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1995-01-10 Parks and Rec Comm MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAROTA COUNTY, MINNESOTI PARRS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 10, 1995 The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, January 10, 1995, in the City Hall Large Conference Room, 1101 Victoria Curve. The meeting was called to order at 6:35 o'clock P.M. The following members present were Linnell, Libra, Spicer, Damberg and Norton. Commissioner Kleinglass was excused. Also present were Administrative Assistant Kevin Batchelder and Parks Project Manager Guy Kullander. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approval of the December 13, 1994 Parks and Recreation Commission minutes was held over until the February meeting. VALLEY VIEVP HEIGHTS TOT LOT The Parks and Recreation Commission had discussed a request at their December meeting from Mr. Dave Ayers, of the Valley View Heights neighborhood, for further improvements at the tot lot located in the neighborhood. Chair Spicer welcomed Mr. Ayers and five members of the neighborhood to the meeting. Spicer stated the Commission had discussed a request for half court basketball and other improvements at the December meeting and had requested staff to research referendum representations and expenditures at Valley View Heights Park and to invite Mr. Ayers to appear on tonight's agenda to discuss these improvements. Mr. Ayers stated that culvert work, grading and fill was needed to make the park suitable, but that these were initial start up costs prior to the referendum. Mr. Ayers acknowledged referendum improvements such as threes, signs, picnic tables, trash receptacles and benches. Mr. Ayers stated that he had received an initial memo from Parks Project Manager Kullander describing the costs that have been incurred to make improvements at the Valley View Heights tot lot since the referendum. Mr. Ayers stated he believes many of the costs on this list were start up costs to get the initial park in place and should not have been included as referendum costs. He stated that this original request came to City Council approximately seven years ago when the neighborhood requested a new play structure. Parks and Recreation Commission January 10, 1995 Page 2 Mr. Ayers and the Commission discussed the expenditures listed in this park since 1989. Mr. Ayers stated he feels when these costs are added up, it does not come to what was promised for the park. Mr. Ayers stated that this park and tot lot is used on a regular basis, however, the use is restricted to little children. Mr. Ayers stated he felt to revitalize this park a half court basketball should be added so that youths and adults can enjoy the park as well. Mr. Ayers stated that an asphalt court would be acceptable if this makes it cheaper to install than concrete. Kullander stated the fill soil in this location is poor and that it would be necessary to over excavate to correct soils in order to grade and provide a proper subsurface for a half court basketball area. Mr. Ayers stated a half court basketball would be a nice amenity in the neighborhood and could be used by both adults and youths. Mr. Ayers stated this would help bring this park to the level of a regular park as is provided for other neighborhoods. Mr. Ayers stated he felt this amenity would help increase the use of this park. Ayers stated the closest park to the neighborhood is Roger's Lake Park if your child has out grown the tot lot. Mr. Ayers stated not many parents are willing to allow their children to travel to Roger's Lake Park unsupervised. Administrative Assistant Batchelder explained that he attached the Capital Improvements Plan to the Parks Commission agenda packet in order that they can see the improvements that are planned for the park system for the next five years. Batchelder stated there are no proposed improvements for Valley View Heights tot lot other than sealcoating the adjacent trail. The Commission discussed whether the Valley View Heights tot lot is actually in the City's park system or not. Batchelder stated an agreement had been reached with the Valley View Heights Homeowner's Association whereby they would maintain the landscaping in the park and that his has not occurred. Batchelder stated the Homeowner's Association is not an active Association and the maintenance of this park on occasion has been done by park crews when the situation requires it. Chair Spicer stated the City has done everything for this park as proposed in the referendum. Spicer stated the referendum fund has been depleted or is earmarked for current projects. Spicer stated any improvements would have to be included in the Capital Improvement Plan. Parks and Recreation Commission January 10, 1995 Page 3 A resident of the neighborhood stated it seems like this neighborhood is not being served by any City park. He stated children have to leave the neighborhood boundaries and cross busy streets to get to Roger's Lake or Marie Park. He stated there is a need to include this in the City's park system. He felt half court basketball was not an expensive proposition and that the City should move forward with this request. Chair Spicer stated the Special Park Fund is not a blank check and is limited because growth is slowing in Mendota Heights. Kullander stated that the City purchased the play equipment, and made improvements to this lot, which was acquired as a tax forfeited lot with the understanding that the Homeowner's Association maintain the park. Chair Spicer stated there is a possibility that this park may have never been considered an "official city park" status. Spicer stated the Parks Commission should request Council make a determination so that the Commission could consider these proposed expenditures as part of the Capital Improvement Plan. Spicer stated the Capital Improvement Plan needs to be reviewed for 1995 at the February meeting. Commissioner Damberg stated that this area was designed for tot lot use which accommodates ages seven and under. Damberg stated that if a basketball court is put in this park, the complexion of the park may change and the little kids that use the park may be forced out by the older children. Mr. Ayers stated that, quite honestly, that the neighborhood feels the park would be better used if the complexion of the park changed. He stated that there is room for a half court basketball in this location and that, if this was installed, families could all use the park at the same time. Ayers stated that older siblings can play basketball when they are sent down to watch the little children play on the play equipment. Chair Spicer stated he was of the mind to send a recommendation to the City Council that the Council review the park status of this tot lot so that the Capital Improvement Plan can address this request for a basketball court. Spicer stated if the City Council determines that, yes this is an official facility of the City's park system, then the Parks Commission can then begin to include proposed improvements in the Capital Improvement Plan. If the City Council determines that this is not part of the City's official parks system then the Parks Commission can look at the referendum money to see if any of this money would be remaining after existing commitments in order that the City can better attempt to make referendum improvements that were promised with this area. Parks and Recreation Commission January 10, 1995 Page 4 A resident of the neighborhood stated he would like to see the City take over the maintenance of this park because the Homeowner's Association is not active. Chair Spicer stated if City Council determines this area has park status then it would be the City's obligation to maintain it. Chair Spicer moved to recommend to the City Council that they consider this park as an active piece of the City's park system. If the determination is yes, then the Parks and Recreation Commission will include this in the Capital Improvement Plan and begin to maintain this park on a regular basis. If the City Council's determination is no, then the Parks and Recreation Commission will begin to examine potential leftover referendum funding, or other funding sources, and reconsider this request for a basketball court at a future date. Commissioner Linnell stated that the neighbors who are next door to this park should be contacted for their input. Commissioner Linnell seconded the motion. AYES: 5 NAYS: 0 Commissioner Norton stated that she felt it is appropriate to put this discussion in context and inform the neighborhood that they are not the only neighborhood in Mendota Heights without direct park access. Commissioner Norton stated there are many priorities and many needs throughout the City that have already been determined to have priority on the Capital Improvement Plan. Norton stated there are a few neighborhoods that are actually isolated from the City's park system and the City has found it impossible to provide every neighborhood with their own neighborhood park. Chair Spicer stated that Valley View Heights neighborhood should know within ninety (90) days the outcome of these discussions. The Commission directed staff to contact the neighborhood about this request to City Council. Commissioner Libra distributed a memorandum handout on South Kensington Park soccer fields. Commissioner Libra stated he would like this memorandum to be included on the February agenda for consideration. Commissioner Libra stated he had met with Sibley Sting Soccer and Mendota Heights Athletic Association Soccer to discuss the referendum funds that have been reserved for potentially moving the power poles at South Parks and Recreation Commission January 10, 1995 Page 5 Kensington Park. Libra stated that, while both these groups hate the power lines, they have not interfered with play enough to justify their movement. However, he stated both groups would prefer that other improvements be made with this money. Libra stated the other improvements these groups are asking for would total $17,000 and that they would ask that the remaining difference between the $17,000 proposed for improvements and the $25,000 budgeted for the raising of the power lines be released into the balance of the referendum fund. Commissioner Libra stated he feels the improvements that they are proposing be made to South Kensington Park would have more "bang for the buck" than spending the money on power line movement. Commissioner Libra stated that in the interim prior to the February Parks and Recreation meeting he would be happy to coordinate meetings with Sibley Sting, Mendota Heights Athletic Soccer Association and City staff. T-BALL AT WATER TOWER The Commission discussed a memorandum from Parks Project Manager Kullander outlining improvements to the front yard at the Public Works Facility to accommodate T-Ball fields. Kullander had estimated a cost for backstops, bases and field preparation in this area in order to provide two T-Ball fields would be approximately $2,500. Commissioner Libra moved to recommend that City Council instruct staff to prepare a plan to add two T-Ball fields to the unused grass area east of the Public Works facility for an estimated cost of $2,500 to be provided from the Special Park Fund and to be done as soon as possible this Spring. Commissioner Damberg seconded the motion. AYES: 5 NAYS: 0 Parks Project Manager Kullander stated that after one full season of T-Ball use, if it is determined to be necessary, City staff could cut the sod out and install rec-rock for permanent base lines at these fields. Kullander stated that this proposal includes signage that would be posted stating that this is for T-Ball only use because of the short distances between the outfields for baseball play. Kullander inquired about the size of backstops that would be necessary for T-Ball play and was directed by the Commission that height of the backstops is not as necessary as the width of backstops is for this type of play. Parks and Recreation Commission January 10, 1995 Page 6 UPDATES Parks Project Manager Kullander stated he has been talking to four landscape architect firms about requests for proposals for the improvements at Ivy Hills Park. He stated he would like the Parks and Recreation Commission to review these Requests for Proposals at their February meeting in order to narrow it down to two landscape architect firms that would provide formal quotes or proposals for review and choice by the Commission and Council. Kullander stated a full sprinkling ban would be in effect in the City from April or May through July due to the water tower painting planned for this summer. He stated that for this reason, there is no hurry for landscape improvements at Ivy Hills Park because we will be unable to water what is installed until later in the summer. Administrative Assistant Batchelder provided a copy of the Networks to the River document for the Commission to review. He stated this copy had been included in an earlier Friday News and was part of a project being done by the Urban Design Center at the University of Minnesota. He stated a discussion of the historic Fort Snelling Mendota area was included in the Network's to the River document. The Parks and Recreation Commission discussed the recreational proposals that were outlined as concept ideas in this document. The Commission discussed western Resurrection Cemetery and the potential of trails around Augusta Lake. The Commission was provided a copy of a summary of Dolan vs City of Tigard regarding park dedications by City and municipalities. Batchelder stated that the Supreme Court had determined that there needs to be an "essential nexus". This essential nexus would have to exist between the government's purpose in requiring a park dedication and the actual condition imposed by the government. Batchelder stated that the City would have to keep this in mind as we begin to explore the park dedication fees. The Parks Commission discussed an article provided in the agenda regarding the five legal obligations required of softball or baseball field operators and liability questions involving players and spectators. REQUEST Commissioner Linnell stated he is the co-chair on Independent School District 197's Middle School Referendum Task Force. Linnell stated he wished to inquire of the Parks Commission if they were willing to support some type of resolution in Parks and Recreation Commission January 10, 1995 Page 7 support of the school referendum. Linnell stated there is a need for additional field and gym space for the City recreation programs, as discussed at last month's meeting. Commissioner Linnell stated the Friendly Hills site, if the referendum is successful, would include fields and gym space and that obviously ISD 197 would want to cooperate on the use of those fields with the City of Mendota Heights. Chair Spicer stated he is not confused about what Commissioner Linnell is asking the Parks Commission to do, however he is confused about the Parks and Recreation Commission's role as an advisory body to City Council and as a non -political body for this type of recommendation. Spicer stated he feels the best approach would an approach whereas "if the referendum is successful and passes, the City would be interested in discussing field and gym use opportunities with the School District." Commissioner Damberg stated she feels the Commission cannot come right out and support or oppose the referendum by the School District. Commissioner Norton stated that perhaps the City Parks Commission could adopt a finding stating the City is in support of additional resources because of needs for fields and gym space. Norton stated she feels the resolution could include a "whereas" stating that the community has demonstrated a need for field and gym space. Commissioner Damberg stated she could be in favor of something stated that the Commission would share in the planning of the fields if the referendum was successful, however, she feels the Commission could not support the referendum itself. The Commission discussed their role in supporting the availability of more facilities and fields. Commissioner Norton moved to adopt a finding whereby the Commission would be interested in discussing cooperation on fields and recreational facilities at a new middle school, if the referendum is successful. Commissioner Linnell seconded the motion. AYES: 5 NAYS° 0 The Commission instructed City staff to inform City Council of their intent to support cooperation on fields and gym facilities but not endorsing the school district's referendum. Parks and Recreation Commission January 10, 1995 Page 8 NORTH RENSINGTON PARR on Giese, landscape consultant, reoriented the Commission to the original concept plan that had been approved in August. Joni described the strong features and constraints of the North Kensington site. Ms. Giese stated the strong points include a pond, existing trees including many mature oaks, and topography that draws people into the park. Giese stated there are wet areas in this park that can be enhanced for natural beauty. Ms. Giese stated some of the constraints in the park are the gas pipeline, the overhead power line and the storm sewer inflows and outflows in the park. Giese stated that all the backyards in this area face the park and that there was a concern expressed about where the backyards end and the park begins. Ms. Giese stated the goals of this plan were to design a passive park along the backyard concept that would have natural features, accommodate the water movement through the park and allow for human use. Ms. Giese outlined the approved concept plan that included the "Bubble Diagram" with separate picnic rooms throughout the park that allows for water flow to the pond area. Ms. Giese unveiled the final plans and stated the pond had been reconfigured from the concept plan because the pipeline location blocked the proposed excavation. Ms. Giese stated the planting plan was slightly changed to move Amur Maples from underneath the powerlines so that they do not grow up into the powerlines. Ms. Giese stated that when Council approved the concept plan that they had asked her to include the picnic shelter as an add alternate and had instructed her to move the picnic shelter closer to the existing US West building which she has now done. Ms. Giese described the five picnic areas that each have three sandstone blocks set into the grass and a picnic table. She stated the sandstone blocks are proposed to be used from Acacia Cemetery and are to serve as benches. Ms. Giese outlined the location of the grill and trash receptacles. Ms. Giese stated the picnic shelter had been relocated, had been made smaller and moved closer to the US West building. Giese stated the design of this building has incorporated the looks of the houses nearby. Ms. Giese stated this add alternate picnic shelter had enough room for a six foot (61) picnic table and two (2) sandstone benches underneath the roof. Parks and Recreation Commission January 10, 1995 Page 9 Ms. Giese described the detention pond and the water circulation patterns for both the inflow and outflow of storm water. Giese described plantings in this area as being submergent grasses to short prairie grasses with the short prairies grasses extending to the knolls to define them. Giese stated in order to make the drainage work, we would need to remove fifty feet (501) of pipe at the inflow location. Ms. Giese stated this was necessary to allow circulation of water to maximize the cleansing of the storm water for a cleaner pond. Ms. Giese described an additional add alternate which is an overlook along Mendota Heights Road adjacent to the bike path. Ms. Giese described this as a sandstone structure whereby we would be using sandstone block from Acacia Cemetery to create an overlook into the pond area. Ms. Giese described this overlook as being 35' by 17' and the sandstone blocks incorporated into it would be used as benches. Giese stated this would be a nice sitting area overlooking the pond from the north. Ms. Giese stated the overlook would be handicapped accessible. Ms. Giese described sandstone bench locations throughout the park and described the tree plantings. Ms. Giese distributed a handout on the cost estimates showing tLie total estimated costs for the park construction at $341035. The add alternate for the overlook construction would be an additional $7,400 and the add alternate for the picnic shelter would be an additional $10,000. Giese stated that with both add alternates the park design would come to $51,435. The Parks Commission discussed the costs estimates and methods of lowering the price. Parks Project Manager Kullander suggested that the $1,000 included for picnic tables might not be necessary as the City has an inventory and stock of picnic tables. He stated the trash receptacle and grills may also be items that can be supplied from the City's inventory. Mr. Dan Rostratter, of 2483 Stockbridge, stated he was in opposition to the picnic shelter and in September he had submitted a petition to the City Council with over sixty (60) signatures from nearby residents opposed to the inclusion of a picnic shelter at North Kensington Park. Mr. Rostratter stated all the neighbors in this area feel this is a very good design for the park with the exception of the picnic shelter. Chair Spicer stated the Parks Commission is on record as not supporting the picnic shelter. Mr. Rostratter stated there are three major reasons why he is opposed to the picnic shelter: Parks and Recreation Commission January 10, 1995 Page 10 1, I e concept of a constrained capital budget and the necessity for a picnic shelter in this location. Mr. Rostratter pointed out there are two picnic shelters located in the south park. 2, Mr. Rostratter stated the location of the picnic shelter in this area raises safety and security issues. 3. Mr. Rostratter stated that sixty-nine out of seventy-four residents that had been contacted about this picnic shelter oppose it and has signed the petition. Commissioner Linnell inquired of Mr. Rostratter if the residents that had signed the petition were aware of the size and relocation of the picnic shelter to a site that is more acceptable. Linnell stated to enclose one picnic table and two benches could barely be considered a picnic shelter. Chair Spicer stated the Parks Commission had agreed that this is a great, plan without the picnic shelter. Spicer stated that the overlook included as an add alternate is a very good idea and would be a real benefit to the park. Spicer stated this final plan is acceptable and that a very nice job has been completed. Commissioner Linnell stated the original budgeted figure of $25,000 was a number pulled out of a hat. Linnell stated this number was reached at the start of the process and what the Commission should consider is are we meeting the goals for the park with this design, at this cost estimate. Linnell stated he would place a higher priority on the development of this park than the money that is earmarked for tennis at Hagstrom- King. Linnell stated that a competitive bidding process may very well bring the price down. Commissioner Damberg stated that as far as the parks design goes, the essential construction could be done first with some of the amenities coming at a later date, including picnic tables, trash receptacles and grills that the City may be able to supply as part of their normal budget. Damberg stated that maybe the neighbors in this area could be convinced to buy some of the trees to help cut costs. Commissioner Linnell stated he does not believe the picnic shelter is as bad of a use as it is made out to be. However, he stated, he does not want force this issue on the neighborhood if they do not desire this use in the park. Parks and Recreation Commission January 10, 1995 Page 11 Chair Spicer moved that the Parks and Recreation Commission recommend to the City Council that the final plans and specifications be approved with the funding to come from the remaining referendum moneys Commissioner Spicer stated that his motion includes that no picnic shelter be included with these final plans based on the fact there is no need for a shelter in this location and that there is neighborhood opposition to it. Spicer stated the approval of this plan should include the add alternate to fund the proposed overlook. Commissioner Norton seconded the motion. AYES: 5 NAYS: 0 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Commission adjourned its meeting at Respectfully submitted, Kevin Batchelder Administrative Assistant the Parks and Recreation 8:20 o'clock P.M.