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1998-07-14 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda Packet (2)CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA AGENDA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION July 143 1998 6:30 p.m. -Large Conference Room Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of the June 9, 1998 Minutes 4. Sommerset 19 Land Sale Offer 5. Batting Cage Request 6. Hockey Rink Paving Request 7. 1998 Pazks Capital Improvement Plan 8. Updates • Recreation Report for June and July 1998 • Friendly Hills "Tot Lot" Hearing August 4, 1998 • Park Bench in Friendly Marsh Park • Civic Center Ballfield Fence Improvement • Comprehensive Plan • Parks Report Police Report (available Tuesday) 8. Adjourn Auxiliary aids for persons with disabilities aze available upon request at least 120 hours in advance. ff 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 MENDO -LA HEIGHTS MEMO July 1Q 1998 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Patrick C. Hollister, Administrative Assistant SUBJECT: Parks Five Year (1999-2003) Capital Improvement Plan Discussion At the June 9, 1998 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission, Staff recommended that beginning in 1999, the Capital Improvement Plan contain only those items from the Special Parks Fund that represent true capital improvements. Maintenance items from the General Fund would be part of the annual budget request. Staff then presented to the Commission the draft of the 1999-2003 Parks Capital Improvements Plan for further comments by the Parks Commission. (Please see the minutes from the June 9, 1998 meeting of the Parks Commission found elsewhere in this agenda packet.) The Commissioners then asked Staff to bring the CIP back to the July 14, 1998 meeting. Please see the following attached items: 1. Current Draft of the Capital Improvement Plan 2. Commissioner Linnell's list of proposed items (with comments from Mr. Kullander) 3. Mr. Kullander's list of proposed items Since we are now well into budget season, the Parks Commission should make a final recommendation to the Council of the Capital Improvement Plan at their July 14, 1998 meeting. Action Required Please review the attached materials, make any desired revisions, and recommend the Capital Improvement Plan for 1999-2003 to the City Council. MENDOTA HEIGHTS PARK SYSTEM FIVE YEAR 1999-_2003 CAPITAL JIMPROVEMENT.PLAN Expenditures Proposed for 1999 1. Enclosures for Port-A-Poties ($600 each) *Kensington $600 "Civic Center $600 "Mendakota (double) $800 2. Park "You Are Here" Signage (6 @ $400 each) Wentworth, Kensington, Hagstrom King, Ivy, Marie and Victoria Highlands 3. Add to or Replace Play Components in Parks (11 playground sites) 4. ADA &Safety Improvements at Hagstrom-King Park "Safety Improvements *Add Equipment(?) 5. 6, 7, 8, 9. 10 $2,000.00 $2,400.00 $4,000.00 $6,000.00 $101000.00 MENDOTA HEIGHTS PARK SYSTEM FIVE YEAR 1999-2003 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN Expenditures Proposed for 2000 1. Enclosures for Port-A-Poties ($600 each) $2,400.00 *Marie *Hagstrom King *Victoria Highlands *Valley 2. Park "You Are Here" Signage (6 @ $400 each) $2,400.00 Friendly Hills, Rogers Lake, Civic Center and Valley (3) 3. Add to or Replace Play Components in Parks $4,000,00 (11 playground sites) 4. Upgrade play equipment in Valley Park Heights Park *Safety Improvements $4,000.00 *Add Equipment(?) $10,000.00 5. 6, 7, 8, 9. 10. MENDOTA HEIGHTS PARK SYSTEM FIVE YEAR 1999-2003 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN Expenditures Proposed for 2001 1. Enclosures for Port-A-Poties ($650 each) $2,000.00 "Wentworth *Friendly Hills "Rogers Lake 2. Add to or Replace Play Components in Parks $4,000.00 (11 playground sites) 3. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. 10 MENDOTA HEIGHTS PARK SYSTEM FIVE YEAR 1999-2003 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN Expenditures Proposed for 2002 Add to or Replace Play Equipment in 11 Parks 4)10,000.00'. 2. 3, 4, 5, 6. 7, 8, 9. 10 MENDOTA.HEIGHTS PARK SYSTEM FIVE YEAR 1999-2003 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN Expenditures Proposed for 2003 Add to or Replace Play Equipment in 11 Parks 2. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. $10,000.00 Stan's List of Additional Park, Capital Improvements For Consideration 1998 Dollars 1. Valley Park Trail at Park Place Improvements $2 to 20,000 2. Hire consultant to develop vegetation management plan for all parks $25,000.00 3. Prairie Plantings in parks around ponds. Installation and maintenance for three years $10 to 15,000 4. Water fountains for Kensington and Mendakota (Replace existing with "super strong" type $5,000.00 5. Improve archery range in Friendly Marsh Park $4 to 8,000 6. Pave upper parking lot at Rogers Lake Park $87000,00 7. Pave lower lot and driveway Rogers Lake Park $10,000,00 8. Modify Rogers Lake picnic shelter to meet ADA accessibility standards $3 to 5,000 Guy's List of Additional Park Capital Improvements For Consideration 1998 Dollars 1. Double Tennis Courts in Hagstrom-King Park $50,000.00 2. Paved Hockey Rink in Friendly Hills Park $40,000,00 3. Paved Hockey Rink in Marie Park $403000,00 4. Paved Hockey Rink in Wentworth Park $45,000,00 5. Double batting cage at Mendakota Park $30,000000 6. Sand volleyball court in Mendakota Park $6,000,00 7. Enlarge/replace warming house at Wentworth Park $6 to 10,000 8. Replace backstop at Civic Center Ballfield $8,000,00 9. Trail segment from Senior Housing to Shopping Center (Needs MnDOT Approval) $6,000000 10. Cross Country Ski Trail in Valley Park $20 to 40,000 11. Informational and safety signage and paint markings on all trails in City $4 to 7,000 12, Add ADA accessible bituminous ramps, wood ramps and railings to warming houses (Friendly Hills, Marie and $8 to 10,000 Wentworth Parks) CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO July 10, 1998 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager SUBJECT: Request for Paved Hockey Rinks HISTORY: Mr. Bill Wild and Mr. John Hickey, representing the Mendota Heights Athletic Association's Youth Hockey Committee, requested the Commission consider applying an asphalt surface to the City's three hockey rinks (Wenworth, Marie and Friendly Hills Parks). Paving of the hockey rinks has been discussed by the Parks Commission several times in the past ten years including prior to the 1989 Parks Referendum, BACKGROUND: Rollerblading continues to increase in popularity. Initially hockey players used Rollerblading to keep in shape during the summer months, but now professional and amateur roller hockey leagues are increasing in number every year. Staff contacted nine cities that currently have paved rinks for use by rollerbladers. One, Apple Valley has only an indoor facility. The others have from one to three existing rinks and of these eight cities, three additional rinks were in the bidding or construction stages. All of the cities contacted reported that the rinks were very popular and heavily used. Eight of the nine cities, when asked if they would build additional paved rinks, answered in the affirmative, some gave an emphatic "yes". Cost of paving the rinks varied from a low of $16,000 for simply paving over the existing rink to $54,000 for construction of a completely new facility. Lakeville had recently opened bids for the constructionof two new paved rinks for a bid of $62,000.00. Cities that have paved an existing rink without any subsoil corrections have experienced problems with settlements and heaves resulting in an uneven surface, poor drainage and "bird baths' All of the cities with existing rinks report that ice forms earlier on the paved rinks versus the dirt/turf rinks and that the ice lasts longer on the paved rinks than on the regular rinks. Several stated that reduced amounts of water were required to achieve a good ice surface on the paved rinks. A bituminous paved surface is subject to the stress of seasonal changes as are roadways. The better the subgrade the longer the bituminous surface will remain smooth. A paved bituminous roadways like a paved hockey rink needs a good base of stable material (sand/gravel). Prior to roadway construction the subsoil is often removed and replaced with free draining, engineered compactible sand and gravel material. In areas of high ground water subsoil drainage systems may also be necessary. The three existing hockey rinks were all constructed in areas of bad soil (clay) and high groundwater. Correction (replacement) of the subsoils in the rink areas is strongly recommended if the rinks are to be paved. The better the base preparation the better the surface. CONSTRUCTION PROCESS: Prior to paving, soil tests will be taken to determine the quantity of existing soil that must be removed and replaced with an engineered soil mix. Drain tile should be installed where required to assure that melting water or runoff is removed as quickly as possible to avoid saturation of the subsoils under the paved rink. All of the existing boards and support posts must be removed before and reinstalled after paving operations are completed. FUNDING: Funding for this type of improvement would be from the Special Park Fund. PROCESS: After further discussion by the Parks and Recreation Commission a recommendation for or against the project will be sent to the City Council for their consideration. If the City Council wishes to proceed with this project they may want to inform the neighborhood residents adjacent to the rinks being improved that the rink facility will now be used "year round". COST ESTIMATE: The following cost estimate is based on paving one rink in 1998 which would be the Friendly Hills Park rink. A contract to replace the boards in this park was approved by Council in June. If another park is selected, $5,000 should be included in the costs for removal and reinstallation of the boards. Excavation -subsoil corrections and compaction of engineered fill $18,000 Subsoil drainage system - drain tile to existing stormwater catchbasin or pond $ 5,000 Bituminous surfacing $14,000 Restoration outside board areas $ 2,000 Remove and reinstall boards (Friendly Hills Park) N/C I estimate that the total project cost to pave the Friendly Hills Park rink would be approximately $39,000,00, The contract to replace the boards approved by Council was $10,000.00. This work would be delayed until late summer if the contract to replace the boards is approved by the City Council. The contract for hockey board replacement includes $7,500 for materials and $2,500 for labor which did not include the removal of the old boards which will be done by City Park Crews, ACTION REQUIRED: After further discussion, the Commission should forward the request from Mr. Wild and Mr. Hickey to the City Council with a recommendation for or against the project. If the Commission recommends the project, they should decide which hockey rink should be paved and establish a budget for the proposed work. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES TUNE 9, 1998 The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, June 9, 1998, in the Large Conference Room at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. The following Commissioners were present: Liberacki, Linnell, Damberg, and Kleinglass. Chair Spicer and Commissioners Norton and Libra were excused from the meeting. Also present were Parks Project Manager Guy Kullander and Administrative Assistant Patrick C. Hollister. APPROVAL OF MAY 12, 1998 PARK AND RECREATION 1�IIN UTES Commissioner Liberacki moved to approve the May 12, 1998 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes with no corrections. Commissioner Kleinglass seconded the motion. AYES: 4 NAYS: 0 HOCKEY RINK PAVING REQUEST Mr. John Hickey and Mr. Bill Wild of the Mendota Heights Youth Hockey Committee introduced themselves to the Commission. Mr. Hickey said that he was at the meeting to request that the City consider covering some hockey rinks in Mendota Heights with either asphalt or concrete to allow in -line skating in the spring, summer, and fall. Mr. Hickey said that communities such as Burnsville, Apple Valley, West Saint Paul, and Centennial have paved hockey rinks for in -line skate hockey and have had great success. Mr. Hickey added that kids also play soccer on these hard surfaces during the summer months. Mr. Hickey said that this would provide another reason for kids to go to the parks. Mr. Hickey said that he had estimated the cost to be roughly $9,000 to $15,000 to asphalt a single facility. Commissioner Damberg said that shortly after the Parks Referendum several years ago, the Commission had investigated the possibility of paving some of the hockey rinks, but had decided that maintenance of these rinks would be too expensive and that it would be difficult to maintain the ice on the surfaces during the winter. Commissioner Damberg said that the surfaces may have improved since that time and that this may no longer be a problem. Commissioner Linnell said that Staff should research the experiences of other cities in maintaining these rinks and whether or not ice melt -off is a problem on hard surfaces. An Kullander said that hockey boards are being replaced in Friendly Hills Park this year and Marie Park in 1999. Mr. Kullander added that Wentworth Park boards were replaced in 1997 at a cost of approximately $10,000, Commissioner Linnell said that the new hockey boards should be treated. Mr. Kullander said that he estimated that paving a rink would cost $30,000-$35,000 which included sub -soil drains and soil exchange. Commissioner Liberacki asked why it would be so expensive Mr. Kullander said that the rinks are on heavy clay type soils and that the drain the system added to the expense. Mr. Kullander added that Marie park could be a little more costly because of longer piping for storm sewer. Mr. Wild said that he could get cost figures from the cities of Burnsville and Circle Pines and provide them to the City of Mendota Heights. Mr. Kullander said that in order to pave the hockey rink the City would have to take out 2,000-3,000 cubic yards of dirt and take out the boards. Mr. Kullander said that Mr. Hickey and Mr. Wild should send him cost estimates. Mr. Wild said that Mr. Kullander should talk to other cities that have paved rinks, such as Burnsville. Mr. Kullander said that he would look at the specifications if other cities would send them to him. Commissioner Damberg said that paving hockey rinks might be a good way to reduce the number of kids in -line skating m the streets. Commissioner Damberg moved to recommend that Staff conduct a feasibility study of in -line skating hockey and bring it back to the July 14, 1998 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. Commissioner Liberacki seconded the motion. AYES: 4 NAYS: 0 Mr. Wild said that he would help Mr. Kullander do the feasibility study by providing him with contacts and information. Commissioner Linnell said that the ballfields and the toilet facilities were also locked, and that the City should contact the school about this situation. Mr. Kullander said that the City originally had keys to all the facilities. Mr. Funk said that the fields are now primarily used by Sibley slow -pitch softball. Mr. Funk asked when softball took over the use of Sibley fields. Mr. Kullander said that the two fields by the soccer facility were originally for youth fast pitch and adult softball. Mr. Miller said that on the last ten years baseball has exploded, and that baseball used one field at Sibley and one at Mendakota. Mr. Kullander said that the City contributed roughly $20,000 per year towards maintenance of the Sibley fields and that the City and the community should have some use of the baseball field. Mr. Miller said that the area between fields three and four at Mendakota Park was begging for a batting cage. Mr. Miller said that its inconvenient to put a batting cage where there is no practice field such as at Sibley 9gh School, Mr. Funk said that its better to go to the batting cage when other kids are in the field, because otherwise kids have to stand in line too long and get into trouble. Mr. Funk said that it is better to keep kids busy. Commissioner Damberg asked if Mr. Miller had spoken with Chair Spicer about the batting cage idea. Jr. Miller said that he had, and that Chair Spicer was in favor of the batting cages. Mr. Miller said that the baseball coaches and parents were also in favor of it, and that was why they were willing to contribute seed money. Mr. Linnell said that the baseball program should get input or funding help from the softball leagues also, since softball would also be the beneficiary of the batting cage. Mr. Funk said that MHAA had gambling revenues and that if they did not use them in the City then MHAA would use them for something else. Mr. Funk said that MHAA would be willing to shoulder part of the cost for the batting cages. Commissioner Kleinglass asked if Mr. Funk had the authority to offer the gambling money for a batting cage. Mr. Funk said that he could not commit the money, but that the money exists. Mr. Funk said that there was a consensus on the MHAA board to use the money for facility Commissioner Liberacki asked if the plan was to build the facility this fall for use in 1999 Mr. Miller said that that would be excellent. Mr. Miller said that Mendakota was a good location for it, and that his organization would help fund the batting cage. Mr. Miller then passed around his fund raising letter. Commissioner Liberacki suggested talking to other communities to get funding figures and specifications for the batting cage, and talk to MHAA about pull -tab funding for the batting cage. Commissioner Funk said that the City should make a plan to take to the MIIAA board. Commissioner Linnell said that the City should find a good location for the batting cage and do cost sharing at a level that the Council and Mayor think are reasonable. Mr. Funk asked what happened to the idea of a baseball park. Mr. Kullander said that the Mayor had been working with Resurrection Cemetery and had contacted the National Guard Engineers for assistance in grading the site, but that Resurrection had lost interest. Mr. Funk said that it was unfortunate that the City had no concept of a Community Center many years ago when land was less expensive. Commissioner Liberacki asked if bating cages were part of the master plan for Mendakota Park. Mr. Kullander said that they were not. Commissioner Liberacki asked how much baseball was being played on the four fields. Mr. Miller said that it was being played Monday, Wednesday, and on weekends. Commissioner Liberacki said that smaller fields were better because you could hit more home runs. Commissioner Damberg asked if the MHAA board was willing to pay half the cost of the batting cage with some money coming from the tournament. Mr. Funk said that the MHAA board may be willing to pay for half over time. Mr. Funk said that the MHAA board would probably not write a check up front for one half of the cost, because MHAA uses a good portion of the gambling revenue to buy down the cost of participation in their programs. Mr. Funk said that the gambling and tournament money could pay for half the cost over four or five years. CIVIC CENTER BALLFIELD SAFETY Mr. Kullander explained that the City had received a request from a resident to address the problem of overthrown balls hitting spectators at the Civic Center ballfields. Mr. Kullander said that he had received a phone call from a resident suggesting that the fence should be higher. Mr. Kullander said that the current situation is unsafe and that overthrown balls to Ist or 3rd base easily clear the fence. Mr. Kullander suggested extending the fence to a height of 8 feet and/or putting up a sign warning people about stray balls. Commissioner Linnell asked how high the fences were at the Sibley ballfields and at the Mendakota ballfields. Mr. Kullander said that they were eight feet high Mr. Funk said that the Civic Center field was used exclusively for baseball and that the if the City ever tried a ball reclamation they could get about 1000 baseballs from the pond behind the backstop. Commissioner Klienglass asked for a recommendation from Mr. Kullander. Mr. Kullander said that he recommended extending the fence from four feet to either six or eight feet. Mr. Kullander said that the additional fence should wrap around the corners of the players' benches for a total distance of about 80 feet on each side of the backstop. Mr. Kullander said that he would suggest putting four feet of fencing up and that it should be a good heavy gauge. Commissioner Kleinglass said that he thought the current situation was a safety hazard Mr. Miller said that the main problem was a first base overthrow. Mr. Funk said that overthrown balls come down right into the bleachers. Commissioner Damberg moved to recommend to City Council that the baseline fencing at the Civic Center field be extended in length for the safety of spectators. Commissioner Kleinglass seconded the motion. AYES: NAYS: MARIE PARK CHILDREN'S PLAY AREA IMPROVEMENT REQUEST Mr. Kullander said that he had received a request from a resident for additional shade trees near the play equipment at Marie Park and for additional bucket seat baby swings. Mr. Kullander said that the existing swings are in the shade now because the sun is so high, but NAYS: PARKS CAPTIAL IMPROVEMENTS PLAN Mr. Hollister presented to the Commission the draft of the 1998-2003 Parks Capital Improvements Plan for further revision by the Parks Commission, Commissioner Damberg asked why the City was spending so much on porta-potty enclosures. Mr. Kullander said that the estimated costs were $2000 - $3000 apiece. Commissioner Linnell said that it would be cheaper to put a stake or a pole into the ground to secure the existing porta-potties from being tipped over. Commissioner Damberg said that she would rather see the money on something else. Commissioner Linnell said that the City should find a good location for aporta-potty, and plant some bushes around it to make it look less conspicuous. Commissioner Linnell said that some porta-potties are sticking out like sore thumbs. Mr. Kullander asked whether the Parks Commission wished to keep the proposed horseshoe pits and sand volleyball court in the Capital Improvement Plan. Commissioner Damberg said those items should not be in the plan if nobody has been asking for them. Commissioner Damberg suggested taking the horseshoe pits out of the Capital Improvements Plan. Commissioner Linnell asked if the 1998 items would get done this year. Mr. Kullander said that the park maps should be in place this year. Mr. Kullander said that Public Works could build them in the winter and install them in the spring. Commissioner Damberg said that the porta-potties should just be anchored for security purposes and that they did not need to be hidden, because people should accept them as a fact of life. Commissioner Linnell said that if the public works crew drilled holes they could install poles for the porta-potties with plain wood for under $500 total cost for materials. Commissioner Damberg said that $11,000 over five years would be too much to spend on porta-potty enclosures. Jr. Kullander asked if the Commission still wanted a sand volleyball court as an item in the Capital Improvements Plan for $6000. 11 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO July 1 3 1998 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Patrick C. Hollister, Administrative Assistant SUBJECT: Sommerset 19 Condominium Association, Inc. Land Sale Offer Discussion Mr. Howard M. Guthmann of Sommerset 19 Condominium Association, Inc., is interested in selling a vacant parcel to the City of Mendota Heights. The Parcel is 5.6 acres in size and is north of Wentworth Park. (Please see the attached map.) This land was a required open space designation as part of the original Planned Unit Development approval for the Sommerset development. This land is predominately wetlands and is unbuildable. The land's only real use is as passive open space as it currently is. Transferring ownership of this land to the City may require an amendment to the terms of the Planned Unit Development for Sommerset. Mr. Guthmann will be present at the July 14, 1998 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission to discuss this proposal further. Staff will have information on the Sommerset Planned Unit Development at the meeting in case the Commission has any further questions. Action Required Discuss the land sale proposal with Mr. Guthmann. If the Commission feels that this land would be useful for the City, the Commission may make a recommendation to the City Council that they discuss terms of transfer with Mr. Guthmann. Otherwise, the Commission may recommend against City acquisition of this land or direct Staff to conduct further research. 7I HOWARD M. GUTHMANN 1300 NORWEST CENTER PIETY -FIVE EAST FIFTH STREET ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA 55101 TELEPHONE (612) 222-I W I July 2, 1998 Kevin Batchelder City Hall City of Mendota Heights 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, MN 55118 Dear Kevin: As I explained to you on the telephone, Somerset 19 Condominium Association, Inc. is interested in selling to the City its land lying south of Third Avenue and west of the park path. The land is adjacent to Wentworth Park and the City has refused to allow building on it. What needs to be done to expedite this process? Sincerely, Howard M. Guthmann HMG:CJG cc: Ralph Sonday N SOiMERSET 19 CONDOIs 'Mendota Heights S%A" WIN %-Off ednesday, July 15I 1998 In -line skating: increasing in popularity=and injuries In recent years, in -line skating has be- come `increasingly popular among children and adults ;of all ages: Unfortunately, the rate of m line skating injuries also is rising. Between .1993 and 1995, the number of in -line skaters in the U.S. increased by 79 percent. During that same period, the number requiring emergency care in- creased by 169 percent. Experts recom- mend that all in4ine skaters — regard- less of age or ability — use helmets, elbow pads and knee pads every time they strap on their skates. P.01 07=14-1990 02�30PM Mendota Heights Athletic Association To: Bill Bird, Recreation Programmer From: Norm Gelletman, Executir-e Director D- Re: Batting Cages at Mendakota Pazk Date: July 14, 1998 The MHAA Board of Directors voted unanimously in support of the addition of batting cages at the Mendokota Park complex. They would be a valuable addition to the recreational facilities that the city has available for its residents, especialiy the youths. The Boazd would like to see more firm cost numbers for the batting cages before it will commit funds to the project. If you have any questions, please cal( me at 454-0433 or 686-9191. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO July 9, 1998 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager WXYK SUBJECT: Batting Cages HISTORY: Mr. Scott Miller, representing the Mendota Heights Athletic Association formally requested the Commission to install batting cages at Mendakota Park. The Commission considered Mr. Miller's request at their regular June meeting, and directed staff to present cost estimates for such an improvement at the July 141 meeting for further consideration. BACKGROUND: A batting cage consists of a fenced enclosure approximately fifteen feet wide by eighty feet in length and from ten to eighteen feet in height. Batting cages are usually constructed in pairs, thus being thirty feet in width. The top of the cage is covered with draped netting. Surfacing inside the cage varies from aglime rec-rock, asphalt, concrete or even artificial turf. Batting cages may require some or all of the following: access gates (that can be secured), electrical service for pitching machines, equipment and supply storage space, bituminous pathways, netting, backstop padding, and signage. Maintenance inside the batting cage would be minhnal, but turf areas adjacent to the access gate and around the batters boxes receives considerable wear, and would require extra effort by the City Park Crews. Presently there are double batting cages located at Sibley and St. Thomas High Schools. Mr. Miller informed the Commission that there were four batting cages at the West St. Paul complex. PROPOSED MENDAKOTA PARK LOCATION: Mr. Miller proposed using the grassy area between fields number three and four, on the south side of the complex near the NSP power line, as the location for the batting cage. There is sufficient room to locate the double batting cage in this location which is shown on the attached graphics. The existing site grading is adequate to accommodate storm runoff from the batting cage area even if a hard surface is installed. FUNDING: Funding for this type of improvement would come from the Special Park Fund, Mr. Miller indicated that the Athletic Association may be willing to help fund part of these improvements. State Statues requires that all donations of any kind (cash or otherwise) must be made to the City Council. A request by the donor, on where or how the donation be used, may accompany the gift. PROCESS: After further discussion by the Parks and Recreation Commission a recommendation for or against the project will be sent to the City Council for consideration. If the City Council decides to proceed with the project, they may instruct the Planning Commission to hold a public hearing for a Conditional Use Permit. This process was required when dugouts and batting cage requests from St. Thomas Academy and Sibley High School were considered. COST ESTIMATES: 1. Site preparation (excavation, sub cut, ag-lime, etc). $3 to 5,000 2. Fencing for batting cage $8 to 1200 3, Electric Service $3 to 400 4. Netting, pads, raise. $2 to 3,000 5. Bituminous walk from center hub to trail around ballfields $3 to 5,000 6. Pitching machines (2) $1 to 3,000 7. Storage building/shelter (need to determine size) $5 to 25,000 To construct a double batting cage complete with restoration of all disturbed areas, I would estimate that a budget of $30,000.00 be established. If a storage building is added, an additional amount depending on the size of the building, should be included in the project budget. ACTION REQUIRED: After further discussion the Commission should forward Mr. Miner's request on to the City Council with a recommendation for or against the construction of Double Batting Cages in Mendakota Park. If the Commission recommends the project, they should establish a budget range for the project and a recommended funding source. �� va _ /7 I. il;• 7 i WO t —� •1 . j i i I 2 OUTLOT C i 010 020- J 1 I l zII 1 030-5 I \ 0 0 II 1 ❑ ty� 1 •i TYo III m TRAIL-� t...... 275' f 60 I r08d 52 \JI k 1 lr t I t o , oo , I•t li e tit , I ( ----- t �IL�__= _ I-- 23 24 020-01 01 - I (, 9 030-0 Ii A \ 21 02 �/ (TT mCity Of MENDAKOTA PARK AND SURROUNDING AREA 7-7-98 4k :,ail Mendota Proposed Batting Cage Location Heights GK 1101 VICTORIA CURVE MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MN 55118 (612) 452=1850 :a G i MENDAKOTA DRIVE 101' 10' Fence 45' 7' 27 3a �� C d to-�{� -; NSP POWERLINES • City O� MENDAKOTA PARK BALLFIELD DIMENSIONS 7_7_98 �' ;���� 1Vlendota Proposed batting cage location I�eights 1101 VICTORIA CURVE • MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MN 55118 (612) 452-1850 GK -3�� jam_ , ��� .�c _. ,� � ,� t (', ,.2c r � ( r�., � .� — -�-� �� �: Recreation Report June & July, 1998 To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Bill Bird, Recreation Programmer Date: July 9, 1998 Mendota Heights Senior Club: On Wednesday, May 27, 1998, Sue Votel from Clare Bridge Alternative Living Services discussed the challenges older adults with memory impairments are faced with. She is represented Clare Bridge Residence Home in Eagan and presented the features of this facility. This program is designed to spark an interest in planning for future living situations in preparation of memory impairment. On Wednesday, June 24, 1998 the Senior Club held their summer picnic at Mendakota Park pavilion. 30 people turned out for brats, burgers, slaw, and other summer time picnic food. Art and Audrey Ertl did the shopping, preparation and cooking. I brought bocce ball, croquette and volleyball to add to the fun. JoAnne Rice recognized those individuals who made significant contributions to the club's successful beginning. Planning for the senior's participation in Celebrate Mendota Heights was also in the works. The seniors will have a table set up at the celebration and will be selling baked goods, hand crafted items and supervising a mini golf hole. During the month of June the local cable access channel ran a segment on the Mendota Heights Senior Club. JoAnn Rice and myself were interviewed by Judy Skei-Voss. The segment focused on the reasons the club formed, what it is all about and where it is headed. Summer Programs: In -Line Skating Lessons On Tuesday May 26 and on Wednesday, May 27 1998 John Glynn instructed 9 participants on the basics of In -line skating. The course was held in the parking lot of Mendakota Park. The kids learned the proper way to turn, stop, accelerate and even fall. Safety and the wearing of proper equipment were constantly reviewed and stressed as an mandatory part of skating. I had the pleasure of meeting Commissioner Linnell's wife Jean and his two boys Danny and Alex, who participated in the lessons. Youth Day Trips On Thursday, June 25, 1998 I went on the Twins vs. Brewers game trip along with two brothers from Mendota Heights. The Brewers got the best of the Twins and beat them 7 to 2. The boys ages 7 and 9 had a terrific time and we were even able to sit with the Organist for an entire inning! Concerts in the Park Big Band Sounds Invade Mendakota Park On Wednesday, June 17, Paul and Harvey Heffron performed arrangements by many Big Band groups of the 1930's through the 1950's. Selections such as the Woodchopper's Ball, Edelweiss and Sentimental Journey were performed as couples danced and reminisced. The father son duo even belted out a Big Band version of the Beatles "Can't Buy Me Love". The attendance totaled 48 older adults, as well as many soccer families who looked on. Speaking of soccer, I (Bill Bird) spent most of the show keeping over kicked soccer balls from hitting the band. This was the first concert in a series of four. The next show is geared toward kids and is being held at Rogers Lake Pavilion, on Wednesday, July 15 at 7:00 p.m. Singer/Naturalist Rachel Kroog will be performing along with her Rascals characters. Safety Camp Once again Safety Camp is being held on August 11, 12 and 13 in South St. Paul. The participating communities include Mendota Heights, West St. Paul, South St. Paul and Inver Grove Heights. Investigator, Mario Reyes and I will lead 20 of Mendota Heights 3rd & 4th graders during this three day program. Summer Athletic Leagues: Summer Softball The regular season is 3/4 over and I am preparing for the league tournaments. The tournaments will be played at Mendakota Park and the schedule is as follows: Saturday, August 1 Wednesday, August 5 & Tuesday, August 11 Saturday, August 8 Sunday, August 9: Men's C Tournament Women's D Tournament Men's Over 30 Tournament Men's D Tournament Listed below are the current standings for each league: _____------ Men's Over 30 Standings Team Record Winnin_______- g PerCentage Condors 10-2 .833 Eagan A 8-4 .667 Guns & Hoses 8-6 .600 Rogers Lake 7-5 .583 Bogey's 8-6 .571 Friendly Awada's 6-5 .556 Copperfielders 7-7 .500 Somerset 5-7 .400 No Names 2-8 .200 Fourth Shift 2-10 .167 (Total games played vary due to rain outs, byes and games not played for other reasons.) Men's D Standings Team Record Winning Percentage Heks 9-0 1000 Northland Black 7-2 .778 Northland Blue 6-3 .667 Fireside 6-3 .667 Captain Courier/ 5-5 .500 King Cutting Northland Red 3-6 .333 Pace Landscape 3-6 .333 Buttery 2-7 .222 Furys 1-7 .125 Men's C Standings Team Record MMRC 9-1 Bogey's 7-3 Gallaghers 6-3 Leedon Trucking 5-4-1 Sand Hogs 4-5-1 Bull Dogs 3-7 Jordan Insurance 3-7 Mendota Saloon 1-9 Women's D Standings Team Record 2th-Doc 8-2 Fireside Lounge(Aguilar) 6-3-1 Bogey's 5-4 Northland Black 5-4 Triviski's 5-4-1 Fireside(Hansch) 5-6 Northland Green 2-7 (Total games played vary due to rain outs, byes and games not played for other reasons.) Golf at Par 3 The golf leagues at Par 3 golf course are up and running. There are 12 foursomes playing in the Tuesday, Women's League. There are 6 foursomes playing in the Monday, Junior league. There are 20 foursomes playing in the Wednesday, Junior League. The Senior League failed to get off the ground this year. Only one foursome registered for a tee -time. There were several reasons for this. First, many older women are participating in the Women's Leagues. Second, many seniors are members of various golf courses and play in other leagues or have an established group they play with. Finally, as with many programs seniors were turned off by a "league fee". Even though it is minimal, $9.00, for 18 weeks, a fee was not popular among this age group. I am currently making recommendations for next year on how to approach this and market this league. Special Events &Other News Celebrate Mendota Heights Parks This annual special event will be held on Saturday, July 11, 1998, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The event will include music, food concessions, a petting zoo, children's activities and a softball tournament by MHAA. The detailed line up is attached. Proaosed Ball Diamonds Near Fort Snelling State Park On Wednesday, July 1, 1998 I contacted Fort Snelling State Park and inquired about the proposed ball fields to be constructed in the vicinity of Fort Snelling Park Polo Fields. They instructed me to contact the Minneapolis Park Board. On Thursday, July 29 1998 I talked to Bob Matson from the Minneapolis Park Board about non - Minneapolis use of the facility. I told Mr. Matson that the City of Mendota Heights has interest in using the fields for softball league games and tournaments. He informed me that there have been no plans for the use of the fields at this time, but a 20 member master plan panel would be discussing use procedures in the next couple of months. Mr. Matson also informed me that construction is scheduled to begin in the Fall of 1998. With construction beginning this fall he said some fields may be ready for play in the Summer of 1998. Mr. Matson explained that the land was being purchased from the Federal Government(GSA Land) and from the Autinn Indian Tribe. Meetings Attended Tuesday, May 26: Taping for cable television. Senior Club. Wednesday, June 3: Minnesota Recreation and Park Association State Conference Committee meeting in Mendota Heights City Hall. Wednesday, July 8: Met with Mitzi Moh, District 197, to discuss the "Arts 4 All program which will be included in Celebrate Mendota Heights Parks. Workin�Ona a * -Park, field and pavilion reservations. -Fall brochure material. -A 55 Alive program for Mendota Heights Seniors. -Final preparations for "Celebrate Mendota Heights Parks". -Coordinating a tour of Fort Snelling State Parks as a means of exposing it's amenities to employees and commissioners of the City of Mendota Heights. 7TH ANNUAL CELEBRATE MENDOTA HEIGHTS PARKS! Saturday, July 11, 1998 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.: Mendota Heights Athletic Association Softball Tournament 11:00 a.m.: 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Announcements Moon Walk Castle 11:00 a.m.p.m.: Concessions by Ziggy's Deli 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.: Mini Golf and Bake & Craft Sale By Mendota Heights Senior Club 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Clown & Baloons Face Painter 11:05-11:45 a.m.: A1phaBits —Kids Music A to Z 11:05 a.m.-5:00 p.m.: Arts 4 All - Chalk Walk and Roll - Table Top Print Making Noon-1:30 p.m.: Dynamic Productions: "Team Ramp" In -line Skating Performance 2:00-2:30 p.m.: DD's Dance Studio Performance 2:00-5:00 p.m.: The Animals of Walton's Hollow Petting Zoo 2:30-4:00 p.m.: Fire Truck Rides By The Mendota Heights Fire Department 4:15-5:00 p.m.: Teddy Bear Band Parks Report for June 1998 Submitted by Terry Blum 1. General maintenance, trash pickup, cutting grass, striping ballfields and soccer fields, cutting pedways, dragging and chalking ballfields. 2. Planted donated tree in back of city hall. Picked up downed limbs and trees throughout parks. Heaviest damage in north end parks. 4. Fertilized Mendakota, Kensington, Fire Hall, and City Hall. Also put down second application of crabgrass preventative. Work and prepare for two tournaments for fast -pitch girls and AAU baseball tournament on the 27th and 28th. Install temporary mounds on all four fields at Mendakota. Repair warning tracks on fields 1&2.. 6. Install storage box at Sibley for baseball association. Trim shrubs throughout parks around park signs and edge all curb lines at Mendakota and Kensington. 8. Install new park sign for North Kensington Park. 9. Plant Purple Loosestrife bug in 5 locations throughout city to control plant.