2002-04-09 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda PacketCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
AGENDA
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
April 9, 2002
6:30 p.m. —Large Conference Roam
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. February 12, 2002 Minutes
4. March 12, 2002 Unofficial Minutes
5. Welcome Commissioner Missie Hickey
6. ISD 197 Request for Funding
7. Town Center Discussion with Carolyn Kral1
8. Updates
• Recreation Programmer's Update (available Tuesday)
• 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 (available Tuesday)
9. Other Comments
]0. 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
UNOFFICIAL MINUTES
MARCH 125 2002
The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held
on Tuesday, March 12, 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 and Larry Craighead. Commissioners Paul Portz, Raymond Morris, Dave
Libra, 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 in the audience were several
residents, City Councilmember Mary Jeanne Schneeman, and Planning Commissioner
Joe Betlej. Mr. Hollister took the minutes.
Although the meeting did not have a gz�orum, Chair Spicer and the other rivo
Commissioners present agreed to stay to hear the concerns of those residents in
attendance.
MINUTES
The Commissioners asked Staff to place approval of the February 12, 2002 minutes on
the April 9, 2002 agenda.
IVY FALLS TENNIS COURTS
Attached to these unofficial minzRes are a list of those residents in attendance at the
meeting and a copy of a petition sit bmitted to Chair Spicer.
Mr. Kullander presented the background on the condition of the Ivy Falls Tennis Courts
and outlined the various options for the Commission.
Commissioner Craighead said that there are tennis courts available at nearby Cherokee
Park.
Councilmember Schneeman said that she has not personally played on the tennis courts
for about two years, but that she was under the impression that they are heavily used.
Various residents in the audience expressed a desire to see the tennis courts repaired and
maintained, claiming that they are indeed heavily used and are an important asset to the
community.
Chair Spicer explained to the audience that the Parks Commission did not have a quorum
that evening, but that the Parks Commission would discuss this issue at their April
meeting and make a formal recommendation to the Council.
FARMLAND AND NATURAL AREAS PROTECTION PLAN
Mr. Hollister reported that Curt Chatfield of Dakota CoLmty had informed him that
Dakota County had adopted a Farmland and Natural Area Protection Plan as of January
29, 2002. Mr. Hollister added that one of the challenges that the plan faces is funding,
and that Dakota County is considering a county -wide open space referendum for roughly
$5-$20 per household. Mr. Hollister said that there is no process at this time for
evaluating or protecting properties until the funding issue is resolved. Mr. Hollister
suggested that for more information, the Commissioners could call Curt Chatfield at 952-
891-7022. Mr. Hollister pointed out that the plan is also available on the Dakota County
website.
Councilmember Mary Jeanne Schneeman said that she thought that this program could
potentially be used to preserve the Garron/Acacia site or the Foss property next to
Wentworth Park.
Chair Spicer suggested that it might also be used to preserve the old Burrow Farm.
The Commissioners asked Staff to continue to monitor the issue.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Mr. Kullander provided an update on the Parks 5-year Capital Improvement Plan.
SKATEBOARD PARKS
Councilmember Schneeman provided Chair Spicer with a newspaper article from Park
Rapids about their new skate park. Councilmember Schneeman said that many
communities are now building skateboard parks.
Commissioner Craighead said that the Friendly Hills hockey rink had already been
asphalted for that purpose.
Chair Spicer said that the Parks Commission was looking into the possibility of
purchasing some portable ramps orjumps to convert the Friendly Hills rink into a "tier
one" seasonal skateboard park.
PARK BENCHES
Councilmember Schneeman mentioned that the new Harriet Island park benches are
already showing signs of abuse. Councilmember Schneeman added that she wanted to
get a donation for a park bench to be installed along Lexington Avenue soon.
UPDATES
Staff provided updates on the following items:
• Recreation Programmer's Update
• Hockey Arena
• Fort Snelling Athletic Facilities
• Scooter and Skateboard Safety
• Suburban Dakota County Greenway Project
• DNR Matching Grant Applications
• Garron/Acacia Site
• Ridder Property Subdivision
• Town Center
• Police Report
ADJOURN
The unofficial meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Ivy Park Tennis Court Address List
Address Frst Name last Name Name tram
665 Arcadia Drive Sean Carey petition
1020 Brompton Place John Allen petition
1020 Brompton Place Sharon Benmaman petition
1022 Brompton Place Margaret Woods petition
1025 Brompton Place Carl & Joan Calabrese petition
1034 Brompton Place Mike & Kristen Nichlaske petition
1043 Brompton Place Mike & Lori Flood attendance & petition
,1043 Brompton Place Elizabeth Flood Petition
611 Butler Avenue David Tigan attendance & petition
619 Butler Avenue Jim Nelson attendance & petition
623 Butler Avenue West Tom Downing attendance & petition
619 Ivy Falls Avenue William & Mary Ann Novety petition
1099 Ivy Hill Drive Pat & Leo Schuster petition
1101 Ivy Hill Drive Rita Meyers petition
1181 Ivy Hill Drive Claudia Baron Petition
1013 London Road Ron & Celeste Riley attendance & petition
1039 London Read Mike Haverkamp attendance & petition
1043 London Road Ken & Linda Dehkes attendance & petition
1046 London Road Paul Loes attendance & petition
706 Maple Park Court Thomas & Diane Paine petition
716 Maple Park Court Kathy Russell Petition
587 Maple Park Drive Betty Brown petition
610 Maple Park Drive Jeanette Wier Petition
616 Maple Park Drive James & Laura Kessler Petition
622 Maple Park Drive Mike & Debra Curran Petition
625 Maple Park Drive Carol Lampman petition
632 Maple Park Drive M. Goldman Petition
642 Maple Park Drive Mary Schuster attendance & petition
662 Sibley Memorial Highway Mike & Maureen Harms attendance & petition
623 Sutcliff Circle Tim & Jeannie Fictual petition
1126 Sylvandale Road Ralme Paper petition
1165 Sylvandale Road Terry Noel petition
1205 Sylvandale Road Angela Thornburg Petition
1205 Sylvandale Road Victor Sherbanenk Petition
613 Winston Court Joe Betles attendance & petition
Totat 35
March 13, 2002 Page 1 of 1
IVY PARK TENNIS COURT PETITION
March 10"', 2002
Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission
1101 Victoria Curve
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
Dear Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission,
Since the Ivy Park Tennis Courts were built our community has had tremendous growth
in new housing, as well as turnover of existing houses to young families. Additionally,
the Ivy Park Tennis Courts are located in a block surrounded by multi -unit housing, town
homes and condominiums. Therefore we request the Mendota Heights Parks and
Recreation Commission resurface the Ivy Park Tennis Courts for the ongoing need of the
residents, the users of these tennis courts.
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IVY PARK TENNIS COURT PETITION
March 10`', 2002
Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission
1101 Victoria Curve
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
Dear Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission,
Since the Ivy Park Tennis Courts were built our community has had tremendous growth
in new housing, as well as turnover of existing houses to young families. Additionally,
the Ivy Park Tennis Courts are located in a block surrounded.by multi -unit housing, town
homes and condominiums. Therefore we request the Mendota Heights Parks and
Mation Commission resurface the Ivy Park Tennis Courts for the ongoing need of the
dents, the users of these tennis courts.
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March 10`s, 2002
Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission
1101 Victoria Curve
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
Dear Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission
Since the Ivy Park T _ s Courts were built our community has had tremendous growth
in new housing, as well as turnover of existing houses to young families. Additionally,
the Ivy Park Tennis Courts are located in a block surrounded by multi -unit housing, town
homes and condominiums. Therefore we request the Mendota Heights Parks and
Recreation Commission resurface the Ivy Park Tennis Courts for the ongoing need of the
residents, the users of these tennis courts.
PLEASE PRINT NAME SIGNIT"LYRE
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CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Patrick Hollister, III Assistant
RE: Welcome to Commissioner Missie Hickey
DATE: Apri145 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 Pazks and Recreation Commission.
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
MEMO
April 4, 2002
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Patrick C. Hollister, Administrative Assistant
SUBJECT: ISD 197 Request for Funding for Thompson Park Facility
Discussion
Barb Eschle and Bev Fritz of ISD 197 have submitted the attached letter requesting
$15,000 of financial assistance from the City of Mendota Heights for the computer lab at
the Thompson Park adult learning facility.
Action Required
Discuss
the funding request with ISD
197. Staff will pass on any reconunendations from
the
Parks Commission to the Council
at their April 16, 2002
meeting.
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 197
p Community Education • Older Adult Program
, s°°o° Eagan • Inver Grove Heights • Lilydale • Mendota • Mendota Heights • Sunfish Lake • West St. Paul
Learning aad..
Leading Together It Barb Eschle
Coordinator
(651) 405-2530
Mr, Patrick Hollister
Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation
1101 Victoria Curve
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
Dear Mr. Hollister,
Beverly Fritz, the Community Education duector for ISD 197, and I recently met with Carrie
Lindberg and Teresa Gangelhoffto invite the assistance of the City of Mendota Heights in
shaping a new learning facility for older adults. The facility, located in Thompson Park at Butler
and Stassen Lane in West Saint Paul, is due to open fall 2002. Because the facility is part of
Dakota County and the City of West St. Paul it represents a truly inclusive opportunity to draw
users from all parts of Northern Dakota County.
We are particularly interested in fmding partners that will help equip a computer lab that will be
available to senior citizens and adult community members. Last year approximately 21.6% of the
computer class registrations came from residents of Mendota Heights. We estimate the total cost
of the lab to be $30,000. We are asking the Mendota Heights Park and Recreation Department to
consider a one-time donation of $15,000. System and technical support, Internet connections and
some instructional services will be provided on an ongoing basis by ISD 197. The advisory
councils for Community Education and Older Adults program will be raising the remainder of the
funds through other resources.
The lab will include 8-10 workstations with up-to-date hardware and the most popular software
packages; chairs for each work stations; 1 computer workstation station for instruction and class
facilitation; 1 digital projector to assist group instruction; adaptable equipment appropriate for
low vision or differently able users; and two laser printers.
We would ±ru1y zppreciate the opportunity to present this proposal to the Mendota Heights Parks
Commission on Tuesday, Aprt19 . If that works with your agenda, please contact Barb Eschle at
405-2534 or e-mail: eschleb.ni�d197.kI?
Sinc�erel�y,,�
Barbara E`sc le
Older programs
C: Richard Spicer
Bev Fritz
Director of Community Education
217 \G. Moreland West St. Paul, MN SS17S FAX (G51) 405-2505
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
MEMO
April 4, 2002
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Patrick C. Hollister, Administrative Assistant
SUBJECT: Third Town Center Discussion with Consultant Carolyn Krall
Discussion
The Planning Commission, at their regular meeting on March 26, 2002, held a public
hearing on Landform's application for a Preliminary Development Plan for a Planned
Unit Development, a Subdivision, and a Wetlands Permit for the Town Center
redevelopment project. Carolyn Krall of Landform made the application on behalf of the
City of Mendota Heights. Ms. Krall is scheduled to appear before the Council at their
next meeting on April 16, 2002 for approval of this application. In the meantime,
Carolyn has agreed to attend the April 9, 2002 meeting of the Parks and Recreation
Commission to update the Commission on the status of the Town Center plan in regards
to open space, landscaping, trails, and other amenities.
Background
Ms. Krall met with the Parks and Recreation Commission at their regular meeting on
April 10 to discuss the open space, recreational, and civic amenities aspects of the Town
Center concept plan. Commissioner Craighead then made a motion to make the
following nine recommendations to the Council regarding the Town Center Concept
Plan:
Remove or relocate the center building labeled "retail and office" and replace it
with a formal park area. k I e Commission felt that the Town Center needed
more green space and that the current "village green" and "town square" spaces
were too small.)
2. Remove roads from the project where they are not necessary to provide access
to the buildings. (The Commission felt that several of the buildings do not need
road access on all four sides as currently planned. Removing roads would
provide more green space.)
3. The Town Center should provide good linkages to the City's bike and pedestrian
trail system and good trail access within the development itself
4. There should be a tunnel underneath Dodd Road linking the trails in Town
Center to the Valley Park trail system.
5. There should be a
pedestrian
bridge over
Highway 110
linking the Town Center
to Mendota Plaza.
6. Grants should be sought from Federal, State, County, and/or Metropolitan
sources to pay for amenities such as the tunnel and bridge, such as "T-
21 "/"ISTEA" money.
7. All four comers of the Dodd Road/Highway 110 intersection should have
appropriate "landing pads", or pedestrian/bike waiting areas for people waiting
for the light to change.
8. Keep the Gazebo shown in the plan with_appropriate seating for concerts or
other events. Ideally the gazebo should be moved from its current.planned
location near Highway 110 to the new center green area created by enacting
recommendation #1 above.
9. All park signage, historical interpretive signage, etc. should be made of a
material more durable than wood, such as stone.
Commissioner Portz seconded the motion. The motion passed on a 7-0 vote with all
Commissioners present.
Ms. Krall told the Parks Commission that she appreciated their input and that she would
consider incorporating their suggestions into the final design. Ms. Krall advised the
Commission, however, that the Town Center project is quite complex and that all of its
components are interrelated. Ms. Krall said that any significant change to the Concept
Plan could only occur after careful consideration of its impacts to the project as a whole,
particularly in regards to the project' s overall economic feasibility. Ms. Krall met again
with the Parks and Recreation Commission at their June 12, 2001 meeting to discuss
these ideas in more detail. In the meantime, Staff has also presented the Commission's
recommendations in writing to the City Council.
Action Required
Discuss the Town Center development with Ms. Krall. Staff will pass on any further
recommendations from the. -Parks Commission to the Council at their April 16, 2002
meeting.