1996-03-12 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda PacketCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MO NFSOTA
AGENDA
PARKS AND RECREATION COABMSION
March 12, 1996
* 6*30 p.m. -Large Conference
1. Call to Order.
2. Roll Call.
3. Introduction of Christopher Psser, Recreation Programmer.
4. Approval of February 13, 1996 Minutes.
5. Update on Task Force for Lights at Mendakota Park
6. Update on North Kensington Pazk Development Plans
7. Discussion of Wentworth Pazk Shelter Design
8. Updates
* Police and Parks Department Reports for February
* City Council Discussion of Valley View Heights Bike Path
9. Adjourn.
Auzaliary 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 no tice. Please contact City Administration at 452-1850 with requests.
March 8, 1996
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From Kevin Batchelder, Interim City Administrator
Subject: Agenda Items for March 12, 1996 Meeting
We had hoped to have Patrick Hollister, Administrative Intern, preparing the agenda
for the Parks and Recreation Commission this month, as well as attending the meeting to serve
as Secretary and staff liaison. However, Patrick has suffered a sever broken leg delivering
Planning Commission packets the other week and he has not been well enough to attend work
yet. We are hoping to have Patrick available next week as he begins to mend. In addition,
Guy Kullander is on vacation this week.
The following is a brief synopsis of the agenda items for Tuesday evening's meeting.
At their March 7, 1996 meeting, the City Council appointed Mr. Christopher Esser as
the Recreation Programmer to fill the vacancy in this position. Chris will begin work on
March 11, 1996 and we are hoping that he can make arrangements to attend the Parks and
Recreation meeting on Tuesday evening for introductions.
Chris has a Bachelor's of Science degree in Recreation and Leisure Time Studies from
the University of Minnesota. He is currently working as a Recreation Leader I for the City of
St. Paul, a part time position that he will keep while he works part time for Mendota Heights.
Chris has also served as a recreation programming intern for the cities of South St. Paul and
Woodbury, with excellent references from both cities. Chris has experience with a wide range
of recreation programming, including softball and other athletic leagues, youth programming,
field trips, community celebrations and general programming. (Please see attached resume
and application.)
We are extremely pleased to have Chris on board and look forward to working with
him as we continue to develop our recreation programs.
Task Force for Lights at Mendakota Park
City Council considered the Parks and Recreation Commission's recommendation at
Christopher J. Esser
12121st Avenue North
South St, Paul, MN 55075
Home phone: 6124554875
EDUCATION
University of Minnesota
Recreation and Leisure Studies
Area of Emphasis: Public Parks and Recreation
June 1995 - Bachelor of Science Degree
June 1991 -Graduated from South St. Paul High School with honors in english and history.
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
City of St. Paul - Division of Parks and Recreation 9/94-present
Recreation Leader
Direct supervision, programming, and operations of Prosperity Recreation Center. Supervise other staff
members and community service workers. Coordinate and assign athletic leagues, Collect fees, Record
keeping. General customer service.
City of Woodbury - Division of Parks and Recreation 2/95-9/95
Administrative Recreation intern
Administrative programming, operations, and facilitation of a municipal recreation agency. Development of
new programs and policies including; a roller hockey league, NYSCA volunteer coach training for the
community athletic league, gender equity for ice time, adult league fee revision, motor restrictions on
community takes, development of community rose bush gardens, and seasonal staff development and training.
Programming, promotion, and involvement in seasonal programs including, Field trips, Sand volleyball
leagues, Holiday egg hunt, 5th and 6th grade lock -ins, Exposure to the arts, Day camps, Safety camp, Summer
Playground program, Traveling playground program, Aquatic day camp, Puppet wagon, and Woodbury Days
celebration. Involvement in the construction and bid process of the new $6.8 million recreation complex and
two new park buildings. Many diverse administrative duties.
City of South St. Paul -Division of Parks and Recreation 1/92-1/95
Recreaion Supervisor
Directly supervised, programmed, and evaluated the summer programs of Mini -Playgrounds, Tot Pre-school,
Mini -Baseball, and T-Ball. Responsible for conducting weekly staff meetings.
Mini -Playground Leader
Program and lead various arts, crafts, and games. Programming and special events reflected a biweekly
theme. Responsible for supervision/instruction of sixty children. Author of weekly "Playground Chatter"
newsletter.
Mini -Baseball Supervisor
Supervise eight coaches who instruct five teams. Organize whole program including, player placement, game
dates and times, team picture session and photo distribution, coach supervision, and basic trouble shooting.
Involves much interaction with players' parents.
Other responsibilities included.•
Day Camp Supervisor Adult Basketball league Supervisor
After School Bowling Supervisor Special Event Chaperon
After School Gym Cramer Instructor T-Batl Coach
Adult Open Gym Volleyball Supervisor
GENERAL
Have a personal interest in sports and recreation Have worked extensively with ad}rlt and youth programs in
both a facility and city-wide setting. Experienced with administrative aspects of municipal recreation.
Minnesota Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) member. National Youth Sports Coaching Association
(NYSCA) certified clinician.
REFERENCES
Available on request
EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION
Circle the highest grade completed:
Grade School High School College Post -Graduate
1 2 3 4 5 6 7® 9 10 11®or GED 13 14150 MA MS PHD LIB
Did you graduate from High School? ® _ yes No Name of School: S olj: b a+ Pal"] High
School
Name and location of college, university Course of # of years Did you Degree
technical/vocational/business schools study attended graduate? received
University of Minnesota —Twin Cites Recreat on Four yes B.S.
List
any relevant certificates, awazds,
National Youth Sports
special
atio
ng Associat
Cross certified in CPR and First Aide
rbe � training you have taken:
To be completed by applicants for ADMINISTRATIVE, PROFESSIONAL FISCAL and CLERICAL positions only:
Typing Ability? ® Yes No Words per minute 40
an
Business machine operation and experience. In addition to listing typewriter,l0-key, dictaphone, etc., experience, please
include specific information regarding any computer operating experience including specific software programs:
+erienced with IBM and Apple computer systems including, WordPerfect 6.0,
Lotus 1-2-3, MacWrite, and PageMaker. Also experienced with RecTrac recreation
To be completed by applicants for LABOR/MAINTENANCE and SI{ILLED TRADE POSITIONS only:
Trades learned, apprenticeships served, current licenses/certificates held:
;apable of operating the following equipment
IOB RELEVANT VOLUNTEER OR UNPAID WORK ExaFcttt=ntc�
1 � of Activi�y
Specia ven ssistant
City of St.Paul
Work Performed v`
Aslisted with Rec. Dept. Specia
#HrsJMo.
From
9 9
To
res
nt
Employer's name:
Address:
Phone number:
Supervisor:
Your title: Supervisor's title:
Principal responsibilities (be complete):
Number and type of positions you supervised:
CONVICTION INFORMATION
Length of employment
From:
month year
To:
month year
Total:
years
Hours per week: _
Last salary:
Reason for leaving:
The e�dstence of a_criminal conviction record will not sutomaticallydisqualify you from employment with the City, though cer-
tain types of criminal convictions may prohibit you from working in certain positions. Before any applicant is rejected on the ba-
sis of a criminal conviction, he/she will be notified in writing and willbe given any rights to processing of complaints or
grievances afforded by Minnesota Statute Chapter 364.
Have you ever been convicted as an adult for a crime which has not been annulled, expunged, set aside, purged or sealed by a
court? ..
❑ Yes CK No If YES, please explain:
I IF IF
MPORTANT FACTS FOR YOU TOXNOtyCQNCERNING YOUR APPLICATION
i tnegtiested on year apphcationthat is defiuedyChapter l3, Minnesota Statutes as pubhc maybe released on re-
ue includes )ob htstory,� edttcahon and jramtpg,�elpvan2"test scores, and work availability. If you are selected as a.6ttal-
>s o aliosrh 4Fj
yogi name will become pubLcenfotigatton.other information wlllbe considered private and will be used
'oiilyrn,"�on3uncttonwith youi possible employment.`t)alysuthorized citypersonnel with a need to Yeviewthis data will have
access fo it.
=READD SIGN
.s
NI aithoze investigation of all statements contained in this application for employment as maybe necessary to arrive at an Tm-
_p7oylnIsmecIIItston i�bertifyt PF�ab il•answers to the above ;questions are true and understand that any false information on or.,
omtssIF I pfinformation froththis`application fincludingany additional information required for public safety applicants) may
bexanse dr rejection ofthts'application orreiminationofemployment without notice or benefits.
IF
l-�
AOlibant'sS atuie Date
r
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Appfnrm 9/l/95
• 1�` e
Coordinates Parks and Recreation Department's involvement in
community events.
Arranges for marketing, publicizing and promotion of programs,
as appropriate, including the preparation of announcements and
schedules.
Files information and maintains accurate records and data on
each program.
Maintains inventory and recommends purchasing of recreational
equipment and supplies.
Performs other duties as may be assigned.
Knowledge and Skill Repaired
Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices,
organizational purposes and administration of parks and
recreational programming.
Ability to develop and maintain positive and effective working
relationships with the general public, other employees, community
groups, athletic associations and school officials.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in
writing.
Ability to schedule, assign and supervise part-time, temporary
and/or volunteer recreational personnel.
Strong organizational skills.
Training Experience and Education
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college in Parks and
Recreation Administration, or related field. A combination of
education and experience may be substituted.
Experience is desired in recreational programming and with a
demonstrated ability to coordinate staff, budgets and facilities.
Experience is desired in scheduling and coordinating athletic
leagues and/or tournaments.
i;
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY.MINNESOTA
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
FEBRUARY 13.1996
The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held
m Tuesday, February 13, 1996, in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1101 Victoria
Curve. The meeting was called to order at 6:35 PM.
The following members were present: Libra, Kleinglass, Spicer, Linnell, and Liberacki.
Norton and Damberg were excused. Also present were Interim City Administrator Kevin
Batchelder, Parks Project Manager Guy Kullander, and Administrative Intern Patrick C.
Hollister.
The following members of the community were present:
James L. and Julie M. Bader 910 Mendakota Court
Frank Friedman 906 Mendakota Court
Marl and Mike Black 904 Mendakota Court
John Korman
John Noern
Dennis McCormick
Moms Friedman
Jane Blesener
2251 Dodd Road
915 Douglas Road
902 Mendakota Court
789 Hokah Ave
848 Mendakota Court
Bill Wagner from the Highland Villager was also present.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Libra moved to approve the January 9, 1996 Minutes. Commissioner
Kleinglass seconded the motion.
AYES: 4
NAYS: 0
INTRODUCTION OF PATRICK C. HOLLISTER.ADMINISTRATIVE INTERN
Kevin Batchelder introduced Patrick Hollister, the new Administrative Intern for the City
of Mendota Heights. The Commission then introduced Mr. Hollister to the audience.
Commissioner Liberacki arrived at 6:45 PM.
1. There is a shortage of fields to accommodate the requests from the Mendota Heights
Athletic Association and other youth user groups.
2. The new lights would enable adult softball teams to play one or two additional games
per night, thereby freeing fields for youth play. -
3. The cost of the light complex would be $225,000, whereas the cost of land and
development of another four field complex would be from $1 to $1.5 million.
Mr. Kullander explained that the lighting system would have the following system design
elements:
1. Determine performance and level of lighting desired.
2. Establish criteria for spill light allowed off the play field.
3. Select a system that best meets design elements 1 and 2 above.
Mr. Kullander explained the following about the performance level of a lighting system:
1. Baseball and softball fields require two levels of light; one for the infield and another
for the outfield. Recreational lighting is considered to be 30 foot-candles infield and
20 foot-candles outfield.
2. Light should be uniform and smooth over the playing field.
3. Each point on the field should be lighted from two or more locations to eliminate
shadows.
4. Lights should provide 10% to 15% greater average light level to offset loss of light as
the lamps age.
Mr. Kullander then explained methods which are typically used to reduce the light spillage
off the field:
1. Lights are typically aimed downward at an angle of 60 degrees or less.
2. Modern lights have reflectors and baffles which eliminate the "glare" effect.
3. Modern lights can also be fitted with hoods to reduce the amount of spillage above the
field.
Mr. Kullander also explained about different types of lights and how they cast light at
different angles, which is a specific concern for corner poles.
Mr. Kullander then showed three sample pole arrangements and their estimated costs:
1. A 16-pole design which would cost about $200,000.
2. A 20-pole design which would cost about $220,000.
3. A 28-pole design which would cost about $200,0004212,000.
Commissioner Spicer then asked Mr. Kullander which pole arrangement would be the
least objectionable from an aesthetic point of view.
1. When are the fields not in use? (Mr. Bader claimed that at least 2 or 3 nights per week
the fields were not in use.)
2. During games people park on both sides of Mendakota Drive. The parking lot is half
fixll, and cars are parked on the street.
Mr. Bader stated that putting lights on the field would serve to increase the danger to local
residents. Mr. Bader stated that if this kind of intensive use was intended for this area, the
streets should have been made wider. Mr. Bader also stated that if demand for field time
is growing so rapidly, it would be waste of money to buy the lights, since the City would
simply have to build more fields down the road. Mr. Bader submitted that it would be
better to use the money to buy fields now.
Commissioner Spicer answered that the City had spent a year looking for potential sites
for new fields, and that none exist.
Mr. Kullander stated that there is no parking allowed on one side of the streets in the
vicinity of the park, and that a new centerline was scheduled to be painted on the road in
1996.
Commissioner Kleinglass asked Mr. Batchelder to address Mr. Bader's concern about the
fields not being used every day.
Mr. Batchelder responded that the fields at Mendakota pazk are not typically used on
Friday or Saturday nights. Mr. Batchelder said that there is Adult Softball on all four
fields from Monday through Thursday. Mr. Batchelder said that the City tried to persuade
the MHAA to use the fields on Friday and Saturday for softball, but they declined.
Mr. Bader stated that if there was too much demand for too few fields, the city should
scale back programs. He also asked why more games couldn't be played in the daytime.
Mr. Norton, MHAA Baseball Commissioner answered that during the daytime it was very
difficult to get volunteers, coaches, umpires, etc., and that daytime play just would not
work.
Ms. Blesener stated that she chaired the referendum which included the ballfield complex
at Mendakota Park. Ms. Blesener added that she doesn't deny that there were discussions
of lights at this park, but did not think that they would be built this soon. Ms. Blesener
stated that aesthetics were of a great concern to the neighbors and that the poles and lights
would be an eyesore. She also objected to the noise from games. Ms. Blesener said that
the traffic noise from the field was bad until about 9:00 and that people wished to go to
bed by that time. Ms. Blesener added that as a taxpayer she was concerned about the
costs of the system. Ms. Blesener stated that the whole athletic program needs to be
redesigned. Ms. Blesener suggested that the athletic programs should try to meet demand
by scheduling weekend games and playing shorter games. Ms. Blesener complained about
the "knee jerk reaction" of putting up lights because they can't buy more fields.
Morris Friedman stated that the residents east of Dodd Road were already close to the
ballfield, and already had to listen to the playing and hollering. Mr. Friedman also asked
whose responsibility it was to expand for all the demand, and asked what would have
happened if the referendum had failed. He stated that the ballfield was only a few years
old, and now it would already receive lights.
Commissioner Spicer as for a motion.
Kleinglass recalled that at the Workshop it was stated that the kids would not play on
Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, and now they wish to play at Mendakota park. He stated
that it would be a disservice to people to light the fields.
Commissioner Spicer again asked for a motion. Kleinglass made a motion to recommend
against lighting the fields. Commissioner Spicer asked for a second to the motion. There
was none.
Liberacki recalled that there was a lot of discussion at the Workshop including charts
showing the use of the fields. He stated that lots of information on demand and use was
available at the past joint meeting. Liberacki stated that all parties were willing to
compromise for this season in order to get to a long-term solution. Liberacki directed
Staff to make available the data showing that the need for fields has truly exceeded
capacity despite the willingness of all sides to compromise.
Liberacki informed the audience that he is a Landscape Architect and that he believes that
strategically placed trees can help screen homes from the lights. He then made a motion
to recommend to the Council that they determine a funding method for the lights,
provided that they also provide for $10,000 worth of landscape screening to alleviate the
potential visual impact of the lights.
Libra seconded this motion.
Mr. Linnell stated that his interest is primarily in natural areas and trails. Linnell; added
that the housing in his neighborhood is turning over rapidly and that the number of kids in
his neighborhood is on the increase. Linnell stated that he is concerned about the use of
the Special Park Fund for the lights, and would prefer that the Fund be used for the
purchase of natural areas and open space. Linnell added that purchasing the lights was a
cheaper and more feasible option than constructing a new ballfield complex.
Spicer stated that he has to weigh the petition of 1200 households in favor of lights at
Mendakota against the concerns of the surrounding neighbors.
Spicer stated that he wished to add the following amendments to the Liberacki's motion:
1. That the lights must be constructed in an aesthetically pleasing manner (nice poles, few
lamps, etc.)
5. That the Special Park Fund contribute no more than 25% of the total cost of the
lights.
i. That no more lighting be constructed in Mendakota Park for the parking lots, the
play area, or the soccer field.
AYES: 4
NAYS: 1 (Kleinglass)
Mr. Batchelder provided a review of Spring Recreation Activities including golf leagues,
adult softball, sand volleyball, in4ine skating and `Build -a -Bird House."
UPDATES
Mr. Batchelder provided updates of the following items:
• Police and Parks Department Reports for January
• Friends of the Parks Tree Program -February Newsletter The Friends of the Parks
will once again be having their tree sale this year. This will be announces in the
February issue of Heights Highlites.
•
Par 3
Golf
Course -Ski
Trail
Discussion. Staff met
with Mike Cashill
of the
Par 3
Golf Course to discuss the possibility of allowing cross-country skiing
at the
course.
• Friendly Marsh Park Trail -Senior Housing_
• Harriett Island Interpretative Center - Invitation by MNRAA.
• West Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Information. Staff provided information
regarding golf at Thompson Oaks and other West Saint Paul programs.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn made by Kleinglass and Seconded by Linnell
AYES: 4
NAYS: 0
The meeting adjourned at 8:55 PM.
Respecfiilly Submitted.
PatrickC. Hollister
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
Febmary 16, 1996
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Terry Blum, Parks Isadperson
SUBJECT: January Monthly Park Status Report
The following maintenance activities were completed by the Parks crew during the
month of January.
• Keeping pedways cleaned.
• Major repairs on rinks after rain storm on January 17th. Heavy flooding for two days.
• One hockey goal was taken from Friendly Hills Rink. Returned to rink three days
later.
TB:dfw
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
MEMO
March 8, 1996
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Terry Blum, Parks Leadperson
SUBJECT: February Monthly Park Status Report
The following maintenance activifies were completed by the Parks crew during the
month of February.
• Cleaning and flooding of rinks.
• General maintenance on warming houses.
• Closed rinks on February 21.
• Cleaned out warming houses and painted inside.
• Started trimming trees along pedways.
TB:dfw
ACTIVITY REPORT - MENDOTA HGTS PARKS
INCIDENTS: Reporting Period: 02/01/96 to 02/29/96
'i
?TE TIME LOCATION
02/08/96 21:36 IVY FALL PARK
DESCRIPTION: ANIMAL-DOMESTIC/LOOSE
DATE TIME LOCATION
02/13/96 8:22 FT SNELLING
DESCRIPTION: FOUND PROPERTY
DATE TIME LOCATION
)2/28/96 8:47 2455 VISITATION
DESCRIPTION: MEDICAL -ALL OTHER
DATE TIME LOCATION
)2/28/96 8:47 2455 VISITATION
DESCRIPTION: MEDICAL -ALL. OTHER