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1991-09-10 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda PacketCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA AGENDA PARRS AND RECREATION 10, 1991 - 7:00 P.M. 1. Call to Order. 2. Roll Call, 3. Approval of August 13, 1991 Minutes. 4. Recreation Programming Discussion. 5. Kensington Park 6. Trail Policies 7. Updates/Old Business a. Hagstrom-King Park - Selection of Contractor b. Mendakota Park Signs c. Mayfield Heights d. Infield Composition e. Subdivision Fee CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS o?4F DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AUGUST 13, 1991 The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, August 13, 1991, in the City Hall Conference Room, 1101 Victoria Curve. Chair John Huber called the meeting to order at 7:00 o'clock p.m. The following members were present: Huber, Damberg, Lundeen, Hunter, Kleinglass, Katz and Spicer. Staff members present were Parks Project Manager Guy Kullander and Administrative Assistant Kevin Batchelder. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Damberg moved to approve the minutes of July 9, 1991 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. Commissioner Hunter seconded the motion. AYES: NAYS: PROPOSED 1992 BIIDGET The Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed the 1992 Proposed Park Maintenance Budget and the 1992 Special Parks Fund Budget. Specific items of discussion were the recreational contingency line item, the adopt -a -park line item, the trail map, and potential for a sign system. The Commission discussed whether it was appropriate to budget for a sign system for the new trails or to pay for that with referendum funding. The special park fund was discussed and the Commission decided to look at increasing the subdivision fee from the current $600 per lot. Commissioner Lundeen inquired if there was a maintenance plan for the new facilities that have been built with the parks referendum. Parks Project Manager Guy Kullander explained the fertilizer application procedures, the aeration procedures, and the regular schedule maintained by Parks Superintendent Terry Blum for fertilizing and weed killing. Commissioner Lundeen stated he. was concerned that the new facilities were receiving the specialized attention necessary for turf management. Commissioner Lundeen also stated that he was concerned with the capital request for a snowblower attachment at $15,000. Lundeen stated that a $15,000 option seems to be very expensive. Kullander responded and explained the need for a new snow machine on the trails in order AYES: 7 NAYS: 0 Parks Project Manager Kullander stated that the easiest area to site a free skating rink in Mendakota Park would be under the NSP easement. He stated there would be a cost for grading even though this area is fairly flat. A total estimated cost for lights, warming house, moving a water hydrant across the street and grading would be approximately $15,000 to $20,000. Chair Huber stated that a hockey rink would have to be constructed also. He felt that you can't have a free skating rink without a hockey rink - it doesn't work if the uses aren't separated. Commissioner Lundeen inquired whether there really was a need to reconsider the decision not to have a free skating rink at Mendakota Park. The Commission responded that, no, they did not feel there was a need to reconsider this item. Chair Huber stated that the use of the other rinks could be monitored this coming winter to determine if our rinks are overcrowded, especially at Friendly Hills. Chair Huber stated that he doesn't find a need to make changes at this time, though it might be appropriate to have rink attendants monitor the use next winter. Commissioner Damberg moved to reaffirm the - - decision not to propose an ice skating rink for Mendakota Park and to monitor the use of the existing rinks this coming winter. Commissioner Spicer seconded the motion. PARR Administrative Assistant Batchelder explained the Kensington park dedication and the details regarding the park dedication that will be in the proposed developer's agreement. Batchelder stated that the intent for this park, at this time, was to build it in 1992 so it is ready for play in 1993. Chair Huber inquired even if the park was built in 1992, would the soccer teams be able to use it in 1993? Kullander responded that . use of the fields would depend on the construction schedule in 1992 and that only limited use in 1993 would be considered. Chair Huber stated that staff should sketch out some soccer ideas and have Sting and Mend -Eagan come to a future Park Commission meeting to talk about the soccer design. The Park Commission felt that ,it would be appropriate for the Engineering staff to do the be necessary for Mendota Heights. Batchelder stated that he would begin the process of researching the recreation resources and possibilities and would bring items back to the Park Commission beginning next month on a monthly basis. Administrative Assistant Batchelder -stated that he had had six organizations adopt parks in Mendota Heights. He stated that they are: 1. Gopher State One Call Service Roger's Lake Park 2. Rotary Club - WPS/Mendota Hts. North Valley Park 3. Weissner Insurance South Valley Park 4. Mendota Heights Taxidermy Victoria Highlands Park 5. Centre One Dental/Dr. Hunter Marie Park 6: Robert Suchomel/Tracy Schabacker Wentworth Park Batchelder stated that letters had been sent to the homeowners he had identified on option three and option four for providing a trail length through Mayfield Heights to the City. Batchelder stated that he had not received a response to any of the letters that had been sent out, approximately ten days prior. Batchelder stated that the City Council had approved reservations of tennis courts at Roger's Lake Park for the girls fall tennis season for Visitation Convent. Batchelder stated that the tree planting grant at the Department of Natural Resources had not gone through as the City did not qualify as a Tree City for the grant money they had available. Batchelder stated that he had recently had two requests for the City to build a community pool. A few members of the Commission stated that a community pool had been looked at in the past and that the City had decided not to build one. Commissioner Kleinglass inquired what is the objection to a community pool. He felt that a pool was a good recreation use for the community. Batchelder stated that it was probably possible for the City to build a City pool, but the tax the kiosk has eight sides for signage. Kullander also stated an address sign would be needed at the park. The Park Commission directed Kullander to prepare a proposed sign on park rules for Mendakota Park for the next meeting. Commissioner Spicer inquired about the lime rock that is being used to grade the infields on the softball fields this summer. He stated he felt the composition of the rock was not good and wondered if we should switch suppliers. The Commission directed Parks Superintendent Terry Blum to check the infield composition of the lime rock that is being used this year. ADJOIIRN There being no further business the Park and Recreation Commission adjourned at 8*50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kevin Bate CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO September 6, 1991 To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kevin Batchelde(Administrative Assistant Subject: Recreation Programming - Discussion DISCUSSION During the recent establishment of the "Role of the Park Commission", developing recreation programming received a high priority. The development of recreation programming has also been a topic of discussion at recent monthly meetings and there is agreement that new facilities have created a need for recreation programming to be addressed in some fashion. Last month we discussed pursuing the following so that we may begin to explore programming options: Inventory of what programs exist locally Research of what other cities are doing Exploring cooperative avenues with West St. Paul and ISD-197 Needs analysis of programs Since last month's meeting, I have met with Bill Kleineck, Parks and Rec Director of West St. Paul to discuss cooperative ventures in Recreation programming. West St. Paul is receptive to the idea (in fact they initiated the discussion) and is currently preparing some requested information for us. I would like to discuss this with the Commission on Tuesday evening. In addition to this, the City of Inver Grove Heights has recently held a series of public hearings to adopt a Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Plan for their city and I intend to schedule meetings with Bruce Anderson, Parks Director to discuss their program development. We are currently surveying metro area cities about recreation programming and hope to begin receiving programs and other information. We are also intending to discuss scheduling with ISD-197 which has recently purchased software for facilities scheduling by the Community Education department. During August, the City Council conducted a budget workshop in which the topic of recreation programming and a survey were discussed. Please see attached August 7, 1991 minutes. ACTION REQUIRED Discuss progress on recreation programming and provide direction to staff. Page No. 3086 August 7, 1991 Staff was directed to prepare a survey of fire department pension contributions and hourly rates. Treasurer Shaughnessy reviewed the status of current and projected equipment certificate bonding and the philosophy for use of equipment certificates for long-term capital equipment. Council reviewed and discussed`wth'Police Chief Delmont a request from the City Attorney for an increase in fees for prosecutions. Council acknowledged a survey of legal fees recently conducted by the City of,Moundsview. Councilmember Cummins suggested that Chief Delmont meet with the City Attorney to negotiate a new rate. Mayor Mertensotto stated that fie will contact Attorney Hart. •-- Council briefly discussed the public works budgets, acknowledging the need for a new backhoe for the street department and a new position an 4,�squipineri�'�'for"ths- k Council directed that staff investigate internship programs with the intent that an intern be hired to take a comprehensive approach to the issue of recreation programming, including surveying neighboring communities. Staff was also directed to notify the Park Commission that this approach is preferred over a community survey. Council direet-ed—t-ke-3zdmiYiis�trator to contact the City Planner's Office, informing the principals that Council is reviewing its consultant relationships and desires that John Uban serve as the city's planner. It was noted that Howard Dahlgren was a principal of the firm and when he retired one of the other principals should have replaced him. Treasurer Shaughnessy reviewed revenues, informing Council of a proposal that a building permit fee surcharge be implemented to compensate for lost license fee revenues. He also informed Council that the MWCC will increase its fees by 20% in 1992 and that the Page No. 3087 August 7, 1991 proposed Utility Fund budget anticipates a 10$ increase in sewer rates. FIRE STATION Staff was directed to proceed with getting quotes for demolition of the old fire station. Mayor Mertensotto stated that he will contact Harry Kirchner with respect to purchase of the Fischer's 66 property. DOWNTOWN MENDOTA Council briefly discussed therissue.of HEIGHTS the release of the T.H. 149 right-of-way. Council was informed that the City has a potential funding option, in the form of MSA funding, for construction of an extension of South Plaza Drive along the right-of-way with a bridge across T.H. 110. Council was informed that MSA designation is possible as long as a street begins and ends at a state highway, a county road or another MSA road. Staff was directed to begin the process for MSA designation. ADJOURN There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilmember Koch moved that the meeting be adjourned. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 10:30 o'clock P.M. Kathleen M. Swanson City Clerk ATTEST: Charles E. Mertensotto Mayor CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO September 6, 1991 To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kevin Batcheldeministrative Assistant Subject: Kensington Park DISCUSSION At their September 3, 1991 meeting, the City Council approved the developer's agreement with Centex Homes for the Kensington Planned Unit Development - Phase II. This action finalizes the approvals for the project and ends the lawsuit. Centex Homes intends to begin building this fall and will be required to dedicate the park land to the City as part of the first recorded plat. At this date we have not received a grading plan from Centex Homes. As you are aware, the developer's agreement stipulates that Centex Homes .provide a balance of dirt for the park land and that they will cooperate with the City in the grading of the park land. I have enclosed a copy of Section 5 of the developer's agreement that deals with the park issues. Before we can begin to design the park it is necessary to have a grading plan from Centex Homes. We should have this plan shortly, as Centex is eager to begin building. At that point, we can begin with the design of the park, hopefully at the October meeting. City Council also accepted the Parks and Recreation Commission recommendation to have the design of Kensington Park done by City staff at the direction of the Commission without using professional consultants. ACTION REQUIRED No action required. Provide any direction to staff on designing Kensington Park. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO September 6, 1991 To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kevin Batchelde �$dministrative Assistant Subject: Trails - Snowplowing Policies DISCUSSION At the last Parks and Recreation meeting, the Commission discussed the snowplowing of the bicycle/pedestrian trails and asked staff to elaborate on the policy in place for the trails. During snow events that require plowing all public works employees, including park maintenance crews are out plowing city streets. Streets, roads and cul-de-sacs have the first priority and are to be completely plowed before the park maintenance crews are released to remove snow from the ice rinks and pedways. It may be the second day before the rinks and pedways are plowed as they are second in priority to streets and roadways. Valley Trail is left unplowed for cross-crountry skiers, as is the section of unpaved trail between the Mendota Plaza and Friendly Marsh Park. It is the intention of the crews to plow all paved trails, however, last year the Marie Avenue section from Dodd to Delaware was left unplowed because of lawn damage and homeowner complaints. ACTION REQUIRED Discuss the plowing policy, and if the Commission desires, make any recommendations to City Council. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO September 6, 1991 To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kevin Batchelder, Administrative Assist® Subject: Updates and Old Business There are a number of items I wished to include for your information that I will briefly discuss. Hagstrom-King Park - Selection of Contractor At the September 3, 1991 City Council meeting, the Council approved the selection of a contractor, Hamelwood Construction, Inc., to provide a number of improvements to Hagstrom-King Park that a previous contractor had failed to perform earlier this summer. I have enclosed a September 3, 1991 memo from Guy Kullander to the City Council that outlines the work being done to improve the grading and turf at Hagstrom-King Park. Terry Blum, Parks Supervisor, has recommended that the ballfields at this park, and Victoria -Highlands Park, be overseeded in addition to this work. However, he has been directed to provide only fertilization and aeration of these fields at this time. Mendakota Park Signs At last months meeting, Parks Project Manager Guy Kullander discussed the need for a sign system at Mendakota Park and the Commission asked Guy to make a proposal for a "Rules of the Park" sign. Guy has received one bid and is requesting more proposals at this time and hopes to have a design for the Commission's review at the October meeting. Mayfield Heights Trail I have received responses from all the homeowners who were mailed notices requesting voluntary acquisition of trail easements through their property to provide a trail link to Mayfield Heights neighborhood. Every response was negative. I have enclosed a map that highlights the properties where negative responses have been received. Only two more trail options remain at this point, and those owners will be notified of the Parks Commission request this week. It is likely a recommendation will be made at the October Parks and Recreation Commission meeting regarding, a Mayfield Heights Trail link. r CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO September 3, 1991 TO: Mayor, City Council and City Administrator FROM: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager SUBJECT: Hagstrom-King Park DISCUSSION' Attempts by our park maintenance crew to establish turf in certain areas of this park have not been successful mainly due to a lack of suitable topsoil. Also several areas contained rough terrain and high berms which made mowing very difficult. These areas, including the park trail entrance off Watersedge Terrace have been cleared of brush and graded to more mowable slopes and are now ready for topsoil and sod. I have calculated that 350 cubic yards of black dirt and 600 square yards of -sod are needed to provide suitable topsoil for establishment of turf. The sod will be used adjacent to the trail from Watersedge Terrace and for erosion control on steep slope areas by the play equipment and pond. Most areas will be topdressed with black dirt and seeded. The ballfield and non - used areas will receive no topdressing at this time, but will receive fertilization and aeration by our park maintenance personnel. I described this project to five firms. Three bids were received. They were as follows: Hamelwood Construction, Inc. $4,638.00 Kennealy Sand Company $5,578.50 J. & D. Enterprises $6,138.00 Funding for this work would come from Referendum .'Issue I'funds allocated to Neighborhood Park Improvements. I discussed the time schedule with Mr. Mike Larson of Hamelwood Construction and he informs me he is ready to begin work on Wednesday or Thursday of this week. I recommend the City Council award the Hagstrom-King Park turf improvement contract to Hamelwood Construction, Inc. for the amount of $4,638.00. 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