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1995-05-09 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda Packet (2)CITY Or MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA I1;H �IU�1 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MAY 9, 1995 - 6:30 P.M. o'clockp.m. ** 1. Call to Order. 3. Approval of April 11, 1994 Pazks and Recreation Commission Minutes. 4. Continued Discussion of Capital Improvements Plan for 1995 - 1999 5. Discussion of Dakota County CIP 1995-1999 6. Discussion of Upcoming Joint Workshop with City Council 7. Updates * City Council Actions On Ivy Falls Pazk and Bridgeview Shores Trail * Schedule Trail Stencilling * Mendakota Concessions 8. 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 APRIL 11, 1995 The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, April 11, 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: Norton, Liberacki, Kleinglass, Damberg, Libra, Linnell and Spicer. Also present were Administrative Assistant Kevin Batchelder and Parks Project Manager Guy Kullander. Commissioner Damberg moved to approve the March 14, 1995 minutes. Commissioner Linnell seconded the motion. AYES: 7 NAYS: 0 COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Damberg stated that she would like the Parks and Recreation Commission to take a closer LooK.at the issue of vandalism in the City parks. Commissioner Damberg stated that some people are afraid to be in Valley Park and that she is aware that there has been damage going on there as well as bonfires at night. Commissioner Damberg requested that the Chief of Police address how we are handling these incidences in our parks and what can be done about it. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PLAN Chair Spicer stated that the Capital Improvements Plan should be reviewed and updated as the City heads into the 1996 Budget process. Spicer stated the Commission should begin discussions of the Capital Improvement Plan including reviewing the list of 1995 objectives and to consider capital needs over the long term through the year 1999. Chair Spicer stated that the largest item in the 1995 list of improvements was a tennis court at Hagstrom-King Park that had originally been hoped would be paid for with referendum funds. He stated now that the referendum funds are committed he inquired if the Commission would like to pay for this out of the Special Park Fund. Spicer stated that he has been with the Parks Commission for many years and that they have been very frugal with the Special Park Fund over these years. Spicer stated that it appears that the remaining 1994 items that need to be constructed and the list of 1995 items total to $60,000+ to be Parks and Recreation Commission April 11, 1995 Page 3 each Commissioner to look at 1996 priorities, long term priorities, any changes in funding policies and any additional items that are not already on the list. IVY FALLS PARK OPEN HOIISE The Commission met with 25 residents of the Ivy Falls Park neighborhood for approximately 1 1/2 hours. Chair Spicer introduced the Commission, staff members and Mr. Jim Hagstrom of Savanna Designs. Administrative Assistant Batchelder provided a background on the Ivy Falls Creek project and described how the Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council had desired to restore the landscaping and beautify the pond area after construction. Batchelder stated the Commission had interviewed three Landscape architectural landscape firms and had chosen Mr. Hagstrom of Savanna Designs based on their expertise with native grasses and wildflower plantings. He stated the Commission had preferred to go with a low maintenance, natural grass landscaping in this pond area because it was ecologically sound and would provide a high degree of beauty to this area. He stated the Commission has met with Mr. Hagstrom to set the parameters of the design and that Mr. Hagstrom is here tonight to present his landscape design plan. Mr. Hagstrom provided a twenty minute presentation including slides on the grass and plant species that he would be using in his landscape design. Mr. Hagstrom reviewed the specifics of the landscape plan with the audience. For the next hour there was a general discussion regarding the pond and its beautification. Many residents at the meeting expressed a concern about the safety of the steep slopes of the new berm, about the water quality in the pond, and about the increased capacity for storm water in this area. The Parks Commission attempted to focus on the beautification plan with the landscape design, however, the neighborhood expressed the opinion that their biggest concern is with the engineering aspects of the storm water pond and the water quality. The following comments were received during the meeting: • The walking path shown on top of the berm is a concern due to the steep slopes down to the pond. • During storm events this pond has a significant bounce in water level and there is a concern about how the pond is going to be kept clean. • Another resident expressed a safety concern with the steep embankments. Parks and Recreation Commission April 11, 1995 Page 5 BRIDGEVIEW SHORES TRAIL NEIGHBORHOOD OPEN HOUSE Chair Spicer introduced the Commission and staff to the residents in Ruhlmann, Abu attendance. and Florence In attendance were Islam and Mr. Norm Garry and Barb Linnell, Administrative Assistant Batchelder provided a background to the Parks Commission on this issue and stated that City Council had requested that this matter be referred to the Parks and Recreation Commission to provide all interested neighbors an opportunity to have input. He stated that an item announcing this neighborhood open house had been published in the Southwest Review and the Sun Current and that letters had been sent to everybody in the Bridgeview Shores neighborhood. Parks Project Manager Kullander described the details of the trail project that includes a trail along the north side of Mendota Heights Road from Westview Terrace to Dodd Road. Kullander stated this trail had been included as part of a Task Force recommendation for a traffic signal light at the corner of Mendota Heights Road and Dodd Road. Mr. Islam stated that he had appeared before the City Council to oppose the construction of this trail and that he desired this trail be eliminated from the traffic signal light project. Mr. Islam stated there would be a significant loss of privacy from within any room in his house. Mr. Islam stated that he had a home with all the rooms oriented to the rear of the house and that his house is parallel to Mendota Heights Road. Mr. Ruhlmann stated that in addition to privacy concerns for both his house and the Islam's house, he felt there is a safety issue. Mr. Ruhlmann explained that cars approaching Mendota Heights Road along Westview Terrace have a blind approach to traffic on Mendota Heights Road. Mr. Ruhlmann stated that to the east of Westview Terrace is a dip in the road and because of the curve of Mendota Heights Road it is difficult to see cars coming from the west along Mendota Heights Road. Mr. Ruhlmann stated that it is necessary for cars to creep out past the stop sign in order to see traffic coming down Mendota Heights Road. Mr. Ruhlmann stated he feels that a trail would dump pedestrian and bicycle traffic into the stop sign area where cars must creep forward and that this is a dangerous safety issue. The Parks Commission discussed the spacing of the Spruce trees that run along the rear property line of the Ruhlmann's and Parks and Recreation Commission April 11, 1995 Page 7 Mr. Islam stated that he feels this whole project was done in secrecy and that his property value will be lowered by $25,000 to $40,000. Mr. Islam stated that they will lose all privacy at their home and that the City would be guiding people, including children with bikes, into a blind intersection if the City constructs this trail. Mr. Islam stated why would anybody want to take a walk on this trail because it is too noisy with the traffic in the area. Commissioner Damberg inquired about the necessity of this trail section if the new middle school opens. Ms. Islam responded that there are no homes on the other side of Dodd Road that would need to get to the middle school. Commissioner Kleinglass stated that he feels the purpose of this trail is to allow Bridgeview Shores residents to connect to Dodd Road and to the trail system on the west side of Dodd Road where there are many trail connections in different directions. Commissioner Linnell stated that he feels this is a small portion of trail that makes sense for this neighborhood. Mr. Islam stated that the only reason the City was providing this trail segment was because we are getting the money from MnDOT. Mr. Norm Linnell, Bridgeview Shores resident, spoke in favor of the City building this trail segment. Mr. Linnell stated that currently children have to cross Mendota Heights Road to access the trail system. Mr. Linnell stated that he believes this trail segment would be a real benefit for Bridgeview Shores children that have to cross Dodd Road at the traffic light. Mr. Linnell stated that Mendota Heights Road is getting busier all of the time and cars often travel at a high speed on this road. Mr. Linnell stated he feels most of the neighborhood would use Pondhaven to get to Westview Terrace where there is currently a deadend. Mr. Ruhlmann stated Westview Terrace is blind to Mendota Heights Road and this trail would be putting people into this blind spot. Mr. Linnell stated that the people are already there using the right-of-way for walking and that the trail would be safety benefit. Mr. Ruhlmann stated that if you can use the seventeen feet of grass existing in this area, why do you need a trail? Commissioner Liberacki stated that the same situation exists in his neighborhood where the patios and the rear of homes back up to an existing trail where it runs along Mendota Heights Road in the Brentwood neighborhood. Mr. Liberacki stated that none of these homes have lost value due to the Parks and Recreation Commission April 11, 1995 Page 9 Mr. Islam stated that Public Works Director Danielson had told him that a woman from Bridgeview Shores was on the Task Force and had wanted this trail segment included so that her child could walk to Visitation School. Mr. Islam felt that school children making their way to Visitation School can walk on the grass. Mr. Norm Linnell stated that bicycles and rollerbladers are also going in that direction. Mr. Islam stated that this trail would only be used three to four months of the year. Mr. Norm Linnell stated that he feels it is dangerous to ask children to cross to the south side of Mendota Heights Road to access the trail system. Mr. Linnell stated he feels this would be a benefit to the City for two reasons, 1) it does not cost the City any money, and 2) there are strong safety reasons to install this trail. Mr. Islam stated that it was a mistake for the City to ask for the money for this trail segment without conducting a neighborhood meeting or contacting the property owners along the trail. Commissioner Kleinglass inquired if a cross walk could be painted across Mendota Heights Road at Bridgeview Court, Parks Project Manager Kullander stated that a cross walk would create a false impression of a safe cross walk when there is no traffic control device along Mendota Heights Road. Kullander stated that studies show cross walks without control devices creates more accidents. Ms. Islam stated the Parks Commission should consider building a trail all the way along Mendota Heights Road so that they can see how the other neighbors would like having a trail in their rear yard. Chair Spicer stated that he can understand the Islam's concerns because this trail is in their backyard and impacts the use and privacy. Spicer stated that however, the vast majority of residents in the City are in favor of the trails. Mr. Islam stated that his whole house orients to the rear of the property and with a trail in this area there would be no more privacy. Mr. Islam stated that he will not be able to use his patio. He stated that he feels strongly that it will harm the privacy and value of his home. Ms. Islam stated that a Task Force member had discussed the signal light project with them on their property and never mentioned the inclusion of a trail in this project. Ms. Islam stated that the Task Force never considered the impact of this trail on their property and never conducted any public hearings. Chair Spicer thanked the residents for their attendance at this meeting and stated the Parks and Recreation Commission would make a recommendation to the City Council regarding this proposed trail segment. Parks and Recreation Commission April 11, 1995 Page 11 Mr. Heaver stated he felt the value of the easement may be greater than the cash dedication. Chair Spicer stated it appears the choices are either to accept the cash dedication proposal or to accept an easement for trail including construction costs of the trail. Commissioner Liberacki stated that his understanding of the ordinance is that the ordinance allows a ten percent land dedication from which the City Council can decide to allow a cash dedication in lieu of the required land dedication. Mr. Heaver inquired if the Clement Street area was on the list for City street improvement projects. Kullander stated that the Clement area is not on the list in the immediate future, however, the Cherry Hills neighborhood is. Commissioner Linnell moved to recommend a trail easement and the construction costs of a trail from the end of the cul-de- sac to Clement Street in lieu of the cash dedication. Commissioner Liberacki seconded the motion. AYESs 6 NAYS: 0 ABSTAIN: 1, RLEINGLASS Commissioner Kleinglass stated that he is not convinced the City needs the trail. IVY HILLS PARK Chair Spicer stated there is little the City can do about the quality of water entering the storm pond. Parks Project Manager Kullander suggested that the Watershed Management Organization would be the appropriate body to host the meeting requested by the neighborhood to discuss water quality and storm water issues. Chair Spicer stated this meeting hosted by the engineering staff should be a part of the Parks and Recreation Commission recommendation. Spicer stated that it was his impression that the neighborhood liked the landscape design plan if it includes lower bushes around the steep area on the north facing slope of the berm. Spicer stated these bushes should serve as a barrier both to the pond and to the concrete structures. The Commission agreed that bushes would provide the best screening in this area. Commissioner Linnell stated that he feels wetlands plantings should be done along the fringes of the pond, including cattails. The Commission briefly discussed engineering solutions to the flow of water into the Parks and Recreation Commission April 11, 1995 Page 13 Bridgeview Shores neighborhood is important and he feels the Parks and Recreation Commission should reaffirm the Task Force recommendation to include this trail segment in the construction of the signal light project. Commissioner Linnell inquired if landscape additions should be included with this trail construction. Commissioner Kleinglass stated that he feels the privacy argument is not a powerful argument and that this home is on the second busiest intersection in the City of Mendota Heights, Commissioner Liberacki moved that the Parka and Recreation Commission recommend that the City Council approve the construction of this trail segment as part of the Mendota Heights Road/Dodd Road signal light project. Commissioner Norton seconded the motion. The Commission discussed the option of extending the trail along Mendota Heights Road to Huber Drive to access the future school site. Commissioner Libra stated that the corner of Westview Terrace and Dodd Road should be reviewed for sight line safety issues. AYES: 5 NAYS: 1, NORTON ABSTAIN: 1, LINNELL Commissioner Liberacki moved to recommend that the City Council direct the Parks and Recreation Commission and staff to investigate the possibility of extending a trail from Westview Terrace to Huber Drive. Commissioner Libra inquired if this investigation should include a trail segment all the way to Delaware Avenue. Commissioner Norton seconded the motion. AYES: 3 NAYS: 3, SPICER, DAMBERG, LIBRA ABSTAIN: 1, LINNELL MOTION FAILS Commissioner Norton stated that the Dakota County Parks and Recreation Commission had hosted a meeting to discuss trail connections to Fort Snelling State Park at 4:30 this evening and this is virtually impossible for a working person to attend a meeting at this time. Commissioner Norton stated she feels the topic of this meeting was of primary concern to Mendota Heights and that when Dakota County schedules a