Loading...
1991-07-09 Parks and Rec Comm MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION JULY 91 1991 The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, July 9, 1991, in the City Hall Conference Room, 1101 Victoria Curve. Chair John Huber called the meeting to order at 7:00 o'clock p.m. The following members were present: Huber, Damberg, Lundeen, Hunter, Kleinglass and Katz. Spicer was excused. Staff members present were Parks Project Manager Guy Kullander and Administrative Assistant Kevin Batchelder. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Damberg moved to approve the minutes of the June 11, 1991 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. Commissioner Kleinglass seconded the motion. AYES: 6 NAYS: 0 SYLVANDALE STORM WATER PROJECT Chair John Huber requested a report from staff on the Sylvandale Storm Water Project. Administrative Assistant Kevin Batchelder stated that the City Council had approved a storm water project that rerouted the flow of storm water through Ivy Hills Park. Batchelder stated that this project does not impact the park or the pond at all. Batchelder stated that there was a potential in the future for another phase of storm water construction that would impact the pond. Parks Project Manager Guy Kullander explained the general nature of the storm drainage and pond expansion should that storm water project occur. VERBAL UPDATES Batchelder stated that minor improvements had been undertaken by the Parks crews in Hagstrom-King Park and Victoria Highland: Park. He stated that Batohelder explained that the Adopt -A -Park program had been contacted by four more applicants and that Dr. Hunter, of Centre One Dental, had adopted Marie Park and that Jim Dzik, of Mendota Heights Taxidermy had adopted Victoria Highlands Park. Batchelder stated that signs had been ordered and the applicants were meeting with staff to go over the agreements and safety precautions. Kullander explained the progress of construction at Mendakota Park. Kullander stated that the roofing is being done, and that most of the carpentry work is complete. He stated the railings would be installed soon. Kullander anticipated an August 1st completion date for the buildings and that the seeding would be done according to contract specifications. Kullander stated the ideal time to apply new seed is late August and early September. Kullander stated the irrigation was partially installed and landscaping would be installed in September or October. Kullander explained that the play equipment construction would begin next week. Batchelder stated that the City had been contacted by the Fire Department about leasing the concessions area at Mendakota Park. Kullander stated he had contacted Mr. and Mrs. Will, the original vendor proposers, and they had indicated they were still interested in participating in the City's Request for Proposals on leasing the Mendakota Concessions. Batchelder stated that all property owners had been identified in the Mayfield Heights, James Road and Douglas Road area and would be receiving notices if they are adjacent to any possible trail connections or easements. Batchelder stated that the property owners for the different trail alternatives would be contacted a group at a time by letter inquiring if they would be interested in participating in providing trail easements. Batchelder stated the City would be applying for a grant from the DNR for a tree planting program if Mendota Heights meets the criteria for the Tree City Program. KENSINGTON PUD - PARK DEDICATION Chair Huber introduced the Centex proposed settlement plan that was a result of the negotiations between the developers of Kensington and the City Council following the lawsuit over the denied rezoning. Batchelder described the plan and explained the criteria that City Council had established in order for a plan to be acceptable. Batchelder stated that the criteria established for the parks was a dedication where the minimum acreage requirement was usable land. Batchelder stated the minimum requirement in this case was approximately 11.3 acres and that 13.4 acres of usable land was provided. Batchelder stated that another criteria was an area to serve as a neighborhood park along Mendota Heights Road. He stated this neighborhood park area should include the existing comfort station and be large enough to site a tot lot, practice soccer field and other amenities. Batchelder stated other criteria included a trail link from the north park area to the south park area and that the south park area needed to be of sufficient size to site one 360' by 240' soccer field and one 360' by 300'soccer field , a parking lot and an area for play equipment and amenities with a trail link to Delaware Avenue from the soccer area. Batchelder stated the developer would be required to balance the soils in the park areas. Batchelder stated that the City Council had accepted the plan and ordered public hearings to consider the more formal plans required for rezoning at the July 23, 1991 Planning Commission meeting and the August 6, 1991 City Council meeting. He stated that tonight the Parks and Recreation Commission had a chance to review the proposed dedication for comments and that should the settlement be achieved the specific design elements would be handled at future Parks and Recreation Commission meetings for recommendation to City Council. Chair Huber stated that he had been contacted about the design of the northern neighborhood park area and had received input that this should not be developed with a field, that it should remain open park area, that it would be nice to have a park without a field in it. Commissioner Damberg stated that this would need to be discussed during the design phase. Chair Huber stated he was concerned about the active soccer field under the power line, that this has never been done before. Chair Huber stated that in this respect the park dedication is worse than all earlier proposals. Commissioner Damberg stated it appeared to her to be the same old story of getting the undesirable land for development as the park dedication. Chair Huber stated that depending on the height of the power lines soccer balls could be kicked into the line, thus interfering with play. Chair Huber stated that interference with play was a serious concern. Commissioner Damberg stated she was further concerned with the health effects of Electro-Magnetic fields with power lines. Commissioner Katz agreed and stated that EMF concerns should be considered in relationship to active soccer fields. Commissioner Hunter stated the Parks and Recreation Commission should state its concerns about power lines and active fields and let the Planning Commission and City Council decide land use issues. Kullander suggested the trail links from the soccer fields connect with Delaware Avenue and Mendota Heights Road. The Commission agreed. Commissioner Damberg stated that she was upset that once again the Commission was being put in the position of accepting a dedication without any choice of its location or parameters. Commissioner Katz stated that she agreed and that she fully expected the Parks and Recreation Commission to have control of the recommendations during the design phase of this park dedication. Commissioner Katz stated that the northern area in particular needs to be considered for the proper use, as the southern area is mostly earmarked for soccer. Chair Huber instructed staff to make sure the Sting and Mend -Eagan Soccer groups were aware of the configurations and layout for the soccer area so they could participate in the public hearings. Kullander discussed irrigation and buildings. ROLE OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Batchelder submitted a summary of the Role of the Parks and Recreation Commission. The Commission decided to make "To provide leadership, study and recommendations to the City Council" the number one role and drop "To develop the City's recreation program" to the second priority. Commissioner Katz moved to approve the summary of the Role of the Parks and Recreation Commission as revised and submit it to City Council for approval. Commissioner Lundeen seconded the motion. AYES: 6 NAYS: 0 ADJOURN There being no further business the Parks and Recreation Commission adjourned at 8:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kevin Batchelder