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1995-03-14 Parks and Rec Comm MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAROTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARRS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 14, 1995 The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, March 14, 1995, in the City Hall Large Conference Room, 1101 Victoria Curve. The meeting was called to order at 6:40 o'clock P.M. The following members were present: Norton, Liberacki, Damberg, Linnell and Spicer. Commissioners Kleinglass and Libra were excused. Also present were Administrative Assistant Kevin Batchelder, Parks Project Manager Guy Kullander and Recreation Programmer Shelli Heinsch. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Linnell moved to approve the February 14, 1995 minutes with corrections. Commissioner Liberacki seconded the motion. AYES: 4 NAYS: 0 DISCUSS T-BALL FIELDS AT RESURRECTION CEMETERY Administrative Assistant Batchelder stated that following the Parks and Recreation Commission°s recommendation to place two t-ball fields at the Public Works garage, the City Council instructed staff to contact Catholic Cemeteries, owners of Resurrection Cemetery, to inquire if temporary use of the unused portion of the cemetery could be used as t-ball fields. Batchelder stated that Catholic Cemeteries had responded favorably and that City staff had met with Mendota Heights Athletic Association to discuss their needs for fields. Batchelder stated because the fast track nature of this project the request to fund this proposal proceeded directly to City Council on March 7, 1995. He stated the Council authorized $20,000 from the Special Park Fund to construct four youth fields (ages 5-9) at Resurrection Cemetery. Batchelder stated that staff will be meeting with Catholic Cemeteries to seek approval from their Board on the proposed site plan and the contents of a temporary use agreement. Batchelder stated that Council desired the Parks and Recreation Commission review this project as it proceeds. Batchelder stated that the City Council will consider a site plan and temporary use agreement on March 21, 1995. He stated the intent was to have these fields available for play by Mendota Heights Athletic Association in May. Parks and Recreation Commission March 14, 1995 Page 2 Commissioner Norton stated that Catholic Cemeteries had agreed to place two t-ball fields for ages 4-6 in their letter and she inquired if Catholic Cemeteries would agree to having larger fields with older children as specified by City Council. Parks Project Manager Kullander stated that t-ball fields have a forty-five foot long base path but that when you get up into the age bracket of 8 and 9 year olds you need a fifty-two foot base path and a bigger outfield that would need to be expanded. Kullander stated staff would be meeting with Catholic Cemeteries officials on Wednesday to discuss the site plan and the layouts. Batchelder stated that Mr. Cherek indicated he has Board approval to proceed under the parameters of the letter that had been addressed to us for two t-ball fields and that Mr. Cherek may or may not be able to approve this expanded site plan. Batchelder stated the Catholic Cemeteries Board does not meet again until the end of June. Kullander stated that in his discussions with the Cemetery, they had indicated they would not need this portion of the Cemetery for 5-15 years, if at all. The Parks Commission discussed the use of $20,000 from the Special Park Fund to construct four youth fields. Batchelder informed the Commission there are pending subdivision proposals, one recently approved, before the City that would be bringing some cash dedications into the Special Park Fund. He stated this included $27,000 from Mendota Meadows, approximately $5,000 from the Bjorklund subdivision and an upcoming subdivision being proposed by a developer for 19 homes in the Cherry Hills/Knollwood Lane area. Commissioner Liberacki inquired if the City could establish grass by May. Kullander stated that Mendota Heights Athletic Association's priority for this age group is a skinned infield and because of the age of children, outfield play is not that important. Kullander stated the older kids, ages 8 and 9, will need a turf outfield and that requires more grading and more turf or seeding costs. Kullander explained the gravel parking and the existing road. Commissioner Liberacki inquired if it would be better for the City and the Cemetery if there was a new curb cut on Lexington Avenue and a separate entrance. Kullander stated that he had already inquired about this option and that the Cemetery did not like this idea. Kullander indicated the Cemetery wanted us to use the south entrance by the maintenance building and that they would block off the other entrance. Kullander stated the last funeral in any given day begins around 4:00 P.M. and that the Catholic Cemetery personnel have indicated Parks and Recreation Commission March 14, 1995 Page 3 that the evening use by t-ballers was acceptable. Kullander stated that they had also indicated they did not desire any weekend play or practice. Kullander stated the older kids have a longer season and that the t-ball season is finished towards the end of June whereas the 8 and 9 year old age brackets play into July. Commissioner Norton inquired if Resurrection Cemetery has a long term plan where this area may become more of a permanent park plan. IVY HILLS PARR Administrative Assistant Batchelder stated the City Council had retained the service of Jim Hagstrom, of Savannah Design, to produce the landscape design at Ivy Hills Park. Batchelder stated the Parks Commission had requested two plans from Mr. Hagstrom, one plan being a traditional landscaping look and the other plan being a more native grass/wildflower look. He stated Mr. Hagstrom had prepared two concept plans including a mix of traditional landscaping and native grass/wildflowers with alternatives for the Parks and Recreation Commission to pick and choose from. Mr. Jim Hagstrom, of Savannah Design, presented a slide show to provide background on at, where, when and how you design, plant and maintain a native grass/wildflower, natural landscape design. Mr. Hagstrom showed a slide of a Savannah grass land with oak trees that is native and indigenous to the Midwest and the State of Minnesota. Hagstrom highlighted the different types of grasses, flowers and trees in this landscape. Mr. Hagstrom pointed out this is an ecological design that does not need water, pesticide, or fertilizer and it thrives because of its biodiversity. Mr. Hagstrom stated this means that there are quite a few species of plant materials. Mr. Hagstrom showed a slide of a very well maintained golf course that had very few species of plant material, was maintenance heavy, a very controlled environment, with an ethic of maximum care and attention. Mr. Hagstoom showed a series of slides demonstrating prairie grasses and wildflowers. Mr. Hagstrom stated there was a high diversity of species in a seeded natural prairie grass landscape. Mr. Hagstrom pointed out this may not look neat and cared for as compared to a lawn that is maintenance intensive, environmentally unsound and expensive to operate. Parks and Recreation Commission March 14, 1995 Page 4 Mr. Hagstrom stated a good design for prairie grass and wildflowers can use shapes and geometry in a spatial pattern to make it look more neat and cared for. Mr. Hagstrom showed some slides of short grass prairies including landscape designs at a home that includes groupings of wildflowers but is arranged in a formal pattern to look well maintained. Mr. Hagstrom showed another slide with a seeded prairie grass area that looked more unkept. Mr. Hagstrom stated the point of these slides is to discover the point at which a viewer would consider a prairie grass landscape to be messy or whether they would consider it to be a well organized prairie garden. The Commission inquired about maintenance for prairie grass and native wildflowers. Mr. Hagstrom stated that some maintenance will be necessary and that it may need to be burned on occasion and for the first couple of years there may need to be some weeding done. Mr. Hagstrom estimated that one or two hours of weeding a couple times a summer for the first few years would get these prairie grasses going. Mr. Hagstrom stated it is a different maintenance regime than sitting on a tractor and mowing grass. Mr. Hagstrom stated that any landscape design should recognize that people want to see order. Mr. Hagstrom showed some slides that demonstrate hedges, lawns, and traditional plantings that are mixed with wildflowers and groupings of native grasses in a geometric fashion. Mr. Hagstrom showed a slide of a pond area that had native grasses seeded to the pond edge, including many flowers. Mr. Hagstrom showed a slide of a slope area where you have a lawn on the boulevard and then a prairie garden begins on the sloped area. Mr. Hagstrom stated this was very similar to the situation at Ivy Hills Park. Mr. Hagstrom stated that if you seed this type of prairie garden it takes a few years to establish itself, however, if you plant it with plugged plants it is quicker but more expensive. Mr. Hagstrom showed a slide of a sign stating this was an environmentally sensitive landscape. Mr. Hagstrom said it may be important for viewers to know that this type of natural landscape gardening has a purpose and intent. Mr. Hagstrom showed several slides that demonstrated the seasonal changes and the different shades and textures during the different seasons depending on the flowers blooming and the grass growing. Mr. Hagstrom showed a slide of a seeded prairie that lacked a pattern or neatness and did not have Parks and Recreation Commission March 14, 1995 Page 5 geometric shapes. Mr. Hagstrom stated this slide showed a seeded prairie approximately five years after it had been seeded. Mr. Hagstrom showed how a mowed path could be cut along the top of the berm at Ivy Falls Park, Mr. Hagstrom showed a slide of water plantings including cattails and other types of pond plantings that could be used to define the edge of the wetlands at Ivy Park. Mr. Hagstrom stated that certain species of grass and wild plants could be planted along the edge of the pond to make it look inaccessible and to hide some of the concrete structures. Chair Spicer arrived at 7:20 o'clock P.M. Commissioner Damberg inquired if the natural wildflower approach could include plants that attract butterflies including milkweed, blazing stars and cardinal flowers. While Mr. Hagstrom prepared some site plans to be placed on the wall for discussion, the Parks and Recreation Commission invited the Valley View Heights neighborhood into the meeting to discuss their request for a half court basketball. VALLEY VIEW HEIGHTS REQUEST FOR IMPROVEbIENTS Chair Spicer stated that at the January meeting the Parks and Recreation Commission met with representatives of the Curley neighborhood to discuss their ideas for improvements to Valley View Heights Park. Spicer stated that specifically they had requested that a half court basketball be placed in the tot lot in this area. Spicer stated there had been some confusion over whether Valley View Heights Park was an "official" City park and that Parks and Recreation Commission had recommended that City Council determine the status of this tot lot and then the Commission would try to determine the appropriate method to address this request. Six residents of Curley neighborhood were present. Mr. Dave Ayers, acting as spokesperson for the Curley neighborhood, stated that staff has looked into the status of Valley View Heights Park and has found a 1989 memo and City Council minutes at which time Curley tot lot had been renamed and designated as Valley View Heights Park. Mr. Ayers stated the reason this is significant is that at the past Commission meeting there had been a discussion whether or not this was indeed a City park. Ayers stated the City has already taken this position, as made apparent by the 1989 minutes from the City Council meeting, that this had been renamed and designated as Valley View Heights Park. Parks and Recreation Commission March 14, 1995 Page 6 Mr. Ayers stated the residents of Curley neighborhood certainly consider this to be a park and that it has been officially named. Chair Spicer stated that the Curley neighborhood wants a half court basketball to be installed at Valley View Heights Park, however all of the remaining referendum funds are earmarked at this time. Spicer stated the Parks and Recreation Commission would be discussing the next Five Year Capital Improvement Plan in the near future and that they would consider funding for Valley View Heights Park, as part of this discussion. Spicer stated this improvement, if it is determined to go on the Capital Improvement Plan, may not be immediately done this year but it may be put off to a future year. Mr. Ayers stated he and his neighborhood would be very concerned if this gets carried over into 1996 where it may be forgotten. Chair Spicer stated the Capital Improvements Plan is followed up closely every year and items are not removed without a good reason. Mr. Ayers stated it was his understanding that improvements to this park were to be forthcoming from the 1989 Parks Referendum. Mr. Ayers stated that he understands there is no more money left in the referendum funding and that he feels the neighborhood would feel cheated if these improvements were not made this year. Mr. Ayers stated the neighborhood feels that not much has been done with this park and that the perception is the referendum improvements were never made in this park. Ayers stated staff had indicated there were some items from the 1995 Capital Improvement Plan that would not be built and perhaps those funds could be used in this area. Administrative Assistant Batchelder stated that the 1995 Capital Improvement Plan had $3,500 intended to be spent in Ivy Hills Park, however, these items would now be funded as part of the Ivy Falls Storm Project in the landscape design that is currently being done at Ivy Hills Park. Chair Spicer stated there are two thresholds of decision on this issue. Spicer stated the first is the question of whether or not this is an official City park, and the second question is should the Parks and Recreation Commission recommend improvements for a half court basketball. Commissioner Linnell moved to recommend that the City Council formally and officially designate Valley View Heights Park as a part of the City's park system. Commissioner Damberg seconded the motion. A friendly amendment was added to the motion stating that as an official park the City would maintain this park and treat it as part of the City park system. Parks and Recreation Commission March 14, 1995 Page 7 Commissioner Norton inquired at impacts would there be from naming this an official park in terms of maintenance and liability. Commissioner Norton inquired if there were other areas in the City that would be subject to the same consideration if this were approved. The Commission felt that this was a unique situation and that the Friendly Hills Tot Lot did not have active uses similar to the Valley View Heights Park. Mr. Ayers stated that their neighborhood feels this is a unique situation also and that they are locked in by highways or busy streets on all sides. Commissioner Norton stated there are other neighborhoods that have less access to parks than the Curley neighborhood. She stated the Mayfield Heights neighborhood has been to the Parks Commission on a number of occasions requesting a trail link because they are much more inaccessible to the park system. Norton stated that she is concerned that this park is being backdoored into the City's system. Commissioner Norton stated the previous agreement with the Homeowner's Association stated they would be responsible for the maintenance of this park in return for the improvements. Commissioner Norton stated that these improvements probably never would have been put onto this lot that the City owned had it not been for this Agreement. Mr. Ayers stated there has been turnover in the neighborhood and there is no longer an active Association. Commissioner Annell stated that the City probably never should have put improvements onto this lot, but, it is too late now and that it should be considered a park. Commissioner Damberg stated that she remembers voting against the decision to do that. Chair Spicer stated it was probably a bad decision to place improvements in this park but to leave it unattended at this point would be a worse decision. Commissioner Norton stated that having the City maintain this park is a step further than what has been done in the past. The Commission voted on the motion to officially include Valley View Heights Park in the City's park system and to maintain it. AYES: 5 NAYS: 0 The Commission discussed the Capital Improvement Plan. Commissioner Norton stated the City has spent many hours on designing the Capital Improvement Plan with detailed examinations of priorities. Mr. Ayers stated their neighborhood seems to have been overlooked when the Capital Improvement Plan was considered. The Commission discussed the Parks and Recreation Commission March 14, 1995 Page S improvements that had been promised for this neighborhood in the referendum. Parks Project Manager Kullander stated all of the improvements promised, such as signs, tables, benches, trashers and the grading and seeding necessary to establish a lawn in this location had been accomplished. Mr. Ayers stated that these items were ultimately accomplished over a number of years but basically all the neighborhood received was a picnic table, a bike rack and a trash bin and that these are not major expenditures for the City's park system. The Commission inquired if the neighbors on either side of the tot lot had been contacted about whether they oppose a half court basketball. Mr. Ayers stated that the Anderson's had been contacted and had indicated they are not concerned about basketball and that the neighbors on the other side of the Ake path have not been available. Chair Spicer stated the Parks and Recreation Commission would be discussing the Capital Improvement Plan later, however, the Parks and Recreation Commission may not be prepared to make a commitment to the neighborhood at this time. He stated that this would have be considered as part of the Capital Improvements and the other various priorities. Mr. Ayers inquired if the Parks Commission would give serious consideration for doing this in 1995. Chair Spicer stated that yes, the Parks Commission would give this some consideration, however, there are other priorities and limited financing. Commissioner Liberacki inquired about organized sports and the level of support in the park referendum for various items. The Commission discussed the history of the park referendum and the Citizen's Park Review Committee with Commissioner Liberacki. Commissioner Liberacki inquired if these types of issues are typically initiated by neighborhoods or initiated by the City. Liberacki stated that in this case, we have the Curley neighborhood coming in and requesting that the City do something and put in an improvement, as opposed to the Kensington neighborhood where the City had desired to do certain improvements and the neighborhood was opposed to it. Mr. Ayers stated he would hope the Parks and Recreation Commission consider placing this half court basketball on the 1995 CIP plan. Mr. Ayers stated that the perception in the neighborhood is that they did not get what they were promised in the referendum. Mr. Ayers stated the neighborhood is looking for something more significant in their local park and Parks and Recreation Commission March 14, 1995 Page 9 that it has been six years since the referendum was approved. Mr. Ayers stated that the neighborhood would like to see something in 1995. The Parks and Recreation Commission directed staff to contact Mr. Ayers and the neighborhood when this item will be discussed as part of the Capital Improvement Plan. Commissioner Norton stated she feels there are other neighborhoods in the City that do not have access to the parks system, particularly the Mayfield Heights neighborhood, where she believes the trail link to this neighborhood was never adequately addressed by the City. Norton stated that there are many young children in this neighborhood and they do not have adequate trail access. CONTINUATION OF IVY HILLS PARK LANDSCAPE DESIGN Mr. Jim Hagstrom presented a site analysis to the Parks and Recreation Commission including the possibilities with the berm and pond area as well as the constraints in this area. Mr. Hagstrom described the site layout with the berm having steep slopes both on a south facing sunny side and north facing shady side. Hagstrom stated there is a flat open play area north of the pond and he described the locations of the sewer outlets and concrete skimmers. Mr. Hagstrom stated that the whole area at this time is simply grass lawn. Mr. Hagstrom stated that the berm had been seeded half grass, half wildflowers and that there is a wood chip access trail that goes up and over the top of the berm in the southwest corner of the park. Mr. Hagstrom located the evergreen trees that had been tree spaded and replanted along the eastern border of Ivy Hills Park, Mr. Hagstrom showed where a little erosion had occurred in the drainage swale entering the pond. Mr. Hagstrom stated that the top of the ridge on the berm has the possibility of having a loop trail, however he stated the wood chip path that goes up and over the berm is probably too steep and should be removed. Mr. Hagstrom presented his two concept sketches showing where prairie grass and native wildflower areas could be established. Mr. Hagstrom stated that on the north slope of the berm, in the southwest corner of the pond, some trees should be planted to shade the pond as well as having some bushes and shrubs around the concrete skimmers to hide and create a barrier. Mr. Hagstrom stated his concept plan shows approximately 30 percent of the area being naturalized with most of the pond Parks and Recreation Commission March 14, 1995 Page 10 edge being native grasses and wildflowers. Hagstrom stated it would be possible to put a stone retaining wall for a flower garden next to the path that exists in Ivy Falls Park. Mr. Hagstrom stated that he had been given an indication that the local neighbors or garden club may wish to maintain a garden in this area and he feels this would be a good spot for it. Mr. Hagstrom also inquired if the Parks Commission wanted a sign at the entrance. Mr. Hagstrom demonstrated alternatives between the two concept plans that he was presenting with one alternative including more prairie grass on the slopes and the second alternative showing more woods, bushes and trees. Commissioner Damberg inquired how Mr. Hagstrom proposes to screen the concrete skimmers. Mr. Hagstrom stated that bushes and shrubs would be used to hide the skimmers and to act as a barrier to the skimmers. Hagstrom stated there would not be any lawn leading up to the skimmers and inviting access to it. Mr. Hagstrom inquired about the path along the top of the berm. The Parks and Recreation Commission discussed whether the path should be asphalt, gravel or mowed grass. Mr. Hagstrom advised against a mowed grass path as these grasses will spread into the prairie area. Mr. Hagstrom described how the path loops around the pond and where benches could be located using the stones available at Acacia Cemetery. Mr. Hagstrom stated his intent was that the Parks Commission look at these two concept plans and pick the alternatives that they like so that they can mix and match natural areas with turf, trees and natural plantings. Chair Spicer inquired of the Parks Commission to indicate those designs on the concept plans that they like and would desire that Mr. Hagstrom pursue in his design. Chair Spicer stated that he likes the idea of a gravel trail around the top of the berm and that he agrees we should eliminate the wood chip trail over the berm. The Parks and Recreation Commission discussed whether the trails should be gravel or bituminous. Parks Project Manager Kullander stated the City currently has two gravel trails, one in Copperfield Ponds area and the other in Friendly Marsh Park and that people are always inquiring about when the City is going to pave these trails. Kullander estimated that it would cost approximately $4,000 for a bituminous trail along the top of the berm. The Commission stated that this is approximately 1/3 of the budget. The Commission indicated to Mr. Hagstrom that they would like the trail to be shown as gravel now and that paving it could be considered in the future. Parks and Recreation Commission March 14, 1995 Page 11 Chair Spicer stated he likes the buffer area between the lawn of the Homeowner's Association of the townhouses labeled the pine area. Chair Spicer stated the space for the Garden Club with the rock retaining wall sounds like a good idea. Commissioner Norton stated she prefers the concept plan that shows the heavier use of native grasses and wildflowers and that this type of low maintenance, natural landscape should be used as much as possible on the steep slopes and around the edge of the pond. She stated the City should be demonstrating more ecologically sound landscaping methods. The Parks and Recreation Commission agreed that most of the pond edge should be prairie grass and native wildflowers with one lawn opening along the north edge of the pond. The Commission agreed that shrub plantings should be used to hide and screen the skimmers and act as a barrier. Commissioner Norton stated that we are trying to educate people about low maintenance landscaping and that she feels a small sign stating this is an environmentally sensitive landscape should be installed. The Commission agreed. Commissioner Liberacki stated that this landscape plan must be integrated with the traditional look of the Ivy Hills neighborhood. Liberacki stated there should be a woody look to this area and he feels that this is how it looked before the pond construction occurred. Commissioner Liberacki stated the other corners at the intersection are also wooded areas. Liberacki stated that he would prefer a backdrop using a woody mix of plant material with some grasses mixed in. Mr. Liberacki stated it may be more appropriate for a woody mix versus a grass mix on the north slope of the berm and that these plant materials would be heartier than wildflowers and native grasses. Commissioner Liberacki stated that this could be referred to as a naturalized landscape plan versus a prairie grass landscape plan. Liberacki stated that he favors fewer grasses and more trees and shrubs. Mr. Hagstrom described what he called the "pitcher's mound" where some manhole covers are, he shows a small prairie garden with bench area. The Parks Commission agreed that using this area as a garden is a good idea. The Parks Commission wanted to minimize the use of stones for retaining walls due to their expense. Chair Spicer indicated that the less lawn and turf to mow, the better. Parks and Recreation Commission March 14, 1995 Page 12 Mr. Hagstrom inquired about the water edge, whether it should be seed prairie grass, wetlands plantings, or some type of stone/rock edge. The Commission indicated that they feel wetlands plants will come back naturally and that this should be seeded prairie grass edge. The Parks Commission indicated that the pine tree area shown on the concept plan should be enhanced with some additional pine trees and that this could be shown as a concept to plant in the future. The Commission directed Mr. Hagstrom to use as many plant plugs near the entrances and more visible points and use seeding in other areas, as the budget allows. The Parks and Recreation Commission instructed staff to call an open house for their April Parks and Recreation Commission meeting so that Mr. Hagstrom can present his landscape design plans to the neighborhood. RECREATION PROGRAMMING Recreation Programmer Shelli Heinsch stated that at the December meeting the Commission had reviewed the City recreation programs. Heinsch stated the Commission had indicated a desire to consider joint planning with neighboring communities to implementing more passive recreational activities and to examine additional programs that could be added to the City's recreation programming. Heinsch stated that the Commission had also directed staff to research staffing levels of similar sized communities and to generate ideas on the most feasible or practical programs that could be added. Heinsch explained a new program that had been advertised in the February Heights Highlites that was a parent child exercise to build a bird house that was being conducted by a naturalist from Mendota Heights. Heinsch stated that this program would be a couple of hours on a Saturday morning and is open to 20 parent/child partners and that at this point, the program is almost full. Heinsch described the adult softball program and stated that registration ends next week. She described the in -line skating lessens that would occur in May and June. Heinsch stated that new golf leagues will be forming at the Mendota Heights Par 3 that would begin in May and June of this year. Heinsch stated that the City is going to be offering golf Parks and Recreation Commission March 14, 1995 Page 13 leagues to seniors, women and juniors. Ms. Heinsch stated that the Mendota Heights Par 3 has been very cooperative and will help with any of the administrative details of running this league and keeping scores. Heinsch described the volleyball leagues for this upcoming summer, the nature camp and the fact that a concert in the park with Trisha and the Toons was scheduled for July 8. Heinsch stated there were ongoing meetings about some environmental activity programming. Chair Spicer stated the survey done by staff indicated that most Cities of comparable size in the metro area have one or more full time park and recreation staff people. Spicer stated if the City intended to add more recreational programming, that we are going to need additional supervision and staffing levels. Chair Spicer stated he thinks it is time for the City to have some recreation staff on a full time basis. The Parks and Recreation Commission discussed staffing levels at different cities and in Mendota Heights. Commissioner Norton moved to recommend that City Council direct staff to begin examination and analysis of a full time position in the recreation department that would enable the City to increase the recreational programming activities in Mendota Heights. Commissioner Damberg seconded the motion. AYES: 5 NAYS: 0 Chair Spicer stated that he thinks recreation programming could increase through joint programs with neighboring cities. Heinsch stated that currently the winter time activities are the most difficult to program because the City is very limited with gymnasium space and court time or finding indoor space for recreational activities. Commissioner Linnell stated that the City should be first in line to discuss gymnasium space and meeting space with the school district as they are planning their new middle school at the Friendly Hills site. Commissioner Damberg stated that staff should begin talks with ISD No. 197 about using the middle school for recreational programming . Commissioner Norton stated she would like see the City program some type of cross country skiing at the Par 3 in the winter and perhaps this could be done in conjunction with the local school. Norton stated she would like to see more programming that uses the trail system including nature walks for adults with a naturalist. Parks and Recreation Commission March 14, 1995 Page 14 The Parks and Recreation Commission discussed joint programming with both Dakota County and West St. Paul. Heinsch stated that she had been contacted by an individual in Mendota Heights about an adult tennis league and that she had contacted the City of West St. Paul. She stated that West St. Paul appears to be interested and that currently discussions are ongoing about a new tennis league for adults in which the City would advertise and handle registrations but that would be run by the participants in the league. Chair Spicer stated that th Association is talking about leagues for girl's and boy's. DISCUSSION OF MENDAKOTA PARK STAND e Mendota Heights Athletic summer and fall basketball Administrative Assistant Batchelder stated that the City has been informed by the Fire Relief Association that they do not intend to operate the Mendakota Park Concession stand in 1995. Batchelder stated that the Fire Relief Association had operated the concession stand in 1993 and 1994. He stated that this decision by the Fire Relief Association leaves a void in the operation of the concession stand for the upcoming softball season. Batchelder stated some possible options are available to the City for the operation of this concession stand including: 1. Operation by a non-profit group under similar terms as the Fire Relief Association. Batchelder stated this could include Mendota Heights Athletic Association, Sibley Sting, a school organization or club, etc. 2. Operation by the City. 3. Contracting with a private operator under a lease agreement. 4. Part time operation for tournaments or big events only without opening the concession stand for the Monday through Friday evening softball leagues. 5. Not operate the concession stand. The Parks Commission discussed asking schools or booster groups in the area if they would be interested in operating the concession stand. Chair Spicer suggested that the Parks and Recreation Commission March 14, 1995 Page 15 Commission direct staff Co do two things: 1) limited advertising for a private operator and 2) contact booster groups in the City such as Sibley Sting, Mendota Heights Athletic Association, the Band Club, St. Thomas, Visitation and St, Joseph's, etc., to see what interest level there is in operating this concession stand and that this could be brought back before the Parks Commission at their next meeting for further discussion. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN The Parks and Recreation Commission tabled discussion of the Capital Improvement Plan until their April S meeting. The Commission directed staff to make this item number 1 on the April agenda so that the Commission can adequately discuss plans in preparation for the 1996 Budget. Commissioner Linnell stated that it appears that Wentworth Park is getting a large share of Capital Improvements for 1995 including possible bridges or culverts, a picnic shelter and some other improvements. Linnell inquired if we should invite the neighborhood in when the Parks and Recreation Commission discuses these improvements. The Parks and Recreation Commission was informed that neighbors in Bridgeview Shores had appeared at the March 7 City Council meeting in opposition of a trail segment that had been included as part of the Mendota Heights/Dodd Road signal project. Batchelder stated that the City Council had desired that the Parks and Recreation Commission consider this item and that notice be provided to the neighborhood for an open house meeting to discuss this trail segment. He stated that this item had been scheduled for April 11, 1995 meeting of the Parks Commission. He stated that the neighbors will be contacted by letter to attend this meeting. The Parks and Recreation Commission provided direction for staff on the order of the agenda to discuss the Capital Improvement Plan, the open house for the Ivy Hills Park discussion and the open house for the Bridgeview Shores trail. Batchelder distributed copies of the approved revised park reservation policy. The Commission discussed the fact that the Mendota Heights Athletic Association had been getting signatures on a petition during their signups for baseball and softball and that they would be petitioning the City to have youth baseball play available at Mendakota Park. The Commission discussed the use of netting and softball versus baseball at Mendakota Park. Parks and Recreation Commission March 14, 1995 Page 16 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Parks and Recreation Commission adjourned its meeting at 9:15 o'clock P.M. Respectfully submitted, Kevin Batchelder Administrative Assistant