1999-07-13 Parks and Rec Comm MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
JULY 13, 1999
The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held
on Tuesday, July 13, 1999, in the Large Conference Room at City Hall, 1101 Victoria
Curve. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.
The following Commissioners were present: Chair Spicer and Commissioners Liberacki,
Linnell, and Craighead. Excused from the meeting were Commissioners Damberg, Libra,
and Connelly. City Staff present was Administrative Assistant Patrick C. Hollister. Mr.
Hollister took the minutes.
MINUTES
Commissioner Linnell moved to approve the June 8, 1999 minutes with no revisions.
Commissioner Libra seconded the motion.
AYES: 4
NAYS: 0
LEXINGTON AVENUE TRAIL OPEN HOUSE ON JULY 20, 1999
Mr. Hollister encouraged all of the Commissioners to attend the Lexington Avenue Trail
Open House on July 20, 1999. Mr. Hollister showed the preliminary design plans for the
trail drafted by the Engineering Department and explained the format of the Open House.
Mr. Hollister said that he would be calling Parks Commissioners again next week to
remind them about the Open House.
UPDATES
Mr. Hollister provided updates on the following items:
• Recreation Programmer's Update
• Batting Cage at Mendakota Park
• Civic Center Ballfield Improvements
• Friendly Hills Warming House/Rec Center
• Parks Report
• Police Report
OTHER ITEMS
Commissioner Liberacki said that the new batting cage at Mendakota looked nice and
complemented Mr. Kullander on its placement and construction.
Chair Spicer suggested that for the Friendly Hills play equipment check -out program,
MHAA be encouraged to publicize the facility more. Chair Spicer said that his son who
is working as the Friendly Hills warming house attendant this summer reports almost no
turnout for the equipment check -out program, or even kids using the park. Chair Spicer
said that this may be due to the fact that so many kids are already booked in organized
recreation programs.
Chair Spicer said that the running tracks at Sibley High School are in poor condition.
Chair Spicer suggested that someone be hired to level the track with a roto- tiller.
Commissioner Linnell said that since the City contributes money to these facilities. at
Sibley High School, the City should have some leverage over the maintenance of the
facilities. Commissioner Linnell asked what the chance would be for the City to pass
another parks referendum.
Chair Spicer said that the taxpayers are complaining that the school district
misrepresented their costs.
Commissioner Linnell said that the City's policy of not allowing motors on Rogers Lake
was too strict and that small electric trolling motors should be allowed now that interest
in fishing on the lake has been renewed.
Commissioner Linnell said that the Wentworth Shelters were very attractive.
Commissioner Linnell said that it would be nice if more summer recreation programs for
children in Mendota Heights left from Mendota Heights rather than from West Saint
Paul. Commissioner Linnell said that he had designs for a vandal proof prison fountain
which he could make available to the City if the City was still having problems with park
vandalism.
Commissioner Liberacki said that there was a pothole at Wentworth Park. Commissioner
Liberacki said that the prairie -style landscaping at Ivy Falls Park looks very good at the
moment and that he is now a wildflower and prairie grasses "convert" even though he
was skeptical at the beginning. Commissioner Liberacki asked where the stones were
from North Kensington Park.
Mr. Hollister said that he believed that they were used for another purpose, but that he
would find out for sure.
The Parks Commission asked Mr. Hollister for an update on the Comprehensive plan
revision process at the next Parks meeting.
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ADJOURN
Motion made to adjourn by Spicer and seconded by Linnell.
AYES: 4
NAYS: 0
The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Patrick C. Hollister
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