2018-08-15 Parks and Rec Comm MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS, DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING
August 15, 2018
The August meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on
Wednesday, August 15, 2018, at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve.
1. Call to Order – Chair Pat Hinderscheid called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
2. Roll Call – The following Commissioners were present: Chair Pat Hinderscheid,
Commissioners Steve Goldade, Ira Kipp, Bob Klepperich, Stephanie Levine, and Nissa Tupper.
Commissioner David Miller was absent. Staff present: Recreation Program Coordinator
Meredith Lawrence, Assistant City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson and Public Works Director
Ryan Ruzek.
3. Approval of Agenda
The agenda was approved as presented.
4. Approval of Minutes from July 10, 2018
Motion Klepperich/second Tupper to approve the minutes of the July 10, 2018 Parks and
Recreation Commission meeting. AYES 6: NAYS 0: ABSENT 1 (Miller)
5. Unfinished and New Business
5.a Special Parks Funding
Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence reminded the Commission that this topic
was discussed briefly at the July 10, 2018 meeting. She turned this topic over to Chair
Hinderscheid as he had asked for additional discussion.
Chair Hinderscheid stated that, after reading the minutes from the last meeting and looking at
different projects that are going on, it seemed to him that there should be money coming into the
Special Parks Funds for a total projection of approximately $1.2M. The discussion the
Commission had was towards ongoing sustainable funding for the Special Park Funds. There
had been discussion about the hockey rink levy that was being contributed to. He asked if that
contribution had ended. Assistant City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson replied that the city has
one more year on that agreement; the last payment being in 2019 for approximately $80,000.
Chair Hinderscheid stated that this was one item that they had discussed being put into the
Special Parks Fund.
The second source that had been discussed was once the bonds for the golf course land were
paid off in 2023; approximately $225,000/year. Ms. Jacobson noted that this figure sounded
close.
Chair Hinderscheid then asked for the Commissioners thoughts on one of these being
recommended as a sustainable funding source.
Commissioner Levine noted that the $1.2M figure was a significant increase over what was last
heard. Ms. Jacobson replied that the $1.2M figure is the projected fund balance after the
projects that are being developed in 2018 have submitted their park dedication fees; Mendota
Heights Apartments, Orchard Heights Development, and Condon Court Development. This
would be without any expenditures. There are no other projected developments at this time;
however, there are lots in The Village that could potentially be developed down the road. The
Commission asked if there were any development plans for the Bourne site. The reply was not
at this time; however, fill may be brought in to make the site more level and usable.
Commissioner Levine suggested, given there is some projected income and given that the
bonds are not yet paid off, that this discussion be postponed for one year.
5.b Marie Park – Basketball Improvement
Chair Hinderscheid noted that he saw a young man at Ivy Hills Park playing basketball and
asked him if he would like for a second basketball hoop to be installed on the other end of the
court; which he replied, “That would be great.”
Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek explained that this topic was originally presented at the July
10, 2018 meeting; however, it was tabled due to having a commissioner with more basketball
interest being absent at that time. Staff received a quote to expand the current half-basketball
court at Marie Park to a full basketball court; adding 1,200 square feet of concrete surface. The
city then provided basketball hoops that would be installed by the same contractor. This same
contractor would then stripe the facility. The quote for this work was $11,700 for the expansion
of the basketball court, installation of the hoops, and the striping.
The standard hoops that the city has been installing are approximately $3,000 each. Adjustable
hoops could be made available at a cost of approximately $5,000 each. If the Commission was
to decide to move forward, the total estimated cost would be approximately $17,700 using the
city’s standard hoops. Using the adjustable hoops would bring that estimated cost to
approximately $21,700.
Mr. Ruzek shared photos of adjustable hoops submitted by Commissioner Goldade. Discussion
included the ease of adjusting the hoops, the difference between adding two baskets versus a
full court, and the accessibility of basketball to a variety of residents. Commissioner Goldade
expressed his appreciation for bringing this topic back when he was present and able to provide
commentary. However, when reading the minutes it seemed to him that there was not very
much interest in putting in a full basketball court at Marie Park. He brought it up as something to
be considered in the future, possibly at a different location, and quite possibly not even a full
court – just adding basketball hoops to a variety of parks within the city.
Chair Hinderscheid noted that in the survey responses received, the basketball hoop addition
was the one that received the second most votes. So there are other communication sources
supporting this; not just the commissioners. He also noted that Mendakota Park has two
baskets; and he suggested adding baskets to parks that already have space for a half -court,
such as Marie and Ivy Hills.
Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence noted that Marie Park is a good location
for a two-basket court as the one basket that is there is used quite frequently.
Motion Levine/second Klepperich to proceed with the improvement of the Marie Park Basketball
Court with the adjustable basketball hoops.
Commissioner Kipp commented that, in his experience, adjustable basketball hoops tend to rust
after a year or two and then are unusable in terms of adjusting the height. He suggested staff
look into an extended warranty. Mr. Ruzek replied that staff would purchase these adjustable
hoops from a local vendor rather than through the normal recreation catalog and hopefully
would be able to obtain better service.
Commissioner Levine expressed her appreciation to Commissioner Goldade for bringing this
topic to the Commission as this would make the area easier to flood for hockey in the winter and
there are a lot of people that play there in the summer months. She encouraged staff to keep
the size of the expanded court within the visual appeal of the park – keeping it in the context of
Marie Park.
Commissioner Levine also brought up the fact that the Pickleball Courts have not looked very
good all summer and the Commission may get some feedback or questions on why they are
adding a new feature to a park rather than spending the time and money on fixing or
maintaining what they already have. She encouraged the Commission and the city to fix the
Pickleball Courts on the interior of the ice rink; at least painting and cleaning. She feels very
strongly about taking care of the things that have already been built.
Chair Hinderscheid calledl for the vote AYES 6: NAYS 0: ABSENT 1 (Miller)
5.c Wentworth Park – Warming House
Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek explained that staff sought quotes to replace the existing
warming house at Wentworth Park with the city’s current standard warming house dimensions
(14’ x 22’). This proposed warming house would enlarge the existing footprint while also
providing ADA compliance. It would have a couple of closets for storage. This item was brought
to the City Council on August 7, 2018 where a suggestion was made to have a building with
plumbing north of Highway 110. Currently, the city has Mendakota and Kensington, which have
restrooms with plumbing.
Chair Hinderscheid asked, for clarity, if the $150,000-$200,000 figures were for the 30’ x 40’
structure. Mr. Ruzek replied that was correct; however, this would be a structure with block walls
and possibly a couple of storage areas and tables. The quotes submitted would be for the 14’ x
20’ structure constructed to city standards.
When questioned, Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence stated that the warming
house at Wentworth is very widely used and is showing wear and tear. There could be a use for
a storage room; a larger facility would be great for that. Running water would be nice; however,
she did not know if there was a use for a larger room. Bathrooms would definitely be beneficial
as there is a baseball field, the warming house, a pleasure rink, a basketball hoop, and tennis
court. It is also pretty well used by people on the trails. Matching the size of the city’s current
warming houses would be adequate; however, it would be nice to add a bathroom.
Discussions were had regarding additional maintenance costs for a larger facility, the need for
locks, cleaning, the cost of adding a bathroom/utilities, if comments had been received from
residents, the existence of portable bathrooms at Wentworth, if there would be any advantages
to having a bathroom facility in Wentworth (only if additional programming were added in the
park), a wiser place to install a bathroom, the possibility of adding bathrooms at a different time,
the need for lighting at Wentworth (as approved by the City Council), having bathroom facilities
making the park more welcoming and user-friendly, timeline, temporary but necessary
maintenance and improvements to get the existing warming house ready for winter, and
estimated costs for different options.
Motion Goldade/second Tupper to direct staff to initiate a process for an expanded use building
at Wentworth Park.
Mr. Ruzek explained that his follow-up to this motion would be to take this back to Council next
Tuesday (August 21, 2018) and then present the recommendation from the Commission and
look for some direction on how they would proceed. He also noted that looking at an expanded
building, staff would not be able to use the standard city specifications and blueprints; they will
also have architect fees incurred.
The recommendation to look for more of an expanded use facility that would include bathrooms.
Commissioner Levine raised her concerns about spending this amount of money on non-
playground equipment; however, she agreed with Commissioner Tupper. This Commission
needs to be careful because they do not have a lot of funds and they will be swallowed up by
bathrooms rather than splash pads or other park features.
Pat Hinderscheid called for the vote. AYES 5: NAYS 1 (Kipp): ABSENT 1 (Miller)
5.d Wentworth Park – Playground Equipment
Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek explained that he met with the three vendors that currently
supply playground equipment in city-owned parks:
Flagship Recreation
o Specializes in Landscape Structures equipment
o Currently installed at Wentworth Park, Ivy Hill, Valley, Victoria Highlands, Marie,
Mendakota, Valley View Heights, and Rogers Lake Park
o Proposal for the improvements - $87,547 not including site work (estimated to be
around $20,000)
Minnesota-Wisconsin Playground
o Specializes in GameTime equipment
o Currently installed at Hagstrom-King
o Proposal for the improvements is $89,951 including site work and removal of
existing equipment
Northland Recreation
o Specializes in Little Tykes equipment
o Currently installed at Marie, Friendly Hills, and Kensington Park
o Proposal for the improvements is $102,954 including site work and removal of
existing equipment
Mr. Ruzek shared renderings of each of the vendors equipment. He also noted that funding for
this project would come from the Special Parks Fund and the desire is to complete this in 2018.
Motion Goldade/second Kipp to direct staff to use Flagship Recreation / Landscape Structures
to make proposed changes to Wentworth Park, to be completed in 2018. If the 2018 timeline is
not doable, then this project should be brought back to the Commission for further review of
design options.
Commissioner Tupper stated that any of the three options would be great and all of the vendors
are reputable and would offer good options. However, she feels strongly that if they are going to
take out a structure from a park that they need to ask the residents what they are looking for.
People who use these parks probably have in mind ‘wouldn’t it be great if . . .’ For instance,
where she used to live, every time they do an upgrade to their parks the residents can opt in to
get project update emails. They would also have two or three open houses where they would
show these three designs and provide opportunity for conversation and feedback. She would
also like to see from the vendors some options that explore more creative uses of the space or
creative play.
Commissioner Levine echoed Commissioner Tupper’s comments. She also stated that one of
the reasons she joined the Parks & Rec Commission was that her park was re-done without any
knowledge or input from her; the park was zoned for a much younger use than what she would
have looked for. When Kensington was redone they actually did focus groups, they went to
Friendly Hills and to the park nearby and actually had kids voting on different features that they
wanted. It came out very different than what the vendor said was popular. She also believes that
taxpayer dollars that are spent on the parks should be communicated.
Commissioner Levine also stated that she had the opportunity to go down to Wentworth and
Hagstrom-King Park and talked to residents. She believed that the Commission was missing
opportunities with the structure of the park. She would like for the parks to be learning
experiences for kids as much as play experiences.
Chair Hinderscheid said that this is probably one of the biggest projects the Commission has
done in many years and he would like to feel confident that the right choices were being made.
Chair Hinderscheid called for a vote for the motion on the floor:
AYES 3 (Goldade/ Kipp/Klepperich): NAYS 3 (Levine / Tupper/ Hinderscheid): ABSENT 1
(Miller)
Discussion continued on how best to communicate this project to the public with Assistant City
Administrator Cheryl Jacobson stating that she could not commit to any time being available
from the Communications Coordinator to establish a focus group for this purpose right now.
Commissioner Levine shared how the focus group was created for the Kensington project she
mentioned previously. She suggested a sub-committee from the Commission be formed that
would be willing to do the legwork for these focus groups.
Commissioner Levine volunteered to head the sub-committee, Commissioners Goldade and
Tupper and Chair Hinderscheid agreed to be on the sub-committee.
Motion Goldade/second Tupper to create a Commissioner-led input group to help form work
around Wentworth and Hagstrom-King Park remodel, chaired by Commissioner Levine, to work
with the city’s preferred vendor of Flagship Recreation with some sort of summary report
presented at the Parks & Rec Commission’s regularly scheduled meeting in October 2018 or
November 2018. Commissioner Levine would be assisted by any commissioner that is willing.
AYES 6: NAYS 0: ABSENT 1 (Miller)
5.e Hagstrom-King Playground Equipment
Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek briefly reviewed additional information available for the
Hagstrom-King Playground equipment, which included a dedicated pickleball court and a
resurfaced basketball court.
Motion Hinderscheid that staff move forward with obtaining quotes for a four-court pickleball
court at Hagstrom-King Park.
Motion died for lack of a second
Extensive discussion included whether or not the city should have dedicated pickleball courts
and if so, where would be the best place for them. It was determined that dedicated pickleball
courts at Hagstrom-King did not have enough support; however, the option of expanding the
pickleball courts at the hockey rinks did.
Playground Equipment – see discussion and motion under Item 5.d
6. Reports
6.a Par 3 Update
Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence provided the Par 3 Update:
Is still up and running and doing well; had a couple of good months
Staff received approval from the City Council on July 17, 2018 to purchase a new rough
mower and debris-blower
o Good feedback from residents on the appearance of the course
o Staff time has decreased
June financial report was shared with the Commission; July report is not yet available
o June was favorable
o Number of rounds was good
o Still at a loss of approximately $2,000
Lot of one-time expenses this year
The course hosted the Minnesota PGA Junior Golf ‘Sota Series Minny Tour’ on August
2, 2018
o 55 youth participants were involved
6.b Recreation Updates
Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence provided the Recreation Update:
Recreation programs are starting to slow down
Really great numbers this year (exact numbers to come in the future)
Summer Concert Series is still going; two remaining events
o Wednesday, August 22 – Kids Dance, 6:30 p.m.
o Saturday, September 22 – Movie in the Park, 7:00 p.m. (Movie TBD)
Movie choices are “Sing”, “Moana”, and “Coco”
Mendota Heights 18U USTA tennis team won the local Area’s tournament and qualified
for the sectional tournament at the UofM; the team placed in the top 16
Gymnastics will be provided again; program to open in September 2018
There will be two fall field trips
o October 18, 2018 – Bunker Hills Stables to ride horses, tour the barn, and attend
a hayride
o October 19, 2018 – Flyover America and Gameworks at the MOA
Staff is partnering with TriDistrict Community Education to offer an afternoon of magic,
music, and fun. Registration available on the TriDistrict Community Education’s website
Another new event is the Superhero Masquerade on Sunday, November 11, 2018 from
3:00 – 5:00 pm at Thompson Country Park-Dakota Lodge
The Fishing Derby took place on July 22, 2018 at Rogers Lake with approximately 45
kids participating
6.c Commissioner Park Updates
Commissioner Tupper had no park updates
Commissioner Levine expressed her appreciation to staff for the wood chips they installed
making the park look very fresh.
Chair Hinderscheid noted that the dog park appears to have been mowed recently and is
looking very nice; they even did the perimeter on the outside of the fence making it more
attractive. Some residents have brought in chairs. It was nice that the sump pump draining
across the trail at Ivy Hill has been repaired. The new mulch also makes it look much more
attractive.
Chair Hinderscheid asked for an update on the Level 1 issues with the inspections. Public
Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that they have not necessarily been itemized and checked
off; however, staff is working through the process. None of the parks are in any kind of condition
where they need to be boarded up.
Commissioner Klepperich expressed his appreciation to the Mendota Heights Athletic
Association for the wonderful job they did with the baseball program. Two of the Mendota
Heights teams were state champions.
Commissioner Kipp commented that the park is looking very nice. It is very heavily used and
sometimes there is no place to park. However, he had a concern; as the city builds up on the
southwestern side, along Highway 55, with hundreds of more residents going into the new
apartments, he asked that staff provide an idea of whether or not there are enough parks on
that side of the city to provide for those new residents.
Commissioner Goldade had no park updates.
6.d Park Improvements and Natural Resources Update
Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek provided the following updates:
Natural Resources Technician
Ms. Krista Spreiter was recommended and has accepted the position and is looking to start on
September 4, 2018.
Playground Safety Improvements
Playground wood fiber surfacing was blown in at all the playgrounds correcting a number of
safety concerns from the inspection report. The entrapment and protruding hazards still exist at
Wentworth Park, which would be eliminated with replacement of the equipment.
Wentworth Hockey Rink Lighting
City Council approved the replacement of the rink lights at Wentworth Park. The project was
awarded to Mid Northern Services for $51,300. Funding to come from the Special Parks Fund.
Marie Park Tennis Court
Bids for this project were opened on August 1, 2018. Council awarded the project to Bituminous
Roadways for $81,669.45. Staff anticipates receiving a grant of $20,000 from the USTA.
Funding for this project to come from the Special Parks Fund.
Parking Lot Striping
Hagstrom-King, Ivy Hill, Marie, Victoria Highlands, Par 3, and Kensington parking lots to be
striped this fall. Funding to come from the city reserve funds. The Valley Park parking lot is
undergoing repaving and striping to be included in the Marie Avenue project.
Traffic Safety Committee directed that the crosswalk on Mendota Heights Road at Hagstrom-
King be relocated to the west to line up with the parking lot. The pedestrian crossing signs are
proposed to be back-to-back on both sides of the road.
Rogers Lake and Mendakota to be done in the near future.
Marie Avenue Rehabilitation
Feasibility report was authorized at the City Council meeting of August 7, 2018. Consultant to
gather information and present a report to the Council in October. Alignment of the trail north of
Marie Avenue (Valley Park) has not been determined.
Bike Racks, Dog Park Picnic Table with Shade, and Market Square Tables
City Council approved these purchases; shipping estimated to exceed 6 weeks with anticipated
delivery in late August. Staff will coordinate installation.
7. Announcements and Commission Comments
There were no further announcements from staff.
Commissioner Goldade expressed his appreciation to staff for all of their work; the parks are
looking great. He reiterated the announcement made earlier about Kidsdance, they performed
at the elementary school and he noted that the children will enjoy this event.
Commissioner Goldade apologized for not looking at the space at Wentworth Park before
discussion of selling the park land. He did have a chance in the last two weeks to see it and it
would have impacted his approach to that issue a little differently.
He is back on Facebook and looks forward to everyone’s posting. He also reminded everyone
that a fifth Frisbee Golf basket at Mendota Elementary School has been installed. He is also
excited to hear about the Natural Resource Technician.
Commissioner Kipp expressed his appreciation to staff for all of their excellent work and
research they do.
Commissioner Klepperich echoed the same comments about the support the commission
receives from staff on a very consistent basis. Special kudos to Mr. Ruzek as he did a lot of
heavy lifting at this meeting.
Commissioner Levine encouraged everyone to check the city’s website for upcoming meetings
where they can have input on the playground equipment for Wentworth and Hagstrom-King.
Commissioner Tupper echoed a lot of the comments; she appreciated all of the research that
goes into prepping these meetings; she is excited on the different ways to engage residents and
get more ownership of the parks; she loves the idea of the Superhero Masquerade, the fall
gatherings, and the family parties. She is also very excited for the Natural Resource Technician.
Chair Hinderscheid expressed his appreciation to everyone in attendance from the city and all of
the hard work they do; the Public Works Department that keeps the parks looking very nice. He
also expressed appreciation to all of the volunteers that helped at the Par 3 event. He is very
excited about some of the different projects that the commission is working on right now.
8. Adjourn
Motion Goldade/Second Klepperich to adjourn the meeting at 8:51 PM
AYES 6: NAYS 0: ABSENT 1
Minutes Taken By:
C. Darlene Oehlke
Independent Contractor