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2008-04-08 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda PacketCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA AGENDA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Tuesday, April 8, 2008 - 6:30 P.M. City Council Chambers 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of March 11, 2008, Minutes 4. Recreation Programmers Report (Available Tuesday) 5. Status of Special Park Fund (Verbal Update on Tuesday) 6. Mn/DOT Community Roadside Landscaping Partnership Program 7. Comprehensive Plan Update - Parks Plan 8. Commission Comments 9. 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. Draft CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING March 11, 2008 The March 2008 meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, March 11, 2008, in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 P.M. The following Commissioners were present: Paul Portz, Larry Craighead, Tom Kraus, Michael Toth, Maureen Brackey and Liz O'Brien. Absent was Commissioner Ray Morris. Staff present were Guy Kullander, Parks Operations and Project Coordinator, Jake Sedlacek, Assistant to the City Administrator, Teresa Gangelhoff, Recreation Programmer, and Nancy Bauer, Recording Secretary. MINUTES: The minutes were approved with one change to Commissioner Kraus' time on the Parks and Recreation Commission. Commissioner Kraus made a motion to approve the minutes with the correction, seconded by Commissioner Brackey. AYES 6 NAYES 0 RECREATION PROGRAMMER'S REPORT Ms. Gangelhoff reported that the ice rinks have been open longer than she or Mr. Blum Parks Leadsperson from Public Works can remember. It was a really good season for ice. They were opened December 15th and closed on March 1St. March 2nd was a warm day and the ice rinks would have had to be reflooded to smooth out the ice. Kids could still use the rinks but the ice was bumpy after the warm day. Mr. Blum decided not to flood the rinks again. Commissioner Portz asked if the rinks were kept open as long as possible. Ms. Gangelhoff responded that they were kept open as long as the weather allowed. There are statistics in the report showing ice usage. The numbers are really good this year. The Marie ice rink was the most heavily used rink because of hockey. Ms. Gangelhoff continued that skating lessons were popular. Brochures listing youth trips, parks celebration, safety camp, golf programs, performances in the parks, skateboard camp, and spring tea went out to the schools on Monday. Page - 1 3/11/08 Draft UPDATES Pilot Knob Mr. Kullander reported that KSTP News did a news report on the Pilot Knob site on Friday, March 7t' on their 6:00 P.M. news about the cutting of timber for the bio -mass for District Energy. The City Council at their last Council meeting approved the grant with the DNR. It's the first grant awarded for bio -mass, where the DNR encourages the cutting of trees for restoration of the land to Oak Savannah. The City saved approximately $25,000 with the grant money, cost items that otherwise would have been included over several years in future restoration effort budgets. The grant covered the cutting and chipping of the trees. Phase I was 8.5 acres and purchased in December 2005. At the end of January of 2008, 15 acres was purchased from Acacia Cemetery. The phase I site has been going on for two years with buckthorn removed and plantings added. Work being done in phase II - three acres of trees were removed, two buildings removed, and prairie reestablished. Spotted Knapweed is bad on the site and needs to be removed. Burning does not get rid of the knapweed; it will be cut and sprayed. This is anticipated to take up to two years. An overlook will go in with seven stones. Trails, interpretative signage, and a parking lot will go in on the phase II site. The parking lot will go in by Acacia Blvd. for five or seven cars with a seasonal portable toilet. There will be a gathering space of Native American for ceremonies. The paths will be hard gravel and be handicap accessible. Commissioner Craighead asked if the parking lot would go in this summer. Mr. Kullander responded that it would not because it is where the knapweed is being removed and work will be done to get rid it. People visiting the site can park on Acacia Blvd. The street is wide enough for parking. Commissioner Portz commented that on the Pilot Knob site, 35 million of acres of land were signed for and it is good that the land is being dedicated and restored. With the State's 150"' celebration coming up is the Pilot Knob site being considered to hold an event? Mr. Kullander responded that Great River Greening is thinking about featuring the site as a destination event site during the Republican convention. You Are Here Signs Mr. Kullander reported that 30" to 40" signs are being made and put on posts to be installed in 10 or 12 park locations with a map of the City's parks and trails. The City Council approved $6,000 for this project. Public Works employees are fabricating the signs. The sign was designed by one of the Public Works employees. They will be installed this summer. If the signs are well received the Parks and Recreation Commission may ask for money to make and install more signs in the parks. Chair Portz asked Mr. Kullander to tell the new commissioners how the signs came into existence. Page - 2 3/11/08 Draft Mr. Kullander responded that former Chair Spicer identified the need for such signs in the mid 90's. He had a strong input into these signs. The signs will be put in the parks on concrete pads. Tennis Courts In 2006, Valley Park tennis courts were done with a sports court the for about $45,000. It was the Parks and Recreation Commission recommendation to do the other tennis courts with the sports tiles. The City Council wants to wait another year to see if they wanted to resurface the other courts with the sports tiles, so it was taken off the capital improvement plan for 2008 construction projects. Routine maintenance will be done on the other courts this year. Typically, one court, usually the one in the worst shape, will be resurfaced. The top coat is taken off, three or four leveling surfaces will be put in, and stripes painted on the court. This costs about $12,000. The other courts will have crack sealing and surface repair done. The money is budgeted in the parks maintenance budget for 2008. Rogers Lake Park Play rg ound Mr. Kullander said that the City Council approved the funding of $55,000 for improvements at the Rogers Lake Park playground. Half of the money is coming out of the Special Park Fund and the other half is coming from the Cell Tower Fund. The timbers and pea rock are being removed by Public Works. New synthetic timbers will be put in. The four swings will stay in place and the ship themed equipment will remain. A new type of playground component will be put in that features cables and tires that appeals to younger kids. Chair Portz asked who is supplying the equipment. Mr. Kullander said that Landscape Structures is supplying the equipment. Their equipment has been used in other parks and the equipment installed by this same firm in 1990 in most of our parks is still in good serviceable condition. There have been no problems with the equipment. Lacrosse/Soccer/Football field in Friendly Marsh Park The Parks and Recreation Commission put in the 2008 Capital Improvement Plan improvements for a multi use field for Lacrosse and Soccer fields in the Friendly Marsh Park at a cost of $80,000. The City Council wants the Parks and Recreation Commission to go slower on the project. There is neighborhood opposition and there are improvements being planned at the shopping center. The only access point is on Apache Street. With the redevelopment of the shopping center another access point could be planned. City Council thought the $80,000 was too low to do the improvements. The parking lot was planned to be gravel but does need to be paved to control storm runoff. If the project were to go ahead at this time, it would be in the $130,000 price range. There could be an access point off of South Plaza Drive between the senior housing and the bank. If the shopping center is redeveloped there will be a park dedication fee that could go towards the improvements of this park. This is the only park option left to develop a field in the City. Page - 3 3/11/08 Draft Trail Construction on Dodd Road Mr. Kullander stated that a long range goal is to get trails along Marie Avenue to Sibley High School, along Highway 110 and Dodd Road. That is the route the Sibley Track team goes for training and they have been running along the street next to traffic. The trail along Marie is in. The NURT trail along Highway 110 is in. There are some trails in as a part of Town Center. A trail is being proposed along the east side of Dodd Road to Marie Avenue to Maple Street. Another segment is being proposed on the west side of Dodd Road from Ridge Place to the trail that goes into Valley Park. This segment allows for a safe trail in the neighborhood to Valley Park. The City Council has authorized plans and specifications for these trails. We are in the process of getting the easements for these trails. Most of the homes are in favor of the trail and in agreement with the price for the easements. The cost for these trails is about $100,000. The City Council has designated Dodd Road as a State Aid Road and State Aid will pay for most of the project. Commissioner Craighead asked for clarification on the status of trails in Town Center, which Mr. Kullander provided. Trail Construction on Highway 13 Mr. Kullander reported that another project with the same funding is for a trail in the Opus Development. There was a trail put in as part of the project along Highway 13 from Wachtler Avenue and stopped at the NSP property. The new trail would be on the south side of Highway 13 beginning at the trail adjacent to the housing development to the bridge over Lilydale Road. We are working with three property owners to get easements. This would be funded with State Aid money also. We can't do both projects in the same year, so where we get the easements first will determine which trail we put in this year — the Dodd Road trail or the Highway 13 trail. Commissioner Portz reported that the Parks and Recreation Commission was involved in planning the green space in Town Center. Mr. Kullander responded that there is a little park in Town Center that is owned by the City. Annual Trail Maintenance and Mr. Kullander said there are street construction projects being planned by the Par 3, Callahan Place, and Kay/Walsh Avenues. Trails in these areas will be crack sealed this year and overlaid next year. Two or three miles of trails will be overlaid this year in addition to trail repairs at Valley tennis court. Facility Needs Study Mr. Kullander stated that in 1985, there was a Parks Recreation and Facility Needs Study done by a consulting firm evaluating all existing parks and what is needed for long range Page - 4 3/11/08 Draft development. This study resulted in the 1989 bond referendum for $2.7 million which resulted in Kensington Park, Mendakota Park, Sibley athletic fields, 12 to 15 miles of trails and other park improvements installed in 1990. The study has not been updated since then. The Parks and Recreation Commissioner have asked the City Council two or three times to consider hiring a consultant to update the study but the City Council has rejected the idea. He has asked City Council to put money in the budget for his time working on updating park maps. They did put money in the budget for his time spent on this project which is worked on as time allows. Commissioner Craighead asked if the map he was showing would be put in the "You Are Here" signs. Mr. Kullander said that it was a different map that could be printed out to the size of the sign. Another good thing in the facilities report was that it listed facilities at the schools such as Sibley and Visitation. It would tell you where the ice rinks or swimming pools are in the area. Invasive Plants Mr. Kullander responded that the City has again provided funding for the removal of buckthorn with $15,000 in the budget this year. Once the buckthorn is cut out it has to be sprayed for three or five years to get rid of the small new growth plants and seeds. Every park has been done in the City except for Valley Park. Valley Park is 90+ acres, at this budget level; it is a five or six year effort. Last year we used remaining funds to go along the trails 100-150 feet out along the trail to get rid of buckthorn. We will continue with this effort from Dodd Road and Highway 13 in Valley Park. If a resident whose property abuts park land asks for assistance with buckthorn removal they can pull the buckthorn and put it by the street and Public Works will pick it up and dispose of it. Block Grants Mr. Kullander reported that Dakota County Community Development Block Grant is a grant to remove handicap barriers in the parks. We put a proposal together in 2207, of 14 trails to connect them from the parking lotto a ball field in nine parks that when bids came in three times more than what we anticipated. The project did not proceed and it will be broken up into smaller projects for future bidding. Hagstrom-King Park Mr. Kullander said there was an open house last month for an outfield fence, backstop and warning track at Hagstrom-King Park. The City Council authorized this project. The cost will be split between the Special Park Fund and the Cell Tower Fund. These improvements will be done this year in early summer. Commissioner Kraus asked if the portable toilet would be moved to a different spot. Mr. Kullander responded that he has talked to Mr. Blum about this already and it will be moved. Page - 5 3/11/68 Draft Wachtler/Par 3/Valley Park Trail Connection Mr. Kullander stated that this trail is a project for the future. The neighborhood (south of Wachtler and Wentworth) has no trail access to Valley Park. It is proposed to build a 2,000 foot trail and is in the Capital Improvement Plan for 2010. It would be about $75,000 to $80,000 to construct. The trail would go south of Wachtler, along the golf course and to the Valley Park trail. No easements are needed because it is all City owned property. Commissioner Craighead recommended that staff also consider a trail going from the west end of the golf course west to the existing by trail (by the second bridge). Mr. Kullander said when a feasibility study is done for the proposed trail that any area where the worn trail is evident could be looked at for paving and determine if there is funding available. Chair Portz asked what the balance of the Special Park Fund is. Mr. Kullander responded that around December there was about $150,000 and it was anticipated to get another $150,000 in park dedication fees from the Opus Development. Some of the money from Opus may have come in. When they sell their units some money comes to the City. The other development where there was anticipated park dedication fees was the Augusta Shores development and that has been put on hold with the housing market being down. There are some small lot splits where the City receives $2,700 per house for a park dedication fee. A commercial development is 10% of the value of the property for park dedication fees. The park dedication fees goes in the Special Park Fund. Chair Portz asked Mr. Kullander if he is comfortable with the balance of funds going through the summer. Mr. Kullander responded that he was because of the tennis courts and Friendly Hills Marsh Park were not going forward and there should be no significant draw down from the fund. Commissioner Craighead said there is $76,000 of expenditures for 2008. Mr. Kullander said that $30,000 has been spent in 2007 for the playground equipment in Rogers Lake Park. Mr. Kullander continued that it is hard to pin down a number. There could be $150,000 to $200,000 in the Special Park Fund by December of this year. The City Council has approved half the funds from the Cell Tower Fund to finance a couple of the projects that are going forward. Chair Portz complimented Mr. Kullander on a good, complete report. MHAA UPDATE Mr. Sedlacek reported that he and Commissioner Brackey attended the annual meeting of the Mendota Heights Athletic Association on Monday night. Topics that were covered at the meeting were; gambling funds, basketball, baseball, and election of their officers. They serve Page - 6 3/11/08 Draft (roughly) 2,500 registrations for their programs. There were nine parents in attendance at the meeting. MHAA faces a lot of challenges. MHAA closed their office to reduce overhead costs. The City has not been communicating with MHAA and is looking for ways to communicate with them. MHAA is a great resource for the youth of the community. We have venues such as cable and the internet to be a resource for them. They are short of volunteers for some of their fundraising efforts. A fundraiser was mentioned at the Par 3 golf course. A rough idea is a $25.00 a head event with a hot dog stand in the parking lot on a Saturday morning to raise funds and awareness of their organization. More details will follow, but they may be looking for volunteers to hand out hot dogs along with some MHAA parents. Commissioner Brackey said she appreciated the opportunity to check in with MHAA and see what goes on. Hopefully, in the future we can collaborate with them and help serve the community. Chair Portz said he favors helping MHAA and wants to communicate with them. He remembered when they had their office by Tom Thumb. It was always packed full with equipment and asked what they decided to do about headquarters. Mr. Sedlacek responded that some stuff is at the water tower and in one parent's shed. Commissioner Toth asked if they were going to have an office by spring. Mr. Sedlacek responded that MHAA didn't anticipate it. MHAA asked if there was desk space at City Hall and there is literally no desk space at City Hall. There is some open office spaces in the City and maybe developers could be leaned on to provide temporary office space to MHAA.. An issue also for them is a computer and phone. Chair Portz asked if they had an executive director. Mr. Sedlacek responded that Amelia Olson is a staff person and not sure of her title. She manages the books, registrations and maintains the website. Chair Portz asked if she was paid. Mr. Sedlacek responded that MHAA has one paid staff person. Amelia Olson is a part time person. He asked if anyone was will to be a liaison to MHAA. The meeting is always the second week of the month. Maybe the duties could be alternated so there was someone from the Parks and Recreation Commission or staff person at the meeting. Commissioner Craighead said that in the past that someone from MHAA was asked to come in and talk to the Parks and Recreation Commission on a quarterly basis or semi-annually basis. A year or two ago someone did come in and talk about how many kids were in the programs. That was all we heard from them, other then them coming in and asking for a backstop or some other kind of issue. Page - 7 3/11/08 Draft Mr. Sedlacek said that seems like a simple solution to have someone from MHAA attend the Parks and Recreation Commission and report their numbers, problems, concerns and ideas. Commissioner Craighead asked how we can help — we need to hear what their problems are and to express ideas. Mr. Sedlacek said he didn't need a vote but asked if the Parks and Recreation Commission was in agreement with someone from MHAA coming to the Parks and Recreation Commission meetings and he would pose the question to Liz, the current chair or president of MHAA. Everyone was in agreement. Chair Portz said that it could be a two way thing. He liked Mr. Sedlacek's idea of going to the MHAA meetings and reporting back to the Parks and Recreation Commission. The idea is if they have a problem the Parks and Recreation Commission could possibly help. He was sorry to hear they lost their headquarters. His family's experiences with MHAA was great and it does take involvement. Commissioner O'Brien asked where MHAA meeting was. Commissioner Brackey responded that it was at City Hall and would be interested in alternating meetings. Commissioner O'Brien said they could alternate meetings with someone from the City going to their meeting and someone from MHAA going to the Parks and Recreation Meeting. Chair Portz said if we were going to their meetings we could suggest when it would be appropriate to come to a Parks and Recreation meeting. Mr. Sedlacek said the quarterly idea of Commissioner Craigheads's was a good idea. Commissioner Craighead said that in the past MHAA did come in to discuss their basketball program and other programs to talk about their needs and numbers. Mr. Sedlacek said he has direction from the Parks and Recreation Commission to go ahead. PAR 3 UPDATE Mr. Sedlacek reported that the conditional use permit has been approved for the improvements to the clubhouse. The expenditures have not been approved yet. If all goes well, the improvements could be done before the season starts this year. Jerry Murphy has verbally committed to doing maintenance at the Par 3, which is a huge win for this golf course. Contract details are still being worked out. Interviews are being done this week for a clubhouse manager. Registrations are rolling in for golf programs. The school of Visitation will be a new program this year at the Par 3. They have a golf club that will be using the golf course this spring. A tree contractor recommended by Mr. Murphy took down the trees by the clubhouse and cleaned up the Page - 8 3/11/08 Draft windbreak by the maintenance building for less than anticipated. Dick Spicer has agreed to head up a greens committee which will convene in late March. Chair Portz said it is great for Dick Spicer to be on the greens committee. He probably won't limit himself to just plants. He's very knowledgeable in tournaments and has a lot of contacts. He knows we have a limited budget and can probably get things going at the golf course. Mr. Sedlacek said he was hoping that the greens committee would also take on events at the golf course. Chair Portz asked if the Minnesota Junior tournament was played at the Par 3. That puts the golf course on the map. Mr. Sedlacek said that it was played at the Par 3 and hopes to see more events like that at the golf course. He also reported that there was not enough data to do a fee analysis. Is there an interest in forming a subcommittee to look at the fees? Doe we want the club house manager to look at the information? Do we want the green committee to look at it? Chair Portz said that he thought the club house manager or the green committee could look at data to determine if the fees should be raised next year. Commissioner Kraus said he would continue to look at the data but needs more information about league play. He has started to manipulate the data and is waiting for the rest but it could change the analysis. Recommendations should be made at to the kind of data collected. A better job should be done to collect the data this year and would provide information to make suggestions for fee changes next year. Mr. Sedlacek said that the percentage of seniors and kids playing is not known. General demographic information should be collected. Commissioner Kraus said some of the time data is pretty general, right now it is broken up between a.m. or p.m. There is a difference between noon and 4:00 in the afternoon. We need to find a balance for collecting data and not making it a chore for the clubhouse staff. He'll continue to look at the data that is available and willing to put forth suggestions for data to be collected. Chair Portz said the cash register just has a few buttons and a few employees are challenged by the machine. Keeping it simple is a good idea. Mr. Sedlacek said remember there was an issue between pop and beer being sold. We will have to be more proactive in training the staff. Commissioner Craighead said there should be discount for mornings, children or seniors. We could call the West St. Paul Par 3 golf course and see if they have discounts. Mr. Sedlacek said he has that information. Page - 9 3/11/08 Draft Chair Portz asked if Mendota Heights was cheaper than West. S. Paul. Mr. Sedlacek responded that Mendota Heights was. Commissioner Kraus and Mr. Sedlacek will continue to look at the data and give it to the greens committee to see what think of the data for fee changes. CHAIR TERM LIMITS Mr. Sedlacek reported that a few years ago, the City Council imposed term limits on all commission members. The Airport Relations Commission (ARC) chair term limit was looked at by the City Council on February 19th. ARC is a highly technical commission. Sometimes it takes nine years for the chair to grasp the airport issues. Mr. Sedlacek continued that while looking at ARC terms, Council also made a change to the Parks and Recreation Commission and Planning Commission terms. If someone is serving on a commission (any commission), is a chair, wishes to continue, are elected as chair, they are allowed to serve one more term. It would only be if they were elected chair of the commission. COMMISSION COMMENTS Chair Portz said it was a good meeting with good updates. Commissioner Craighead made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Kraus. AYES 6 NAYES 0 The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 P.M. Page - 10 3/11/08 City of Mendota Heights April 7th, 2008 Memo to: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Guy Kullander, Operations & Projects Coordinator Subject: Special Park Fund Status BACKGROUND: Last month the Commission requested an update at their April meeting of the current balance in the Special Park Fund. DISCUSSION: As of March 31, 2008 the current balance in the Special Park Fund is: $ 83,534.13 On March 27, 2008 Opus (The Summits) was invoiced for $117,516.85 in Park Dedication Fees. The remaining (unbilled) fees due from Opus in 2008 is $8,155.75. The fund recently received a donation of $402.47 and a recent lot split approved by Council will add $2,700.00. 1. Current balance $ 83,534.13 2. Opus (billed) $117,516.85 3. Donation $ 402.47 4. Dedication fee $ 2,700.00 Total, $ 204,153.45 Projects approved for completion in 2008 and other fund expenses: 1. Roger's Lake playground - 50 % of $58,000 = $ 29,000.00 2. Hagstrom-King fencing - 50% of $32,000 = $ 16,000.00 3. "You are Here Signs" ($3Kin2007) $ 3,000.00 4. Overhead & other expenses $ 10,000.00 Estimate of2008 S.P.F. costs $ 58,000.00 Projects proposed in 2009 in current "Park & Trail Five Year (2008 - 2012) Capital Improvement Plan" 1. Sun shelters @ Civic Center field $ 14,000.00 2. Friendly Hills Park playground replacement $ 30,000.00 (+ $30, 000 from Cell Tower fund) 3. Friendly Hills Park replace backstop $ 11,000.00 4. Resurface tennis court - (50% of $46,000) $ 23,000.00 (50% from Cell Tower fund) 5. Storage Bldg. for PW & MHAA $ 40,000.00 (Sp/it: SPF + City + MHAA + ?) 6. Overhead & other expenses $ 15,000.00 Estimateof2009S.P.F.costs $113,000.00 RECOMMENDATION Re -visit priority and scheduling of projects in Five Year Plan at May or June meeting prior to making a recommendation to Council regarding construction projects to be included in the 2009 City Budget (2009 Budget process June thruAugust/September). ACTION REQUIRED: Provide direction to staff. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMORANDUM Date: APRIL 8, 2008 To: PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION From: TERESA GANGELHOFF RE: MARCH/APRIL PARK AND RECREATION REPORT Safety Camp Plans are in place for thel r annual Safety Camp to be held August 12, 13, and 14th at Kaposia Park in South St. Paul. I will be meeting again with WSP and SSP Park and Rec departments and with SSP VFW to finalize this years plan. Micki and Ken from MHFD and Mario and Brian from MHPD are planning to volunteer as camp leaders again. Tennis Our instructor Tim Garvey and I have gone over plans for this year's tennis program, we hope to continue the same classes implementing a new teaching program from USTA call "Quick Staff'. We hope to try to increase the numbers in a few of the classes this year. We have also applied to the USTA for a Tennis Block Party to be held with our park celebration (as we have had the past 4 years). We hope to continue to "GROW TENNIS" in our community again this summer. Summer Playhouse (formerly called Imagination Station) We will again have the Summer Playhouse perform for us on Mondays at Marie and Friendly Hills Park for six weeks. Start date TBD (June) Program Brochure Summer brochure was delivered to schools in mid March. The information will go out again in May to the schools and delivered to homes in the May edition of Heights Highlites. Registrations for all summer programs are open. Youth Trips We took Spring Break Trips to Grand Slam/Rollerskating (16 kids attended) on March 18 and to the Water Park of America on Wed. March 19. (12 kids attended) I have met with WSP and SSP and we have our summer trips are in place and are listed in the summer brochure and May edition of the Heights Highlites. You can also find them on the city website at www.mendota-heights.com Park Celebration The Park Celebration is planned for June 7. 1 am currently securing all the activities for the day. I am going to have it run from noon to 3 pm at Mendakota. MHFD may be adding a street dance in the evening still TBD? I have not got full information on this event yet. New this year will be 3rd Lair on Fri. June 6. As a kick off event of the park celebration we will start at Rogers Lake Skate Park with a new competition series open to everyone. It will have a fee of 10.00 payable that day. It will be divided into several category's and abilities. Winners will receive a golden ticket to move on to the final competition Aug 8,9, 10 at 3rd Lair. This program will be traveling throughout the Twin Cities all summer and will start here in Mh. I am also working with the Village as they are looking at a music event on Friday June 6 with possibly a Taste of Mendota Heights again also. I may also be adding a movie in the park at the Village if it works out with the band times etc.. Performances in the Parks All performances are set and will reach a variety of age groups throughout the summer and many will co -inside with many of our summer events. The events planned so far are listed on the blue flyer and a complete list will be in the next edition of the HH and the May school flyer. Cliff Timm Memorial Fishina Derb Plans for the derby are in place and will be held Wednesday, July 16 at Rogers Lake. Registrations will start as soon as the Heights Highlites is delivered to MH homes in February. Dick and Larry will help again this year with weighing and measuring the fish since they are such pros at it and do a great job! Hooked on Fishing International program has ceased this year so I am trying to secure some other sponsors along with sending a letter to Cliff Timm's trust to help out again. Ace Hardware of IGH has committed to help also and will provide the kids with the bait. Golf Registrations are open and filling fast! We have many golf leagues, lessons and camps again at the Par 3. Camps were so popular last year we have added several more this summer. Softball I am planning for the same Tuesday and Thursday leagues. Men's D and Women's D on Tuesday and Men's over 30 league on Thursdays. All leagues are filled with 20 teams total. The leagues will start at the end of April at Mendakota. Managers meeting will be held this Thursday, April 10 at 6:30 at City Hall. Skateboard Camp in August I am planning to hold another Skateboard camp put on by 3`d Lair. They will come and run the camp for me. We had a good response last year so we are going to hold another summer camp that will run July 26 and August 1. Also we will hold the summer series with 3`d Lair on June 6 as described with the Park Celebration info. (Kick off to Park Celebration!) Generations Tea We will hold our first annual Tea inviting all Mothers, grandmothers, nieces, sisters, daughters and aunts to a tea at TPAC in WSP Senior Center. We will have entertainment, tea and finger sandwiches! Only $6.00. BYOTC=Bring your own tea cup! Simple Steps This popular walking program is back! You can sign up online now and log on your walking minutes The site is www.dakotacounty.us and search for Simple Steps. You will receive info on walking in Dakota County and motivational emails along with a free water bottle for joining. City of Mendota Heights MEMORANDUM April 4, 2008 Memo to: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Guy Kullander, Operations & Projects Coordinator Subject: Minnesota Department of Transportation - Community Roadside Landscaping Partnership Program BACKGROUND: Sue McDermott, Public Works Director/City Engineer has made preliminary contact with the Minnesota Department of Transportation seeking information regarding City participation in a "Community Roadside Landscaping Partnership Program". Under this program MnDOT provides design assistance and cost participation in landscape projects constructed on MnDOT Highway right - or -way. DISCUSSION: Mr. Todd Carroll, from MnDOT's Landscape Unit, has indicated he will attend the April or May Park Commission meeting to explain this program and discuss a possible project(s) along Highway 110 in Mendota Heights. RECOMMENDATION: After Mr. Carroll's presentation, if the Commission desires to support this type of effort, discuss possible areas along Highway 110 where the Commission determines landscape improvements would be beneficial to our residents. ACTION REQUIRED: If the Commission desires a landscape improvement project(s) along Highway 110, recommend to the City Council to authorize City staff to work with MnDOT to prepare a preliminary concept plan and cost estimate(s) for this project. Upon completion the proposed plan will be presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission for further consideration. Mn/DOT COMMUNITY ROADSIDE LANDSCAPING PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM (August 2007) The Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) is actively involved in roadside landscaping partnerships with communities and their volunteers. The Community Roadside Landscape Partnership Program offers communities technical and financial assistance to install and maintain landscape plantings on eligible state highway rights of way. The program goal is Roadside, Community and Environmental Enhancement. Through partnerships, Mn/DOT had fostered over 330 projects and $7 million dollars worth of roadside landscaping improvements in communities while spending less than one third of that amount in State Highway Funds. Additionally, Mn/DOT benefits from an annual cost savings/avoidance of nearly $1.75 million dollars for ongoing work necessary to maintain the landscape plantings. In the past few years, Mn/DOT's landscape partnership program and projects have received over 60 national and state awards. Below is a listing of the Partners who have contributed to this success. Available District funds are awarded annually to approved partnership projects on a first come — first serve basis. Desirable or approved projects may be downsized or deferred for a year if available funding becomes insufficient. To be considered for approval, all projects must be submitted with a formal application. An Application Manual includes guidelines, criteria, a project application, sample documents, and resources. The Application Manual can be obtained from the State Landscape Partnership Programs Coordinator (address on page 4). Mn/DOT District trunk highway funds are provided on approved projects to cover the cost of planting materials procured by the community partner. Trees, shrubs, vines, perennial groundcovers, wildflowers, grasses, soil amendments, herbicides, edging, planters, tree grates, weed fabric, wood fiber blanket, mulch, rodent protection, staking and guying, and seedling shelters are considered planting materials eligible for Mn/DOT funding. The community partner must install the landscape materials on Mn/DOT right of way using volunteers, employees, service organizations, contractors, or a combination thereof and must agree to maintain the improvements. For purposes of this program, i "communities" are defined as counties, home rule charters, statutory cities and a 4 towns. Applicants not defined as "a hE_City Oj =__ community must be sponsored by a community, or other unit of government, capable of executing a binding agreement On The Rum Riuer with Mn/DOT. Funds awarded under this program must be used for roadside landscaping located on state trunk highway rights of way with fee or easement title. F a " Many areas of interstate freeways and high volume divided highways, with controlled access, are excluded from this program due to liability, safety and access problems. County State Aid highways are typically excluded since different funding mechanisms and procedural requirements apply to these projects. To initiate a landscape partnership project, communities must submit a written request to the appropriate Mn/DOT District Engineer. The state Landscape Programs Coordinator will assign a project manager for the proposed partnership project upon request from the Mn/DOT District Engineer. (see page 4 for a listing of District Engineers). The project manager will provide design and/or technical assistance in developing projects and applications as their work schedules permits. In many cases, the plans are prepared by community representative with oversight by the project manager. Completed applications must include a Mn/DOT approved Landscape Plan and they may be submitted for consideration at any time of the year. Submission of projects before July 31St will be considered for planting that fall. Project submitted before December 31St, will be considered for the spring planting season. Fall preparation improves planting and maintenance success. In Minnesota, public requests for highway landscaping have continually increased. When residents are actively involved in their roadside planting projects, they are more satisfied with Resident involvement often provides the momentum, "community spirit" and resources needed for additional community support. Landscape partnerships expand the network of responsibility, pride and ownership of highway landscaping while stretching Mn/DOT's available funding to cover more projects. Local community care and maintenance increase the protection of the landscape investments and the likelihood that the plantings will prosper. N local community the outcomes. Mn/DOT Community Landscape Partners' Albert Lea America's treeways Annandale Anoka Apple Valley Appleton Audubon Austin Avon Badger Bagley Balaton Barnesville Battle Lake Baudette Bemidji Benton County Bigelow Big falls Biwabik Blackduck Blaine Blue Earth Co. SWCD Bluffton Brownsville Caledonia Callaway Cass Lake Chaska Chisago City Clearwater Cloquet Coleraine Cottage Grove Crookston Cottonwood County Crow Wing Co. Dassel Deer River Detroit Lakes Dilworth Duluth Eagan Eden Prairie Eden Valley Edina Elk River Eveleth Fairfax Fairmont Falcon heights Faribault Farmington Floodwood Florence Township Fountain Freeport Frontenac Gilbert Glenwood Glyndon Goodhue Golden Valley Granite Falls Greater Lake Sylvia Association Greenbush Greenwood Hamline University Hancock Harmony Hastings Henderson Hendricks Hennepin County Heron Lake Hinckley Hokah Houston Hutchinson International Falls Isanti Jordan Kabetogema Lake Association Keewatin Kelliher Kimball La Crescent Lake City Lake Elmo Lake Park Lake St. Croix Beach Le Sueur Lewiston Lino Lakes Litchfield Little Canada Little Falls Long Prairie Luverne Lynd Mabel Maple Grove Maple Lake Mapleton Marshall Medford Minneapolis — Bryn Mar Minneapolis - Camden Minneapolis — Columbia Heights Minneapolis — Lind- Bohanon Minneapolis — Marcy Holmes Minneapolis — Mural Wall Minneapolis — N.E. Buchanon Minneapolis — N.E. Park Minneapolis — Steven's Square Minneapolis — U of M Minnesota DNR Minnesota Green Minnetonka Morris Mountain Iron Mountain Lake Nashwauk New Brighton New London New Prague New York Mills Newport North St. Paul Oakdale Orr Osakis Park Rapids Paynesville Pequot Lakes Pine City Plymouth Princeton Proctor Ramsey Raymond Red Lake Falls Redwood Co. SWCD Renville Co. SWCD Rice Richfield Rollingstone Roseau Roseville Royalton Rush City Saint Paul St. Paul — Greening the Great River St. Louis Park Sandstone Sauk Rapids Savage Soil Conservation Services Spring Valley Starbuck Sunfish Lake Swift Co. Taylors Falls Thief River Falls Twin Cities Tree Trust University of Minnesota Virginia Wadena Wahkon Walker Walnut Grove Warroad Wayzata Wells Wheaton White Bear Township Windom Winona Wolverton Wright County FOR MORE INFORMATION, or guidance in developing landscape partnership projects, please contact: Todd Carroll, LLA, ASLA District Contacts: State Landscape Partnership Program Coordinator District 1 Mr. Michael Robinson, D.E. Mn/DOT Office of Technical Support, M.S. 686 1123 Mesaba Avenue 395 John Ireland Blvd. Duluth, MN 55811 St. Paul, MN 55155-1899 Mike. obinso04 Mike.Robinson0dot.state.mn.us Phone: (651) 366-4617, Fax: (651) 366-4699 E-mail: Todd.Carrollgdot.state.nn.us District 2 Mr. Lynn Eaton, D.E. 3920 Highway 2 West Bemidji, MN 56601 (218) 755-6549 MINNESOTA Lynn.Eaton0dot.state. mn.us DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION District 3 Mr. Bob Busch, D.E. DISTRICTS 1991 Industrial Park Baxter, MN 56425 (218) 828-5703 Robert. BuschOdot.state. mn. us District 4 Mr. Lee Berget, D.E. 1000 Highway 10 West Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 (218) 846-3603 Lee. Berget(o)dot. state. m n . us z District 6 Nelrae Succio, D.E. o 1 61 2900, 48"' St. N.W. Rochester, MN 55903 fi (507) 285-7374 Nei rae.Succio@dot. state. mn. us 71 O District 7 Mr. James Swanson, D.E. sg501 South Victory Drive 6 Mankato, MN 56001-5032 (507) 389-6869 g lames.Swanson@dot.state.mn.us ` District 8 Mr. Tom Behm, Asst. D.E. 1800 E. College Dr. Marshall, MN 56258 G8) METRO (507) 537-3617 21 b Tom. Behm@dot.state.mn.us 561 Metro Mr. Khani Sahebjam, D.E. G)'. 1500 West County Rd. B2 3s 9 Roseville, MN 55113-3105 (651) 234-7700 �q, a Khani.SahebyamCcbdot.state.mn.us 111 TO: Mayor, City Council and City Administrator FROM: Jake Sedlacek, Assistant to the City Administra SUBJECT: Comprehensive Plan Update — Parks Plan Discussion The City of Mendota Heights is required by the Metropolitan Council have a Comprehensive Land Use Plan. The Comp Plan is intended to establish the vision for the community, and serve as a policy document for land use decisions. The City is currently in the process of updating the Comp Plan. Included in our past Comp Plans has been a Parks Plan section. I have attached the text used from the 2002 Comp Plan and would like to invite the Parks and Recreation Commission to discuss the text and make recommendations which we will forward to the City Planner. The official public hearings/forum on the entire Comp Plan will be held later this year — this is a chance for the Parks and Recreation Commission to get a little early input in the process. Action Required Discuss draft comprehensive plan language, make suggestions to staff. Park Plan PLAN SUMMARY The City of Mendota Heights enjoys a park, open space, and trail system with 265 acres of City parkland and 21 miles of trails. The City also has Fort Snelling State Park, Big Rivers Regional Trail and other park facilities located within or near its boundaries. The park system is recognized as an important asset to the community because it provides opportunities for residents to relax, recreate, and enjoy nature, while also enhancing the physical landscape and improving property values. Previous comprehensive plans (1959 & 1979) and park plans (1971 & 1985) have guided the City in the development of its park system. As development has occurred, parkland has been dedicated to provide residents with recreational opportunities. Since the adoption of the 1979 Comprehensive Plan, the City has developed the following parks; Civic Center, Copperfield Ponds, Hagstrom-King, Kensington, Mendakota, Sibley, Valley View Heights and Victoria Highlands. The location of these new parks closely resemble Plan recommendations and reflect the City's commitment to providing park services to all residents as opportunities arise. The City of Mendota Heights currently has sufficient park acreage to serve its residents, although not all residents have equal access to those facilities. Future improvements will focus on updating existing facilities, adding facilities to neighborhoods that lack access to parks, and increasing the amount of open space. This may be accomplished through either park dedications or purchasing land. Trails are also an important component and focus of this plan because they connect neighborhoods to one another and the community to regional recreational opportunities. The Parks and Recreation Commission is an appointed citizen body responsible for evaluating park facility needs. The needs are determined based upon the adequacy and accessibility of existing facilities, the availability of a desired piece of land, and budget considerations. Recommendations are forwarded to the City Council during the City's annual budget and Capital Improvements Program (CIP) process. RECREATION PROGRAMMING The City of Mendota Heights currently has one part-time recreation program dir or. This person is responsible for coordinating adult and senior activities and non -athletic youth activities. The Mendota Heights Athletic Association coordinates youth athletic activities within the City. Mendota Heights Comprehensive Plan Update Development Framework 24 Park Plan GOALS AND POLICIES Goals 1. To provide the optimum amount of active and passive open space for the enjoyment of all Mendota Heights residents. 2. To provide a park system that assures the quality of facilities will match resident's desires and standards of living. 3. To use the park system as a means to enhance the environment of each neighborhood and the City as a whole. Policies 1. Encourage the preservation of open space by private property owners and the City. 2. Maximize the use of existing park facilities and consider establishment of additional facilities for all age groups when necessary, including facilities for the handicapped. 3. Explore new opportunities and continue to work cooperatively with School District #197, Fort Snelling State Park, and other entities to provide maximum recreational opportunities and avoid duplication. 4. Improve bicycle and pedestrian connections to City parks and other community destinations. 5. Provide each neighborhood of the City with open space and usable park playgrounds. EXISTING PARK FACILITIES Mendota Heights has 265 acres of City parks and open space. The following table identifies each City Park and its facilities. A brief discussion of the four types of parks that typically comprise a local park system is provided below. The descriptions and standards should serve as a guide. Other factors, such as proximity to regional or county parks, financing, or major trends in recreation, will also influence the evolution of the City's park system. Mendota Heights 25 Comprehensive Plan Update Development Framework Park Plan Neighborhood Park Neighborhood parks are the basic unit of the park system and serve as the recreational and social focus of the neighborhood. They accommodate a wide variety of age and user groups, including children and adults. They create a sense of place by bringing together the unique character of the site with that of the neighborhood. Mendota Heights should seek to achieve a balance between active and passive neighborhood parks. Neighborhood parks range from 5-30 acres and serve a '/ mile area. Communities often will operate a joint neighborhood park with the school district and elementary schools. The City's neighborhood parks include Copperfield Ponds, Friendly Hills, Hagstrom-King, Ivy Hills, Marie, Valley, Valley View Heights, Victoria Highlands, and Wentworth. Community Park Community parks are designed to meet the recreational needs of several neighborhoods or larger segments of the community. They are intended for lighted ballfields and larger athletic facilities or community gatherings. They can also be designed to preserve unique landscapes and open spaces. They serve a Y2 mile to S- mile radius. The City's community parks include Kensington,Valley, Roger's Lake, Mendakota, and Sibley Athletic Complex. Natural Resource Area Natural resource areas are areas set aside to preserve significant or unique landscapes. They are often, but not always, properties unsuitable for development with steep slopes, drainageways, and ravines or wetlands. In addition, there may be locations where local tree protection, shoreland and critical area ordinances, or state and local wetland ordinances restrict development in some way. Natural Resource areas include Friendly Marsh and CopperField Ponds. There are also a number of regional, county and private facilities within or near the City's borders. Mendota Heights Comprehensive Plan Update Development Framework 26 INSERT PARK FACILITIES CHART HERE Mendota Heights 27 Park Pian Comprehensive Plan Update Development Framework Fort Snelling State Park: the largest park with 611 of its 2,642 acres located in the -- - City. Fort Snelling State Park is a recreational state park offering swimming, large group and family picnic grounds, a boat launch, interpretive center and historical areas, trails, and scenic overlooks. Most of the park's active facilities are located on the Bloomington side of the River, requiring most Mendota Heights residents to drive or bike across the Interstate #494 and Mendota bridges. The Mendota Heights portion of the park is left primarily as a natural area as it contains extensive floodplain marsh habitat. Facilities located in Mendota Heights support less intensive uses, such as biking, hiking, cross country skiing, and fishing. The Sibley and Fairbault historic sites are also located on the Mendota Heights side of the River. Big Rivers Regional Trail: developed in 1996 by Dakota County along the old Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way, this trail enables residents to bike, walk and roller blade along the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers. This trail serves as an important link to other communities and has greatly improved the awareness and accessibility of the River. Harriet Island-Lilydale Regional Park: located just north of Mendota Heights, this park is managed by the City of St. Paul. The lower portion of the park in the City of Lilydale is planned to remain passive open space. A beach and concessions area is planned, but highly unlikely due to wetland issues. The area also has a ramp for boat access to the River. A trail through the park, separate from the roadway, is planned to link St. Paul to the Big Rivers Regional Trail. Dodge Nature Center: a 170 -acre private facility dedicated to the restoration of native plant and animal communities. The nature preserve provides excellent educational programs and events. School District 197: The City and School District work cooperatively to provide for joint use of facilities and recreation programs within the community. Play equipment, two softball fields, soccer and T -ball are provided at the Mendota and Somerset Elementary Schools. Friendly Hills Middle School is utilized for soccer, two softball fields and fitness programs. Tennis, baseball, softball, track and soccer are all accommodated at Sibley High School. Other Private Facilities / Open Space ❑ Mendakota Country Club (18 hole private golf course) ❑ Somerset Country Club (18 hole private golf course) ❑ Mendota Heights Par 3 (9 hole public golf course) ? ❑ Acacia Park Cemetery ❑ Resurrection Cemetery ❑ St. Thomas Academy ❑ Visitation School Mendota Heights Comprehensive Plan Update Development Framework Park Plan PARKS, OPEN SPACE, AND TRAIL NEEDS Parks City Park needs can be determined by evaluating the number, size, and accessibility of parks. It is often recommended a park system contain 25 acres of park for each 1,000 population, which is equal to 1,089 square feet per person. To meet this standard, the City would need to provide 286 acres of parkland (based on the projected year 2020 population of 11,453 persons when fully developed). The City currently has 265 acres of park, and essentially meets the standard. Some additional parkland may be obtained as the few remaining larger parcels develop. It is also important to evaluate residents' access to parks. Residents are typically willing to walk '/4 to '/ mile to reach a neighborhood park. Major roads, railroad tracks, and bodies of water also restrict access. The following Park Service Area Map identifies park service areas based on distance and barriers. As the Map demonstrates, most residents are served well by the City's park system. The following three areas of the City are under served by the City's park system: 1. North of Somerset Country Club and east of Dodd Road. This neighborhood is lacking a City Park facility. However, most of these residents are within walking distance of Cherokee Regional Park in West St. Paul. 2. North of Highway 110, east of Dodd Road and south of Wentworth Avenue (Somerset). Although the Sibley Athletic Complex is located in this area, it does not serve a neighborhood function. A new neighborhood park should be developed as some of the larger lots re -subdivide. 3. North of Highway 110 and west of Lexington Avenue, there is a ball field at the Civic Center site. Marie Park is the nearest permanent park facility (aside from the aforementioned ball field) and for many residents is more than % mile away on the other side of Lexington Avenue. There are limited opportunities for a larger neighborhood park because the area is nearly fully developed. However, a mini -neighborhood park should be developed to serve the residents. The City has identified several sites for additional park and open space. The sites are identified as follows. Areas of Interest ❑ Resurrection Cemetery "Break -Off' area ❑ Visitation School property ❑ St. Thomas property off Mendota Heights Road Mendota Heights Comprehensive Plan Update Development Framework 29 Park Plan ❑ Acacia property north of Acacia Boulevard ❑ Foss homestead by Wentworth Park ❑ Acacia area TIF acquired property ❑ Somerset area Mendota Heights will pursue additional park and open space land to the extent it becomes available and is within the resources of the City. Trails Trails for biking, walking, and roller blading have become very popular in recent years. Twenty-one (21) miles of trails currently extend through portions of the City's neighborhoods. These trails are both off- and on -road and serve as important connections for recreational opportunities and travel. Improved trail connections are important because many residential areas are divided by highways and arterial roads. The recent construction of the Big Rivers Regional Trail along the Minnesota River has also heightened the awareness and demand for improved access to the river valley. Access to the Big Rivers Regional Trail is difficult due to the significant elevation changes. As a result, many areas of the community cannot be easily accessed on bikes, roller blades or foot from other areas of the community. Additional or improved trail connections are needed to provide residents access to City parks and other recreational opportunities in the region. Trail connections and improvements planned by the City are shown on the following map and are listed below. ❑ Copperfield/Centex Area Trails ❑ Delaware Avenue/T.H. #110 ❑ Lexington Avenue south of T.H. #110 •^v'i —i+i auo rnAenrlaL n+ vvu Vv-- ❑ Valley Park/Par 3 Golf Course ❑ MRCA/MNRRA Plan Trail Connections — MRCA/MNRRA trail improvements and who will be responsible for their development are listed below. (for a more detailed description of these improvements, please refer to the MRCA/MNRRA Plan located in Technical Plan A.) • Overlook to 1-494 (Dakota County) • Mendota Bridge to Big Rivers Trail (Dakota County) • 1-35E to Big Rivers Trail (Mn/DOT) • Big Rivers Trail to Lilydale Regional Park/St. Paul (Dakota County) Mendota Heights Comprehensive Plan Update Development Framework 30