2002-05-14 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda PacketCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
LrN 0i. i �7\
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
May 14, 2002
6:30 p.m. —Council Chambers
Note: This meeting will be televised by NDCTV.
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. April 9, 2002 Minutes
4. Welcome Commissioner Missie Hickey
5. Safety Netting at Mendakota Park
6. Park Benches
7. Updates
• Recreation Programmer's Update
• Ivy Park Tennis Courts
• MHAA Matching Funds
• Big Rivers Regional Trail Extension
• Valley Park Trail Repair
• ISD 197 Request for Funding
• Ridder Property Subdivision
• Police Report (available Tuesday)
8. Other Comments
9. Adjourn
Auxiliary aids for persons with disabilities are available upon request at least 120 hours
in advance. if a notice of less than l20 hours is received; the City of Mendota Hei�lrts
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
APRIL 9, 2002
The regular meeting of the Mendota I Ieights Parks and Recreation Commission was held
on Tuesday, April 9, 2002 in the Large Conference Room 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 Stan
Linnell, Larry Craighead, and Dave Libra. Commissioners Paul Port, Raymond Morris
and Missie Hickey were excused from the meeting. City Staff present were Parks Project
Manager Guy Kullander, Recreation Programmer Teresa Gangelhoff and Administrative
Assistant Patrick C. Hollister. Also present were Carolyn Krall of Landform, Beverly
Fritz of ISD 197 Community Education, and Mendota Heights resident Janet Skidmore.
Mr. Hollister took the minutes.
1VIINUTES
Commissioner Libra moved to approve the February 12, 2002 minutes.
Commissioner Craighead seconded the motion.
AYES: 4
NAYS: 0
Commissioner Linnell moved to approve the March 12, 2002 unofficial minutes.
Commissioner Libra seconded the motion.
AYES:
NAYS:
ISD 197 COMMUNITY EDUCATION REQUEST FOR FUNDING
Ms. Beverl}-Fritz of ISD 197 Community Education introduced herself to the Parks and
Recreation Commission. Ms. Fritz said the she was asking the City to donate $I5,000 for
the computer lab at the new adult learning facility in Thompson Park in West Saint Paul.
NIs. Fritz presented a Letter from ISD 197 Community Education. According to the letter,
21.6% of computer class registrations last year were From tYlendota Heights t'esidents.
Commissioner Libra moved to recommend that the Council consider the possibility of
contributing no more than 21 % of the cost of the computer lab, out of a source other than
the Special Parks Fund,
Commissioner Craighead seconded the motion.
AYES: 4
NAYS: 0
The Commission instructed Ms. Fritz to be at the April 16, 2002 meeting of the Council
to discuss this request.
TOWN CENTER
Ms. Krall gave the Commission an update on the Town Center project. Ms. Krall
reviewed the Town Center Plan, including parking, amenities changes, trails, wetlands,
and the gazebo.
Ms. Skidmore said that for her the term "Town Center" was misleading because it
implied the inclusion of a community center, which this project does not have.
Ms. Krall said
that Ms. Skidmore was
correct, although the CDA
had agreed
to provide
an extra room
for community use.
Commissioner Craighead moved to recommend that the plan retain a gazebo somewhere
within the development and the trail along Highway 110, with a crosswalk at the
southeast corner.
Commissioner Linnell seconded the motion.
AYES:
NAYS:
Commissioner
Linnell moved to
recommend
that
the
plan include a
continuous trail along
the east side of
Dodd Road from
Highway 110
to
the
church.
Commissioner Libra seconded the motion.
AYES:
NAYS:
Commissioner Linnell moved to reconunend that the plan include a small but functional
gazebo with room for two benches overlooking the pond in the Village Green, and
periodic benches around the pond.
Commissioner Libra seconded the motion.
AYES: 4
NAYS: 0
NDCTV REQUEST TO TELEVISE PARKS CONINIISSION MEETINGS
Mr. Hollister reported that NDCTV is looking for more City meetings to televise. Mr.
Hollister said that NDCTV has inquired with the City Administrator about the possibility
of cablecasting the Parks and Recreation Commission meetings. Mr. Hollister noted that
currently NDCTV only cablecasts the Council meetings and the Planning Commission
meetings. Mr. Hollister asked the Commission if they would like to have their meetings
televised.
The Commission discussed the issue and agreed to allow its May 14, 2002 meeting to be
televised as an experiment.
Mr. Hollister said that staff would first seek approval from the Council. Mr. Hollister
said that if the Council approves, Staff would invite NDCTV to the May Parks
Commission meeting.
UPDATES
Staff provided updates on the following items:
• Recreation Proerammer's Update
• Park Benches
• Ivy Park Tennis Courts
• DNR "Outdoor Recreation Grant" Applications
• Park Dedication from Roseville Properties
• Repair/Overlay Valley Park Trail
• Lexington Trail
• Ridder Property Subdivision
• Police Report
ADJOURN
Motion made to adjourn by Spicer and seconded by Libra.
AYES: 4
NAYS: 0
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
MEMO
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Patrick FIollister, Administrative Assistant
RE: Welcome to Commissioner Missie Hickey
DATE: May 9, 2002
Discussion
It is my pleasure to introduce Missie Hickey as the newest Parks and Recreation
Commissioner for the City of Mendota Heights. Missie's appointment was made official
by the City Council on February 5, 2002.
Missie has extensive experience with youth sports in Mendota Heights through the
participation of her own children. Missie also served on the Hockey Arena Task Force
last summer.
Action Required
Join me in welcoming Missie Hickey to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
City of Mendota Heights
May 9, 2002
Memo to: Parks and Recreation Commission �/ ///
From: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager
Subject: Safety Netting at Mendakota Park ///CCC///!�
Background:
In 1 993/94 the Commission, on two occasions, recommended that safety
netting be installed at Mendakota Park. The proposed installation would have been
netting attached to the center Hub building and extended to the backstops, thereby
protecting the area between the backstops and bleachers. The City Council did not
accept the recommendation, but directed the Commission to consider other
options.
In 1995 the City Council authorized a project to extend, vertically, the
existing sixteen -foot high backstops by an additional ten feet. The backstop posts
were extended, by the use of "dutchmans", and fence fabric installed.
Discussion:
The City has received requests for additional protection from foul balls. No
nsurance or injury claims have been filed against the City for injuries from foul balls
n the Hub area.
Due to the number of requests over the past several years the Commission
included a "Project to Install Safety Netting at Mendakota Park" in the Parks Five
Year 2001-2005 Capital Improvement Plan to be consider in 2005. In early 2002
the Mendota Heights Athletic Association modified their original request and stated
that netting covering only the home plate area of each backstop would be
acceptable. The Commission deemed this a credible request, and reprioritized this
project, moving it from 2005 to 2002 for implementation. The working budget for
this project was set at $12,000,00, This revision was included in the "revised"
Parks Five Year (2001-2005) Capital Improvement Plan submitted to the City
Council in early 2002, for acknowledgement.
Council member Dwyer, at the May 7" Council meeting, asked that this
project be on the Council agenda for May 21 ", 2002 for consideration.
Design Considerations:
There are three design options for installing safety netting at this park.
1. Horizontal netting, attached to existing backstop support poles, over the home
plate area. This will "limit" the catchers "play" of foul tipped balls. A foul tip hitting
the net is a "dead ball". Home plate is approximately three feet beyond/outside
netting and therefore will not stop every foul tipped ball. I am concerned that the
existing backstop posts may not be strong enough to support the netting, even
with additional support cables attached between each backstop. A recent
installation in Maplewood, with 6" diameter end posts (our posts are 4" dia.)
exhibited considerable deflection of the posts and the cabling had to be loosened
up resulting in sagging of the overhead netting. Installation of additional steel end
support poles for the cabling (similar to street light poles), could add substantially
to this project, perhaps $5,000 per pole, eight poles required, equals $40,000. The
existing concrete would need to be removed, concrete bases installed, the pole
erected and the concrete surface repaired.
2. Vertical netting above the existing backstop. This option would require the
installation of at least two end support posts for each backstop (total of eight
poles). When this option was previously discussed, the use of wood (telephone)
poles was considered unacceptable (aesthetics) and that steel support poles, as
described above, would be required. Cost of the concrete base and pole varies
depending on how tall a pole is used. The existing backstop is twenty-five feet
high. Assuming a support pole of fifty feet high, a cost range per pole, of $5,000
to $7,000 would be expected. Final costs, including netting, could range from
$46,000 to $65,000,
3. Horizontal netting attached to Concession building and backstop. This option,
recommended originally by the Commission, would have met the original problem
of line foul tip balls going into the upper deck of the concession building. Following
the installation of the ten -foot extensions to the backstops, this was no longer a
problem. This netting option protects a limited area "inside" and behind the
backstops only. With this option I now advise that eight support posts, 25 feet in
height, be installed to take the "sag" out of the support wires running from
backstop to backstop which are about 100 feet apart. These could be "lighter
weight" posts because they are only supporting the cable and not subject to the
wind loads that the posts in options 1 and 2 would be subject to. Final cost of this
option: nets, cables, fasteners to building, poles and bases = $35,000 to
$45,000.
Recommendation:
Consider the above options or other variations and make a recommendation
to the City Council.
r
City of Mendota Heights
MEMORANDUM
May 9, 2002
Memo to: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager
A
Subject: Park Bench Donation Program
This program is moving forward. To date I have two almost positive requests
for a bench. Mary Jeanne has a friend that wants to honor their parents with a
bench to be located at Lexington and Marie, and Mary Jeanne's offspring have
"given" her a bench as a 2001 Christmas present.
The benches have been ordered and should arrive mid -May. Public works will
install the slabs once I get the location maps back and the money. I still need to
order the memorial plaques, once I receive the "wording' and the money.
The cost of the bench and the concrete should come to around the $750.00
donation.
Attached is a blank application form. Please attach the check to the form
when you submit it to me.
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, Minnesota 55116
PARK BENCH DONATION PROGRAM
From time to time, citizens may wish to memorialize friends or relatives through
the donation of a Park Bench to the City's Parks and Trail System
The process for memorialization will be as follows:
1) Minimum donation required, per bench, shall be $750.00 (Subject to
yearly review)
2) Bench may be placed throughout the Mendota Heights Parks and Trail
System with the recommendation of the Parks and Recreation
Commission
3) Recognition or memorial plaque will be attached to back of approved
standard bench design
4) Text of memorial plaque shall be approved by the City
5) Cost of the recognition or memorial plaque will be included within the
donated amount
6) Minnesota Statue requires all donations to be officially accepted by the
City Council
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Mendota Heights this
18`h day of December 2001
Attest:
By:
Kathleen Swanson, City Cterk
City Council
City of Mendota Heights
By:
Charles E. Mertensotto, Mayor
City of
Mendota Heights
PARK BENCH DONATION FORM
DATE:
NAME:
ADDRESS:
PHONE:
I would like to make a contribution of $750.00 to the City of Mendota Heights
(include donation with this application) for the installation of a Park Bench at
the following location:
I would like the
plaque attached
following message
to the back of the
placed
bench:
on the recognition
(Plaque area is 2"
/ memorial
by 10")
I understand that the desired bench location and text of the recognition /
memorial plaque must be reviewed and approved by the Park and Recreation
Commission.
SIGNATURE
1101 Victoria Curve •Mendota Heights, MIY 55ll8 (65l) 452-1850 •FAX (651) 462.8940
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
MEMORANDUM
Date: May 9, 2002
70: PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
From: TERESA GANGELHOFF
RE: APRIL PARKS AND RECREATION REPORT
Softball
All leagues started in April. Men's over 30 started on April 18. Men's and Women's
D Started on April 30`n
A total of 19 teams registered:
Tuesday night: 5 Women's D, 6 Men's D
Thursday night: 8 Men's over 30.
Season will run from April 16 to August 1, So. St. Paul Umpire Association will
provide the umpires. We will be using myteam.com to update standings and
communicate with teams.
Check out our site at www.myteam.com/go/mendotaheights, Schedules were made
and can be viewed on the site also.
Golf
Registrations started on April 8. 1 have sent flyers to the schools and it has been
advertised in the Heights Highlights and Sun Current and SW Review papers.
Registrations have been going well a few have already filled.
Rogers Lake Fishing Derby
The derby is officially set for Wednesday, June 19`n with check in starting at 5:30 and
concluding with awards at 8:00 p.m. New additions to the derby this year will be
entertainment by the "Fishin' Magician" as part of our "Performance in the Parks"
series. Also added, Jim Fischer, Tournament Walleye Pro and his sponsor
Northland Tackle will donate tackle packs to each participant. Mr. Clifford Timm has
again donated 50 tackle boxes. Registration has to be made at City Hall ahead of
the derby and space is limited to 36 participants with a fee of $3.00. Our derby is
sponsored by Wakmart and Hooked on Fishing International. We will have prizes for
many different categories of fish and we will also hold a casting contest.
Celebrate Mendota Heights
We have reached over $1700.00 in donations. This should be enough to cover
expenses. Plans are in place to make this a great event to "Celebrate" our parks.!
Please see attached flyer and be sure to attend. If you would like to volunteer to help
at this event please contact Teresa 255-1354. Dave Libra has already volunteered to
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
MEMORANDUM
run our putting contest (or aback -up to the soccer kick) and I an sure he would
appreciate any help at that event!
Safety Camp
Camp will be held August 13th, 14th, 15th at Kaposia Park. The So. St. Paul VFW is
sponsoring this event again and has reduced the cost from $25.00 last year to
$15.00 per camper this year. I have flyers ready to bring to the schools in May to
promote this event. Mario from the police department will work with me and the fire
department is also planning on sending a representative.
Summer Youth Trips
All of the youth trips are set and the buses are scheduled. We will offer a total of 10
trips that will run on Thursday's starting June 13 to August 22. 1 will hire a chaperone
to assist me on these trips as needed. This will depend on how many kids sign up
and what type of field trip it is. The flyer is ready and will be distributed to all the
schools in May. Also information is in Heights Highlights and local Newspapers.
30 maroon t-shirts have been ordered and we will sell them at $5.00 each to wear on
these trips. They will have a new Mendota Heights Park and Rec logo on them. The
other cities are doing the same and it makes it easier to find your kids and keep them
in a group. This year it will be optional to purchase but we may add it in to fee next
year.
Performances in the Parks
I have in place 4 nights this summer that residents can attend a free performance in
one of our parks.
June 12- Teddy Bear Band 6:30 at Mendakota Park
June 19- Fishin' Magician 7:30 at Rogers Lake Park (this is held along with Fishing
Derby at the same time)
July 10- Paul Heffron Musicians 6:30 at Rogers Lake Park
July 24- Imagination Station at Friendly Hills at 6:30
Henry Sibley High School small gym will be used as a back up in case of rain.
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
uI q LaIRaVLO151 UT
Imagination Station
This traveling variety show will make appearances at both Wentworth and Friendly
Hills Parks weekly. These performances will be free to attend and last approximately
30 minutes and are geared to younger children and their families.
Mondays: June 24 to August 5
1:30 — 2:00 at Wentworth Park
3:00 — 3:30 at Friendly Hills Park
Safety Workshop
On April 4th I attended the LMC workshop on Managing Public Events in City Parks,
special events and special problems, sports associations and our city, medical
emergencies at parks, and developing safe playgrounds.
f
J ofiYlendota Heights
Parks *Recreation Commission
May 2, 2002
Memo to: Parks and Recreation Commission /J�
From: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager ,�J�
Subject: Updates — Current Park Projects �"
The fo/%wino items were on the May 7`" 2002 Citv Council Aoenda
1. Ivy Park Tennis Court Repairs:
A purchase order has been issued to repair the cracks in the courts. The
contractor will mill out 630 lineal feet of crack, 2" deep by 16" wide, place fabric
in the void and fill with compacted asphalt level with existing surface. Then an
acrylic leveling coat followed by two color coats will be applied. Striping will be
added along with new net pole hardware and new nets. The bid proposal was for
$8,765.00, which will come from the General Fund.
The contractor has also been instructed to re -paint the marking lines at the
Marie Park courts at a cost of $150,00,
2. MHAA Matching Funds
The Mendota Heights Athletic Association has committed $12,000.00 in
matching funds, to be paid in three $4,000.00 installments beginning in 2002.
2.a. Wind Screen at Sibley Park - MHAA has applied for a 50%
matching grant from the Twins for fence windscreens and protective top rail cap at
the three fields constructed by the City at Sibley High School. They have asked the
City to provide 25% ($1,400.00) of the $5,600.00 cost. If they are unsuccessful
in their grant application and decide to proceed with the project, the Association
will cover 75% of the costs. The school has agreed to store the windscreen and
the athletic department have committed the varsity teams to install and take down
the screen and safety cap each year (estimated 60 hours of labor per year).
2.b. Mendakota Shelving - MHAA is researching shelving products that
would be suitable in the concession building. The shelves must be NFS approved
stainless steel suitable for food preparation areas. Final costs will be under
$3,000.00 probably closer to $2,000.00. Budget for this item was $1,000.00,
2.c. Civic Center storage box - MHAA has requested a larger lock box
for racks, equipment, mound tarp, etc. for use at the Civic Center fields. Final cost
should be under $800.00. Budget for this item was $1,000.00,
1
City of Mendota Heights
MEMORANDUM
May 9, 2002
Memo to: Park and Recreation Commission
From: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager
Subject: Big Rivers Regional Trail Extension
Discussion:
The attached memo was presented to the City Council on May 7`". The
County was "in a hurry" to get a signed resolution from the Council. The County
'neglected" ever mentioning or discussing this project with anyone at the City and
their request came as a bit of a surprise to City staff.
Action Required:
None. This is for information only.
City of Mendota Heights
MEMORANDUM
April 30, 2002
Memo to: Mayor, Council Members, and City Administrator C7
From: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager N�
Subject: Big Rivers Regional Trail Extension and Enhancement Project
Discussion:
The Dakota County Parks Department will be improving the existing Big
Rivers Regional Trail (a 4.5 mile trail built on the abandoned Soo Line Railroad
Corridor through the cities of Lilydale, Mendota and Mendota Heights) by
construction of an off -road loop connection from the tunnel under Highway 55 up
to the existing pedestrian / bicycle facility on the Mendota Bridge. They will also
construct a one-half mile section of trail from the WPA Overlook (off Mendota
Heights Road / STH 13 / Sibley Memorial Highway) to the existing pedestrian /
bicycle facility on 1-494 in Eagan. All of the new construction will be within the
rights -of -way of Highway 55 and Highway 13 / Sibley Memorial Highway within
Mendota Heights.
The proposed trail extension and trail improvement will increase connectivity
among the communities currently served by the Big Rivers Regional Trail and the
Dakota County Bikeway System.
Dakota County has secured all of the funding necessary for this project and
is seeking support and approval of this project from the City as required by the
Minnesota Department of Transportation.
Recommendation:
This request was not received in time to be presented to the Park and
Recreation Commission at their April meeting. The Commission has on numerous
occasions recommended support or expansion of trails along the river that would
increase connectivity to existing trail segments.
Action Required:
If the City Council wishes to support the efforts of the Dakota County Parks
Department to expand and enhance the Big Rivers Regional Trail they should adopt:
Resolution No. 02- : A RESOLUTION OF GENERAL SUPPORT FOR THE
DAKOTA COUNTY BIG RIVERS REGIONAL TRAIL EXTENSION AND
ENHANCEMENT PROJECT FROM THE WPA OVERLOOK AT MENDOTA HEIGHTS
ROAD TO 1-494 AND IMPROVED TRAIL CONNECTION AT THE MENDOTA BRIDGE.
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 02-
A RESOLUTION OF GENERAL SUPPORT FOR THE DAKOTA COUNTY BIG RIVERS
REGIONAL TRAIL EXTENSION AND ENHANCEMENT PROJECT FROM THE WPA
OVERLOOK AT MENDOTA HEIGHTS ROAD TO 1-494 AND IMPROVED TRAIL
CONNECTION AT THE MENDOTA BRIDGE
WHEREAS, Dakota County desires to construct approximately 400 lineal feet of
bituminous trail connection from the existing Big Rivers Regional Trail to the
pedestrian/bicycle facility on the Mendota Bridge, and
WHEREAS, the trail proposed to be constructed will connect the existing Big Rivers
Regional Trail, eliminating an informal and unsafe crossing of Sibley Memorial
Highway at the intersection with the TH 55 frontage road, and
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Department of Transportation has granted Dakota
County a Limited Use Permit which must be approved by the City Council,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Mendota
Heights, Minnesota, that the Limited Use Permit granted by the Minnesota
Department of Transportation to Dakota County for the construction, maintenance
and operation of the trail between the existing Big Rivers Regional Trail and
Mendota Bridge is hereby approved.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Mendota Heights this 7"' day of May,
2002
ATTEST:
Kathleen Nl. S;�anson, City Clerk
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
Charles E. Mertensotto, Mayor
Parks Department Aril 24, 2002
Steve s�,uiYan. aLa P
Parks Direcmr
Dakota County
8500 127th Street East
Hastings. MN 55033 Jim Danielson
1.437.4560 City of Mendota Heights
Fax 65 L
651. i660 1101 Victoria Curve
w co.dakota.mn.us Mendota Heights, Minnesota 55118
Dear Mr. Danielson:
Dakota County Parks Department is in need of a City Council
Resolution endorsing the Dakota County Big Rivers Regional Trail
Extension and Enhancement Project. We will need to receive five
certified copies of this Resolution to be forwarded to the Minnesota
Department of Transportation.
Enclosed, please find for your review, a portion of the Project
Memorandum and copies of documents, sheet 3, 11, 12, and 13.
Please call me at 651-438-4683, if you have any questions or
comments.
STATE OF MINNESOTA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
DAKOTA k-,kJ
PARKS DEPARTMENT
PROJECT MEMORANDUM
FOR
BIG RIVERS REGIONAL TRAIL EXTENSION AND
ENHANCEMENT
STATE PROJECT NUMBER: S.P. 19-090-02
FEDERAL PROJECT NUMBER: TEAX-1902 (088)
Between the WPA Scenic Overlook at Mendota Heights Road to e?�isting
facilities in the vicinity of I494 with an improved trail connection at the
Mendota Bridge in the City of Mendota Heights, Dakota County
PROPOSED IDIPROVEVIENT: Improving the existing Big Rivers Regional Trail by
constructing an off -road loop connection to an existing pedestrianibicycle facility on the
Mendota Bridge and extending the trail approximately 800 meters (1/ mile) from its southern
railhead to an existing pedestrian bicycle facility on I494.
Rzviewedrecommended:
Date:
Manager of Park Development and Maintenance. Dakota County
Revie%�'ed and recommended:
yIztro DivisioAtate .did Engineer
.-1pp'ro%ed:
ircctor, Sint aid for Local Transportation
Ii
Date: _✓`—/�r�-0/
Date:
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big River Regional Trail Extension and Enhancement
PROJECT LOCATION -METRO AREA
Dakota County Office of Parks Department
FIGURE
OPENING STATEMENT
This Project Memorandum has been prepared and submitted in accordance with the approved
Minnesota Deoarzment of Transportation (Mn/DOT) Highway Project Development Process.
PROJECT INFORMATION
A. Project Location and Setting
The project location is adjacent to Trunk Highway 13 in the City of 1�Iendota Heights (see
Figures 1 and 2). As proposed, the project will be located at two non-contiguous sites as
depicted in Figure 2. The limits of the southern portion of the proposed project will be from the
existing trailhead located at the Works Project Administration scenic overlook near Mendota
Heights Road to an existing bicycle/pedestrian facility on I-494 for a total distance of 884 meters
(2,900 feet). The limits of the northern portion of the proposed project are in the vicinity of the
Mendota Bridge and consist of approximately 122 meters (400 feet) of new trail providing a
connection to an existing pedestrian/bicycle facility on the Mendota Bridge as well as local trails.
The proposed northern trail improvement as well as the proposed southern trail extension will
entirely within existing Mn/DOT right-of-way.
As shown in Figure 3, the proposed trail extension and trail improvement will increase
connectivity within local and regional systems of bicycle and pedestrian transportation. It will
fink the communities currently served by the Big Rivers Regional Trail and the Dakota County
Bikeways system with communities across the Minnesota River via a connection to the I-494
pedestrian/bicycle facility. The project will also enhance the connection of the Big Rivers
Regional Trail and Dakota County Bikeways to the trail networks in Minneapolis and Fort
Snelling State Park via an improved access to the Mendota Bridge trail.
The Big Rivers Trail is a 7.2 kilometer (4S- mile) , off -road bicycle/pedestrian trail built on the
abandoned Soo Line Railroad corridor through the cities of Lilydale, Mendota, and Mendota
Heights. This trail serves an important transportation function as a connecting route for the
Dakota County bikeways system and local municipal trails. The trail also features numerous
historic and cultural interpretive features. These consist of overlooks to the Minnesota River
Valley, access to the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers as well as Fort Snelling
State Park, and access to historic St. Peters Church and the Henry Sibley House in the City of
Mendota. Informational kiosks and identification markers note these areas for trail users and
provide information on their significance.
The project comdor is located in a developed area of the City of Mendota Heights near its
��estem corporate limits and near its border with [he City of Mendota. Currznt land uses are
characterized b% commercial development adjoining the project corr dor to the east along Trunk
Highwav 1.) A growing area of industrial development, spreading to the east of the project aria,
is found along Mendota Heights Road. Other land uses include Fort Snelling State Park, which
borders the trail to the west. The terrain is gently rolling with vistas of the Minnesota River
Valley, floodolain forests, emergent wetlands, and bluff -land natural communities. An active
roil line parallels the project corridor immediately to the west. The Union Pacific Railroad
operates freight rail service averaging six trains per day.
Bia Ricers Traii Project ylemorandum 12. 2001
II. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS
A. Location and Description
The proposed project is located at two non-contiguous sites as depicted in Figure 2. One portion
of the proposed project occurs at the WPA Scenic Overlook, currently serving as the trailhead,
and extends approximately 884 meters (2.900 feet) to the south to Interstate 494. At this
location, proposed improvements consist of constructing an extension of the existing trail, which
terminates at the trailhead, to connect with pedestrian/bicycle facilities on I-494. A trail
switchback structure is proposed to directly connect the Big Rivers Regional Trail with I-494
pedestrian bicycle facilities. This structural improvement is necessary due to the elevation of the
I-494 bridge from the ground level, a total elevation of approximately 8.5 meters (28 feet) from
°round to bridge deck. Other improvements include the installation of a total of approximately
281 meters (923 feet) of guard rail along Sibley Memorial Highway to provide a sufficient
recovery area for highway traffic as well as to provide motorist protection from the switchback
structure piers. In addition to the improvements described above, a slight re -alignment of a
MnDNR park access road will be made. This re -alignment moves the road slightly to the south
of its current access point to Sibley Memorial Elghway and is necessary to accommodate the
location of the switchback structure connecting the trail to I-494. (See Figures 4 and 7 for a
depiction of the trail layout and the bridge (switchback structure) elevation.)
The project limits for the second portion of the proposed project occurs near the northern limits
6f the project area, near the border of the cities of Mendota and Mendota Heights at the eastern
Mendota Bridge approach. At this location, proposed improvements consist of constructing a
122-meter (400-foot) connection ,from the existing Big Rivers Regional Trail to the
pedestrian bicycle facility on the Mendota Bridge. This connection would link the existing Big
Rivers Regional Trail with facilities on the Mendota Bridge. It would eliminate an informal and
unsafe trail crossing of Sibley Memorial Flghway by providing a striped and signed at -grade
street crossing of Sibley Memorial H ghway at its intersection with the TH 55 frontage road.
Additional signing is proposed to be installed to encourage the use of this connection while
landscaping is proposed as a means of discouraging the use of the existing informal crossing.
Other improvements at this at -grade street crossing include curb cuts, zebra striping and advance
warning signage of the crossing provided on both the trail and the highway warning motorists as
well as trail users of the crossing. (See Figure 5)
All sections of newly constructed trail will have the following characteristics; a total trail width
Of 3.7-meters (12-feet) with 0.6-meter (2-foot) shoulders provided on either side (see Figure 6).
This proposed section is consistent with section characteristics of the existing Big Rivers
Regional Trail. The trail v�ill be in proximity to Fort Snelling State Par',. Attachment B of this
document contains excerpts from the Fort Snelling State Park Management Plan affirming the
'`InDNR's support of trail construction and documenting the provision of bic%cle and pedestrian
trail facilities zs being consistent with their long-term park management plan.
Bic F.i�er� Trail Proiea \;emurandum -a - April 13. `'0(�1
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City of Mendota Heights
MEMORANDUM
May 9, 2002
Memo to: Park and Recreation Commission
From: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager
Subject: Valley Park Trail Repair
At the May 7"'
meeting the
City
Council approved the project for repairs to
the Valley Park trail as
described in
the
attached memo.
Ciri of Mendota Heights
Memorandum
April 29. 2002
Memo to: Mayor. City Council Members and City Administrator-C
From: Tom Knuth
Subject: V""alley Park Trail Repair
Background:
The section of bituminous trail from Bluff Circle to the main Valley Park trail was constructed 15
years ago and had developed several areas which are badly in need of repair. This situation was
exacerbated by equipment accessing the new trail bridge. which was constructed last fall, and money
was budgeted to repair that section of trail.
lliscussion:
Bids to do this work have been solicited from four contractors. and Pine Bend Paving lvvas the low
bidder with a price of S10.-405.00. Some extra work to improve the intersection of the main trail and the
lee from Bluff Circle has been requested by Stan Linnell of the Parks Commission and we will attempt
to do this on an unit item basis. If approved. this work should be completed before Memorial Day.
Total costs. including engineering. overhead. and extras are estimated to be $15,000. The amount
budgeted for trail maintenance within the 2002 budget was $10,000 and Council approved an `over
expenditure" of the 2002 budget of S6.000 in the first meeting in Feb.(see attached memo).
Recommendation:
Accept the low liid from Pine Bend Paving of 510.=105. and authorize the construction.
Action Required:
l f Council concurs with die recommendation_ authorize staff to issue a purchase order to Pine Bend
Pay ing in the amount of S 10.405 to complete trail repairs as shown on the attached plan.
City of Mendota Heights
Memorandum
January 28, 2002
Memo to: Mayor, City Council Members and City Administrator
From: Guy Kullander A&
Subject: ValleyPark Bridge — Project Cost Overrun
Background:
In Valley Park, storm water destroyed (washed out) two 36" culverts,
including a fifty -foot section of eight -foot wide bituminous trail. These same
culverts had been similarly damaged on numerous occasions with repairs funded
from Park maintenance funds, the Storm Utility fund, or FEMA storm damage
reimbursements.
The engineering staff determined that repair or replacement of the culverts
was not the best solution to this recurring problem. Staff recommended that a
metal bridge, similar to the two existing upstream bridges, be installed at an
estimated cost of $37,500.00 (plus engineering staff time-15%-$5,600.00).
This solution was presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission and
they recommended to the City Council that a metal bridge be installed and that half
of the cost come from the Special Park Fund ($18,750.00) and that the remainder
come from the Storm Utility Fund ($18,750.00)
Council authorized staff to proceed with the project. Bids were requested for
the manufacture of a bridge of suitable length. A supplier was selected and the
bridge ordered for delivery in September/October. Final cost of the bridge was
$11,336.93 (originally estimated at $14,000,00),
Bids were then sought for site preparation/excavation, installation of
concrete footings and transportation of the bridge from the top of the bluff down
into the valley for placement. Three bids were received ranging from $38,000 to
$71 ,000. The larger than anticipated bids (staff had estimated these tasks would
cost in the range of $20,000) resulted from several factors. Poor soil conditions,
difficult access for construction vehicles, and the difficulty of transporting the
bridge from the top of the bluff down into the valley of the park.
Council was presented with the bids for consideration. Staff informed
Council that the bids were higher than anticipated and that if awarded the project
would be over budget. The City Treasurer informed the Council that the projected
$1 0,000.00 over budget could come from the Storm Utility Fund. Council decided
to proceed with the project and awarded the bid to Veit Construction. The final
cost of this contract was $40,848.69.
Due to a number of factors the Engineering Enterprise staff time committed
to this project (April thru December) was far greater then originally anticipated.
Final engineering staff charges, for design, fieldwork, and inspection totaled
$17,540.72
Restoration of the site remains to be completed next construction season.
Work remaining includes correcting "soft spots" in the trail base material,
installation of the eight -foot wide bituminous path and modest vegetative
restoration. Estimated cost of these operations, including staff time, is $6,000,00,
Summary: Bridge Fabrication $11,336,93
Veit Construction $40,848,69
Engineering Enterprise $17,540.72
Restoration (est.) $ 6,000.00
$75,726.34
Discussion
City Treasurer, Larry Shaughnessy has informed me that the Storm Utility
Fund will cover only $28,750.00 ($18,750 original estimate plus $10,000 "over
budget amount" approved by Council)
The Parks and Recreation Commission has recommended to Council that no
more then $25,000,00 of the project costs should come from the Special Park
Fund.
This leaves an "unfunded balance" of $22,976.34.
Recommendation
Construction on this project is substantially complete and payments to the
contractor and supplier have been approved and paid. It remains to be determined
from what fund(s) the project overages should be charged to.
Treasurer Shaughnessy recommends that the unfunded expenditure be
covered by "over expenditure of the 2001 Budget by the amount of $1 61976.3^
and by "over expenditure" of the 2002 Budget, by approximately $6,000.00 for
the remaining work to be done.
This option still results in a 2001 Budget less than approved and it is
anticipated that the same result will occur with the 2002 Budget.
Action Required:
Inform staff what funds) should be designated to cover the overages,
estimated at $22,976.34, of this project.
0
�2
I, Trail Restoration
Job # 200111
100 0 100 Feel
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= PLACE CL 5 FOR WIDENING
= REMOVE B i &REPLACE WITH L
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&VERLAY TR. IL WITH,1 112" - 2" BIT
TRIM GRA S FROM EDGE OF EXIST.
TRAIL BEFORE SWEEPING
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City Of
4/4/02 Menclota Heights