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2004-02-10 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda PacketCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA AGENDA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Tuesday, February 10, 2004 6:30 p.m. —Council Chambers Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. January 13, 2004 Minutes 4. Recreation Programmer's Update (Available Tuesday) 5. Ordinance Prohibiting Feeding of Geese 6. Planning for Joint CounciUCornmission Workshop on March 9, 2004 7. Review of Comprehensive Plan: Parks and Trails 8. Verbal Updates • Par 3 • GarromAcacia 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 JANUARY 135 2004 The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 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 Larry Craighead, Paul Portz, Stan Linnell, Dave Libra and Missie Hickey. Commissioner Raymond Morris was excused from the meeting. City Staff present were Recreation Programmer Teresa Gangelhoff, Parks Project Manager Guy Kullander and Administrative Assistant Patrick C. Hollister. Mr. Hollister took the minutes. IT�ili;[ITI�1�.� Commissioner Craighead moved to approve the November 13, 2003 minutes with revisions. Commissioner Portz seconded the motion. AYES: NAYS: RECREATION PROGRAMMER'S UPDATE Ms. Gangelhoff presented the Recreation Programmer's Update. SNOWMOBILING ON ROGERS LAKE Mr. Clifford Timm addressed the Commission. Mr. Timm said that he would like permission from the City to ride a snowmobile on Rogers Lake one time this winter to attempt to "herd" the fish from the north end of Rogers Lake to the south end. Mr. Timm explained that thanks to the aerator in Rogers Lake Park there is more oxygen in the south end compared to the north end. Mr. Timm said that he would like to entice the fish to migrate to the south end for the lake while the culvert is still passable. Mr. Timm said that he is confident that this technique would work, because when he was growing up on the farm he used to hit the ice with a sledgehammer to scare the fish to an ice hole where his friend would then spear them. end up needing them, and then other groups question why they cannot use the empty fields. Mr. Meyer said that he would work more closely with the City to more precisely define when they need the fields, but that this as difficult because of the unpredictability of the weather. Chair Spicer asked for a motion on Mr. Kullander's first recommendation, the $25 registration fee. Commissioner Craighead moved to recommend that the Council authorize a $25 registration fee for fields, with the provision that Staff may waive the fee requirement in the case of financial hardship. Commissioner Libra seconded the motion. AYES: 6 NAYS: 0 Chair Spicer asked for a motion on Mr. Kullander's second recommendation regarding tournament fees. Commissioner Craighead moved to recommend that the Council authorize a tournament fee of $150 for the first day and $100 for each subsequent day. Commissioner Linnell seconded the motion. AYES: 6 NAYS: 0 Chair Spicer asked Mr. Kullander about his third recommendation, the removal of the exemption for MHAA from the requirement for a damage deposit. Ms. Gangelhoff said that MHAA had left a real mess last year after a touiament and that the parks crew had to use specialized equipment to complete the cleanup. Mr. Kullander added that after the tournament, the Public Works crew had suggested that the City collect a damage deposit in the future. Commissioner Libra moved recommend that the Council authorize Staff to collect a damage deposit of $200.00 from MHAA for use of the Mendakota Park facility. Commissioner Portz seconded the motion. City of Mendota Heights January 30, 2004 Memo to: Parks and Recreation Commission P J l •/ f From: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager >',fj� Subject: Establishment of City Ordinance to Prohibit Feeding of Waterfowl Background: Mr. Clifford Timm has provided the attached information and a request that the City Council consider adoption of an ordinance prohibiting the feeding of waterfowl, specifically Canada Geese, within the City. Discussion: Mr. Timm approached the City Council in August 2003 requesting a program to "scare away" unwanted geese using loud noises and some limited killing to "reinforce" the loud noise. The City Council conceded that excess numbers of geese can become problematic but that discharging guns within the City was not an acceptable control method. Several communities have passed or are considering a ban on feeding of waterfowl. Mr. Timm is asking that the City consider such an ordinance as one step towards control of excess geese in the City. Action Required: If the Commission considers this to be an acceptable program they should make a recommendation to the City Council to further research this issue. Public education important component BY BLAIR REYNOLDS - Sun Newspapers It may not be long before feed- ing a duck or goose in West St. Paul is illegal — no matter where the feeding takes place. The City Council continued to take a look at the issue of animal feeding in the city at its Jan. 12 meeting. In December, the council ap- proved preliminary plans to ban feeding animal on city property, including park land. At that time, some council members asked city staff to exam. ine the possibility of making all feeding against the law within the city's boundaries. If the council so desires, we will consider adding language to broaden the scope of the ordi- nance," said City Attorney Rollin Crawford. "We can then come back at the next meeting with a more definitive plan." It is expected the ban would keep animals from congregating in city parks and residents' yards, where damage From overcrowding has' -been visible, said resident Cliff Timm. `L'in'all for this ban," said Timm: "I'd personally like to have something like this in place in all of the suburbs around here. As soon as that happens I'm on my way to the Capitol to get the state to help can up this mess." Timm has been adamant at previous meetings about the effects geese have had on parks and lakes in the city. "It would definitely make the fishing better," said Timm. "The less animal waste there is in the water, the better the fishing will be for children and people of all ages." Councilmember Timothy Haubrich said: "I'm all for looking at this at our next meeting with the new language in place," he said. "I'd be ready to take ac- tion on that." While a citywide ban on feeding ani- mals feeding is not a common ordinance, it isn't unheard of, said Crawford. "During this process we have been looking for sample communities in the area that are doing a total ban," said Crawford: "As far as we know, Burnsville is the only city with this type of public - private ban in place." Resident Claudia Ianecker,' who also spoke to the council at its Dec. 22 meet- ing, said the ban could be a success. "A lot of this is.about public education on the issue," she said. "This could work if people are aware of the rules." At a previous meeting, Danecker told the council that she has seen as many as 60 geese on her neighbor's yard as a re- sult of animal feeding in the city. Councilmember Mark Tessmer par- tially agreed with Danecker, although dadtlptsupportthe city-wide ordinance. "Mrs. Danecker is right. Public edu- cation itself could do a lot to fix this problem," said Tessmer. "To limit the feedings on private property doesn't take this much effort. It just takes the effort to let residents know the effects caused from feeding animals on private land." The council will look at the issue again at its Jan. 26 meeting when a final vote is expected. "City staff will come back to us with a reconfigured plan," said Mayor Kevin Finnegan. "This has been an issue many people have been very passionate about." animal ordinance close to approval Ordinance to make feeding animals birds on their property and creating a on public land illegal, City to look at mess. Some of the yards don't have much of a lawn left because of the over abun- city-Wide ban dance." Mayor Kevin Finnegan said banning By BLAm REYNOLDS animal feeding in public parks is a good _ - Sun Newspapers start, To my knowledge we can only dictate When feeding geese and other ani- what happens on public land. But this is mals in city parks, West St. Paul resi a very good first step," said Finnegan. dents may havetofear more than just "Some residents like to feed the geese' where they step. and if they don't mind damaging, their They will have to, be on the lookout for yard, I don't know what we can do." the law.Assistant City Attorney Korrine Apr . oposed ordinance to ban the feed- Land said the. city is only able to regulate ing of animals in city parks passed its feedings on public land, first reading in front of the City Council "I don't think we can regulate what at its Dec. 22 meeting. happens on private property,", she said. The ordinance is intended to cut down "But it is something we can take a look at on the number of waterfowl that congre- and come back." gate in the parks, leaving fecal matter on The council approved the first read - the land and polluting local ponds. ing by a 5 to 0 vote,; Councilmember John "I feel sorry for the residents who live Zamniner was absent from the meeting. near the parks," said resident Cliff "We can pass the first reading tonight Timm. "It is a shame how the geese have and then take a look before the final vote 71 destroyed the pond. Something needs to into how we could do this on a city-wide be done soon." basis," said Finnegan. ' Timm and other residents told the Timm told the council that limiting'. council that crackingdown onthose who the number of geese`inthe city's parks feed the animals should cut down on the could enhance fishing opportunities in number of geese and ducks in the parks. the parks: "If we get rid of the geese that will "This should have happened over a clean up the ponds," said resident Clau- year ago. But it is better late than never," dia Dannecker. "One dayI went outside said Timm. "There are other ways we of my house and saw 65-geese and ducks can limit theamountof geese in town." in my neighbor's yard. Something is def- Timm, -who has appeared at several initely needed here. I very much support; meetings in numerous communities, has the ordinance:" expressed -interest in controlling geese While the current ordinance would by having open shoots and using other only make feeding on public land illegal, methods. Councihnember Timothy Haubrich in- The West St. Paul Council already de- quired if the city could go a step further nied Timm is request for open shoots on . and ban residents from feeding animals .. geese. on p%rivate property. "There is a way to go in and destroy I want `to. look .at that, said the nests and they won't come back," he Haubrich. "Several people are feeding said. "We have to do something.' Geese taking over SUDUMS Health concerns: They like open V7ith plenty of food, including fallen grain they spaces, such as soccer fields, golf courses and business parks GLEN ELLYN — They seem innocent enough, these wild waterfowl. It's hard to resist the urge to coo over a mother goose and her goslings, even if she is taking her sweet time crossing.a busy thoroughfare at rush hour. Canada geese have become quite comfortable in the Chicago suburbs. They are settling down, raising their families and getting visits from their goose relatives who continue to migrate, making the pop- ulation extremely large during certain times of the year. '-. They get fed by parents and kids strolling in the park, and they are secure enough in their "goose- ness" to leave their droppings anywhere they please. Even the grassy islands in parking lots are attractive to geese, who sometimes will nest there. .- But even better are the wide expanses of grass at soccer fields, golf courses and business parks. And the short grass often planted around retention ponds in residential, commercial or industrial develop- ments is the goose equivalent of Beverly Hills. can pick -up on nearby agricultural land, plus an abundance of places to live, there really is no need for the geese to migrate anymore. In many instances, ponds no longer freeze over because they have so much salt runoff from nearby streets. That gives the geese one more open area where they can feel safe. This has led to. problems because geese tend to congregate in large groups. And where there are large numbers of geese, there are inevitably large piles of their droppings. - The droppings aren't just oss. Some authorities say goose droppings can ave armful effects on human health. That is tie focus of the study "Zoonotic DDiseases: The Health Aspects of Canada Geese,' ccEM cted by physicians and researchers from Illinois, Wisconsin and Tennessee. According to the study, a goose can produce one dropping per minute while feeding, which can add up f o more an two�ounds of fecal matter per goose per day. The authors of the report say direct transmission from the birds has not. proven, but there is evidence that a number of disease or- ganisms exist in goose droppings. Salmonella, E. coli and Cryptosporidium have been discovered in "some samples.: .. - Sent❑y: 0o14001004, .,.. .._.. „_.. _, ..-- CITY OF BURNSVILLE DAKOTA COUNT!,, MINNESOTA ORDINANCE N010 .1 AN OADINANC(: AMENDlNG:TITLE 6 , OF TH12 BURNSVILLE CITY CODE CONCERNING FEED1NCiWATERFOWL THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE GITY OF BURNSVILLG, MlNNE30TA ORDAINS: SECTION �. Ttle 6 of iha Bumsville City Code is amended by adding Section 6�2-29 to provide as follows: 6-2-��;PROHIBJTI[7N:OF WATERFOWL FEEF?IN('s: (A) Prohibition: No person may'feed waterfowl on private or public properly in the City of Burnsville, or pace or permit to be placed on ground, shoreliri?, waterbody, or any structure food, food by-products, garbage or animal food, whinh may reasonably be expected to intentionally:result. in goose feeding, unless such items are screened'or protected in a manner that prevents geese from feeding.on them. (B) Exceptions: This prohibition shaA not apply to: t. Veterinarians, city animal control officers or county, state or federal. game officials who are in the Course of their duties, .have waterfowl In Custody, dr undertheir management; 2. Persons autlxwriced by he city of Bumsville to Irnpierneht the, Canada Goose management program.and any future waterfowl manageme.ntprograms approved by the city Wuncil: or 3_ Any food placed upon the property fur purposes of trapping.or otherwise taking geese and other waterfowl where such trepPingor taking is pursuanfio a permit issued by the Minnesota department of natural resources. (C) Fen81ty: First violation of this sectign shall result in a written Warning from:city staff. Subsequent violations shall be a petty misdemeanor: SECTION 2. This ordinance shall be effectye.immediately upon adopfion. ADOPTED this 2nd day of June 2003, by the S WA.oundi of the City of Burnsville, winnesota. LLE AITEST: Susan P. Olesen, City Clerk tAttas.ai , k2�'f:;07/392002 Canada Geese and Public Health Page 1 of 2 ;:: A Closer Look at Wildlife ;:: Issues Facing Wildlife ;:% Urban Wildlife —Our Wild Neighbors ':� Al Summer's End: Helping Wildlife Survive Cold Weather ':� Brush Plles 101 ':� Don't Trash Wildlife Feeding Birds in Winter ;� Found an Injured or Orphaned Animal? About Us I Field Projects � How You Can Help I Publications I GovernmentAffiairs I Press Home Page» Wildlife» Urban Wildlife —Our Wild Neighbors» Urban Canada Geese» Canada Geese and Public Health Canada Geese and Public Health ......-..._............................................................................................ Oafs What exactly are the public health concerns regarding Canada geese? There are no documented or substantiated scientific reports that urban Canada geese pose a public health threat. On the contrary, studies have shown that fecal coliform levels in bodies of water, Salmonella and Campylobacter bacterial pollution, and Giardia contamination are more likely to be the result of human waste and agricultural runoff from livestock. In addition, studies have shown that other waterfowl and invertebrates, such as snails, are far more prevalent hosts for the swimmer's itch parasite. Can I become sick if 1 swim in the same water as Canada geese? ;� Gardens and Wildlife: Making There are no documented cases of human illness directly associated with Everybody Happy geese or the areas shared with them. Poor water circulation and other sources ;:� Help Migratory Birds in Your of contamination are more commonly the problem. People can become ill from Own Backyard swimming in water polluted by surface runoff or by human or domestic animal ':� If You Love Wildlife, Keep Your waste. Hi h levels of fertilizer runoff and sediment buildu sin onds and lakes Cat Inside g p p can lead to algal blooms, which may produce toxins in the water. :> If You See a Turtle in the Road Manufacturers and suppliers of Is there a ublic health roblem associated with the resence of nose Products Used to Resolve P P P 9 Wildlife Conflicts feces in parks and playgrounds? ': Model Guidelines for Nuisance wildlife control In some areas, goose feces may be abundant. However, this presents an ;- Safe Passage for Wildlife aesthetic problem, not a public health issue. t is more likely that a person will sanctuary in the city become ill from coming into contact with dog or cat feces than from exposure to ;:� Solving Problems with Your Canada goose feces. Roundworms, Campylobacter, Cryptosporidia, and wld Neighbors Toxoplasmosis are all infectious agents that may be transmitted by The Education of Gengnis contaminated dog and cat feces, both of which are often found in public swan recreational areas. ::� The Humane Approach to Human -Wildlife Conflicts The best prevention is to practice good hygiene. Always wash your hands ::� The Mysteries of Migration before eating, and discourage children from picking up food found on the ':� To Feed or Not to Feetl gfOUnd. Wildlife? Urban Canada Geese ;:� West Nile Virus � E-MRIL THI_ FREE FF:I IJ TEF FF:IEMOLY 8 �:� Wildlife Tracking Basics 112 MEXT F htt}�://��vw.hsus. org/ace/ 12098 2/2/� �Q� Urban Canada Geese Page 1 of 2 A Closer Look at Wildlife ;i: Issues Facing Wildlife ;i Urban Wildlife —Our Wild Neighbors �:� At Summer's End: Helping Wildlife Survive.Cold Weather '> Brush Piles tot ;:� Don't Trash Wildlife Feeding Birds in Winter ;� Found an Injured or Orphaned Animal? ;:� Gardens and Wildlife: Making Everybody Happy ;:� Help Migratory Birds in Your Own Backyard ':� If You Love Wildlife, Keep Your Cat Inside ;� If You See a Turtle in the Road ;> Manufacturers and Suppliers of Products Used to Resolve Wildlife Conflicts ':� Model Guidelines for Nuisance Wildlife Control ::� Safe Passage for W Idlife j� Sanctuary in the City About Us � Field Projects � How You Can Help � Publications � Government Affairs I Press Home Page »Wildlife »Urban Wildlife —Our Wild Neighbors »Urban Canada Geese Not long ago, the appearance of geese on a neighborhood pond was unusual. So rare were these birds, whose populations had been decimated by human exploitation, that the mere sight of one was cause to celebrate. Now, however, Canada geese are considered problems in many communities, and feelings have turned against them. How did this change came about? History At the end of the 19th century, over -hunting and mass killing for market had reduced Canada goose populations to near extinction. The International Migratory Bird Treaty Act was created in part to protect the populations that remained. In the early 1960s, small groups of the "giant" Canada goose were rediscovered at a number of refuges, and federal and state agencies began a concerted effort to rebuild populations. Geese were captured and moved into new areas, eggs were taken and incubated to encourage second clutches, and in places where populations were re-established, "surplus" birds were moved to areas where geese were not yet found. Although these efforts were probably made with good intentions, they represent one of the most dramatic examples of human action leading directly to widespread human -wildlife conflict. The principal reason for the growing conflict is that relocated geese have not learned their species' migratory pathways, and instead have remained year- round in urban and suburban areas where wide lawns, parks, golf courses, and artificial ponds make perfect goose habitats. These populations have expanded to the point where, by the mid-1980s, many states were concerned about "too many" geese. ;:� Solving Problems with Your Problems Wild Neighbors > The Education of Genghis The problems associated with Canada geese are largely aesthetic. They stem Swan �:� The Humane Approach to from the fact that geese prefer to graze on residential lawns, golf courses, and Human -Wildlife Conflicts playing fields. Where geese graze, they also defecate. Goose feces can be a �:� the Mysteries of Migration serious annoyance to golfers, ball players, and others using grassy areas. Some v✓orry the feces may also pose hwnan health problems, but to date, there ;> To Feed or Not to Feed is no evidence to associate geese v✓ith human illness, beyond a documented Wildlife? erample of allergic hypersensitivity in one individual. We should acknowledge, 'Urban Canada Geese howe'der, that large numbers of geese occupying small bodies of water in ::� west Nile virus suburban and urban areas could potentially pose an indirect health risk. The ;:� tnrldlife Tracking Basics means to solve such problems v✓hen they occur should be directed at the ecological ca�daions that promote degraded water quality, not at geesa. �r��dtC�1. the �W,, ................................... tztn i�a . • � Geese Peace http://www.hsus.org/ace/13096 2/2/2004 TJrban Canada Geese > Wildlife and Habitat Protection Programs Wildlife News • Videos Cape Wildlife Center Page 2 of 2 Roundups For some communities, the preferred method for dealing with "problem" goose populations is the roundup, a process in which flightless geese are herded into pens, boxed in transport cages, and sent to slaughter at commercial poultry processing houses. In areas where food retailers refuse to accept meat from wild animals exposed to environmental chemicals, the "expendable" birds may be put to death using lethal gases. It is the practice of roundups, more than anything else, that has divided communities. it is believed by many who care for geese and the environment to be unnecessary, illogical, and inhumane. Solutions It will take a combination of tools and strategies to restore harmony between urban Canada geese and people. The solutions to the conflicts will not come from state and federal agencies or nongovernmental organizations, but from individuals and communities that care about the birds, the environment, and the welt -being of their communities. When The HSUS advocates life -affirming solutions as the only reasonable response to the problems people sometimes have with Canada geese, we do so as much to affirm our own lives as theirs. © E-MOIL THIS PRGE REIN TER FRIENDLY 8 ` A Recent History of Urban Canada Geese Canada Geese and Public Hezlth _�;� Canada Goose Egg Addling ProEocol Goose Tracks €} Modifying Canada Goose Habitat 4� The HSUS Responds to the Deadly Plan for Canada Geese ,'; "Calling a Truce with the Canada Goose" —Animal Sheltering magazine, Nov/Dec 2007 �:� GeesePeace [Privacy Statement] Copyright m 2003 The Humane Society of the Unitetl States. FII rights reserved, http://��ana�.bsus.org/ace/12096 2/2/2004 Modifying Canada Goose Habitat Page 1 of 2 i A Closer Look at Wildlife ;; Issues Facing Wildlife About Us I Field Projects � How You Can Help � Publications � Government Affairs � Press Home Page » Wldlife » Urban Wildlife —Our Wild Neighbors »Urban Canada Geese » Modifying Canada Goose Habitat Modifying Canada Goose Habitat _...._.................................................................................. o�±o ;:: Urban Wildlife —Our Wild lawn or swim gracefully in a nearby pond. Neighbors Many people enjoy the presence of Canada geese in urban and suburban settings — watching them tend to and teach their young, listening to them communicate with one another, and observing them parade across a wtdn e Survi enColdeweather But during the spring and summer, at the peak of outdoor activities, humans and geese routinely intersect in parks, on golf courses, and other public green ;:� Brush Piles 1g1 spaces. This is when some people view the presence of geese as a problem. ::� Don't Trash Wildlife Feeding Birds in venter Human conflicts with geese sometimes arise because changes made to a plot ;- Found an Injured or orphaned of land attract more geese than the property would in its natural state. In these Animal? cases, human -goose conflicts can be reduced by simply returning some of the ::� Gardens and Wildlife: Making natural features. This, however, means more than just adjusting the existing Everybody Happy features of the landscape. To reduce the number of geese using a site, the key ;� Help Migratory Birds in Your is to replace the features that attract the geese with features that are less Own Backyard attractive to them. ;:� If You Love Wildlife, Keep Your Cat Inside ;:� If You See a Turtle in the Road What Attracts Canada Geese Anyway? �:� Manufacturers and Suppliers of Products used to Resolve Canada geese prefer wide open, simple landscapes with low vegetation and Wildlife conflicts open water —exactly the features commonly found in the public green spaces. ::� Model Guidelines for Nuisance These urban landscapes typically share these characteristics: Wildlife Control ":� safe Passage for Wildlife • An absence ofwell-developed layers of native vegetation sanctuary in the City o Trees, shrubs, and non-native plants arranged in sparse patterns, ":� Solving Problems with Your rather than natural clumps " Wild Neighbors o "Hard" edges between habitat features or plant "communities;' rather ;� The Education of Genghis than the "soft" edges and gradual transitions typical of natural swan landscapes ;� The Humane Approach to Human-Wldlife Conflicts Modifying Goose Habitat ;� The Mysteries of Migration �: To Peed or Not to Feed g creatin a dense communit of native lants between wafer and land and Wldlife? y g y P leaving it undisturbed, you can reduce a site's apoeal to Canada geese vdhile Urban Canada Geese creating a habitat that will attract a wide variety of oiher wildlife. On= of the .:� west Nile Virus most effective mrays to minimize the attractiveness of an area is to reduce fhe ::� VVIdlife Tracking Basics sight lines at access points fo graying and nesting areas io less thin 30 feet. If geesa feel vuL�erahle io predators, They v,�ili move on. Here are a few oiher http://v✓ww.hsus.org/ace/ 19181 ,� = ��i'x4itG�1 the �, !r �f�s ��� .......................:.......... r0O s � .• Geese Peace N6TE 2/2/2004 Modifying Canada Goose Habitat Page 2 of 2 Wildlife and Habitat Protection Programs :: Wildlife News >: Videos Cape Wildlife Center useful tips: e Plant a variety of native tall grasses or shrubs along shorelines. These buffers will cut off goose access from water or land. • Build paths for recreational use within 30 feet of shorelines. e Locate ball fields as far from open water as possible. • Cut the size of foraging areas where geese are not wanted. • Reduce finely bladed grass species within foraging areas. Leave grass at least 4 inches high. • Establish barrier plantings that are taller than 30 inches, and close up breaks in these planting wherever possible. • Erect durable barrier fencing that is taller than 30 inches. • Maintain or establish stands of trees. • Ask municipalities to post "No Feeding' signs in strategic places on A��T� public properties. � 1 The key to successfully and humanely resolving conflicts with geese is to work in harmony with what we know about the habitat preferences of geese. With this approach, we can fully enjoy our properties and public green spaces —as well as our wild neighbors. ® E-MRIL THIS RRGE PRINTER FRIEN OLY 8 [Privacy Statement] Copyright ®2�03 The Humane Satiety of the United States. Aii dghfs reserved. (1ttp://�uw�u.hsus.org/ace/19181 2/2/2004 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO February 4, 2004 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Patrick C. Hollister, Administrative Assistant SUBJECT: Joint City Council/Parks and Recreation Commission Workshop Tuesday, March 9, 6-7pm Discussion The Council, at their regular meeting on February 3, scheduled a joint workshop with the Parks and Recreation Commission for Tuesday, March 9 from 6-7pm in the Large Conference Room. The regularly scheduled Parks and Recreation Commission meeting will begin at 7pm in the Council Chambers the same evening. Staff will prepare an agenda in advance of the workshop. In response to the questions from the Commission in the attached memo from City Administrator Danielson, the Council asked the Commission to provide some specific examples of park facilities or trails that they would like to see expanded for the workshop. Action Required Provide Staff with input as to what the Commission would like to discuss with the Council at the joint workshop. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS January 30, 2004 TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: James E. Danielson, City Administ,te SUBJECT: Workshop With Parks and Recreation Commission DISCUSSION: At the January 20ih meeting the City Council noticed in the Parks and Recreation Commission minutes that the Commission desired to have a workshop with the City Council, and they directed me to schedule that workshop for sometime after February. I contacted Dick Spicer, Parks and Recreation Commission Chair to schedule the workshop. It is Chair Spicer's desire to have that workshop on Tuesday, March gth from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. (before their regularly scheduled meeting). M a minimum,the Commissioners desire to receive guidance from the City Council on the following questions: • Does Council desire to expand Park facilities? • Does Council desire to maintain the status quo? • Funding for expansion or extraordinary maintenance? RECOMMENDATION: Chair Spicer recommends that the City Council and Parks and Recreation Commission meet in a joint workshop on March 9, 2004 beginning at 6 p.m. ACTION REQUIRED If Council desires to implement the recommendation, they need to pass a motion scheduling a joint workshop with the Park and Recreation Commission for March 9, 2004 at City Hall beginning at 6PM. ter_ City of Mendota Heights MTCMT:7_1k"W LU February 4, 2004 Memo to: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager I.Ji Subject: Future Options for Trail Improvements Background: The existing trail system contains approximately twenty-one miles of paved trails, predominately off-street and constructed to a width of eight feet. The last Commission workshop related to future trail projects was in January 1996, Discussion: The Commission expressed a desire to prepare a long-range plan to expand the trial system by providing "missing -links" within the existing system and to look for opportunities to provide new trails, when land development occurred, or when roadway improvements by other governmental units provided opportunities to include trails within their project. Attached is a copy of the City's existing park and trail system to which I have highlighted (in yellow) various trail improvements that have been discussed during the past several years. Recommendation: Review the information provided. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS February 2004 Prepared by: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager Options for Future Trail Improvements: (Refer to attached map for locations) A. Delaware Ave. (Huber Drive south to I-494/City of Eagan) Construct off-street trail in conjunction with future Dakota County upgrade of County Road 63/Delaware Ave. Additional right-of-way must be acquired. Cost trail could be funded as part of the County project. B. Delaware Ave. (Huber Drive north to Hwy.110) The City funded a widening of the shoulder (west side-4 feet) with the County funding the east (Sunfish Lake) side. Off-street trail has been requested. Trail could be included with a future roadway upgrade/improvement by Dakota County funded by the County. Additional right-of-way required. C. Delaware Ave. (Hwy. 110 north to Marie Ave.) An off-street trail section exists from Hwy 110 to frontage road and a widened shoulder (4 ft to 8 ft wide) extends to Marie. A separated trail is desirable to better separate trail users from the traffic on Delaware. If the County were to upgrade this section of County Road 63 a separated trail would probably be included. D. Warrior Drive (Hwy 110 frontage road north to existing trail) The existing trail was constructed by the School District to provide walking access to Sibley High School grounds. Due to the amount of traffic and parking on Warrior a separated trail should be considered. E. Dodd Road (North of Town Center to Marie Ave.) Trails to be constructed as part of the Town Center development end at the northern boundary of the project area. An existing six foot widen shoulder, on Dodd, is now used by bikes and pedestrians. A separated off-street trail would be safer, especially for the groups of high school joggers that use the trail. F. Dodd Road (I-494 north to Mendakota Park) Dodd RoadlS.T.Hwy 149 is heavily used. Existing shoulder areas from Mendakota Park to Wagon Wheel Trail/Decorah Lane is from one to three feet wide. South of Wagon Wheel to 1-494 the shoulders average six feet in width. A separated trail would provide a safer facility from pedestrians/bikes. G. Wagon Wheel Trail (Dodd Rd./S.T.Hwy 149 to Lexington Ave./County Rd. 43) This low volume two-lane roadway has no shoulders or curb and gutters. -' Pedestrians and bikers have reported excessive speeding as hazardous. Trail can be added when project to upgrade the existing roadway goes forward. H. Lexington Ave. &Wagon Wheel Trail (Mendota Heights Road to I-35 E Bridge) The plans and specifications are almost complete on this project that is to be predominately funded from state MSA funds and Dakota County. Currently scheduled to be bid this spring and constructed during 2004. I. Lexington Ave./ County Road 43 (Wagon Wheel Trail to S.T.Hwy 110) Lexington is a two lane roadway with no shoulders and limited right-of- way. Due to opposition from property owners along this section the Council declined to order construction of this trail section. J. Lake LeMay Trail (LeMay Lake Drive southerly to Mendota Heights Road) A trail extending south from the Augusta Shores development through property owned by Resurrection Cemetery and continuing south to Mendota Heights Road was considered a desirable route if or when development occurs in this area. K. Big Rivers Regional Trial (Hwy 13 southerly along old RR right-of-way to I-494) The Big Rivers Regional Trail, as originally proposed, was to be extended by construction of an tunnel under Hwy 13 and then proceed south along the former RR right-of-way to Mendota Heights Road and then continue south and across 1-494 into Eagan. This was a Dakota County project to be funded from Federal/Metro Council grant. L. Mendota Heights Road (Pilot Knob Road to S.T.Hwy 13) This segment would be a continuation of the existing trail on Mendota Heights Road and would provide a continuous trail from east to west through the City. This section was originally 'left out" due to expectations of low usage. Due to completion of Big Rivers Regional Trail and overlook off Hwy 13 this link should be considered for completion. M. Pilot Knob Road (Acacia Boulevard northerly and westerly to Big Rivers Trail) This segment would be installed if/when the area north and east of Acacia Cemetery is developed. N. Big Rivers Regional Trail (Scenic Overlook off Hwy 13 south to I-494 River Bridge/Eagan) This segment of the regional trail will be constructed along the west side of Hwy 13 on highway right-of-way or within Fort Snelling State Park. A ramp from Hwy 13 up to and connecting with the existing trail way on the 1-494 Bridge across the river into Bloomington is part of this project. O. City Hall (Railway around pond/wetland north and west of City Offices) Trail would begin at City Hall and extend westerly on the north side of the pond, then south to the trail on Victoria Curve by the synagogue. Future land dedication, if/when Olin property is developed would provide most of the land needed for the trail. Remaining easements would be sought from the synagogue and two residents. P. Lexington Avenue/County Road 43 (Hwy 13 north to Douglas) Lilydale requested the City help fund this link when they were constructing their trail along Hwy. 13, The City Council declined to participate in that project. This is a very difficult segment because of the steep slope, limited right-of-way, it is a County maintained road, and there are steep rocky side slopes. To re. engineer the roadway to lessen the steep slope would be very costly. Q. Mayfield Heights link (Douglas northerly to Mayfield Heights Rd.) Residents of the Mayfield Heights area requested a trail linking their neighborhood to Douglas Road. Council did not approve a trail concept plan, requiring condemnation of easements between two unwilling residents. R. Victoria Road (Celia Rd to Celia Rd) An existing trail connects the south leg of Celia Rd. to Victoria Highlands Park. At the north leg of Celia Rd, the trail begins again and goes northerly past County Day and down to Hwy. 13. This segment was not built due to an existing 26" gas main located in the ditch along Victoria where the trail would be located. To construct the trail the storm sewer pipe must be installed before the ditch can be filled in. When Victoria Rd is upgraded, with curb, gutters, and storm sewer a trail would be part of the project. S. Wentworth/Trail Road (Wentworth Ave. south along the west end of the Par 3 Golf course connecting to Valley Park/Marle Ave Trail) Trail would provide north south access for Park Place, Cherry Hills and Wentworth Ave. residents to Valley Park and southerly trail segments. T. Wachtler Ave./Sibley Memorial Highway (Cherry Will south to Hwy. 13 then westerly to Lilydale Rd./I-35E Bridge) These two segments would connect the existing trail on Wachtler Ave. at Park Place to Hwy 13 and thence to Lilydale Rd and the Big Rivers Regional Trail. It would also provide access to the future trail to be constructed on the new k35E Bridge that would connect to St. Paul and trails on the north side of the river. U. North Urban Regional Trail (Dodd Rd. to Delaware) This regional trail, to be constructed by Dakota County, is intended to provide trail access to the new Dakota County Government Center in West St, Paul. If the project proceeds construction should be completed in 2005. Part of the original project concept was to enlarge, from eight to ten feet wide, the City's existing trail through Valley Park that connects to Lilydale Rd, and the Big Rivers Regional Trail. V. Lilydale Regional Park (Yacht Club east to Harriet Island/St. Paul) Extension/completion of the Big Rivers Regional Trail from the Pool and Yacht Club into St. Paul will be part of the development of the Lilydale Regional Park, which is a City of St. Paul Park Department project. W. I-35E Bridge Reconstruction Project (Hwy 13 to Shepard Rd) A pedestrian/bike trail is included with this project along with an access ramp connection down to the Big Rivers Regional Trail by the Pool and Yacht Club. fiend C Proposed North Urban Regional Trail (Dakota County) Proposed Lilydale Pedestrian Trail I Par,. ..-- Widened Shoulders Off Street Bituminous Trail (6' to 8' wide) City Hall / Police / Fire / Public Works City Park Land Water Mendota Heights 0 Lilydale & Mendota ® Open Space irks Friendly Hills Park Friendly Marsh Park Hagstrom King Park Ivy Hills Park Kensington Park Marie Park hFN Mendakota Park �o�, Rogers Lake Park q Valley Park Victoria Highland Park / Wentworth Park > %\ / N 66 2, 2o01 w E ! 5 i Jl trails shown within the City limits are maintained big ity crews except: �? (A) Big Rivers Regional Trail -Dakota Cotmty. r (B) Dodd Rd/TH 149 shoulders—MWDOT. oncrete sidewalks are not shown on plan. 1 \` opperfield Pond (C) is a grcmel hail. Ov .S'eeni % �-s: _ �mi Cluh fl 'Mendota Heights j' Lake / b County Summing & ( � p /'nJormation Department 411110? C end • Proposed North Urban Regional Trail (Dakota County) j� Proposed Lilydale Pedestrian Trail calf ---- Widened Shoulders Off Street Bituminous Trail (6' to 8' wide) City Hall / Police / Fire / Public Works City Park Land Water Mendota Heights 0 Lilydale & Mendota Open Space �riendly Hills Park riendly Marsh Park iagstrom King Park vy Hills Park Censington Park Aarie Park ulendakota Park togers Lake Park /alley Park one Highland Park Wentworth Park N " = 23200t Wlfwe�E s trails shown within the City limits are maintained by � crews except: Big Rivers Regional TraitDakota County. Dodd Rd/TH 149 shouldersMn/DOT. acrete sidewalks are not shown on plan. 7perfield Pond (C) is a gravel trail. Mendota Heights County Surveying & formation Department