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2008-02-12 Parks and Rec Comm MinutesApproved CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING February 12,2008 The February 2008 meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, February 12, 2008, in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 P.M. The following Commissioners were present: Vice Chair Paul Portz, Larry Craighead, Raymond Morris, Tom Kraus, Michael Toth, Maureen Sullivan-Brackey and Liz O'Brien. Staff present were Guy Kullander, Parks Operations and Project Coordinator, Jake Sedlacek, Assistant to the City Administrator, Teresa Gangelhoff, Recreation Programmer, and Nancy Bauer, Recording Secretary, INTRODUCTION OF NEW Vice Chair Paul Portz welcomed the three new commissioners and asked them to introduce themselves. It was then suggested by Commissioner Morris that everyone introduce themselves. Commissioner Lany Craighead has been on the Parks and Recreation Commission for the last nine years. This will be his last year on the Commission. He is interested in the trail systems in Mendota Heights and has seen some new trails built while on the Commission. Commissioner Liz O'Brien grew up in Mendota Heights and has four sons. She wanted to be on the Commission because her sons are getting involved in the parks and parks and recreation programs. She hopes to bring new ideas to the parks and parks and recreation programs. Commissioner Ray Morris works for the U.S. Government. He has lived in Mendota Heights for 11 years and has been on the Parlcs and Recreation Commission for close to 9 years. He has 17 years with the National Park Services and has background with parks. Vice Chair Paul Portz has lived in Mendota Heights for 22 years. He was involved with the Mendota Heights Athletic Association coaching baseball, softball, hockey and soccer. He likes being on the Parks and Recreation Commission because it gives him to opportunity to be involved with the community. Commissioner Maureen Sullivan-Brackey has lived in Mendota Heights the last 5-1/2 years and has four boys. She is very involved with the Mendota Heights Athletic Association. She thought that being on the Parks and Recreation Commission would be a way to be involved with the community and know what's going on. Commissioner Michael Toth is a resident of Mendota Heights and has two sons that are 10 and 12. He has been involved with coaching over the last seven years. He is a proud citizen of Mendota Heights. He is very proud of the parks, park and recreation programs and trails. He Page - 1 z-iz-oa Approved wanted to part of the community listening to the residents ensuring that the quality of parks continues. Commissioner Tom Kraus is starting his third year on the Parks and Recreation Commission and lived in the city for 3.5 years. Marie Park is his home park. He wanted to be on the Parks and Recreation Commission to serve the community. Vice Chair Portz said that all commissioners have one thing in common is that they are interested in the community from a family standpoint. One of the biggest issues to face the Parks and Recreation Commission was whether or not to build a new skate park. The skate park was eventually built and get a lot of use. He welcomed aboard the new commissioners. Vice Chair Portz reported that Dick Spicer and Missie Hickey received recognition from the City Council with a nice plague for their contributions to the Parks and Recreation Commissioner. Commissioner Hickey always added a touch of class to the commission and Chair Spicer was instrumental to a lot of things that happened in the community. He respected Chair Spicer for his leadership and his sense of humor. Commissioner Morris commented that Dick Spicer had served for 20 years on the Parks and Recreation Commission, Vice Chair Portz said that Chair Spicer will be missed. Election of Chair and Vice -Chair Vice Chair Portz opened the discussion for nominations of a chair and vice chair. Commissioner Craighead nominated Commissioner Portz for the Chair position. Commissioner Kraus seconded the nomination. Vice Chair Portz nominated Commissioner Craighead for the Vice Chair. Commissioner Craighead turned down the Vice Chair nomination due to family commitments. Commissioner Kraus nominated Commissioner Morris as the Chair. Commissioner Craighead seconded the nomination. After some discussion Commissioner Kraus nominated Paul Portz as Chair and Commissioner Morris as Vice -Chair. AYES 7 NAYES 0 Page - 2 2-�z-os Approved MINUTES Commissioner Morris made a motion approving the minutes from November 13, 2007. Commissioner Kraus seconded the motion. AYES 7 NAYES 0 RECREATION PROGRAMERS REPORT Ms. Gangelhoff reported that safety camp registrations are being taken for this years safety camp held August 12, 13, and 14 at Kaposia Park in South St. Paul. Mendota Heights had the highest number of volunteers at the VFW fish fry, two Fridays ago, seven firefighters, Nancy Bauer, Barb Kasal, Cathy Iago, and Kim Henning helped set up and bus tables. I was very appreciative of their help. The VFW is a sponsor of safety camp. Commissioner Kraus asked what the age group is for kids attending to safety camp. Ms. Gangelhoff reported that safety camp is for kids going into grades 3 or 4 this fall. Kids may attend twice if they would like to. Commissioner Morris asked if it was in conjunction with West St, Paul, Ms. Gangelhoff responded it was in conjunction with West St. Paul and South St. Paul. It was recognized for a national award a few years ago. Last year 60 kids were registered for safety camp. Tim Garvey will return to teach tennis lessons again this year and is starting a new program "Quick Start". The ice rinks have been really busy this year. The rinks have been only closed for 11 days this season. Chair Portz asked if the rinks were closed for the cold weather. Ms. Gangelhoff responded that they are closed if the temperature or wind chill is below zero. There were a couple of days they were closed because of warm weather and they were melting. Commissioner Craighead asked if any hockey teams were using the rinks. Ms. Gangelhoff responded that teams are using them every night if they could but has scheduled the usage so there are rinks for open skating. She continued that there were 39 kids in skating lessons this year. The kids and parents like Becca who does a great job teaching the kids to skate. Kids move through the classes for ice skating because the teacher is good. The program brochures should be in homes this week advertising the youth trips for spring break and summer programming. The spring break trips are Grand Slam and roller skating on March 181h and the Water Park of America on March 19`h. Cheerleading was moved to South St. Paul as there were not enough Mendota Heights kids to hold the program. Gymnastic has been really popular and many kids are going through the different levels being offered. Donation and volunteer letters were sent out today for the Parks Celebration to be held June 7"'. New this year is the Mendota Heights Fire Department holding a street dance the same night. It will be promoted with the Parks Celebration. Page - 3 z-�z-os Approved Commissioner Craighead asked where the dance was going to be held. As. Gangelhoff responded that it would be held at the Mendota Plaza, Commissioner O'Brien asked if it would be a family event or for adults only. Ms. Gangelhoff responded that it would be a family event. Chair Portz commented that last year's celebration was on of the best. There was a great turn out and nice weather. It was nice to see all the families come out and enjoy the parks. Ms. Gangelhoff continued with her report that the Cliff Timm Memorial Fishing Derby has been set for July What Rogers Lake. Dick Spicer has agreed to volunteer again this year. Commissioner Craighead said that he would volunteer again this year. Ms. Gangelhoff said she lost the sponsor Hooked on Fishing International because the business folded. Commissioner Morris recommended that Ms. Gangelhoff contact Cabelas and see if they would be willing to be a sponsor. Ms. Gangelhoff responded that she would check into that. Summer Playhouse has been set for this year. She continued that more golf camps have been added for golf this year. Softball has one opening left for the Men's D league on Tuesday night. All other leagues have been filled. This year is the fastest that the leagues have filled up. Skateboard camp has been set for July 26 and August 1 that is put on by 3`d lair. A new program has been set up for Tea at the West St. Paul Senior Center. It will be held on the weekend of the fishing opener. Chair Portz asked a lady sitting in the audience if she wanted to speak to the Parks and Recreation Commission or just listen. She responded she was here for the Par 3 Golf Course discussion. Par 3 Golf Course Chair Portz reported that the previous owners never put money into the Par 3 as they wanted to develop the land. The City hopes to make a profit from the Par 3 Golf Course and reinvest that money into the course. Last year at this time the owners were trying to sell the land and leased it to the City while the referendum went through. There was not a lot of marketing done last year to promote the golf course. The City will market the golf course. Mr. Sedlacelc reported that the 2008 budget for the Par 3 Golf Course has been approved by the City Council as part of the regular 2008 budget process. Anticipated revenue for 2008 is $190,000. That leaves an anticipated $38, 411 after revenue over expenditures. The season for 2007 when the City owned the golf course was from June 28 to November 12. $24,000 in revenue was carried over from the end of the season last year. There is $20,000 left from the bond referendum in the capital fund. Planned expenditures for 2008 include replacing the roof, siding, heat and air. The heating needed to be replaced because of a failure in December at a Page - 4 2-12-08 Approved cost of $5,000. There is also an outstanding water bill from St. Paul Regional Water Services for hooking up to city water. Cash wise we look pretty good going into the 2008 season. Commissioner Morris asked if city water would be used to irrigate the golf course. Mr. Sedlacek responded that fortunately there is awe on the property and it that will be used for irrigation. City water was added to the clubhouse. There is now water to the maintenance building for the fire sprinkler and some day maybe a bathroom could be added. Commissioner Kraus said the Par 3 had $70,000 for capital expenditures from the bond referendum and $50,000 was used for improvements in 2007 so $20,000 is remaining from the referendum for capital expenditures and there was a net profit of $24,000 from last year. So the actual cash is $44,000, Mr. Sedlacek responded that is correct. Commissioner Kraus asked if the $24,000 is being held in reserve. Mr. Sedlacek said yes for start up staffing in March when there will be no green fees. April is also a slow month for the golf industry. Commissioner Morris commented that the Mendota Heights Par 3 is tied for the lowest green fees in the metro area. How much money could be accrued if the green fees went up $1.00? Mr. Sedlacek reported that last year 15,000 rounds of golf were played at the golf course. Commissioner Morris asked if that was for the whole summer. Mr. Sedlacek responded that was for the whole summer. Commissioner Kraus asked if that included leagues. Mr. Sedlacek responded that it did. The majority of play at the golf course is open play. Commissioner Morris said he would like the fees raised but no more than $1.00, because there are some expenditures coming up such as one of the mowing machines needs to be replaced. It shouldn't be more than $1.00 which would be a reasonable increase. Since the staff wants to come back I would not vote to contract out the maintenance. An independent contractor looks good on paper at first but you lose the expertise of the former employees and it gets more expensive. Commissioner Kraus said the heating and air was replaced in December and asked if the $20,000 reflects the $5,000 payment for replacing the heating and air. Mr. Sedlacek responded that it did. There is $20,000 in capital remaining. Commissioner Kraus asked if $10,000 is still remaining for capital improvements. Or. Sedlacek said the budgeted projects are the roof, siding and the outstanding water bill. Page - 5 zaz-os Approved Commissioner Kraus said if there is $14,000 budgeted for roof and siding replacement and $8,000 to $10,000 from St. Paul Regional water services we will have exceeded the $20,000 that has been budgeted for 2008. Commissioner Morris said water is not a capital improvement. Commissioner Craighead said that it was a cost. Commissioner Kraus asked if the water bill was being capitalized. Mr. Sedlacek said that anything more than $5,000 is considered a capital expense meaning that any operating revenue should pay for any capital improvements at the course. If we go over the capital budgeted amount we will go into revenue over capital expenditure. Commissioner Kraus said we have $20,000 budgeted for capital expenditures in 2008 but we have $22,000 to $24,000 in capital expenditures anticipated for 2008. Mr. Sedlacek responded that the expense of the roof will be put off or not done in 2008. Chair Portz said the bottom line is there is cash reserves for this year and that is a good position to be in. Mr. Sedlacek said that staff is a big question. He continued to report that staffing would be a big expense for 2008. The existing staff would like to come back and work in 2008. They know this particular golf course but not the golfing industry. A lot of opportunities are being missed for maintaining, marketing, programming and improving the golf course. Staff is considering a maintenance contract for a maintenance person at the golf course. He used to run the Somerset Golf Course and is extremely well connected to the Minnesota golfing industry. Staff made a recommendation to contract with this person. He will be a great resource and would keep costs within or below budget. He would bring a wealth of experience and connection to resources in the industry to maintain or make minor improvements to the course such as improving sand traps and turf conditions. A contract may not be the way we want to go but staff recommended this because of the great opportunities this person can bring to the golf course. Staff made the recommendation to the City Council that this was a good route to go and the City Council felt the same way. He does not want to be a clubhouse manager again. We need a clubhouse manager. We can appeal to golf course folks and the hospitality industry to get a rich candidate pool. This person can handle cash and day to day operations. Commissioner Craighead said he watched the last City Council meeting and got the impression that Council felt the golf course should be run by City staff instead of farming it out. Mr. Sedlacek responded the City Council approach was to use the contract approach and was not comfortable with hiring them as City staff. Commissioner Craighead asked if they would be independent contractors on the maintenance side. Mr. Sedlacek responded that he would be an independent contractor. Page - 6 z-iz-os Approved Commissioner Kraus commented that there may be no differentiating between the personnel impacted for the maintenance perspective to personnel impacted from running the actual clubhouse and other operations. How many people are in maintenance and run the clubhouse? Commissioner Morris responded he thought it was 10 people last year that were not City staff. Mr. Sedlacek said last year there was a golf course manager who oversaw maintenance and the clubhouse at $20.00 an hour and worked up to 30 hours a week. Commissioner Morris commented that they weren't City staff but temporary employees. Mr. Sedlacek said they were temporary seasonal City staff. There were two maintenance employees who averaged 10 hours a piece a week. The biggest staffing crunch came from the clubhouse. One of the two people who worked maintenance also worked the clubhouse. They worked 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. spring and fall, and 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the summer. Commissioner Kraus commented that this year if we used the independent contractor there would be less than ''/z the overall staff of last year. Mr. Sedlacek responded it would be less than 1/3. Commissioner Craighead asked if there would be additional hours that we would be hiring for this season. Mr. Sedlacek said there would be a reduction of hours. Commissioner Craighead asked if the $85,000 in personnel would be less. Mr. Sedlacek said the independent contractor would charge by the hour and has seen the budget for maintenance. We have $15,000 budgeted in maintenance. Commissioner Morris asked if the independent contractor would use the equipment we own or their own equipment. Mr. Sedlacek responded the independent contractor would use our equipment and all equipment is running but in rough shape. Commissioner Morris said he thought a mower was going to be replaced this year and is not reflected in the capital expenditures. Mr. Sedlacek said it was a mistake in the budgeting process not to include it. Right now all machines are running. Our grounds wages for 2008 is $15,000 the contractor is comfortable that is a high number. Clubhouse wages is almost $45,000. The biggest expense is keeping the clubhouse open. Commissioner Morris asked which staff member recommended that the work be contracted out. Page - 7 2-iz-vs Approved Mr. Sedlacek responded it was his idea. The independent contractor served as a consultant to the golf course in 2007. He owns a local turf company and has a lot of knowledge of the golf industry. We feel fortunate that he is willing to do this. Commissioner Craighead asked if he would manage the cost of $15,000 and would it include his salary. Mr. Sedlacek responded that it includes his salary. Commissioner Craighead asked what was included in the $85,000. Mr. Sedlacek responded it was for 10% of his time spent working on the golf course, accounting time for the golf course, ground wages, clubhouse wages, FICA and worker's compensation insurance for all golf course employees. Commissioner Craighead asked if that included other staff time for working at the golf course. Last year a city employee ran around getting the mower fixed. Mr. Sedlacek responded that would be the responsibility of the contract employee. Chair Portz said the person being considered for the maintenance contract is Jerry Murphy and he was on the task force to get things transitioned. He ran Somerset Country Club for a long time. I got to know him. He is capable of doing the work to upgrade the golf course and the $15,000 will be worth it. He would be instrumental in bringing the course up to a higher level. He has the background and expertise. He understands the expectations of the City. Commissioner Morris asked if the City was writing the contract. Mr. Sedlacek responded that a first draft is being worked on. Commissioner Morris said that it should address the equipment we have and language about any change orders there may be. Commissioner Craighead asked if Mr. Murphy would be working at other golf courses. Mr. Sedlacek responded that he would not. His company does work for a couple of town home associations. He did report that the two trees by the clubhouse are diseased and need to come down. He is saving the City $1,400 through his contracts by having the trees removed. Commissioner Morris asked if the contract was for a year and may have been hasty to think that an independent contractor was not a good idea. Mr. Sedlacek responded it would be through the 2008 golf season, not even a year. He also serves as a police officer for us part time. He is retired. Commissioner Morris made a motion to recommend to the City Council to raise the open tee times from $9.00 to $10.00 because money is needed to replace machines, plantings and to look to the future to make it a nice place to play. A capital improvement plan needs to be made for the machines. If trees are taken down they need to be replaced. Page - 8 z-�z-os Approved Mr. Sedlacek reported that he has talked to Dakota County and they said the Par 3 would be eligible for the Community Block Grant for accessibility. Staff talked with an architect in town. They recommend extending the building by six feet to add two new unisex bathrooms. This improvement would be eligible for the block grant money. The siding would not be included but is included in the 2008 capital improvement budget. That brings up the question about the roof - would it be tied into the existing roof line. We would not want to tie it in to the existing roof line. Staff is working on getting the necessary permits for it. A new accessible doorway would be eligible for the grant money. The clubhouse is also on a steep hill and that would be made accessible. The grant would cover the improvements except the siding. We are on the planning commission agenda for this month because it is a conditional use. Chair Portz said the improvement would make the clubhouse accessible to all and would be paid for with grant money. Mr. Sedlacek said the money needs to be spent by June 30`h Commissioner Morris said that the improvements sounded like a great idea. Mr. Sedlacek said Council wants to expand the programs from last year. The City of Eagan will advertise programs this year. Visitation called and asked about an after school program. City Council thought raising green fees the first year of operations is not a good public relations idea. Mr. Spicer had suggested that a greens committee be formed and he is interested in being on the committee. Commissioner O'Brien asked when the green fees were last raised. Mr. Sedlacek responded they were last raised in 2006. Commissioner O'Brien asked how much was the increase? Mr. Sedlacek responded it was raised by $I.00. Commissioner Morris made a motion to recommend to the City Council to raise the green fees from $9.00 to $10.00 for this season contingent on a greens fee committee convene for this year to look at any adjustments down the line. We are still the lowest fees in the metro area. There are issues with the equipment and a raise would give us a buffer. There was no second. Commissioner Craighead said he supported Commissioner Morris' ideas. He would support cutting costs first. There could be tiered price levels to give a discount to youth and senior citizens to encourage them to use the golf course during the day. Also, giving a break to league players might encourage more league play. Commissioner Kraus said it was a good idea to give price breaks. Do we know the distribution of play during the day, evenings and weekends? We need this information to make an informed decision without looking at the numbers. More information is needed, such as how many youth used the course, how many senior citizens, and how many leagues played to see how the course is used and adjust the rates according to that information. Page - 9 z-iz-oa Approved Commissioner Craighead said the numbers should be put together. Commissioner Morris responded that the problem is that if the fees aren't changed in the next month it will be too late to adjust the rates for this year. Chair Portz said he agreed with Commissioner Morris and thought the fees should be raised a $1.00 but the City Council has the wisdom not to raise the rates this year after just buying the course. We'll have new leagues, Visitation coming, more camps and the revenue will go up. We're laying the ground work for raising the fees next year. Commissioner Morris disagreed with what Chair Portz said and he agreed with Commissioner Craighead comments. There should be some adjustment. The first year the rates weren't touched. If there is more play it will put an impact on stuff that is already breaking. There should be discounts to the senior citizens and youth to encourage play during the day. If we recommend a rate change it should be done at this meeting or the next meeting. Mr. Sedlacek responded that most golf courses change their rates after Memorial Day. Commissioner Toth asked about concessions being sold. Mr. Sedlacek said that the concessions stand sales do well. A lot of kids from the Evergreen Knolls development walk over to buy ice cream in the summer. Beer, pop, ice cream, and candy sell well. There is a lot of storage in the clubhouse for these items. A study could be done about the concession sales. Commissioner Toth said that concession costs could be looked at for increasing revenue. Mr. Sedlacek said that should be looked at. There is some data to look at. Chair Portz said there was time to look at green fee prices. Commissioner Craighead responded staff needs to look at the users of the golf course and break down the information. There should be a breakdown of youth and senior citizens. That way data can be looked at to have some type of tiered costs. You'll be able to see if it's a good idea or not when you run the numbers. Chair Portz said he would like to look at the current fee schedule. Mr. Sedlacek reported that a green committee is being formed and will look at fees, policies, programming, concessions and improvement to the clubhouse. Mr. Spicer has agreed to be on the green committee. Annette Patient, an audience member said that she worked hard last year to save the Par 3 Golf Course and has lived in Mendota Heights for 30 years. She lives a block from the Par 3. She would like to see improvements at the golf course to show that citizens that they made the right decision to save the golf course. After listening to the discussion she said it is in good hands. She would be willing to volunteer on the green committee. Page - 10 zaz-os Approved FIELD USE REQUESTS Mr. Sedlacek reported that field use requests in the City have increased in recent years. In the past we have not had conflicts with field use. We are setting a policy tonight to have the Parks and Recreation Commission make a recommendation for field use. In 2007, overuse of the fields resulted in turf damages, particularly the Kensington Soccer fields. Mendota Heights Athletic Association is the highest user of athletic fields and they offer programs to the youths of Mendota Heights. Mendota Heights Athletic Association has added Lacrosse to their programs. The City fields can meet the needs of the Mendota Heights Athletic Association. We would like to meet their needs as they offer softball, baseball, soccer, and Lacrosse to the youth of Mendota Heights. Sibley Sting also requests use of the fields for their soccer program at Kensington Park. The conflict is Mendota Heights Athletic Association is requesting one Kensington Park soccer field for Lacrosse on Tuesday nights and Sibley Sting is requesting both fields on Monday, Thursday, one field on Friday evenings and both fields on Saturdays and Sundays. City policy dictates that Mendota Heights Athletic Association get priority field use. The other potential conflict is in regards to Kensington soccer fields. Parks Crews feels the fields need at least one day of "rest". We can accommodate current requests, by taking one night away from Sibley Sting. There has been another group that uses the field on a regular basis and they sent in their request today. We recommend that the Commission approve these requests and look at future requests on a case by case basis. Commissioner Kraus made a motion to accept Staff s recommendation of granting current field use requests with the exception to Sibley Sting for 2008. Commissioner O'Brien seconded the motion. Commissioner Craighead asked if Lacrosse would be played on the fields and would it tear up the fields. Mr. Sedlacek responded that the fields would be used for Lacrosse by the Mendota Heights Athletic Association and would create some wear and tear on the fields. The fields have been used heavily for seven days a week. There is an outside community group that uses the fields and staff is looking at letting Mendota Heights Athletic Association use the fields first and as we get request from outside groups we would say no to them. We're not sure if it Lacrosse tearing up the fields or this outside group. Commissioner Craighead asked if staff would monitor the field usage and wear tear. Mr. Sedlacek said they would. Commissioner Craighead asked that in making the motion staff would manage the issue. Mr. Sedlacek responded yes. The big thing this year is letting LaCrosse be played at the field this year as opposed to the outside group that has been using it the last couple of years. AYES 7 NAYES 0 Page - I1 2-�z-os Approved OPEN HOUSE — HAGSTROM KING PARK BALLFIELD FENCING Mr. Kullander reported that the City acquired this park in the mid 1980's. The City invested money in grading the park and putting in the playground and trails. The ball field constructed was for youth softball and a standard backstop was put in. Home plate to the outfield is 210 feet. Mendota Heights Athletic Association has asked that this field be upgraded so it can be used by other users. Mendota Heights Athletic Association is now requesting a higher back stop with safety netting (to prevent balls from going out on the roadway), the installation of an 8 foot high outfield fence, and a 15 foot wide ag-lime safety warning track. The estimated cost of the improvements is $34,000 with a funding recommendation to the City Council of 50% from the Special Park Fund and 50% from the Cell Tower Revenue Fund. This project was advertised to adjoining homeowners. Notices were sent to about 100 homeowners about tonight's open house. If the Parks and Recreation Commission wanted to go ahead with the project, they should pass a motion tonight making a recommendation to the City Council to bid the project out for construction this spring. When the field was graded pine trees were planted screening the field from neighboring houses along the first base line. The trees are growing, still healthy and about 10 A2 years old. Commissioner Craighead asked if a backstop would be put in to keep the ball from going out on the roadway. Mr. Kullander responded that the old backstop would be taken down that has a 3 inch pipe and would be putting up 4 inch pipe with overhead netting. It would similar to the ball field at the Civic Center, Commissioner Craighead asked if this was included in the plans. Mr. Kullander responded that it was. Chair Portz explained that this was a request from the Mendota Heights Athletic Association. They developed a prioritized list of upgrades to the parks and this was at the top of their A. We are trying to help out Mendota Heights Athletic Association. Larry Morse, 2492 Pond Circle East, said he came to the open house to support the park improvements. He sent out emails today asking residents to come in and support the improvements. One issue not raised last year was home plate. They were inexpensive and steel discs were used to hold it down. After less than one season the rubber had sunk in and the steel discs were sticking out. This has created a dangerous situation. Chair Portz said that he was glad Mr. Morse came to the open house. Commissioner Kraus asked Mr. Morse if he had talked to his neighbors and have a sense of their thoughts on the improvements. Mr. Morse reported that 2497 Pond Circle West has a pool and are screened from the fence. The family at 2453 Winthrop Court has kids that participate in the Mendota Heights Athletic Association programs and are at the park all the time. Page - 12 z-�2-os Approved Commissioner Craighead asked if there would be any parking issues if the improvements were made. Mr. Morse replied that the parking lot doesn't get used. Mendota Heights Road is four lanes and can handle parking on both side of the street. Mr. Kullander said thMaim clane is typically 12 feet and Mendota Heights Road is a 44 foot wide street, so there is 8 to 10 feet for parking on both side. Commissioner Craighead said parking maybe an issue if the upgrades occur at the park. Mr. Kullander responded he didn't think the usage would change just the user groups. There is room to expand the parking lot in the future if it needed to be expanded. Commissioner Toth asked what the speed limit was on Mendota Heights Road. Mr. Kullander responded that is was 35 miles per hour. Commissioner Toth recommended decreasing the speed limit on Mendota Heights Road. Mr. Kullander responded that Mendota Heights Road is a state aid road and the speed limit is determined by MnDOT. Mt. Morse said another issue is that the outhouse is right by home plate on a nice hill. By June 1 S` it is hard to be 20 feet of the outhouse and that is a nice spot to watch games. Mr. Kullander responded that he would take care of the outhouse issue. Commissioner Morris asked if anything could be done about home plate. Mr. Kullander responded that he would talk to Terry Blum, Parks Leadsperson, about the home plate. Commissioner Craighead suggested that the parking lot be looked at. Mr. Kullander said he would. Commissioner Kraus made a motion to move the improvements ahead to the City Council with the proposed modifications and with the proposed funding suggested. Seconded by Commissioner Sullivan -Bracket', AYES 7 NAYS 0 Page - 13 z-iz-oa Approved UPDATES Mr. Kullander reported that he would go over the updates quickly and if any Commissioners had any questions they could call him during the week. Items that may need to be discussed could be discussed at next months meeting. Pilot Knob Site The Pilot Knob site has been purchased and the City is the recipients of a DNR grant. The grant would fund clearing of 4-5 acres of heavily treed areas on the site. They would pay the City to clear the land. District Energy would come in with a big chipper to chip up the trees. Some preliminary clearing has been done. In the spring extermination of the knapweed should begin. A groundbreaking ceremony is being planned for June or July. You Are Here Signs The Public Works Crews are assembling the you are here signs that will contain a park and trail map. They are making 10 to 12 signs to be installed this spring. If feedback is positive the Commission will expand it and ask for 10 more next year. If we put them in key trails and parks there would be about 24 to 30 signs needed throughout the trail and park system. Chair Portz asked if anyone would mind if the updates were moved to the next meeting since there are new members and suggested that it be put early on the agenda. DAKOTA COUNTY PARK SYSTEM PLAN Mr. Kullander reported this was an update item for the Commission. Dakota County has been updating their park system. Staff has been reviewing their map. Some of the greenways they identified would be difficult to support. You can go to the County website to look at the plan. There is an open house on February 26"' at the Northern Service Center at 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The City has no county parks in the City. Commissioner Craighead asked Mr. Kullander if he would keep the Commission updated on the plan. Mr. Kullander responded that he would. COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Morris welcomed the new commissioners and said he would be looking forward to their new ideas. Commissioner Craighead made a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Morris seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 P.M. Page - 14 z-iz-oa