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1995-12-12 Parks and Rec Comm Minutesr The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, December 12, 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: Liberacki, Linnell, Norton and Libra. Commissioners Damberg and Spicer were excused. Also present were Recreation Programmer Shelli Heinsch and Parks Project Manager Guy KuBander. Guests were Lois Rockney, Independent School District 197, Mr. Paul Snyder, Project Manager for the new Middle School and Mr. Bob Gunderson, Landscape Architect. Commissioner Linnell moved to approve the November 14, 1995 minutes Commissioner Liberacki seconded the motion. AYFSc 4 NAYS: 0 Recreation Programmer Heinsch stated that the Parks Department had started to flood the rinks a few weeks ago and they may be ready for skaters this week. Heinsch stated that 11 rink attendants had been hired to staff the four outdoor rinks. She stated that there were enough rink attendants to cover the schedule and back up rink attendants if needed. She stated that an orientation and training session for the rink attendants had already been held and the rink attendants have been assisting the Parks Department this past week in flooding duties. Heinsch stated that the Parks Department had enlarged the Wentworth Park pleasure rink this year. Commissioner Liberacki inquired how they enlarge a rink. Parks Project Manager Kullander stated that they use dirt berms and they may need another light to illuminate at the east end of the rink. Commissioner Linnell inquired if it was legal to park in front of the Wentworth warming house. Heinsch stated that "No Parking" signs are not located at the rink at this time. Kullander stated that handicap accessible ramps will be in place next year and people would not be able to park in front of the warming house. Heinsch explained that the Parks Department may have some hockey parent volunteers from the Mendota Heights Athletic Association to assist in flooding this year in order to keep our rinks in the best possible shape. Heinsch stated that the outdoor skating lessons are being advertised and that registrations are going well. LIASt, , 1, ` l s Recreation Programmer Heinsc , stated that there have been several inquiries by walkers and cross country skiers regarding the snowplowing of trails in our park system, in particular Valley Park and Friendly Marsh. Heinsch stated that the current snowplowing policy states that streets, roads and cul-de-sacs have the first priority and are to be completely plowed before the park maintenance crews are released to remove now from ice rinks and trails. Parks Project Manager Kullander stated that some years we have plowed the trails and some years we have not. The Commission discussed how conducive some of trails may be for cross country skiers. Kullander stated that most of the calls are from residents that would like a plowed trail for walking. Commissioner Libra arrived at 6:45 o"clock P.M. Commissioner Linnell stated that most of the trails should be plowed, but thought that Valley Park trail could go either way, plowed or unplowed. The Commission discussed grooming ski trails at the Par 3 Golf Course. Kullander stated that this was a strong possibility judging from the physical layout. Commissioner Norton stated that most of the trails in the park system are not conducive for cross country skiing. Commissioner Kleinglass stated that segments of the Valley Park trail is suitable for cross country skiing depending on adequate snow Commissioner Kleinglass moved that we adopt a policy to plow the trail segment from Dodd Road to Crown Point and not plow from the Crown Point connection to Lilydale Road and to plow all remaining residential trails in the city. Commissioner Liberacki seconded the motion. AYES: 3 NAYS: 2, LIlVNELL, LIBRA Commissioner Linnell moved that city staff should investigate the possibility of developing a trail segment in Valley Park that would be maintained for cross country skiing. Staff should do a feasibility study and cost estimate and report back to the Commission at the June 11, 1996 meeting. Commissioner Libra seconded the motion. AYESa 5 NAYS: 0 REVIEW AND INTRODUCTION OF NEW MIDDLE SCHOOL SITE PLAN Vice -Chair Norton introduced Ms. Lois Rockney of Independent School District 197 who is appearing to introduce the new middle school site plan. Ms. Rockney also introduced Mr. Paul Snyder, Project Manager and Mr. Bob Gunderson, Landscape Architect. Mr. Snyder and Mr. Gunderson showed the Commission the two site plans both showing two football/soccer fields, one having a baseball/softball field overlapping and also another baseball/softball field. The two site plans were very similar with the difference being road access and bus drop off sites. The plans showed a Gymnasium toward the interior of the school building, directly adjacent to the parking lot as were the play fields. The Commission discussed the size of the ball fields and whether they would be able to accomodate both baseball and softball. Mr. Gunderson stated they would be able to accomodate both as they would be approximately 300 feet in center field. He stated there is no plan at this time for fencing those fields. Mr. Gunderson stated the ballfield to the North could not be fenced, but the one to the south could probably be fenced, but that this was not required for school district use. Commissioner Libra asked what the dimensions of the soccer fields were. Mr. Snyder stated that the site plan showed them to be 200' X 300'. Commissioner Libra stated that these would not be of adequate size and that the average full size field is approximately 240' X 360' . Mr. Gunderson stated that they may be able to enlarge the Held. Mr. Gunderson stated there was a landscape buffer planned along the north side of the soccer fields. The buffer may have to be decreased if the soccer fields were to be enlarged. The Commission discussed drainage and grading of the fields. Commissioner Linnell inquired if there had been any thought to the trail system. Mr. Gunderson stated that there will be internal circulation and connections to the existing trail system. Mr. Snyder stated that the budget is very tight and there may be some things such as trail connections deleted from the final construction contract. Commissioner Libra inquired what size the gymnasium was according to the site plan. Mr. Gunderson stated that there would be two youth sized basketball courts. The entire gymnasium measures at 95' X 80'. The Commission discussed that the play fields would be ready for use in spring, 1998. Ms. Rockney inquired whether the City would be interested in a joint powers agreement with the School District for the fields at the middle school such as the agreement that exists with Sibley Park. The Commission stated that they would discuss that possibility. I�VY�y Recreation Programmer Heinsch stated the monthly Police and Parks Department reports for November had been included with the packet. Parks Project Manager stated that the Friends of the Parks Tree Program would be advertised in the next winter City newsletter. Recreation Programmer Heinsch announced that she would be resigning from the City of Mendota Heights and starting a new career with the City of Lakeville on January 2, 1996. Heinsch stated she has enjoyed her time with the City of Mendota Heights, but is looking forward to new challenges. The Commission expressed regret that Heinsch was leaving and thanked her for her efforts in expanding recreation programming in Mendota Heights. Heinsch informed the Commission that advertising for the Recreation Programmer position had begun and that a new Recreation Programmer should be hired before the February Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. The Commission discussed the joint powers agreement idea at the new middle school. Commissioner Libra stated that the school board is very cooperative with fields at this time and there may not be a benefit for the City in a joint powers agreement at the middle school. Commissioner Linnell stated that there might be a possibility of a trade off between City facilities and fields at the new middle school. The Commission discussed that the City does get a higher priority for fields at Sibley Park with a joint powers agreement. There being no further business, the Parks and Recreation Commission adjourned its meeting at 8:00 o'clock P.M. Respectfully submitted, Shelli Heinsch Recreation Programmer