not written in stone, but would you like to do the motion to adjourn?
Schubert: So moved.
Boettcher: And the second?
Sweetser: Second.
Boettcher: With a motion on the second, I will have a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year. We
will see you in a better 2021. Meeting adjourned. Thank you.
Schubert moved, Sweetser seconded to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor and the
motion carried unanimously with a vote of 8 to 0. The Park and Recreation Commission
meeting was adjourned at 8:39 p.m.
Kutz: Thank you.
Park and Recreation Commission – December 8, 2020
19
Others: Merry Christmas, Happy New Year. Happy holiday.
Ruegemer: Happy holidays, everybody. Take care.
Peck: It was a great day. The first Covid vaccine was given today. First injection.
Boettcher: Good.
Ruegemer: Alright, have a great night, everybody.
Others: You too. Night. Bye.
Submitted by Jerry Ruegemer
Park and Rec Director
Prepared by Jean Steckling
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
Subject Consider Recommendation To City Council; 2021/2022 Lake Ann Park Beach Lifeguard
Contract
Section NEW BUSINESS Item No: G.1.
Prepared By Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation
Director
File No:
PROPOSED MOTION
The Park and Recreation Commission recommends the City Council approve a twoyear contract, (2021/2022)
with Minnetonka Public Schools ISD 276 for Lake Ann Park Beach Lifeguard Services in the amount of $34,680
per year.
Approval requires a simple majority vote of members present
BACKGROUND
The City of Chanhassen contracts with Minnetonka Public Schools ISD 276 for the provision of lifeguard services at
Lake Ann Park. The city and ISD 276 have worked together and developed a twoyear contract format that has been
used since 2007. The city council has endorsed the concept of a multiyear contract.
The 2020 contract was:
24 hours/day x 72 days = 1,728 hours per season
Hours:11 am – 6 pm daily
Dates:June 6 through August 16
$33,670
The 2021 Proposed Contract: (Option A)
24 hours/day x 72 days = 1,728 hours per season
Hours:11 am – 6 pm daily
Dates:June 5 through August 15
$34,680
The 2022 Proposed Contract: (Option A)
24 hours/day x 72 days = 1,728 hours per season
Hours:11 am – 6 pm daily
Dates:June 4 through August 14
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION STAFF REPORTTuesday, January 26, 2021SubjectConsider Recommendation To City Council; 2021/2022 Lake Ann Park Beach LifeguardContractSectionNEW BUSINESS Item No: G.1.Prepared By Jerry Ruegemer, Park and RecreationDirector File No: PROPOSED MOTIONThe Park and Recreation Commission recommends the City Council approve a twoyear contract, (2021/2022)with Minnetonka Public Schools ISD 276 for Lake Ann Park Beach Lifeguard Services in the amount of $34,680per year.Approval requires a simple majority vote of members presentBACKGROUNDThe City of Chanhassen contracts with Minnetonka Public Schools ISD 276 for the provision of lifeguard services atLake Ann Park. The city and ISD 276 have worked together and developed a twoyear contract format that has beenused since 2007. The city council has endorsed the concept of a multiyear contract.The 2020 contract was:24 hours/day x 72 days = 1,728 hours per seasonHours:11 am – 6 pm dailyDates:June 6 through August 16$33,670The 2021 Proposed Contract: (Option A)24 hours/day x 72 days = 1,728 hours per seasonHours:11 am – 6 pm dailyDates:June 5 through August 15$34,680The 2022 Proposed Contract: (Option A)24 hours/day x 72 days = 1,728 hours per season
Hours:11 am – 6 pm daily
Dates:June 4 through August 14
$34,680
Attachment 2 shows a list of options developed by Minnetonka Public Schools ISD 276 for the twoyear 2021/2022
contract. Staff reviewed the various options and is recommending approval of Option A. This option has 24 hours
daily, while the number of days the beach is open remains at 72. The proposed new twoyear contract amount is
$34,680 per year, a 3% increase over the 2019/2020 contract. The 3% increase is due to rising staff wages for the
upcoming proposed twoyear contract. This amount is included in the 2021 Lake Ann Operations Budget (1540) and
will be submitted as part of the 2021 Lake Ann Park Operations Budget.
A representative from Minnetonka Aquatics will be available through Zoom for the January 26 meeting to review the
options and answer the commission’s questions.
RECOMMENDATION
The Park and Recreation Commission recommends the City Council approve a twoyear contract (Option A) for
(2021/2022) with Minnetonka Public Schools ISD 276 for Lake Ann Park Beach Lifeguard Services in the amount of
$34,680 per year.
ATTACHMENTS:
Lifeguard Service Proposal Options 2021/2022
Lake Ann Lifeguard Contract 2021/2022
Lifeguard Coverage Lake Ann Beach
City of Chanhassen Beach Options 2021-22
Two Year Contract
Option A: same service as 2019-20
24 hr/day x 72 days = 1728 hours
Total hours: 1728 x $20.07 = $34,680.00 each year
Option B: same service as 2019-20
24 hrs/day x 72 days = 1728 hours
Total hours: 1728 x $20.07 = $34,680.00 each year
2021 invoice = $33,680.00
2022 invoice = $35,680.00
*could choose other similar price structure to lesson increase for 2021*
Option C: 60 minutes less in coverage each day
i.e. 10:30 AM-4:30 PM or 11:00 AM-5:00 PM
20.0 hr/day x 72 days = 1440 hours
Total hours: 1440 x $20.07 = $28,900.00 each year
Option D: reduce from 72 to 60 days of service for 2021 and 2022
24 hr/day x 60 days = 1440 hours
Total hours: 1440 x $20.07 = $28,900.00 each year
*could increase number of days by $482 each day*
Option E: 90 minutes less in coverage each day
i.e. 10:30 PM-4:00 PM
18.0 hr/day x 72 days = 1296 hours
Total hours: 1296 x $20.07 = $26,010.00 each year
*2019-20 agreement was for $33,670.00 each year*
83758 Page 1 of 4
TWO (2) YEAR AGREEMENT
FOR
SUMMER SERVICES AT LAKE ANN BEACH - SUMMER 2021 & 2022
AGREEMENT made this 8th day of February, 2021 between the CITY OF
CHANHASSEN, a Minnesota municipal corporation ("City") and the MINNETONKA
PUBLIC SCHOOLS (the "Contractor").
WHEREAS, the City of Chanhassen has requested that Contractor provide a Lifeguard
Service Program during the 2021 and 2022 Swimming Seasons for Lake Ann Beach.
WHEREAS, the Contractor agrees to provide Lifeguard Services for Lake Ann Beach.
NOW THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
1. CONTRACTOR'S SERVICES.
A. Lifeguard Service. The Contractor agrees to provide the City with qualified and Red
Cross certified personnel to lifeguard above stated beach from June 5 through August 15, 2021
and June 4 through August 14, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily (weather permitting).
B. Contractor agrees to provide:
1) an appropriate number of lifeguards on duty at all times, according to any
applicable industry standards or regulations;
2) lifeguard staff with ongoing in-service training during the summer season;
3) supervision of lifeguard personnel;
4) all necessary safety equipment for the Lifeguard Services including: rescue tubes,
first aid kits, reaching pole, rescue board
2. CITY OBLIGATIONS.
A. Beach. The City agrees to provide a clean and well-maintained beach and beach area
as stated in this agreement. This includes defined swimming boundaries; clean restrooms and
lifeguard station. The City agrees to provide a working telephone, lifeguard chairs, umbrella, and
megaphone.
B. 2021 Payment. The City agrees to pay Contractor a total of $34,680 divided into two
equal payments of $17,340 on July 10 and August 10, 2021 in return for lifeguard services.
C. 2022 Payment. The City agrees to pay Contractor a total of $34,680 divided into two
equal payments of $17,340 on July 10 and August 10, 2022 in return for lifeguard services.
83758 Page 2 of 4
3. INDEMNIFICATION. Contractor agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the
City, its employees and officers subject to limitations of Chapter 466 of Minnesota Statutes from
any and all liability, loss, costs, damages and expenses including but not limited to property
damage and personal injury, including death, which arise in connection with any acts or
omissions of Contractor's employees. The City agrees to indemnify and hold harmless
Contractor and its employees, officers and agents from any and all liability, loss, costs, damages
and expenses including but not limited to property damage and personal injury, including death,
which arise in connection with the City's performance of this Contract or in connection with any
acts or omissions of City employees subject to limitations and immunities subject to
Chapter 466.
4. REPORTS. Contractor will provide the City with all necessary information
relating to the Lifeguard Services provided in order for the City to properly maintain the beach.
On an as need basis the Aquatics Manager or Aquatics Supervisor will report to the City
representative in regards to incidents and/or accidents. At the end of the season (October 2021 &
October 2022) the Contractor will provide the City will a full report of beach activity during the
season.
5. LIABILITY. Employees of the Contractor and all other persons engaged by the
Contractor in the performance of any work or services required, volunteered, or provided for
herein to be performed by Contractor shall not be considered employees of the City and any and
all claims that may or might arise under the Worker's Compensation Act of the State of
Minnesota on behalf of said employees while so engaged in any of the work or services provided
to be rendered herein, shall in no way be the obligation or responsibility of the City and all other
persons engaged by the City in the performance of any work or services required or provided for
herein to be performed by the City shall not be considered employees of the Contractor, and any
and all claims that may or might arise under the Worker's Compensation Act of the State of
Minnesota on behalf of said employees while so engaged and any and all claims by any third
parties as a consequence of any act or omission on the part of said employees so engaged in any
of the work or services provided to be rendered herein shall in no way be the obligation or
responsibility of the Contractor to the full extent permitted by law, actions by the parties
pursuant to this Agreement are intended to be and shall be construed as a "cooperative activity"
and it is the intent of the parties that they shall be deemed a "single governmental unit" for the
purposes of liability, all as set forth in Minnesota Statutes, Section 471.59, Subd. l; provided
further that for purposes of that statute, each party to this Agreement expressly declines
responsibility for the acts or omissions of the other party.
6. INSURANCE. The City is responsible for obtaining property and liability
coverage for the cities’ beaches. Contractor will maintain professional liability and
comprehensive general liability coverage for all employees in an amount consistent with Chapter
466 of the Minnesota Statutes.
7. TERM OF AGREEMENT. Notwithstanding the date of the signature of the
parties to this Agreement, upon acceptance by all parties, this Agreement shall be deemed to be
effective upon signature by all parties and shall remain in effect until October 1, 2021 and
October 1, 2022 unless earlier terminated by either party, with or without cause, upon 45 days
written notice or as otherwise provided in this Agreement.
83758 Page 3 of 4
8. DEFAULT. If Contractor or City fails to perform any of the provisions of this
Agreement or so fails to administer the work as to endanger the performance of this Agreement,
this shall constitute a default. Unless the party in default is excused by the other party in default,
the non-defaulting party may upon written notice immediately cancel this Agreement in its
entirety.
9. SUBCONTRACTORS. Contractor shall not enter into any subcontract for
performance of any services contemplated under this Agreement nor assign any interest in this
Agreement without the prior written approval of the City and subject to such conditions and
provisions as the City may deem necessary. Contractor shall be responsible for the performance
of all Subcontractors.
10. AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES. The parties to this Agreement shall
appoint an authorized representative for the purpose of administration of this Agreement.
The authorized representative of the City is:
Heather Johnston
Interim City Manager
City of Chanhassen
7700 Market Blvd., P.O Box 147
Chanhassen, Minnesota 55317
Phone: (952) 227-1100
The authorized representative of the Contractor is as follows:
Dr. Dennis Peterson, Superintendent
Minnetonka Public Schools
5621 County Road 101
Minnetonka, Minnesota 55345
Phone: (952) 401-5000
11. AMENDMENTS. Any amendments to this Agreement will be in writing and
will be executed by the same parties who executed the original Agreement, or their successors in
office.
12. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. It is understood and agreed that the entire Agreement
of the parties is contained herein and that this Agreement supersedes all oral Agreements and
negotiations between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof as well as any previous
Agreements presently in effect between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof.
83758 Page 4 of 4
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed
intending to be bound thereby.
CITY OF CHANHASSEN
BY:
(SEAL) Elise Ryan, Mayor
AND
Heather Johnston, Interim City Manager
DATE:
MINNETONKA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
BY:
Dr. Dennis Peterson, Superintendent
DATE:
2021/2022 Lake Ann Beach Lifeguard Coverage
11:00 AM-12:00 PM: 2 guards 6 hours 6 hours 6 hours 6 hours
11:00 X X
11:30 X X
12:00 X X X X
12:30 X X X X
1:00 X X X X
12:00 PM-5:00 PM: 3 guards 1:30 X X X X
2:00 X X X X
2:30 X X X X
3:00 X X X X
3:30 X X X X
4:00 X X X X
5:00 PM-6:00 PM: 2 guards 4:30 X X X X
5:00 X X
5:30 X X
6:00
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
Subject 2020 Tree Lighting Review
Section REPORTS Item No: I.1.
Prepared By Priya Tandon, Recreation Supervisor File No:
SUBJECT
2020 Tree Lighting Review
SUMMARY
Due to the ongoing COVID19 pandemic and limitations on the size of gatherings, the City of Chanhassen's annual
Tree Lighting Ceremony was modified into two new COVIDfriendly programs: a virtual Tree Lighting Ceremony and
the Chanhassen Tour of Lights. Mayor Elise Ryan's lighting of City Center park on December 5 began the monthlong
display of residential holiday lights throughout Chanhassen.
BACKGROUND
Phase 3 of Minnesota's Stay Safe Plan began on June 10, 2020 and was in effect when the decision to modify the tree
lighting event was made. Phase 3 guidelines included setting a maximum capacity of 250 people for indoor and
outdoor entertainment events, which was lower than the expected number of participants for a typical tree lighting
event. At the time of the tree lighting, Executive Order 2099 was put in place, prohibiting all nonessential social
gatherings.
DISCUSSION
Virtual Tree Lighting
At 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 5, 2020, Mayor Elise Ryan and family 'flipped the switch' to illuminate City
Center Park. The flipping and illumination was broadcast via Facebook Live on the City's Facebook page and was
available on the City website as well. Over 1,400 people viewed the Facebook live, and there was much appreciation
from the community for holding this event virtually.
Chanhassen Tour of Lights
The 2020 Chanhassen Tour of Lights was designed as a citywide driving tour of residential holiday light displays. Over
60 homes displaying holiday lights registered to help create a beautiful driving tour through Chanhassen that ran from
58pm each evening from December 5 through December 31, 2020. An interactive map was available on the City
webpage to help residents find and enjoy the lights. There was much positive feedback for this event as well.
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION STAFF REPORTTuesday, January 26, 2021Subject2020 Tree Lighting ReviewSectionREPORTS Item No: I.1.Prepared By Priya Tandon, Recreation Supervisor File No: SUBJECT2020 Tree Lighting ReviewSUMMARYDue to the ongoing COVID19 pandemic and limitations on the size of gatherings, the City of Chanhassen's annualTree Lighting Ceremony was modified into two new COVIDfriendly programs: a virtual Tree Lighting Ceremony andthe Chanhassen Tour of Lights. Mayor Elise Ryan's lighting of City Center park on December 5 began the monthlongdisplay of residential holiday lights throughout Chanhassen. BACKGROUNDPhase 3 of Minnesota's Stay Safe Plan began on June 10, 2020 and was in effect when the decision to modify the treelighting event was made. Phase 3 guidelines included setting a maximum capacity of 250 people for indoor andoutdoor entertainment events, which was lower than the expected number of participants for a typical tree lightingevent. At the time of the tree lighting, Executive Order 2099 was put in place, prohibiting all nonessential socialgatherings. DISCUSSIONVirtual Tree LightingAt 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 5, 2020, Mayor Elise Ryan and family 'flipped the switch' to illuminate CityCenter Park. The flipping and illumination was broadcast via Facebook Live on the City's Facebook page and wasavailable on the City website as well. Over 1,400 people viewed the Facebook live, and there was much appreciationfrom the community for holding this event virtually. Chanhassen Tour of LightsThe 2020 Chanhassen Tour of Lights was designed as a citywide driving tour of residential holiday light displays. Over60 homes displaying holiday lights registered to help create a beautiful driving tour through Chanhassen that ran from58pm each evening from December 5 through December 31, 2020. An interactive map was available on the City
webpage to help residents find and enjoy the lights. There was much positive feedback for this event as well.
ATTACHMENTS:
Tour of Lights Map
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
Subject 2021 February Festival Preview
Section REPORTS Item No: I.2.
Prepared By Priya Tandon, Recreation Supervisor File No:
SUBJECT
2021 February Festival Preview
SUMMARY
The City of Chanhassen's annual February Festival is held each year at Lake Ann Park, and draws over 2,000
community members to enjoy the ice fishing contest, concessions, and family activities. Due to the ongoing COVID19
pandemic and limitations on the size of gatherings, the 28th annual February Festival will be modified into a virtual ice
fishing contest to be held Monday, February 1Saturday, February 6. A traditionally styled medallion hunt will also be
held the week of February 16.
BACKGROUND
Governor Tim Walz's Emergency Executive Order 2099 was released on November 18, 2020 and was still in effect
in December 2020 when modifications to 2021's February Festival were finalized. Executive Order 2099 guidelines
included prohibiting all social gatherings, including outdoor gatherings.
The City's annual February Festival that runs in typical years is designed as a social gathering. Even with loosening of
restrictions, the typical attendance of 2,000 was unable to be modified to run the event in a safe manner.
DISCUSSION
As a modification of the City's annual February Festival, the City of Chanhassen will present the 28th annual event in
the form of a virtual ice fishing contest and inperson medallion hunt.
Virtual Ice Fishing Contest
The 28th annual February Festival Ice Fishing Contest will be held from Monday, February 1 at 12:00 a.m. to
Saturday, February 6 at 11:59 p.m. Anglers will have the opportunity to fish individually on any of Carver County's 93
lakes and submit their fish entry virtually via email during that time period. Prizes will be awarded to the top 50 fish,
measured by length in inches. Eligible species will be Northern, Sunfish, Crappie, Walleye, and Perch.
Tickets are $10 per person. Participants may purchase either 1 or 2 tickets and submit one fish per ticket they hold.
The longer fish submitted per person will be used to determine their place in the fish standings.
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION STAFF REPORTTuesday, January 26, 2021Subject2021 February Festival PreviewSectionREPORTS Item No: I.2.Prepared By Priya Tandon, Recreation Supervisor File No: SUBJECT2021 February Festival PreviewSUMMARYThe City of Chanhassen's annual February Festival is held each year at Lake Ann Park, and draws over 2,000community members to enjoy the ice fishing contest, concessions, and family activities. Due to the ongoing COVID19pandemic and limitations on the size of gatherings, the 28th annual February Festival will be modified into a virtual icefishing contest to be held Monday, February 1Saturday, February 6. A traditionally styled medallion hunt will also beheld the week of February 16. BACKGROUNDGovernor Tim Walz's Emergency Executive Order 2099 was released on November 18, 2020 and was still in effectin December 2020 when modifications to 2021's February Festival were finalized. Executive Order 2099 guidelinesincluded prohibiting all social gatherings, including outdoor gatherings. The City's annual February Festival that runs in typical years is designed as a social gathering. Even with loosening ofrestrictions, the typical attendance of 2,000 was unable to be modified to run the event in a safe manner. DISCUSSIONAs a modification of the City's annual February Festival, the City of Chanhassen will present the 28th annual event inthe form of a virtual ice fishing contest and inperson medallion hunt. Virtual Ice Fishing ContestThe 28th annual February Festival Ice Fishing Contest will be held from Monday, February 1 at 12:00 a.m. toSaturday, February 6 at 11:59 p.m. Anglers will have the opportunity to fish individually on any of Carver County's 93lakes and submit their fish entry virtually via email during that time period. Prizes will be awarded to the top 50 fish,measured by length in inches. Eligible species will be Northern, Sunfish, Crappie, Walleye, and Perch. Tickets are $10 per person. Participants may purchase either 1 or 2 tickets and submit one fish per ticket they hold.
The longer fish submitted per person will be used to determine their place in the fish standings.
Over $4,500 in prizes will be given away this year. Many were donated by local community event sponsors. TMobile
USA is the title sponsor of the event, having generously donated $3,000 to cover the costs of running the contest.
Medallion Hunt
The traditional February Festival medallion hunt will also run the week of February 1st, with clues being released at
9am each weekday beginning on the 1st. Clues will be posted online on the City webpage, as well as on the front door
of Charter Bank in Chanhassen. The medallion will be hidden in a Chanhassen Cityowned park, and the community
can search between the hours of 6am and 10pm each day. The prize pack is valued at over $500 and is sponsored by
Charter Bank in Chanhassen.
To promote both components of the event, information and event flyers were mailed to past participants. Print
advertisements will be published in the 1/21/21 editions of the Chanhassen Villager and Chaska Herald, and
promotion will occur on the City's social media platforms, including individual posts and a Facebook event.
ATTACHMENTS:
February Festival Flyer
2021 Fishing Contest Rules
1. $100 Gift Card #1
Lunds & Byerlys Chanhassen
2. $50 Gift Card #1
Houlihan's Restaurant & Bar
3. Trophy Strike Electric Auger #1
4. Clam Tip-Up & Dinner for 4
Culver's Chanhassen
5. Eskimo Pop-Up Fish House #1
6. Engel 7.5 Qt. Live Bait Cooler #1
7. 13 Thermo Ice Rod & Reel Combo
8. Marcum 485C Underwater
Viewing System
9. $60 Gift Card #1
Cub Foods Chanhassen
10. Trophy Angler 8-Rod Case
11. $100 Gift Card #2
Lunds & Byerlys Chanhassen
12. Craftsman 6 Piece Socket Wrench Set
Merlin's Ace Hardware
13. Ace 11-in-1 Screwdriver &
FebFest Sweatshirt
Merlin's Ace Hardware
14. Milwaukee 1/4" Hex Impact Driver Kit #1
Merlin's Ace Hardware
15. Vexilar Glo-Ring
16. Clam Shovel
17. DeWALT 20V Drill/Impact Kit
Merlin's Ace Hardware
18. Storm Longsleeve & T-Shirt
Storm Boosters
19. Craftsman Oil-less Air Compressor
Merlin's Ace Hardware
20. Clam Ready-to-go Tip-Up & Dinner for 2
Culver's Chanhassen
21. Mr. Heater #1
22. Clam Tip-Up & Dinner for 4
Culver's Chanhassen
23. Car Care Club Pack
Automotive Unlimited
24. 13 Heatwave Rod & Reel Combo
& FebFest Sweatshirt
25. 13 Heatwave Ready-to-go
Rod & Reel Combo
26. $250 Gift Certificate
The Mustard Seed Landscaping
& Garden Center
27. Clam Ready-to-go Tip-Up
& FebFest Sweatshirt
28. $60 Gift Card #2
Cub Foods Chanhassen
29. Eskimo Pop-Up Fish House #2
30. Berkley Electric Filet Knife #1
31. Engel 7.5 Qt. Live Bait Cooler #2
32. EGO 530 CFM Cordless Blower
Merlin's Ace Hardware
33. Storm Zip-Up Sweatshirt
Storm Boosters
34. Clam Ready-to-go Tip-Up & Dinner for 4
Culver's Chanhassen
35. Berkley Electric Filet Knife #2
36. Clam Chair
37. $50 Gift Card #2
Houlihan's Restaurant & Bar
38. Craftsman 159 Pc. Mechanic's Toolset
Merlin's Ace Hardware
39. Toy Basket
kiddywampus
40. Ace 11-in-1 Screwdriver
& FebFest Sweatshirt
Merlin's Ace Hardware
41. $100 Gift Certificate
The Mustard Seed Landscaping
& Garden Center
42. Mr. Heater #2
43. Clam Super Skimmer & Tip-Up
44. Tend Secure Lynx Pro Camera
Merlin's Ace Hardware
45. Trophy Angler 4-Rod Case & Dinner for 4
Culver's Chanhassen
46. Clam Tip-Up & Dinner for 4
Culver's Chanhassen
47. Milwaukee 1/4" Hex Impact Driver Kit #2
Merlin's Ace Hardware
48. Mr. Heater #3
49. $50 Gift Card
Lakewinds Food Co-Op
50. Trophy Strike Electric Auger #2
2021 FISH PRIZES: TOP 50 BY LENGTH
FISHING CONTEST • FEB. 1 - 6 • CARVER COUNTY LAKES
Fish ANY lake in Carver County, Minnesota on your own and submit your
fish virtually. Eligible species: Northern, Sunfish, Crappie, Walleye, & Perch.
Purchase Tickets Online at:
www.ci.chanhassen.mn.us/febfest
Prizes awarded to the 50 largest fish by length, of
any legal species. Fish entries will be submitted via
email, and must clearly and accurately show fish
length and Feb Fest ticket. For full contest rules,
visit our event webpage; link is listed above.
More information at www.ci.chanhassen.mn.us/febfest or call 952.227.1100
FEB FESTCITY OF CHANHASSEN'S 28TH ANNUAL
SPONSORED BY
Medallion HuntSTARTS FEB. 1ST
www.ci.chanhassen.mn.us/febfest
$4.5K
IN TOTAL FISH PRIZES
$10PERTICKET
Information at www.ci.chanhassen.mn.us/febfest or call 952.227.1100
Member FDIC
PURPLE LEAF CORPORATE: Retail Tech Inc. & Chanhassen Dinner Theatres BUSINESS: Charter Bank; Eden Trace Corp; Chanhassen American Legion Post 580;
The Garden By The Woods; The Mustard Seed Landscaping & Garden Center; Merlin’s Ace Hardware; kiddywampus; Pizzaioli; Bluff Creek Dental;
J&R Complete Auto Repair; Kwik Trip, Café Thyme; Country Inn & Suites Chanhassen; Culver's Chanhassen; TGK Automotive Specialists;
Wink Family Eye Care; Automotive Unlimited; Chick-fil-A Chanhassen; PMT Corporation; Park Dental Eden Prairie; & Tweet Pediatric Dentistry
INDIVIDUAL: American Family Insurance - Debra Michels Agency; Tom Papas - Farmers Insurance; V. Clayton & Associates; & Dan Revsbech - RE/MAX Results
SILVER LEAF CORPORATE: T-Mobile; Emerson; and Old National Bank BUSINESS: EPS Inc.
GREEN LEAF CORPORATE: Ridgeview Medical Center and Clinics BUSINESS: Waytek; Power Systems; Roberts Automatic Products; Xcel Energy;
Seedlings Gifts & Books; Chanhassen Dental; and Houlihan's Restaurant & Bar
CONTRIBUTING CORPORATE: Lunds & Byerlys Chanhassen and IWCO Direct BUSINESS: Turbo Nails; Metropolitan Supply, Storm Boosters; Brown's Tire
& Auto; Brian Reister - State Farm; Pilgrim Dry Cleaners; Dunsmore Asphalt; and Peak Heating & Cooling, Inc. INDIVIDUAL: In honor of John and Lisa Drevlow
FEB FEST SPONSORS
A special thank you to the Rotary Club of Chanhassen for their help with
Feb Fest annually. We look forward to their participation again next year.
FEB FEST WOULD NOT BE A SUCCESS WITHOUT THE HELP FROM OUR COMMUNITY SPONSORS
Logo indicates sponsor contributions of $1,000+
www.ci.chanhassen.mn.us/sponsorship
If you're interestedin becoming acommunity eventsponsor go to...
2021 FEBRUARY FESTIVAL ICE FISHING CONTEST RULES
Flip over for additional rules
1. The contest is scheduled for Monday, February 1 at 12:00 a.m. through Saturday, February 6
at 11:59 p.m. 2021.
2. Only fish caught on lakes in Carver County, Minnesota are eligible for submission. A list of
Carver County lakes can be found on the MNDNR’s website, here:
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/search.html?name=&county=10.
Eligible fish species are listed below. These are the only fish species that are eligible for
submission in the contest. Fish must be alive in order to be eligible.
a. Northern
b. Sunfish
c. Crappie
d. Walleye
e. Perch
3. Contestants are allowed to submit fish caught during the contest window, NOT fish caught before
contest start or after contest end.
4. All submissions must be received by contest administrators by contest end (Saturday, February 6
at 11:59 p.m.) to qualify.
5. Prizes are awarded to the 50 largest fish (of any species) by length in inches. In the event of a
tie in length, the contestant with the first entry wins the higher number prize, and the contestant
with the second entry wins the lower number prize. Time of entry is based on when the
submission is received by the contest administrators.
6. You must measure and show your fish measurement clearly and accurately to have an eligible
submission. All final decisions on fish length and entry eligibility will be made by contest
administrators. Cheating will not be tolerated.
7. Tickets are $10 each. Participants may purchase either 1 or 2 tickets, and submit one fish per ticket
they hold. You may enter fish for both tickets, but only one “longest fish” prize will be awarded
per person.
8. In the event that a portion of the “longest fish” prizes are not awarded, contestants’ second fish
will be used to award prizes, with the remaining prizes being awarded in length order, longest-
shortest.
9. If a participant purchases 2 fishing tickets, separate fish must be submitted for each ticket.
10. Only fish you personally catch are eligible for the contest. Fish that are caught by one individual
and given to another person are NOT eligible. No sharing fish.
11. To submit a fish:
a. Place it on a measuring tape, clearly showing the overall length.
b. Place your FebFest fishing ticket next to the fish, in the frame of the photo.
c. Take a photo of the fish on the tape, clearly showing the overall length and FebFest fishing
ticket.
d. Email the photo of the fish, along with the following information, to Priya Tandon at
ptandon@ci.chanhassen.mn.us:
i. Name of the person who caught the fish (must match ticketholder name)
ii. Date & time fish was caught
iii. Lake fish was caught on
iv. Species of fish
v. Length of fish
e. If you have a witness present at the time you caught your fish, please also include their
name and phone number in your submission.
Submissions do not need to be made immediately after catching the fish, however, all information
must be included in submissions to qualify and they must be received prior to contest end
(Saturday, February 6 at 11:59 p.m.).
12. Prize pickup will take place at Chanhassen City Hall during the following times. Prizes will not be
mailed.
a. Monday, February 8 – Thursday, February 11, 8am-4:30pm
b. Thursday, February 11th from 4:30-6pm.
13. Ethical sporting conduct is mandatory. Failure to comply with any contest rules subjects
contestants to disqualification, as determined by contest officials. Right to refuse to sell and/or
revoke competition ticket to anyone is hereby reserved. Please be considerate of your fellow
contestants and enjoy the contest.
14. Fishing licenses are required for all individuals 16 years of age and older. No licenses will be sold
as part of the contest. Must have prior to competition.
15. All contestants must obey State of Minnesota fishing laws, contest rules, and special lake
regulations. Regulations can be found online at the MNDNR’s website, here:
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/regulations/fishing/index.html
Special Carver County regulations can be found here:
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/areas/fisheries/westmetro/specregs.html
16. All February Festival participants must follow the most current local and state guidelines
surrounding health, safety, and COVID-19 precautions while participating in the contest.
17. In the event of a cancellation due to weather, changing national, state, or local guidelines, or other
unforeseen circumstances, all participants will receive a full refund for their ticket(s).
18. Each person participates in contest at their own risk. The City of Chanhassen or its
agents/independent contractors shall not be liable for any personal injuries sustained, including
those caused by negligence of the sponsoring agencies.
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
Subject Chanhassen Park and Recreation Refund Policy
Section REPORTS Item No: I.3.
Prepared By Jodi Sarles, Recreation Center Manager File No:
PROPOSED MOTION
The Park and Recreation Commission recommends approval of the 2021 Registration and Refund Policy.
Approval requires a simple majority vote of members present
SUBJECT
Chanhassen Park and Recreation Refund Policy
SUMMARY
In a review of current registration and refund policy, staff has recognized that these policies are in need of updating.
The current refund policy is unnecessarily openended, does not reflect any required cancellation timelines from our
program providers, and also does not account for any processing fees the City incurs upon refund.
The current policy is as stated below:
Payment is due at time of registration and may be made by cash, check, or credit card (Visa, MasterCard or AMEX).
Make checks payable to the City of Chanhassen. Online and inperson credit card payments are accepted for
purchases over $10. Credit card payments are only accepted at City Hall or the Recreation Center, not through the
mail, over the phone, by email or fax. Registration must be received before classes begin (instructors cannot accept
registrations). The registration deadline refers to the last day registrations are accepted. If the class is filled before that
date, it is considered closed.
Registrations canceled at least four days prior to the start of the program will receive a refund, minus any advanced
costs incurred for admissions, meals, transportation, etc. Cancellations received after this time will receive a 50%
refund. There is no confirmation for mailed or droppedoff registrations. Class times/dates are subject to change
without notice.
Staff is recommending the following changes to Chanhassen’s registration and refund policies:
Proposed registration and refund policy:
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION STAFF REPORTTuesday, January 26, 2021SubjectChanhassen Park and Recreation Refund PolicySectionREPORTSItem No: I.3.Prepared By Jodi Sarles, Recreation Center Manager File No: PROPOSED MOTIONThe Park and Recreation Commission recommends approval of the 2021 Registration and Refund Policy. Approval requires a simple majority vote of members presentSUBJECTChanhassen Park and Recreation Refund PolicySUMMARYIn a review of current registration and refund policy, staff has recognized that these policies are in need of updating.The current refund policy is unnecessarily openended, does not reflect any required cancellation timelines from ourprogram providers, and also does not account for any processing fees the City incurs upon refund. The current policy is as stated below: Payment is due at time of registration and may be made by cash, check, or credit card (Visa, MasterCard or AMEX).Make checks payable to the City of Chanhassen. Online and inperson credit card payments are accepted forpurchases over $10. Credit card payments are only accepted at City Hall or the Recreation Center, not through themail, over the phone, by email or fax. Registration must be received before classes begin (instructors cannot acceptregistrations). The registration deadline refers to the last day registrations are accepted. If the class is filled before thatdate, it is considered closed. Registrations canceled at least four days prior to the start of the program will receive a refund, minus any advancedcosts incurred for admissions, meals, transportation, etc. Cancellations received after this time will receive a 50%refund. There is no confirmation for mailed or droppedoff registrations. Class times/dates are subject to changewithout notice.Staff is recommending the following changes to Chanhassen’s registration and refund policies:
Proposed registration and refund policy:
Payments: Payment by cash, check, or credit card (Visa, MasterCard or AMEX) is due at the time of registration.
Credit card payments are accepted only for purchases over $10, and may be processed either online or in person at
City Hall or the Recreation Center. Checks are payable to the City of Chanhassen and may be mailed in or dropped
off. Cash payments should be dropped off at City Hall or the Recreation Center.
Deadlines : The registration deadline refers to the last day registrations are accepted. A class is considered closed if it
fills before that date. Wait lists may be available.
Cancellations and Refunds: Full refunds will be issued when the City of Chanhassen cancels a class or program.
Refunds will be issued when a participant cancels prior to the registration deadline. This may vary per class or
program, and will be stated in individual program descriptions.
For program fees under $10, an account credit will be applied. In the event of serious injury or illness, prorated or
partial refunds may be allowed, especially for multiday programs. All participantgenerated refund requests will be
subject to a $5 administrative fee.
See program descriptions (either online or in the program brochure) for complete details or contact the program
administrator for more information on cancellation policies.
Class times/dates are subject to change without notice.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Park and Recreation Commission approve update to the registration and refund policy.