1992-01-14 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda PacketCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
AGENDA
PARRS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
January 14, 1992 - 7000 P.M.
1. Call to Order.
2. Roll Call,
3. Approval of December 10, 1991 minutes.
4. Presentation of Preliminary Sketches of Kensington Building
- Station 19 Architects
Keith Sjoquist
Dick Bromley
5. Kensington Park Update
- Council Action on Recommendation
- Progress Report
6. Discussion of Recreation Programming and Staffing
7. Response to Request for Wildflowers Along Trailways
Feasibility Report for Pilot Program
Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager
8. Sibley Play Equipment - Revisit Implementation Date
9. Verbal Updates.
10. Adjourn.
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
DECEMBER 10, 1991
The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation
Commission was held on Tuesday, December 10, 1991, in the City Hall
Large Conference Room, 1101 Victoria Curve. The meeting was called
to order at 7910 o'clock P.M. The following Commission members
were present: Huber, Lundeen, Spicer, Damberg, Katz and Hunter.
Commissioner Kleinglass arrived late. Also present were Parks
Project Manager Guy Kullander, Civil Engineer Klayton Eckles and
Administrative Assistant Kevin Batchelder. Guests at the meeting
included Dave Libra, Mend -Eagan Soccer; John Bruder, Keith Campbell
and Jim Adams of Sting Soccer.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Damberg moved approval of the November 12,
1991, minutes.
Commissioner Spicer seconded the motion.
AYES: 6
NAYS: 0
KENSINGTON PARK -
FINAL CONCEPT DESIGN
Chair Huber opened the discussion by asking the soccer
representatives a question about the relationship between
Mend -Eagan Soccer and Sting Soccer. Mr. Keith Campbell
explained they are two separate programs. He stated
Sting Soccer was never a City program and explained that
Mendota Heights children have been using the West St.
Paul program since 1974 and they are charged a $5.00 non-
resident fee by the City of West St. Paul. Mr. Campbell
stated there are 150 Mendota Heights kids in the West St.
Paul program and Sibley Sting is a traveling arm of this
soccer program. Commissioner Spicer stated that Mend -
Eagan was a Fall soccer program and the summer soccer
program is conducted by the City of West St. Paul's
recreation department. Spicer stated West St. Paul has
no basketball program and West St. Paul kids play in
Mend -Eagan basketball program with no fee charged for
non-resident.
Mr. John Bruder stated competitive youth soccer is played
in the summer in Minnesota and there are approximately
26,000 kids state wide participating in the summer
programs. Mr. Bruder stated a traveling soccer team was
put together a few years ago and is made up of Mendota
Heights and West St. Paul children, many of whom play in
December 10, 1991
Page 3
eliminating the ability to expand the west field to a
larger size and also narrowing the setbacks between the
two fields.
A discussion ensued about moving the NSP power poles and
raising the sag point of the wires as they cross the
fields. Parks Project Manager Kullander estimated it
would be approximately $20,000 to relocate a pole and
that we are constrained by the need to stay within the
easement if the wires are shifted. Kullander stated it
was a possibility to add a new pole that would raise the
sag point. The Parks and Recreation Commission directed
staff to get an estimate from NSP about the possibility
of moving poles or raising the sag point. Sting
representatives indicated that their preference was
Option B. the plan that showed moving the fields to the
west away from the power lines.
Chair Huber introduced the issue of crowning the fields
as opposed to the original design which relied upon sheet
drainage. Civil Engineer Klayton Eckles addressed the
question about crowned fields verses sheet drainage by
stating that the original design had relied upon sheet
drainage because it would cost approximately $30,000 less
to construct it. Etkies,stated the grade elevations are
a problem on th nd of the site because of the
development grad at will be constructed with the
multi -family units there. Eckles stated that Option B
crowds the fields to the west where there are some grade
changes. Eckles explained that a properly crowned field
is actually crowned both ways from the center and also
crowned toward both goals. Eckles explained that the
sheet drainage design relied on a one percent grade and
this means a one foot change in elevation in one hundred
feet. Eckles stated this is a very gentle slope and
would be hard to detect with the naked eye.
Commissioner Lundeen stated that puddling areas are a
function of the soils underneath the turf. Lundeen
stated sheet drainage is more likely to retain water that
has to drain for a further distance than on a crowned
field. Commissioner Lundeen stated that typically
Mendota Heights is not sandy soil which provides a better
percolation. Lundeen stated a crown field splits the
drainage into two separate directions and water does not
have to drain as far with the crown field. Lundeen
stated that most play on a soccer field is down the
middle and the crown helps the field dry in the middle at
a faster rate.
Mr_ Jim Adams sated Visitation field which was recently
December 10, 1991
Page 5
with sprinkling being provided. Chair Huber inquired if
the forty foot separation between the two soccer fields
was adequate. There was consensus on this item. Chair
Huber inquired about the backstops that had been in last
month's concept design. The Commission and guests were
of a consensus that the backstops should be deleted from
the plan. Mr. Keith Campbell stated that while the
crowned fields were the first priority of the Sting
soccer he was concerned that any backstops in this area
would add to the wear and tear in the goal areas of the
soccer fields.
Chair Huber stated the concession stand request should be
prefaced by comments that the City has not yet decided
how to handle the concession stand or lease at Mendakota
Park and there would be no guarantee that Sting or Mend -
Eagan would actually end up running any concession stand
built by the City. Chair Huber explained the City has
not yet sought bids on the lease of the Mendakota stand
and he is aware the fire department and an outside
private interest have both expressed interest in
operating the concession stands. Mr. John Bruder stated
Sting would like to see a concession area with this park
design.
Parks Project Manager Kullander explained that at the
October meeting the building had been designed with an
overhang. Kullander stated that by the November meeting
the Parks Commission had decided a picnic area with
shelters would be better than an overhang which would be
adjacent to the parking lot. Kullander displayed
potential kiosks that could provide shelter from the
elements on the other side of the play equipment, away
from the parking lot. Kullander explained the building
originally proposed included two toilets, mechanical room
and a storage area at an approximate cost of $50,000 to
$60,000. Kullander stated adding a concession area would
cost approximately $10,000. Chair Huber stated if it was
Sting's intent to sell simply pop and potato chips that
this could be handled by vending machines. Chair Huber
stated that anything beyond simple vending items require
health code improvements that can become quiet expensive
in designing the concession area. Chair Huber inquired
if a concession area was absolutely necessary and if it
was a high priority of the soccer interests. Chair Huber
inquired if vending machines would be sufficient. Mr.
Keith Campbell responded that the power lines and the
crowning of the fields are the priority issues, however
a concession area was provided at the softball fields and
a concession area should be provided at the soccer area.
Commissioner Lundeen stated he disagreed on this issue
December 10, 1991
Page 7
4. That the Parks and Recreation Commission recommend
sprinkling and irrigation be included.
5. That the Parks and Recreation Commission recommend
there be no backstops included in this design.
6. That the Parks and Recreation Commission recommend
there be no lighting of the fields.
That the Parks and Recreation Commission recommend
not to include a concession area in the building.
8. That the storage design for nets and soccer
equipment be included.
9. That two or three small picnic shelter areas should
be included in the design instead of an overhang
attached to the building., These picnic shelters
will be located east of the play equipment.
Commissioner Hunter seconded the motion.
AYES: 7
NAYS: 0
NORTH KENSINGTON PARK AREA
Chair Huber stated there had been long discussions with
some controversy over the design of the north park.
Huber stated that last month the Commission voted for a
very active use concept in this area with hard court
facilities. Administrative Assistant Batchelder
explained that in October staff had come forward with a
recommendation the north park area be mostly an open
grass area for multi use fields with trails, parking lot
and a backstop with benches without a skinned in field.
Batchelder stated Mr. Kullander had been selected to be
the design person for this park and his original design
had been based on his understanding of the intent for
this park. Batchelder stated at the October meeting
there had been requests to design the park as a more
passive style park and at that point the Parks and
Recreation Commission had directed staff to look into
including Hagstrom-King Park in the design concept for
this area's park needs. Batchelder stated in November
the north park had been recommended to be a very active
park with tennis facilities, basketball facilities,
horseshoe facilities, picnic shelters, enhanced trail
system and parking lot. Batchelder stated staff had
input from two Councilmembers regarding this preliminary
recommendation. Batchelder stated the Councilmembers had
AYES: 7
NAYS: 0
December 10, 1991
Page 9
there that want to see it as a developed practice field.
Sting representatives requested the City notify them when
further consideration of the park design is done.
Commissioner Spicer moved that the north area of
Kensington Park be recommended as a grass Field only as
a temporary solution with the design concept to be looked
at in the future.
Commissioner Hunter seconded the motion.
Mr. John Bruder stated Sting Soccer appreciates the time
and energy and consideration given to their request by
the Parks and Recreation Commission and staff. He stated
he would like to see the Parks Commission, as a group,
take an aggressive stance on the power line issue and its
location to the fields. Mr. Bruder stated this decision
at this time would be critical to the future use of these
fields and we need to provide a good solution now before
the fields are built. Chair Huber stated he appreciates
the complimentary remarks and thanked the guests for a
positive meeting.
INDOOR PARK REQUEST
Chair Huber stated that when he first saw the request for
an indoor park
he was surprised to see this person was
only asking
for something the size of a classroom.
Commissioner
Katz stated she felt this request was a good
idea. Administrative
Assistant Batchelder explained that
the City had
received a letter from a resident requesting
the City to
look into the idea of an indoor park for
toddlers and
their parents in the winter, when it
is
impossible to play outdoors. Batchelder explained he had
included in
his memo some of the current resources
available to
parents including the Community Education
Department,
Early Childhood and Family Education
Department,
private dance classes and Turner's
Gymnastics.
Commissioner Damberg stated that she is empathetic to the
request, however the City's recreation program is only at
an embryo stage at this point. Damberg stated that the
recreation program needs to be determined by the City
first before we can explore ideas such as this which she
believes is a good idea. She stated this resident should
explore her options with Independent School District No.
197 and with private businesses in the area.
ADJOURN
December 10, 1991
Page 11
discussed regarding the possibility of putting native
wild flowers along our City bike trails. Commissioner
Damberg provided a copy of an article on the wild flower
issue.
There being no further businessI the Parks and Recreation
Commission adjourned their meeting at 9020 o'clock P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Kevin Batchelder
Administrative Assistant
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
MEMO
January 81 1992
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Kevin Batchelder, Administrative Assista0p
Subject: Kensington Building - Preliminary Sketches
Keith Sjoquist, Station 19 Architects
DISCUSSION
At the January 7, 1992 City Council meeting, the Council
approved a contract with Station 19 Architects for the design of
the Kensington Park building in the south park area. Parks Project
Manager Guy Kullander has provided preliminary direction to Station
19 regarding the Parks and Recreation Commission's and the City
Council's input on the design of the building. In addition,
Station 19 architects Keith Sjoquist and Dick Bromley met with
staff and Councilmember Blesener on January 8th to discuss the
design of the building.
Station 19 will have preliminary rough sketches prepared for
the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on January 14th and Mr.
Sjoquist will be present to provide a presentation of the
preliminary design for the building and surrounding area. The
Commission should discuss the design and provide direction to the
architects.
ACTION REQUIRED
Discuss the preliminary building design with the architect and
staff and make a recommendation on the preparation of final plans
and specifications to City Council based on the preferred
preliminary design.
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
MEMO
January 8, 1992
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Kevin Batchelder, Administrative Assistant
Subject: Kensington Park Update
DISCUSSION
At the December 17, 1991 City Council meeting, Park Commission
Chair John Huber and Parks Project Manager Guy Kullander presented
the preliminary design plan for Kensington Park that had been
recommended by the Parks and Recreation Commission. City Council
accepted the plan, however they delayed ordering final plans and
specifications to allow staff time to discuss possible site
modifications with Centex Homes and Northern States Power to
separate the soccer field and the power lines.
Staff has discussed modifications with NSP pertaining to the
existing power lines that cross the easterly soccer field. The
modifications investigated are described on the attached drawings
titled Options 1, 2 & 3. Centex Homes has also been contacted
about providing more land along the westerly edge of the site to
allow a realignment the soccer fields. The options provided in the
discussions with Centex Homes are illustrated in Option 4 and
Option 5 which are attached to this memo.
Staff will be discussing these alternatives with City Council
at their January 21, 1992 meeting when City Council will be
reviewing the preliminary plans again.
ACTION REQUIRED
No action is required of the Parks and Recreation Commission,
this item is provided as an update on the progress of Kensington
Park.
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Page No. 3187
December 17, 1991
was raised because the Commission wants
Council to be aware of the problem. Mr. Huber
informed Council that the impact of the power
line will depend on where the sag crosses the
field. The nature of soccer is such that a
ball could get up high quickly, and the ball
could strike the power lines. Until the field
is built, the full impact of the powerline
problem will not be known.
Councilmember Blesener stated that she feels
Council should wait to determine a solution
until after the fields are graded. She also
felt that the fields are really being crowded
because of the power lines and suggested that
the City work with the developer to see if it
is possible to acquire more property to the
west. If this could be accomplished, she
indicated that she would be willing to
consider minor variances in the setbacks for
the first cluster of Kensington buildings.
She also felt that there should be 60 feet
between the two fields to allow more room for
bleachers and separation between the fields.
Mayor Mertensotto expressed concern that all
of the City's soccer fields are too small and
that the Kensington fields are now being
scaled down.
A representative of the soccer group stated
that field one is fine but that field 2 is
shrinking. He expressed concern that 40 feet
between fields may not be enough room and that
the second field may be further reduced to
accommodate greater distance between fields.
He further stated that a power wire 28 feet
over a soccer field is not acceptable and that
a 38 foot height is questionable.
Mayor Mertensotto suggested delaying a
decision until January to allow time to
contact Centex about additional land.
Councilmember Blesener raised other design
issues, including the Commission's decision
not to include a concession area. She felt
that the park should not be treated
differently from Mendakota or Sibley. She
also suggested that unless code requires two
toilets in the women's room, one should be
eliminated to free up space to provide for a
future concession area.
Page No. 3189
December 17, 1991
north, and that he has seen planes at 80
degrees north. He stated that the City must
live with the restriction on a 118 degree
south boundary, a precedent which has been
established. He expressed anger over the
amount of building being allowed in the
southeast area of the City and commented that
Eagan does not allow any building north of 118
degrees and felt that because of the building
being allowed the City's threat to litigate
will do nothing. He stated that if the
requested test were for 100-118 degrees he
would contribute to the fund.
Mayor Mertensotto responded that the cities
that have threatened have gotten what they
wanted, but that Mendota Heights has been
trying to work within the system. He pointed
out that the problem is that there is a
southern boundary. This does not mean that
independent of whatever changes occur at MSP
the boundary can never be changed. He felt
that Council must say it does not have to
accept the mind set that the boundary cannot
change but rather that the noise should be
shared on an equitable basis.
Mr. Joe Maegher stated that he was in favor of
setting up the ANLEF fund but has problems
with the resolution. He further stated that
the resolution indicates that the test results
are unacceptable but that he understands
Council .has not yet evaluated the flight
tracks. The Collette proposal of a 90 to 150
degree corridor was presented to Eagan and
they turned it down in 1989. In June 1991 a
vote was taken and Council accepted 100 to 118
degrees, the test started later and now
Council is going to give the FAA and MAC 90
days to run the test again. He asked what
will happen if they say no.
Mayor Mertensotto responded that the City will
begin litigation, and that the problem is
repeated overflights at 80-90 second
intervals.
Councilmember Smith pointed out that the other
part of the resolution was to collect $25,000
and allow six months to do that. Council has
the opportunity to present the case and back
that up with further action. If the minimum of
$25,000 can be collected, the City will
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
MEMO
January 8, 1992
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Kevin Batchelder, Administrative Assist< �
Subject: Discussion of Recreation Programming and Staffing
DISCUSSION
At the December 10, 1991 Commission meeting, Commissioner
Damberg requested the subject of recreation staffing be placed on
the agenda for discussion by the Commission. As the Commission is
aware, recreation programming is a topic we have begun to explore
now that we have numerous, recently constructed park facilities in
the City.
At past meetings we have discussed possible cooperative
ventures with the West St. Paul parks and recreation department and
we have briefly looked at what other, cities in the area are
providing in the way of recreation programs. Staff is currently in
the process of compiling an inventory of what programs exist
locally, who the providers are and what level of programming
neighboring and similar sized cities are offering.
It is our hope that when this inventory is complete we will be
able to compare levels of programming with other cities, determine
what local providers such as Mend -Eagan, Community Education, etc.
are providing, determine the gaps in service and conduct a needs
analysis to determine what gaps the City might wish to fill. At
that point we would be able to begin to look at staffing levels.
I will be prepared to discuss the progress of this inventory on
Tuesday evening and how the inventory will help Mendota Heights
analyze needs for recreation programming.
ACTION REQUIRED
Discuss Commissioner's Dambergs request to explore recreation
staffing levels, discuss recreation programming and provide
direction to staff.
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
FSi�iLC�7
January 8, 1992
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
�D
From: Kevin Batchelder, Administrative Assistan (0 \
Subject: Response to Request for Wildflowers Along Trailways
Feasibility Report
DISCUSSION
At the December Commission meeting, Commissioner Damberg
provided an article on Wildflowers and requested that staff place
this item on the agenda for Commission consideration. (Please see
attached article, In Support of Wildflowers.)
Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager, will be prepared to
provide a verbal feasibility report at Tuesday night's meeting. He
will be discussing a possible pilot program to experiment with -the
feasibility of planting and maintaining wildflowers along portions
of the trail system. Included in this discussion will be
approximate costs, staff time, seeding, possible sites, equipment,
and contracting with vendors.
Possible
funding sources for a pilot program
are the Special
Park Fund or
as a budgeted
item in the 1993 general fund parks
budget. Guy and I feel this
is not an appropriate
expenditure of
referendum monies as it is a
new item and was not
included in any
discussion or
marketing of the referendum.
The
Midwest
Regional Office of
the National Wildflower
Research
will be
Center is
available
sending over some information and hopefully that
for Tuesday evening's meeting.
ACTION REQUIRED
Discuss
the feasibility
of
a
trailway wildflower
project and
provide staff
with direction
on
an
appropriate course
of action.
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
It is important not to collect plants in the wild, Harper -Lore
-'. says. She does not discowage people from collecting seeds in
'. the wild, however, if it is done cazefully and with pernvssion
from the landowner.
Bonnie Harper -Lore brings to her new position a lifetime of
interest in native plants and a commitment to their preserva-
lion and restoration. "As a child, I was always interested in
wildflowers," she says. "On Sunday afternoon drives, I was the
one in the back seat with my face pressed against the glass try-
ing to identify flowers along the road. By the Hme I was grown
'; up and had a family, I realized that my children never asked to
stop along the roadside to see the pretty flowers, because by
that time most had been 'herbicided' and mowed out of exis-
tence. Iwanted to do something to make swe future genera-
tions would be able to enjoy them."
Y -per-Lore majored in education with a botany minor and
to ' for a couple of years before raising a family. Later she
got a graduate degree in landscape architecture from the
University of Wisconsin. "My focus was on restoration of
native plants and I went to work for the Department of
Transportation as wildflower restoration coordinator." She also
became a member of the 1989 Roadside Wildflower Task Force
which identified wildflowers as both flowers and grasses, and
recommended that only native or indigenous wildflowers
(those that existed here before Ewopean settlers arrived in the
1800s) be used in roadside plantings. Harper -Lore met David
Northington, the director of the National Wildflower Research
Center, in 1987 and suggested that perhaps the Texas office
would be better able to serve the nation if it added regional
offices. "He told me that if we could find the money to make it
happen, they would open the first one in Minnesota;' she says.
The Midwest Regional Office of the National Wildflower
Research Center was established with a $100,000 grant from
the 1989 Minnesota Legislature which was matched by the
national center. It is a prototype for additional regional centers
to open across the nation and �is responsible for coordinating
and promoting activities in 11 states: Minnesota, Wisconsin,
Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Michigan, Nebraska,
Illinois, Kansas, Indiana, and Missouri.
For more information about the Midwest Regional Office of
the National Wildflower Reseazch Center, contact them at 725
Spring Hill Road, Wayzata, MN 55391 (612)475-0045. ❑
Mavis Voigt is a free-lance writer and photographer who lives in
Minneapolis. Her photograph of a sugar maple appeared on the cover
of the OctoberlNovember 1991 issue of Minnesota Horticulturist.
Sources of native plants
Landscape Alternatives, Inc.
1465 Pascal Street
St. Paut; MN 55108
(612)488-3142
Prairie Nursery
PO Box 306
Westfield, WI53964
(608)296-3679
Prairie Restorations, Inc.
PO Box 327
Princeton, MN 55371
(612)389-4342
Prairie Ridge Nursery
9738 Overland Rd
Mt. Horeb, WI 53572-2832
(608)437-5245
Prairie Moon Nursery
Route 3, Box 163
Winona, MN 55987
(50f7)452-1362
December 1991
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
MEMO
January 8, 1992
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Kevin Batchelder, Administrative Assistant®
Subject: Reconsideration of Sibley Play Equipment for 1992
DISCUSSION
The Commission will recall that one year ago a recommendation
was made to City Council to defer the construction of the proposed
Sibley Park play equipment in 1991. The money intended for the
project ($24,000) was set aside and reserved for play equipment in
this park at some future date. (See attached memo and minutes from
the February 1991 meeting.)
Now that Sibley Park will be ready for its first full summer
of use, it is appropriate to reconsider the construction of this
play equipment in 1992. The options for the Sibley play equipment
include:
1. Build the equipment in 1992 and expend $24,000.
2. Defer the construction another year and reserve the $24,000 as
earmarked money for Sibley play equipment.
3. Defer the construction and don't reserve any money for
construction of Sibley play equipment.
ACTION REQUIRED
Consider the construction of the Sibley Play Equipment for
1992 and make a recommendation.
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
MEMO
February 7, 1991
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Kevin Batchelder, Administrative ASSiAs
Subject: Sibley Park - Play Equipment
DISCIISSION
At the January Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, the
Commission discussed priorities for future work on the referendum.
One item discussed was the play equipment for Sibley Park. The
Commission recommended that this item be put off for a year and
then reconsidered. The City Council, while acknowledging the
minutes of your priority discussion, disagreed and requested that
the Parks and Recreation Commission reconsider the play equipment
at Sibley Park for 1991 construction.
The money allocated for.this item4,has been set aside as
earmarked funds for 5'ibl.ey play equipment'. The amount is $20,000
plus 20% for contingencylf r a total of $24,000. The Commission
will recall that their?' lecon�metldation was based on a perception
that the need was not evident foJ7 play equipment at this park and
the incompatibility with the high school.
Councilmember Blesener feels their is a strong need for play
equipment in this neighborhood and the participants who will be
using the ballfields in the future. She would like the Parks and
Recreation Commission to consider 1991 construction.
ACTION REOIIIRED
Reconsider the earlier recommendation and determine need and
priority for the Sibley Park play equipment and forward a
recommendation to the City Council.
a high school. Huber stated that the Commission
= had also been concerned that there has not been a
demand from local residents to provide play
equipment in this area of town and that the site is
not easily accessible to neighborhood children.
Commissioner Spicer asked when Sibley Park would
come on line. Parks Project Manager Guy Kullander
stated that it would be mid to late summer. Spicer
stated that this would be after the Mend -Eagan
season and that it was reasonable to defer this
part of the project until it could be seen how the
Sibley Park was coming along. Spicer stated that
school officials had indicated to him that the play
equipment is inappropriate and would be an inviting
target for misuse and vandalism.
Commissioner Hunter inquired if there was an area
nearby that could serve this part of town where the
play equipment could be built instead. Kullander
stated that there was none that the City currently
owned, however land might be developed north of
Marie that could involved park dedications, or land
could be purchased fro the _Dodd Road highway
R.O.W:2 turnbacks in the,�orth East corner of Dodd
and Hw }1b. Commissioner Spicer stated that he
felt M�h�ako�a'Rark would be the place for adults,
with families, play softball and that Sibley no
longer has the �emand for play equipment now that
Mendakota Park is the premier softball site. He
stated Sibley would be more youth oriented field
use. Spicer stated that should it be determined
that Sibley needs the play equipment it could
always be built in the future, that the site
accommodates it and the money has been set aside.
Commissioner Lundeen inquired about the number of
houses in the area and if there were a lot of
children in the area. Kullander stated there were
18 houses within a quarter mile. Spicer stated his
opinion would be different if Sibley was the only
site we had, but now that Mendakota was being
developed it might not be necessary to put play
equipment at Sibley. Chair John Huber stated that
the kids will be at Sibley whether it is youth or
adult oriented.
Chair John Huber stated that he senses the
Commission wishes to stick with their original
recommendation. He stated this recommendation was
to defer the play equipment project because the
Sibley Park was not on line yet, and wouldn't be
until the Mend -Eagan season was over, that
Mendakota would be a primary site, that a need for