2000-10-10 Parks and Rec Comm MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
OCTOBER 10, 2000
The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held
on Tuesday, October 10, 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: Commissioners Stan Linnell, Jay Liberacki,
Dave Libra, Lawrence Craighead, and Raymond Morris. Chair Richard Spicer and
Commissioner Ann Connelly 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.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Mr. Kullander reviewed the projected revenue for the Special Parks Fund for the next five
years. Mr. Kullander reminded the Commission that they had previously set a policy to
try to avoid depleting the Special Parks Fund to below $300,000. Mr. Kullander provided
an itemized list of the anticipated sources of revenue for the Special Parks Fund for the
next five years, which he estimated would total $935,000. Mr. Kullander reviewed with
the Commission his proposed list of Special Parks Fund priority expenditures. Mr.
Kullander said that the first priority would be the replacement of outdated and unsafe
wooden playground equipment in eleven parks with modern plastic equipment. Mr.
Kullander suggested that the second priority be various warming house/ice rink
improvements for Marie Park, Wentworth Park, Friendly Hills Park, and Ivy Hills Park.
Mr. Kullander suggested that the third priority could be the creation of a Natural
Resource Plan for the existing parks. Mr. Kullander said that this plan could assist the
City in combating exotic plant species in the parks.
Commissioner Liberacki said that Dakota County had recently undergone a similar study
for Lebanon Hills Regional Park and that the City may be able to adapt that plan to the
needs of Mendota Heights.
Commissioner Morris said that there may be federal matching grant money available next
year for state and local parks projects. Commissioner Morris said that he would look into
the availability of such grants.
The Commission discussed Mr. Kullander's proposed top priorities and other possible
items on the Capital Improvement Plan including the Valley Park Cross Country Ski
Trail, resurfacing of tennis courts, and a sand volleyball court at Mendakota Park. The
Commission then made preliminary revisions to the Capital Improvement Plan and
instructed Staff to return to the November meeting with these revisions for eventual
recommendation by the Commission and presentation to Council.
OTHER ITEMS
The Commission asked Mr. Kullander to work with Mr. Blum of the Parks Crew to
informally survey the condition of the ISD 197 fields in terms of safety, playability, and
maintenance. The Commission asked Mr. Kullander to report on their findings at the
November Parks Commission meeting.
The Commission continued approval of the September meeting minutes and discussion of
Friendly Hills traffic calming to their November meeting. The Commission also
requested that Staff provide a copy of the Parks section of the Comprehensive Plan for
the November meeting.
ADJOURN
Motion made to adjourn by Liberacki and seconded by Morris.
AYES: 5
NAYS: 0
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Patrick C. Hollister