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1989-12-12 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda PacketCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA December 12, 1989 - 7:00 P.M. 1. Call to order. 2. Roll Call. 3. Introduction of Steven Kleinglass, New Parks and Recreation Commissioner. 4. Approval of October 24th and November 14th Minutes. 5. Verbal Updates - Referendum Issues - Council Actions 6. Barton-Aschman - Presentation by Barry Warner on Planting Schematics. 7. Play Equipment Bids - Park Project Manager. 8. Friendly Hills Tot Lot Proceeds. 9. Copperfield Pond - Discussion Item. 10. Adjourn. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES, OCTOBER 24, 1989 A special meeting of the Mendota Heights Park and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, October 24, 1989 in the City Hall Conference Room, 1101 Victoria Curve. Commission Chair John Huber called the meeting to order at 7:40 P.M. The following members were present: Damberg, Huber, Katz, Lundeen and Spicer. Lachenmayer was excused. Absent: Owens. Staff members present were Parks Project Manager Kullander and Administrative Assistant Batchelder. Dave Ayers and John Nowlin were in the audience. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AYES: NAYS: AYES: NAYS: Commissioner Spicer minutes of October Chair Huber seconded& Commissioner Lundeen minutes of September Spicer seconded. UPDATE ON CONSULTANT SELECTION moved approval of the 10, 1989. Commission moved approval of the 12, 1989. Commissioner Parks Project Manager Guy Kullander gave a brief update on the progress of the contract being worked out between the City and Barton- Aschman. Kullander stated that the City Attorney and Barton-Aschman should have the details worked out soon and that as soon as the Council has awarded the contract, he will let commence the design work for Victoria Highlands Neighborhood Park and the landscape design work Hagstrom-King, Ivy Hill and Rogers Lake parks. Kullander stated that the City was beginning negotiations with Mendakota after receiving its appraisal. He stated the City's appraiser had valued the land at $583,000, which included $100,00o in current assessments. Administrative Assistant Batchelder stated that the City Council had agreed to appoint a five member committee to negotiate with the School District on the Sibley site, if it was AYES: 5 NAYS: 0 phase it is apparent that they are high and that there is little room to maneuver within the budget. Commissioner Spicer made a motion to advise the committee working on the negotiations with Mendakota that they realize the budget is tight and that any contingency monies are extremely limited. Commissioner Damberg seconded. Parks Project Manager Kullander inquired of the Commission that if City Council approves the contract with Barton-Aschman, should the City staff release the work listed in the contract and discussed earlier. Commission Spicer stated that he believes it to be a priority to begin this work. Commission Chair Huber polled the Commissioners and they were in unanimous agreement that this work should be released. CURLEY TOT LOT Parks Project about what dedicated to Heights was to Manager Kullander inquired the $4,000 in enhancements the tot lot in Valley View be spent on. Dave Ayers, Valley View Heights resident and representative, stated that the neighborhood wanted landscaping that included regrading, black fill dirt, removal of large rocks/debris, sodding and seeding and some shrubs or trees towards the back of the park. Kullander and Ayers discussed the enhancements including signs, picnic benches, bike racks, fencing, benches, fitness stations, open areas, and cautionary measures to keep children from sliding in the winter. Mr. Ayers prioritized the enhancements as: 1. Split rail fence to define the front and side. 2. Minimal landscaping. 3. Picnic benches. 4. Bike rack. Kullander stated that fixing the drainage problem would come out of the Parks maintenance budget, as well as the picnic Commissioner Lundeen seconded the motion. AYES: 5 NAYS: 0 SUPPLIERS OF PLAY / EQUIPMENT Parks Project Manager Kullander explained that he was in contact with five suppliers of play ground equipment and that they had all stipulated the City should give them a price and they would design an optimum set .of play equipment for that price. Kullander explained that this was a favorable situation for the City because it would eliminate a competitive bid situation and that each supplier would give a little extra in the hopes of getting more parks. Kullander explained that this also saves the City on contingency as we only have to design limited specifications and the play equipment companies incur most of the design costs. Kullander asked the Parks Commission for direction in the type of base material they would like to have with the play equipment. He explained the differences in sand, pea gravel and rubber matting and how they affect liability issues. Kullander discussed the play equipment specifications with the Commission. Commission Chair Huber requested that the Commission be given a range of materials to consider, from wood to metal. Members of the Commission expressed that the new structures should blend in with existing parks and did not desire brightly colored units. The Commission agreed that some accent color would be acceptable but "loud" or "brassy" colored units were not desireable. The Commission also stated that the play equipment should deliver to the whole range of kids, from toddlers to 12 year olds. The Commission reached consensus that only $17,500 should be specified as a price for the play structures in each park. Kullander stated that originally the Citizens Park Review Committee had budgeted $200000 plus $41000 in contingency for each play structure. He inquired if it was the the trail or storm sewer it seemed appropriate that money from sale of Friendly Hills Tot Lot could be used for these two items. ValleV Park The need for outfield fence and field improvements were discussed. The locating of the new play structure is difficult due to the limited amount of space. Removing of trees along Marie and filling in of the existing ditch were discussed as a way to get additional area. Locating a halfcourt basketball court will be difficult due to limited space. It was determined that this use could be eliminated from this park since a court will be built at both Marie and Victoria Parks which are both less than a half mile away. Ivy Hills Park Three location possibilities exist for the new play structure. A trail will connect to Butler on the north and Maple Park on the south. Exact alignment will be determined once the play structure is located. The half court basketball can be built in the south portion of the park, as well as, additional off-street parking. Staff was instructed to make contact with the Ivy Hills and Ivy Falls homeowners association to see if they were still interested in the City acquiring the open space adjacent to the park. This area could be developed as a permanent soccer field which would allow fencing and other improvements be made to existing play field. additional landscaping improvements are also planned. Wentworth Park Paving of the parking lot and drive would not be done now. Once location of the new play structure was selected the siting of the halfcourt basketball pad would be done. Existing bituminous trails will be widened to 8 feet and new trails would connect to 1st Avenue and to Wentworth Trail. Additional landscaping improvements will be determined later. FRIENDLY MARSH PARK S HCRMAN W NTH ROP ROBERT R. WEINSTINE THOMAS J. SEXTON RICHARD A. NOEL ROGER O. GORDON STEVEN C.TOUREN HART HULLER DAVID P. PEARSON OMAS M. HART S CARRON Ce KAUTSON t0OVGLA! LTMAN CNDY WILLSON LEGGE MARK J. BRIOL GIRARD P. MILLER MICHELE D. VAILLANCOURT MARY MCOLLINS JON J. HOOANSON ALAN L. DWORSKY JAY R. NAFTZGER VJINTHROPI WEINSTINE & SEXTON ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELLORS AT LAW IBOO CONWED TOWER (612)292•8110 444 CEDAR STREET SAINT PAV LI MIN NESOTA 55101 April 19, 1963 ( tir. Orvil Johnson i0ministrator tiuudota Heights th Plaza Drive Mendota Heights, Minnesota 55120 APR "g 103 Re: The following described property situated in Mendota Heights in Dakota County, Minnesota: Lots 3, 4, 10 and 11 in Block 18, Friendly hills Re- arrangement. Dear Orvil: You have inquired as to the right of the city of Mendota Heights to dispose of the above property which is commonly referred to as the Friendly Hills "Tot -Lot." Hie property in question is in the name of the City of Mendota tieiglits. According to our information, at the time of the filing of the Friendly Hills Rearrangement Plat, a Declaration setting forth certain covenants and restrictions was also filed which provided that this property was to be used for a "play- ground area or for development as a school location or for a public park or for other public uses or purposes, all as may be permitted under the zoning ordinances of the Village of Mendota heights, Minnesota." The formal Declaration provides that the covenants and restric- tions continue for a twenty-year period and then are auto- matically renewed for successive five-year periods unless at least 65 percent of the owners of the lots in Friendly Hills Rearrangement agree to their cancellation or modification. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES, NOVEMBER 14, 1989 The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Park and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, November 14, 1989 in the City Hall Conference Room, 1101 Victoria Curve. Commission Chair John Huber called the meeting to order at 7:15 P.M. The following members were present: Huber, Katz and Spicer. Lundeen and Damberg were excused. Absent: Owens. Staff members present were Parks Project Manager Kullander and Administrative Assistant Batchelder. Members of the audience were Dave Ayers, Kay and George Linafelter and Mary S. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes were not approved as there was not a quorum present. No official commission action was taken during the meeting because of the lack of a quorum. UPDATE Administrative Assistant Kevin Batchelder provided updates on current issues for the Park Commission. Batchelder stated that City Council approved the Barton-Aschman contract and that both parties had signed it. Batchelder stated that Barton-Aschman was ready to proceed with direction from the Commission on the landscaping they were to design in the parks. Batchelder stated that the School District had appointed a six member task force to negotiate the Sibley athletic site with the City. He stated the City is gathering information from other communities that have entered Joint Power Agreements with school districts for athletic facilities. Batchelder stated that C.G. Rein had been sent an offer, based on our appraisal, for the land at Mendakota, that they are reviewing the offer and that the City has not had word back from them. Batchelder discussed the recruitment of a new Parks and Recreation Commissioner. Dave Ayers mentioned that he is interested and might send a letter of interest. Batchelder stated that City Council had authorized removal of the play equipment at Friendly Hills Tot Lot and had ordered a public hearing for the January 16, 1990 Council meeting to discuss divesting the lot with the Friendly Hills residents. He stated the City Council would consider divesting the property at that time. Batchelder stated the equipment would be removed on November 15. Batchelder discussed the by-laws which were included in members packets. He stated that if the Parks and Recreation Commission wished to permanently change their meeting time to 7 p.m. they would need Council approval. He stated that if they were only meeting at 7 for a short while because of the busy schedule, they should simply adjourn each meeting until a special meeting at 7 p.m. on the intended date. Batchelder informed the Commission that City Council had approved "Valley View Heights Park" as the name of the tot lot in Valley View Heights and he stated that the agreement with the homeowners association had been included for their information. Batchelder stated that Kensington Park dedication had had no progress and that the City was waiting for Centex to appear at the Planning Commission for PUD approval, at which time they would purchase the land for dedication to the City at a later date. VALLEY VIEW HEIGHTS Dave Ayers, of Valley View Heights Association, informed Guy Kullander that Vince Anderson, who lives next door to the Tot Lot did not feel there was a need to fence the park along his property. Kullander responded that this was fine and that there would be a time in the future to revisit this if the owner changed his mind. Commissioner Katz inquired about liability and Kullander responded that the liability concern would be Mr. Anderson's more than the City's. Dave Ayers indicated he was interested in the vacant Parks Commission seat and that he would contact Jim Danielson to verify his candidacy. WAGON WHEEL TRAIL Commission Chair John Huber explained the City's desire to have a bicycle/pedestrian trail along Wagon Wheel Trail as part of the trail system. Huber explained that the Citizens Park Review Committee did not include funding for this portion of the trail in the referendum because there was Minnesota State Aid available to the City that would pay for this portion of the trail system. Mary S., of 810 Wagon Wheel, stated that the bike trail should not be tied to the street improvement. She stated this street wasn't meant for bicycles and that the path would just eat up more space of the residents front yards. She stated that an extra path was not necessary. Commission Chair Huber stated that it was unlikely that the Parks Commission would fund the trail from the Parks Fund or the referendum when there was state money available to fund the trail. Huber explained how the Minnesota State Aid (MSA) funding worked for the Wagon Wheel residents that were present. Huber stated that the Council had referred the funding of the trail to the Parks Commission to explore funding options outside of using MSA monies. Huber stated it was not likely that the Parks Commission could or would fund the trail, and that if Council decides the street improvement project won't be ordered then there will probably be no trail along Wagon Wheel. Kay Linafelter, owner of 810 Wagon Wheel, stated that she had raised her children on this street and that it shouldn't be a main thoroughfare. She stated she was not in favor of any upgrading as it would encourage traffic and bring more strangers into the neighborhood. She stated that many of the finer suburbs in the Twin Cities don't have curbs and gutters or storm sewers. She stated that a bike path is not needed on an uncrowded road and that the City could find a safer place to build a bike trail. She stated that she doesn't want to encourage a lot of people to use Rogers Lake Park by upgrading the road, which she stated wasn't necessary. Parks Project Manager Guy Kullander, in response to Kay Linafelter, explained how the MSA funding worked and that Wagon Wheel's status is as a collector street. He stated collector streets receive money from MSA and have to be built to certain standards. Kay Linafelter inquired what the standards were. Kullander responded that it meant a forty foot (401) wide street with curbs and storm sewer and that this meant one lane in each direction. He explained that the ditches would be filled in to protect the road base and that the runoff would drain into Rogers Lake. Mary S., 810 Wagon Wheel, inquired if the bike path could be placed on the road and not on the front yard. Kullander responded that, no, the City would not build a bike trail there and that any bike trail would be part of the street improvement project. Mary S. stated it would be nice to put the trail money into Rogers Lake Park instead. Commission Chair Huber informed the residents of Wagon Wheel that the Parks Commission was not taking any formal action on this issue and it would therefore go back to City Council for them to take any action on it. PARKS PROJECT AND IMPLEMENTATION Parks Project Manager Guy Kullander directed the Commission through a series of approvals in order to get direction on releasing work for plans and specifications or for direction in going to the City Council with requests. Ivy Park Land Acquisition The members of the Commission that were present felt that it was a good idea for city staff to approach the Ivy Falls Townhomes Association with preliminary sketch plans detailing how their parcel, that is adjacent to Ivy Falls Park, would be used if the City were to have that land dedicated to the park. Play Equipment Base Material Those members of the Commission that were present approved of Kullander's recommendation to use Buck -Shot sand measuring 1/16" to 1/8" in size for the play equipment base material. Friendly Hills Park Storm Sewer Improvement Kullander explained that in order to regrade the field at Friendly Hills it would be necessary to remove the ditch and replace it with a storm sewer pipe. Kullander explained that it would cost about $13,500 to do this and that the money could come from referendum contingency, the money allocated to improving ballfields and the $5,000 allocated to improve the field. Commission Chair Huber inquired if the Friendly Hills Tot Lot divestment could go towards paying for this. Kullander stated that this improvement would be an appropriate place to direct those proceeds, as well as play equipment and picnic shelter enhancements. Those members of the Commission that were present directed staff to request that Council order plans and specifications for the Friendly Hills Park Storm Sewer Improvement. Handicapped Accessible Play Equipment Kullander explained that when public money is being spent for play equipment it is wise to consider setting a portion aside for handicap accessible equipment. Commission members present stated that the City should be ahead of this issue and on its own decide to make available handicap accessible equipment. Kullander stated that he favored the Kensington site as it is scenic and wooded and the play equipment could be place near the picnic area. Kullander explained that handicap accessible equipment would not be placed in lieu of other equipment, but would be in conjunction with it. Collapsible Fences Those members of the Commission that were present felt that this was an item that could be revisited at a later date when the City might have better storage facilities. It would not be pursued at the present time. Trails - Plans and Specifications Kullander stated that the City engineering staff had made designs for constructing 6.6 miles of off -road trails in 1990 for the estimated cost of $470,000. Kullander stated that this is within the budget and covered the majority of off road construction. Kullander stated that the remaining portions of the trail would be designated or built in later years. Those members of the Commission that were present unanimously recommended that City Council order staff to prepare plans and specifications for these trails. Somerset School Bike Trail Kullander explained that in order to have a continuous pavement from the trail to the parking lot at Somerset School an extension costing $3,000 - $5,000 would have to be built on school property. Those members of the Commission that were present recommended that staff direct a letter to the School District requesting that they extend this portion of the trail. Direction of Barton-Aschman for Landscape Design Kullander explained to the Commission the direction they would have to provide Barton- Aschman on the landscape design at Friendly Hills, Ivy Hills, Rogers Lake, Hagstrom-King and the park design for Victoria Highlands. The Parks Commission provided priorities for landscape and park design as outlined in the attached memo, dated November 15, 1989 from Guy Kullander to Barry Warner, of Barton- Aschman. ADJOURN There being no further business the meeting was adjourned until a special meeting at 7 o'clock p.m. on December 12, 1989 that would proceed the regularly scheduled meeting at 7:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kevin Batchelder Administrative Assistant City of Mendota Heights November 15, 1989 TO: Barry Warner, Barton Aschman Associates, Inc. FROM: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager RE: Landscape Improvements and Park Design Landscape improvements for Friendly Hills, Rogers Lake, Ivy and Hagstrom King Parks were discussed at the Park and Recreation commission meeting last night. It was decided that the first priority would be to improve the areas around the park signs. Possibly a common design that should then be used for all the parks. The existing signs will remain with new landscape features to be added. The second priority item for Friendly Hills Park would be to improve the appearance of the parking area. For Rogers Lake Park it would be to enhance the entrance road into the park by dredging the retention pond and landscape plantings around upper parking lot. Ivy Hill Park will not be addressed at this time because the city is investigating the acquisition of more land for the park. The amount allocated for construction of landscape improvements in Rogers Lake and Friendly Hills Parks is $5,000.00 each. Your designs need not be completely governed by these amounts. Additional funding or a phased construction approached are options open to the Parks and Recreation commission. A "final" design is required even if it exceeds amount budgeted. Improvements for Hagstrom-King Park are more extensive. Although only $14,800. has been allocated the Park and Recreation commission realized that this is not sufficient funding to accomplish all the desired improvements in this park and additional funds will be forth coming. Following is a prioritized list of desired improvements. 1. Grade, topdress and seed softball field with skinned infield area. 2. 'Install backstop and players benches with 8' protective fence. 1101 Victoria Curve •Mendota Heights, MN • 55118 452.1850 3. Park sign will be built and installed by city crews but the "standardized" landscape design your firm develops for the other parks will be incorporated here. 4. Landscape improvements should be added around parking lot, along trail, and by play equipment. 5. A row of trees along the landscape berm adjacent to Mendota Heights road is also required. 6. Benches, trash receptacles, bike rack, etc. should also be considered. 7. No additional trails. Be Outfield fencing with a warning track may be considered as a future improvement. The Victoria Highlands Park improvement requires more development. Your initial design is what the Parks and Recreation Commission desires except for the following modifications. 1. Trail will connect Victoria Road on the north thru the park on a west to east alignment to Diane Road. 2. A softball field shall be constructed with backstop, skinned area, and players benches with protective 8' fence. 3. Trees shall be planted along lot(s) adjacent to back- stop to provide screening. Pines should be considered. 4. Play structure design shall be selected by Parks and Recreation Commission and installed independently of park improvements. You should reserve/locate an area for this structure. Sincerely, Guy Kullander Parks Project Manager .P 0 �■� City of 1 rAenidota Heights .�..�.� November 15, 1989 TO: Barry Warner, Barton Aschman Associates, Inc. FROM: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager RE: Landscape Improvements and Park Design Landscape improvements for Friendly Hills, Rogers Lake, Ivy and Hagstrom King Parks were discussed at the Park and Recreation Commission meeting last night. It was decided that the first priority would be to improve the areas around the park signs. Possibly a common design that should then be used for all the parks. The existing signs will remain with new landscape features to be added. The second priority item for Friendly Hills Park would be to improve the appearance of the parking area. For Rogers Lake Park it would be to enhance the entrance road into the park by dredging the retention pond and landscape plantings around upper parking lot. Ivy Hill Park will not be addressed at this time because the City is investigating the acquisition of more land for the park. The amount allocated for construction of landscape improvements in Rogers Lake and Friendly Hills Parks governed $5,000.00 each. Your designs need not be completely g by these amounts. Additional funding or a phased construction approached are options open to the Parks and Recreation Commission. A "final" design is required even if it exceeds amount budgeted. Improvements for Hagstrom-King Park are more extensive. Although only $14,800. has been allocated the Park and Recreation Commission realized that this is not sufficient funding to accomplish all the desired improvements in this park and additional funds will be forth coming. Following is a prioritized list of desired improvements. 1. Grade, topdress and seed softball field with skinned infield area. 2. Install backstop and players benches with 8' protective fence. 110� Victoria Curve •Mendota Heights, MN • 55118 452.1850 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO December 7, 1989 To: Parks and Recreation Commissioners From: Kevin Batchelder, Administrative AssistanQ(� Subject: Play Equipment Proposals DISCUSSION At the November 21st City Council meeting the City Council ordered the Parks Project Manager to receive proposals for the construction and installation of seven play structures or equipment in our neighborhood parks. (See attached Proposal request and November 28th, 1989 letter from Guy Kullander.) Parks Project Manager Kullander will be receiving these proposals through Monday, December lath. He will be prepared to present these proposals and make recommendations to the Commission on Tuesday evening. Kullander will be asking the Commission to review the proposals, discuss them and possibly decide which proposal City Council should order staff to award. ACTION REQUIRED Review and discuss play equipment proposals with Parks Project Manager. m City of Mendota Heights The City of Mendota Heights, Minnesota will receive proposals for construction and installation of seven play structures or equipment identified as Improvement No. 89, Project No., 6A, Job No. 8919. Proposals will be received until 2:00 P.M. C.D.S.T., Tuesday, December 11, 1989, at City Hall of the City of Mendota Heights, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, MN 55118. Selection of vendor(s) or supplier(s) will be made at the Park and Recreation Commission meeting to be held on Tuesday, December 12, 1989 and forwarded to City Council for award at the December 17th, 1989 regular council meeting. Proposals shall be for the furnishing of all labor, materials and equipment to perform all the Work in connection with the above stated project. Contract Documents are on file and are available from the office of the City Engineer, ilol Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, MN 55118. All proposals must be accompanied by a Cash Deposit, Certified Check or Bid Bond, made payable to the City of Mendota Heights, Minnesota in the amount of $6,125.00 (5% of work to approved $122,500.00) conditioned that if the vendor is the be successful Bidder, they will enter into an Agreement with the City in accordance with said bid and will furnish such Performance and Payment Bids as are specified. If the vendor fails to enter into an Agreement, this deposit will be forfeited as liquidated damages to the owner. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive any informalities. Kathleen M. Swanson, City Clerk City of Mendota Heights 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, Minnesota 55118 1101 Victoria Curve •Mendota Heights, MN • 55118 452.1850 0 TO: JIh9 DAhdIEL=.Oh! CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS FR,OF•J; _rOAhJE. B,JGRKLUt�1D Af•ID COPPEF.FIELD REFF:E'=;EtdTATP?ES .TIh9. ENCLOSED ARE TWO SEPARATE MEMOS REGARDING THE TWO ISSUES WE DISCUSSED THIS SUMMER THAT WERE OF CONCERN TO COPPERFIELD RESIDENTS. THESE ARE 1) PUMPING OF WATER FROM THE PONDS FOR USE IN LOT WATERING AND 2? GROttITH OF t4EED ON THE PONDS, YOU RECOMMENDED THAT WE WRITE DOWN OUR CONCERNS tO THAT THE"' COULD BE PRESENTED TO THE CITY. IF YOU HAVE At'`J`i QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL ME ANYTIME. THANk 'vOU FOP YOUR INTEREST AND ASSISTANCE, C, EJORF:;LI_ iCa 232�4 FIELD STON DRIVE ST . F'AI JL , tlfd . 55120 454-5537 DATE: OCTOBER: =:1 , 1'i84' TO: CI I I OF MEhJDGTA HEIGHT' FROPi: CUFF'ERFIELC"+ REPRESEIdTATII,!Eo RE: LiSE OF F'CddC?S--PUh1F'ItJG CiF F'��tdD l.9ATEP.. THE PAST I1.9W=JQFIh'tER : J+.JE HAt�E HAC? A C:CddCER'P! ABOUT 4:ATER' BEItJG PUMPED OUT OF COPPERFIELD POND ON A CONTIPUJING BASIS FOR USE IN WATERING `r'AR,'DS. THE SUMMER OF 19BB WAS A REAL HARD F41P ON THE POND DUE TO THE DROUGHT. EVEN THE :=1.111MER OF 198'9 DID PLOT PRODUCE ENOUGH RAINFALL TO DRASTICAL_L`r' CHANGE THE WATER LEVEL OF THE POND. bJEED GROWTH AROUhdC? THE EDGES OF THE FOND WHERE WATER USED TO COVER TO A GREATER DEPTH SEEMS TO HAVE INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY SINCE THE DROUGHT. ACCORDING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, THEIR: RESTRICTIONS ALLOW A RESIDENT TO PUMP OUT 10000 GALLONS OF iJATER DAILY FROM A BODY OF WATER. THE R:EPRESENTATIVE I TALKED WITH SAID THAT THEY HOPED INDIVIDUALS WOULD USE THEIR JUDGEMENT AND NOT PUMP FROM A POND OR SMALL BOD'T' OF WATER, HE NOTED THAT IF EVERYONE PUMPED THE ALLOWANCE OUT ON A DAIL'* BASIS, THE POND WOULD NOT BE IN EXISTANCE. THE ESTIMATED HOXI11UM DEPTH OF THE PONDS IS AF'PRO;':IMATELY 5 1'2 FEET. IN ADDITION, THE WILDLIFE SURROUNDING THE PONDS WOULD BE AFFECTED. THE REPRESEt4TATIVE SUGGESTED CONTACTING THE LOCAL CITY GOVERNMENT AND ASKING THEM TO CONSIDER PASSING AN ORDINANCE THAT WOULD PROHIBIT THE PUMPING OF ANY WATER FROM A FOND. WE WOULD LIKE THE CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS TO CCINSIDER AN ORDINANCE OF THIS TYPE. AS MENDOTA HEIGHTS RESIDENTS WE HAVE A VESTED INTEREST IN PRESERVING THE BEAUTY OF OUR i._AND, THE WILDLIFE AND THE BEAUTIFUL P0I4DS IN THE AREA. IF YOU l HAVE ANY QUESTI OhJS, PLEASE CALL JOANE . BJOR'.KLUND AT 4154-5537 OR GLENNIS SVENSEN AT 456-9015. IF THIS ITEM IS SCHEDULED FOR DISCUSSION AT A COUNCIIL MEETING, PLEASE LET US KNOW SO THAT WE CAN BE IN ATTENDANCE. THANK: YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER OF CONCERN. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO December 7, 1989 To: Parks and Recreation Commissioners ''// From: Kevin Batchelder, Administrative Assistan C( Subject: Friendly Hills Tot Lot Proceeds DISCUSSION At the November 7, 1989 City Council meeting the City Council accepted the Parks and Recreation Commission's recommendation to remove the play equipment at Friendly Hills Tot Lot. However, they did not approve the second part of the recommendation which asked City Council to approve divesting the land and turning the proceeds over to the Parks Fund. (See attached November 7th City Council minutes and November 2, 1989 staff memo.) City Council's action was to order a public hearing at the January 16, 1990 Council meeting to discuss divesting the lot with the Friendly Hills neighborhood. Council will consider the divestment after it has held public hearings with the affected neighbors. Council, in turn, has asked the Parks and Recreation Commission to recommend what the proceeds from a divestment of Friendly Hills Tot Lot should be spent on, were Council to order a divestment. Both the City Council and the Parks and Recreation Commission have preliminarily indicated that these proceeds should be spent at Friendly Hills Park. Parks Project Manager Kullander and Consultant Barry Warner will be present with suggestions and specific recommendations. ACTION REQUIRED Review recommendations with Parks Project Manager and make any recommendations to City Council. 9 1IVNO c,J �t 1 �L)V�lCI l (q��ct FRIENDLY HILLS TOT LOT Park Commission Chairperson John Huber was present to review Commission recommendations with respect to the Friendly Hills Tot Lot. He reviewed a letter from Attorney Sherman Winthrop written in 1983 and read the declaration of covenants. Mr. Huber stated that the 1989 referendum provides for improvements to all of the neighborhood parks, however, no money was provided for the tot lot, nor was any intended to be provided. He informed Council that an old swing set and one other play apparatus exist on the tot lot and both appear to be in poor repair. It was the unanimous recommendation of the Commission to recommend disposing of the property and using the funds from the sale to improve the Friendly Hills Park. The Commission has a history of not wanting to maintain tot lots, and the play structure in the Friendly Hills park will be very near where the tot lot is located. Mr. Huber informed Council that the Park Commission feels the most appropriate method of disposing of the property would be to option 3 recommended by Mr. Winthrop, to initiate proceedings to clear title to the lots. Mayor Mertensotto stated that there are two issues: dilapidated play equipment which could be dangerous and presents a potential liability, and that the tot lot area is four residential lots. He stated that tot lots do not fit into the park maintenance scheme, and in this particular case, there is a tot lot within 300 to 400 feet of a major park where the tot facilities could be duplicated and put to a wider use. He informed Council that the problem is that the City has title to four lots but there are restrictive covenants stating that they must be used for a public use for a 25 year period unless 65% of the homeowners petition to vacate. He suggested that the play equipment be removed immediately, that action to clear title be started, and that if sold, the sales revenue from the lots be dedicated to create a special tot lot area within the Friendly Hills park. He recommended that Council hold a public hearing, with two week mailed notice to ers and Friendly Hills Rearrangement homeown double publication. If the response is favorable, Council could commence action to clear title. Councilmember Cummins expressed his total support for the immediate removal of the play equipment. Councilmember Blesener suggested that Council should have some general idea of what the proceeds might be and what the money could be used for. She suggested that the Park Commission be asked to give a recommendation for use of the proceeds. Councilmember Blesener moved to direct staff to remove the Friendly Hills Tot Lot play apparatus as soon as is reasonably possible. Councilmember Hartmann seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Councilmember Hartmann moved to schedule a public hearing for January 16th with respect to the possible elimination of the Friendly Hills Tot Lot along with direction to staff to publish notice of the hearing in two successive issues of the legal newspaper two weeks prior to the hearing and to mail notice of the hearing to Friendly Hills Rearrangement homeowners. Councilmember Anderson seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 DUFFY DEVELOPMENT Mr. John Duffy was present to discuss the proposed developers agreement for the Lexington Square shopping center. Mr. Duffy read four issues contained in a letter from City Attorney Tom Hart regarding minimum assessed value, insurance against major loss, public improvement costs and a letter of credit. In response to a question from Mayor Mertensotto, Mr. Duffy stated that he does not have a mortgage commitment at this time. Mayor Mertensotto stated that the mortgagee must subrogate its interests to the City in the event of fire loss - the City must be a named insured. He also stated that one point that is unclear in the agreement is CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO November 2, 1989 To: Mayor, City Council and Acting City Ad trator From: Kevin Batchelder, Administrative Assis an Subject: Friendly Hills Tot Lot DISCUSSION Both the Citizens Park Review Committee and the Parks and Recreation Commission have discussed Friendly Hills Tot Lot and its old play equipment on numerous occasions. There is augementl concern with liability issues regarding the old play equipment. (See attachment on liability hazards) When the parks bond referendum was designed there were no funds provided for improvements at Friendly Hills Tot Lou because I was duplicative of the ifor Friendly mprovements proposed Hills Park. With the removal of the play equipment because of its ith no funds being provided for liability potential and w improvement of the tot lotthe Parks and Recreation Commission ,feels the est use of this land is odivest use proceeds forfurther park development atFriendly illsdPark the In both 1980 and 1983 the City had RECOMMENDATION considered divesting The Parks and Recreation Commission voted unanimously to recommend that City Council: 1. Authorize staff to remove all the existing play equipment at ..Friendly Hills Tot Lot; and 2. Bringaction Lot, sell and authorize the funds to the Parks Fund, the land ACTION REQUIRED If the City Council desires to implement the Parks and Recreation Commission's recommendation they should pass motions approving the following actions: 1. Direct staff to remove all the existing play equipment at Friendly Hills Tot Lot. 29 Council may wish to consider holding a public hearing before directing staff to begin legal proceedings. If so', they should direct staff to hold a public hearing with Friendly Hills Rearrangement homeowners regarding the divestment of the tot lot. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS ATTACHMENT November 2, 1989 To; Mayor, City Council and Acting City Administrator From: Kevin Batchelder, Administrative Assistan e Subject: Site Visit to Friendly Hills Tot Lot to Examine Liability Hazards of Play Equipment DISCUSSION On November 2, 1989 Parks Project Manager Guy Kullanossible I visited Friendly Hills Tot Lot to examine the p on liability hazards associated with the play equipment uilmentstinghas the site. The potential liability of this play eq P been a concern of the Parks and Recreation Commission for some time. Many hazards were found and will be listed below. In general, the equipment was rusty and in a bad state of repair. There was no surface or base material beneath the equipment, which exceeds todays height standards, only hard earth and grass. Z have attached some information from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission that explains why the following conditions are liability hazards. MONKEY BARS 1. Numerous protruding rusty bolts 2. Height MERRY GO ROUND 1. Entrapment underneath a possibility 2. Rotting boards, splinters 3. No base material, only hard earth 4. Protruding rusty bolts SWINGS SLIDE AND CHIN-UP BARS 1. Power lines directly overhead of swings (approx. 2. Exposed concrete footings underneath play equipment 3. No base material, only hard earth surface 4. Approximately eight feet high CON CL•U S ION Staff's conclusion is that this equipment is althis waiting to happen, and that for the safety of the public equipment should be removed. 3. Playground Injurles The Commission became concerned about the safety of public playground equip- ment after examining the number and kinds of Injuries associated with use of the equipment. A December 1978 CPSC Hazard Analysis, for example, estimates that in 1977 about 93,000 people were treated In hospital emergency rooms for Injuries associated with public play- ground equipment. Children 10 years of age or younger suffered 4 out of 5 of the injuries. Some of these injurles were caused when chil- dren were struck by moving pieces of equlp- menl such as swings and gliders. Other chil- dren were Injured when they caught an ex- tremity such as a finger at a pivot or pinch point, or ran or fell against protruding bolts, screws or other hardware on the equipment. Seven out of every ten Injuries, however, were caused by fells —the most common play- ground accident. (� The type of surface on the playground was a major factor affecting the number and sever- ity of injuries associated with falls. Falls onto paved surfaces resulted In a disproportionate- ly high number of severe injuries. While pro- tective surfaces such as wood chips, shredded tires, send, etc, may not have reduced the num- bar of Injuries from falls, these materials may have reduced the severity of the Injuries. The following tablet presents the estimated percentage of public playground equipment related injuries according to the manner In which the Injuries occurred: Falls to sudece 59% Fells - struck same place of equipment k2��s Fells - from one place of equipment and truck another piece of equipment Fells -subtotal C Impact with moving equipment 7°b Contact with protrusions, pinch points, 5% sharp edges and sharp points Fell against, onto or Into stationary 8% equipment Unknown 1 8% Total 1 100% (1) Source: NEISS emergency room based epeclel study April ill, 1978 . Mey 1, 197e, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Directorate for He and Identification and Analysis. Hazards Relating to the Most Common Types of Public Playground Equipment Traditional categories of playground equipment— swings, slides, seesaws, climb- ers, and merry-go-rounds— are used In many playgrounds throughout the country. The following table2 compares the estimated per- centage of Injuries related to a particular type oI equipment with the percentage of that equipment In use: INJURIES EQUIPMENT, IN USE Climbers 42% 51% Swings 23% 20% Slides 16% 12% Merry-go-rounds 8% 5% Seesaws 5% 6% All other 6% 6% 110061 100% Typical accident patterns associated with these conventional types of public playground equipment are described below. Climbing Apparatus. Falls accounted for 72 percent of the Injuries from climbing apparatus such as monkey bars, chinning bars, etc. Vlc- tims fell when they slipped, lost their grip or at their balance. Falls occurred when chil- dren were swinging from rung to rung, per- forming stunts and jumping on, or from, bars. Swings. Sixty-nine percent of the Injuries re- lated to swings occurred when children fell or jumped from the swings. Twenty-six percent of the Injuries resulted when the children were struck by a moving swing. Slldes, Seventy-elghl percent of the Injuries on slides were the result of falls over the side, from the platform, and from the ladder. Fells were caused by roughhousing, walking up and down the slide, losing one's grip, slipping, and (2) Source: NEISS emergency room based special awdy. All 10, 1978 -Mey 1, 1978 and Consumer Deputy Sludy of PiayBround Surlecea, Sep- tember 13, 1978 - oclober 18, 1978, U.S. Con- eumer Product Safety Commission, Director- ate for Hazard Identification and Anaiyats losing balance. Other victims hit protruding bolls, struck the slide rim and edge, or slipped on the ladder and struck the steps. Merry-go-rounds. Most of the Injuries associ- ated with merry-go-rounds resulted from falls when children either lost their grip and were thrown from the merry-go-round, fell down while pushing It, or fell while riding it. In some Instances those who were pushing were struck by the device. Those who fell while on the merry-go-round either struck or were struck by other gripping bars, or struck the base it- self. Seesaws. Although about one out of every six Injuries occurred when the victim was hit by a moving seesaw, most Injuries resulted from falls, in some cases, the victims were punc- lured by long splinters from worn, poorly maintained or damaged wooden seesaws. Other. Other types of equipment involved in Injuries were spring action riding equipment, rope or lire swings, etc. Typically, falls contrl- buled to over half of the Injuries associated with this equipment. 4, Planning a New Playground Surfacing As indicated in the preceding chapter on playground Injuries, falls are the most com- mon type of playground accident. Commis- sion studies show that the majority (from 60 to 70 percent) of playground -related Injuries are used when children fall from the equipment and strike the underlying surface. Nearly half the injuries that result from falls are to the head, and range In severity from minor bruises to skull fractures, concussions, brain damage, and even death. Until recently, little Information was avail- able on the relative ability of surfacing malerl- als to protect children from head Injuries re- sulting from falls. Therefore, the Commission sponsored research by the National Bureau of Standards to develop a method for assessing the energy absorbing characteristics of play- ground surfaces and to test several commonly used surfaces. Analyses of the lest results Indicate that, while they may require little maintenance or re- pair, hard surfacing materials such as asphalt and concrete do not provide Injury protection from accidental fail Impacts and are therefore unsultabie for use under public playground equipment. More resilient surfacing materials such as bark, wood chips, or shredded tires, for example, appear to provide greater protection to a child In the event of a fall. However, these materials require continuous maintenance to retain their optimum cushioning effectiveness. The choice of surfacing material will, of course, be based in part upon local conditions and financial considerations. The following descriptions of some surfacing materials and the environmental conditions which affect them are offered to help planners In weighing the advantages and disadvantages of various surfaces. Organic Loose Materials (Pine Bark Nuggets, Pine Bark Mulch, Shredded Hardwood Bark, Cocoa Shell Mulch). The cushioning potential of these materials depends upon the air trapped within and between the Individual par- ticles. Therefore, It materials decompose and become pulverized over a period of time, or mix with dirt, they will tend to lose their cush- ioning properties. Cushioning protection Is also decreased In rainy or humid weatherwhen the materials absorb moisture and tend to pack down, or If the temperature drops and the wet The following guldellnes for equipment safety were suggested by studies conducted by the Nallonal Bureau of Standards for the CPSC. These guldellnes are not mandatory re- quirements for the design and construction of public playground equipment, end the Com- misslon Is not endorsing particular specNica- tions In the guidelines. However, the Commis- sion believes that publishing guidelines in this fashion will promote safer equipment. General Hazards Entrapment. No component or group of com- ponents should form angles or openings that could trap any part of a child's body or a child's head. II part of an accessible opening is too small to allow children io withdraw their heads easily end the chlidren are unable to support ihelr weight by means other than their heads or necks, strangulation may result. Swinging ex- ercise rings (See Figure t) with diameters ol5 to 10 inches, for example, could present such an entrapment hazard end should be removed. FIGURE 1 Similarly, children might become caught while trying to climb between narrowly spaced hori- zontal bars. II the distance between the bars is less then the height of a child's head, chlidren will have difficulty rotating (heir heads back- ward to Tree them. ClolhiKg Entenglemenl. In general, accessi- ble parts of moving apparatus and compo- nents next to sliding surfaces —ladders and uprights, protective barriers, handrails, etc. — should be designed so they cannot catch a child's clothing. II clothing is entangled, the equipment's or child's momentum Is often great enough to cause loss of balance or en in- jury. Sharp points, corners, end edges; pinch end crush potnls; protruslone and pro(ectlon�. Playground equipment should present no ac- cessible sharp edges or protruding polnls or ends that could cut or puncture children's skin or catch theft clothing (See Figures 2 end 3). FIGURE 2 !/ FIGURE 3 Manufacturers usually provide self-locking nuts or other devices to prevent nut and bolt assemblies from coming apart; these listeners and exposed ends of bolls should be covered with smoothly finished protective caps which,