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1996-09-10 Parks and Rec Comm MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA 17Z�7(`l: ►�`i1fiDT�17 DLr Y i1J,[K�l� �XY[�1C� ICii !�Y i�� SEPTEMBER 10, 1996 The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, September 10, 1996, in the Large Conference Room at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve. The meeting was called to order at 8:05 PM. The following members were present: Spicer, Libra, Linnell, Damberg, and Kleinglass. Commissioner Norton arrived late. Commissioner Liberacki was excused from the meeting. Also present were Recreation Programmer Chris Esser and Administrative Intern Patrick C. Hollister. Engineering Technician Guy Kullander was excused from the meeting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Libra moved to approve the August 13, 1996 Minutes with corrections. Commissioner Kleinglass seconded the motion. AYES: 5 NAYS: 0 FALL AND WINTER PROGRAMS Mr. Esser provided a review of fall and winter programs planned for 1996-199'7. Mr. Esser explained that some programs were already confirmed, such as a Youth Trip for Bowling and Roller Skating, a Youth Trip to Camp Snoopy, the annual Halloween Bonfire, the Starlab Space Day, Ice Skating Lessons, Ski Trips to Welch Village, and the schedule for the warming houses from November to March. Mr. Esser continued that other ideas were still in the Concept stage, such as a Halloween Program for Youth, a Senior Trip in November, a Winter/Holiday program for youth in December, Cross - Country Skiing Lessons in January, and Adult Basketball and Volleyball from December to February. Mr. Esser then asked for any feedback from the Commissioners about these programs. Commissioner Libra said that he liked the idea of Open Gym for Basketball and Volleyball, but advised Mr. Esser that gym space is at a premium, and thus Mr. Esser should reserve gym time for these programs as soon as possible. Chairman Spicer commended Mr. Esser on the work he has done so far for Fall and Winter programs. Commissioner Linnell asked if the Ski trips could be coordinated with other cities. Mr. Esser responded that yes, this was already the case, and that the trips would involve a free ski lesson. Mr. Esser added that both West Saint Paul and South Saint Paul had already relinquished some spaces in the trip for Mendota Heights kids. Mr. Spicer concurred that it is a good idea to coordinate programs with other cities when possible. (At this point Commission Norton joined the meeting.) Mr. Esser added that Staff had already begun discussions for the creation of an in -line skating program with West Saint Paul that would involve youth from ages 10-14 and would begin the last Saturday in September. Commissioner Libra stated that he thought in -line hockey was a great idea, and that the City could pave one or two rinks for in -line hockey use all summer long with little expense. Commissioner Libra added that there was generally a shortage of ice time in many communities, especially now that both girls' and boys' hockey are so popular, and that for example Inver Grove Heights was currently adding ice sheets for additional hockey play. UPDATES Staff provided verbal updates on the following items: NSP Substation Mr. Hollister explained that the City Council had approved a Conditional Use Permit for Sr for the Rogers Lake Substation with some additional requirements for noise attenuation. North Kensington Park Mr. Hollister explained that the Concept Plan developed by Joni will be followed for improvements to North Kensington Park. Mr. Hollister continued that the Concept Plan includes traditional landscape plantings of trees and shrubs along the trail and street and around the picnic/seating areas. Mr. Hollister continued that the use of native prairie grasses recommended in the original plan has received approval of the City Council. Mr. Hollister added that wetland plantings originally planned around the pond will be installed in a newly constructed wetland east of the existing pond and parallel to Mendota Heights Road (approx. 5,000 sq. ft.). Mr. Hollister stated that the Grading plan and quantities have been completed, but that the bidding documents had not yet been completed. Mr. Hollister concluded that construction was anticipated in the summer and/or fall of 1997. Commissioner Linnell asked Mr. Hollister to ask Mr. Kullander if the "new pond" was merely an extension of the existing pond. Victoria Curve Safety Improvement Mr. Hollister explained that the Council had directed Staff to prepare plans for an off -road safety improvement along the north side of Victoria Curve from City Hall to Hunter Lane, Mr. Hollister continued that work would be done in the Spring of 1997 and would not require Special Park Funds. Mr. Hollister added that the pedestrian way will be 8' in width and start opposite the existing trail at the City Hall parking lot, "pinch" in at the pond and move away from the road by Beth Jacob Congregation. Cross -Country Ski Trails Mr. Hollister explained that the Council had directed Staff to prepare a detailed plan for the construction of cross-country ski trails in Valley Park and stated that this design plan should not include the use of the existing 8' bituminous path as part of the ski loops. Mr. Hollister added that Staff intends to begin to develop this plan during the late fall when vegetation has died back. Mr. Hollister added that further updates and plan details would be provided to the Commission. Mr. Hollister concluded that it was anticipated that some sort of open house or informational meeting would be held for the residents adjacent to the park and other interested residents. Commissioner Norton made a motion to direct Staff to begin discussions with the Par 3 golf course to determine what conditions the golf course would place upon its participation in any future cross-country ski trails. Commissioner Kleinglass seconded the motion. AYES: 6 NAYS: 0 Commissioner Norton commented that she had discussed the proposed ski trails with Mr. Tom Gustafson of Sibley high School, and that he had expressed a willingness to cooperate with a future ski trail, perhaps even using it for meets. Commissioner Libra asked Commissioner Norton how long across -country ski trail would be. Commissioner Norton responded that it could be about 3 or 5 Kilometers. Chairman Spicer suggested that if a three or four kilometer trail were created, it could be used twice for a total of 6 or 8 kilometers. Chairman Spicer added that he felt a ski trail at Par 3 would get a tremendous amount of use. Commissioner Norton commented that Staff should being planning the open house for the nearby residents soon if it was their intention to have one. Hagstrom King Tennis Courts/5-Year CIP Mr. Hollister explained that the Council had directed that the construction of tennis courts at Hagstrom King Park be included in the current Five Year CIP Plan. Mr. Hollister added that plans and construction details would be provided to the commission at some future date. Mr. Hollister explained that the Council had decided to leave the full-time Recreation Programmer position in the budget for the time being and discuss it as part of the budget process in December. Commissioner Damberg suggested that the Council and the Pazks and Recreation Commission hold a joint meeting to discuss the Recreation Programmer position. Commissioner Libra said that Mr. Esser had planned and executed many good programs involving a broad cross-section of the community. Commissioner Damberg stated that the Recreation Programmer position is necessary to make maximum use of the big investment the City has made in park facilities. Commissioner Damberg added that this is one area where the City could and should expand. Mr. Hollister also informed the Commission that the Council had decided to attempt to find money to replace hockey boards from the 1996 General Fund. Mr. Linnell commented that it may be wise to postpone replacing the hockey boards until the rink was paved for in -lane skate hockey. Mr. Linnell also remarked that the soils may not be good at Wentworth for in -line skating on the rink. Snow Plowing Policy on Trails Mr. Hollister said that the Parks and Recreation Commission had asked the Council to designate the Valley Park trail, north of Marie Avenue, as a "no plow" trail in 1995 so that it could be used by cross-country skiers. Mr. Hollister added that the subject was brought up during the Council's discussion of the Cross Country Ski Trail project and that Council had stated that the trails must be plowed and that any ski trail development or plan should not include the paved trails. Chairman Spicer directed Mr. Hollister to ask Mr. Kullander if there had been any complaints from residents regarding this matter. Friendly Hills Tot Lot Tree Planting Mr. Hollister explained that the Council had approved of the planting of four trees at the Friendly Hills "tot lot" from the tree farm, and that Staff had directed Public Works to do so. Celebrate Mendota Heights Parks! Mr. Esser provided an overview of the Celebrate Mendota Heights Parks! event held in August. Mr. Esser estimated that as many as 1000 people may have been in attendance, and that a good time was had by all. Mr. Esser also presented a Mendota Heights T-shirt to Mr. Meinglass for his participation in the event as Jupiter Jump/Moonwalk Supervisor. Mr. Esser also thanked the many volunteers who made the event possible. Commissioner Kleinglass commended Mr. Esser on a fine job, and said that the Celebrate Mendota Heights Parks! event was a great success. Mr. Esser added that next years Celebrate Mendota Heights Parks! event will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Mendota Heights Fire Department. Mr. Esser added that the event would take place on Saturday, August 16, 1997, and that it may feature an all - Fire Departments Softball Tournament. Trail on Dodd & HWY 110 Mr. Hollister explained that the Council had approved the funding of an 8' bituminous trail on Dodd Road from Mendakota Park to Freeway Road, Mr. Hollister added that MnDOT will participate with improvements only at the Highway 110 intersection, making a contribution of approximately $100,000 to $150,000. Mr. Hollister added that the City costs would be approximately $78,000. Mr. Hollister concluded that Special Park Funds would not be used for this improvement, and that work would be done in 1997. Chairman Spicer wished to commend the City Council for this important safety measure. Miscellaneous Mr. Hollister stated that the trail repairs in the parks where bridges were removed should be completed soon. Mr. Hollister added that the contract let on August 15 for $3,790.00 (estimate was $4,960) and that the Special Park Fund would pay for this work. Mr. Hollister noted that in regards to the trail repair for the washout section along Highway 110 west of Dodd, the drain the will be installed and 230' of trail will be installed. Mr. Hollister added that the contract let on August 15 for $1,660.00. Mr. Hollister continued that the funds for this repair would come out of the Parks general repair/project funds. 5 Jr. Hollister stated that the Tennis courts at Valley Park should be resurfaced within the next week or so. Mr. Hollister added that the Contract let on August 7 for $3,485.00, and the original budget was for $4,000. Mr. Hollister said that this would be funded under Park Maintenance. Mr. Hollister also informed the Commission that the Council had decided in the budget talks not to fund Porta-Potty enclosures, concrete bleacher pads or the video-taping of playground equipment for maintenance purposes. Chairman Spicer stated that it might be nice to purchase one Porta-Potty enclosure and use it in a highly visible location to see what the visual effect would be. Commissioner Damberg stated that it was important to maintain playground equipment both for safety and liability reasons. Chairman Spicer asked Staff to provide an update on the purchase of a park shelter for Wentworth at the next Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. Commissioner Libra commented that the lack of rain this summer had been hard on the City parks. Commissioner Libra asked Staff to provide an update on the conditions of the City parks and measures being used to combat the drought at the next Parks and Recreation meeting. Commissioner Linnell added that he would like to see a yearly report on what trees were planted by the City and in what locations. Commissioner Linnell suggested planting more oak trees since they are native to the area, grow quickly and will tolerate drought. Parks Report and Police Report The Commission had no questions on these two items. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn made by Kleinglass and seconded by Damberg. AYES: 6 NAYS: 0 The meeting adjourned at 8:55 PM. Respec�lly Submitted, Patrick C. Hollister