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2006-11-14 Parks and Rec Comm MinutesApproved CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING The November 2006 meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, November 14, 2006, in the City 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, Commissioners Dave Libra, Tom Kraus, Paul Portz, Larry Craighead, Raymond Morris and Missie Hickey. City Staff present were Guy Kullander, Operations and Projects Coordinator, Teresa Gangelhoff, Recreational Programmer, Jake Sedlacek, Assistant to the City Administrator and Recording Secretary Nancy Bauer. MINUTES: Commissioner Libra moved approval of the minutes as amended, seconded by Commissioner Craighead. AYES: 7 NAYS: 0 Chair Spicer summarized the Recreation Programmer's report (attached). Commissioner Hickey asked who floods the ice rinks. Ms. Gangelhoff reported that three Public Works Park employees flood rinks with the help of several seasonal rink attendants. VALLEY PARK TENNIS COURTS Chair Spicer started the discussion by stating that the Commission is an advisory body to the City Council and it is the City Council who makes the final determination on funding issues. The original recommendation by the Parks Commission was that all of the city's five tennis courts be maintained. That does take money, and the Council takes money out a variety of funds such as the general fund. The Commission recommended maintaining the Valley Park tennis court and the Council rejected the recommendation, feeling there are more than enough tennis courts in the City including Visitation and Sibley tennis courts. The Parks Commission then decided to hold an Open House to get input from residents about the issue under discussion tonight. Mr. Kullander reported that all the tennis courts are 33 to 35 years old with asphalt bases. The seasonal freezing and thawing causes heaving and cracking of the asphalt. A top coat is applied to the asphalt base as a surface to play on. The top coat is reapplied every three to five years as it wears off. Page - 1 November 14, 12006 Approved ■ After three or four applications of the top coat, the build up gets to be too much and then the courts have to be power blasted down to the asphalt base. Once you do this, you need to repair any structural cracking. Cracks in the base "transfer" up and through the top coat surface and reappear as cracks which have to be resealed each year. If you get moisture in the cracks, then the surfacing will lift off and large sections will come off and it becomes dangerous to play on. That is the condition of the Valley Park tennis courts today. The Valley Park tennis courts are one of the wettest of all five tennis courts in the city. The trees add shade, but that also keeps the water sitting on the courts. The soil conditions were not ideal when the courts were built, all that was done when it was constructed was to compact the soil, add Class 5, and then put down the asphalt. There is also clay in the soil which adds to the heaving of the soil and it that also makes it difficult to maintain. The courts should be resurfaced every three years and power blasted after every three or four cycles to get to the asphalt base. We can address structural cracks where one surface is higher than another. Years ago it was tried at the Ivy Park tennis courts where it was patched and new cracks developed. We can maintain the tennis courts to a safe playing condition, but they will never be a high quality competitive court. Valley Park is now at the stage where it needs to be power blasted and resurfaced and that costs about $11,000 - $12,000. It was also our intention to address the drainage issue. Water drains from the west across the trail and needs to be diverted. Funding options were given by Mr. Kullander for rebuilding the tennis courts or just fixing them. Chair Spicer said the Special Parks Fund has $250,000 in it. The Parks Commission has a five year plan that spends about $640,000 out of the Special Parks Fund. It would cost about $125,000 to rebuild the courts with a concrete base. There is no money to rebuild the courts. We are down to two options, option number one would be to go back to the Council and request the funding for maintaining the courts for $11,000 in order to keep the tennis courts open. Option number two would be to do something else to the tennis courts such as replace them with horseshoe pits or volleyball courts. We did ask the public for their input and we have received 17 emails. Roxanne Buchan and Ms. McNaab asked what kind of information the City Council used to decide that there were enough tennis courts in the city. They would like to beg to differ that there are not enough courts in the city, especially now that the Lilydale Tennis Club has closed and Visitation does not have an open invitation to use their courts. Visitation does offer summer tennis camps which keeps the tennis courts in use. Chair Spicer said the Council felt that there are 25 courts in the City (not including Valley Park) 8 city courts, 8 at Visitation and 9 at Sibley High School. National standards are one tennis court per city plus one additional court per every 1,000 population. Mendota Heights has a population of about 12,000 and 13 tennis courts would meet this guideline and 25 courts doubles the national guidelines. I think this is the information the Council may have made their decision on. Page - 2 November 14, 12006 Approved Ms. McNaab asked if the tennis programs in the city are full and Ms. Gangelhoff replied they were. The summer youth tennis program attracted 220 kids. Ms. McNaab asked about the tennis courts being redone at Sibley even though the bond issue failed. Chair Spicer informed Ms. McNabb that the previous (passed) bond was paying for the work on the tennis courts. Mr. Sedlacek replied that Sibley is appearing before the Planning Commission this month about reconstructing the tennis courts at Sibley and plan to add three more for a total of 12. Ms. Buchan said that the Sibley courts were well used this summer. Mr. Jay Pfaender of 720 Roundhill Road is President-Elect of the United States Tennis Association Northern Section and is in favor of resurfacing the Valley Park tennis courts. Mr. Pfaender set up a chart of tennis trends. Commissioner Portz asked Teresa how much usage there is with tennis courts. Ms. Gangelhoff replied that this was the first year she took reservations for the tennis courts and believes it's because of the closing of the Lilydale Tennis Club. The main reservations were for the Marie Park tennis courts. Seniors were using the Marie courts Monday through Friday mornings and a woman's group used them Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Other groups had also reserved the courts. Mr. Pfaender said that this information needs to be passed on to the City Council; tennis is growing again, play is up again and the number of players is growing. Tennis is growing by 10% and golf is down by 10%. The Tennis Channel and US Open is helping to increase the numbers. The numbers are for the national level and Twin Cities area. Tennis racquet and tennis ball sales are up. When Lilydale Tennis Club closed there were nine courts lost. Mr. Pfaender estimates that there are 1,000 to 1,500 tennis players from this community. Many adult tennis teams are scrambling to find tennis courts to play on. Commissioner Portz asked if there was a difference between playing on concrete vs. asphalt. Mr. Pfaender replied that he has played on a lot of concrete courts and they are fine. The characteristics of the ball is different on concrete vs. asphalt. Commissioner Kraus asked if Mr. Pfaender had any projections on the growth of tennis. Mr. Pfaender said he thinks the sport of tennis will keep growing but there is no study on it. Page - 3 November 14, 12006 Approved Holly Farber of Marie Avenue brought three generations of tennis players, mother-in-law, father- in-law and kids. She collected 170 signatures on petitions and said they were easy to get signed. She said there may be 25 tennis courts in Mendota Heights, but Valley is the only one for her to easily walk to. They choose to use Valley Park tennis courts because of the shade at the park and it's accessibility in the neighborhood. She thought it was pathetic that the Commission asked for $11,000 and didn't get it to maintain the tennis courts. There is new tax money coming from the Hidden Creek development and can't believe there is no money for the maintenance of the tennis courts. If the Valley Park tennis courts aren't maintained then people will go to the Marie Park tennis courts and it would be hard to use the courts because they are already being used. For senior citizens the tennis courts are an asset because of the shade from the trees. Four kids came up together and said; "we really like the tennis courts, we play on them a lot and hope they don't go away". Bob Burrow, 1 Hingham Circle, manages a tennis group and reported that the senior group plays three times a week and prefers to play outside in the summer. The Ivy Falls tennis courts were preferred at one time and then Valley Park became popular because of the tree cover. Mr. Burrow encourages the Parks Commission to recommend maintaining the tennis courts to the City Council as this would also maintain property values. Commissioner Portz asked when this was going to the City Council. Mr. Kullander responded that it would go on next Tuesday's City Council agenda if the Parks Commission made a recommendation tonight. Chair Spicer asked if the people interested in maintaining the tennis courts should attend the City Council meeting. Mr. Kullander responded that residents should attend and some Council Members do watch the Park and Recreation meeting and will hear the comments made at tonight's Parks meeting. Mr. David Gardner, 724 Roundhill Road, spoke that last spring the tennis club in Lilydale closed and forced citizens to search for new courts. The Valley Park tennis courts are in a great location because of the surrounding woods providing protection from the sun and wind which can disrupt play. Since finding the Valley Park tennis courts he and his grandfather have been playing and practicing every day after school. They noticed the notice posted and strongly advise the City to maintain the tennis courts. The location of the tennis courts is convenient for the neighborhood with the trail system running through the park; people can easily walk to these courts. Mr. Gardner and his grandfather who have been playing on the tennis courts met other people who are outraged with the idea the tennis courts being taken down. A resident of eight years on Trail Road said that she felt that she moved to a resort when moving to Trail Road and votes that the courts should be kept and maintained. Lots of families use the courts. The shade aspect of the courts is nice and if closed the Marie Park courts would get congested. Page - 4 November 14, 12006 Approved Commissioner Morris thought $11,000 was a modest amount for the maintenance of the Valley Park tennis courts, and rather than the maintenance, he would like to see them reconstructed. Another issue that is being looked at later tonight is replacing playground equipment for $57,000. The city hasn't had a bonding bill since 1989 to help the parks. Maintaining the tennis court would be like putting a band aid on the issue. "Why I mention this is because many of our parks are in serious trouble and money is needed. We have the lowest tax rate, but citizens want the highest services but we can't have both. Maybe we need a bonding bill to fix the parks. The Valley Park tennis courts need to be fixed but we don't have the funds and we should go further then just fixing the courts ". Commissioner Morris further explained that Mendota Heights' residents enjoy some of the lowest taxes in the Twin Cities; that low taxation and high services are not compatible. Ron Smith, 2357 Swan Drive, a 45 year resident of Mendota Heights supports the Valley Park tennis courts being resurfaced to make them playable again. It's not in good condition and that is why his group doesn't use the Valley Park tennis courts. He hopes along with the recommendation for Valley Park that all courts should be renewed. Sally Loberbaum, 890 Douglas Road, commended the Parks and Recreation to get input about the Valley Park tennis courts. She hopes the City Council sends out notices to residents by the tennis courts, so they know what is going on with the courts. Ms. Loberbaum hopes the Parks and Recreation Commission recommends that this issue goes before the City Council. Elena Elkhoury, 635 Quail Ridge Circle, said her four kids joined the youth tennis program and Valley Park tennis courts are the only courts where they can practice. At Valley Park they don't need to cross busy highways. The kids bike or walk to the courts. If the courts are busy they play on the swings and other equipment in the park. It is her daughter's birthday and they felt they had to come and speak at tonight's meeting. Commissioner Portz asked what the capacity is at Valley Park. He believes it's not over capacity. He believes that Visitation is not open to the public and it is on private property. The courts have gotten more use with the closing of the Lilydale Tennis Club and Teresa proved that with the permits she has issued. We had a nice presentation about the growth of tennis. Valley should be kept in service and more should be done to do it right — with a concrete base. Hidden Creek money is spent. Commissioner Morris made a good point and the Commission should think about a bonding issue. Commissioner Craighead commented that he walks on the trail by Valley Park and used to play on the tennis courts at Valley Park. He has also played at Sibley and the grounds at Sibley are mushy and not draining properly causing the courts to be bad 10 years later. The drainage problem at the Valley Park tennis courts needs to be addressed if the courts are resurfaced — so five years from now we don't relive this problem again. Commissioner Kraus has seen a number of groups come before the Parks and Recreation Commission requesting things for the parks, but the resources aren't there to meet all the needs or requests. The Parks and Recreation Commission needs to figure out what is important to the Page - 5 November 14, 12006 Approved community. I am supportive of suggesting the maintenance of the Valley Park tennis courts to the City Council. We will be facing this same problem with other tennis courts in the city in the next year or two. We need to figure out the needs of other assets in our city parks. We need to do the band aid approach for the Valley Park tennis courts now, but also need to think of long term solutions. Commissioner Morris said that Mendota Heights Athletic Association asked for 6 million dollars originally and that was revised down to $100,000 and that benefits thousands of kids. Our five year capital plan from 2005 -2009 spends $633,000 to maintain the parks with a band aid approach. I support the band aid approach but something needs to be done long term. Commissioner Kraus said we need community input of what's important to the community. Commissioner Libra said the comments are excellent and there has been lack of follow up on maintenance in the parks. Money was committed to this court but wasn't spent. "The thought that these courts are less useful after many new houses were built within a mile radius is incredible to think — Hagstrom King was going to have a tennis court built and they never were and Rogers Lake was taken out of commission - we're losing the battle on some of these facilities. I think this fiinding for the $11,000 should go forward. The tennis community and the City Council needs to communicate. The City is foolish to shut down these court and let them go to weeds ". Chair Spicer said there is a workshop in January with the City Council and one of the items to discuss is park issues. There needs to be talk about a referendum but that takes a lot of public support. There are 22 miles of trails to resurface and maintain that takes a lot of money. We have been using the band aid approach for 19 years. A lot of our park items have a life expectancy and they are coming to the end of their life expectancy and it's time to plan further ahead. I was dismayed when they wouldn't give us $11,000 and I am happy the public showed up. Commissioner Craighead made a motion to move this item before City Council for $11,000 and put in proper drainage for the Valley Park tennis courts, Commission Morris seconded the motion. AYES 7 NAYS 0 IVY HILL PARK Chair Spicer introduced the Ivy Park playground equipment that was suppose to be rehabilitated this year according to the five year plan and was budgeted for $35,000 and was increased by $22,000 to around $57,000. Mr. Kullander reported that Ivy Park was scheduled for 2006, but because of the age of the equipment the replacement cost was estimated to be $50,000 plus and was moved to 2007 for installation early in the year. Page - 6 November 14, 12006 Approved Commissioner Morris made a motion to accept Guy's plan as written and do the work early in 2007. Commissioner Kraus seconded the motion. Commissioner Hickey asked if it went out for bid would it be in the same price range. Mr. Kullander responded that it is done on a national competitive bidding process that resulted in a price decrease of 6% on the equipment. Earl F. Anderson has been accepted by this Commission for many projects for their pricing and quality of their products. Their products are very high quality and carry a 10 year warranty. The existing components at Ivy Park are still sound but don't meet the current guidelines or the ADA guidelines for accessibility. If we try to replace one component then you are obligated to replace all other components. That is why this replacement is a little higher than the original working budget in the five year plan. Commissioner Morris stated that this park is always used. Mr. Kullander said he will also schedule the trail work after the playground improvements. The outside timbers will go, swings will stay and the pea rock will be removed to make it ADA accessible. It will be in the same spot the old equipment is at. AYES 7 NAYS 0 FIVE YEAR PLAN Guy listed several new projects /requests and asked the Commission if they wanted to reprioritize projects in the five year plan. Chair Spicer responded let's talk about that at the next meeting and give us some options. Commissioner Craighead asked about trail items not being on the five year plan. We keep upgrading and fixing parks and we need to get back to original items on the plan. Mr. Kullander responded that some trails have been removed from the list because construction costs would not come out of the Special Park Fund but from another funding source. The trails have not been forgotten. Commissioner Morris said some trails need to be ripped up and redone. Commissioner Kraus said we need to prioritize issues — we do things when letters come in requesting things. We spend the month talking about that issue. Before we talk to the City Council we need to prioritize things and asked what is that process. Chair Spicer said Guy has been good through the years and asks for our input and then makes a list of things we need to get done. We then work off that list. Page - 7 November 14, 12006 Approved Mr. Kullander said that is the five year plan, it is not set in stone, it is just used as a guide and sets a budget for the $120,000 per year. Things do get shuffled around. Commissioner Kraus asked if there was a better method to consider. Mr. Kullander said he would update the plan with the input he got tonight. Mr. Kullander talked about the January goal setting session the City Council will hold in January and said there will be several park issues on the Council's agenda. Chair Spicer said we need to talk to Council about differences such as the annual celebration and funding for park work. Commissioner Libra said Guy has done a lot with the playgrounds over the last five years by bringing them up to ADA guidelines. Commissioner Craighead said the five year plan needs to be looked at again in the future. Chair Spicer asked if there should be a December meeting, and if there is no meeting in December, that Commissioners could email Guy with suggestions for items for Council to discuss at their workshop, or they could meet before the Council's workshop. Mr. Kullander suggested that the Parks Commission may want to consider including a survey in a future city newsletter asking what facilities residents do you use, would you want to pay more taxes for park upgrades, and are you interested in a bond issue as some sample questions. PAR 3 UPDATE Jake gave a verbal update on Par 3 saying the Comprehensive Plan Amendment went before the Planning Commission last month and was tabled. No legal action has been taken the issue. The meeting adjourned at 8:10 P.M. Page - 8 November 14, 12006