2017-10-10 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda PacketCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Tuesday, October 10, 2017‐ 6:30 P.M.
Mendota Heights City Hall—City Council Chambers
AGENDA
1.Call to Order
2.Roll Call
a.Introduction of Nissa Tupper
3.Approval of Agenda
4.Approval Of Minutes
a.Approval of Minutes from September 12, 2017 Regular Meeting
5.Unfinished and New Business
a.Emerald Ash Borer Policy Discussion
b.Ivy Hills Park‐‐ Pond Dredging and Drainage Improvements
c.Parks, Recreation and Programming
i. Pickleball Courts
6.Reports
a.Parks and Recreation Commission Activity Report
b.Par 3 Update
c.Parks and Recreation 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
September 12, 2017
The September meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on
Tuesday, September 12, 2017, at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve.
1.Call to Order‐‐Chair Pat Hinderschied called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
2.Roll Call‐‐The following Commissioners were present: Chair Par Hinderscheid,
Commissioners Ira Kipp, Steve Goldade, David Miller, Bob Klepperich, and Stephanie Levine.
Also present was Student Representative Claire Dunham. Staff present: Assistant City
Administrator Cheryl Jacobson, Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek, and City Administrator
Mark McNeill.
Absent: Student Representative Miles Bowen.
3.Approval of Agenda
The agenda was approved as presented
4.Approval of Minutes from August 8th, 2017
Motion Levine/second Klepperich to approve the minutes of the August 8, 2017 Parks and
Recreation Commission meeting. AYES 6: NAYS 0
5.Unfinished and New Business
5.a Informational Presentation‐‐MHAA
Mendota Heights Athletic Association Executive Director John Masica presented an update on
the MHAA operation. He said that, as a private organization, finances were best discussed at
a MHAA meeting. In response to a question from Chair Hinderscheid, he did acknowledge
that at one time, the City did make financial contribution to the organization, but that ended
in 2015. The City does make a small contribution for the operation of T‐ball. Otherwise, he
said that 95% of the revenue is from registrations. The Annual Meeting is in January, when
financials will be discussed in more detail.
He made a Power Point presentation, noting that it had begun in Eagan in 1960, and changed
its name to the present one in 1995. It serves ages 3‐15, and is all volunteer. He is the only
paid employee. There are 450 volunteers as coaches and assistants who make the
organization work. Soccer is the largest program, with 772. Registrations are increasing at 8
to 10% annually.
He said needs included:
Additional field space, including upgrades and maintenance
Lacrosse fields
Additional gym space
Item 4a
More volunteers
Commissioner Goldade asked for a prioritized list of parks’ needs.
5.b Resignation of Commissioner Michael Toth/Election of Vice Chair
Ms. Jacobson reported that the City Council had appointed Michael Toth to a vacancy on the
Planning Commission, and, as a result, he has had to resign from his position on the Parks and
Recreation Commission. The Council has authorized an advertisement to be made to fill the
position.
In the meantime, a new vice–chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission will have to be
determined, as Mr.Toth held that office. Discussion followed regarding Commissioner
Goldade to serve in that capacity. Commissioner Miller was also asked about his interest in
the position, but he declined to be considered.
Motion Levine/second Klepperich to nominate Commissioner Goldade to serve as Vice Chair
through February, 2018. AYES 6: NAYS 0
5.c Dakota County Comprehensive Plan Update
A presentation was given regarding the County’s Comprehensive Plan update, including the
Natural Systems plan.
No action was taken.
5.d Rogers Avenue Right of Way Vacation
Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek presented information about a petition for the vacation of
an unused street right of way south of Wagon Wheel Trail west of the “S” curve. He said the
Public Hearing for this is October 17th. The item was on the agenda so that the Commission
could provide comments.
He said that the right of way had never been developed. Questions were asked about any
benefits of the vacation, and whether it could be used for fishing access. Mr. Ruzek noted it
would reduce the City’s liability for tree maintenance, and that due to problems with access,
the recommendation of staff was for the vacation to take place. He said that anyone is
welcome to speak at the Public Hearing.
5.e Roger Lake
Mr. Ruzek said that the meeting between the Rogers Lake HOA and the DNR had not yet been
scheduled. Commissioner Kipp recommended that more than one bench be placed on shore,
and on the fishing pier, for people to sit. He further stated that the lack of a place for people
to dispose of fireplace ashes properly caused phosphorus to leach into the lake.
5.f Parks, Recreation, and Programming
Shuffleboard‐‐Commissioner Kipp asked that people who might be interested in more
shuffleboard opportunities to call City Hall to let their feelings be known.
Basketball at Marie Park Hockey Rink—Commissioner Goldade asked for a bigger discussion
on how to provide basketball in the parks. Chair Hinderscheid asked staff to investigate what
it would cost to set up a basketball facility with two hoops, and whether a second hoop could
be added in areas with a single hop currently? He said that Ivy Falls has a lot of space.
Market Square Picnic Area—Staff reported that a local resident had asked for picnic facilities
to be added to Market Square Park. Mr. Ruzek reported that while it is a City Park, the
developer of the Village (RMF Group) is responsible for maintenance. He said that the RMF
group is undergoing some reorganization changes now, and therefore any improvements at
that park would need to go through the City.
No action was taken.
6. Reports
6.a Park and Recreation Commission Activity Report
Chair Hinderschied reviewed the log of action items. Items noted included:
Master gardeners had provided information to staff about landscaping at the Par 3
The Dodd Road Trail study is now “on the shelf”, and no further action is being
pursued
Discussed adding 1% funding to future City levies for when the hockey debt is retired
Status of school art in City Hall. Ms. Jacobson will check the status
A grant is needed for an archery range; Commissioner Kipp felt it should be pursued
Dog Park gate for a larger mower to access is needed. Mr. Ruzek will follow‐up on its
status with John Boland of Public Works.
Natural Resources to be discussed at October Commission meeting.
Marie Park Tennis Improvements to be design for installation in Spring, 2018.
Playground inspections done as observed by Public Works, or when reported by
member of the public. Invite Landscape Structures to next meeting; let them know
the time limit will be 15‐20 minutes.
Commission desires an annual $50,000 in budget for parks improvements
6.b Par 3 Update
Ms. Jacobson provided on update on the facility. She reported on use by the Women’s and
junior leagues, and golf camps. She said that Meredith Lawrence has been providing much
needed help during the vacancy of the Recreation Coordinator position. Ms. Jacobson
reported that she will have the financial reports for the Commission at the next month’s
Commission meeting.
6.c Recreation Updates
Ms. Jacobson states that the Recreation Coordinator position will be posted later that week.
She updated the Commission on the skate park, and upcoming MEA week field trips.
Chair Hinderschied asked about weeds which existed in the play areas of the park. Mr. Ruzek
said that he would check with Public Works. The Chair also asked whether it would be
possible to stripe the tennis courts for pickle ball; Ms. Lawrence felt that that might be
confusing to players.
7. Commission Comments
Several Commissioners expressed their appreciation to Mr. Toth for his service on the
commission.
Commissioner Goldade asked Student Rep Claire Dunham if she could get a group of high
schoolers together to discuss what they wanted from Mendota Heights parks. The Chair and
Vice Chair (and whatever other commissions were interested) could attend). He stated that
he would also like to see a family night at Par 3 in 2018.
Adjourn
Motion Kipp/Second Klepperich to adjourn the meeting at 8:34 PM
AYES 6: NAYS 0
Minutes Taken By:
Mark McNeill
City Administrator
DATE: October 10, 2017
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Cheryl Jacobson, Assistant City Administrator
SUBJECT: Emerald Ash Borer Policy Discussion
Staff will be available to answer questions about the City’s Emerald Ash Borer Policy.
Item 5a
CITY OF MENDTOA HEIGHTS
ASH TREE MANGEMENT POLICY
May 24, 2016
I. INTRODUCTION
The City of Mendota Heights has been identified by the Minnesota Department of
Agriculture as a municipality where infestation by the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is
confirmed.
II.OBJECTIVE
It is the goal of the City of Mendota Heights to maintain the aesthetic appeal of the City,
and to provide for safety concerns while addressing ash trees as they become infested.
III.ASH TREE INVENTORY ESTABLISHED
In August of 2015, The City completed an inventory of ash trees on property which is
owned by the City. These include ash trees in developed street Right-of-Way as well as
ash trees located within City owned park property. The inventory found more than 600
ash trees on City Rights-of-Way, and an additional approximately 70 ash trees in the
City’s parks.
IV.ASH TREES IN DEVELOPED CITY RIGHT-OF-WAY (BOULEVARD TREES)
To be consistent with past practices for tree removal within developed Right-of- Way
(boulevard trees), the City will remove ash trees within the boulevards as they show signs
of decline or die for any reason (EAB-related or not). These trees will not be replaced by
the City. If adjoining property owners wish to replace the removed tree, they are free to
do so by planting a replacement tree on the private side of the Right-of-Way line at their
own expense.
V. ASH TREES ON CITY OWNED PROPERTY (INCLUDING PARKS)
Ash trees located on City owned property (including established parks) will be managed
similarly to boulevard trees, except that ash trees located within the City parks will be
evaluated for replacement on a tree-by-tree basis. Those trees deemed valuable to the
park will be replaced with a non-ash species of tree in accordance with Section VI, as
funding permits.
VI.SPECIATION DIVERSITY
To prevent, or minimize the potential for future spread of disease or parasites among tree
species, the City will strive to the maximum extent practicable not to plant trees of the
same species within the same City-owned property (including parks). By varying the
speciation of trees, it becomes less likely that a parasitic-born disease will migrate from
tree to tree and impact all the tree coverage on a given piece of property.
VII. ASH TREES ON PRIVATE PROPERTY
The City will not require any actions of residents for the management of privately owned
ash trees beyond what is already adopted in City Code. Management of privately owned
ash trees shall be considered the same as any other privately owned landscape
management. The City will provide contacts and information about ash tree management
and the EAB from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to residents upon request.
VIII. POLICY INFORMATION
Information regarding the City’s Ash Tree Management Policy will be included on the
City’s website. An annual article will be placed in the City’s newsletter, the Heights
Highlights. Contact information for the City will be provided.
DATE: October 10, 2017
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Ryan Ruzek, P.E., Public Works Director
SUBJECT: Ivy Hill Park – Pond Dredging and Drainage Improvements
COMMENT:
BACKGROUND
Staff has received a number of calls regarding the pond in Ivy Hills Park having a sulfur odor. This
typically occurs when bacteria grows in a non‐oxygenated environment. Staff assessed the pond and
discovered that the lowest pond skimmer outlet is not functioning due to excessive sediment build up
in the pond. Public Works crews pumped the pond down multiple times this summer to allow oxygen
to reach the sediment.
City staff also met to discuss potential improvements to a low area near the parking lot that has been
consistently wet and suffocating surrounding trees.
DISCUSSION
Staff met with a consulting engineer for a potential dredging project. The pond is listed as a natural
wetland versus a storm water treatment pond which will require multiple permits to other agencies
(Minnesota Board of Water & Soil Resources (BWSR), Minnesota DNR, Dakota County SWCD, US Army
Corps and Lower Mississippi WMO). The first step in this process is to perform a wetland delineation
which needs to be completed prior to end of the growing season. A second step is to assess the
amount of sediment and test some of the material for potential contaminants. If the material is free of
contaminants it could be used to fill the low area near the parking lot. If contaminants are noted, the
fill would need to be disposed of in a landfill.
Staff is also seeking quotes for extending a storm sewer. The city currently has a utility contractor in
town whom could perform this service.
BUDGET IMPACT
The Dredging of the pond would be paid for through the Storm Water Utility Fund. The city currently
has $80,000 budgeted for pond maintenance. A storm sewer extension is estimated to cost around
$20,000.
ACTION REQUIRED
Staff is seeking comments regarding the potential projects which will be presented to City Council if
supported.
Item 5b
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130'23'35.8'16'Ivy Hills Park City ofMendotaHeights0150
SCALE IN FEET
GIS Map Disclaimer:This data is for informational purposes only and should not be substituted for a true title search, property appraisal, plat,survey, or for zoning verification. The City of Mendota Heights assumes no legal responsibility for the information containedin this data. The City of Mendota Heights, or any other entity from which data was obtained, assumes no liability for any errorsor omissions herein. If discrepancies are found, please contact the City of Mendota Heights.
Contact "Gopher State One Call" at 651-454-0002 for utility locations, 48 hours prior to any excavation.
10/6/2017
Low/soggy areaFill with dredged material orextend storm sewer
Dred ge Pond
DATE: October 3, 2017
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Cheryl Jacobson, Assistant City Administrator
SUBJECT: Par 3 Update
Course Maintenance. Par 3 Maintenance and Clubhouse staff were able to complete much of
the aeration of the course on September 25 and 26, as planned. The rainy weather hampered
efforts somewhat and the project was completed fully on the 27th.
Staff is working with city Master Gardeners to clean up the plantings on the south side of the club
house. Fall clean up incudes removing invasive bushes and buckthorn, trimming and pruning of
plants, removing overgrown and poorly placed bushes near the clubhouse, spraying of weeds
and grass in the beds, and spraying of the rain garden near hole one.
Course Hours and Fall Rates. As the season changes so to do the hours and the rates at the
course. Beginning October 1, the course will be open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Fall
rates are also in effect—golfers can now play a round of golf for $8.00 Monday through Friday
and $10.00 on the weekends.
The planned closing date is scheduled for October 31 and winterization of the course will be
completed in the first couple weeks of November. Staff will work with one of our leagues to
host their annual die hard tournament the first weekend in November. The lease agreement on
the gas carts runs through the end of October. Carts will be returned November 1.
Course Utilization. With shorter daylight hours and kids back in school, use of the course has
dropped significantly. The number of golf greens fees recorded for the month of September
totaled 650 up 16% over September 2016 but down 38% from August.
Item 6b
DATE: October 10, 2017
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Cheryl Jacobson, Assistant City Administrator
SUBJECT: Parks and Recreation Update
Landscape Structures and Flagship Recreation. The general presentation that was originally
planned for this month’s meeting by Landscape Structures and Flagship Recreation has been
rescheduled to the November meeting.
Tunnel Ribbon Cutting. Mark your calendars and plan to attend the ribbon cutting for the new
tunnel on October 27 beginning at 11:30am. See flyer for details. Name the Tunnel Contest.
The City is asking for help in naming the new tunnel. Entries must be received at City Hall by
4:30pm on Monday, October 23. Suggestion may be submitted at City Hall or via email at
namethetunnel@mendota‐heights.com. See flyer for additional details.
Field Trips. MEA break is coming up October 18‐20. To keep kids busy over break, the City, along
with West St. Paul and South St. Paul, is sponsoring two field trips:
Crayola Experience and Swimming—Wednesday, October 18. Buses leave city hall at
9:15 am with the first stop being Crayola Experience at the Mall of America. From there, kids will
head to Central Square Community Center in South St. Paul for an afternoon of swimming. Buses
return to city hall at 4:00pm. Cost is $25. Kids must be seven (7) years of age or older.
Bunker Hills Stable—Thursday, October 19. Buses leave city hall at 8:30 am for Bunker
Hills Stable for a day of horseback riding, a hay ride and campfire. Buses return to city hall at
3:00pm. The cost is $45. Kids must be eight (8) or older and at least 52” tall.
Additional information is available on the City’s website www.mendota‐heights.com
Bench Dedication Program. At the last Commission meeting the bench dedication program was
discussed briefly. Attached for reference is the Park Bench Dedication Policy.
Item 6c
Recreation Program Coordinator Position Posting. The posting for the Recreation Program
Coordinator position closed on October 2. Applications have been rated and the candidate pool
has been created. Staff will be conducting first round interviews later the week of October 9th.
Shuffleboard. At the September meeting, community members were asked to call city hall if
they were interested in seeing shuffleboard courts being added to city parks. Staff has not
received any calls at this time.
Marie Park Tennis Courts. Staff wrote and will be submitting a grant application to the US Tennis
Association (USTA) for the renovation of the Marie Park tennis courts. The USTA offers up to
50% of total project costs (maximum of $20,000) in the form of a matching grant for existing
facility reconstruction. This is a competitive process.
new tunnel
FOR PEDESTRIANS & CYCLISTS
OF A
– Attend a concert –
– Grab dinner –
– Bike or hike home –
You’re invited to the opening…
Walk, bike,
skate, roll
or jog the
new trail.
Come and celebrate
October 27
11:30 am: Ribbon Cutting
Trail on the north side of
Hwy 110, near The Village
at Mendota Heights
MendotaHeights
But it needs a name!
The City of Mendota Heights is asking
for your help in suggesting a fun and
creative label for the tunnel—one that
can be referred to informally by our
community to identify this important
connector. Please—no names that are
memorial, political, or “in honor of…”
The new pedestrian tunnel under
Highway 110 provides a safe connection
for walkers, runners, and cyclists
between The Village at Mendota
Heights and the Mendota Plaza. It is
also a connection for the regional
Dakota County Greenway Trail system.
A panel of judges will determine the winner, whose name will be announced at the grand
opening ceremony. The winner will receive two restaurant gift certificates totaling $100,
plus four rounds of golf or foot golf at the Mendota Heights Par 3 golf course.
Help Name the New Pedestrian Tunnel Under Highway 110
Entries must be received at City Hall by 4:30 pm Monday, October 23rd, 2017
Submit entries in writing to: Name the Tunnel Contest
Mendota Heights City Hall
1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, MN 55118
or electronically to namethetunnel@mendota-heights.com
Include your name, telephone, or e-mail address.
Join us for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
at 11:30 a.m. on October 27th, 2017
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, Minnesota 55118
PARK BENCH DONATION PROGRAM
From time to time, citizens may wish to memorialize friends or relatives through
the donation of a Park Bench to the City’s Parks and Trail System
The process for memorialization will be as follows:
1) Minimum donation required, per bench, shall be $750.00 (Subject to
yearly review)
2) Bench may be placed throughout the Mendota Heights Parks and Trail
System with the recommendation of the Parks and Recreation
Commission
3) Recognition or memorial plaque will be attached to back of approved
standard bench design
4) Text of memorial plaque shall be approved by the City
5) Cost of the recognition or memorial plaque will be included within the
donated amount
6) Minnesota Statue requires all donations to be officially accepted by the
City Council
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Mendota Heights this
18th day of December 2001
Attest: City Council
City of Mendota Heights
By:_______________________________ By:______________________
Kathleen Swanson, City Clerk John J. Huber, Mayor
PARK BENCH DONATION FORM
DATE: ________________________________
NAME: _______________________________________________________
ADDRESS: ____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
PHONE: ______________________________________________________
I would like to make a contribution of $750.00 to the City of Mendota Heights
(include donation with this application) for installation of a Park Bench at the
following location:
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
I would like the following message placed on the recognition / memorial
plaque attached to the back of the bench: (Plaque area is 2" by 10")
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
I understand that the desired bench location and text of the recognition /
memorial plaque must be reviewed and approved by the Park and Recreation
Commission.
_________________________________________________________
SIGNATURE