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11.25.2025 PRC MinutesCHANHASSEN PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES NOVEMBER 25, 2025 Chair Leisen called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Rob Swanson; Kristin Fulkerson; Michael Leisen; Sean Morgan; Emily Nagel; Kurt Scheppmann; Nora Nashawaty; and Clara Christenson, youth. MEMBERS ABSENT: None. STAFF PRESENT: Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director; Priya Wall, Recreation Manager; Drew Zoromski, Digital Communication Specialist; and Patrick Gavin, Communications Manager. PUBLIC PRESENT: None. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Commissioner Swanson moved, Commissioner Fulkerson 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: 1. Approve Park & Recreation Minutes dated October 28, 2025 Commissioner Scheppmann asked about the rink maintenance cost. Ms. Wall answered that they could provide more insight at the next meeting. She said the maintenance that was already completed at the rinks was now captured in the budget. She stated that Cartegraph helped them quantify the time used, so the total cost showed an increase. She said that the current year was the most accurate number, but they will look for a comparison to see where the dollars were previously captured. Commissioner Fulkerson moved, Commissioner Scheppmann seconded to approve the minutes of the Park and Recreation Commission meeting dated October 28, 2025, 2025 as presented. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 8 to 0. GENERAL BUSINESS: Park and Recreation Commission Minutes – November 25, 2025 2 1. Lake Ann Park Preserve Update This item was addressed after Item G.2. 2. Presentation of How Social Media Works to Promote the Park and Recreation Department Jerry Ruegemer, Parks and Recreation Director, introduced Drew Zoromski and Patrick Gavin to discuss social media promotion of the Park and Recreation Department. Drew Zoromski, Digital Communication Specialist, reviewed how social media pushed residents to the website for Park and Recreation activities. He summarized the statistics for the Park and Recreation social media page. He commented that when they boost a post for approximately $20, they garner 20,000 views. For the 4th of July, they received 47,000 views and spent $100 boosting the post. He provided a summary of the average views of videos on Instagram. He reviewed the age statistics for YouTube users and stated that he hopes to engage with parties who are not engaging on Instagram or Facebook. Commissioner Nashawaty stated that the videos get shared in Chanhassen Facebook groups. Mr. Zoromski said that the Instagram followers and views have trended up. Youth Commissioner Christenson asked if they had any new techniques. Mr. Zoromski answered that they were looking to get the Park and Recreation staff on video more often. Commissioner Swanson asked if, when they boost a post, there is a correlation in attendance at events. Priya Wall, Recreation Manager, answered that it was hard to tell, but they were trying to do surveys to ask where people see the event advertised. They do not get enough data. Mr. Zoromski said that social media was a top way to promote the events are promoted. Chair Leisen asked about the follower count for a city this size. Mr. Zoromski answered that they were on par, but he would have to look for more information. Chair Leisen asked if they could give event sponsors publicity. Mr. Zoromski responded that all the social media posts include the sponsor’s logos, but they can consider more ways to promote. Youth Commissioner Christenson suggested adding QR codes for the social media pages at events. 1. Lake Ann Park Preserve Update Park and Recreation Commission Minutes – November 25, 2025 3 Mr. Ruegemer provided a project update for Lake Ann Park Preserve now that Phase I and II reports have been submitted and reviewed by the State Historical Preservation Office. He reviewed a project timeline to explain how the project will advance moving forward. Chair Leisen asked about a timeline to hear back from the State Historical Preservation Office. Mr. Ruegemer answered that he hoped to hear back within a couple of weeks, but he could not provide a definitive timeline. Mr. Ruegemer said if they had favorable news on Site 21CRO188, they were hoping they could get it done with the next wave of projects. He stated that they had great bids for other projects, so they hoped they would see similar results for this project. He said that they may need to do a separate bid for Phase Three because of the tree-clearing window. Commissioner Nashawaty asked about the percentage of the proposed new grade. Mr. Ruegemer answered that the grade had to be under five percent. Chair Leisen asked about benches. Mr. Ruegemer responded that there were no budgeted plans for bench installation alongside the trail system. He said that they had requests for memorial benches within the park system, so he thought they could offer this area as an option. Commissioner Nagel asked about an interpretive sign or information on trails for artifacts found, and if there were additional funds in the budget. Mr. Ruegemer answered that the City Council would determine how any extra funds would be allocated. He said that there were often compromises in Phase Three. REPORTS: 1. Tree Lighting Ceremony & Holiday Events Preview Ms. Wall reviewed the variety of holiday events hosted by Chanhassen during December. These events include Santa’s Workshop and Letters to Santa Mailbox, Gingerbread House Decorating Contest, Holiday Market, Tree Lighting Ceremony, Tour of Lights, and Toys for Tots and Food Collections. Chair Leisen asked if they needed volunteers for any of the activities. Ms. Wall answered that she would send out an email to the Park and Recreation Commission with the Tree Lighting Ceremony. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS: Commissioner Morgan reviewed the strategic planning framework and how it would provide guidance for future conversation items. He discussed the opportunities to have small committees for specific items that interest Park and Recreation Commission members. He suggested starting Park and Recreation Commission Minutes – November 25, 2025 4 with one or two committees focused on issues. He invited feedback on the overall concept and any specific committee issues, such as the Chanhassen Bluffs Community Center. Chair Leisen said he liked the idea of keeping the strategy packet alive. He invited Mr. Ruegemer to give some feedback. Mr. Ruegemer said that the Chanhassen Bluffs Community Center was in the infant stages, so there would not be a snapshot into it right now. He stated that the Park and Recreation Commission could discuss any feedback from residents. He said that they could look at best practices for the park maintenance division or community events. Commissioner Nashawaty asked if there was room for ideas at the new City Hall, such as how to get buy-in from the community or memorial bricks. COMMISSION MEMBER PRESENTATIONS: None. ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATIONS: Mr. Ruegemer stated that the next meeting was moved up to December 9th due to the Holiday Season. He said that they would have a holiday celebration after the meeting. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Nagel moved, Commissioner Swanson seconded to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 8 to 0. The Park and Recreation Commission meeting was adjourned at 7:24 p.m. Submitted by Jerry Ruegemer Park and Recreation Director