1999-01-12 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda Packet (2)CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
AGENDA
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
January 12, 1999
6:30 p.m. -Large Conference Room
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of the December 8, 1998 Minutes
4. Scott Miller, MHAA -Baseball Improvement Requests
5. Congratulations, Thank You and Farewell to Bill Bird
6. Recreation Programmer Interview Panel Volunteer
7. Updates
• Recreation Report, January 1999
• Parks Report
• Police Report (Available Tuesday)
8. Adjourn
Auxiliary aids for persons with disabilities are available upon request at least 120 hours in
advance. If a notice of less than 120 our 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
January 7, 1999
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager
SUBJECT: Meeting With Mr. Scott Miller of MHAA
DISCUSSION:
Mr. Miller met with me at City Hall on January 6, 1999, to discuss several park
improvement projects that he wishes to discuss with the Commission on January 12th. Some of
the following items have previously been discussed by the Commission.
Batting Cage at Mendakota Park
This project was discussed by the Commission and the subject left to the MHAA Board
to make a cost participation proposal to the City before the Commission would consider
making a recommendation to the City Council. Mr. Miller and I discussed design
options in an effort to "firm" up a cost estimate that he could present to the MHAA
Board. The batting cage would be fully fenced with an asphalt pathway connected to
the inner hub area. The inside of the cage would be turf with aglime at the batting
boxes and pitching mounds. Electricity for pitching machines could come from the
south instead of the hub area, if cost effective. A small storage building was also
discussed.
Using volunteer labor for some aspects of this project may be difficult to coordinate.
Because the fields are extensively used this project should move very rapidly so as not
to inconvenience field use or scheduling.
2. Civic Center Designated as Baseball Only.
Adding a permanent pitching mound and turf infield was discussed. If work was done
in August/September seed could be used in lieu of sod. Modifications of the irrigation
system would require a professional firm, but the earth work could be done by
volunteers.
I io (ci al
BILL
Item to be discussed;
l . Batting cage at Mendakota;
A. Optional design to reduce costs, such as no chain link fence and limit the
amount of concrete.
B. Volunteer help to offset costs.
C. Electricity ( discuss Joe Mansur's idea)
2. Civic Center field designated as a baseball field;
A. Mound ( preliminary approval by Park and Rec. )
B. Grass infield
A. Ways to reduce costs, volunteer help, city maintenance crew.
3. Safety nets at Mendakota ballfields.
4. Friendly Hills Rec Center
A. Open in the summer and attendant hired by the city to run.
B. Determine hours to be open and days.
C. Facility open for roller blade hockey, basketball, baseball & soccer ( I will have
the Athletic Assoc. supply the baseball equipment, basketball and soccer ball ).
5. Permit requests approval.
Recreation Report
January 1999
TO: PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
FROM: BILL BIRD, RECREATION PROGRAMMER
DATE: JANUARY 7, 1999
Mendota Heights Senior Club
On Wednesday, December 23, 1998 the seniors met at Parkview Plaza for their
Holiday Cookie Exchange. The group size was small due to the close proximity to
Christmas. Despite the small group the afternoon was enjoyable. Many stories of past
holidays were told while they enjoyed coffee and cookies.
Cross Country Ski Trail Meeting
The cross country ski trail proposal received financial assistance from the city. The city
will contribute $4,000.00 to pay for the purchase of a snowmobile by Henry Sibley
High School and to pay Dakota County for their weekly grooming services. The
snowmobile will be used to pull a small groomer. An agreement between the city, Par
3 Golf Course and School District has been established. The city will be responsible
for managing the finances and scheduling practices, meets and events at the golf course.
The golf course will be responsible for laying out a trail, setting up a grooming
schedule with Dakota County, opening the club house up to student skiers as needed
and the storage of the snowmobile and groomer. Henry Sibley High School will be
responsible for the daily grooming of the trail with their small groomer. They will also
be responsible for communicating to the city when their practices and meets are taking
place.
A trail has not yet been laid because of the lack of snow. There must be at least 12" of
now on the ground before Dakota County is able to safely operate their groomer on the
golf course.
Ice Finks
The Rinks officially opened on Saturday, December 26, 1998. This is truly remarkable
since it was still 50 degrees only the week before. The low temperatures made for
ideal ice creating conditions. It should be noted that Friendly Hills Ice Rink was
skatable after only 2 days of flooding. The paved surface held the water extremely
well. The Marie Park and Wentworth Park rinks took approximately a week to get up
and running. All rinks have good ice and are being used despite the low temperatures.
There are currently 10 Rink Attendants who have been scheduled through February.
TO: PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
FROM: BILL BIRD, RECREATION PROGRAMMER
DATE: DECEMBER 3, 1998
Mendota Heights Senior Club
On Wednesday, November 25, 1998 Hary Bartz from "Neighbors" spoke to the group
about the communities food, transportation and clothing assistance programs. The
seniors also donated canned food to this program.
Cross Country Ski Trail Meeting
Date & Time:Thursday, November 12, 1998; 9:00 a.m.
Location: Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course
Those Present:
Mike Cashill, Mendota Heights Par 3 Owner
Tom Gustafson, Cross Country Ski Coach -Henry Sibley High School
Mike Brill, Athletic Director -Visitation School
Ann Norton, City of Mendota Heights Parks Commissioner
John Norton, Mendota Heights Resident & Experienced Cross Country
Skiier
Norm Gellerman, Executive Director -Mendota Heights Athletic
Association
Paul Schuttes , Dakota County Parks
Bill Bird, City of Mendota Heights -Recreation Programmer
The meeting's focus was on establishing a cross country ski trail on the Mendota Par 3
Golf Course. The enthusiasm and dedication of all parties involved makes it apparent
that a ski trail will be developed in December, 1998. The information listed below
breaks down the comments, questions and commitments of each person who was in
attendance at the November 12, 1998 meeting.
Mike Cashill:
Mr. Cashill committed to contracting with Dakota County for the grooming of
the trail. The trail will be groomed by Dakota County once a week from December 1,
1998 through March 7, 1999. The preliminary cost of grooming the trail is $100. 00
per hour. The groomer should be able to complete the job in 1 hour. This comes to a
total of 14 groomings at $100.00 each, for a total cost of $1,400.00. Mr. Cashill also
is willing to open his clubhouse for a warming house and concession area. The club
house will be staffed by Par 3 employees as well as part time City of Mendota Heights
employees. Mr. Cashill has indicated that he will purchase ski's to be rented out to the
public. Mr. Cashill also has allowed for the storage of a pull behind trail groomer and
snowmobile in his maintenance garage. Mr. Cashill and his marketing director will
also work on promoting the ski trail.
Tom Gustafson:
Mr. Gustafson has informed the group that Henry Sibley High School has a
groomer which could be used to groom the trail at Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course.
Mr. Gustafson and those involved with the Henry Sibley High School Ski team would
volunteer to groom the trail with their groomer. However, the school does not have a
snowmobile to pull the groomer. He is also extremely interested in having his school
use the trail for practices as well as for meets. Mr. Gustafson also indicated that there
may be the possibility that students may be able to assist with opening and closing the
club house and the instruction of lessons. Mr. Gustafson mentioned that with the
school district's budget cuts there would be no financial contributions available from his
school.
Mike Brill:
Has expressed interest in using the Mendota Heights Par 3 course for practices
and meets. Is checking into budget for possible contribution.
Ann Norton:
Ms. Norton will be checking into the possibility of a contribution from the City
of Mendota Heights Special Parks Fund to the ski trail and equipment. Ms. Norton
will be working with Bill Bird, Recreation Programmer. Ms. Norton will also be
contacting Dakota County to determine whether there may be an agreement worked out
which would lower costs involved with trail grooming.
John Norton:
Mr. Norton expressed a concern about trail quality. He felt that the trails must
be maintained to a high level of quality. This means that the trails must be groomed
after school practices and meets. Mr. Norton also was able to provide some
information and advice on grooming equipment and a contact for purchasing a used
snow mobile. A typical used snowmobile which would be ideal for pulling a groomer
would cost approximately $2500.00. Mr. Norton mentioned that this type of
snowmobile is available at "Power Equipment" of Bloomington, MN,
Norm GeDerman:
Mr. Gellerman offered to assist with publicity. Mr. Gellerman also expressed
interest in the "Minnesota Youth Ski League" program. This is a program which
brings cross country ski's and instruction into communities in Minnesota.
Paul Schuttes:
Mr. Schuttes provided much information regarding his groomer, procedures,
costs and trail layout.
Bill Bird:
Mr. Bird will look into the possibility of the City of Mendota Heights providing
manpower to assist with grooming trails and manning the club house. Mr. Bird will
also determine whether the city would approve the purchase of a snowmobile for
grooming purposes. A ski trail would also open doors as far as city run programs such
as ski outings, lessons and races.
Cross Country Ski Trail Development Meeting
Date & Time: Thursday, November 24, 1998, 9:00 a.m.
Location: Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course
Those Present:
Mike Cashill, Mendota Heights Par 3 Owner
Ann Norton, City of Mendota Heights Parks Commissioner
Bill Bird, City of Mendota Heights -Recreation Programmer
Meeting Recap:
The meetings focus was on developing a budget and examining what
funds may be available within the Parks and Recreation Budget and
Special Park Fund. Mr. Cashill developed his 1998-1999 budget
for operating a cross country ski trail at the Mendota Heights Par 3
Golf Course. Mr. Bird is contacting Henry Sibley High School and
Visitation High School to keep communications going concerning the
progress of the trail's development and to determine the "exact" use and
commitment of each ski program. Mr. Bird will be putting together a
packet documenting the progress of the ski trail development to be
distributed to the Mayor, City Administration, City Parks Department,
Parks and Recreation Commission and Ski Trail Committee. Ms Norton
will be reviewing the budgets and checking into funding possibilities by
Parks and Recreation Commission,
A Parks and Recreation Commission meeting will be held on Tuesday,
December 8, 1998, at 6:30 p.m., which will showcase the progression
of the ski trail, public and private support for the trail and additional
funding and contributions needed to successfully support a cross country
ski trail in Mendota Heights.
Nov-16-98 07:20P Cashill/Spaulding Prop. 6122210339
P.02
MENDOTA HEIGHTS CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
199&1999 BUDGET
Dates: December 6, 1998 through March 13, 1999
(14 weeks)
Clubhouse Hours: (open to public)
Saturday & Sunday 12:00 — 4:00
Monday - Friday 2:30 - 6:00
*Skiers may use the course 7 days per week, 24 hours a day.
Total hours per week that the warming house will be staffed is 32.
32.5 per week x $8.50 =$ 276.25 per week. Cost to staff warming house
Professional Course Grooming:
We plan to hire the Dakota County Cross- Country Ski Trail Groomer to professionally
groom our course every Friday throughout our skiing season.
Total of 15 Grooms x $115.00 = $1,725.00
Daily Course Grooming:
The Henry Sibley High School Cross -Country Ski Team recently purchased a groomer
that will be towed behind a snowmobile. The cost of this groomer is $1,500.00. It offers
grooming for both traditional and skating types of skiing. The High School has agreed to
pay for this item. The Henry Sibley Ski Team has volunteered to pull the groomer over
the entire course daily to ensure the highest quality of skiing. The Large County groomer
will set and smooth the trail weekly while the smaller groomer will act very similar to an
ice rink zamboni ensuring that the course is maintained daily.
Activities:
Our ClubHouse Staff will offer beverages and snacks, as well as offer the public rental
ski sets. We will also act as a liaison in setting up city and school meets in addition to
offering lessons to the general public.
Course &Club House Fixed Monthly Costs:
Heat: $225.00
Electricity:
$ 75.00
Water
$ 25.00
Sewer
$ 10.00
Clubhouse
$550.00
Liability Insurance
$185.00
Taxes
$600.00
Plowing Lot
$150.00
TOTAL $1,820.00 per month / 4.3 weeks per month
_ $423.26 per week
Nov-16-98 07:20P Cashill/Spaulding Prop. 6122210339 P_03
Signage:
Sign will be placed on Dodd Road advertising public cross-country skiing.
*Mendota Heights Cross Country Ski Trail
* *Free — Open to Public
** Ski Rentals Available
**Club House Hours: Monday — Friday 2:30 — 6:00
Saturday & Sunday 12:00 — 4:00
Dodd Road Ski Sign - $200.00
Course Trail Signs - $200.00
Course Markers - $100,00
$500.00 Onetime cost
In summary, to ensure the City of Mendota Heights a quality Cross -Country Ski Trail, we
will need a budget of.
Warming House Labor - $276.25 x 14 weeks = $31867.50
Dakota County Groomers - $115.00 x 15 grooms = $11725.00
Course and Club House Fixed Costs - $423.26 x 14 weeks = $5X5.64
One Time Cost For Signage = $ 500.00
$12,018.14
Ice Rinks
I am still accepting applications for Warming House/Rink Attendants. As I predicted it
has been a challenge to recruit attendants. Although I advertised earlier and in more
sources I have had only 5 people apply. Ideally there is a need for 10 employees to
cover all of the rink hours. I have had inquiries the past couple of days which is
encouraging. I am approaching the Athletic Association for possible assistance with
staffing the warming houses.
1998 Park Permit Statistics
The statistics listed below are solely based upon information from City of Mendota
Heights Park Use Permits,
CIVIC CENTER PARK
Picnic/Shelter Permits: 1
Baseball Games/Practices: 8
Softball Games/Practices: 6
Tennis Court Permits: 0
Soccer Field Permits: 0
Ice Rink Permits: 0
Total Permits Issued: 15
Total Users of Above
Permits: 370
FRIENDLY HILLS PARK
Picnic/Shelter Permits: 1
Baseball Games/Practices: 2
Softball Games/Practices: 1
Tennis Court Permits: 2
Soccer Field Permits: 2
Ice Rink Permits: 1
Total Permits Issued: 7
Total Users of Above
Permits: 769
Picnic/Shelter Permits:
0
Baseball Games/Practices:
1
Softball Games/Practices:
1
Tennis Court Permits:
0
Soccer Field Permits:
0
Ice Rink Permits: 0
Total Permits Issued: 2
Total Users of Above
Permits: 45
IVY FALLS PARK
Picnic/Shelter Permits: 1
Baseball Games/Practices: 1
Softball Games/Practices: 0
Tennis Court Permits: 1
Soccer Field Permits: 1
Ice Rink Permits: 0
Total Permits Issued: 4
Total Users of Above
Permits: 162
KENSINGTON PARK
Picnic/Shelter Permits: 9
Baseball Games/Practices: 0
Softball Games/Practices: 0
Tennis Court Permits: 0
Soccer Field Permits: 7
Ice Rink Permits: 0
Total Permits Issued: 16
Total Users of Above
Permits: 1257
MARIE PARK
Picnic/Shelter Permits: 1
Baseball Games/Practices: 0
Softball Games/Practices: 0
Tennis Court Permits: 0
Soccer Field Permits: 0
Ice Rink Permits: 3
Total Permits Issued: 4
Total Users of Above
Permits: 59
MENDAKOTA PARK
Picnic/Shelter Permits:
61
Baseball Games/Practices:
10
Softball Games/Practices:
35
Tennis Court Permits:
0
Soccer Field Permits:
4
Ice Rink Permits:
3
Concession Permits:
3
Misc. Field Use:
9
Total Permits Issued: 124
Field Users: 5210
Pavilion/Picnic Users: 3227
Total Users of Above
Permits: 8437
ROGERS LAKE
Picnic/Shelter Permits:
22
Baseball Games/Practices:
0
Softball Games/Practices:
0
Tennis Court Permits:
0
Soccer Field Permits:
0
Ice Rink Permits:
0
Total Permits Issued: 22
Total Users of Above
Permits: 1230
Picnic/Shelter Permits:
13
Baseball Games/Practices:
0
Softball Games/Practices:
0
Tennis Court Permits:
2
Soccer Field Permits:
0
Ice Rink Permits:
0
Total Permits Issued: 15
Total Users of Above
Permits: 599
VICTORIA HIGHLANDS
Picnic/Shelter Permits: 3
Baseball Games/Practices: 1
Softball Games/Practices: 0
Tennis Court Permits: 2
Soccer Field Permits: 0
Ice Rink Permits: 0
Total Permits Issued: 4
Total Users of Above
Permits: 150
WENTWORTH PARK
Picnic/Shelter Permits: 4
Baseball Games/Practices: 0
Softball Games/Practices: 0
Tennis Court Permits: 0
Soccer Field Permits: 0
Ice Rink Permits: 4
Total Permits Issued: S
Total Users of Above
Permits: 192
Meetings Attended
November 3-6: Minnesota Recreation and Park Association State Conference at
Bandana Square, St. Paul.
November 10: Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting.
November 12: Cross Country Ski Trail Meeting at Par 3.
November 19: Northern Dakota County Pulse Project Meeting at St. Stephen's
Church, West St. Paul.
November 24: Cross Country Ski Trail Meeting at Par 3.
Working On...
-Ice rink reservations.
-Late Winter/Spring programs.
-Planning for the 1999 Mendota Heights Senior Club.
-Cross country ski trail at Par 3.
-Ice Rink Attendant hiring process.
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
DECEMBER 10, 1998
The regular meeting ofthe Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held
on Tuesday, December 8, 1998, in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 1101 Victoria
Curve. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.
The following Commissioners were present: Liberacki, Norton, Linnell, Craighead, and
Libra. Commissioners Liberacki and Damberg were excused from the meeting. Also
present were Recreation Programmer Bill Bird and Administrative Assistant Patrick C.
Hollister.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS
Mr. Bird presented a letter from the City of Inver Grove Heights asking other cities in
Dakota County to provide assistance to the Special Olympics,
The Commission asked Mr. Bird to do further research and to come back to a future
meeting with more information.
i�►l1Y�`1
Commissioner Liberacki moved to approve the November 11, 1998 minutes with no
corrections.
Commissioner Craighead seconded the motion.
AYES:
NAYS:
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING DISCUSSION
The following residents were present for this discussion: Sibley High School cross-country
Ski Coach Tom Gustafson and Team Members Toe Aden,. Sarah Malone, and Ryan
Noack. Also present was 7anny DeVore, sister of Par 3 Golf Course owner Mike Cashill.
Mr. Bird introduced the subject by saying that the Parks and Recreation Commission had
discussed for several years the idea of cross-country ski trails at Par 3 Golf Course, and
possibly extending into Valley Park. Mr. Bird announced that a partnership of between
Sibley High School and the Par 3 Golf Course had been formed to create cross-country ski
trails on Par 3 for use by the ski team and the general community.
William A. Bird
13154 Glenhurst Ct.
Savage, MN 55378
Parks and Recreation Commission
City of Mendota Heights
1101 Victoria Curve
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
December 31, 1998
Dear Commissioners:
On Monday, December 28, 1998 I was offered and accepted a job as "Recreation Specialist"
with the City of Apple Valley. I will continue to serve the City of Mendota Heights as
Recreation Programmer through Tuesday, January 12, 1999.
I have truly enjoyed working for the City of Mendota Heights as Recreation Programmer. I
would like to thank you for the guidance and support you have given me. You are undoubtedly
dedicated to maintaining and improving the Parks and Recreation within Mendota Heights. It
was a pleasure to work with you at various projects, programs and events.
The team
in city hall was a terrific to work with.
They were
extremely helpful at assisting me
with park
reservations, program registrations and
with special
events. This was particularly
mportant
due to my part-time status.
In conjunction with the support from the Parks and Recreation Commission, I am appreciative
oI the faith and backing the mayor and city council gave to Parks and Recreation projects. In
particular I am grateful for the support given to the Cross Country Ski project with Mendota
Heights Par 3 and with School District 197. The Mendota Heights Senior Club has also
benefited greatly from the generous contribution from the city.
Mendota Heights parks are an extremely valuable asset to the community. I am extremely
proud to have been an administrator of athletics, programs and special events which took place
within the "high quality" Mendota Heights Parks System. The Parks Department thrived on
maintaining the athletic fields, open space and park facilities in a superior manner. I am
fortunate to have worked with such a professional crew. I doubt I will ever come across better
groomed ball fields than those at Mendakota Park.
Once again, thank you for the opportunity to work for the City of Mendota Heights and to
provide recreational opportunities For the community.
Best Wishes,
0� W �# "7
William A. Bird
Parks Report For Month of December
1. General maintenance and trash pick up
2. Trim trees along pedways and pick up brush along pedways
3. Work on equipment, repair broom and snowblower -trucks
4. Prepare warming houses, check furnaces, and repair doors where needed
5. Start flooding
6. Work in back shop reorganizing shelves -store summer equipment in water tower