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1999-08-10 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda PacketPATRIOR HOLLISTER (ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT) CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA AGENDA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION August 10, 1999 6:30 p.m. -Large Conference Room 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. July 13, 1999 Minutes 4. Mendota Heights Athletic Association (MHAA) Donation Offer 5. Updates • Recreation Programmer's Update • Parks Report • Police Report (Available Tuesday) 6. 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 452-1850 with requests. Parks Report for July 1999 July 9'" The Parks Crew completed general maintenance in the parks this week including trash pick up, grass cutting, dragging ball fields, striping and chalking ball fields and soccer fields and trimming shrubs around park signs. They repaired some broken lawn sprinkler heads at Mendakota Park and at the City Hall ballfieldI They repaired some broken swings at Mendakota Park. They planted an Ash tree on Watersedge Terrace (replacement boulevard tree). They worked on constructing the new batting cage at Mendakota Park (they installed the pitcher's protection fences, home plates and hung the netting). They trimmed over -hanging branches along trails. Mendota Heights Athletic Association has their softball and baseball tournaments scheduled for this weekend, Terry and Mike will work overtime to staff these tournaments. July 16`b The Parks Crew completed general maintenance in the parks this week including trash pick up, grass cutting, dragging ball fields and striping and chalking ball fields and soccer fields. The parks crew continued to work on finishing the batting cage at Mendakota Park. They replaced a lawn sprinkling valve at the City Hall's baseball field. They prepared Mendakota Park for the State AAU Baseball Tournament, built mounds, washed down concrete, brought in more trash barrels and set up posts for installing marker tape to control access (they charge admission). The fields look GREAT! The tournament starts Friday morning and runs through Sunday. Terry and Mike will be working overtime this weekend to staff this tournament. They installed some sprinkler heads at the old fire hall site to improve lawn maintenance. July 23'" The Parks Crew completed general maintenance in the parks this week including trash pick up, grass cutting, dragging, striping and chalking ball fields and soccer fields. The Parks Crew installed home plates in the new batting cage at Mendakota Park. Terry and Mike worked overtime last weekend to staff the AAU thirteen -year -old State Baseball Tournament. As far as we know, everything went well. After the tournament was over the Parks Crew removed the baseball mounds and used the material to repair the warning tracks. They repaired a broken lawn sprinkler at Kensington Park. John Boland planted the purple loosestrife (beetle laden) plants at several wetlands throughout the City. John has been growing these bugs in his "nursery" at the Public Works Garage since early this spring. July 30`" The Parks Crew completed general maintenance in the parks this week including trash pick up, grass cutting, dragging, striping and chalking ball fields and soccer fields. The Parks Crew replaced two inoperable sprinkler heads at City Hall and a valve at Mendakota Park. They repaired the damaged lawn at Kensington Park where a landscaping water line had been repaired. They removed brush and limbs from Parks and the Fire Hall that were downed as a result of Sunday nights' wind storm. They repaired a broken window on 504 (the big mower) with plexi glass. They painted the foul poles at the ballfields. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 13, 1999 The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, July 13, 1999, 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 Spicer and Commissioners Liberacki, Linnell, and Craighead. Excused from the meeting were Commissioners Damberg, Libra, and Connelly. City Staff present was Administrative Assistant Patrick C. Hollister. Mr. Hollister took the minutes. MINUTES Commissioner Linnell moved to approve the June 8, 1999 minutes with no revisions. Commissioner Libra seconded the motion. AYES: NAYS: LEXINGTON AVENUE TRAIL OPEN HOUSE ON JULY 20,1999 Mr. Hollister encouraged all of the Commissioners to attend the Lexington Avenue Trail Open House on July 20, 1999. Mr. Hollister showed the preliminary design plans for the trail drafted by the Engineering Department and explained the format of the Open House. Mr. Hollister said that he would be calling Parks Commissioners again next week to remind them about the Open House. UPDATES Mr. Hollister provided updates on the following items: • Recreation Programmer's Update • Batting Cage at Mendakota Park • Civic Center Ballfield Improvements • Friendly Hills Warming House/Rec Center • Parks Report • Police Report OTHERITEMS Commissioner Liberacki said that the new batting cage at Mendakota looked nice and complemented Mr. Kullander on its placement and construction. Chair Spicer suggested that for the Friendly Hills play equipment check-out program, MHAA be encouraged to publicize the facility more. Chair Spicer said that his son who is working as the Friendly Hills warming house attendant this summer reports almost no turnout for the equipment check-out program, or even kids using the park. Chair Spicer said that this may be due to the fact that so many kids are already booked in organized recreation programs. Chair Spicer said that the running tracks at Sibley High School are in poor condition. Chair Spicer suggested that someone be hired to level the track with a roto-tiller. Commissioner Linnell said that since the City contributes money to these facilities at Sibley High School, the City should have some leverage over the maintenance of the facilities. Commissioner Linnell asked what the chance would be for the City to pass another parks referendum. Chair Spicer said that the taxpayers are complaining that the school district misrepresented their costs. Commissioner Linnell said that the City's policy of not allowing motors on Rogers Lake was too strict and that small electric trolling motors should be allowed now that interest in fishing on the lake has been renewed. Commissioner Linnell said that the Wentworth Shelters were very attractive. Commissioner Linnell said that it would be nice if more summer recreation programs for children in Mendota Heights left from Mendota Heights rather than from West Saint Paul. Commissioner Linnell said that he had designs for a vandal proof prison fountain which he could make available to the City if the City was still having problems with park vandalism. Commissioner Liberacki said that there was a pothole at Wentworth Park. Commissioner Liberacki said that the prairie -style landscaping at Ivy Falls Park looks very good at the moment and that he is now a wildflower and prairie grasses "convert" even though he was skeptical at the beginning. Commissioner Liberacki asked where the stones were from North Kensington Park. Mr. Hollister said that he believed that they were used for another purpose, but that he would find out for sure. The Parks Commission asked Mr. Hollister for an update on the Comprehensive plan revision process at the next Parks meeting. IN Motion made to adjourn by Spicer and seconded by Linnell. AYES: NAYS: The meeting adjourned at 7:30 pm. Respectfully Submitted, Patrick C. Hollister CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO August 6, 1999 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Patrick C. Hollister, Administrative Assistant SUBJECT: MHAA Donation Offer Discussion Scott Miller of MHAA has submitted the attached letter offering a donation to the City of Mendota Heights and soliciting advice as to what form the donation should take. Mr. Miller will be present at the August 10, 1999 meeting of the Parks Commission to discuss this donation offer. Action Required Please review the attached letter and discuss this donation offer with Mr. Miller. SCOTT L. MILLER 1021 WAGON WHEEL TRAIL MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MN 55120 651452-2167 -Home 651-283-6803 Cell sm681953@aol.com E-mail August 4,1999 Mr. Patric�Hollister Park & Rec Commissioners City of MpndotaHeights Re: MHAA's Proposed Donation for the Prevention of Park System Vandalism Recently the Mendota Heights Athletic Association discussed the rise of vandalism in the city parks. Of particular note was damage to the public restrooms at the Mendakota and Kensington facilities which had to be closed until repairs were made. I am aware that one of these -incidents resulted in an expenditure of around $1000.00toTepairand replace a plumbing fixture. There have also been other incidents. Such occurrences are expensive, inconvenient and embarrassing to the community when teams from other communities come to our city. We discussed this issue at the last board meeting and feel that a financial donation to the City is appropriate. The amount decided on by the MHAA board was up to $500, The Board wants the city to know how much we value our parks and to re -affirm our partnership with the city as a community organization. I was appointed by board to discuss this with the City. The best possible use for these funds has been discussed with Scott Johnson, Chief of Police and Kevin Batchelder. Chief Johr}son informed me that there is a Crime stopper program which could include rewards for those turning in vandals. Such a program would not be in place to receive ourdonation for 3- 6 months, until the non-profit funding could be set up. We also discussed my suggestion to install door locks electronically timed to open and close, on the restroom doors at the parks. I am not familiar with Kensington but know that lighting and outdoor electrical at Mendakota is presently on a timer, such that at 10 PM. the power goes off. This same system could be used to activate locks on the bathroom doors. An interior panic bar would prevent someone from being locked in. It was decided that Guy Kullander would research this with a locksmith and come up with some estimated costs. In summary, the MHAA has decided to donate up to $500 to the prevention of vandalism in our parks. Possible uses for this money are: 1. Wait until the fund has been set up and then make a donation. 2. Make a donation to the City toward the locks. 3. Suggestions welcome. I personally would like to see Iocks at TvIendakota & Kensington in an effort to prevent further damage while we determine the final best use of the monies. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMORANDUM TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Mary L. Hapka, Recreation Programmer RE: July Park & Recreation Report DATE: August 4, 1999 The following recreational programs were offered during the month of July. Youth Day Triers Thursday, July 8 - Wild Waters Water Park - Wild Waters Water Park is located in Somerset, Wisconsin. The youth on this trip enjoyed a day of water slides and water wars. Thursday, July 15, Cascade Bay -Located in Eagan, Cascade Bay offered activities for children of all ages including; a zero depth entry pool (bay), water slides, water toys, and a lazy river. Thursday, July 22, John Rose Oval &Como Zoo -The youth on this trip enjoyed a morning of in -line skating and an afternoon tour of Como Zoo. This trip will be reevaluated for the 2000 summer season. The children seemed to lose interest in skating after only one hour and many of the animal exhibits at Como Zoo were either empty or the animals just decided to play a good game of hide & seek. Thursday, July 29, Beaver Mountain Waterslide &Trapp Farm Park -The heat soared and thankfully we were able to extend our stay at Beaver Mountain until mid- afternoon. It was a hot one! Performances In The Park This months performances included Urban Renewal Bluegrass, Bob the Beachcomber and The Wonderful World of Woody. Imagination Station The Imagination Station traveling variety show was a big hit with young families. There was good attendance at both Mendakota and Wentworth Parks. Adult Softball The weather during the month of July was cooperative. Women's D and Men's Over 30 playoffs have been completed. Park Reservations Youth Athletics ended their summer season mid -July. Several park permits have been issued for family and company picnics. FriendlJ.Hills Summer Program The Friendly Hills Summer Program has been discontinued. The Friendly Hills Program was advertised in the Mendota Heights Athletic Association newsletter, in flyers distributed at local softball and baseball tournaments, and in flyers at local businesses. The local newspapers were contacted several times but despite these efforts the program was not publicized. Information from daily logs taken by the equipment person indicated usage of this program by area youth was low and that use of the Friendly Hills Park by area youth is in general low. CELEBRATE MENOOiA NE16Ni8 PPAKSI i I I I i 'ift IlmOO, PNMN pt; MENDAKOU PARK 0000 p�TtiNG Z� csuvv u � DD C��� TUNE TME suP�x CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO August 9, 1999 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager Y4 SUBJECT: MHAA Donation for Electronic Locks on Restroom Doors Installation of an electronic door locking system at Mendakota Park has been estimated at approximately $500 to $1,000 per door (probably the higher figure). A similar system, if installed at Kensington Pazk would be slightly higher because a control clock timer would also need to be installed at this location (about $250.00), Installation of automatic locking devices may not decrease the damage done by vandals. They may also lead to a more complacent attitude by the patrol officers that now check the parks and lock the doors after 10:00 P.M. Only two officers are on duty at night and are often delayed by regular police calls from checking the parks, sometimes for many hours. �.�rrzsUNOIi8i MOxv1 :eimLou VI WK73 MEMO July 26, 1499 TO: Park and Recreation Commission FROM: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager ,�W SUBJECT: Play Equipment for Sibley High School Area I met on Wednesday, July 213` with Genevieve Burke, 575 Sibley Court, and. Mary Waldvogel, 609 High Ridge Circle, at City Hall to discuss the possibility of placing play equipment on the School District 197 property west of the track area. I recapped the history of installing play equipment when improvements were made to the play fields in 1990. At that time it was determined by the Parks Commission that placing play equipment among the ballfields was dangerous due to fly balls and that placing equipment designed for 4-year-old to 12-year-olds on a high school campus was not desirable from a maintenance or safety standpoint. I also discussed alternate locations that were considered for a playground to serve this area. They were the Dodd Road/Highway 110 northeast corner or the superblock area north of Marie that may become available when single family development occurs. Both of these alternates are long term options. I also reported on other City/School District cooperative efforts such as the Mendota School play equipment, Friendly Hills Middle School and the Sibley Park athletic fields. The ladies reported that they had contacted the School District and received favorable feedback. Future Efforts I recommend that they make direct request to the City for partial funding contingent on funding from the School District and other private sources such as MHAA or local businesses 1uch as the Friendly Hills group accomplished. A Guy Kullander Engineering Technician / Parks Project Manager 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, MN 55118 Deaz Guy, Mary Waldvogel and I would like to thank you For all the time you spent with us going over the proposed park at Henry Sibley High School. We greatly appreciate your expertise and impute that you gave us. We will certainly be able to move forward with a more realistic plan thanks to your information. We look forward to working with you in the future. Sincerely, �J ./III " �o1ui G 20 C Gen Burke & Mary Waldvogel PARKS. OPEN SPACE & TRAILS INTRODUCTION [NAC TO AMEND THIS SECTION1 The City of Mendota Heights enjoys a park, open space, and trail system with 265 acres of City parkland and 21 miles of trails. The City also has Fort Snelling State Park, Big Rivers Regional Trail and other park facilities located within or near its boundaries. The park system is recognized as an important asset to the community because it provides opportunities for residents to relax, recreate, and enjoy nature, while also enhancing the physical landscape and improving property values. Previous comprehensive plans (1959 & 1979) and park plans (1971 & 1985) have guided the City in the development of its park system. As development has occurred, parkland has been dedicated to provide residents with recreational opportunities. Since the adoption of the 1979 Comprehensive Plan, the City has developed the following parks; Copperfield Ponds, Hagstrom-King, Kensington, Mendakota, Sibley and Victoria Highlands. The location of these new parks closely resemble Plan recommendations and reflect the City's commitment to providing park services to all residents as opportunities arise. GOALS AND POLICIES Goals 1. To provide the optlmurr��r�no`unf:`�`af active and passive open space for the enjoyment of all Mendotat.#e11ghts residents. 2. To provide a park systemthat assures the quality of facilities will match resident's desires and standards of living. 3. To use the park system as a means to enhance the environment of each neighborhood and the City as a whole. Policies 1. Encourage the preservation of open space by private property owners and the City. 2. Maximize the use of existing park facilities and consider establishment of additional facilities for all age groups when necessary, including facilities for the handicapped. 3. Explore new opportunities and continue to work cooperatively with School District #197, Fort Snelling State Park, and other entities to provide maximum recreational opportunities and avoid duplication. 4. Improve bicycle and pedestrian connections to City parks and other community destinations. MENDOTA HEIGHTS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK 57 Y Q Q a w 6u pIS ' ■ z E Z a 3 L bugle s a z pail{old++:. w w ualy ■ y a z O w � w w fla4sPP�8 ` ■ w a o 6URIMS ■ ■ ■ ■ K�IZ� ,CaK3ol.{ , ■ ■ ■ ■ �e11a4S; ■ ■ easy oluola ; ■ ■ ■ . ■ ■ ■ '."1 cc ,■ ■ ■ ■, ■ ■ ■ ■ to (D e/aO �y 119 li rt ■ ■ ■ ■ mp ` °c u) }lnd�; ■ - ■ ■ ■ CL to r. sluua2, ■ ■ ■ '= � ■ ■ cc - a.n )apaaaS ; ■ ■ ■ o ca Iie SeH a) 0 11e9iloSIF■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ me jies� ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ o ca to ro ro � c aln eN ? ■ ■ ■ ■ m o 00 o —_ saloy m v m Ni N T N o �v r E ca U N r (o O) m (D Q) r m O) d m y ro c 3 O C C 0U C1. ,0 � c m ro ro J N c > a = O C m QU X a) o a c AII, o as0y ,. N X -- ch asO O_ i Oc L 6 N Y X (i — 0 E U N Y '6 41 F- ' ccro 0 y' U c6 ro c OL O O 0 a)U y co E Co ca p{ -a -o y 0 i co Y U 3 (D Y c U a)0 -O, a' O n m L c O) m 0 (6 N O ro c O N ai ro 0 ro> •:-p LL: a. m ai m N ro c .� i n. 0 a ro ai a) m L d Q'>_ Q= "c- ��=cca Co a) �= a -a o�� Y� oro �� .c-o ro> =m "�UCD IQ- :-. 0_ ;C = >. o >% c o a y m �E .y n% m Y ¢ ro °- Q cO ro o 0 0 o m o -% >. >% 33 0 J- LOl U -0 -C >. fA -6 = ry •N U m 2� 0 -O CD m 0 0 N U p p C C~ w CD m. 0 Co m m m� N 0 >, 5 aa)i o .FD ro m 0 o o ro � ro �¢ m 0 � � m I I 1--U(1 U W LL a. LL(.) 3.:5 ?Q] YU= :5im 0 cl: (552 > �R » �2i rN PARKS, OPEN SPACE, AND TRAIL NEEDS Parks City Park needs can be determined by evaluating the number, size, and accessibility of parks. It is often recommended a park system contain 25 acres of park for each 1,000 population, which is equal to 1,089 square feet per person. To meet this standard, the City would need to provide 286 acres of parkland (based on the projected year 2020 population of 11,453 persons when fully developed). The City currently has 265 acres of park, and essentially meets the standard. Some additional parkland may be obtained as the few remaining larger parcels develop. It is also important to evaluate residents' access to parks. Residents are typically willing to walk 1/4 to'/z mile to reach a neighborhood park. Major roads, railroad tracks, and bodies of water also restrict access. Map 5.2 identifies park service areas based on distance and barriers. As Map 5.2 demonstrates, most residents are served well by the City's park system. The following three areas of the City are under served by the City's park system: 1. North of Somerset Country Club andas of Dodd Road. This neighborhood is lacking a City Park fac)iV Ho�r�ver most of these residents are within walking distance of Mud lake a n West St. Paul, 2. North of Highway 110 easttof Dodd Road and south of Wentworth Avenue (Somerset). Although the Sibley Athletic Complex is located in this area, it does not serve a neighborhood function. A new neighborhood park should be developed as some of the larger lots re -subdivide. 3. North of Highway 110 and west of Lexington. The ball field at the Civic Center site is temporary. Consequently, Marie Park is the nearest permanent park facility and for many residents is more than '/Z mile away on the other side of Lexington Avenue. There are limited opportunities for a larger neighborhood park because the area is nearly fully developed. However, a mini - neighborhood park should be developed to serve the residents. MENDOTA HEIGHTS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK 61 ❑ MNRRA Plan Trail Connections — MNRRA trail improvements and who will be responsible for their development are listed below. (for a more detailed description of these improvements, please refer to the MNRRA Chapter of the Plan) • Overlook to I-494 (Dakota County) • Mendota Bridge to Big Rivers Trail (Dakota County) • 1-35E to Big Rivers Trail (Mn/DOT) • Big Rivers Trail to Lilydale Regional Park/St. Paul (Dakota County) • Valley Park to Big Rivers Trail (City of Mendota Heights) • Wachtler Avenue to Highway 13 (City of Mendota Heights) • Highway 13 from Victoria Avenue to Lilydale Road (Mn/DOT) MEN DOTA HEIGHTS 63 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK RECREATION PROGRAMMING The City of Mendota Heights currently has one part-time recreation program director. This person is responsible for coordinating adult and senior activities and non -athletic I.- youth activities. The Mendota Heights Athletic Association coordinates youth athletic activities within the Citv. I PLAN SUMMARY The City of Mendota Heights currently has sufficient park acreage to serve its residents, although not all residents have equal access to those facilities. Future improvements will focus on updating existing facilities, adding facilities to neighborhoods that lack access to parks, and increasing the amount of open space. This may be accomplished through either park dedications or purchasing land. Trails are also an important component and focus of this plan because they connect neighborhoods to one another and the community to regional recreational opportunities. The Parks and Recreation Commission _ is an appointed citizen body responsible for evaluating park facility needs. The needs are det � med based upon the adequacy and accessibility of existing facilities, the availability desired piece of land, and budget considerations. Recommendations are forward the City Council during the City's annual budget and Capital Im rovemeats aihG�IP) process. 9 p P�� M ENDOTA HEIGHTS COMPREHENSIVE FLAN UPDATE DEVELOPMENTFRAMEWORK 65 a INCIDENTS: DATE 07/09/99 ACTIVITY REPORT - MENDOTA HGTS PARKS Reporting Period: 07/01/99 to 07/31/99 TIME LOCATION CASE NUMBER 1:10 KENSINGTON PARK 99002257 DESCRIPTION: PROP DAMAGE TRESPASS MS PRIVATE UNK DATE TIME LOCATION CASE NUMBER ---- ------ - -- - --........ ... 07/15/99 17:58 MENDAKOTA PARK 99002331 DESCRIPTION: DOB -ALL OTHER DATE TIME LOCATION CASE NUMBER 07/18/99 1:18 IVY HILLS PARK 99002367 DESCRIPTION: MISC PUBLIC -FIREWORKS DATE TIME LOCATION CASE NUMBER ---- ----- DATE TIME LOCATION CASE NUMBER 07/18/99 1:18 IVY HILLS PARK 99002367 DESCRIPTION: MISC PUBLIC -FIREWORKS DATE TIME LOCATION CASE NUMBER 07/17/99 11:50 KENSINGTON PARK 99002355 DESCRIPTION: STH DEG-ATT HARM -HANDS ETC-CHILD/ACQ DATE TIME LOCATION CASE 07/17/99 11:50 11:50 KENSINGTON PARK 199002355 DESCRIPTION: 5TH DEG-ATT HARM -HANDS ETC-CHILD/ACQ .TE TIME LOCATION CASE`NUMBER 07/17/99 11:50 KENSINGTON PARK 99002355 DESCRIPTION: 5TH DEG-ATT HARM -HANDS ETC-CHILD/ACQ CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS 1 � � August 10, 1999 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager SUBJECT: Improvements to Civic Center Ballfield City Council authorized the installation of a turf infield to the baseball field at the Civic Center. The mound was installed early this spring and the Parks Crew intend to begin replacing the ag-lime with topsoil and sod in the infield area. Half of the anticipated costs will be borne by the Mendota Heights Athletic Association over the next three years. Originally the Association hoped to assist with volunteers, but have since informed me that this would not happen. Terry will do most of the work with private contractors, hired as necessary. I feel confident that the budget, estimated at $11,000 will not be exceeded. Attached is a copy of the work steps anticipated for this project. � %�\ � )� >\9a, � /^ y ƒJ\ j � � � / � § � � v > \ % e g 3 � * \ / \ ® �a + � � � ) k f \ i, & '� � � > ^ \ \ \ \ \ y \ % { � y w � ® \ } \ \ y � j _M CA �h :z Z ' Q `IV � U 5 � m S1 �