2001-11-13 Parks and Rec Comm MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
NOVEMBER 13, 2001
The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held
on Tuesday, November 13, 2001, in the Council Chambers 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
Stan Linnell, Larry Craighead, Paul Portz, Raymond Morris, and Dave Libra.
Commissioner Liberacki was 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.
Councilmember Mary Jeanne Schneeman was also present until 7:00 pm.
MINUTES
Commissioner Linnell moved to approve the September 20, 2001 minutes.
Commissioner Libra seconded the motion.
AYES: 6
NAYS: 0
SKATEBOARD PARK REQUEST
The following residents were present in the audience for this discussion:
Jack Schneeman
Mark Skugrud
Kyle Skugrud
Robert Englehart
Laura Englehart
Matt Englehart
Joe Gibbs
868 Park Place
1067 Marie Avenue
1067 Marie Avenue
1071 Douglass Road
1011 Douglass Road
1011 Douglass Road
1657 James Road
Matt Englehart presented a petition with 189 signatures [attached] that read as follows:
Petition in Support of a Free Community Skatepark in Mendota Heights
We the undersigned as citizens of Mendota Heights, MN support the development of a
free Skatepark in our city. We recognize the need for and the benefits of a free public
Skatepark and believe that the City should fund, build and maintain the Skatepark just as
it would a basketball court, tennis court, or other public general use area.
Mr. Englehart then presented his case for why the City should build a Skatepark.
Chair Spicer said that the City would have to resolve some important issues in order to
build a Skatepark, including funding, location, supervision, and insurance liability.
Ms. Hapka said that at the request of Mr. Hollister, she had contacted Rich Dippel,
Director of Parks & Recreation for the City of South St. Paul. Ms. Hapka continued that
Mr. Dippel coordinated the construction of a Tier 1 skateboard park at a neighborhood
park in South St. Paul; the skateboard park was built in the spring of 2001.
Ms. Hapka said that Mr. Dippel had told her that there are currently two types of
skateboard parks as designated by the League of Minnesota Cities:
. Tier I — Basic skateboard park, younger less experienced skaters, and all ramps are
3 feet and under in height, supervision is not mandated, no helmet required.
2. Tier II — Advanced skateboard park, skateboarders with more advanced skills,
ramps /jumps can be 36 inches or higher, supervision is required.
Ms. Hapka added that according to Mr. Dippelzconstruction costs can range from
$40,000 - $150,000 or higher depending on what type of park is built. Ms. Hapka said
that a Tier I Skateboard Park would cost about $40,000 ($20,000 for resurfacing and
$20,000 for structures. Ms Hapka said that a Tier II Skateboard Park would cost about
$150,000 to construct, and also incur an annual cost of about $6000 for the salary for the
part-time skateboard supervisor. Ms. Hapka clarified that the attendant to supervise the
skateboard park would cost $6,000 for an approximately 5 -month season (late May to late
August).
Ms. Hapka said that on the issue of Liability, for a Tier I skateboard park, no additional
insurance would be required, but for a Tier II skateboard park; additional insurance is
required.
Ms. Hapka said that in regards to participation, Mr. Dippel had stated that at the opening
of the skateboard park attendance was high but has since leveled off to approximately 15-
20 kids per day. Ms. Hapka said that participants that use the park on a regular basis tend
to be younger more inexperienced skateboarders. Ms. Hapka added that Mr. Dippel has
found that once the skateboards increase their skill level they tend to go back out onto the
city sidewalks looking for more of a challenge. Ms. Hapka said that Mr. Dippel receives
calls from the local schools complaining of skateboarders still using the sidewalks and
steps at the schools to skateboard.
Ms. Hapka said that in regards to neighborhood responsezduring the first year of
operation of the South St. Paul skateboard park there were many neighbors who objected
to the skateboard park. Ms. Hapka added that the Parks and Recreation Department had a
uniformed officer at the skateboard park for approximately one week due to problems
reported by the public and that a skateboard park supervisor was also added. Ms. Hapka
added, however, that during the 2nd year of operation the neighborhood seems to be much
more supportive and problems have significantly decreased with the addition of the
supervisor.
Ms. Hapka concluded that Mr. Dippel reported that he feels the Tier 1 skateboard park
provides an excellent place for skateboards to congregate and pursue the activity of
skateboarding. Ms. Hapka said that Mr. Dippel is currently in the process of contacting
Steve Sullivan, Director of Dakota County Parks, in hopes of having a Tier II skateboard
park developed at one of the county parks in northern Dakota County.
Commissioner Morris noted that the City is currently discussing whether to resurface or
remove the Ivy Tennis Courts, and that this may be an interesting way to resolve that
issue by replacing the Tennis Courts with a skate park.
Mr. Hollister noted that several years ago the City had paved the Friendly Hills hockey
rink to accommodate skateboarders and in -line skaters. Mr. Hollister said that this may
be a more appropriate location for a skate park and that the City could start incrementally
by purchasing or leasing a single portable ramp or jump on a trial basis next summer.
Mr. Hollister said that it might also be possible to stage a "demonstration event" at next
year's "Celebrate Mendota Heights Parks ". Mr. Hollister added, however, that the City
would have to consult with the League of Minnesota Cities regarding insurance
implications and the need for staff supervision of this activity, the cost of both of which
would have to be accounted for.
Chair Spicer pointed out that the Council Budget Workshop was about to begin in the
next room, and that Councilmember Schneeman would be joining that workshop in a few
minutes. Chair Spicer asked Councilmember Schneeman to bring this issue up at the
Budget Workshop.
Councilmember Schneeman said that she would inform the rest of the Council of the Park
Commission's discussion on this issue this evening, and then left for the Budget
Workshop at 7:00 pm.
Chair Spicer told Mr. Englehart that this item would be scheduled for a future Park and
Recreation Commission agenda after soliciting Council feedback at the Budget
Workshop and that the City would be contacting him when the item is placed on a future
agenda. Chair Spicer thanked Mr. Englehart for his presentation and asked him to wait
for the City to call him.
Mr. Englehart thanked the Commission for their time and said that he looked forward to
hearing from the City soon.
PRESENTATION BY LOUCKS AND ASSOCIATES:
19 -LOT SUBDIVISION OF THE RIDDER PROPERTY, 1744 DODD ROAD
Mr. Hollister introduced Mr. Michael St. Martin of Loucks and Associates to the
Commission. Mr. Hollister said that Mr. St, Martin has submitted an application for a
19 -lot subdivision of the Ridder estate at 1744 Dodd Road, in the area of Mendota
Heights commonly referred to as the "Superblock ". Mr. Hollister said that a public
hearing on this application has been scheduled for the Planning Commission's November
27 meeting. Mr. Hollister added that because this is probably the last large parcel of
single - family residentially zoned land in Mendota Heights, with considerable natural
amenities such as trees and wetlands, City Staff asked Loucks and Associates to attend
the November meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to present their
plans and to solicit any feedback the Parks Commission may wish to provide. Mr.
Hollister said that this feedback would be provided to the Planning Commission and the
Council when they deliberate on this subdivision proposal.
Mr. Hollister also informed the Commission that at the Council's October 2, 2001
meeting, the Council changed the formula for cash park contributions from $750 per lot
to $1500 per dwelling unit. Mr. Hollister added that the City also retained the right to
determine whether to accept the park contribution in the form of cash, 10% of the land, or
special amenities such as trails. Mr. Hollister said that Loucks and Associates have
indicated that it is their preference to provide the entirety of their park dedication in the
form of cash, and that Loucks and Associates at this time do not intend to provide any
public park facilities or trails. Mr. Hollister said that if the Parks Commission wishes to
recommend that Loucks and Associates provide a park contribution in a non - monetary
form, they may do so, with the understanding that the Planning Commission and the
Council might receive feedback from the neighbors surrounding this development that
public access to this development should not be encouraged.
Mr. St. Martin then presented Loucks and Associates' subdivision application. Mr. St.
Martin gave an overview of vegetation, grading, and wetlands issues with the
development. Mr. St. Martin then asked if the Commissioners had any questions.
Commissioner Craighead pointed out that the City's Park Dedication Fee policy gives the
City the option of requiring either $1500 per lot or 10% of the land to be developed, at
the discretion of the Council. Commissioner Craighead said that the roughly $28,000
that the City would collect on a $1500 per lot basis is a pittance compared to the value of
10% of the land involved. Commissioner Craighead moved to recommend that the City
take the Park Dedication for this development in the form of roughly 3.4 acres
surrounding a pond in the northeast corner of the development, which would include
portions of the lots currently identified as Lots 9 and 10, and that the Developer also
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provide trail access, an overlook with benches, and other appropriate amenities for the
public to enjoy this pond.
Commissioners Linnell, Morris and Portz indicated their support for Commissioner
Craighead's position. The Commission also discussed whether or not to recommend an
interior bike trail within the development to connect Dodd to Marie, but this was
ultimately dropped from Commissioner Craighead's motion.
Commissioner Portz seconded the motion.
AYES: 5
NAYS: 1 (Spicer)
Chair Spicer explained his negative vote by saying that this land had always been private
land, and that he did not view this land as a public resource or the pond as a public
amenity. Chair Spicer said that who ever buys lots nine and ten should not have to lose a
portion of their land and also suffer the intrusion of the public into this development.
Chair Spicer added that the existing neighbors were likely to protest at the public hearing
on this subdivision if they discover that a portion of this development would become a
public park.
Commissioner Morris noted that Loucks' plans called for a 6-foot black aluminum picket
fence around portions of the property, and two artificial "gate houses" at the Dodd and
Marie entrances to the property. Commissioner Morris said that the developer is trying to
create the impression of a gated community even though it will not be a gated
community. Commissioner Morris noted that the City would be building public streets
through the development that the public had the right of access and said that he thought
that "gating off' this subdivision sent the wrong message. Commissioner Morris said
that Mendota Heights is not a gated community. Commissioner Morris said that he found
the portions of the fence at the entrances to this development from Dodd and Marie that
were parallel to the street to be the most offensive and moved to recommend that the City
require those portions of the fence to be removed from the final approval of the
subdivision.
Commissioner Portz seconded the motion.
AYES: 6
NAYS: 0
Mr. Hollister said that this application would not appear on the Planning Commission's
agenda for November 27 and invited the Parks Commissioners to attend that meeting if
they wished.
IVY TENNIS COURTS
Mr. Kullander reported that he had received two phone responses from his sign at the Ivy
Tennis Courts.
Mr. Hollister reminded the Commission that Staff had conveyed to the Council the fact
that the Commission had recommended that the Council either postpone the
reconstruction of Ivy Park tennis courts to 2003 or 2004 or budget for this project out of
the General Fund so as not to displace the Parks Commission's first priority of
replacement of wooden play structures. Mr. Hollister said that this issue was being
discussed at the budget workshop in the next room.
Chair Spicer asked Staff to report back to the Commission on the results of the Council
Workshop on this issue.
REPLACEMENT PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT FOR 2002
Mr. Kullander reviewed the proposals he had received on the replacement of the Valley
Park and Friendly Hills Park playground equipment.
The Commissioners discussed the various proposals and instructed Mr. Kullander to
come back to the next Commission meeting with a final price from Flanagan and slight
modifications to the Earl Anderson design.
UPDATES
Staff provided updates on the following item:
• Summer Program Review
• Park Dedication Fee Increase
• Hockey Arena
• Town Center
• DNR Grants
• Police Report
• Thank You and Best Wishes to Mary Hapka!
ADJOURN
Motion made to adjourn by Linnell and seconded by Portz.
AYES: 6
NAYS: 0
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
ebti jr as
Petition in Support of a Free Community Skatepark in
Mendota Heights
We the undersigned as citizens of Mendota Heights, MN support the development of a
free Skatepark in our city. We recognize the need for and the benefits of a free public
Skatepark and believe the city should fund, build, and maintain the Skatepark just as it
woi1dbba11 court, tennis court, or other public general use area.
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Petition in Support of a Free Community Skatepark in
Mendota Heights
We the undersigned as citizens of Mendota Heights, MN support the development of a
free Skatepark in our city. We recognize the need for and the benefits of a free public
Skatepark and believe the city should fund, build, and maintain the Skatepark just as it
would a basketball court, tennis court, or other public general use area.
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