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1992-01-14 Parks and Rec Comm Minutes' A' CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 14, 1992 The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, January 14, 1992, in the City Hall Large conference Room, 1101 Victoria Curve. The meeting was called to order at 7:10 o'clock P.M. The following Commission members were present: Huber, Spicer, Damberg, Lundeen. Commissioner Hunter arrived late. Commissioners Katz and Kleinglass were excused. Also present were Parks Project Manager Guy Kullander and Administrative Assistant Kevin Batchelder. Guests at the meeting included Dave Libra, Mend -Eagan Soccer; Keith Campbell, Sting Soccer and John Steffi of the Mendota Heights Jaycees. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Damberg moved approval of the December 10, 1991 Parks and Recreation Minutes, Commissioner Spicer seconded the motion. AYES: 4 NAYS: 0 KENSINGTON BUILDINGS Chair Huber introduced Keith Sjoquist, of Station 19 Architects, who was present to discuss the preliminary designs of the Kensington buildings. Parks Project Manager Kullander explained that the City Council had contracted Station 19 for the design of the Kensington buildings and that Station 19 Architects had met with staff and Councilmember Blesener last week to discuss preliminary designs. Chair Huber stated the plans that Mr. Sjoquist is presenting are based on input from that meeting and from the City Council meeting in December. Mr. Sjoquist presented drawings showing a site plan and the building elevations. Mr. Sjoquist explained how the parking lot and soccer field locations affected the design and location of the comfort station area. Mr. Sjoquist described the location of the comfort station as being in the southwest area of the triangular shaped parcel north of the soccer field. Mr. Sjoquist explained that most users of the comfort station will be present for soccer games. He stated that not as many people using the trails would be users of the comfort station. Mr. Sjoquist stated the location of the comfort station is based on an attempt to reduce any activity in the goal areas behind the soccer fields. The location of the January 14, 1992 Page 2 comfort station is midway between the two soccer fields. Mr. Sjoquist explained two picnic shelters will be flanking the comfort station. He stated this will allow activities to be watched from either side of the comfort station. There will be a shelter available for parents to watch children playing at the play equipment or to watch children playing on the soccer fields. Mr. Sjoquist explained that the play area would be near the parking lot and away from the goal areas behind the soccer fields to prevent stray balls from entering the play equipment area. Mr. Sjoquist explained the bike path layout and its design to avoid conflict with the station users. Mr. Sjoquist explained the drop off area in the parking lot design. Mr. Sjoquist stated one of the directions he had been gI ven at the staff meeting was to reduce the bathrooms to a singly occupancy level of use for both the men's and women's bathroom to allow more room for concession and storage facilities. Mr. Sjoquist explained the net storage area and the concession/storage area that would be facing the fields. He explained that the comfort station faces the fields at a 45 degree angle and that the two walls of the comfort station that are closet to the fields are the concessions and the storage areas. Mr. Sjoquist showed a vending machine area on the design that could accommodate a bench should vending machines not be placed in this area. Mr. Sjoquist stated a dutch door had been designed to service as a concession window. Mr. Sjoquist explained the proposed picnic shelter plan stating there is room for two picnic tables under each of the two picnic shelters. Mr. Sjoquist explained that the exterior materials for all of these buildings is proposed to be similar to Mendakota Park. He stated they are proposing masonry structures with wood shingles and concrete floors. The exterior materials are proposed to consist of rock faced concrete block, metal door frames, a smooth concrete band and wooden beams for the roof structure. Chair Huber inquired about the dimensions of the building. Mr. Sjoquist stated the building is 20 feet by 22 feet and that the concession area is 11 feet by 15 feet. Mr. Keith Campbell inquired about the possibility of a window with a roll down door for the concessions area. Mr. Sjoquist stated that his understanding was this concession area does not anticipate a high level of use and the dutch door design should be adequate to handle anticipated use for concessions. January 14, 1992 Page 3 Chair Huber inquired about plumbing for the concession area. Mr. Sjoquist stated this could be easily stubbed in from the maintenance area. Mr. Sjoquist stated that Health Department regulations would require significantly increased costs, were a three tub sink and plumbing required for food dispensing. Chair Huber inquired about the difference in having a dutch door verses a roll down window for concession service. Parks Project Manager Kullander estimated it would cost an extra $1,200 to $1,600 to install a roll down window. He stated the building has to be structurally built now to have the window and this would be expensive if done at a later date. The Commission discussed concessions windows verses dutch door. Parks Project Manger Kullander estimated it would cost approximately $800 to $1,000 additionally for a half window opening. Chair Huber inquired about the total estimate for the building. Mr. Sjoquist stated he does not have final figures at this point but would estimate approximately $60,000 for the three buildings. Chair Huber inquired how this compared to the original estimate for the first plan shown for buildings. Parks Project Manager Kullander stated that the fixed plumbing cost had significantly increased the costs of the building. He stated his original design had shown a $30,000 building and now it is a $60,000 building. He stated we could stub in for a sink in the concessions area and, at a later date, it would cost approximately $1,000 to purchase a single compartment sink plus labor costs for installation. Mr. Campbell stated the soccer groups will be using the concession areas for tournaments and scheduled games and it is highly likely there would be two people serving or selling concessions at one time. He stated he felt a three foot wide dutch door was not adequate. Parks Project Manager Kullander stated either the dutch door or the half window option provides a three foot opening. Mr. Sjoquist suggested a wider four foot dutch door could be used and this would provide adequate room for two people to serve concessions. Mr. Sjoquist stated electric outlets would be available in the concession area to accommodate portable refrigerating units. The Parks Commission came to a consensus that the concession area should be the wider four foot dutch door. The vending area was discussed and it was determined that if no vending machines were placed in the vending area this would make an appropriate area to install a bench for use as a sheltered sitting space. January 14, 1992 Page 4 KENSSNGTON PARK UPDATE Administrative Assistant Batchelder explained that the Parks Commission recommendation in December on the final concept design for Kensington Park had gone to the City Council at their December 17th meeting. He stated at that meeting the City Council had delayed determination of the final concept design and directed staff to begin negotiations with Centex and NSP about either providing more room for soccer fields or to address the power lines over the eastern fields. Administrative Assistant Batchelder stated that Council had directed staff to inquire if NSP was going to be placing new poles at that power line in the near future as part of NSP's capital improvement plans. Parks Project Manager Kullander stated NSP had indicated they do not have any capital improvement plans to put new poles in this location. He stated at Council's direction, staff had contacted both Centex and NSP and that the memorandum prepared for this evening's meeting included the options that are an outcome of those discussions. He stated Option 1 was to bury the power lines underground as they enter through the park. Parks Project Manager Kullander stated Centex had offered to pay half the costs to bury the power lines, as this would increase the value of their properties adjacent to the park. He stated NSP had indicated burying the power lines would cost approximately $500,000. He stated the high costs are due to the mechanical equipment necessary to keep underground power lines cool. Parks Project Manager Kullander stated that the only incidence where NSP had buried power lines were similar with voltage levels at the MSP Airport and in downtown Minneapolis. Parks Project Manager Kullander stated Option 2 was to add a mid point pole that would raise the power lines to a higher elevation and that this Option would cost approximately $25,000. He explained that a mid point pole stresses the other existing poles and so part of the cost is to remove the existing poles and replace them with one taller pole. He explained this would raise the lines at the sag point being over the fields. Parks Project Manager Kullander stated Option 3 was to shift the poles 70 feet to the east and stated this design is shown on the sketch in the memo handed out this evening. He stated the shifting of power lines would impact two or three Centex lots which would require easement purchases and the costs to move the poles. He estimated this cost at $100,0000 January 14, 1992 Page 5 Parks Project Manager Kullander stated the City had also met with Centex representatives about possibly extending the park boundaries further to the west. He stated Option 4 had a design based on the City purchasing a 23 foot wide strip from Centex. He explained the site plan shows Bedford Court moving to the west and the buildings moving to the west and would require setback variances from the City Council. He stated Centex estimated $13,000 in planning and replatting costs and would be willing to sell the 23 foot strip of land for about $2.00 per square foot. Parks Project Manager Kullander estimated the cost for the 23 foot wide strip at $35,000. He mentioned Centex had indicated they be willing to discuss the acquisition of this 23 foot wide strip at a reduced or zero cost if the City would consider surmountable curbs throughout the project. Parks Project Manager Kullander stated Option 5 would have the City purchase Lots 1 and 2 which is approximately 2.6 acres of land including 22 units. He stated Centex would want to be reimbursed for lost profit and land costs. Centex estimated this Option at $400,0000 Chair Huber stated it appears Options 1, 3 and 5 are out of the question and are too expensive to consider. Parks Project Manager Kullander stated the power lines are cutting across 50 feet of the eastern field and if the City were able to move the soccer site plan over 23 feet under Option 4 it would still be underneath the high wires. Parks Project Manager Kullander stated the existing H structure for the power lines are 65 foot structures with 25 feet of the structure being buried and the structure being 40 feet above ground. He stated the new H structure that NSP would use to replace the old structure was 85 feet in height of which about approximately 30 feet would be buried depending on soils. He stated this would provide an extra 15 or 25 feet in height of the powerlines and would eliminate the sag point being over the fields. Chair Huber inquired amongst the Parks Commissioners about support for various options. Commissioner Spicer stated the option to raise the powerlines for $25,000 was his preferred option. Chair Huber stated that the space I n setbacks between the fields had been a Council consideration as a safety issue. Mr. Keith Campbell stated it would be necessary to have 50 feet between the fields, that it would be nice to have an additional 10 feet from the 40 feet shown on the current plans. Mr. Campbell stated the west side of the west field could hold bleachers instead of placing them between the two fields. Parks Project Manager Kullander stated retaining January 14, 1992 Page 6 walls built on the south end of the west field would allow bleachers to be on that side. He also stated it was appropriate to have the bleachers as close to the center of the field as possible. Commissioner Spicer stated it made the most sense to him to put 50 feet between the fields and raise the powerlines. Mr. Campbell reiterated his concern that there should not be soccer fields underneath the power line as it affects the play too much. Commissioner Lundeen stated the constraints of the site have left the Parks Commission with a field that has powerlines over it. He stated this is what the Commission has to deal with and his concern is that these fields are becoming more expensive. Commissioner Lundeen stated that there were other items in the referendum he would rather spend $35,000 on and this field could be made slightly smaller to be brought out from underneath the powerlines. Commissioner Lundeen stated that since the Commission received the original priorities of the soccer interests they have added considerable expense to the cost of Kensington Park attempting to meet the wishes of the soccer group. He stated that the Commission has to decide if the money is well spent. Chair Huber asked for the feeling of the Parks Commission about the options available for powerlines or an purchase. The Commission stated they preferred the raising of the power line and did not prefer a land purchase from Centex Homes, Mr. Campbell stated it would be nice if staff could approach Centex and see if a 10 foot strip of land could be obtained in order to allow 10 feet of room for bleachers between the fields. Parks Project Manager Kullander estimated that a 10 foot strip of land would still cost $13,500 which Centex anticipates for replatting and planning costs and the $2.00 per square foot for the land purchase. Chair Huber stated the Parks Commission should recommend that $25,000 be budgeted for raising of the powerlines but kept in reserve until after the fields are constructed to see how the fields fit and the extent of the problem. The Parks Commission was of the consensus that this is the proper approach for the soccer area. RECREATION PROGRAMMING AND STAFFING Administrative Assistant Batchelder explained that staff January 14, 1992 Page 7 is currently working on an inventory of what neighboring communities are providing for park services in order to compare this inventory with what organizations are providing currently in Mendota Heights. He stated this comparison should enable the City to look at where gaps in service for recreation programming exist and determine what gaps in service the City might wish to fill. He stated at this point the City could then begin to look at recreation staffing after determining what gaps in recreation service we decide to fill. Commissioner Damberg stated she had requested this item be placed on the agenda because she feels the City needs to be prepared for an increase in recreation demands with the new fields and facilities we have recently built. She stated that upon reviewing brochures of other cities that she was aware that they provide a full range of recreation services including programs of a non athletic nature such as enrichment and arts and crafts. Commissioner Damberg also stated that in the winter time she does not see much use of the park system outside of skating and hockey. She stated she feels the City should consider winter time enhancements for parks including skiing and other activities. Chair Huber stated softball programming will be the first area of need the City will have to address. He stated the City should maybe put its "toe" in the water by offering a late summer softball league or fall league to promote our new fields and to allow the City to get an idea of what type of softball demand exists in our community. Commissioner Lundeen stated he would not like to force use on our new fields at Mendakota too early if the grass is not ready. He stated however a fall softball league would draw attention to our programs and help the City determine demand. Commissioner Damberg stated she would also like to see the City look at nature opportunities for recreation programming and suggested that this could be done in conjunction with Dodge Nature Center. She stated that Valley Park is a significant natural amenity and there are many people in the community that would interested in nature programs. Administrative Assistant Batchelder stated he would be prepared to have a softball field reservation policy, a concessions use policy and the recreation inventory prepared for the February meeting. January 14, 1992 Page 8 WILD FLOWERS ALONG TRAILWAYS Commissioner Damberg stated she is very interested in seeing the City look at the placement of wild flowers along our bike trails. She stated she feels it is appropriate to start looking at what areas of the bike system might be appropriate for this improvement. Commissioner Damberg passed around a book on wild flowers showing colored pictures of some hearty flower species that would be quiet attractive for Mendota Heights. She stated the Butterfly Weed, the Columnbine, the Prairie Corn Flower and the Goldenrod are all hearty, established plants in our vicinity that would do quite well and be quite beautiful. Commissioner Damberg stated it would take some effort and cost on the City's part to establish wild flowers and to seed these areas. She stated there are a lot of volunteer resources in the community to draw upon to do this, however, she feels the effort is worthwhile as this would really beautify our community and could become a show place for our City. Parks Project Manager Kullander stated current park maintenance staffing is not conducive to this type of work and that mostly part time workers are used for summer maintenance. He stated a possible approach to wild flowers along the trails could be to allocate some money for the first year in order to turn the land, rake it out, kill the weeds, rake it out again and seed. He stated the maintenance would include mowing this to six inch level in the fall and over -seeding it for the second year. He further stated it would be the third year before it could be determined if the seed has taken and would begin to survive on its own without much City maintenance. Parks Project Manager Kullander stated the appropriate approach might be a pilot program where the City would contract with professional landscapers to provide a few pilot locations. He stated a possible way would be to allocate money each year to pay for the maintenance by part time workers once the areas have been established. Parks Project Manager Kullander stated the City currently budgets $10,000 a year for the boulevard tree program out of the General Fund. He stated it would be possible to request money out of the Special Park Fund for the first year and the City could consider budgeting out of the General Fund in following years for a wild flower program. Commissioner Damberg stated her intent was to have the City take stock of the interest of hav4ng w4ld flowers January 14, 1992 Page 9 and to identify a few areas where it could possibly be done. She stated it would take some evaluation to determine the appropriate flowers and native grasses. Parks Project Manager Kullander stated the soil preparation was the most difficult aspect of establishing wild flowers. Chair Huber stated the City's Operating Budget would be the preferred funding method for a pilot project. A figure of $2,000 annually was discussed. Commissioner Spicer and Commissioner Lundeen stated they are in favor of a pilot project. Commissioner Lundeen stated he would like to see something like this work, however, he feels that this type of project would need a lot of nurturing. Commissioner Hunter stated he was not a big fan of wild flowers along the trails, however, if there was interest he would not get into the Commission's way. Chair Huber directed staff to investigate how the budget for parks finished in 1991 and had there been enough money left over in the 1991 Budget to have done a project of this nature. Commissioner Damberg stated there was a possibility of volunteers from the community helping the City implement this project. The Commission directed staff to provide more information at the next meeting. SIBLEY PLAY EQUIPMENT Commissioner Spicer inquired if the City could realize savings by doing two park equipment contracts at one time? Parks Project Manager Kullander stated there would not likely be significant savings as Sibley will be built on an industrial strength basis with mostly metal verses the plastic equipment that has been placed at other parks. The consensus of the Parks Commission was to defer the Sibley play equipment for discussion at the July 1992 meeting. VERBAL UPDATES Administrative Assistant Batchelder stated he had a request to reserve tennis courts by an instructor working for Mend -Eagan. He stated the instructor desired to reserve Valley Park on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 4:00 P.M. to 7:15 P.M. and on Saturday and Sundays from 10:00 A.M.until 1:00 P.M. for boys and girls ages 4 to 15. Administrative Assistant Batchelder stated Valley Park was the most popular court in town and that in the past, Mend -Eagan had used Sibley Courts. He stated the City's policy was first come, first serve except for institutional or civic groups such as Mend -Eagan, St. Thomas Academy and Visitation. Commissioner Spicer January 14, 1992 Page 10 stated he would discuss this at the next Mend -Eagan meeting and report back at the February Parks meeting. Mr. John Steffi introduced himself as a new member of Mendota Heights Jaycees. He stated his group was interested in a community project such as a garden, and in possibly providing events in the parks, such as an ensemble concert. Commissioner Damberg and Mr. Steffi discussed possible ventures, and it was pointed out that we have a new shelter/bandstand at Mendakota Park. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Parks and Recreation Commission adjourned the meeting at 8:50 o'clock P.M. Respectfully submitted, Kevin Batchelder Administrative Assistant