2005-04-12 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda PacketCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PARKS AND RECREATION COMNIISSION
Apri112I 2005
6:30 p.m. —Council Chambers
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call.
3. Mazch 8, 2005 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes
4. Opus Redevelopment of EcoLab Site
5. 2006 Improvement Projects Funded by the Special Park Fund
6. Future Trail Projects
7. Updates
• Recreation Programmer's Report
• Police Report
8. Other Comments
9. Adjourn
Auxiliary aids for persons with disabilities aze 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
MARCH 8, 2005
The March 2005 meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was
held on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 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
Dave Libra, Stan Linnell, Larry Craighead, and Paul Portz. Commissioner Missie Hickey
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. Mr. Hollister took the minutes.
MINUTES
Commissioner Libra moved approval of the February 8, 2005 Parks and Recreation
Commission Minutes,
Commissioner Linnell seconded the motion.
AYES: 5
NAYS: 0
SOMMERSET ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS
Chair Spicer acknowledged and welcomed representatives from Somerset Elementary
School. Chair Spicer invited Somerset Principal Mary Bowman to the podium.
Ms. Bowman said that she was at the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on
behalf of the elementary school to ask the City for help in funding a new playground.
Chair Spicer recalled that the City had provided help to Mendota Elementary in the past
for their playground equipment.
[Commissioner Hickey arrived at this point.]
As.
Bowman introduced Ms. Elise Jameson, PTA Treasurer, and Mr. Brian Farrell of the
Somerset Parent Playground Committee. Ms. Bowman said that the current playground
equipment at Somerset Elementary was not appropriate for the size and age of their
students. Ms. Bowman added that the equipment no longer meets current safety
Ms. Bowman said that it would not, but that it would be far away from the creek.
Commissioner Portz remarked that the City had its own problem with a basketball court
too close to a steep slope.
Commissioner Linnell asked what erosion control measures would be used during
construction.
Ms. Bowman said that they would use a Filtrex sock, which is an approved MnDOT
method.
Commissioner Portz moved to recommend that the Council contribute $10,000 from the
Special Parks Fund for the playground improvements at Somerset Elementary School.
Commissioner Hickey seconded the motion.
Commissioner Linnell remarked that the community will get a lot of use out of this
equipment and that the contribution represented a good partnership with a local school.
AYES: 6
NAYS: 0
Mr. Hollister explained that the Parks Commission's vote was only a recommendation
and that this item would go to the March 15 Council meeting for a decision.
RECREATION PROGRAMMER'S REPORT
Chair Spicer asked for an update on Ms. Gangelhoff s status.
Ms. Hollister reported that Ms. Gangelhoff was recovering well from surgery and that she
would be back to work soon.
Chair Spicer complemented Ms. Gangelhoff on the programs that she had planned for
summerI
ROGERS LAKE SKATEBOARD PARK
Chair Spicer said that he had received a call from resident Ira Kipp, who lives by Rogers
Lake, claiming that the City's new Tier I skateboard park was never used and that it was a
waste of money. Chair Spicer asked Staff to write a letter to Mr. Kipp explaining that all
indications to the Parks and Recreation Commission are that it gets heavily used and
explaining why the Parks Commission was considering spending more money to improve
it.
Mr. Kullander said that the homeowner's association would probably own and maintain
the pond areas. Mr. Kullander said that the developer is interested in beginning site work
this September or October and completing the entire project in 2007.
Commissioner Linnell said that the path would better serve residents if it were along
Wachtler Avenue. Commissioner Linnell asked about the fill that the developers were
planning to bring in.
Mr.
Kullander said that
the developers
want to bring in eight feet of fill. Mr. Kullander
said
that bringing in the
fill is cheaper
than the removal of the bedrock. Mr. Kullander
said
that the developers
want to allow
walkouts and lookouts in the town homes.
Commissioner Linnell said that the developers should be required to plant new trees if
they are taking a significant amount of trees out and recommended that plans should be
developed to connect this development with a trail along Highway 13 to the trails at
Lilydale RoadNalley Park,
UPDATES
Mr. Kullander reported that the Mayor had received a letter from a resident near Valley
View Heights Park asking that the playground equipment be replaced. Mr. Kullander
stated that upgrades are currently scheduled for 2007.
Mr. Kullander announced that the improvements to the Skateboard Park were scheduled
to commence on March 7. Mr. Kullander added that there have been a lot of articles in
the newspaper lately about the Metropolitan Council's 2030 Parks and Trails plan, which
shows there is a possibility of connecting a fixture north/south County trail to Mendota
Heights' own trails and the NURT trail system.
VERBAL UPDATES
Staff provided the following updates:
• Police Report
ADJOURN
Commissioner Libra moved to adjourn.
Commissioner Portz seconded the motion.
AYES: 6
NAYS: 0
The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
City of Mendota Heights
MEMORANDUM
April 7, 2005
Memo to: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Guy Kullander, Operations & Projects Manager
Subject: Opus Redevelopment of the Ecolab site
Background:
The Opus Group has submitted a formal planning application for redevelopment
of the Ecolab site, located on the southwest corner of Wachtler Road and Sibley
Memorial Highway/STH 13 that includes 54 twin homes and 60 condominium units to be
located in two buildings. Overall density will be less than five (5) units per acre.
Public Hearing for this proposal, to be know as "The Summit at Mendota Heights"
will be on the April 261h, Planning Commission agenda. Developers hope to begin site
grading in September with the first twin home to be available in summer 2006 and
completion of the entire project in 2007.
Discussion:
Last month this project, in concept form, was discussed and the Commission
recommended that a future pedestrian/bike trail segment/link should be constructed
along the east side of the site (Wachtler Road) and along the north side (Sibley
Memorial Highway). The developer has located the trail, as the Commission
recommended, on the site plans submitted with their application.
Action Required:
None at this time.
Staff is familiar with the application submitted and issues discussed during the
Concept Plan presentations at the Planning Commission and Council meetings and may
be able to address questions or issues the Commission may wish further details on.
City of Mendota Heights
MEMORANDUM
April 7, 2005
Memo to: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Guy Kullander, Operations &Projects Coordinator
Subject: 2006 Improvement Projects funded by the Special Park Fund
Background:
If City Council approves the Opus redevelopment of the Ecolab site the Special
Park Fund will receive a Park Dedication Fee of approximately $300,000.00 later this
year which could provide funding for various projects, in 2006 and 2007, identified in the
Parks Five Year (2005 thru 2009) Capital Improvement Plan (see attached).
It has been estimated that the Special Park Fund balance at the end of 2005,
without the Opus dedication fee, should be approximately $200,000.00,
Discussion:
The Parks Capital Improvement Plan has been developed to use as a guide to
identify and estimate costs for improvements to the City Is trail system or park facilities.
Each year the projects scheduled for the following year are reviewed by the Commission
prior to preparation of project plans, specifications and bid documents.
Recommendations:
I recommend that the rehabilitation of the Victoria -Highlands and Ivy Hills
playgrounds (combined, estimated costs of $70,000.00) and the installation of a culvert
pipe and asphalt trail (replacing an existing wood footbridge) to the tennis courts in
Friendly Hills Park ($4,000 to $8,000) be completed in 2006. The other two projects
scheduled for 2006 (new lights for Friendly Hills hockey rink-$20,000 and replacement
of softball backstops in three parks-$21,000) be rescheduled for a later year.
Note: Construction of new trail se meets is addressed in a com anion memo.
Action Required:
Discuss the recommendation and direct staff accordingly.
Attachments:
1. August 3, 2004.• Parks Five Year Capita/ /mprovement P/an
2. August 3, 2004: Appendix -A - Special Park Fund "Growth"
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DRAFT = Parks Five Year (2005 thru
I Improvement Plan
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 $172 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 $907 K
(Average yearly expenditures) $1185600 $181,400
City of Mendota Heights
APPENDIX - A
August 3, 2004
Memo to: Parks &Recreation Commission
From: Guy Kullander, Operations &Projects Coordinator
Subject: Hypothetical Revenue Forecast of Park Dedication Fees
during years 2005 thru 2009
Balance of Special Park Fund: (Estimated as ofAugust 1St, 2004) $ 342,000.00
1. 2004 uncompleted project:
-Wagon Wheel Trail asphalt shoulder/path @ $101000.00
Interest from fund balance:
1. $300,000,00 @ 2.5% _ $7,500.00 per year x 5 years = $ 37,500.00
(Fee is based on 10% of value of land that is re -plated)
1. Future development sites:
- 11 acre City parcel off Hwy 55 - $66,000 fee
- 12 acre site off Pilot Knob & Acacia - $72,000 fee
Assume 12 acre site develops within next 5 year period - $ 72,000.00
(Fee is $2,700.00 per new single-family lot/unit)
Possible Large sites that may develop residential:
1. Pilot Knob - 100 units @ $2,700 = $270,000.00
2. Par 3 Golf - 20 units @ $2,700 = $54,000.00
3. Eco-Lab - 100 units @ $2,700 = $$270,000.00
Assume sites #2 and #3 develop within next 5 year period - $ 324,000400
Small sites: (infill sites/lot splits that create additional sites/units)
Cursory overview of potential infill sites reveals the potential of from
70 to 100 possible sites
Assume that 35 infill lots are approved within next 5 years - $ 94,500000
Total = $ 870,000.00
Special Park Fund 'Reserve Balance"
Historically, the Commission desires to maintain a balance of () $ 300,000,00
approximately $300,000.00 in the fund.
Funds available for Capital Improvement Projects (2005 thru 2009) _ $ 5701000.00
($ 114,000.00 per year)
City of Mendota Heights
MEMORANDUM
April 7, 2005
Memo to: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Guy Kullander, Operations & Projects Coordinator
Subject: Future Trail Projects
Background:
The Commission has identified two trail improvement projects they desire to be
constructed in the near future; Dodd Road from Town Center development north to
Marie Avenue and along Wachtler Road and Sibley Memorial Highway adjacent to the
Ecolab site and extended westerly to join with the trail to Valley Park and the link to the
Big Rivers Trail in Lilydale.
The trail segment on Dodd Road and Sibley Memorial Highway will require
approvals and/or a cooperative agreement with the Minnesota Department of
Transportation and the trail segment on Wachtler Road will require approvals from
Dakota County.
The trail segment on Wachtler and along Sibley Memorial Highway may be
eligible for funding assistance through the DNR or Met Council.
Discussion:
The construction schedules for Town Center and The Summit at Mendota
Heights developments indicate that 2007 would be the best year to construct both trail
segments.
An engineering feasibility report and/or project concept plan must be developed
by the City for both projects before approvals are sought from MnDOT, Dakota County,
or a funding grant application can be prepared.
Recommendation:
I recommend that the Parks and Recreation Commission request City Council to
direct the Engineering Department to prepare a concept plan and/or engineering
feasibility study for each of these trail segments and to authorize use of Special Park
Funds for city staff time and expenses related to preparing the necessary documents for
these trail/park improvement projects.
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
MEMORANDUM
Date: April 7, 2005
To: PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
From: TERESA GANGELHOFF
RE: MARCH 2O05 PARKS AND RECREATION REPORT
Celebrate Mendota Heights
Look for the Park Celebration to be held next June 4"'. If you would like to sponsor an event
or donate time please contact Teresa. Our donation so far have exceeded last year thanks
to all our area businesses sponsoring this event.
Youth Trips
All of our summer trips are in place for each Thursday during the summer starting June 16
ending August 25"' with our annual trip to Valley Fair.
Tennis
A pre-school program is now in place on Thursday's we will run up to 4 sessions in the
morning. The rest of the program is in place to run the same as last year except we will run
the lessons according to ability with more advanced youth in a in-house tennis program along
with their lesson. I hope to add one more parttime High School assistant for a 1-7 ratio
during lesson time which will be covered by a fee increase. Lessons had to be switched to
Visitation courts instead of Henry Sibley as they are under repair this summer. Two of our
sessions are already filled. The program will conclude with a picnic on Friday, July 2gh. We
hope to have 205 kids join us in 2005!
Softball
I am looking for one more Men's ova 30 team on Thursday nights as one teamed dropped at
the last minute. The other 2 leagues on Tuesday's are filled. Men's D (7 teams) and
Women's D (6 teams) on Tuesday nights and Men's Over 30 (have 7 need 8) on Thursday
nights. The league will end with playoffs and a tournament held on Sat. July 30 at
Mendakota Park. One Men's D team can earn a birth to districts.
Golf
Plans are to run the same program as last year at the Par 3 this summer. No Saturday
lessons or leagues. Registrations Start April 1.
Fishing Derby
The derby will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1�h at Rogers Lake Park. This event
fills quickly every year. Let Teresa know if you would like to volunteer! Kevin Hall magic will
perform at the end of the derby as one of our Perfomnances in the Park series and everyone
is welcome to attend the show even if your not in the derby.
MENDOTA HEIGHTS POLICE DEPARTMENT
INCIDENT SUMMARIES - PARKS O4-01-2005
CN: 05000651 OFFENSE/INCIDENT: Suspicious Person
DATE: 03/07/2005 12:18:0 OFFICER: Lambert, B 2234
LOCATION: Scenic Overlook
SYNOPSIS:
Comp reports witnessing a caucasian adult male taking photographs of incoming airplanes.
Party was driving MN license plate
MG043. Spoke with party via telephone who reports testing his brand new digital camera.
Party was advised of the concern and
officer cleared.
CN: 05000693 OFFENSE/INCIDENT: AOA/Park Ranger
DATE: 03/10/2005 20:55:0 OFFICER: Tillery, Y 2228
LOCATION: Big Rivers Trail
SYNOPSIS:
Responded to above location to assist Dakota County Park Ranger Mahoney with warrant.
MN KYE-905 was parked at the
Scenci Overlook after hours. When Ranger Mahoney checked information on the occupants
of the vehicle he discovered the
male, Rodriguez, had a warrant for carrying a loaded firearm. Warrant was confirmed and
Rodriguez was turned over to
Wahington County Deputy Kyle Olson #155. 10-8.
CN: 05000745 OFFENSE/INCIDENT: Juvenile Complaint
%TE: 03/15/2005 16:42:0, OFFICER: Garlock, N 2205
LOCATION: Friendly Hiills Park
SYNOPSIS:
I responded to Friendly Hills Park reference a vehicle being driven on the trail. I checked the area and didn't locate the vehicle
The license number given didn't match ther suspect vehicle. NJK536
CN: 05000770 OFFENSEIINCIDENT: Theft of City Park Equipment
DATE: 03/18/2005 08:40:0 OFFICER: Anderson, D 2204
LOCATION: Rogers Lake Park
SYNOPSIS:
On 3-18-05, Terry Blum (an employee of the MH Public Works Crew) reported that sometime in the last month or so,
perpetrator(s) unknown removed a "skateboard bar" from the skateboard park area that is at Rogers Lake Park. The involved
missing bar is 12' long and was bolted on the ground within the skateboard enclosure. The value of this item is $366.00
Status: Pending any future investigative leads.
CN: 05000824 OFFENSE/INCIDENT: Damage to Parl< Property
DATE: 03/23/2005 17:39:0 OFFICER: Petersen, E 2235
LOCATION: Rogers Lake Park
SYNOPSIS: