2004-09-09 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda PacketCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
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PARKS AND RECREATION COMNIISSION
Thursday, September 9, 2004
6:30 p.m. —Council Chambers
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. August 10, 2004 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes
4. Recreation Programmer's Update (available Thursday)
5. Flag Football at Mendakota Pazk
6. Wagon Wheel Trail Widened Shoulder
7. City Skating. Rinks
8. Draft 2005 City Parks Budget
9. Parks Five Year Capital Improvement Plan
10. Wentworth and Marie Parks: 2005 Components
11. Verbal Updates
• Police Report (available Thursday)
12. Other Comments
13. Adjouw
Auxiliazy aids for persons with disabilities are available upon request at least ] 20 hours
in advance. If a notice of less than 120 hours is received, the City of Mendota Heights
will make every attempt to provide the aids. This may not, however, be possible on short
notice. Please contact City Administration at (651) 452-1850 with requests.
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
AUGUST 10, 2004
(The Parks Commission held a workshop the same evening as the regularly scheduled
meeting at Wentworth Park from 6:00 to 6:25 to discuss playground equipment
maintenance and accessibility issues. Chair Spicer, Commissioners Linnell, Morris,
Craighead, and Portz, and Parks Project Manager Guy Kullander were present for the
workshop. The Parks Commission then convened their regularly scheduled meeting in
the Council Chambers.)
The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held
on Tuesday, August 10, 2004 in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve.
The meeting was called to order at 6:37 p.m.
The following Commissioners were present: Acting Chair Stan Linnell and
Commissioners Raymond Morris, Larry Craighead, and Paul Portz. Chair Richard Spicer
and Commissioners Dave Libra and Missie Hickey were excused from the meeting. City
Staff present were Parks Project Manager Guy Kullander, Administrative Assistant
Patrick C. Hollister, and Recreation Programmer Teresa Gangelhoff. Mr. Hollister took
the minutes.
MINUTES
Commissioner Portz moved approval of the July 13, 2004 Parks and Recreation
Commission Minutes.
Commissioner Morris seconded the motion.
AYES: 4
NAYS: 0
RECREATION PROGRAMMER'S UPDATE
Ms. Gangelhoff provided an update of Safety Camp and other recreation activities
plamled for Fall 2004.
Acting Chair Linnell commended Ms. Gangelhoff on a successful summer and fall
recreation schedule.
DISCUSSION WITH MHAA
Acting Chair Linnell welcomed Greg Springer, President, and Amelia Olson, Athletic
Director, of the Mendota Heights Athletic Association.
Mr. Springer thanked the Commission for their invitation to their meeting. Mr. Springer
said that MHAA would be happy to send representatives to future Parks and Recreation
Commission meetings and that MHAA valued cooperation with the City. Mr. Springer
explained that MHAA has only one full time paid employee, Ms. Olson, and 12 part-time
employees who are involved with their charitable gambling sites, and that the Board
consists of twelve volunteer Commissioners. Mr. Springer said that MHAA offers
baseball, basketball, softball, flag football, soccer, t-ball, tackle football, and volleyball
for area youth. Mr. Springer said that MHAA collaborates with West Saint Paul for
many programs, particularly hockey and basketball. Mr. Springer asked if the
Commissioners had any questions.
Commissioner Portz said that the idea to invite MHAA to Parks and Recreation
Commission meetings came out of the Joint Workshop with the Council several months
ago. Commissioner Portz said that the Commission wanted to be informed about
MHAA's activities. Commissioner Portz said that we was impressed by MHAA's
website and asked if it was created in-house or with a consultant.
Mr. Springer said that MHAA used a company called "eteamz" which provides a baseline
site that MHAA can then customize. Mr. Springer said that MHAA pays a nominal fee
each year for use of the site. Mr. Springer sad that in the future MHAA would like to
convert more of their paperwork, registrations, etc. to electronic form. Mr. Springer said
that another aspect that MHAA was working on right now is the "emotional aspects" of
youth sports. Mr. Springer said that MHAA was working on an education program
covering issues such as competitiveness, fair play, and appropriate conduct for both the
kids and their parents. Mr. Springer said that MHAA has had very few problems in this
regard, but that it was a good idea to be proactive about these issues.
Commissioner Portz recalled that back in the 19907s when he was involved most of the
coaches were parent volunteers and as if this was still the case.
Mr. Springer said that this was still the case, and that the only cases where they use paid
coaches are for more competitive traveling teams. Mr. Springer said that this year
MHAA did hire two baseball coaches. Mr. Springer said that MHAA does have some
income for charitable gambling, but that they rely heavily on parent volunteers to coach
the teams.
Commissioner Portz asked if MHAA had sufficient access to indoor facilities.
Mr. Springer said that MHAA is working with ISD 197 Community Education for more
gym space for basketball. Mr. Springer said that MHAA needs to rent more space,
2
particularly on the weekends when there is a high concentration of activity. Mr. Springer
said that ISD 197 charges a custodial fee for use of the gym of $35/hour because MHAA
is not affiliated with a school program. Mr. Springer said that MHAA is also vulnerable
to getting "bumped" from the schedule on any given evening if the gym is desired for a
school -related activity, even if MHAA has already reserved that space. Mr. Springer said
that MHAA has a shortage of quality gym space.
Mr. Springer said that in terms of outdoor space, MHAA would like to see one ball field
in Mendota Heights converted into a little -league baseball field for 10-11 year olds. Mr.
Springer added that MHAA would also be interested in contributing financially to
installing a more permanent paved surface on the floor of the batting cage at Mendakota
Park,
Commissioner Portz noted that MHAA has contributed to certain parks projects in the
past.
Mr. Springer asked how often the Commission would like MHAA to attend their
meetings.
Commissioner Morris suggested four meetings per year.
Commissioner Portz asked if there was a particular cycle that worked best for MHAA.
Mr. Springer suggested timing MHAA's visits to coincide with the "down time" between
seasons. Mr. Springer suggested three visits per year, in August, November and
March/April.
Commissioner Portz said that the Commission was interested in hearing from MHAA
when they had good news to report, such as the recent victory by the youth baseball team,
or when they would like help from the City in some way.
Commissioner Craighead noted that MHAA's office is now in West Saint Paul on Marie
Avenue. Commissioner Craighead recalled that there was discussion before the hockey
arena was completed that MHAA may use part of the arena for office space.
Mr. Springer said that MHAA's office was originally next to Tom Thumb, but then after
the City's Town Center redevelopment started, MHAA moved to office space on
Northland Drive for one year. Mr. Springer said that the Northland Drive office space
proved to be too expensive and geographically inconvenient, and so they moved to Marie
Avenue where the rent is only 1/3 that of Northland Drive and is more centrally located.
Mr. Springer said that MHAA would like to be located in Mendota Heights, but that they
cannot find equivalently priced space in Mendota Heights. Mr. Springer added that
MHAA is also trying to become more user-friendly by allowing parents to register their
kids either on-line or in person.
Commissioner Craighead asked how participation numbers have changed recently for
hockey.
Mr. Springer said that about half of the hokey participants are Mendota Heights kids,
even thought it is administered by West Saint Paul.
Acting Chair Linnell thanked Mr. Springer and Ms. Olson for coming to the meeting and
said that the Commission looked forward to continuing the conversation in the future.
MENDOTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PLAYGROUND UPGRADES
Mr. Kullander provided this as an information item only. Mr. Kullander said that
Mendota Elementary is almost finished with their playground improvements that include
removal of CCA-treated wood timber edging and installation of wood fiber surfacing in
place of the existing pea rock.
Commissioner Craighead said that he has visited the site and that the improvements look
very nice.
PARKS 5-YEAR CAPITAL IMPRVOEMENT PLAN
Mr. Kullander presented a draft five year Capital Improvement Plan for 2005-2009. Mr.
Kullander said that these improvements would be funded through the Special Parks Fund.
Mr. Kullander said that the "big ticket" items were upgrading 10 playgrounds, building
picnic shelters and extending trail segments. Mr. Kullander asked the Commissioners for
comments.
Commissioner Morris complemented Mr. Kullander on his work. Commissioner Morris
said that it was important to maintain beautiful parks for the quality of life in Mendota
Heights. Commissioner Morris said that he has noticed that the skateboard park is
heavily used and that the Commission may want to add more elements to it next year.
Commissioner Morris added that Chair Spicer would someday like to see his coveted trail
signage.
Conunissioner Portz said that he lives next to Mendota Elementary School and that he
has also noticed the high -quality work that the school is doing to improve their
playgrounds. Commissioner Portz said that the City should emulate Mendota Elementary
School's example to "do it right" when it comes to infrastructure improvements in the
parks. Commissioner Portz said that Mr. Kullander's draft CIP is a step in that direction.
Commissioner Morris said that park improvements are expensive but that they are
reflected in the value of people's homes.
Commissioner Linnell said that the City expects residents to keep their homes well
maintained and that the City should sei the example with its own facilities.
Commissioner Criaghead said that he has changed his mind since the last meeting when
he expressed objections to the high cost of playground maintenance. Commissioner
Craighead said that in the past when there was more development activity in the City, the
Parks Commission could rely on income from subdivisions for the Special Parks Fund,
Commissioner Criaghead said that now that development has slowed down, the Special
Parks Fund needs another source of income. Commissioner Craighead said that he
supports asking the Council for this income.
Acting Chair Linnell noted that Mr. Kullander's draft CIP showed picnic shelter
installations, over a number of years. Acting Chair Linnell said that it might be more cost
effective to install all of them in a single year. Acting Chair Linnell also said that the
Commission might want to add one more skate park expansion in the later years of the
CIP.
Commissioner Criaghead suggested adding handicapped accessible toilets.
Acting Chair Linnell said that he hoped to be able to add more trails.
Commissioner Morris said that some trails will need rehabilitation.
Acting Chair Linnell pointed out that trail rehabilitation would come form a different
budget than the Special Parks Fund,
Acting Chair Linnell said that although it was beyond the scope of the five-year CIP, he
would eventually like to see an overpass over Highway 110 after the NURT trail is
completed. Acting Chair Linnell also said that he would like to see replacement of some
of the older picnic shelters in Rogers and Valley Parks, but that these did not need to be
in the current five-year plan.
Commissioner Morris moved to approve the five-year CIP as written and ask the Council
to authorize a spending level of ND 85,000 for each year of the CIP.
Commissioner Criaghead seconded the motion.
AYES: 4
NAYS: 0
VERBAL UPDATES
Staff provided an update on the following items:
• News Article: "WSP Parks to get Face Lift"
• Saint Thomas Academy Temporary Field house
• Police Report
5
Staff also informed the Commission that the September meeting would either have to be
cancelled or rescheduled due to primary elections. Staff told the Commission that they
would speak with Chair Spicer about what to do for September.
ADJOURN
Commissioner Portz moved to adjourn.
Commissioner Craighead seconded the motion.
AYES:
NAYS:
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
MEMORANDUM
Date: AUGUST 313 2004
To: PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
From: TERESA GANGELHOFF
RE: AUGUST 2004 PARKS AND RECREATION REPORT
Youth Trips
Fall MEA Schools out trips are in place to a water park and one to the MN Zoo and WAX theater. I
am presently working on that flyer.
Safety Camp
Another successful camp was held on August 10, 11, and 12. Mendota Heights had over 40 children
attend. A special thank you to Ken Weisenburger for donating his time (used his vacation days!) for all
three days of camp as one of our camp counselors and presenter for fire safety, he does this every
year! The VFW from SSP did another great job of helping us put on this great camp. It was the first
time that I remember wearing winter hats and mittens on August 11 ! It was very cold!!!
Tennis
Our six -week program drew 181 Young Players Ages 4 to 14.
Volunteers provided 80+ hours of donated on -court instruction. I would like to thank volunteers, Jon
Henricksen, former college player generously gave 60 hours, while Robert Lawler, retired, gave 24
hours. Jon and Bob provided more than on -court instruction, such as, mentoring, life skills training, and
court etiquette. Two very promising players, Melissa Doyle (14) and sister Bridget (12) from Mendota
Heights both highly ranked in the USTA/Northern Section, arranged by their mother, Mary Schuster,
volunteered by staging an exhibition hitting demo and two days helping our staff.
We just received another grant for $300.00 (I have attached the letter we received from USTA) With
this we have received a total of $700.00 from the USTA/Northern Section this year for our tennis
program.
New to the program was our pre-school group, "Little Tennis," with 39 children participating. Our
Lessons Program Ages 8-14 grew to 130. Four of these, who otherwise might not have had the
opportunity, were provided scholarships based on financial requirements. (One of our grants could be
used as needed for scholarships) Our USTA Travel Team grew to 12 players who for the first time
competed as an "Exhibition Team" in the USTA/Northern Sectional Tournament held at the University
of Minnesota. What a great experience forjust second year players in our program!
Tim Garvey our head instructor did a wonderful job helping me to get this program underway for a
second year. He is a great asset to this program and it would not be this successful without his
guidance. I would also like to recognize our part time assistants working in the program, they were:
Katie Petschke, Uof St. T., Amber Leach, Visitation, Daniel Kim, STA and Patrice Sullivan from Henry
Sibley (was a sub when needed.)
We ended the season on August 6 with a picnic, fun and games and prizes for all the participants
Thanks goes out to Kathy Swanson and Judy Wonick (City Staff) for grilling all the hot dogs!!! Tim
and I have already met and have plans in place for next summer. Our next yea s goal: '205 players in
2005'
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
MEMORANDUM
Our Last Performances in the Park
Wednesday September 1 6:30 p.m.-Mendakota Park Pavilion
The Paul Heffron Music' -
Music provided by MH Park & Rec and free root beer floats provided by Thompson Park Activity
Center. This quartette performs a variety of old time hits and some modern music with a "Big
Band" sound. This performance is bound to bring back many musical memories.
55+ Senior Group
After a few years of trying to get an interest in some activities for seniors I have decided to leave trip
planning and all activities for seniors to Barb Eshle the Senior Programmer at Thompson Park Activity
Center. This is the Dakota County Area Center for seniors so all Mendota Heights Seniors are able to
take part in any of their activities and classes. Most of the activities I planned were done with this
center. I have decided to put information in the Heights Highlites referring them to this center for senior
activities. Most of our MH seniors already utilize this center. I still have one more trip I was in charge of
coming up this fall and then I plan to still do a few activities each year like the one coming up
September 1 (performance in the park/root beer floats) and will meet with Barb at some point each year
to touch base and discuss if anything is needed from me to help keep our seniors involved from
Mendota Heights.
National Night Out
I attended national night out on Tuesday, August 3 and represented Mendota Heights Park and Rec
with our mini golf game and gave out candy for prizes. It was a good way for me to meet the
community and let them know of any of my programs.
USIA/NORTHERN SECION
1007 W. 98th Street, Suite 101
Bloomington, MN SS431
Telephone 952 887-5001
Fax 952 887-5061
1-804536-6982
UNITED STATES TENNIS ASSOCIATION
NORTHERN SECTION
Joan Baker August 2, 2004
President
5235Naward531 1Road
Excelsior? MN 553533Mendota Heights Park and Rec
952474-1414 Attn: Teresa Gangelhoff
1101 Victoria Curve
Terry Noyde
Vice President Mendota Heights, MN 55118
Mary Thompson Dear Teresa,
Secretary
Scott Boyer As you are aware, the national USA Team Tennis incentive program was eliminated this
Treasurer year. In an effort to minimize the impact that this has on local programs, the
Sue Gregor USTA/Northern Section is providing financial support to many USA Team Tennis
USTA Sectional Delegate programs in 2004.
Mike viner
theDife are
ector pleased leased to announce that Mendota Heights Park and Rec has been awarded
e Dr
$300 in USA Team Tennis financial support as part of this effort.
This funding will cover the cost of Tennis Link for USA Team Tennis and assist with some
additional program expenses. Suggested uses for this funding include, but are not limited
to:
• Instructor wages TennisLink fees
Equipment Sectional Championship entry fees
T-shirts Coaches training
Please note that this funding opportunity will not be available in 2005. For information
about other funding options for your program, please consult the enclosed list of grants or
call the USTA/Northern Section office for more specific information.
We hope that this award will strengthen your efforts in providing tennis opportunities to the
youth in your community. Thank you for working with us to grow USA Team Tennis
participation throughout the section!
Sincerely,
Becky Longsdorf
Community Development Specialist
Enclosures
City of Mendota Heights
d ULMA A03LIZOJU
August 233 2004
Memo to: Parks &Recreation Commission
From: Guy Kullander, Operations & Projects Coordinator .
Regarding: Use of Mendakota Outfields for "Flag Football"
Background:
Chair Spicer has received a request from the Mendota Heights Athletic
Association asking that they be allowed to stripe the outfield areas of Mendakota Park
for use as "Flag Football" fields.
Discussion:
A similar request was before the Commission on August 12�h, 2003. At that
meeting the commission did not approve the request but felt that the field at Ivy Hills
Park, no longer used for fall soccer, could be striped if they so desired.
Recommendation:
Parks Leadsperson, Terry Blum, does not support the use of the Mendakota
softball fields for Flag Football. He reports that he has received only negative reports
from other cities that have allowed softball fields to be used for fall football. Terry also
points out that he has recently completed topdressing, aerating and fertilizer of the
Mendakota fields and wants no more play on the fields the remainder of this year.
The Ivy Hills Park field is available for use for Flag Football.
Action Required:
If the Commission desires to support use of Mendakota fields for Flag Football
this fall they should make a recommendation to the City Council.
Attachments: 1. Commission memo dated July 31, 2003
2. Minutes from August 12th, 2003 Commission meeting
3. Council memo dated August 13`h, 2004 (Agenda item was approved by Consent
August 19th, 2003
City of Mendota Heights
MEMORANDUM
July 31, 2003
Memo to: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager
Subject: "Flag Football" at Mendakota Park
Background:
An individual, affiliated with MHAA, has been denied the use of the outfield areas
at Mendakota Park for Fall Flag Football by Teresa (after consulting with Terry).
Discussion:
Terry Blum, Parks Leadsperson, strongly advises against this request. The
marking of the outfield areas, even only for a limited use request, "opens" the area to
additional unscheduled use that may inflict undesirable wear or damage to these
facilities. Apparently this individual has been denied or does not want to use School
District facilities and implied that he would be seeking permission from a "higher"
authority, presumably the Commission or City Council.
The current Park Reservation Policy does not provide for use of the outfield
areas at Mendakota for sports other then softball/baseball, nor does it prohibit such
use.
MHAA is advertising a K-2 Flag Football program and represents that the games
will be played (if approved) at Mendakota and if not, then at Sibley.
I agree with Terry's assessment that this type of sport, late in the year, can cause
severe damage to the sprinkler heads and prime turf areas that do not have time to
"recover" at the end of the growing season.
Terry recommends that if this individual again requests these fields that he be
offered the use of Ivy Park. The fall soccer teams no longer schedule use of this
"overlay field" which is large enough to accommodate a flag football field layout.
Action Required:
If the Commission agrees with the recommendation they may want to consider
including a statement into the current Park Reservation Policy prohibiting the use of
"overlay" sports fields in the outfield areas at Mendakota Park. This same policy
statement should also consider prohibiting any use other than soccer at the Kensington
Park fields.
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
AUGUST 12, 2003
The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held
on Tuesday, August 12, 2003 in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve.
The meeting was called to order at 6:33 p.m.
The following Commissioners were present: Chair Richard Spicer and Commissioners
Larry Craighead, Paul Portz, Missie Hickey, Dave Libra, Stan Linnell arrived late.
Commissioner Raymond Morris was excused from the meeting. City Staff present were
Parks Project Manager Guy Kullander and Administrative Assistant Patrick C. Hollister.
Or. Hollister took the minutes. This meeting was televised by NDCTV and replayed the
following Friday at 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm.
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MENDAKOTA FOOTBALL REQUEST
Mr. Kullander explained that the Recreation Programmer had received a request for the
use of Mendakota fields for K-2 flag football. Mr. Kullander said that the Mendakota
fields were exclusively for softball and baseball and that Parks Leadperson Terry Blum
advised against using them for flag football. Mr. Kullander said that the parks crew had
suggested the use of Ivy Falls Park for this purpose instead.
Chair Spicer said that in light of the parks crew's comments. It would be better to host the
flag football at Ivy Falls Park.
Commissioner Libra moved to recommend that the flag football occur at Ivy Falls Park,
Commissioner Portz seconded the motion.
AYES:
NAYS:
--Mr Kul}antler-said-that-de-spite-numerous-attempt�to-conta�t t-he-eoniraotor for -flag-®.
----Roger-s Lake-Skatepark; thgrg-has-been-no response: --Mx: Kul-Lander-added-that-fei�tunatgl�-
0
City of Mendota Heights
MEMORANDUM
August 13, 2003
Memo to: Mayor, Council Members and City Administrator
From: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager
Subject: Denied Use of Mendakota Outfields for Flag Football
Background:
The Mendota Heights Athletic Association requested the outfield areas at
Mendakota Park be striped this fall for use as fields for use by K-2 Flag Football
teams. Overlay fields are currently used for fall soccer at three neighborhood
softball fields (Friendly Hills, Victoria Highlands, Wentworth). In prior years Ivy Hills
Park was striped for fall soccer, but is no longer used since stripping was begun at
Victoria Highlands several years ago.
The community park fields at South Kensington (soccer) and Mendakota Park
(adult softball & youth baseball) were designated by the City Council, when
originally constructed, as single use/sport fields. Mendakota Park, constructed in
1990, was designated for adult softball use, but in the mid-90's the Council
allowed use of these fields for youth baseball.
Discussion:
Parks Leadsperson, Terry Blum, recommended that the Mendakota Fields not
be used/striped for flag football (see attached Park Commission memo).
Recommendation:
The Parks and Recreation Commission recommend against stripping the
outfield areas at Mendakota Park for flag football and suggest that if MHAA wished
to use Ivy Hills Park they should provide Terry Blum with the dimensions of the
field(s) they wished striped at Ivy Hills Park.
Action Required:
No action is required. This memo is for information only.
August 31, 2004
City of Mendota Heights
1101 Victoria Curve
Mendota Heights, Minnesota 55118
ATTN: Guy Kullander
Patrick Hollister
RE: Permit for flag football at Mendakota complex
Dear Mr. Kullander, Mr. Hollister, and Park Commissioners:
I am requesting to be placed on the September 9`h meeting agenda regarding the
use of the Mendakota complex for flag football. Specifically, I am the Football
Commissioner for the City of Mendota Heights from Grades 1 through 6. Over the years,
the football program has grown in the number of young kids participating in this sport.
During the last four years, the NFL has sponsored our flag football program.
Currently, we have approximately 85 kids primarily in first and second grade that are
playing flag football. They all wear tennis shoes or rubber cleats when they play.
This year, we are requesting to use the Mendakota Fourplex. We are asking for
permits for two nights a week. Specifically, we would like to play on Wednesday night
from approximately 6:00 o'clock to 7:00 p.m. On Saturdays, we would like to use the
fields from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The games last only an hour. The fields do not have to be marked, as we will use
soft, circular cones that will be used as the boundaries. We plan on using the outfields to
play on.
In the past, we have used Sibley's football fields. These fields are being used by
Sibley's varsity, junior varsity, B-squad and freshman teams. They are also being used
by junior high sports, third and fourth grade tackle football and fifth grade tackle football
teams from Mendota Heights. The fields get chewed up very quickly with these older
kids with spikes playing on these fields, and also, it's difficult getting field availability
from time to time.
The Mendakota complex is not used from my observations during the fall. It
would allow us to have some certainty with regard to playing games without having
limited fields for use. Additionally, the Mendakota fields are softer, so when the kids fall
down, there is less chance of injury.
Finally, by allowing all the kids to play generally in this location at the same time
truly encourages a community event. Kids see other kids playing, they bump into their
friends on other teams, and families can see many other neighbors at one location at the
same time. The atmosphere would be similar to our Super Saturdays that we have during
baseball, which is a great event for the community and for families.
If it is raining the day a game is scheduled, we would not be using the Fourplex,
as we understand there is a concern by the City in ruining the grass.
My proposal is we try this and see now well it all works out.
The games would commence once a permit is approved, and the last game will be
on or about October 10`h, 2004. Therefore, we are only using the fields for approximately
four or five weeks. We would like to start using the fields as soon as possible.
I can be reached at (651) 438-8037 to vening, confirm that I'm on the agenda for that
e
If there are any concerns regarding this matter that need to addressed prior to this
meeting, please contact me.
Thank you for your considerations.
Yours very truly,
Timothy J. McManus
Mendota Heights Football Commissioner
cc: Mary Jane Schneeman
City of Mendota Heights
MEMORANDUM
August 25, 2004
Memo to: Parks &Recreation Commission
From: Guy Kullander, Operations & Projects CoordinatorXW
Subject: Wagon Wheel Trail
Background:
The Commission requested the City Council to authorize funding from the
Special Park Fund for construction of a bituminous widened shoulder along Wagon
Wheel Trail from the new Lexington Avenue trail easterly to the bridge over 1-35E.
Discussion:
The City Council did not accept the Commission's recommendation and
stated that any upgrade of this roadway must be treated in its entirety from Lexington
Avenue to Dodd Road. (See attached minutes for the August 17th1 2004 Council
meeting)
The Engineering Department is currently developing a list of neighborhood street
improvement projects (similar to the current Somerset Neighborhood Street
Reconstruction Project) that once evaluated and prioritized will become a Five Year
Street Rehabilitation Plan to be presented to the City Council for review and discussion.
Recommendation:
If the Commission wishes to advocate for construction of a trail along Wagon
Wheel Trail they should request the City Engineer, Susan McDeromtt, to add
improvement of Wagon Wheel Trail to the list of street/neighborhood projects she will
evaluate and consider for inclusion in a "Five Year (2005 thru 2009) Street
Rehabilitation Plan".
Attachments:
1. Council memo dated Au�ust 10, 2004 "Wagon Wheel Trail -Widened Shoulder"
2. Minutes form August 17` , 2004 City Council meeting
Plans for Lexington Avenue Bike Trail are near completion and will be
submitted to Dakota County Planning and Minnesota Department of
Transportation for review and approval prior to advertising for bids. If
approvals are delayed the construction may be postponed until
spring 2005 if not, the trail will be built this fall.
City of Mendota Heights
MEMORANDUM
August 10, 2004
Memo to: Mayor, Council members and City Administrator
From: Guy Kullander, Operations &Projects Coordinator
Subject: Wagon Wheel Trail - Construction of Widened Shoulder
Background:
The Parks and Recreation Commission recommend that the City Council authorize
use of Special Park Funds for construction of a six-foot wide asphalt shoulder along the
south side of Wagon Wheel Trail from Lexington Avenue easterly to the bridge over
Interstate Highway 35 E to provide a temporary trail access to Roger's Lake Park.
Background:
The Parks and Recreation Commission were informed that the trail segment along
Wagon Wheel Trail was deleted from the Lexington Avenue Bike Trail project because the
current design for the Wagon Wheel Trail segment failed to meet MSA Standards (street
section was too narrow & lack of adequate right-of-way) and therefore would not be eligible
for MSA funding.
Commission members expressed concern for the safety of pedestrians and cyclists,
along this narrow roadway (26 feet wide), traveling to Roger's Lake Park and are seeking a
safer temporary route until such time that Wagon Wheel Trail is reconstructed.
Recommendation:
The Parks and Recreation Commission, voting 6-0, recommend that the City
Council authorize the use of Special Park Funds (not to exceed $10,000,00) to construct a
six-foot wide asphalt shoulder along Wagon Wheel Trail and that this work be included
with the Lexington Avenue Bike Trail project.
Action Required:
If the City Council agrees with the Commission's recommendation they should
direct the Engineering staff to include shoulder improvements along Wagon Wheel Trail
and further authorize that costs associated with construction of the widened shoulder be
funded from the Special Park Fund.
Attachments:
1. May 11, 2004 Park Commission minutes
2. June 3, 2004 Park Commission memo regarding project status
3. May 5, 2004 Park Commission memo reporting Council action on Lexington Bike Project
4. April 9, 2004 Park Commission memo regarding progress on Lexington Bike Trail Project
City of Mendota Heights
August 24, 2004
Memo to: Parks &Recreation Commission
From: Guy Kullander, Operations & Projects Manager.
..0k
Subject: City Skating Rinks
Background:
Council member Mary Jean Schneeman recently (August 17th City Council
meeting & August 23`d Council budget workshop) expressed concerns about the cost of
operating skating facilities at three separate park locations and suggested that the Park
and Recreation Commission review current operations, consider consolidating all
skating facilities in one location and/or constructing a skating facility in Mendakota Park.
Council member Schneeman plans fo attend the October 12t6 Commission meeting
Discussion:
This issue last addressed by the Commission in August 2002 (see attached
materials) resulted in a Commission vote of 6-0 to continue operation of skate facilities
at three parks (Wentworth, Marie, and Friendly Hills).
Recommendation:
This material is provided to the Commission now so that you have additional
time, before the October meeting, to visit existing skating facilities and gather input from
friends or neighbors about their usage of the City's ice rinks.
Attached is a list of Questions for Consideration I would like the Commission tc
consider prior to the October meeting. If you desire additional information or want me to
do more research or analysis, please contact me and I will include the questions and
answers in the memo I will prepare for the October agenda packet.
City of Mendota Heights
u_uwAfLIUVINIM
-
August 23, 2004
Memo to: Parks & Recreation Commission
From: Guy Kullander, Operations & Projects Coordinator
Subject: Questions for Consideration -City Skating Facilities
The following questions and information is intended to provide the
Commission with various ideas and viewpoints that have been expressed related
to the City's skating facilities.
Should the City consolidate all skating rinks into one facility ? Yes No
(Note: 2 hockey rinks plus large free skating rink will take four to five acres of land not
including parking area. Rink lighting would cost $45 K. Other costs to consider: warming house,
paved access paths to rinks, bleachers/benches, hockey boards (permanent or temporary),
parking area, rink surface (turf or bituminous), and landscaping.
- If yes, what existing park/site would you consider for this facility ?
- Assumes existing rinks would be phased out/closed,
2. MHAA no longer conducts a hockey program but provides financial support to the
W. St. Paul hockey program. Our hockey rinks are predominately used for casual
hockey skills development, pick up games or broomball.
- Does the commission wish to consider closing one or more of the three hockey
rinks maintained by the City ? Yes No
- Would the free skating rink also be closed ? Yes No
- If yes, which park(s) A. Friendly Hills B. Wentworth C. Marie
- If skating at a particular park was to end does the Commission wish to hold a
neighborhood information meeting prior to closing ? Yes No
- Other options to inform residents would be a mailed notice, article in City's
newsletter, or notices in local news publications (Sun & Review) Yes No
3. Would the Commission support removal of a hockey rink and leave an
enlarged free skating rink in one or more of the parks ? Yes No
- If yes, which hockey rink would be closed first ?
- Wentworth Yes No
- Friendly Hills Yes No
- Marie Yes No
4. Mendakota Park has been identified as a desirable site to located a skating
facility. This nineteen acre park is substantially "built -out" with no obvious open
areas to located one or more skating rinks in. Placing a permanent skating facility
in this park presents the following considerations:
1.
Only existing flat area is the existing basketball court area
2.
Re -grading sloped areas are not practical due to overhead power
lines, buried utility lines, and buried petroleum pipelines.
3.
Rink area would be in close proximity to existing homes
4.
Rink lighting may not be welcomed by residents adjacent to rink area
5.
Access from parking lot is difficult
6.
Location of warming house, if any, must be considered
7.
Watermain and hydrant must be installed near the rink areas
8.
Buried electric service must be run to rink lights & warming house
A temporary facility presents the following considerations:
1.
Temporary warming house could be located in parking lot or pathway
2.
Rink on field turf can/may cause damage un-repairable prior to
start of ball field use in spring due to wet soft turf
3.
Rink lighting may not be acceptable to adjacent neighborhood
4.
Fabrication of temporary hockey side -boards would cost $15K
and require 3 to 5 crew days to transport and setup and the same to
take down in spring (once turf is dry enough to hold a truck hoist and
flatbed trailer). The 70 to 80 sideboard sections would be stored in
summer at Public Works
5.
Watermain and hydrant must be located near rink area
6.
Buried electric service required for lights & warming house
City of Mendota Heights
MEMORANDUM
September 12, 2002
Memo to: Mayor, Council Members, and City Administrator
From: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager
Subject: Consolidation of City Ice Rinks
Background:
Council member Schneeman requested that the Park and Recreation
Commission consider consolidation of the city's hockey rinks into one location.
Discussion:
The Commission discussed this and other issues and determined that
maintaining the existing three rink locations best serve the neighborhoods they are
located in. They further concluded that consolidation of the rinks would create an
undue burden for residents (especially youth) accustomed to walking to a
neighborhood rink who would then have to drive to a centralized facility..
Action Required:
None. This memo is for information only.
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS aeADAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTAPARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 10, 2002
The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held
on Tuesday, September 10, 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
Larry Craighead, Paul Portz, Raymond Morris, Missie Hickey, and Dave Libra.
Commissioner Stan Linnell was excused from the meeting. City Staff present were Parks
Project Manager Guy Kullander, Recreation Programmer Teresa Gangelhoff and
Administrative Assistant Patrick C. Hollister, Mr. Hollister took the minutes. This
meeting was televised by NDCTV and replayed the following Friday at 1:00 pm and 7:00
pm.
MIN [ITES
Commissioner Moms moved to approve the June 11, 2002 minutes as written.
Commissioner Portz seconded the motion.
AYES:
NAYS:
RECREATION PROGRAMII'IER'SDPDATE
Ms. Gangelhoff provided an update of Recreation Activities for Fall 2002. On the subject
C2 ( of skating rinks, Ms. Gangelhoff also commented that she thought that all three existing
4(— rinks were sufficiently used to justify their continued operation. Ms. Gangelhoff said that
� she would recommend against closing any of the skating rinks.
I
o
n! i Chair Spicer commented that he agreed that the rinks should remain open.
gl
PCornmissioner Craighead also said that he thought that the rinks should remain open.
Chair Spicer asked if anyone would like to make a motion recommending that the
Council not close the rinks.
� o Commissioner Craighead moved to recommend to Council that they not close the rinks.
Commissioner Libra seconded the motion.
N
i AYES: 6
NAYS: 0
City of Mendota Heights
MEMORANDUM
August 22, 2002
Memo to: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager
Subject: Consolidation of Skating Rinks
Background:
On several occasions council member Mary Jeanne Schneeman has expressed
concerns regarding the maintenance and operations of the skate rinks and warming
houses. Her concerns and suggestions are:
1. Cost of operating the rinks (staff labor, attendants, materials).
2. Lack of rink attendants on site when ice conditions are favorable.
3. Lack of signage, information, rules, etc. at rinks/warming houses.
4. Concern that rink attendants are not "supervising" the rink, but are
often found inside watching TV, reading, etc.
5. Requested the Park Commission consider "consolidation" of our skating rinks
into one park with multiple hockey rinks and large free skating area.
Discussion:
Item 5. Consolidation of our skating rinks into one or two locations would
significantly save on labor and maintenance costs. My impression from the discussion
amongst the Council members was that if consolidation occurred that a park with multiple
rinks would deserve a larger warming house facility. Assuming that the City does not
acquire a parcel of land suitable for a multi -rink skating complex the only option for
consolidation is to consider the three parks that currently have skating facilities.
1. Decommissioning the rink at Marie Park would appear fiscally irresponsible
because of the $30,000 in capital improvements (new boards and lights) installed in
2001. The rink area is separated from the ballfield area by the pond, entrance
driveway and play area. Locating one or two additional hockey rinks in the ballfield
area would be the only option. Permanent boards here would mean the youth
ballfield would no longer be viable.
2. Friendly Hills Park could accommodate a second hockey rink with the free skating
rink moved easterly into the youth softball/soccer field outfield. A larger warming
house would be a "given" and the issue of locating an additional 20 to 30 parking
spaces would need to be addressed. Decommissioning the hockey rink at this park
would also seem fiscally irresponsible because of the $35,000 investment in asphalt
paving within the hockey boards in 1999 unless the paved area were to be
converted into a skate park. The Public Works crew reports that the paving allows
faster formation of suitable ice conditions here then rinks with turf.
3. Wentworth Park could also accommodate a second hockey rink with the free
skating rink to move northerly onto the youth softball/soccer outfield. An increase of
parking stalls would also be necessary in this park as well as a new larger warming
house.
A large complex (three permanent hockey rinks) would seem appropriate only in a
large community park. Most City parks could be best characterized as neighborhood parks
with the exceptions of Mendakota (19 acres) and Kensington (17 acres) Parks, which can
best be described as small community parks. The 1985 Park Facilities Needs Study
described a community or active park as one twenty five acres or larger in size. This same
study recommended that by the year 2000 or when the population of the City reaches
14,000 (we are currently under 11,500) that six hockey and six free skating rinks would be
required.
Demand or requests for additional outdoor rinks has not happened. The only
requests the commission has received is for a larger warming house at Wentworth Park,
general comments that larger free skating rinks would be nice, and for the addition of
asphalt paving inside the Marie and Wentworth hockey boards.
Options;
1. Do nothing. Maintain hockey and free skating rinks in three parks.
(Wentworth, Marie, and Friendly Hills)
2. Remove skating from one of the parks and add an additional hockey rink plus
a larger free skating rink in one of the other two parks.
3. Develop long-range plan for a skating complex with two or three hockey
rinks, a large free skating rink, lights, warming house with toilet facilities,
parking for fifty vehicles, paths and other amenities. This would require a six
to ten acre parcel and cost in the $250,000 to $300,000 range to develop, not
including land costs.
Items 2 & 4. Lack of rink attendants and/or their required duties should best be
addressed by the Recreation Programmer with the understanding that this has been a
recurring issue for many years, complicated by inadequate funding.
Item 3. The operations of the rinks and/or the warming house may not be as
"user friendly" as they could be. This is a situation that Teresa is aware of and efforts are
under consideration on how to address this. Coordination with the Public Works staff is
essential in resolving this issue.
Item 1. Rinks could be operated without a warming house and rink attendant.
Seating could be installed for putting on skates and timers and photocells could be
installed to control rink lights.
Recommendation:
Discuss the concerns expressed by Council member Schneeman and inform the
Council of your remedies, solutions and/or recommendations.
If the Commission determines that Option #1 is the direction the City should pursue
then you may wish to ask the Council for approval to proceed with a project to replace the
Wentworth Park warming house in 2003.
Possible Sites 16 to 10 acres) to consider for Outdoor Skate Rink Complex
1. City owned property -SE corner of Acacia Blvd. & Pilot Knob Rd.
2. City owned property along Hwy 55, north of Mendota Heights Rd.
(currently used for storage of City street sweepings)
3. Visitation property south of Mendota Heights Rd.
4. St. Thomas property south of Mendota Heights Rd,
5, Undeveloped Hwy. Right-of-way east of shopping center at
Dodd Rd. and Hwy 110 — south east corner.
6. Foss property adjacent to Wentworth Park
7. Friendly Marsh Park plus undeveloped Hwy 149 right-of-way
8. Existing neighborhood park -place new skating facilities on existing ball field
(closed ball field may need to be "replaced" in another park).
City of Mendota Heights
MEMORANDUM
August 25, 204
Memo to: Parks &Recreation Commission
From: Guy Kullander, Operations & Projects Coordinator
Subject: Draft - 2005 City Budget
Background:
The City Council held a workshop on August 23`d, 2004 to discuss the Draft 2005 City
Budget. Eight of ten park maintenance and improvement items, recommended by the Parks
Commission, were approved for inclusion in the 2005 budget.
Park Maintenance Items:
1. $ 750 (new item) for tennis court crack & surfacing maintenance
2. $ 3,000 ($2 K in 2004) Maintenance of native plants @ Roger's Lake beach & Ivy Park pond
3. $14,000 ($4 K in 2004) Maintenance/replacement of playground equipment
4. $45,000 ($20 K in 2004) Maintenance of trails -emphasis to resurface 2 miles
5. $10,000 ($7 K in 2004) Management of invasive species (Buckthorn)
6. $ 3,000 (one time) Repair cracks in park parking lots
7. $14,000 ($9 K in 2004) Professional fees (Commission meetings, research, memos, etc)
(An increase of $47,750,00 over 2004 funding level for these seven items)
8. Not approved: Request of $10,000 for Long Range Planning Effort(s) or for use of
Consultants to assist with preparation of grant applications.
If the Commission desires the use of a consultant to prepare a specific plan or assist with
development of a grant application (matching funds) they must appeal to the City Council on a case
by case basis for funding approval (Funding options: Council contingency fund, transfer of funds from
an existing Parks Maintenance Budget line item, or consider for inclusion in next fiscal year's budget)
Improvement Proiects:
9. This item consists of five projects identified for completion in 2005 in the Parks Five Year
(2005 thru 2009) Capital Improvement Plan. Because funding for these projects is not derived from
general tax levies the City Council normally does not review the budget for "Special Park" projects at
their first workshop. (Five Year Plan was an agenda item at the August 17m City Council meeting)
Projects: Budget:
1. Rehabilitation of Wentworth Park playground $55,000
2. Rehabilitation of Marie Park playground $45,000
3. Park and trail signage $ 61000
4. Additional skate park component(s) at Roger's Lake $10,000
5. Trial on east side of Dodd Rd. (Town Center to Marie) 60 000
Total Budget $176,000,00
Special Park Fund:
10. Not approved: Request for an alternate funding source that would provide an additional
$70,000 per year in revenue for capital improvements. (See 'Parks Five Year Plan"memo included in
this agenda packet for Council's advice to Commission on use of Fund)
Action Required:
None. This memo is for information only.
,MNSUN -News Archive
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,._
Park and rec commission asks for
more funding to improve parks in MH
By Blair Reynolds
Sun Newspapers
(Created 8/26/2004 8:44:17 AM)
Following in Tine with neighboring communities, talks to revitalize park
facilities in Mendota Heights have begun.
At its Aug. 17 meeting, the City Council listened to preliminary thoughts on
a five-year park improvement plan.
West St. Paul and South St. Paul have recently approved park master
plans.
Operations and Projects Coordinator Guy Kullander told the council the
Park and Recreation Commission members want to establish a capital
improvement plan for the community's parks and recreational facilities.
"They realize that having such a plan will require a new funding source,"
said Kullander. "The park dedication fees in the community are dwindling
and we need to find a new way to fund some of these projects."
Kullander said the park commission has submitted a request to city staff,
asking the council to provide an extra $70,000 per year starting with the
2005 budget, that will enable certain projects to be completed.
"The commission wants to identify a new funding source," said Kullander.
"There are a number of projects that they have deemed as very
necessary."
Improvements would include rehabilitation of 10 playgrounds in the
community, improving ball fields, replacing lighting at outdoor hockey rinks,
improvements at park shelters and enhancements on park trails.
"AII of the improvements would come to a total of $900,000, or about
$181,800 a year for the next five years," said Kullander. "These are the
high priority items. Lesser items have been removed from their wish list."
With expected park dedication fees of $570,000, Kullander said the council
will make the choices for what park projects are approved.
"The way things are now, we would be $339,000 under our goal to get
everything done," he said. "The additional funding would help greatly."
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Part of the'TwinCities.com
Netv:ork
http://www.mnsun.com/archive.asp?display=story2&year=2004&storyID=142223 8/27/2004
,MNSUN -News Archive
Page 2 of 2
Councilmember Jack Vitelli said that he is concerned why the parks
commission is asking for additional funding, when they make it a rule to
keep approximately $300,000 on hand at all times.
"I don't think they should always keep that much money in their reserves,"
he said. "We need to minimize city expenditures at this time."
Kullander said that in the past, the council appropriated fees from cell
phone towers in the community for park funds, providing the fund with a
cushion.
If the fund balance goes to zero, the commission becomes useless, he
said. "Having that money in reserve helps the [commission) to do smaller
projects by using the interest. It's like an endowment."
Mayor John Huber
said the park commission will
always
have a place in
the community, no
matter its financial standing.
Commission members have been reluctant to spend some of their money,
he said. "Even if the fund is spent and goes down to nothing, they will still
be important. We look at all budget requests seriously. It's hard to justify
giving them more when they already have a healthy reserve."
Councilmember Sandra Krebsbach said letting the commission keep its
$300,000 cushion is the right thing to do.
"I want them to begin looking at all things about the outdoor lifestyle and
that takes money," she said. "They should keep their focus and continue
their work of keeping our parks looking good."
Kullander said the council is expected to meet Aug. 23 to look at the 2005
budget.
"This issue will be looked at again sometime after the council gets to work
on the budget," he said. "The commission will be interested to hear what
the council decides."
This sita and its contents rJ26g0 - 2003. Sun Newspapers
- 64ain Offirc. g52-829-0797 webinfo@mnsuacom -
Grez:etl aced mainfzined 6y C]uanimn Digital Interae�ive jcm'6o@quanfumsite.cam
http://www.mnsun.com/archive.asp?display=story2&year=2004&storyID=142223 8/27/2004
City of Mendota Heights
MEMORANDUM
August 26, 2004
Memo to: Parks &Recreation Commission
From: Guy Kullander, Operations & Projects Coordinator y
Subject: Parks Five Year (2005 thru 2009) Capital Improvement Plan
Background:
The Parks Five Year (2005 thru 2009) Capital Improvement Plan approved by
the Commission on August 10th, was placed on the August 17th, City Council agenda for
acknowledgement as a working guide plan to address park and trail needs (see
attached Council memo dated August IIth, 2004). Estimated project budgets and the
source of revenue required to fund the projects was addressed in this memo with the
source of revenue identified as existing/future park dedication fees plus a second
revenue source to be identified by Council (The Commission suggested $70,000 per
year from a second funding source was desired).
Discussion:
The City Council did not agree with the Commission's desire to maintain a
minimum balance of $300,000.00 in the Special Park Fund and suggest that the
Commission "spend down" this reserve and only request an additional funding source
once the Special Park Fund is near depletion (see attached minutes from the August
17tt' meeting).
Recommendation:
If the Commission desires to proceed with the 2005 improvement projects
identified in the Parks Five Year (2005 thru 2009) Capital Improvement Plan they should
direct staff to send RFP's to play equipment vendors and/or prepare a project
concept/feasibility report for remaining projects.
If at all possible 2005 projects will be presented to City Council for bid award in
January so that proposed work or installation can begin in early spring.
See attached descriptions of Capital Improvement projects scheduled for 2005
City of Mendota Heights
August 41, 2004
2005 Capital Improvement Project Descriptions
Wentworth Park: Rehabilitation of Playground -Working Budget: $55,000
Remove wood timber edging and replace with a non -toxic edging material - enlarger safe zones
Remove excess pea rock - install drain system, filter fabric, and 12" wood fiber surfacing
Refurbish existing components, replace worn or broken elements, paint touchup, etc.
Install add -on or free standing ADA compliant components plus new play structure or grouping
suitable for 2-5 year olds
Reuse existing digger and add a second, ADA compliant, digger in new "sand -box area"
Retain, repair and reuse existing rubberized surface areas, if appropriate
Install hard surface access pathways to picnic shelters, grills, rink areas and warming house doors
Install two benches inside play area border edging
2. Marie Park: Rehabilitation and/or Replace Playground -Working Budget: $45,000
Play structure and swings in north area are to remain in place
Play structure and components in southern area may be (1) refurbished or (2) totally removed Remove
wood timber edging and replace with non -toxic edging material - enlarge safe zones
Remove excess pea rock - install drain system, filter fabric, and 12" wood fiber surfacing
(1) Refurbish existing aluma-core structure and add additional ADA compliant components
... or ... (2) Install new structure/components
Salvage digger and reinstall with additional ADA compliant unit plus new sandbox component(s)
Install two benches inside play area border edging
Install hard surface access path to picnic area grill & tables
3. Park &Trail Signage -Working Budget OR Ann
Fabricate two sided, 4by 6' display sign supported by two 6"x6" posts (Park crew to install)
Located and place warning, safety, and informational signage along trails as required
Apply or mark trail distance markings (1/10'" mile)
4. Roger's Lake Park - Add skate park component/ramp - Working budget $10,000
Select and install one or more new Tier 1 components (half -pipe, mini -ramp or etc)
5. Dodd Road off -road Trail: Town Center to Marie Avenue - Working Budget $60,000
1. Request City Council to order the Engineering Department to prepare a Feasibility Study for this
trail segment and to also designate a funding source. The Council must decide if they wish to pay
for this project from the Special Park Fund or to apply for MSA funding for an "off -system"
improvement project.
2. The Council may wish to delay this project until the trails and landscape improvements are
constructed as part of the Town Center Development in 2006/07.
3, If Council decides to apply for MSA funding it would be best to make the application now because
MSA has strict requirements for development of construction plans and will also require project
review by MnDOT that may add eight weeks.
gk
DRAFT = Parks Five Year (2005 thru 2009) Capital Improvement Plan
Yeariv Budget
of:
2005
$115
K
$185
K
1.
Wentworth Park -Playground Rehabilitation
$55
K
$55K
2.
Marie Park -Playground Replacement
$45
K
$45
K
3.
Park & Trail Signage - City Wide
$ 6
K
$ 6
K
4,
Roger's Lake Park -Additional skate park components
$10
K
$10
K
5.
Trail east side of Dodd Rd. (.25 miles -Marie to Town Center)
$60
K
Total
$116 K
$176 K
2006
1.
Victoria Highlands -Playground Rehabilitation
$35
K
$35
K
2.
Ivy Hills -Playground Rehabilitation
$35
K
$35
K
3,
Friendly Hills -asphalt path to tennis courts in lieu of bridge
$ 4
K
$ 4
K
4.
Replace youth softball backstops @ 3 parks @ $7 K each
$21
K
$21
K
5,
Friendly Hills -Replace hockey rink lights
$20
K
$20
K
6.
Trails (.65 miles) - (Housing development of Par 3 Golf)
$75
K
(Wachtler: Wentworth to Bachelor & Bachelor: Dodd to Valley Park Trail)
Total
$115 K
$190 K
2007
1.
Friendly Hills -Playground Rehabilitation
$45
K
$45
K
2,
Valley View Heights (Curley's Tot Lot) -Replace playground
$35
K
$35
K
3.
Trails (.52 miles) on Wachtler & Hwy. 13 (Econ-Lab site)
$50
K
$50
K
4.
Wentworth Park -Replace hockey rink lights
$20
K
5.
Wentworth tennis court -Bang Boards
$ 3
K
6,
Ivy Hills tennis court -Bang Boards
$ 3
K
7.
Marie tennis court - Bang Boards
$ 3
K
8,
Friendly Hills tennis court- Bang Boards
$ 3K
9,
Marie Park -Picnic Shelter
$25
K
Total
$130 K
$187 K
2008
1.
Roger's Lake -Playground Rehabilitation
$45
K
$45
K
2.
Valley Park -Playground Rehabilitation
$40
K
$40
K
3.
Victoria Highlands -Picnic Shelter
$25
K
$25
K
4.
Valley Park -Landscape enhancements at entrance
$15
K
5.
Trail (.28 miles) Mendota Heights Rd: Pilot Knot to Hwy 13
$47
K
Total
$110 K
$173 K
2009
1.
Kensington Park -Playground Rehabilitation
$22
K
$22
K
2,
Mendakota Park -Playground Rehabilitation
$28
K
$28
K
3.
Mendakota Park -Sand volleyball court
$ 6
K
$ 6
K
4,
Hagstrom-King Park -Picnic shelter
$25
K
$25
K
5,
Ivy Hills -Picnic Shelter
$25
K
$25
K
6.
Wentworth Park -Replace warming house
$60
K
7.
Matching funds for safety fences @ 4 youth softball fields
$16
K
$16
K
@ Mendota & Somerset schools -School District 197
Total
$122 K
$182 K
Five Year Plan Totals =
$593 K
$908 K
(Average yearly expenditures)
$118;600
$181,600
ity of Mendota Heights FILE COPI
MEMORANDUM
August 11, 2004
Memo to: Mayor, Council Members, and City Administrator"
From: Guy Kullander, Operations & Projects Coordinator
Subject: Parks Five Year (2005 thru 2009) Capital Improvement Plan
Background:
The Parks and Recreation Commission desires to establish a Capital
Improvement Plan to address various park and trail projects through out the City but
realize that implementation of such a plan requires a new funding source(s) to augment
dwindling park dedication fees generated by new residential or commercial
development.
The Commission has submitted a request to City staff, presently engaged in
preparation of the Draft 2005 City Budget, asking the City Council address this during
budget workshops and hope that the Council is able to provide an additional revenue
source(s), in the amount of $70,000.00 per year, for the Special Park Fund that will
enable construction of the projects identified by the Commission.
Discussion:
The current balance in the Special Park Fund is approximately $342,000.00. 1
have developed a hypothetical revenue forecast of future park dedication fees that
totals $528,000.00, The Commission desires to maintain a balance of $300,000.00 in
the Special Park Fund. Maintaining this balance allows improvement projects of
$570,000.00 during the next five years. This amount is $339,000,00 short of the budget
required to complete all of the projects identified by the Commission.
Recommendation:
The Parks and Recreation Commission unanimously recommend (voted 4-0,
August 10th, 2004) that the City Council review and adopt the proposed Parks Five Year
(2005 thru 2009) Capital Improvement Plan and further urge the Council to consider
their request for an additional funding source for Special Park Fund,
Action Required:
Acknowledge the plan presented as a Draft Document, which in addition to the
Commission's request for additional funding for the Special Park Fund, will be further
discussed during preparation of the 2005 City Budget.
Attachments:
1. List of Projects Identified/Selected by the Parks &Recreation Commission
2. Park Commission memo dated August 3, 2004
3. Appendix to Park Commission memo - Hypothetical Revenue Forecast of Park Dedication Fees
Parks Five Year (2005 thru 2009) Capital Improvement Plan
List of Proposed Projects
Estimated
Priority
Cost
Ranking
1. Playground Rehabilitation or Replacement
a.
Wentworth Park
$555000
High
b.
Marie Park
$45,000
High
C.
Victoria -Highlands Park
$35,000
High
d.
Ivy Hills Park
$35,000
High
e.
Friendly Hills Park (2 areas)
$45,000
High
f.
Roger's Lake Park (2 areas)
$45,000
High & Med-high
g.
Valley Park
$40,000
High
h.
Kensington Park
$22,000
Medium -high
i.
Valley View Heights
$35,000
Medium -high
j.
Mendakota Park
28 000
Medium -high
sub-total=$385, 000
2. Additional
Skate Park Components
a.
Roger's Lake Park
$10,000
High
3. City-wide
Park & Trail signage
$ 61000
High
a. Replace youth softball backstops
-Wentworth Park
$ 7,000
Medium
-Marie Park
$ 7,000
Medium
-Valley Park
$ 75000
Medium
b. Safety fencing at Mendota & Somerset
Elem. (Match funds-Sch. Dist. 197)
$16,000
Medium -high
5,
Skating Rinks
a. Replace lights at Friendly Hills
$203000
Medium
b. Replace lights at Wentworth
$20,000
Medium
6.
Tennis Courts
a. Install "bang -boards" at four sites
$12,000
Medium
7.
Park Shelters
a. Install shelter at Victoria -Highlands
$25,000
Medium
b. Marie Park
$25,000
Medium
C. Hagstrom-King Park
$253000
Medium
d. Ivy Hills Park
$253000
Medium
8.
Wentworth Park -Replace warming house
$603000
Medium
9.
Entrance/landscape enhancements at Valley Park
$152000
Medium
10.
Mendakota Park -sand volley ball court
$ 62000
Medium
11.
Trails (off-street)
a. Dodd Rd. (Town Center to Marie)
$60,000
High
b. Bachelor/WachtlerNalley Park (Par 3)
$75,000
Med-Low (**High)
C. Wachtler/Hwy 13 (Econ-Lab)
$50,000
Med-high (**High)
d. Mendota Hgts Rd (Hwy 13-Pilot Knob)
$47,000
Medium
e. Trail to Friendly Hills Tennis (no bridge)
$ 4,000
Medium
(**High)
If single family housing is developed at this
site: trail priority increases)
Five Year Plan -Total $909,000.00
($181,800 per year)
Note: The Commission has identified numerous desirable trail linkages or projects throughout the City,
many of which to substantially reduce City funding participation, require collaboration with Dakota County,
Minnesota Highway Department orneighboring municipalities. The City is routinely involved when
preliminary project planning occurs and will notify the Parks Commission of upcoming trail opportunities.
City of Mendota Heights
Playground Equipment & Components
August 30t", 2004
To: Park & Recreation Commission
From: Guy Kullander h
Subject: Help select new or additional components for 2005 Projects
Background:
Wentworth and Marie Parks are scheduled to be refurbished in 2005 and
I want to give each Commission member the opportunity to select one or more
add on components or in the case of Marie Park, possibly a new structure or
grouping of components.
Discussion:
Review the attached materials and mark or record components that
interest you or ones you think will interest our smaller residents under the age
of twelve.
Your ideas or requests will be passed along to the play equipment
vendors who will be asked to submit proposals for these two parks. Not each
vendor will have the exact items, but if a vendor, other than Landscape
Structures, is selected I am confident they will have an "equal' product.
Action Required:
Bring your annotated catalog with you to the meeting.
MENDOTA HEIGHTS POLICE DEPARTMENT
NCIDENT SUMMARIES - PARKS
CN: 04002663 OFFENSE/INCIDENT: Motorized Canoe
DATE: 08/09/2004 16:39:0 OFFICER: Lambert, B 2234
LOCATION: Roger's Lake
SYNOPSIS:
GOA/UTL
CN: 04002686 OFFENSE/INCIDENT: Loud Persons
09-01-2004
DATE: 08/I1/2004 23:25:0 OFFICER: Larrive, J 2206
LOCATION: Marie and Victoria
SYNOPSIS:
Dispatched to Marie Park on a report of loud kids in the area. Since it was after park hours, all were advised to leave. Due to call
load, names were not taken.
CN: 04002794 OFFENSE/INCIDENT: Damage to Property
DATE: 08/19/2004 12:51:OE OFFICER: Petersen, E 2235
CATION: Friendly Hills Park
SYNOPSIS:
Caller reported there was graffiti at the above location on the wall of the warming house. Photos were taken. The graffiti states,
"Los Tiny Crooks" "13".
Please forward to PGH to repaint the west wall of the warming house.
CN: 04002800 OFFENSE/INCIDENT: AOA
DATE: 08/19/2004 16:58:01 OFFICER: Garlock, N 2205
LOCATION: 13 north of Overlook
SYNOPSIS:
I responded to the Overlook to assist a Dakota County park ranger reference suspicious activity. He advised both subjects and I
ran checks on them. Both subjects were clear and were then released.
CN: 04002814 OFFENSE/INCIDENT: Injured Animal
DATE: 08/20/2004 15:40:Ot OFFICER: Anderson, D 2204
LOCATION: Valley Park
SYNOPSIS:
Concerned citizen reported an injured racoon in the area of the tunnel at Valley Park. The involved racoon was located and
aispatched with use of my service weapon. The remains were thrown off the path into the wooded area.
INCIDENT SUMMARIES - PARKS
09-01-2004
CN: 04002909 OFFENSE/INCIDENT: Theft from Motor Vehicle
ATE: 08/27/2004 16:01:01 OFFICER: Hurst, J 2212
LOCATION: Mendakota Park
SYNOPSIS:
Responded to an address of a resident who wished to report that her purse was stolen from her vehicle while she was at
Mendakota Park with her children. After making contact with the complainant I learned that her friend's purse was also taken in
the theft. This occurred at approximately 1530 hours while the women and their children were using the bathroom facilities east
of the parking lot. The women saw a turquoise station wagon, possible a Ford Escort wagon leaving the area at a high rate of
speed towards Dodd RD, SEE NARRATIVE