1984-04-10 Parks and Rec Comm MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
APRIL 10, 1984
The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Park and Recreation Commission
was called to order at 7:30 o'clock P.M. by Chairperson Stein. Members present
were: Stein, Doffing, Knitting, Mcmonigal, Singer, Schneeman and Williams. Also
present were Terry Blum and Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Maple, Jr.
APPROVAL OF
The minutes of the March 13, 1984, meeting were
approved
as prepared.
MINUTES
VACANT LOT IN Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Maple, Jr., 2166 Timmy Street, said that the
CURLEY'S vacant lot at the corner of Timmy and Cullen in Curley's Addition
ADDITION has become a problem to the homeowners next to it. Originally intended
as an access to Rogers Lake, the lot has attracted unwanted vehicles
and debris. The bike trail that ends at the lot brings unwanted
bicycle traffic across private properties.
Public Works Director Danielson reported on this lot during the
joint Park/Council meeting, making unnecessary the commission's
decision to investigate the matter. He advised the Park Commission
to sell the land for development, while retaining an easement for a
bike/hiking trail. He will work out costs and engineering feasibility.
VALLEY PARK Stein said that he received a call from a Minneapolis woman who was
PROPERTY interested in buying a lot to build on in thesouthwest corner of
Valley Park. The commission agreed not to negotiate to that end.
JOINT The City Council and staff joined the Park Commission at 800 P.M. for
MEETING a joint discussion. Present were Mayor Lockwood, Councilmembers Hlesener,
Hartmann, Mertensotto and Witt. Also present were City Administrator
Frazell, Financial Advisor Shaughnessy and Public Works Director Danielson.
Stein introduced the subject of a bond issue for the purpose of land
acquisition and bike trails.
Shaughnessy presented an estimated figure of $1,105,000 for the two
proposed properties and the backbone trail system. This would mean that
a resident with a home valued between $120,000 and $133,000 (average
home value in Mendota Heights) would pay between $41.91 and $48.27
annually on a 20 year bond issue.
Considerable discussion centered on the best way to approach buying
of land presently not on the market. Frazell and Lockwood will set up
an appointment with Eileen Kennedy (formerly Wachtler) to talk about the
Wachtler property. The superintendent of District 4197 will be asked to
reaffirm the City's first right of refusal on the school property.
It was agreed that a survey to find out how residents feel about additional
park land and bike trails needed to be done. Witt said she felt that a
phone questionnaire would be sufficient.
Park Minutes, April 10, 1984 Page Two
Looking ahead, Mertensotto said that a referendum should not be part of a
General election. He said it would have a better chance in a primary or special
election. Costs on conducting a referendum were distributed, as well as maps of the
properties and park bond projections.
The
estimate for a
proposed
bond issue does not
include improvements or equipment.
Blesener
felt the bond
issue should
include partial
development of both properties.
Danielson
will estimate
full and
partial development
of the properties.
It was pointed out that the properties being discussed for acquisition have been
designated for years as park land in the Comprehensive Plan. Further action on a
bond issue will wait on response from the property owners. The City Newsletter will
keep residents informed of developments in this area.
The
properties being discussed will be
two stops on
a proposed bus tour for
the City
Council, staff and Park Commission,
tentatively
set for Saturday, May 19th
MISCELLANEOUS The
next meeting of the Park and Recreation
Commission will be May
gth,
at
7:30 P.M.
ADJOURN There being no further business to come before the Commission, the
meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Marsha Knittig, Secretary
MK:madlr