05-24-2022 PRC minutes
CHANHASSEN PARK AND
RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
MAY 24, 2022
Chairman Tsuchiya called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Karl Tsuchiya, Dan Eidsmo, Jim Peck, Don Vasatka, Matt Kutz,
Heather Markert, Youth Commissioner Alex Jerdee.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Scott Fischer.
STAFF PRESENT: Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director; Mitchel Czech, Recreation
Supervisor; Priya Tandon, Recreation Supervisor.
PUBLIC PRESENT: None.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA. Commissioner Peck moved, Commissioner Vasatka seconded
to approve the agenda as presented. All voted in favor and the motion carried
unanimously with a vote of 7 to 0.
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS. None.
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS.
1. Invitation to Memorial Day Ceremony - May 30, 2022
Recreation Supervisor Mitchell Czech invited the Commissioners and public to the annual
ceremony, noting it is in partnership with American Legion Post 580 and they offer cemetery
services and a ceremony at City Center Park. The Memorial Day Ceremony will take place at
City Center Park at 12:00pm. Major General Eugene R. Andreotti, USAF (Ret.) will be joining
us as a keynote speaker for our ceremony.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES.
APPROVE PARK & RECREATION MINUTES DATED APRIL 26, 2022
Commissioner Kutz moved, Commissioner Markert seconded to approve the Minutes of
the Park and Recreation Commission Meeting dated April 22, 2022 as presented. All voted
in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 7 to 0.
GENERAL BUSINESS.
1. Park Referendum Update
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Park and Recreation Director Jerry Ruegemer gave an update regarding the Park Referendum
Task Force. The group have met four times and are starting to make progress. They have done a
facility update and discussed fire stations, the 40 year old City Hall building, and the recreation
center. The group also heard a presentation on the Lake Ann Feasibility Study and it came to the
forefront that completing that preserve project is a priority to the Task Force. At the last meeting
the group heard a financial presentation from City Manager Hokkanen about the referendum
capacity, the tax base, and the fact that compared to many other cities Chanhassen has favorable
tax rates. At the next meeting the Task Force will look at what type of project to focus on, the
use, locations, and costs for things such as turf, lights, an inclusion playground, permanent
bathrooms at the parks, and an indoor ice sheet. They will look at the questions of an ice arena,
an addition to the rec center, and look at other priorities within the City.
Commissioner Markert asked if there are any options for seniors on the list.
Mr. Ruegemer replied in the affirmative, noting they have looked at a walking circuit course
challenge, pickleball courts and lights, Lake Ann walking area, and have identified some trail
gaps. He noted the tagline of the City: that Chanhassen is a community for life and they are
keeping that in mind to appeal to a variety of ages.
Commissioner Peck asked what a turf facility would look like.
Mr. Ruegemer replied it would be soccer fields at Bandimere and Lake Ann Parks along with
lighting components.
Commissioner Kutz asked regarding the $40,000,000 is it Citywide for all buildings or just for
Parks and Rec funding.
Mr. Ruegemer replied it would just be Park and Rec funding and would be separate from a City
Hall building. He noted that number is just a placeholder, as well. Mr. Ruegemer clarified
everyone’s valuations went up on their properties yet the taxes will not go up by that percentage
as there is a complicated tax formula involved. He shared about a flash vote and there was also
interest in some improvements such as a splash pad.
Commissioner Peck noted there is a lot of development coming up so that will help the tax
revenue and could decrease the overall house tax.
Mr. Ruegemer agreed that Avienda and Erhart Farms developments are both coming online. He
clarified the Park Task Force is very aware and concerned about maintaining what the City
already has. Part of the conversation has been around language in the referendum allocating a
certain amount of dollars to current infrastructure.
REPORTS.
1. 2022 Lake Ann Park Summer Programs
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Mr. Czech shared about summer programs including concession and watercraft rentals that will
open this Saturday, May 28 and run through mid-August from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. He noted
they did not have any applicants for the Concession Manager position so day-to-day operations
will be handled by Mr. Czech and the intern. This year they have a Square cash register to
process credit card payments, a new tandem kayak, paddleboard rentals, and Staff has been
processing picnic requests with many dates already full; he expects approximately $16,000 of
revenue from the rentals. The beach at Lake Ann is open to the public all summer long between
the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. daily. Lifeguards are scheduled starting on Saturday, June
4 between the hours of 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., weather permitting, until August 14. The City
is contracting with Minnetonka Aquatics again this year for the lifeguard services.
Commissioner Markert asked if Square takes Apple Pay.
Mr. Czech replied in the affirmative.
Commissioner Markert thinks Lake Ann is one of the City’s best features and asked if the new
marketing person could create a video for social media featuring all of the things available at the
park.
Mr. Czech noted that is a great idea, they have had some discussions and are excited to shoot
some videos.
The Commissioners discussed drone footage at the parks, the Square app, and signage with QR
codes.
2. 2022 Summer Programs Preview
Recreation Supervisor Tandon shared a preview of the summer preschool, youth, and family
programs noting they have a lot of fantastic adult and senior programs, as well which are listed
on the Chanhassen website. She highlighted some preschool programs including the Summer
Discovery program, sports programs, and dance camps. For youth they also have the Summer
Discovery program, Lake Ann Adventure Camp, and many other camps including archery,
paddleboard, golf, tennis, gymnastics, dance, and Tae Kwon Do. They also have staying at home
classes, mother/daughter self-defense classes, babysitting, and a teen volunteer program. For
family and inter-generational programs they have the 39th Annual 4th of July Celebration, a new
Park Passport Program suggested by Commissioner Markert, and the annual concert series.
Chair Tsuchiya asked about the farmer’s market.
Ms. Tandon replied the farmer’s market will happen this year on Saturdays starting June 4 and
running through September 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at City Center Park and has been
taken over by two local business people.
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Commissioner Markert asked about hiring and positions for the summer.
Ms. Tandon stated currently they have full staff for the playground leaders and Lake Ann
Adventure Camp. Most positions are filled for concessions, the two full-time seasonal staff were
hired early on, and Park Maintenance is still looking for applicants 18+ who want to work
outside over the summer.
COMMISSION MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS. None.
COMMISSION MEMBER PRESENTATIONS. None.
ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATIONS. None.
ADJOURNMENT.
Commissioner Peck moved, Commissioner Eidsmo seconded to adjourn the meeting. All
voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 7 to 0. The Park and
Recreation Commission meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
Submitted by Jerry Ruegemer
Park and Recreation Director