2002-09-12 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda PacketCITY OF MENDOTA IYEIGIITS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
AGENDA
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Thursday, September 12, 2002
6:30 p.m. —Council Chambers
Note: This meeting will be televised by NDCTV.
1. Catl to Order
2. Roll Call
3. August 13, 2002 Minutes
4. Parks Five Yeaz Capita] Improvement Plan
5. Natural Resources Management Plan
6. Skate Park
f,
7. Consolidation of Skating Rinks
8. Updates
• Recreation Programmer's Update
• Lexington Avenue Trail
• Police Report
9. Other Comments
10. Adjourn
Auxiliary aids for persons with disabilities are available upon request 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 with requests.
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
AUGUST 13, 2002
The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held
on Tuesday, August 13, 2002 in the 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 and Commissioners
Stan Linnell, Larry Craighead, Paul Portz, and Raymond Morris. Commissioners Missie
Hickey and Dave Libra were excused from the meeting. City Staff present were Parks
Project Manager Guy Kullander, Recreation Programmer Teresa Gangelhoff and
Administrative Assistant Patrick C. Hollister. Mr. Hollister took the minutes. This
meeting was televised by NDCTV and replayed the following Friday at 1:00 pm and 7:00
pm.
MINUTES
Commissioner Linnell moved to approve the June 1 I, 2002 minutes as written.
Commissioner Portz seconded the motion.
AYES: 5
NAYS: 0
DIANE HELLEKSON —NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PLAN
Ms. Diane Hellekson of Barr Engineering presented the final draft of the Natural
Resources Management an, Ms. Helleksons owe ommission vegetation maps
of Mendota Heights and northern Dakota County. Ms. Hellekson said that the biggest
challenge facing Mendota Heights from a natural resources management perspective was
the eradication of invasive species such as Buckthorn and Mustard Garlic. Ms. Hellekson
said that it would also be a good idea to attempt to reduce the amount of land area within
the City of Mendota Heights dedicated to lawns and impervious surface. Ms. Hellekson
said that the City's first priority should be to preserve high -quality natural areas such as
Valley Park, the Copperfield ponds, Rogers Park, the Ivy Hills area, and a pocket of
diverse native vegetation along Highway 13 below Ivy Falls. Ms. Hellekson also
advocated education and enforcement by City Staff and the involvement of local
residents, schools, and community groups in the restoration and preservation of native
vegetation and the elimination of harmful species.
UPDATES
Chair Spicer asked Staff to provide the updates while Mr. Kullander set up the visual aids
for his presentation on the Parks 5-Year CIP
Staff provided updates on the following items:
• Recreation Programmer's Update
• Parks Project Manager's Update
• Marie Park Tennis Courts
• Police Report
Several Commissioners commented that they would have liked to have been consulted on
the issue of resurfacing the Marie Park tennis courts before the Council had made its
decision.
PARKS FIVE-YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Mr. Kullander presented the Parks Five -Year Capital Improvement Plan. Mr. Kullander
informed the Commission that the planned expenditures for the next five years exceeded
projected income into the Special Parks Fund. Mr. Kullander said that the Commission
could either reduce the number of projects in the CIP or ask the Council for additional
funding for the Special Parks Fund.
The Commissioners felt that all items in the Parks 5-Year CIP were necessary
expenditures arising from either citizensexpressed needs or safety concerns, and that
there were no easy or obvious cuts in the CIP.
Commissioner Morris moved to ask the Council to provide more funding for the Special
Parks Fund over Lite next t ve years, either in the form of continued cell/pcs revenue or
some other source.
Commissioner Craighead seconded the motion.
AYES: 5
NAYS: 0
Commissioner Portz asked Staff to inform the Council that the City of Mendota Heights
spends less on Parks and Recreation than most other comparable communities in the
Twin Cities metropolitan area.
City of Mendota Heights
MEMORANDUM
August 15, 2002
Memo to: Mayor, Council Members, and City Administrator
From: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager
Subject: Parks and Recreation Commission request for additional revenue
source(s) to enhance the Special Park Fund
Background:
The Special Park Fund has historically received revenue from four sources;
dedication fees for new single-family lots, lot splits within Industrial Zoned areas of
the City, private donations, and interest on the fund balance. Development of
single-family residences now covers approximately 96% of the suitable land
available for residential construction resulting in a significant drop in lot dedication
fees over the past few years.
In 1999/2000 the Park Commission, faced with a shrinking balance in the
Special Park Fund and unable to respond to resident's requests for park
improvements, began formulation of a multi -year capital improvement plan to
address needs within the park system. In an effort to secure funding for
implementation of such a plan, Commission Chair Richard Spicer met with the City
Council during a budget workshop on August 14, 2000 to discuss this issue. At
this meeting the Council directed that revenues received from cell/pcs companies
for rental of antenna space on the water tower, in 2000, 2001, and 2002 should
be transferred into the Special Park Fund (approximately $60,000 per year).
To develop the Parks Five Year (2001-2005) Capita/ Improvement Plan the
commission evaluated and prioritized the list of previously requested or identified
projects and an estimate of Special Park Fund revenues, from August 2000 through
December 2005 was compiled and working budgets assigned to the list of projects.
As the plan progressed the Commission re -affirmed that they wished to maintain a
reserve balance in the Special Park Fund of $300,000 and that improvements to
upgrade play equipment in eleven parks would be their highest priority. The
completed plan was presented to the City Council for acknowledgement at the first
Council meeting in December 2000.
Implementation of the plan began in 2001 with total expenditures (including
staff time) of $117,205.00. Seven projects were completed (two of which were
added to original project list), two projects begun that were completed in 2002,
and two projects, not begun that were carried forward for completion in 2002 or
2003,
August 15, 2002
Action Required:
If the City Council wishes to provide a recurring funding source for the
Special Park Fund to supplement lot development dedication fees, they should
designate a source(s) and yearly amount.
(Funding Options: General Fund Transfer, Capital Outlay in Parks Budget,
or Recurring Revenue Source-cell/pcs revenues)
If the
City
Council desires the construction
of
a new warming house in
Wentworth
Park
this year they should direct staff
to
proceed with the project.
Attachments: Park Commission Memo dated July 31, 2002
Consideration of possible cost reductions in projects currently
scheduled in "Parks Five Year (2001-2005) Capital
Improvement Plan"
Park Commission Memo dated July 31, 2002
Non -playground projects included in Parks Five Year Plan
August 2, 2002
Parks Five Vear (2001 2005) Capital Improvement Plan
(last revised/updated: June 111 2002)
Page 5
August 20 2002
receiving some relief, however he believes their relief should c
/ though a court action with the City. The City has insurance to
cover exactly this type of suit.
Council member Krebsbach asked if the McDonalds would take a
lesser amount. Mrs. McDonald stated that she feels $30,000 is
reasonable and fair. They estimate that their cleanup and/
replacement of lost furniture will actually cost them $610,000.
Council member Vitelli made a motion to approve a $305000
reimbursement for the McDonalds for their sewer ;claim to be made
uPon the receipt of a signed release of all claims from the
McDonalds. Council member Schneeman seconded the motion.
Ayes: 3
Nays: 2 (Dwyer, Krebsbach)
Mrs. Janet Rusterholtz, 675Brookside Lane, addressed the
Council. She stated that since the last meeting, she received a
lower bid for $3,000. Her prior bid was $3,655.13.
Council member Vitelli made.a motion to approve the Rusterholtz
claim for $3.000 to be reimbursed upon the receipt of a signed
release of all claims from the Rusterholtzs. Council member
Krebsbach seconded the motion.
Council member Dwyer stated that he will,be voting in favor of
this reimbursement as it is below the $10,000 insurance amount.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Council member Dwyer made a motion to approve the Pate claim,
655 Callahan Place for $855.74, to be reimbursed upon the receipt
of a signed release of all claims from the Pates. Couucil member
Schneeman seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Council member Vitelli stated that he thinks the City should be
setting aside $10,000 per year for these types of claims. He stated
that he would bring the issue up during the budget meeting.
PARK AND REC
FUNDING REQUEST Parks Project Manager Guy Kullander addressed the Council. He
stated that in 2000, the Council directed that revenues fiom the cell
towers be transferred into the Special Parks Fund for 2000, 2001
and 2002 (approximately $60,000 per year). The Park Commission
established their five-year Capital Improvement Plan with these
Page 7
August 20 2002
Mayor Mertensotto suggested that if we want to replace it, we
should do the planning and put it on for construction for next year.
Guy Kullander stated that he would also take these comments back
to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Council member Dwyer stated that he was recently approached by
Matt Englehart regarding the skateboard park issue. Guy stated that
this project is scheduled for next year. The approach under
consideration is to purchase portable ramps that would be placed
on the paved hockey rink during the summer. They would be
stored indoors during the winter months. Mayor Mertensotto
suggested talking to the neighborhoods before proceeding. These
skateboard parks can be extremely noisy.
It was also suggested that the Parks Commission visit the
Skateboard park in Eagan to observe the noise.
XCEL ENERGYayor Mertensotto stated that he had some concerns about the
XceEnergy agreement at the last meeting. He stated that the
$110;�k57 is not a fixed cost. If the cost is higher, the City will be
responsible for the payment. He also is concerned that we would
have to grant them an easement for the lines.
Public Works l0irector Jim Danielson stated that the lines would be
buried adjacent to,the frontage road on the south side of Highway
110. They would be removing the lines from the MnDOT right of
way and putting them in the City r ght of way. Danielson stated
they would have received a permit from MnDOT, not an easement,
but he would verify that. He stated that he is still working with
MnDOT to get a release. They cannot bury the lines until the new
grades are established.
Council member Dwyer asked why these concerns were not raised
last week. Mayor Mertensotto stated that the motion that was made
was for funding and burial of the lines only and made no mention
of the execution of the contract.
Council member Vitelli asked if the Mayor woit(d sign the contract
W. and the Mayor indicated that he would.
Council member Krebsbach made a motion to authori3e the Mayor
to sign the Xcel Energy Underground Service Form and to direct
staff to check with MnDOT on the need for a release of an'' .
City of Mendota Heights
MEMORANDUM
September 4, 2002
Memo to: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager
Subject: Natural Resources Management Plan
Background:
The Commission requested that an amount of $10,000.00 be included in the
Draft 2003 City Budget, under Park Maintenance, for development of a plan(s) for
the protection or restoration of natural resources within city parks.
I sent the attached memo to the staff members working on the draft budget
that was distributed to the Council last Friday, August 31'. A workshop on the
Budget will probably be scheduled for November, following elections.
Plan Development:
The Commission expressed a desire to develop a long range or staged plan to
restore, improve and protect the natural resources within the City which was to be
accomplished through educational efforts, work projects and partnering with other
local groups with similar goals.
Attached is "Summary of Management Recommendation" (from Diane
Hellekson, Barr Engineering) that is park of the Final Report, plus other minor
changes.
/f you bring back your copy of the "Fina/ Report" /
will rep/ace it with a new Final Final Report.
Recommendation:
The Commission should provide staff with the type of projects or programs
they wish to pursue next year and in future years if the funding requested is
included in the final budget. You may also want to establish priorities for the
projects.
If the Commission accepts this as a Final Report they should make a
recommendation to the City Council and Planning Commission regarding the use
t and recommendations detailed in the plan.
SUMMARY OF MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
This generalized list should not replace detailed recommendations in preceding chapters. Nor
should it necessarily override efforts at individual parks that gain momentum out of this sequence.
Concurrent efforts are recommended whenever possible, particularly education and invasive plant
eradication programs.
1. Invasive Species: Immediate Intervention
A. Garlic mustard: North end of Valley Park
B.
Gamic
mustard:
Along
path
southeast of Cullen Ave./Timmy St. intersection.
C.
Purple
toosestrife:
Small
patch
on Hagstrom-King pond
2. Maintenance Regimes for Vulnerable Areas
A. Rogers Lake shoreline restoration
B. Ivy Hills Park pond area
C. City property and adjacent private property south of Hwy. 13, northeast of Wachtler Ave.
3. Education Efforts
(ln conjunction with all of above buckthonz remoaal efforts)
A. City maintenance staff
B. Residents: Informational flyers, workshops on upcoming management changes, yard design
and invasive eradication. Introduce and support "buckthorn bash" concept (see Appendix B).
C. Schools (potential project partners)
4. Adjust City Property Maintenance Practices
(Can be instituted anytime following staff/crezu education)
A. Create buffers around ponds by mowing less closely to shoreline.
B. Eradicate fleeceflower in Wentworth Park,
C. Start controlling other herbaceous species encroaching on natural areas (e.g. crown vetch,
thistle, sweet clover, purple knapweed). Hagstrom-King Park, Kensington Park, other areas.
D. Enforce regulations against dumping yard debris on city property.
5. Invasive Eradication at Priority Sites
Target Species: buckthorn, amur maple, black locust, honeysuckle, Siberian elm, fruiting boxelder..See
specific park recommendations for details on where to begin control efforts. Important: Institute
follow-up control and maintenance plans for each site. This may include controlled banning.
A. Areas least infested with buckthorn
1. Friendly Hills pond area
2. Hwy. 13/Wachtler site
3. Ivy Hills Park
Garr E;iyitteering Cornpnny 3L
City of Mendota Heights
MEMORANDUM
August 29, 2002
Memo to: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager
Subject: Skate Park
Background:
At their August 6`h meeting, the City Council expressed a desire that the
Parks and Recreation Commission make a recommendation regarding construction
of a Skate Park in Mendota Heights.
In November of 2001, Matt Engelhart presented a petition to the
Commission requesting the construction of a Skate Park in Mendota Heights. The
Commission directed staff to gather additional information for a future discussion.
This issue was next discussed by the Commission in February 2002. The
Commission expressed approval of this project and added this item to the Parks
Five Year (2002-2005) Capital Improvement Plan with a working budget of
$24,000.00 for a project to be considered for construction in 2003.
Discussion:
Attached are three informational "sheets" I have prepared for the
Commission to help better evaluate the pros and cons of a Skate Park:
a. Items to consider for locating a Skate Park
b. Tier One Skate Park — estimated costs
c. Evaluation of City Parks for suitability as Skate Park site
Following discussion of the pros and cons of skate parks, the Commission
may wish to recommend one of the following options to the City Council.
1 .
Recommend
against construction of a
Skate Park and state the
reasons for
this
determination
(cost, limited funding, no
suitable location, safety,
etc1.
2. Recommend that a Skate Park facility be located at Friendly Hills Park and be
located on the asphalt surface of the hockey rink. Development of the Skate Park
at this location could be accomplished for under $30,000. Local residents would be
invited to comment on the facility with the understanding that the operation would
be reviewed after one year and if found "unsuitable" removed or relocated to
August 27, 2002
Items to consider for carmy a skate park...
1.
Should be open and visible to surrounding area — not hidden in a heavily
landscaped area.
2.
Parking space for 10 to 20 vehicles
3.
Easily accessed by Police (easily visible from "street drive -by") or emergency
vehicles.
4.
Distance of 200 feet (minimum) from other park amenities that attract young
children/parents (play area — youth ball field players benches).
5.
Asphalt path that connects to other City trail/path system
6.
No lights for area where ramps are located — security light in parking area.
7.
No "obstacles or challenges" outside of or in close proximity to fenced skate
park that could be used by skaters to "test their skills" (steps, hand rails, etc).
8.
Maintenance: (staff time -equipment -supplies)
a. Graffiti awareness. Be prepared to remove immediately.
b. Daily walkthrough to check for vandalism and pick up litter.
c. Daily check to assure ramps have not been moved
Note:
City currently does not have maintenance workers on duty on Saturday or
Sunday except during special events or tournaments. City Council may need to
reconsider weekend staffing if skate park is developed. Only full-time employees
have security access to vehicles -union requires 2 hr. minimum for staff called in
on weekends, time and a half or double time.
d. On -going maintenance and repair of ramps, equipment, and asphalt
surface — daily/weekly schedule.
e. Ramps and paved area should be kept dry. This may mean that a park
employee visit the site after a rain to sweep or blow water off site. Site
may have to be signed to warn that ramps are unsafe if wet, etc.
f. Maintain informational and rules of the park signage. Include City Hall and
Police general phone numbers as well as emergency numbers.
Assumption of staff time required for maintenance of skate park:
Equipment in place 28 wks. (Mid -April to Mid -October)
a. Week day walk-through, clean-up, etc. 254 days x 'h hr. = 127 hrs.
b. Weekend & holiday walk-through, etc. 111 days x 2 hr. = 222 hrs.
b. Seasonal set-up & take -.down @ 10 hrs per operation = 20 hrs
c. Repairs, maintenance, etc. 3 hrs per incident x 7 times = 21 hrs
d. Special attention following rain events: 1 hr x 28 times = 28 hrs
Estimate of PW staff time commitment = 418 hrs.
The amount of maintenance required (418 hrs) is approximately one-fourth of the
productive hours of one maintenance worker per year. This amount of time, at 2002
salary & benefit levels, would cost approximately $13,250.00.
August 27, 2002
Evaluation of City Parks for suitability/cost of Skate Park
Unsuitable:
1. Ivy Hill Park: Too isolated
2. Valley Park No
open space available.
Removal
of trees required to
to
prep site. Extra costs
involved.
3. Victoria -Highlands Park: Only site would be near playground equipment.
Park is easily accessible.
4. Sibley Athletic Complex: Not type of facilities School District would allow.
5. Marie Park: Difficult to locate and not be too close to play area or
existing residences.
6. Civic Center: No area suitable.
7, Friendly Marsh Park: Isolated park. Poor access. Undeveloped/natural in
character.
8. Kensington Park: North Park
has been
developed as a
"back yard" for the
residences
and town
homes. Strong
opposition from
residents if
"active"
improvement was
proposed.
South Park fully developed. Only open land area would be
east of soccer fields -far from parking area -isolated and
difficult to observe.
10. Copperfield Ponds: Natural/undeveloped park.
For Consideration:
10. Roger's Lake Park: Upper (gravel) parking lot, if paved, could accommodate
skate park. Would be close to tennis courts.
1 1 . Hagstrom-King Park: Open area, leveled for possible future tennis court,
(north of Mendota Heights Rd. and east of trail/path)
is large enough. Existing parking area would need to be
expanded. Skate area would be approximately 150' from
play area. One house would be approximately 1 50' away.
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August 221 2002
For /reformation Only
Memo to: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manger
Subject: Skate Park
At the August 20`h City Council meeting council member Dwyer inquired
about the status of the skate park project that was requested by residents last
year. I informed him that the Commission had identified this as a project they
wished to be implemented in 2003 and that a working budget of $24,000 had
been established in the Parks Five Year Capital Improvement Plan.
Mayor Mertensotto commented that the skate park recently installed in
Eagan at the Lexington / Diffley Park was very noisy and that if the commission is
going to recommend a location for a similar park in the City they should first
consult with the surrounding neighbors. I assured him that the Commission planned
to have an open house before making a recommendation to the Council to proceed
with this project.
This item will be on the September agenda for discussion by the
Commission. I urge Commission members to visit the Eagan Skate Park prior to the
meeting, if possible. Attached is a map of Eagan with the park "circled". The
asphalt area where the equipment is located is 80 feet by 150 feet (12,000 sq.ft.).
The double tennis courts in our parks are 110 ft. by 120 ft 03,200 sq. ft.)
The equipment used in the park is "Skatwave ", which is marketed by Earl F.
Anderson. This is the type of equipment I have referred to in previous discussions
at Park Commission meetings. A rough cost breakdown for the Eagan Skate Park
is: $30 K for ramps, $20 K for asphalt surface, $4 K for fencing, $6 K for site
preparation, signing, staff time, and miscellaneous.
Additional information will be provided in the agenda packet that will go out
on September 5`h.
SQUARE TUBE FRAMING
PVC -coated, sturdy 1.5" steel
tWag takes a pounding without
bending, denting or flexing.
STAINLESS STEEL
FASTENERS
Specially designed
fasteners that reduce
the acts of vandalism.
CROSS BRACE
PVC -coated all steel hrace keeps
ramps rigid and stable for a better
ride and safer experience.
PERMALENE® PANELS
Attractive and durable, weather -resistant,
low -maintenance panels that provide added
safety. Curved and straight panels available.
SIDE AND BACK PANELS
12-gauge steel, P4C-coated to
keep ramp rigid and stable for a
quieter ride.
GUARD RAILS
PVC -coated large 1.3" diameter
galvanized tubing prevents kids
tram taking spills while on top
of the ramps.
DECK
PVC -coated, hefty 11-gauge steel,
reinforced with 7-gauge, factory
welded ribs, remain true to spec
and resistant to dents and wear.
cDPiNG
Burly, powdercoated 2-3/8"
steel coping to create a smooth
and easy -to -grind edge.
TEKTRAK" COATED
TRANSITIONS
Tough 12-gauge steel straight
or curved surfaces to resist
flexing and vibration for a more
stable ride.
ADJUSTABLE FOOT
LEVELERS
Rugged stainless -steel support/ TRANSITION PLATE
contact feet and innovative Precisely machined and PVC -coated
design makes leveling ramps on for a smooth transition from ground
uneven surfaces easy. lust screw to ramp and to reduce noise.
them up or down as needed.
City of Mendota Heights
MEMORANDUM
August 22, 2002
Memo to: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager
Subject: Consolidation of Skating Rinks
Background:
On several occasions council member Mary Jeanne Schneeman has expressed
concerns regarding the maintenance and operations of the skate rinks and warming
houses. Her concerns and suggestions are:
1. Cost of operating the rinks (staff labor, attendants, materials).
2. Lack of rink attendants on site when ice conditions are favorable.
3. Lack of signage, information, rules, etc. at rinks/warming houses.
4. Concern that rink attendants are not "supervising" the rink, but are
often found inside watching TV, reading, etc.
S. Requested the Park Commission consider "consolidation" of our skating
rinks into one park with multiple hockey rinks and large free skating area.
Discussion:
Item 5. Consolidation of our skating rinks into one or two locations would
significantly save on labor and maintenance costs. My impression from the discussion
amongst the Council members was that if consolidation occurred that a park with
multiple rinks would deserve a larger warming house facility. Assuming that the City
does not acquire a parcel of land suitable for a multi -rink skating complex the only
option for consolidation is to consider the three parks that currently have skating
facilities.
1 . Decommissioning the rink at Marie Park would appear fiscally irresponsible
because of the $30,000 in capital improvements (new boards and lights)
installed in 2001, The rink area is separated from the ballfield area by the pond,
entrance driveway and play area. Locating one or two additional hockey rinks in
the ballfield area would be the only option. Permanent boards here would mean
the youth ballfield would no longer be viable.
2.. Friendly Hills Park could accommodate a second hockey rink with the free
skating rink moved easterly into the youth softball/soccer field outfield. A larger
warming house would be a "given" and the issue of locating an additional 20 to
Recommendation:
Discuss the concerns expressed by Council member Schneeman and inform the
Council of your remedies, solutions and/or recommendations.
If the Commission determines that Option #1 is the direction the City should
pursue then you may wish to ask the Council for approval to proceed with a project to
replace the Wentworth Park warming house in 2003.
Possib/e Sites for Outdoor Skate Rink Comp/ex
1. City owned property -SE corner of Acacia Blvd. & Pilot Knob Rd.
2. City owned property along Hwy 55, north of Mendota Heights Rd.
currently used for storage of City street sweepings.
3. Visitation property south of Mendota Heights Rd,
4, St. Thomas property south of Mendota Heights Rd.
5, Undeveloped Hwy. Right-of-way east of shopping center at
Dodd Rd. and Hwy 110 — south east corner.
6. Foss property (8 acres) adjacent to Wentworth Park
7, Friendly Marsh Park plus undeveloped Hwy 149 right-of-way
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
Date: September 3, 2002
To: PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
From: TERESA GANGELHOFF
RE: AUGUST PARKS AND RECREATION REPORT
Softball
We are running a Men's D Fall league with 4 teams playing on 4 Tuesday nights in
September. - double headers.
We have also started a Co-Rec League that plays on Wednesday's. Double-header games
for 5 weeks that started in August. We have 8 teams playing.
Golf
I will be meeting in September with Eagan Parks and Rec to go over how we should handle
registrations for Mendota Par 3. We may look at raising the registration fee for next year as it
is very time consuming to make the tee times and get everything set up for the camps and
lessons and the $5.00 registration fee per person that we receive is not covering the time
involved. We both agree it should still be offered to our communities.
Celebrate Mendota Heights
Our celebration will be held on the first Sat. in June. The date is June 7, 2003. 1 have
already made deposits to secure the Teddy Bear Band for part of the entertainment and also
secured Walton's Hallow Petting zoo and Pony rides along with the IGH clown club attending.
I have an application in for a MN Twins Clinic to be put on the same day as we always have
an in-house baseball tournament running during the celebration. I would like to set up
donations as I have seen other cities such as So. St. Paul do. You list the contributor as a
Gold, Silver or Bronze contributor etc. I will check more into it and decide what the cutoff will
be for each level. If you have any other ideas or any other activities you would like to see
added to the celebration or If you would know any companies or individuals that would like to
make a donation or volunteer to help at this event next year please contact Teresa at 255-
1354.
Safety Camp
Camp was held August 13th, 14th, 15th at Kaposia Park. The So. St. Paul VFW sponsored
this event again and reduced the cost from $25.00 last year to $15.00 per camper this year.
We filled this camp with 44 campers from Mendota Heights. I had to hire another leader and
two students to help work at this event. (22 campers per leader and student helper) Mario
from the police department helped with activities and the fire department sent Ken
Weisenberger. Officer Brian Convery came to help one afternoon with bike safety. It was a
fun filled 3 days and the 44 campers walked away with a great experience along with the
knowledge how to stay safe!
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
MEMO
September 6, 2002
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Marc S. Mogan, P.E. Civil Engineer
SUBJECT: Lexington Trail Project Update
DISCUSSION:
City Council has made the design and construction of the Town Center Redevelopment
Project the Engineering Department's highest priority. The Town Center Redevelopment project
and its companion Freeway Road Reconstruction Project consequently have dominated the
Engineering workload this year. These projects and others underway have left no time for the
Engineering Department to work on the Lexington Trail Project,
The Engineering Department has prepared a draft set of design plans for the Lexington
Trail project (see attached). There are some design complexities presented by the existing
ditches and the pond along the Lexington Heights Apartments property and the steep slopes and
buried natural gas main in the vicinity of the Wagon Wheel Trail/I35-E overpass that have yet to
be resolved. These complicating design issues need to be resolved before the Lexington Trail
Project plans and specifications can be finalized for construction as they can affect the location of
trail or the slope easements that may be required for the project.
These trail plans are designed to comply with MSA standards in order to attain plan and
specification approval and qualify for funding of the project from Municipal State Aid (MSA)
and the Dakota County Highway Department.
The Engineering Department will resume design work this fall on plan and specification
preparation to resolve these issues for construction of the Lexington Trail in 2003 after the Town
Center/Freeway Road design work is finished.
MSM
MENDOTA HEIGHTS POLICE DEPARTMENT
INCIDENT SUMMARIES - PARKS o9-o4-zooz
CN: 02002611 OFFENSE/INCIDENT: Damage to vehicle
DATE: 08/03/2002 12:40:0 OFFICER: Rosse, T 2237
LOCATION: 2nd St and 13 HWl'
SYNOPSIS:
Responded to the above area concerning a theft from auto. On scene I met with the victim who explained he parked his car at the
parking lot at 2nd St and Hwy 13. When he began to return back to his car at approximately 1240hrs he noticed a black female
standing near a vehicle directly next to his. As he approached closer he noticed the female quickly walk back to the car and jump
in. The car sped off at a high rate of speed. When the owner returned he found his pass. side rear wing broken out.
Suppl. - spoke with the victim and he could not give any type of description on the black female, thought it may be related to CN
02002614/2228
CN: 02002612 OFFENSE/INCIDENT: Theft from Vehicle
DATE: 08/03/2002 13:20:0 OFFICER: Rosse, T 2237
LOCATION: Overlook lot
SYNOPSIS:
While on routine patrol through the above location, I met with a driver who had his vehicle broken into. The incident occured by
an unknown suspect between the hours of 1115 and 1315, the passenger side rear door window was broken out with an unknown
tool or object and removed from the vehicle was a brown leather backpack containing baby supplies . Est loss $100.
C"'' 02002635 OFFENSVINCIDENT: Damage to Property
DATE: 08/05/2002 11:49:01 OFFICER: Willson, C 2238
LOCATION: Scenic Overlook
SYNOPSIS:
On 08-05-02 at 1149 dispatched to location on damage to a vehicle. Comp left for bike ride at 1030hrs and returned at I I50hrs
to find rear driver's door window broken out on car. No items were removed from the vehicle but the rear door was unlocked.
No witnesses or suspect information available. Cleared at 1221
CN: 02002659 OFFENSE/INCIDENT: Suspicious person
DATE: 08/07/2002 11:17:01 OFFICER: Willson, C 2238
LOCATION: Valley Park
SYNOPSIS:
On 08-07-02 at 1117 dispatched to Valley Park on a suspicious male in MN lic. GSB033, Comp stated he was suspicious
because he didn't have a tennis racquet nor was he walking a dog and "had no purpose" for being in the park everyday, since
Sunday, at the same time. Found male party who drives the mentioned vehicle walking along the walking path wearing
headphones. Cleared at 1130.
CN: 02002712 OFFENSE/INCIDENT: Minor consumption/ Possession
DATE: 08/10/2002 22:56:0 OFFICER: Spicer, T 2236
LOCATION: Roger's Lake Park
aIOPSIS: