2000-05-09 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda PacketCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
AGENDA
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
May 9, 2000
6:30 p.m. -Large Conference Room
1. Call to Order
i►�:Z.71[�F1fl
3. April 1 I, 2000 Minutes
4. Wentworth Warming House
5. Mendakota Park Storage
6. Playground Equipment
7. Cross -Country Skiing and Park Signage
8. Updates
• April Recreation Report
• Friendly Hills Open Sandlot Summer Program
• Police Report (Available Tuesday)
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 452-1850 with requests.
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
APRIL 11, 2000
The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held
on Tuesday, April 11, 2000, in the Large Conference Room 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, Commissioners
Lawrence Craighead, Stan Linnell, Dave Libra and Jay Liberacki. Commissioner Ann
Connelly 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 March 14, 2000 minutes.
Commissioner Linnell seconded the motion.
AYES:
NAYS:
Commissioner Libra moved approval of the Jamiary 11, 2000 mimrtes.
Commissioner Liberacki seconded the motion.
AYES:
NAYS;
WENTWORTH WARMING HOUSE
Chair Spicer suggested that Councilmembers Huber and Krebsbach be invited to the May
9, 2000 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to discuss replacement of the
Wentworth Warming House. Chair Spicer also asked Staff to provide two or three
options for replacing the Warming House with cost estimates for the May meeting.
(Commissioner Connelly arrived at this point.)
PLAY EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT
Commissioner Craighead moved to recommend that that the Council replace the Nlarie
Park playground equipment this year.
Commissioner Libra seconded the motion.
AYES: 6
NAYS: 0
UPDATES
Staff provided updates on the following items:
• Pazks Commission Appointment and Reappointments
• March Recreation Report
• West Saint Paul Newsletter
• Spring Clean -Up
ADJOURN
Motion made to adjourn by Connelly and seconded by Libra.
AYES: 6
NAYS: 0
The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Patrick C. Hollister
City of Mendota Heights
May 5, 2000
To: Park and Recreation Commission
From: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager
Subject: Comments from Council members Huber and Krebsbach on -April 14"'
Regarding the Wentworth warming house
Background:
Council members Huber and Krebsbach met Patrick, Mary, and myself at City
Hall on April 14t6 to discuss options for replacing or upgrading the warming house
at Wentworth Park. We visited the warming houses at Wentworth, Ivy Hills, and
Marie Parks..
General comments made by council members Huber and Krebsbach
The following items are not listed in order of importance.
1. Wentworth warming house is too small.
2. If structurally sound consider moving the Ivy Park warming house to
Wentworth
3. Enlarge the warming house at Wentworth. Existing is 14' by 18' with shed
type roof. Add 14' by 18' shed roof addition on south side resulting in a
warming house that is 18' by 28' in size.
4. New, remodeled or relocated structure should be designated for use only as
a warming house.
5. If a new warming house is constructed it should be larger then the 16'
by 28' warming houses at Marie and Friendly Hills Parks. Budget should be
in the $20,000.00 range.
6. Permanent toilets should not be considered for this upgrade or replacement
7. Protect the cedar trees located next to the existing warming house
8. Install handrails at Wentworth warming house so that skaters can "climb"
the hill from the warming house to the upper pleasure rink.
9. Provide outside seating at all warming houses for skaters to use.
10. If Ivy Park warming house has "no use" consider removing structure.
Recommendation:
Council members Huber and Krebsbach recommend that the commission
consider the comments listed above and make a recommendation to the City
Council regarding the future of the warming house at Wentworth Park.
Action Required:
Discuss the above comments and make a. recommendation to the City
Council. One or possibly two council members may be present at tonight's
meeting.
City of Mendota Heights
Memo
May 5, 2000
Memo to: Park and Recreation Commission
From: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager
Subject: Proposed storage facility for Mendakota Park 111
Background:
Terry Blum, Parks Leadperson, requested the Commission consider the
construction of a storage facility at Mendakota Park. The existing structure in the
Hub was not intended for bulk storage and do its design cannot be enlarged. The
commission recommended to City Council the purchase of a trailer that could be
moved into the park when additional storage was required for a special event. The
Council did not approve of this solution and asked the commission to offer another
solution.
This subject was discussed on April 14' with council members Huber and
Krebsbach when they met with Patrick, Mary and myself to discuss the warming
house at Wentworth Park.
Recommendation:
The council members recommend that the commission consider proposing
the construction of a single car garage type structure (14' by 18') to be used for
storage of bulk materials and the small maintenance vehicle, when required. The
building should be located away from the main park and resemble, as much as
possible, the existing architectural style of the other park structures. I estimate that
the cost of such a structure would be under $10,000.00,
Action Required:
Discuss the recommendation from council members Huber and Krebsbach
and if the commission desires to provide a storage facility at Mendakota Park they
should make such a recommendation to the City Council with a recommended
budget.
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS /�,1�
MEMO �Jt,(U')�
March 15, 2000
To: Mayor, City Council and City Administrator
From: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager
Subject: Need for storage facility at Mendakota Park
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.
March 13, 2000 00pr
Memo to: Park and Recreation Commission
From: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager /
Subject: Mendakota Park Storage Building
Request:
Terry Blum, the Parks Leadperson, has requested the Commission consider
construction of a storage building at Mendakota Park. This building would store
various supplies as well as small pieces of equipment, such as the Cushman "Golf
Cart" used for striping and dragging fields.
Background:
When the Park was constructed the central hub building provided a minimum
IN of storage space in the mechanical room for general maintenance supplies or
equipment. Enlarging this building is not an option due to the tightness of the Hub
area of the ball field complex. Bulk supplies and all maintenance equipment is
stored at the Public Works Facility and brought by truck or trailer to the park. The
Public Works Facility is protected by an alarm system that only full time Public
Works employees can access. It is proposed that summer part-time employees
work on weekends in place of full-time City employees (paid at time and a half), as
has been the practice since weekend ball tournaments began in 1992 or 1993. This
then brings the question, does the City give the security access code to the Public
Works Facility to unsupervised part-time employees or can equipment and supplies
be "stockpiled" on Friday for the weekend tournament. Terry has suggested locking
" the Cushman vehicle in the batting cage along with anticipated supplies plus small
tools and equipment. Use of part-time workers saves the City an estimated $1 50 to
$250.00 per worker, per weekend tournament day.
Site Considerations:
_ Construction of a building, similar in design and materials as the existing
three structures, to be used for storage would cost approximately $40,000.00.
If a "simpler" building is constructed it should be located away from the main park
but close enough both visually and physically to the ball field complex to be useful
to the employee(s) on duty. Along Mendakota Drive or Dodd Road would be
visually unattractive. NSP owns the land along the south side up to the paved
bituminous path. This leaves the west side. At present, each summer, a port-a-
potie is located southwest of the play area and west of the soccer field. The NSP
substation is west of this area and contains numerous landscape plantings of trees
and shrubs. Locating the storage building west of the paved trail would allow the
storage building to blend into the background vegetation that screens the
substation. The building could include an overhang area large enough to cover two
port-a-potie units. The building would have electricity, but no sewer or water
facilities and be approximately 12x16 feet in size providing 190 square feet of
storage space. Funding for an improvement such as this would usually come from
the Special Park Fund. Attached is a site plan illustrating my recommendation
location.
Action Required:
Discuss the request from Mr. Blum and if the Commission decides this
storage facility would be a beneficial addition to Mendakota Park they should make
a recommendation that the City Council authorize hiring an architect to design the
building and to seek construction bids.
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City of Mendota Heights
Memo
May 5, 2000
Memo to: Park and Recreation Commission
From: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager
Subject: Replacement of deteriorating wood timber play equipment
Background:
The replacement of the wood timber play equipment elements currently
located in seven parks has been discussed on several occasions by the
Commission. Staff received our first complaint regarding an injury from wood
splinters from the equipment in Marie Park in May 1999 and have since received
several more from different individuals.
At last months meeting the commission voted to recommend to the City
Council that the wood timber elements in Marie Park should be replaced in fiscal
year 2000 and that if the funding was not available from the General Fund that
Special Park Funds be used for this maintenance project.
I will prepare a memo for the May 16t' City Council meeting with the
commission's recommendation.
Recommendation:
If members of the City Council are present at the meeting on May 9`", the
commissioners may want to explain this issue in more detail to them. The
replacement of wood timber equipment in seven parks will eventually cost in
excess of $100,000.00 over several years. It may be desirable to establish a year -
by -year replacement schedule so that adequate funding is included in future Park
Department Maintenance Budgets.
Action Required:
Discuss and establish a replacement schedule for removal and replacement
of the timber play equipment elements in seven parks.
Attachments:
Memo dated May 6, 1999
Memo dated April 5, 2000
117
City of Mendota Heights
April 5, 2000
Memo to: Park and Recreation Commission
From: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager
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 4th and again by the Commission on April 1 1". I further assured
her that I would contact her following the April 11" 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 1 980's.
Discussion
1 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 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 Harge 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
$
8,000
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.
March 9, 2000
Memo to: Park and Recreation Commission
From: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager �� 4
Subject: Upgrade Playground Equipment
- Background:
The Parks Referendum, passed in 1989, provided funding to upgrade play
equipment in six existing neighborhood parks (Friendly Hills, Ivy Hills, Marie, Rogers
Lake, Valley, and Wentworth). Each park contained timber play equipment installed
in the early 70's. In all but Ivy Hill Park one common element, a timber structure
was retained and modified to meet existing safety guidelines. This unit was a
climbing platform three or four steps/levels high with attached swing or slide. In
1990 the new equipment and play elements plus timber edging and an eight -inch
deep pea rock play surface were added to each park at an estimated cost of
$20,000.00 per park.
Last summer I received a phone call reporting that a child had been injured
by a wood sliver while playing on the platform at Marie Park. I viewed the
equipment and noticed numerous defects in the wood of the structure caused by
age and the elements. Although this piece of equipment is structurally sound it is
very dated in appearance. It would be difficult and expensive to attempt repairs to
this and the other similar units. In the past several years I have received many calls
to add some specific play element to a particular park or been questioned as to
why the timbers elements still exist in some of the parks. 1 have attended seminars
where discussions by Park and Rec Directors discuss the replacement of total play
area facilities every ten years.
Recommendation:
I recommend the Commission begin a program of replacing the wood timber
play elements in the five parks mentioned above and the wood timber structures in
Hagstom-King and Valley View Heights Parks at a rate of two or three per year and
that following these replacements a program be established to address a major
upgrading or replacing the play equipment installed in 1990 to 1992 in nine parks.
Funding:
Removal and replacement of the 70's wood structures in five parks, and
replacement with similar play elements will cost approximately $12,000 to
$15,000.00 per park. Replacing the units at Hagstrom-King and Valley View
Heights will be similar in cost thus requiring a budget of approximately
$100,000.00 over three years. All of the new or upgraded play equipment installed
was funded from the 1989 Referendum. The fact that the above work is in the
nature of repairs or replacements could put the General Fund , part of the Parks
Budget, as the funding source.
Action Required:
The Commission has voted to begin the replacement of the 70's wood
structures, by allocating $9,000.00 towards one park, at the January meeting. I
would urge the commission to consider increasing this amount by three or four
times and upgrade two or preferably three parks this year. Estimated cost for three
parks is $40,000.00.
If the Commission wishes to upgrade one or more parks this year they
should make a recommendation to the City Council to authorize use of Special Park
Funds or General Funds fo upgrade play facilities.
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
MEMO
May 6, 1999
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager J
SUBJECT: REPORT OF DANGEROUS PLAY EQUIPMENT
DISCUSSION:
A resident called to report that his daughter was injured by a wood sliver, from the Marie Park
play equipment, that required a trip to the emergency room. His insurance covered all costs
and he did not intend to file a legal claim against the City.
Backer ound:
The City has playground equipment in eleven parks and has participated in the cost of
equipment installed at three school district sites.
Following the 1989 Parks Referendum, the City, in 1990, installed new play equipment at six
existing neighborhood parks: Wentworth, Marie, Rogers Lake, Friendly Hills, Valley and Ivy
Hills. In addition, play equipment was installed in three newly developed parks. Victoria
Highlands (1990), Kensington Park (1992), and Mendakota Park (1991). Approximately
$400,000 from the referendum has been invested in playground equipment since 1990,
maintenance operations have been funded from the General Fund,
The City also has two parks, Hagstrom-King and Valley View Heights Park that have wood
(only) timber play equipment that are both in excess of ten years old.
Prior to the referendum six neighborhood parks contained redwood timber play equipment
installed by Earl Anderson in the early 1970's. Those elements that were still serviceable and
met, with modifications, the Consumer Product Safety Guidelines were left and new metal and
plastic elements "blended" into the playground areas. It was one of these wood play
equipment elements where the girl was injured.
RECONINT IENDATION:
I inspected the Marie Park equipment and recommend that some type of corrective
measures are needed. The wood is very rough, splintered and cracked. Safety rails are
missing from landings that are higher than 30" off the ground. Some of the steps and plat-
form timbers are quite worn. The wear and tear of 27 plus years of weathering and little feet
has degraded the wood.
Following are some of the options the Commission could consider.
1. Safety audit by Earl F. Anderson. The average cost for such an audit is $750 per
playground. Video and computer generated maps of playground in "as is" and "how it
should be upgraded" are prepared. To do all the parks $7 - 8,000 would be required
for the audits. Improvements can be done either by their crew or by City crews. Cost
estimates are part of the audit. The audit could not be done until fall.
My guess, the audit would recommend that all five parks with the old timber elements
from the 70's) be upgraded by removal of the timber elements and replacement with
metal and plastic equipment.
For insurance to cover any repairs of the old timber units requires that all replacement
timber elements be fabricated to the same specifications as the original and the units
disassembled and reconstructed using the manufactured timbers. This would be more
costly than replacing with new metal and plastic units.
2. Remove the timber elements in these five parks. This could be done by our crew at
minimal expense. Time wise, I estimate two or three in days per play area.
3. Remove old timber elements and replace with new equipment. All work would be by a
play equipment contractor. I estimate this would cost at $6 - 8,000 per park.
Five parks = $40,000,
Replacement of the 10-year old timber equipment at Haestrom-King and Valley View
Heights Park would be a little more. Probably in the $10-$15,000 range per park
4. Maintenance of wood elements by City crews. This would be very labor intensive. All
surfaces must be sanded, timbers replaced, disassembly required. Rails would have to
be manufactured and installed. Not beyond our employees abilities, but very time
consuming. Supplies and material costs per playground would be in the $500 - 12000
range.
City of Mendota Heights
Memo
May 5, 2000
Memo to: Park and Recreation Commission
From: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager A
Subject: 1. Cross Country Ski Trail in Valley Park and
2. Installation of "You are here" signage in City Parks
Discussion:
The commission has recommended to City Council that up to $5,000.00 of
Special Park Funds be approved for the construction of a cross-country ski trail in
Valley Park. The trail would loop in the park area north of the parking lot and would
not cross any waterway or use the existing paved trail.
The commission also recommended that up to $2,500.00 be approved for
materials to construct signs that would include a map of the City's parks and trails
system. The signs would be assembled by the Public Works department during
'down" times and installed upon completion at prominent locations in the City's
parks.
Both of the above projects were included in a memo to the City Council in
March, but no action was taken at that time.
Recommendation:
If council members attend the May 9`" meeting the commissioners may want
to also discuss the above two projects.
If the commission desires I can prepare separate memos regarding these
improvements and present them to the City Council at the May 161" or June 6`h
regular council meetings.
Action required:
If the commission desires to proceed with the above two projects they
should direct staff to present these two projects to the City Council for funding
approvals.
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'I 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
1 996 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:
$5,000900,
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
$
5,000
3,
You Are Here Signage
$
21500
$ 57,500.00
In addition to the above projects for fiscal year 2000, the Commission has
discussed, 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
1970'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 $ 51000
3. You are here signage $ 21500
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 now to
proceed.
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
MEMO
Nlay 27 2000
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Mary L. Hapka, Recreation Programmer
SUBJECT: April Recreation Report
Park Reservation
Tis the season! Park permits are approved and scheduled daily with few conflicts for those
looking for park shelters for family or company picnics. The parks department has received
several phone calls requesting use of Kensington and Mendakota Soccer fields; fields are
currently booked to capacity except for daytime hours Monday -Friday. A copy of all park
calendars and corresponding permits are provided to Terry Blum on a monthly basis.
Sprin�/Summer Newsletter
All program information for the Spring/Summer 2000 newsletter was submitted Thursday, April
27. The following program information will be provided in the Park and Recreation section of
the newsletter; Celebrate Mendota Heights Parks!, Summer Youth Trips, In -Line Skate Lessons,
Performances In The Park, Imagination Station, Friendly Hills Open Sandlot Program, Job
Posting for Summer Equipment Person, Request for Donation of sports equipment for Friendly
Hills Program, Golf Lesson & League information, Safety Camp, and SKYHAWKS roller blade
and golf camp programs.
Golf Lessons and Leagues
The first session of golf lessons began mid -April. Golf lessons tivill be offered.Shroughout the
spring and summer months. Junior League Golf flyers have been distributed at Somerset
Elementary, Mendota Elementary and Friendly Hills Middle School.
Mendota Heights Athletic Association
A meeting was held Monday, April 17 to discuss tournament fees to be paid by the Mendota
Heights Athletic Association. Mr. Scott Miller (MHAA), Kevin Batchelder and myself attended
the meeting. It was agreed upon that the City of Mendota Heights would charge the athletic
association the following fees for tournaments held by the association during the spring/summer
2000 softballibaseball season:
• One dumpster at $85.00 (if needed)
• Chalk at $3.50/bag
0 Turface, a drying agent at $7.00/bag
The City of Mendota Heights will only charge the Mendota Heights Athletic Association for
tournaments, which include outside teams. All fees relating to labor will be waived for the
spring/summer 2000 season. Fees charged to the association will be re-evaluated for 2001.
The Mendota Heights Athletic Association was also given permission to use Mendakota fields 93
& 94 on Monday evenings for the summer 2000 season.
Celebrate 1Vlendota Heights Parks!
Just a reminder, the Celebrate Mendota Heights Parks Celebration will be held on Saturday, June
3, from loam to 1pm. Again, any commissioners willing to volunteer at the event should contact
me at 452-1850.
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
MEMO
May 37 2000
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Mary L. Hapka, Recreation Programmer
SUBJECT: Friendly Hills Open Sandlot Summer Program
The City of Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Department and the Mendota Heights
Athletic Association will team up again this summer to co-sponsor the Friendly Hills Open
Sandlot Summer Program. The program will be available this summer approximately twenty
hours per week, Monday -Friday. The City of Mendota Heights will again hire a Summer
Equipment Person to oversee equipment checkout, monitor attendance and be available in case of
an injury or problem. This program will be marketed in city newsletter, by Mendota Heights
Athletic Association and flyers will be sent out to local schools. We are hoping that the early
marketing of this program will increase awareness and thus increase attendance at this program.
The Parks and Recreation is accepting donations of sports equipment, as the goal of this program
will be to provide equipment that will suit a variety of interests and abilities. Anyone wishing to
donate equipment can contact me at 452-1850 or drop off the equipment at city hall.
Attached please find the job posting for the position of Summer Equipment Person.
City of
Mendota Heights
JOB OPPORTUNITY
WITH THE CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
The Parks
and Recreation
Department
at the City of Mendota Heights is currently
accepting
applications for
the position
of Summer Equipment Person.
Position Title: Summer Equipment Person
Department: Parks and Recreation
Compensation: $7.50/hour
Hours: Approximately 20 hours per week M-F
Start date: Early June
Position Description: The Summer Equipment Person will be responsible for checking
in and out playground and equipment. Keeping the daily log. Taking inventory of
playground equipment at the beginning and end of each day.
Qualifications: Experience is desired, but is not a necessity. People skills. are a must.
Some physical labor is required. A high level of organization and reliability is a
necessity.
Application
Procedure:
Candidates
must submit a completed City application form, a
resume, and
a cover letter
to the City
of Mendota Heights.
Application Information:.. Call 651-452-1850 for an application
Applications, resumes and cover letters should be sent to:
City of Mendota Heights
Attn: Mary L. Hapka
1101 Victoria Curve
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
Application Deadline: Open until filled.
The City of Mendota Heights is an AA/EEO employer.
1101 Victoria Cune •Mendota Heights, bIN • 55118 (651) 452-1850 • FAY 452-8940