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1997-05-13 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda Packet (2)CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY.MINNESOTA AGENDA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION May 13, 1997 6:30 p.m. -Large Conference Room 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of the Apri18, 1997 Minutes 4. Open Space Tour (Please bring amini-van if you have one!) 5. Consideration of Doyle Park Donation Offer (810 Ridge Place) 6. Pazk/Open Space Inventory and Park Dedication Fee Increase Proposal (Available Tuesday) 7. Updates • PARAC Meeting • Wentworth Pazk Shelters • Making America Walkable • Parks Report • Police Report (Available Tuesday) 7. Adjourn Auxiliary aids for persons with disabilities aze 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. This may not, however, be possible on short notice. Please contact City Administration at 452-1850 with requests. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO May 13, 1997 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Patrick C. Hollister, Administrative Assistant SUBJECT: Park Dedication Fee Increase/ Recreation Facilities Inventory Discussion At the Apri18, 1997 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Commission had asked Staff to come back to the next meeting with an updated open space/park I acilities inventory and a proposal to increase fees. The Commission felt that an increase in the Park Dedication Fee could be justified based upon an increase in trail demand, the City's need for various types of open space (passive, active), and an increase in demand for ballfields, and that these increases could be documented. Any Park Dedication Fee that a City wishes to exact from a developer must meet two legal tests in order to be considered legitimate: The City must be able to demonstrate that the fee or land exaction is necessary to meet an increase in demand for park services or to mitigate a negative impact upon the park system caused by the development itself. 2. The amount of the fee or land exaction must be roughly proportional to the increase in demand or negative impact caused by the development itself. The City's Park Dedication policy should be consistent with goals and standards for parks and open space as expressed in our Comprehensive Plan. The current park dedication policy can be summarized as follows: Residential development. Upon subdivision, the developer must either pay the City $750 per residential lot created or cede to the City an equivalent value in land, at the choice of the City. Mendota Heights Recreation Facilities Inventory Facility Standard Need at 14,000 Pop. Current Inventory In City Parks Tennis Courts 1+1/2000 people 8 courts 12 courts Multi -Use Hard Surface 1+1/park+l/2000 people $courts 9 half courts 1 full court Softball Fields 1+1/2000 people 8 fields 6 youth 7 adult softball/ youth baseball Baseball Fields 1+1/6000 people 3 fields 1 full size Soccer 1+1/3500 people 5 fields 4 dedicated (1 youth) 3 overlay Hockey 1+1/3000 people 6 areas 3 Free Skating 1+1/half--mile radius 6 areas 4 Note: Additional facilities are made available to City residents through Independent School District 197, Visitation Convent, and St. Thomas Academy. z E i F I �3:3�(�p'{9 SVNFISH LACE � Y?E$$?� 9�sd € I= o m 2 y P ti ro a u� vQ —I WEST ST.PAVL ��, to to I� ' I� � Ig y g z gi e� i _ a9l� a e � 1H�9� is � )� i�.�.i ii ei'•e� a i� �� ��ti8xo ;i III" °� � � �� ®ma $���� R",z z y CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO May 8, 1997 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission and City Administrator FROM: Patrick C. Hollister, Administrative Assistant SUBJECT: Existing Park/Open Space Inventory At the April 8, 1997 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Commission asked Staff to come back to the May meeting with an updated open space/park facilities inventory and a proposal to increase park dedication fees. Please see the attached map showing the acreage of each park and the total acreage for all parks in the City of Mendota Heights. Further analysis of the existing park facilities and a proposal to increase the park dedication fees will be available on Tuesday. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO May 8, 1997 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission and City Administrator FROM: Patrick C. Hollister, Administrative Assistant SUBJECT: 810 Ridge Place Park Donation Offer (Mr. John Doyle) Discussion Mr. John Doyle of 810 Ridge Place has talked with Staff about subdividing his back yard from his house. Staff informed Mr. Doyle that the City does not permit the creation of lots with no street access. Mr. Doyle then asked about the possibility of subdividing his back lot and offering it to the City as an addition to Valley Park for a tax deduction. Staff has agreed to place this item on the May 20, 1997 agenda of the City Council for discussion. Before the Council meeting, Staff would like any comments from the Parks Commission. Staff wishes to note the following concerns about the City acquiring this land and adjoining it to Valley Park: 1. Possible neighborhood opposition. Mr. Doyle's neighbors may not want his back yard to become City park land. Some neighborhood notification process will have to occur if this transfer is to take place. 2. Liabili .The City will incur liability for this parcel, not only regarding potential injury, but also general cleaning and maintenance. 3. Limited use as part of the park. It is possible that this acquisition could be of little recreational use. There are some attractive aspects to acquiring this property, as well: I. It is adjacent to an existing park. 2. It may allow the City better access to the sewer easement which runs across the back yard. 3. It maybe more attractive if the City could also acquire the back yard of the parcel immediately to the east. i6 23 :F7 4 14-05 6 29 ' ' I 5 I 4aJ1 3 -- — ----- Ca \t --- -----_ — h -=i ------------------ ATS�------- Current size of parcel = 166,204 Size of lots after split: With h� Description: Lot drops down 35 fE PARK LAND PROPOSAL BY �,1[ Valley Park drainagipt& John Doyle easement crosses thktS 810 Ridge Place Newly formed Lot "B" would not FM.MEMMHMMMMMMns (612)4SZ1= CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY_ MI NNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 8, 1997 The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, April 8, 1997, in the Large Conference Room at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve. The meeting was called to order at 6:40 PM. The following Commissioners were present: Norton, Libra, Kleinglass, Linnell, Liberacki. Chair Spicer was excused from the meeting. Also present was Administrative Assistant Patrick C. Hollister, Commissioner Linnell moved to approve the March 11, 1997 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes with corrections. Commissioner Libra seconded the motion. AYES: NAYS: (Commissioner Damberg amved at this point.) PARK DEDICATION FEES Mr. Hollister explained that at the March 11, 1997 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Commission had asked Staff to place the park dedication policy on the April 8, 1997 agenda. Mr. Hollister continued that the Commission had also asked Staff to provide a comparison of what other cities require for their park dedication. Mr. Hollister said that the Commission was concerned that $750 may be low compared to what other Cities were asking for, especially in proportion to the land values in Mendota Heights. Mr. Hollister summarized the current park dedication policy. Mr. Hollister also explained that any Park Dedication Fee that a City wished to exact from a developer must meet three legal tests in order to be considered legitimate: 1. The City must be able to demonstrate that the fee or land exaction is necessary to meet an increase in demand for park services or to mitigate a negative impact upon the park system caused by the development itself. 2. The amount of the fee or land exaction must be roughly proportional to the increase in demand or negative impact caused by the development itself. environmental regulations and a landowner own incentives to preserve the beauty of a given site, in general those views which we value in the City would be preserved. Commissioner Liberacki continued that rather than use limited government funds to buy land to prevent trees from being cut down, it would be better to use the funds for park land that was visible, accessible, and usable. Commissioner Linnell said that there should be an overlook at Acacia with a plaque explaining the history of Pilot Knob, Commissioner Linnell said that the Foss land would be good for an extension of the Park and Trail system and could be compatible with Single Family Home construction. Commissioner Libra said that the Resurrection Cemetery land would be good for a park and picnic area. Commissioner Liberacki said that when Resurrection develops, the City should get the 10% dedication in land and hook up a trail around the lake. Commissioner Norton agreed with Commissioner Liberacki. Commissioner Linnell suggested that at the next meeting the Commission take two cars or a van and do a tour of these sites. Commissioner Linnell offered to talk to Mr. Slowinski to try to get permission to walk his property during the tour. li1�17:rY8F.y Mr. Hollister provided updates on the following items. Caren Road Detention Pond Commissioner Damberg said that the ponding area of Caren Road should be enhanced by replacing some of the plantings. Commissioner Damberg suggested putting up signs saying "Wild Flower Restoration Area." Commissioner Damberg also requested that Mr. Kullander make an on -site visit and talk to the neighbors. Commissioner Linnell offered to come to that meeting if it could be arranged. Commissioner Liberacki suggested that the Caren Road ponding area be included in next month's open space tour. Commissioner Damberg said that the City should pay more attention to the appearance of its older neighborhoods. Commissioner Libra said that the County was spending a disproportionate amount of money for trails in the southern part of the County, and that some of that money should be channeled into trails for the north. Commissioner No, said that the Mayor and City Council need to lobby the County for trails. Commissioner Libra said that one major barrier to the NURT Trail is that Valley Park neighbors don't want that trail widened very much. Commissioner Norton asked Staff to invite someone involved in trails and roads from Dakota County to come to a future meeting Wood Duck Houses in City Ponds Mr. Hollister explained that the Council had authorized the expenditure for wood duck houses and that the Public Works crew had started making these birdhouses. Full -Time Recreation Facilitator Mr. Hollister said that the Council had decided to discuss the issue of a full-time Recreation Facilitator at a 5-year plan setting workshop in mid -May. Park Police Summary for 1996 Mr. Hollister distributed a summary of all police incidents in City parks for the year 1996. Other Mr. Hollister announced that Mr. Esser was married on Saturday, April 5 and that he was now on honeymoon until April 14. Commissioner Damberg announced that she would have to miss next month's Commission meeting because she will be in Istanbul. Commissioner Liberacki asked Staff to bring back the issue of Mr. John Doyle of 810 Ridge Place who wanted to donate his back yard to the City. Mr. Hollister distributed a letter submitted by Chair Spicer inviting interested Commissioners to attend the Dakota County Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee information sharing meeting in May 7, 1997 at Camp Sacajawea. Commissioners Norton and Linnell said that they would try to attend CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO May 8, 1997 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission and City Administrator FROM: Patrick C. Hollister, Administrative Assistant SUBJECT: Potential Park/Open Space Tour Discussion At the April 8, 1997 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Commission asked Staff to schedule a tour of the "short list" sites for potential park/open space acquisition for the May 13, 1997 meeting. Staff requests that those Commissioners who have a mini -van or similar vehicle bring it to the meeting if possible. The following sites are scheduled for the Open Space Tour in the following order. (Please see attached map.) 1. Resurrection Cemetery "Break Off' Area 2. Acacia Area TIF Acquired Property 3. Acacia property north of Acacia Boulevard 4. Tousignant Property off Mendota Heights Road 5. Visitation Convent Property 6. Doyle (810 Ridge Place) 7. Foss Homestead by Wentworth Pazk 8. Slowinski Property 9. (Caren Road Site) Staff estimates that the above tour will traverse 13.5 miles and take at least 1.5 hours, assuming that only 5 minutes of discussion occurs at each venue. Please note that Staff has neither sought nor received permission from any landowner to walk on their property. Action Required Take the above tour and discuss these parcels. v I "'�9� $ SUNFISH LANE A � g x m 3 ff•13i'III�\\\\� v I� WEST ST. 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GORG-S 4 1 N F. 6ELoFJ � � i � �� f� EA- Siic OFC� �� �{ ���� F�EtA pa-iu, BEA I'I PT FZ. wGATlot-�`i � city of WENTWORTH PARK ,,� !.�, 1Vlendota pICNIC SHELTER Heights 1101 VICTORIA CURVE MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MN 55118 (612) 452-1850 1 I ( 1 Veiume VII, Num6er3 April 1997 From the uiredffs Chair: Making America Walkable by Hank Dittmar, Executive Director t a recent hearing in the nate's Enviromment Se d Public Works Committee, a senator asked me to justify the expenditure of ISTEA. funds on projects to facilitate walking and bicycling at a time when traffic fatalities are on the rise. Somehow, the ques- tion implied, "wasn't it true that an auto trip somehow served the national interest more than a walk trip?" In recent months, much of the Highway User's Alliance "highways only" campaign has centered around just this asser- tion —that walking and bicycling are somehow frivolous and that we should rededicate our federal program to the more serious activities of building and widen- ing roads. After all, as the old saw goes, "isn't what's good for General Motors good for America?" More and more, America is finding out that investing in walking and biking is good for America. In answering the sena- tor's question, I focused on three main reasons to continue ISTEA's investment in non -motorized transportation. First, 8 percent of all trips made each day are walking trips, far more than the less than 2 percent of ISTEA funds devoted to walking and biking. At some point, every driver is also a pedestrian. If we are looking to invest in a transportation system, simple equity demands the expenditure of funding on non -motorized travel. Second, the highway crowd's citation of the death toll on the nation's roads as a higher priority ignores the fact that 15 percent of all traffic fatalities year in and year out are pedestrians and bicyclists. As our new report Nlean Streets demonstrates, less than 1 percent of ISTEA safety dollars are expended to improve safety for non -motorized tmns- portation. Again, if safety is a compelling reason for national investment in transportation, simple equity demands that we devote more funds to providing for safer travel for walkers and bicyclists. Third, the public clearly understands that investing in non -motorized transportation is in the national interest. In a recent non -partisan national poll, two-thirds of Americans supported dedicating at least 1 percent of federal gas tax fundswalkingto walking and biking, and fully 70 percent agreed that another 1 percent should be devoted to the other enhancement activities, ncluding historic preservation. Grassroots campaigns across the country are rising up to make the country more walkable. People know that there is a national interest in promoting travel by foot and bicycle. Non - motorized trips don't pollute and don't contribute to sprawl. Accommodating bicyclists and pedestrians can reduce traffic fatalities and promote healthier and more vital communities. ISTEA� reauthorization Mean Sfieeh should continue to provide atter- nadves to the automobile, giving Americans the choice not to drive as well as continuing to recognize that most trips will continue to be made by car. In reauthorizing ISTEA, Congress should move forward, not back- ward. This issue of Progress focuses on moving forward on foot. page 3 Rethinking Pedestrian Advatnty page 5 Leafing Walkahle Cammunifies page 7 Top Ten Most Dangerous Metropolitan Areas for Walking 1. Fort Lauderdale, Florida 2. Miami, Florida 3. Atlanta, Georgia 4. Tampa, Florida 5. Dallas, Texas 6. Houston, Texas 7. Detroit, MI 8. Riverside -San Bernadino, California 9, Phoenix, Arizona 10 Charlotte, North Carolina Top Ten Safest Metropolitan Areas for Walking (though they're not that safeq 1. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 2. Milwaukee, Wisconsin 3. Boston, Massachusetts 4. Rochester, New York 5, New York, New York 6. Minneapolis, Minnesota 7. San Francisco, California 8. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 9, Norfolk, Virginia 10. Columbus, Ohio The above metropolitan areas have popula- riary greater than 1 million. that seniors are almost twice as likely to be killed by an automobile as members other age groups. As a group, senior citizens are particularly depen- dent on safe streets for walking because many of them no longer drive. Most Fatalities Occur On Neighborhood Streets 55 percent of all pedestrian deaths by automobiles occur on neighborhood streets. The problem is not that pedestrians are walking in the wrong places, but that our local streets are becoming speedways designed to accommodate more cars passing through; not the people who live in their communities. The Most Dangerous Cties For Walking The high rate of pedestrian fatalities is a national problem. In some communities however, the problem is worse than most. In this report, for the first time, we present a list of the most dan- gerous communities in which to walk The cities with the largest numbers of walkers —New York, for example, will have the most pedestrian fatalities. This does not always mean, however, that tides like New York are the most dangerous places to walk relative to the number of people walking. The most dangerous metro- politan areas for walkers tend to be newer, sprawling, southern and western communities, where transportation systems are most biased toward the car at the expense of other transportation opdons. The Solution: Making Our Streets Sale For People Solutions to make our streets safer for pedestrians are well understood, but too seldom implemented. The key to improving pedestrian safety is to attack the problem at its source, and reduce hazards by improving poorly designed roadways and transportation systems. For years, traffic engineers have placed the blame on the walker rather than on the motorist or road condition. Instead of blam- ing pedestrians for being hit by cars, planners and engineers must design communities and roads that are safe for walking. m Comunities can take a variety of actions designed to make roads safer, including: + Traffic calming through the installation of speed bumps, traf- fic circles or other devices in res- idential neighborhoods that slow cars down, and ensure that pedestrians are safe. ♦ Providing separate walkways and other spaces for pedestrians. ♦ Designing public spaces to be more pedestrian friendly; includ- ing the installation of sidewalks, handrails for the infirm, bricked crosswalks, and even actions as simple as changing the patterns of the lines on the road. ♦ Enhanced public education on pedestrian safety, and ade- quate enforcement of laws designed to protect pedestrians. These tools are already mak- ing the roads safer for pedes mmu ans in some communities. In Seatde, the city's traffic calming program reduced pedestrian accidents by more than 75 per- cent. In Portland, OR, traffic circles reduced the number of reported accidents by 50 percent. These examples clearly indicate that America has the means to make our nation's streets safer For pedestrians. We lack only the public demand and political resolve to reduce pedestrian I and death. page 4 SiPP Progress •April 1997 bicycling are the indicator species of livable communities." C.QYIAW is implementing a variety of programs to promote actions at the community level including walkability audits, pedestrian road shows, walkable communities courses, charretres, pedestrian facility design course, and regional pedestrian confer- ences and training workshops. The feedback on our initial efforts has been very positive. It takes only the introduction of some sort of catalyst to precipi- tate a desire and willingness to act. When we stir -up this inter- est and enthusiasm, we've got to make it obvious what needs to happen and provide people with the tools they need to get the job done. So, the focus of the QMAWs pedestrian advocacy initiative is more on action than organiza- tion. We believe that the way to make America walkable is to get the existing leadership of com- munities and neighborhoods to adopt walkability as one of their objectives. Think about it: isn't this something that you want for your community? For mare infarma6wa on the Campaign to Make America Walkable —including the National Pedemian Cosrference this September in Warhingrm, DC—Wrire them at 1506 21 st Street NW, Warhing[an, DC 20036 Fax 202.463.6625 Email: walk@tramact.org Web (after Nlay 1) www.promafk.org CamQaign to Make America Waikae Points for ISiFA Reaul onzation: ♦ Require appropriate facilities for pedestrians on every street and highway right-of-way on which pedestrians are permitted. ♦ Require that every statewide and metropolitan planning organization (MPO) long range transportation plan include an element assessing the needs of pedestrians and proposing specific actions to respond to these needs. ♦ Require that every state and MPO transportation improvement program demonstrate that pedestrian needs are being addressed at a rate at least equal to that of other modes. ♦ Require that every Federally -funded surface transportation plan, polity, project and/or other action include an assessment of the potential impacts on walking/pedestrians; and, if any such action is found to likely reduce or negatively impact the access and safety of pedestrians, require specific measures to be included in the proposed action to folly mitigate the impacts. ♦ Direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to ensure that every state highway safety program develop a pedestrian safety action plan and allocate funds to implement the plan at least propor- tional to the percentage that pedestrian fatalities make up of the states total annual traffic related fatalities. • Amend the Surface Transportation Program "safety set -aside" to require that at least ten percent of the funds be used on pedestrian safety measures (e.g., traffic calming projects). ♦ Direct the Bureau of Transportation Statistics to develop and implement a system of data collection proce- dures to accurately measure and monitor pedestrian/walking use and safety. ♦ Require the Intelligent Transportation System research program to under take feasibility/demonstration stud- ies of ITS technologies for motor vehicle speed conQol in residential areas, school zones, and shopping areas. ♦ Direct the NHTSA to under take such actions as may be required (including rulemaking) to mandate the use by states and local governments of photo -radar type devices for detecting speed limit and traffic control viola- tions and issuing appropriate citations. ♦ Establish a program modeled after Operation Lifesaver to fund anon -profit organization to focus on promot- ing and implementing actions to address pedestrian (and bicycle) safety. page h SIP? Pmgres: •April 1997 Walkable Communities ft-mm page 7 walk, crosswalk and other infra- structure standards, and set workable walkable minimums. Two people cannot walk side -by - side on a four foot sidewalk. Five feet is a fine width for most local streets, as long as the sidewalk is set back from the curb two to six feet Commercial areas and school zones require sidewalks 8 feet wide or wider. Review the design standards of cities where you enjoy walking. If shade is important in your region, call for canopies. Trees are cheap to plant and greatly increase prop- erty values and enjoyment of walking. Renew design criteria for intersections. Most intersec- tions work best for everyone (motorists too), when they are compact and well designed. Step Seven —Fix the Land Use Current land use practices favor automobile transportation. We cannot walk to our most basic destinations such as pur- chasing groceries, banking, mail- ing letters or getting to school. Walling, transit and public safe- ty (eyes on the street and park) require 5-8 dwelling units per acre, not the conventional 1-3 units. The most beautiful and beloved streets in America, to this day, have cute 25-50 foot wide lots that support bungalow and cottage size houses with nar- row sides fronting streets. We get twice the infrastructure (roads, water, sewers, cables) for half the cost from such simple principles as building traditional neighborhoods. Mixed use devel- opment brings shopping and some commute trips back to local neighborhoods. Governments must take action to serve as initial developers, if urban infill projects are to work. Step Eight —Collaborate and Communicate Communities that cannot fig - re out how to communicate between agencies or levels of governments are doomed. Towns and cities that do not communi- cate with counties and regions will always be working at cross purposes. Strong community and regional visions are needed. If your town lacks this cooperation and coordination, start by rebuilding good town govern- ment first, then expand to the region and state. Step Nine —Expand to Regional and National issues Walkable communities can- not be developed in isolation. Much current regional and national thinking is still focused on moving vehicles, not people. Let your state legislators and congressional delegation know you expect them to change non - sustainable policies and practices to those that make sense and save money. Before investing in the next mega -million dollar intersection, they should be approving budgets that reduce sprawl and auto congestion. Require every NIPO (metropoli- tan planning organization) to adopt walling as a key compo- nent of both short and long range transportation planning. The scope is immense —banking rules currently favor sprawl development. Even rules for affordable housing (Federal Housing Administration) rules favor dropping sidewalks and curbs for two -car parking. Step Ten —Don't Give Up Dozens of towns of all descriptions have made rapid and substantial change in the past ten to twenty years. Places like Davis and San Diego, California; Portland and Gresham, Oregon; Seattle, Bellevue and Kirkland, Washington; are all examples of towns and regions that have made a difference. Each one of these places set forth effective strategies to reclaim the urban core, bring back transit, change local and regional policies and develop collaborative teams. If you don't believe you can bring change, go out and visit success - places that did it —you will be inspired. Courtesy, community and passion are found in America's most walkable places. Dan Burden it director of Walkable Communizier, Ira., a small, non-profit organization, which helps neigbbor- boadr, ratan and cities become more walkable, livable and susrainable. Walkable Cxnntuniria, Inc., 320 South Main Street, High Springs, FL 32643, 904-454-3304, email addrem. DBurden@aal.Cam STPP Progress •April 1997 page � � CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO May 8, 1997 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Terry Blum, Parks Leadperson SUBJECT: Parks Report for April 1. Sweep all pedways in City. 2. Cleanup and inspect all playground equipment. 3. Grade and drag all ball fields. 4. Stripe all foul lines and stripe soccer fields. Install soccer nets. 5. Cleanup restrooms for season. 6. Sweep ball fields and soccer fields. 7. Start up sprinkler systems and make repairs where needed. 8. Install job box for MHAA at Visitation. 9. Burn off wild flower areas. 10. General maintenance (check trash daily). Change over winter equipment to summer equipment. STATE OF MINNESOTA Office Memorandum DEPARTMENT: NATURAL RESOURCES, DIVISION OF PARKS AND RECREATION DATE: APRIL 9, 1997 To: Fort Snelling State Park Planning Advisory Committee rROM: Grant Scholen, State Park Planner (612) 296-7381 suErECT: Draft Fort Snelling State Park Management Plan Review Enclosed is the draft management plan for Fort Snelling State Park. Please review the draft prior to the Open House scheduled for Wednesday, May 14, 1997. This review period includes 30 days to meet the requirements of the Outdoor Recreation Act. Plans are available at the libraries listed on the meeting announcement. If you would like additional plan copies, or if you know of someone who would like a copy, please contact me. The DNR, Division of Parks and Recreation and the Fort Snelling State Park Management Plan Technical Team have already reviewed the draft, and their comments have been integrated into the text. The topics and actions follow the directions set in the "Direction Document" you reviewed a few months ago. The only new topic added was " dredge material placement," found on page 80 of the draft. Following our Open House on May 14, the plan will be reviewed and approved by the Department of Natural Resources. When this final planning step is completed, I will contact you to get together for one more meeting, probably at the park picnic shelter sometime in August. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me prior to the May 14 meeting. See you then, and thanks again for your attendance and help in pulling this draft plan together. C: Fort Snelling State Pazk Management Plan Technical Team Bill Morrissey Kathleen Wallace Wayland Porter Ron Hains John Strohkirch Nancy Albrecht Joel Stedman David Radford Dan Breva David Berg Steve Johnson Sandra Fecht, DNR Critical Areas Program Sandra Pinel, Metropolitan Council Critical Areas Program STATE OF MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT: DATE: TO: FROM: SUBJECT: Office Memorandum NATURAL RESOURCES, DIVISION OF PARKS AND RECREATION FEBRUARY 20, 1997 Fort Snelling State Park Planning Advisory Committee and Technical Team Members Grant Scholen, State Park Planner (2964381) cwor Notes from February 19 1997 Open House Attendance• Advisory Committee Dorothy Waltz, Shawn Corwin, Ed Olsen, Ken Vraa, C.J. Lilly, Randy Oppelt, Joan O'Brien, Chris Esser, Sandy Welsh, Technical Team - oAnn Kyral, Bill Weir, Wally Bartel, Judy Thomson, Mark Cleveland, Paul Kurvers, Dave Berg, Grant Scholen. Also, Phyllis Hanson from the Metropolitan Council. Approximately 25 persons attended the open house. Following an informal discussion session, a summary presentation of the Direction Document began at 7:30 p.m. Major discussion items included: • Upper Bluff Area Statutory Boundarv- Include a sentence in the draft plan which indicates the majority of advisory committee members addressing this issue felt the statutory boundary should be expanded to include this area as soon as possible. Bill Weir explained we are currently pursuing this area through the DNR Commissioner's authority which extends beyond statutory boundaries. • Northwest Corner Area - Several dog owners in attendance indicated they used this area for walking their dogs. They stated the direction document language appeared to be negative pertaining to dogs/dog owners. One owner stated they had not heard of anyone being intimidated or attacked by dogs in this area; examples of both intimidation and dog bites were cited by parks staff. Some owners suggested garbage bins for dog feces. They also stated this was one of the only places to walk their dogs in the area. One person stated dog walkers and bikers have displaced inappropriate uses which had been occurring in this area for years. It was clarified that leashes are required not only in the state park -administered areas, but in the Minneapolis Park Board area as well. Sandy Welsh from the Minneapolis Park Board offered to meet with dog owners during the informal discussion period following the meeting. Scholen noted he had received 3 e-notes recently advocating the continuance of mountain biking in this area (copies attached). To: Grant Scholen <grant.scholen®dnr.state.mn.us> From: Denny Rue <dennyrue0pioneerplanet.infi.net> CC: Subject: Fort Snelling State Park Management Plan Date Sunday, February 16, 1997 5:59 PM I applaud the efforts of the DNR to solicit opinions from the community in regards to land management. This is necessary in all instances such as these (why did this not occur with the Battle Creek area?). I may not be able to attend the February 19 open house. As such, I feel that my opinions need to be expressed. The particular area I am interested in is the "Northwest Comer - Minnehaha Park Area." It is my favorite place in the Twin Cities to ride my mountain bike. It is basically the only place I can ride year round. As a matter of fact, I was there today to enjoy the beautiful weather. Responsible management by the users of that area can be employed to keep it open. bike with regards to the environment and do not tread where the soil is soft and wet. It is my goal to leave no marks. This attitude needs to be adopted by all users of this area. Signs can be used to remind people of this. I see more damage caused by those who choose to use this area as a party grounds. Why was this not stated as a concern in the flier? I often encounter dogs when biking in this area. I've learned to stop and let the owner gain control of their dog. In extreme circumstances, a forceful "NO" shows them I mean business. Basically, this area can be shared amongst all people. It would be a shame if such a nice place in the midst of a major metropolitan area might be lost. If you like, the IMBA (International Mountain Bike Association) has a web site (http://wwvi.outdoo,linkacom]IMBA)4 Publications can be obtained about procedures necessary to support harmonious multiple use. There is one part of the flier I received that I found rather ironic. It was stated that, due to the unleashed dogs and mountain bike conflicts (of which I never have encountered in 10 years), there are liability issues. However, the "sport" of snowmobiling, regulated, supported and promoted by the DNR, is on a pace towards a record year in the number of related deaths. Yet, there appears to be little concern over the issue of liability. I have not heard of any deaths resulting from dogs or mountain bikes in any part of the Fort Snelling Park area. Is the issue of liability a little bit overstated? Page 1 To: DNR.intemet("dennyrue®pioneerplanet.infi.net From: Grant Scholen CC: grschole Subject: Fort Snelling State Park Management Plan -Reply Date Wednesday, February 19, 1997 11:43 AM Hello Denny - Thanks so much for your note. I made a hard copy of your comments and will make them part of the planning process record. I also heard from one other person recently with similar comments on the "Northwest area." This area has several different administrators and at this point, we are simply trying to identify them, where the ownership lines are, what rules apply, and what types of issues there might be so the administrators can cooperatively address them. I'd like to try to clarify some points on potential liability. The way it was worded, I can see where there's room for misinterpretation. The liability "conflicts" would be most likely from dog bites/aitackin g users (which I have personally witnessed and heard from users who were bitten) and mountain bikers who get hurt and end up sueing. These types of lawsuits are relatively common in the recreation business, and I think we need to list this as a potential management issue so we can address it along with other issues. Thanks again for taking the time to write. Hope to see you tonight, if not, stay in touch. Grant Scholen Page 1 0 To: DNR.intemet("Gpbikeman®aol.corn From: Grant Scholen CC: grschole Subject: Restricted use of Fort Snelling -Reply Date Tuesday, February 18, 1997 2:11 PM Hello - Thanks for the note. I think the north area you are referring to must be adjacent to the "Minnehaha Trail," which connects Fort Snelling State Park and Minnehaha Park. The area is currently used by bicyclists and dog -walkers. It is owned by the Mpls. Park Board, the Minnesota Historical Society, the National Park Service, and the Vets Admin. The state park starts where the yellow and black posted signs are south of Camp Coldwater, plus state parks manages the Minnehaha Trail connection under a real estate license with the Vets Amin and Bureau oif Mines. This area has a variety of owners/administrators and we are proposing in the Fort Snelling plan process that these administrators get together to coordinate management. Thanks again for your note. My number is 296 7381 if you'd like to discuss further. Grant Scholen, State Parks �ID Now for my response to this issue. Last summer I spent many enjoyable hours on the paths that are in question. I do not know precisely how big of an impact mountain biking is in regards to erosion, but I do know that there are rules out that most mountain bikers follow in order to keep erosion to a minimum. These rules include not biking on extremely wet earth, such as might happen immediately after a thunderstorm or during early spring. Most responsible mountain bikers follow these rules, though there are always the few who ruin things for everyone else. Additionally, mountain biking is a growing sport that many people from the city use to get away to nature while exercising at the same time. Throughout the city more and more paths are being tarred or banned all together for use by bikers. This is leading to a reduction in the amount of parks that offer off road biking, which may backlash by increasing the concentration of bikers in the remaining parks. Please do not let the actions of a few irresponsible people (most likely young teenagers) ruin the opportunities for off road biking in the Twin Cities. The same irresponsible people who are causing problems now will probably disregard any bans that may be put into place. This would lead to a lose -lose scenario of continuing erosion and the elimination of a great park for those of us who obey rules. Perhaps instead of removing parks from the use of mountain bikers you could help to make the "NORBA rules of the road" more known among younger people. Thank you, Brian Dukek brian.dukek%Ymci2000.com Page 2 'V CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY.MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 8, 1997 The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, April 8, 1997, in the Large Conference Room at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve. The meeting was called to order at 6:40 PM. The following Commissioners were present: Norton, Libra, Kleinglass, Linnell, Liberacki. Chair Spicer was excused from the meeting. Also present was Administrative Assistant Patrick C. Hollister, APPROVAL OF MARCH 11 PARK AND RECREATION MINUTES Commissioner Linnell moved to approve the March 11, 1997 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes with corrections. Commissioner Libra seconded the motion. AYES: 5 NAYS: 0 (Commissioner Damberg arrived at this point.) PARK DEDICATION FEES Mr. Hollister explained that at the March 11, 1997 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Commission had asked Staff to place the park dedication policy on the April 8, 1997 agenda. Mr. Hollister continued that the Commission had also asked Staff to provide a comparison of what other cities require for their park dedication. Mr. Hollister said that the Commission was concerned that $750 may be low compared to what other Cities were asking for, especially in proportion to the land values in Mendota Heights. Mr. Hollister summarized the current park dedication policy. Mr. Hollister also explained that any Park Dedication Fee that a City wished to exact from a developer must meet three legal tests in order to be considered legitimate: 1. The City must be able to demonstrate that the fee or land exaction is necessary to meet an increase in demand for park services or to mitigate a negative impact upon the park system caused by the development itself. 2. The amount of the fee or land exaction must be roughly proportional to the increase in demand or negative impact caused by the development itself. The entirety of the fee or land exaction must be used for the park system, and may not be merged with the general fund or used for any other purpose. Mr. Hollister concluded that the City's Park Dedication policy should be consistent with goals and standards for parks and open space as expressed in our Comprehensive Plan, Commissioner Linnell said that an increase in the Park Dedication Fee could be justified based upon an increase in trail demand. Commissioner Liberacki said that an increase could be justified by the City's need for various types of open space (passive, active) and that the City was short-changing itself. Commissioner Libra asked Staff to research what the City had required from the HRA senior housing development in terms of park contributions. Commissioner Liberacki asked if there was a land exaction in addition to these fees. Commissioner Liberacki continued that there had been an increase in demand for ballfields and an increase in demand for trails, and that these increases could be documented. The Commission asked Staff to come back to the next meeting with an updated open space/park facilities inventory and a proposal to increase fees. OPEN SPACE PRIORITIZATION Mr. Hollister presented the "short list" of highly desirable remaining open space parcels which was compiled at the Joint Workshop between the Parks and Recreation Commission and the City Council on January 14, 1997: • Map #6 Acacia Area TIF Acquired Property • Map #9 Slowinski Property • Map #11 Foss Homestead by Wentworth Park • Map #16 Acacia property north of Acacia Boulevard • Map #18 Resurrection Cemetery "Break Off' Area • Map #19 Visitation Convent Property • Map #21 Tousignant Property off Mendota Heights Road Commissioner Linnell said that the Commissioners should go on a tour of open space either individually or as a group, and that passive and active use could be combined on one park. Commissioner Damberg said that the City should talk to Foss about acquiring his land. Commissioner Liberacki said that he disagreed with what he perceived to be the prevailing philosophy among his fellow Commissioners, that anything of natural or scenic value should be publicly owned. Commissioner Liberacki said that due to a combination of 2 environmental regulations and a landowner own incentives to preserve the beauty of a given site, in general those views which we value in the City would be preserved. Commissioner Liberacki continued that rather than use limited government funds to buy land to prevent trees from being cut down, it would be better to use the funds for park land that was visible, accessible, and usable. Commissioner Linnell said that there should be an overlook at Acacia with a plaque explaining the history of Pilot Knob. Commissioner Linnell said that the Foss land would be good for an extension of the Park and Trail system and could be compatible with Single Family Home construction. Commissioner Libra said that the Resurrection Cemetery land would be good for a park and picnic area. Commissioner Liberacki said that when Resurrection develops, the City should get the 10% dedication in land and hook up a trail around the lake. Commissioner Norton agreed with Commissioner Liberacki. Commissioner Linnell suggested that at the next meeting the Commission take two cars or a van and do a tour of these sites. Commissioner Linnell offered to talk to Mr. Slowinski to try to get permission to walk his property during the tour. UPDATES Mr. Hollister provided updates on the following items. Caren Road Detention Pond Commissioner Damberg said that the ponding area of Caren Road should be enhanced by replacing some of the plantings. Commissioner Damberg suggested putting up signs saying "Wild Flower Restoration Area." Commissioner Damberg also requested that Mr. Kullander make an on -site visit and talk to the neighbors. Commissioner Li ell offered to come to that meeting if it could be arranged. Commissioner Liberacki suggested that the Caren Road ponding area be included in next month's open space tour. Commissioner Damberg said that the City should pay more attention to the appearance of its older neighborhoods. Commissioner Libra said that some of the project money for the Tilsen reconstruction should be used to replace trees and put up signage for the wild area at the Caren Road site. North Kensington Park Commissioner Linnell said that he thought he had reached a compromise with Councilmember Smith about North Kensington Park, and that Mr. Kullander would be presenting his revised plan to both of them before bringing it to Council for approval. Commissioner Norton said that she knows of a non-profit organization that runs seminars for homeowners on the advantages of native plantings in their yards which would reduce the need for fertilizer and pesticides and would be good for water quality, as well as give their yards a more natural appearance. Commissioner Norton said that this approach should also be taken for the public land around City Hall. Wentworth Picnic Shelters Commissioner Libra said that he would like to see specific plans for the Wentworth park shelters. Wentworth Park Warming House Commissioner Libra said that he wanted a Staff review, cost parameters and a capital budget review for warming houses. Commissioner Libra asked staff to identify locations in the City where new warming houses should be built. Commissioner Norton said that Mr. Kullander should build a new multi -use, multi -purpose shelter for summer programs. Commissioner Liberacki said that continuity of architecture was important, and that the new shelter should resemble the existing shelters. Commissioner Liberacki recommended a pre-fab building on a poured slab with garage -type doors around it that could be rolled up for summer programs. Dakota County CIP Commissioner Liberacki said that he was disappointed that in the most recent Dakota County CIP there was no reference to road widening or trails apart from the NURT trail and the Big Rivers Trail. Commissioner Liberacki asked Staff to inquire as to why that was the case. Commissioner Liberacki said that roadways are in the 5-year plan, but not widening shoulders. 0 Commissioner Libra said that the County was spending a disproportionate amount of money for trails in the southern part of the County, and that some of that money should be channeled into trails for the north. Commissioner Norton said that the Mayor and City Council need to lobby the County for trails. Commissioner Libra said that one major barrier to the NURT Trail is that Valley Park neighbors don't want that trail widened very much. Commissioner Norton asked Staff to invite someone involved in trails and roads from Dakota County to come to a future meeting Wood Duck Houses in City Ponds Mr. Hollister explained that the Council had authorized the expenditure for wood duck houses and that the Public Works crew had started making these birdhouses. Full -Time Recreation Facilitator Mr. Hollister said that the Council had decided to discuss the issue of a full-time Recreation Facilitator at a 5-year plan setting workshop in mid -May. Park Police Summary for 1996 Mr. Hollister distributed a summary of all police incidents in City parks for the year 1996. Other Mr. Hollister announced that Mr. Esser was married on Saturday, Apri15 and that he was now on honeymoon until April 14. Commissioner Damberg announced that she would have to miss next month's Commission meeting because she will be in Istanbul. Commissioner Liberacki asked Staff to bring back the issue of Mr. John Doyle of 810 Ridge Place who wanted to donate his back yard to the City. Mr. Hollister distributed a letter submitted by Chair Spicer inviting interested Commissioners to attend the Dakota County Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee information sharing meeting in May 7, 1997 at Camp Sacajawea. Commissioners Norton and Linnell said that they would try to attend. Parks Report Mr. Hollister presented the Parks Report for the month of March. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn made by Damberg and seconded by Kleinglass. AYES: 6 NAYS: 0 The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m. Respec�lly Submitted, Patrick C. Hollister