2001-02-13 Parks and Rec Comm MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
FEBRUARY 13, 2001
The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held
on Tuesday, February 13, 2001, 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,
Lawrence Craighead, Dave Libra and Paul Portz. Chair Richard Spicer and
Commissioner Raymond Morris 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.
WELCOME AND CONGRATULATIONS
TO COMMISSIONERS PAUL PORTZ AND DAVID LIBRA
Mr. Hollister announced that the Council had appointed Commissioner Paul Portz and
reappointed Commissioner Dave Libra. The Commission welcomed Commissioner Portz
and congratulated Commissioner Libra. Commissioner Portz said that he had lived in
Mendota Heights for 14 years and that he appreciated the fact that the City was
conservatively run. Commissioner Portz said that he serves as an accountant for various
state colleges and universities.
MINUTES
Commissioner Linnel moved to approve the minutes from the January 9, 2000 meeting.
Commissioner Libra seconded the motion.
AYES: 4
NAYS: 0
ABS: 1 (Portz)
CELEBRATE MENDOTA HEIGHTS PARKS
Ms. Hapka provided an update on this year's Celebrate Mendota Heights Parks. Ms.
Hapka said that the Celebration would take place on June 2 and would feature a Moon
Walk, a Sibley Sting Soccer Shoot -Out, a Tae -Kwon Do Demonstration, an in -line
skating show, a MHAA Tournament, and other activities. Ms. Hapka said that
entertainment would include the Alpha -Bits Band and the Teddy Bear Band. Ms Hapka
said that once again this year she has received a lot of support from local businesses and
organizations. Ms. Hapka explained that the Council customarily authorizes $1500 each
year as "seed money" for the event, although she anticipated that once again donations
from community sources would ultimately refund that amount. Ms. Hapka added that she
was still looking for volunteers to help with the various activities at the event.
Commissioner Linnell volunteered to help with the event.
Commissioner Liberacki moved to recommend that the Council allocate $1500 seed
money for the parks celebration.
Commissioner Libra seconded the motion.
AYES: 5
NAYS: 0
ROGERS LAKE PLAY EQUIPMENT
Mr. Kullander reminded the Commission that replacement of the old play structures in
Rogers Lake Park was scheduled for replacement in the year 2001 in the Parks Capital
Improvement Plan. Mr. Kullander reviewed display boards showing various design
possibilities from three companies for the Rogers Lake Play Equipment. The
Commission advised Mr. Kullander on which designs were the most appealing. Mr.
Kullander said that he would return to the March Commission meeting to present the bids
of three suppliers.
DNR ENRIVONMENTAL PARTNERSHIP GRANT
Mr. Kullander provided an update on the progress of the DNR Environmental Study
Grant. Mr. Kullander said that applicants receiving grants will be notified in March or
April and projects are required to commence in June.
The Commission discussed applying for a second grant that would fund development of
educational materials for residents. The Commission directed Mr. Kullander to develop a
database and contact list of local public and private groups that could support a 2002
application to the DNR.
IVY PARK WARMING HOUSE
Mr. Kullander presented the background on the Ivy Park Warming House. Mr. Kullander
said that the warming house was originally constructed in the park around 1970, and is
14' x 26' in size. Mr. Kullander said that the warming house is no longer needed because
the hockey rink was removed in 1995 and the pleasure rink was last flooded in 1997, due
to very low usage. Mr. Kullander added that $2000 for demolition of the warming house
is already allocated in the Parks Capital Improvement Plan.
Commissioner Libra moved to recommend that the Council authorize the demolition of
the Ivy Park Warming House.
Commissioner Liberacki seconded the motion.
AYES: 5
NAYS: 0
UPDATES
Staff provided updates on the following items:
• January Recreation Report
® Status of Special Park Fund
® Status of 2001 Park Projects
® Natural Resource Inventory and Management Plan
® Town Center Update
® Police Report
OTHER COMMENTS
Commissioner Craighead asked that the planning consultant for the Town Center
development, Carolyn Krall, be invited to a future meeting of the Parks and Recreation
Commission to discuss Parks /Open Space, Recreational, and Civic amenities planned for
the Town Center development. Commissioner Craighead said that he was concerned that
too much progress was being made on development of these plans without the Parks and
Recreation Commission's input. Commissioner Craighead said that he was not able to
attend the March Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, and therefore a special
Commission meeting should be scheduled for his convenience.
Mr. Hollister said that Carolyn had already intended to meet with the Parks and
Recreation Commission on these issues and that he would ask her to come to the
Commission's meeting in April. Mr. Hollister assured the Commission that there was
still plenty of opportunity for their input on the recreational, open space, and civic
amenities aspects of the plan.
ADJOURN
Motion made to adjourn by Libra and seconded by Craighead.
AYES: 5
NAYS: 0
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.