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2017-03-14 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda Packet CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA AGENDA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Tuesday March 14, 2017 - 6:30 P.M. City Council Chambers 1. Roll Call 2. Approval of Agenda 3. Approval of the February 14, 2017 Minutes 4. Announcements 5. Mendakota Park Lighting Presentation 6. Rogers Lake Water Quality Report 7. Parks & Recreation Annual Report 8. Commission Comments 9. Adjourn Auxiliary aids for persons with disabilities are available at least 120 hours in advance. If a notice of less than 120 hours is received, the City of Mendota Heights will make every attempt to provide the aids. This may not, however, be possible on short notice. Please contact City Administration at 651-452-1850. Meetings can be viewed anytime on-demand at: www.mendota-heights.com. MH Parks and Recreation Commission 2-14-2017 Page 1 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING Tuesday February 14, 2017 The February meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve. Acting Chair Hinderscheid called to order the parks and recreation commission meeting at 6:30 p.m. The following commissioners were present: Chair Hinderscheid, Commissioners: Ira Kipp, Michael Toth, Steve Goldade, Bob Klepperich and Stephanie Levine. Staff present: Recreation Programmer Sloan Wallgren. Election of Officers COMMISSIONER LEVINE MADE A MOTION FOR PAT HINDERSCHEID TO BE THE CHAIR OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AND FOR MIKE TOTH TO BE THE VICE CHAIR OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION. COMMISSIONER KIPP SECONDED THE MOTION. AYES 6: NAYS 0 Approval of Agenda CHAIR HINDERSCHEID MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE AGENDA; COMMISSIONER LEVINE SECONDED THE MOTION. AYES 6: NAYS 0 Approval of Minutes from December 13, 2016 COMMISSIONER LEVINE MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM THE December 13, 2016 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING; COMMISSIONER TOTH SECONDED THE MOTION. AYES 6: NAYS 0 Announcements Mr. Wallgren announced that the Mendota Heights Athletic Association will be starting registration for lacrosse, baseball and softball soon. There will be two Pollinator Friendly Workshop held at the end of February. Emerald Ash Borer Chair Hinderscheid invited Jeff Hafner from Rainbow Tree Care to present on how his company can work with the city to treat trees that have become infected with the Emerald Ash Borer. The commission discussed the benefits and the costs associated with the process of treating trees on city property. Mr. Wallgren will discuss with city staff the current policy and the budget available for 2017, he will follow up at the next meeting. MH Parks and Recreation Commission 2-14-2017 Page 2 Victoria Highlands Ballfield Mr. Wallgren informed the commission that the Mendota Heights Athletic Association has requested that the city make some improvements to the ballfield at Victoria Highlands Park. The improvements include installing an outfield fence, a fence on the first baseline, expanding the infield to accommodate 75 foot base path and making improvements to the backstop. COMMISSIONER TOTH MADE A MOTION FOR THE COUNCIL TO CONSIDER MAKING IMPROVEMENTS TO THE BALLFIELD AT VICTORIA HIGHLANDS PAR. COMMISSIONER KLEPPRICH SECONDED THE MOTION AYES 6: NAYS 0 Mendakota Park Storage Shed & Dugouts Mr. Wallgren informed the commission that the Mendota Heights Athletic Association has made a request for the city to construct a storage shed and add dugouts at Mendakota Park. The shed would be used for MHAA to store baseball equipment, softball equipment, soccer equipment, football equipment and an extra refrigerator and freezer for concessions. The dugouts would provide shelter and shade for the ball players during their games. The commission discussed the storage shed and dugouts. The commission thought both items would be good additions to the park, but for now would like to continue to have conversations about it. Archery Range Mr. Wallgren reintroduced the topic of adding an archery range. The Minnesota DNR would have matching grant funds available sometime during 2017. The commission discussed the history and need for an archery range. For the time being they would like staff to apply for grants, and if we are awarded grant money the topic can be further addressed. Ice Rink Usage Mr. Wallgren presented the commission with the attendance at the ice rinks for December and January. The attendance numbers are similar to year past, however February numbers will be very low because the rinks have already closed for the season. Unfortunately, it was a very short season this year. Summer Programs Mr. Wallgren updated the commission on all of the summer programs that are being offered this summer. New in 2017 will be the Family Kick Ball Tournament hosted in collaboration with the school district, Mendota Heights, West St. Paul and South St. Paul. The kickball tournament will be held August 5th at Harmon Park in West St. Paul. Staff is also working a Party in the Park Family Night that would include games, food and conclude with a family friendly movie at Mendakota Park. MH Parks and Recreation Commission 2-14-2017 Page 3 Commission Comments Commissioner Kipp thanked Chair Hindersched for inviting Jeff from Rainbow Tree, he also welcomed the new commissioners. Commissioner Goldade thanked MHAA for everything they do in our community and he also thanked staff for everything they do. Commissioner Levine welcomed the new commissioner to the group. Commissioner Toth welcomed the new commissioner and encouraged residents to contact the staff and commission if they have ideas for the parks. Commissioner Klepperich thanked everyone for welcoming him. He is looking forward to servient the residents. Chair Hinderscheid welcomed the new members and is looking forward to a great year serving the residents. COMMISSIONER GOLDADA A MOTION TO ADJURN THE MEETING. COMMISSIONER TOTH SECONDED THE MOTION. AYES 6: NAYS 0 The meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m. Respectfully Submitted by Sloan Wallgren DATE: March 14, 2017 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Sloan Wallgren, Recreation Program Coordinator SUBJECT: Rogers Lake Water Quality Report Introduction At the March 7th City Council meeting St. Thomas Academy presented a Water Quality Report for Rogers Lake. Background Since 2001, the St. Thomas Academy Advanced Placement Environmental Science Classes have been monitoring several aspects of water quality in Rogers Lake. Each year students from the classes present their finding to the City Council. Staff has attached the findings from 2016 as well as 2013 for the commission to compare. The overall water quality rating has improve from 78.6 in 2013 to 85.1 in 2016. These results are proof that the steps the he city and neighbors around the lake are taking to improve the water quality are working. Required Action No action is required. This is for informational purposes only. Which chemical tests were performed? What does each test for? What factors affect the readings? What is an acceptable reading? What were the Fall 2016 readings? Dissolved Oxygen (D.O.) The amount of oxygen dissolved in the water. Plant life increases D.O., organic waste inputs (pet waste, grass clippings, leaves) lowers D.O. 5-12 ppm 9.5 ppm (7.1 in 2015) Better / acceptable Fecal Coliform Levels of bacteria associated with pathogenic bacteria and viruses in the water Goose and pet waste. Faulty septic systems and sewer lines. 0 colonies/100ml is safe to drink. 200 colonies/100ml or less is safe for swimming 0.0 col/100ml (5.0 in 2015) Better / acceptable pH The acidity or basicity of the water Acid rain is the typical cause of acidification of lakes 6.5-8.5 pH units (slightly basic) 7.7 units (7.7 in 2015) Same Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5) How much oxygen is being used by bacteria in the lake that decompose organic waste put into the water. Organic waste inputs (leaves, grass clippings, or animal waste) and algal blooms from fertilizer runoff 0-5 ppm 1.3 ppm (2.9 in 2015) Better / acceptable ∆ Temperature (Change In Temp.) The difference in temperature between 2 testing sites on the lake Sun/shade differences, industrial thermal pollution, removal of trees/shade 0-1 °C 1.2 °C (1.0 in 2014) Worse / Unacceptable* Nitrate Measure of the amount of Nitrates in the water Animal waste, grass clippings, leaves, fertilizers. Faulty septic systems and sewer lines 0.1-3 ppm (Low levels needed for proper aquatic plant growth) 0.4 ppm (0.6 in 2015) Better / acceptable Total Phosphates Measure of the amount of various phosphates in the water Soil runoff, animal waste, grass clippings, leaves, some fertilizers. Faulty sewer lines and septic systems. 0.1-1 ppm (Low levels needed for proper aquatic plant growth) 0.9 ppm (1.0 in 2015) Better / acceptable Turbidity Amount of suspended solids in the water. A measure of water clarity Soil erosion, organic waste input 1-40 JTU 7.4 JTU (15.5 in 2015) Better / acceptable Total Solids Amount of suspended and dissolved solids in water Road salt, soil erosion, organic waste input. 1-300 mg/L 254.1 mg/L (276.7 in 2015) Better / acceptable Overall Rating A composite score of all 9 chemical tests. The 9 chemical tests Excellent: 90-100 Good: 70-89.9 Medium: 50-69.9 85.1 (80.2 in 2015) Better / acceptable Mendota Heights Parks & Recreation Department 1 2016 Annual Report Mendota Heights Parks & Recreation Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Department 2 Mission Statement The mission of Mendota Heights Parks & Recreation Department is to provide facilities, activities, and parklands to enrich the lives of residents and vistitors. Parks and Recreation Commission Members Jay Miller Pat Heinderscheid Ira Kipp Stephanie Levine Daviv Miller Joel Paper, Chair Michael Toth Clair Dunham, Student Representative Myles Bowman, Student Representative Parks and Recreation Staff Public Works Director......................... .... ..Ryan Ruzek Public Work Superintendent ....................Terry Blum Assistant City Administrator............Cheryl Jacobson Recreation Program Coordinator.......Sloan Wallgren Parks Maintenance Lead........................John Boland Parks Maintenance..............................Cliff Kirschner Parks Maintenance............................... Mike Maczko Mechanic .............................................Nick Courteau Parks and Recreation Commission The Parks and Recreation Commission is a seven member advisory board to the city council on matters relating to parks and recreation including: Plan and develop programs and activities. Develop schedules of hours and fees for the use of recreational trails and park facilities. Study possible government and private foundation grants available for the acquisition and development of park and trail facilities. Develop plans for improvement and betterment of existing facilities. Develop plans for acquisition of additional facilities. Coordinate recreational trail and park activities with other community organizations and groups. Promote public interest and understanding of the city’s parks and trails activities The Parks and Recreation Department also employs 40 part-time seasonal employees. Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Department 3 Parks Department Parks staff annually maintains more than 310 acres of public land. Facilities under the stewardship of the Parks Department included 8 picnic shelters, 1 fishing pier, 12 softball and baseball fields, 3 soccer fields, 1 sand volleyball court, 1 cross country ski trail, 3 hockey rinks, 4 skating rinks, 3 warming houses, 26 miles of trails, 11 playgrounds, 10 tennis courts, 10 basketball courts, an off-leash dog area and a skate park. Mendota Heights Parks • Civic Center • Copperfield Ponds • Friendly Hills Park • Friendly Marsh Park • Hagstrom-King Park • Historic Pilot Knob • Ivy Hills Park • Kensington Park • Market Square Park • Marie Park • Mendakota Park • Rogers Lake Park • Valley Park • Valley View Heights Park • Victoria Highlands Park • Wentworth Park State, Regional and Private Parks • Fort Snelling State Park • Harriet Island-Lilydale Regional Park • Dodge Nature Center • School District 197 • Big Rivers Regional Trail •River to River Greenway Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Department 4 2016 Parks Department Highlights The Parks Department closed a gap in the trail system from Lilydale Road to Wachtler Ave along Hiway 13. Resurfaced the basketball court at Mendakota Park. Parks staff continue to provide support and facilities for many community festivals and events. Park Facilities hosted the following large scale special events: Special Olympics 5K Mendota Heights Parks Celebration Cliff Timm Fishing Derby Numerous Baseball/Softball Tournaments The City removed the old cedar shakes and installed new shingles on all of the park buildings. Conducted a Fesibility Study for Bike/Pedestrian Trail along Dodd Road from Dodd & Smith all the way south to Dodd and Mendota Heights Road. The study was funded through a Active Living Grant from Dakota County. New hockey boards were installed at Friendly Hills Park. Pickelball Courts were created at Marie Park. Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Department 5 Recreation Department Highlights The Recreation Department’s main objectives are to provide recreation programs, events and activities, en- courage the use of parks and trails, and promote an active lifestyle.  The Recreation Department partnered with Dakota County to offer the Simple Steps Program. The Simple Steps Walking Program is a great way to boost energy, reduce stress and improve your health. Regular physical activity helps prevent chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer and can help you maintain a healthy weight. Programs : in 2016 the Recreation Department offered: 3 Adult Softball Leagues with over 300 participants 20 Youth Tennis Programs with 220 participants 18 Youth Field Trips with 400 participants 10 Playground Programs with 220 participants 15 Youth Programs with 500 participants  New Programs included the Royal Princess Ball and our Tuesday Teen Field Trips. Coordination of field use with the Mendota Heights Athletic Association for over 1,800 youth participants. As well as cordinate field use for St. Thomas Academy, Visitation, St. Joseph and Trinity. During the 2015-2016 winter we had 4,400+ skaters use our three hockey rinks and four pleasure rinks. 22 Free Performances in the Park at Market Square  Added six Tuesday Teen Field Trips in 2016 Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Department 6 Volunteer Efforts—Park Partners Volunteers Helped steward Mendota Heights Parks, Trails and Green Spaces in 2015 through adopting parks and trails, beautifying community spaces and volunteering to clean up liter and debris. Park Volunteers keep Mendota Heights beautiful and a great place to live. Henry Sibley Girl's Tennis Team cleaned up Rogers Lake Park as a fundraiser. The Mendota Heights Mom's Club celebrated Earth Day by cleaning up the parks. Volunteers from the Children's Country Day care helped to organize a clean upday in Valley Park. The Mendota Heights Mom's Club annually donates a tree to a park. In 2016 a tree was dontated and planted at Mendakota Park. Volunteers helped to remove buckthorn from Valley Park. AJ Stringer designed and installed a new pollinator friendly native rain garden at the Mendota Heights Par 3 as part of his Eagle Scout Project. Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Department 7 Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course The Mendota Heights Par 3 is a self-supporting enterprise. Revenues generated by the course as well as retained earnings pay for all expenses including depreciation, equipment replacement, and capital improvements. The Par 3 is a seasonal facility, generally opening in Mid-April and closing in Mid- November. Mendota Heights Par 3 The Mendota Heights Par 3 had over 10,000 rounds of golf played in 2016.   Over 200 youth participatned in one of our 22 golf lesson programs. The sport of footgolf continued to grow and there were over 1,000 rounds of footgolf player at the Par 3. In 2016 the golf course had some landscaping done around the clubhouse. Locals are gathering at the clubhouse to play cribbage and scrabble during the spring and fall. Total revenue for 2016 was roughly $147,000 and total expenses were $142,000 resulting in a net profit of$5,000. The Golf Course Fund has a year end cash balance of $67,000. The golf course purchased a greens roller. This peice of equipment will help to keep the greens in good condition for our customers. The golf course offered four golf leagues for adults and five golf leagues for youth. In 2016 there were over 400 participants in our leagues. The golf course hosted over 15 special events.