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1991-04-09 Parks and Rec Comm MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 91 1991 The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, April 9, 1991, in the City Hall Expansion Room, 1101 Victoria Curve. Chair John Huber called the meeting to order at 7:15 o'clock P.M. The following members were present: Huber, Hunter, Damberg and Spicer. Commissioners Kleinglass, Lundeen and Katz were excused. Staff members present were Parks Project Manager Guy Kullander and Administrative Assistant Kevin Batchelder. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Hunter moved approval of the March 12, 1991 Minutes. Commissioner Spicer seconded the motion. AYES: 4 NAYS: 0 HAYFIELD HEIGHTS TRAIL Chair John Huber introduced Commission and staff to the Mayfield Heights residents in attendance for this agenda item. Chair Huber summarized the request for a trail by the neighborhood and the work that the engineering staff has completed this winter. Parks Project Manager Guy Kullander explained the Feasibility Report to the audience. He explained that the cost for connecting Mayfield Heights trail had been estimated by the engineer's department at between $14,000 to $24,000. Mr. Kullander explained that the price range differential was based on easement acquisitions being friendly or the City pursuing condemnation. He stated that Public Works Director Jim Danielson had contacted the two homeowners, the Hoffman's and the Nonnemacher's and that their response had been that they were not interested in providing the City with a trail easement through their property. Mr. Kullander explained that City engineering staff had examined other options to link Mayfield Heights Lane with the City trail system. He explained these other options would require more than two easements as they would cross numerous properties in order to get either to James Court, James Road April 9, 1991 Page 2 or Douglas Road. Chair Huber opened the floor to the audience to speak for or against the trail. Ms. Judith Phillips, 1670 Mayfield Heights Lane stated that there are approximately 12 to 14 homes in the Mayfield Heights neighborhood. She estimated that there were 44 people including young children in this neighborhood. She stated that their only access to the City and the City trail system is by way of Highway 13. Ms. Phillips stated that in the old days the Nonnemacher property was a vacant lot that people would cross to get to Douglas Lane. She stated this was then built upon and landscaped and for the most part the neighbors are not cutting through there to get to Douglas Road anymore. Ms. Phillips stated that the neighborhood is very concerned about the heavy traffic on Highway 13, the condominiums, the bar, and the liquor store which their children have to go by when traveling on Highway 13. She stated that there are a lot of heavy trucks using the gravel pit and that basically the neighborhood is concerned about access for the children to parks and to school bus stops. Ms. Phillips stated that a dog was hit and killed last week on Highway 13. She stated that she realizes the Highway widening may help the situation but their concern is to prevent a child fatality occurring in this area. Mr. Tom Nonnemacher, Douglas Road, spoke against having the trail through his yard. He stated that he used to live in Mayfield Heights and that there was no trail on this lot when they moved in. He stated that the vacant lot sat for years and that one of the neighbors pursued buying it for a trail at that time. He stated that he saw no upside or positive reason to allow a trail to invade the privacy of his home. Parks Project Manager Kullander stated that there is a thirty foot underground storm utility easement between the Nonnemacher and Hoffman property. He stated that the City has the right to dig it up, to restore it or repair it, however that is the only access that the City has at this utility easement. Mr. Kullander stated that in order to have a trail easement through this area the City would have to purchase this right from the homeowners. April 9, 1991 Page 3 Commissioner Damberg inquired if the apartment building adjacent to the Mayfield Heights neighborhood was in Lilydale. Mr. Kullander responded that, yes it was, and that it would be difficult to take the trail through the Lilydale property as there would be a lot of mature trees that would need to be taken down and a joint powers agreement between the two Cities would be necessary as well as the condominium association agreement. Mr. Stu Steinman stated that he lives across the road from Mr. Nonnemacher. He stated before Mr. Nonnemacher developed that property there had been a "for sale" sign on it and that it had been an unsightly swamp. He stated that very little foot traffic came through this empty lot because of steep slopes. Mr. Steinman stated that the Nonnemacher's have improved the lot with a beautiful house and fixed what was blight on the neighborhood. Mr. Steinman stated that he did not want this trail and felt that it was dangerous for him to back out of his driveway with bicycle and foot traffic coming from this trail onto Douglas Road. He stated that there will be motorcycles, bicycles and skate boards using this trail and he did not want this in his neighborhood. Mr. Hoffman stated that there have been incidents of motorcycles going through the woods on his lot. S. Phillips stated that if the cost was too expensive it was not necessary to have the trail be bituminous. Mr. Kullander responded that a bituminous trail is less costly for maintenance and that the City liability requirements emphasize maintainable hard surface for a trail. Mr. Hoffman stated that he appreciates Mayfield Heights concern, however, he felt that this was not a reasonable solution to put a path through someone else's yard. He stated that he chose to live in the suburbs because of a desire for privacy. S. Andrea Larson, 1666 Mayfield Heights Road stated that the City of Mendota Heights should be concerned about the well being of the value of Mendota Heights as a community and the value of its property. She stated that the only draw back to the location of Mayfield Heights Road is a lack of access to the rest of the community. She stated that she cannot access any of the new parks with her baby stroller. She stated that she currently April 9, 1991 Page 4 gets to the City park trails by taking Highway 13 and Lexington Avenue. She stated that the traffic on Highway 13 and the hill up Lexington Avenue are almost too rigorous for her to use the City parks. She stated that Mayfield Heights needs to be connected with the rest of the City. Mr. Nonnemacher stated that he could understand why the Mayfield Heights wanted the trail and that it would increase their property values, however, he is concerned that a trail through his property would decrease his property value. Ms. Phillips stated that there needs to be a way for children to access the parks. She stated that their neighborhood is paying for the City Park Referendum just like every other neighborhood, however it is isolated from the facilities. She stated that there was perhaps a misunderstanding of property buyers in her neighborhood that there was an easement through this property that would provide a trail and a link for the children in the neighborhood. Commissioner Damberg inquired about the trail link from Mendota School to Walsh Lane. Parks Project Manager Kullander responded that this easement was required of the developer at the time of subdivision platting. A Mayfield Heights resident stated that her relative lived at 1880 Walsh Lane and that trail next to their property was no problem with the children and the bicycles. Chair Huber inquired whether the City had ever suggested or advertised that a City trail would be placed on this Mayfield Heights utility easement. Mr. Kullander explained that the storm sewer construction was done in 1968 and at that time the area that was dug up was cleared of vegetation. He stated that since that time it has been allowed to grow back to a natural vegetation and that the only person that would be concerned about an easement in this area is the property owner. There followed a discussion of the empty lot and its history as a vacant lot in this neighborhood. Ms. Phillips inquired if there were other possible routes that the engineering staff could pursue. Mr. Kullander responded that this scenario would be the easiest situation to bring the Mayfield Heights trail up to Douglas Road. He stated there are only April 9, 1991 Page 5 two easements to acquire in this area and that it is a short section of trail. Commissioner Spicer suggested that the engineering staff check other areas to link this neighborhood and perhaps the Mayfield Heights neighborhood could talk to these neighbors to see if they are willing to have a trail easement through their property. Chair Huber stated that he felt it was more appropriate that the City approach property owners about trail easements. Mr. Nonnemacher stated that they chose this lot as an area they wanted to live in and that they had the foresight to buy a lot and a half to provide a private yard for their house and now they potentially will lose it. He stated that a trail through his yard would open the area up to all residents in the Lilydale condominiums and apartments and that he is opposed to this extra traffic coming through his property. Chair Huber asked the Parks Commissioners to give the neighborhood a direction or some indication of a direction in which to pursue. Commissioner Spicer stated that he has sympathy with the Mayfield Heights residents and that is why they had asked the City engineering staff to find a reasonable way to link a trail system to their neighborhood. He stated, however, there may not be an alternative that is reasonable. Commissioner Spicer stated that he would not recommend a condemnation proceeding in order to acquire a trail to Douglas Road from Mayfield Heights Road. He stated that the best option would be to have staff pursue other easement possibilities. Commissioner Hunter agreed. Commissioner Hunter stated that there may be other property owners who would want the easement fee and not mind having a bike trail through their property. He stated that he is also reluctant to force a condemnation. Commissioner Damberg stated that she thinks the best option is to explore other routes for possible easements and that she would recommend the engineering staff do so. Chair Huber inquired that, if there were not any other friendly easements available what would the Parks and Recreation Commission like to tell the people of the Mayfield Heights neighborhood. He stated that he would be disinclined to force a trail to provide a link up Mayfield Heights AYES: 4 NAYS: 0 April 9, 1991 Page 6 neighborhood through a condemnation proceeding. Commissioner Damberg stated that she would like staff to explore other options and at this time she did not wish to go further than that. Chair Huber again stated that he is reluctant to force a trail on property owners who do not want it. He said that it would be appropriate to search for willing neighbors who would allow this easement. Chair Huber stated that the Park Referendum is doing a lot of good things throughout the City, however, there are neighborhoods who do not have trails or neighborhood parks close by. He stated that certain neighborhoods are handicapped in this regard but that he believes the City has done a more than adequate job in supplying parks the City. Commissioner Spicer moved to recommend that the engineering staff contact landowners who have reasonable access and are willing to provide friendly easements. Commissioner Damberg seconded the motion. Parks Project Manager stated that the engineering staff could pursue this right away and have something in time for the May Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. Mr. Kullander explained the new alignment of Victoria Road and the widened shoulders on Highway 13. He stated that the new Victoria will have a trail path all the way to Highway 13 that would connect with the current trail that ends at Celia Road. The Parks and Recreation Commission was of a consensus that any platting of vacant lots in this area should give serious consideration to trail easements as part of any subdivision. TENNIS BID ALTERNATE Parks Project Manager Kullander explained the proposal from the Mendakota Estates neighborhood. He stated that the neighbors are willing to pay the City's cost of $23,900 to construct a new tennis court, however, they could not afford the additional $30,000 cost to buy the lot in order to dedicate it to the City as proposed earlier in April 9, 1991 Page 7 discussions with the Parks and Recreation Commission. He stated that Keith Heaver had presented an alternative to the City that would not dedicate the lot, but would subdivide a twenty foot (201) strip off of it leaving room to place the tennis court between the newly created lot and the high power line easement. He stated that this location had been staked with the blue ribbons out at the site and that maps had been provided showing this location in tonight's memo. Administrative Assistant Batchelder stated that the biggest constraint in putting a tennis court in this location would be the timing, the legal arrangements necessary to work out construction easements, the subdivision of the lot and the agreement of the neighborhood to pay for the cost of constructing the tennis court. Commission Spicer moved that this item be to the next the meeting in order to give to contact Mr. Heaver for a formal reply of the neighborhood's intention. Commissioner Hunter seconded the motion that he is in favor of constructing court if possible. AYES: NAYS: PLAY EQUIPMENT PROPOSALS continued staff time in writing and stated the tennis Parks Project Manager Kullander stated that the City had received three responses from play equipment vendors to provide the play equipment as requested by the City in Mendakota Park. He stated that these vendors are the Earl Anderson Company, Value Recreation Company and Flannagan Sales Company. He stated that each vendor is present tonight to give a presentation on their company's equipment. Mr. Mike Dorsey of Earl Anderson Company presented his proposed play equipment bid. The bid included handicapped access, decks, swings, toddler sand area, rubberized safe decking and a pea gravel surface. Mr. Dorsey explained the amenities that would come with the play equipment he is proposing. Mr. Dorsey also explained the materials that would be used to construct the play equipment including showing the Commission construction samples. The April 9, 1991 Page 8 Commission spent some time discussing amenities, the proposed rubberized safe decking and the quality of the construction materials. Mr. Dorsey explained that there is a ten year warranty on his equipment that his company is located in Bloomington and that all of the parks materials are available locally. Mr. Chris Haugen of Value Recreation presented his proposal of Play World Systems Play Equipment. Mr. Haugen explained the play value, the aesthetics, the durability, the safety and the handicapped inclusiveness of his system. He stated that Play World Systems has been in the business for 35 years. Mr. Haugen stated that his company has constructed 25 playgrounds in the Twin Cities area. He stated that they have a ten year warranty and that parts are available from the manufacturing plant in Pennsylvania. Mr. Haugen stated that there is a school district site in Anoka where Commissioners could visit a Play World System structure. Mr. Brian Flannagan of Flannagan Sales Company presented his proposed play ground equipment that is Iron Mountain Forge. He stated that Iron Mountain Forge has been in the business of play equipment for 13 years. Kid Builders is the design system that they are using for their proposal. Mr. Flannagan stated that he had used a larger play ground site than had been specified by the Parks Department and that the border had been expanded to incorporate more equipment. Mr. Flannagan stated that 1/3 of their play equipment is handicapped accessible and described the amenities that would come with the play equipment. Mr. Flannagan stated that Adams Elementary in Coon Rapids has a site with this type of equipment that could be visited. The Commissioners thanked each vendor for their presentation on play equipment. The Commission discussed the play equipment they had reviewed with the vendors. The Commission directed staff to review the proposals and come back with a report at the May Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. The Commission specifically wanted staff to count the active stations, compare the highlights and features of the play equipment, discuss the quality differences of the systems and VERBAL UPDATES April 9, 1991 Page 9 have some addresses forwarded to the Parks Commission so they could visit the sites where these play fields are in place. Administrative Assistant Batchelder provided verbal updates to the Parks and Recreation Commission on the following items: a. Correspondence from ISD #197 Access Project b. "Mendakota Park" c. Bid Award for Construction of Mendakota Park d. St. Thomas Academy on Tennis Court e. Trail Maps f. Adopt -A- Park g. Park Ordinance h. Park Inventory i. Sibley Maintenance Budget Parks Project Manager Kullander provided verbal updates on the Mendakota Park construction. Mr. Kullander stated that the pay phone has been installed at the Sibley Park site. Mr. Kullander stated that washout areas and reseeding areas would be fixed at Sibley, Victoria Highlands and Hagstrom-King Parks. He stated that signs for the new parks have been ordered. Mr. Kullander stated that the tennis nets have been put up, the tennis courts, and the basketball courts have been swept, some of the trails have been swept and the parks crews are busy painting the inside of the warming houses. Commissioner Spicer stated that the Mendota School play fields are used extensively and that the City should consider shared expenses for providing field furniture for this site including benches, backstops and other amenities. Mr. Kullander stated that Terry Blum, Parks Leadperson, had recommended that Friendly Hills Park not be played on until June. Mr. Kullander stated that he had complaints regarding the Wentworth tennis court and the Hagstrom-King basketball court. Mr. Kullander stated that the School District had informed the City that there was an April 15th deadline for requests to schedule fields at Sibley Park. Y:t�I+Zili1;7�ISM�F�4a April 9, 1991 Page 10 There being no further business the Parks and Recreation Commission adjourned at 10:30 o'clock P*me Respectfully submitted, Kevin Batchelder Administrative Assistant