1998-07-14 Parks and Rec Comm MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
JULY 14, 1998
The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held
on Tuesday, July 14, 1998, in the Large Conference Room at City Hall, 1101 Victoria
Curve. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.
The following Commissioners were present: Liberacki, Linnell, Damberg, Norton and
Kleinglass. Commissioner Libra arrived late. Chair Spicer was excused from the meeting.
Also present were Parks Project Manager Guy Kullander, Recreation Programmer Bill
Bird and Administrative Assistant Patrick C. Hollister. Commissioner Linnell served as
Acting Chair of the meeting.
19 LAND SALE OFFER
Commissioner Linnell noted that two representatives of Sommerset were present at the
meeting to present their offer. Commissioner Linnell asked the representatives to
introduce themselves and explain their offer.
Mr. Howard Guthmann introduced himself and Mr. Ralph Sonday, newly elected
Association President from Sommerset. Mr. Guthmann said that the two Sommerset 19
buildings were built in 1971 and 1972, and that the land in question was purchased by the
homeowners association in 1976. Mr. Guthmann said that the land features wetlands to
the south and high ground to the north. Mr. Guthmann said that the City had a trail
easement through the property. Mr. Guthmann added that Sommerset had offered the
land for sale for a single-family home development, but that the deal collapsed when the
City denied an application for a wetlands permit from the potential buyer. Mr. Guthmann
said that since the City will not allow the site to be built on, Sommerset would like to sell
the land to the City.
Commissioner Liberacki said that Staff should research whether or not the land in question
was required as open space for Sommerset 19's original Planned Unit Development.
Commissioner Liberacki added that he felt that the City should not buy the land if it was
required for the PUD.
Commissioner Linnell recalled that the City had received a similar request from Ivy Falls
Townhouse Association for a donation of a land parcel, and that the Parks and Recreation
Commission had recommended against that transfer also.
Mr.
Kullander said that Staff could do more
research on this parcel Mr. Kullander
said
that
he was under the impression that all 22
Sommerset residents were joint owners
of the
parcel and that the City would need consent from all 22 residents to make any type of land
sale. Mr. Kullander asked if all 22 residents approved of this transfer.
Mr. Guthmann said that all 22 residents would agree to the transfer.
Commissioner Linnell said the Parks Fund was limited and the Parks Commission
attempted to live off of the interest of the fund. Commissioner Linnell asked why the City
should pay money for open space that is already open space.
Commissioner
Liberacki said that in general it is a
good idea to acquire undeveloped
parcels that are adjacent to existing
parks and this
parcel was, but that Staff should do
more research
on the history of the
PUD for Sommerset 19,
Commissioner Norton asked Mr. Guthmann what he expected to get for this land.
Mr. Guthmann said that Sommerset 19 paid $26,000 for the land in 1976 and that
Sommerset would not be interested in selling it for less money than that.
Commissioner Liberacki made the motion that Staff do more research on this land and the
Planned Unit Development, including DNR contour maps and wetland maps if they are
available.
Commissioner Kleinglass seconded the motion.
AYES: 4
NAYS: 0
[Commissioner Libra arrived at this point.]
BATTING CAGE REQUEST
Mr. Scott Miller reintroduced himself to the Commission and said that he was once again
requesting that a batting cage be added to Mendakota Park. Mr. Miller said that he
wished to clarify that he is not appearing on behalf of MHAA or anyone else except
himself. Mr. Miller added that he did get support from the MHAA board for the batting
cage request. Mr. Miller added that the softball association was also in favor of the
batting cage request. Mr. Miller said that although the Sibley fields were supposedly a
joint -use facility, it was difficult to obtain keys for the facility.
Commissioner Kleinglass moved to recommend that the Council authorize a contribution
of $12,500 from the Special Parks Fund toward the construction of a batting cage at
Mendakota Park on the condition that MHAA agree to contribute a matching $12,500,
Commissioner Libra seconded the motion.
AYES: 5
NAYS: 0
ABSTENTIONS: 1 (Norton)
The Commission then instructed Mr. Miller to solicit a commitment from MHAA For
$12,500 for the batting cage before proceeding to Council with the request.
IN -LINE SKATE HOCKEY
Mr. Bill Wild and Mr. John Hickey introduced themselves to the Commission and
presented their request for the creation of an in -line skate hockey rink in the City of
Mendota Heights. Mr. Wild said that these facilities are being built in many neighboring
communities and that they are very popular and heavily used. Mr. Wild also said that
when in -line skate hockey was first proposed several years ago, many cities feared that
paving a hard surface would cause faster melt -off of ice. Mr. Wild said that discussions
with other cities have revealed that the paved surface actually increases the duration of the
ice.
Commissioner Linnell said that he felt that Friendly Hills Park would be the most
appropriate location based on the concentration of kids in the vicinity and the fact that
Friendly Hills Park is scheduled for board replacement this year. Commissioner Linnell
moved to recommend that the City Council approve $39,000 from the Special Parks Fund
for the creation of one paved in -line hockey rink facility, preferably in Friendly Hills Park,
Commissioner Damberg seconded the motion.
AYES: 5
NAYS: 0
ABSTENTIONS 1 (Norton)
The Commission advised Mr. Wild and Mr. Hickey to attend the July 21, 1998 meeting of
the City Council to discuss their request.
1;�1Ii�Illy Y a9
Commissioner Kleinglass moved to approve the June 9, 1998 minutes with corrections.
Commissioner Liberacki seconded the motion.
AYE5: 6
NAYS: 0
PARKS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN 1999-2003
The Parks Commission advised Staff on revising the Parks Capital Improvements Plan for
1999-2003.
UPDATES
Staff provided updates on the following items:
Recreation Programmer's Report
Mr. Bird reported that the annual Celebrate Mendota Heights Parks! had been successful,
although not as well attend as last year's event. Mr. Bird said that the petting zoo was a
particularly popular attraction at the event. Mr. Bird thanked Kim Blaeser, Senior
Secretary for her hard work in organizing the event, as well as all other volunteers.
Friendly Hills "Tot Lot" Hearing August 4, 1998
Mr. Hollister
said
that the Public Hearing
on the release of four City -owned
lots in
Friendly Hills
was
scheduled for the City
Council meeting on August
4, 1998.
Park Bench in Friendly Marsh Park
Mr. Kullander reported that a bid had been awarded and that the park benches would be
installed as soon as they arrive, roughly two to three weeks.
Civic Center Ballfield Fence Improvement
Mr. Kullander
reported that a bid
had been accepted
for the extension of the Civic Center
ballfield
fence
and
that the work was scheduled
to be
performed soon.
Comprehensive Plan
Mr. Hollister updated the Commission on the progress in revising the City's
Comprehensive Plan.
Parks Report
There were no comments on this item.
Police Report
Mr. Hollister said that due to the current vacancy in the Police Clerk/Receptionist
position, the Police Report for the month of June was not available.
MOURN
Motion made to adjourn by Kleinglass and seconded by Damberg.
AYES:
NAYS:
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Patrick C. Hollister