2000-07-11 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda PacketCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
a r_F.Nn a
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
July 115 2000
6:30 p.m. -Large Conference Room
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. June 13, 2000 Minutes
4. Parks Items for 2001
5. Mendakota Pazk Netting
6. Updates
• June Recreation Report
• Marie Park Play Equipment
• Police Report
7. Adjourn
Auxiliary aids for persons with disabilities are available upon request at least l20 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) 452-1950 with requests.
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
JUNE 135 2000
The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held
on Tuesday, June 0, 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 Jay
Liberacki, Ann Connelly and Raymond Morris. Commissioner Lawrence Craighead
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 Moms moved approval of the May 9, 2000 minutes.
Commissioner Liberacki seconded the motion.
AYES:
NAYS:
MARIE PARK PLAY EQUIPMENT -REMOVAL AND UPGRADE
[Commissioner Craighead arrived at this point.]
Mr. Kullander presented several proposals from various companies for the replacement of
the play equipment at Marie Park. Mr. Kullander reviewed the proposed design, features,
materials, costs, and maintenance cited by each company.
The Commission discussed the various proposals and decided to recommend the product
offered by Flanagan.
Commissioner Liberacki moved to recommend that the Council authorize the e:cpenditure
of $15,000 for the Flanagan play equipment to replace the old Marie park play
equipment, with an additional $2,000 from the Special Park Fund for site preparation and
pea gravel for a total of $17,000.
Commissioner Connelly seconded the motion.
AYES:
NAYS:
UPDATES
Staff provided updates on the following items:
• May Recreation Report
• Wentworth Park Warming House
• Police Report
ADJOURN
Motion made to adjourn by Connelly and seconded by Liberacki.
AYES: 5
NAYS: 0
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfzzlly Submitted,
Patrick C. Hollister
City of Mendota Heights
Memo
July 5, 2000
To: Park and Recreation Commission
From: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager �.
Subject: City 2001 Budget
Background
Currently the various City departments are preparing budget requests for
fiscal year 2001. Requests are reviewed by the City Administrator, City Clerk, and
City Treasurer who compile the "raw" data and develop a Draft Budget for City
Council consideration. Jim Danielson, Director of Public Works, submitted the
budgets for park maintenance or park improvement projects. The above -identified
reviewers determine how an item or request is funded during preparation of the
Draft.
After reviewing the rough draft of the budget I prepared the attached memo,
which I submitted, to Kevin Batchelder and Jim Danielson. My intent was to
acquaint them with commission recommendations or comments that should be
considered for funding in the 2001 City Budget.
Draft 2001 Budget Items
In the draft budget the line item Maintenance and rep/acement of park p/ay
equipment was increased from $1,000.00 in the current 2000 budget to
$1,500.00 in 2001. 1 addressed this with Item 2 of my memo to Kevin and Jim.
Funding for this type of expenditure comes from the General Fund.
In the section for park projects Capital Outlay the following items were
included for consideration:
1. Play element replacement $18,000 (2"1of 7 timber units replaced)
2. Marie Park hockey upgrades $25,000 (Replaces boards and lights)
3. Wentworth Warming House $50,000 (Replaces existing facility)
4. Valley Park Ski Trail $ 51000
The financing requested, in
the
Draft Budget, for
the above four items is to be from
the Special Park Fund. The
only
Capital Outlays,
from the General Fund, are for a
fertilizer spreader ($1,800)
and
a Cushman cart
($17,000),
Special Park Fund
Discussions by the City Council relating to maintaining or increasing the
Special Park Fund from sources other than new lot developments may occur. The
City Administrator may initiate such discussions or one or more of the City Council
members may make this a discussion item.
Recommendation
If the commission desires additional projects be considered or wishes to
prioritize the projects already under consideration they should make a
recommendation to the City Administrator.
July 5, 2000 C G FY
Memo to: Kevin Batchelder, City Administrator
James Danielson, Director of Public Works
From: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager,/ 7
Subject: Recommendations from the Park and Recreation Commission
for your consideration during preparation of the 2001 City
Budget
Background
During the last six months the Park and Recreation Commission discussed
the following items and recommended that they be considered for funding during
the 2001 Budget preparation.
1. Removal of snow from ice rinks and trails on weekends.
Several commissioners commented that they had, on several occasions,
noticed that the trails and especially the ice rinks were not being plowed during the
weekends. They felt that since the "window of opportunity" to skate is so short
that overtime hours should be authorized for the plowing crews, on weekends, that
maintain the skating rinks and trails.
2. Maintenance /replacement of play equipment and play area surfaces.
The commission requests that the "Maintenance of Play Equipment" line item
in the budget be increased from the current level in the 2000 Budget of $1 ,000.00
to $5,000.00 or $10,000,00, All of the current "newer" play equipment was
installed in 1990, 91 , and 92. All of the equipment elements display signs of wear.
Many elements are rusted, paint has peeled, routine cleaning has not been
performed, wood timber edgers are splintered, the pea gravel safety surface
materials has not been maintained to a minimum 6" to 8" in depth, etc. The park
crew does periodic inspections and do replace worn or broken chain or fasteners,
but are not diligently "looking" at the overall total safety of the play areas. Recently
a climbing chain needed to be replaced which cost in excess of $700.00. A request
for a bucket seat, suitable for use by a handicapped individual has been requested.
This $400 to $500 item cannot be considered at this time due to the lack of
funding in the maintenance account. Each of the eleven play areas requires an
ncrease in the level of "care" over what it has received in the past. Without an
adequate budget to purchase supplies or replacement elements any increase in
maintenance may result in the removal of some elements thus lowering the "level
of service" offered at the play areas. If the current park crews lack the time or
expertise to perform thorough maintenance and safety inspections of the play areas
an outside firm could be called in. In this event the higher, $10,000.00, limit
should be considered.
3. Development of Park (City) Natural Resource Plan
The commission has discussed the value of developing a City Natural
Resource Plan / Inventory. With such a plan future projects or developments within
the City could be designed to include conservation or enhancement of natural
assets and could help to create connections between fragmented habitats. Once
small open meadows in our parks now are overgrown with volunteer (trash)
vegetation such as Buckthorn, Staghorm Sumac, or Poplars. The Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources budgets grant monies for Natural Resource Plans
and for projects to reestablish native plant species. Current staff does not have the
expertise to prepare the grant applications required by the DNR. The commission
recommends the City Council consider hiring a consultant to prepare the grant
applications for the City. Estimated cost for the initial applications is $6,000,00 to
$8,000,00, This type of expenditure cannot come from the Special Park Fund.
City of Mendota Heights
Memo
July 6, 2000
Memo to: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager
Subject: Mendakota Park -Safety Netting in Hub Area
Background:
At the regular June 20"' City Council meeting, several members of the City
Council expressed their concerns of potential injuries due to being struck by a foul
ball while attending a game at the park. Several recounted near -miss stories where
a foul ball from another field strikes close to a person who is watching a game in
the opposite direction from where the foul ball came from.
I informed the Council that I would include this item on the next Park and
Recreation Commission agenda.
Cost /Design Updates from original 1994 Concept
The attached sketches, developed in 1 994, were preliminary in nature and
were for discussion purposes only. If this project proceeds a more detail plan must
be developed. I estimate that this project should cost under $25,000.00 unless
additional support poles must be installed to support the netting.
Construction Time Line
If this project proceeds and is approved by the City Council I would
anticipate the connectors, fasteners, cables, etc. would be installed early fall and
the netting hung next spring.
Recommendation
Review the concept plan and sketches.
Action Required
If the Commission desires that protective safety netting be installed at
Mendakota Park they should make a recommendation to the City Council to direct
_ staff to prepare plans and specifications for this project. The Commission may also
wish to make a recommendation on the funding source for this project.
March 9, 2000�
Memo to: Parks and Recreation Commission
o�
From: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager
Subject: Mendakota Park -Protective Netting in Hub Area
Discussion:
The Commission requested information regarding installation of safety
netting in the Hub area to prevent injury from foul balls.
Background:
The Commission in 1994 following two reported injuries from foul tipped
balls discussed this subject. Three options were presented for discussion:
1 . Heighten existing backstop by extending fencing or installing 40 to 50 foot
poles and hang nylon mesh netting:
2. Replace backstop with curved hooded type that "hangs" above batter: or
3. Install nylon mesh netting supported on steel cables attached at top of
backstop and roof fascia thereby covering the entire Hub area with netting.
On February 8, 1994 the Commission selected Option 3 (netting over the entire
Hub area) and requested that the City Council authorize the use of Special Park
Funds for this improvement.
The City Councils discussed this at several meetings and determined that
increasing the height of the existing backstop ten feet would provide protection
from foul tips to spectators sitting on the observation deck above the concession
stand. This was the location where the two reported injuries occurred.
The height of the four backstops was increased ten feet, to a total height of
twenty-five feet, in July 1995. To the best of my knowledge the City has received
no reported irrjaries to occupants on the observation level since the new fencing
was installed.
Attached are several sketches of the above options which were developed
for discussion purposes in 1994.
Funding:
The funding source for any improvements at this park would be from the
Special Park Fund or from private donations. If Option 3 were to be constructed
now, I estimate the project cost to be approximately $25,000.00. An exact
estimate cannot be determined until plans and specifications are prepared.
Action Required:
If the Commission determines there is a need for safety netting they should
make a recommendation to the City Council to authorize the preparation of plans
and specifications for this improvement.
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CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
MEMO
July 5, 2000
TO: Park &Recreation Commission
FROM: Mary L. Hapka, Recreation Programmer
SUBJECT: June Recreation Report
Celebrate Mendota Heights Parks Celebration — Letters of appreciation were sent to all
volunteers, participants and sponsors of this year's celebration. The sponsor/contributor board
was displayed in the lobby here at city hall throughout the month of June.
Friendly Hills Open Sandlot Program —Program opened on Monday, June 12. Soccer balls,
basketballs, softball baseball equipment has been supplied by the Mendota Heights Athletic
Association. Equipment Supervisor, Todd Spicer reports an increase of activity in the park and
an increase in the number of youth checking out equipment in comparison to last years program.
Scott Miller of the Mendota Heights Athletic Assoc. advertised the program in the latest MHAA
newsletter.
Junior Golf League —The Junior Golf League began the week of June 12. Thirty youth are
golfing in the Monday morning league and fifty-three youth are golfing in the Wednesday
afternoon league.
Performances In The Park
*Wednesday, June 141 Teddy Bear Band approximately 60 citizens in attendance. Program took
place at Sibley High School rainout location.
*Wednesday, June 21. LeRoy's River Minstrels approximately 17 citizens in attendance.
"Wednesday, June 28, Paul Heffron, due to a lack of electricity at the Rogers Lake Shelter
program was cancelled. This program has been rescheduled for Wednesday, August 23 at 7:00
(Rogers Lake).
June Summer Youth Trips
Thursday, June I � —Cedar Lake Farms — 3 participants
Thursday, June 22 — Charlotte's Web at The Old Lou Theatre/Shady Oak Beach — 10
participants
Thursday, June 29 —Apple Valley Aquatic Center — 7 participants
In -Line Skate Lessons cancelled due to low enrollment.
July park facility calendars �cere copied and mailed to Terry Blum.
City of Mendota Heights
Memo
June 29, 2000
Memo to: Park and Recreation Commission
From: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager , 7
Subject: Replacement of Play Equipment at Marie Park
The City Council, at the regular June 20`h meeting, awarded a contract to
Flanagan Sales, Inc. for the removal and replacement of the wood timber climbing
Platform located in Marie Park. The final cost, including the enlargement of the
timber edged area with pea gravel surfacing, was $17,905.89.
Parts from the disassembled timber platform will be salvaged and reused as
replacement components, whenever possible, by the City's park crew.
Installation of the new equipment will be in August.
Action Required
None. This memo is for information only.
MENDOTA HEIGHTS POLICE DEPARTMENT
(DENT SUMMARIES . PARKS
CN: 00001994 OFFENSE/INCIDENT: Criminal Damage to Property
DATE: 06/02/2000 18:22:Ot OFFICER: Flandrich, L 2229
LOCATION: Scenic Overlook- Old MNTH#13
07-06-2000
SYNOPSIS:
Arrived and was met by Dakota Park Patrol who stated they completed a report on damage to the Scenic Overlook stone wall.
Approximately 10 concrete "caps" on the decorative wall were forcibly removed, many were broken. The caps weigh
approximately 80-100 pounds each. This occurred in the last 24 hours. No suspect or witness iinformation was available.
Damage was estimated at +$250.00.
FORWARD TO INVESTIGATIONS
END REPORT
L.E.FLANDRICH,JR 92229
CN: 00002015 OFFENSEIINCIDENT: DOB's
DATE: 06/03/2000 18:05:01 OFFICER: Flandrich, L 2229
LOCATION: Friendly Hills Park
'NOPSIS:
llOB's. Officer unable to locate-GOA.
CN: 00002061 OFFENSE/INCIDENT: DOB'S
DATE: 06/06/2000 17:57:Ok OFFICER: Larrive, J 2233
LOCATION: Great River Trail
SYNOPSIS:
Dispatched to River Trail on a report of DOB'S digging in a cave. The DOB's were located and advised to leave.
CN: 00002160 OFFENSEIINCIDENT: Found Property
DATE: 06/12/2000 07:40:0 OFFICER: Menden, J 2227
LOCATION: Kensington Park
SYNOPSIS:
Comp. stated he found a green Umbro duffle bag containing mist. athletic equipment at Kensington Park. Duffle bag was placed
into evidence room until owner is located and claims.
INCIDENT SUMMARIES - PARKS 07-06-2000
CN: 00002169 OFFENSE/INCIDENT: Fireworks Complaint
TE: 06/12/2000 19:47:01 OFFICER: Flandrich, L 2229
LOCATION: Valley Park
SYNOPSIS:
Arrived and had to cutoff gate padlock at Lillydale Rd. access( chain and other lock jammed). Tracked down 4 DOB's at the
creek, in the valley behind Bluff Circle and off the trail from I-35E View. Had all DOB's clean entire area and haul out all
fireworks and trash. Drove all home and advised parents. Fireworks and trash dumped in MH PWG dumpster..
END REPORT
CN: 00002171
OFFENSE/INCIDENT:
Cr m Hal
Damage to Property/ Theft
DATE: 06/12/2000 21:13 :OF
OFFICER: Flandrich, L
2229
LOCATION: Mendakota Park
SYNOPSIS:
2 separate vehicle broken into and had purses stolen out of them.
CN: 00002197 OFFENSE/INCIDENT: DOB's
DATE: 06/14/2000 18:12:0 OFFICER: Flandrich, L 2229
LOCATION: Kensington Park
"NOPSIS:
LuB's - GOA/UTL
CN: 00002253 OFFENSE/INCIDENT: Fire
DATE: 06/18/2000 22:30:0 OFFICER: Rosse, T 2237
LOCATION: Valley Park
SYNOPSIS:
On 06-18-2000 at 2230 hrs, we observed a Hash can on fire at Valley Park. I successfully extinguished the fire. No suspects
were seen in the area. At this time it appears to be an accidental fire.
CN: 00002274 OFFENSEIINCIDENT: Damage to Property
DATE: 06/20/2000 08:07:0• OFFICER: Garlock, N 2226
LOCATION: Kensington Park
SYNOPSIS:
I responded to Kensington Park reference damage to property. I spoke with Terry Blum who stated that someone had started 3
rolls of toilet paper on fire in the men's restroom. It also caused damage to the ceiling vent fan. He advised that the restrooms
were unlocked the entire night. He said that recently something has happened to the restrooms 3 out of the last 5 nights.
^n Thursday and Sunday, the sprinklers on the soccer field were tampered with; however, that problem has been corrected.
INCIDENT SUMMARIES - PARKS
07-06-2000
CN: 00002302 OFFENSE/INCIDENT: Arson/Kensington Park
ATE: 06/21/2000 22:06:0c OFFICER: Anderson, D 2204
LOCATION: Kensington Park
SYNOPSIS:
In the course of routine patrol duties of locking the city park restrooms, it was discovered that perpetrator(s) unknown had ignited
the trash receptacles located in the two restrooms at Kensington Park. One of the attempts had extinquished itself; however, the
other fire was started in the trash that was dumped from the bin and was a smoldering fire that flared up when the door was
opened to inspect the restroom before locking. This fire caused severe damage to the restroom. MHFD was summoned to the
scene. I took photos of the damage, and of the ignition source that had extinquished itself. See narrative.
CN: 00002324 OFFENSE/INCIDENT: DOB's
DATE: 06/22/2000 20:16:0OFFICER: Anderson, D 2204
LOCATION: Ivy Falls Pazk
SYNOPSIS:
Dispatched to Ivy Falls Park regarding repeated screaming from the Park Area. On arrival, I located the two responsible 13 year
olds who were just acting their age. Advised, no problem.
CN: 00002452 OFFENSE/INCIDENT: Public Assist
DATE: 06/30/2000 09:41:01 OFFICER: Garlock, N 2226
1
OCATION: Marie Park
,. (NOPSIS:
I responded to Marie Park reference 2 small children dressed in PJ's playing the park. I located the mother who was looking for
her children on Overlook Rd. They were turned over to their mom. They escaped while she was lying down.