2000-01-11 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda PacketCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
AGENDA
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
January 11, 2000
6:30 p.m. -Large Conference Room
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. November 9, 1999 Minutes
4. Lexington Avenue Bike Trail
5. Parks Projects and Priorities in 2000
6. Updates
• Recreation Programmer's Report
• Donation by Mr. Clifford Timm
• MHAA Contribution Towards Improvement Projects in 1999
• Police Report (Available Tuesday)
7. 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 4524850 with requests.
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
NOVEMBER 9, 1999
The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held
on Tuesday, November 9, 1999, 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 Spicer and Commissioners Linnell,
Conelly, and Craighead, Damberg and Liberacki. Commissioner Libra arrived late. City
Staff present were Parks Project Manager Guy Kullander, Recreation Programmer Mary
Hapka, and Administrative Assistant Patrick C. Hollister. Mr. Hollister took the minutes.
MINUTES
Commissioner Damberg moved to approve the October 12, 1999 minutes.
Commissioner Liberacki seconded the motion.
AYES: 6
NAYS: 0
(Commissioner Libra arrived at this point.)
UPDATES
Staff provided the Pazks Commission with updates on the following items:
• Copperfield Pond Area Sumac
• Play Equipment Replacement
• Recreation Programmer's Report
• Parks Facility Rental Fees
• Tree Sale 2000
• Police Report
LEXINGTON AVENUE TRAIL
Mr. Hollister told the Commission that at the October 19, 1999 meeting of the City
Council, the Council discussed the four options for the Lexington Avenue Trail and that
the Council preferred Option #3. Mr. Hollister clarified that Option #3 places the trail
along the east side of Lexington Avenue between Mendota Heights Road and Wagon
Wheel Trail and along the south side of Wagon Wheel Trail from Lexington Avenue to
35E. Mr. Hollister added the Option #3 did not include any additional trail north of
Wagon Wheel Trail. Mr. Hollister reminded the Commission that they had supported
Option 1, which would place the tail on the east side of Lexington Avenue from Mendota
Heights Road to Tom Thumb Boulevard and along the south side of Wagon Wheel Trail
from Lexington Avenue to 35E. Mr. Hollister concluded that the Council said that if the
Commission still preferred Option 1 the Commission should schedule a meeting with the
residents along Lexington Avenue to try to sell them on this concept.
Commissioner Libra moved to recommend that the Council examine placing the trail
along Resurrection Cemetery property.
Commissioner Damberg seconded the motion.
AYES: 7
NAYS: 0
ADJOURN
Motion made to adjourn by Damberg and seconded by Spicer.
AYES: 7
NAYS: 0
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Patrick C. Hollister
January 6, 2000
MEMO
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager K
Subject: Lexington Ave. Bike Trail \
The commission discussed the various route options in November and asked
me to request additional information from the City Engineer regarding routing the
trail on the west side of Lexington from Mendota Heights Rd. to Centre Pointe
Drive.
Jim Danielson, Director of Public Works and Marc Mogan, City Engineer
confirmed there recommendation made to Council on October 191h that the west
side of Lexington was not a feasible route for the trail due to the lack of support by
the County for this option. The County is not willing to participate unless additional
roadway right-of-way is acquired on the east side of Lexington. Funding for this
project was to be from the County (45%) and Minnesota State Aid (55%) funds.
Attached for review is the Engineering Memo to Council and the Council
minutes from the October 19`h meeting.
Action Required
If the Commission wishes for the project to proceed they should approve the
Councils recommendation of Option 3 or hold a public hearing with the property
owners along the east side of Lexington to discuss locating the trail on this side of
the street.
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
MEMO
Mayor, City Council and City Administrator
Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager
Lexington Avenue Trail (Mendota Heights Road to
State Trunk Highway 110)
DISCUSSION:
The Engineering Staff presented to the City Council on October 19, 1999, five
options pertaining to the construction of a bike trail along Lexington Avenue from
Mendota Heights Road to State Trunk Highway 110 and along Wagon Wheel Trail.
The Parks Commission had recommended Option 1 as the preferred route.
Council preferred Option 3, and directed the Parks and Recreation Commission to hold
an open house for the property owners along Lexington Avenue from Wagon Wheel Trail
to State Trunk Highway 110 to workout safety, access and other concerns with the
homeowners impacted by the proposed trail.
Attached for your information is a copy of the Engineering memo to City Council,
Council minutes from October 195 1999, a news article from the Sun Current, and a copy
of all the property owners along Lexington and Wagon Wheel Trail that would be
effected if the trail was constructed.
ACTION REQUIRED:
Discuss the options described in the Engineering memo, and if the Parks and
Recreation Commission still prefers Option 1, they should set a date for an open house
with the effected property owners along the trail route.
Attachments
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
MEMO
October 1�. 1999
TO: Mayor, City Council and City AdmZiustfator
r
FROM: James E. Danielson, Public Works Direct rh�J__
SUBJECT: Lexington Avenue Trail Update
DISCUSSION:
The Engineering Staff along with members of the Parks and Recreation
Commission and the Dakota County Engineer held an open house before the July 20,
1999 City Council meeting to inform affected neighbors about plans to install a
pedestrian trail along Lexington Avenue. Based on my observations, there was
unanimous opposition to the project by these neighbors. Several of them stated that
they felt that the pedestrian traffic in this area is minimal or non-existent and that
consequently a trail construction project is not warranted. They pointed out that the
addition of a trail on the east side of Lexington Avenue would have further adverse
affects on safety at several locations. Council listened to the neighbor's concerns and
tabled any final consideration on its construction subject to further study by the
Engineering Department that addresses their concerns. Engineering has had an
extremely busy summer and has not been able to complete additional design work on
this proposal.
On October 5`" Council asked for an update, so we have reviewed where we
were and analvzed what the various courses of action might be:
1. Build
the
trail as
originally proposed and
address the individual concerns
raised
in
the best
possible way (Option 1
map attached).
2. Build the trail in the ditch on the west side of Lexington Avenue between
Tom Thumb Boulevard and Wagon Wheel Trail (this is where the neighbors
abutting Lexington Avenue are impacted the greatest). and continue trail
construction as planned along Lexington Avenue south of Wagon NWiteel
Trail and along the south side of Wagon Wheel Trail from Lexington
Avenue to
I-35E.
- We are unsure if Dakota County or MSA will approve of censtnic[ing a
trail in the ditch on the west side of Lexington Avenue. �V"i[hoet Dakota
County's approval we could not complete the work. The County
Engineer indicated that he would be willing to consider the possibility
depending on the results of further engineering design. If MSA
disapproves we lose that funding source.
A walk of
the ditch revealed areas
with
deep ditches with much erosion
that would
make construction of a
trail
difficult.
- This option would also require pedestrians to cross Lexington Avenue at
two locations.
3. Build the trail along the east side of Lexington Avenue between Mendota
Heights Road and Wagon Wheel Trail, and along the south side of Wagon
Wheel Trail to the existing trail to the Curley neighborhood which continues
through the neighborhood over an on street trail to Tom Thumb Boulevard.
- This completes the loop with the Roger's Lake and Mendota Heights
Road trails.
- The residents abutting this area also object, but constructing it does not
adversely impact safety when either entering or using Lexington Avenue
and Wagon Wheel Trail and there are no significant construction
barriers.+
- There is an existing trail between Wagon Wheel Trail and Curleys
neighborhood that eventually connects to Tom Thumb and the existing
trail along Lexington Avenue to Highway 110. However, there was a
concern that there was inadequate lighting between Curley's and Wason
Wheel Trail.
- The tendency will be for pedestrians to follow the shortest distance
between Tom Thumb and Wagon Wheel Trail by walking over this least
safe segment along Lexington Avenue.
4. Construct wide shoulders along Lexington Avenue to include an "on road"
trail.
- This option does not eliminate the safety concerns of residents living
along Lexington Avenue who have steep driveways onto Lexingon
Avenue with limited sight distance. The construction of a widened
pavement section would probably promote faster average vehicular travel
speeds and further compromise safety.
5. Do Nothing.
The City has received only one complaint and the residents directly
involved maintain that there is not an overwhelming safety problem to
address. Constructing a trail still leaves safety concerns.
Each option has its own shortcomings and some very legitimate safety concerns.
RECOitiSyi IEN`DATION:
I recommend that consideration for the construction of this trail be postponed
until conditions change in light of the information presented.
ACTION REQUIRED:
Review the courses of action and, if Council is unable to select a trail
construction option and concurs with this recommendation, pass a motion directing staff
to notify the Parks and Recreation Commission and residents that the City will postpone
consideration of a pedestrian trail from Tom Thumb Boulevard to Mendota Heights
Road along Lexington Avenue until further notice, or determination of an alternative
course of action.
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Page No. 25
October 19, 1999
Enforcement Officer for compliance with all code requirements and
city engineering approval of the drainage system.
Councilmember Huber seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Councilmember Dwyer moved to schedule a public hearing on the
request for business subsidy for November 2 and to direct staff to
prepare a draft developers agreement.
Councilmember Krebsbach seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
LEXINGTON TRAIL Council acknowledged a memo from Public Works Director
Danielson updating Council on the status of the Lexington Avenue
Trail,
Public Works Director Danielson reviewed his memo and discussed
with Council the five available options delineated in the memo.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that Council will probably have to wait for
the section between Tom Thumb and Wagon Wheel until the county
upgrades Lexington Avenue. In the meantime, he felt that option 3,
to build the trail on the east side of Lexington between Mendota
Heights Road and Wagon Wheel, is the best option.
Park Commission member Larry Craighead stated he speaks on
behalf of the commission rather than as an individual. The
commission has been looking at the comprehensive plan upgrade, as
has Council, and it shows many segments of trail that start and stop.
There are many areas of the city that are not easily accessible by bike
or walking, Lexington is one that is the commissions first priority
for improvement (the entire length). He stated that traffic on the
south side of the intersection has increased 70% since 1991 and the
commission has discussed many times that something should be
done on Lexington. The commission has voted seven times in the
past several months to construct a Lexington Avenue trail and
believes it should be considered a high priority to have a trail all
along Lexington, in view of more traffic and the proposed public
housing on South Lexington. Also, washouts have had to be filled in
twice along Lexington this summer. He stated that one of the
commissioners interviewed people after the July 20 meeting and the
fellow with the concerned house made some suggestions that he
could compromise on the issues. He felt that the city- should go back
and address the issues because the Park Commission feels that the
general public of the city strongly encourages recreation and walking
Page No. 26
October 19, 1999
paths and the greater community believes that this would be an ideal
pathway to complete between 110 and Mendota Heights Road and
the whole community supports it even though there are some home
owners who are concerned..
Mayor Mertensotto stated that it is obvious that Mr. Craig head
supports option one but option 3 is a better alternative than getting
into a free for all with the property owners. He suggested that the
city invite the 18 or 19 property owners to come to the next
commission meeting to discuss the necessity for the trail and let
them know that Council is not going to do battle with the owners and
get them upset if they don't want the trail. The Commission could
let them know that Council would exercise the next best option (3)
and the issue would be raised again when the County improves
Lexington. Then the commission would find out if the homeowners
are willing to cooperate. If they are, the commission can give
Council the results. Otherwise, Council does not want to take on
that many homeowners who object to the trail.
Mr. Craighead stated that there was a discussion like that on July 20
and the homeowners along that stretch at that meeting were
concerned that they did not want the trail
Mayor Mertensotto stated that the commission should decide when it
would like to meet with the property owners, either at a regular or
special meeting, and then direct Assistant Hollister to put together a
list of the owners of property along Lexington.
Councilmember Dwyer stated that 95% of the property owners
object to the proposed trail and they were uniformly opposed to it on
July 20,
Mayor Mertensotto stated that if Council is going to do anything,
Option 3 is the best way to proceed.
Councilmember Krebsbach stated that she supports Option 3. Her
only concern would be putting more people on this trail and then
have them continue walking on Lexington walking in the ditch.
Responding to a question from Mr. Craighead about whether the
shoulders can be widened, Mayor Mertensotto stated that would
create another situation like the one on Dodd Road. He pointed out
that Lexington has a 40 mph limit and it is very wide and there is
little margin for error.
January 6, 2000
MEMO
To: Parks and Recreation Commission //,
From: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager
Subject: Park Projects and Priorities in 2000
The City Budget for 2000 indicates park improvements funded from the
Special Park Fund to total $73,000,00. ( See attached ) Please provide me with a
list of the projects recommended to Council and the priority of each so that I can
develop my work schedule for the next several months.
I have also included a copy of the Parks Department budget so that you are
aware of the maintenance projects that were approved by Council that are funded
from the General Fund.
2000 REVENUE PROJECTION
SPECIAL PARK FUND
FUND NO, 10
Estimated 12/31/1 99 Fund Balance S 295,000
Estimated 2000 Receipts 101000
Estimated 2000 Interest Earnings 15,000
Balance Available 320,000
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FORM 0-4A
BACK-UP DETAIL FOR CONTRACTUAL SERVICE _X_
COMMODITIES _
OTHER CHARGES _
(CHECK ONE)
FUNCTION
FUND
FUND NO. ACTIVITY
SERVICE LEVEL
Special Park
Special Park
10
Maintenance
LINE
i
ITEM
LINE ITEM DETAIL
COST
i
4214
Data Processing
S 500I
1
4220
Professional Fees
3,000
City Audit
13000
j
Engineering Fees
21000
4232
Administrative Service Transfer
1,000,
I
i
I
I
I
I
TOTAL 4,5O0
FORM 0-4B
BACK-UP DETAIL FOR CONTRACTUAL SERVICE _
COMMODITIES _
OTHER CHARGES X
(CHECK ONE)
FUNCTION FUND FUND NO, ACTIVITY SERVICE LEVEL
Special Park Soecial Park 10
ITEM LINE ITEM DETAIL COST �,
4318 Postage S 500
i
4490 Sundry 500
Mendakota Park Assessments 4,0001
I j
I
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TOTAL 5,000
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
MEMORANDUM
January 6, 2000
TO: Park and Recreation Commission
FROM: Mary L. Hapka, Recreation Programmer
SUBJECT: December Parks and Recreation Report
2000 Rink Season
The Parks and Recreation Department has hired a staff of eleven rink attendants to staff Marie,
Wentworth and Friendly Hills Parks. The rink attendant staff met on December 16, to review
rink policies and procedures. Terry Blum of the Public Works Department conducted a hands on
training class on Friday, December 24 at Friendly Hills, both meeting were mandatory for all
attendants. The rinks opened on Monday, December 27,
Youth Program F1Yers
Approximately 900 program flyers were delivered to the Mendota and Somerset Elementary
Schools and the Friendly Hills Middle School. The flyer advertised several recreation programs
including winter break youth trips, ski trips and skating lessons. There was an increase in the
registration response the department received for the non -school day youth trips. Thus far, there
has not been a registration increase for ski trips and the skating program.
Winter Break Youth Trips
December 28 — Cinema Cafe and the Maplewood Community Center. Children enjoyed
snacking on popcorn and pizza while they watched the movie Tarzan at the Cinema Cafe in
Woodbury. The movie was followed by gym time and swim time at the Maplewood Community
Center. The Parks and Recreation Department had seven children register for this trip.
December 29 —Green Acres
The winter tubing trip to Green Acres was cancelled due to low enrollment in the cities of West
St. Paul, So. St. Paul and Inver Grove Heights. The City of Mendota Heights had six children
register for this youth trip.
December 30 —Skateville and Grand Slam
Fun was had by all who skated the morning away at Skateville in Burnsville. Skatins was
followed by the children burning more energy at the batting cages, mini golf course and bumper
cars located at Grand Sam in Eagan. Eight children enrolled for the trip.
New Software
The Parks and Recreation Department will be using software from Overtime Software. The
software package includes a facility, registration and schedule programs. The Parks and
Recreation Department believes these programs will be excellent tools to increase productivity
and simplify day-to-day operations.
Soccer 2000
Letters were mailed to the Sibley Area Sting and the Twin Cities Fire Soccer Club. The two
groups were instructed that they would need to submit permits and rosters to the Parks and
Recreation Department. Park permits were accepted beginning January 3.
Mendota Heights Parks Celebration
The Parks and Recreation Department along with Scott Miller, Baseball Commissioner for the
Mendota Heights Athletic Association are planning to coordinate an opening baseball, softball, t-
ball day along with the annual park celebration. Any comments or suggestions for this
celebration are welcomed.
January 6, 2000
MEMO
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Managerj�
Subject: Donation of $4,000 by Mr. Clifford Timm
Discussion:
On Wednesday, December 29`", 1999 Mr. Timm dropped off a check in the
amount of $4,000.00 for improvements at Roger's Lake Park that promote sport
fishing on Roger's Lake.
This item was previously discussed by the Commission and it was decided
that no specific use for the money would be designated at this time. As the work
by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources progresses opportunities for
use of this donation should become apparent. Some of the ideas that were
discussed by the Commission included picnic tables, trashers, benches,
informational signage, trail work, etc.
Action Required
No action is required on this item. I will write a memo to City Council
informing them of Mr. Timm's request so that they may acknowledge his
contribution to the City.
January 6, 2000
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager `
Subject: MHAA Contribution towards improvement projects in 1999
Discussion:
In 1999 the Mendota Heights Athletic Association requested the City to
install a double batting cage at Mendakota Park and make infield improvements to
the Civic Center baseball field. The Association offered to fund half ( $131000,00)
of the estimated project costs ($26,000.00) in equal payments over a three-year
period. I provided Mr. Scott Miller with a breakdown of the final costs for both
improvements. (Letter dated November 16, 1999 attached)
Mr. Miller dropped off a check to the order of the City of Mendota Heights in
the amount of $4,334.00 on Wednesday January 5`". I informed Mr. Miller that I
would submit a memo to the City Council for consideration at the January 18`'
regular council meeting. Mr. Miller indicated that he would be in attendance at that
meeting.
Action Required
No action is required. This memo is for information only,
November 16, 1999
Mendota Heights Athletic Association
Scott Miller
1021 Wagon Wheel Trail
Mendota Heights, Minnesota 55120
Dear Scott,
The final costs for construction of the Batting Cage at Mendakota Park and
the Infield Improvements at the Civic Center Ballfield are tabulated. As with most
construction projects the final costs exceeded the estimates. Not so much with
"overruns" but with add-ons to the projects. The commitment by the Association
to pay $8,000.00 of the costs at Mendakota and $5,000.00 at the Civic Center
was very generous and I am not asking your organization to increase those
contributions to the City.
MENDAKOTA PARK BATTING CAGE
1 . Electric outlet &time clock
2. Site grading
3. Ag lime inside fence
4. Concrete mowing strip
5. Fencing
6. Irrigation system repair parts
7. Grass seed, fertilizer, and equipment rental
8. Public Works employee — time @ $32 per hour x 35 hrs.
Total.........................
Additional cost items not included in original estimate.
9. Bituminous trail from Hub to outer trail
10. Netting, hardware, pitching screen and etc.
Grand Total...........
$ 503.00
$ 2,100.00
$1,600,00
$3,210,00
$7,480,00
150,00
$150,00
$1,120,00
$16,313.00
$ 3,425.00
$2,177.00
$ 21, 915.00
CIVIC CENTER INFIELD IMPROVEMENTS
1. Public Works employees time @ $32.00 per our x 116 $4,100.00
hours ag lime removal, rough grading, remove and re -install
irrigation system, spread and reshape imported soil mix and ag
lime.
2. Fine grading and turf installation $4,100,00
3. Soil mix ( 6-31 cubic yard loads 60/40) $3,515,00
4. Irrigation parts & supplies $277000
Grand Total........... $111604.00
All expenses were funded from the Special Park Fund. A donation from the
Athletic Association should be to the City Council with a recommendation that the
donations be placed in the Special Park Fund. I am sure the Council will wish to
thank your organization for your contribution to the community. The next council
meeting will be on December 7t' followed by December 21'. If you wish to be on
the agenda for either of these meetings contact Kevin Batchelder before December
Vt or December 15'. There are no charges included in the above project costs for
my time which is charged to the Special Park Fund budget.
Sincerely,
Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager