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1993-05-11 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda Packet (2)CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA AGENDA 1. Call to Order. 2. Roll Call. 3. Approval of April 13, 1993 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes. 4. Concession Stand Agreement - Fire Relief Association * Jim Kilburg, Fire Captain 5. Bridge Replacement in Wentworth and Valley Parks Continued from April Meeting * Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager 6. Concrete Pads for Bleachers in Neighborhood Parks Continued from April Meeting * Guy Kullander, Parka Project Manager 7. Consideration of Mendota Heights Par 3 Acquisition 8. Verbal Updates Auxiliary aids £or disabled pessons are available upon request at least 120 hours in advance. If a notice of leas 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 452-1850 with requests. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTI ,_ PARKS AND RECREATION C( APRIL 13, 1993 The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, April 13, 1993 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: Katz, Norton, Spicer, Linnell, Damberg and Libra. Commissioner Kleinglass was excused. Also present was Administrative Assistant Kevin Batchelder. Mr. Dan O'Keefe was in the audience. APPROVAL OF MINIITES Commissioner. Spicer moved to approve the March 9, 1993, Minutes with corrections. Commissioner Norton seconded the motion. AYES: NAYS: ADOPTION OF GIIIDELINES FOR DEDICATING FIELDS IN THE PARK SYSTEM The Parks and Recreation Commission discussed a proposed policy for the naming of fields and parks in .the Mendota Heights park system. &Commissioner Spicer commented that the City had a need for such guidelines in order to handle the requests such as the one Mr. O'Keefe had brought forward at the previous month's meeting. Chair Katz stated that the guidelines appear to be well organized and had incorporated the Parks Commission's intent for guidelines. The Commission decided to revise the Adopt -A -Park Program stipulations to read "the Adopt=A-Park Program is also an appropriate. vehicle for recognition". Commissioner Spicer moved to approve the Guidelines for Dedication of Park Fields and Facilities. Commissioner Linnell seconded the motion. AYES: 6 NAYS: 0 REQUEST TO DEDICATE FIELDS Chair Katz introduced this item by stating that last month the Commission had considered a request from Mr. Dan O'Keefe to name a park or a field after Richard (Jake) Grauman, a Korean War Veteran missing in action. Administrative Assistant Parks and Recreation Commission April 13, 1993 Page 3 Resolution of support is for the underpass at the Highway 13 Frontage Road into the City of Mendota along the Soo Line Railroad. Commissioner Linnell stated this underpass may be up to about 200 feet in length and that he is concerned about this length for an underpass. Linnell stated that if funding is not received for this underpass, it may be possible to do at grade crossings for a trail in this area. Commissioner Linnell stated that preserving the railroad corridor is worthwhile and that the Dakota County ISTEA application should be supported by the City, however, if the tunnel cannot be built, Dakota, County should look at options for at grade crossings. Commissioner Damberg presented an April 7, 1993 Pioneer Press article stating that this tunnel will cost approximately $250,000. Batchelder stated that the second phase of the Dakota County ISTEA Grant applications would be for the removal of the railroad ties and the construction of a regional trail. Batchelder stated their third proposal for ISTEA funding would be to link Mendota Heights Road and Pilot Knob Road trails to the Mendota Bridge and the Soo Line trail. The Commission discussed the future Soo Line trail. Commissioner Libra moved to recommend that City Council adopt a Resolution supporting Dakota County's ISTEA Grant application for construction of an underpass for a regional trail along the old Soo Line railroad bed at the new Mendota Frontage Road, Commissioner Damberg seconded the motion. AYES: 5 NAYS: 0 N in Batchelder introduced a memo from Parks .Project Manager Kullander informing -the Parks and Recreation Commission that there are four bridges in Valley and Wentworth Parks that have deteriorated and now constitute a safety and liability issue for the City and must be considered for replacement. Batchelder stated that the 1993 Budget had included an amount of $25,000 for bridge replacement in Valley and Wentworth Parks. Batchelder stated that the budget had indicated that this $25,000 would come from either the Special Park Fund or from 1989 Referendum Funds. The Commission discussed the appropriateness of using the Special Park Fund or Referendum Funds for bridge replacement as opposed to the General Fund. Parks and Recreation Commission April 13, 1993 Page 5 staff to look at the appropriate surfaces for bleachers and to come back to the May meeting for a recommendation to City Council. Batchelder stated the recreation program was in full swing. Batchelder stated the City would have three new sanctioned softball leagues this year including Men's D. Men's C and a Woman's C Leagues. He stated there would be eight teams each in the Men's D and C League and that there would be four teams in the Women's C League. Batchelder stated that our two existing softball leagues, the Men's Over 36 and the Kittenbal.l League, ,are also filled as well. He stated the sanctioned leagues would be using the Metro Umpire Association and had been sanctioned through the American Softball Association (ASA). Batchelder stated some league play begins on April 26th. Batchelder stated Recreation Programmer Morgan would be advertising in the upcoming City Newsletter for both a nature camp and a safety camp. Batchelder stated the safety camp is co -sponsored with the Cities of West St. Paul, Inver Grove Heights and South St. Paul involving police, fire and: recreation departments. Batchelder stated the safety camp would teach children about stranger danger, drugs, alcohol, fires and other safety issues. Batchelder stated sand volleyball would also be advertised in the upcoming City Newsletter. League play will be on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings and these are going to be informal, non -sanctioned leagues. Batchelder stated they are co-ed leagues and there would be a league each for beginners, intermediates and advanced volleyball players. Batchelder stated the fees for the sand volleyball leagues will cover the hiring of a part time person who will act as a, supervisor for the programs. Batchelder stated Recreation Program.Morgan had been contacted by a horse riding stable from Inver Grove Heights about advertising their programs through the City. Newsletter. Batchelder inquired if the Parks Commission would, feel comfortable advertising a program that the City did not take registrations for. The Parks Commission felt that this was not appropriate and that a private stable operation could conduct their own advertising. Batchelder stated he had been contacted by Ms. Sheri Hanson, of 930 Douglas Road, who wanted to plant wild flowers between the City trail and pond at Victoria Highlands Park. Parks and Recreation Commission April 13, 1993 Page 7 stated these open space regulations include a discussion of how to prioritize pieces in the City for preservation purposes and he felt this would be a helpful document for the City's Parks and Recreation Commission to review. The Qommission directed staff to place this item on a future agenda. Commissioner Linnell stated he had attended the Somerset Area Study meeting the previous evening. Commissioner Linnell stated a good portion of the study area is wetlands and this Ti ll eventually determine what development occurs in this area. Linnell stated the City's Comprehensive Plan calls for a park in this area and that the Parks Commission should be providing comments during the course of the Somerset Area study. Commissioner Libra stated that he was concerned that piecemeal development of these properties will cost the City opportunities to provide the park that is designated on the Comprehensive Plan. The Parks Commission directed staff to have the Planner consider possible park uses in this area. Commissioner Linnell stated a park size chunk of land with trails would probably be the most appropriate approach for the City. Commissioner Libra inquired if the dirt road from the Mendota Plaza to Friendly Hills neighborhood was a trail that the City owned and could pave. Batchelder stated that the City had attempted to pave this trail and that MnDOT would not allow it to be done on their right-of-way. The Commission discussed the unsafe approach of the bike trail from Valley Park to the Highway 110/Dodd Road intersection. The Commission felt that all of the trail crossings at this intersection were very dangerous. Commissioner Linnell inquired if a tunnel or bridge options had been looked at by the City. Batchelder stated the City Council was currently in the process of designing a survey to poll the residents of the community about the Highway 110/Dodd Road intersection and surrounding area. Batchelder stated the City Council's major concern in this area was pedestrian and bicycle safety at this intersection. There being no further business, the Parks and Recreation Commission adjourned at 8:20 o'clock P.M. Respectfully submitted, Kevin Batchelder Administrative Assistant CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO May 7, 1993 To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kevin Batchelder, Administrative Assist to Subject: Agreement for Operation of Mendakota Concessions Fire Relief Association DISCUSSION At the June 9, 1992 Joint Workshop, the City Council and the Parks and Recreation Commission was of a consensus to allow the Fire Relief Association to operate the concession stand at Mendakota Park with the condition the Mend -Eagan Athletic Association would also be able to use it during youth events. The Fire Relief Association is currently operating the concessions on a temporary basis authorized by City Council, The Fire Relief Association first expressed an interest to operate the Concession Stand in 1991 and approached the Parks and Recreation Commission in July 1991 with their request. They successfully operated the stand during the 1992 Men's Over 30 Softball Tournament, the First Annual Celebrate Mendota Heights Parks! and they have been operating the stand during softball play this Spring. James.Kilburg, President of the Mendota Heights Fire Relief Association, will be present Tuesday evening and has provided a statement of their desire to be the concessions operator. (Please see attached May 4, 1993 memo.) City staff has worked out a proposed agreement with the -Fire Relief Association for the operation of the Concession's Stand. (Please see attached agreement dated May 11, 1993.) The City's insurance carrier has named the Fire Relief Association as the operator on the City's general liability policy and Volunteer's Extension has been added to the LMCIT Self -Insured Worker's Compensation Plan to cover relief members and their spouses and children. The agreement requires the Fire Relief Association to cover our softball schedules, to secure all appropriate licenses, to provide monthly and annual income statements, and to provide their own equipment. These are significant requirements and through the process we have discovered that a significant investment and commitment is required to start concessions operations. ACTION REQUIRED Meet with the Fire Relief Association. Consider the proposed agreement and make a recommendation to City Council. station every year in which we promote fire safety and prevention through many demonstrations, videos and hands on involvement. Last year we gave away over 500 hot dogs and pop to those who came and every year seem to be getting bigger and better. We feel very strong about our commitment to Fire Prevention and Safety and that reflects in the many hours of volunteer work and monies spent to strengthen and improve this program. Since 1987 we have had a downward trend in the amount of fire calls per year and last year (1992) was our lowest year in total fire calls since 1984. We have also tracked residential structure fires as well as actual fires with businesses and industrial buildings and have noticeable decreases (as much,as 50k with residential) in actual fires since 1985. We would like to attribute some of those statistics to an aggressive fire prevention program. We buy our own uniforms, We are proud to represent the Mendota Heights Fire Department and the citizens and feel that when we are at formal functions within the City or outside the City with other neighboring departments that we will look professional and appropriate. From 1988 through 1991 we spent over $7,800 in uniforms from our General Fund. In 1991 we participated, with donations received to our General Fund, in purchasing a cellular phone as well as a computer for our new Equipment/Command vehicle at a cost of $3,7690 The computer provides us with the state of the art features that enable us to bring up building pre -plans or hazardous material data and fire suppression information in the blink of an eye. In past years with proceeds from our General Fund we have purchased a large color TV set and VCR which we use for training videos. We purchased a high pressure washer which is used to clean hose, and test hose through our annual hose testing procedures. There are many other things that we buy that benefits the operation of the fire department as well as our community. There are also many hours of volunteer work that goes with our various programs. There is a great sense of pride as well as dedication in doing the things we do. So, why does the Mendota Heights Fire Relief Association want to run the Mendakota Park Concession stand? From 1988 to 1991 we have received donations of approximately $20,000 from the Mendota VFW. The four year expenses of just the programs and purchases I talked about were just over $20,000. In 1991 the Mendota VFW told us that due to economic conditions, restrictions and regulations on the sale of pull tabs that their continued monetary support as in previous years would AGREEMENT FOR OPERATION OF MENDAKOTA PARK CONCESSION STAND THIS AGREEMENT, Made this day of 1993 by and between the City of Mendota Heights, a municipal corporation, organized under the laws of the State of Minnesota, known herein as the "City", and the Mendota Heights Fire Relief Association, a non- profit organization, organized under the laws of the State of Minnesota, hereinafter referred to as "Association". RECITALS 1. The City has constructed and made improvements to Mendakota Park including a concessions stand and desires to operate said concessions stand during recreational activities conducted at the adjacent fields and park facilities within Mendakota Park. 2. The Association desires to operate said concessions and represents and has the capability to provide certain operation, maintenance, program and volunteer supervision capabilities for the City* 3o Each party desires to enter into a Joint Agreement establishing the responsibilities of each of the parties regarding the Mendakota Park Concession's Stand, 4. Along with the stated objectives, each party shall be responsible for good faith performance of this agreement and fair dealing with the other party. For the reasons recited above, and in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, the City and Association agree as follows: Section 1. Definitions 1.1 City - The City of Mendota Heights 1.2 Association - The Mendota Heights Fire Relief Association including members spouses and children age 16 and over. 1.3 Concession Stand - The concession area located within the Comfort Station at Mendakota Park including the concession room, window and bar but not including the other facilities located in the Comfort Station. 1.4 Comfort Station - The two story masonry. building at Mendakota Park as depicted on Exhibit one. 3.4 The Association agrees to provide the City a monthly accounting of the expenditures and revenues associated with the operation of the Concessions Stand in a format acceptable to the City. In addition, the Association agrees to provide the City an annual income statement, in a format acceptable to the City, of the expenditures and revenues associated with operations of the concessions stand by October 15, 1993. 3.5 The Association agrees to adhere to any and all State and City Ordinances, Codes, policy statements, rules and guidelines and that failure to do so is sufficient cause for the City to terminate the lease. 3.6 The Association agrees to operate the concession stand with volunteers only and shall not assign its responsibilities under this agreement. Section 4. Term of Agreement 4.1 The term of this Agreement shall be for a period of one (1) season, commencing on the 1st day of April, 1993 and ending on the 15th day of October, 1993, 4.2 The City reserves the right to select the lessee it deems appropriate and is not restricted in anyway in selecting a lessee. Section 5. Insurance 5.1 Liability: Liability Insurance. The City of Mendota Heights shall name the Association as operator on the City's comprehensive liability insurance policy covering loss, damage or injury to any person or property arising out of the use of the Concession Stand. The limits of the policy shall not be less than Three Hundred Thousand ($300,000) Dollars per person and Six Hundred Thousand ($600,000) per occurrence, or such other limits as may from time to time be required under the provisions of Minnesota Statutes 466.04 and amendments thereto. 5.2 Volunteer coverage: The City will provide a volunteer extension in its general liability coverage to include relief members, spouses of members and children of members. 5.3 Money and Security Coverage: The Association shall be responsible for proper collection and transfer of all money and shall be responsible for providing, at its own cost, money and securities coverage to insure against theft and robbery. The City shall not be responsible for loss of money due to theft or robbery. 5.4 Deductible: The City will provide its insurance carrier with the list of equipment hereinbefore described for inclusion on the general liability insurance policy. Any deductibles in a claim of loss or damage for Association equipment shall be the responsibility of the Association. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 9, 1993 The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, February 9, 1993, in the City Hall Large Conference Room, 1101 Victoria Curve. The meeting was called to order at 7:05 o'clock P.M. The following members were present: Libra, Katz, Linnell, Norton and Damberg. Commissioners Kleinglass and Spicer had notified City staff that they would be arriving late. Also present were Administrative Assistant Kevin Batchelder, Recreation Programmer Michelle Morgan and Parks Project Manager Guy Kullander. INTRODIICTION OF NEW MEMBERS Acting Chair Katz introduced the new Commissioners, Stan Linnell and Dave Libra, who had recently been appointed by City Council to fill two vacancies on the Parks and Recreation Commission. Introductions were made around the room. Katz welcomed the new members and stated the Parks Commission is enthusiastic to have two committed and interested members join their group. Commissioner Katz also stated Commissioner Hunter had been appointed to the Planning Commission by the City Council and that they wish him well on the Planning Commission and thanked him for a job well done these past, few years on the Parks Commission, Administrative Assistant Batchelder stated an orientation would be provided for the two new members in the coming weeks. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Norton moved to approve the January 12, 1993 minutes. Commissioner Damberg seconded the motion. AYES: 5 , NAYS: 0 ` SOFTBALL LEAGUE RULES Recreation Programmer Morgan briefly reviewed proposed softball league rules and regulations with the Commission. Morgan stated the rules include sections on eligibility, rosters, equipment, game play rules, protests, sportsmanship, Mendota Heights park regulations, weather, standings and movement of teams amongst leagues. Acting Chair Katz inquired about the rules on eligibility for post season. Morgan stated that players who happen to be on more than one team must declare which team they will be playing on during the post season tournaments. Commissioner Norton inquired about the statement of "pregnant women are discouraged from playing". Parks Commission decided that a general statement such as "persons with medical conditions are advised to consult with a doctor prior to participation in softball leagues" would be preferred. Commissioner Damberg inquired about assumption of risk. Batchelder stated the City is obtaining liability insurance through the United States Slow Pitch Softball Association (USSSA) for all sanctioned leagues. He stated that the individual teams also have an option to purchase liability insurance through USSSA. Batchelder stated that the City's General Liability Policy has received a copy of the USSSA agreements to include as a declaration within the City's policy. Morgan stated the City is offering four leagues for summer play and that the desired number of teams in each league would be eight teams.. She stated the leagues could go with a six team minimum. Commissioner Norton moved to direct staff to implement the softball league rules for 1993. Commissioner Libra seconded the motion. AYES: 5 NAYS: 0 PARTNERSHIPS AND TRAIL CONNECTIONS Administrative Assistant Batchelder stated the City of Mendota Heights had recently been included in a planning group that bills itself as the "Partnerships in Trail Connections". The purpose of the group is to coordinate and act on trail connection opportunities, mainly in the Mendota Bridge area. Batchelder stated participants include the City's of Minneapolis, Bloomington, Mendota Heights, Eagan, the DNR, Fort Snelling State Park, Dakota County, St. Paul and other interested parties. Batchelder.atated that this group was involved in efforts to act on a joint giant proposal under the auspices of -the.. Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) which provides federal grant monies for bike trail projects. Batchelder stated the group is meeting to discuss trail connections and the benefits of a coordinated approach to trails on a regional basis. Batchelder stated that each participant had been asked to submit a wish list for a preliminary look at the possibilities of a joint application for ISTEA funding. The Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed the options for trail links to the City of Mendota Heights' trail systems to the regional trail system and across the Mendota Bridge. Batchelder explained that the time line for ISTEA applications is going to be very quick with a possible April 1st deadline for all the Cities to come up with a joint grant application for funding. Batchelder stated that he was reviewing the possibility with the Parks Commission in the hope that the details could be brought back at the March 9th Parks Commission meeting but was not sure how fast the joint grant application would be moving. Batchelder stated it may be necessary to proceed to the City Council for approval on participation in a joint application prior to the time it can be brought back to the next Parks Commission meeting. Parks Project Manager Kullander explained how the Soo Line Regional Trail, proposed to be acquired by MnDOT, would be part of Dakota County's regional trail system. Kullander explained two under passes that are needed in order to make Soo Line Regional Trail a possibility. Kullander stated these underpasses are at the Highway 110 Frontage Road heading down into Mendota and at the new Highway 13 crossing of the railroad. Commissioner Linnell stated the City of Mendota Heights should encourage the County to do the Soo Line Regional Trail System. He stated this regional trail has potential to link to hundreds of miles of other trails throughout the region including Harriet Island/Lilydale Regional Park, Fort Snelling State Park, the Minneapolis trail system and the Eagan trail system which extends to the Zoo and to Lebanon Hills Regional Park. He stated the DNR was interested and supportive of this effort. The Parks Commission discussed City priorities and felt that the underpasses for the Soo Line Railroad and the Soo Line trail construction should be our priorities. The Commission encouraged the City staff to follow through on a possible joint ISTEA Grant application with the other organizations. Commissioner Spicer arrived at 7:30 o'clock P.M. Commissioner Kleinglass arrived at 7:45 o'clock P.M. Parks Project Manager Kullander briefly discussed the Mendota Interchange highway project with the Parks Commission, ELECTION OF OFFICERS Commissioner Damberg moved to appoint Commissioner Katz as Chair and Commissioner Spicer as Vice Chair and Administrative Assistant Batchelder as Secretary for the 1993 Parks Commission year. Commissioner Kleinglass seconded the motion. AYES: 7 NAYS: 0 REQUEST FOR TENNIS COURT RESERVATIONS Chair Katz introduced a request for tennis court reservations by the St. Thomas Academy tennis team for the spring season boy's tennis season. St. Thomas Academy is requesting the use of Roger's Lake Park and Friendly Hills Park tennis courts Monday through Friday from 3:15 P.M. to 5:15 P.M. for the period from April 1st until June 1st. Batchelder quoted the Park Reservation Policy as "tennis courts are available on a first come first served basis for Mendota Heights residents and are not to be reserved. The following community groups may reserve tennis courts with the permission of the Parks and Recreation Commission and the City Council: Men& Eagan Athletic Association, all public and private schools in Mendota Heights". Batchelder stated that St. Thomas requests for reservations of tennis courts had been routinely granted until 1992 when the City Council only granted half of their request and did not allow the Friendly Hills tennis courts to be reserved, because of the heavy use that it receives from the neighborhood and would tie up all courts south of Highway 110, Commissioner Spicer moved to recommend that City Council approve the St. Thomas Academy tennis team request for reservations with the City allowing St. Thomas to reserve Roger's Lake Park and one park north of Highway 110 specifically Marie or Wentworth Park tennis courts for use by the 1993 St. Thomas tennis teams. Commissioner Norton seconded the motion. AYES: 7 NAYS: 0 NATIONAL SPORTS TRAINING CENTER Batchelder stated that the City had received a request from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation board to consider granting conceptual approval in support of a feasibility study grant to assess the need and financial projections for a proposed national sports training center in the Fort Snelling area. Batchelder stated that this national sports training center is modeled after a similar center in Blaine. Commissioner Spicer stated that the Blaine facility was a multi use facility including soccer fields, a velodrome and other olympic sport qualifying facilities. Commissioner Kleinglass moved to recommend that City Council approve conceptual support for a national sports training center at Fort Snelling and authorize to Mayor to send a letter to the City of Minneapolis endorsing the concept of this center. Commissioner Spicer seconded the motion. AYES: 7 NAYS: 0 Recreation Programmer Morgan stated she had been getting many requests from various user groups for scheduling time at Mendakota Park and other softball fields throughout the City. Morgan stated it was going to be difficult for all user groups to have access to Mendakota Park. She stated at this time the City is giving primary consideration to adult softball leagues and that the next priority would be high school softball leagues. Morgan stated she has received requests from Visitation Convent, Sibley girl's fast pitch team and Mend - Eagan teams as well as attempting to schedule the new Mendota Heights adult leagues. Morgan stated that the City would attempt to provide access to these fields for all user groups but it was obvious that everybody would not get all of their requests. Morgan explained that West Publishing had submitted a letter to the City requesting the use of three fields on Thursday evening. The Parks and Recreation Commission discussed this request and decided it conflicted too much with the adult softball programming already scheduled for Thursday evening at Mendakota Park. Batchelder stated the newsletter was scheduled to be delivered to Mendota Heights homes in the next week and that this included articles on the new softball leagues, the sand volleyball leagues and park reservation procedures. Batchelder stated that the City Administrator had agreed to a annual schedule for the newsletter that would accommodate the registration periods for recreation programs. Commissioner Norton stated that Inver Grove Heights is currently using Dakota County's piston bully for grooming of cross country ski trails on their new golf course. She stated the City of Mendota Heights should pursue joint use with Dakota County of this equipment for grooming trails in our City. Commissioner Spicer inquired if City staff had followed through on a recommendation from the Parks and Recreation Commission to pursue discussions with the owners of the Par 3 Golf Course for acquisition. Administrative Assistant Batchelder stated City staff had made inquiries with the owners last year, but not recently. Morgan stated she is currently working with the Cities of West St. Paul and South St. Paul to make available to Mendota xeights children a safety camp this summer. Morgan stated the safety camp would include bike safety, fire safety and stranger danger programs. She stated Mendota Heights residents would be able to participate and that this would all be fee based programming. Morgan also stated that she was in the beginning stages of planning a nature camp for Mendota Heights children involving a naturalist who would provide a day camp for children to learn about and discover nature. The Parks Commission inquired about the Annual Celebrate Mendota Heights Park festivities. Batchelder stated he would place this item on the March agenda and at that time we could begin forming another citizen's task force to help plan for the upcoming celebration. Batchelder stated the City had purchased a bobcat for the street department and that this equipment was useful for plowing narrow sections of our trail system. Batchelder stated that following direction from the Parks Commission, revisions have been made to the Park Video and it had been finalized. He stated it is now airing on Channel 18 and that the City would be provided with two copies that would be available for viewing. Batchelder stated that Judy Skiei- Voss had edited the video including new footage, better audio and enhanced lighting and he encouraged everyone to watch this program. Commissioner Linnell inquired about Ivy Falls Park and the impact of the Ivy Falls Creek Project on the Park. The Parks Commission requested that Klayton Eckles, Engineer, attend the March meeting to discuss the design of the pond in Ivy Falls Park. There being no further business the Parks and Recreation Commission adjourned at 9:00 o'clock P.M. Respectfully submitted, Kevin Batchelder Administrative Assistant