2000-09-14 Parks and Rec Comm MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 14, 2000
The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held
on Thursday, September 14, 2000, 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 Richard Spicer, and Commissioners
Dave Libra, Stan Linnell, and Raymond Morris. Commissioners Jay Liberacki, Ann
Connelly, and Lawrence Craighead were excused from the meeting. City Staff present
were Parks Project Manager Guy Kullander, Recreation Programmer Mary Hapka and
Administrative Assistant Patrick C. Hollister. Mr. Hollister took the minutes.
MINUTES
Commissioner Libra moved approval of the July 11, 2000 minutes.
Commissioner Morris seconded the motion.
AYES: 4
NAYS: 0
STORM DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT FOR ROGERS LAKE PARK
Mr. Kullander informed the Commission that there is a small pond adjacent to Wagon
Wheel Trail that drains into Rogers Lake first through a culvert, then along an open ditch,
then into a second culvert that empties into the lake. Mr. Kullander continued that Parks
Leadperson Terry Blum has requested that the Commission consider the installation of a
new culvert that would connect the existing culverts and eliminate the ditch that would be
filled in level with the existing turf. Mr. Kullander said that this would result in a large
level turf area for activities and would make the maintenance of this area easier for the
parks crew.
Commissioner Morris moved to recommend that the Council allow up to $6000 to be
spent from the Special Parks Fund to install the new culvert.
Commissioner Libra seconded the motion.
AYES: 3
NAYS: 1
REQUEST FOR DEVELOPMENT OF A DIRT "MOUNTAIN BIKE" RAMP
Mr. Kullander presented a letter from Mr. Matt Gregorie of 2452 Pond Circle East
requesting that the City construct a mountain bike ramp on the open field near the
intersection of Mendota Heights Road and Huber Drive. Mr. Kullander also presented
the letter that he had written to Mr. Gregorie in response asking for further clarification.
Mr. Kullander said that Mr. Gregorie had not contacted him further.
The Commission agreed that a mountain bike ramp would be very unlikely to be
approved by the Council and that it would pose significant liability concerns for the City
and visual, noise, dust, and traffic concerns for the neighbors.
PLAYGROUND SITE REVIEWS
Ms. Hapka presented a memorandum detailing her tour with Mr. Kevin Belfanz of the
League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust on August 18th to inspect the condition of
park playgrounds. Ms. Hapka said that she and Mr. Belfanz toured the playgrounds at
Valley Park, Marie Park, Wentworth Park, Hagstrom King, Mendakota Park, Rogers
Park, Friendly Hills Park, Kensington Park, and Victoria Highlands. Ms. Hapka provided
a letter and written summary of suggestions for each park from Mr. Belfanz.
Chair Spicer congratulated Mary on her inspection with Mr. Belfanz. Chair Spicer
moved to instruct Staff to make whatever repairs suggested by Mr. Belfanz they could
accomplish in-house and to return to the Parks Commission with any requests to allocate
funds to contract out any repairs that needed outside help.
Commissioner Morris seconded the motion.
AYES: 4
NAYS: 0
USE OF LOW OR "0" PHOSPHORUS IN LAWN FERTILIZERS
Mr. Kullander presented to the Commission copies of City Ordinances from the Cities of
Stillwater and Plymouth regulating the use of phosphorus in fertilizers. Mr. Kullander
said that a resident had given him these ordinances and had asked if the City would
consider adopted a similar ordinance.
Commissioner Libra moved to direct Staff to inform the residents of this issue and to
advise them on environmentally sound practices in the City's newsletter.
Commissioner Morris seconded the motion.
AYES: 4
NAYS: 0
UPDATES
Staff provided updates on the following items:
• Fishing Pier at Roger's Lake Park
• Marie Park Play Equipment
• Valley Park Tennis Courts
• Permanent Lake Aerator at Rogers Lake
• Fishing Pier at Rogers Lake Park
• July/August Recreation Report
Chair Spicer apologized and said that he would have to leave the meeting early. Chair
Spicer left the meeting at about 7:45.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001 THROUGH 2005
The Commission briefly discussed the Capital Improvement Plan and asked that Staff
bring this item back to the October meeting.
ADJOURN
( ■ Motion made to adjourn by Libra and seconded by Linnell.
AYES: 3
NAYS: 0
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Patrick C. Hollister