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1990-03-13 Parks and Rec Comm MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION MINUTES MARCH 13, 1990 The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, March 13, 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, Lundeen, Hunter, Spicer and Kleinglass. Commissioner Katz was excused. Staff members present were: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager, Tom Lawell, City Administrator, Terry Blum, Parks Leadperson and Kevin Batchelder, Administrative Assistant. Members in the audience were Dr. and Mrs. Bozivich and Al Anderson. APPROVAL OF Commissioner Kleinglass moved approval of MINUTES the February 13th and February 28th Parks and Recreation Minutes. Commissioner Lundeen seconded the motion. AYES: 6 NAYS: 0 FOLLOW UP ACTION Chairperson Huber gave a brief description TO CITIZEN INPUT of the parks open house that had been held OF PARKS OPEN the previous week. He stated that HOUSE approximately 50 residents had turned out to view plans of the city's neighborhood park improvements, the trails and the new community parks. Chairperson Huber described the Marie Avenue trail issue. He stated that some of the residents with property along the north side of Marie Avenue where the trail is planned to be constructed on City's right-of-way had petitioned the City to move the trail to the south side of the road. He stated that the residents had been in contact with staff on four separate couple of occasions and had discussed this item with both the City Council and at the parks open house. Chairperson Huber asked the property owners along Marie Avenue if they wished to make a presentation to the Parks and Recreation Commission. Mrs. Bozivich of 1796 Trail Road presented a petition to the Parks and Recreation Commission and a written summary of their presentation. (see attachments) Mrs. Bozivich felt that the trail should be on the north side of Marie Avenue from I-35E to Valley Park and then cross to the south side of Marie Avenue at Trail Road and continue to Dodd Road on the south side of Marie Avenue. She stated her reasons as March 13, 1990 Page 2 being that there were more traffic accidents at the Dodd Road and Marie Avenue intersection than there were at the Marie Avenue and Trail Road intersection. She stated she felt that the bike trail should not have a double crossing at Dodd Road and Marie Avenue and that if you put the bike trail on the south side of Marie Avenue it would only cross Dodd Road at the Dodd Road and Marie Avenue intersection. Mrs. Bozivich stated that there were seven driveways on the north side of the road as opposed to four residents on the south side of Marie Avenue. She stated that this means the City would have to move mail boxes and replace landscaping and underground sprinklers and that this would be more costly to the City. She stated that the fire hydrants along the north side of the road would be near the bike trail and would also add a risk factor to the safety issue. She stated that the trail, if it was on the north side, would also cross a major street, Sutton Lane, and that this was an additional risk factor. Mr. Al Anderson of 721 Marie Avenue stated that the roadway on Park Road would also be traversed if the trail were on the north side. Commissioner Hunter stated that the streets that would be crossed on the north side of Marie Avenue all have stop signs at Marie Avenue and are considered controlled intersections. Dr. Bozivich stated a crossing at Trail Road and Wachtler Avenue is safer than the double crossing at Dodd Road and Marie Avenue. Commissioner Spicer stated that the trail along the north side of Marie Avenue is entirely within the City's right-of-way along Marie Avenue. He stated his concern that moving the trail to the south side of Marie Avenue would incur greater cost to the City's referendum because of additional engineering and topographical constraints along the south side. Mr. Anderson stated that he would like to propose a different route using the City's existing underpass to direct the trail to the south side of Marie Avenue. He stated that a fence barrier could be placed along the south side of Marie Avenue to prevent people using the trail from crossing the street to Valley Park instead of using the underpass. March 13, 1990 Page 3 Parks Project Manager Guy Kullander, at the request of the Parks Commission, explained the costs of the engineering along the south side of Marie Avenue and the engineering work and grading work that would be necessary if the trail were to be designed along the south side of Marie Avenue. He stated that at this point he only has rough estimates of the engineering cost. He stated it would take several days of staff time to estimate the specific engineering costs and do the necessary survey work. Mr. Anderson stated that the pond on the north side of Marie Avenue is too deep to be near a trail and that this should be considered in the safety issue. Mr. Anderson stated that if the trail were along the south side of Marie Avenue it would only have to cross Dodd Road once. He stated that redundant cross overs will lead to pedestrian accidents. Commissioner Spicer stated that he had a concern, as a Parks and Recreation Commissioner, about staying within the boundaries of the budget that had been presented to the voters. He stated that the Marie Avenue trail was clearly advertised in the referendum and that the public has had numerous opportunities to participate in both the design, the advertising and the passage of the referendum. Commissioner Spicer stated that he had come to have a large amount of trust in the City engineering staff's cost estimates. He also stated that he would not want to change the trail from the north side of Marie Avenue to the south side of Marie Avenue. Dr. Bozivich stated that you can't put a value on human life. Commissioner Spicer stated that he was not sympathetic to the Bozivich's assertion that the trail would be more safe on the south side of Marie Avenue versus the north side. Commissioner Spicer stated that it was a fact that there had not been a pedestrian accident in the City of Mendota Heights for six years. He also stated that in his work as an attorney he handles safety and liability work and that he had no concerns that the trail along the north side of Marie Avenue was any less safe, in fact he felt that it was safer because it had controlled intersections for all of the crossings. Mr. Anderson stated that he did not have a good feeling about March 13, 1990 Page 4 the safety issues with the trail being along the north side. He stated that safety was his only concern, not the fact that his yard would be torn up by the City. Commissioner Lundeen stated that he shared the safety concerns with the residents. He stated that under the current plan, the crossings are all at controlled intersections as the trail moves along the north side of Marie Avenue. He stated that this would not be the case if you cross Marie Avenue at Trail Road an uncontrolled crossing. He stated that he did not feel this was a safer alternative and that he felt the north side was a safer location for the bike trail. At the request of the Parks Commission, Parks Project Manager Kullander explained why the trail is on the south side of Marie Avenue from Lexington Avenue to Victoria Road. He stated that when the street was constructed there were existing houses on the north and that developers dedicated street right-of-way and park land on the south side and that the street was off -set to accommodate a future trail on the south side which was undeveloped at that time. Kullander also stated that Marie Park was existing at the time Rolling Green was being developed. Because the hockey rink was fifteen feet (151) lower than the proposed street it was necessary to get additional right-of-way from the developer on the south to save the hockey rink from being filled in for street construction. Kullander also stated that in regards to the Marie Avenue trail from Victoria Road to I-35E, the City was taken to Court by the townhome owners who won a restraining order against the City from building the roadway too close to the Eagle Ridge townhomes. Additional right-of-way was acquired on the north side and large retaining walls were built to save trees in the townhomes development on the south side. The north side was then raw land and Valley Park was on the north, so when Marie Park was constructed the trail was offset tie seut under the I-35E bridge so that only a six foot (61) clear area on the north side was left for a future trail. The trail link from Victoria to the I-35E bridge was built in 1988 on the north side when the Victoria Highlands development was begun. March 13, 1990 Page 5 Kullander stated that money and topography are important issues in deciding to place the trail along the south side of Marie Avenue east from I-35E bridge. He said that it is too expensive to put the trail along the south side because of engineering constraints with the embankments and filling and grading in the right-of-way. He stated it would be necessary to purchase easements, extend several large culverts, either line the ditch along Marie Avenue east of Wachtler Avenue or put in several hundred feet of 48" storm pipe. Commissioner Kleinglass asked Kullander what the impact on lawns would be if the trail was placed along the north side as designed. Kullander explained that the City would pay for any impact on the lawns including retaining walls, moving or replacing trees, replacing underground sprinkler systems, putting in the trail and replacing the boulevard. Kullander also stated that in cases where retaining walls were necessary that these would be Keystone walls. He passed out a brochure on Keystone walls to the Park and Recreation Commissioners. Kullander also stated that the trails would match any driveway slopes and that there would be no markings on the driveway. Commissioner Spicer stated that the City does own the right-of-way and has the right to put a trail in the right-of-way without any improvements to the lawns. The Bozivich's responded by stating that the City had never replaced twelve feet (121) of sod from a sewer project in their yard. Dr. Bozivich also stated that the questions they have raised and the concerns they have raised tonight should be considered and looked at more closely. Commissioner Damberg stated that the crossing at Victoria Road and Marie Avenue should be marked better. She stated that this was a dangerous intersection because it was only a two-way stop. Commissioner Kleinglass agreed that Victoria Road is a bad crossing. Parks Project Manager Kullander stated that the City has requested that Dakota County put a four-way stop at Victoria Road and Marie Avenue several times. The County goes counts traffic and says no it does not justify a four-way stop. Kullander stated that the City will have this road turned back to them in a year or March 13, 1990 Page 6 so and at this point Council would likely be sympathetic to a four-way stop at Marie Avenue and Victoria Road. Mr. Anderson stated that speed on Marie Avenue is a concern and that he would like to see more police patrolling along Marie Avenue. Replacement of the Bozivich's trees that exist in the right-of-way was discussed. Commissioner Lundeen moved that the Parks and Recreation Commission direct staff that the trail remain on the north side. Commissioner Hunter offered an amendment to the motion stating that barring any revelations about the engineering costs to the south side. Commissioner Lundeen accepted the recommendation. Commissioner Spicer seconded the motion. In discussing the motion, Commissioner Kleinglass asked if this issue was about cost or efficacy. He stated that as far as the safety having the trail on the north side or the south side was roughly equal. Commissioner Hunter stated that safety is a factor in the consideration of trail placement, however in this case he feels that either the north side or the south side would be roughly equal as far a safety goes. He stated that because of this, it comes down to a money issue. He also stated that it appears that having the trail on the north side is much more cost effective and that this is how it has been proposed for eons and that the design of the trail has always been along the north side of Marie Avenue, in County and regional plans, as well as, City plans. Chairperson Huber stated that he can understand Commissioner Hunter's amendment to the motion but he felt differently. He stated that safety was the only concern about placement of the trail. Chair Huber stated that he would vote to put the trail in at the safest place and that in his opinion that is at controlled intersections. Chairperson Huber stated that the safety issues and placement issues have been considered on numerous occasions by the trail sub -committee of the citizens park review. Chairperson Huber stated that tunnels are not favored by MnDOT and that the Parks Commission has checked with other communities about the use of tunnels in underpasses and those communities do not favor tunnels either, people do not use AYES: NAYS: March 13, 1990 Page 7 them. Chairperson Huber stated that he did not like the amendment and that he wished that they could leave the motion at Commissioner Lundeen's original motion to keep the trail along the north side. Chairperson Huber said in his mind it is not a call on the dollars or the cost of the trail, it is just safer to put the trail at controlled intersections along the north side of Marie Avenue. Commissioner Lundeen withdrew his motion with the amendment. Commissioner Lundeen made a motion that the trail, as currently designed, stay on the north side and that staff should be directed to proceed with this plan. Commissioner Hunter seconded the motion. The Parks Commission directed Parks Project Manager Guy Kullander to discuss safety issues with MnDOT on crossing Marie Avenue at an uncontrolled location and report back to them at the next meeting. They also directed Kullander to prepare some rough estimates of the costs on the north side versus the costs on the south side. The Parks Commission told the Bozivich's that this ought to address both of their concerns. They also asked Kullander to have the Police Department examine what types of accidents occur at the intersections that were listed in the report by Jim Danielson. Dr. Bozivich requested a copy of the minutes. MAINTENANCE OF Parks Leadperson Terry Blum discussed the IVY HILLS HOCKEY maintenance of the Ivy Hills hockey rink. RINK He stated that it is a problem ever since they moved the hockey rink to its present location. He stated that the ground and soil in that area is very saturated and that the hockey rink is experiencing frost heaves and boils. He stated that it had become so bad this winter that they had to close the hockey rink because of safety. He stated this winter there was about a weeks worth of good ice time. Blum also stated that the general free skating rink does experience these problems but not as bad. He stated that the hockey rink is not used much and that it is mostly used for boot hockey. March 13, 1990 Page 8 Commissioner Spicer stated that Mend -Eagan does not use the Ivy Hills hockey rink. Blum stated that if the hockey rink were removed it would give us room for parking lot expansion or a large free skating area. He stated that if the rink was removed, the boards would be kept. Commissioner Spicer moved to disassemble the hockey rink at Ivy Hills Park and to keep the materials for future use. Chairperson Huber inquired if they would leave the ice for general skating. Kullander responded that yes the free skating rink would stay. Chairperson Huber asked if there was room for the rink where the pleasure rink is. He stated that if we yank the hockey rink out of Ivy Falls Park there is no rink in the north area for people to play hockey. He inquired if the hockey rink could be placed somewhere else in Ivy Park. Parks Project Manager Guy Kullander stated that poor soils were fairly universal throughout Ivy Falls Park. He stated that as Ivy Falls Park goes through its improvements and grading changes in the coming year that we could look at cost estimates of placing the rink at another location in Ivy Falls Park. He stated that we could look at this item again in the future. Commissioner Spicer withdrew his motion in order to investigate the drainage possibilities as Ivy Falls Park is improved. PAINT COLOR Commissioner Damberg discussed her review of SELECTION the paint colors for the warming houses that would be re -painted this summer. She showed the Parks Commissioners the colors of some of the play equipment that she was trying to match to the colors of the warming houses. She stated a subdued color or earth tone would be most appropriate. She stated that it would be nice to wait until such time as they can more closely determine the color of the play equipment. Parks Commission came to consensus that this item can wait until the next month's agenda. VICTORIA CURVE Parks Project Manager Kullander explained to BIKE TRAIL the Parks Commission that a few residents had showed up at the parks open house with concerns about the bike trail along Victoria Curve. Kullander stated that he had met with MnDOT officials about the possibility of putting the trail on the other side of Victoria Curve away from the homes. MnDOT March 13, 1990 Page 9 informed the City that there was no possible alternatives for putting the trail on the south side of Victoria Curve where the highway is and where the highway fence is. The Parks Commission stated that they felt there should be a four-way stop at Victoria and Marie at such time that the road is turned back to the City. VERBAL REVIEW Kensington Park City Administrator Tom Lawell described the Kensington Park proposal and the neighborhood concerns which were expressed at the Planning Commission meeting. Lawell stated that the time line for construction of Kensington Park in order to bring ballfields on line by July 1, 1991 was questionable if the Kensington Park project approval was significantly delayed. Commissioner Spicer stated that Mend -Eagan would like to see those fields available as soon as possible. Parks Project Manager Kullander explained the construction schedule and the limitations on speeding up the construction schedule to make fields available for Spring of 1991. Chairperson Huber stated that unfortunately residents in Hampshire and Copperfield think that the City's park dedication is driving the higher density and approval of development while this is not the case. Chairperson Huber stated that he is concerned that the Planning Commission will move slowly on the Kensington Park proposal and that they have more major concerns with Kensington than the ballfields. Mendakota Park City Administrator Tom Lawell described the current situation of the negotiations with C.G. Rein for the City purchase of the Mendakota PUD property. Lawell stated that the City had the property appraised and presented this appraisal to C.G. Rein. C.G. Rein had asked the City to look at a comparable property in Lilydale along Highway 13, this property being the Riverwood Apartment complex. The City then asked our appraisers to make a comparable appraisal to this request. Administrator Lawell stated that our appraisers had said that these are not comparable properties and that they stood by their original appraisal March 13, 1990 Page 10 and that is where the negotiations stand at this point. Administrator Lawell stated that C.G. Rein will have to come back to the City with a price so that the City can begin negotiating a purchase price for the Mendakota PUD property. Administrator Lawell stated that the City would be hard pressed to move the discussions forward at this point until C.G. Rein comes back with a price. Commissioner Spicer stated that with the Sibley Agreement being close and the Kensington approval in the near future we may have sufficient fields if Mendakota comes in at too high of a price. Chairperson Huber stated that we are close to being at the limits of our budget and it was not likely that we could afford much more than what was budgeted for the Mendakota property. Parks Project Manager Kullander stated that once the first estimates come in on some of the construction projects being done in 1990 we will have a better idea of where we stand as far as the budget for the parks referendum. FINAL APPROVAL Guy Kullander stated that Barton-Aschman had OF NEW PLANS AND finished the plans that the Parks Commission SPECIFICATIONS had reviewed at their previous meeting for FOR BIKE TRAILS the neighborhood park improvements, the AND NEIGHBORHOOD signs at the parks and the bike trails. He PARKS stated that the City is currently working on an engineer estimates and the specifications. Kullander stated that it is time for the City to move forward and advertise for contracts. Kullander stated that quite a few of the trail segments have problems at the current time in obtaining County and MnDOT approval for the city's plans. Kullander stated that for an example that the bike trail along Delaware Avenue as it borders the Sunfish Lake side would need County approval prior to the City being able to do anything with the City side of the bike trail. Kullander stated that we can go ahead with the contracts and once the contracts are established the City has the ability to add or delete 25 percent of the project anytime during the contract. Kullander stated that the Marie Avenue trail from Dodd Road to Delaware Avenue has constraints with MnDOT and may need a MnDOT variance. He stated that in order for the March 13, 1990 Page 11 City to put in a bike trail on that section MnDOT requires 30 m.p.h. standards. He stated this left the City with two options for putting that trail in. He stated that first the City could apply for a variance to allow 25 m.p.h. standards. Kullander stated that the second option would be to have MnDOT take a look at grandfathering us in. Kullander stated that the City budgeted for the whole cost of the trail, however if MnDOT would give us a variance this would enable us to get 5/8 of the funding back from MnDOT. He stated 5/8 of the funding on this section of the trail would be approximately $25,000. Kullander stated that we will bid this section of the trail and then we can delay any construction until such time as we know about getting the 5/8 funding from MnDOT. He stated that he can bring this issue back to the Parks March 13, 1990 Commission at a later date. Kullander stated that regarding the bike trail section through the Highway 149 right- of-way by Mendota Plaza, that MnDOT had told the City we can't pave that portion of the trail as the underlying title is in question. Kullander stated that we will keep this section of the trail in the bid but not act upon it. Kullander stated that Barton-Aschman's plans for the neighborhood parks had been slightly amended to save the City some grading and fill costs. Kullander stated that the plans for the plantings around the signs are 100 percent completed. He also stated that the hard surface for the parks basketball would be bid but exact siting of the court would be determined later. Kullander stated that basically what we are moving forward with at this point are two contracts, one would be for trail construction and is approximately $400,000. The second contract is for the neighborhood parks and the park improvements for $l40,000. Kullander stated how the City could advertise the plans and specifications and enter contracts and would have the ability to adjust the contracts after they are entered into. Kullander stated that the contracts are set up such that we might for example, bid 80 tress and if 20 trees are put in we only pay for 20 trees. He stated March 13, 1990 Page 12 that at this point we need to go to City Council for their authorization to advertise for bids. Commissioner Spicer moved that the Parks Commission accept the final plans for neighborhood park improvements: 1. Victoria Highlands - Ball field, parking lot, trails, hard court and landscaping. 2. Hagstrom-King - Ball field, landscaping, sign and amenities 3. Roger's - Hard court, horseshoe pit, volleyball court, trail and landscaping 4. Friendly Hills - Hard court, storm sewer, trails, landscaping and grass volleyball. 5. Wentworth - Hard court, trails, grass volleyball court, landscape sign and paved parking. 6. Marie Park - Hard 4- volleyball court, landscape sign, paved parking lot. 7. Valley Park - Landscape sign and paved parking lot. 8. Ivy Hills - Enlarge and pave parking lot, trails, hard court, grass volleyball court and landscape sign, and to recommend that City Council accept the final plans and advertise for bids. Kullander stated that prior approval has been given by Council to install new play structures in all of the above parks except Hagstrom-King. Commissioner Lundeen seconded the motion. AYES: 6 NAYS: 0 TREE DONATION Chairperson Huber stated that he had been in contract with Laurie Matusoff from the Mendota Heights Garden Club and they desired to make a tree donation to the City of Mendota Heights. Chairperson Huber also stated he had spoke with Ms. Matusoff about the possibility of the Mendota Heights Garden Club maintaining a garden area in March 13, 1990 Page 13 front of City Hall. He was concerned about where the best place to put this would be and also what would be a good location for the tree dedication. Commissioner Spicer wondered if it would be appropriate to also March 13, 1990 include a plaque of some kind along with the tree dedication. Chairperson Huber stated that this seemed to be a good idea and that it would also present a good photo opportunity. He stated he would contact Ms. Matusoff and come back at the next meeting with some more details about the tree dedication. REQUEST TO RE- The Parks Commission discussed the request SERVE TENNIS by St. Thomas Academy to reserve Friendly COURTS - ST. Hills tennis courts and Roger's Lake tennis THOMAS ACADEMY courts Monday through Friday from 3:15 P.M. to 5:15 P.M., April 1st through June 1st. Commissioner Spicer stated that St. Thomas Academy had been helpful to Mend -Eagan in the past as well as cooperating with the City recreational programs. Commissioner Spicer moved to recommend that City Council authorize the use of the tennis courts by St. Thomas Academy with the condition that St. Thomas Academy pay for the two informational signs that the City staff would design and post at these sites. Kullander stated that the cost of the two signs would be approximately $75.00. Commissioner Damberg seconded the motion. AYES: 6 NAYS: 0 SIBLEY ATHLETIC City Administrator Tom Lawell passed out a FIELD FACILITY draft of the proposed facility agreement to AGREEMENT - the Parks Commissioners and explained that ISD #197 the Agreement was currently being reviewed by the School District's and City's lawyers and insurance people. Lawell stated that the Agreement is a forty year agreement, and should the agreement be terminated after the forty year term is over, the City would maintain ownership of the baseball field in the northeast corner of the site. Administrator Lawell highlighted the issues of the agreement and stated that the agreement includes approximately $465,000 worth of City provided land and improvements. The Parks Commission discussed the scheduling priorities outlined in the agreement. The Parks Commission discussed AYES: NAYS: March 13, 1990 Page 14 the maintenance outlined in the agreement. Also discussed was the storage room versus the need for concessions at the comfort station. Parks Project Manager Kullander discussed his concerns with the play structure as proposed. Kullander stated that being next to a high school this would be a different type of structure. He stated that it should likely be geared towards more heavy duty exercise type of use. He also stated that it would need maintenance of a higher level because of the wear and tear by the high school kids. He also stated there are not many Mendota Heights houses in this area. Commission Spicer stated that he felt the agreement should address the play equipment, its maintenance and its use. Commissioner Spicer moved that the Parks and Recreation Commission recommend their approval of the draft agreement with the condition that some agreement be reached regarding the play equipment promised to the voters be put in the provisions of the agreement. He stated that he would like to see if the City can install and maintain the play equipment in the agreement. Commissioner Lundeen seconded the motion. Commissioner Lundeen inquired as to whose responsibility it was to approve the design and the preliminary plans for construction. Administrator Lawell responded that Independent School District No. 197 would look at the plans before the City does the improvements. He stated that Barton-Aschman would design the plans. Kullander stated that Barry Warner of Barton-Aschman will be talking to Independent School District No. 197 and getting their input as the designs are being made. The Parks Commission was of concensus that staff should direct Barton- Aschman to go ahead with rough sketched plans and that these would be presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission who could convey their concerns to the City Council before it meets on this issue in early April. Chairperson Huber stated that it would be possible for the Parks and Recreation Commission to reconvene a special meeting if necessary to look at these plans March 13, 1990 Page 15 before Council makes any determinations involving the agreement. Kullander stated that Barton-Aschman would have sketch plans available for the next regularly scheduled Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. IMPROVEMENTS Parks Project Manager Kullander stated that TO EXISTING he had received a bid from Earl F. Anderson ROGER'S LAKE Association to rehabilitate the play PARK PLAY structure at Roger's Lake Park for $2,406, STRUCTURE Kullander stated that if the Commission decided to go ahead with this repair project that they would have to determine a funding source. He stated that a likely funding source would be the left over money from the play structures that were budgeted. Commissioner Spicer passed a motion directing staff to negotiate a contract with Earl F. Anderson Associates to do the repair work to the play structure at the Roger's Lake Park. Commissioner Damberg seconded the motion. AYES: 6 NAYS: 0 DITCH POND Parks Project Manager Kullander explained EXCAVATION AT that the engineering department had ROGER'S LAKE contracted to have the pond at Roger's PARK Lake Park deepened and that the topsoil from this excavation could be used for the topsoil in Hagstrom-King Park and would save referendum money if we use this soil instead of purchasing new soil. He stated that he was requesting that the Parks and Recreation Commission authorize the expenditure of $2,000 from the referendum funds for the pond excavation and for trucking of the sediment to the designated park site. Commissioner Spicer moved that the Parks and Recreation Commission authorize the expenditure of $2,000 from the referendum funds for the pond excavation and for trucking of the sediment to Hagstrom-King Park. Commissioner Kleinglass seconded the motion. AYES: 6 NAYS: 0 VOLLEYBALL Parks Project Manager Kullander explained COURTS IN that it might be desirable to use EXISTING PARKS referendum money to place temporary removeable volleyball courts in some of the City neighborhood parks. He stated this would require two concrete pole bases to March 13, 1990 Page 16 accommodate removeable net poles and the painting of borders on the grass to designate the court boundaries. He estimated each installation would be approximately $300. Commissioner Spicer moved that the Parks and Recreation Commission recommend that staff be directed to proceed with plans and specifications to do grass volleyball courts in three of the neighborhood parks in Mendota Heights. Commissioner Damberg seconded the motion. AYES: NAYS: ADJOURNMENT There being no further business the Parks and Recreation Commission adjourned their meeting at 10:10 o'clock P.M. Respectfully submitted, Kevin Batchelder Administrative Assistant March 11, 1990 This petition is stating that the following residents are opposed to having the proposed bike trail on the North side of Marie Avenue between Trail Road and Dodd. We are all concerned about safety, especially having a double crossing at Dodd and Marie, which a trail on the North side of Marie would necessitate. We also have concerns about the aesthetics and cost. NAME ADDRESS a-j c i'� C�i z z RESIDENTS' RESPONSE TO THE PROPOSED BIKE TRAIL ON THE NORTH SIDE OF MARIE AVENUE BETWEEN TRAIL AND DODD 1) We are proposing that the trail continue from I-35E to the park. The trail then could cross at Trail and Marie to the south side. The reasons for this are as follows: A. There are 2 1/2 times more accidents at Dodd and Marie than there are at Trail and.Marie. This was shown in the statistics for the years 1986 and 1987 and the police reports. B. There are seven existing occupied homes, properties, and families that would be affected by the trail passing on the north side of Marie, as opposed to four residents on the south side. This would mean more driveways, mailboxes, fire hydrants, landscaped lawns and a major street (Sutton) that would be traversed. This adds a much higher risk factor for safety and is more costly. 2) A double crossing at Trail/Wachtter and Marie as we propose is the same type of crossing as is currently in existence at Marie and Victoria. 3) Although it has been verbally stated to us that it is more costly to go on the south side of Marie between Trail/Wachtter and Dodd, we have never seen the figures to substantiate this. March 12, 1990 Park and Recreation Commission City of Mendota Heights 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, MN 55118 Dear �4embers: The purpose of this letter is to express our concerns as homeowners on the south side of Marie Avenue regarding the trail to be constructed on Marie Avenue between Victoria and Dodd Road. I understand that plans call for the path to be constructed on the north side of Marie Avenue and that several homeowners on the north side of Marie between Trail Road and Dodd Road would like the trail constructed on the south side of Marie Avenue between Wachtler and Dodd Road. We strongly object to the construction of the trail on the south side of Marie Avenue between Wachtler and Dodd Road for the following reasons: 1) People would have to cross Marie Avenue at Trail Road which is an uncontrolled intersection and would increase the probability of accidents. 2) The creek at the southeast corner of Wachtler and Marie would involve increased construction costs for culverts, etc. 3) The low elevation of the right -a -way in some of the area south of Marie between Wachtler and Sutton Lane would require an architectural retaining wall with adequate footings to support the wall in the swamp like soil conditions. 4) The retaining wall south of Marie Avenue at Sutton Lane may have to be removed, set -back and rebuilt. 5) Recent and near future home construction south of Marie Avenue between Wachtler and Dodd Road will result in more homes and driveways being affected on the south side of Marie Avenue than the north side. 6) The creek at the southwest corner of Marie Avenue and Dodd Road would require increased construction costs for culverts, retaining walls, etc. I realize that no one wants a ribbon of asphalt in their front yard. However, on a safety, cost, and minimum number of homes affected basis the construction of the trail on the north side of Marie Avenue between Victoria and Dodd Road is the logical choice. Thank you for the opportunity to present our views. Sincerely Mr & Mrs Alan Anderson 765 Willow Lane Mendota Heights, MN 55118