2004-04-13 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda Packet2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
AGENDA
JOINT CITY COUNCIL/
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
WORKSHOP
Tuesday, April 13, 2004
6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. —Large Conference Room
Call to Order 6:00
Introductions 6:00-6:05
Parks and Recreation Commission's Purpose/Role/Mission 6:05-6:15
Long -Term Funding for Pazks Improvements &Maintenance 6:15-6:30
• Special Parks Fund
• Parks Maintenance Budget
Pazks and Open Space Land 6:30-6:45
• Acquisition
• Preservation
Staff Resources for Parks and Recreation 6:45-6:55
Other Comments or Concerns 6:55-7:00
Adjourn 7:00
Auxiliary aids for persons with disabilities ate 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 (651) 452-1850 with requests.
City of Mendota Heights
FEBRUARY 12, 2004
Joint Workshop = April 13th, zuu
City Council / Parks & Recreation Commission
(Rescheduled from March 9th, 2004)
BACKGROUND MATERIALS
City Ordinance Establishing a Parks and Recreation Commission
a. Section 2-2-6: Powers and Duties
2. Mendota Heights Comprehensive Plan 2002
a. Mendota Heights Vision Statement - pgs 1 to 3
b. Natural & Open Spaces - pg 7
c. Environmental Features - pg 12
d. Demographic Profiles - pgs 19, 22, 26, 27, & 28
e. Park Plan - pgs 71 thru 79
Park
Dedication
Fee
Policy
a.
Resolution
No.
03-89 (Raising fee to $2,700.00 per dwelling
unit)
4. Estimates of Future Trail and Playground Maintenance/Replacement Costs
a. Rehabilitate 21 miles of trails - 4 year plan - $165,000.00
b. Replace/rehabilitate playground structures and components at
eleven parks during next ten years - Estimated cost $500,000.00
5. Mendota Heights Park and Recreation Facility Needs Study - 1985
a. Chapter IV "Goals and Policies" - pgs 58 thru 66
1. Overall Goal - pg 58
2. Acquisition and Development Priorities - pg 63
3. Roles and Relationships with other agencies - pg 63
b. Chapter V "Community Trails" - pgs 67 thru 76
1. Purpose - pg 67
2. Goals - pg 70
c. Park & Recreation Survey Responses - June 1985
6. Options for future Trail Routes or Segments
a. Complementation of trail improvement projects previously discussed or
considered by the Commission.
b. City Park and Trail map illustrating location of proposed trail segments
Compiled by Guy Kullander
1
1
J
1
1
L
J
1
1
L:
CITY CODE
MENDOIA HEIGHTS
2-2-1 2-2-3
CHAPTER 2
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
SECTION:
2-2-1: Commission Established
2-2-2: Composition; Appointment; Terms Of Office
2-2-3: Officers
2-2-4: Vacancies In Office
2-2-5: Meetings; Procedures; Records
2-2-6: Powers And Duties
2-2-7: Compensation
2-2-1: COMMISSION ESTABLISHED: The parks and recreation
commission for the city is hereby established. (1981 Code
109§1)
2-2-2: COMPOSITION; APPOINTMENT; TERMS OF OFFICE: The
parks and recreation commission shall consist of seven (7)
residents of the city, appointed by the mayor with the consent of the
majority of the members of the city council. The members shall serve terms
of three (3) years. The terms shall be staggered so that terms of at least
two (2) members shall expire each year. Terms of members shall
commence on February 1 and shall terminate on January 31 of the year of
termination. A member whose term of office has expired shall serve until a
successor has been appointed. (1981 Code 109 § 2)
2-2-3: OFFICERS: The February meeting shall be an organizational
meeting at which the commission shall elect a chairperson
and a vice chairperson from among its members. The terms of such officers
shall be for a period of one year. (1981 Code 109 § 2; amd. 2003 Code)
City of Mendot¢ Heights
2-2-4 2-2-6
I!
2-2-4: VACANCIES IN OFFICE:
( A. Causes For Vacancy: Any of the following may cause the office of a
member to become vacated:
Fl
1. Death;
2. Disability or failure to serve, as shown by failure to attend four (4)
regularly scheduled meetings in any one calendar year;
3. Removal of residence from the city; or
4. Resignation in writing.
B. Filling Vacancies: Vacancies shall be filled as soon as possible for
the unexpired portion of the term by the mayor with the consent of
the majority of the members of the city council. (1981 Code 109 § 6)
2-2-5: MEETINGS; PROCEDURES; RECORDS: The commission
shall hold at least one meeting each month at a time regularly
established and approved by the city council and shall hold such special
meetings as may be necessary for the conduct of its business. The
commission may waive a meeting for a stated sufficient cause with prior
consent of the city council based upon a request from the chairman and the
city staff. The commission shall adopt rules for the transaction of business
and shall keep a record of its resolutions, transactions and findings, which
record shall be maintained as a public record. The commission shall submit
to the city council a true and correct copy of all of its minutes,
recommendations and other reports. (Ord. 313, 2-18-1997)
2-2-6: POWERS AND DUTIES: The parks and recreation
commission shall:
A. Advise the city council on matters pertaining to parks and
- recreational
development
programs
and shall cooperate with city
personnel in
implementing
the parks
and recreation programs.
- - B. Advise the city council on the establishment of written rules and
regulations for the use, management and operation of the public
parks and recreational facilities, the same to be approved by action
of the council before being put into effect.
City of Mendota Hedghts
2-2-6 2-2-7
C. If requested by the city council, prepare plans for the acquisition,
development and improvement of the city public parks and
recreational facilities and shall, if requested by the city council,
develop a comprehensive plan for future park development and open
space.
D. If requested by the city council, prepare a capital improvements
program for the purpose of determining priorities and apportioning
costs of scheduled improvements.
E. In performing the aforementioned duties and responsibilities, exhibit
the initiative in formulating policies which will be responsive to the
anticipated need and objectives of the community. (1981 Code 109
§ 3)
2-2-7: COMPENSATION: The members of the parks and recreation
commission shall serve without compensation but shall have
the right to be reimbursed for expenses incurred in the performance of their
duties. (1981 Code 109 § 5)
City of Mendota Heights
1
1
1
1
t
1
1
1
1
fj
1
1
5775 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 555, St. Louis Park, MN 55416
Telephone: 952.595.9636 Facsimile: 952.595.9837 planners@nacplanning.com
I N T R O D U C T 1 O N
The City of Mendota Heights has a long history and commitment to planning which has
resulted in unique residential living environments and business centers. The City's first
Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 1960, about 16 years before the Metropolitan
Land Planning Act went into effect, requiring communities to do such planning. The City
amended its Comprehensive Plan in 1979 to incorporate regional policies and
guidelines pursuant to the Land Planning Act. The City has used its Comprehensive
Plan to guide decisions for the past 38 years. Mendota Heights takes pride in the fact
that it has accomplished the objectives of its plans. As a result, the community looks
much like it was envisioned in 1960, with an emphasis on high quality residential
neighborhoods, open space and parks and well -planned commercial and industrial
areas.
The community is almost fully developed and is now enjoying the fruits of its long-range
vision and development policies. The remaining infill properties will continue to be built
out, following the community's successful development philosophy. The City
understands its role as part of the greater Metropolitan Region and will continue to plan
accordingly. However, Mendota Heights will not compromise its growth philosophy or
the interests of its citizens, at its final phase of community development. The
fundamental objectives of this Comprehensive Plan are to continue and strengthen the
City's traditions and development philosophy. The goals and policies found herein
remain consistent with the original vision, to achieve a residential community with open
spaces and quality neighborhoods that provide a desirable place to live and raise
families. To this end, the City operates according to the objectives of the Mendota
Heights Vision Statement, which is printed as follows.
Mendota i�eights Elision Statement
"Mendota Heights is a high quality, family oriented residential community,
with the feel of the country and the amenities of a city. While n is centrally
located in the metropolitan area, the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers
form a natural green belt around it, allowing the community to maintain a
quiet, private way of life, unique in the Twin Cities. Mendota Heights
achieved its successful business community and exceptional residential
neighborhoods by following the detailed comprehensive plans set forth by
its forefathers over forty years ago. Innovative and forward thinking on the
part of community officials has resulted in a planned community which
affords a quiet lifestyle for its residents while providing a full array of
services and employment opportunities. The community has preserved an
abundance of parks and open spaces, encourages spacious residential
development, and has planned for diversified, high technology offices and
business areas. Excellent schools and a well-educated populace
complement the traditional but progressive character of the City. Civic
pride and aesthetic excellence are high priorities in Mendota Heights.
- MENDOTA HEIGHTS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE
1 PLANNING TACTICS
I N T R O D U C T I O N
The mission of the Mendota Heights City government is to preserve and
enhance the quality of life in the community and to plan, direct, and
implement orderly growth. This is achieved by encouraging and fostering:
❑ Community identity, citizen participation and open access to
government decision -making.
❑ High quality cost effective public service.
❑ Conservative financial management and low tax rates.
❑ Development and maintenance of parks, trails, and open spaces.
❑ High standards of diversified housing stock.
❑ A commitment to strengthen and maintain community heritage through
preservation of older, well -established neighborhoods.
❑ Further development of well -designed commercial and office projects.
The Mayor and City Council, as the elected representatives of the people,
supported by recommendations from the Parks and Planning
Commissions, are responsible for establishing the policies necessary to
carry out this mission. The staff of the City implement the policies
established by the Council and provide direct services to the community,
making the vision a reality."
Adopted by the Mendota Heights City Council on June 3, 1986.
In October of 1997, the process of developing an updated Comprehensive Plan for the
City of Mendota Heights was initiated with a workshop held for members of many of the
City's various issue -based commissions. Through a series of exercises, the workshop
participants developed a list of principal issues, which it was believed were most
important to the Mendota Heights community. Issues, which rose to the forefront from
this effort, were impacts and issues related to the Minneapolis -St. Paul International
Airport, proper development of the few remaining parcels of land, and continued
attention to housing, open space, and parks. Another issue that was identified through
this process included the continued impact of the regional highway system. A summary
discussion of each of the issues identified during the initial phases of the
Comprehensive Plan update process is located in Technical Plan C.
Combined with the airport, these regional systems have challenged the City's ability to
maintain the long-standing quality of its residential neighborhoods. I# was determined
that the City could use the Comprehensive Plan process to work with other jurisdictions
in the preservation of the community's many assets.
This Comprehensive Plan is a formally adopted document stating the City 's goals and
policies as they relate to land use, parks and open space, housing, transportation,
utilities, and other issues. Sections on the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and
other Implementation efforts are also included.
MENDOTA HEIGHTS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE
2 PLANNING TACTICS
I N T R O D U C T I O N
The community set out early in its incorporated history to create attractive residential
neighborhoods by planning for aggressive protection and wise use of its abundant
environmental assets. The rich abundance of woods, wetlands and open space areas
that provide the natural feel of the community today, are a testament to the forethought
and planning of Mendota Heights' forefathers. As the Twin Cities metropolitan area has
grown up around it, Mendota Heights has actively pursued its objective of preserving
the open spaces, which have made the community one of the region's most attractive
places to live. Whether these efforts have been concentrated in active or passive uses,
the environment has played a central role in the City's land use planning.
Approaching the turn of the century, the values, which have resulted in livable, sought-
after neighborhood development, are under assault. The regional interests in business
development, highway construction, and airport growth threaten to consume the few
remaining tracts of Mendota Heights land. This Plan has been formulated to achieve
two primary goals: (1) meet the State Legislature's requirement that all metropolitan
communities update their Comprehensive Plans at this time, and (2) see that the land
use objectives originally spelled out in 1960, and reaffirmed through the years, are
carried to their appropriate end.
MENDOTA HEIGHTS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE
3 PLANNING TACTICS
N ATURAL FEAT U
Interstate 494 comprises the southern border of Mendota Heights. Its intersection with
Interstate 35E acts as a primary "gateway" into the community as does Highway 55 as it
crosses the Mendota Bridge, the Interstate 35E/Mississippi River crossing and Highway
110, as it enters the community from the east. The Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers
and steep bluffs along with the natural open spaces of Fort Snelling State Historical
Park, Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Lilydale Regional Park, Dodge Nature
Preserve, and Olivia T. Dodge Nature Center provide a greenbelt which surrounds and
infiltrates Mendota Heights. The location of the aforementioned features and places is
illustrated on the Community Features map located on the following page.
The natural and open space areas, when combined with the 265 acres of community
parks, three golf courses, Rogers, Augusta, and Le May Lakes along with the naturally
rolling terrain and mature woodlands, create the appealing "natural open" setting of the
City. These features and spaces are often located adjacent to the major roadways and
as such create a unique, natural setting for small, intimate neighborhoods. The views of
the River Valleys from adjacent bluffs and bridge crossings are nothing less than
spectacular. The predominance of scenic, natural vistas and corridors within a
community located so close to the core of the Twin Cities, is truly unique within the
Metropolitan Region. This being the case, the City of Mendota Heights considers it
paramount to protect and enhance the natural living environment for its residents.
MENDOTA HEIGHTS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE
7 INVENTORY
N A T U R A L FEATURES
Environmental Features
The natural environment is an important asset to residents of Mendota Heights. During
the City's developing stages a strong emphasis has been placed on preserving high
quality open spaces and wooded areas. This provides tremendous benefits to the
residents and is an important focal point of the community. Residents enjoy numerous
lakes and wetlands, open space parks, and the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers. The
following two maps illustrate the location of lakes, rivers, wetlands, and wooded areas
within the City.
For further information on habitat and species along the river valley and bluff lands,
refer to Technical Plan A: Mississippi River Critical Area/Mississippi National River and
Recreation Area (MRCA/MNRRA) Plan.
M ENDOTA HEIGHTS
12
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE
INVENTORY
G RAP H I C PRO F 1 LE
11150
11453
10900
..._..._......------------------
.--------- .................938.1..........................._...._..........__.__.............
7288
6565
4200
4300
4405
......................_................................................................
___
_.
_...................
........ .`....._.
33012
--�`
2210
1641
1970
1980
1990
2000
2010
2020
1995 Estimates
Mendota Heights' population
increased from 6,565 persons to an
estimated 10,757 persons from 1970
to 1995,
In 1980, the Metropolitan Council
forecasted 9,000 residents in 1990
and 11,000 residents in 2000, These
projections are similar to the actual
1990 and projected 2000
populations.
MENDOTA HEIGHTS
Year
Source: City of Mendota Heights
Metropolitan Council
. In 2020, the projected population for
the City of Mendota Heights is 11,453
persons. The projected number of
households is 4405, This assumes a
2.60 persons per household ratio.
The City is experiencing its last
significant period of growth in the
1990's. Future development will occur
either by filling in the few remaining
vacant parcels, further subdividing
larger lots, or redevelopment.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE
19 INVENTORY
D EMO G RAP H I C P R O FILE
AGE
DISTRIBUTION
•
Mendota Heights demonstrated an
older population in 1990 than in
1970, This creates new challenges
and may require additional services
and alternative housing types:
townhomes, assisted living, etc.
+
The median age of Mendota
Heights residents in 1990 was 37.8.
•
In 1970, forty-six percent (46%) of
the population was 19 years and
under. In 1990 this age group
represented only twenty-nine
percent (29%) of the population.
Nine percent (90/6) of the population
in 1970 was age 55-74, compared
to twenty-one percent (21%) in
1990.
+
In general, the younger age
brackets contain more males, while
the middle and older age brackets
are comprised of more females.
MEDIAN HOUSEFIOLD INCOME, 9989
$70,000
$60,000
$so,000
$403000
$301000
$20,000
$107000
$0
Mendota
Heights
M EN DOTA HEIGHTS
Dakota Metro
County
1970
10%
8%
6%
■Male
L
4%
OFemale
o.
2%
0%
r
N
co
>
O
O
ul
Ln
0
r
N
cM
to
0
C
m
Age
1990
10%
8%
C
6%
■Male
m
n
4%
p Female
IL
2%
0%
a
v
v
a
C
v
N
a
0)
0
0
in
o
.--.
N
C
N
Age
ti
The median household income in
1989 was $60,514, significantly
higher than the Metro Area's.
+ As shown in the table below,
Mendota Heights also has a much
higher percentage of married
a Mendota Heights couples without children. This is
D Dakota county likely a result of an aging population
t7 Metro consisting of empty -nesters who are
in their 50's and 60's.
The City has a lower percentage of
single persons and non -family
households than the Metro Area,
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE
22 INVENTORY
D E M O G RAP H I C PRO FILE
Population & Household Projections
The population of Mendota Heights is expected to gradually rise as the remaining five
percent of the community develops. The population, household and employment
projections for Mendota Heights are outlined in the following table.
Population, Household, and Employment Forecasts
1970
1980
1990
2000
2010
2020
Population
61565
71288
8,400
10,224
11,125
11,426
Households
11553
21210
21800
31932
41279
41395
Employment
11254
21400
61000
71020
71897
81712
Household Size
(Person/DU)
4.2
3.6
3.0
2.6
2.6
2.6
Source: City of Mendota Heights
The Metropolitan Council estimates for Population, Households and Employment are
provided in the following table.
Metropolitan Council Estimates
1970
1980
1990
2000
2010
2020
Population
67565
71280
91381
11,200
13,900
15,900
Households
11641
21210
31302
41300
51700
71000
Employment
11140
21998
51805
71650
81400
91000
Household Size
(Person/DU)
4.0
3.29
2.84
2.60
2.43
2.27
Source: Metropolitan Council
The City of Mendota Heights estimates a total build -out population of approximately
11,500 people. The City's estimates are lower than those forecasted by the
Metropolitan Council. The reason that the City estimates are lower is based upon the
belief that the remaining residential land will only accommodate the addition of
approximately 1,200 people within the community. The City does not anticipate that
build out of the community will occur at the density suggested by the Metropolitan
Council estimates because of careful planning since 1959 and adherence to and
following the formally adopted Comprehensive Plan,
M ENDOTA HEIGHTS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE
26 INVENTORY
C O M M U N I T Y F A C ILI T I ES
SCHOOLS
Minnesota Independent School District IF I M serves West St. Paul, Mendota Heights,
part of Eagan and Sunfish Lake. The District is comprised of five elementary schools,
two middle schools and a high school. The majority of Mendota Heights' students
attending public schools are enrolled at Henry Sibley High School.
Total enrollment for the district in the 1998/1999 school year is estimated at 4,885
students. As of the 1990 census, a total of 1,982 school age children resided in
Mendota Heights, thus comprising 40.5 percent of the district total. The following table
provides a breakdown by public school of the number of students enrolled by grade and
school at the start of the 1998/1999 school year.
1998-1999 Student Enrollment per Grade by Public School
School
Grades
1998A999
Enrollment per
Grade
1998-1999
Total
Enrollment
Garlough Elementary School
1740 Charlton St., West St. Paul
K
79
366
1
70
_
2
69
3
76
4
72
Mendota Elementary School
1979 Summit Lane, Mendota Heights
K
82
414
1
82
2
89
3
76
4
85
Somerset Elementary School
1355 Dodd Rd., Mendota Heights
K_
55
335
1
69
2
71
3
77
4
63
Heritage Middle School
181 W. Butler Av., West St. Paul
5
177
760
6
191
7
201
8
191
Friendly Hills Middle School
701 Mendota Heights Rd., Mendota Heights
5
206
783
6
200
7
177
8
200
Henry Sibley High School
1897 Delaware Av., Mendota Heights
9
430
11476
10
362
11
347
12
329
Source: School District #197
MENDOTA HEIGHTS
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE
27 INVENTORY
C O M M U N I T Y FA C I L I T I E S
19984999 Student Enrollment per Grade by Private School
School
Grades
19981999
Enrollment per
Grade
1998-1999
Total
Enrollment
St. Thomas Academy
949 Mendota Heights Rd., Mendota Heights
7
73
694
8
90
_
9
147
10
138
11
131
12
115
Visitation School
2455 Visitation Dr., Mendota Heights
Montessori
36
530
K
22
1
21
2
22
3
22
4
24
5
24
6
24
7
42
8
41
9
77
10
64
11
72
12
61
Source: St. Thomas Academy; Visitation School
The Community Facilities Map located on the following page illustrates the location of
the various public, semi-public, institutional and private uses within Mendota Heights
including schools, churches, synagogues and major employers.
MENDOTA HEIGHTS
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE
28 INVENTORY
P A R K PLAN
PLAN SUMMARY
The City of Mendota Heights enjoys a park, open space, and trail system with zoo acres
of City parkland and 21 miles of trails. The City also has Fort Snelling State Park, Big
Rivers Regional Trail and other park facilities located within or near its boundaries. The
park system is recognized as an important asset to the community because it provides
opportunities for residents to relax, recreate, and enjoy nature, while also enhancing the
physical landscape and improving property values.
Previous comprehensive plans (1959 & 1979) and park plans (1971 & 1985) have
guided the City in the development of its park system. As development has occurred,
parkland has been dedicated to provide residents with recreational opportunities. Since
the adoption of the 1979 Comprehensive Plan, the City has developed the following
parks; Civic Center, Copperfield Ponds, Hagstrom-King, Kensington, Mendakota,
Sibley, Valley View Heights and Victoria Highlands. The location of these new parks
closely resemble Plan recommendations and reflect the City's commitment to providing
park services to all residents as opportunities arise.
The City of Mendota Heights currently has sufficient park acreage to serve its residents,
although not all residents have equal access to those facilities. Future improvements
will focus on updating existing facilities, adding facilities to neighborhoods that lack
access to parks, and increasing the amount of open space. This may be accomplished
through either park dedications or purchasing land. Trails are also an important
component and focus of this plan because they connect neighborhoods to one another
and the community to regional recreational opportunities.
The Parks and Recreation Commission is an appointed citizen body responsible for
evaluating park facility needs. The needs are determined based upon the adequacy and
accessibility of existing facilities, the availability of a desired piece of land, and budget
considerations. Recommendations are forwarded to the City Council during the City's
annual budget and Capital Improvements Program (CIP) process.
RECREATION PROGRAMMING
The City of Mendota Heights currently has one part-time recreation program director.
This person is responsible for coordinating adult and senior activities and non -athletic
youth activities. The Mendota Heights Athletic Association coordinates youth athletic
activities within the City.
MENDOTA HEIGHTS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE
DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK
71
GOALS AND POLICIES
Goals
1. To provide the optimum amount of active and passive open space for the
enjoyment of all Mendota Heights residents.
2. To provide a park system that assures the quality of facilities will match resident's
desires and standards of living.
3. To use the park
system
as
a means to enhance the environment of each
neighborhood
and
the
City
as
a whole.
Policies
1. Encourage the preservation of open space by private property owners and the
City.
2. Maximize the use of existing park facilities and consider establishment of
additional facilities for all age groups when necessary, including facilities for the
handicapped.
3. Explore new opportunities and continue to work cooperatively with School District
#197, Fort Snelling State Park, and other entities to provide maximum
recreational opportunities and avoid duplication.
4. Improve bicycle and pedestrian connections to City parks and other community
destinations.
5. Provide each neighborhood of the City with open space and usable park
playgrounds.
EXISTING PARK FACILITIES
Mendota Heights has 265 acres of City parks and open space. The following table
identifies each City Park and its facilities. A brief discussion of the four types of parks
that typically comprise a local park system is provided below. The descriptions and
standards should serve as a guide. Other factors, such as proximity to regional or
county parks, financing, or major trends in recreation, will also influence the evolution of
the City's park system.
MENDOTA HEIGHTS
72
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE
DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK
P A R K P L A N
Neighborhood Park
Neighborhood parks are the basic unit of the park system and serve as the recreational
and social focus of the neighborhood. They accommodate a wide variety of age and
user groups, including children and adults. They create a sense of place by bringing
together the unique character of the site with that of the neighborhood. Mendota Heights
should seek to achieve a balance between active and passive neighborhood parks.
Neighborhood parks range from 5-30 acres and serve a '/ mile area. Communities
often will operate a joint neighborhood park with the school district and elementary
schools. The City's neighborhood parks include Copperfield Ponds, Friendly Hills,
Hagstrom-King, Ivy Hills, Marie, Valley, Valley View Heights, Victoria Highlands, and
Wentworth.
Community Park
Community parks are designed to meet the recreational needs of several
neighborhoods or larger segments of the community. They are intended for lighted
ballfields and larger athletic facilities or community gatherings. They can also be
designed to preserve unique landscapes and open spaces. They serve a'/2 mile to 5-
mile radius. The City's community parks include Kensington,Valley, Roger's Lake,
Mendakota, and Sibley Athletic Complex,
Natural Resource Area
Natural resource areas are areas set aside to preserve significant or unique
landscapes. They are often, but not always, properties unsuitable for development with
steep slopes, drainageways, and ravines or wetlands. In addition, there may be
locations where local tree protection, shoreland and critical area ordinances, or state
and local wetland ordinances restrict development in some way. Natural Resource
areas include Friendly Marsh and Copperfield Ponds.
There are also a number of regional, county and private facilities within or near the
City's borders.
MENDOTA HEIGHTS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE
DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK
73
(aigeYod)
■
�
■
s
■
■
a
■
■
:
■
e
lallol
Buleog
paZuoloyy
■
-�oN
IIaVSPue9
■
r»,I�,ed
■
■
■
m
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
a�la
�
®
■
fiu9eHS
■
HU1M
®
■
■
,teHooH
(s)ia11a4S
■
w
w
W
O
■
■
■
■
(salgel
'sllu�)
■
■
■
■
■
0
O
■
eaya!w!d
ryauM!n63
B
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
Reld
®
IlegRalloA
■
■
■
■
�
yno�
.,
M
�'+
m
■
�
m
n
.�,
m
IleglaHse9
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
sleual
■
■
■
■
e
■
■
o
O
y
O
o
iaaaoS
Y
>
■
■
■
Y
Y
®
■
■
e
s pegaseg
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
v
s
■
IlegUaS
Veil
■
■
■
■
■
O
®
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
(Puad)
a
d
eav
a
n
■
a.
■
n
�
■
■
■
■
■
v
■
■
■
amleN
:aay
_
_
m
%
?
�
z
�
_
�
>
o
W
a
<
d
c
_
a
�y
^'�
'^
a
.y
o
�
3
„�❑Y3
��
VLL
Qx�df
Um
�E
Op`aQL
_`N
S
C�
`v
w`�
n T
`
v
n
n�
� v
-yam,
a
m �
c
w�
t c
m
9ix�
��aA
�e
o f
c
��
�u
Ex
a�
o3
�3t
Prc
es
'�E�_
g
ao
A�
as
na
y-m
3
o
-
.`c
33
eci
vt
_
_
`a
m U
m
Y
n_
—
� �
S
m t
� a
v�_
m
_
� o
c c
_ m
u_
y
zi�_m
Yu
�z
�o°�3
m�>�''»33>���
iUa
uw
E
G
QLL
zw°
a°Y°
di
Y
0
2
F
c�
U W
U u!
E
vi
op
�-
U
-
oE9e
_
__LLB
-pmc
x�
iav�
E
�
o
c
��
U�
i.--ems
nNO>y
m�.
<�e>°��u
uUS
_
_
^v1LF�
'In
z
a
3.
LL
W
Z
x
O
w
a
W
wr
K
I�
74
P A R K P L A N
Fort Snelling State Park: the largest park with 611 of its 2,642 acres located in the
City. Fort Snelling State Park is a recreational state park offering swimming, large group
and family picnic grounds, a boat launch, interpretive center and historical areas, trails,
and scenic overlooks. Most of the park's active facilities are located on the Bloomington
side of the River, requiring most Mendota Heights residents to drive or bike across the
Interstate #494 and Mendota bridges. The Mendota Heights portion of the park is left
primarily as a natural area as it contains extensive floodplain marsh habitat. Facilities
located in Mendota Heights support less intensive uses, such as biking, hiking, cross
country skiing, and fishing. The Sibley and Fairbault historic sites are also located on
the Mendota Heights side of the River.
Big Rivers Regional Trail: developed in 1996 by Dakota County along the old Union
Pacific Railroad right-of-way, this trail enables residents to bike, walk and roller blade
along the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers. This trail serves as an important link to
other communities and has greatly improved the awareness and accessibility of the
River.
Harriet Island-Lilydale Regional Park:
located just north of Mendota
Heights, this park
is managed by the City of St. Paul. The
lower portion of the
park in the
City of Lilydale is
planned to remain passive open space.
A beach and concessions area is planned, but
highly unlikely due to wetland issues. The
area also has a
ramp for boat access to the
River. A trail through the park, separate
from the roadway,
is planned
to link St. Paul to
the Big Rivers Regional Trail.
Dodge Nature Center: a 170-acre private facility dedicated to the restoration of native
plant and animal communities. The nature preserve provides excellent educational
programs and events.
School District 197: The City and School District work cooperatively to provide for joint
use of facilities and recreation programs within the community. Play equipment, two
softball fields, soccer and T-ball are provided at the Mendota and Somerset Elementary
Schools. Friendly Hills Middle School is utilized for soccer, two softball fields and fitness
programs. Tennis, baseball, softball, track and soccer are all accommodated at Sibley
High School.
Other Private Facilities /Open Space
❑ Mendakota Country Club (18 hole private golf course)
❑ Somerset Country Club (18 hole private golf course)
❑ Mendota Heights Par 3 (9 hole public golf course)
❑ Acacia Park Cemetery
❑ Resurrection Cemetery
❑ St. Thomas Academy
❑ Visitation School
MENDOTA HEIGHTS
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE
DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK
75
P A R K PLAN
PARKS, OPEN SPACE, AND TRAIL NEEDS
Parks
City Park needs can be determined by evaluating the number, size, and accessibility of
parks. It is often recommended a park system contain 25 acres of park for each 1,000
population, which is equal to 1,089 square feet per person. To meet this standard, the
City would need to provide 286 acres of parkland (based on the projected year 2020
population of 11,453 persons when fully developed). The City currently has 265 acres of
park, and essentially meets the standard. Some additional parkland may be obtained as
the few remaining larger parcels develop.
It is also important to evaluate residents' access to parks. Residents are typically willing
to walk % to '/ mile to reach a neighborhood park. Major roads, railroad tracks, and
bodies of water also restrict access. The following Park Service Area Map identifies
park service areas based on distance and barriers. As the Map demonstrates, most
residents are served well by the City 's park system.
The following three areas of the City are under served by the City's park system:
1. North of Somerset Country Club and east of Dodd Road. This neighborhood is
lacking a City Park facility. However, most of these residents are within walking
distance of Cherokee Regional Park in West St. Paul.
2. North of Highway 110, east of Dodd Road and south of Wentworth Avenue
(Somerset). Although the Sibley Athletic Complex is located in this area, it does
not serve a neighborhood function. A new neighborhood park should be
developed as some of the larger lots re -subdivide.
3. North of Highway 110 and west of Lexington Avenue, there is a ball field at the
Civic Center site. Marie Park is the nearest permanent park facility (aside from
the aforementioned ball field) and for many residents is more than ''/z mile away
on the other side of Lexington Avenue. There are limited opportunities for a
larger neighborhood park because the area is nearly fully developed. However, a
mini -neighborhood park should be developed to serve the residents.
The City has identified several sites for additional park and open space. The
sites are identified as follows.
Areas of Interest
❑ Resurrection Cemetery "Break-OfP' area
❑ Visitation School property
❑ St. Thomas property off Mendota Heights Road
MENDOTA HEIGHTS
76
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE
DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK
P A R K P L
❑ Acacia property north of Acacia Boulevard
❑ Foss homestead by Wentworth Park
❑ Acacia area TIF acquired property
❑ Somerset area
Mendota
Heights
will
pursue additional park and
open space land to the extent it
becomes
available
and
is within
the
resources of the
City.
Trails
Trails for biking, walking, and roller blading have become very popular in recent years.
Twenty-one (21) miles of trails currently extend through portions of the City's
neighborhoods. These trails are both off- and on -road and serve as important
connections for recreational opportunities and travel.
Improved trail connections are important because many residential areas are divided by
highways and arterial roads. The recent construction of the Big Rivers Regional Trail
along the Minnesota River has also heightened the awareness and demand for
improved access to the river valley. Access to the Big Rivers Regional Trail is difficult
due to the significant elevation changes. As a result, many areas of the community
cannot be easily accessed on bikes, roller blades or foot from other areas of the
community. Additional or improved trail connections are needed to provide residents
access to City parks and other recreational opportunities in the region.
Trail connections and improvements planned by the City are shown on the following
map and are listed below.
❑ Copperfield/Centex Area Trails
❑ Delaware Avenue/T.H. #110
❑ Lexington Avenue south of T.H. #110
❑ Ski Trails in Mendakota Golf Course
❑ Valley Park/Par 3 Golf Course
❑ MRCA/MNRRA Plan Trail Connections — MRCA/MNRRA trail improvements and
who will be responsible for their development are listed below. (for a more
detailed description of these improvements, please refer to the MRCA/MNRRA
Plan located in Technical Plan A.)
• Overlook to I-494 (Dakota County)
• Mendota Bridge to Big Rivers Trail (Dakota County)
• I-35E to Big Rivers Trail (Mn/DOT)
• Big Rivers Trail to Lilydale Regional Park/St. Paul (Dakota
County)
MENDOTA HEIGHTS
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE
DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK
77
Valley Park to Big Rivers Trail (City of Mendota Heights)
• Wachtler Avenue to Highway 13 (City of Mendota Heights)
Highway 13 from Victoria Avenue to Lilydale Road
(Mn/DOT)
MENDOTA HEIGHTS
K P L A N
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE
DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK
f�J
of
z
3
0�l
m
a
i
3
F -
� �
7 U
L^�E o
c =•'v t �
Z � m � �
vU��� _�
nY °1�a `va � �
� _ � � d
0
a ��
� B
� �
J 9
fined ;g }saM
c '
...�. E o�'.m
U U o_
Y � � -_
Y � s � � m
Y K� a _ �� �
ada Y Y� ZYi
Nye Q Ka JQ� � U. H o
-SY�z dYY U'x .. Cm�m..
a Ya z_
x ��aO�f-JQxK t ���U
o O� J Z 2 Y N}� �I .3 �� ��=� r
z zwJ-wQzw I ..^
w wOxz�c °z ���z� om>�N'a
�KQ�wQwoQuw s-tea c
LL LL S _ Y � Cc LL' > > � 3 � �
i s n n n � N U Q m'O O
y QC. vUU '
w^
~O .- w
a�e� ysi�uns z
e-
m
m
m.
W
79
1
1
1
1
LJ
ri
1
1
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO.03-89
RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION 91-94,
ESTABLISHING A PARK CONTRIBUTION FORMULA
BE
IT
RESOLVED by the
City
Council of the
City of Mendota Heights that
Resolution
No.
91-94 be amended in
its
entirety to read
as follows:
PARK DEDICATION FEE POLICY
Subdivision 1
The City Council recognizes it is essential to the health, safety and welfare of the
residents of Mendota Heights that the character and quality of the environment be
considered to be of major importance to the planning and development of the City. In
this regard, the manner in which land is developed and used is of high priority. The
presentation of land for park, playground, and public open space purposes as it relates to
the use and development of land for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes is
essential to the maintaining of a healthful and desirable environment for all citizens of the
City. We must not only provide these amenities for our citizens today, we must also be
mindful of our future citizens.
It is recognized by the City Council that the demand for park, playground and public open
space within a municipality is directly related to the density and intensity of development
permitted and allowed within any given area. Urban -type developments mean greater
numbers of people and higher demands for park, playground and public open space. To
disregard this principle is to inevitably over -tax existing facilities and thus diminish the
quality of the environment for all.
It is the policy of the City of Mendota Heights that the following standards and guidelines
for the dedication of land for park, playground and open space purposes (or cash
contributions in lieu of such dedication) in the subdividing and developing of land within
the City shall be directly related to the density and intensity of each subdivision and
development.
Subdivision 2
The owners of land being subdivided shall dedicate to the City a reasonable portion of the
land for use as public parks, playgrounds, trails or open space. The reasonable portion
shall not be less than 10% of the total land in the proposed subdivision. The City may
determine the location and configuration of any land dedicated, taking into consideration
the suitability of the land for its intended purpose and future needs of the community for
park, playground, trail, or open space property. This paragraph shall apply to all
additional lots created through plats or subdivisions. It shall not apply to previously
existing lots that develop or redevelop without requiring a replat or further subdivision.
Subdivision 3
At the City's option, the subdivider shall contribute an amount in cash, in lieu of all or a
portion of the land required under subdivision 1, according to the following fee
guidelines:
Single Family Residential
Townhomes/Duplexes/Condos
Apartments
Office/Industrial Property
Commercial
Subdivision 4
$�508-2700 per dwelling unit
$�50�2700 per dwelling unit
$1380-2700 per dwelling unit
10% of current market value of the unimproved
land as determined by the County Assessor
10% of current market value of the unimproved
land as determined by the County Assessor
Prior to the dedication of the required property, the subdivider shall provide the City with
an acceptable title opinion or title insurance policy addressed to the City that insures the
title and the City's proposed interest in the property. In any dedication of required land,
the subdivider must transfer good and marketable title to the City, free and clear of any
mortgages, liens, encumbrances or assessments, except easements or minor imperfections
of title acceptable to the City. If this land is not formally dedicated to the City with the
final plat, the subdivider shall record all deeds of conveyance of the property to the City
at the same time as the final plat or other appropriate division documents.
Subdivision 5
At the City's option, the following properties shall not be accepted for purposes of the
owner's compliance with Subdivisions 1 or 2 of this Resolution:
a) Land dedicated or obtained as easements for storm water retention, drainage, roadway
and other utility purposes.
b) Land which is unusable or of limited use, and
c) Land that is protected wetlands/floodplain area.
Subdivision 6
Cash contributions for single-family residential development will be one and payable at
the time of final plat approval by the City. Cash contributions for multi -family residential
or commercial, office or industrial development will be due and payable at the time of
final plat approval by the City, or at the option of the City, all or a portion of such.
Payment may be deferred until building permits are issued at the option of the City. Cash
contributions for single-family residential developments will be based on the number of
new developable lots created and for multi -family residential developments will be based
on the number of units included in the complex. Cash contributions for commercial,
office and industrial developments will be based on the fair market value of the gross area
created as a result of the development.
Subdivision 7
Any cash contribution received pursuant to Subdivision 2 of this Section shall be placed
in a separate City fund and used only for park, playground, trail or open space purposes.
Subdivision 8
The City Council, at its discretion, may waive or reduce the requirements of this
Resolution when the subdivision includes a City -assisted development or redevelopment
area or achieves some other public purpose and the requirements would create a financial
hardship for the project.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Mendota Heights this 16th day of September,
2003,
ATTEST: SIGN:
City Clerk Kathleen Swanson Mayor John Huber
Sewer & Water Permits
Sewer
$25.00
Water
$10.00
Planning and Zoning Fees
Variance
Residential
$100,00
Commercial
$150,00
Vacation
$250,00
Wetlands Permit
Residential
135.00
Commercial
$175,00
Critical Area Review
100.00
Minor CAO Review
$50.00
Zoning Ordinance Amendment
$250.00
Conditional Use Permit
$350,00
Rezoning
$350,00
CUP for PUD
$500,00
Concept Plan Review
$250,00
Subdivision
$750.00
Lot split
$350,00
Comprehensive Plan Amendment
$750,00
Park Dedication Fees$
Single Family Residential
$2700 per dwelling unit
Townhomes/Duplexes/Condos
$2700 per dwelling unit
Apartments
$2700 per dwelling unit
Office/Industrial Property
10% of current market value
of the unimproved land as
determined by the County
Assessor
Commercial
10% of current market value
of the unimproved land as
determined by the County
Assessor
*Permit Fee Refund Policy— The building official may authorize refunding of not more than 80
percent of the permit fee paid when no work has been done under a permit issued in accordance
with the building code. The building official may authorize refunding of not more than 80 percent
of the plan review fee paid when an application for a permit for which a plan review has been paid
is withdrawn or canceled before any plan reviewing is done. The building official shall not
authorize refunding of any fee paid except on written application filed by the original permittee not
1
L
1
1
1
1
1
1
iJ
f
February 10, 2004
Memo to: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manger
Subject: Trails - Future maintenance costs
Background Information for Council / Commission Workshop
City has built approximately 21 miles of eight -foot wide bituminous trails
Crack
repair
(routing and
filling) costs:
$600 to $1,000.00
per
mile
Crack
occurs
every 50 feet =
100 per mile x
8 ft = 800 lineal feet
@
$1 to
$1.50 per It
Surface treatment:
a. Seal coat @ $2,500 to $3,500.00 per mile (7 to 10 years)
b. Slurry seal @ $6,000 to $7,000,00 per mile (7 to 10 years)
c. Thin overlay (1-1/2 inch thick) @ $11,000 to $14,000.00 per mile
d. Total replacement @ $25,000 to $30,000.00 per mile
Note: Cracks must be addressed prior to "a, b, or c" above.
4. Budget for 2004 includes $20, 000.00 for trail maintenance
Recommendation:
Rehabilitate entire system over four-year period beginning in 2004:
i. Seal cracks - 21 miles @ $18,000.00
b. Seal/slurry- 18 miles @ $92,000.00
c. Thin overlay- 3 miles @ $39,000,00
Staff time &contingency @ 10% $15.000.00
$ 165,000.00
Current budget for 2004 000.00
Budget in 2005: $48,000.00
Budget in 2006: $48,000.00
Budget in 2007: $49,000.00
In 2008 lower budget to $30,000.00 per year and establish a 7 to 10 year
cycle of maintenance, repair, and replacement (if necessary) of all trail segments.
February 10, 2004
Memo to: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager
Subject : Playgrounds -Future maintenance/replacement costs
Background Information for Council / Commission Workshop
The City installed and maintains playgrounds in eleven city parks
The last of the timber play structures, installed in seven neighborhood parks in
the early 1970's, was removed in 2003.
Playground equipment suppliers recommend replacing play components that
receive: a. Heavy use: 7 to 9 years
b. Moderate use: 8 to 12 years
c. Occasional use: 10 to 15 years
4. Improvement plans in 2004 propose the installation of new or additional play
components in five parks, with a total budget of $91,000,00,
a. Roger's Lake Park Skate Park (ramps/jumps/obstacles) @ $27,000.00
b. Wentworth Park (replaces timber unit removed in 2003) @ $29,000.00
c. Victoria -Highlands Park (additional components) @ $14,000.00
d. Ivy Hills Park (additional components) @ $12,000,00
e. Kensington Park (additional components) @ $9,000,00
5. Current cost for replacement of all existing/in-place playground components:
a. Play components 0 to 7 years old: $154,000.00
b. Play components 7 to 12 years old: $ 35,000.00
c. Play components 13 years or older: $4792000,00
Note: Following passage of Parks Referendum in 1989 seven existing
neighborhood playgrounds received new play components and several new
parks and playground facilities were constructed in 1990 & 1991.
6. City Council has approved a budget of $4,000.00 in 2004 for replacement of
worn or broken parts and/or replacement of components) that are unsafe or
un-repairable in eleven parks.
Recommendation:
1. Determine funding source for replacement costs of play structure or
play components that are no longer safe to use:
a. Capital Improvement - Special Park Fund
...or.. 0
b. Maintenance item to be funded from the Parks Maintenance
Budget (General Taxes)
2. During the next 5 to 10 years approximately $500,000.00 in funding
may be required for replacement of play structures and components.
-,
J
1
1
�l
1
�1
I�
1
1
1
i
[�
CHAPTER IV
GOALS AND POLICIES
This chapter suggests policies that can guide the City of Mendota Heights in Lite
day to day implementation of its park and recreation facility plan. The goals and
policies included here document the intent of the city to enhance the overall
community environment by providing appropriate recreation facilities. This
chapter also examines some questions on the city's relationship with other
recreation providers.
Overall Goals
In previous planning efforts, the City of Mendota Heights evaluated future park
needs, but never formally adopted goals and policies to guide the development of
their park system.
The statement below is recommended as an overall goal for the City of Mendota
Heights.
The overall goal far park and recreation planning should be to provide an
adequate supply of recreation space, to offer an ample choice among
recreational facilities, and to assure peoplg that the quality of facilities will
match their desires and standards of living.
This general statement is further defined by the following three goals:
1. To provide a variety of facilities for both active and passive recreation.
2. To provide a park system to serve all community residents, regardless of age,
sex or economic group.
3. To use the park system as a means to enhance the environment of each
neighborhood and the city as a whole.
Park Hierarchy Concept
The concept of a hierarchy of parks helps the city to recognize the different roles
and purposes various parks are intended to fulfill. While few parks perfectly fit the
model for each type of park, the suggested standard does serve as a guideline for
appropriate acquisition, design development and use of the various parks within the
community. Overall, parks should be designed and developed to enhance their role
as unique components of the city-wide system.
Table 7
outlines
the suggested park hierarchy
system
standards for Mendota
Heights.
Further
policies have been grouped below
by type
of park.
Neighborhood Parks
1. The primary functions of the neighborhood park are to serve the recreational
needs of the surrounding neighborhood and to help establish a sense of
neighborhood identity.
lAdapted from the Orleans County, New York, Park and Recreation Plan.
�
k
;
{
a
k
�
k
]
j
[
) j -�_ 2/ J ;; _ �
_2- \[ | (]
\\� �\ }\ \\�\. \\ \\ \\\
�\��\\( \! \)){\ %]�®§ __i
l;22za= §f\ƒ!2� „ �<� )\i�
){( _ ( (
/{]} . -,;.
� )°;: - -
)ƒ}! !f\§
�|;{] ®\!!
—>�&� »2Z; ) !
_ j;|_ _ �\ -
- �®^� `{`)[\
/�§�ij\ k� j\k\\ ^{}ƒ%«f m
: ;!. _, a�;71; J� ;l,Isz=� _
`®�`) §§r4#!,. �i\§\;/E� ; ) -
[f|!{!§ 33 - E>E;I;$]i �;
{I!!&;,» . -_ ;liar \)ƒj){«!a[; ) <
\_ )k}\/}\ )/\\\\(\\\ ±/l;;:l7£\[ ;\ k
� �_.� � \
� k
k � � � | �
! )}2 ) } k )
� uE! u a ) a
2. When neighborhood parks are acquired and designed, consideration should be
given to surrounding land uses, and care taken to avoid duplication of
facilities within the same service area.
3. Preserving and enhancing a site's natural characteristics shall be an
important development priority and will help maintain each site's
individuality and identity in the neighborhood.
4. Neighborhood parks should provide something for all age groups.
Community Playfield/Athletic Park
1. To facilitate flexibility of use and ease of maintenance, a minimum size of 25
acres shall be established.
2. Community -scale organized recreation shall be programmed into community
playfields and school properties.
3. Community playfields/athletic parks shall be located and designed to
minimize the conflict of lights, traffic, noise, etc., with adjacent
neighborhoods.
4. The need for community playfield facilities is best determined by an analysis
of program demand that considers facilities available at area schools.
Many of the parks in Mendota Heights serve dual duty. For example, Valley Park
serves both neighborhood park and community needs. This is entirely appropriate
provided that the same considerations are given to planning the neighborhood park
component (location in proximity to residential service area) as are given to
freestanding facility.
Implementation Tools
Tools for implementing the park plan include the park dedication ordinance, city
zoning and subdivision ordinances and capital improvements budgeting from park
dedication fees, general fund or other sources such as donations, grants and bond
issues.
Park Dedication Ordinance
The idea behind park dedication is that developers share responsibility for the cost
of providing new city residents with park facilities. While new residential
development obviously brings new people to the community, commercial and
industrial development also affect community growth by providing jobs and
services.
Table 8 outlines the recommended park dedication requirements for Mendota
Heights. The percentage of land dedication and cost per unit requirement vary
with residential development density. This recognizes that higher intensity land
uses will need a proportionately higher percentage of the land area for park needs;
however, the cost per unit will decline as density increases. Below are suggested
policies regarding the park dedication requirement.
Table 9
Recommended Park Dedication Requirements
RESIDENTIAL
Land dedication or
cash contribution will be based
on the following table.
Dwelling Units
Land Dedication Cash
Contribution*
Per Acre
(% of Net Land Area)
Per Unit
0-1
Single Family
5%
$450
2-3
Single Family
10%
450
4-5
Duplex
12%
400
6-7
Townhouse
14%
325
8-10
Townhouse
16%
325
10-16
Apartment/Condo
18%
275
Over 16
Apartment/Condo
18%
275
Plus an additional
.5%
for every 1 D.U./Acre
over 16 D.U./Acre
COMMERCIAL OFFICE AND INDUSTRIAL
Five percent (5%) of the gross land area or fait market price
*Residential cash contribution amounts should be reviewed every third year.
61
1. The park dedication fee schedule (for fee in lieu of land) shall be reviewed
every third year and adjusted as necessary to ensure that it is adequate for
the neighborhood park needs and is comparable to land and construction
costs.
2. Commercial and industrial land uses should also be subject to park dedication
fees, calculated on a percentage of the gross land area or market value.
3. Park dedication fees are intended to meet the increased demand on a city's
park and recreation facilities generated by new development, whether
residential, commercial or industrial. Residential development primarily
generates the need for neighborhood parks. High priority should be given,
therefore, to funding neighborhood park acquisition, and developing and
improving park dedication funds.
General Funds
The city may transfer monies from the general fund to augment the park capital
improvement budget derived from park dedication fees. As these funds are
generated by property tax levies, park improvements compete with all. other city
functions for these dollars. General funds can appropriately be used in park
improvements where the facilities or improvements are community -wide in nature
(serve much of the community) or are targeted toward upgrading existing parks.
Grants
Grant funds are available on a much more limited basis, with the competition for
grant dollars much more fierce than five or ten years ago. The future of grants is
uncertain as even traditional sources such as the Federal Land and Water
Conservation Fund (LAWCON) and State Legislative Committee on Minnesota
Resources (LCMR) face budget cutbacks. The city should continue to he aware of
grant programs, maintain eligibility and apply for them, but not rely on them to
meet their needs.
Donations/Gifts
There may be potential in the community for gifts to the city for park and
recreation purposes, either in terms of land, cash or other assets, or volunteer
labor. Gifts and donations can be encouraged by keeping the community informed
of needs and the potential tax benefits for corporations or individuals. Community
groups may seek outlets for community service or recognition.
Bonds
Because of the large costs of park development, it is often necessary to supplement
park dedication fees and general revenues with funds from general obligation bond
sales. Bonds must be voted on and approved by the public, so it is important that
the public understands the need for and benefits of the bond issue and the
consequences of not approving the bond sale. Improvements from a bond sale
should benefit a large sector of the public to ensure widespread public support.
62
Joint Powers Agreements
The city may be able to implement some improvements via formal joint powers
agreements with groups such as the school district or neighboring communities.
Opportunities for cooperative arrangements are discussed later in this chapter.
Considerations far Acquisition and Development Priorities
In setting criteria for budgeting priorities, the following considerations are
suggested:
1. Availability or adequacy of existing facilities
2. Population served
3. Time frame of need (present or projected deficiency)
4. Time frame of opportunity -Will this opportunity be lost if not taken now?
This policy could relate to land availability or to funding availability such as
grants or cost sharing opportunities
5. Potential method and alternatives for implementation (park dedication,
grant, cooperative agreements or joint funding with another agency, bond
issues, etc.)
Roles and Responsibilities; Relationships With Other Agencies
The City of Mendota Heights is but one of several providers of recreation
programs, facilities and services for the community. Other recreation providers
include the public and private schools, private enterprises such as the golf courses
and country clubs, and other units of government. The a11-volunteer Mend -Eagan
Athletic Association provides valuable services for the community in organizing
and conducting youth athletic programs. Among other units of government there
are the neighboring communities of West St. Paul, Eagan and St. Paul as well as
higher units of government such as Dakota County, the Minnesota Department of
Natural Resources and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The city should
recognize the importance of these other entities in the recreation arena and seek
to cooperate with them as much as possible to avoid duplication of facilities and
services. The long range plans of other providers should be considered in future
planning by the city.
The next few years represent a critical opportunity for Mendota Heights to explore
and develop stronger relationships with other agencies. There are several reasons
why this is a critical time to evaluate these relationships:
o The City of Eagan has indicated its programs and facilities will soon be filled
by Eagan residents and Mendota Heights residents relying on those programs
will be displaced.
o Mendota Heights has recognized the need to provide more athletic facilities
for its residents. It behooves the city to seek the most cost-effective means
of providing for its needs, whether it be developing its own facilities or
utilizing joint -agreements with other agencies.
63
o West St. Paul is in the process of building some new athletic facuties as a
result of their recent bond issue. This may or may not affect the availability
of athletic facilities owned by the school district.
o There is presently a climate of receptivity for exploring stronger
relationships among both the City of West St. Paul and ISD #197.
o Other units of government may be at key stages in planning or evaluating
their own programs.
o The City of St. Paul is in the process of preparing the master plan for
Lilydale Regional Park.
o Dakota County is in the process of reevaluating its bikeway program.
Ideas and Suooestions to Cooperative Efforts
Mendota Heights should take apro-active role in investigating opportunities for
greater cooperation with other agencies. Cooperative efforts could range from
informal meetings to legal joint powers agreements. The following list of ideas is
intended to stimulate thought on current and future opportunities for Mendota
Heights. At this point, they have not necessarily been evaluated in terms of
economic or political feasibility; they are merely outlined here, arranged in broad
categories with some brief discussion.
I. Staff Opportunities
A. Recreation Services -Mendota Heights presently has one part time
recreation program director. Other program services are provided by
Community Education - ISD #197, Eagan and West St. Paul. As the
city's population grows and as Eagan discontinues service to Mendota
Heights residents, Mendota Heights will feel pressure for more
recreation services coordination, particularly for adult athletics. It is
difficult to say when the need for more than one half-time position will
be felt --it could be one to five years or longer.
Some alternatives to meet this need:
- Keep staff level at one-half time.
- Go to full time staff or equivalent.
- Expand service delivery through cooperation with West St. Paul or
ISD #197.
Consider merger of recreation program services with West St.
Paul or broker for these services through West St. Paul.
(Minnetonka and Hopkins presently have a joint recreation
department that could be used as a case study for evaluating joint
services with West St. Paul.)
Be
Maintenance Services - Mendota Heights will need an increased
maintenance staff as additional park acres and facilities are acquired
and developed. This will be particularly true if an athletic complex is
developed in the future. At present, it is acknowledged that additional
maintenance efforts are needed in the winter for snow removal from
ice rinks. Additional maintenance and grooming efforts could also be
64
used for city trails which receive infrequent attention. At current
staffing levels (two full time and one part time seasonal), the existing
parks are well maintained in the spring, summer and fall seasons.
Alternatives for maintenance staffing levels include:
- Stay at current staff levels and accept somewhat reduced levels
of service as requirements increase.
- Increase city staff with additional seasonal or part time staff.
- Explore cooperative agreements for maintenance services with
West St. Paul or ISD ��197. Efficiencies in staffing or equipment
may be available.
- Explore ways to use volunteers to assist labor intensive
maintenance efforts. (i.e. perhaps Mend -Eagan could remove
snow from rinks, youth groups might wish to assist in trail
maintenance efforts.) The use of volunteers is not a panacea, but
is used successfully in some communities for special purposes.
II. Other Coordination Efforts
In addition to potential coordination for staff arrangements, other cooperative
efforts have potential:
A. Cooperation with ISD ;'1197
- Coordinate delivery of recreation programs and cross reference
each other's programs in brochures, city newsletters, etc.
- Coordinate scheduling of athletic facilities at Sibley. High School.
- Explore potential for joint facility development and expansion at
Sibley. There may 6e room to add additional facilities, install
lighting for extra hours of use, etc.
B. West St. Paul
- In addition to potential for coordinating recreation and/or
maintenance services, programs for groups such as the senior
citizens could be evaluated. West St. Paul has strong senior
programs that already serve many Mendota Heights residents.
- Separate agreements could pursue shared use of the ice arena in
West St. Paul.
C. Dakota County
- Invite Dakota County representatives to Park and Recreation
Commission meetings on a periodic, perhaps annual, basis so that
they can apprise each other of their plans and needs.
D. City of St. Paul
- Request an active role in review of plans and the timetable for
development of Lilydale Regional Park.
- Monitor future plans and programs (annual meeting).
!�
E. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
- Invite DNR staff to a meeting on an annual basis to review and
discuss plans and progress on Fort Snelling State Park and the
Minnesota Valley State Trail.
F. Mend -Eagan Athletic Association
- Seek liaison position between Mend -Eagan and Parks and
Recreation Commission to establish and maintain good
communication. The Mend -Eagan representative could be allotted
a formal, voting position on the commission, or asked to serve as
an ex-officio member.
G. West St. Paul Athletic Association
- If Mendota Heights and West St. Paul pursue more formal
coordination efforts in recreation services delivery, the West St.
Paul and Mend -Eagan Athletic Associations may likewise wish to
pursue coordination or consolidation.
H. Dodge Nature Center, Country Clubs
- The city should continue coordination with these private
enterprises in providing trails and opportunities for cross-country
skiing.
Summary
It should be remembered that coordination in and of itself will not solve all
problems. At the minimum, coordination will lead to better communication and
understanding of each other's goals and needs. Other considerations on
coordination include:
o It can lead to efficiencies of scale in service delivery and operations and save
money.
o Each side needs a clear understanding of its own goals and needs, so these can
be communicated and mutual benefit sought.
o One side will not seek to reap windfall benefits at the expense of the other.
The goal is to seek common ground and mutual satisfaction of needs.
o Coordination will take time and effort to establish and administer. It is an
on -going process that requires attention and nurturing to succeed.
CHAPTER V
COMMUNITY TRAILS
Introduction
The purpose of the Community Trails Plan is to develop a coordinated program for
trail facility improvements based on an assessment of existing and projected needs.
While the plan is geared toward recreational trail use, it also recognizes the very
basic function of trails as transportation corridors.
Formation of the trails plan follows three basic steps. First, an inventory is made
of existing trails, both within Mendota Heights and in adjacent areas. Trail needs
are determined by demand, analysis of likely trail origins and destinations, and
discussions with related parties. Second, potential corridors are selected based on
review of man-made and natural linear elements. Selection of the corridors is then
determined and appropriate design standards recommended.
Existing Trails and Pathways
A number of formal and informal trails have been developed intentionally by the
City of Mendota Heights or resulted from pedestrian desire lines. A summary of
these trails by use type follows.
Bicycles
Segments of a bicycle backbone system have been developed recently through the
city's efforts. These trails exist as on -road signed lanes, trails adjacent the road,
or independent trails. Most surfaces are bituminous and have appropriate signing
and striping. Existing bicycle segments as of January 1986 include:
1. A two -block segment on Pilot Knob Road between I-494 and Mendota Heights
Road.
2. A north -south link which runs east from Trunk Highway 55 on Mendota
Heights Road to the eastern edge of I-35E then north adjacent the interstate
right-of-way, crossing the interstate on Wagon Wheel Trail, continuing north
on Timmy Street and Lexington Avenue to Marie Avenue. On Marie Avenue,
the trail turns east to its terminus at Victoria Road.
r' � ,n
3. A short segment on Mendota Heights Road east of F�agtl Road.
4. A trail
segment
which parallels
Huber Drive from Apache Lane North and
east to
Delaware
Avenue.
In addition, Dakota County has designated several on -road bike lanes within
Mendota Heights. This designation is largely insignificant due to the lack of
existing signing or appropriate striping and the insufficient funding available for
implementation. Roadways carrying this designation include portions of Mendota
Heights Road, Lexington Avenue, Marie Avenue and Delaware Avenue.
Pedestrian
Pedestrian facilities in
Mendota Heights
are limited
and
vary in type,
quaility
and
neighborhood location.
Pedestrian use
does occur
on
neighborhood
streets
and
67
those trail links previously developed for bicycle use. In addition, formal or
informal pedestrian trails occur in the following areas:
1. A passive trail with a grass surface runs the length of Valley Park.
2. An informal trail within the unused TH 149 right-of-way links the Friendly
Hills neighborhood to the South Plaza Drive commercial area.
3. Short trail segments or Linkages have been developed within many of the
existing municipal parks.
The pedestrian system for the most part lacks consistency and must rely upon city
streets for any pedestrian movement. Minimal recreation related trails exist.
Those which do occur are primarily in the park system. Other destination
movements such as school children must rely upon existing street systems.
Cross -Country Skiing
Cross-country skiing within Mendota Heights is localized to four areas including:
1. Somerset Country Club - a private golf course
2. The School Forest property north of Mendota Heights Road at Huber Drive
3. Valley Park
4. Dodge Nature Center - a private nature preserve
Of these locations, the city provides trail grooming at the School Forest site and
Valley Park. Dodge Nature Center provides grooming of their facilities while
Somerset Country Club does not.
Equestrian/Snowmobile Trails
Trails set for equestrian or snowmobile use do not exist within Mendota Heights.
Equestrian stables exist within the community; however, any riding which does
occur is on an informal basis within the community's open space or natural trail
corridors. Snowmobile use within the municipal limits is prohibited.
Other Corridors
A number of corridors in Mendota Heights are currently being used on an informal
basis for trail movement or offer future potential. These include:
1. Streets and highways and their right-of-way
2. The Northern States Power Company high line corridor
3. Natural drainage corridors and related easements
Those natural or man-made corridors often provide convenient trail links which can
functionally co -exist.
m
Adjacent Community or Other Agency Trails
Mendota Heights trails are influenced by existing trail corridors in abutting
communities and by corridors developed by state and federal government. These
trails may serve as linkages or destinations for Mendota Heights users.
The City of Eagan is in the process of developing acommunity-wide trail system.
A number of possible links between Mendota Heights and Eagan could provide some
inter -community trail connections. Pilot Knob Road, Trunk Highway 149 extended
and Delaware Avenue may provide linkages across I494 into Eagan. Links should
also be considered into West St. Paul providing access to neighborhood parks and
the Robert Street commercial area. These links may be best provided via Marie or
Emerson Avenues. Links with St. Paul are constrained by the river corridor
bridges. Reconstruction of the High Bridge over the Mississippi River may provide
some opportunities for a trail connection on Cherokee Avenue. Another trail
opportunity exists in Lilydale Regional Park. This open space area, when developed
by St. Paul, will serve as a logical linkage between Valley Park and the City of St.
Paul.
Bicycle traffic destined for the Summit Hill and Grand Avenue areas of St. Paul is
constrained by I-35E. Interstate 35E Parkway provides bikeway facilities through
its southern terminus at Seventh Street. Unfortunately, I-35E south of this point,
including its river crossing, is not bikeway compatible.
Bicycle enthusiasts in Mendota Heights are also attracted to the Minneapolis Park
Board system. The most logical linkage into the Minneapolis Grand Round system
is across the Mendota Bridge. From this location, trail connections can be made to
the Minnehaha Falls area and the remainder of the Minneapolis system. The
existing Mendota Bridge does not safely accommodate bicycle traffic due to the
lack of protective barriers between the bridge's sidewalks and vehicle travel lanes.
The bridge's programmed 1988 reconstruction is planned to include safe bikeway
facilities. However, the planned reconstruction of the TH 55/TH�}interchange
is presently not planned to be bikeway compatible. This roadway link is critical to
gain Mendota Bridge access.
The existing I-494 Minnesota River bridge provides bikeway facilities on its
southern side. This crossing enables Mendota Heights and Eagan bicyclists access
to Fort Snelling State Park and the planned Minnesota Valley Trail. The Minnesota
Valley Trail, when completed, will link the metropolitan area with Minnesota
Valley Refuge amenities as far south as Jordan, Minnesota.
Trail Origins and Destinations
Figure 18 illustrates destinations where Mendota Heights trail users are likely to go
such as schools, parks, shopping areas, employment concentrations and areas of
higher residential density.
- Schools are especially important destinations in considering pedestrian and bicycle
trail networks because of the number of students who could use trails. Major
school destinations in Mendota Heights include the Henry Sibley Senior High
School, the Somerset Elementary School, and the Mendota Elementary School site.
Students from abutting neighborhoods walk to the school sites, whereas, students in
outlying neighborhoods either take buses or bike. St. Thomas Academy and
Visitation Covenant private schools are considered significant destinations.
m
Retail shopping areas may serve as a destination for trail users, primarily
bicyclists. Mendota Heights primary commercial node exists at the intersection of
Dodd Road and TH 110. To some extent this is complemented by the Robert Street
commercial strip in West St. Paul.
Aside from the community's existing parks, a number of other trail destinations or
generators exist. Users may be attracted to the Dodge Nature Center, private golf
courses, and the city's industrial park located at Pilot Knob Road and Mendota
Heights Road.
Trail Needs
Needs generated by trail users are difficult to assess because trail users tend to
lack a vocal organization representing their interests. The recently completed
park and recreation survey, June-1965, requested Mendota Heights to express their
desire for specific park facility improvements. The top three responses were for
trails and included:
1. Bike/walkway trails
2. Cross-country ski trails
3. Self -guided nature trails
These responses clearly identify the need for trail development and related
facilities within Mendota Heights. Trail facilities such as signage, rest areas, and
interpretive facilities are important to provide an interesting trail experience.
Trail use is also contingent upon having a system which works collectively, allowing
users access from one end of the city to the other, connecting trail trip generators
and desirable destinations.
Goals and Policies
The following goals and policies are intended to guide implementation actions in
the development of the trail system. Goals provide an overall statement of a
desired objective, the end point toward which effort is directed. Policies are used
in guiding day-to-day decisions, and are structured to help attain the desired goals.
For easier reference, the goals and policies are organized according to the
following topics:
- General
- Functional considerations
- Design considerations
- Maintenance considerations
- Welfare, safety and security considerations
- Programming and financing considerations
General
1. Goals
A. Should reflect citizen desires and be consistent with other elements of
the Park and Recreation Facility Plan.
B. Should allow for year-round multiple use.
C. Should be consistent with related county, regional and federal/state
objectives and coordinated with those implementation efforts.
D. Should be developed and maintained in a cost effective manner.
E. Should reflect and highlight community scale and physical/cultural
characteristics.
F. Should serve existing community and parallel growth trends of the city.
G. Should recognize property owners right and minimize impacts on their
privacy.
2. Policies
A. Shall respond to community desires and satisfy user group needs.
B. Shall conform to the Mendota Heights Park and Recreation Facility
Plan by:
- Designating routes for pedestrians and hikers.
- Separating trails from streets where possible
- Utilizing ROW's and easements where possible
- Providing plantings, furniture, lighting and signing where practical
- Connecting park, open spae and recreation nodes and areas of
commercial or cultural importance
C.
Shall
be efficient,
and avoid duplication.
D.
Shall
accomodate
a broad range of year-round use.
E.
Shall
conform to standards
set by upper levels of government.
F.
Shall
comply with
federal/state trail planning efforts.
G. Shall comply with plans supported or recognized by:
- City Park and Recreation Commission
- City Planning Commission
- City Council
- Area school districts
- City residents and organized trail groups
- Private or quasi -public trail organizations
- Dakota County
- Minnesota Department of Natural Resources/Transportation
- Federal Fish and Wildlife Service
H. Location and design of corridor shall minimize negative effects and
maximize beneficial effects for adjacent land owners.
71
Functional Considerations
1. Goals
A. Safety considerations should be applied to the separation of trail and
highway facilities.
B. Should perform a transportation function and link neighborhood,
educational, recreational and other community activity nodes and tie
into existing or proposed public and private trail facilities.
C. Should conserve or preserve natural amenities and buffer incompatible
land use from the user.
D. Should consider maximum potential use capacity and provide
alternative facilities for special user groups.
2. Policies
A. Trails shall be physically separated where possible from highway
facilities or lanes designated within highway corridors.
B. A pedestrian network shall be established Criss-crossing the city linking
the various neighborhoods.
C. Schools, parks and commercial shopping areas shall be linked.
D. City trails shall link up with state, county and federal trail systems.
E. Where possible, trail corridors shall utilize, make accessible and
preserve natural amenities including: drainage courses, slopes,
wetlands and major wooded areas.
F. Trails shall be designed and developed with easements acquired for
maximum corridor use.
Design Considerations
1. Goals
A. Trail design should reflect specific use.
8. Design should utilize but remain sensitive to natural areas.
C. Trail patterns should be dictated by population density and
development.
D. Highway and utility easements should be considered for corridors.
E. Ample access and comfort/support facilities should be provided.
F. The trail system should integrate new residential and commercial areas
as they emerge.
72
G. Design consistency should occur with other trail systems.
H. Proven design standards should be applied with localized sensitivity.
2. Policies
A. Trail elements shall be designed with the following user groups in mind:
- bicycling
- hiking and pleasure walking
- ski touring
B. Trails shall utilize open space occurring due to natural features where
possible.
C. Trails shall be developed proportionate to city development patterns
and population density.
D. Highway and utility rights -of -way shall be used where appropriate and
feasible.
E. Trail support facilities shall be provided including access points, signing
and striping, parking, bridges and where appropriate, seating and shelter
items.
F. The trail system shall be continually extended into new housing or
commercial areas.
G. Trail elements must be integrated into existing environments with
sensitivity to design and neighborhood character.
H. Trail type, design and signing consistency shall occur within the city
and smooth transition take place between trails of differing
jurisdiction.
I. Creativity shall be exercised when conforming design and construction
standards to specific sites.
Maintenance Considerations
1. Goals
A. The trail system should generate minimum maintenance. That which
does occur should be within the capabilities of the City of Mendota
Heights.
B. The trail system should encourage user upkeep.
C. User groups generating high maintenance or negative impacts should be
restricted or avoided.
73
2. Policies
A. The trail system shall be located, designed and constructed to minimize
maintenance costs.
B. Trail maintenance procedures shall 6e feasibly by Mendota Heights both
now and in the future. Where possible, maintenance procedures shall
conform to existing city activities.
C. Trai! system implementation through its organization, design and
construction should encourage maximum user maintenance and upkeep.
Potential for vandalism should be kept minimal.
D. Users which cause high maintenance or are potentially destructive to
trail facilities should be limited or alternate facilities provided which
can bear the user impact.
Welfare, Safety and Security Considerations
1. Goals
A. The trail system should have a positive impact on the city both
culturally and environmentally.
B. The trail system should be compatible with adjacent land owners and
land use whenever possible.
C. Safety considerations should be integrated into the system through
design and regulation.
D. Adjacent property should be protected.
2. Policies
A. The trail system shall enhance the city's aesthetics where possible and
shall not produce undue noise, physical erosion or degradation.
B. Physical barriers shall be maintained or developed where possible along
portions of the trail system which are incompatible with adjacent land
use.
C. Safety considerations including sight distances, trail dimensions and
other items of personal well-being shall be integrated into trail
standards.
D. Policing policies shall be drawn up utilizing city, community and user
group resources previous to any significant trail development.
E. City ordinances addressing health, safety and legal factors shall be
established. These shall coincide with existing state or federal
regulations which may apply.
F. Nodal areas should be considered for those user groups which
potentially could disturb adjacent property.
74
Programming and Financing Considerations
1. Goals
A. Design construction and maintenance costs associated with the trail
system should be within existing or anticipated city fiscal capabilities.
B. All available financial assistance should be used to implement the trail
system.
C. Trail coridors should be secured as soon as possible.
D. Whenever possible, trail system elements should be provided by private
interests.
2. Policies
A. Trail costs shall not place unreasonable demands on the city's fiscal
resources.
B. Federal, state, metropolitan and county financial assistance shall be
actively requested to develop the trail system. Assistance efforts shall
focus on:
- State of Minnesota -
a. Office of Local and Urban Affairs - LAWCON
Minnesota Department of Transportation -
a. Bikeways Grants Program
County - Dakota County
Private -
a. user groups
b. land holdings
c. developer contribution
C. Innovative methods to finance or expand the trail system shall be
explored.
D. Trail system development shall be based on a logically sequenced
program and shall be included in the city's capital improvements
programming activities and coordinated with major utility and road
construction projects.
E. Land for trails shall be obtained as soon as possible. Corridor
acquisition should generally have a higher priority than development
proposals.
F. Upon the selection of trail corridors, all major subdivisions shall provide
appropriate trail corridors as a part of required open space dedications
to maintain the trail network.
Trail System Plan
The following
narrative outlines a
system for each
three trail
modes: bike,
pedestrian and
cross country skiing.
Each trail system
is discussed
on an individual
basis, with emphasis given to the overall system, critical sections or crossing areas,
and the relationship with other trail modes. Implementation and phasing concerns
are also addressed, with attention given to support facilities, coordination with
other agencies and groups, and possible funding mechanisms.
Implementation
The trail plans serve as guides for both immediate and long range implementation
and development. Implementation is dependent on the availability of funding and
the land or easements where trails will be routed. Implementation can be initiated
on some trail segments where development costs are modest and land ownership is
not a problem. Trail segments requiring negotiation among various land owners and
agencies will understandably require more time to develop. Close coordination
with affected land owners, user groups, and other levels of government will be
essential to the development of a meaningful trail network. It is important to
remember that trail use is proportional with the amount of trail system completed.
User safety is an important concern in all trail development. The primary safety
concern areas usually occur at intersections with major roads or highways. A grade
separated crossing is the ideal solution at intersections because it eliminates the
potential for conflict; however, because of the large cost involved, it cannot be
used in every case. In some cases, the cost factor is overriden by concern for
safety to ensure that the trail system is a viable route for recreation and travel.
All trail system development requires attention to safety in the routing, design,
development and maintenance of the trails themselves. The trail plans were
designed to minimize conflicts with vehicular traffic while striving to
accommodate the convenience of the user in reaching desired destinations.
Maintenance activities such as removing branches growing over cross-country ski
trails and making sure that storm water drainage grates are perpendicular to the
direction bicycles will be traveling are important details in insuring the safety and
comfort of the trail user.
As with any plan, the trail plans are not absolute and unbending. As circumstances
change, new development occurs or discussions with coordinating groups take
place, adjustments and refinements to the plan will be made. This is in accordance
with utilizing the plans as a tool to guide, not dictate, future actions.
Bicycle Trail System
The bicycle trail system, as illustrated on Figure 18, is the most extensive of the
Mendota Heights trail systems. It is important that this system provide convenient
city-wide north -south and east -west access as well as linkages into adjacent
community or other agency trail systems and related amenities. In addition, it is
assumed that pedestrian traffic will be with the bike trail system within Mendota
Heights. To this end, it is recommended that bike trail implementation will occur
separated from the travelled roadway by standard curbs or setback separated
entirely from the roadway. On -road application should be limited to low volume
neighborhood streets, complemented by safety signing and appropriate striping. In
any application, the proposed bikeway surface should be of hard surface
construction, such as bituminous. A six foot trail width is minimum and an eight
foot wide trail width is desirable to comfortably accommodate two pedestrians and
a bicyclist.
EXISTING BICYCLE/PEDESTRIAN TRAIL
®®®®® PROPOSED BICYCLE/PEDESTRIAN TRAIL
°°•°°°°°•°° PROPOSED PEDESTRIAN TRAIL
ACCESS TO
ACCESS TO MINNEA C 4
kz
ACCESS TO ST. PAUL
_ . ,;L
�.
iTx
f
it
LLL
a
j
b
AGGESS-Tp-EAG-AN-AND
_ d o
MINNESOTAi RIVER VALLEY r^
PARK AND RECREATION FIGURE 18,
FACILITY NEEDS STUDY BICYCLE/PEDESTRIAN TRAIL PLAN
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MN, rlmjm mJ
ACCESS TO
WEST ST. PAL
PARK AND RECREATION SURVEY RESPONSES, JUNE 1985
1. Have you or any other member of your household used the City parks in the
past year?
NO-29
1-5 TIMES - 27
6-10 TIMES - 22
MORE THAN 10 TIMES - 153
2. Name of park nearest your residence.
IVY - 32
WENTWORTH - 41
VALLEY - 26
MARIE - 53
ROGERS LAKE - 31
FRIENDLY MARSH - 41
3. Number of members in household by age group.
UNDER 5 - 69
6-9 YEARS - 75
10-13
YEARS -
79
14-18
YEARS -
79
18-35
YEARS -
141
35-50
YEARS -
222
OVER
50 - 140
4. How many years have you resided in Mendota Heights?
1 YEAR - 10
2-5 YEARS - 38
6-10 YEARS - 36
OVER 10 YEARS - 124
5. Which of the following recreation programs have you or any member of your
household participated in during the past year?
City Park & Rec. Programs
T-BALL, GIRLS - 34
T-BALL, BOYS - 34
VOLLEYBALL - 8
ART IN THE PARK - 23
SENIORS CLUB - 3
TENNIS - 57
MendEagan Programs
HOCKEY - 53
GIRLS SOFTBALL - 37
BOYS BASEBALL - 55
SOCCER - 55
FOOTBALL - 9
6. Do you or any member of your household participate in recreational activities
offered by other communities or organizations?
YES - 93, NO - 121
7. Should the City of Mendota Heights offer additional recreation programs?
YES - 65, NO - 108
8. Do you participate in any recreational activity within the city or state, school,
city, or private property which has not been covered by the previous questions?
(i.e., slow pitch softball, cross country skiing, etc.)
YES - 112, NO - 91
9. Do you or any member of your household participate in recreational activities
sponsored by neighboring communities? (i.e., swimming, softball, etc.)
YES - 74, NO - 118
10. Below are potential areas of improvement for our City park facilities.
Please
rank the following improvements in order
of their importance
to you.
(Ranking: 1-very important; 2-somewhat
important;
3-not important).
1
2
3
ARCHERY
6
33
128
NATURE STUDY
64
60
47
ADULT SOFTBALL
46
54
69
OUTDOOR BASKETBALL
42
62
71
BASEBALL FIELDS
62
47
59
BIKE/WALKING TRAILS
141
43
13
CROSS COUNTRY SKI TRAILS
105
52
36
FOOTBALL/SOCCER FIELDS
39
43
37
HORSESHOE COURTS
12
50
104
MORE NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS
42
33
94
MORE PARK SHELTERS
27
47
91
SWIMMING (BEACH OR POOL)
61
61
50
OUTDOOR VOLLEYBALL COURTS
49
67
58
PICNIC AREAS
46
59
65
PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT
50
40
74
PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUND AREA
33
39
89
PERMANENT RESTROOM FACILITIES
57
64
49
SELF -GUIDED NATURE TRAILS
61
66
51
OUTDOOR AMPHITHEATRE
10
30
128
LIGHTING FOR BALL FIELDS
30
35
102
LIGHTING FOR TENNIS COURTS
63
47
73
Rank Order of Expressed Desire for Park Facilities Improvements
If No = 208
Yes (1+2) No
1.
BIKE/WALKWAY TRAILS
184
(88.0%)
2.
CROSS-COUNTRY SKI TRAILS
157
(75.5%)
3.
SELF GUIDED NATURE TRIALS
127
(61.1%)
4.
NATURE STUDY
124
(59.6%)
5.
SWIMMING (BEACH OR POOL)
122
(58.7%)
6.
PERMANENT RESTROOM FACILITIES
121
(5B.2%)
7.
OUTDOOR VOLLEYBALL COURTS
116
(55.6%)
Be
LIGHTING FOR TENNIS COURTS
110
(52.9%)
9.
BASEBALL FIELDS
109
(52.4%)
10.
PICNIC AREAS
105
(50.5%)
11.
OUTDOOR BASKETBALL
104
(50.0%)
12.
ADULT SOFTBALL
100
(48.1%)
13.
PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT
90
(43.3%)
14.
FOOTBALL/SOCCER FIELDS
82
(39.4%)
15.
PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUND AREA
77
(37.0%)
16.
MORE PARK SHELTERS
76
(36.5%)
17.
MORE NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS
75
(36.1%)
Be
LIGHTING FOR BALL FIELDS
65
(31.2%)
19.
HORSESHOE COURTS
62
(29.9%)
20.
OUTDOOR AMPHITHEATRE
40
(19.2%)
21.
ARCHERY
39
(18.7%)
a
1
C
1
1
i
1
�1
L
1
1
1
1
[J
[�
1
City of Mendota Heights
MEMORANDUM
February 4, 2004
Memo to: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager
Subject: Future Options for Trail Improvements
Background:
The existing trail system contains approximately twenty-one miles of paved trails,
predominately off-street and constructed to a width of eight feet. The last Commission
workshop related to future trail projects was in January 1996,
Discussion:
The Commission expressed a desire to prepare a long-range plan to expand the
trial system by providing "missing -links" within the existing system and to look for
opportunities to provide new trails, when land development occurred, or when roadway
improvements by other governmental units provided opportunities to include trails within
their project.
Attached is a copy of the City's existing park and trail system to which I have
highlighted (in yellow) various trail improvements that have been discussed during the
past several years.
Recommendation:
Review the information provided.
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
February 2004
Prepared by: Guy Kullander, ParksProjectManager
Options for Future Trail Improvements:
(Refer to attached map for locations)
A. Delaware Ave. (Huber Drive south to I-494/City of Eagan)
Construct off-street trail in conjunction with future Dakota County upgrade
of County Road 63/Delaware Ave. Additional right-of-way must be acquired. Cost
trail could be funded as part of the County project.
B. Delaware Ave. (Huber Drive north to Hwy.110)
The City funded a widening of the shoulder (west side-4 feet) with the
County funding the east (Sunfish Lake) side. Off-street trail has been requested.
Trail could be included with a future roadway upgrade/improvement by Dakota
County funded by the County. Additional right-of-way required.
C. Delaware Ave. (Hwy. 110 north to Marie Ave.)
An off-street trail section exists from Hwy 110 to frontage road and a
widened shoulder (4 ft to 8 ft wide) extends to Marie. A separated trail is
desirable to better separate trail users from the traffic on Delaware. If the County
were to upgrade this section of County Road 63 a separated trail would probably
be included.
D. Warrior Drive (Hwy 110 frontage road north to existing trail)
The existing trail was constructed by the School District to provide walking
access to Sibley High School grounds. Due to the amount of traffic and parking
on Warrior a separated trail should be considered.
E. Dodd Road (North of Town Center to Marie Ave.)
Trails to be constructed as part of the Town Center development end at
the northern boundary of the project area. An existing six foot widen shoulder, on
Dodd, is now used by bikes and pedestrians. A separated off-street trail would be
safer, especially for the groups of high school joggers that use the trail.
F. Dodd Road (1-494 north to Mendakota Park)
Dodd Road/S.T.Hwy 149 is heavily used. Existing shoulder areas from
Mendakota Park to Wagon Wheel Trail/Decorah Lane is from one to three feet
wide. South of Wagon Wheel to 1-494 the shoulders average six feet in width. A
separated trail would provide a safer facility from pedestrians/bikes.
G. Wagon Wheel Trail (Dodd Rd./S.T.Hwy 149 to Lexington Ave./County Rd, 43)
This low volume two-lane roadway has no shoulders or curb and gutters.
Pedestrians and bikers have reported excessive speeding as hazardous. Trail
can be added when project to upgrade the existing roadway goes forward.
H. Lexington Ave. &Wagon Wheel Trail (Mendota Heights Road to 1-35 E Bridge)
The plans and specifications are almost complete on this project that is to
be predominately funded from state MSA funds and Dakota County. Currently
scheduled to be bid this spring and constructed during 2004.
Lexington Ave./ County Road 43 (Wagon Wheel Trail to S.T.HWWI 110)
Lexington is a two lane roadway with no shoulders and limited right-of-
way. Due to opposition from property owners along this section the Council
declined to order construction of this trail section.
Lake LeMay Trail (LeMay Lake Drive southerly to Mendota Heights Road)
A trail extending south from the Augusta Shores development through
property owned by Resurrection Cemetery and continuing south to Mendota
Heights Road was considered a desirable route if or when development occurs in
this area.
K. Big Rivers Regional Trial (Hwy 13 southerly along old RR right-of-way to I-494)
The Big Rivers Regional Trail, as originally proposed, was to be extended
by construction of an tunnel under Hwy 13 and then proceed south along the
former RR right-of-way to Mendota Heights Road and then continue south and
across 1-494 into Eagan. This was a Dakota County project to be funded from
Federal/Metro Council grant.
L. Mendota Heights Road (Pilot Knob Road to S.T.Hwy 13)
This segment would be a continuation of the existing trail on Mendota
Heights Road and would provide a continuous trail from east to west through
the City. This section was originally "left out" due to expectations of low usage.
Due to completion of Big Rivers Regional Trail and overlook off Hwy 13 this link
should be considered for completion.
M. Pilot Knob Road (Acacia Boulevard northerly and westerly to Big Rivers Trail)
This segment would be installed if/when the area north and east of Acacia
Cemetery is developed.
N. Big Rivers Regional Trail (Scenic Overlook off Hwy 13 south to I494 River
Bridge/Eagan)
This segment of the regional trail will be constructed along the west side of
Hwy 13 on highway right-of-way or within Fort Snelling State Park. A ramp from
Hwy 13 up to and connecting with the existing trail way on the 1-494 Bridge
across the river into Bloomington is part of this project.
O. City Hall (Railway around pond/wetland north and west of City Offices)
Trail would begin at City Hall and extend westerly on the north side of the
pond, then south to the trail on Victoria Curve by the synagogue. Future land
dedication, if/when Olin property is developed would provide most of the land
needed for the trail. Remaining easements would be sought from the synagogue
and two residents.
P. Lexington Avenue/County Road 43 (Hwy 13 north to Douglas)
Lilydale requested the City help fund this link when they were constructing
their trail along Hwy. 13. The City Council declined to participate in that project.
This is a very difficult segment because of the steep slope, limited right-of-way, it
is a County maintained road, and there are steep rocky side slopes. To re -
engineer the roadway to lessen the steep slope would be very costly.
Q. Mayfield Heights link (Douglas northerly to Mayfield Heights Rd.)
Residents of the Mayfield Heights area requested a trail linking their
neighborhood to Douglas Road. Council did not approve a trail concept plan,
requiring condemnation of easements between two unwilling residents.
R. Victoria Road (Celia Rd to Celia Rd)
An existing trail connects the south leg of Celia Rd. to Victoria Highlands
Park. At the north leg of Celia Rd, the trail begins again and goes northerly past
County Day and down to Hwy. 13. This segment was not built due to an
existing 26" gas main located in the ditch along Victoria where the trail would be
located. To construct the trail the storm sewer pipe must be installed before the
ditch can be filled in. When Victoria Rd is upgraded, with curb, gutters, and storm
sewer a trail would be part of the project.
S. Wentworth/Trail Road (Wentworth Ave. south along the west end of the Par 3
Golf course connecting to Valley Park/Marie Ave Trail)
Trail would provide north south access from Park Place, Cherry Hills and
Wentworth Ave. residents to Valley Park and southerly trail segments. Also
construct east -west connection from new trail to existing trail in Valley Park.
T. Wachtler Ave./Sibley Memorial Highway
(Cherry Hill south to Hwy. 13 then westerly to Lilydale Rd./1-35E Bridge)
These two segments would connect the existing trail on Wachtler Ave. at
Park Place to Hwy 13 and thence to Lilydale Rd and the Big Rivers Regional
Trail. It would also provide access to the future trail to be constructed on the new
1-35E Bridge that would connect to St. Paul and trails on the north side of the
river.
U. North Urban Regional Trail (Dodd Rd. to Delaware)
This regional trail, to be constructed by Dakota County, is intended to
provide trail access to the new Dakota County Government Center in West St.
Paul. if the project proceeds construction should be completed in 2005. Part of
the original project concept was to enlarge, from eight to ten feet wide, the City's
existing trail through Valley Park that connects to Lilydale Rd. and the Big Rivers
Regional Trail.
V. Lilydale Regional Park (Yacht Club east to Harriet Island/St. Paul)
Extension/completion of the Big Rivers Regional Trail from the Pool and
Yacht Club into St. Paul will be part of the development of the Lilydale Regional
Park, which is a City of St. Paul Park Department project.
W. 1-35E Bridge Reconstruction Project (Hwy 13 to Shepard Rd)
A pedestrian/bike trail is included with this project along with an access
ramp connection down to the Big Rivers Regional Trail by the Pool and Yacht
Club,
X. Emerson Avenue (Dodd Road to Delaware Avenue)
On or off-street trail should be considered when street rehabilitation
project for this neighborhood is discussed with affected residents.
Y. Wentworth Avenue (Dodd Road to Delaware Avenue)
Lack of shoulders and ditches makes this segment a danger for walkers
and bikers. Lack of right-of-way along this roadway (County Road #8) will impact
any trail design.
-- Proposed North Urban Regional Trail
(Dakota County)
��— Proposed Lilydale Pedestrian Trail
•-••• Widened Shoulders
Off Street Bituminous
Trail (6' to 8' wide)
City Hall / Police / Fire / Public Works
City Park Land
C] Water
Mendota Heights
Lilydale & Mendota
Open Space
irks
Friendly Hills Park
Friendly Marsh Park
Hagstrom King Park
Ivy Hills Park
Kensington Park
Marie Park
Mendakota Park
Rogers Lake Park
Valley Park
Victoria Highland Park
iWentworth Park
tll (rails shown within the City limits are maintained by
'ity crews except•
(A) Big Rivers Regional Trail -Dakota County.
(e) Dodd Rd/TH 149 shoulders-Mn/DOT.
oncrete sidewalks are not shown on plan.
opperfield Pond (C) is a gravel trail.
[!
�l
1
�I
�I
1
1
1
L
[�
1
1
1
1
1
1