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1974-06-19 Parks and Rec Comm MinutesMendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission MINUTES June 19, 1974 Present Absent Howe Starr Lundeen Fogelson Johnson Allen Shipman Murphy Finn Approval of Minutes -- May 22, 1974 minutes approved unanimously. Park Development Status -- Commission members expressed any concerns they had regarding park development to Starr who will look into them. They included: 1. Actual distance dredged at Rogers Lake -- Starr indicated that distances were estimates since the work was done before the lake water level was lowered. 2. Tennis court nets -- Commission concensus was that Wilson top quality fiber nets should be purchased and that contract specifications should be met (one fiber, one metal net at each site). 3. Some slag mixed in the wood chips at Valley Park. 4. Swings too close to path and playground equipment too close together at Rogers Lake. Lesson learned. 5. Wing -nuts exposed on shelter at Valley Park. 6. No pitching mounds -- informed by Starr they were not in contract. -- Allen moved that all criticisms be in by -July S so that contractor can make changes and so that final review and approval can take place at July 24 meeting. Seconded by Murphy. Passed. Wachtler Vacation -- Joan Meierotto, Chairman of the Trails Advisory Committee, briefed the Commission on the Committee's activities. -- Meierotto indicated that the land, requested to be vacated, was not necessary to the proposed trail system. Park Commission Minutes -2- June 19, 1974 -- Murphy moved that the Planning Commission be advised that the Park Commission has no interest in the specified land. Seconded by Finn. Passed. -- More discussion regarding the trails report ensued. The Park Board expressed interest in receiving the information gathered by the Trails group. Park Dedication -- Howe reported on general, and Johnson followed up with specific, reports on Park -a -Rama activities. Tennis and Beach Regulations -- Commission reviewed tennis and beach regulations to be posted at park sites, with the most discussion concerning the use of toys or inflatables at Rogers Lake. On the basis of calls to other communities it was decided that no toys or inflatables will be allowed. Bike Racks -- Allen moved that bike racks accommodating approximately 50 bikes be installed at Rogers Lake Park. Seconded by Finn. Passed. Pilot Knob Replacement -- Johnson reviewed status of present site and suggested commission members start thinking of replacement site. -- The question was raised as to whether the replacement had to be a new site or an addition to an existing site. Action: Johnson to check HUD requirements. Hills Park -- After some discussion, Finn moved that the Park Board request the City to actively pursue the acquisition of land adjacent to Ivy Hills Park to allow for proper planning and completion of tennis court construction by May 1, 1975. Seconded by Shipman. Passed unanimously. Lawcon Application -- Starr asked whether the Commission desired an application to be submitted to the Office of Local and Urban Affairs for a grant. Commission members discussed requirements and potential acquisition and development parcels. -- Finn moved that the application be submitted covering the acquisition and development (passive, pedway, bridge) of lands adjacent to Valley Park. Fogelson seconded. Passed. Horses in Parks -- The question of horses in City parks was raised and discussed. The Commission decided to continue to the next meeting and in the meantime find out precedents. May 22, 1974 Present Lundeen Fogelson Allen Starr Shipman Johnson Howe Selander Absent Murphy Finn Park Construction Starr reviewed current status of construction. Completion date June 1. - Commission to inspect and call Johnson by Monday, May 27, with questions or suggested changes. Marie Park Pond Options - Starr made some alternate fencing suggestions: 1. Natural outfield fence of lilac or honeysuckle. 2. Hedge (rugosa rose, barberry) at a point above highest water level. 3. Ground cover (day lilies, canary grass) between hedge and water line. Summer Recreation Selander briefly reviewed status of summer program. - Decided that flyer advertising girls' T-ball be distributed through schools with total recreation program bulletin. Moved by Fogelson. Seconded by Shipman. Passed. Selander raised question of policy re hiring wife as arts and crafts instructor. Action: Johnson, Selander. - Re reservation of park facilities by groups, it was decided that guide- lines were to be drawn up. Action: - After some discussion, Allen moved that there would be no individual or group reservation of tennis facilities with the exception of municipally sponsored lessons. Seconded by Fogelson. Passed. Satellites will be at each park site. Park Dedication (Park-arama) - Howe announced Dorothy Hughes' acceptance of chairmanship of Park-arama to be held June 29, 30, 1974. - Reviewed various activities to be undertaken. Meetings are scheduled every Thursday at 7:45 from now till end of June. Commission members urged to attend. Indoor Ice Arena - Letter read from Richard Battis regarding feasibility of erecting municipal indoor ice arena. No action taken, continued to later date._ Marie Avenue Park Pond Fence - With neighborhood input, commission reviewed fencing request. Howe assured neighborhood representatives that any recommendation by park board will in- clude history of neighborhood concern and the continued desire for a fence. - After further discussion, it was moved by Lundeen that Howe write memo to council reflecting Park Board concerns and recommendations. (Attached). Seconded by Allen. Passed unanimously.