2017-09-12 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda PacketCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Tuesday, September 12, 2017‐ 6:30 P.M.
Mendota Heights City Hall—City Council Chambers
AGENDA
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of Agenda
4. Approval Of Minutes
a. Approval of Minutes from August 8, 2017 Meeting
5. Unfinished and New Business
a. Informational Presentation MHAA—John Masica, Executive Director
b. Parks and Recreation Commissioner Resignation, Replacement Appointment
Process and Election of New Vice Chair
c. Dakota County Comprehensive Plan Update—Natural Systems Plan
d. Rogers Avenue Right‐of‐Way Vacation
e. Rogers Lake
i. Fishing Pier/Culvert Area
ii. Outdoor Seating Area/BBQ Ash Disposal
f. Parks, Recreation and Programming
i. Shuffleboard
ii. Basketball at Marie Park hockey rink
iii. Market Square Park Picnic Table Request
6. Reports
a. Parks and Recreation Commission Activity Report
b. Par 3 Update
c. Recreation Update
d. Natural Resources Update
7. Announcements and Commission Comments
8. 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.
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING
August 8, 2017
The August meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on
Tuesday, August 8, 2017, at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve.
Acting Chair Toth called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
The following Commissioners were present: Commissioners: Ira Kipp (arrived 6:33 PM), Steve
Goldade, Bob Klepperich, and Stephanie Levine. Student Representative Claire Dunham.
Staff present: Assistant City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson, Public Works Director Ryan
Ruzek, and City Administrator Mark McNeill.
Absent: Chair Pat Hinderscheid, Commissioner David Miller. Student Representative Miles
Bowen.
Approval of Agenda
City Administrator McNeill added two items to the agenda: Discussion of lighting at Friendly
Hills hockey rink, and an update on the hiring of the Recreation Program Coordinator
position.
Approval of Minutes from July 11, 2017
Motion Levine/second Klepperich to approve the minutes of the July 11, 2017 Parks and
Recreation Commission meeting.
AYES 5: NAYS 0
Announcements
Ms. Jacobson stated that with the departure of Mr. Wallgren, there were no longer conflicts
with the dates of the September and October Commission meeting, and that those could
therefore remain as regularly scheduled. The Commission concurred.
Rogers Lake Culvert
Public Works Director Ruzek said that the May 9th Traffic Safety Committee meeting had
discussed safety issues regarding people fishing from the culvert area between the two
bodies of Rogers Lake, on Wagon Wheel Trail. He reported that the DNR won’t allow the City
to prohibit fishing at the lake, and that a meeting with the DNR was being sought. The
recommendation of the Traffic Safety Committee was to construct a crosswalk away from the
S‐curve on Wagon Wheel, and perhaps place chain link fence on the south side to discourage
street crossing at the culvert site.
The Commission discussed traffic volumes on Wagon Wheel, parking issues on Cygnet, and
the possibility of improving fishing at or near the location, including repairs to shore where
there has been erosion and a possible additional fishing pier. Additional traffic enforcement
was needed, especially during the period when Wagon Wheel Trail was being signed as a
Item 4a
detour. Because of construction. Commissioner Kipp asked about possible grant monies to
upgrade the culvert to a passage between the two lakes to accommodate canoeists.
Acting Chair Toth opened the floor to questions for the Public Works Director.
Commissioner Goldade asked about Valley Park trail and trees. Mr. Ruzek replied with
planned trail updates, and gave an update on the anticipated Emerald Ash Borer infestation;
he noted nearly 700 ash trees were on the City’s inventory of parks and public spaces.
Chair Toth asked for an update on area road construction projects, to which Mr. Ruzek
responded.
Commissioner Goldade asked about tennis courts, and Commissioner Klepperich noted
graffiti problems in the parks.
Acting Chair Toth asked that the Public Works Department employees be thanked for the
good work that they do on parks maintenance.
Tennis Courts
Ms. Jacobson reviewed four options for replacement of the tennis courts at Marie Park, which
were outlined in a memo from Mr. Wallgren dated August 8th. Discussion centered on the
types of surface, maintenance costs, and the number of courts that were appropriate for
Mendota Heights. Meredith Lawrence, who was in the audience and has served as the City’s
tennis instructor for several summer seasons, stated that in general asphalt surfaces are
preferred by younger or more competitive players, whereas sport surfaces are preferred by
older or more casual players.
The consensus of the Commission was that Option 2 in the memo, which would provide for a
complete rebuild of the tennis courts for an estimated $60,000 to $70,000, was the preferred
alternative. This would provide for an estimated 30 year life expectancy, assuming proper
maintenance every 5 to 7 years.
Motion Levine/second Goldade to recommend to the City Council that it seek quotes for the
complete reconstruction of the Marie Park Tennis Courts, with an asphalt surface.
AYES: 4 NAYS: 1 (Kipp)
The Commission also spoke about the number of courts in Mendota Heights. Commissioner
Levine said that the USTA had surveyed a number of cities, which showed that Mendota
Heights is above average in the number of courts per capita. However, she noted that that
was when the courts at Henry Sibley High School were included. In her opinion, the City
should maintain the courts that exist, but not to add additional courts. She also felt that the
City should talk to ISD 197 about the future of the courts at Friendly Hills school.
Par 3 Report
Ms. Jacobson presented the commission with a report on the golf course. She said that the
Women’s Wednesday golf league was ending the following week, and that golf camps will
soon be taking place.
Commissioner Klepperich asked that information regarding the last five years of revenue and
the number of rounds of golf played be provided to the Commission. Ms. Jacobson said that
that was information that she would be reviewing as well.
Natural Resources
Ms. Jacobson stated that the City had completed its planting of pollinator –friendly
landscaping at City Hall, and that other planting had taken place throughout the community.
Skate Park
Ms. Jacobson reported that other than some issues with graffiti, there was nothing to report.
She asked for comments.
Commissioner Klepperich noted that there was discussion at the previous meeting as to
repairs that were needed. Commissioner Kipp stated that there were safety issues with
cracks on the surface, and recommended that those be addressed as soon as possible.
Commissioner Goldade asked about funding of repairs, and from which budget those should
come. Commissioner Levine suggested finding skateboarding enthusiasts who could advise
the City on skateboard park amenities.
Friendly Hills Hockey Lights
City Administrator McNeill said that a contract had been let for the reconstruction of the
warming house at Friendly Hills Park. John Boland of the City’s Public Works Department has
recommended that pricing be sought to replace the lighting and wiring at the Friendly Hills
hockey rink. Two years ago, the estimated cost of that work was $35,000.
The Commission discussed timing, and efficiencies coming from replacing the lighting at the
same time as the warming house was being installed. They noted that this had first been
discussed in January, 2016.
Motion Levine/second Goldade to recommend to the City Council to seek quotes for the
replacement of lights and wiring at the Friendly Hills hockey rink.
AYES: 5 NAYS: 0
Update on Hiring:
Ms. Jacobson said that the job description for the position which had been previously held by
Sloan Wallgren was being updated, and would be discussed with the City Council. It would be
advertised and posted externally, and so it was unlikely that the position would be filled prior
to mid‐October.
Commission Comments
Commissioner Kipp thought it was a good meeting.
Commissioner Klepperich thanked staff for being in attendance.
Commissioner Levine thanked Cindy Johnson and the Dakota County Master Gardeners for all
of their work on the pollinator friendly plantings.
Commissioner Goldade thanked Sloan Wallgren for his work, and to Ms. Jacobson for her
work in stepping in to fill the duties. He also said that he had received the following ideas
from residents to improve parks:
Add drinking water for Rogers Lake Park
Increase the number of basketball courts through‐out the City, similar to those at
Mendakota Park
Have a plan to deal with Emerald Ash Borer at Valley Park.
Acting Chair Toth thanked staff, and also the Public Safety workers for their response on July
29th, at the White Pines incident.
Adjourn
Motion Klepperich/Second Goldade to adjourn the meeting.
AYES 5: NAYS 0
The meeting adjourned at 8:46 p.m.
Minutes Taken By:
Mark McNeill
City Administrator
DATE: September 12, 2017
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Cheryl Jacobson, Assistant City Administrator
SUBJECT: MHAA Presentation
Background
John Masica, Executive Director of the Mendota Heights Athletic Association will attend the
meeting and present an overview of the organization.
Required Action
Informational only. No action required.
Item 5a
DATE: September 12, 2017
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Cheryl Jacobson, Assistant City Administrator
SUBJECT: Parks and Recreation Commissioner Resignation, Replacement
Appointment Process and Election of New Vice Chair
Background
At its September 5 meeting, the City Council accepted the resignation of Parks and Recreation
Commissioner Michael Toth, effective September 5, 2017. Mr. Toth was recently appointed to a
seat on the city’s Planning Commission. Mr. Toth served on the Parks and Recreation Commission
since 2008 and was Vice Chair of the Commission for 2017.
To fill the commission vacancy, the City Council is advertising the vacancy. Interested applicants
need to submit a letter of interest and current resume to City Administrator McNeill no later than
September 22, 2017.
With the departure of Mr. Toth, the officer position of Vice Chair is vacant. The Commission’s
Rules of Order state the following in regards to election of officers:
2.3 – Election of Officers. At the February meeting each year, the commission elects from
its membership a Chairperson and a Vice‐Chairperson. If the Chairperson retires from the
commission before the next organizational meeting, the Vice‐Chairperson becomes
Chairperson. If both Chairperson and Vice‐Chairperson retire, new officers are elected at
the next meeting. If both Chairperson and Vice‐Chairperson are absent from a meeting,
the commission elects a temporary Chairperson by voice vote.
Though not a retirement, the Commission should consider nominations to elect a new Vice Chair
at the September 12 meeting. The Vice Chair term will run until the next election of officers to
be held at the February 2018 Commission meeting.
Action Required
The Commission should consider Vice Chair nominations from current commission members and
elect a new Vice Chair.
Item 5b
DATE: September 12, 2017
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Cheryl Jacobson, Assistant City Administrator
SUBJECT: Dakota County Comprehensive Plan Update—Natural Systems Plan
Background
The Dakota County Office of Planning held a citizen advisory focus group seeking input
regarding natural resources and park needs over the next two decades. The discussion was
held as part of the Dakota County Comprehensive Plan update process and took place on
August 24.
Chair Hinderscheid attended the meeting and will provide a summary/update of the meeting.
Item 5c
DATE: September 12, 2017
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Ryan Ruzek, Public Works Director
SUBJECT: Rogers Avenue Right‐of‐Way Vacation
Background
Rogers Avenue, south of Wagon Wheel Trail, was platted in 1929 as part of the Caroline’s Lake
View plat as recorded in Dakota County, Minnesota. The platted right‐of‐way is not serving any
sub‐dividable parcels and is not in the best interest of the city to retain.
Staff received a petition to vacate Rogers Avenue east of Lot 16, 954 Wagon Wheel Trail, in said
Caroline’s Lake View plat. The plat dedicated 30 feet of right‐of‐way to the city. The adjacent
property, 940 Wagon Wheel Trail, also dedicated an additional 30 feet of right‐of‐way creating
the 60 foot corridor named Rogers Avenue.
Staff is proposing that the abutting owners dedicate a 20 feet wide easement for any future
drainage and utility purposes or existing private utilities. This dedication is a standard
requirement for any new plats.
A public hearing to consider the vacation of such right‐of‐way has been scheduled for the
September 19, 2017 City Council meeting.
Item 5d
Item 5d
TitleMeeting Date Topic ParkScheduleEst. Cost Funding Source StatusMotion7/8/2013 Replace the warming houseFriendly Hills 2017$41,000 Special Parks In processMotion7/8/2013 Replace the warming houseWentworth 2019$41,000 Special Parks Larger space for ADAProject6/10/2014 Resurface tennis courtsWentworth 2018‐was 2019$15,000 Special Parks May be done as a maintenance jobProject6/10/2014 Resurface tennis courtsFriendly Hills 2019‐was 2018$15,000 Special Parks May be done as a maintenance jobAction6/10/2014 Have vendor maintain park flower beds and landscaping at the Par 3All ParksTBDTBD Special Parks Staff will research spring of 2017 and consider pollinator friendly plantsProject 11/9/2014 Build new trail on Dodd Rd, Market to Marie Ave and Marie to DelewareN/A2018$292,000 TBDTo be coordinated with work by county on Dodd rehabilitation in 2018. Pursuing grant money from Met CouncilAction 2/10/2015 Starting 2020, 1% of levy will go to special park fund (approx. $65,000)N/A2020Special Parks For 5 yrs.1% of levy will pay for City's share of W St. Paul Arena ‐May 2017 per City Mgr, may renew Park related leviesNote2/10/2015 City inclined to wait on any major projects until payments for Par 3 land are finished ($225,000 per yr)N/A2023Action1/12/2016 Get repair cost quote for hockey rink lightingWentworth 2018$35,000 Special Parks Cost for new lights estimated to be $35,000Action10/17/2016 Clean basketball surfacesMultiple Parks Spring 2017TBD TBDSloan to see if city would do this or we ask for volunteersMotion12/13/2017 Update art on display at City HallN/A2017N/A N/ASloan to discuss with local schoolsMotion2/14/2017 Make MAHA requested improvments at the ballfieldVictoria Highlands Spring 2017$18,000 Special Parks Cost does not include upgrading the backstopMotion2/14/2017 Apply for archery range grantFriendly Marsh Spring 2017TBD Special Parks High end est would include parkingAction5/9/2017 Research cost of larger gate at dog park Dog Park N/ATBD Special Parks Allows use of larger mower & more frequent mowingAction5/9/2017 Discuss updating the Natural Resource Plan and creating a commissionAll ParksAction 6/13/2017 For July meeting, evaluate items to be considered for the CIPAll ParksN/ATBD TBDLighting Friendly Hls/Wentworth, warming house WentworthAction6/13/2017 Review current Natural Resource PlanAll ParksN/AN/A N/ASloan will provide to commissionersAction6/13/2017 Get rough estimates for tennis court resurfacing at Marie/Friendly Hills. Invite public to upcoming meeting to discuss f iMarie / Friendly HillsTBD TBD Special Parks Estimates will be for traditional and sport court and doing one court or doing both courts for potential cost savingsAction6/13/2017 Disc golf at the Par 3 during winter monthSloan will get cost estimates on this. Action7/11/2017 Invite Ryan Ruzek, Public Works Director, to next meetingDiscuss EAB, Natural Resource Plan, playground inspections, Rogers Lake, etc. Action7/11/2017 Invite MHAA Executive Dir to next meetingDiscuss planning/budgeting, overview of org, communication protocol, funding, dugouts, storage, etc. Action 7/11/2017 Invite Landscape Structures to next meetingInquire about new playground features, keep in mind ADAMotion7/11/2017 Recommend adding an annual reoccurring line item of $50,000 to the budgetAll ParksTBDSpecial Parks Funds will be earmarked for playground enhancements (include skate park?)Motion8/8/2017 Rebuild tennis courts with an asphalt surfaceMarieSpring 2018$65,000 Special ParksMotion8/8/2017 Install new hockey rink lightsFriendly HillsFall 2017$35,000 Special ParksSpecial Park Fund $650,000.00$265,000.00Par 3 Fund$67,000.00Expenses2017201820192020$94,000.00 $115,000.00 $56,000.00Balance$556,000.00 $441,000.00 $385,000.00Park & Recreation Activity LogItem 6a
DATE: September 12, 2017
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Cheryl Jacobson, Assistant City Administrator
SUBJECT: Par 3 Update
Golf Leagues. The majority of leagues have wrapped up for the season. Despite a stormy night,
the women’s league finished up on August 16 with play and the year‐end banquet. The women’s
league is a city sponsored league and this year there were 88 registered players.
Junior league finished on September 1. The junior league includes players ranging in ages from
6 to 15. There were 140 participants in the junior league this year.
The two Tuesday night leagues wrapped up on August 31. These are both non‐city sponsored
leagues, and participants “pay for play”. On average there were XX participants in these leagues
each week.
Golf Camps. A number of golf camps were held throughout the month of August. In total there
were 45 participants, ranging in ages from 7 to 12.
Course Maintenance. Spraying of the course is planned to take place the weekend of September
9.The course will be closed for maintenance on September 25 and 26. This will allow crews to
aerate the greens and perform other grounds and turf maintenance.
Over the past couple of weeks, staff have worked on repairing and replacing footgolf hole cups.
Some of the cup rings were in need of replacing due to cracking and general wear and tear and a
few were needing to be re‐dug.
Item 6b
DATE: September 12, 2017
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Cheryl Jacobson, Assistant City Administrator
SUBJECT: Recreation Update
Marie Park Tennis Courts. The City Council approved the Commission’s recommendation to
renovate the Marie Park tennis courts with installation of new asphalt. The next steps in the
process will be to complete the design work, develop specifications and construction documents
and bid the project. Construction would then take place next year.
Skateboard Park. During the August meeting a discussion regarding the state of the Skate Park
took place and Commissioners expressed interest in considering the renovation needs of the
Park. I have been in contact with Mark Rodriguez of Third Lair regarding improvement
recommendations.
Third Lair is our partner in offering skateboard camps and is familiar with our park. Mr. Rodriguez
does provide consulting and advises on park design and renovation. Unfortunately, Mr.
Rodriguez’s schedule didn’t allow time for him to review and assess our park and attend the
September 12 meeting for recommendations and discussion. If schedules permit, Mr. Rodriguez
will be invited to the October Commission meeting.
Field Trips. Staff is busy planning fall field trips for the MEA October break. The City, in
conjunction with the cities of South St. Paul and West St. Paul, will offer horseback riding at
Bunker Park Stables (October 19) and a trip to the Crayola Experience along with an afternoon of
swimming (October 18). Additional information and registration is available on the city’s website
or at city hall.
Recreation Program Coordinator Position Posting. The City Council approved revisions to the
Recreation Program Coordinator job description and the position posting is being put together.
It is expected that the posting will open around September 15.
Item 6c
DATE: September 12, 2017
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Cheryl Jacobson, Assistant City Administrator
SUBJECT: Natural Resources Update
Solar Panel Installation. Work continues on the installation of solar panels at city buildings.
Installation is complete at the Public Works and the Fire Station buildings. The Par 3 maintenance
building installation is planned for completion by the end of the month. Ground mounted solar
panels will be installed at City Hall in the open space west of the building.
Dakota County SWCD Landscaping for Clean Water Program. The Landscaping for Clean Water
program engages residential landowners to give them the skills and resources they need to
improve water quality in their community by landscaping for clean water. Attached is the 2016
Dakota County SWCD Landscaping for Clean Water Program Summary.
Item 6d
4100 220th Street W, Suite 102, Farmington, MN 55024 Tel: (651) 480-7777 Fax: (651) 480-7775 www.dakotacountyswcd.org
2016 Dakota County SWCD2016 Dakota County SWCD
Landscaping for Clean Landscaping for Clean
Water Program SummaryWater Program Summary
PROGRAM FACTSHEET
2016 FINANCIAL
CONTRIBUTORS
PROGRAM & PROJECTS
IMPLEMENTED
February - November
2016
The program engages residential
landowners to give them the skills and
resources they need to improve water
quality in their communities by
‘Landscaping for Clean Water.’
39 Projects Installed
20 Design Courses 10 Introductory Workshops
54 Project Layouts
PARTNERS IN LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION
273 Dakota County residents participated in Introductory Workshops
118 Dakota County residents participated in Design Courses
100 Individual projects designed through Design Courses
54 Grant applications received for projects
54 Grant applications and projects approved for funding
39 Grants awarded for installed raingardens, shorelines or native gardens
Raingarden
Eagan -Inver
Grove Heights
Watershed Management
Organization
Item 6d
4100 220th Street W, Suite 102, Farmington, MN 55024 Tel: (651) 480-7777 Fax: (651) 480-7775 www.dakotacountyswcd.org Revised: 11/21/2014
Dakota CountyDakota County
2014 Blue Thumb Initiative2014 Blue Thumb Initiative
PROJECT FACTSHEET
2014 Financial
Contributors:
Completed:
July —November
2014
The Blue Thumb Program engages and
teaches residential landowners how they
can improve water quality in their
communities by “planting for clean water.”
2014 Program Summary:
XXX Dakota County residents participated in the Blue Thumb Planting for Clean
Water Introductory Workshops.
Xxx people designed xxx projects during the Design Courses.
Xxx grand applications were received and xxx were approved.
Xxx raingarden, shoreline, and native garden projects were installed.
XX Projects Installed
XX Design Courses XX Introductory Workshops
XX Projects Layouts
4100 220th Street W, Suite 102, Farmington, MN 55024 Tel: (651) 480-7777 Fax: (651) 480-7775 www.dakotacountyswcd.org
15
5
1
14
6
2
2
5
3
2
12
3
1
4
4
2
5
5
2
2016 Dakota County SWCD2016 Dakota County SWCD
Landscaping for Clean Landscaping for Clean
Water Program SummaryWater Program Summary
PROGRAM FACTSHEET
2016 PROGRAM SUMMARY BY CITY
The Landscaping for Clean Water program allows residents concerned for
water quality and wildlife habitat to not only learn about water resource
issues, but also positively impact them through the installation of a
raingarden, native garden, or native shoreline project. Below is a summary
of the 2016 participants and projects by city of residence:
52
25
6
1
87
26
9
1
1
43
13
6
1
9
5
1
5
2
1
Apple Valley
Workshop Participants
Projects Designed
Installed Raingardens
Installed Native Gardens
Burnsville
Workshop Participants
Projects Designed
Installed Raingardens
Installed Native Gardens
Shoreline Planting
Eagan
Workshop Participants
Projects Designed
Installed Raingardens
Shoreline Plantings
Farmington
Workshop Participants
Projects Designed
Installed Raingardens
Hastings
Workshop Participants
Projects Designed
Installed Raingarden
Inver Grove Heights
Workshop Participants
Projects Designed
Installed Raingarden
Lakeville
Workshop Participants
Projects Designed
Installed Raingardens
Shoreline Plantings
Mendota Heights
Workshop Participants
Projects Designed
Installed Raingarden
Rosemount
Workshop Participants
Projects Designed
Installed Raingardens
South Saint Paul
Workshop Participants
Projects Designed
Installed Native Garden
West Saint Paul
Workshop Participants
Projects Designed
Installed Raingardens
2016 PARTNERS
Cities:
Apple Valley
Burnsville
Eagan
Farmington
Hastings
Inver Grove Heights
Lakeville
Mendota Heights
South St. Paul
West St. Paul
County:
Dakota County
Farmington Library
Dakota County Parks
Department
Special Thank You:
Master Gardeners of
Dakota County
LANDSCAPING FOR
CLEAN WATER
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Workshop Participants
2007-2016 3,457
Projects Completed
2007-2016 378