05/18/2009 - Advisory Parks & Recreation CommissionApproved August 17, 2009
There were no visitors to be heard.
ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
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MINUTES OF RE
Elections were conducted with the following results; Phil Belfiori was elected Chair, Laurie Halverson was elected
Vice Chair and Bruce Goff was elected Secretary. Members voted to accept the 2009 -10 meeting schedule as presented and
deferred the appointment of members to the various subcommittees. A suggestion was made by Member Belfiori that the
APrC consider a conversation that might suggest wrapping issues around sustainability or green initiatives into the existing
commission should the City Council wish to move in that direction.
Prior to their regular meeting the Advisory Parks Commission met in a workshop session for an organizational
meeting and to elect officers for the 2009 -2010 meeting year. Members present included Rebecca Aanning, Thor Anderson,
Phil Belfiori, Jennifer Dahlquist, Bruce Goff, Laurie Halverson and Duane Hansen. Member Michael Palmer was not present.
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A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on May 18, 2009 with the
following Commission Members present: Thor Anderson, Phil Belfiori, Jennifer Dahlquist, Laurie Halverson, Duane
Hansen and Rebecca Aanning. Members Goff and Palmer were not present for the meeting. Staff included Director Juli
Seydell Johnson; Superintendent of Operations, Cherryl Mesko; and Rental Coordinator Melissa Wind.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
TING OF MAY 18, 2009
Member Dahlquist moved, Member Halverson seconded, with all present members voting in favor to approve the
agenda as presented.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF':APRIL2
Member Halverson moved and Member Hansen seconded, with all present members voting in favor to approve the
minutes of April 20, 2009.
0 l
TH BE'HEARD
DIRECTOR'S DEPARTMENT UPDATE
Director Johnson began explaining that due to budget constraints mowing routes will be pulled back in some of the
lesser used parks. Grass may not be mowed as short or may be mowed less often. Director Johnson did not foresee this
being a problem for any of the park users. Grass will be killed in larger park areas including Wescott Station Park, and
native prairie grass will be planted, which will require less maintenance in the future.
Emerald Ash Bore has been found in the Twin Cities Area and traps will be installed and monitored by the
Department of Agriculture. Member Belfori asked if City Forester Gregg Hove may want to come to speak to the
Commission members to give them a better understanding of the situation. Director Johnson replied by saying that although
the city forestry report does not come until later in the summer or early fall, it would be a good idea to push that report up, as
more information develops regarding Emerald Ash. Director Johnson added that the City website offers current information
on Emerald Ash Bore.
It was noted that Parks and Recreation is applying for a large block grant through the Federal Recovery Act to
improve energy efficiency. Director Johnson explained that a consultant will come in to all city facilities and buildings and
do energy audits making a list of recommendations on how to run the buildings more efficiently.
Advisory Parks Commission
May 18, 2009
Page 2
The Eagan Community Center is now offering lower cost birthday parties for non peak times. Cascade Bay will be
open for the season on Friday June 12 with 150 on staff. The Captains Course mini golf course is now open for the season.
Hiring is finished for all summer programs and staff training will begin. Director Johnson reminded everyone that although
dandelions are obnoxious, they are not noxious, and are not routinely removed from parks.
CONSENT AGENDA
There were no consent agenda items for the Commission to review.
DE,VELOPMENT
There were no development proposals for the Commission to review.
OLD BUSINESS
There were no Old Business items for the Commission to review.
BUSINESS
There were no New Business items for the Commission to review.
OTRER BUS INESS AND REPORTS
Superintendant of Operations Mesko introduced Rental Coordinator Melissa Wind who gave a brief overview of the
activities and events at the Eagan Community Center. Highlights included after being open for 6 years an estimated 2 million
guests have walked through the building, which averages about 900 people per day. Coordinator Wind also introduced and
reviewed the new marketing brochure currently being used to promote rentals, memberships and events at the ECC.
Superintendant Mesko distributed a copy to all commission members and Member Hansen, commenting on the professional
appearance, asked if the brochure was done in house and was impressed to hear that it was. Other highlights included the
growth of meetings and events such as the Mothers of Multiple sales, the Eagan Rotary weekly meetings, and outdoor
wedding ceremonies at Central Park. Member Belfori thanked Coordinator Wind for a very nice presentation. Member
Anderson asked about the seating capacity for weddings and Coordinator Wind responded that the Oaks banquet facility
could seat 350 for a meal event.
COMMUNICATIONS
Director Johnson pointed out a positive email sent to the Civic Arena for a well done birthday party.
ROUNDTABLE'
Member Hansen welcomed new Chair Phil Belfori and Vice Chair Laurie Halverson. Member Halverson welcomed
new Members Rebecca Aanning and Michael Palmer. Member Aanning expressed her excitement to serve on the
Commission and member Belfori thanked Aanning for volunteering her time.
Advisory Parks Commission
May 18, 2009
Page 3
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to conduct, Member Halverson moved, Member Dahlquist seconded with all members
voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
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Secretary
Date