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2021-08-10 Park and Rec Comm MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS, DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING AUGUST 10, 2021 The August meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, August 10, 2021, 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: Jaffrey Blanks, Patrick Cotter, Bob Klepperich, Stephanie Meyer, Dan Sherer and Amy Smith; absent: Student Representative Nico Hess. 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 Meyer/second Klepperich, to approve the agenda AYES 7: NAYS 0 5.a Approval of Minutes from July 13, 2021 Regular Meeting Motion Klepperich/second Blanks to approve the minutes of the July 13, 2021 Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting. Further discussion: Commissioner Sherer referenced the comment from a resident relating to a desire for more grills at the parks and asked staff for an update. Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence replied that the grill that was taken out at Marie Park has been reinstalled. She stated that if the Commission is interested in purchasing additional grills for installation that should be added to a future agenda. AYES 7: NAYS 0 5.b Approval of Minutes from July 15, 2021 Work Session Meeting Motion Meyer/second Cotter to approve the minutes of the July 15, 2021 Parks and Recreation Commission Work Session Meeting. AYES 7: 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 report noting that the Par 3 had been busy. She noted that the extreme drought is impacting the golf course in multiple ways and provided an update. She stated that staff hopes to aerate this fall but that will be dependent on the amount of rain received. She stated that the golf camp programs have been very popular and continue to receive positive feedback. She stated that the future is bright for the Par 3 with continued use and the highest registration for recreational programming. Chair Goldade asked if watering is done at the times suggested by Saint Paul Regional Water. Ms. Lawrence stated that because the course is on a well, it follows the recommendations of the DNR and waters overnight. She stated that there are times when a quick watering is done during the day, but only when necessary. 7.b Recreation Update Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence commented that this is a busy but fun week for recreation and highlighted some of the upcoming activities. She commented that staff is in the process of planning fall and winter recreation opportunities. She highlighted the new events that are part of the Parks Celebration weekend. Commissioner Smith stated that the flyer did a great job of highlighting and communicating the new events included in the Parks Celebration. Ms. Lawrence noted that the flyer was created in-house and is part of the mission to increase communication. Chair Goldade invited the members of the public to participate in the events this weekend. He also complimented City staff on the flyer and tent signs throughout the community. 7.c Parks Improvement Update Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence reviewed the update related to the Marie Park Playground project. She stated that the basketball hoop was installed at Valley Park and is being enjoyed by the children. She stated that there was contractor work completed at the skate park. She stated that the Commission reviewed a request for recreational light usage at Marie Park this fall, and the Council approved the pilot program for nightlight pickleball and basketball play this fall. She asked that the Commission track any positive and negative feedback it may receive related to the light use for the review discussion that will occur following the pilot program. Commissioner Smith asked when the pickleball lines would be painted at Friendly Hills. Ms. Lawrence replied that the contractor hopes to complete that in September. Commissioner Cotter asked if the basketball relining was limited to the parks listed. He noted that the hoop at Rogers Lake could use relining. Ms. Lawrence stated that was deferred to a future year, but the Commission could direct staff to add that to the list. Chair Goldade stated that the local paper did an article on skateboard parks and asked if staff could address some of the issues that were mentioned in that article. Ms. Lawrence stated that there has been a lot of discussion related to skate parks in the Twin Cities recently. She stated that there was a DNR grant and an opportunity to have the Commissions and Councils from West Saint Paul, Saint Paul, and Mendota Heights to come together to join into a JPA for a regional skate park but the cities did not qualify as they are not a special parks district. She stated that the cities will keep their eye on the opportunity for options in the future. She stated that the City Council is going to be reviewing the budget and will review the recommendations provided by the Park and Recreation Commission. She stated that there have not been final decisions related to a new skate park and noted that discussions are ongoing. Chair Goldade stated that the City continues to invest in the current skate park and continues to have discussions related to the possibility of a new skate park. 8. New Business 8.a Natural Resources Update Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence stated that the Commission had requested an update on natural resources. Natural Resources Technician Krista Spreiter provided an update on natural resources activities including; Valley Park forest enhancement, Valley Park pollinator corridor, Great River Greening continuing restoration work, Rogers Lake Curly Leaf Pondweed (CLP) treatment, AIS education program, EAB management update, Oheyawahe/Pilot Knob Historic Site, municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) permit renewal, and new requirements for the MS4 permit. Commissioner Sherer stated that about 18 months ago there was a study completed on the ponds, specifically the issues related to water quality for Augusta Lake and asked for an update. Ms. Spreiter stated that they are continuing to work on that issue. She noted that the study is still ongoing, and they are awaiting the results. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek stated that a WRAP study was completed on Lake Augusta and Rogers Lake. He stated that improvements are needed for Augusta Lake and an alum treatment was applied in 2017 or 2018, which severely reduced the phosphorus levels in the lake, but there are still ongoing issues with the lake. He noted that the City has been awarded additional clean water funds from the State to do additional study of the lake. He noted that the lake will likely need an outlet. Chair Goldade referenced the Rogers Lake Improvement Association and asked for additional details. Ms. Spreiter commented that is a private lake association composed of residents that live on or around the lake. She noted that the association sometimes cost shares for improvements on the lake. Chair Goldade stated that the Oheyawahe work is exciting noting that he could perhaps help to increase the indigenous voices through connections. He stated that perhaps someone from that committee could make a presentation at some time. He thanked Ms. Spreiter for her continued hard work. 8.b Review Dugout Options and Priority Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence stated that the project priority list was discussed at the work session and covered dugouts for Mendakota arose. She noted that the project could use special park fund dollars and would not have to be levied for. She stated that in 2019 quotes were received and the total project cost was estimated at $100,000 but was put on hold when COVID-19 hit. She asked for feedback to determine if there is interest in moving forward, noting that updated quotes would be needed. She estimated that the project cost would increase by 10 to 15 percent. She stated that staff would propose something similar to what exists at Hagstrom King Park. She stated that at the work session the Commissioners present also expressed interest in adding dugouts at other parks throughout the community and asked that the Commission prioritize the fields if that is something the full Commission is supportive of. Chair Goldade suggested that Commission begin with direction on Mendakota and then prioritize the other parks. Commissioner Sherer referenced the Hagstrom King dugouts and asked if staff recalled the cost for that project. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek believed the range was $16,000 to $18,00 for that project. He noted that more work would be required at Mendakota. He noted that Hagstrom King already had fenced in dugouts and tops were just added. Commissioner Sherer stated that it is helpful for context as other fields may have a cost more similar to Hagstrom King. Commissioner Smith stated that the Commission should also consider the fields that service both baseball and softball, rather than only baseball. Commissioner Klepperich stated that dugouts at Mendakota have been discussed a number of times and believed that it is time to move this forward to the City Council. Motion Klepperich/second Meyer to recommend to the City Council that construction of dugouts move forward at Mendakota. AYES 7: NAYS 0 Commissioner Smith stated that perhaps Ivy Hills is the only softball field. Ms. Lawrence clarified which parks are used for softball. Commissioner Sherer noted that historically Friendly Hills is a practice field and therefore should have lower priority. He noted that baseball and fall softball use Marie Park. Commissioner Cotter stated that it seems that those parks are different than Mendakota as there is only one field at each park, which would result in two dugouts. Commissioner Sherer stated that the group should also consider the number of teams that use the park and how much shade is already available at the park. Ms. Lawrence stated that she discussed this project with Parks maintenance staff and it was noted that the scope of the project would be significantly different in certain parks and provided examples. She was unsure of the exact price for each project, noting that it would be difficult to predict because each project would be different. She suggested that perhaps the prioritization be based on use and equity. Commissioner Cotter asked if there is any way to review the statistics for requests to get a better sense of the usage of each field. Ms. Lawrence stated that she has the permit data, but they will run into the situation of blanket permitting. She stated that based on maintenance and trash, Civic Center, Marie, Valley, and Victoria Highlands are highly used. She noted that softball struggles to get fields because of the baseball reservations already in place. Commissioner Sherer commented that usage varies year to year based on the number of children playing for each age group. He stated that about 450 kids signed up for baseball and about 200 for girls’ softball. Commissioner Cotter asked if Commissioner Sherer has additional knowledge on field usage. Commissioner Sherer stated that based upon his knowledge, Mendakota is heavily used by many different groups. He also provided details on usage of Marie Park, Valley Park, Hagstrom King, Victoria Highland, Ivy Hills, Wentworth, and Civic Center. He noted the Friendly Hills was used for practice. Commissioner Klepperich asked if this part of the discussion could be tabled in order to compile that usage data. He noted that he would be uncomfortable making a recommendation on prioritization until that information is compiled for easy review. He stated that if money is spent on dugouts, money should be invested into the fields. He noted that Civic Center could use some work in terms of field refurbishing. Commissioner Smith asked if there would be a conflict with the budget discussion for the Council. Ms. Lawrence stated that the budget review session dates were listed in the packet and are open to the public. She noted that the dugouts would use the special parks fund and therefore there is not a link to the budget discussions. She stated that extensive field work would be costly and would have to be budgeted through the levy as it is maintenance and not an enhancement. She noted that she could attempt to compile the data that she has based on permitting. Commissioner Smith noted that Friendly Hills Park has mature trees for shade and therefore should not be a high priority. Ms. Lawrence stated that in 2019 dugouts were recommended for Friendly Hills, but that project was not approved by the Council at that time. Commissioner Sherer stated that he talked with representatives from the local baseball and softball organizations and their top recommendations were for Victoria Highlands, Ivy Hills, and Valley Park because there is not shade available at those locations. Commissioner Cotter commented that it is helpful to have that input from the people using the fields. Chair Goldade asked if Friendly Hills were removed from the list, would it then be accurate to estimate $150,000 to $200,000 to put dugouts at the other six parks. He stated that in his mind the number one reason for dugouts would be safety and not shade. He stated that if the Commission is not ready to make that recommendation, he would support tabling the discussion to have that additional information compiled. Ms. Lawrence stated that the decision would be of the Commission as to how to move forward. She stated that the Commission has $750,000 in the special parks fund and it is the recommendation of the Commission as to how to spend those funds. Commissioner Sherer stated that it would have been nice to take advantage of the slightly depressed economy and complete these projects last year but recognized the uncertainty in 2020. He noted that the material costs are not favorable at this time, which would be his concern. He noted that the fields would benefit from covered dugouts as that is a common field amenity. He stated that there is a lack of extended fence lines at some of the parks, which is a safety concern as well as people are hit by balls. He stated that perhaps the fence extension could be included in the projects. Commissioner Meyer suggested tabling this until there is a full listing of shade trees, structures that exist, usage data, and other field needs. She believed that a smarter decision could be made on how to spend funds with that data. Commissioner Klepperich stated that he would also like to table this item and place it on the September agenda. Commissioner Blanks agreed. Commissioner Cotter also agreed that it would be helpful to have additional data and a general estimate of cost. Commissioner Smith stated that the Commissioners know the three parks without shade and perhaps the decision could be made to move forward on those three parks. She commented that there is a need and suggestion was made by those using the fields. Commissioner Sherer asked the economy of scale benefit that would be gained by completing additional fields. Mr. Ruzek stated that he did not see an economy of scale because of the low mobilization cost to do the work. Commissioner Cotter stated that he could support moving forward on the three parks. He noted that perhaps the question would then be why all the parks are not done. Motion Smith/second Sherer to move forward with dugouts for Ivy Hills, Victoria Highlands, and Valley Park. AYES 5: NAYS 2 (Klepperich and Meyer) 8.c Schedule September Parks Tour Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence stated that the Chair and Vice Chair have recommended a parks tour for September and reviewed the list of recommended parks. She stated that the meeting would be posted and would be open to the public. She stated that two dates were mentioned in the packet that would be available for staff. Chair Goldade stated that perhaps October would work better to prevent a situation where there are two meetings in one week. He asked and confirmed that the Commission would be interested in a parks tour. Ms. Lawrence reviewed potential October dates. The Commission set the date of October 6, 2021 for the parks tour at 4:30 p.m. 9. Unfinished Business 9.a Park Celebration Commissioner Involvement Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence stated that the events were included within the packet and asked the Commission for input on involvement with the events. Chair Goldade stated that perhaps the Commission could alert staff to the time they would be at the event rather than staffing a table. He stated that he would suggest an informal presence. Ms. Lawrence stated that she believed that other Commissions will be staffing tables at the coffee event, so perhaps a representative of this Commission would want to attend that event as well. She noted that if more than three members are going to attend, she would want to notice that as a possible quorum. Commissioner Meyer noted that she could attend the coffee event and perhaps there could be flyers and materials used at previous events. Commissioner Smith also agreed to staff the booth at the coffee event with Commissioner Meyer. Chair Goldade stated that members of the Commission could alert staff if they plan to attend, and the Commission could avoid gathering in groups of four to avoid the need to notice. He stated that he could attend the second portion of the coffee event. 9.b Strategic Planning Update Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence stated that an update was provided in the packet related to strategic planning. She stated that the work session was hosted on July 15th to prioritize the park and recreation needs for budgeting purposes. She stated that there will be two City Council review meetings on August 16th and 17th. She encouraged members of the Commission to attend in order to get a bigger picture of the budgeting needs of all the departments. She stated that the final documentation from the planning session facilitator was included in the packet as well. She stated that after the preliminary budget is adopted there will be another update. Chair Goldade thanked staff for all their work, recognizing that sometimes the hardest work comes after the meetings. 10. Staff Announcements Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence shared the following announcements: • Summer recreation programs are wrapping up • Parks Celebration weekend occurring this weekend • Other events can be found on the city’s website 11. Student Representative Update None. 12. Commission Comments and Park Updates Commissioner Smith • Received a complaint about Kensington not being mowed but has since been mowed • A section of fencing is missing near the Kensington soccer field • Asked the dimensions of the Friendly Hills soccer field Ms. Lawrence replied that Kensington was not mowed during that time because it was aerated. She stated that the fence will be addressed. She provided details on the soccer field at Friendly Hills. Commissioner Smith stated that the current soccer field slopes down to a pond and asked if it could be shifted towards the parking lot. Ms. Lawrence replied that staff could review that. She stated that the 9V9 is extremely difficult to fit into that space. Commissioner Cotter • Another awesome summer in the parks with heavy use by sports teams and recreational use • Rogers Lake is an incredible park, and the vegetation restoration work is beautiful and hopefully the City could continue to work on vegetation restoration in other areas • There is a large pine that appears to be completely dead at Rogers Lake in the middle of the park area • There is weeding that could be done near the entrance sign at Rogers Lake Commissioner Blanks • Valley Park is great, and the basketball hoop has been installed and is being used even though the court is not yet lined • Mendakota has the new compost drop off site Chair Goldade mentioned the sighting of coyotes at Valley Park. Mr. Ruzek commented that the police department would be the responding agency. He noted that coyotes are a natural animal that may be in the parks. He noted that there are safety precautions that could be taken by the public. Commissioner Klepperich • Ivy Hills is in great condition and continues to be a hidden gem that receives a large amount of use during prime time • Thanked City staff members present at the meeting • Congratulated Cheryl Jacobson for her promotion to the City Administrator position Commissioner Meyer • Marie Park has been hopping with activity with the new playground equipment and many positive comments have been received • The Night to Unite event at Marie Park was well attended and the kids were loving the new equipment • She enjoyed the new compost bin at Mendakota that is available to residents • Thanked staff for all their hard work and is excited about the upcoming Parks Celebration events this weekend Commissioner Sherer • Market Square Park appears to be in good shape, but does not seem to have the same level of activity as it did during the pandemic • Hagstrom King has a lot of activity between the playground, baseball field, and basketball court • Conditions are very dry at Hagstrom King and hopes the new trees survive • Complaints were received about the mound at Hagstrom King, and he took it upon himself to meet the Superintendent on site to review what could be done to improve the mound and field; it was noted that perhaps public works staff could work on the fields when not mowing • Hagstrom King is the only field that does not have bleachers for seating Chair Goldade • Suggested drop-in activities for Market Square Park next summer for kids • It is great to see grandparents at Marie Park • Thanked police, fire, and EMS services for attending Night to Unite events • Wentworth and his other parks are in great condition 13. Adjourn Motion Klepperich/Second Smith to adjourn the meeting at 8:31 PM AYES 7: NAYS 0 Minutes drafted by: Amanda Staple TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.