2017-06-13 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda PacketCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
AGENDA
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Tuesday June 13, 2017 - 6:30 P.M.
City Council Chambers
1. Roll Call
2. Approval of Agenda
3. Approval of the March 14, 2017 Minutes
4. Approval of the May 9, 2017 Minutes
5. Announcements
6. Recreation Program Updates
7. Par 3 Report
8. Marie Park Tennis Courts
9. 2018 CIP
Discussion Items
10. Roger Lake Park
11. Basketball Courts
12. Emerald Ash Borer
13. MHAA Requests for Mendakota Park
14. Disc Golf at Par 3
15. 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.
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING
Tuesday March 14, 2017
The March meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on
Tuesday, March 14, 2017 at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve.
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,
Steve Goldade, Bob Klepperich and Stephanie Levine. Staff present: Recreation Programmer
Sloan Wallgren.
Approval of Agenda
COMMISSIONER LEVINE MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE AGENDA;
COMMISSIONER MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION.
AYES 6: NAYS 0
Approval of Minutes from February 14, 2017
COMMISSIONER LEVINE MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM THE
FEBRUARY 14, 2017 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING;
COMMISSIONER MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION.
AYES 6: NAYS 0
Announcements
Mr. Wallgren announced that registration for summer recreation programs will open on March
20th. He also said that the Mendota Heights Athletic Association is still taking registration for
Tee Ball, lacrosse, volleyball and in-house baseball and softball.
Mendakota Park Lighting Presentation
John Masica and a group of lighting professionals presented on how new lights could improve
the usage of Mendakota Park. The group said that with the new technology of LED lights there
is far less light pollution to neighbors. The cost for new lights and installation would be
around $500,000.
The commission thanked the group for coming in to present. No discussion was had among
the commission.
Rogers Lake Water Quality Report
Mr. Wallgren presented the commission with a Water Quality Report that was conducted by
students at St. Thomas Academy as part of their HP Environmental Science class. The report
shows that the water quality at Rogers Lake continues to improve. Mr. Wallgren thanked the
Rogers Lake Homeowners Association for helping to educate neighbors on what chemicals to
use on your lawns and how to care of you yard, many of these activities have attributed to the
improvements in the water quality.
MH Parks and Recreation Commission 3-14-2017 Page 1
Parks & Recreation Annual Report
Mr. Wallgren presented the commission with the 2016 Parks & Recreation Annual Report.
The report highlights many of the accomplishments that were accomplished during the year.
Some of the notable accomplishments were: new hockey boards at Friendly Hills Park, new
basketball court at Mendakota Park, new shingles on all of the park shelters, Teen Tuesday
Field trips and the Royal Princess Ball.
Commission Comments
Commissioner Kipp thought is was an excellent meeting and thanked the students from St.
Thomas Academy for making their presentation last week at the city council meeting.
Commissioner Goldade thought there was a good discussion about the lights at Mendakota
Park.
Commissioner Levine reminded people that the Friends of the Parks organization is accepting
money to help offset the cost of new trees in local parks.
Commissioner Miller thought it was good discussion and welcomed the new members to the
commission.
Commissioner Klepperich thanked the St. Thomas Academy students for coming to the city
council meeting last week and making their presentation.
Chair Hinderscheid thanked staff for the reports and also thanked MHAA for coming to the
meeting and presenting about lights at Mendakota Park.
COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO ADJURN THE MEETING.
COMMISSIONER GOLDADE SECONDED THE MOTION.
AYES 6: NAYS 0
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Respectfully Submitted by Sloan Wallgren
MH Parks and Recreation Commission 3-14-2017 Page 2
CITY 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 FUNDING 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. Councilmember 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 Dodd 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 PARK
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 Wallgren 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.
May 9, 2017Joint Council /Parks-Rec Comm Workshop Page 2 of 4
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.
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
May 9, 2017Joint Council /Parks-Rec Comm Workshop Page 3 of 4
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.
ADJOURN
Mayor Garlock adjourned the meeting at 9:30 p.m.
Neil Garlock, Mayor
ATTEST:
Lorri Smith, City Clerk
May 9, 2017Joint Council /Parks-Rec Comm Workshop Page 4 of 4
1101 Victoria Curve I Mendota Heights, MN 55118
651.452.1850 phone 1 651.452.8940 fax
www.mendota-heights.com
04' mCITY OF
MENDDTA HEIGHTS
DATE: June 13, 2017
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Sloan Wallgren, Recreation Program Coordinator
SUBJECT: Summer Recreation Programs
Update
Summer programs start up the week of June 12th, and so far registration has been going great. Below is a
list of enrolment numbers for each program:
Fishing Derby -20
Safety Camp -40
Skateboard Camps -19
Sports Unlimited Camps -30
Teen Field Trips -19
Field Trips- 56
Tennis Programs -205
Playgrounds Program -157
Up Coming Events
Cliff Timm Fishing Derby is being held Wednesday June 21St at Rogers Lake Park from 5:30pm-7:00pm.
Interested individuals can register online at www.mendota-heights.com or in person the day of the event.
Summer Events
Mondays- Puppet Wagon at the Village 11:45am-12:30pm
Tuesdays- Summer Playhouse at Mendakota Park 11:00am-11:30am
Wednesdays- Live Music at the Village 6:30pm-8:30pm
Fridays- Fishing at Rogers Lake 11:00am-2:00pm
1101 Victoria Curve I Mendota Heights, MN 55118
651.452.1850 phone 1 651.452.8940 fax
www.mendota-heights.com
mCITY OF
MENDDTA HEIGHTS
DATE:
June 13, 2017
TO:
Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM:
Sloan Wallgren, Recreation Program Coordinator
SUBJECT:
Par 3 Update
Update
The golf course is off to a great start his season. During the past few weeks we have hosted several
birthday parties and group outings, and have several more scheduled during the next few weeks.
Summer golf camps start the week of June 12th and will each week until September. All of our
leagues are now up and running, we have seen record numbers of registration for our leagues:
Junior Golf Camps: 124 registered
Junior Golf Leagues: 145 registered
Women's Golf League: 89 registered
This year we offer Jr. Golf League participants the option to purchase a season pass for an
additional $39.00, so far 12 people have purchased this option.
Maintenance
The golf course is in great shape, as we have received may compliments from patrons. We have
one seasonal maintenance joining our staff on June 12th, and that should help allow for some of
the smaller projects to get completed during the next few months.
Budget
Financial data will be available at the meeting on Tuesday, June 13th.
Of -S7 Ipp-
Tj
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
Background
1101 Victoria Curve I Mendota Heights, MN 55118
651.452.1850 phone 1 651.452.8940 fax
www.mendota-heights.com
CITY OF
MENDDTA HEIGHTS
June 13, 2017
Parks and Recreation Commission
Sloan Wallgren, Recreation Program Coordinator
Marie Park Tennis Courts
The commission has budgeted $15,000 for improvements to Marie Park tennis courts in 2017. The
courts were originally constructed in the late 1980's. Over time the courts have been resurfaced
and cracks have been filled and patched multiple times. Currently, the courts are in poor shape
and are rarely used due to the conditions. There are many options that the commission could
recommend for the city council.
Option #I- the courts can be cleaned and resurfaced for roughly $10,000-$15,000 however the
contractors have said that the courts will return to the current conditions in a matter of a few years.
Option #2- is to completely rebuild the tennis courts for roughly $60,000-$70,000 and then the
courts should last another 30 years with the proper maintenance every 5-7 years.
Option #3- repair the courts and install a sport tile system similar to Valley Park and Ivy Hills Park
for roughly $70,000 and the courts should be fine for 20 years.
Option #4- replace the tennis courts with permanent pickle ball courts for roughly $75,000-$80,000
and the courts should last 30 years with proper maintenance every 5-7 years.
Option #5- leave the courts in their current condition.
Option #6- remove the courts and replace with a grassy open area. This option would still cost
money to remove the courts and install sod or to seed the area.
Required Action
The commission should make a recommendation for the city council how to proceed with the
tennis courts at Marie Park.
1101 Victoria Curve I Mendota Heights, MN 55118
651.452.1850 phone 1 651.452.8940 fax
www.mendota-heights.com
T
Of TJ Ipp-
CITY OF
MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DATE:
June 13, 2017
TO:
Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM:
Sloan Wallgren, Recreation Program Coordinator
SUBJECT:
Parks Capital Improvement Program
Background
During the month of July staff will begin to prepare the 2018 Budget to present to the city council.
The commission has several projects that have been planned for 2018.
Attached is a list of recent and future projects that the commission has been involved in planning.
Required Action
No action is required at this time. The commission should discuss the projects for 2018, The
commission will be asked to make a recommendation to the city council for 2018 projects at the
July meeting.
6/13/2017
Balance as of June 13, 2017 $650,000
Revenue
Hockey Boards - Friendly Hills Park
Reroof Park Pavilions
Basketball Court - Mendakota Park
Warming House - Friendly Hills Park
Tennis Court - Marie Park
Ballfield Fence -Victoria Highlands
Lights at Friendly Hills & Wentworth Hockey
Tennis Court - Wentworth Park
Warming House - Wentworth Park
Tennis Courts- Friendly Hills Park
Total Expenses
Account Balance
Special Parks Fund
2016
2017
2020
2021
$ 27,000.00
$
- $
$ 28,000.00
$
- $
$ 32,000.00
$ -
$
41,000.00 $
$ -
$
15,000.00 $
$18,000.00
70,000.00
$
-
$ 87,000.00
$
74,000.00 $
$650,000
$
576,000.00 $
2018
2019
2020
2021
70,000.00
$
-
$ -
$ -
15,000.00
-
$
41,000.00
$ -
$ -
$15,000.00
85,000.00
$
56,000.00
$ -
$ -
491,000.00 $ 435,000.00 $435,000.00 $435,000.00
PARK IMPROVEMENTS
Civic Center Ball Field
Mendakota Park
1999 -Fencing
$11,600
1998 -Batting cages
$17,554
2003 -Fencing
$7,126
2002 -netting
$22,337
2007 -Fence & cages
$42,411
2003 -Play equipment/rubber SL
$17,238
Totals
$61,137
2010 -Play equipment
$47,000
2013 -Play equipment refurfacir
$70,541
Friendly Hills Park
2013 -Wood fibers
$9,617
1998 -Hockey baords
$12,630
2016 -New Basketball Court
$32,000
1998 -Hockey rink paving
$32,073
Totals
$216,207
1998 -Fencing
$11,290
2002 -Play equipment
$19,891
Rogers Lake Park
2009 -Play equipment
$61,619
2001 -Play egiopment
$24,645
2016- Hockey Boards
$26,000
2004-Skatepark
$25,503
Totals
$163,503
2005-Skatepark
$27,245
2007-Skatepark
$5,265
Hagstrom-King Park
2008 -Play equipment
$54,245
2003 -Play equipment
$39,400
2012-Skatepark
$8,000
2009-Backstop/Netting
$23,870
Totals
$144,903
Totals
$63,270
Valley Park
Ivy Hills Park
2002 -Play equipment
$25,670
2002 -Tennis court repair
$10,912
2006 -Play equipment
$19,190
2007 -Play equipment
$47,489
2007 -Play equipment
$19,891
2015- SportCourt for Tennis
$62,000
2007 -Tennis court surface
$44,672
Totals
$120,401
Totals
$99,423
Kensington Park
Valley View Heights Park
2011-Playequipment
$53,250
2006 -Play equipment
$36,014
Totals
$53,250
Totals
$36,014
Marie Park
Victoria Highlands Park
2001 -Hockey boards
$11,275
2009 -Play equipment
$50,723
2001- Hockey rinkn lights
$15,290
Totals
$50,723
2001 -Play equipment
$17,906
2002 -Resurface tennis courts
$9,028
Wentworth Park
2005 -Play equipment
$38,532
2003 -Tennis court resurface
$10,424
2015- Warming House
$35,000
2005 -Play equipment
$44,998
Totals
$127,031
2015 -Hockey Boads
$26,000
Totals
$81,422