01-25-2022 PRC MinutesCHANHASSEN PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
JANUARY 25, 2022
Chairman Tsuchiya called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. The meeting was conducted
via teleconference.
MEMBERS PRESENT VIA ZOOM: Karl Tsuchiya, Sandy Sweetser, Jim Peck, Don Vasatka,
Scott Fischer, Matt Kutz, Heather Markert, Youth Commissioner Alex Jerdee (left the meeting
early due to prior commitment).
MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director; Priya Tandon, Recreation
Coordinator.
PUBLIC PRESENT: None.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA.
Park and Recreation Director Ruegemer would like to add an item regarding selecting three
questions for the interview process for the PRC to be added as item 2 under General Business.
Commissioner Sweetser moved, Commissioner Markert seconded to approve the agenda as
presented. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 8 to 0.
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS. None.
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS. None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES.
APPROVE PARK & RECREATION MINUTES DATED DECEMBER 14, 2021
Commissioner Vasatka moved, Commissioner Sweetser seconded to approve the Minutes
of the Park and Recreation Commission Meeting dated December 24, 2021 as presented.
All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 8 to 0.
GENERAL BUSINESS
1. Parks Referendum Discussion
Mr. Ruegemer gave a presentation noting it was shared the previous night at the City Council
work session. The City Council indicated they are on board for a November 8, 2022 Park
Park and Recreation Commission Minutes – January 25, 2022
2
Referendum. Guiding principles include stewardship of natural resources, connectivity within
parks and trails, engagement with the community, and adaptability. He shared about results of a
2019 Community Survey, the Parks and Recreation System Plan from 2017, and the Lake Ann
Park Preserve Feasibility Study from 2019. Mr. Ruegemer showed a referendum timeline on
screen showing key dates throughout the year, including creation of a task force, ballot language,
and advertising all leading up to election day on November 8, 2022. The task force would be
made up of 1-2 City Council members, 2 PRC Members, 1 Planning Commission Member, 1
Environmental Commission Member, 1 Senior Commission Member, and 6 at-Large Members
(2 from each geographic zone), as well as liaisons from local athletic associations. Mr. Ruegemer
walked through financing which could include bonds, cash reserves, and shared interest rate
estimates. Details on neighboring cities’ Community Centers as well as the Park and Recreation
System Plan Priorities were shown and options for the referendum including adding an aquatic
facility, expanding ice, permanent bathrooms at parks, an amphitheater, art center, indoor
park/playground, or additional gym space. Moving forward, Mr. Ruegemer noted the City
Council will designate the Task Force members who will work with Staff to define parameters of
project scope and capital investment and identify grant opportunities and project partners.
The Commissioners discussed the item and asked clarifying questions of Staff regarding
timeline, the Task Force, and interest rates.
2. Interview Questions
Mr. Ruegemer shared the historic process of appointing Commission members within the City,
noting they are now looking at doing video interviews for Park and Recreation Commission
members and he is looking to pare down the list to three interview questions.
The Commissioners discussed which questions would be most beneficial for interviewing and
finalized draft language for those questions:
1. What qualities, strengths, and experiences do you have that make you a strong
candidate for this Commission?
2. What do you and your community members feel are the biggest opportunities for
Chanhassen Park and Recreation?
3. If you’re selected, what would you like the Park and Recreation Commission to
accomplish during your term?
Commissioner Peck moved, Commissioner Markert seconded to approve the Interview
Questions for Park and Recreation Candidate interviews. All voted in favor and the motion
carried unanimously with a vote of 7 to 0.
REPORTS.
1. 2022 February Festival Preview
Park and Recreation Commission Minutes – January 25, 2022
3
Recreation Coordinator Priya Tandon gave a presentation highlighting events at the 2022
February Festival coming up on Saturday, February 5 at Lake Ann. Events include a medallion
hunt, ice fishing contest, free activities, music and concessions, snow-shoeing, dog-sled rides, ice
skating, horse-drawn wagon rides, and drawings for door prizes. Ms. Tandon walked through
other details of the event including ticket sales, volunteers, event sponsors, contests, and prizes.
Ms. Tandon thanked the Rotary Club, the Chanhassen Lions, the Watershed District, Chanhassen
Fire, and Carver County Sherriff, as well as Key Clubs, National Honor Societies, and Students
Today Leaders Forever for helping with the event.
COMMISSION MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS. None.
COMMISSION MEMBER PRESENTATIONS. None.
ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATIONS. None.
ADJOURNMENT.
Commissioner Sweetser moved, Commissioner Kutz 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 8:35 p.m.
Submitted by Jerry Ruegemer
Park and Recreation Director