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2020-08-11 Park and Rec Comm MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS, DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING AUGUST 12, 2020 The August meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Wednesday, August 12, 2020, at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve. 1. Call to Order – Chair Steve Goldade called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. 2. Roll Call – The following Commissioners were present: Chair Steve Goldade, Commissioners: Patrick Cotter, Pat Hinderscheid, Bob Klepperich, Stephanie Meyer, Dan Sherer, and Amy Smith. Staff present: Recreation Program Coordinator, Meredith Lawrence, Assistant City Administrator, Cheryl Jacobson, Public Works Director, Ryan Ruzek, Natural Resource Technician, Krista Spreiter and Community Development Director, Tim Benetti. 3. Pledge of Allegiance The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Chair Goldade thanked City staff for the contributions they have made over the past several months. He thanked the Commission members for their effort during the past few months and thanked the residents who have been enjoying the parks and trails. He re ad aloud a statement related to the operation of public meetings during this time and safety measures that have been implemented due to COVID-19. 4. Approval of Agenda Motion Klepperich/second Cotter, to approve the agenda AYES 7: NAYS 0 5.a Approval of Minutes from March 10, 2020 Regular Meeting Motion Cotter/second Klepperich, to approve the minutes of the March 10, 2020 Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting. AYES 7: NAYS 0 6. Citizen Comment Period (for items not on the agenda) None. 7. Review of Valley View Oak 3rd Addition Community Development Director Tim Benetti stated that the Parks and Recreation Commission is being asked to review and provide comments on a proposed subdivision, generally located near the NW quadrant of Victoria C urve and Glenhill Road. The subdivision would create eight (8) single family lots for future development. The Parks and Recreation Commission is requested to provide comments, concerns, or suggestions which staff will forward back to the Planning Commission and the developer/applicant for subsequent consideration. Mr. Benetti provided a staff report and a presentation on this item to the Commission (which is available for viewing through the City’s website). Chair Goldade summarized that this was introduced at the Planning Commission meeting and tabled to provide an opportunity for this Commission to review the request. Mr. Benetti confirmed that this would go back to the Planning Commission in order to provide a recommendation to the Council. Chair Goldade asked if Marie Park would be the closest City park to this location. Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence stated that City Center Baseball Field would be the closest, but Marie Park would be the closest park with a playground amenity . Chair Goldade stated that he would suggest discussion of a trail that would allow connection from that neighborhood to Glenhill. Mr. Benetti stated that is a great idea but did not believe there were any trail systems in the area that could be connected to. He stated that comment could be passed on to the Planning Commission, but he was unsure if a trail could run through the lift station easement because of the grade. Chair Goldade advised of a possible connection that could be made to keep pedes trian traffic off the frontage road. He asked for additional details on the slope analysis. Mr. Benetti provided details on the slope and property boundaries. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek provided additional details on the bluff and applicable setback requirements. Chair Goldade recognized how wooded the area is currently and that tree replacement would not be done on a one-by-one basis. He asked if the City could have an expectation that a certain number of trees would be replaced on each lo t. Mr. Benetti replied that typically certain conditions or requirements are established under a Critical Area Conditional Use Permit. He stated that typically trees of six inches or greater that are removed are replaced on a one -to-one or two-to-one requirement. He noted that the type of tree can also be specified and that would be included in the conditions of the CUP. Commissioner Sherer commented that there are steep slopes on the site, and he would wonder about the slope stability. He asked if the construction impact for the retaining wall would be within the setback. He noted that a number of trees would be impacted by the grading and construction of the wall. Mr. Ruzek stated that a specific wall design or type has not been proposed, therefore the construction measures are still unknown. He stated that there would be a 40-foot setback from the bluff to the wall, noting two portions that may have difficulty maintaining that setback. Commissioner Sherer asked if some soil sampling has been completed. Mr. Ruzek stated that soil samples are proposed to be collected but was unsure if that work had been done as of yet. Commissioner Sherer asked if the City could require that geotechnical inspectors be inside during the construction to ensure proper compaction to prevent wall and slope failures. He commented that the sediment and infiltration pond require certain materials and maintenance and asked who would be responsible for maintenance. Mr. Ruzek commented that the maintenance of the pond would most likely be the responsibility of the City. He stated that the proposed plan would reduce the flows over the bluff by 50 percent, compared to the existing conditions. He recognized that comments were made at the Planning Commission meeting related to drainage concerns. Commissioner Cotter asked about the amount of land that would be held in conservation easement. Mr. Benetti replied that about one -third of the site would be held in conservation easement. He confirmed that the 40-foot setback would be included in that total. He explained that the intent would be to ensure that once the lots are turned over to private ownership, that area still remains protected. Commissioner Cotter commented that the storm pond would abut Victoria Curve and would be most visible to those driving by. He asked if that placement was chosen because of the topography. Mr. Ruzek commented that the proposed location was chosen because that is the only location where discharge could occur that would not go into Mendota. Commissioner Cotter asked if there would be treatment of the pond. Mr. Ruzek commented that he would anticipate that dredging would be needed in 20 or 30 years. He explained that as long as pond as functioning, they do not require maintenance. Commissioner Cotter asked if there would be a responsibility for the type of trees and vegetation planted around the pond. Mr. Ruzek commented that the City would not have ownership over the trees. He stated that if the development moves ahead, he would support the development having an organization association to handle things such as trees and vegetation. Commissioner Meyer asked what would happen to the triangle piece of property owned by the City and how it would be accessed. Mr. Ruzek commented that if a tree fell down, it would not be an issue of public safety and would remain. He was unsure that there is a wide enough easement to access the parcel. He noted that if the City needed to access the parcel it could attempt to make an agreement with a property owner. Commissioner Meyer asked for details on the barn that was mentioned on the property. Mr. Benetti replied that there is an old horse barn/garage owned by the property owner s. Commissioner Meyer referenced the properties on the Mendota side and asked if there have been concerns raised by those property owners. Mr. Benetti replied that residents from Mendota attended the Planning Commission public hearing and expressed conce rn with drainage running down the bluff line. He stated that there were a number of concerns related to underground springs in the area that come out of the bluff. He stated that the residents were concerned that this could impact those springs. Mr. Ruzek stated that staff has received a lot of comments from the neighboring homes in both cities. He recognized that people are hesitant to change and this request includes a number of variances. Commissioner Meyer asked the size of each lot proposed an d whether the conserved area would count in the lot size. Mr. Benetti replied that each lot would be ranging from 19,580 square feet to 31,000 square feet. He commented that most of the lots would be bigger than they have to be in order to protect the backyard space. He stated that the developable portion would be the front third or half while the remainder would be protected. Commissioner Meyer asked if the City would have any say in the type of trees replanted. She stated that perhaps a pollinator friendly planting could occur near the pond. Mr. Benetti stated that the Master Gardeners and Natural Resources Technician have reviewed the plan and provided their recommendations. He stated that a condition could be added that the City can review and delegate the variety of trees that could be planted and how those would be maintained. Commissioner Smith asked if there has been thought about landscape services that may be used on the properties that could end up as runoff into the bluff. Mr. Benetti stated that could be addressed as part of an HOA agreement. He stated that the City encourages new build ing sites to use the pollinator-friendly policy. Chair Goldade thanked the members of the public and the property owner who are present. Mr. Benetti noted that this meeting was noticed but not as a public hearing. He stated that the Commission does not need to provide an opportunity for those members to speak, as the public would have another opportunity to speak at the Planning Commission public hea ring. Chair Goldade provided an opportunity for those members to speak. Michelle Culligan, applicant, commented that they have many challenges with the site. She stated that whether the conservation area is held in an easement or through an HOA, it will be protected. She explained that the goal would be to preserve as many trees as possible. She stated that the City would still have the ability to place a walking path along Victoria Curve within that right-of -way, if desired. She stated that the goal is to build a nice enclave. She stated that it would be difficult to have a walking path through the site because of the topography of the site and the fact that it is heavily wooded. She stated that t here is a lot north of the City-owned lot that is vacant and could perhaps provide access to that parcel. Kathryn Jewell, 1948 Glenhill Road, stated that there have been comments about the development and there is an intent to do well but it will also be up to what each homeowner decides to do on their lot. She stated that this Commission has an interest in greenspace, and she has concern about the trees and disruption that will occur. She stated that her property is about one acre and about one third of the lot is wooded. She noted that in the time she has lived on the property she has had to remove many Oak and Ash trees because of disease. She hoped that the Commission would keep those items in mind when making their recommendation. Jane McKay,1949 Glenhill Road, stated that the greenspace beh ind the retaining wall would not be able to be accessed in order to remove diseased trees. She stated that they have removed many trees on their property because of disease and would want to ensure that the new homeowners maintain their trees. She asked how those property owners would access the trees when the retaining wall blocks access. Chair Goldade stated that the intent of this case was to review the request and provide input. He noted that this will go back to the Planning Commission for a contin uation of the public hearing on August 25th. 8. Acknowledgement of Reports Chair Goldade read the titles of the three updates (Par 3 and Recreation Updates) and polled the Commissioners for questions. 8.a Par 3 Update Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence commented that COVID-19 has heavily impacted recreational programming. She stated that the Par 3 was opened on April 27 th with a fair amount of changes to ensure public health and safety. She reviewed the statistics from the Par 3 course, noting that the course is busier than it has ever been. She commented that it has been great to see people be active in a safe manner. She stated that maintenance crews have worked hard to keep the course in good shape with the increased use. She stated that the monthly expenditure report shows the revenue and expenditures through June. Commissioner Hinderscheid asked what staff would attribute the higher number of rounds to. Ms. Lawrence replied that for some time golf was the only entertainment available due to COVID-19 and therefore there has been a higher use statewide as it is a safe form of outdoor entertainment. She stated that golf carts are still not being offered at this time because there is not sufficient staffing to sanitize the carts. She commented that she does not plan to use carts for the remainder of this season. Commissioner Smith asked if there has been thought of putting a vending machine at the Par 3 to offer people snacks and beverages. Ms. Lawrence commented that there was a vending machine in the past. She stated that they could look into that but would hope that concessions would be back next year. 8.b Recreation Update Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence stated that many of the events and programs were canceled based on the Executive Orders of the Governor. She stated that many of the park’s amenities were closed and then reopened as guidance allowed. She commented that the Parks and Facilities COVID-19 Plan is posted on the City website and all users must follow that plan. She reported that adult softball has started and has been going well and highlighted some other events that have occurred in modified formats. She highlighted upcoming events, including movie nights. Commissioner Cotter thanked staff for the updates they provided throughout the past few months. He recognized that staff has been working hard to adapt to the challenging times. Chair Goldade stated that he believes there is interest for the Commission to review the field allocation policy at the September meeting. Motion Klepperich/second Cotter to acknowledge the staff reports. AYES 7: NAYES 0 9. New Business 9.a Rogers Lake Eagle Scout Service Project Natural Resources Technician Krista Spreiter stated that Ted Lawder, a Mendota Heights resident, and member of Boy Scout Troop #9067, approached the City with a proposal to complete a service project as part of the requirements of becoming an Eagle Scout. Eagle Scout Service Projects must utilize planning, development, and leadership skills to benefit a religious institution, school, or community. Ted expressed interest in potential service projects that would benefit Rogers Lake. After discussing several options with City staff, he chose to create a lakeshore buffer near the fishing pier at Rogers Lake Park. The lakeshore buffer will be an extension of the native vegetative buffer that already exists at Rogers Lake Park. Ms. Spreiter stated that she is working with another Eagle Scout on a tree planting project in Valley Park. Chair Goldade thanked the Eagle Scout candidates for their contributions to the parks and the City. Commissioner Meyer asked where the tree planting would occur in Valley Park. Ms. Spreiter replied that they want to replace the Ash that will eventually be removed. She noted that some plantings will occur near the ballfield and near the trail. She noted that clearing of some existing invasives would occur prior to the plantings. Chair Goldade stated that perhaps members of the Commission could stop by on a workday. He referenced brush removal on the west side of Rogers lake and asked for details. Ms. Spreiter reported that Great River Greening is removing buckthorn along the side of Rogers Lake which will be replaced with an understory woodland mix. 10. Unfinished Business 10.a Work Session with City Council Review Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence reported that the City Council and Parks and Recreation Commission met on July 14, 2020 for a work session to discuss park improvement projects for the next two years. The following park project items were discussed: Wentworth grant requirements for completion, Wentworth tennis court repla cement, pickleball court location, basketball expansion at Hagstrom King, Mendakota dugouts, playground replacement at Marie Park, the future Dog Park and Skateboard Park. Chair Goldade highlighted the topics that could appear on future Commission agend as based on the discussion at the joint meeting. Commissioner Smith referenced the pickleball courts and the price to convert the tennis and/or hockey courts. She asked the difference in cost for the two conversions. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek stated that to build a new pickleball court would be about $120,000. He commented that to redo the pavement at the Marie Park tennis court was about $80,000. He stated that to covert the hockey rink would be about $20,000. Ms. Lawrence commented that the minutes reflected a higher number and will be amended. Mr. Ruzek provided an update on the Wentworth warming house construction, noting that the Council approved the contract for that work to be completed. He believed that construction would begin in September and the structure is anticipated to be available for the winter hockey season. He noted that the trail and parking lot improvements would be completed in 2021. He confirmed that the basketball court would remain and would not be impacted by t he project. He reported that the Hagstrom King basketball court concrete slab has been poured. Ms. Lawrence stated that pickleball was identified as a discussion topic for the Commission from the City Council. She asked the Commission to be prepared to discuss that item in September. Commissioner Cotter commented that he was encouraged by the discussion of a ten to 20-year Capital Improvement Plan. He stated that while there is not much more developable space and revenue for parks, the Par 3 will be paid off by 2023 and it appears that the Commission could make the case that a substantial amount of the funds that were used for the Par 3 could be used for a long-term parks plan. Commissioner Sherer commented that Rosemount is building a large skate complex which may draw some of the users away from the Mendota Heights facility. Commissioner Meyer commented that while she believes the funds being expended toward the Par 3 should continue to be allocated towards parks after that debt expires. She en couraged the Commission to discuss that element and present a united front in order to ensure there is sufficient funding for the parks going forward. Chair Goldade stated that parks funding continues to be a topic and has been for years past. Commissioner Hinderscheid agreed that there has been a discussion related to a sustained revenue source for the parks for many years. 11. Staff Announcements Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence expressed thanks to the Commission and the residents for their understanding through the challenges of the year related to COVID -19. 12. Commission Comments and Park Updates Commissioner Smith  Received a request to add lighting to the tennis courts at Friendly Hills Park  Landscaping near the sign needs attention and improvement  There are dead trees on the trail to Friendly Hills Park that need to be removed Mr. Ruzek stated that staff has worked with residents as some of those trees are located on private property. He noted that staff could review those locations. Commissioner Smith noted that the tables at Market Park have been heavily used. Commissioner Hinderscheid  Pleased to see the Dog Park was extended for another five years  Ivy Hills Park looks great, though the pond has green algae. Mr. Ruzek commented that the weeds observed are healthy plants. Commissioner Hinderscheid commented that he is excited to see the Eagle Scout projects and is happy to see the City attempting to find space for pickleball in the community. Chair Goldade commented that some users of the Dog Park raised funds for a bench and asked staff for an update. Mr. Ruzek stated that a user of the park recently passed away and a GoFundMe page was setup with almost $2,000 raised. $1,000 was submitted to the City for a park benc h donation and the remaining funds will be used to install shade trees in the park. Chair Meyer  Marie Park has been heavily used and people are enjoying the tennis courts and other parks amenities  Thanks to Public Works staff for the excellent job they do maintaining the parks Commissioner Cotter  COVID-19 has made the community more grateful for the park’s amenities. It has been great to see the community out enjoying all the parks amenities during these times.  Excited about the improvements at Rogers Lake and thanks to the Eagle Scouts. Commissioner Klepperich  He has been watching over Mendakota Park and Civic Center and the fields are in great condition as they have not been used as much due to the mandates. It is great to see baseball and softball back at both locations. Commissioner Sherer  The basketball expansion is underway at Hagstrom King.  Echoed the comments that the parks have been in great shape and well maintained this summer. The parks have been heavily used in this challenging year when many other activities have been canceled.  It would be nice to have a method for City residents to determine when fields have been reserved. Chair Goldade  Hagstrom King received some trees through a grant program.  Wentworth and Valley parks are doing great.  Thanks for all the work staff has done since March. 13. Adjourn Motion Klepperich/Second Smith to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 PM AYES 7: NAYS 0 Minutes drafted by: Amanda Staple TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc