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1995-11-14 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda PacketCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA AGENDA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION November 14, 1995 - 6:30 p.m. ** 6:30 o'clock p.m. ** 1. Call to Order. 2. Roll Call. 3. Approval of October 10, 1995 Minutes. 4. Discussion of Wentworth Park Improvements -Process Considerations 5. Park Improvements Update 6. Discuss Transition of Staff Liaison to Parks and Recreation Commission 7. Updates * Police and Parks Department Reports for October * Friends of the Parks Tree Program * Cross Country Skiing - Trails and Lessons * North Urban Regional Trail Resolution * Marie - Lexington Pond landscaping * December Review of Middle School Site Plan 7. Adjourn. Auxiliary aids for disabled persons are available upon request at least 120 hours in advance. If a notice of less than 120 hours is received, the City of Mendota Heights will make every attempt to provide the aids, however, this may not be possible on short notice. Please contact City Administration at 4524850 with requests. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 10, 1995 The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, October 10, 1995, in the City Hall Large Conference Room, 1101 Victoria Curve. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 o'clock P.M. The following members were present: Spicer, Kleinglass, Liberacki, Libra, Norton and Linnell. Commissioner Damberg was excused. Also present were Administrative Assistant Kevin Batchelder, Parks Project Manager Guy Kullander and Recreation Programmer Shelli Heinsch, APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Libra moved to approve the September 12, 1995 minutes. Commissioner Kleinglass seconded the motion. AYES: 5 NAYS: 0 Commissioner Norton thanked the Parks and Recreation Commission for their work in stenciling the park trails. Norton stated that she is impressed that the whole trail system had been stenciled by Commissioners on a voluntary basis and that she apologized for not being present that evening. Commissioner Norton stated she had visited the overlook which was just constructed in North Kensington Park and feels that it is a very nice amenity. RECREATION PROGRAM REVIEW Recreation Programmer Heinsch provided an overview of the 1995 recreation program components. Heinsch stated that each program is evaluated upon its conclusion on an annual basis in order that City staff can track the growth and monitor each individual programs so that improvements can be made. Heinsch stated each evaluation Commission included some comments on improvements that could be made to individual programs. She stated that all City programs are fee supported except for the concert in the parks which is the one subsidized recreation program that is offered. fl cross country ski lessons including ski skating which is becoming very popular. Commissioner Norton stated the County has trail grooming equipment and that the City should look into cutting our own trails so that they can be groomed by the County during the winter time. Norton stated that perhaps the Par 3 Golf course may want to be involved in this as well. Norton stated that high school cross country and cross country ski clubs are becoming very popular and she feels the City should explore joint programming with the school district, St. Thomas Academy and Dakota County. Heinsch stated that the in -line skating program may be expanded to have spring and fall classes instead of just one class in mid summer. The Commission discussed the amount of time spent by staff on park reservations. The Commission discussed fall softball leagues. Recreation Programmer Heinsch stated that fall softball leagues would be very popular, however, it is difficult to do without lights because week night play into September runs into early evenings and darkness. DODD ROAD TRAIL DISCUSSION Parks Project Manager Kullander stated that City Council had been looking at providing a safe pedestrian bike access at Dodd Road and Highway 110 in response to a letter from former Councilmember Jann Blesener. Kullander reviewed the proposed preliminary trail layout with the Commission. He reviewed trail cross sections for both two lane and four lane sections of Dodd Road. Kullander stated providing safe pedestrian bicycle access along Dodd Road, South Plaza and Highway 110 is difficult because there are four lanes of traffic and no shoulders and this becomes a very unsafe situation. Kullander described improvements that would be proposed to widen the path along Dodd Road by McDonald's as it approaches Highway 110. Kullander discussed funding for this project and stated an application would be made to MnDOT fora cooperative agreement whereby MnDOT would pay for these trail and roadway improvements under the guidelines of safety, access and transportation purposes. Kullander stated the City would also pay a share of this trail and that would be determined at the time MnDOT accepts the application for cooperative agreement. Kullander stated the estimated cost was $250,000 to $300,000 for all of these trail improvements. He stated the City portion could be funded from tax increment financing. He also described a scenario where an application would be made for federal ISTEA money. 3 their property. The Commission discussed having a trail along the golf course property verses a traffic light at South Plaza Drive. Kullander stated that pedestrians will still need to cross Dodd Road in order to connect the Plaza with Mendakota Park. Commissioner Liberacki felt that the City should ask Mendakota Country Club to cooperate on a trail easement. Liberacki stated he does not believe a traffic light at South Plaza Drive is warranted due to low traffic volumes along South Plaza Drive and that he feels a trail on both sides of the road would be a better situation. The Commission stated they would like to review the final plan before it is formally approved by both the City and MnDOT. UPDATES The monthly Police and Parks Department report were reviewed by the Commission. Administrative Assistant Batchelder stated he had contacted ISD No. 197 Business Manager Lois Rockney to inquire about the use of the old tennis court site. He stated he had been informed that this area was going to be seeded for a practice field and that the School District would not be favorable to allowing skinned infields for transitional vball play. Batchelder stated the practice field would be available for use by t-ball programs. Batchelder stated the bid awards for the landscaping at North Kensington and Ivy Falls Parks had been presented to the Council the previous week. Batchelder stated the bid work for the grading at North Kensington Park was above the budget and the Council had expressed a concern about the native prairie grasses in the park and had asked staff to take a second look at this. Batchelder stated the Council had indicated that they wanted less prairie grass in the design of the park while at the same time keeping the backyard concept. He stated with Ivy Falls Park, the City Council had directed staff to rebid the tree and shrub portion of the bid and bring those bids back with the bid from Prairie Restoration for the wildflowers. Batchelder stated Kullander would be presenting these bids at the next City Council meeting. Batchelder reported on the North Urban Regional Trail discussion held at the Council meeting the previous week. He stated County Commissioner Patrice Bataglia and County Planner Lynn Moratzka had appeared before Council to discuss the North Urban Regional Trail's proposal for improvements in Valley Park. Batchelder stated the City Council had directed staff to prepare a resolution to send to the County reiterating the City's stance that "only" minimal improvement in Valley Park. Commissioner CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS November 9, 1995 To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kevin Batchelder, Administrative Asc W) Subject: 1996 Wentworth Park Improvements The Parks and Recreation Commission will recall that during the discussion of the Capital Improvements Plan 1996-2000, planned improvements for Wentworth Park in 1995 were pushed back until 1996 in order to combine them with other planned improvements in that year in one big package. The Commission was willing to delay the 1995 improvements until 1996 under the assumption that the planning and design process for Wentworth Park would begin in January so that design, bid and construction could occur early in 1996. The Parks and Recreation Commission discussed the possibility of neighborhood meetings to review the proposed improvements in Wentworth Park, which have been combined as one package of improvements. The improvements include: Project Switch and relocate warming houses at Ivy and Wentworth Park. This includes ADA improvements such as ramps, railings, and pathway. Remove excess poles and lights at Ivy Park. 2. Modify tennis court fence opening to meet ADA. 3. Install 2 grills at Wentworth Park. 4. Construct Picnic Shelter in Wentworth Park. 5, Wentworth Park Rink Enlargement 6. Other items - Bleacher pads, port-a-pottie enclosures, trees and landscaping, etc. ACTION REQUIRED General Special Fund Parks Fund $6,000 $ 500 $ 600 $12-18,000 $2,000 The Parks and Recreation Commission should discuss how they would like to proceed with the design process and neighborhood involvement for the improvements planned at Wentworth Park in 1996. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS November 9, 1995 TO: Park and Recreation Commission FROM: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager SUBJECT: Status of Various Project Being Worked On I will be at the November 14th meeting to report on and discuss the following projects. STATUS OF LANDSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS TO IVY HILLS PARK a. Councll approved and awarded contract for installation of trees, bushes, edging, etc. Work began. All trees and shrubs installed. Bark mulch, edging, and dry creek boulders left to install. Waiting for warmer weather . b. Council approved and awarded contract for wild flower and short prairie grasses to be installed fast thing next spring. 2. KENSINGTON NORTH PARK IIVIPROVEMENTS a. Council directed staff to review the proposed prairie grass and other specified plantings and to limit the amount of grading to cut costs. Bids for original landscape work were higher than approved budget. b. Stone overlook has been constructed and all work complete on this part of the project. Some stones remain that can be used in future design as benches. a Need to: 1. Seek further detailed direction from Council Members. 2. Seek direction from Commission on how to proceed with the "redesign" 3. Is another neighborhood meeting needed? 4. Should work be done by staff or outside design consultant? 3. STATUS OF BRIDGE REPLACEMENTS a. Rogers Lake Park bridge removed. Culvert installed. Trail replacement in spring. b. Valley Park bridge removed. Footings poured 11-6-95. Bridge delivered and installed 11-9-95. Trail to be repaired spring of 1996. c. Wentworth Park east bridge removed and replaced with culvert. Trail repairs to be in spring. d. Wentworth Park south bridge removed and replaced with culvert. Trail repairs to be in spring. e. Wentworth Pa k north bridge removed 11-6-95, footings poured 11-7-95. Bridge installed 11-9-95. Trail to be repaired and extended across "island" in spring. 4. Wentworth Park play equipment ADA upgrades. Final bill for the improvements started in fall of 1994 was approved for payment. Only work remaining is trail segment from play area to existing trail and will be installed in the spring of 1996. 5. WENTWORTH PARK IMPROVEMENTS FOR 1996 CONSTRUCTION a. Design and install picnic shelter(s). Enlarge or replace warming house. Add ADA upgrades, (trail segments) in the spring of 1996. b. Design by staff or hire outside consultant? c. Neighborhood information meeting? When? 6. Trail sealcoating in 1995. The trail segment identified in the Capital Improvement Plan for 1995 was in better shape than the field staff had reported. Funds budgeted for work in 1995 on trails was used to seal cracks. Approximately five miles of trails had cracks greater than '/a " filled. Funds for bleacher pads in two parks which were approved for 1995. Work not completed in 1995. Two port-a-potie shelters for two parks approved by Council for completion in 1995 was not done due to limited staff time. Repair roof at Rogers Lake Shelter. Funds approved for $1,500. Bids came in at $5,300. Rebidding to use asphalt shingles instead of cedar shingles. Estimate cost to be $2,000 to $2,500. Work to be done before December 31, 1995. 10. Results of 1995 Boulevard Tree Planting Program. Funds for this are approved by Council under the Street Department, but perception is that it is a park program. Attempts will be made by staff in 1996 to enlarge program with the State matching grant. Under this project six trees were installed at Marie and Lexington as part of restoration plan. 11. Trail improvements along Dodd Road to improve safety is a Council initiated project. Preliminary plan has been presented to Council, Park and Recreation Commission, and Planning Commission. Final draft plan and MnDOT application will go back to Council on November 21, for final approval. City will know in February if MnDOT will enter into a cooperative agreement with the City to fund this project. 12. Ballfield lighting for Mendakota Park. The Commission directed me to investigate the cost of installing lights at the ballfields in Mendakota Pazk. I have received two design plans for a level of lighting that would accommodate sanctioned little league tournaments. This is a higher level than that required for softball. Approximate cost is $225 to 250,000. If bonded for 20 year period annual cost would $20,000. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS November 9, 1995 To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kevin Batchelder, Administrative As Subject: Transition of Staff Liaison to Parks and Recreation Commission DISCUSSION As you may be awaze from announcements in the Friday News, City Administrator Tom Lawell has accepted a position as City Manager for Sequim, Washington and will be leaving the City of Mendota Heights at the end of November. This is a great opportunity for Tom and we are all going to miss his dedication and service to the City, his friendship and his support. The City Council has appointed myself as the Interim City Administrator for a period of six months and has directed me to advertise for an Administrative Intern to assume some of the duties that I now perform in order that I may concentrate on the City Administrator's duties. This position has been advertised and it is hoped that the new Administrative Intern will be on board in January. The Administrative Intern will eventually assume the duties of staff liaison to the Parks and Recreation Commission. In the interim, I have asked Shelli Heinsch, Recreation Programmer, to assume the administrative duties for the Parks and Recreation Commission for December and January. With Guy Kullander's assistance, I believe that the Parks and Recreation Commission will be well served. Discuss the transition of the staff liaison to the Parks and Recreation Commission. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS November 2, 1995 TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Tom Lawell, City Adminis4at SUBJECT: Letter of Resignation As previously announced, I have accepted a position as the City Manager of Sequim, Washington, and will be leaving Mendota Heights effective November 24, 1995. The City of Sequim, located on the Olympic Peninsula about 75 miles outside Seattle, is a growing community located at the "front door" of Olympic National Park. In the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, Sequim enjoys a relatively dry and sunny climate. As such, it has recently gained prominence as a retirement community and tourist destination. Offering both ocean and mountain recreational opportunities, my family and I have decided to relocate to Sequim at this time. While I anxiously look forward to new challenges and opportunities in Washington, I will sincerely miss Mendota Heights-- its people, staff members, and of course, elected officials. It is hard to believe that six years have gone by since I first arrived in Mendota Heights. From the beginning, the City Council has been extremely supportive of my efforts, and together we have successfully addressed a number of major community issues, and have worked to bring about many positive changes. Since 1990 the population of Mendota Heights has increased 12 percent, and we have added 690 housing units. During the same time, our total market value has increased by 32 percent. Growth in our business park has been equally impressive with ten major additions, including Northland Insurance, Primenet Data Systems, Associated Bureaus, Solvay Laboratories, BDS, Inc., General Pump and VGC Corporation. Since 1990, we also successfully completed the implementation of the Park Bond Referendum. During this time we built three new community parks, two new neighborhood parks and 12 miles of pedestrian trailway. In addition, we renovated 8 existing neighborhood parks. We also constructed an addition to the Public Works Facility, repainted the City's 2 million gallon water tower, and lived through the rebuilding of the Mendota Bridge and adjoining highways. Through it all we have consistently provided high quality municipal services to our citizens, have maintained our status as having one of the lowest property tax burdens among suburbs in the Twin Cities, and have strengthened the City's overall fiscal condition. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS November 8, 1995 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Terry Blum, Pazks Leadperson SUBJECT: Monthly Park Status Report The following maintenance activities were completed by the Parks crew during the month of September: • Normal pazk maintenance activifies were completed such as mowing, dragging and striping ballfields, equipment maintenance, daily trash pick up, sprinkler system operation and repair. • Painted walls at Valley Park Pavilion and the tunnel under Marie Avenue -Total cost $40.000 -- Added sprinkler line and heads at Kensington for new pine trees. • Finished up striping soccer fields at Kensington for year end tournament • Cut grass for fmal time at all City parks. • Fertilized all City parks. • Blew out all sprinkler systems at Mendakota and Kensington Parks and City Hall. • Winterized all building where needed. Hauled out culverts for bridge projects at Wentworth and Rogers Lake Parks TB:dfw City of .,...� Mendota Heights October 23, 1995 Mr. Brandt Richardson, County Administrator Dakota County Administration 1590 West Highway 55 Hastings, MN 55033-2372 On October 17, 1995, the City Council of Mendota Heights adopted Resolution No. 95-56, A RESOLUTION OF INTENT REGARDING THE MASTER PLAN FOR THE NORTH URBAN REGIONAL TRAIL. The City Council has asked me to forward a copy of this resolution to your office so that the Dakota County Board of Commissioners can be made aware of the intent of the City of Mendota Heights, especially in regards to the use of Valley Pa tk as part of the North Urban Regional Trail. (Please see enclosed resolution.) In Febmary of 1995, the City of Mendota Heights had adopted Resolution No. 95-10 in general support of the North Urban Regional Trail, with the condition that no physical changes or improvements be made to the existing trail in Valley Park. However, the Master Plan adopted by the Dakota County Board of Commissioners indicated that a possible parallel trail and other improvements were planned for Valley Park. Therefore, the City of Mendota Heights has gone on record stating its intent for the future of the Valley Park trail in the enclosed resolution. Would you please see that your Board is made aware of our City Council's resolution regarding the North Urban Regional Trail. Should you have any questions, or concerns, please contact me at 4524850. Sincerely, Kevin Batchelder :Administrative Assistant cc: Patrice Bataglia, County Commissioner Tom Lawell, City Administrator 1101 Victoria Curve •Mendota Heights, MN • 55118 452.1850 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA RESOLUTION NO. 95- 56 F 1 ' / I 1a IN oil 111110 R DICI LIXF91 M V kfel 1 WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Mendota Heights and its Parks and Recreation Commission have assisted the Dakota County Physical Development Division in its planning process for the North Urban Regional Trail; and support of the North Urban Regional Trail provided that there are no physical changes or u 1 • ' 11 1 • . 1 \ I • T&W Azt I ' \ . \ if T 1 f +Ye 1 . aft iL W&Tiray1 Frontage Road be on the south side of the Frontage Road; and i l �l' . 1 1 . 1 : - I , • 1 • :1 / / . , • • 1 • 1 ' 11 1 " I I " 1 • 1 • 1' • 1 1. 1 - 1 1. I/ • 1 1 � ' 1 I 1 1 I' 1 1 11 1 1 l l \ the Valley Park Trail. Mendota Heights that Valley Park is intwded to serve as a natural, wooded, open space park and that any significant physical 11' 1\ improvements to Valley RoA Trail would change the character of the park 1 a manner not desired 1 the City of Mendota Heights. BE TT FURTHER RESOLVID by the City Council of the City of Mendota Heights that any physical changes or improvements to Valley Park Trtil shall be minimal and consistent with the current use and character of Valley Park. BE TT FURTHER RESOLVED that any purposed changes or upgrades to Valley Park Trail as proposed in the North Urban Regional Trail Master Plan will require prior approval of the City of Mendota Height's Parks and Recreation Commission and the City Council. Adopted by the City Council of the City of Mendota Heights this 17th day of October, 1995. ATTEST: Kathleen M. Swanson/s/ Kathleen M. Swanson, City Clerk CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS By Charles E. Mertensotto/s/ Charles B. Mertensotto, Mayor CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY9 MINNESOTA RESOLUTION NO. 95- to 1Z 44 1 •' •' :1 1' 1 1 WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Mendota Heights and its Parks and Recreation Commission have assisted the Dakota County Physical Development Division in its planning process for the North Urban Regional Trail; and if the North Urban Regional Trail; and A a WHEREAS, Dakota County has requested the official position of the City of Mendota Heights with respect to the North Urban Regional Trail Master Plan. Frontageof ffiendota Heights that there is general support of the North Urban Regional Trail Master Plan provided that there are no physical changes or improvements to Valley Park Trail and provided that the location Of the trail along Highway 110 Frontage Road be on the south side of the •.d Adopted by the City Council of the City of Mendota Heights this 21st day of February, 1995. ATTEST: seen M. Swanson, City Clerk • i ZOINZA• 1:1 • • Charles B. Mertensotto, Mayor CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS October 10, 1995 To: Pazks and Recreation Commission �/� From: Kevin Batchelder, Administrative sfii4t Subject: Revised Agenda and Add -On Items A revised agenda is proposed for this evening's meeting in order to discuss the Dodd Road Trail Improvements and to include some additional information that is attached to this memorandum. If the Pazks and Recreation Commission so desires, they should pass a motion adopting the revised agenda on the pink paper. Add -on items include: Item 5. Dodd Road Trail Improvements See attached September 28, 1995 memorandum This item replaces Roofing Bids for Shelters in Valley and Rogers Park. No bids have been received at this point. Item 6. Updates The monthly report from the Police Department is attached.