1995-04-11 Parks and Rec Comm MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINVTES
APRIL 11, 1995
The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation
Commission was held on Tuesday, April 11, 1995, in the City Hall
Large Conference Room, 1101 Victoria Curve. The meeting was called
to order at 6:30 o'clock P.M. The following members were present:
Norton, Liberacki, Kleinglass, Damberg, Libra, Linnell and Spicer.
Also present were Administrative Assistant Kevin Batchelder and
Parks Project Manager Guy Kullander.
Commissioner Ramberg moved to approve the March 14, 1995
minutes.
Commissioner Linnell seconded the motion.
AYESe 7
NAYS: 0
COMMISSION COMMENTS
Commissioner Ramberg stated that she would like the Parks and
Recreation Commission to take a closer look at the issue of
vandalism in the City parks. Commissioner Damberg stated that
some people are afraid to be in Valley Park and that she is
aware that there has been damage going on there as well as
bonfires at night. Commissioner Damberg requested that the
Chief of Police address how we are handling these incidences
in our parks and what can be done about it.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PLAN
Chair Spicer stated that the Capital Improvements Plan should
be reviewed and updated as the City heads into the 1996 Budget
process. Spicer stated the Commission should begin
discussions of the Capital Improvement Plan including
reviewing the list of 1995 objectives and to consider capital
needs over the long term through the year 1999. Chair Spicer
stated that the largest item in the 1995 list of improvements
was a tennis court at Hagstrom-King Park that had originally
been hoped would be paid for with referendum funds. He stated
now that the referendum funds are committed he inquired if the
Commission would like to pay for this out of the Special Park
Fund. Spicer stated that he has been with the Parks
Commission for many years and that they have been very frugal
with the Special Park Fund over these years. Spicer stated
that it appears that the remaining 1994 items that need to be
constructed and the list of 1995 items total to $60,000+ to be
Parks and Recreation Commission
April 11, 1995
Page 2
spent out of the Special Park Fund. Spicer stated this is a
significant amount that is larger than the annual interest
earned by the Fund.
Commissioner Liberacki inquired if it was the Parks and
Recreation Commission's intent to try and keep annual spending
out of the Special Park Fund at about the level of interest
earned annually in that Fund. The Commission stated yes.
The Commission discussed the priority of putting in the
Hagstrom-King tennis courts. Commissioner Linnell stated that
Sibley High School has recently built nine new tennis courts.
Commissioner Liberacki stated his neighborhood has really
expressed an interest for this tennis court. Liberacki stated
that it is not his agenda to promote these tennis courts, but
he feels it would certainly be a nice amenity for the
neighborhood.
Commissioner Linnell inquired if one court could be built or
if it is necessary to build two courts. Parks Project Manager
Kullander stated it would probably cost 60 percent to build
one court as opposed to the price for building two courts.
Kullander stated the site has already been graded for tennis.
Commissioner Liberacki stated that from his brief look at the
funding sources in Mendota Heights, the Special Park Fund has
grown significantly in recent years with new neighborhood
development. He stated that maybe it is time that the outflow
of improvements needs to grow with the Fund. Chair Spicer
stated the he would agree with this statement, however, the
City has recently spent $3.4 million of referendum funds to
improve the park system, so in his opinion, the improvements
provided by referendum has corresponded with the growth of the
City.
Commissioner Libra inquired if the Acacia Cemetery, Acacia
Boulevard area could be a possible ball field site.
Administrative Assistant Batchelder stated that the City does
own land in this area and that it could be looked at as a
possible ball field site. Batchelder stated that the City
Council had directed staff to continue exploring the
possibility of additional ball fields at the Mendota Plaza
with Paster Enterprises.
Chair Spicer stated each Commissioner should take home the
list of Capital Improvements from the 1995 CIP Plan and do
their homework and come back at the May meeting with their
list of priorities so that the Parks Commission can compare
priorities and provide staff with direction for the 1996
Budget process. Spicer stated that it would be important for
Parks and Recreation Commission
April 11, 1995
Page 3
each Commissioner to look at 1996 priorities, long term
priorities, any changes in funding policies and any additional
items that are not already on the list.
IVY FALLS PARR OPEN HOUSE
The Commission met with 25 residents of the Ivy Falls Park
neighborhood for approximately 1 1/2 hours. Chair Spicer
introduced the Commission, staff members and Mr. Jim Hagstrom
of Savanna Designs.
Administrative Assistant Batchelder provided a background on
the Ivy Falls Creek project and described how the Parks and
Recreation Commission and City Council had desired to restore
the landscaping and beautify the pond area after construction.
Batchelder stated the Commission had interviewed three
landscape architectural landscape firms and had chosen Mr.
Hagstrom of Savanna Designs based on their expertise with
native grasses and wildflower plantings. He stated the
Commission had preferred to go with a low maintenance, natural
grass landscaping in this pond area because it was
ecologically sound and would provide a high degree of beauty
to this area. He stated the Commission has met with Mr.
Hagstrom to set the parameters of the design and that Mr.
Hagstrom is here tonight to present his landscape design plan.
Mr. Hagstrom provided a twenty minute presentation including
slides on the grass and plant species that he would be using
in his landscape design. Mr. Hagstrom reviewed the specifics
of the landscape plan with the audience.
For the next hour there was a general discussion regarding the
pond and its beautification. Many residents at the meeting
expressed a concern about the safety of the steep slopes of
the new berm, about the water quality in the pond, and about
the increased capacity for storm water in this area. The
Parks Commission attempted to focus on the beautification plan
with the landscape design, however, the neighborhood expressed
the opinion that their biggest concern is with the engineering
aspects of the storm water pond and the water quality.
The following comments were received during the meeting:
• The walking path shown on top of the berm is a concern
due to the steep slopes down to the pond.
• During storm events this pond has a significant bounce in
water level and there is a concern about how the pond is
going to be kept clean.
• Another resident expressed a safety concern with the
steep embankments.
Parks and Recreation Commission
April 11, 1995
Page 4
•
There was a general concern about the level of trash in
the pond.
•
The safety regarding children playing on the concrete
structures was a concern.
•
A resident expressed that trees make shadows where people
can hide, and that lilac bushes should be used instead in
order to attract songbirds.
•
A resident expressed a concern about the steep berm.
•
A concern was expressed about the transition from the
area labeled as "pine tree area" to the flat grass area
owned by Ivy Falls Park Association. This resident felt
this was too drastic of a transition and that the pine
area should be left as it is in its current state so that
it transitions with the grass area.
•
A resident stated that the City should not install any
landscaping around the pond edge for the first year to
see what happens with the pond during storm events.
•
A resident commented that a slope on the southeast side
of the pond was slumping.
•
A resident made a request for Water Birch trees along the
southwest corner of the pond.
•
A resident stated that the southwest corner of the park
that faces the road is the most visible part of the park
for people traveling on Maple Park Drive. This resident
stated that this area should be targeted for
beautification.
Mr. Hagstrom addressed concerns about the bounce in the pond
and stated that the wetland species and grass species that he
is using for the edge of the pond are flood tolerant. Mr.
Hagstrom stated that the southwest corner of the park that had
been requested for additional beautification can include
plugged wildflowers as opposed to seed. Mr. Hagstrom stated
that when you use plugs, you get results right away in the
first year from these wildflowers and they can be quite
beautiful.
The Parks Commission discussed specific details on the areas
that are to include native grass and wildflower plantings with
the neighborhood. The neighborhood was of a consensus that
this plan is an appropriate plan for beautification of the
park area, the neighborhood requested that another
neighborhood meeting should be conducted with the engineering
staff so that water quality and storm water issues can be
addressed.
Chair Spicer thanked the audience for their participation and
informed them that a recommendation would be forwarded to City
Council for their consideration on April 18th concerning this
landscape design.
Parks and Recreation Commission
April 11, 1995
Page 5
BRIDGEVIEW SHORES TRAIL
NEIGHBORHOOD OPEN HOUSE
Chair Spicer introduced the Commission and staff to the
residents in attendance. In attendance were Garry and Barb
Ruhlmann, Abu and Florence Islam and Mr. Norm Linnell.
Administrative Assistant Batchelder provided a background to
the Parks Commission on this issue and stated that City
Council had requested that this matter be referred to the
Parks and Recreation Commission to provide all interested
neighbors an opportunity to have input. He stated that an
item announcing this neighborhood open house had been
published in the Southwest Review and the Sun Current and that
letters had been sent to everybody in the Bridgeview Shores
neighborhood.
Parks Project Manager Kullander described the details of the
trail project that includes a trail along the north side of
Mendota Heights Road from Westview Terrace to Dodd Road.
Kullander stated this trail had been included as part of a
Task Force recommendation for a traffic signal light at the
corner of Mendota Heights Road and Dodd Road.
Mr. Islam stated that he had appeared before the City Council
to oppose the construction of this trail and that he desired
this trail be eliminated from the traffic signal light
project. Mr. Islam stated there would be a significant loss
of privacy from within any room in his house. Mr. Islam
stated that he had a home with all the rooms oriented to the
rear of the house and that his house is parallel to Mendota
Heights Road.
Mr. Ruhlmann stated that in addition to privacy concerns for
both his house and the Islam's house, he felt there is a
safety issue. Mr. Ruhlmann explained that cars approaching
Mendota Heights Road along Westview Terrace have a blind
approach to traffic on Mendota Heights Road. Mr. Ruhlmann
stated that to the east of Westview Terrace is a dip in the
road and because of the curve of Mendota Heights Road it is
difficult to see cars coming from the west along Mendota
Heights Road. Mr. Ruhlmann stated that it is necessary for
cars to creep out past the stop sign in order to see traffic
coming down Mendota Heights Road. Mr. Ruhlmann stated he
feels that a trail would dump pedestrian and bicycle traffic
into the stop sign area where cars must creep forward and that
this is a dangerous safety issue.
The Parks Commission discussed the spacing of the Spruce trees
that run along the rear property line of the Ruhlmann's and
Parks and Recreation Commission
April 11, 1995
Page 6
the Islam°s. Kullander stated they are twenty feet on center.
The Commission inquired exactly where the trail would be on
the other side of these Spruce trees. Parks Project Manager
Kullander stated that the trail would be approximately four
feet off the curb and entirely within the City's right-of-way.
Commissioner Kleinglass stated he felt the trees would screen
the trail from the homes. Commissioner Linnell stated that as
these trees grow, they will provide more screening.
In response to Mr. Ruhlmann°s stated safety issue, Chair
Spicer stated it would be preferable to have pedestrians and
bicycles crossing Westview Terrace than crossing Mendota
Heights Road where there is much more traffic. The Commission
discussed where people using the trail system would cross
Mendota Heights Road and Dodd Road.
Commissioner Linnell stated there might very well be a sight
distance issue at the intersection of Westview Terrace and
Dodd Road. Commissioner Linnell stated sight distance issues
can be addressed.
Commissioner Liberacki stated that Mr. Ruhlmann may be correct
that pedestrians traveling west to east may have a problem as
they approach Westview Terrace, however, after they have used
this trail once, it should not be a difficulty. Commissioner
Liberacki stated that this trail segment would primarily be
used by Bridgeview residents who are going west to access the
trail system in that direction.
Mr. Ruhlmann stated that looking west when you are stopped at
Westview Terrace at Mendota Heights Road, you are blind to the
traffic. Ms. Ruhlmann inquired why is this trail only
proposed for their short section and not for the whole length
of Mendota Heights Road.
Commissioner Linnell responded that this trail segment is tied
into the signal light project and that MnDOT has agreed to pay
for this with MSA funding. Mr. Islam stated that if the City
is so concerned about safety then the trail should be
installed along the full length of Mendota Heights Road. Ms.
Islam stated that if the City constructs this trail, then they
will be guiding people into an area with a safety problem.
Commissioner Linnell stated that the idea is to improve the
safety by providing this trail segment so that Bridgeview
Shores residents do not have to cross Mendota Heights Road to
get to Dodd Road.
Parks and Recreation Commission
April 11, 1995
Page 7
Mr. Islam stated that he feels this whole project was done in
secrecy and that his property value will be lowered by $25,000
to $40,000. Mr. Islam stated that they will lose all privacy
at their home and that the City would be guiding people,
including children with bikes, into a blind intersection if
the City constructs this trail. Mr. Islam stated why would
anybody want to take a walk on this trail because it is too
noisy with the traffic in the area.
Commissioner Damberg inquired about the necessity of this
trail section if the new middle school opens. Ms. Islam
responded that there are no homes on the other side of Dodd
Road that would need to get to the middle school.
Commissioner Kleinglass stated that he feels the purpose of
this trail is to allow Bridgeview Shores residents to connect
to Dodd Road and to the trail system on the west side of Dodd
Road where there are many trail connections in different
directions. Commissioner Linnell stated that he feels this is
a small portion of trail that makes sense for this
neighborhood.
Mr. Islam stated that the only reason the City was providing
this trail segment was because we are getting the money from
MnDOT.
Mr. Norm Linnell, Bridgeview Shores resident, spoke in favor
of the City building this trail segment. Mr. Linnell stated
that currently children have to cross Mendota Heights Road to
access the trail system. Mr. Linnell stated that he believes
this trail segment would be a real benefit for Bridgeview
Shores children that have to cross Dodd Road at the traffic
light. Mr. Linnell stated that Mendota Heights Road is
getting busier all of the time and cars often travel at a high
speed on this road. Mr. Linnell stated he feels most of the
neighborhood would use Pondhaven to get to Westview Terrace
where there is currently a deadend.
Mr. Kuhlmann stated Westview Terrace is blind to Mendota
Heights Road and this trail would be putting people into this
blind spot. Mr. Linnell stated that the people are already
there using the right-of-way for walking and that the trail
would be safety benefit. Mr. Ruhlmann stated that if you can
use the seventeen feet of grass existing in this area, why do
you need a trail?
Commissioner Liberacki stated that the same situation exists
in his neighborhood where the patios and the rear of homes
back up to an existing trail where it runs along Mendota
Heights Road in the Brentwood neighborhood. Mr. Liberacki
stated that none of these homes have lost value due to the
Parks and Recreation Commission
April 11, 1995
Page 8
location of the trail in the rear of their property.
Commissioner Liberacki stated that he is a professional
planner and that he believes this trail segment works well.
Commissioner Liberacki stated that the Parks and Recreation
Commission has to consider the larger issue of regional trail
connections and that this is a logical connection. Mr.
Liberacki also stated that for safety reasons he feels this is
an important connection for the neighborhoods.
Chair Spicer stated he also has a trail running through his
backyard and he wishes he could convince the tax assessor that
this trail lowers his value.
Mr. Islam stated this trail segment was included in secrecy
after they purchased their home. Mr. Islam stated they had
bought their house without a trail along their rear property
line. Mr. Islam stated that he pays taxes to the City and
expects service from the City. Mr. Islam stated he feels the
City should give the money back to MnDOT and not do the trail,
or in order to be consistent, the City should build a trail
along the whole length of Mendota Heights Road.
Commissioner Liberacki stated the City could build the first
segment of the trail, from Westview Terrace to Dodd Road, and
then consider extending it all the way to the school site.
Commissioner Libra stated that in terms of the volume that
will use this trail, the shorter section only benefits your
neighborhood. Libra stated that with addition of Mendota
Meadows across Mendota Heights Road, this trail is probably
needed as a landing for pedestrian and bicyclists due to the
increase in traffic. Commissioner Libra stated this trail
segment may provide the only safe course to get into the
Bridgeview Shores neighborhood.
Mr. Islam stated that if the City was to propose the trail the
whole length of Mendota Heights Road there would be many more
neighbors in opposition to this trail.
Commissioner Linnell stated that one option the City has is to
plant shrubbery along the trail to enhance the screening and
provide in fill screening in the short term.
Ms. Islam suggested that instead the City could provide a
small trail connection on the south side of Mendota Heights
Road west of Dodd Road so that students at St. Thomas Academy
and visitation could access the trail that exists on the south
side of Mendota Heights Road. Chair Spicer stated that the
idea of the proposed trail segment is to give people from
Bridgeview Shores safe access to Dodd Road.
Parks and Recreation Commission
April 11, 1995
Page 9
Mr. Islam stated that Public Works Director Danielson had told
him that a woman from Bridgeview Shores was on the Task Force
and had wanted this trail segment included so that her child
could walk to Visitation School. Mr. Islam felt that school
children making their way to Visitation School can walk on the
grass. Mr. Norm Linnell stated that bicycles and
rollerbladers are also going in that direction. Mr. Islam
stated that this trail would only be used three to four months
of the year.
Mr. Norm Linnell stated that he feels it is dangerous to ask
children to cross to the south side of Mendota Heights Road to
access the trail system. Mr. Linnell stated he feels this
would be a benefit to the City for two reasons, 1) it does
not cost the City any money, and 2) there are strong safety
reasons to install this trail. Mr. Islam stated that it was
a mistake for the City to ask for the money for this trail
segment without conducting a neighborhood meeting or
contacting the property owners along the trail.
Commissioner Kleinglass inquired if a cross walk could be
painted across Mendota Heights Road at Bridgeview Court.
Parks Project Manager Kullander stated that a cross walk would
create a false impression of a safe cross walk when there is
no traffic control device along Mendota Heights Road.
Kullander stated that studies show cross walks without control
devices creates more accidents.
Ms. Islam stated the Parks Commission should consider building
a trail all the way along Mendota Heights Road so that they
can see how the other neighbors would like having a trail in
their rear yard. Chair Spicer stated that he can understand
the Islam's concerns because this trail is in their backyard
and impacts the use and privacy. Spicer stated that however,
the vast majority of residents in the City are in favor of the
trails. Mr. Islam stated that his whole house orients to the
rear of the property and with a trail in this area there would
be no more privacy. Mr. Islam stated that he will not be able
to use his patio. He stated that he feels strongly that it
will harm the privacy and value of his home. Ms. Islam stated
that a Task Force member had discussed the signal light
project with them on their property and never mentioned the
inclusion of a trail in this project. Ms. Islam stated that
the Task Force never considered the impact of this trail on
their property and never conducted any public hearings.
Chair Spicer thanked the residents for their attendance at
this meeting and stated the Parks and Recreation Commission
would make a recommendation to the City Council regarding this
proposed trail segment.
Parks and Recreation Commission
April 11, 1995
Page 10
IVY FALLS SOUTH-DISCIISSION
OF PARK DEDICATION
Chair Spicer stated that Mr. Heaver was before the Parks
Commission this evening proposing a cash dedication for his
proposed subdivision of the Logan and Hughes property. Chair
Spicer stated that Mr. Heaver desires to develop nineteen
single family homes on this property and that the Commission
should consider tonight whether a cash or land dedication is
appropriate.
Commissioner Linnell stated that he feels it would be a nice
amenity to have a trail connection from the end of the
proposed cul-de-sac to Clement Street, even if there is no
direct trail link in this area. Commissioner Linnell stated
that currently there is foot traffic through this field and
that at a small neighborhood meeting, the previous evening,
neighbors had informed him they would desire a pedestrian
connection in this location.
Chair Spicer inquired if this trail connection would be in
lieu of the proposed cash dedication of $14,250. Commissioner
Linnell inquired what is the value of a trail link or an
easement in this area. Mr. Heaver responded that the value of
an easement in this area would have to be determined.
Commissioner Libra stated that he agrees a trail connection
would be a benefit for this neighborhood both for people from
Ivy Falls north going south to Wentworth Park and for children
in Cherry Hills heading east towards Somerset School.
Commissioner Libra stated he felt this trail connection would
connect Ivy Falls, Cherry Hills and Park Place to Somerset
School.
Chair Spicer stated that staff could look at designing a trail
or an easement and calculate the benefit of this trail and
easement against the cash dedication amount. Mr. Heaver
stated that he would have to consider the design of his plat
and the impact on the value of the lots that would be adjacent
to the trail. Mr. Heaver stated that the three lots on
Clement Avenue are less than the required one hundred foot
width and he is seeking variances on these three lots.
Chair Spicer inquired if it would be possible to have a more
narrow trail due to these narrow lots along Clement. Parks
Project Manager Kullander stated that any trail that is less
than eight feet cannot be maintained with the current City
equipment. Kullander estimated it would cost approximately
$10.00 to $12.00 per lineal foot if the trail is done as part
of the public improvement project.
Parks and Recreation Commission
April 11, 1995
Page 11
Mr. Heaver stated he felt the value of the easement may be
greater than the cash dedication. Chair Spicer stated it
appears the choices are either to accept the cash dedication
proposal or to accept an easement for trail including
construction costs of the trail. Commissioner Liberacki
stated that his understanding of the ordinance is that the
ordinance allows a ten percent land dedication from which the
City Council can decide to allow a cash dedication in lieu of
the required land dedication.
Mr. Heaver inquired if the Clement Street area was on the list
for City street improvement projects. Kullander stated that
the Clement area is not on the list in the immediate future,
however, the Cherry Hills neighborhood is.
Commissioner Linnell moved to recommend a trail easement and
the construction costs of a trail from the end of the cul-de-
sac to Clement Street in lieu of the cash dedication.
Commissioner Liberacki seconded the motion.
AYES: 6
NAYS: 0
ABSTAIN: 1, KLEINGLASS
Commissioner Kleinglass stated that he is not convinced the
City needs the trail.
Chair Spicer stated there is little the City can do about the
quality of water entering the storm pond. Parks Project
Manager Kullander suggested that the Watershed Management
Organization would be the appropriate body to host the meeting
requested by the neighborhood to discuss water quality and
storm water issues.
Chair Spicer stated this
meeting
hosted
by the engineering
staff should be a part of
the Parks and Recreation Commission
recommendation. Spicer stated that
it was
his impression that
the neighborhood liked
the landscape
design plan if it
includes lower bushes around the
steep
area on the north
facing slope of the berm.
Spicer
stated
these bushes should
serve as a barrier both
to the
pond and
to the concrete
structures.
The Commission agreed that bushes would provide the best
screening in this area. Commissioner Linnell stated that he
feels wetlands plantings should be done along the fringes of
the pond, including cattails. The Commission briefly
discussed engineering solutions to the flow of water into the
Parks and Recreation Commission
April 11, 1995
Page 12
pond. Commissioner Libra inquired if the trail along the top
of the berm is a good idea in that it encourages people into
the area where the wildflowers plantings may be impacted. The
Commission was of the consensus to leave the trail in the
plan.
Mr. Hagstrom stated his impression at the neighborhood meeting
was that the residents wanted the City to leave the area by
the transplanted pine trees alone and that there should not be
a community flower garden included in this area. Mr. Hagstrom
stated he had spoke with a woman who used to maintain the
flower garden this area and that she had stated she was no
longer willing to do so. The Commission directed Mr. Hagstrom
to make the following revisions;
1. Include bushes on the north facing slope near concrete
skimmers. These bushes would act as a barrier.
2. Wetland plantings along the pond fringe.
3. No additional plantings in "pine area".
4. On east, northeast, wrap the prairie plantings back
towards the existing trail and pine trees.
5. In the southwest corner of the park, on the south facing
side of the berm, increase the amount of wildflowers
including plugs to enhance this high berm area.
6, Stone steps to pond from path and eliminate turf
connection to pond on the north side. Prairie plantings
shall be all away around the pond.
Commissioner Norton moved that the Parks and Recreation
Commission recommend that the City Council approve this
landscape design with above revisions.
Commissioner Damberg seconded the motion.
AYES: 7
NAYS: 0
The Parks and Recreation Commission requested that City staff
have a water resource education plan article in the May
newsletter and that we should use the two low maintenance
designs in Ivy Falls Park and North Kensington Park as an
example of ecologically sound landscaping.
EVIEW SHORES TRAIL
Commissioner Liberacki stated he feels that this connection to
Parks and Recreation Commission
April 11, 1995
Page 13
Bridgeview Shores neighborhood is important and he feels the
Parks and Recreation Commission should reaffirm the Task Force
recommendation to include this trail segment in the
construction of the signal light project. Commissioner
Linnell inquired if landscape additions should be included
with this trail construction. Commissioner Kleinglass stated
that he feels the privacy argument is not a powerful argument
and that this home is on the second busiest intersection in
the City of Mendota Heights.
Commissioner Liberacki moved that the Parks and Recreation
Commission recommend that the City Council approve the
construction of this trail segment as part of the Mendota
Heights Road/Dodd Road signal light project.
Commissioner Norton seconded the motion.
The Commission discussed the option of extending the trail
along Mendota Heights Road to Huber Drive to access the future
school site.
Commissioner
Libra stated that the corner
of Westview
Terrace
and Dodd Road
should be reviewed for sight
line safety
issues.
AYES: 5
NAYS: 1, NORTON
ABSTAIN: 1, LINNELL
Commissioner Liberacki moved to recommend that the City
Council direct the Parks and Recreation Commission and staff
to investigate the possibility of extending a trail from
Westview Terrace to Huber Drive. Commissioner Libra inquired
if this investigation should include a trail segment all the
way to Delaware Avenue.
Commissioner Norton seconded the motion.
AYES: 3
NAYS: 3, SPICER, DAMSERG, LIBRA
ABSTAIN: 1, LINNELL
MOTION FAILS
UPDATES
Commissioner Norton stated that the Dakota County Parks and
Recreation Commission had hosted a meeting to discuss trail
connections to Fort Snelling State Park at 4:30 this evening
and this is virtually impossible for a working person to
attend a meeting at this time. Commissioner Norton stated she
feels the topic of this meeting was of primary concern to
Mendota Heights and that when Dakota County schedules a
Parks and Recreation Commission
April 11, 1995
Page 14
meeting, and they want our Parks and Recreation Commission to
attend, and that it should not be scheduled on the second
Tuesday evening of the month. Norton moved that City staff
write a letter to Dakota County informing them that our Parks
and Recreation Commission is concerned about the lack of
consideration of our schedule. Commissioner Damberg agreed.
Commissioner Damberg seconded the motion.
AYES: 6
NAYS: 0
ABSTAIN: 1, KLEINGLASS
BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH
REQUEST
The Parks and Recreation Commission considered a request for
the use of Mendakota Park fields on Friday evening by Bethel
Baptist Church, located at the corner of Highway 110 and
Delaware Avenue in Sunfish Lake. The Commission directed City
staff to work with the Church to allow this reservation for a
fee of $10.00 per field.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no fixrther business, the Parks and Recreation
Commission adjourned its meeting at 10:30 o°clock P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Kevin Batchelder
Administrative Assistant