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1997-05-13 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda PacketCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY.NHNNESOTA AGENDA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION May 13, 1997 6:30 p.m. -Large Conference Room 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of the Apri18, 1997 Minutes 4. Open Space Tour (Please bring amini-van if you have one!) 5. Consideration of Doyle Park Donation Offer (810 Ridge Place) 6. Pazk/Open Space Inventory and Park Dedication Fee Increase Proposal (Available Tuesday) 7. Updates • PARAC Meeting • Wentworth Park Shelters • Making America Walkable • Parks Report • Police Report (Available Tuesday) 7. Adjourn Auxiliary aids for persons with disabilities are available upon request at least 120 hours in advanceI If a notice of less than 120 hours is received, the City of Mendota Heights will make every attempt to provide the aids. This may not, however, be possible on short notice. Please contact City Administration at 452-1850 with requests. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY.MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 8, 1997 The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, April 8, 1997, in the Large Conference Room at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve. The meeting was called to order at 6:40 PM. The following Commissioners were present: Norton, Libra, Kleinglass, Linnell, Liberacki. Chair Spicer was excused from the meeting. Also present was Administrative Assistant Patrick C. Hollister. Commissioner Linnell moved to approve the March 11, 1997 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes with corrections. Commissioner Libra seconded the motion. AYES: NAYS: (Commissioner Damberg arrived at this point.) PARK DEDICATION FEES Mr. Hollister explained that at the Mazch 11, 1997 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Commission had asked Staff to place the park dedication policy on the April 8, 1997 agenda. Mr. Hollister continued that the Commission had also asked Staff to provide a comparison of what other cities require for their park dedication. Mr. Hollister said that the Commission was concerned that $750 may be low compared to what other Cities were asking for, especially in proportion to the land values in Mendota Heights. Mr. Hollister summarized the current park dedication policy. Mr. Hollister also explained that any Park Dedication Fee that a City wished to exact from a developer must meet three legal tests in order to be considered legitimate: 1. The City must be able to demonstrate that the fee or land exaction is necessary to meet an increase in demand for park services or to mitigate a negative impact upon the park system caused by the development itself. 2. The amount of the fee or land exaction must be roughly proportional to the increase in demand or negative impact caused by the development itself. environmental regulations and a landowner own incentives to preserve the beauty of a given site, in general those views which we value in the City would be preserved. Commissioner Liberacki continued that rather than use limited government funds to buy land to prevent trees from being cut down, it would be better to use the funds for park land that was visible, accessible, and usable. Commissioner Linnell said that there should be an overlook at Acacia with a plaque explaining the history of Pilot Knob. Commissioner Linnell said that the Foss land would be good for an extension of the Park and Trail system and could be compatible with Single Family Home construction. Commissioner Libra said that the Resurrection Cemetery land would be good for a park and picnic area. Commissioner Liberacki said that when Resurrection develops, the City should get the 10% dedication in land and hook up a trail around the lake. Commissioner Norton agreed with Commissioner Liberacki. Commissioner Linnell suggested that at the next meeting the Commission take two cars or a van and do a tour of these sites. Commissioner Linnell offered to talk to Mr. Siowinski to try to get permission to walk his property during the tour. UPDATES Mr. Hollister provided updates on the following items. Caren Road Detention Pond Commissioner Damberg said that the ponding area of Caren Road should be enhanced by replacing some of the plantings. Commissioner Damberg suggested putting up signs saying "Wild Flower Restoration Area." Commissioner Damberg also requested that Mr. Kullander make an on -site visit and talk to the neighbors. Commissioner Linnell offered to come to that meeting if it could be arranged. Commissioner Liberacki suggested that the Caren Road ponding area be included in next month's open space tour. Commissioner Damberg said that the City should pay more attention to the appearance of its older neighborhoods. Commissioner Libra said that the County was spending a disproportionate amount of money for trails in the southern part of the County, and that some of that money should be channeled into trails for the north. Commissioner Norton said that the Mayor and City Council need to lobby the County for trails. Commissioner Libra said that one major barrier to the NURT Trail is that Vatiey Park neighbors don't want that trail widened very much. Commissioner Norton asked Staff to invite someone involved in trails and roads from Dakota County to come to a future meeting Wood Duck Houses in City Ponds Mr. Hollister explained that the Council had authorized the expenditure for wood duck houses and that the Public Works crew had started making these birdhouses. Full -Time Recreation Facilitator Mr. Hollister said that the Council had decided to discuss the issue of a full-time Recreation Facilitator at a 5-year plan setting workshop in mid -May. Park Police Summary for 1996 Mr. Hollister distributed a summary of all police incidents in City parks for the year 1996. GIlTa7 Mr. Hollister announced that Mr. Esser was married on Saturday, April 5 and that he was now on honeymoon until April 14. Commissioner Damberg announced that she would have to miss next month's Commission meeting because she will be in Istanbul. Commissioner Liberacki asked Staff to bring back the issue of Mr. John Doyle of 810 Ridge Place who wanted to donate his back yard to the City. Mr. Hollister distributed a letter submitted by Chair Spicer inviting interested Commissioners to attend the Dakota County Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee information sharing meeting in May 7, 1997 at Camp Sacajawea. Commissioners Norton and Linnell said that they would try to attend. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO May 8, 1997 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission and City Administrator FROM: Patrick C. Hollister, Administrative Assistant SUBJECT: Potential Park/Open Space Tour Discussion At the Apri18, 1997 meeting of the Pazks and Recreation Commission, the Commission asked Staff to schedule a tour of the "short list" sites for potential park/open space acquisition for the May 13, 1997 meeting. Staff requests that those Commissioners who have a mini -van or similar vehicle bring it to the meeting if possible. The following sites are scheduled for the Open Space Tour in the following order. (Please see attached map.) 1. Resurrection Cemetery "Break Off' Area 2. Acacia Area TiF Acquired Property 3. Acacia property north of Acacia Boulevazd 4. Tousignant Property off Mendota Heights Road 5. Visitation Convent Property 6. Doyle (810 Ridge Place) 7. Foss Homestead by Wentworth Park 8. Slowinski Property 9. (Caren Road Site) Staff estimates that the above tour will traverse 13.5 miles and take at least 1.5 hours, assuming that only 5 minutes of discussion occurs at each venue. Please note that Staff has neither sought nor received permission from any landowner to walk on their property. Action Required Take the above tour and discuss these parcels. my i ���8$'a$ SVNFISH LA%E n a x m c x m WEST ST. PAUL "}�, as o : i� $ Gobi xi R CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS May 8, 1997 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission and City Administrator FROM: Patrick C. Hollister, Administrative Assistant SUBJECT: 810 Ridge Place Pazk Donation Offer (Mr. John Doyle) Discussion Mr. John Doyle of 810 Ridge Place has talked with Staff about subdividing his back yard from his house. Staff informed Mr. Doyle that the City does not permit the creation of lots with no street access. Mr. Doyle then asked about the possibility of subdividing his back lot and offering it to the City as an addition to Valley Park for a tax deduction. Staff has agreed to place this item on the May 20, 1997 agenda of the City Council for discussion. Before the Council meeting, Staff would like any comments from the Parks Commission. Staff wishes to note the following concerns about the City acquiring this land and adjoining it to Valley Park: 1. Possible neighborhood opposition. Mr. Doyle's neighbors may not want his back yard to become City parkland, Some neighborhood notification process will have to occur if this transfer is to take place. 2. Liabili .The City will incur liability for this parcel, not only regarding potential injury, but also general cleaning and maintenance. 3. Limited use as part of the mark. It is possible that this acquisition could be of little recreational use. There are some attractive aspects to acquiring this property, as well: 1. It is adjacent to an existing park. 2. It may allow the City better access to the sewer easement which runs across the back yard. 3. It may be more attractive if the City could also acquire the back yard of the parcel immediately to the east. r 1 43 \r 17 18 i ® 16 45 J��•• 420 060-OS / - - - - - ' 21 2 2 I / 2 23 - -Y • 1 ` \ 5 5 3 i 13 2 I 2li—------------ i 29 [ 14-05 . 6 � I ......... a aI .. a a a 06' O�U e 1 5 4 3 -- ----------� ATS7------ Current size of parcel = 166,204 Size of lots after split: With hi Description: Lot drops down 35 fi PARK LAND PROPOSAL BY SIC Valley Park drainagldpta John Doyle easement crosses thjjtS 810 Ridge Place Newly formed Lot "B" would not . MMOTAHMGHTS,MN6M8 (612)452.18W U��q� CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO May 8, 1997 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission and City Administrator FROM: Patrick C. Hollister, Administrative Assistant SUBJECT: Existing Park/Open Space Inventory At the April 8, 1997 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Commission asked Staff to come back to the May meeting with an updated open space/park facilities inventory and a proposal to increase park dedication fees. Please see the attached map showing the acreage of each park and the total acreage for all parks in the City of Mendota Heights. Further analysis of the existing park facilities and a proposal to increase the park dedication fees will be available on Tuesday. z O1 Q� Lu Lu a Y 3 V: . 1 -_ 1 W 4 O awl b - MilCity of WENTWORTH PARK Mendota PICNIC SHELTER Heights 1101 VICTORIA CURVE MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MN 55118 (612) 452-1850 -moo d n = d ° J23 LLL iAa L z s� � city of WENTWORTH PARK �j ltiiend%WY PICNIC SHELTER Heights 1101 VICTORIA CURVE MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MN 55118 (612) 452-1850 W/4,50 MITSW GoWt4ER 7aP OF PeL.GI-;��Foln D �I/9D z I'.J s fmi I PL1+TFs x IZ w I Z- W/ "O x ri" 15TL1D5-VEHFY TIot4 hl/ CoHca ESLK. GORES 1 MF. OBLoW 'Z 4SIWU W t117 Ds " To F� F IELA Gli-I U. BEPNI PT F£, L.oGATlal* � oily of WENTWORTH PARK % Heights PICNIC SHELTER 1101 VICTORIA CURVE MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MN 55118 (612) 452-1850 � � 1 1 � 1 Vplume Vll, Ilumher3 Apnl 199T From the Diretfor's Chair. Makin America Walkable g by Hank Dittmar, Executive Director t a recent hearing in the Senate's Environment d Public Works Committee, a senator asked me to justify the expenditure of ISTE.A funds on projects to facilitate walking and bicycling at a time when traffic fatalities aze '.on the rise. Somehow, the ques- -tion implied, "wasn't it true that an auto trip somehow served the national interest more than a walk trip?" In recent months, much of the Highway User's Alliance "highways orily" campaign has centered around just this asser- tion —that walldng and birycling are somehow frivolous and that we should rededicate our federal program to the more serious activities of building and widen- ing roads. Afrer all, as the old saw goes, "isn't what's good for General ildotors good for America?" More and more, America is fmding out that investing in walking and biking is good for America. In answering the sena- zor's question, I focused on three -main reasons to continue ISTEA's investment in non -motorized transportation. First, 8 percent of all trips made each day aze walking trips, far more than the Less than 2 percent of ISTEA funds devoted to walldrtg and biking. At some point, every driver is also a pedestrian. If we are looking to invest in a transportation system, simple equity demands the expenditure of funding on non -motorized travel. Second, the highway crowd's citation of the death toll on the nation's roads as a higher priority ignores the fact that 15 percent of all traffic fatalities year in and year out aze pedestrians and bicyclists. As our new report Mena Srreetr demonstrates, less than 1 percent of ISTEA safety dollars are expended to improve safety for non -motorized trans- portation. Again, if safety is a compelling reason for national investment in transportation, simple equity demands that we devote more funds to providing for safer travel for walkers and bicyclists. Third, the public clearly understands that investing in non -motorized transportation is in the national interest. In a recent non -partisan national poll, two-thirds of Americans supported dedicating at least 1 percent of federal gas tax funds to walking and biking, and fully 70 percent agreed that another 1 percent should be devoted to the other enhancement activities, including historic preservation. Grassroots campaigns across the country are rising up to make the country more walkable. People know that there is a national interest in promoting travel by foot and bicycle. Non - motorized trips don't pollute and don't contribute to sprawl_ Accommodating biryclists and pedestrians can reduce traffic fatalities and promote healthier and more vital communities. ISTEA's reauthorization should continue to provide alter- natives to [he automobile, giving Americans the choice not to drive as well as continuing to recognize that most trips will continue to be made by car. In reauthorizing ISTEA, Congress should move forward, not back- ward. This issue of Progress focuses on moving forward on foot. to this `�" Issae `; MeanSheeh page 3 Rethinking Pedestrian Advamry page 5 Dealing Walkahle Cammunfiez page? Top Ten Most Dangerous Metropolitan Areas for Walking 1. Fort Lauderdale, Florida 2. Miami, Florida 3, Atlanta, Georgia 4. Tampa, Florida 5. Dallas, Texas 6. Houston, Texas 7. Detroit, MI S. Riverside -San Bernadino, California 9. Phoenix, Arizona 10 Charlotte, North Carolina Top Ten Safest Metropolitan Areas for Walking (though they're not that safel) 1. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 2. Milwaukee, Wisconsin 3. Boston, Massachusetts 4. Rochester, New York 5, New York, New York 6. Minneapolis, Minnesota 7. San Francisco, California 8. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 9. Norfolk, Virginia 10. Columbus, Ohio The above metropolitan areas have popula- tianr greater than 1 million. that seniors are almost twice as likely to be killed by an automobile as members other age groups. As a group, senior citizens are particularly depen- dent on safe streets for walling because many of them no longer drive. Most Fatalities Occur On Neighborhood Streets 55 percent of all pedestrian deaths by automobiles occur on neighborhood streets. The problem is not that pedestrians are walking in the wrong places, but that our local streets are becoming speedways designed to accommodate more cars passing through; not the people who live in their communities. The Most Dangerous Gties For Walking The high rate of pedestrian fatalities is a national problem. In some communities however, the problem is worse than most. In this report, for the first time, we present a list of the most dan- gerous communities in which to walk The Solution: Making Our Streets Safe Far People Solutions to make our streets safer for pedestrians are well understood, but too seldom implemented. The key to mproving pedestrian safety is to attack the problem at its source, and reduce hazards by improving poorly designed roadways and transportation systems. For years, traffic engineers have placed the blame on the walker rather than on the motorist or road condition. Instead of blam- ing pedestrians for being hit by cars, planners and engineers must design communities and roads that are safe for walling, Communities can take a variety of actions designed to make roads safer, including: ♦ Traffic calming through the installation of speed bumps, traf- fic circles or other devices in res- idential neighborhoods that slow cars down, and ensure that pedestrians are safe. ♦ + Designing public spaces to be more pedestrian friendly; includ- ng the installation of sidewalks, handrails for the infirm, bricked crosswalks, and even actions as simple as changing the patterns of the lines on the road. ♦ Enhanced public education on pedestrian safety, and ade- quate enforcement of laws designed to protect pedestrians. i page 4 SUP Progress • April 1997 bicycling are the indicator species of livable communities." CMAW is implementing a variety of programs to promote actions at the community level including walkabiliry audits, pedestrian road shows, walkable communities courses, charrettes, pedestrian facility design course, and regional pedestrian confer- ences and training workshops.. The feedback on our initial efforts has been very positive. It takes only the introduction of some sort of catalyst to precipi- fate a desire and willingness to act. When we stir -up this inter- est and enthusiasm, we've got to make it obvious what needs to happen and provide people with the tools they need to get the job done. So, the focus of the QMAW's pedestrian advocacy initiative is more on action than organiza- tion. We believe that the way to make America walkable is to get the existing leadership of com- munities and neighborhoods to adopt walkability as one of their objectives. Think about it: isn't this something that you want for your community? For more information m the Campaign to Ntake America Walkable —including the National Pedestrian Conference this September in Washington, DC—Wrire them at 1506 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20036 Fax 202,463.6625 Email: -walk@tramact.org Web (afterNlay 1) wmtnpromalk.arm CamQaign to Make Amefi lu Walkae Points for ISTEA Reauthorization: ♦ Require appropriate facilities for pedestrians on every street and highway right -of --way on which pedestrians are permitted. ♦ Require that every statewide and metropolitan planning organization (MPO) long range transportation plan include an element assessing the needs of pedestrians and proposing specific actions to respond to these needs. ♦ Require that every state and MPO transportation improvement program demonstrate that pedestrian needs are being addressed at a rate at least equal to that of other modes. - ♦ Require that every Federally -funded surface transportation plan, polity, project and/or other action include an assessment of the potential impacts on walking/pedestrians; and, if any such action is found to likely reduce or negatively impact the access and safety of pedestrians, require specific measures to be included in the proposed action to fully mitigate the impacts. ♦ Direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (AiIITSA) to ensure that every state highway safety program develop a pedestrian safery action plan and allocate funds to implement the plan at least propor- tional to the percentage that pedestrian fatalities make up of the state's total annual traffic related fatalities. Amend the Surface Transportation Program "safety set -aside" to require that at least ten percent of the funds be used on pedestrian safety measures (e.g., traffic calming projecu). ♦ Direct the Bureau of Transportation Statistics to develop and implement a system of data collection proce- dures to accurately measure and monitor pedestrian/walking use and safety. ♦ Require the Intelligent Transportation System research program to under take feasibility/demonstration stud- ies of ITS technologies for motor vehicle speed control in residential areas, school zones, and shopping areas. ♦ Direct the NHTSA to under take such actions as may be required (including rulemaking) to mandate the use by states and local governments of photo -radar type devices for detecting speed limit and traffic control viola- tions and issuing appropriate citations. ♦ Establish a program modeled after Operation Lifesaver to fund anon -profit organization to focus on promot- ing and implementing actions to address pedestrian (and bicycle) safety. page b SiPP Progress •April 7997 Walkable (ommunl$ieS from page 7 walk, crosswalk and other infra- structure standards, and set workable walkable minimums. Two people cannot walk side -by - side on a four foot sidewalk. Five feet is a fine width for most local streets, as long as the sidewalk is set back from the curb two to six feet. Commercial areas and school zones require sidewalks 8 feet wide or wider. Review the design standards of cities where you enjoy walking. If shade is important in your region, call for canopies. Trees are cheap to plant and greatly increase prop- erty values and enjoyment of walking. Review design criteria for intersections. Most intersec- tions work best for everyone (motorists too), when they are compact and well designed. Step Seven —fix the land Use Current land use practices favor automobile transportation. We cannot walk to our most basic destinations such as pur- chasing groceries, banking, mail- ing letters or getting to school. Walking, transit and public safe- ty (eyes on the street and park) require 5-8 dwelling units per acre, not the conventional 1-3 units. The most beautiful and beloved streets in America, to this day, have cute 25-50 foot wide lots that support bungalow and cottage size houses with nar- row sides fronting streets. We get twice the infrastructure (roads, water, sewers, cables) for half the cost from such simple Principles as building traditional neighborhoods. Mixed use devel- opment brings shopping and some commute trips back to local neighborhoods. Governments must take action to serve as initial developers, if urban infill projects are to work Sfiep Eight —Collaborate and Communicate Communities that cannot fig- ure out how to communicate between agencies or levels of governments are doomed. Towns and cities that do not communi- cate with counties and regions will always be working at cross purposes. Strong community and regional visions are needed. If your town lacks this cooperation and coordination, start by rebuilding good town govern- ment first, then expand to the region and state. Sfiep Nine —Expand to Regional and National issues Walkable communities can- not be developed in isolation. Nluch current regional and national thinking is still focused on moving vehicles, not people. at your state legislators and congressional delegation know you expect them to change non - sustainable policies and practices to those that make sense and save money. Before investing in the nest mega -million dollar intersection, they should be approving budgets that reduce sprawl and auto congestion. Require every MPO (metropoli- tan planning organization) to adopt walking as a key compo- nent of both short and long range transportation planning. The scope is immense—banldng rules currently favor sprawl development. Even rules for affordable housing (Federal Housing Administration) rules favor dropping sidewalks and curbs for two -car parking. Step Ten —Don't Give Up Dozens of towns of all descriptions have made rapid and substandal change in the past ten to twenty years. Places like Davis and San Diego, California; Portland and Gresham, Oregon; Seatde, Bellevue and Kirkland, Washington; are all examples of towns and regions that have made a difference. Each one of these places set forth effective strategies to reclaim the urban core, bring back transit, change local and regional policies and develop collaborative teams. If you don't believe you can bring change, go out and visit success- ful places that did it —you will be inspired. Courtesy, community and passion are found in America's most walkable places. Dan Burden it director of Walkable Communises, Inc., a small, non profit organization, which helps neighbor- hoods, tarun and aties become more walkable, livable and sustainable. Walkable Canmuniries, Inc., 320 South Nlain Street, High Springs, FL 326437 904-454-3304, email address: DBurden@aolcom "to Pragrass •April 1997 page 11 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO May 8, 1997 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Terry Blum, Parks Leadperson SUBJECT: Parks Report for April 1. Sweep all pedways in City. 2. Cleanup and inspect all playground equipment. 3. Grade and drag all ball fields. 4. Stripe all foul lines and stripe soccer fields. Install soccer nets. 5. Cleanup restrooms for season. 6. Sweep ball fields and soccer fields. 7. Start up sprinkler systems and make repairs where needed. 8. Install job box for MHAA at Visitation. 9. Burn off wild flower areas. 10. General maintenance (check trash daily). Change over winter equipment to summer equipment.