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2021-01-05 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda PacketCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Tuesday, January 5, 2021- 6:30 P.M. Virtual Meeting-WebEx MN Stat. 13D.021 - Meeting by telephone or other electronic means: Conditions - MN stat. 13D.021 provides that a meeting of a public body may be conducted via telephone or other electronic means if meeting in a public location is not practical or prudent because of a health pandemic or declared emergency. At its meeting on March 17, 2020, the Mendota Heights City Council declared a local emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a part of this action, until further notice all Parks and Recreation committee meetings will be held by telephone or through other electronic means, with social distancing measures in place. All public meetings will continue to follow the requirements of the Minnesota Open Meeting Law. With both the log-in or dial-in options, the line will be muted. Observers wishing to make comments on any of the agenda items will need to contact the Recreation Program Coordinator no later than noon on the day of the meeting, and provide their contact information and the agenda item which they want to address. Note that any applicable long-distance telephone charges may apply. Public Attendance is available via telephone at: +1-312-535-8110 Access Code: 177 303 4860 AGENDA 1.Call to Order 2.Roll Call 3.Pledge of Allegiance 4.Approval of Agenda 5.Approval of Minutes a.December 8, 2020 Regular Meeting Minutes 6.Citizen Comment Period (for items not on the agenda) *See guidelines below 7.Acknowledgement of Reports a.Par 3 Update b.Recreation Update c.Park Improvement Update d.Natural Resource Update 8.New Business a.Valley Park Eagle Scout Service Project Presentation b.Par 3 Vision Discussion c.Park Volunteer/Adopt-A-Park Program Discussion 9.Unfinished Business a.Skate Park Work Group Update 10.Staff Announcements 11.Commission Comments and Park Updates 12.Adjourn 1 Auxiliary aids for persons with disabilities are available 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. Guidelines for Citizen Comment Period: The Citizen Comments section of the agenda provides an opportunity for the public to address the commission on items which are not on the agenda. All are welcome to speak. Comments should be directed to the Chair. Comments will be limited to 5 minutes per person and topic; presentations which are longer than five minutes will need to be scheduled with the Recreation Program Coordinator to appear on a future Parks and Recreation commission agenda. Comments should not be repetitious. Citizen comments may not be used to air personal attacks, to air personality grievances, to make political endorsements, or for political campaign purposes. Commissioners will not enter into a dialogue with citizens, nor will any decisions be made at that presentation. Questions from the Commission will be for clarification only. Citizen comments will not be used as a time for problem solving or reacting to the comments made, but rather for hearing the citizen for information only. If appropriate, the Chair may assign staff for follow up to the issues raised. 2 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS, DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING DECEMBER 8, 2020 The December meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, December 8, 2020, at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve. 1.Call to Order – Chair Steve Goldade called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. 2. Roll Call – The following Commissioners were present: Chair Steve Goldade, Commissioners: Patrick Cotter, Bob Klepperich, Stephanie Meyer, and Amy Smith; absent: Commissioner Pat Hinderscheid and Dan Sherer. Staff present: Recreation Program Coordinator, Meredith Lawrence, Assistant City Administrator, Cheryl Jacobson and Public Works Director, Ryan Ruzek. 3.Pledge of Allegiance The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 4.Approval of Agenda Motion Klepperich/second Cotter, to approve the agenda, removing Item 8a. AYES 5: NAYS 0 5.a Approval of Minutes from November 10, 2020 Regular Meeting Motion Klepperich/second Smith to approve the minutes of the November 10, 2020 Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting. AYES 5: NAYS 0 6.Citizen Comment Period (for items not on the agenda) None. 7.Acknowledgement of Reports Chair Goldade read the titles of the three updates (Par 3, Recreation, and Park Improvement Updates) and polled the Commissioners for questions. 7.a Par 3 Update Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence briefly reviewed the 2020 October Financial Report and reviewed the total number of rounds and revenue received during the season. She noted that while November and December typically do not have revenue, they will continue to have expenses. Chair Goldade asked if there will be a time when the Commission can share ideas for 2021. Ms. Lawrence confirmed that there will be further discussion on marketing for 2021 later on tonight’s agenda. She noted that if desired the item could also be added to a future agenda. Chair Goldade commended staff for their ability to adapt to the COVID-19 regulations and have a successful season. 7.b Recreation Update Ms. Lawrence provided a summary of the recreation update, noting that the current Executive Order from the Governor allows rinks to be flooded but does not allow for warming houses to be 3 5a. open. She stated that if the Executive Order changes, staff will reevaluate and work with the City Council for direction. She noted that the rinks will be flooded when temperatures allow. She stated that as of now organized sports groups are not allowed to use the outdoor rinks, but families will be able to use the rinks once flooded. She provided information on the new recreation activity, the “Quarantine Cup” which helps to get families active and is a friendly competition between Mendota Heights and West Saint Paul. She reported that Mendota Heights won the first challenge and provided details on the second challenge. Chair Goldade thanked staff for the creative idea of the “Quarantine Cup”. He encouraged staff to share the idea with area schools. He commented that the weather has been nice and suggested that the lights be turned on for a few evening hours at Marie Park to allow users to utilize the pickleball courts and roller hockey rink. 7.c Parks Improvement Update Ms. Lawrence stated that the report includes the minutes from the City Council works session which featured discussion on park related items. She noted that multiple Commission members attended the workshop and could provide further details if desired. She reported that nine proposals were received from vendors for the Marie Park RFP. She stated that the Canoe Rack Rental Policy was approved by the City Council, with the recommendations proposed by the Commission and advised that the updated policy has been posted to the City website. Chair Goldade asked if the Commission should be purposeful in identifying funding for park improvements, following the change in interpretation on how the funds can be spent. Ms. Lawrence commented that the existing projects that were proposed to use special parks funds are being reviewed and that funding will be discussed with the City Council. She stated that if there are ideas for new projects, staff could review the opportunity for funding. Commissioner Cotter stated that the special parks fund has been relied on for funding in the past and asked the role of the Commission in attempting to find new funding, as there has been a significant shift in how those improvements can be funded. He stated that perhaps that item could be placed on a future agenda to allow for further discussion. Chair Goldade provided examples of multi-family housing developments which contributed to the special parks fund and asked which park elements could be developed with those dollars that use those funds. Ms. Lawrence commented that new projects would be eligible for special park fund dollars. She noted that CIP planning will become important as some of the improvement projects will need to be levied for. She suggested that the Commission discuss this sometime after February when the new members have joined the Council and they’ve had time to discuss that topic. Commissioner Meyer asked if staff could send out the statutory language related to that interpretation. Ms. Lawrence confirmed. Motion Klepperich/second Meyer to acknowledge the staff reports. AYES 5: NAYS 0 8.New Business 8.a Valley Eagle Scout Service Project Presentation Item removed from the agenda. To be added to January meeting agenda. 4 8.b Par 3 Rebranding Discussion Ms. Lawrence stated that information on a Par 3 rebranding initiative was included in the packet including a new logo for the golf course. She stated that the Council provided input on the logo and directed staff to bring it forward to the Park and Recreation Commission for input and a recommendation. Commissioner Smith commented that it appears the rebranding would be done on the sign at the golf course and asked if there would be apparel or merchandise available with the new logo. Ms. Lawrence confirmed that the rebranding would apply not only to the sign but there would also be updates to marketing materials, scorecards, and other elements. Chair Goldade stated that he prefers Mendota Heights to be more prominent in the middle and not offset. He provided additional comments on the logo. He stated that he likes the colors and options for the merchandise. Commissioner Klepperich commented that he prefers straight lines rather than crooked lines. Commissioner Cotter stated that while he preferred the wrap around as it looks more like a golf ball, he could support either design. He stated that this is exciting and fitting for the revitalizing year the Par 3 had. Ms. Lawrence asked if the Commission could make a recommendation to bring forward to the Council. She noted the comment to have more space between the P and 3 and said it would be changed. Commissioner Smith commented that she prefers the family three logo. Commissioner Meyer commented that she prefers the family one logo. Commissioner Klepperich commented that he would prefer the family one logo but would be flexible. Commissioner Cotter commented that he prefers the family three logo. Chair Goldade commented that he would support the family three logo. Motion Smith/second Cotter to recommend the family three logo for the rebranding of the Par 3. AYES 5: NAYS 0 8.c Set Meeting Dates for 2021 Ms. Meredith Lawrence stated that the proposed 2021 meeting schedule was included in the packet. She noted a conflict for the January meeting date and suggested holding the January meeting on January 5, 2020. She stated that the City Council directed staff to conduct public meetings virtually and recommended that the Commission move to full virtual meetings beginning in January. Chair Goldade asked and received confirmation that the suggested January 5th date could be held virtually with a practice “meeting” to be completed the day prior to ensure that all 5 Commissioners can log in and participate. It was confirmed that the practice “meeting” would be held Monday, January 4th at 6:30 p.m. Chair Goldade confirmed that other than the January meeting, all 2021 meetings would be held on the second Tuesday of the month and the dates have been verified to ensure that there are no conflicts with holidays. Motion Klepperich/second Smith to set the 2021 meetings dates as presented by staff. AYES 5: NAYS 0 8.d Solicit Applications for Student Representative Ms. Lawrence provided background on the student representative position on the Commission, which is a non-voting member. She stated that staff recommends posting the position and seeking applications from interested students. She asked for input from the Commission on how the position could be marketed. Chair Goldade asked the age range for the student position and whether that age range could be expanded to include 9th through 12th grades. He stated that he supports posting the position again on the website and suggested reaching out to the Skate Park student members and perhaps students that were interested in that group but were not appointed. Ms. Lawrence replied that the position is currently open to juniors and seniors, which preference is given to juniors as they could serve for a longer time. She stated that if the Commission desires to change the age range, that could be brought forward to the Council. She stated that she would not be opposed to recommending more than one student if there is interest from multiple students. Commissioner Cotter asked if the position could be advertised through the schools. Ms. Lawrence stated that last Spring she planned to present at the weekly meetings at local high schools but noted that COVID-19 prevented that. She confirmed that she would like to post the information on the website, on the Friday News, and within the local schools. Commissioner Cotter commented that posting within the schools and Activity Directors will probably provide the most interest. Chair Goldade stated that he would also support that option to reach out to students. He stated that perhaps the age range be extended to include sophomores as that could provide a longer range of service. Ms. Lawrence confirmed that she would be open to that as it would depend on the student’s maturity level. She commented that there has not been much interest in the position in the past and perhaps expanding the range a bit would provide more interest. Commissioner Smith asked if a student can be a resident but attend school outside of Mendota Heights. Ms. Lawrence stated that she would be open to that situation if it is supported by the Commission. 6 Commissioner Klepperich stated that when he joined the Commission there were two student representatives and asked if that would be a possibility if multiple students were interested. Ms. Lawrence stated that there have not been many applicants in the past and confirmed that she would be open to two student representatives. Motion Cotter/second Meyer to approve the posting of the Student Representative position which should be expanded to include applicants that will be juniors in the 2021/2022 school year. AYES 5: NAYS 0 9.Unfinished Business 9.a Research Nordic Skiing Ms. Lawrence stated that information on the possibility of providing Nordic skiing was included in the Commission packet along with the cost to implement the program. She noted that those funds were not included in the approved 2020 budget, therefore if the Commission is interested in pursuing the amenity there would need to be additional discussion related to funding and staffing. Commissioner Klepperich commented that the grounds are available at minimal or no cost to the City, which makes it a nice resource to residents without expending budgetary funds. He stated that he would prefer that it remain the way it is, noting that residents typically setup their own tracks in the winter that others follow. Chair Goldade stated that he was looking for something easy and stated that perhaps rather than using a snowmobile, equipment could be used for grooming that could also be used by the golf course (like an ATV). He stated that he is okay with the staff recommendation. Commissioner Cotter commented that there is availability at Henry Sibley for Nordic skiing and recognized that while it would be nice to have another location there are not funds included in the budget for this purpose. He agreed that it would make sense to hold off this year. Commissioner Smith commented that the grooming is needed for skate skiing, whereas traditional cross-country skiing does not require that grooming. She stated that in order to recoup the costs within the staff report they would have to charge residents and was unsure that would be successful as residents are already doing this at their leisure. Chair Goldade stated that his idea perhaps involved a partnership where equipment could be shared, such as partnering with Henry Sibley. Commissioner Smith commented that in the past there were opportunities to snowshoe and use fat tire bikes at the Par 3, which she enjoyed. Ms. Lawrence commented that grooming opportunity was through a partnership with Saint Thomas Academy, as that school had the equipment to groom the Par 3. She stated that partnership has not been active in the past few years and the school is not interested in grooming the course. She stated that the golf course uses a utility cart that would not be successful in the snow and the golf course does not use for an ATV. She stated that if equipment were available for use, a staff person would need to be onsite. 7 Chair Goldade suggested looking for partnerships with a local bicycle shop that could perhaps bring equipment for use on a certain day. It was the consensus of the Commission that this item not move forward at this time. 9.b Skate Park Work Group Update Ms. Lawrence stated that the group has continued to meet to address operational issues at the park. Commissioner Klepperich commented that the group has been meeting since September 28th and has met seven times. He reviewed the members of the group that have dedicated their time to serve on the group and have been fantastic to work with. He stated that there have been discussions related to location, surfacing, materials, and features. He stated that the preference is leaning towards a site at Mendakota Park with a concrete pad and wooden features and the possibility of some concrete features. He stated that the old features cannot be reused for safety reasons and could be replaced with options to add features in the future. He stated that the group also discussed whether to use a cooperative purchasing agreement or go out for bid, noting the difference that would occur on the timeline for the project. He stated that the group discussed whether the current skate park could be utilized for another summer without posing safety risks. He stated that a report and recommendation will be made to the Commission. Commissioner Smith echoed the comments of Commissioner Klepperich and commented that this has been a great group to work with. Chair Goldade asked when a recommendation would be made to the Commission. Ms. Lawrence commented that it would depend on the progress of the group, noting that an update could be made to the Commission in early 2021 if the report is not ready at that time. Commissioner Cotter asked when a decision would need to be made in order for the project to move forward and be completed in 2021. Commissioner Klepperich commented that if the cooperative purchasing agreement vendor is used, the project could begin in early 2021. Chair Goldade asked if costs have been discussed related to a new location versus updating the current location. Commissioner Klepperich commented that the group has been working around a budget of $125,000. He stated that there have been problems at the existing location and therefore if a new skate park is going to be constructed it should most likely be in another location. Chair Goldade asked if there has been discussion on implementing a fee for a future skate park. He asked if other skate parks charge a fee. Commissioner Smith commented that has not been a part of the discussion. Ms. Lawrence commented that tier one skate parks are most often found in municipalities and do not require waivers to be signed or staffing. She commented that staff does not recommend a tier two skate park that would require staff onsite to collect fees. 8 Chair Goldade asked if users of the dog park are charged a fee for use. Ms. Lawrence replied that users are not charged a fee at the dog park. Commissioner Cotter asked where the skate park would be proposed for Mendakota. Commissioner Klepperich provided additional details on the proposed location on the west side of the playground, where pickleball courts were discussed. Chair Goldade thanked the Commissioners for the update and thanked all members of the group for their participation. Ms. Lawrence thanked Commissioners Klepperich and Smith and the other members of the group for their dedicated service. 10.Staff Announcements Recreation Program Coordinator Lawrence shared the following announcements: •Commissioner Hinderscheid will be completing his final term on the Commission, so this will create a vacancy. •Updates for the skating rinks and possible future use of warming houses can be found on the City website. •Other events can be found on the city’s website 11.Student Representative Update None. 12.Commission Comments and Park Updates Commissioner Smith •The soccer goals were removed at Friendly Hills in anticipation of the snow. •The holiday tree was installed at Market Square Park. Commissioner Meyer •The “Quarantine Cup" is a great idea. Commissioner Cotter •Parks are still being used with the lack of snow. •The dog park is phenomenal and is loved by its users. Commissioner Klepperich •Public Works did a great job clearing out scrub trees and brush on the north side of the Police parking lot which improved the view •There were some adults practicing softball earlier today at Mendakota Park. Chair Goldade •Thanked Commissioner Hinderscheid for his service to the Commission. •There was a beautiful upgrade at the Wentworth Park playground. 9 •There seems to be increased interest at Valley Park but the police and other signs on the path seem to be confusing. He suggested that perhaps the Commission complete some visioning. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek commented that the police signage is related to the deer hunting opportunity that is available at the park. He noted that the other signage is related to unwanted BMX activity at that location. He provided additional information on the park and related partnerships. 13. Adjo urn Motion Cotter/Second Meyer to adjourn the meeting at 7:47 PM AYES 7: NAYS 0 Minutes drafted by: Amanda Staple TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. 10 DATE: January 5, 2021 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Meredith Lawrence, Recreation Program Coordinator SUBJECT: Par 3 Update Financial Report A November financial report will be available at the January 5 meeting. Staff will review the current financial forecast of the Par 3 and answer any questions the commissioners may have. 11 7a. DATE: January 5, 2021 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Meredith Lawrence, Recreation Program Coordinator SUBJECT: Recreation Update Warming House Update Minnesota’s Governor issued Executive Order 20-103 from Friday, December 18, 2020 at 11:59pm to Sunday, January 10, 2021 at 11:59pm. The Outdoor Recreation and Facilities portion of the Executive Order states, “Portions of indoor facilities used as warming spaces, such as trail centers, chalets, and warming houses, are closed at this time. Be sure to dress for the weather, and be prepared to meet your own warming needs (e.g. proper gear, using your vehicle as a warming station, etc.)” Staff has activated the automatic timers for the lights to be on from dusk-9pm at the rinks to enable skaters the ability to utilize the facilities even without warming house staff present. Ice Condition Update Staff began flooding on December 13, but due to the warm temperatures and lack of snow up until late December it has been difficult to successfully build an ice base. Due to Wentworth’s rink being a grass base and even harder to retain water, staff installed a white liner at the Wentworth Rink in order to try to make ice quicker and keep quality ice longer throughout the season. The rinks at Friendly Hills and Marie are much easier to flood and produce a good quality ice because of their hard base. The efforts to provide ice for skating has been successful thus far. Winter Recreation Programs and Camps Unfortunately, due to the governor’s Executive Order staff had to cancel soccer camp, skating lessons and theater camp. Staff did put on a non-school day camp providing enrichment opportunities to local residents on December 28 that went well. 12 7b. Quarantine Cup Update Due to the lack of recreational opportunities for the community due to COVID-19, the cities of Mendota Heights and West Saint Paul have teamed up for a friendly, virtual challenge called the, “Quarantine Cup.” Based on the momentum of our “Rec at Home” videos offered earlier this year, the cities are competing against each other utilizing routine challenges posted on Facebook. The City that prevails and wins the Quarantine Cup will not only obtain a prestigious trophy to put on display at their City Hall, but also the glory and bragging rights that go alongside it. Summer Planning Staff is busy planning for Summer 2021. Although the Summer will likely not be “normal” staff is brainstorming ways to provide recreational opportunities to residents that are safe. If commissioners or residents have ideas for programming, staff would appreciate hearing their ideas. 13 DATE: January 5, 2021 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Meredith Lawrence, Recreation Program Coordinator SUBJECT: Park Improvement Update Marie Park Playground RFP RFP Proposals were due on December 8 at 10:00am. The City received nine proposals from different vendors. Staff will be setting up a time for the Marie Park Playground Subcommittee (Amy Smith, Pat Hinderscheid, Steph Meyer) to review the proposals and narrow the proposals down to three. Once narrowed down, staff will work to engage the community in determining the preferred playground to move forward for approval by the City Council. 14 7c. DATE: January 5, 2021 TO: Parks & Recreation Commission FROM: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Technician SUBJECT: Natural Resources Update BACKGROUND An update will be given to the Parks and Recreation Commission on the following projects and programs that took place in 2020, as well as on-going. Valley Park Pollinator Corridor The City has partnered with the State of MN, Great River Greening and Xcel Energy to restore and create nine acres of pollinator habitat in the Valley Park utility corridor (map attached). The majority of the site preparation has been completed, which included the cutting and removal of invasive plant species, and herbicide treatments. A seeding has also been completed by Applied Ecological Services, a subcontractor, on the southern section of the corridor. A shrub planting was completed in early fall of this year, and included the planting of over 200 native shrubs that are beneficial to pollinators and other wildlife. Signs have been posted within the park to better inform the public. This project is part of the larger Metro Big Rivers Phase 8 plan, which focuses on protecting and improving wildlife habitats. Valley Park Woodland Restoration Great River Greening has continued its partnership with the City to restore portions of upland in Valley Park, particularly in areas of historic oak forest. The restoration involves removal of invasive species including buckthorn and garlic mustard, and plans to revegetate the area with native ground cover species. Copperfield Ponds Park Restoration The City has continued its partnership with Great River Greening in its efforts to remove woody invasive species in Copperfield Ponds Park, and plans to revegetate the area with native woodland species as well as native ground cover species historically found in oak savanna communities. A volunteer event was coordinated and carried out by Great River Greening at the park on October 10th, which drew many participants from Mendota Heights. 15 7d. Rogers Lake Several projects occurred within Rogers Lake Park throughout the year. Great River Greening continued with buckthorn removal and woodland restoration. An Eagle Scout project was completed near the fishing pier that involved the restoration of the shoreline, including invasive species removal and seeding of native lakeshore grass and forb species. The City also received a grant from Dakota County to control Curly-Leaf Pondweed, and Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) within the lake. The project was completed in partnership with the Rogers Lake Improvement Association. EAB Management and Tree Planting Grant Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) was confirmed in Mendota Heights in 2015, and is expected to eventually infect and kill all untreated ash trees in the City (approximately 10,000 trees). The City applied for and has received a grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR) to plant 100 trees over two years to help replace ash trees lost due to EAB. The trees selected for replacement include a diverse selection of comparable, quality shade tree species that have been pre-approved by the MN DNR. Over 80 shade trees were planted in 2020 throughout parks and public open space within the City. The project is made possible due to funds available through the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. The City will also continue its contract with Rainbow Tree Care to aid in the management of EAB. The contract includes discounted treatment rates for residents. City staff continues to inventory and assess the City’s public ash trees, as well as remove infected public trees within parks and right-of- way. Education and outreach to residents on Emerald Ash Borer will continue to be implemented, including notices sent to residents that Staff has identified as having infected ash trees. MN Department of Agriculture Noxious Weed Grant The City received a Noxious Weed Grant from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture in 2020. Grant funds were used to control noxious weeds such as buckthorn, knapweed, garlic mustard, and other invasive species in public parks and open space throughout the City. Oȟéyawahe/Pilot Knob Historic Site Task Force A task force has been created, at the direction of City Council, in order to pursue short and long-term goals for the improvement and management of the historic Oȟéyawahe/Pilot Knob Site. Staff is working with the seven appointed members (Al Singer, Autumn Hubbel, Christine Soutter, Dale Bachmeier, Juanita Espinosa, Gail Lewellan, and a seventh member yet to be appointed) in this effort. The Snyder property adjacent to the site was acquired in 2020, and plans are underway to restore the site and merge the property with the rest of the Oȟéyawahe/Pilot Knob Preservation Site. A Natural Resources Management Plan is also in the process of being developed for the site. Spring Tree Sale A resident spring tree sale again took place in 2020. Residents had the option of purchasing 1-2 shade trees for their private property at the discounted rate of $45/tree. Choices included: •Kentucky Coffee Tree •Japanese Tree Lilac •Hackberry •Linden 16 •Bur Oak The goal of the tree sale is to encourage residents to plant trees, which help to replace canopy loss due to Emerald Ash Borer, provide food and habitat for pollinators and other wildlife, and beautify Mendota Heights. ACTION REQUIRED None – for informational purposes only although comments are welcomed. 17 DATE: January 5, 2021 TO: Parks & Recreation Commission FROM: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Technician SUBJECT: Valley Park Eagle Scout Service Project BACKGROUND Wyatt Cook, a Mendota Heights resident and member of the Boy Scouts, will present the Eagle Scout project he completed on October 3rd of this year, in Valley Park. Wyatt approached the City with a proposal to complete a service project as part of the requirements of becoming an Eagle Scout. Eagle Scout Service Projects must utilize planning, development, and leadership skills to benefit a religious institution, school, or community. Wyatt was interested in projects that would benefit Valley Park, as his family lives in the area and utilizes the park often. After discussing various options with City Staff, he chose to coordinate and complete a tree planting project throughout the northern portion of Valley Park. The project included removing invasive species near the planting area and then planting, staking, and mulching various species of native trees near the trail and ballfield. These trees will help to mitigate the canopy loss that Mendota Heights is experiencing from Emerald Ash Borer. Trees also benefit the community by: •Improving air quality •Providing valuable habitat for birds, pollinators and other wildlife •Decreasing stormwater runoff and preventing erosion •Adding beauty to the landscape ACTION REQUIRED None – for informational purposes only, although comments are welcomed. 18 8a. DATE: January 5, 2021 TO: Parks & Recreation Commission FROM: Steve Goldade, Chair Meredith Lawrence, Recreation Program Coordinator SUBJECT: Par 3 Vision Discussion BACKGROUND: At the December Parks and Recreation Commission meeting Chair Steve Goldade asked staff to include an item on the January agenda to discuss the Par 3’s vision going forward. In January staff will be bringing the Par 3’s new logo to the City Council for formal approval. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff is looking for the commission’s feedback regarding the vision for the Par 3 moving forward or any other specific ideas or suggestions they have for the 2021 season. ACTION REQUESTED: If the Parks and Recreation Commission concurs, it should, by motion provide staff direction regarding the vision for the Par 3 moving forward or any other specific ideas or suggestions they have for the 2021 season. 19 8b. DATE: January 5, 2021 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Meredith Lawrence, Recreation Program Coordinator SUBJECT: Park Volunteer/Adopt-A-Park Program Discussion BACKGROUND: For the past few years the Parks and Recreation Commission and local residents/businesses have expressed an interest in establishing a formal Adopt-A-Park Program within the City. Staff has researched the program details within other cities and have started discussing how a program could be tailored to be successful in Mendota Heights. Mendota Heights already has many residents and local organizations who donate their time for various projects within our parks. One way to ensure a comprehensive program rooted in inclusion and the availability for various opportunities/projects, staff is recommending starting a Park Volunteer/Adopt-A-Park Program. This would allow special projects to be conducted in the parks in conjunction and partnership with the Adopt-A-Park specific park leaders. Staff has started writing program details into a formal document, but is looking for the commission’s thoughts on how to start a successful program within Mendota Heights. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff is looking for the commission’s feedback regarding a Park Volunteer/Adopt-A-Park Program and guidance on any specific program details that would ensure success for a program tailored to Mendota Heights. ACTION REQUESTED: If the Parks and Recreation Commission concurs, it should, by motion, provide staff with feedback regarding Park Volunteer/Adopt-A-Park Program and guidance on any specific program details that would ensure success for a program tailored to Mendota Heights. 20 8c. DATE: January 5, 2021 TO: Parks & Recreation Commission FROM: Meredith Lawrence, Recreation Program Coordinator SUBJECT: Skate Park Work Group Update The skate park work group has been meeting in order to address operational issues at the skate park. Commissioners Smith and Klepperich have attended the meetings and are able to answer questions and provide an update at the meeting. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Informational Only. ACTION REQUESTED: Informational Only. 21 9a.