06-28-2022 PRC MinutesCHANHASSEN PARK AND
RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
JUNE 28, 2022
Vice Chair Markert called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Dan Eidsmo, Matt Kutz, Heather Markert, Don Vasatka, Scott
Fischer, Youth Commissioner Alex Jerdee.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Karl Tsuchiya, Jim Peck.
STAFF PRESENT: Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director; Priya Tandon, Recreation
Coordinator; Jodi Sarles, Recreation Center Manager; Adam Beers, Park Superintendent; Mary
Blazanin, Senior Center Coordinator.
PUBLIC PRESENT: None.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Vice Chair Markert spoke with Mr. Ruegemer about a Task Force Update which will be
placed as item 5 under Reports.
Commissioner Vasatka moved, Commissioner Eidsmo seconded to approve the agenda as
presented. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 6 to 0.
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS: None.
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS: None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
APPROVE PARK & RECREATION MINUTES DATED MAY 24, 2022
Commissioner Kutz moved, Commissioner Vasatka seconded to approve the Minutes of the
Park and Recreation Commission Meeting dated May 24, 2022 as presented. All voted in
favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 6 to 0.
GENERAL BUSINESS: None.
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REPORTS:
1. Recreation Center Quarterly Report
Recreation Center Manager Sarles noted many things happening at the Rec Center and that the
wall project has completely stalled and stopped as Hufcor has ceased global operations; Ms.
Sarles stated she is working with the City Attorney about the issue. They currently have two
walls and do not have the third. Regarding facility improvements, they gym and studio are closed
the first half of August to have the floors sanded and resurfaced. Ms. Sarles shared about a bunny
day in April including yoga with the bunnies and “hoppy hour” which was fun and brought
attention to bunny rescue with many people donating towards the Companion Rabbit Society.
The City also co-sponsored an event with the City of Victoria called a Superhero Party, the City
had a dance recital, and are now into dance camps and summer activities. She noted they have
hosted youth safety trainings including babysitting and Safe Kids 101, bicycle repair and
maintenance classes through Bjorn Cycling, Fit for Life senior class, and many outdoor sports on
the fields. Ms. Sarles spoke about Chanhassen Community Day, free trials on various classes,
and working with Ms. Blazanin on a Senior 55+ Expo.
Commissioner Vasatka noted the last time they spoke the Rec Center walls were the wrong size
and asked if those were corrected.
Ms. Sarles replied she has one wall that requires minor repairs between rooms 3 and 4. The wall
between 1 and 2 is almost correct but was cut short which impairs the sound proofing. She
reiterated they are working with the City Attorney to terminate the contract.
Commissioner Vasatka asked how much has been paid for.
Ms. Sarles replied they have not paid much, but there is a bill for $39,000 that has not been paid.
What they have paid for are the track systems, soffit repair, and painting but not the physical
walls.
2. 4th of July Celebration Preview
Recreation Coordinator Tandon shared they are excited about the 39th annual 4th of July
Celebration which brings participation levels of 70,000 people over 3 days. She spoke about
Family Fun Night with discounted rides, pony rides, and a children’s performance in the Big
Tent. The Street Dance is on July 3 with kiddie games, a kiddie parade, business expo, Taste of
Chanhassen, live music, and more. Ms. Tandon noted many family-friendly activities on July 4
including fishing contests, medallion hunt, sand sculpture contest, live music, bingo, classic car
show, parade, and fireworks. The City partners with many organizations including the Rotary
Club of Chanhassen, the Southwest Metro Chamber of Commerce, Minnesota Twins, Carver
County Department of Public Health, deputies from the Carver County Sheriff’s Department,
and representatives from Chanhassen Fire Department. Ms. Tandon thanked the City’s Park
Maintenance team for support, set up, and teardown for the events.
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3. Park Maintenance Quarterly Update
Park Superintendent Beers shared an update noting 25 seniors from Southwest Christian High
School participated in their senior service day project including pulling weeds, mulching, and
picking up trash. Crews have been busy starting up and repairing the city's irrigation systems,
which are about 30 years old. Mr. Beers noted as part of the 2022 Park Replacement Schedule,
North Lotus Park hockey rink replacement will start within the next few weeks. The scope of the
project will include the replacement of the existing boards, bituminous, and drainage system, and
a new playground will also be installed at Roundhouse Park. Mr. Beers said the City just hired
John Wickenhauser with the Park Maintenance Staff, and he gave a shout of to the seasonal staff
that are a critical part of daily maintenance within the City.
4. Senior Center Quarterly Update
Senior Center Coordinator Blazanin shared she has been focused on building a sense of
community amongst the seniors and getting new people to come to events. They are also trying
more unique classes including Women in Woodcarving, chair yoga, and Aging in Place classes.
Trips and excursions are once again increasing after Covid-19 and there are many trips planned
each month including Red Wing, the Orpheum Theater, New Ulm, St. Cloud, and the Guthrie
Theater. She also spoke about the Dinner with the Mayor event which Mayor Ryan attended,
music on the plaza, and the Lion’s Club picnic.
5. Task Force Update
Park and Recreation Director Ruegemer updated the Commissioners noting at the last meeting
they started developing ballot language and looked at some additional presentations on concepts
for a new City Hall building. He noted the referendum may seem rushed for November and at
last night’s City Council Work Session they discussed the referendum and took an informal
survey of the Task Force members. After discussion, the list of items is being pared down, with
the Task Force members understanding the current financial climate with inflation and interest
rates and taxes going up. Currently the list has been pared down to about $16,000,000 with focus
on Lake Ann Preserve, lighting at Lake Ann, bathrooms, a potential splash pad, inclusion
playground, adventure/nature play, a challenge course, and trail updates. The City Council is also
looking at whether this is the right time with the current economy. Mr. Ruegemer noted both the
Task Force and City Council want to continue completion of the Lake Ann Preserve (the Prince
property).
COMMISSION MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS: None.
COMMISSION MEMBER PRESENTATIONS:
Commissioner Vasatka noted he participated in the Nomadic Gnome which was apparently a
successful program.
Mr. Ruegemer agreed, stating it was hugely successful.
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Commissioner Vasatka was able to visit 15 parks over three days and explored many
neighborhood parks he did not know existed. It was a very fun program.
ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATIONS: None.
ADMINISTRATIVE PACKET: None.
ADJOURNMENT:
Commissioner Kutz moved, Commissioner Vasatka seconded to adjourn the meeting. All
voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 6 to 0. The Park and
Recreation Commission meeting was adjourned at 7:53 p.m.
Submitted by Jerry Ruegemer
Park and Recreation Director
Prepared by Amy Weidman
Administrative Support Specialist