1997-12-09 Parks and Rec Comm MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
DECEMBER 9, 1997
The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held
on Tuesday, December 9, 1997, 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, Libra, Damberg, and Linnell.
Chairman Spicer and Commissioners Norton and Kleinglass were excused from the
meeting. Also present was City Planner Marc Wiegle, Recreation Programmer Bill Bird,
and Administrative Assistant Patrick C. Hollister,
APPROVAL OF AUGUST 12 PARK AND RECREATION MINUTES
Commissioner Libra moved to approve the October 14, 1997 Parks and Recreation
Commission Minutes. Commissioner Linnell seconded the motion.
AYES:
NAYS:
Commissioner Libra wished to congratulate the Sibley girls' and boys' soccer teams.
Commissioner Libra said that the girlsteam was the State Champion this year, and that
the boys' team also did quite well.
UPCOMING MNRRA MEETING
Mr. Wiegle informed the Commission that on January 9, 1998 at 9:00 am at City Hall,
Mendota Heights City Staff would meet with representatives from Mendota, Lilydale,
Saint Paul, Fort Snelling, Dakota County, the DNR, MnDOT, the State Historic
Preservation Office, the National Park Service and the Metropolitan Council, as well as
District #15 Councilmember Kevin Howe, to discuss issues common to one or more of
the jurisdictions in relation to the Minnesota National River and Recreation Area (i.e., the
Mississippi River), Mr. Wiegle continued that key topics in the discussion would include
park and trail improvements and linkages, land use, design standards, historic
preservation and stormwater management. Mr. Wiegle added that any Commissioner
who has time to attend this meeting would be more than welcome to come.
Commissioner Damberg said that she may come to the meeting on January 9, 1998,
Mr. Wiegle then summarized the work thus far on the MNRRA portion of the
Comprehensive Plan Revision. Mr. Wiegle discussed the Critical Area Plan, the
MNRRA Comprehensive Management Plan, and cooperation efforts with the cities of
Mendota and Lilydale. Mr. Wiegle also provided an overview of the elements of the
MNRRA plan, including goals and policies, trails, parks, historic and cultural
preservation and enhancement, visual impacts/design standards, parking, access to
lookouts, increasing views of the river, signs/information/maps, improving Mississippi
Rover quality, natural drainage area improvements/maintenance, and natural habitat
preservation and enhancement.
Mr. Wiegle then solicited comments from the Commissioners in anticipation of the
meeting on January 9.
Commissioner Libra provided a list of several trail linkage ideas to Mr. Wiegle, including
the 35E bridge, the "Ragin' Cajun", and a link to Valley Park.
Commissioner Liberacki said that he would provide hi comments to Mr. Wiegle later in
writing.
Commissioner Linnell suggested a trail improvement at Lake Park and an overlook either
behind or above the Amoco station.
Commissioner Damberg excused herself from the meeting at this point.
UPDATES
Recreation Programmer's Update
Mr. Bird updated the Parks Commission on his activities, including hiring rink
attendants, assisting the Mendota Heights Senior Club, youth day trips with West Saint
Paul, adult open volleyball at Mendota Elementary School, ice skating lessons, softball
registrations, and joint programming with Community Education. Mr. Bird also said that
plans for cross-country ski trails at Par 3 golf course were "on hold".
Commissioner Libra suggested that Mendakota Golf Course may be a better place for
cross-country skiing than Par 3.
Sibley Activity Center Proposal
Mr. Hollister presented a written proposal for a new Activity Center at Sibley High
School. Mr. Hollister said that the City Council was being asked to comment on this
proposal by ISD 197 officials, and that the Council was soliciting input from both the
Parks and Recreation Commission and the Planning Commission before making any
statements on the merit of the proposal. Mr. Hollister continued that there was some
confusion because there seemed to be more than one version of the proposal in
circulation, but that he would try to provide whatever the "latest" version was to the
Commission in January.
The Commissioners all said that they were not involved in promoting the Activity Center
idea, and that they needed more information to make a judgment about its merit.
Commissioner Comments
Commissioner Linnell wished to compliment Guy Kullander on his work at North
Kensington Park. Commissioner Linnell said that he would have preferred that
somewhat more of the "wild" aspect of the original design be preserved, but that the
results were satisfactory.
Commissioner Linnell also said that the free skating areas at Wentworth and Ivy Parks
were too small, and that this probably accounted for the little amount of use they
received.
Commissioner Linnell also commented that he had read in the paper lately that
participation in the sport of tennis had declined and that participation in golf had
increased.
ADJOURN
Motion made to adjourn by Linnell and seconded by Libra.
AYES: 3
NAYS: 0
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Patrick C. Hollister