1991-09-10 Parks and Rec Comm MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DRAFT
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
SEPTEMBER 10, 1991
The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation
Commission was held on Tuesday, September 10, 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, Hunter, and Spicer. Lundeen, Kleinglass,
Katz and Damberg were excused. Staff members present were Parks
Project Manager Guy Kullander and Administrative Assistant Kevin
Batchelder.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approval of the August 13, 1991 minutes was held over
until the October meeting for lack of a quorum.
Commissioner Spicer stated that tonight was a Jewish
holiday and that was the likely reason for some of
tonight's absences.
Administrative Assistant Batchelder stated that Centex's
grading plan for Phase II had not been received by staff
and that design of the park, and cost estimates, were
somewhat dependent on the grading plan. Batchelder
stated that Parks Project Manager Kullander would be
ready with some schematics at the October meeting.
Batchelder highlighted the provisions regarding park
dedication and grading in the developer's agreement that
Council had approved at their September 3rd meeting. The
Commission briefly discussed design features of the park.
SNOW PLOW POLICY
Batchelder described the snow plow policy as follows:
During snow events that require plowing, all public works
employees, including park maintenance crews are out
plowing city streets. Streets, roads and cul-de-sacs
have the first priority and are to be completely plowed
before the park maintenance crews are released to remove
now from the ice rinks and pedways. It may be the
second day before the rinks and pedways are plowed as
they are second in priority to streets and roadways.
Valley Trail is left unplowed for cross-country skiers,
as is the section of unpaved trail between the Mendota
Plaza and Friendly Marsh Park. It is the intention of
the crews to plow all other paved trails, however, some
trail sections are too narrow for plowing with current
equipment.
The Commission discussed this policy and agreed that it
was appropriate. Commissioner Spicer stated that some
type of warning sign should be placed on Valley Trail for
steep grades in certain sections. Commissioner Spicer
stated that bicyclists and other wheeled travelers should
be warned to slow for these steep grades. There was
agreement and the Commission directed Parks Project
Manager Kullander to consider signs for the steep grades
in Valley Park.
MENDAKOTA PARK PLAY EQUIPMENT
Administrative Assistant Batchelder described an accident
that occurred at the new play equipment site at Mendakota
Park. The Commission discussed the piece of equipment
involved in the accident.
VERBAL UPDATES
Commissioner Spicer stated that he had spoke to Parks
Leadperson Terry Blum about the composition of the
infield rock used on the ballfields. Spicer stated that
Mr. Blum had indicated that Shakopee Red Rock Ag Lime was
considered the best available because it has more clay
and is less gravelly. Spicer stated that Mr. Blum
indicated that the City may begin to stockpile the
Shakopee red rock and over a period of time it would
replace the current infield rock. Spicer indicated that
in the past the City did not need to stockpile the rock
and the City crews would pick it up at Shiely, as needed.
Batchelder described the work that City Council had
recently approved in awarding a contract for
improvements at Hagstrom-King Park.
Batchelder described the progress on a sign system for
Mendakota Park and stated that the Parks Project Manager
intended to have a proposal for the October meeting.
Batchelder stated that he had received negative answers
from all the property owners who had been contacted about
granting trail easements to the City in the Mayfield
Heights/Tilsen Highland Heights neighborhoods.
Batchelder stated that he would be contacting more
property owners who reside on the last remaining trail
options and would have the results for the October
meeting.
Commissioner Spicer stated that the City should consider
purchasing the Par 3 Golf Course before it is too late.
Commissioner Spicer stated that this land should not be
lost to a developer and that the City could possibly make
money from its operation.
RECREATION PROGRAMMING
ADJOURN
Administrative Assistant Batchelder reported that he had
net with Bill Kleineck, Parks Director of West St. Paul,
to discuss possible cooperation between the two cities
for recreation programming services. Batchelder stated
that Mr. Kleineck indicated that West St. Paul provides
a full array of recreation programs and could incorporate
Mendota Heights into some of its programs with less
additional staff people than Mendota Heights would need
to hire to provide the same services. Batchelder stated
that Mr. Kleineck had indicated an interest in Mendota
Heights' new fields.
Batchelder stated a survey was being conducted by staff
of twenty metro area cities that were either similar in
size to Mendota Heights, or were in Dakota County, to
determine what levels of recreation programming are being
provided and to determine what facilities and operational
policies are guiding other recreation programs.
Batchelder indicated that it was his intention to also
meet with Mend -Eagan, ISD-197 and Inver Grove Heights.
Batchelder mentioned that Inver Grove Heights recently
adopted a Comprehensive Parks Plan and may be able to
provide some insights into the evolution of recreation
programs.
The Commission discussed cooperative programming with
West St. Paul and the use of Mendota Heights fields. The
Commission discussed the subject of an intern to help
design recreation programs, as mentioned in the City
Council budget workshop minutes. The Commission decided
to continue exploring and analyzing recreation
programming while keeping its options open at this point.
Commissioner Spicer inquired if the City wanted to enter
into a letter of agreement with Mend -Eagan about the
storage space at the Water Tower and the new antenna
building.
There being no further business, the Commission adjourned
at 8:15 o'clock p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kevin Batchelder
Administrative Assistant