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2014-10-14 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda PacketCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA AGENDA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Tuesday October 14, 2014 - 6:30 P.M. City Council Chambers 1. Roll Call 2. Approval of Agenda 3. Approval of the September 9, 2014 Minutes 4. Marie Park Hockey Rink Update 5. Park Bench Donation 6. Presentation of Recreation Program Survey Results 7. Recreation Program Report 8. Archery 9. Par 3 Report 10. Announcements 11. Commission Comments 12. Adjourn Auxiliary aids for persons with disabilities are available at least 120 hours in advance. If a notice of less than 120 hours is received, the City of Mendota Heights will make every attempt to provide the aids. This may not, however, be possible on short notice. Please contact City Administration at 651-452-1850. Meetings can be viewed anytime on -demand at: www.mendota-heights.com. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING September 9, 2014 The September meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, September 9, 2014 at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve. Chair Hinderscheid called to order the parks and recreation commission meeting at 6:30 p.m. The following commissioners were present: Chair Hinderscheid, Commissioners Ira Kip, Stephanie Levine, Joel Paper and Michael Toth. Staff present: Recreation Program Coordinator Sloan Wallgren. Approval of Agenda Chair Hinderscheid added Dog Park and Activity Log to the agenda. COMMISSIONER LEVINE MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE AGENDA; COMMISSIONER PAPER SECONDED THE MOTION. AYES 5: NAYS 0 Approval of Minutes of August 11, 2014 COMMISSIONER PAPER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES; COMMISSIONER TOTH SECONDED THE MOTION. AYES 5: NAYS 0 Marie Park Hockey Rink Update Mr. Wallgren updated the commission on the status of the Marie Park Hockey Area. Mr. Wallgren informed the commission that the city council approved a change in the work order to include paving the hockey rink when the nearby street project is complete. After the area is paved a contractor will come and install the new hockey boards. Commissioner Paper asked if the post for the new boards would be installed before or after the pavement was put down. Mr. Wallgren replied that he believes the post will be installed after the pavement is in place. Recreation Programming Report Mr. Wallgren informed the commission that the summer recreation programs are now all complete. This summer we added several new programs and expanded some of the existing programs. Staff has created surveys that were emailed out earlier this week to help evaluate the programs. The results of the surveys will be provided at a future date. Mr. Wallgren also provide the commission with a list that contained the number of participants in each of the programs over the last few years. Commissioner Levine asked if there was a certain reason that the tennis program numbers were up and the field trip numbers were down. Mr. Wallgren stated that we added evening classes this year MH Parks and Recreation Commission 9-9-2014 Page 1 to the tennis program, which is why we had more participants. The field trip numbers were down because we offered one less trip this year and one of the trips was cancelled. Mr. Wallgren updated the commission on the upcoming fall field trips and the trips that are planned for winter break. In previous years we have only offered one field trip during winter break, this year we are trying to expand that to four trips. Commissioner Paper asked what the ages for the field trips were. Mr. Wallgren replied eight years of age and up. Commissioner Kipp asked if we ever have thought of offering and archery program. Mr. Wallgren replied that they have thought about it and would check with area cities to see how they run their archery programs. The commission asked if we would again be creating a cross country ski trail at the Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course. Mr. Wallgren stated that we are planning to offer cross country skiing at the golf course. We will be working with St. Thomas Academy again to share equipment. More information about the trail would be in the November issue of the Heights Highlights. Commissioner Kipp said that we should consider working with St. Thomas Academy to offer skiing out on Rogers Lake. Mr. Wallgren said that he would check with the school about the possibilities of this. Par 3 Report Mr. Wallgren informed the commission that the Footgolf course is up and running. We started this past weekend and had about a dozen people out to play. The Pioneer Press will be coming out at the course to do a story next week. The rates for Footgolf are $8 for adults and $7 for youth, which reflect the strategy of the Par 3 to offer affordable recreation. On September 27, 2014 the cities of Mendota Heights and West St. Paul have partnered to offer the 4th Annual Thompson Oaks/Mendota Heights Open. The fee is $30 which includes golf at both courses, breakfast, lunch and prizes. Staff is planning to aerate the greens on the golf course very soon. Staff is also getting quotes to replace some gravel and dirt areas around the clubhouse with concrete. Financial data for the month of September were not available yet. Staff will send the information to the commission as soon as it is available. Golf Course Five Year Plan Mr. Wallgren provided a brief background on how the city acquired the golf course and at what price. Mr. Wallgren stated that the golf course is supposed to generate enough revenue each year to cover the operating costs. The Par 3 Fund is also supposed to maintain a cash balance of $40,000 for emergencies and capital improvements. In recent years the fund has fallen below the $40,000 goal. Mr. Wallgren presented his plan to continue to improve the balance of the fund, while at the same time making improvements to the course, equipment, and clubhouse. MH Parks and Recreation Commission 9-9-2014 Page 2 Dog Park Chair Hinderscheid mentioned that he has found several articles that talk about the growing popularity of dog parks. He said that of the sites we looked at the Pilot Knob site seemed like it would be the only one that would be large enough to make it a quality dog park. Chair Hinderscheid inquired if any companies were looking to purchase this land. Mr. Wallgren responded that he was not aware of any, but he would follow up with staff and report back to the commission. The commission discussed the topic and would like further information. The commission would like to know if there are any parties interested in purchasing the property and would the city be liable for any injuries that might occur because of debris or old chemicals in the ground. Parks Projects Chair Hinderscheid presented a log of current and future park projects. The commission discussed the projects. Mr. Wallgren said that he would share the information with Mr. Mazzitello and return next month with an updated list. Commissioner Paper asked about having a garbage can plased on Wagon Wheel Trail near the fishing culvert. The commission discussed the issue. Mr. Wallgren informed the commission there have been requests for a garbage can near the culvert in the past. Mr. Wallgren did not know the reasons why there was not currently a garbage can there, but he would follow up at the next meeting. COMMISSIONER PAPER MADE A MOTION TO PLACE A GARABE CAN NEAR THE CLUVERT ON WAGON WHEEL TRAIL. COMMISSIONER KIPP SECONED THE MOTION. AYES 5: NAYS 0 Commissioner Kipp informed the commission that the Roger Lake Homeowners Association would like to donate $300 towards a bench on Wagon Wheel Trail near the fishing culvert. Commissioner Kipp stated the area was locate in the middle of Lexingtion Ave and Dodd Road. Commissioner Kipp stated many people use the walking path and this would be a nice area for people to stop and rest, while enjoying the views of the lake. COMMISSIONER KIPP MADE A MOTION TO HAVE A BENCH INSTALLED ON WAGON WHEEL TRAIL NEAR THE FISHING CULVERT. COMMISSIONER PAPER SECONED THE MOTION. AYES 2: NAYS 2 The commission continued to discuss the bench donation process and costs. Mr. Wallgren said that here would provide more information at the next meeting. MH Parks and Recreation Commission 9-9-2014 Page 3 Announcements On September 20, 2014 the Barbary Coast Dixieland Show Band will be performing outside of Lilydale City Hall from 1:OOPM to 3:OOPM. On September 27, 2014 from 1:OOPM to 10:OOPM there will be a fundraiser for Officer Patrick outside of Moose County. There will be live music, a raffle and auction. All proceeds will go to the Patrick family. On September 29, 2014 the Sibley Girls Tennis program will be doing a park clean up at Rogers Lake Park. This is a fundraiser for the program, and if anyone would like to make a donation please send and make checks to Sibley High School and write girls tennis in the memo area. Dakota County offering a Master Recycling program starting in mid-September. If anyone would like to learn more about recycling please contact Dakota County. Commission Comments Commissioner Toth thought it was a good meeting and encouraged everyone to get out and enjoy area high school football games. Commissioner Levine thanked chair Hinderscheid for his list of projects and was glad the current commission has a wide variety of expertise that everyone brings to the commission. Commissioner Paper thanked staff for all their hard work and encouraged parents to take the online surveys that were sent out by staff. Commissioner Kipp thought it was an informative meeting and pleased to see positive changes at the Par 3. Chair Hinderscheid thought it was a good meeting and was excited to see how Footgolf takes off at the Par 3 COMMISSIONER PAPER MADE A MOTION TO ADJOUN THE MEETING; COMMISSIONER LEVINE SECONDED THE MOTION. Ayes 5: Nays 0 The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m. Respectfully Submitted by Sloan Wallgren MH Parks and Recreation Commission 9-9-2014 Page 4 CITY OF MEINDOTA HEIGHTS 1101 Victoria Curve 1 Mendota Heights, MN 55118 651.4521850 phone 1 651.452.8940 fax www.mendota-heights.com DATE: October 14, 2014 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Sloan Wallgren, Recreation Program Coordinator SUBJECT: Marie Park Hockey Rink Update Update The hockey area at Marie Park will be paved by the end of October or sooner. After the area is paved the hockey boards will be installed. The cost of this project will not affect the Special Parks Fund. This area has the possibilities of being used for roller hockey or pickleball in the future. After this winter if we decide that we would like to offer these recreational opportunities in this area we could stripe the surface for multiple uses. Required Action No action required at this time. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS 1101 Victoria Curve 1 Mendota Heights, MN 55118 651.4521850 phone 1 651.452.8940 fax www.mendota-heights.com DATE: October 14, 2014 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Sloan Wallgren, Recreation Program Coordinator SUBJECT: Park Bench Donation Update The city has a policy in place for the donation and placement of park benches throughout the park system. Currently the minimum donation required for a bench is $1,000.00(subject to yearly review). This price includes the bench, plaque, and delivery. The city has typically supplied the concrete slab and labor for installation. The location and language on the plague must be approved by both the parks commission and city council. Additionally, any property owners in the immediate area that maybe affected are notified and given an opportunity to voice any concerns. I have attached a copy of the current Park Bench Donation Form. Required Action No action required at this time. 1101 Victoria Curve 1 Mendota Heights, MN 55118 651.452.1850 phone 1 651.452.8940 fax www.mendota-heights.com IMCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS ParkFenchEonationrProgramE From[dimelloNlime,L itizensRinayINvish[ oNnemorializellriendsDbrC elativeslthroughi hertionation0 ofC [ arkr:ench[ oRtheREity'sr arks[ ndQraill3ystem.I Thelbrocessliorgbenchlionationdvill[ eC s1=1 foIIOWs: I 1. MinimumgIonationllequired,Verl ench,CthaIIC el$1,000.001SubjectC ollyearlylleview) 2. Bench[ nayabeC lacedl hroughoutriherMendotallleightsrParksC ndEfraillSystemllivithElhe recommendationbffl7heriParksC ndllecreationECommission 3. RecognitionEbriltnemoriall3blaqueNvillabelbttached[ oClbacklIbfF pprovedlltandard[bench design 4. TextabfInemorialVlaqueShalllellipprovedlyritheaCity 5. CostlifEithellecognitionabrainemorialWaquellivillrbegncludedVithingthelltionatedlmount 6. Minnesotal3tatuellequiresIbIllionationsIllobellbfficiallyalicceptedeqUellityMouncil AdoptedlyneaCitylIouncilabfilheliitylabflAendotarfleightsrDecemberP18,200111 PARKA ENCHmONATIONITORMII NAM E:iil 0 ADDRESS:In PHONE:® Email: Illvouldmike[ ollnakeC Clontributionabtl 1,000.00[1onellitylibEMendotarHeights® (include[ lonationNvithElhisC pplication)[foranstallationZfIrPark enchC tIthellollowingmocation:0 IC vouldmike[the[followingChnessagelblacedabnEtheC ecognition/memorialWaqueC ttached[ olthegbackbf11 theabench:QlPlaqueC reaOs[2"[by[10")N lamderstandllhatf hellesiredC enchmocationC ndlextabfC helltecognition/memoriall3blaqueC: nust[ ell reviewedlEmda pprovedbyllhea arkl ndlllecreationllommissiona nd[ healityltouncil.0 C?7 signatureL CITY OF MEINDOTA HEIGHTS 1101 Victoria Curve 1 Mendota Heights, MN 55118 651.4521850 phone 1 651.452.8940 fax www.mendota-heights.com DATE: October 14, 2014 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Sloan Wallgren, Recreation Program Coordinator SUBJECT: Recreation Program Report Update Staff has been busy booking Fall MEA Break Field Trips and Winter Break Field Trips. Staff also has been analyzing the results of the surveys that we conducted. We were able to learn a lot of information about what we are doing well, what we can do better, and what changes parents want to see. We are in the process of hiring Rink Attendants for the upcoming winter season. If anyone knows of any potential good employees please have them contact city hall or visit the website to find an application. Halloween Bonfire The annual Halloween Bonfire will be held on Friday, October 31st from 7:OOpm to 10:OOpm. The Mendota Heights Fire Department will be present offering free hotdogs and drinks. Residents can begin dropping off brush for the fire on Saturday, October 25th. Gymnastics Lessons For boys & girls, ages 3 and older. Classes include: balance beam, uneven bars, floor exercise, tumbling & more. Classes are held at Sibley High School (small gym.) Girls should wear leotards; boys may wear shorts & t -shirts. Saturday mornings: 10 weeks December 6, 13, 20 January 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 February 7 & 14 Tumbling Tykes Ages 3 & 4 8:30am to 9:OOam $90 Tumbling Tots Ages 4 & 5 9:05am to 9:35am $90 Kinder Tumbling Ages 5 & 6 9:40am to 10:20am $90 Beginner Ages 6 & Up 10:25am to 11:25am $125 Advanced Beginners Ages 6 & Up 11:30am to 12:25pm $125 Upcoming MEA Field Trips Our next field trips will be held October 16th & 17th. On October 16th we will be going to Bunker Stables for a horseback riding trip & on October 17th we will be going to Base Camp for rock climbing and archery, followed by lunch and bowling at Drakula's. More information on these trip will be in the next issue of the Heights Highlights. Winter Break Future Field Trips Rock Climbing and a Movie Hurry, don't miss the fun!! We are going to start the day at the West St. Paul Dome and watch a PG rated movie. IF we have time we will play a game of kickball elimination. A pizza lunch will be provided. Once we have finished lunch, we will head over to Vertical Endeavors in St. Paul to learn how to rock climb. Participants will learn how to climb in a safe and comfortable setting. Everyone will also get the opportunity to climb in their bouldering cave that will rock your world. A Waiver must be signed and all participants must have socks and tennis shoes on! Who: Kindergarten -6th Grade When: Monday December 22nd 2014 Fee: $30 per child Science Museum and Omni Theater Come along with us as we go exploring at the Science Museum of MN. We will have lots of time to explore all of the cool exhibits and we will also make a stop at the Omni Theater to see the Movie "Flight of the Butterflies;" which is all about the journey of a monarch butterfly as it travels with hundreds of millions other butterflies to the monarchs' secret hideaway. Once we have seen where the monarch butterflies live, we will get to go through the "Butterfly House" where we will see and feel dozens of real butterfly's close up. It will be a butterfly experience you will never forget! A pizza lunch will be included. Who: Kindergartener's — 6th graders When: Tuesday, December 23rd 2014 Fee: $30 per child Grand Slam and Skateville Get it on the action with us during your winter break. We will start out at Grand slam in Burnsville where each participant will get four game tokens, unlimited laser tag, batting cages, mini golf, Krazy cars and X-treme Trampoline. A hot dog lunch will be provided. We will finish off the day at Skateville in Burnsville with open skating time. Roller skate rental is included; roller blade rental is an additional $3.00. You are welcome to bring your own roller blades and roller skates. Kids can bring addition money for treats. A waiver is required to use the X-treme Trampolines at Grand Slam. All participants must wear socks and tennis shoes. Who: Kindergarten -6th Grade When: Monday, December 29th 2014 Fee: $ 34 per child Wild Woods Water Park Are you ready for an adventure? Let's go wild at the Wild Woods Indoor Water Park in Elk River MN. Take a ride down one of their four-story waterside which included two different tube slides and a body slide. Don't forget to take a spin in Prospector's Pan before you splash into the water. You can test your skill at an old-fashioned log walk and cruise down the Lazy River. Please send your child with their swimsuit and a towel. A Pizza Lunch will be included. Who: Kindergarten -6th Grade When: Tuesday December 30th 2014 Fee: $ 30 per child CITY OF MEINDOTA HEIGHTS 1101 Victoria Curve 1 Mendota Heights, MN 55118 651.4521850 phone 1 651.452.8940 fax www.mendota-heights.com DATE: October 14, 2014 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Sloan Wallgren, Recreation Program Coordinator SUBJECT: Archery Background At the September 9, 2014 commission meeting the idea of offering an archery program was mentioned. Currently, our city does not allow the shooting of bows in the city. There are two exceptions: 1. If the individual is participating in a city authorized deer hunt. 2. If the individual has obtained a special permit from the police department for target practice. If we wanted to offer an archery program we would have to change the city code to allow the shooting of bows for target practice in a designated area, or an archery range could be built. Friendly Marsh Park was previously used as an archery range. The targets were removed roughly 10-15 years ago, because youth were vandalizing the targets on a regular basis. Staff has contacted several area cities about their archery ranges and regulations. Many of the cities in the area offer archery ranges, and have seen an increase in use over the last five years. Staff will provide photos of area archery ranges at the meeting. The photos will provide the commission with a better idea of what the city could potentially offer at a low cost. Budget Impact Funding for this project would come from the Special Parks Fund. There is possible matching grant money from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in the amount of $2,500- $10,000. The grant deadline is the end of the summer 2015, with funds being awarded in September of 2015. Actions Required No action is required at this time. If the commission has a desire to offer an archery range staff will gather additional information such as costs, maintenance and possible locations. CITY OF MEINDOTA HEIGHTS 1101 Victoria Curve 1 Mendota Heights, MN 55118 651.4521850 phone 1 651.452.8940 fax www.mendota-heights.com DATE: October 14, 2014 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Sloan Wallgren, Recreation Program Coordinator SUBJECT: Par 3 Update Update The cities of Mendota Heights and West St. Paul partnered to offer the Thompson Oaks/Mendota Heights Par 3 event on September 27, 2014. The event was filled with 40 golfers, and everyone had a great time. Footgolf has continued to grow in popularity. We have received many phone calls and emails inquiring about the new sport. We collected $310 in revenue from Footgolf in the month of September. The course will be featured in the Pioneer Press in an upcoming article about Footgolf. We will also be promoting the golf course in the next episode of Community Parks Connection on local cable. Staff is in the process of bidding on a sand rake, patio furniture and clubhouse furniture. The items are being auctioned from a local golf course that closed for good on October 1, 2014. If we are successful in obtaining some or all of these pieces of equipment, we will have saved a lot of money that we were planning on spending in the next year. Maintenance Update The fall maintenance was done to the putting greens on September 30, 2014. Our maintenance staff will wrap up the end of season activities on October 17, 2014. Our irrigation lines will be blown out for the season at the end of October. Finally, our golf course consultant will spray for snow mold at the very end of the season. Budget Financial data will be available Tuesday, October 14, 2014.