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1990-02-28 Parks and Rec Comm MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY PARRS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 28F 1990 A special meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, February 28, 1990 in the City Hall Conference Room, 1101 Victoria Curve. Chairperson Huber called the meeting to order at 7:05 o'clock p.m. The following members were present: Damberg, Huber, Hunter, Katz and Kleinglass. Lundeen and Spicer were excused. Councilmember Blesener was present. Staff members present were Parks Project Manager Guy Kullander and Administrative Assistant Batchelder. KENSINGTON PARR PRESENTATION Barry Warner, of Barton-Aschman, presented concept plans of the Kensington Park boundaries and layout. Mr. Warner stated that he and Parks Project Manager Kullander had met with Centex to work out the park boundaries and design and that the preferred plan is workable. Mr. Warner described the north area as consisting of 2 soccer fields, a parking lot, the existing building, a play structrue with an open area designated for open skating. Mr. Warner described the south area as consisting of 3 softball fields with fence lengths of 2651, 280' and 3001 , two parking lots and a site for a play structure. Mr. Warner stated that he had contacted NSP about the commission's concern about the high voltage lines and that NSP had indicated they would review the City's plan for concurrence. He stated that the line is a 115K voltage within a 75' easement. He stated there would be no buildings, trees or landscaping allowed within the easement. He stated that NSP had indicated that the power lines pose no electro-magnetic safety issues. He stated that no lighting is allowed within the easement and that any fencing should be grounded. Mr. Warner stated that a cost estimate would be forthcoming on the cut and fill required for the grading of the site. He stated that grading and soil issues could be coordinated with Centex to realize cost savings. Mr. Warner described the drainage of the fields as sheet drainage in order to prevent steep grades and to keep the soccer fields at roughly the same elevation. Mr. Warner stated that there would not be a crown on the fields and that the grade for drainage will be unnoticeable. Commissioner Hunter wished to know if there would be fences around the softball fields. Mr. Warner replied that this would be up to the commission, whether there should be fencing. He stated that fences under 8' could be placed in the NSP easement and should be grounded. Mr. Warner highlighted where the trails and trail access points would be. Parks Project Manager Kullander stated that he estimated, from the Centex plan, that there would be 6,000' of trails within Kensington. Mr. Warner highlighted the two play structures. The siting of the south play structure was discussed. Mr. Warner explained that the play structure was sited away from flying softballs because of safety and liability concerns. Dick Putnam, representing Centex, explained that in order to accomodate the extra land required by the park adjustments that he had taken out an eight unit building, moved the recreation building and relocated a parking lot. He stated that in order to make up for the removal of the eight unit building he had converted a 12 unit building to a 16 unit building and had converted a 12 unit building to two eight unit buildings. Mr. Putnam reiterated the trail system and also described the private walkways and sidewalks that would be included in the project. Mr. Putnam stated that in addition the City might consider other trails around the borders of the project. Mr. Putnam stated that while the south play structure site may seem isolated to some by looking at a map, this site was a very pretty site with woods and a lake. He also described the adjacent open space area as ideal for volleyball, nets, play structures and picnic tables. He stated that the City could make this open space area quite nice. He stated this site was ideal for a play structure because it is out of the flight path of softballs and does not conflict with the traffic and adults near the parking lot and softball fields. Councilmember Blesener asked if the parking lot depicted was adequate. Mr. Putnam replied that Eden Prairie used a standard of 30-60 stalls per field. He stated that with three softball fields, he felt that the 156 stalls shown would be adequate. Mr. Warner stated that it is an inexact science to determine the number of stalls required for fields. He felt it was best to build a moderate number of parking stalls with room sited for expansion if needed. AYES: 5 NAYS: 0 OTHER BUSINESS ti TI�i�7:i� l Mr. Putnam and Mr. Warner discussed the prospects of coordinating the grading and dirt removal work and its dependence on the public utilities installation and the phasing of this installation. The size of the softball fields was discussed. Commissioner Damberg discussed the possibility of the passive area between the ponds as an interpretative area. The parking lot siting was discussed. Councilmember Blesener mentioned the possibility of the north parking lot having a two entrance system to allow for drop off at the fields. Commissioner Hunter made a motion that the Parks Commission accept the boundaries of the Kensington Park layout as workable and that the Parks and Recreation Commission indicate to the Planning Commission that this is an acceptable parks dedication. Commissioner Damberg seconded the motion. The letting of work to Barton-Aschman was discussed and the Parks Commission felt that work should proceed on cost estimates and NSP contacts. Councilmember Blesener inquired if the Parks Commission had contacted the owners of the land around the pond about their interest in dedicating that land to the City so that the City could loop trails around the pond. The Parks Commission directed staff to contact these people to let them know that the City is interested in this land. The Parks Commission directed Barton-Aschman that fencing around the softball fields is a cost item that should be an item of discussion at a later date. The Parks Commission, in response to a request for direction, felt that moderate security lighting should be available in the parking lots. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 o'clock p.m.