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2007-02-13 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda PacketCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA AGENDA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Tuesday, February 13, 2007 - 6:30 P.M. City Council Chambers 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Welcome New Commissioner Hallman 4. Approve Minutes of January 9, 2007, Parks and Recreation Commission 5. Open House - Discussion of Ball Field Improvements 6. Proposed Trail Segments on Dodd Road and Highway 13 7. Revised Parks Five Year Plan 8. Updates a. Pilot Knob Phase H b. Par 3 C. Verbal Report on Goal Setting Workshop 9. Commission Comments 10. 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 The January 2007 meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, January 9, 2007, 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: Chair Richard Spicer, Commissioners; Dave Libra, Tom Kraus, Paul Portz, Larry Craighead, Raymond Morris and Missie Hickey. City Staff present were Guy Kullander, Operations and Projects Coordinator, Jake Sedlacek Assistant to the City Administrator, and Recording Secretary Nancy Bauer. MINUTES: Commissioner Portz moved approval of minutes as corrected and Commissioner Hickey seconded the motion. Commissioners expressed their appreciation for the level of details in the November minutes. AYES: 7 NAPES: 0 APPLICANT UPDATE Chair Spicer congratulated Commissioner Portz and his reappointment to the Parks and Recreation Commission. He continued to say he was sad to say goodbye to Commissioner Libra after 13 years on the Parks Commission. Commissioner Libra responded he enjoyed serving on the Commission and the Commission is a very component group. He enjoyed working with City Staff, Guy Kullander especially, as he gets the ball rolling on things, gets a lot of things done and follows through with the work. Commissioner Portz said he enjoyed working with Commissioner Libra and he had an excellent idea with the car show at the 50th celebration and he will be missed. RECREATION REPORT Chair Spicer summarized the Parks and Recreation report (attached). He noticed that Teresa had applied for a grant for a block party to be held in conjunction with the Parks Celebration. Mr. Sedlacek responded he was not sure how much the grant would be — it would be similar to last year to fund prizes and drawings. Teresa is also hoping for a grant from USTA to try a welcome back seniors to the tennis program. Chair Spicer complemented Parks and Recreation Programmer Teresa Gangelhoff on how much she gets done as a part-time employee. Page - 1 Draft CITY COUNCIL GOAL SETTING WORKSHOP Chair Spicer said the City Council would be holding a workshop on February 9th to discuss issues from the various Commissions. Mr. Kullander had listed six possible issues to be submitted to the City Administrator for possible inclusion on the workshop agenda. The six issues are: ➢ Par 3 golf course — what to do with it — if buying it - how to fund it ➢ MHAA — how to update various facilities per their requests ➢ Pilot Knob — acquisition of an additional 15 acres ➢ Annual Parks Celebration — which has been talked about — we have encouraged them to go ahead with it and hopefully it would go forward ➢ A permanent funding for the Special Park Fund ➢ Recreation Programmer is a part-time employee and would like to see this a full-time position or equivalent Chair Spicer asked if there were other issues to add or delete. Commissioner Craighead responded the he would like to add trails to the list, look to a funding source and plan to build new segments and/or reconstruct old ones. Chair Spicer asked the cost of resurfacing a trail. Mr. Kullander responded that to resurface a mile of trail costs about $15,000420,000 if it is in good condition. There are about 22 miles of trail in the City now. Chair Spicer recommended the Council talk about a funding source or budget compliment for the trails. Commissioner Morris wanted to add the resurfacing of trails and tennis courts to the discussion. There is a reference to a bond referendum and if it is an option for Par 3 and/or Pilot Knob — an additional 15 acres that may be available — to include some capital investments in our parks in a bonding package. Chair Spicer asked if the City can issue bonds without a referendum. Mr. Kullander responded to the best of his recollection, if the City issued bonds they must be repaid from general taxes in three years. If a referendum was done like in 1989, it would be spread out over 20 years on the taxes. There must be a citizens committee to recommend an amount for the referendum question. There is a committee working on the purchase price of the Par 3 golf course. The City is trying to get a price from the owners for what they would sell. If the bond referendum fails the owner would develop the land with single family lots. Chair Spicer said one of the issues discussed should be in setting up a referendum group not just for the Par 3 but for the cemetery, Pilot Knob property, trails, and additions for MHAA. Mr. Kullander responded there were sub -committees set up in the mid 80's to recommend various type of park improvements such as ball fields trails, ect. and the total amount for the bond referendum was arrived at by all of the sub -committee groups. Page - 2 Chair Spicer said that a discussion item for the City Council should be a comprehensive referendum. Commissioner Libra said three years ago there was a City Council workshop. One of the items discussed was the capital improvement plan. A significant amount of the fund is used for replacement and maintenance of park items. The playgrounds are expensive and occupy a good portion of the budget. The playground items get pushed around year to year. Little money is spent on new items for the various parks such as completing trail segments, picnic shelters, or adding new facilities. Value judgments need to be made — do we keep the items on the capital plan or delete the new items because we don't have the money. Short of a referendum we do have a special park fund and Council needs to determine if we spend it down to nothing or not. And a standpoint of funding these items and what came out of that workshop was the useful life for the trails and playground equipment. What we are looking at is funding or pulling back $10,000- $11,000 for the tennis courts at Valley Park and we can do that on a haphazard basis or we can amortize these improvements and plan on replacing them over a period of time and come up with a reasonable budget. What is happening at the Ecolab development - a fair amount of money gets dedicated to that project and the money gets widdled away. At Town Center, a great amenity, the revenues for the units gets captured at the development. If the golf course gets developed as single family homes there is an estimate of $50,000 for the parks dedication, but adding new trails is estimated to cost $50,000. A lot of the funding source has to be used to maintain the existing facilities. If a referendum doesn't pass City Council has to dedicate t amounts from the general fund to maintain the existing park amenities. ax Chair Spicer agreed with Commissioner Libras ideas. SIBLEY HIGH SCHOOL TENNIS COURTS Mr. Kullander said the newspaper article reported the original budget of $27,000 was budgeted to resurface nine tennis courts at Sibley High School. When the consultant looked at the courts in more detail they discovered poor soil conditions, the foundation was bad and drain the was needed. They have met with the Planning Commission for landscaping and drainage approvals. The new estimates for the nine tennis courts are $750,000.00. They will bid the project and make a build or no build decision after the new bids are received. Commissioner Craighead responded that when his two sons played on the courts when they were put in 1996 the drainage was poor. The coaches saw the water was 3" deep. The tennis courts did not have the right construction, cut corners 10 -12 years ago and now the taxpayers are paying the price. Chair Spicer said that there was a lot of grumbling when Valley Park tennis courts were discussed and they have lasted 30 years. Mr. Kullander responded they have been in service but not at competitive play. They are not dangerous, but have held up well. Commissioner Craighead said that if we do Valley Park and fix them, we need to do drainage along the trail on the west side of the court. Marie Park is going to have some grading work Page - 3 Draft done around the tennis courts this summer to improve the drainage. It is a must to have good drainage so tennis courts can last longer. SALE OF PARK LAND TO XCEL Chair Spicer reported that the City sold land to Xcel Energy for $24,000 to go into the Special Park Fund. Commissioner Hickey asked if there was a pipeline through the property. Chair Spicer reported that it is owned by the same company. Commissioner Hickey asked if the City was already paid for that. Mr. Kullander explained that the land was bought ithe and late1950's had a pipeline through s because we needed an easement for our sanitary sewerinterceptor the land: The owner wanted to sell the land and and expanding it to the south. TheCity bought it for the park. did l is now putting m new controls and piping on the par p maintain our trail and utility easement rights on the parcel. Commissioner Libra asked why the trees were marked with tags and if they were going to be taken out. ew Mr. Kullander responded they were not going to be taken out. The trees were marked by the er who wants t build condominiums on the site owner of the Lilydale Tennis Club. The developway is asking to connect to our water main system. The shortest s That would requiresouth of �taking 3 and they wanted to come through the park and along the fence line out a lot of trees and vegetation. Staff suggestion was ��h fewert it in lrectly under t trees taken out. The .tagse trail will be reconstructed with a thicker base and wider identify the species of the trees. The trees a re water mantif ied on the plan to avoid takingdput out ton engineering drawings to help design the route of the w 2006 PARK IMPROVEMENTS Chair Spicer summarized Mr. Kullander's memo Marie P 2006 s. The Civic improvements. Center had an extension stops were installed at Wentworth, Valley and MariThe added to the back top. The batting cage at Mendak hair Spicer was referenced graded a letterlfromoMr equipment was replaced at Valley View Heights. C Ayers thanking the City for the Valley View Heights neighborhood park equipment. Chair Spicer said the one thing he is proud of in his SOS Guyars 's dans ha e been very high ission is that when parks projects get done they are done on a quality b Y p quality and people do appreciate it. He added that in Valley Park and Ivy Park border timbers will be re oaeioun parksic 2d007s new play components added in 2007. Bleacher pads will also be added Page - 4 Draft Mr. Kullander responded that the bleacher pads are a companion project. Grant money was received from the County for removing handicap barriers from the City parks and to construct a pathway for handicap access from the parking lot the ball fields. When the pathways are done the bleacher pads can be installed. Chair Spicer added that not everything that was planned in 2006 got done but a lot was done. Commissioner Portz said he knows that staff was busy with regular projects, the 50th anniversary, Pilot Knob site acquisition which took a lot of clearing, and MHAA got some projects completed this year by coming to the Parks and Recreation meetings. Mr. Kullander responded that a lot of jobs get "piggy backed" on engineering jobs when they are completed. I took advantage of the work that's already being done and added park or trail improvements. Commissioner Morris responded that Mr. Kullander sees connections a lot of other people wouldn't see and it's admirable. You deserve all of our thanks. The citizens of Mendota Heights should also thank you for your contributions. You've done public employees an admirable favor in the way you conduct yourself. Mr. Kullander thanked Commissioner Morris. He also added that Terry, Mike, John with the Parks Department at Public Works do a lot of work and find opportunities and contractors for work that needs to be done. They do a lot of work themselves such as clearing brush by the trails. These guys are invaluable and we all work together. Commissioner Craighead responded that buckthorn was removed the last four years and we need to continue to work on it. It is an important issue for the City and we need to be concerned about it. Chair Spicer said Mr. Kullander asked the City Council for extra money and with Mr. Kullander's help the Parks Commission received it to do work on the tennis courts, trail maintenance and eradication of buckthorn. Good job on getting the money and the work done. Commissioner Portz said one thing that isn't in the memo is the Pilot Knob dedication. Do we want to weigh in on it? Last year the Council bought 8.5 acres and currently they are thinking of buying an additional 15 acres. Commissioner Morris responded that the Commission has weighed in on it in the past. They have talked about how little park land is available in the city. Chair Spicer thought the Commission was unanimous in the recovery of green space and that it is a priority. At one time Mr. Kullander had identified 10-12 parcels as possible use for ball fields and we are down to 1 or 2 parcels that have not been developed. Page - 5 Draft SPECIAL PARK FUND PROJECTED REVENUES Chair Spicer reported that the existing balance as of August 2006 is $273,144.05 as per Mr. Kullander's memo. Some of the money is already spent on playground expenditures. $24,000 will be added to the balance from the sale of land to Xcel. Mr. Kullander responded the City is anticipating $238,500.00 from the Opus development and the City has received $42,000.00 to date. Once a unit is sold and recorded at the County, the park dedication fee is paid to the City. We should get the balance of the park dedication fees in the next 15 months. Chair Spicer said Mr. Kullander also made a list of possible dedication fees — so there is some future revenue identified for the Special Park Fund. Commissioner Kraus asked if the $42,000.00 was included in the $273,144.05. Mr. Kullander responded that it was not. Commissioner Kraus asked if the $42,000.00 was included in the $238,500.00. Mr. Kullander responded that is was. Commissioner Kraus commented that the fund may be $10,000.00 - $15,000.00 below that number. Mr. Kullander responded that the fund balance as of today would be about $200,000.00 to $220,000.00. Chair Spicer asked if the $200,000.00 to 220,000.00 included the $30,000.00 of the $42,000.00. Mr. Kullander responded that it did. Chair Spicer asked if the $200,000.00 to 220,000.00 included the $42,000.00 from Opus. Mr. Kullander responded that he forgot to add in the $42,000.00 from Opus. The $80,000.00 was for Valley Park that was supposed to be finished this year, but because of the weather, the equipment did not get installed. $15,000 was paid for the equipment and the $20,000 to install has not been paid and the equipment is being stored now. Same with Ivy Park. Commissioner Kraus said that between now and early 2008 we are looking at $500,000.00 if we don't get any other sources of funding. Mr. Kullander responded yes. Commissioner Kraus asked if any funding is assured through the Opus development and the current balance we are looking at $500,000.00 through early 2008. Page - 6 Daft Mr. Kullander responded that he put in some developments that could happen in the next 10 years to look at how much money we have for the next 10 years. 5 YEAR CAPITAL PLAN Chair Spicer said Mr. Kullander has submitted a status report of the current 5 year capital plan and asked if the Civic Center ball field had been planned and costs figured out for 2007. Mr. Kullander responded that the current 5 year plan is based on spending $115,000 to $125,000 a year on average. In 2007, we have budgeted projects for $75,000 to $120,000. In 2008, $110,000 has been budgeted and in 2009, $150,000 has been budgeted. If the Commission wants to continue with the amounts budgeted in the 5 year plan some projects need to be taken off the list to do the Civic Center project. Commissioner Kraus said if we added the MHAA projects, we would get well beyond the $500,000.00 we have in projected revenue. Commissioner Morris said that the Commission has already rescheduled a number of the rehabilitation projects for a later date that were supposed to be addressed in 2005 and 2006. Chair Spicer said some projects have been moved up like Valley View for 2007-2008. The fund is getting about $190,000 more and that is really $430,000 not including interest. Commissioner Libra asked if the numbers included in the estimates include overhead and Mr. Kullander's time allocated to these projects. Mr. Kullander responded he usually does not put those costs in. Commissioner Libra said that is another charge to add and asked if the special assessments that were being paid for from the Special Park Fund that were being paid on an on-going basis were paid. Mr. Kullander responded that there were two or three years left at $3,000 - $4,000 a year. Commissioner Morris asked if the costs in the 5 year capital plan reflected today's dollars. Mr. Kullander responded that they do and he has bumped up the current numbers a couple of thousand dollars to reflect today's costs. Chair Spicer said the Commission should concentrate on things that are planned for 2007, that are already budgeted and talk to MHAA. Mr. Kullander responded that the dugouts at the Civic Center and Mendakota Park could be done for $65,000.000. MHAA has a long list items they would like to see done. MHAA wanted to upgrade Hagstrom King Park and Friendly Hills Park to baseball fields which would be backstops and outfield fencing. We should know MHAA priorities because if fencing is more important than the dugouts — the fencing will take three or four months with community input and getting City Council approval. The dugouts could be planned and bid in a month or two. Page - 7 Draft Mr. Joel Johns, President of MHAA, spoke and said Brian Hallman of MHAA has applied for the open seat on the Parks and Recreation Commission and Mr. Johns hopes it works out. It has been great getting the two groups to talk. He got a lot of feedback from the community and MHAA. There is a lot of optimism and excitement that projects are getting done and wants to thank the Commission and Commissioner Portz for their efforts. Mr. Johns continued with the list of priorities of MHAA by need and expenditures: 1. Civic Center - outfield fence and batting cage 2. Civic Center dugouts — these changes would make the park a well rounded baseball park for 12 —13 years old. 3. Hagstrom King Park — expanding the backstops, adding an outfield fence and dugouts. 4. Mendakota Park would cost about $40,000.00 - $60,000.00 while it would be a great protection for the kids from the heat and prevent plastic tents from popping up this item is number 4 because of the cost. Chair Spicer commented that one of the problems MHAA has is competing interests. Soccer fields need to be open, baseball fields need to be enclosed. Putting up fences in the parks is not done because of aesthetic reasons. Commissioner Libra said Hagstrom King Park is not used for soccer and could be upgraded with resident input. Friendly Hills Park is used for soccer. Mr. Johns responded that Hagstrom King Park has a natural barrier towards right field along with homeowner's fences and the left field side has a pond. Chair Spicer asked what would need to be done to upgrade Hagstrom King Park. Mr. Kullander responded that one issue would be parking. It is on street parking now. That issue would need to be discussed with neighbors. We would need to figure out what fences are needed, dugouts locations and parking needs. I would take it to Council saying the Commission wants to modify the 5 year plan and do this project in 2007 and establish a working budget. If Council is agreeable to that, I could get cost estimates and then do a community mail out for input. Then it would go back to Council with community input and costs estimates and then we would go out for bid. It would take 2 -3 months. If we started tonight, by April it could go out for bid if everything went well. Council would need to be agreeable to use Special Park Funds for this project. Commissioner Kraus asked if it went out for bid in April when could the work be done? Mr. Kullander replied the work could be done in April for maybe a week and the field would not be disturbed since it was mostly fencing. If there were a parking lot added that would be away from the ball field. Commissioner Hickey asked if they should do the work at Hagstrom King Park rather than the Civic Center. Draft Chair Spicer said the Civic Center work would not include community input and Hagstrom King Park would require community input and would take longer to implement. Mr. Johns responded that Hagstrom King Park is used all summer long for a lot of activities by MHAA. Mr. Kullander responded that one issue that needs to be considered at the Civic Center is school teams use the fields then MHAA uses the fields after them. This generates a lot of cars at the overlap of two games, arriving and leaving. Chair Spicer responded that he felt Hagstrom King was shorted of amenities and money wasn't spent on that park as originally planned. Commissioner Portz responded it was nice to have a list of priorities from MHAA. Chair Spicer said he would like to see the Commission get started on Hagstrom King Park and start getting community input. Commissioner Libra said improving Hagstrom King Park would relieve pressure on Mendakota Park since there are no lights and the more use we can get out of the parks will make sense and this is a cheap solution. Chair Spicer directed Mr. Kullander to get started on the process of improving Hagstrom King Park. Mr. Kullander asked if the Commission wanted to put it on next Tuesday's council agenda and wanted to know if the Commission wanted to hold a community open house or forum for next month. Chair Spicer said that would work. Mr. Kullander asked if the Friendly Hills playground project could be taken out of 2007 and then add Hagstrom King and the Civic Center. Chair Spicer asked if Friendly Hills playground was safe. Mr. Kullander responded that yes it was and it would be ok to move the project back a year. Chair Spicer asked the Commissioners if they minded moving the Friendly Hills rehabilitation back a year. None of the Commissioners minded. Mr. Kullander wanted clarification to go ahead with the Hagstrom King Park upgrades and Civic Center dugouts. Chair Spicer said yes and the batting cage. Page - 9 Draft Mr. Kullander responded that the outfield fence would have to be moved 20-25' and could affect other users of the field and where to locate the batting cage . Chair Spicer asked if it could be located between the parking lot and the right field fence. Mr. Kullander asked Chair Spicer if he had forgotten about the "golden triangle" of trees planted to commemorate the City's 50th anniversary. Chair Spicer said near the "golden triangle". Chair Spicer thought that the "golden triangle" could be moved. Mr. Kullander said the City Council has been protective of the aesthetics of the Civic Center site and a batting cage would be an imposing looking structure if located here. Commissioner Craighead opposes moving in the outfield fence so more adult groups can use the field and wants to get other group input. He believes Ms. Gangelhoff also believes this also. Mr. Johns responded he had played softball at the Mendakota fields and says the fence is too short for adult softball play. Chair Spicer said the fence is at mid range - not long enough for adult softball, too long for MHAA. Commissioner Craighead responded that if you move the fence in 20 feet it can't be used by adults. He would like Ms. Gangelhoff s input on field use. Commissioner Kraus suggested there should be a strategic plan for the fields so all interested groups using the fields are considered. He supports helping MHAA but other user groups needs to be addressed. He would like suggestions on how to reach the groups that are interested in using the fields. Commissioner Morris agreed with Commissioner Kraus' comments - he also supports MHAA - but these are issues that need to be discussed and there is a limited amount of funds. A certain minority of the people come before the Commission with their concerns. Commissioner Portz agrees with Commissioner Kraus' comments about coming up with a strategic plan for the fields. MHAA has 1,000 or participants and hundreds of families and with MHAA's input there is a good representation of the community. Commissioner Kraus said if you took a survey of the residents that it would rival the number of participants in MHAA activities. These issues keep coming up and how do we tackle them? Some of the fundamental issues are not being addressed. Mr. Johns responded that he thought a referendum would address the problems. Page - 10 Daft Commissioner Morris thinks there is more than enough special interests to present a package that would benefit the community and their home values. Commissioner Libra said that the comments about planning are important and MHAA needs to have some attendance at the meetings to present information. Teresa would have information on field usage with scheduling from soccer, baseball, and softball users. MHAA baseball and soccer commissioners have information during their season with the scheduling of the fields. When lights were being considered at Mendakota people would say the fields weren't being used. You can't have 100% usage plus you can overuse the fields. Baseball usage can be figured out between Ms. Gangelhoff and the MHAA baseball commissioner. Commissioner Craighead said we need to get Ms. Gangelhoff's input before we go ahead with these improvements. Chair Spicer said yes — let's start the process and get community input. Commissioner Kraus said let's go ahead and start asking these questions. Commissioner Craighead said fences in Hagstrom King Park could happen in May. We don't have to have community input with the Civic Center improvements and we need more community input. Chair Spicer said none of these improvements can happen without Council approval. Let's just start the process and community input may possibly shoot down the process. Mr. Sedlacek was wondering if any Commissioner would like to form a subgroup to find data to pull together and figure out some strategic planning ideas. Chair Spicer said Commissioner Kraus would be good for that group. Commissioner Kraus responded he would be happy to do that. Commissioner Morris responded that he would be interested too. Mr. Sedlacek suggested having a meeting before the next Parks and Recreation Commission meeting and come back with some quality input from the community to plan a strategy. Commissioner Libra suggested looking at the Comprehensive Plan because it looked at park facilities, objectives and goals. Mr. Kullander responded that it didn't look too closely at specific facilities or park function. It looks at how it interconnects with other communities and locations throughout the City. He thought Commissioner Libra was thinking of the 1985 facility needs study done. A community survey was done back then with a citizens committee. It was used as a guide for their discussions. Page - 11 Draft Chair Spicer said this would be a good experience for Jake and Commissioner Kraus. He believes the squeaky wheel gets things done. There is no great system. Chair Spicer tries to balance the immediate needs with the budget. It's a patch work approach and it seems to work. For a community our size we have very nice facilities. Commissioner Kraus asked how faced with these decisions do we make them rational? Chair Spicer said because you asked the question it shows the City Council was correct in instituting term limits. You do get into a pattern - right or wrong. New people have different ways of doings things and they may be better. It's a healthy change and Council did a good thing. Commissioner Craighead said he would like to see more trail work on the 5 year plan. Mr. Kullander wanted clarification for his memo to the Council — do you want to go ahead with Hagstrom King Park and Civic Center improvements. Chair Spicer said we are investigating opportunities at the Civic Center. Mr. Kullander said he would include in the memo that the Parks Commission was investigating improvements at the Civic Center, there would be a public information meeting at the Parks Commissioner meeting, develop a budget for 2007 and adding the new projects in the 5 year plan. Chair Spicer agreed and said to move another project for budgetary needs. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Morris brought up the skate park. It is one of our shining successes at Rogers Lake Park — it's constantly used. The skating clinic was full. It has been two years since anything has been done at the skating park. It would be nice to call Timmy Meyers and say a Commissioner asked about the park and see how it was going. They have done a good job with the park. It's worth investing in. Mr. Kullander responded that he would give Timmy Meyers a call and says he does stop in and chats. Commissioner Portz moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:17 P.M. Page - 12 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS 71I4iii[0 : _ X10111 Ji Date: FEBRUARY 7, 2007 To: PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION From: TERESA GANGELHOFF RE: JANURAY PARK AND RECREATION REPORT Safety Camp I am working with VFW, WSP and SSP and planning for this years camp to be held August, 14, 15, 16, 2007 our 16th year. MH Police (Mario and Brian) and MH Fire (Ken -16th year! And Micki) have already agreed to help me as group leaders. Last year was a new record, MH had 54 kids attend, and we ended up with more kids then WSP and SSP a first! The leaders are all ready conditioning to win the Safety Olympics AGAIN and of course Ken and Micki said they already have a camp song for MH so they are planning ahead for another great camp. Tennis Our instructor Tim Garvey and I have gone over plans for this year's tennis program, we hope to continue the same programming we offered this past summer, trying to increase the numbers in a few of the classes and possibly still running a small tournament the morning of the park celebration on June 2"d, 2007. We may also partner with other cities and run a Welcome back to Tennis clinic geared toward the 50 plus age group in association with LISTA. 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 3 years) and also we are submitting a grant request with the NRPA and registering our program under USTA and NRPA this year. Ice Rinks After a horrible start (warm weather) we were finally able to open Friendly Hills on January 13 and then opened Wentworth and Marie on Monday, January 15. Right now the rinks are in great condition and heavily used. Program Brochure and School Flyers I am presently getting all the summer info ready for the Late February edition of the Heights Highlights. Because of the timing of delivery to homes this spring the information will go out in February and May. A summer brochure will also go home with school children in mid March that I am presently working on. It will also include our spring break activities. Youth Trips Spring break trips are in place and we are taking registrations for them already. We plan to go to the new Water Park of America by the MOA. And another new trip to Pump it Up, where they climb, jump and play in all inflatables. I have met with SSP and WSP and we have all our summer trips planned. More information on those will be available when the brochure is finished. Cheerleading Cheerleading lessons are moving to Mendota School this February for 12 weeks. Cost will be $66.00 for ages 4 and up. We provide two sessions 4-7 yrs and 8 and up Cheer America will provide the instructors and run the program for us. Gymnastics This class is held Saturday mornings for boys and girls 3 yrs. and up. We have a winter session that started in January. Ice Skating Lessons Our skating instructor -Rebecca is back and will be offered lessons on Saturdays starting in January at Friendly Hills Rink for 5 weeks The first lesson on January 6 was cancelled because of no ice! We will move the program one week later. The cost this year is $32.00 and we are running 4 classes. Park Celebration The Park Celebration is being planned for June 2. 1 am currently securing all the activities for the day. I am going to have it run from noon to 3 pm at Mendakota this year. Fishing Derby Plans for the derby are in place and will be held Wednesday, July 11 at Rogers Lake. Registrations will start as soon as the Heights Highlites is delivered to MH home end of February. I am hoping 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! 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. A schedule will be ready as soon as the brochure is finished. Golf Our plans are to hold golf leagues, lessons and camps again at the Par 3. All details are in place and everything ready to go out in the next issue of the Heights Highlites. Registration will begin as soon as they are delivered to homes. It will also go to the schools in our summer brochure going out in March. Softball Registration packets have been mailed out. 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. We are excepting new team registrations at this time. 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 fall so we are going to try a summer camp that will run July 30, 31 and August 1 and 2. City of Mendota Heights MEMORANDUM February 6, 2007 Memo to: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Guy Kullander, Operations & Projects Coordinator Subject: Open House to Discuss Ball Field Improvements at: Civic Center and Hagstrom-King Park Background: The attached memo "ConceptApproval for Ball Field Improvements at Hagstrom-King Park and Civic Center"was presented to the City Council on January 20th, 2007. City Council approved the Commission's request to hold a "Public Open House" on February 13th during the regular monthly meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission to receive input from residents, in the areas around these to ball field facilities, and from individuals, coaches, or groups that had reserved either of these ball field facilities within the past three years. A letter briefly explaining the improvements considered for each facility was mailed to neighbors and other interested parties on January 26th (attached). Groups reserving the Hagstrom-King ball field for Youth Softball are: - Visitation Monday thru Friday April 1" thru May 30th 3:00 to 5:30 pm - MHAA Monday thru Friday April thru May 5:30 to dusk Groups reserving the Civic Center ball field for Youth Baseball: - St. Thomas Tuesday & Thursday April thru May 3:00 to 6:00 pm - St. Josephs Monday, Wed. & Friday April thru May 3:00 to 6:00 pm - MHAA Monday thru Thursday April thru May 6:00 pm to dusk Discussion: Two communications were received: one in opposition to relocating the outfield fence at the Civic Center ball field from the coach, Patrick Callahan; of the St. Thomas Academy seventh grade baseball program (Mr. Callahan's e-mail is attached); and one from Joel Johns, MHAA President relating several comments. I also talked briefly with a St. Josephs coach last season who expressed opposition to moving the outfield fence closer to home plate. Moving the outfield fence to a distance of 245 feet from home plate will probably result in the use of this ball field facility, with pitching mound, only to youth baseball players under the age of twelve. Recommendation: I recommend the Commission conduct an "Open House" and discuss the proposed improvements with residents attending tonight's meeting. Action Required: If the Commission desires to construct some or all of the proposed improvements to either of the two ball fields they should revisit the current `Parks Five Year (2005 thru 2009) Capital Improvement Plan"and submit a revised plan and schedule of improvements to the City Council for approval. (See agenda memo "Revise Parks Five Year (2005 thru 2009) Capital Improvement Plan" City of Mendota Heights January 10, 2007 Memo to: Mayor, City Council and City Administrato, 1 From: Guy Kullander, Operations & Projects Coordinator Subject: Concept Approval for Ball Field improvements at Hagstrom-King Park and Civic Center BACKGROUND: The Parks and Recreation Commission and representatives from the Mendota Heights Athletic Association have, for several months, discussed several ball field improvements that MHAA believes will benefit many of their youth program offerings. Hagstrom-King Park: MHAA has asked for several upgrades at this youth softball field so that it can also be used for youth baseball. This field is now used nightly by MHAA, two games per evening. The propo, improvements, if constructed, will benefit both the existing softball program and provide safer playing conditions when the field is used for youth baseball. Proposed improvements are: 1. Safety netting over the back stop (similar to recently installed netting at Civic Center); 2. Outfield fencing (prevents errant balls from going into pond); and 3. Roof / shelter over the player's benches (sun/rain,. Estimated costs are $18,000.00 for these improvements. Civic Center Ball Field: MHAA considers improvements at this field to be their Number Onerip onty. They have requested: 1. Outfield fence be moved closer to home plate (approximately 15 to 20 feet); 2. Construction of a batting cage (in the area between the "new" outfield fence and the existing outfield fence, which will be removed); 3. Construction of a practice pitching mound next to the proposed batting cage; and 4. Roof / shelter over both of the player's benches. Estimated costs are $35, 000.00 for these improvements. DISSCUSSION: The Parks and Recreation Commission, at their January 9'h meeting, reviewed the remaining park improvement projects in the current Parks Five Year (2005 thru 2009) Capital Improvement Plan (see attached plan status/summary) and discussed with Mr. Joel Johns, President of MHAA, which of the MHAA recommended projects they wished receive a high priority. In the event the City Council accepted the recommendation from the Commission, staff was directed to place on their February agenda an "Open House" to discuss the proposed improvements / changes with neighborhood residents and former teams or individuals who had reserved or played on both of these ball fields. In addition, if the City Council gives concept approval for the requested projects, the parks crew at Public Works has indicated an interest in fabricating and installing the shelter / roof over the player's benches and may begin fabrication of the roof elements during this mild winter. This offer would reduce the estimated costs for this portion of the work. (Savings not reflected in above estimates). RECOMMENDATION: The Parks and Recreation Commission recommend to the City Council that improvement projects detailed above for the Civic Center ball field ($35,000.00) and Hagstrom-King Park ($18,000.00) be included in the current Parks Five Year Capital Improvement Plan for construction in 2007, funded from the Special Parks Fund, and that the playground improvements for Friendly Hills Park currently planned for 2007 be rescheduled to a future year (2008 or 2009). The Commission further recommends that the City Council authorize an "Open House" be held on Tuesday, February 13th at the regular monthly meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission to allow neighborhood residents and former individuals or groups, who in the past have reserved this facility, to discuss any concerns or reservations regarding the proposed improvements. ACTION REQUIRED: If City Council approves the concept of the improvements recommended by the Parks and Recreation Commission described above, direct staff to prepare plans, feasibility documents and cost estimates, and to mail notices to residents or other interested parties inviting them to an Open House on Tuesday, February 13th to be held during the regular Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, to discuss the proposed improvements at the Civic Center ball field and Hagstrom-King Park. City of Ln�-� Mendota Heights January 26, 2007 Regarding: Hagstrom-King Park and Civic Center Ball Field (oil Dear Mendota Heights Resident, The Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission seeks input or comments from residents and user groups of the above named park facilities. An "Open House" will be held at 6:30 pm, Tuesday, February 131' in the City Council Chambers at City Offices (located at 1101 Victoria Curve - Lexington Avenue @ Highway 110) to discuss the following proposed ball field changes or improvements. Hagstrom-King Park - Proposed Improvements: The Mendota Heights Athletic Association has requested several improvements for this park to facilitate the use of this field for youth baseball (hard ball) two evenings per week during their regular spring program. The MHAA youth softball program would remain / continue to be played at this field on alternate days. 1. Installation of an eight -foot high outfield fence (optional: concrete mowing strip) 2. Replacement backstop to accommodate overhead protective netting 3. Roof / shelter over both players' benches Civic Center Ball Field - Proposed Changes or Improvements: The Mendota Heights Athletic Association has requested several changes. The most significant being relocation of the existing eight -foot high outfield fence (current distance @ 265 feet) closer, a distance of twenty (20) feet, towards home -plate (new distance - 245 feet from home plate). If the fence is moved to this location, MHAA has requested the City to also construct or install the following improvements (items #2 and #3 would be located in the twenty foot wide open area between the new outfield fence and the old fence line): 1. Roof / shelter over both players' benches 2. Single batting cage (80' by 15' by 16' high), with electrical service 3. Practice pitching mound 4. New eight -foot high outfield fence (optional: concrete mowing strip) + Modifications to irrigation system + New fifteen foot wide rec-rock warning track at fence line Following discussion of the proposed improvements the Parks and Recreation Commission may make a recommendation to the City Council to fund (from the Special Park Fund) all or some of the improvements itemized above. Such a recommendation would be placed on the next City Council meeting agenda as a Discussion Item (only the City Council can approve expenditure of City funds). Note. Special Park Fund receives revenue in the form of Park Dedication Fees obtained when new residential units or developments are approved by the City Council. This Fund can only be used for new capital improvements in City Parks or for new trails. If you are unable to attend the "Open House" on Tuesday, February 13th please provide your written comments or concerns to Guy Kullander (guyk(a)mendota-heights.com) at City Offices. My direct dial number is 651 255-1155. All communications received prior to February 2nd will be provided to Commission members in their meeting agenda packet. 1101 Victoria Curve s Mendota Heights, MN 55118 (651) 452-1850 ® FAX (651) 452-8940 Guy Kullander From: Pat Callahan [pcallahan@cadets.com] Sent: Thursday, January 25, 2007 2:29 PM To: Guy Kullander Subject: Civic Center Fences Hi, Guy, I was informed by Teresa Gangelhoff about the desire of MHAA to move the fences up at the Civic Center. I am opposed to this because it would severely affect our games. I think the Civic Center field is top quality. It is perfect for baseball games up to seventh grade. Please don't change the fences. Pat Callahan Seventh Grade Baseball Coach St. Thomas Academy Patrick J. Callahan English Instructor Saint Thomas Academy 949 Mendota Heights Road Mendota Heights MN 55120 Phone: 651-683-1555 ext. 302 Fax: 651-454-4574 www.cadets.com NOTICE: This communication may contain privileged or other confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, or believe that you have received this communication in error, please do not print, copy, retransmit, disseminate, or otherwise use this information. Also, please indicate to the sender that you have received this email in error, and delete the copy you received. -- 1 Guy Kullander From: joel.johns@regiscorp.com Sent: Tuesday, February 06, 2007 11:07 AM To: Michael.J.Kuenster@wellsfargo.com; Guy Kullander Cc: Amelia1957@aol.com; jsteveken@dis-Ilc.com; patrick.k.sienko@smithbarney.com Subject: RE: MHAA Meeting Guy - Amelia had informed me that you had received some feedback/concerns on the topic of shortening the length of the fences at Civic Center. Here is some feedback from two Mendota Heights baseball coaches who have coached MH teams at the Civic Center fields over each of the last four years. Joel, I had a dad come in that coaches STA 7th grade baseball. He is concerned about moving the fences in at Civic Center. He says the 13 year olds can hit it that far. I wondered about that also because that is the only field that the 13 year olds play at. I don't have any idea but he called Guy abou it. Amelia John Steveken: Gabe Mast is 6 feet 5 inches and can hit a ball farther than any 13 yr old I've seen and he hit 1 last year at CC. This field will be in line with the other 13 yr old fields. Mike Kuenster: I've coached at CC for 2 full seasons for St Joes and MHAA, a total of probably 50 games...... I've seen 2 balls hit over the fence during a game. The primary purpose for moving the fence is to create space for a batting cage. If it is moved 15-25 feet closer to home plate, you might see another 5-10 home runs a year. I think this is a good thing. Page 1 of 1 Guy Kullander From: Jean Vossberg Uvoss775@yahoo.com] Sent: Thursday, February 08, 2007 2:06 PM To: Guy Kullander Subject: Baseball facilities Dear Guy: This is a note to the City of Mendota Heights in response to the City's 1/26/07 letter to residents regarding Hagstrom-King Park and Civic Center Ball Field. I feel that improvements to all of our baseball fields in Mendota Heights are long overdue, and I fully support the proposed improvements as well as any other improvements to upgrade our facilities to standards equal to that of other communities. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Jean Kolstad 775 Pondhaven Lane Mendota Heights, MN 55120 8:00? 8:25? 8:40? Find a flick in no time with theYahoo! Search movie showtime shortcut. 2/8/2007 City of Mendota Heights MEMORANDUM February 6, 2007 Memo to: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Guy Kullander, Operations & Projects Coordinator Subject: Proposed Trail Segments on Dodd Road & Highway 13 Background: In April 2005 the City Council, accepting a recommendation from the Parks and Recreation Commission, directed the Mendota Heights Engineering Department (when time allowed) to prepare feasibility studies for trail segments along Dodd Road (west side: Hwy 110 to Ridge Place & east side: Maple Street to Marie Avenue) and along Hwy. 13 / Sibley Memorial Highway (Opus - Summit development westerly to Lilydale Road). Discussion: To date, the Engineering Department has only been able to expend minimal staff time to either of these projects. In addition, staff has recently been made aware of an opportunity to apply for DNR grant funding (50/50 match) for which both of these trail segments are ideal candidates to meet the criteria for approval. Sue McDermott, City Engineer & Director of Public Works has received a proposal from the consulting firm of WSB & Associates, Inc. to prepare a feasibility report for both projects, to submit applications for the DNR grant by February 28th, and preparation of plans, specifications, and bid documents pending City Council approvals. rm the work described in their proposal (attached) A request to hire WSB & Associates to perfo was presented to the City Council on February 6th. Council approved hiring WSB consultants to proceed with preparation of the feasibility studies and DNR grant applications. Funding for construction costs and the consultants fees will be from MSA Road Funds (Minnesota State Aid) allocated to the City each year. If the both projects are successful and construction is ordered by the City Council, funding from the Special Park Fund may be required to cover City staff time for inspection during construction and for material testing fees (estimate $10,000 for Hwy 13 segment and $15,000 for Dodd Road segments). Action Required: No action is required; this memo is for information only. Ak WSB & Associates, Inc. Infrastructure 1 Engineering 1 Planning 1 Construction 701 Xenia Avenue South Suite 300 Minneapolis, MN 55416 Tel: 763-541-4800 Fax: 763-541-1700 February 5, 2007 Ms. Sue McDermott, PE Public Works Director/City Engineer City of Mendota Heights 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, MN 55118 Re: Feasibility Study and Design Plans and Specifications Proposal Off -Street Trail Extensions - Dodd Road, Highway 110 to Ridge Place and Maple Street to Marie Avenue West - Sibley Memorial Highway, The Summit of Mendota Heights to the Lilydale Bridge Dear Ms. McDermott: WSB and Associates, Inc. (WSB) is pleased to submit this proposal to prepare two separate feasibility studies and design plans and specifications for the Sibley Memorial Highway Trail extension between the residential subdivision of The Summit of Mendota Heights and the T.H. 13 bridge over Lilydale Road, and the Dodd Road Trail Extension between TH 110 and Ridge Place and between Maple Street and Marie Avenue West. The anticipated tasks to complete the feasibility study for the trail extensions identified are based on discussions between you and Andrea Moffatt, and also a site visit. Using this information we have developed a scope of work and cost estimate for these projects. There are several tasks that are required for the grant application (separate proposal) that are also part of the feasibility study. Similarly, there are tasks indicated with the feasibility study that are part of the final plans. For this reason, we have identified the major components for each project and identified the estimated cost as a complete project. Should you choose WSB to complete one or another of the major components and not all components of a project, we can further evaluate and determine the cost for each component individually. PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND DISCUSSION Based on a field visit, both of these trails will be very difficult to construct. Both highways are rural sections with large ditch sections. There is also the presence of many trees, steep topography and slopes, wetlands and electric utility poles. It also appears that there may not be adequate right-of-way to construct these trails, resulting in the need to purchase additional right- of-way or easements. Discussions with City staff indicate that the existing bituminous curb on the Dodd trail should be replaced with concrete curb and gutter, which will necessitate pavement removal and replacing along the edges. It may be necessary to use storm sewers and add fill to the ditches to construct the trail. In some of the steep areas, retaining walls will probably be necessary. Minneapolis 1 St. Cloud Equal Opportunity Employer Ms. Sue McDermott, PE February 5, 2007 Page 2 We are assuming that the trail must meet Federal design standards, meaning 10 foot wide plus horizontal/vertical curve and clear zone requirements. All of those factors make it somewhat difficult to estimate the engineering effort that will be necessary to complete the projects and associated fees. As the project develops further, we will keep the City informed of the status of the contract as it pertains to the fee. City staff has estimated the trail costs to be $95,000 and $180,000 respectively, initial thoughts are these costs may not be enough for the anticipated curb and gutter, storm sewer extensions, retaining walls, grading, tree replacement, wetland impacts and mitigation, and easements/right- of-way that is anticipated along the alignments. The combined total of these items could increase the overall project costs substantially. FEASIBILITY STUDY Task l: Data Collection WSB will collect all available data necessary for the extension of bituminous trails, including as - built roadway plans, drainage plans, private utility plans, public utility plans, aerial photography and field surveys. Due to the existing topography and the impacts a trail will have on the topography, and impacts on the final costs, the field survey is proposed to be completed prior to initiating the preliminary design or feasibility study. We can start the field survey immediately upon receiving the notice to proceed. The survey will also locate all property and right-of-way lines. WSB will prepare a base map of the existing topography. Task 2: Preliminary Design A determination of the best trail alignment will be completed including estimated wetland impacts, retaining wall locations and height, storm sewer extensions, small utility relocations, public utility relocations, easement requirements and landscaping impacts. Task 3: Feasibility Report A report on feasibility will be completed including recommended improvements, an opinion of cost, project exhibits, and easement requirements. A preliminary cost estimate for purposes of grant submittal will be developed prior to the final report being completed. Task 4: Meetings and Design Coordination It is anticipated that a preliminary feasibility report will be utilized for a neighborhood meeting. Comments and design considerations resulting from the neighborhood meeting will be incorporated into the Feasibility Report for presentation to the City Council. A separate neighborhood meeting will be conducted for each trail. A':�vl 735-oo.4d mL.recL7R-03oI07-.mft-ibilim.duc Ms. Sue McDermott, PE February 5, 2007 Page 3 Design coordination and review by e-mail or telephone will be ongoing with City staff. Project meetings to be determined on an as needed basis. Additional meetings with the private utility companies and Mn/DOT staff are anticipated. FINAL PLANS Task 1: Detail Final Construction Plans and Specifications Detail final construction plans and specifications will then be completed based on the feasibility study and pertinent comments. Final plans will include, plan view for trail alignment, plan and profile of storm sewer extensions, removals, cross-sections, details, retaining wall plan and profiles, storm water pollution prevention plan (SWPPP), restoration/turf establishment plan, landscaping and specifications. An Engineer's Opinion of Probable Cost will be completed on the final construction plans. Task 2: Permitting The wetland along Dodd Road will be delineated in conformance with the US Corps of Engineers Manual. Based on the delineation, the trail project will be designed to avoid and minimize the wetland impacts to the greatest extent possible. It is likely that some wetland impact will occur. A permit application will be prepared and submitted to the appropriate review and permitting agencies, including the City as the Local Government Unit (LGU) for the Wetland Conservation Act. The design of any wetland mitigation is not included in this work plan, and would be discussed with the City during the permitting process. Permits will be submitted to Mn/DOT, Watershed, PCA for an NPDES permit and other applicable permitting authorities as needed. Task 3: Easement Exhibits Permanent trail easements and temporary construction easements are anticipated adjacent to the trail alignment. Easement exhibits and descriptions will be prepared for easement acquisition purposes. The proposal does not include any easement acquisition activities. WSB can provide these services at an hourly fee schedule. Task 4: Bidding Upon completion of easement acquisition, permitting, and Mn/DOT review and approval, a final set of construction documents will be prepared for bidding. A DW -00.4,1 mJ)u LTR-070?nl-.vn-fro.ahilin,doc Ms. Sue McDermott, PE February 5, 2007 Page 4 ESTIMATED FEE The estimated fee to prepare two Feasibility Studies, and Design Plans and Specifications is $62,900. These costs include the design of some minor storm sewer improvements, additional curb and gutter (but no major roadway design), and retaining walls. If more extensive work is required, additional fee may be necessary. The estimated cost for each project is: Task Dodd.Road Trail Sibley Memorial, Hwv Trail Field Survey $ 3,100 $ 1,300 Feasibility Study & Cost Estimate $13,200 $ 7,200 Final Design and Plans & Specifications $23,800 $14,300 Total Cost $40,100 $22,800 CONSTRUCTION SERVICES At this time, given the uncertainty of the projects, and probable schedule, -no construction services fee was estimated. SCHEDULE WSB is available to begin work immediately on the Grant Application and Feasibility Study. Following receipt of Notice to Proceed, it is estimated that a draft report can be submitted to staff within seven weeks. Attached is a tentative schedule for the projects. Because of the uncertainty of any right-of-way or easements needed, it is assumed that these activities may result in the project getting pushed to 2008 for construction. If these assumptions are wrong, trail improvements could be constructed in the fall 2007. If you have any questions, or require additional information on this proposal, please feel free to contact me at 763-287-7195. Sincerely, WSB & Associates, I c. David E. Hutton, PE Vice President DEH:bba K:.0173j-00.4.Lnm,Uuc... 77? - 020207-11i-f—lihiliMd", Ms. Sue McDermott, PE February 5, 2007 Page 5 ATTACHMENT A - PROPOSED SCHEDULE February 6, 2007 Council Approval February 7, 2007 Notice to Proceed February 9, 2007 Field Survey Completed February 16, 2007 Base Map Completed February 23, 2007 Preliminary Layout February 27, 2007 Preliminary Cost Estimate for Grant Purposes February 28, 2007 Grant Application Submittal March 30, 2007 Feasibility Report for City Staff Review April, 2007 Neighborhood Meeting May, 2007 Present Report to City Council May -June, 2007 Preparation of Plans and Specifications July -October, 2007 Easement Acquisition and Permitting 2008 Trail Construction * Construction schedule will be subject to easement acquisition timeline. If easements can be acquired sooner, construction in 2007 could be initiated. K. W1735 -00,4,h in Jh 1177i-010?!1.'-.nrr-frn..iAiliiidnc City of Mendota Heights MEMORANDUM February 6, 2007 Memo to: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Guy Kullander, Operations & Projects Coordinator Subject: Revise "Parks Five Year (2005 thru 2009) Capital Improvement Plan Background: The following projects have been scheduled for completion under the current Five Year Plan: 2007: 1. Ivy Hill - Playground Replacement $ 55,000.00 (install in April 2007) 2. Park "You Are Here" signage $ 6,000.00 3. Concrete Bleacher pads in 9 parks $ 14,000.00 (combined with CDA project) $ 75,000.00 2008: 1. Roger's Lake - playground rehabilitation $ 40,000.00 (increase to $50,000) 2. Victoria Highlands - Picnic Shelter $ 30,000.00 (increase to $35,000) 3. Victoria Highlands - playground replacement $ 40,000.00 (increase to $50,000) 4. Trail segments along Dodd Rd & Hwy 13 $ 30,000.00 ($25,000 if approved) 5. Ivy Hills - picnic shelter $ 110,000.00 (increase to $35,000) 2009: 1. Kensington Park -playground upgrades $ 30,000.00 (increase to $35,000) 2. Mendakota Park - playground upgrades $ 40,000.00 (increase to $45 or $50,000) 3. Mendakota - sand volleyball $ 8,000.00 4. Hagstrom-King - picnic shelter $ 30,000.00 (increase to $35,000) 5. Ivy Hills - picnic shelter $ 30,000.00 (increase to $35,000) 6. Friendly Hills - replace hockey rink lights $ 20,000.00 (increase to $30,000) $ 158,000.00 Total of `working budgets" = $ 343,000 (anticipate budget increase to adjust for inflation: Add $60, 000) Note.' Possible need of $25, 000 for trail work on Dodd Rd. & Hwy 13 Special Park Fund: - Current balance in fund is approximately $ 230,000.00 - Revenue anticipated in 2007 $ 190,000.00 - Revenue anticipated in 2008 $ 110,000.00 - Revenue anticipated in 2009 $ 70,000.00 $ 600,000.00 (Estimate of average revenue from Park Dedication Fees 2010 thru 2020 at $30, 000 to $50, 000 per year) Discussion: If the Commission completes all of the projects currently scheduled in the Five Year Plan the balance in the Special Park Fund at the end of 2009 will be approximately $200,000.00. If the Commission wishes to proceed with all of the proposed MHAA improvements at the Civic Center ball field (*) $ 53,000 and Hagstrom-King ball field $ 43,000 they should consider one of the following courses of action: 1. Add the ball field improvements to the existing list of projects and "deplete" the Special Park Fund to a December 2009 (end of Five Year Plan) ending balance of $100,000.00. 2. Add the ball field improvements to the current Five Year Plan and delete two or more existing projects with total budgets equaling approximately $100,000.00. Special Park Fund balance at end of 2009 would be approximately $200,000.00. 3. Continue with the projects as currently scheduled in the Five Year Plan and request City Council to provide "one time funding of $96,000" in the 2008 budget, from the General Fund, for the requested ball field improvements. Balance of Special Park Fund at end of 2009 fiscal year would be approximately $200,000.00. Recommendation: Continue discussion regarding ball field improvements requested by MHAA. Action Required: Provide direction to staff. (*) Civic Center Estimate of costs for requested improvements: 1. New 8 foot high fence x 350 lineal feet $ 8,000 2. New ag-lime warning track 15'x 350' $ 5,000 3. Concrete mowing strip at fence $ 4,000 4. Shelter over players bench (2) $ 12,000 5. Batting cage -15' x 80'x 15' high $ 12,000 6. Electric service & irrigation modifications $ 3,000 7. Contingency 20% 8,000 $ 43,000 $ 53,000 Hagstrom-King Park Estimate of costs for requested improvements 1. Replace backstop - add netting $ 8,000 2. New 8 foot high fence x 330 lineal feet $ 8,000 3. Ag -lime warning track 15'x 330' $ 5,000 4. Concrete mowing strip at fence $ 4,000 5. Shelter over players bench (2) $ 11,000 6. Contingency 20% 7,000 $ 43,000 City of Mendota Heights Parks Five Year (2005 thru 2006) Capital Improvement Plan Adopted by Parks & Recreation Commission in August 2004 Note The Commission desired total cost of projects from Special Paris Fund to average $115K - 9125K ner vear 2009 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. FA Total Projects $110 K Kensington Park -Playground Rehabilitation $30 K Mendakota Park -Playground Rehabilitation $40 K Mendakota Park -Sand volleyball court $ 8K Hagstrom-King Park -Picnic shelter $30 K Ivy Hills -Picnic Shelter $30 K Matching funds for safety fences @ 4 youth softball fields @ Mendota & Somerset schools -School District 197 Friendly Hills- hockey lights (rescheduled from 2006) $20 K ($16 K) Reconsider or Delete Total Projects $158 K or $174 K (2009 - #6) Estimate: 2005 thru 2009 expenditures for Capital Improvement Projects = $660,000.00 (Avg.=$132 K per year) Note: Does not include overhead and other yearly expenses deducted from Special Park Fund Plan revised 1-5-07 to reflect current schedule and priorities. (gk) 2005 BUDGET FINAL COST 1. Wentworth Park -Playground Rehabilitation $55 K $50,000 2. Marie Park -Playground Replacement $45 K $38,000 3. Park & Trail Signage - City Wide ($ 6 K) Reschedule 2007 4. Roger's Lake Park -Additional skate park components $10 K $27,000 2006 Total Projects $110K $115,000.00 1. Victoria Highlands -Playground Rehabilitation $35 K Reschedule 2008 2. Ivy Hills -Playground Rehabilitation $35 K Reschedule 2007 (a) $55K 3. Friendly Hills -asphalt path to tennis courts in lieu of bridge $ 4K Reschedule 2007 -CDBG 4. Replace youth softball backstops @ 3 parks @ $7 K each $21 K$20,000 5. Friendly Hills -Replace hockey rink lights $20 K Reschedule 2009 6. Valley View Heights Park (from 2007 project list)) - - - $30,000 7. Valley Park (from 2008 project list) - - - $35,000 8. Trial on Wachtler (needed segment -Opus to Cherry Hill) - - - $ 7,000 9. Backstop netting at Civic Center - - - $ 5,000 10. Wachtler/Hwy 13 (Opus) trails - - - $60,000 11. Bleacher pads in 9 parks (companion with CDBG) ($14 K) Reschedule 2007 2007 Total Projects $115 K $157 000.00 1. Friendly Hills -Playground Rehabilitation $45 K ??? (May be rescheduled) 2. Valley View Heights (Curley's Tot Lot) -Replace playground ($35 K) Completed in 2006 3. Trails (.52 miles) on Wachtler & Hwy. 13 (Econ -Lab site) ($50 K) Completed in 2006 4. Ivy Hill Playground Rehabilitation (rescheduled from 2006) $55 K 5. Park & Trail Signage (rescheduled from 2005) $ 6K 6. Bleacher pads in 9 parks (rescheduled from 2006) $14 K Total Projects $120-K or $75 K (2007- #1) 2008 1. Roger's Lake -Playground Rehabilitation (westerly area) $40 K 2. Valley Park -Playground Rehabilitation ($40 K) Completed in 2006 3. Victoria Highlands -Picnic Shelter $30 K 4. Victoria -Highlands Playground (rescheduled from 2006) $40 K 2009 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. FA Total Projects $110 K Kensington Park -Playground Rehabilitation $30 K Mendakota Park -Playground Rehabilitation $40 K Mendakota Park -Sand volleyball court $ 8K Hagstrom-King Park -Picnic shelter $30 K Ivy Hills -Picnic Shelter $30 K Matching funds for safety fences @ 4 youth softball fields @ Mendota & Somerset schools -School District 197 Friendly Hills- hockey lights (rescheduled from 2006) $20 K ($16 K) Reconsider or Delete Total Projects $158 K or $174 K (2009 - #6) Estimate: 2005 thru 2009 expenditures for Capital Improvement Projects = $660,000.00 (Avg.=$132 K per year) Note: Does not include overhead and other yearly expenses deducted from Special Park Fund City of Mendota Heights February 5, 2007 Memo to: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Guy Kullander, Operations & Projects Coordinator Subject: Pilot Knob Phase II - TPL Grant Application to Dakota County Background: Attached is an application to the Dakota County Farmland and Natural Areas Program for a grant to assist with the purchase of fifteen acres of land adjacent to the existing City owned 8.5 acre Pilot Knob - Phase 1 site. This application was prepared by the Trust for Public Lands. The Mendota Heights City Council has committed $400,000.00 towards purchase of the Pilot Knob - Phase II site and Commission members may note, in this application, that future applications for various DNR grants are planned. Action Required: None, this memo is for information only. Name: Pilot Knob -Phase II C O U N T Y Date received: Farmland and Natural Areas Program 2006 Final Application The Farmland and Natural Areas Program began in 2003 in response to citizen concern about the loss of farmland and natural areas throughout Dakota County. The intent of the program is to work with willing landowners to consider their land protection options. The overall goals of the program are to: • Protect and Improve Water Quality • Protect Quality Farmland • Protect Quality Natural Areas • Protect and Improve Wildlife Habitat County landowners are encouraged to consider participating in this voluntary program. Step 1: Landowners should review the FNAP Guidelines by visiting the Dakota County website at b=://www.co.dakota.mn.us/planning/fnap_. If you have questions or are interested in receiving printed materials, contact the Dakota County Physical Development Division at (952) 891-7000. Step 2: Complete the 2006 Application. The information that you provide will be used by County staff and the Farmland and Natural Area Program Advisory Committee to evaluate and score each of the projects according to established prioritization criteria. The prioritization criteria are included in the FNAP Program Guidelines (Chapter 2). Projects with their respective scores will be submitted to the Physical Development Committee of the Dakota County Board of Commissioners in February, 2007, for their review. Committee recommendations will then be forwarded to the County Board for approval. Deadline for submission of the application is 4:00 p.m. on December 30, 2006. Applications should be submitted to: Farmland and Natural Areas Program Dakota County Physical Development Division 14955 Galaxie Avenue Apple Valley, MN 55124 Submission of this application does not bind the applicant to proceeding with a donation or sale of land or an easement. Likewise, the submission of an application does not bind Dakota County to accept or purchase land or an easement. Public Information: Information contained in this Application will be subject to the provisions of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act; Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13. Unless otherwise classified, all data contained in the Dakota County Farmland and Natural Areas Program Final Application will be considered public data. Page 1 Note: Please expand this form and/or use extra sheets of paper if all the requested information does not fit in the space provided. ease Check: Farmland Protection Project. I. Landowner Information Natural ,Area Protection Project X 1. Landowner's full name: Acacia Park Cemetery Association Dale -1Bachmeier (General Manager) 2. Mailing address: 2151 Pilot Knob Rd, Mendota Heights MN 55120 3. Phone number: Day 651-452-1555 Evening- Cell 4. E-mail: acac14ark@aol.com A. Other Landowner(s) Information Please complete if there is more than one landowner. 1. Landowner's name(s), address(es), and phone number(s) Please include information for all landowners. II. Contact Information Who will be the contact person regarding this application? Please complete if contact person is different than landowner. 1. Name: Bob McGillivray , The Trust for Public Land 2. Mailing address: 2610 University Ave W Suite 300 St Paul, MN 55114 3. Phone number: Day 651-999-5307 Evening Cell 4. E-mail: r m@ipl.org III. Overall Project Description Please attach a drawing of all parcels and portions of parcels proposed for consideration to this application. The drawing should include: • perimeter boundaries • labeled roads • existing or planned pipelines or other utilities • significant property features • areas to be exempted from the acquisition/easement, such as existing buildings and facilities, homesteads, future building sites, etc. This project description should be drawn on a copy of an aerial photo, plat map, or maps available from the Dakota County website at http•//www co.dakota.mn.us /assessor /real estate ingWji htm Page 2 IV. Project Size Please list the Property Identification Number (PIN) for each parcel that is included in whole or in part in this pre -application. PINs are listed on yearly tax statements, or can be obtained at the Dakota. County website at: http://www. co.dakota.mn.us/assessor/real estate inquiry.htm , by calling the Dakota County Assessor's office at (651) 438-4200 or 1-800-247-1056 (non -metro), or by e-mail inquiry to: assessing. services e,co.dakota.mn.us. #1 27-04100-010-16 #2 27-04100-011-16 #3 27-57000-060-01 #4 27-57000-091-01 #5 27-57000-061-01 For each parcel, please provide the following information: A. Parcel # 1* Total acreage 1.01 Estimated number of acres to be protected 1.01 Of the acreage to be protected: What percentage is currently used for agricultural (pasture and/or crops) 0 % What percentage has natural features such as forest, wetlands, etc.? 100 % B. Parcel # 2 Total acreage 2.31 Estimated number of acres to be protected 2.31 Of the acreage to be protected: What percentage is currently used for agricultural (pasture and/or crops)? 0 % What percentage has natural features such as forest, wetlands, etc.? 100 % C. Parcel # 3* Total acreage 10.03 Estimated number of acres to be protected 10.03 Of the acreage to be protected: What percentage is currently used for agricultural (pasture and/or crops)? 0 % What percentage has natural features such as forest, wetlands, etc.? 100 % D. Parcel # 4 Total acreage 1.12 Estimated number of acres to be protected 1.12 Of the acreage to be protected: What percentage is currently used for agricultural (pasture and/or crops)? 0 % What percentage has natural features such as forest, wetlands, etc.? 100 % E. Parcel # 5 Total acreage .5 Estimated number of acres to be protected .5 Of the acreage to be protected: What percentage is currently used for agricultural (pasture and/or crops)? 0 % What percentage has natural features such as forest, wetlands, etc.? 100 % * Two of these parcels have houses on them but it is anticipated that they will be removed before the acquisition and the area will be restored. Total Project Size: 14.97 Acres Amount of Easement used for Agricultural Purposes % Page 3 V. Overall Project Description Please attach a drawing of all parcels and portions of parcels proposed for consideration to this application. The -'+-awing should include a perimeter boundary, labeled roads, pipelines, significant property features, and areas to be empted from the acquisition/ casement, such as current buildings and facilities, homesteads, future building sites, etc. This project description should be drawn on a copy of an aerial photo, plat map, or maps available from the Dakota County website at htW://www.co.dakota.mn-us /assessor /real estate inguiry.htm. Please see Section III attachments for project maps. Introduction The eight and a half acres of Pilot Knob that was protected one year ago (Phase I) was a huge success. Scores of supporters, funders, and the press recognized the significance of conserving this environmental, historical, and cultural gem. Within three month of closing a developer appeared before the Mendota Heights City Council proposing to build 97 townhomes towering over the adjacent Pilot Knob Phase II site consisting of 15 acres. While that particular development proposal has now been abandoned, another is sure to follow unless the area is protected. The owner, Acacia Park Cemetery, has agreed not to pursue additional development for a period of time to allow an opportunity to gather the funding and support to protect Phase II and the investment that Dakota County and others have made. Adding these 15 acres will nearly triple the size of the Pilot Knob natural area creating a much more meaningfully -sized piece of critical habitat for wildlife and better potential for trails for people. It will enable the City of Mendota Heights to vacate the north end of Pilot Knob Road to add additional land without additional acquisition costs. The parking area now planned for the Phase I site could be located at the southern end of the Phase II property where it would not compromise the more prominent viewshed at the northwest end of the property. All of the environmental, ecological, historical, and spiritual attributes that made Phase I a compelling conservation site apply to Pilot Knob - Phase II as well. Preservation of this 15 acres now will close the door on development of the Phase II property, which development would otherwise greatly compromise 'ie investments and efforts that have already been made. This is a unique opportunity to complete and preserve a -onservation area that is already recognized as outstanding. VI. Environment, Natural Resources and Wildlife Features Please describe the environmental significance of this property in terms of water, wildlife or other considerations. Pilot Knob — Phase II provides an outstanding opportunity to protect, connect, and enhance one of the premier areas of the state's natural landscape: the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers. The addition of this site to the adjacent Pilot Knob — Phase I site protects the County's previous investment and enriches andreinforces the ecological importance of the convergence of continental wildlife migratory corridors and generations of diverse peoples coming together. Preservation of the site helps protect both surface and groundwater quality. Pilot Knob — Phase II is at high risk of development which, if realized, would potentially produce stormwater runoff that might adversely affect the steep slopes and cause erosion at the Pilot Knob — Phase I site that currently delivers effective erosion and sediment control important for protection of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers. Recharge to the shallow, unconsolidated aquifer is vital to retain groundwater seepage to nearby wetlands. The soils and underlying unconsolidated sediments are rapidly to moderately permeable, and infiltration to shallow groundwater is significant in places. The protection of Pilot Knob — Phase II provides connectivity and buffering to significant ecological resources at the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers, a site of regional and national ecological impotence and within a defined Metro Conservation Corridor. Renowned for bird observation, the site attracts numerous mcommon and even rare species because of its height, prominence, and location where two major river valley wildlife corridors meet. This site provides a small but critical migratory bird habitat required for food, shelter, resting spots, and breeding. Among the birds sighted are: Townsend Solitaire, warblers, thrushes, flycatchers, Rock and other wrens, and brown thrashers. A yellow -throated warbler nested successfully on adjacent land four years Page 4 ago, becoming the first documented, successful nesting in the state where young birds were observed to have fledged; the northern extent of its nesting habitat is southern Illinois. Red crossbills, rare in Minnesota, especially in the south, have attempted to nest there, and Pine Siskins — also unusual for the area - have nested in the vicinity. Resident birds, including many raptors, also use the site. Forty resident turkeys make their home within the Pilot Knob — Phase I and II sites as well as the adjacent wooded parcels owned by Acacia Park Cemetery and the City of Mendota Heights. The proximity of nearby meadow and forested areas provides important foraging and habitat. A rare long-eared owl winters in the area, and peregrine falcons nesting on the Mendota Bridge use the area for hunting. The records committee of the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union has additional records of bird usage. Additionally, the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, and Fort Snelling State Park, all within one mile of the site, have national and state ecological significance and host 50 known occurrences of rare species or natural communities. Protection and restoration of this geographically central and prominent site will enhance the integrity of these nationally significant ecological lands and provide important habitat connectivity for the adjacent and recently protected Pilot Knob — Phase I site as well as City of Mendota Heights land directly to the south. Protection of the site will help increase wildlife habitat and support wildlife populations because native plant communities will be restored at the Pilot Knob - Phase I site, and potentially the Phase II site, according to a natural resource management plan. VII. Unique Characteristics Please describe unique or special characteristics of the land or significance of protecting the land. In addition to the water quality, wildlife and habitat connectivity afforded by protecting the Pilot Knob — Phase II site, protection of this property also provides an opportunity to complete the preservation of a site of national historic significance and provide education opportunities relative to the Native American, early European, and natural history and culture of Pilot Knob. Preservation of Pilot Knob — Phase II will protect the County's investment in Pilot Knob — Phase I and create a site of more meaningful size for recreation, wildlife habitat, and historic interpretation; in effect, tripling the size of the preserved Pilot Knob area. Pilot Knob has national historic significance. Native Americans used the site for 10,000 years before Caucasians visited the area in the 1600s. It is known as Oheyawahi, according to the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux, a word describing ceremonial ground used to practice many sacred Lifeways of prayer, crying for a vision, purification, and making relatives. The Dakota consider the area the center of the universe. According to the Dakota people, this area and Wakantipi (Carver's Cave) in St. Paul are the two places inhabited by the Onktehi, a spirit worshipped by the Dakota. Pilot Knob may have been used as a burial site up to the 1860's, when the Dakota Indians signed one of the two treaties ceding 35 million acres to white settlers in 1851 at the scenic overlook. Today, the site affords tremendous views of the downtown Minneapolis skyline. The Keeper of the National Register of Historic Places determined that Pilot Knob is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places and can be added to the list with landowner consent. The site "meets the state criteria established for a geographical feature of historical and cultural significance," according to state officials and professionals in historic resources. Acquisition of the site will allow listing and permanent protection. The Acacia Park Cemetery currently takes up three-fourths of Pilot Knob, and the 15 acres proposed for acquisition represent Acacia's last bit of vacant land that is not integrated into the cemetery. This is a tremendous opportunity to complete the preservation of a critically important site in our state's history so that we and future generations might learn about Pilot Knob's significance. VIII. Cost Please describe estimated or appraised costs, donations, funding partners, or other cost considerations. Have the number of building sites been determined according to local zoning? Please describe and include your preferred approach to selling or retaining existing building sites. Page 5 It is anticipated that the City of Mendota Heights will acquire the land from the Trust for Public Land (TPL). TPL currently has a letter of intent to purchase the property from Acacia Park Cemetery Association and an option agreement is being finalized. The property will be acquired for its appraised fair market value. It is anticipated that property will appraise for approximately $2 million. TPL has commissioned an appraisal that will be completed this winter. FUNDING Source Cost Status City of Mendota Heights $400,000 Committed Dakota County FNAP $500,000 Requested DNR Remediation Fund $500,000 To be requested* DNR Natural and Scenic Area $500,000 To be requested* DNR Metro Greenways $200,000 To be requested* TPL Metro Conservation Corridors $100,000 Committed TPL Private Fundraising $100,000 To be requested *We strongly believe the DNR will support this project given these programs' financial support of Pilot Knob —Phase I. The total amount of DNR funding, however, will likely be $1 million or less given current funding needs of these programs. IX. Transactional Circumstances Please describe transaction issues such as multiple partners, title concerns, schedule/ timing, etc. 17losing is expected to occur in the fall of 2007. It is anticipated that Acacia will remove all buildings and .iprovements. X. Township/City Involvement Has this project been identified in official plans or been the subject of review or approval? If yes, please describe. The City of Mendota Heights has committed to acquire and manage the property. (See attached resolution.) In addition to committing $400,000 toward the acquisition funding, the City is willing to donate to the project the 3 parcels it currently owns at the southeast corner of the site that total approximately 1.25 acres, as well as the right of way it owns at the north end of Pilot Knob Road which can be vacated and added to the natural area . (These donations of land by the City worth several hundred thousand dollars to the overall project should be considered under the "Landowner Donation" scoring criteria.) Additionally, the Pilot Knob — Phase I acquisition was widely supported by a variety of associations and citizens and the conservation of the site attracted significant attention from local press, including front page articles in the Pioneer Press as well as coverage in the Star Tribune. (Please see attached press clippings and list of supporters.) The additional preservation of the Pilot Knob — Phase II site will only enhance the interest and support for the protection and restoration of this historically and ecologically significant site. XI. Public Access Private ownership is retained when an easement is acquired by the County. However, there may be opportunities for providing some form of limited public access for fishing, hiking, hunting, etc. Would you consider providing limited public access on the property? Yes X No Maybe If yes, please describe. Pilot Knob — Phase II provides excellent public use opportunities. The protection of Pilot Knob — Phase II provides a physical connection to two already publicly protected and accessible sites: Pilot Knob — Phase I and the City of Mendota Heights land. Aesthetically, it provides a vista for natural, cultural, historic, and other Page 6 interpretation, and it already figures prominently in the viewshed of existing interpretive programs and tours at Fort Snelling State Park, St. Peters Catholic Church, and the Sibley House State Historic Site. As an integral part of the birthplace of the modern state of Minnesota, the site can support excellent interpretive programs. (The Minnesota Historical Society committed to grant $6000 for interpretive signs following the Phase I acquisition.)Access is very easy, with Big Rivers Regional Trail on its western boundary, several highways within one mile, and a Metro Transit stop within 1 '/a mile. Religious ceremonies of many faiths have been and will continue to be performed on the site and adjacent areas. Pilot Knob is also in proximity to and visibility from four historic districts—Fort Snelling Historic District, Mendota Historic District, Fort Snelling -Mendota Bridge, and Acacia Park Cemetery—that make it central to the integrity of those sites. If Phase I1 is not protected, the inevitable development of this property would compromise the viewshed from these historic districts and the Phase I property. The amount of vehicular traffic to the portion of Pilot Knob Road accessing this property will likely increase with the new opportunity of public access and interpretive programs anticipated at the site. However, the acquisition of of the Phase II property will allow the City of Mendota Heights, which owns the north end of Pilot Knob Road, to vacate the road between the Phase I and Phase II properties, thus enhancing the site's natural, scenic, and historic qualities while adding additional natural and open space. There has also been some discussion of an agreement with MnDOT that would allow Mendota Heights to manage vegetation in a manner consistent with the Natural Resource Management Plan on that part of the 1.65 acre MnDot ROW at the northeast corner of the property not used for highway purposes, adding another acre or so to the project at no acquisition cost. The site is visibly accessible and can be appreciated by thousands of people using the nearby highway system including the Mendota Bridge and surrounding facilities. Two physical public access points are planned for the site. The site is adjacent to the Big Rivers Regional Trail, which connects trails to the west across the Minnesota River Valley via the I-494 bridge and trails to the east via Lilydale Regional Park in St. Paul. As envisioned, pedestrian access from the trail up the slope will balance accessibility, aesthetics, ecological sensitivity, and cost. The second access will be from Pilot Knob Road. It is possible that Pilot Knob Road will be vacated where it divides the Phase I property and the Phase II property. Protection of the Phase II site will create a more appropriate space for a parking lot at the south end of the property. This location would avoid the steeper slopes of the Phase I site and protect the viewshed of the more prominent north end of both properties. With the site's outstanding scenic and historic qualities, it is anticipated that the site will host walking tours and bicycle tour rest stops. With the broad and diverse support for site protection, many interpretive and other programs are likely to be offered at the site. The Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota community offered to support educational and recreational activities consistent with enhancing the site's ecological values, and has held many ceremonies at and near the site. The Sierra Club has offered to assist with public programs highlighting the ecological significance of Pilot Knob. The Sierra Club conducted a bird watching event in May 2004 and 2005. Each year a tour of Pilot Knob/Oheyawabi is offered in connection with the Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota Community Pow Wow. Conclusion This opportunity to protect a quality natural area of significant size is widely supported at local, regional, and state levels. Multiple partners with a track record of success are working together to conserve this ecologically, historically, culturally, and spiritually significant land. There is a willing landowner, a committed permanent steward, and a reasonable timeline and plan for success. By supporting this project, the County will leverage its resources by over 75% and protect a truly unique property with great public access, good restoration potential, and meaningful water quality benefits. If this property is not conserved, development will likely compromise not only the subject property, but the adjacent Phase l natural area that Dakota County and many others have invested time and money to permanently protect. Page 7 Is there any information in this pre -application that you consider security data that should be protected pursuant to Minn. Stat. Sec. 13.37? Yes No If yes, which question(s) do you believe requests such information? ny signing this form, each signatory indicates their approval of the submission of this application to Dakota County for consideration in the Farmland and Natural Areas Program. Name Date Name Date Page 8 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO DATE: February 8, 2007 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Jake Sedlacek, Assistant to the City AdministratCi SUBJECT: Mendota Heights Par 3 Update Discussion The City Council passed a resolution to proceed with a referendum to purchase the Mendota Heights Par 3 property at their February 6, 2007 regular meeting. The referendum has been set for Tuesday, April 24, 2007; polls will open at lam and close at Bpm. The polling places are the same as regular elections, with absentee voting available 30 days prior to the election. The sample ballot has been attached for your review. A citizen group called Save Par 3 has formed to support the purchase of the golf course — they are actively meeting and planning how they will promote their cause. Staff is not aware of any groups that have formed against the referendum. Also at the February 6, 2007 meeting, Council authorized staff to work on a lease to make sure that Par 3 is able to open on time in the spring. Because the Par 3 owners had no intentions of opening the course this year, the Council is considering the lease in order to retain golf leagues and lessons. The lease would be $7,500 per month for Mendota Golf LLC to maintain and operate the course. The lease could be terminated in 30days from either side. If the referendum fails, the lease can be terminated. In this event, the owners have verbally committed to keeping the course open through league play. Commission Action Required None. OFFICIAL SPECIAL ELECTION BALLOT CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY MINNESOTA "Shall the City of Mendota Heights, Minnesota, be ❑ YES authorized to issue its general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $2,790,000 to defray the expense of the acquisition and betterment of an existing par 3 golf course for use as park or other recreational facilities?" ❑ NO NOTICE: BY VOTING "YES" ON THIS BALLOT QUESTION, YOU ARE VOTING FOR A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE. The maximum amount of increased levy as a percentage of market value is .014327%. The amount that will be raised by the new referendum tax rate in the first year it is to be levied is $267,750. INSTRUCTION TO VOTERS: If you wish to vote in favor of the above proposition, mark a cross (X) in the square before the word "YES". If you wish to vote against the above proposition, mark a cross (X) in the square before the word "NO". 4. Manner; Canvass. Said election shall be held and conducted in accordance with the statutes of the State of Minnesota applicable, and the City Council shall meet as required by law for the purpose of canvassing said election and declaring the results thereof. Adopted by the City Council of the City of Mendota Heights this Sixth day of February, 2007. City Council City of Mendota Heights John J. Huber Mayor Attest: Kathleen M. Swanson City Clerk BASEBALL FIELD DIMENSIONS "STANDARD" GROUP BASELINE OUTFIELD FENCE High School 90 feet 320 / 350 / 400 + feet Babe Ruth 90 feet 300 / 335 feet Colt 90 feet 300 / 350 feet Pony 80 feet 250 / 300 feet Bronco 70 feet 200 / 250 feet Little League 60 feet 200 / 200 feet Mustang 60 feet 175 / 225 feet Pinto 50 feet 150 / 200 feet CIVIC CENTER BALL FIELD Field "modified for baseball only" in 1999 MHAA requested base pegs be installed at 65 ft. and 75 ft. Right field fence distance = 260 ft. and centerfield = 264 ft. z