2017-05-09 Council-Parks Rec Comm Joint Work SessionCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Joint City Council / Parks and Recreation Commission Workshop
Tuesday, May 9, 2017
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a joint workshop of the Mendota Heights City Council and
the Parks and Recreation Commission was held at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights,
Minnesota.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Garlock called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. Councilmembers Duggan, Miller, and
Petschel were also present. Councilmember Paper joined the meeting at 6:45 p.m. Parks and
Recreation Commission members present included Chair Hinderscheid, Kipp, Levine, Toth, Miller,
Klepperich, and Goldade.
Staff in attendance included City Administrator Mark McNeill, Finance Director Kristen Schabacker,
Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek, Recreation Program Coordinator Sloan Wallgren, and City
Clerk Lorri Smith.
PARKS FLINDING STATUS
Administrator McNeill provided background information on short term funding for parks and
reviewed the funding sources for the Special Parks Fund. It was noted that the City increased the
amount of the park dedication fee in 2015 from $2,700 to $4,000 per unit of housing. The current
balance in the Special Parks Fund is $650,000. New development in the City is the source of funding
for the Special Parks Fund.
The long term funding for the Special Parks Fund is a challenge. Two current bond levies related to
parks will expire in the foreseeable future. The City Council could choose to continue to levy at
those amounts for a source of funding for the parks.
CAPTIAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
Capital improvement projects were reviewed. This year, the plan includes upgrading or replacing the
tennis courts at Marie Park, ballfield fence at Victoria Highlands, and a warming house at Friendly
Hills Park. Next year, the plan includes lights at Friendly Hills and Wentworth Hockey Rink, and
tennis courts at Wentworth Park.
The members discussed the options for replacing or upgrading the tennis courts at Marie Park, the
need to add the skate park to the CIP, the possible installation of lights at Mendakota Park, and a
possible splash pad. Counciimember Petschel noted the possibility of creating a Community
Foundation for raising money for completing special projects in the City.
Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek updated the members on the status of the trails in the city. It was
noted that a trail along Lexington Avenue may not be completed by the County for some time, and
users are encouraged to make their way through the neighborhoods for a safer route. Councilmember
Petschel suggested more signage along the designated trail routes to make it easier for users to find
their way.
A possible tunnel under podd Road, just north of Highway 110, is being considered by the County.
Director Ruzek stated that the Council will see the Dodd Road Trail Feasibility Study in the near
future. It was noted that funding for trails does not come out of the Special Parks Fund.
Questions were asked about how inspections are done on the City's playground equipment. It was
noted that Parks personnel are frequently checking on the equipment, and Parks-Recreation
Commissioners are also inspecting the playground equipment and parks for safety hazards or
improvements that are needed.
OFF LEASH DOG P11RK
It was noted that the temporary off leash dog park is located on Acacia Boulevard, near Pilot Knob.
In 2015, this property was designated a temporary dog park for a period of five years, or until another
site is found. Councilmember Petschel stated that there may be an opportunity in the future to
partner with the City of St. Paul for a dog park to be located off Highway 13.
Improvements to the current dog park were discussed, including a wider gate to allow for a larger
mower to gain entrance. A larger gate is estimated to cost $1,000. The condition of the turf was also
discussed, and how to make it smoother for the users.
Commissioner Miller suggested getting usage data from the dog park to find out how many residents
are making use of it, which will help the City know how to plan for it in the future.
Kimberly Franzen, a neighbor to the dog park, was present to inform the members that the users of
the dog park are always very friendly and they obey the rules of the park. She sees it as a social area
for our residents. She stated there is no bad smell coming from the park.
Recreation Coordinator Sloan Waligren stated that he has received complaints about a bad smell
from another neighbor of the dog park.
The members of the Council and Park and Rec Commission were in agreement to look into the cost
of a new larger gate for the dog park.
HISTORIC PILOT KNOB
Wiley Buck, Ecologist from Great River Greening, presented an update on the restoration of Pilot
Knob. He reviewed the three phases that have been completed in the restoration of Pilot Knob from
2005 through 2013, which will restore the land to oak savanna. The 2017-2022 proposed work plan
and potential costs associated with the plan were also discussed. He stated that since Pilot Knob has
now been named to the National Register of Historic Places, there may be more opportunities to
obtain grants for the maintenance of the area.
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Gail Lewellan, co-chair of the Pilot Knob Preservation Association, spoke about the designation to
the National Register of Historic Places. The brochures explaining the site are being updated and the
Association may request funds from the City for the printing.
ORGANIZED SPORTS NEEDS
Recreation Program Coordinator Sloan Wallgren updated the members on spaces in Mendota
Heights that could be used for additional soccer fields. He stated that be dispersing the fields around
the City into the parks may help with the congestion that is currently seen at Friendly Hills Park
during the soccer season. It was noted that the registrations for soccer have been increasing.
JOINT FACILITIES UPDATE
Coordinator Wallgren noted how gym space is hard to lease in Mendota Heights. Partnering with the
schools for use of space was discussed.
Commissioner Goldade stated that he is a member of the School District's Facility Task Force, which
will next be meeting on Monday, June 12. At that meeting, they will be discussing athletic facilities.
The public is invited to attend.
Mayor Garlock stated that partnering with other agencies is the way of the future.
RECREATION PROGRAMMiNG
Coordinator Wallgren asked the group if there was a desire to add more programs in recreation? He
stated the City was exploring the idea of adding an archery range, but that there are currently no
grants available. He explained that Thompson Park Activity Center in West St. Paul already offers a
variety of senior programs. The City of Mendota Heights has offered limited senior programs at the
Par 3 and Mendota Elementary during the winter months.
The members discussed the Mendota Heights Athletic Association and their relationship with the
City. It was noted that a representative from the City should attend their meetings to keep the
communication open with that group.
Councilmember Duggan left the meeting at 9:00 p.m.
NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
Leslie Pilgrim was present to discuss with the members the creation of a Natural Resources
Commission for the City. The Commission would be charged with monitoring and maintaining the
natural resources that are in the City. She stated that the first step for the Commission would be to
update the Natural Resources Management Plan.
Councilmember Paper suggested that a portion of the parkland dedication fees be dedicated toward
natural resources.
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Councilmember Petschel reminded the members of steps taken by the City Council to help our
environment; i.e. street sweeping two times per year, and when barrier curbs had been installed. She
said that these are decisions the prior City Councils have made to protect the local natural resources.
She agreed that the City should have an updated Natural Resources Management Plan.
Councilmember Jay Miller stated he felt there is a need for a Natural Resources Commission.
Commissioner Goldade suggested a standing item for Natural Resources on every Park and
Recreation Commission agenda.
City Administrator McNeill suggested that the City get an estimated cost to update the Natural
Resources Management Plan for the City.
ADJOLTRN
Mayor Garlock adjourned the meeting at 9:30 p.m.
Neil Garlock, Mayor
ATTEST:
OZ-Z.t, .
Lorri Smith, City Clerk
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