HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks and Recreation - 08/03/2015 APPROVED MINUTES
PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
MONDAY,AUGUST 3, 2015 7:00 P.M. CITY CENTER
8080 Mitchell Road, Council Chambers
PRNR COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Larry Link, Chair; Donald Jacobson,
Leonard Pesheck
PRNR COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Debra McBride, Vice Chair; Michael
Belaen, Kirk Spresser and Deborah Tenner
CITY STAFF PRESENT: Jay Lotthammer, Parks & Recreation Director
Matt Bourne, Parks &Natural Resources Manager
Lori Brink, Recreation Manager
Valerie Verley, Community Center Manager
Jodie Fenske, Recording Secretary
GUEST: Jerry Maas, Southwest Metro Pickleball Club
L ROLL CALLANTRODUCTIONS
Chair Larry Link called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Roll call was taken and noted
above.
Lotthammer reported the resignation of Commission member Tim Rawerts due to his
relocating out of Eden Prairie.
Lotthammer updated the Commission on City Staff changes including the retirement of
Stu Fox, Parks and Natural Resources Manager and the promotions of Matt Bourne to
Parks and Natural Resources Manager and Valerie Verley to Community Center Manager.
Bourne, Verley and Brink provided respective educational and employment background
information.
II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Jacobson added Item IX.D.3 Flying Red Horse Sign.
Motion: Jacobson moved, seconded by Pesheck, to approve the agenda as amended.
III. APPROVAL OF PRNR MINUTES—MAY 4, 2015
Link stated the May 4, 2015 minutes were not available but would be provided for approval
at the September Commission meeting.
PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES
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IV. REPORT OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION
Lotthammer reported approval was received for updating the Round Lake Baseball
Stadium scoreboard with new advertising.
Lotthammer also reported the Council approved RJM Construction to provide construction
management services on a volunteer basis for the Miracle League Field. He stated the
watershed report is expected within one week, the project is 75%funded and most of the
work will be performed this year with completion in spring 2016. He stated RJM
Construction has been assigned contracts for the construction of the field.
Approval has been received for bike trail rehab/overlay for five sections throughout the
City.
Lotthammer stated several donations were also approved.
V. REPORT OF PLANNING COMMISSION
Bourne reported the Commission can expect a report at the next meeting regarding the
Park Zoning Ordinance.
VI. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATION
A. PICKLEBALL UPDATE BY SOUTHWEST METRO PICKLEBALL CLUB
Lotthammer introduced Eden Prairie resident Jerry Maas as an advocate of
pickleball and a representative of the Southwest Metro Pickleball Club. Maas
thanked the Commission for its continued support of pickleball and providing
courts in Eden Prairie. Maas noted the courts at Riley Lake and Pioneer Park are
in need of crack repair. He also noted that SWMPC sees an advantage to having a
centrally located 14-court pickleball facility in the City.
VIL OLD BUSINESS
A. CEDAR HILLS PARK UPDATE
Lotthammer reported the project is on hold for the watershed report which is
expected within two weeks. Once the study is received, plans for flood plain
elevation can be determined.
VIIL NEW BUSINESS
IX. REPORTS OF STAFF
PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES
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A. PARKS AND NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGER
1. Park Proiects Update. Bourne reported the Miracle League Field project
is underway with RJM donating time for construction management
services. He stated we are currently waiting for the watershed district to
review the plan and make recommendations.
The permanent pickleball courts, as well as the reconstructed tennis courts
and basketball court, at Franlo Park opened on July 10, 2015.
Bourne also reported on a plan to redo the plaza behind Field 8 at Miller
Park by adding storage and making the area more appealing and safe.
The trail rehab bid has been accepted and approved by the City Council
for overlay of five sections throughout the City. Bourne reported the work
will be completed in the next week.
B. RECREATION SERVICES MANAGER
1. Fall Brochure. Brink reported the fall brochure will be distributed to
residents in the next week and registration will open on August 12, 2015.
FYI: Movies in the Park. Brink stated the summer concerts continue to be
popular and the movies will begin in August on the new screen purchased
last year at Staring Lake Park.
FYI: Senior Golf Classic. Brink reported on the event being held on August 12,
2015 at Dahlgreen Golf Course.
C. COMMUNITY CENTER MANAGER
1. Aquatics Grand Opening Overview. Verley reported the event was well
attended with standing room only. Community Center staff provided tours
and positive feedback has been received.
2. Fitness in the Parks Update. Verley reported the free classes provided
this year for the first time have been well attended and it was nice to see
people of all ages coming together. Zumba classes were the most popular
and included youth from the summer camps. She anticipates the successful
program will continue next summer.
D. PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR
1. 2016-2017 Budget Overview. Lotthammer reported the Department is in
mid-budget season and will be able to provide a more accurate picture in
September. Once assessment values are provided, the Council will be able
to set the levy with final approval expected in December.
PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES
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Lotthammer further explained Department expenses come from the
General Fund section of the budget.
He also explained the expenses incurred at Community Center are offset
by greater revenue generated by increased and upgraded memberships.
Projections indicate a little better than breakeven, matching the historically
90% cost recovery. Lotthammer expects not much tax impact in 2016-17.
2. 2015 PRNR Work Plan. Lotthammer forecasts receipt of the Master Plan
for the Outdoor Center, updated Facility Use policies and an update on
Cedar Hills Park watershed study. He also anticipates a Master Plan
completed for Riley Lake Park in October or November.
3. Flying Red Horse Sign. Lotthammer stated the City has obtained
possession of the sign and, with a possible grant, will be in a better
position to place the sign in one of the parks. The sign is currently stored
and protected at the maintenance facility.
X. NEXT MEETING
Next PRNR Meeting—Monday, Sept 14 at 7 p.m., Park Maintenance Building.
XI. ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Jacobson moved, seconded by Pesheck, to adjourn the meeting. The meeting
adjourned at 8:30 p.m.