2000-04-11 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda PacketCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
AGENDA
PARKS AND RECREATION
April 112 2000
6:30 p.m. -Large Conference Room
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Mazch 14, 2000 Minutes
4. Parks Projects for Fiscal Yeaz 2000
5. Upgrade Playground Equipment
6. Updates
• Pazks Commission Appointment and Reappointments
• March Recreation Report
• West Saint Paul Newsletter
• Spring Clean -Up
• Police Report (Available Tuesday)
7. Adjourn
Auxiliazy 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 452-1850 with requests.
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
MARCH 14, 2000
The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held
on Tuesday, March 14, 2000, in the Large Conference Room at City Hall, 1101 Victoria
Curve. The meeting was called to order at 630 p.m.
The following Commissioners were present: Commissioners Lawrence Craighead, Stan
Linnell, Ann Connelly, Dave Libra and Jay Liberacki. Chair Richard Spicer was excused
from the meeting. City Staff present were Parks Project Manager Guy Kullander,
Recreation Programmer Mary Hapka, and Administrative Assistant Patrick C. Hollister.
Mr. Hollister took the minutes.
ICE/HOCKEY RINK MAINTENANCE
Mr. Mike Stodolka, 1407 Farmdale Road, presented a letter to the Commission outlining
his concerns about rink maintenance for next winter. Mr. Stodolka asked if there was
some way that the City could better ensure adequate flooding of the rinks. Mr. Stodolka
suggested that the City may wish to hire two seasonal workers just to flood the rinks.
The Commission directed Staff to return to the October Parks Commission with a plan to
improve flooding of the rinks.
MENDOTA HEIGHTS ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION TOURNAMENT FEES
Mr. Tim Manning of the Mendota Heights Athletic Association told the Commission that
MHAA objected to paying fees for maintenance before, during, and after baseball
tournaments at Mendakota Park. Mr. Manning drew a distinction between MHAA "in-
house" tournaments that involve local kids and parents and larger regional tournaments
such as AAU tournaments which draw from a much larger area outside of Mendota
Heights.
Commissioner Craighead moved to recommend that the fee policy be amended to exclude
MHAA from any tournament fees for the year 2000 and to review the matter again for
2001.
Commissioner Connelly seconded the motion.
AYES: 5
NAYS: 0
PROPOSED SENIOR CENTER AT THOMPSON COUNTY PARK
Mr. Kullander told the Commission that discussions were occurring between the City of
Wets Saint Paul, the City of South Saint Paul, and Dakota County about the possibility of
a jointly run Senior Center at Thompson County Park. Mr. Kullander said that Staff
would like input from the Parks and Recreation Commission about whether or not the
City of Mendota Heights should also participate in this venture.
The Commission
agreed
that this
facility would be too far away from Mendota Heights to
be of any real use
to the
City's senior population.
UPDATES
Staff provided updates on the following items:
• Resignation of Commissioner Damberg
• January/February Parks and Recreation Report
• Fishing Pier at Rogers Lake Park
• Police Report
PARKS PROJECTS FOR THE YEAR 2000
Mr. Kullander said that the 1999 Budget included $73,000.00 for Capital Improvements
of which approximately $50,000.00 was used. Mr. Kullander added that the 2000 Budget
also includes $73,000.00 for Capital Improvements.
The Parks and Recreation Commission recommended that the funds budgeted for fiscal
year 2000 be used to complete the following three projects. The project descriptions are
listed with the highest-ranking priority first.
1. Replace warming house at Wentworth Park
The Commission desired to replace the existing small (14'x18') twenty-five plus year old
warming house with a larger multiuse structure which is similar in appearance and design
to recently constructed park facilities. The Commission determined that a budget of
$50,000.00 be established for this project.
2. Valley Park Cross Country Ski Trail
The Commission's current plan is for a first stage development of a looped trail in the
area north of the current ball field. The loop(s) would include a connection near Bachelor
Avenue to access a cross-country trail on the Par 3 Golf Course. Work required for this
project includes the removal of brush and vegetation to provide a twelve foot wide trail
way and signage. The existing parking lot would be the "jumping off' point for this trail
loop(s). Estimated budget: $5,000.00,
3. You are here signage
Estimated cost: $2,500.00 for enough materials for 15 to 20 signs.
Summary: 1. Replace Wentworth Park Warming House $50,000
2. Cross Country Ski Trail $ 5,000
3, You Are Here Signage $ 2,500
$57,500.00
In addition to the above projects for fiscal year 20005 the Commission discussed the
replacement of older wood timber play equipment that exists in seven parks (Friendly
Hills, Marie, Wentworth, Valley, Rogers Lake, Hagstrom-King and Valley View
Heights). Estimated replacement cost per park: $12 to $15,000.00 each for a total of
$100,000.00. The Commission determined that replacement of the timber play
equipment is a high priority but recognized that using the Special Park Fund for
maintenance expenses would seriously deplete the Special Park Fund and therefore
requested that the City Council to recognize that current park dedication fees from single
family developments can no longer sustain or increase the Special Park Fund.
The Park and Recreation Commission requested that the City Council authorize the use of
Special Park Funds to complete the three projects described above. The Commission
further requested that the City Council consider new funding sources to supplement Park
Dedication Fees to maintain the Special Park Fund and to possibly fund the replacement
of the older timber play equipment components.
ADJOURN
Motion made to adjourn by Libra and seconded by Craighead.
AYES:
NAYS:
The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Patrick C. Hollister
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
MEMO
April 7, 2000
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Patrick C. Hollister, Administrative Assistant
SUBJECT: Council Comments regarding Park Projects for fiscal year 2000
Background
At last month's meeting the Parks Commission prioritized a list of projects they wished
completed in fiscal year 2000, which was placed on the April 4`h Council agenda for
discussion (see attached memos). The project list included the following projects:
Replace warming house at Wentworth Park
2. Develop cross-country ski trail in Valley Park
3. Purchase lumber and materials to construct and install "You Are
Here" signage in City Parks
4. Purchase covered trailer, in lieu of constructing a storage
building at Mendakota Park
Replacement of wood timber play elements in seven parks
In addition to the above projects, the Council was requested to consider other funding
sources to "replenish" the Special Park Fund, which has seen modest increases in the fund
balance during the past several years.
Discussion
The Council meeting on Tuesday evening began at 7:00 pm and these two items came up
for discussion at 12:15 am. Comments made regarding the storage trailer included
concerns that this would be a target of vandalism and would detract from the beauty of
the park. The Wentworth warming house replacement received several comments
regarding the poor condition of the existing structure and whether or not it would be
possible to move the Ivy Park warming house to Wentworth Park or whether or not the
existing building could be enlarged. The Valley Park cross country ski trail received one
inquiry about the proposed Par 3 Golf trail that was planned for last year but was not
developed.
No discussion occurred regarding the park signage, replacement of older play equipment,
or additional funding for the Special Park Fund. The Mayor instead appointed a
committee consisting of Councilmember Krebsbach and Councilmember Huber to
discuss the issue of replacing the Wentworth warming house. The committee may also
discuss the Parks and Recreation Commission's other funding requests. Councilmember
Krebsbach and Councilmember Huber are planning to meet at City Hall at 9:00 am on
Friday, April 14 with any interested members of the Parks Commission to discuss options
for replacement of the Warming House.
Recommendation
If any Parks Commissioners are available to meet with the Councilmembers at 9:00 am
on Friday, April 14, please indicate this to Staff at the April I I Commission meeting.
This would be an opportunity to talk face-to-face with two Councilmembers regarding the
Wentworth warming house and the other budget requests presented to the Council on
Apri14.
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
MEMO
March 29, 2000
Memo to: Mayor, City Council and City Admi istr r
From: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager
Subject: Park and Recreation Commission recommendations for projects
to be completed in fiscal year 2000
Background:
The Park and Recreation Commission are recommending the following
projects be completed in fiscal year 2000. Discussions on these projects have
occurred at several Commission meetings during the past three years and have
been included in Parks Five Year Capital Improvement Plans,
The 1999 Budget included $73,000.00 for Capital Improvements of which
approximately $50,000.00 was used. The 2000 Budget also includes $73,000.00
for Capital Improvements. The Commission has recommended the funds budgeted
for fiscal year 2000 is used to complete the following three projects. The project
descriptions are listed with the highest-ranking priority first.
1. Replace warming house at Wentworth Park
The Commission desires to replace the existing small (14'x18') twenty-five plus
year old warming house with a larger multiuse structure which is similar in
appearance and design to recently constructed park facilities. To proceed with this
project requires the following:
a. City Council authorizes the hiring of an architect to prepare preliminary
design concept drawings.
b. Following approval of preliminary concept drawings, authorize
preparation of plans and specifications and order advertisement for bids.
c. Award contract.
The Commission has determined that a budget of $50,000.00 be established for
this project. This project was last discussed before the City Council in March 1999.
2, Valley Park Cross Country Ski Trail
The Commission has discussed this project for a number of years and it has been
included in the Parks Five Year Capital Improvement Plan for the past five years. In
1996 this project was presented to the City Council with an estimated final budget
of $40,000 with construction to occur in four stages over a number of years. The
Council did not approve the plan, but requested the Commission to revisit the
design and to eliminate using the existing bituminous trail or bridges over creeks as
part of the cross county ski trail. The current plan is for a first stage development
of a looped trail in the area north of the current ball field. The loop(s) would include
a connection near Bachelor Avenue to access a cross-country trail on the Par 3 Golf
Course. Work required for this project includes the removal of brush and vegetation
to provide a twelve foot wide trail way and signage. The existing parking lot would
be the "jumping off" point for this trail loop(s). To proceed with this project
requires approval from the City Council for staff to prepare a planned route and
advertise for bids for the removal of the brush. The cleared trail way will require
routine mowing by the City's park maintenance crew. Estimated budget:
$ 5,000.006
3. You are here signage
This project has been include in several current updates of the Park Five Year
Capital Improvement Plan and entails the purchase of materials to build and then
install one or more sign structures in each park. The structure/sign would include a
map of the City highlighting parks and trails. The design of the sign will be similar
to an existing sign for the Great Rivers Trail, installed by the DNR, near the railroad
bridge by the Lilydale Yacht Club. The signs would be assembled and installed by
the City's park crew. To proceed with this project requires approval from the City
Council to proceed. Estimated cost: $2,500.00 for enough materials for 15 to 20
signs.
Summary: 1.
2.
Replace Wentworth Park Warming House
Cross Country Ski Trail
$50,000
$
51000
3.
You Are Here Signage
$
2,500
$57,500.00
In addition to the above projects for fiscal year 2000, the Commission has
discussedI at several meetings, the replacement of older wood timber play
equipment that exists in seven parks (Friendly Hills, Marie, Wentworth, Valley,
Rogers Lake, Hagstrom-King and Valley View Heights). These play structures
constructed of wood timbers and beams, five of which were installed in the early
1 970's, are showing increased deterioration. Split dry wood and heavily worn areas
reveal how old these units are. The climbing towers were retained in 1990, when
the existing neighborhood park play equipment was upgraded using referendum
funds. Each was determined to be sound and was retrofitted with safety features
such as slide hoods. In the last two years several complaints have been received.
Two include injuries from wood splinters. There are also timber play equipment
components in Hagstrom-King and Valley View Heights Parks that should be
scheduled for replacement. Replacement can be spread over several years, but
should not exceed three years to update all seven parks. Other funds must also be
available to upgrade and maintain the play equipment installed in ten parks from
1990 to 1993. Especially at Mendakota Park (1991) which receives very heavy use
throughout the year. Estimated replacement cost per park: $12 to $15,000.00
each. Total of $100,000.00.
The Commission has determined that replacement of the timber play
equipment is a high priority but recognize that using the Special Park Fund for
maintenance expenses would seriously deplete the Special Park Fund and therefore
look to the City Council to recognize that current park dedication fees from single
family developments can no longer sustain or increase the Special Park Fund.
Recommendation
The Park and Recreation Commission requests the City Council authorize the
use of Special Park Funds to complete the three projects described above.
The Commission further requests the City Council consider new funding
sources to supplement Park Dedication Fees to maintain the Special Park Fund and
to possibly fund the replacement of the older timber play equipment components.
Action Required
If the City Council accepts the Commission recommendations for:
1. Replace Wentworth warming house $50,000
2. Cross country ski trail $ 5,000
3. You are here signage $ 2,500
they should direct staff to take the necessary steps to advance these projects so
that they can be completed in fiscal year 2000.
Also, if the City Council so desires to address the replacement of the timber
play components, at this time, they should provide direction to staff on how to
proceed.
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
March 15, 2000
To: Mayor, City Council and City Administrator Q�
From: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager �Q
n�.:./
Subject: Need for storage facility at Mendakota Park �;J
Background:
The development of Mendakota Park in 1991 provided a center hub
concession building which included two toilets and a small mechanical room
intended for control systems of the building electrical and mechanical systems as
well as the park electrical and sprinkler control equipment. Minimal space is
available in this room for the tools and supplies necessary for general park
maintenance use. Major events scheduled during weekends at the park have
resulted in several stressful situations over the need for storage space at the park.
Terry Blum, Park Leadperson requested the Park and Recreation Commission
discuss the possibility of constructing a storage building at the park large enough to
park the Cushman Utility Cart and accessories plus accommodate bags of chalk,
turface, tools and other small equipment items. A building 10 feet by 20 feet would
fill these requirements.
The Commission discussed the merits of constructing a permanent building,
which could cost up to $20,000,00, and decided that a more flexible option would
be for the City to purchase an enclosed trailer, approximately 7 feet high, by 8 feet
wide, by 16 or 20 feet long. The equipment and Cushman utility cart could be
loaded into the trailer on Friday and parked at the park for use over the weekend by
the seasonal part-time employees working during special events or tournaments.
The trailer could be used at other events such as soccer tournaments at Kensington
Park and would be available to the Police or Fire Departments for use as a secure
mobile storage unit.
Recommendation:
The Park and Recreation Commission recommends that the City Council
purchase a covered utility trailer that can be used by all City Departments. They
further recommend that funds from the Equipment Reserve Fund or the General
Fund be used to purchase the trailer, which is estimated to cost $5,000.00
Action Required:
If the City Council wishes to accept the recommendation from the Park and
Recreation Commission to purchase a covered trailer they should direct staff to
seek competitive bids for consideration. The Council may also wish, at this time, to
designate the funding source for this piece of equipment.
City of Mendota Heights
Memo
April 5, 2000
Memo to: Park and Recreation Commission
From: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager 4 �
Subject: Report of injuries at Marie Park from wood slivers from play equipment
Background
I received a phone call from Ms Harriet Gleeman, 999 Douglas Court, that
her daughter, on several occasions, had received wood slivers while playing on the
timber play equipment located at Marie Park. She also reported that several other
neighbors' children had received injuries from wood splinters.
She inquired when the City would be replacing the older wood timber
elements at the park. I informed her that this subject had been discussed by the
Commission on several occasions and that a recommendation regarding
replacement of the older play equipment elements would be considered by the City
Council on April 42h and again by the Commission on April 11`h. 1 further assured
her that I would contact her following the April 111h Commission meeting to update
her on the status of any plans to replace the wood timber elements at Marie Park.
The Commission has discussed the need to replace older elements on several
occasions during the past year and have given this a high priority. There are seven
parks with wood timber play elements. Five were installed in the early 1970's and
received safety upgrades in 1990 and two were installed in the mid 1980's.
Discussion
I have estimated that removal and replacement with like equipment at each
of the seven parks containing wood timber elements would cost approximately
$12,000 to $15,000 per park.
Alternates to replacing the wood timber elements now are:
1 . Do nothing (not a prudent option)
2. Direct the parks maintenance crew to attempt repairs by sanding or
replacing deteriorated timbers now with removal scheduled at a future
date. Complaints have only been received for injuries on the Marie
Park equipment.
3. Remove the oldest wood elements in five parks, which also contain
metal and plastic equipment installed in 1990, and schedule
replacement units at a future date.
Item #3 continued
Repair and maintain at a higher level the remaining wood timber play
elements installed in the mid 1980's and schedule replacement at a
future date. (Hagstom-King and Valley View Heights Parks)
Funding for park maintenance items, from the General Fund, must be
recommended during the Budget process, which begins in June for fiscal year
2001.
The amount included in the 2000 Budget for play equipment repair or
replacement is $1,000.00.
The
majority of the play equipment installed since 1990
has
been funded
from the 1989
Parks Referendum.
Referendum improvements include:
1.
Ivy Park -complete replacement with new
$
20,000
2.a
Wentworth -partial removals plus upgrades
$
20,000
3.
Valley -partial removals plus upgrades
$
20,000
4.
Roger's Lake -partial removals plus upgrades
$
20,000
5,
Friendly Hills -partial removals plus upgrades
$
20,000
6.
Marie -partial removals plus upgrades
$
20,000
7.
Victoria -Highlands -new park
$
35,000
8.
Mendakota-new park (large area+ADA)
$115,000
9.
Kensington -new park (ADA accessible)
$
65,000
Special Park
Funds were used for:
2.b
Wentworth-ADA upgrade plus equipment
$
18,000
10.
Valley View Heights -timber unit 1985
$
81000
Park land and play elements donated by developer
11.
Hagstrom-King-mid 1980's est. value
$
91000
The City Council has previously funded maintenance items, replacement of
hockey rink boards, from the Special Park Fund.
The Commission may want to consider use of the Special Park Fund to
replace and update play elements in fiscal year 2000 or future years.
Recommendation
I recommend that the Commission establish a Play Equipment Replacement
Plan that outlines what improvements they wish to be made and further establish a
time line for implementing the replacement plan. The issue of how to fund the
improvements should also be addressed.
Mendota -
PafrkS AS
r.
L
, 061, Will
1
11
1
Stockbrklge & Concord Way
4"®
DoddDrive
WagonDelawareMark
&
_
Victoria & Douglas Road
YICTDRIA
HIUNIANUS
MAAIE .
93 1WIE AVENUE
NnMv f
�^ 3
i kwl IN I
9
CIVIL CENTEA CNT OIAwm S
GALL fIFlO o-hM. O.FcraM
7
r
l
Slevd.kcu O.x C..m
3^ ® Firs H&A
d
TALLEY VISIT
RHOHTS6 4�
C MENOAKOTA
RDOERS LANE
WAO011 WHEEL TA,
ROGERS LAKE ^,
LAZE DRIVE
3t. Tk.mcc Camel A Avwwn}
Ae.d.mT Of th. TI.N.INA
ANXAPOUS STREET
IYT Hills
lnxcw FMERSON AVENUE
[Ea.mc.} tc
1.km
S.m.m.t Uuntr} Llvl
WENT WORTH
WERTWORTH AVENUE
P.r 1 D.IX L.wn
VALLEY
SIx IEY ATHLETIC -
COMPLEX
H.n7 Silty
S.nl.r HIAh
3eM1sal
K10MWA} Ill
FRIENDLY W
MARSH
3
A�0 NO3ER Cos
Any
4�e
HAGSTROMKINO
FRIENDLY HILLS
IAD ENSINGTON
CONCORD WAY
INTER3TAT4 H10NWAT 41R
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
MEMO
April 5, 2000
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Mary L. Hapka, Recreation Programmer
SUBJECT: March Recreation Report
Youth Trips
Finalized plans and reservations for youth summer trips. Youth trips will be held on Thursdays
throughout the summer months. The spring youth trips were a success. Mendota Heights youth
were provided with the opportunity to visit the following location during their spring break.
• New Minnesota Science Museum & Maplewood Community Center — 5 participants.
• Chuck E. Cheese & Minnesota Zoo — 9 participants
• Camp Snoopy — 10 participants.
The children had a wonderful time and it was great to see the increase in participation.
Adult Softball Leagues
Registration for the adult softball leagues concluded on Friday, March 17. The Men's D and
Over") 0 leagues are full with at least four new teams participating in the Men's D Tuesday night
league. The Women's D league will have seven teams participating this season. Although
advertised the Men's C league will not run this year due to lack of interest. I will possibly offer a
Monday night Co-Rec league for the 2001 season in replacement of the 1NIen's C League. The
softball leagues managers meeting was held on Monday, April 3.
Golf Program Promotions
Several news releases have been sent to the Sun Current and Southwest Review newspapers
advertising our summer golf leagues and lessons. Flyers were also mailed out to all of last year's
participants. Our Women's Wednesday night golf is almost full and several registrations have
been received for our other golf leagues. I will be sending flyers to the elementary and middle
schools regarding the golf programs. I will also be stopping in at Parkview Plaza to promote the
55+ golf league.
Celebrate Mendota Heights Parks
We will have several new participants for this year's parks celebration including the ititendota
Heights Athletic Association, The Sibley Area Sting Soccer Club, and a demo performance by
Boltz's Tae Kwon Doe studio. A local boy scouts troop will also be participating. The
celebration will be held from 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 3. Hopefully, incorporating
these community groups will increase awareness and participation in this year's celebration.
Please start saying a prayer for good weather, thanks!
Sixth Annual Spring Clean -Up Day
Saturday, May 6, 8:00a.m. to 2@00 p.m.
Mendota Plaza Shopping Center
Highway 110 and Dodd Road
(Enter and Exit from Plaza Drive)
Take advantage of the city-wide spring clean-up day to clean out the garage,
storage areas, and tidy up the home and yard. The collection site will again be located at
Mendota Plaza (Highway 110 and Dodd Road). You should enter and exit the Mendota
Plaza from South Plaza Drive,
The City—wide Spring Clean up is limited to Mendota Heights Residents Only!
Identification will be required. No contractors or commercial debris will be accepted.
Only cars, pick-ups and small trailers will be allowed to unload items. No Yard waste or
Household Hazardous waste will be accepted. Commercial, industrial and institutional
customers are not eligible. For further information call (651)45248501
Each spring, Mendota Heights designates one day when residents can discard
items otherwise difficult to dispose of. Below is a list of items accepted and also not
accepted at the collection site. Spring Clean -Up Week applies to those who pay an
annual residential garbage fee.
T7
a ng
ACCEPTED MATERIALS
(Charges to be applied per item)
Car Tires.................................$3.00
(must be removed from rim)
Furniture .................................. $3.00
Mattresses................................$3.00
Scrap Metal.............Volume Based Fee
(remove all non-metal components)
Home Remodeling Debris and
Miscellaneous Junk....Volume Based Fee
(Lumber, Sheetrock, concrete, etc.)
MATERIALS NOT ACCEPTED
Household Hazardous Waste
(motor oil, batteries, paint, household
cleaners, etc.) Dakota County Eco-site
(651)905-4520
bsidRecyclables
Cure
(cans, newspaper, plastic bottles, glass
containers, etc.) Call your normal
garbage hauler for disposal information
Yard Waste
(grass clippings, leaves, branches, etc.)
Ccr11 your normal garbage hauler for
disposal information
Home Electronics (computers, TVs,
stereos, etc.) MPC (651)681-8099
ate
i
n
MMMI
L. 00 a3
r!1 Ct '" W
C o
0 3 Cd
r
i
r_
r
Mendota Heights Appliance Collection Day
Monday, May 15`", 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
In conjunction with Spring Clean -Up, the city will again hold an appliance collection
day. Old appliances can be picked up from your driveway! Put your appliances out the
night before and they will be picked up by JR's Appliance. Call JR's by noon on Friday
May 12`h for prices and to schedule your appliance pick-up. Dial JR's at 454-9215 and
ask for operator 33. On pick—up day, Make your check payable to `JR's Appliance' and
place it inside your appliance.
Acceptable appliances:
air conditioners, dehumidifiers, dishwashers, dryers, freezers, furnaces, garbage
disposals, heat pumps, humidifiers, microwaves, refrigerators, stoves, trash compactors,
washers and water heaters
*Items will not be picked up unless you call JR's and a check is attached to the appliance.