1979-08-28 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda Packet (2)CITY OF ME NDOTA HEIGHTS
Dakota County, Minnesota
Park & Recreation
AGENDA
August 26, 1979
7:30 O'clock P.M.
COFFEE ROOM DOWN HALL
I'ROM CITY OFFICES
1. Call to Order.
2. RD11 Call.
3. Budget Discussion.
4. Adjourn.
-2-
PAR 3 GOLF COURSE.
PROPOSITION NO. 1
LEASE OF FACILITY
The owners have proposed to offer the City a lease of the course for a
term of about 10 years. They have proposed an initial return of about 7%
based on a value of $700,000. This would call for an initial lease of
$49,000 annually, and would be a net lease with the City to pay all costs
of the course, such as taxes, interest and assessments. They would expect
the rate of return to gradually increase to the 8% to 99 range during the
term of the lease.
Based on the present use of the course, about 30,000 players per year,
we could not expect to come out on the operation. The following table shows
the present income and expense of the operation. If the use could be expanded
to the 35 to 400000 user range, the operation would be economical.
The lease method would at least commit the use of the facility to open
space for about 10 years. The owners would benefit from any land inflation
and the City would be faced in the future with development or purchase at
some future value. It would seem unwise to comfit to development of the business
without some definite plan for purchase.
Based on the use of "Executive Courses" at Roseville and Bloomington, a
maximum use of the course would be in the 50/55,000 range. Both cities report
favorably on their course operations, and report that they are able to meet
all operating expenses, capital outlay needs and debt service from the operation.
Bloomington charges a top rate of $4.00 for 9 holes, while Roseville charges
$2.75. The Mendota Par 3 charges a top of $3.50. Discounts are given to Leagues,
Seniors and Juniors at various times of the day. Bloomington also discounts
members who pay an annual membership fee.
The Bloomington courses have an annual play of about 55,000, while Roseville
has about 48,000. The Mendota play is about 30,000. It is felt that with a
minimum promotion in the area, the play could be expanded to the 40,000 range.
The following is a statement of the 1978 operations of the Mendota Par 3
along with an estimate of the possible City operation.
1978 1980 City
Number of Golfers 30,000 40,000
Top Charge
$
3.50
$ 4.00
Gross Revenue
80,165
110,000
Operating Expense
47,531
47,000
Cash Flow
32,634
63,000
3-
197E 1980 City
Interest Expense 31292
New Income 29,342
Operating Expenses
Salary
20,686
24,000
Advertising
438
11000
Alarm System
458
500
Depreciation
1,591
Insurance
4,793
5,000
Licenses
245
300
Linen
114
150
Office
97
100
Professional Pee
11800
11800
Repair & Maint.
6,456
7,500
Supplies
1,711
2,000
Tax Payroll
1,990
2,000
Real Estate Tax
4,607
Telephone
273
300
Travel
250
250
Utilities
2,020
2,400
47,531
47,300*
* Expense totals are comparable, however for City operation, depreciation
and real estate tax tohaling $6,198 are omitted.
If it is determined that the City aliould get into the operation of a
Golf Course, it would appear that the outright ownership would be the preferred
way to go.
The purchase could be made by issuing Bonds under the Gross Revenue Band
Law, which would pledge to the payment of the Bonds, the entire gross income
of the facility. The cash flow would be set up so that the Bond payment is
covered first from.the income, and that if sufficient funds were not available
from the balance to. meet all expenses, that the City would have to fund the
balance from other general funds of the City. No election is necessary for
this type of Bond, although the interest rate is generally a bit higher than
that of General Ob.ligation Bonds. This method of financing has been generally
used for the Ice Arenas, which have been built in the area.
The course contains about 19.16 acres with a deep well, maintenance garage
and clubhouse. The property is currently assessed under an open space class-
ification and carries an assessed value of $25,732, The conventional value for
taxes would be $590840 with the land at $46,310 and the buildings at $13,530.
The assessor reports an Estimated Market Value of $128,490.
4 -
I can't estimate what would be a fair value of the property without an
appraisal, however it should be remembered that the City has current and
deferred assessments totaling $150,973 against the property which would have
to be paid in any purchase. The assessor also reports that under the
valuation class of the property that 3 years of tax differential would be
collected. This would be equal to almost double the present taxes.
The following table is shown only as an outline of the possible purchase
of the course and is not intended as representative of actual appraisal or
offered prices.
19.16 acres of land @ $15,000 per $2a7,400
Buildings 25,000
Equipment 100000
Tax Deferrals 10,000
Assessments Due 150,973
TOTAL $483,373
Average annual payment on an issue of
$500#000 for 20 years at 7% 37,000
Est. Cash Flow to the City based on
40,000 golfers 63,000
Times Debt Service Covered by operations 1.3X
Times Debt Service Covered by Gross Facility
Income ($1101000) 2.3X
1980
BUDGET REQUEST
NARRATIVE & JUSTIFICATION
1-Man A full time man is necessary, as some of park grounds indicate from time to time.
As for example, the baseball infields this year are grown over with weeds as well
as flower beds and broken hockey boards have not been replaced or painted. The
new playground equipment outer perimeter has not been done with rail road ties.
2- The $2,500.00 request for new hockey walls at Ivy Falls rink is necessary. i feel
deteriorate walls don't warrant the cost of painting. Friendly Hills will also
need walls the year after.
3-Broom I am requesting a new front mounted hydraulic broom to fit the park tractor, so
to utilize the park truck for snow plowing of rinks and cul-de-sae s. The old
Mars broom we now have is no longer manufactured and also in need of a major
repair (new engine and new bristles,'bearing). This will have to be done now
for winter use. I feel we should be ordering a new broom immediately for a
6 to 8 week delivery. I also feel this type of broom mounted on a pick up truck
is too heavy, causing too much stress on the truck body.
4-Mowers The two new hand mowers I have requested is basi cally to replace the old ones,
this again is the cost factor in repairing the old.
Rudy Literski
August 14, 1979
I
ws
Function:
Works lGeneral
Dlv. &
Parks & Recreation
Activity: ( Acct. No:
Dept. 70
Park Maintenance
Item
1977
1976
1979
1979
1979
1980
Actual
Actual
Actual
Est.
Budgeted
Proposed
to
Personal Services
salaries
S 27,353
$
42,080
$ 20,988
$45,400
$
45,400
$54,116
Overtime
1,667
98
. 89
200
200
225
Temporary
Maint. & CETA
17,489
9,323
1,487
5,000
5:000
21500
Recreation
8,821
11,548
6,593
12,600
1260b
12,600 est
i
$ 55,330
$
63,049
$ 29,157
63,200
S
63,200
69,441
Contractual Services
'0'
-O'
-0-
-0-
Insurance
Hospatalization •
-0-
-O-
-0-
1,444
Disability & Life*
'0'
-O-
-0-
186
Building
-0-
367
367
370
400
Professional
Consultants
645
1,692
=p:
630
City Planner Fees
-0-
200
City Engineer Fees •
-0-
236
236
-0-
200
Telephone
529
497
616
700
700
500
Heat & Electricity
2,627
11880
6,300
Gas Service *
-0'
Public Works Garage *
-0-
7.,568
5,000
_0_
5,000
Warming Houses*
-0-
480
480
_0_
500
Electric Service •
'0'
-O'
-0-
Public Works Garage *
-O-
572
1.1146
_0_
1,260
° Warming Houses *
-0-
605
605
_p_
625
Labor Negotiations •
'O'
other Contractual
Services*
74
*
S 3,801
$
4,069
$ 5,518
8,534
$
81000
10,315
*.
Item
1977
Actual
1978
Actual
1979
Actual
1979
Psto
1979
Budgeted
191
Propo:
Commodities
Supplies, Recreation
Office Supplies*
Operating Supplies*
Supplies, Park
Office supplies*
Operating Supplies*
Building Maintenance
$ 11538
-0-
-0-
31711
-0-
-0-
-0-
$ 1,224
-0-
-0-
4,249
-0-
-0-
-0-
$ -0-
-0-
151
2,265
14
457
258
$ 700
_
_
41500
_
_
_
$ 700
-0-
-0-
4,500
-0-
-0-
-0-
100
600
100
3,400
550
Gasoline & Oil
Equipment Repairs
11100
1,122
758
11100
1,100
11500
& Maintenance
1,609
11733
1,221
1,700
1,500
21000
Postage*
-0-
-0-
15
-0-
40
lther Charges
$ 7,958
8,328
5,139
8,040
7,800
8,290
lentals & Leases
Equipment Rentals*
Equipment Leases*
rubbish Removal
undry
11090
-0_
-0-
ill
805
1,359
_0_
-0-
106
504
513
_0_
_0_
45
77
1,000
200
500
1,800
-0-
-0-
200
500
1,000
0
200
500
recreation Programs
dater Readings:
Public Works Garage*
Hydrant Water Read-
112
-0-
975
-0-
951
-0-
1,150
40
700
-0-
11200
40
ings*
628
567
253
525
700
600
:onferences, Schools
48
17
8
70
70
100
)ept. Share PERA*
Sept. Share FICA*
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
-
-
-0-
-0-
2,949
2,440
$ 21794
$ 3,528
$ 1,847
3,485
$ 3,970
12,028
k
L
I"^
C
0
Function: Fund: Div. i Dept. Activ Acct. No:
Dept. 7i�'
Public Works General Parks i Recreation Park Maintenance
Item
1977
1978
1979
1979
1979
1980
Actual
Actual
Actual
Eats
Budgeted
Proposed
to
Shade Tree Program
Supplies
Office Supplies*
Operating Supplies"
$
386
-0s
-0-
$
612
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
Chemical Treatment
759
-0-
-0-
-0-
Removal
Reforestation
Subsidy Match
9,674
9,674
110910
10,645
10,068
11,442
-0-
$ 3
-0-
10,000
11000
S 10,000
1,000
16,Ooo
1,OOo
vital Outlay
$ 32,403
$ 32,767
$ 3
11,000
$ 11,000
11,000
Sew Equipment
3,917
11159
-0-
-0-
-0-
7,900
$ 3,917
$ 1,159
$ -0-
-0-
-0-
71900
Department Total '
$
106,203
$
112,900
$41,664
$93,970
118,974
Px2v.
Admin.
-10,418
New
Bldg.
- 7,410
CEP.
Outlay
New Man
- 7,900
- 6,539
86,707
r
ANNUAL BUDGET Page_
Function:
Fund:
Div. & Dept.:
Activity:
Acct. No.:`°
Public Works
General
Parks & Recreation
Park Maintenance
DETAIL OF PERSONAL SERVICES & CAPITAL OUTLAY
Item
Em to ees
Salary
ime
Present
Proposed
Present
Prop'd
Proposed
AdoptedAnnual
Personal Services
Public Works Superv.
1/3
1/3
6,120
546
6,548
Leadman
1
1
l6r572
1,478
17,732
Maintenance Man
2
15,662
21486
29,836
Overtime
54,116
Temporary (Seasonal)
Maintenance, Park
Recreation
Director, P.T.
Rec Leaders
Lifeguards
Crafts
Instructors
T.Ball Supervisors
Rink Attendants
CETA
Capital Outlay
Lumber for Ivy Falls
Hockey Rink
21500
2-Push Lawn Mowers
400
Power Broom for in
front of J.D. Tracto
2,500
Relocate ball field a
Friendly Hills
2,600
RECENLU
JUL 2 3 1979
18 July 1979
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mendota Heights Planning Commission
HOWARD
DAHLGREN
ASSOCIATES
RATED
CONSULTING
PLANNERS
ONE
GROVELAND
TERRACE
M
IN NEAPOLIS,
MINNESOTA
55403
RE: Comprehensive Plan Work Session held on 12 July 1979
A number of members of the Planning Commission and City Council met on
the above date to discuss the major issues of the Land Use Plan. A
separate memo delineates all of the changes made in the Plan text to
date, including those proposed at the 12 July 1979 work session. The
discussion centered around three subjects, namely parks, the housinq
element, and the proposed land use changes.
Parks
The two field sport sites were discussed and those in attendance
agreed that the sites were important and were generally in favor
of a bond issue for acquisition and development of the sites.
It was noted that the City could probably get an option on the
Wachtler property, which is the northern site adjacent to Valley
Park and contains approximately 45 acres. The southern site,
containing approximately 3.5 acres is along the extension of
Mendota Heights Road. Huber Road will serve as access to the
property until Mendota Heights Road is constructed.
The proposed neighborhood park site west of Sibley High School
has been deleted. This area will be shown on the Land Use Plan
for low density residential.
The other proposed neighborhood parks, the bike path system, and
an addition to Valley Park are considered future priorities.
They will be shown on the Land Use Plan as proposed.
Hous ina Element
A general discussion of the housing element followed. The
general consensus was that the City should not be concerned
with the Metropolitan Council per se, but should be
responsive to the needs and desires of Mendota Heights'
residents.
The majority opinion was that the proposed floating PUD with
a 25 percent density increase would allow and encourage a
diversity in housing types. The minority opinion was that
everything should remain as it is now.
The proposed housing inspection program designed to prevent
blight was discussed. The opinion was that Mendota Heights does
not have a significant housing maintenance problem. Therefore,
the compliance program has been dropped.
,and Use Changes
The ten major land use changes proposed in the new Land Use
Plan were discussed. There was general agreement in support
of the proposed changes.
The methodology of making the changes was also discussed. One
method would be to re -zone the properties in question as
proposed on the Land Use Plan. Another method would be to
allow the parcels to be re -zoned as development proposals occur
on a demand basis. No decision was reached as to what method
would be used.
The
Planning Commission
will be having one more
public hearing before
the
Plan is distributed
to adjacent communities
for review.
20 July 1979
HOWARD
DAHLGREN
ASSOCIATES
INCORPORATED
C O NSULTING
PLANNERS
O
N E
G R O V E
L
A N
D T E R R A C E
M
IN NEAPOUS�
MINNESOTA
55403
MEMORANDUM
T0: Mendota
Heights
City Council,
Planning Commission and Park Board
RE Amendments to Mendota Heights Comprehensive an, Part II,
Land Use Plan
Following are the amendments which have been made based on the discussions
of the Planning Commission and City Council to date:
I GOALS
Page 3 Change A, 2 as follows:
Maintain a Comprehensive Plan to refelct the optimum
potential of properties consistent with good planning
and development practices.
Page 3 Change A, 6 as follows:
Encourage the development and planning of land so as
to provide a reasonable access to surrounding properties.
Page 3 Change B, 1 as follows:
To perpetuate a quality residential environment.
Page 6 Change D, Parks and Open Space Goal as follows:
To provide the optimum amount of active and passive
open space for the enjoyment of all Mendota Heights'
residents.
Page 7 Change F. 1 as follows:
Continue the orderly expansion of sanitary sewer
system, water distribution system, and storm water
drainage system to serve existing and future
development as economically feasible.
Page 7 Change F, 3 as follows:
Maintain a level of public services commensurate with
available revenues based on sound fiscal integrity.
Page 7 Change F, 4 as follows:
Utilize new sources of review for the continuation
of needed governmental services.
Page 7 Change F, 5 as follows:
To continually and conscientiously review the
effectiveness and needs for all City services,
agencies, and/or functions to ascertain their need,
effectiveness, and level of support.
II TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Page 9 Change A, 5 as follows:
To create a system of transportation which clearly
reflects the special objectives of the City, as
evidenced in land use patterns by seeking to provide
a full range of transportation facilities for use by
pedestrian, cycles, vehicular, and rail traffic with
due attention to aesthetic, recreational, and
utilitarian needs; and
Page 12 Change 5, Collector Streets as follows:
Collector streets within the City include State
Highway 13 east of the Mendota Bridge, Lexington
Avenue, Marie Avenue, Mendota Heights Road, Wachtler
Road, Wentworth Avenue, and Delaware Avenue. The
majority of these streets have been constructed.
The one remaining portion of the collector street
system to be constructed is the extension of Mendota
Heights Road from State Highway 49 to Delaware
Avenue.
Page 14 Change C, 1, second and third paragraphs as follows:
Mendota Heights is typical of most suburban
communities which have developed in the past 30 years
in that there are virtually no sidewalks or pedestrian
paths in the City. Therefore, it is recommended that
the City adopt as a general policy, that sidewalks
should be built along all collectors. This recommenda-
tion is based on the fact that the largest generators
of pedestrian traffic, including schools, churches,
and commercial areas are located on these arterial
routes. The failure to provide for the needs of the
pedestrian in these areas creates a series of safety
hazards.
-2-
While it may not be essential to build sidewalks on
local streets within neighborhoods, the development
of such sidewalks may constitute a great asset to
the livability of the neighborhoods. Pedestrian
trails are also a valuable asset to community park
facilities.
Page 16 Add following the second paragraph:
With respect to air navigation, Mendota Heights has
no existing structures of 200 feet or more in height,
and has no plans to permit such structures in the
future. Any sponsor who proposes any construction
or alteration that would exceed a height of 200 feet
above ground level at the site shall notify the
Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of
Transportation at least 30 days in advance as required
by Aeronautics Rule 14, MCAR 1.3009, Subdivision C,
and shall present a certified .copy of such notification
to the City at least ten days before any building
permit is issued.
IV HOUSING ELEMENT
Page 24
Combine
the first
paragraphs
two
as
paragraphs
follows:
under 4, Cost of Housing
and add
The cost of housing in the City of Mendota Heights
is higher than Dakota County or the urban area of
Dakota County. The average value of housing in
Mendota Heights in 1970 was $29,600. According to
the Dakota County Assessor's office, the average
housing value had increased by 124.1 percent in
Mendota Heights by 1978 to $66,338. Table 2 shows
the relationship of the cost of housing in Mendota
Heights to other communities in Dakota County.
The increase in housing costs since 1970 have been
greater than the majority of the County.
The Figures in Table 2 reflect market assessed value
and not actual market values. Therefore, the actual
price of homes in the various communities are higher
than shown in Table 2. However, the relationship
between the present cost of housing and the increase
in cost since 1970 in the various communities is
valid and shows the trend.
Since 1978, housing values have been increasing at
a minimum rate of one percent per month. Based on
the average market assessed value in 1978, as corrected
-3-
for inflating values since that time, the average
housing value is estimated to be $78,279 in May 1979.
Actual market value however, would probably be well over
$80,000 since assessed market value is lower than
actual market value.
Page 42 Change the first paragraph under Compatible Development
as follows:
One pressing residential concern is the fear that in-
compatible development and the resulting traffic will
encroach into established neighborhoods and
residential areas. Industrial or commercial
developments located in or in close proximity to
residential areas can detract from the aesthetics of
the neighborhood and the values of property therein.
One reason for this is that the size and design of
structures are often inconsistent with structures
in the neighborhood.
Page 46 Change 1, d as follows:
Encourage Planned Unit Developments (PUD) to maximize
the potential for imaginative design solutions and
to provide a variety of housing types within the
community. The City will grant the following bonuses
provided the development benefits low and moderate
income households:
i. Allow a 25 percent increase in density;
ii. Encourage innovative clustering and zero
lot line approaches; and
Continue the policy of not requiring a garage.
Page 43 Delete the section of Housing Maintenance -
Page 47 Delete 1, e
Page 47 Change the third paragraph under 2, Modest Cost Market
Rate Housing as follows:
The City of Mendota Heights will take the following
actions to encourage the construction of additional
new modest cost market rate housing units:
i. Allow a 25 percent increase in density;
ii. Encourage innovative clustering and zero
lot line approaches; and
-4-
Continue the policy of not requiring a
garage.
Page 47 Change the section on Maintenance and Rehabilitation
& 48 as follows:
The housing stock in Mendota Heights is at the point
where increased emphasis needs to be placed on
maintenance and rehabilitation to ensure quality
housing in the community. Preventive programs are
considered to be the best suited for the age and
condition of the housing stock in Mendota Heights.
The City of Mendota Heights will encourage the use
of any available regional, State, Federal
rehabilitation loan and grant program to encourage
the maintenance and rehabilitation of the housing
stock.
V COMMUNITY FACILITIES PLAN
Page 57
Change
the first sentence of the
third paragraph as
follows:
Priority
One
is adjacent to
Valley Park
along
Wachtler
Road
and contains
approximately
45 acres.
Page 58 Change the paragraph preceeding C, Public Buildings
and Facilities as follows:
Based on the population of 13,560, the optimum.standard
of 25 acres per 1,000 population would equal 339
acres. In view of the existence of the regional
park facilities including the Rachel C. Lilly Nature
Center, the Ramsey County Open Space Program (Lilydale
Regional Park), and Fort Snelling State Park, the
309 acres proposed is a reasonable standard to be
achieved.
Page 62 Change the second paragraph as follows:
It is recommended that the City of Mendota Heights
take an active role in the initiation of amiable
and equitable agreements with the various jurisdictions
involved for the handling of storm water drainage
areas which are of a greater than local significance.
Page
62
Change the
fourth paragraph under E. Schools as follows:
&
63
Private schools within School District 197 also
experienced a two percent decrease last year after
-5-
three years of increases. However, the two percent
decrease is significantly smaller than the seven
percent decline in enrollment at the public schools.
-- Within Mendota Heights, the Convent of the Visitation
has experienced enrollment increases since 1974,
while Saint Thomas Academy experienced a 2.8 percent
decrease in 1978. Slightly over one-fith (22 percent)
of school age children in the District attend non-
public schools.
-6-
Page
July 10, 1979
built and then ends at that point. The particular concern
expressed was that of traffic impact on T.H. 55, Pilot Knob
Road and T.N. 13. Mr. Abdul-Rahman indicated that he
would be happy to set up a meeting with Mn/DOT to address thi
concern. It was suggested by the Council that the Metro
Council prepare a negative impact statement relative to non -
completion of I-494.
INDUSTRIAL Mr. Ron Berg, of Miller/Schroeder Investment Corporation,
REVENUE was present to discuss a request for Industrial Revenue `
FINANCING Financing for an 18,000 square foot office/warehouse structure
proposed to be constructed in the Mendota Heights Industrial
Park. Mr. Berg requested that the Council establish a public
hearing on the proposed financing.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
COMMISSION REPORTS
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Councilman Hartmann moved the adoption of Resolution No. 79-70,
"RESOLUTION CALLING FOR PUBLIC HEARING ON A PROPOSAL FOR A
COMMERCIAL FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT PROJECT PURSUANT TO THE
MINNESOTA MUNICIPAL INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT ACT AUTHORIZING
THE PUBLICATION OF A NOTICE OF SAID HEARING," the heating to
be conducted at 9:00 P.M. on August 7th.
Councilman Mertensotto seconded the motion.
The Council acknowledged receipt of the minutes of the June 26
Planning Commission and Park Commission meetings.
Mrs. Dorothy McMonigal, representing the Park Commission,
discussed with the Council the reference in the Park Commission
minutes relating to Rogers Lake Park play equipment and the neet
for park upgrading. Administrator Johnson stressed the need
for professional input into the proposal to upgrade the park.
The Council concurred in the recommendation.
Councilman Mertensotto moved that a maximum expenditure of
$2,500 be authorized for planning and executing Rogers Lake
Park upgrading and purchase of playground equipment, the
expenditure to include professional consultant fees.
Mayor Lockwood seconded the motion.
MISCELLANEOUS City Attorney Winthrop advised the Council that a client of his
Robert Goldberger, has received citations regarding violations
of the dog ordinance. He requested that the Council appoint
Richard Lenart, attorney from Sunfish Lake, to represent the
City in the prosecution of the violations.
Councilwoman Witt seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
ASSESSMENT City Attorney Winthrop explained erroneous trunk sewer
CORRECTIONS assessments levied against the Wood Foster and Robert Ridden
properties in 1969 as the result of incorrect County property
descriptions. Mr. Winthrop advised the Council that the
corrections have been completed but that a refund is due to
City of Mendota ag1its
BANK BUILDING
750 SOUTH PLAZA DRIVE 0 MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA 55120
TELEPHONE (612) 4524850
July 12, 1979
RE: Reforestation Advisory Committee Designation
Dear Park and Recreation Commission Member
This will advise you of some recent developments -- developments required
by the recent 1979 legislative session. In order for the City of Mendota Heights
to participate in the Shade Tree Program, and in order to receive State funds,
it is necessary to have a Reforestation Advisory Committee.
The City Council, at its regular meeting held on July loth, formally
appointed the members of the Park and Recreation Commission to act as a
Reforestation Advisory Committee. As of this date I am not sure what the
duties and responsibilities of this committee are. The Council action now
allows us to complete the application for Reforestation funds in the manner
required by State statute. If further action is required in order to qualify
for Reforestation funds, I will include it in the regular Park and Recreation
business.
Your City officials extend an apology for this rather hasty action imposed
by the legislature.
Very truly yours,
Orvil J. Jon
City Administrator
OJJ:madlr
12 July 1979
HOWARD
DANLGREN
ASSOCIATES
C E
GONS U
LTING
PLANNERS
O
N E
G R O V E
L
A N
D T E R R A C E
M
IN NEAPOLIS,
MINNESOTA
55403
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mendota
Heights
City Council
and Planning Commission
RE: Amendments to
Mendota
Heights
Comprehensive Plan
Part II, Land
Use Plan
I GOALS
Page 3 Change A, 2 as follows:
Maintain a Comprehensive Plan to reflect the optimum
potential of properties consistent with good planning
and development practices.
Page 3 Change A, 6 as follows:
Encourage
the
development and
planning of land so as
to provide
a
reasonable access
to surrounding properties.
Page 3 Change B, 1 as follows:
To perpetuate a quality residential environment
Page 6 Change D, Parks and Open Space Goal as follows:
To provide the optimum amount of active and passive
open space for the enjoyment of all Mendota Heights'
residents.
Page 7 Change F, 1 as follows:
Continue the orderly expansion of sanitary sewer system,
water distribution system, and storm water drainage
system to serve existing and future development as
economically feasible.
Page 7 Change F, 3 as follows:
Maintain a level of public services commensurate with
available revenues based on sound fiscal integrity.
Page 7 Change F. 4 as follows:
Utilize new sources of review for the continuation
of needed governmental services.
Page 7 Change F, 5 as follows:
To continually and conscientiously review the
effectiveness and needs for all City services, agencies,
and/or functions to ascertain their need, effectiveness,
and level of support.
II TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Page 9 Change A, 5 as follows:
To create a system of transportation which clearly
reflects the special objectives of the City, as
evidenced in land use patterns by seeking to provide
a full range of transportation facilities for use by
pedestrian, cycles, vehicular, and rail traffic with
due attention to aesthetic, recreational, and
utilitarian needs; and
Page 12 Change 5, Collector Streets as follows:
Collector streets within the City include State
Highway 13 east of the Mendota Bridge, Lexington Avenue,
Marie Avenue, Mendota Heights Road, Wachtler Road,
Wentworth Avenue, and Delaware Avenue. The majority of
these streets have been constructed. The one remaining
portion of the collector street system to be constructed
is the extension of Mendota Heights Road from State
Highway 49 to Delaware Avenue,
Page 14 Change C, 1 second and third paragraphs as follows:
Mendota Heights is typical of most suburban communities
which have developed in the past 30 years in that there
are virtually no sidewalks or pedestrian paths in the
City. Therefore, it is recommended that the City adopt
as a general policy, that sidewalks should be built
along all collectors. This recommendation is based on
the fact that the largest generators of pedestrian
traffic, including schools, churches, and commercial
areas are located on these arterial routes. The
failure to provide for the needs of the pedestrian in
these areas creates a series of safety hazards.
While it may not be essential to build sidewalks on
local streets within neighborhoods, the development of
such sidewalks may constitute a great asset to the
livability of the neighborhoods. Pedestrian trails are
also a valuable asset to community park facilities.
2
Page 16 Add following the second paragraph:
With respect to air navigation, Mendota Heights has no
existing structures of 200 feet or more in height, and
has no plans to permit such structures in the future.
Any sponsor who proposes any construction or alteration
that would exceed a height of 200 feet above ground
level at the site shall notify the Commissioner of the
Minnesota Department of Transportation at least 30 days
in advance as required by Aeronautics Rule 14 MCAR 1.3009,
Subdivision C, and shall present a certified copy of such
notification to the City at least ten days before any
building permit is issued.
IV HOUST NG ELEMENT
Page 24 Combine the first two paragraphs under 4, Cost of Housing
and add paragraphs as follows:
The cost of housing in the City of Mendota Heights is
higher than Dakota County or the urban area of Dakota
County. The average value of housing in Mendota Heights
in 1970 was $29,6000 According to the Dakota County
Assessor's office, the average housing value had
increased by 124.1 percent in Mendota Heights by 1978
to $66,338. Table 2 shows the relationship of the cost
of housing in Mendota Heights to other communities in
Dakota County. The increase in housing costs since 1970
have been greater than the majority of the County.
The figures in Table 2 reflect market assessed .value
and not actual market values. Therefore, the actual
price of homes in the various communities are higher
than shown in Table 2. However, the relationship
between the present cost of housing and the increase in
cost since 1970 in the various communities is valid and
shows the trend.
Since 1978, housing values have been increasing at a
minimum rate of one percent per month. Based on the
average market assessed value in 1978, as corrected for
inflating values since that time, the average housing
value is estimated to be $78,279 in May 1979. Actual
average market value however, would probably be over
$80,000 since assessed market value is lower than actual
market value.
Page 46 Change 1, d as follows:
Encourage Planned Unit Developments (PUD) to maximize
the potential for imaginative design solutions and to
3
provide a variety of housing types within the community.
The City will grant the following bonuses provided the
development benefits low and moderate income households:
i. Allow a 25 percent increase in density;
ii. Encourage innovative clustering and zero
lot line approaches; and
Continue the policy of not requiring a
garage.
Page 47 Change the third paragraph under 2, Modest Cost Market
Rate Housing as follows:
The City of Mendota Heights will take the following
actions to encourage the construction of additional new
modest cost market rate housing units:
For Planned Unit Developments, the City will:
i. Allow a 25 percent increase in density;
ii. Encourage innovative clustering and zero
lot line approaches; and
Continue the policy of not requiring a
garage.
V COMMUNITY FACILITIES PLAN
Page 57 Change the first sentence of the third paragraph as
follows:
Priority
One is adjacent to Valley
Park
along Wachtler
Road and
contains approximately 45
acres.
Page 58 Change the paragraph proceeding C, Public Buildings
and Facilities as follows:
Based on the population of 13,560, the optimum standard
of 25 acres per 1,000 population would equal 339 acres.
In view of the existence of the regional park
facilities including the Rachel C. Lily Nature Center,
the Ramsey County Open Space Program (Lilydale Regional
Park), and Fort Snelling State Park, the 309 acres
proposed is a reasonable standard to be achieved.
Page 62 Change the second paragraph as follows:
It is recommended that the City of Mendota Heights take
an active role in the initiation of amiable and
equitable agreements with the various jurisdictions
involved for the handling of storm water drainage areas
which are of a greater than local significance.
5