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2003-11-13 Parks and Rec Comm MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 13, 2003 The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Thursday, November 13, 2003 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 Larry Craighead, Paul Portz, Stan Linnell, and Raymond Monis. Commissioners Dave Libra and Missie Hickey were excused from the meeting. City Staff present were Recreation Programmer Teresa Gangelhoff, Parks Project Manager Guy Kullander and Administrative Assistant Patrick C. Hollister. Mr. Hollister took the minutes. MINUTES Commissioner Portz moved to approve the September 9, 2003 minutes with revisions. Commissioner Morris seconded the motion. AYES: 5 NAYS: 0 RECREATION PROGRAMMER'S UPDATE Ms. Gangelhoff presented the Recreation Programmer's Update. WAGON WHEEL TRAIL UPDATE Mr. Kullander reported that the scheduled closing of Wagon Wheel Trail would occur on Thursday, November 6th, when removal of trees and brush was originally scheduled to begin. The roadway may reopen following this operation, but once excavation equipment or project materials begin to arrive the roadway will be barricaded. Scheduled excavation cannot begin until the Xcel power lines had been "cut and dropped" in the area where the excavators and cranes will be working. Electrical service to the residents east and west of the construction area on Wagon Wheel Trail will be "back-fed" and these residents should experience little, if any, disruption in service. Beginning next week a gas line will be re- routed around the excavation area and the water main exposed and off-set. Installation of coffer dams and de-watering of the site will also begin next week followed by the installation of support pilings for the replacement cross culvert. If no other unforeseen delays occur the project should still be completed by the first week in December. PILOT KNOB EAW Mr. Hollister provided an update on the Pilot Knob EAW process. COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS Mr. Hollister reported that there are a number of Commission appointments that expire on January 31, 2004: Planning Commission: Eric Hesse, Chris Dolan, Sally Lorberbaum; Parks and Recreation Commission: Paul Portz, Dave Libra; Airport Relations Commission: Vern Edstrom, and John Roszak. Mr. Hollister said that the City Council has asked those Commissioners who are interested in being reappointed to please send a letter to the City expressing their desire to serve again. Mr. Hollister said that letters should be directed to Linda Shipton, and should be received no later than November 15'1'. 2004 PARK PLANNING BUDGET Mr. Kullander reminded the Commission that at their September meeting they had amended the Parks Commission's budget request to the Council from $7000 for invasive species eradication to $5000 for a parks referendum study as a first priority, with invasive species eradication as a secondary priority. Mr. Kullander informed the Commission that the Council would be holding a budget workshop next Wednesday, November 19, 2003. Mr. Kullander said that he would provide a memo to Council conveying the Parks Commission's request for $5,000 for park planning. Chair Spicer asked how the Parks Commission could advocate for this $5,000 more strongly. Mr. Hollister invited Chair Spicer to call City Administrator Jim Danielson to talk about the issue. LEXINGTON TRAIL PROJECT UPDATE Mr. Hollister presented materials submitted by Civil Engineer Marc Mogan on the Lexington Avenue Trail. Commissioner Craighead complemented Mr. Mogan on his progress with the Lexington Avenue Trail. OTHER COMMENTS Commissioner Linnel asked if the Town Center redevelopment would include a trail on the east side of Dodd Road from Highway 110 to Marie Avenue. Mr. Kullander said that as part of the Town Center development, the trail would go from Highway 110 to the edge of the church property, but that continuing the trail all the way 2 to Marie Avenue was not planned at this time. Mr. Kullander said that continuing the trail all the way to Marie would involve boulevard areas in front of residents' homes and that they may object to such a trail. Commissioner Linnel said that he would like to see the trail eventually go all the way up to Marie Avenue. Commissioner Craighead complemented the Public Works Staff's efforts in removing roots from the Lexington Avenue Trail north of Highway 110. Chair Spicer asked about the status of the bench donation program. Mr. Kullander said that four benches were donated in 2002, and that none have been donated so far in 2003. Chair Spicer asked about the status of the playground equipment. Mr. Kullander said that he had sent out RFPs for four parks and had also ordered the skateboard park. Mr. Kullander said that he anticipated placing this item on the January Parks Commission agenda. Commissioner Linnel suggested that the topic of trail planning be on the January Parks Commission agenda. Commissioner Linnel said that it would be good to get outside money to help with upgrading the Valley Park trail as part of the NURT trail program. ADJOURN Motion made to adjourn by Linnel and seconded by Portz. AYES: 5 NAYS: 0 The meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m. 3