1989-07-11 Parks and Rec Comm MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES, JULY 11, 1989
(corrected)
The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Park and Recreation
Commission was held on Tuesday, July 11, 1989, in the City Hall
Conference Room, 1101 Victoria Curve. Acting Chair Lachenmayer
called the meeting to order at 7:45 P.M. The following members
were present: Damberg, Huber, Katz, Lachenmayer and Spicer.
Also present was Administrative Assistant Kevin Batchelder.
APPROVAL OF Commissioner Katz made a motion to approve
MINUTES the minutes from the last meeting of the
commission on March 15. Commissioner Damberg
seconded.
AYES: 5
NAYS: 0
ELECTION OF Acting Chair Lachenmayer preceded the
NEW CHAIR AND discussion, nominations and elections of
VICE CHAIR officers by stating that she wished to serve
the remainder of her term as Vice Chair and
did not wish to be nominated as Chair. She
stated her term lasts another 2 1/2 years.
Commissioner Damberg nominated John Huber to
serve as Chair. Commissioner Katz seconded.
Commissioner John Huber was unanimously
approved as new chair for the Park and
Recreation Commission with applause.
AYES: 5
NAYS: 0
WELCOME Mn New Commission Chair Huber extended a welcome
NEW MEMBER to new Park and Recreation Commissioner
Richard Spicer. Spicer was welcomed with a
round of applause. Huber also stated that
Commissioner Leffert had submitted a verbal
resignation and that the City Council was
considering an appointment to fill that spot
at their July llth meeting.
PARKS BOND Commission Chair Huber asked for a motion to
REFERENDUM support the Parks Bond Referendum scheduled
for August 15, 1989 that City Council had
approved at their June 20, 1989 meeting.
Commission Chair Huber explained that the
purpose of this motion of support was to
formally endorse the changes in the
referendum that were made since the proposal
was unanimously endorsed at the March meeting
of the Park and Recreation Commission.
Commission Chair Huber explained the changes
that were made. He stated that the Trails
system had been changed to remove a section
of trails from the industrial park along
Mendota Heights Road and add sections of
trails to residential areas. He stated these
areas are, 1) the Victoria Road loop from
Lexington Avenue to Marie Avenue, 2) an off
street section along Wachtler Avenue from
Wentworth to Hwy. 13. He also stated that
the Valley Park trail section would be gravel
from Marie to Hwy. 110 and would be
bituminous north of Marie Avenue.
Commissioner Damberg inquired about the tie
in to existing trail systems at the periphery
of Mendota Heights. She expressed concern
about the linkage of trails at Hwy. 13. She
stated this was a dangerous section of road.
She inquired about the possibility of running
a section of trail through Econ-Labs
property. Huber responded that thought had
been given to approaching Econ-Labs and that
they had a deep yard there.
Administrative Assistant Batchelder explained
the changes in the referendum concerning the
neighborhood parks. Batchelder stated that
more money had been put into this portion of
the referendum since March. He stated this
was mostly for improving the existing playing
fields, the intention to bring them up to the
highest possible quality whatever the size of
the field and to replace old play equipment
or add additional play equipment at most of
the parks.
A discussion ensued about the upcoming parks
referendum. Items included geographical
demographics for senior citizens, a property
tax article in the Pioneer Press, the impact
of property tax, the Sibley vandalism and the
referendum.
Commissioner Damberg moved to endorse the new
changes in the design of the referendum and
to approve a motion supporting the August 15,
1989 Parks Referendum. Commissioner
Lachenmayer seconded. The motion was
AYES: 5 approved unanimously.
NAYS: 0
NAMING OF NEW PARK Commission Chair Huber opened the floor for
AT KENSINGTON nominations for a name at the new park
DEVELOPMENT created by the development dedication by
Centex at the Kensington Development,
Commission Chair Huber suggested Ann Bancroft
Park, named after the woman who journeyed to
the North Pole. $he stated that Ann Bancroft
was born in Mendota Heights, grew up here and
is an inspiration to children.
Other names were suggested including Oak
Ridge Park, South Oaks Park, Southfield Park
and Mendota Heights Park. Commissioner
Spicer suggested that the commission explore
the heritage of the area and attempt to
discover some appropriate name based on the
history of the area. Commissioner Damberg
stated she would like to know who the
original owners of the land were.
Commissioner Lachenmayer suggested that each
member of the commission should come to the
next meeting armed with two names and they
could further consider it at that time.
Commissioner Spicer suggested that the
commission should also consider renaming the
Civic Center ballfield.
Commissioner Katz stated that the Parks and
Recreation deserved a pat on the back for
creating the new field at City Hall. She
stated it is getting used and she sees
neighbors out watching games and walkers
stopping to observe. She stated that this is
an appropriate use and that it is nice to see
this activity at the Civic Center.
Commissioner Spicer inquired about the fences
for the players benches and when would they
be installed. He also stated that he felt
that two bleachers could be used instead of
one. Commissioner Katz mentioned that the
construction of the field came in under
budget and that she felt more bleachers could
be warranted.
Action on naming the "Centex" park was tabled
until the next meeting.
PARKS REFERENDUM Discussion ensued about the upcoming parks
referendum. Members coordinated efforts to
support the promotion campaign.
ADJOURN There being no further business, Commissioner
Spicer moved to adjourn. Commissioner Katz
seconded.
AYES: 5
NAYS: 0 8:45 o'clock P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Kevin Batchelder
Administrative Assistant