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1995-03-14 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda Packet (2)CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA AGENDA PARKS AND RECREATION COMNIISSION MARCH 14, 1995 - 6#30 P.M. ** 6:30 o'clock p.m. ** 1. Call to Order. 2. Roll Call. 3. Approval of Febrnary 14, 1994 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes. 4. Valley View Heights Park -Request for Basketball Halfcourt * Dave Ayers and other neighborhood representatives 5. Discuss Landscape Design Concepts -Ivy Hills Park * Jim Hagstrom, Savanna Designs 6. Discuss T-Ball Fields at Resurrection Cemetery 7. Park Vision and Philosophy Discussion * Continue Discussion of Recreation Programming - Shelli Morgan 8. Discussion of Concession Stand Service at Mendakota Park 9. Preliminary Discussion of Capital Improvements Plan for 1995 - 1999 10. Updates * City Council Actions * Bridgeview Shores Trail (See attached letter) 10. Adjourn. Auxiliary aids for disabled persons are available upon request at least 120 hours in advance. IF a notice of less than l20 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 FEBRIIARY 14, 1995 The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and .Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, February 14, 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 Kleinglass, Liberacki, Linnell, Libra and Spicer. Commissioners Damberg and Norton were excused. Also present were Administrative Assistant Kevin Batchelder and Parks Project Manager Guy Kullander. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Kleinglasa moved to approve the January 10, 1995, minutes. Commissioner Linnell seconded the motion. AYES: 4 NAYS: 0 Chair Spicer introduced new Commission member Jay Liberacki to the other Commission members and staff. IVY HILLS LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT Mr. Derrick Young, of Landscape Architecture, appeared before the Commission to give a presentation and proposal for landscape design of the Ivy Hills Park holding pond. Mr. Young stated he has been in practice since 1977 and is registered as a landscape architect in the State of Minnesota. Mr. Young provided personal background and a resume. Commissioner Libra arrived at 6:45 o'clock P.M. Mr. Young stated that he has designed several public parks, some of them similar to Ivy Hills Park. Mr. Young demonstrated with photographs how he and his firm disguised some holding pond and concrete structures within the holding pond. Mr. Young described possible approaches to hiding and disguising the concrete structure and seeding the steep slope along Maple Park Drive. Mr. Young provided a demonstration and photographs of a current project in the City of Farmington where he is doing a landscape plan for a 176 acre planned unit development known as the Town Plan in Farmington. Parks and Recreation Commission February 14, 1995 Page 3 AYES: 5 NAYS: 0 ST THOMAS TENNIS RESERVATIONS The Commission discussed St. Thomas Academy's request to reserve Roger's Lake Park and Valley Park tennis courts from April 1, 1995 until June 1, 1995, from 3:15 P.M. to 5:15 P.M., Monday through Friday. The Commission felt that this request was routine and that a positive recommendation was forthcoming. The Commission discussed the use of Valley Park for reserved play, due to the fact that Valley Park is considered the best situated tennis court in Mendota Heights and is often heavily used. The Commission felt that this request for reservation should be approved with the caveat that if Valley Park proves to be too busy, then St. Thomas Academy would use Marie or Wentworth Park tennis courts. Commissioner Libra moved to approve the request for tennis reservations for St. Thomas Academy for Roger's Lake Park and Valley Park tennis courts from April 1, 1995 until June 1, 1995 from 3:15 P.M. to 5:15 P.M., Monday through Friday, with the caveat that if Valley Park proves to be too busy for reservations, that the play be moved to Marie Park or Wentworth Park. Commissioner Linnell seconded the motion. AYES: 5 NAYS:. 0 Commissioner Libra introduced Pam Erhlich, of the Sibley Sting Soccer program. Commissioner Libra stated he had submitted a memorandum to the Parks Commission at last month's meeting requesting that the City consider releasing the funds from the Park Referendum that had been earmarked for raising the powerlines at Kensington Park. Libra stated the soccer groups are requesting that funds be released so that they may be used for other improvements at Kensington Park that they feel will be more beneficial to the overall quality of the soccer complex than spending the money to raise the powerlines. Commissioner Libra stated the soccer groups feel this would be a prudent use of the funds in order to complete the park and soccer fields. Libra stated the soccer fields have never been quite completed and need some problem areas corrected Parks and Recreation Commission February 14, 1995 Page 5 Kullander stated the soil in this area has a lot of clay content and that the existing top soil could be better. Kullander stated, for the most part, the turf at the soccer fields is in good condition however there are areas where there has been some settling and that these areas sag and collect water and then in combination with heavy soccer use it is very difficult for the turf to establish. Kullander stated that soccer play continues despite the weather and that games go on even when the fields are wet. Commissioner Kleinglass moved to approve the request to top dress the fields and to fix the trouble spots with additional fill, seeding and sodding for an estimated cost of $10,000, to purchase $1,000 of evergreen trees to be planted with the help of volunteer assistants, and to purchase additional youth goals and nets for an estimated cost of $4,000. Commissioner Linnell seconded the motion. The Commission discussed the existing 1995 Maintenance Budget to see if there were anticipated savings that could pay for these items. The Commission discussed the Capital Improvement Plan and different funding sources available for park improvements. The Commission discussed the use of the General Fund for future maintenance and top dressing of the athletic fields in the City. The Commission inquired how much funding is left in the referendum. Kullander replied that approximately $55,000 remains in the Parks Referendum, however, this is slowly being used to pay for staff time and assessments at Mendakota Park. Kullander stated the North Kensington Park plan is budgeted for a not to exceed amount of $41,000 leaving less than $15,000 in the referendum. The Commission recommended that if the development of North Kensington Park uses up the remaining referendum money then these requests for improvements at South Kensington Park should be paid for out of the Special Park Fund. AYES: 5 NAYS: 0 The Parks Commission felt it was important to pay for these final improvements at South Kensington Park at this time with existing funds, however, in the future these types of field improvements should be funded by the General Fund as maintenance items. Commissioner Libra requested this be held over until the March 7 Council meeting in order that some of the soccer parents involved could attend the Council meeting. Parks and Recreation Commission February 14, 1995 Page 7 The Commission directed staff to prepare a resolution that states that the City is generally in support of the North Urban Regional Trail, however, there are still some questions to be answered about construction and improvement details. IVY HILLS LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR (CONTINUED) Mr. Jim Hagstrom, of Savannah Designs, appeared before the Commission to make a proposal and presentation about the future landscape project in Ivy Hills Park. Mr. Hagstrom stated he has reviewed Ivy Hills Park and feels that this is very similar to some of the small projects in neighborhoods that his firm has done in the past. Mr. Hagstrom stated that while wildflowers and prairie grass are good for low maintenance, he would like to talk to the Commission about some of the possible constraints. Mr. Hagstrom stated that the area proposed for wildflowers is a steep, south facing slope that may be difficult to establish wildflowers on. Mr. Hagstrom also stated that this is quite a traditional neighborhood with manicured lawns and formal landscape designs throughout. Hagstrom stated that he wonders if the commitment for wildflowers and natural grass is appropriate for Ivy Hills Parks. Mr. Hagstrom stated that his firm specializes in native grasses and wildflower planting and that his firm has completed plans where they have met with neighbors to discuss the neighborhood context, which in many cases is more traditional in appearance than native plantings, grasses and wildflowers. Mr. Hagstrom stated that he is qualified to work with the Parks Commission and the neighborhood to discover the perception and the fit of wildflowers and native grasses in this neighborhood. Mr. Hagstrom stated that the wildflowers and the native grasses could be designed in shapes and patterns that fit in a traditional neighborhood. In this manner, Mr. Hagstrom stated, they can make the neighborhood look better and function better. Chair Spicer inquired if Mr. Hagstrom's firm could meet the budget and provide the low maintenance wildflowers and native prairie grasses including trees and shrubs and possibly addressing the concrete structures in the park. Mr. Hagstrom responded that this would be an ample budget and would also allow some oversizing of some plant materials to jump start the look in the pond area. Mr. Hagstrom stated that if wildflowers are seeded it can take up to three years to Parks and Recreation Commission February 14, 1995 Page 9 Mr. Swenson stated the first issue for the architect would be how to recreate the pond with the neighbors who have lived in this area for some time. Swenson stated it is important to consider what will be pleasing in this neighborhood and what will not. Mr. Swenson stated it will be necessary to hide or disguise the outlet and inlet structures that have been constructed. Mr. Swenson stated he feels they can enhance the look of the inlet and outlet structures with the sandstone that is available and using these sandstones in a placement pattern that would be an amenity. Mr. Swenson stated that native plant materials to establish a low maintenance area for Ivy Hills Park could be designed fairly easily. Swenson stated their proposal also includes an additional proposal to design a masterplan for the entire park. Swenson stated that plug materials could be used to make an impact sooner instead of relying entirely on seeding. The Commission inquired about experience with neighborhood meetings. Swenson responded that they are currently working on a similar project on Lowry Hill with the Minneapolis Neighborhood Revitalization Program. Mr. Swenson stated that his proposed fee includes meeting with the Commission and the City Council, however separate neighborhood meetings will require a higher fee. The Commission inquired about using the stone from Acacia and Mr. Swenson responded this stone could be used for informal benches, retaining walls or possibly rip rap structures at the outlet structures. The Commission inquired about turnaround time to get the project completed for the March meeting. Mr. Swenson responded they could schedule this project. The Parks and Recreation Commission thanked Mr. Swenson for his presentation. The Parks and Recreation Commission discussed advantages and disadvantages of the three proposals presented this evening. Chair Spicer stated he had liked the presentation by Mr. Swenson, of Damon Farber Associates, because it appeared they had thought through all of the facets including ADA, the plantings, the stone work and their extensive experience in park design. Spicer stated that he is aware that Damon Farber had done an excellent job on a linear park in Chaska. Commissioner Kleinglass felt that Derek Young had also put a lot of thought into his presentation. Commissioner Libra stated he felt the stone work around the culverts could be a major undertaking and that the more stone work that was done, Parka and Recreation Commission February 14, 1995 Page 11 AYES: 5 NAYS: 0 Chair Spicer requested that this item be carried over to the March meeting. Administrative Assistant Batchelder stated that this item appeared on the Parks Commission agenda so that they can begin planning future capital improvements and that they could be ready for the 1996 budget process which begins in late May or early June. The Commission discussed the possibility of recommending a floor for the Special Park Fund so that the park fund not be drawn down below an established fund level. IIPDATES Administrative Assistant Batchelder explained that the City Council had not approved the concept plan for placing two t- ball fields at the front lawn at the City Public Works garage. He stated the City Council directed staff to contact Resurrection Cemetery to seek their approval for placing some level of ballfields at the cemetery's southeast corner. He stated the cemetery had responded positively and he provide a copy of their letter to the Commission. The Parks and Recreation Commission discussed the appropriate ballfields that would be most needed by Mendota Heights Athletic Association in this location. The Parks and Recreation Commission directed staff to contact the Mendota Heights Athletic Association to find out what their priorities are for field needs and what their most needed field levels are. Batchelder stated that the Park Reservation Policy had been approved by the City Council with changes to the Parks and Recreation Commission recommendation. Batchelder stated these changes included amending Exhibit C to define organized youth programs. There being no further business, the Parks and Recreation Commission adjourned its meeting at 9:00 o'clock P.M. Respectfully submitted, Kevin Batchelder, Administrative Assistant CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO t VI Ulf CO 4rk�o Janus 'F5F" , 1995 \Jexvlu Vv I i 6 To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kevin Batchelder, Administrative Assist' Subject: Continued Discussion of Recreation Programming At the December meeting, Shelli Morgan, Recreation Programmer, reviewed the City's recreation programs and the evaluations of these programs to describe their current state of activity for the Commission. The Commission discussed joint planning with neighboring communities, passive recreational activities and additional programs that could be added. The Commission directed staff to research staffing levels of similar sized communities, to generate ideas on the most feasible or practical programs that could be added and to explore joint program ideas with neighboring cities. Attached you will find an informal survey of some similar sized Minnesota cities listing their populations and their full-time staffing components. Also attached is a brief list of Recreation Programming ideas. This list includes programs that staff has either been contacted about or is aware that there might be a demand for. Shelli will be present Tuesday evening to continue this discussion with the Commission. Discuss recreation programming and provide staff with any appropriate direction. CITY Marshall 12,026 • Park Supervisor • Assistant Director Lino Lakes 10,056 • Parks and Recreation Director • Recreation Supervisor Mound 91652 • Parks Director Mounds View 12,638 • Director of Parks, Recreation & Forestry • Athletic Supervisor New Ulm 13,302 • Director • Recreation Program Supervisor • Facility Manager/ASs't. Director Prior Lake 11,876 •Director of Parks & Recreation • Program Specialist Robbinsdale 14,429 • Director • Recreation Supervisor • Senior Program Coordinator • Athletic Supervisor • Aquatic Supervisor Rosemount 91750 • Director of Parks & Recreation • Ass't. Director of Parks & Recreation Savage 11,775 • Parks & Recreation Director • Program Supervisor Shakopee 12,344 • Recreation Assistant • Program Supervisor Vadnais Hts 11,420 • Parks Superintendent 0 Recreation Programmer CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOT2 AGENDA March 21, 1995 - 7:30 P.M. 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Agenda Adoption 4. Approval of March 7 Minutes 5. Consent Calendar a. Acknowledgment of the March 14 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes. b. Approval to Nominate the Mendota Heights Fire Department for the 1995 Minnesota Fire Department Community Service Award - RESOLUTION NO. 95-15. c. Approval to Replace Police Department Vehicle. d. Approval to Award 1995 Street Sweeping Contract. e. Approval to Cooperate in the Construction of Traffic Signals at Trunk Highway 13/Pilot Knob Road Intersection. f. Acceptance of Police Officer Contract Settlement. g. Approval of the List of Contractors. h. Approval of the List of Claims. End of Consent Calendar 6. Public Comments 7. Unfinished and New Business a. Review of TMI Work Hour Request. Do Discuss T- Ball Fields at Resurrection Cemetery. C. Discuss Operation of Mendakota Park Concession Stand. d. Discuss Future Recreation Program Staffing. e. Set Future Council Workshop Dates. 8. Council Comments CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS i March 17 1995 To: Mayor, City Council and City Adminis�att From: Kevin Batchelder, Administrative Assis42 Subject: Full Time Recreation Programmer City Council had requested that the Parks and Recreation Commission address a number of issues as part of the Target Issues process. Specifically, Council had requested that the Parks and Recreation Commission review Capital Improvements, park and recreation funding sources, the park dedication formula and the need for additional recreation programming. As Council is aware, the Parks and Recreation Commission labored over a Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) last year. As part of establishing the ground work for an annual CIP process, the Commission also discussed policies and approaches for the various parks funding sources. In addition, they have recently been reviewing the need for additional recreation programming. The Commission, at their December meeting, had requested that staff research levels of staffing at similar sized, metro area cities. In addition, the Commission encouraged joint programming with neighboring communities, the creation of more passive recreational activities and to consider additional practical and feasible recreation programs that could be added to our current slate of programs. (Please see attached Survey of Recreation Staffmg and Recreation Programming Ideas.) The Commission feels that Mendota Heights could, and should, be doing more in the way of recreation programming for its residents. They feel we don't offer as much as most cities of similar size. The Commission would like to expand programming and feels it is necessary to have a full-time position to accomplish the level of activity they would like to see. They would like this option explored as part of the 1996 Budget discussions. Our program is growing incrementally each year. Recently, two new programs have been offered including aParent/Child "Build a Bird House" workshop (passive) and new Golf Leagues at the Par 3 for Seniors, Women and Juniors. Current discussions are on- going with West St. Paul about additional activities. A constraint to our programming ability is the lack of indoor gymnasium space for Fall, Winter and Spring programs such as Basketball and Volleyball. All our recreation program costs are supported by user fees, a policy that was enacted with the original establishment of the Recreation Programmer SURVEY OF RECREATION STAFFING JANUARY 6, 1995 CITY POPULATION POSITIONS Arden Hills 9,513 • Director of Parks & Recreation • Program Supervisor Champlin 18,244 • Parks & Recreation Director • Park & Public Works Director • Recreation Supervisor Chanhassen 12,863 • Recreation Supervisor • Program Specialist/Senior Citizen Coordinator Chaska 12,251 • Director of Parks & Recreation • Athletic Programmer • Arts & Special Events Coordinator • Facility Manager Columbia Hts 19,055 • Director of Recreation • Youth Program Coordinator Elk River Area Rec. 12,041 • Recreation Coordinator Falcon Hts 5,293 • 1 person (not known) Farmington 6,347 • Director of Parks & Recreation • Recreation Programmer Hastings 16,032 • Director of Parks & Recreation Hutchinson 11,865 • Director of Parks & Recreation • Recreation Specialist • Youth Services Director • Facilities Manager Little Canada 91081 • Director of Parks & Recreation RECREATION PROGRAMMING IDEAS Passive Parent/Child Build a Bird House - scheduled for April 1, 1995 -Arts and Crafts in the Parks - may duplicate what ISD 197 offers -Fire Arms/Gun Safety Class - Possibly in conjunction with Police Department -CPR/First Aid Certification Class -Trips in conjunction with other Cities - possibilities include theatres, sporting events and shopping events. Active -Junior Golf League - with WSP and SSP at Par 3 Course -Line Dancing - Gymnasium space would be needed -Basketball Leauge - Gymnasium space would be needed -Aerobics - Gymnasium space would be needed -Horseback Riding - at a local Ranch 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 Required 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.