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2005-02-08 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda PacketCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION February 8, 2005 6:30 p.m. —Council Chambers 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. January 11, 2005 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes 4. Recreation Programmer's Update 5. Eco-Lab Redevelopment Concept Plan 6. Verbal Updates • Tobacco -Free Parks • Police Report 7. Other Comments 8. 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 il, 2005 The January 2005 meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, January 11, 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, Missie Hickey, Stan Linnell, Larry Craighead, Paul Portz, and Raymond Morris. City Staff present were Parks Project Manager Guy Kullander, Recreation Programmer Teresa Gangelhoff and Administrative Assistant Patrick C. Hollister. Mr Hollister took the minutes. CLIFF TIMM DONATION Chair Spicer acknowledged Mr. Cliff Timm in the audience. Mr. Timm explained that he would like to make a donation to the fishing derby each year out of a trust that he has created. Mr. Timm said that he would like to donate $500.00 in place of tackle boxes in the form of $10.00 gift certificates for Ace Hardware in Inver Grove Heights for each participant of the fishing derby. Mr. Timm explained that this hardware store had fishing tackle for sale and had contributed worms to the Fishing Derby in the past. Mr. Timm said that the owners of the Ace Hardware had also helped out at the Fishing Derby with the measuring and weighing of fish. Mr. Timm added that he is also continuing work on other issues, such as the feeding of fish, goose overpopulation, and increasing the catch limit on sunfish. The Commission thanked Mr. Timm for his generous donation. MINUTES Commissioner Morris moved approval of the November 9, 2004 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes. Commissioner Libra seconded the motion. AYES: NAYS: VERBAL UPDATES Staff provided the following updates: • Police Report OTHER COMMENTS Commissioner Portz noted that the rinks were not open the weekend before Christmas and asked what the reason was. Ms. Gangelhoff said that even though it was cold enough to make ice, there had not been enough snow to contain the water within the rink boundaries and that Public Works had therefore could not open the rinks until one week later. Mr. Kullander said that buckthorn removal was completed in Friendly Hills Park this past week and reminded the Commissioners that Councilmember Schneeman had requested that the Commissioners observe rink usage this winter. Chair Spicer asked about the Mr. Kullander's and Ms. Gangelhoff's interview with NDCTV. Mr. Kullander said that the schedule for broadcasts of the interview was in last week's Friday News. Mr. Kullander said that NDCTV interviewed many cities in Dakota County for the one -hour show, and that the Mendota Heights' portion is near the end of the program. Commissioner Linnell asked if there was any possibility of a bridge over Highway 110 as part of the NURT trail. Mr. Kullander said that this was unlikely because no funding source existed to pay the $500,000+ cost for such abridge. Commissioner Portz commented that one of the new homes built in the Hidden Creek Estates development had a pool with no fence around it. Commissioner Portz said that he did not consider this to be a safe situation. Mr. Hollister that that the home is still under construction and that the pool has a temporary fence around it as required by the Code Enforcement Officer. Mr. Hollister said that the homeowner is in discussions with the Council about the possibility of changing the ordinance to allow a pool to not have a fence if the pool has an automatic pool cover. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMORANDUM Date: JANUARY 31, 2005 To: PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION From: TERESA GANGELHOFF RE: JANUARY PARKS AND RECREATION REPORT Fishing Derby Plans are in place for the derby to be held at Rogers Lake Pier on Wednesday, July 13, 2005. 5prinq Break Youth Trips Two trips are planned in March during Spring Break Week- one to Camp Snoopy and one to Grand Slam in Eagan plus Skating at Skateville in Burnsville in the afternoon. Summer Youth Trips I met with So. St. Paul and West St. Paul Park and Rec and we have put together our plans for our summer youth trips. Tennis I met with our Tennis instructor Tim Garvey and Barb Kasel from West St. Paul Park and Rec and we have all the plans ready for summer. Henry Sibley informed us that they will be resurfacing the courts so we are working with Visitation on securing court time for the program this summer. Golf Par 3 golf has informed me that they plan to run the course again this summer so we have set up all the same golf programs to run at the Par 3. Ski Trips January 7 trip cancelled. Not enough participants Skating Lessons Lessons have been going on through the month of January and will end Feb.12. The cost this year was $30.00 for the 5 sessions. Ice Rinks Rinks have been open most of January but the weather has either been to cold or warm. Marie is now open until 10 pm on Friday's and Saturday's. City of Mendota Heights MEMORANDUM February 3, 2005 Memo to: Parks &Recreation Commission From: Guy Kullander, Operations & Projects Coordinator Subject: Proposed Housing Development on Econ Lab Site (Wachtler Avenue & Hwy 13 / Sibley Memorial Highway) Background: Econ Lab has is in the process of relocating to a facility in Eagan and has entered into a purchase agreement with Opus NWR Development for their facility in Mendota Heights. Opus has submitted a "Concept Site Plan" to the City for development of 131 housing units on this 25 acre site. The developers desire to get "feed back" from City commissions and the City Council before finalizing their plans and submitting a formal application to the City for redevelopment of this site. Discussion: Development of this site provides an opportunity to extend the existing trail on Wachtler that now terminates at Cherry Hill Road, north 1,900 feet to Hwy 13 / Sibley Memorial Highway and then westerly along Hwy 13 approximately 1,200 feet to the west property line of the site to be redeveloped. A future trail project from this point westerly would connect to the existing trail in Valley Park, the trail down Lilydale Rd, to the Big Rivers Trail, and the new trail on the 1-35E Bridge north across the river to St. Paul and Fort Snelling Park. Another opportunity to consider, if the project is approved by Council, is the Park Dedication Fee that is required for new or redeveloped parcels. Currently either 10% of the land (2.5 acres) or a cash contribution of $2,700.00 per unit, is due when the final plat has been approved, is required ($2700 x 131 units = $3533700,00), Recommendation: I recommend that the Parks &Recreation Commission ask the City Council to accept cash in lieu of land for the Park Dedication Fee, require the developer to provide easements along Wachtler and Hwy 13 for a future trail, and design a "bench" into their mass grading plan for a future pedestrian/bike trail. LO 0 TRAIL REST AREA (?) Consider small shelter, benches, and trail signage STORM SEWER TO BE ADDED WHEN GRADES ARE FINALIZED SITE DATA: Area _ 25 acres (approx.) TH units 63 Condominiums 68 Total units 131 .Gross Density 5.24 du/ac Net Density 6.55 du/ac so so ixo rzcr scut ix Ianuary 27, 2005 Scale: 1" = 60' WA Bloodpod. Sharp Buster Concep 820/84i Opus N CONNECTS 'ARK TRAIL condo axnmos v xmmnoo. - anoon Why Do Communities Want Tobacco -Free Parks for Kids? In the past three years (2001-2004) 60 Minnesota municipalities and one county have passed policies to restrict tobacco use in their park facilities. They've done it for a variety of reasons. 1. Role Modeling Like it or not, children model the behaviors they observe in adults. If we want them to make healthy choices, exposing them to unhealthy habits makes it an uphill battle. Many youth have the misperception that most people smoke, because they regularly observe it. The message they're receiving is that smoking is acceptable. "Do as we say, not as we do" has never worked with kids. They see right through the hypocrisy. 2. Consistency Most youth organizations (athletics, faith -based, scouts, etc.) have policies against tobacco use. In addition, schools prohibit tobacco use on all of their property. Parks, sports and youth recreation programs are healthy activities. They just don't mix with the deadly habit of smoking. A policy that covers community park and recreation facilities ensures that children receive consistent messages about tobacco at school, during their softball game at the park fields, and when they're at the neighborhood playground with friends. For some communities, tobacco use restrictions are a natural extension of their policies restricting alcohol use in the parks. 3. Litter Cigarette butts are often the #1 cause of litter in parks. They ruin the appearance of these natural outdoor settings and can be a fire hazard. They also increase maintenance costs and pose a risk of ingestion by pets and toddlers. 4. Secondhand Smoke Children on the playing field, as well as parents in the stands, are frequently annoyed by the bad sI ell of tobacco smoke from other fans attending a ball game. Tobacco smoke smells bad because it is bad. When you smell tobacco smoke you are breathing in a mixture of over 4000 chemicals including arsenic, benzene, carbon monoxide, cyanide and formaldehyde. Secondhand smoke is considered a Group A carcinogen like asbestos and radon, for which there is no known save level of exposure. Secondhand smoke kills 53,000 Americans each year. Children are particularly vulnerable to secondhand smoke exposure. Minnesota communities have found lots of good reasons to restrict tobacco use in their local parks! it,0•FRffj o� f Tobacco Use is 90 On This Park Property manly=. 'r '' • According to the 2004 Minnesota Student Survey results, the investment in youth tobacco prevention is paying off in Dakota County and the entire state. Among 6tn 9tn and 12`n grade students, the significant improvements in tobacco use rates from 1998 to 2001 continued during 2004. I `king at how many students sx.�oked cigarettes in the previous 30 days, the smoking rates decreased in Dakota County in 2004 compazed to 2001: • 6`h - 2.6% (from 3.5%) • 9`n —14.7% (from 18.0%) ■ 12th — 29.5% (from 34.0%) In addition, among those who have not smoked in the last year, the number who indicated that they probably will not or definitely will not smoke in the next year increased: ■ 6"' — 97.0% (from 95.5%) ■ 9`h — 89.5% (from 82.5%) • 12`� — 88.0% (from 85.5%) The 2004 survey results also indicate a reduction in use of cuewing tobacco and cigazs by ota County youth. While these data are very encouraging, youth tobacco use rates remain unacceptably high , and our work must continue. It is s � r. r � ►� -■• • ° // •s, the hope of Dakota County that Minnesota will continue to invest in the prevention of tobacco use, the number one preventable cause of death in our state. This report highlights key Dakota Coaenty program accomplishments made in 2004, as a result of grant funding provided by the Minnesota Department of Health. It also summarizes plans for 2005. r•. r Secondhand smoke (SHS) poses a significant risk to the physical health of everyone exposed to it. In addition, the visual exposure reinforces the misperception that most people use tobacco and that this behavior is acceptable. Further, making places where people can smoke available and accessible serves as a predictive factor for youth smoking. During 2004, a community assessment process was conducted in eleven communities, to determine interest and readiness to initiate efforts to create tobacco - free settings for youth. These communities were: Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Farmington, Hastings, Inver Grove Heights, Lakeville, Mendota Heights, Rosemount, South St. Paul, and West St. Paul. In nine of the eleven communities, interest and readiness to have more tobacco - free environments for youth were ranked high or very high. In communities with high interest znd readiness, citizens will determine the type of settings they would like to become tobacco -free and their plans to achieve their goals. ••: -s • a • School -based tobacco use prevention programs provide opportunities for students to learn and practice skills to recognize and refute influences to use tobacco. In 2004, for the fourth year, mini - grants were offered to schools for implementation of best practices regarding prevention curriculum, policy and procedures, student support services and family involvement. Over this period, all of the public school districts received grants to reduce the gap between their current practices and what the research shows to be the most effective practices for reducing student tobacco use. The participating districts include: (Over) MENDOTA HEIGHTS POLICE DEPARTMENT (DENT SUMMARIES - PARKS CN: 05000022 OFFENSE/INCIDENT: DOB's 02-02-2005 DATE: 01/03/2005 ij:jv:vl arlock,N 2205 LOCATION: Roger's Lake Park SYNOPSIS: I responded to Roger's Lake Park reference a group of kids playing on the ice next open water. I located 4 young males by the dock and they were advised. CN: 05000071 OFFENSE/INCIDENT: 1 In Park After Hours DATE: 01/07/2005 22:19:0k OFFICER: Willson, C 2238 LOCATION: Marie Park SYNOPSIS: Responded to Marie Park on someone complaining about people using the park to play hockey. Fun had ceased by the time I arrived and I cleared at 2230 hrs. CN: 05000074 OFFENSE/INCIDENT: Loud Persons DATE: 01/07/2005 23:37:Ot OFFICER: Spicer, T 2236 `CATION: 760 Wentworth SYNOPSIS: I responded to the above location to check on a report of loud persons. I arrived and found an individual skating. He was advised the park was closed. CN: 05000127 OFFENSE/INCIDENT: DOB's DATE: 01/13/2005 12:09:0 OFFICER: Lambert, B 2234 LOCATION: 994 Wagon Wheel SYNOPSIS: Responded to the area on a complaint of DOB's on the ice. DOB's were advised and officer cleared. CN: 05000159 OFFENSE/INCIDENT: Suspicious Vehicle DATE: 01/16/2005 21:54:01 OFFICER: Rosse, T 2237 LOCATION: Rogers Lake SYNOPSIS: Responded to the above location concerning vehicles driving on Rogers Lake. On scene, several vehicles were located in the park, but not on the lake. Further questioning indicated that MN lic. MRM303 had been on the lake. Driver advised. _8. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA AGENDA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Tuesday, January 11, 2005 6:30 p.m. —Council Chambers Call to Order 2. Rol] Call 3. November 9, 2004 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes 4. Recreation Programmer's Update 5. Clifford Timm Donation 6. Hours For City Ice Skating Facilities 7. Verbal Updates • Police Report 8. Other Comments 9. Adjourn Auxiliary aids for persons with disabilities are available upon request at least 120 hours in advance. If a notice of less than 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 NOVEMBER 95 2004 The November 2004 meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Thursday, November 9, 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 Dave Libra, Missie Hickey, Stan Linnell, Larry Craighead, Paul Portz, and Raymond Morris. City Staff present were Parks Project Manager Guy Kullander, Recreation Programmer Teresa Gangelhoff and Administrative Assistant Patrick C. Hollister. Mr Hollister took the minutes. MINUTES Commissioner Libra moved approval of the October 12, 2004 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes. Commissioner Portz seconded the motion. AYES: 7 NAYS: 0 RECREATION PROGRAMMER'S UPDATE Ms. Gangelhoff updated the Commission on winter recreational programs. Mr. Hollister asked for clarification of whether or not the Parks Commission would be discussing City Ice Skating Facilities this evening, and if so, whether Ms. Gangelhoff needed to be present for the discussion. Chair Spicer said that Councilmember Schneeman had informed him that she would not be present this evening, and therefore the discussion of skating facilities should be tabled until next month's meeting. PAR 3 GOLF COURSE Mendota Heights resident Robin Ehrlich, 1656 Gryc Court requested permission to address the Commission regarding a petition by residents in support of saving the Par 3 Golf Course. Chair Spicer said that some of the people without skates on might be playing boot hockey. Chair Spicer said that the City is spending about $20,000 per year for ice rinks, and that in his opinion the City did not provide much recreation to the community. Councilmember Schneeman said that times change and that more kids are skating indoors today. Councilmember Schneeman said that she did not agree with the rink attendants' recorded numbers of rink users. Councilmember Schneeman acknowledged that she did not represent the Council on this issue, and that she seemed to be alone in her concern. Chair Spicer said that the City would proceed with this year's skating season as usual, and monitor the skating activity for further discussion next year. Commissioner Portz said that Ms. Gangelhoffls numbers of skaters are the best information that the Commission has available on usage. Chair Spicer asked Staff to put this item on the Parks Commission agenda in March after the 2004-2005 skating season is over. AL SINGER, DAKOTA COUNTY FARMLAND AND NATURAL AREAS Chair Spicer asked a gentleman in the audience who he was and what he was at the Parks Commission meeting for. The gentleman identified himself as Al Singer, Director of the Dakota County Farmland and Natural Areas Program, Mr. Singer said that he was invited to speak to the Parks and Recreation Commission by Councilmember Ultan Duggan. Mr. Singer said that he was surprised when he arrived at the meeting this evening and discovered that he was not on the agenda. Mr. Singer said that he assumed that because Councilmember Duggan invited him to speak at the Parks Commission meeting he would be on the agenda. Chair Spicer said that apparently Councilmember Duggan had not informed the Parks Commission that he had invited Mr. Singer to speak at the meeting. Chair Spicer said that despite the fact that Mr. Singer was not on the agenda, he would allow Mr. Singer to speak. Mr. Singer gave an overview of the Farmland and Natural Areas program. Mr. Singer said that the program grew out of citizen surveys that indicated that residents of Dakota County wanted the County to take an active role in the preservation of some of the County's remaining farmland and natural areas. Mr. Singer said that in response the County launched a two-year planning process involving 70 different meetings with willing landowners. Mr. Singer said that the land preservation is occurring through a combination of private easements and public acquisition. Mr. Singer said that only 3% of original natural land remains in Dakota County. Mr. Singer said that agricultural is still a significant part of the Dakota County economy and that raw agricultural land is going for $5,000 to $7,000 per acre. Mr. Singer said that the main factor driving the price of land Mr. Singer said that he was willing to provide some advice, but that he would not be able to make a substantial time commitment. Mr. Singer added that he also has a power -point presentation that presents the information in visual terms. PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS Chair Spicer recognized Mr. Bach from EFA (Earl F. Anderson, Inc.) and apologized for making him wait, even though he was on the agenda, until the Parks Commission had finished with two items that were not on the agenda. Mr. Bach accepted the Chair's apology. Mr. Bach presented his designs for playground equipment at Wentworth and Marie Parks, Commissioner Craighead asked how long this equipment would be expected to be used. Mr. Bach said that the life expectancy would be 15-20 years. Chair Spicer asked for a motion on the playground designs. Commissioner Morris moved to recommend that the Council approve construction on the playground equipment at Marie Park and Wentworth Park as presented by Mr. Bach of EFA. Commissioner Portz seconded the motion. AYES: 7 NAYS: 0 ROGERS LAKE SKATEBOARD PARK Mr. Kullander presented two designs for improvement to the Rogers Lake Skateboard Park submitted by Tru-Ride. MR. Kullander said that Option A costs $12,000 and Option B costs $27,000. Mr. Kullander's memo recommended "Option A" at $12,000. Commissioner Morris said that the skateboard park was probably the Parks Commission's biggest success since he has been on the Parks Commission. Commissioner Morris moved to recommend that the Council approve the expenditure for "Option B" for $27,000. Commissioner Libra seconded the motion. AYES: NAYS: CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS •-� Date: December31,2004 To: PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION From: TERESA GANGELHOFF RE: NOVEMBER, DECEMBER PARKS AND RECREATION REPORT Fishing Derby Clifford Timm will attend the January Park and Rec commission meeting to discus a donation he would like to give to the fishing derby each year that would come from a trust he has. He has spoke with Ace Hardware in IGH about coming back and helping at the event and donating the worms again. He would like to donate $500.00 in place of tackle boxes in the form of $10.00 gift certificates to Ace Hardware for each participant. If Ace Hardware backed out of helping with event then we can use the money how we see fit to keep the derby going and provide something to the participants with this gift. If this event would ever come to an end he would still set it up that $500.00 would go to Park and Rec ongoing for programs for youth. Holiday Youth Trips Our youth trips were well attended. On Tuesday, December 27 we went bowling and then to a movie. We had 30 kids from Mendota Heights attend. Next, a youth trip to Maple Grove Water Park and playground was held on Dec. 30, We had 23 youth attend. Spring Break Youth Trips Two trips are planned in March during Spring Break Week- one to Camp Snoopy and one to Grand Slam in Eagan plus Skating at Skateville in Burnsville in the afternoon. Ski Trips The first ski trip for December was cancelled we did not get enough kids to fill the bus between the three cities. We have another one scheduled for January 7, Skating Lessons Our skating instructor -Rebecca Rehn is back and will be offering lessons on Saturdays starting in January at Friendly Hills Rink for 5 weeks starting Jan 8. At this time I have 5 sessions and will add more if needed. Registrations are coming in and classes are filling, as this was very popular last year I hope that students will return and move up to the next class level. The cost this year will be $30.00 for the 5 sessions. Ice Rinks Due to the lack of snow and cold weather we were not able to open the rinks until Sunday, December 26`" We have 16 attendants on staff to cover all 3 rinks. Training was held at Friendly Hills on December 12. Were hoping for a good season if Mother Nature cooperates! CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMORANDUM First Annual Skate with the Mayor Join the Mayor on Saturday, January 22, 2005 from 11 am to 1 pm and have fun enjoying the outdoor skating rink at Friendly Hill Park. We will have a few fun and games or just come and brush up on your skills and enjoy a day at the park with free hot cider and cookies. Fun for all ages! 2005 Summer Events planned: April 1: Sign up start for Golf and Tennis May 3: Adult Softball Leagues Start June 4, 2005 Park Celebration (please let Teresa know if you are interested in volunteering or making a donation to this event) June 4: Teddy Bear Band Mendakota Park (Summer Performances in the Park) June 15: Splatter Sisters Performance at Pre -School Trucks and Travel Show (working with ECFE program on this) at Henry Sibley High School Parking lot. (Summer Performance in the Parks) Thursday Youth Trips start up June 16 June 13: Projected date to start Tennis Program (goal 205 kids in 2005!) End of June? Imagination Station starts at Friendly Hills and Marie Parks (6 weeks) on Monday afternoon. July 13: Fishing Derby -Rogers Lake July 13: Kevin Hall Magic Show at Rogers Lake -following fishing derby. (Summer Performance in the Parks) July 30: Adult Softball League (all) playoffs and championship tournament August 5: Tennis Party for all participants at Henry Sibley High School August 16, 17 and 18: Safety Camp August 24: Paul Heffron Band (Summer Performance in the Parks) along with Thompson Park Root beer floats at Mendakota Park Pavilion August 25: Final youth trip to Valleyfair. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS - MEMO January 6, 2005 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Patrick C. Hollister, Administrative Assistant SUBJECT: Cliff Timm Donation Discussion Mr. Clifford Timm will attend the January 2005 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to discuss a donation he would like to give to the fishing derby each year out of a trust that he has created. Mr. Timm would like to donate $500.00 in place of tackle boxes in the form of $10.00 gift certificates for Ace Hardware for each participant of the fishing derby. Action Required The Parks Commission should acknowledge Mr. Timm for his generous donation. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO January 6, 2005 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Patrick C. Hollister, Administrative Assistant SUBJECT: Skating Rink Hours Discussion A resident plans to attend the January 2005 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to discuss the possibility of extending the hours of the skating rinks. Action Required Discuss skating rink hours with the resident. MENDOTA HEIGHTS POLICE DEPARTMENT INCIDENT SUMMARIES - PARKS 01-04-2005 CN: 04003919 OFFENSE/INCIDENT: Damage to City Property DATE: ll/1$/2004 vo:33:0 OFFICER: Anderson,D 2204 LOCATION: Kensington Park SYNOPSIS: A resident who resides in the area of Kensington Park called the PD to report that a vehicle drove on the soccer field at the park sometime last night. On arrival, I observed the tracks of the one vehicle that had driven onto the field and negotiated one "loop" then exited. The damage was minimal and PWG was notified of the incident. CN:04004066 OFFENSE/INCIDENT: DATE: 12/01/2004 20:33:0 OFFICER: Tillery, Y LOCATION: Ivy Hills Park Suspicious Vehicle SYNOPSIS: Received a complaint of a semi parked next to the tennis courts. The driver was visiting relatives in the area. He was advised to move the truck. 'N: 04004351 OFFENSE/INCIDENT: Noise Complaint DATE: 12/23/2004 22:40:0 OFFICER: Larrive, J 2206 LOCATION: Marie Park SYNOPSIS: Complainant reported that a few males were playing hockey after park hours. The hockey players were advised. CN: 04004392 OFFENSE/INCIDENT: DATE: 12/28/2004 11:48:0 OFFICER: Anderson, D LOCATION: Friendly Hills Park Smell of Natural Gas/Friendly Hills Rink 2204 SYNOPSIS: MHPD dispatched to the Friendly Hills warming house regarding a smell of natural gas. On arrival, I could not detect any odor/smell inside the house. With use of the cell phone inside the warming house, I called Terry at PWG. Per Terry, a crew from Xcel was on scene last week concerning the same complaint, but were not able to locate the problem. Terry advised he would call Xcel again regarding this new complaint. I was able to detect an odor of natural gas while outside of the warming house, approximately 20' east of the house. I later talked to Terry Blum at PWG and he advised that Xcel would be responding within the hour. INCIDENT SUMMARIES - PARKS 01-04-2005 CN: 04004415 OFFENSE/INCIDENT: Loud Music . ATE: 12/29/2004 21:24:01 OFFICER: Garlock, N 2205 LOCATION: Marie Park SYNOPSIS: I responded to Marie Park reference loud music. I spoke to the driver of MN he. FDE877 and the music was turned down. All of the vehicles in the parking lot left shortly afterwards. CN: 04004447 OFFENSE/INCIDENT: DOB's DATE: 12/31/2004 22:09:0 OFFICER: Flandrich, L 2229 LOCATION: Marie Park SYNOPSIS: While checking several DOB's from the ice rink with warming house open. Party had City of Mendota Heights keys and was not a city employee. Keys were confiscated and subject detained. See dictated report. City of Mendota Heights January 6, 2005 Memo to: Parks &Recreation Commission From: Guy Kullander, Operations & Projects Coordinator Subject: Updates 1. Buckthorn management: Prairie Restoration, Inc. completed removal of mature buckthorn plants from North Kensington Park (off Huber Dr. & Mendota Heights Rd), around Copperfield Ponds (along Huber Dr.- west side of ponds), and in Friendly Hills Park. Follow up spraying of saplings and new seedlings will be done this fall at these three locations, at the parks cut in 2003, and an area along the trail from Roger's Lake Park south to Mendota Heights Rd, where an Eagle Scout crew removed Buckthorn last summer. 2. Playground maintenance: At last Tuesday's City Council meeting a purchase order for repair and/or replacement of playground components in seven parks was approved. Repairs and paint touch ups will be done at play areas in Roger's Lake Park (2), Friendly Hills Park (2), South Kensington, Valley, Ivy Hills and Victoria Highlands, and Mendakota Parks. The proposed costs amount to $9,376,55 and will be funded from the Parks Maintenance Budget. This budget line item, at the request of the Parks Commission, was increased from $4,000 to $13,000 specifically to fund repairs this year. 3. 2005 Improvement Projects: Responding to a recommendation from the Commission, the City Council has approved Purchase Orders totaling $109,783.00 for playground improvements in Wentworth Park ($44,998.00), Marie Park ($37,542.40), and Roger's Lake Park (27,241.84). Funding for these three capital improvement projects will come from the Special Park Fund. Work will begin on all three projects this spring and may be completed as early as June Vt. 4. Dakota County "North Urban Regional Trail": The County is proceeding with final plans for the NURT trail segment from Dodd Road easterly to Delaware Avenue. MnDOT has approved construction of the trail between the Frontage Road and main driving lanes of Highway 110, which was the preferred route of both the residents and commission members. Construction should begin next summer. 5. "Adopt -a -Rink": Council member Mary Jean Schneeman has been visiting skating rinks gathering rink usage information. This item will be on a Commission agenda in March or April for discussion. 6. Other planned 2005 park maintenance efforts I an, working on: 1. Seal coat parking lot in Mendakota Park 2. Paint stripping of parking lots in all parks 3. Repair and resurfacing of trail segments throughout City (ifyou know ofa trail segment that should be addressed notify Guy) 4. Information signage in parks and along trails 5. Wood footbridge to tennis courts in Friendly Hills Park may need to be repaired or replaced. 6. Minor cracks and surface damaged will be addressed at all tennis courts 7. Par 3 Golf Course The Minnesota Supreme Court, on December 23`d, 2004, accepted the City's petition for review of the lower courts ruling. Prior to the acceptance, several times, the City reached out to the plaintiffs and attempted to negotiate a settlement that might have resulted in the City acquiring the Par 3 Golf course. The plaintiffs rejected these attempts flat out. Both the City and plaintiff will now submit briefs to the court.