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1987-10-13 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda PacketCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA, OCTOBER 13, 1987 - 7:00 P.M. 1. Call to Order. 2. Roll Call. 3. Approval of Minutes, September 8. 4. Citizen Request - Mary Jeanne Schneeman, 792 Upper Colonial Drive, Regarding Dog Waste in Public Parks. 5. Park Development Plans for Victoria Highlands Neighborhood Park. 6. Update on Progress of Discussions Regarding Sibley Athletic Complex. 7. Cost of Hockey Rink Modifications at Wentworth Park. 8. Discussion of Recreation Programming Alternatives. 9. Adjourn. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO OCTOBER 7, 1987 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Kevin D. /EStaa), City Administrator SUBJECT: Informational Materials for October 13 Meeting Because the October agenda is somewhat lengthy, with I mportant discussion items, I am providing this memo of information, as well as attached backup material. 1. Citizen re uest Mar Jeanne Schneeman 792 Upper Co onia Drive, regarding dog waste in public parks. Ms. S�- c neeeman, a previous member of the Par s Commission, feels that there is a problem with people allowing their dogs to go to the bathroom in public parks. She requests that the Commission consider recommending to the City Council that an ordinance be adopted requiring dog owners to clean up after their animals, and providing posting in the parks of such regulation. 2. Park development plans for Victoria Hiqhlands Commission en orsed the park proposal by City Planner Howard Dahlgren for the Victoria Highlands (Bream) development in the northeast corner of Victoria and Marie. That plan has been adopted and ratified by the Planning Commission and City Council. A copy of the final platting of the park is attached. The park property will serve an important function in the planned storm sewer drainage improvements for the Victoria Highlands subdivision. Council has asked that the Parks Commission go ahead and determine what facilities will be placed in the park, so that they can be considered when the engineering plans for storm drainage improvements are completed. Attached you will find a small section from our 1985 Park and Recreation Facility Needs Study, which prescribes our consultant's recommendations for improvements to this park. You will notice that he suggests only playground equipment, an open playfield area, and multi -use hard court. Some parking would also be necessary. The Commission should review this recommendation, and determine what facilities it feels should be included in the park. 3. Update on Progress of Discussions Reaardinq Sibley Athletic Complex - Councilmembers Blesener and Cummins and I�ave continued to meet with School District officials. We have another meeting scheduled for next Tuesday morning, so that I will be prepared to give the Commission a very timely update at Tuesday night's meeting. Cost of Hocke�Rink Modifications at Wentworth Park Commissioner Bill Owens, on--b-Malf of the Mend/Eagan Athletic Association, has requested and proposed that Wentworth Park be designated as a practice rink for Mend/Eagan Association teams. At its last meeting, the Commission endorsed this request and asked that the staff put together some cost estimates for the improvements being suggested by Commissioner Owens. Attached you will find a copy of the Public Works Superintendent's report. The Commission should consider the costs of these improvements, then make a recommendation to the City Council, so that the improvements can be put in place before the beginning of the hockey season. 5. Discussion of Recreation Programming Alternatives - A� :S. e` Iasi m' eking, I in Oormeci fhe Commission o the Council's desire that it look at alternative ways of delivering recreation programming. We agreed that our first step would be to initiate discussions with other recreation "groups" in the area. I was to contact the City of West St. Paul and School District 197 Community Education, Commissioner Owens was to contact Mend/Eagan Athletic Association and West St. Paul Athletic Association, and Commissioner Knittig contact Dodge Nature Center. My most fruitful discussion was with West St. Paul City Manager Bill Craig and Recreation Director Bill Kleineck. They were extremely receptive to the idea of the two cities operating a joint recreation department. Bill Craig was previously manager of Hopkins, and related how Hopkins and Minnetonka had done exactly the same kind of thing with much success. For your information, I am enclosing copies of the Spring/Summer and Fall recreation brochures from the West St. Paul Park and Recreation Department. As you can see, they offer a far broader variety of programming than we have been able to offer with only a part-time recreation director. The West St. Paul Park and Rec department has three full-time employees, and felt that they would have to expand the staff if we were to create a joint department with West St. Paul. Their budget includes approximately $30-40,000 of general tax support, with the remainder of revenue coming from participant fees. They estimate that about 30% of their current enrollments are people other than residents of West St. Paul, and about 15% are from Mendota Heights. I also had a brief telephone conversation with District 197 Community Education Director Sally Warring. Sally indicated that there is really no one on their current community education staff who is an expert on recreation programming, so they have no immediate expertise in that area, and would not be able to provide the service with their current staff. However, she indicated that they are always open to broadening their services to the community, and would be happy to have further discussions with the City. We both agreed that a joint City/School District program might make even more sense if we succeed in building the Sibley athletic complex. I will be prepared to offer more comments and thoughts at the meeting about the possibilities of working with the City of West St. Paul and School District 197. Hopefully Commissioners Owens and Knittig will also have useful reports. It seems to me that the next step is then for the Commission to begin zeroing in on what directions we want to pursue, and what further research needs to be done. KDF:madlr attachments AUG 17 19B7 August 12, 1987 Mr. Jim Stein Mendota Heights Park Commission 1752 James Road Mendota Heights, MN 55118 RE: WENTWORTH PARK - HOCKEY PRACTICE RINK Dear Jim: At the request of the MEAA Hockey Policy Committee, Z would like to request that the Wentworth Park rink be used as a practice rink by Association teams. This rink tends to be the least used and thus will alleviate complaints from other neighborhood rinks, that teams without prior warning show up and practice. The Policy Committee will work with the Recreation Director with scheduling. Teams would only use other rinks in situations where ice conditions make use of Wentworth impossible. Additionally, I would request that prior to November 1st cyclone fencing be placed around each end of the Wentworth rink, approximately three to four feet above the boards. This should extend about six feet beyond the end of each curve, up the straight portion of the boards. I have some ideas about how best to construct the fencing and would be pleased to casually share these with the City staff. The September Park Commission meeting would seem, from a timing standpoint, a good time to discuss this formally. Cor 'ally, William W. Owens, III WWO:nas cc: Kevin Frazell Marsha Knitting CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA, OCTOBER 13,7:00 P.M. 1. Call to order. 2. Roll Call." 3. Approval of Minutes, September 8. 4. Citizen Request - Mary Jeanne Schneeman, 792 Upper Colonial Drive, Regarding Dog Waste in Public Parks. 5. Park Development Plans for Victoria Highlands Neighborhood Park. 6. Update on Progress of Discussions Regarding Sibley Athletic Complex. 7. Cost of Hockey Rink Modifications at Wentworth Park. 8. Discussion of Recreation Programming Alternatives. 9. Adjourn. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES, SEPTEMBER 8, 1987 The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by Chairman Jim Stein. Members present were: Lachenmayer, Owens, Stein, Leffert, Knittig, Katz, and City Administrator Frazell. Damberg was absent. Minutes of the July 14 meeting were approved. VICTORIA In attendance at the meeting were several HIGHLANDS residents of the neighborhood adjacent to the SUBDIVISION proposed Bream development. They expressed their desire to have the parking area for the park in the new development be located on the far side away from existing homes (behind Lots 36 and 37 on the Dahlgren plan). The consensus among those present is that the "Dahlgren" plan is preferred over the "Bream" plan. Commissioner Knittig moved that the Parks Commission recommend that the City Council adopt a park plan south of South Ridge park as suggested by Dahlgren whose plan includes 37 lots. Commissioner Stein seconded the motion. Motion carried. Commissioner Stein further recommended there be access between trails and cul-de-sacs and Howard Bream agreed. Commissioner Leffert made a motion to that effect, it was seconded and carried. ATHLETIC A committee from the School Board has met with COMPLEX delegates from the City. Negotiations are moving along well. Further discussions set up for September 9. At present, it appears that the bond issue could be in late winter or spring. Parks commissioners should be available for the School Board meeting to provide input when the full groups are deliberating. WENTWORTH Commissioner Owens recommended in a letter to PARK/MEND- the Chair that Wentworth Hockey rink be EAGAN HOCKEY designated the Mend -Eagan hockey practice rink. Other rinks would then be open for general use and the intent is to minimize CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO OCTOBER 7, 1987 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Kevin D.jaa;, City Administrator SUBJECT: Informational Materials for October 13 Meeting Because the October agenda is somewhat lengthy, with important discussion items, I am providing this memo of information, as well as attached backup material. 1. Citizen request Mary Jeanne Schneeman, 792 Upper %�olonia�rive, egarding dog waste in public parks. Ms. Schneeman, a previous member of the Parks Commission, feels that there is a problem with people allowing their dogs to go to the bathroom in public parks. She requests that the Commission consider recommending to the City Council that an ordinance be adopted requiring dog owners to clean up after their animals, and providing posting in the parks of such regulation. 2. Park development plans for Victoria Hiahlands iiei ur�vuvc�u arx - e�.� i�5 ia5u meeLiiiy �iie Commission en orsed the park proposal by City Planner Howard Dahlgren for the Victoria Highlands (Bream) development in the northeast corner of Victoria and Marie. That plan has been adopted and ratified by the Planning Commission and City Council. A copy of the final platting of the park is attached. The park property will serve an important function in the planned storm sewer drainage improvements for the Victoria Highlands subdivision. Council has asked that the Parks Commission go ahead and determine what facilities will be placed in the park, so that they can be considered when the engineering plans for storm drainage improvements are completed. Attached you will find a small section from our 1985 Park and Recreation Facility Needs Study, which prescribes our consultant's recommendations for For your information, I am enclosing copies of the Spring/Summer and Fall recreation brochures from the West St. Paul Park and Recreation Department. As you can see, they offer a far broader variety of programming than we have been able to offer with only a part-time recreation director. The West St. Paul Park and Rec department has three full-time employees, and felt that they would have to expand the staff if we were to create a joint department with West St. Paul. Their budget includes approximately $30-401000 of general tax support, with the remainder of revenue coming from participant fees. They estimate that about 30% of their current enrollments are people other than residents of West St. Paul, and about 15% are from Mendota Heights. I also had a brief telephone conversation with District 197 Community Education Director Sally Warring. Sally indicated that there is really no one on their current community education staff who is an exert on recreation programming, so they have no immediate expertise in that area, and would not be able to provide the service with their current staff. However, she indicated that they are always open to broadening their services to the community, and would be happy to have further discussions with the City. We both agreed that a joint City/School District program might make even more sense if we succeed in building the Sibley athletic complex. I will be prepared to offer more comments and thoughts at the meeting about the possibilities of working with the City of West St. Paul and School District 197. Hopefully Commissioners Owens and Knittig will also have useful reports. It seems to me that the next step is then for the Commission to begin zeroing in on what directions we want to pursue, and what further research needs to be done. KDF:madlr attachments Administrative Offices CITY OF In NDOTA HEIGHTS October 8. 1987 Dear Victoria/Marie Area Neighbor: A number of you appeared at earlier meetings of the Parks Commission concerning the park which is planned in the south end of the South Ridge subdivision, and will connect into additional park property in the Victoria Highlands subdivision to the south. The proposed dedication that was favored by the neighborhood has now been endorsed and ratified by the Planning Commission and City Council. The City Council has asked that the Yarks Commission decide what facility improvements it wishes to put in the park, so that that can be taken into consideration when the City does the storm drainage improvement study. The Commission will be discussing these park improvements at its meeting this coming Tuesday night, October 13, at 7:00 P.M. in the Council Chamber. You are welcome and encouraged to join us for that discussion. Kevin D. Frazell City Administrator KDF:madlr 750 South Plaza Drive • Mendota Heights, Minnesota 55120 • 452-1850 facilities; activities such as skating are accommodated at Marie Avenue Park. For anything other than private facilities, residents here must cross either Victoria Avenue (to get to Marie Avenue Park) or I-35E (to get to Valley Park). The northwest quadrant (bounded by Victoria, Marie and I-35E) is only partially developed at present. The city has received a five acre parcel via park dedication. This parcel is centrally located, off of Diane Road. The Wilder/McCloud property, presently undeveloped, lies immediately south of here. At present, plans indicate this area will be developed at moderate density, possibly with townhouses. At the time of development, the city should acquire additional land and acreage such that the Diane Road parcel can be developed to meet neighborhood needs far both the low density and medium density areas. It is recommended that this park be developed with playground equipment, open playfield area, and multi -use hard court. Skating and hockey needs should be met by Marie Avenue Park, as these facilities tend to be costly to develop and maintain. The northeast portion of Neighborhood 5 is dominated by Valley Park. The southern section of Valley Park is developed to meet neighborhood park needs. Wentworth Park also serves a portion of this sub -neighborhood, primarily the small residential area west of Wachtler and north of Wentworth Avenue. Access to Wentworth park could be improved. The Mendota Heights Golf Course provides open space in this subneighborhood. While no one anticipates the golf course being converted to residential purposes, if for some reason this should occur, then the resulting new residential area will need access to Valley Park from Bachelor Avenue. The proposed Wachtler site park will not be designed to serve as a neighborhood park, as it is intended for use as a community wide athletic complex. However, the acquisition and development of the site will serve to enrich park facilities in the neighborhood by providing enhanced access to the Valley Park trail system. The southeast quadrant of Neighborhood 5 is not well served by neighborhood parks. The portion of the Valley Park extending south of Moire Avenue is unsuitable for anything but trails or passive user. There is, how ever, a trail underpass under Marie Avenue so that residents could easily cross the street to reach the developed facilities in Valley Park. Overall, the residential densities of this quadrant are low. Wetlands and natural drainageways limit the degree to which this quadrant would redevelop at a significantly higher level. However, these drainageways offer opportunities to develop trail links to park facilities in adjoining neighborhoods 6 and 9. In summary, the southeast quadrant of Neighborhood 5 is not as well served by neighborhood parks as other areas of the city. There is some service via the trail underpass to Valley Park. It is difficult to justify development of additional neighborhood park facilities in this quadrant until there are viable plans for redevelopment at higher densities. Neighborhood 6: Willow Spring This neighborhood does not have any municipal park facilities located within it. Sibley High School has many active athletic facilities which serve older youth and 44 17 64S 4.1 pc. y oUTLoT A �o KENSl MrGTO bZ 130 160 bz H � z7 9s Q- 93 I N n 2 to 9P 9L i�¢ 90 ez it i7o 100 m° h o /36 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO October 7, 1987 T0: Park and Recreation Commission FROM: James E. Danielson Public Works Director SUBJECT: Hockey Rink Backstops at Wentworth Park DISCUSSION: The Park and Recreation Commission received the attached request from Mr. William W. Owens of the MEAA last August. In the letter he requested that backstops be installed at the Wentworth Park hockey rink. The Park and Recreation Commission endorsed his request and requated that staff proceed to obtain quotes to complete the work. We have received the following two quotes: Midwest Fence $2,000 South St. Paul, MN Finley Bros. Enterprises $3,200 Minnetonka, MN Both companies have complete similar type backstops in Eagan and are familiar with what we want at Wentworth Park. ACTION REQUIRED: Review the quotes and if -the Park and Recreation Commission de- sires to complete the work they should forward their request to Council. facilities, activities such as skating are accommodated at Marie Avenue Park. For anything other than private facilities, residents here must cross either Victoria Avenue (to get to Marie Avenue Park) or I-35E (to get to Valley Park). The northwest quadrant (bounded by Victoria, Marie and I-35E) is only partially developed at present. The city has received a five acre parcel via park dedication. This parcel is centrally located, off of Diane Road. The Wilder/McCloud property, presently undeveloped, lies immediately south of here. At present, plans indicate this area will be developed at moderate density, possibly with townhouses. At the time of development, the city should acquire additional land and acreage such that the Diane Road parcel can be developed to meet neighborhood needs for both the low density and medium density areas. It is recommended that this park be developed with playground equipment, open playfield area, and multi -use hard court. Skating and hockey needs should be met by Marie Avenue Park, as these facilities tend to be costly to develop and maintain. The northeast portion of Neighborhood 5 is dominated by Valley Park. The southern section of Valley Park is developed to meet neighborhood park needs. Wentworth Park also serves a portion of this sub -neighborhood, primarily the small residential area west of Wachtler and north of Wentworth Avenue. Access to Wentworth park could be improved. The Mendota Heights Golf Course provides open space in this subneighborhood. While no one anticipates the golf course being converted to residential purposes, if for some reason this should occur, then the resulting new residential area will need access to Valley Park from Bachelor Avenue. The proposed Wachtler site park will not be designed to serve as a neighborhood park, as it is intended for use as a community wide athletic complex. However, the acquisition and development of the site will serve to enrich park facilities in the neighborhood by providing enhanced access to the Valley Park trail system. The southeast quadrant of Neighborhood 5 is not well served by neighborhood parks. The portion of the Valley Park extending south of Maire Avenue is unsuitable for anything but trails or passive user. There is, however, a trail underpass under Marie Avenue so that residents could easily cross the street to reach the developed facilities in Valley Park. Overall, the residential densities of this quadrant are low. Wetlands and natural drainageways limit the degree to which this quadrant would redevelop at a significantly higher level. However, these drainageways offer opportunities to develop trail links to park facilities in adjoining neighborhoods 6 and 9. In summary, the southeast quadrant of Neighborhood 5 is not as well served by neighborhood parks as other areas of the city. There is some service via the trail underpass to Valley Park. It is difficult to justify development of additional neighborhood park facilities in this quadrant until there are viable plans for redevelopment at higher densities. Neighborhood 6: Willow Spring This neighborhood does not have any municipal park facilities located within it. Sibley High School has many active athletic facilities which serve older youth and 44