1997-03-11 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda Packet CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY.1VIIrNNESOTA
AGENDA
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
11, 1997
6:30 p.m.-Large Conference Room
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of the February 11, 1997 Minutes
4. Tom Fahey, 979 Caren:Landscaping in T lsen
5. LSD 197 Joint Powers Agreement: Sibley Fields
6. Full-Tune Recreation Facilitator
7. Wood Duck Houses in City Ponds
8. Updates
• Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Waiver
• North Kensington Park
• Recreation Programmer Probation Completion
• SoBball Scheduling and Registration
• Dodd& 110 Safety Improvements
• Ice Skating Rink Status
• Parks Report
• Police Report
9. Adjourn
Auxiliary aids for persons with disabilities are 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 452-1850 with requests.
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CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
MEMO
March 6, 1997
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission and City Administrator
FROM: Patrick C. Hollister, Administrative Assistant
SUBJECT: Tilsen Highland Heights Landscaping
Discussion
Mr. Tom Fahey of 979 Caren Road has submitted the attached letter to the City of
Mendota Heights asking for consideration of landscaping for the City-owned property
near his house bounded by Lilac Lane, Caren Road and James Road. The area is currently
used by the City for storm water retention.
Mr. Fahey listed the following potential designs for this land:
1. a wild flower area, possibly with a path around it
2. an area of evergreens
3. neighbor-maintained flower garden areas
4. other
Mr.Fahey met with Staff on Thursday,March 6, 1997. Mr. Fahey acknowledged that his
neighbors have varying opinions about what would be an appropriate look for this site,
with some neighbors preferring wildflowers and prairie grasses, and others preferring a
more"formal park"look.
Mr. Fahey will be in attendance at the March 11, 1997, meeting of the Parks and
Recreation Commission, and may be accompanied by some of his neighbors.
Please see the attached GIS map of the immediate vicinity. Please also note that
Engineering Staff is concerned that the storm water retention capacity of this site not be
compromised.
Action Required
Discuss Mr. Fahey's ideas with him and make any recommendations to Staff as to how to
proceed.
r
Pat Hollister, Assist. City Admin.
City Of Mendota Heights
Park Commission
I 101 Victoria Curvc
Mendota Heights, MN 55119
06 March 1997
Dear Mr. Hollister:
I am a resident of Mendota Heights and live at 979 Caren Road. I am writing regarding
the four lots owned by the city across the street from our hoarse. They are bounded on the
east by Lilac Lane, on the north by Caren Road and on the west by James Road.
Over the years there has been time and money invested by individual neighbors in the area.
The Dambergs have attempted to grow perennial wild flowers across the street from their
home. Untimely cutting of the growth by the city has hindered their effort. The Todds and
Berghs have planted a couple perennial domesticated flower gardens across the street from
Caren Court. They cut the grass around these flower gardens throughout the summer. I
have purchased evergreens from the city's boule-yard tree program and had them planted
across the street from our home. As you can see there is a significant amount of neighbor
interest in beautifying the area and 1 am sure those efforts will continue.
1 would Jike to propose that the city invest some money in this Hand. Potential ideas include.:
*Wild flower area
*Patty around the wild flower area
*Area of evergreens
*Neighbor maintained flower garden areas remain
'These ideas mentioned above and other ideas naturally would need to be finalized jointly
by the interested local residents and the Park Board. Since the city will be working in the
neighborhood this summer on the street project, this would be an opportune time to also do
something with this city owned land at the same time that the street work is done.
I just learned that there is a Park Commission meeting next Tues. I I March. I would like to
request that Ibis issue be included as a agenda item.
Sind rely,
4-17-
Tom Fahey
CC Neighbor;: Jaynes, Schuster, Skadron, J3crghi, IlcAinann, Todd, Larson, Dsmbcrg,
Stockton, Frisch.
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MY OF A40MTA HEUGH�f
IRANDTIM
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Chris Esser, Recreation Programme
RE: Joint-Powers Agreement Regarding Sibley Fields
DATE: March 69 1997
DISCUSSiC1N
Per your request I have researched the agreement with ISD 197 pertaining to the use and
scheduling of the fields at Henry Sibley High School. The agreement, made in 1990, outlines
the parameters and responsibilities of ISD 197 and the City of Mendota Heights for use and
availability, operation, and insurance of the Sibley complex.
The concern of the Commission regarding scheduling and priority is specifically addressers in
the formal agreement (see attached) under Section 5.1 through 5.4. To summarize; the
i District is required to employ a scheduler. The scheduler is the only one mentioned to
schedule the fields year-round.
Priority scheduling for the complex is as fellows:
1. Organized youth programs of Mendota Heights.
2. Organized Adult Orograms of Mendota Heights.
3. Organized youth programs of the District.
4. Organized youth programs of District residents.
5. Organized Adult programs of District residents.
6. Youth or Adult programs of non-residents.
Please review the attached agreement for other conditions and information.
ACTION REO ITIRl�it
Please review the Joint-Powers Agreement with the City of Mendota Heights and ISD 197
regarding the Sibley Complex.
.••.+ BEEME
This agreement made . 1990, between !strict No.
197, County of Dakota, State of Minnesota, and City of ME 'tw tta, State
of Minnesota.
RECITALS
1. The District desires additional improved athletic fa VAP-Q-
curriculum and extracurricular programs at Henry Sibley Hiyn School, and the City desires
additional improved athletic facilities for its community recreation program and for the health,
welfare and safety of its citizenry.
2. Minnesota Statutes 471.15 through 471.19 and 471.59 authorize the District and the
City to enter into this agreement for the purpose of jointly establishing a new athletic facility to
be known as Sibley Park, Including acquisition, equipping, operation and maintenance of land,
buildings, or other recreational facilities, and to expend the funds for the operation of such
programs which may be located at Sibley Park.
3. Each party desires to enter Into a Joint Agreement establishing the responsibilities of
each of the parties regarding Sibley Park. Each parry Is willing to provide property for Sibley
Park. The City is willing to contribute funds for the development of facilities at Sibley Park.
Each party is willing to contribute funds for the maintenance and operation of the facilities.
4. Along with the stated objectives, each party shall be responsible for good faith
performance of this agreement and fair dealing with the other parry.
For the reasons recited above, and in consideration of the mutual covenants contained
herein, the parties agree as follows:
Section 1. Definitions
1.1 District - Independent School District No. 197
1.2 City - The City of Mendota Heights
1.3 District Property - Certain parcels of real property as legally described on Exhibit A.
1.4 City Property - Certain parcels of real property as legally described on Exhibit B.
1.5 Sibley Park - The new athletic facility to be constructed as described on Exhibit C and
Illustrated on Exhibit D. Final design and specification subject to revision as
mutually agreeable.
r
Section Scope of Descri tp ion
2.1 By this agreement, the parties create a joint power and use program for public
education and recreation purposes within the boundaries of each political subdivision.
Section S. Conduct of Agreement
3.1 This agreement will become effective when executed by both parties.
32 In the event that controversies regarding this agreement arise, the City and the
District agree to submit their controversy to binding arbitration before the American
Arbitration Association or other dispute resolution process mutually acceptable to the City
and the School District. Provided, however, that controversies respecting the property
Interests of either party or the payment of funds above the agreed upon amount set forth in
Section 6.3 by either party shall not be subject to arbitration.
Section 4. Contributions
4.1 The District agrees to make available the District property upon which a portion of
Sibley Park will be located (Exhibit A), and the City agrees to make available the City
property upon which a portion of Sibley Park will be located (Exhibit B).
4.2 During the duration of their agreement; ownership of the property is and shall remain
in the names of the present owners of the property.
4.3 The City consents to provide the payment for the construction of. (1) a softball field
immediately north of the high school parking lot, (2) a soccer field east of the softball field,
(3) a baseball field north of the soccer field, (4) a second softball field north of the first
softball field, and (5) a comfort station. The City agrees to pay up to $354,000.00 for the
construction of such facilities and is responsible for the design, planning and construction of
the facility subject to review by the District. In the event the amount committed is
Insufficient to complete all the proposed facilities, the facilities will be completed in the
numbered sequence above set forth. The District is not obliged to contribute funds for
facilities construction.
Section 5 Use and Availability
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5.1. The City and the District agree that the District shall employ a scheduler. The District
and the City shall schedule their events by ARM 5th for the following 12 months. The
scheduler may then schedule non-District or non-City group or team activity if neither the
District nor the City has expressed a desire to use the Complex. The Complex scheduler may
deny access privileges to a group or individual for noncompliance with regulations
governing the use of the Complex.
I
5.2 The City and the District agree that the District's educational curriculum, extra
curricular activities and athletic teams shall have priority usage of Sibley Park for classes,
after-school supervised practices and regularly scheduled matches between the hours of
7.00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. and for a maximum of four hours on Saturdays from August 15
through June 1 and the scheduler will schedule accordingly.
5.3 The City and the District agree that during other periods not referenced In 5.2, the
priority will be established as follows: 1: Organized Youth Programs of Mendota Heights;
2: Organized Adult Programs of Mendota Heights;� Organized Programs of the District; 4.
Organized Youth Programs of District residents; S. Organized Adult Programs of District
residents; 6. Youth or Adult programs of non-residents. Priority will not be given to any
program that charges a non-resident fee to residents of the District.
5A The City agrees that the scheduler may decline to schedule an event when the parking
requirements for the proposed event could be expected to conflict with parking required for
a major District-sponsored event.
5.5 The parties agree that Sibley Park shall be treated as "school ground' as contemplated
by the alcohol control provision on Minn. Stat. sec. 624.701; that the District's alcohol and
tobacco policies and regulations, and any additions or amendments thereto, shall apply to
Sibley Park; that the area should be appropriately posted; and that the scheduler may
Withhold access from groups for alcohol or tobacco violations. The City agrees to enforce
applicable statutes and ordinances In and around Sibley Park in the same way that they
enforce these ordinances on other school property.
Section 6. Operation of Facilities
6.1 During the term of this agreement Sibley Park shall be routinely maintained by the
District, unless other arrangements are mutually agreed upon. Schedules for routine
maintenance shall be agreed upon by the City and the District so as not to conflict with
scheduled use of the facility.
6.2 The City and the District agree that the cost of minor repairs, utilities and maintenance
of Sibley Park shall be shared equally. Minor repairs shall include turf and field repair,
trash collection and routine maintenance, and minor comfort station and irrigation system
repairs.
6.3 in June of each year the City and the District shall mutually develop a budget for the
operation and maintenance of the athletic facility for the following calendar year. It is the
Intent of this budget to assist in planning for the expenditures and priorities related to
reasonable maintenance, operations, repairs, overhead and administrative matters related
to the athletic facility. For such repairs and maintenance, each party agrees to contribute
in each fiscal year a minimum of $15,000.00, adjusted annually in accordance with
changes in Consumer Price Index-Urban (C.P.I.U.) as of May 1st or as mutually agreeable.
Once each party has approved the proposed budget, the District shall invoice the City for its
agreed upon share in two separate installments due and payable one half in January of the
following year and one half due and payable the next following July.
6.4 The School District and the City hereby each grant to the other party and its
constituents easements across all parcels owned by each and comprising a part of the
athletic facilities for purposes of constructing, maintaining and using the facilities,
including parking areas serving the facilities.
Section 7. Insurance
7.1 Uability: Liability Insurance. Independent School District No. 197 shall obtain a
comprehensive liability insurance policy covering any loss, damage or injury to any person
or property arising out of the use of the athletic facilities. The limits of the policy shall not
be less than Three Hundred Thousand ($300,000) Dollars per person and Six Hundred
Thousand ($600,000) Dollars per occurrence, or such other limits as may from time to
time be required under the provisions of Minnesota Statutes 466.04 and amendments
thereto. The City of Mendota Heights shall be named as an additional insured insofar as this
joint agreement is concerned. The parties shall share equally the cost of such policy. This
cost is in addition to that covered by paragraph 6.2 herein.
Section 8. Term
8.1 The term of the agreement shall extend from the date hereof to June 30, 2030, and
shall be automatically renewed thereafter on an annual basis unless either party elects to
terminate the agreement subject to the provisions of paragraph 8.2
8.2 Six months prior to June 30, 2030, and thereafter six months prior to each annual
renewal date, either parry may terminate this agreement by written notice to the other
party.
8.3 Upon termination of this agreement, the underlying property shalt be conveyed as
follows: If the City desires to continue to use an approximately.360' x 360' parcel, or a
parcel modified in size as mutually agreeable, in the northeast comer of the Park for park
or recreational purposes, the District shall convey to the City for $1.00 District property
adjoining the City's property sufficient to comprise such a parcel. If however, the City does
not desire to continue to use such a parcel for park or recreational purposes, the City shalt
convey to the District for $1.00 the City's property in the northeast corner of the Park, as
c
Identified in Exhibit B. Moreover, if, subsequent to a conveyance by the District to the City
as described in this paragraph, the City discontinues Its use of the approximately 360, x
360' parcel, or a parcel modified in size as mutually agreeable, for park or recreational
purposes, the City shall convey to the District for $1.00 such parcel.
Section 9. Remedies
9.1 In the event that either party fails to perform any obligation under this Agreement, and
such failure continues for 90 days after written notice from the other party, such other
party may seek specific performance of this Agreement in addition to any other right or
remedy available at law or in equity.
This agreement executed the day and year first written above.
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT No.197 CITY COUNCIL,CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
1 �rx� �-A&jCQJ- By:
Chairperson Mayor
le k ity Clerk
• r
EXHIBIT A
Legal Description of District Property:
The North 480 feet of the East 473 feet of section 25, township 28 North, range 23 West,
except the North 230 feet of the East 234 feet of said section.
J
EXHIBIT B
Legal Description of City Property:
The North 230 feet of the East 234 feet of section 25, township 28 North, range 23 West.
•
i
EXHIBIT CC
Unit
item, Quantity .UIlft Dgwail2fign pike Amount
1. 40,000 Cf Common Excavation @ $2.00 $80,000
2. 5 Acre Topsoil,Seed, @ $2,000 $10,000
Fertilizer, Mulch
3. 2 Each Softball Field @ $24,000 $48,000
- Fully Fenced
-Seeded
4. 1 Each Soccer Field, Large @ $4,000 $4,000
- Movable Goals
-Seeded
5. 1 Each Baseball Field @ $36,000 $36,000
- Fully Fenced
6. 1 Each Comfort Station @ $50,000 $50,000
- Approx. 1,000 S.F.
- Restrooms and Concession Area
• - City Equipment Storage
- Drinking Fountain
7. 1 Each Storm Sewer @ $5,000 $5,000
8. 4 Each Irrigation @ $6,000 $24,000
9. 4 Each Bleachers @ $2,000 $8,000
10. 1 Each Playground @ $20,000 $20,000
11. 1 Each Landscaping @ $10,000 $10,000
12. Sibley Park Construction $295,,000
13. Contingencies and Engineering (201%) $59,000
14. Subtotal $354,000
15. Property Acquisition Expense $115.000
16. Total Cost $469,000
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CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
MEMO
March 6, 1997
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission and City Administrator
FROM Patrick C.Hollister, Administrative Assistant
SUBJECT: Full-Time a Recreation Facilitator
Discussion
At the Joint Workshop between the Parks and Recreation Commission and the City
Council on January 14, 1997, various Councilmembers set certain parameters upon a Full-
Time Recreation Facilitator. At the subsequent Parks and Recreation Commission
meeting on February 11, 1997, Commissioners Kleinglass and Norton volunteered for a
Full-Time Recreation Facilitator Job Description Drafting Subcommittee. Commissioner
Klemghm suggested that the meeting take place at the Veteran's Hospital so that he could
also show Staff the ballfield that could be available for City use.
Staff met with Commissioner Kleinglass at the Veteran's Hospital on February 25, 1997,
to discuss parameters for the full-time position. (Commissioner Norton was unable to
attend the meeting.) The attached proposed Job Description resulted from that meeting. -
Although the Parks and Recreation Commission had authorized the Subcommittee to
present this draft job description directly to Council without appearing again before the
Parks and Recreation Commission, Staff felt it appropriate to have the Commission look
at it one last time.
Please see the attached proposed Job Description for the Full-Time Recreation Facilitator.
Action Required
Suggest any revisions to the proposed Job Description before it goes to Council. The
Commission may also wish to pass a motion endorsing this job description.
- r
March 6, 1992 .
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Recreation Facilitator
Accountable To: City Administrator
Pay Grade:
Mission of the Recreation Program for the City of Mendota Heights
The central mission of the Mendota Heights Recreation Program is to facilitate a wide range of
wholesome leisure opportunities and services to enrich the quality of life of all residents in the City of
Mendota Heights.
Primary Objective of the Recreation FacRator
This is a full time position responsible for the fec ilitating, scheduling, linking and evaluation of
City sponsored leisure time, recreational, and sports activities and programs. The position also
represents the Parks and Recreation Program in community events and activities.
Duties and Resnonsffi ities
Responsible for facilitating, scheduling,linking and evaluating recreation programs initiated by
local dens' Qrganizations which will provide year round activities for City residents on a user fee
basis.
Empowers local citizens to create their own programs by facilitating the formation of local
citizens'groups, clubs,etc. Emphasizes grassroots citizen led recreation programs.
Assists in selecting, training, supervising and evaluating seasonal recreation staff such as rink
attendants,as assigned. Serves as immediate supervisor of assigned seasonal, contracted and volunteer
staff.
Assists in coordinating, scheduling and supervising City recreational facilities and ensuring
proper use of facilities by recreation groups. Ensures that the recreation infrastructure within Mendota
Heights,particularly ballfields,are being utilized efficiently and to their full capa.city.
Ensures that City coordinated or sponsored activities are not redundant with those of local
non-municipal organizations such as Independent School District 197 Community Education and the
Mendota Heights Athletic Association.
Facilitates a wide range of activities to serve all portions of the population of Mendota Heights, •
including both genders, all ages,all ability levels,and a wide range of interests.
Facilitates the formation of a Senior Program.
Strives for gender equity in recreational opportunities hies in the community.
Assists in the preparation of annual budget recommendations to the Public Works Director and
prepares recommendations for the purchase, utilization, and maintenance of necessary equipment,
materials and supplies.
Responds to routine citizen inquiries and concerns regarding recreational programs.
Coordinates the registration of participants for various athletic recreational and leisure
programs and events.
Acts as programming advisor and staff representative for the Parks and Recreation
Commission in the preparation of reports and recommendations relative to recreation service objectives
and goals.
Acts as ex-officio liaison to the Community Education Advisory Council.
Coordinates Parks and Recreation Program's imrolvement in community events.
Arranges for marketing, publicizing and promotion of programs, as appropriate, including the
preparation of announcements and schedules.
Files information and maintains accurate records and data on each program.
Maintains inventory and recommends purchasing of recreational equipment and supplies.
Coordinates Volunteer service with Community Education and the Mendota Heights Athletic
Association.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge and Slu'll Required
Thorough knowledge of the principles,practices,organizational purposes and administration of
parks and recreational programming.
Ability to develop and maintain positive and eifcerive working relationships with the general
public, other employees,community groups,athletic associations and school officials.
Ability to communicate effectively,both orally and in writing.
•
Ability to schedule, assign and supervise part time, temporary and/or volunteer recreational •
personnel.
Strong organizational skills.
Trainine.Experience and Education
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college in Parks and Recreation Administration, or
related field. A combination of education and experience may be substituted.
Experience is desired in recreational programming and with a demonstrated ability to
coordinate stag budgets and facilities.
Experience is desired in scheduling and coordinating athletic leagues and/or tournaments.
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
MEI 0
February 25, 1997
TO: Park and Recreation Commission
FROM: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager
SUBJECT: Wood Duck Houses in City Ponds
Mr. Tom Olund, Public Works Supervisor, inquired as to the possibility of funding the
cost of materials to assemble and install twenty (20) wood duck houses in various City park
ponds. The idea for the houses was brought to him by Park Crew members Mike Maczko and
John Boland who would also assemble, install and maintain the houses. The duck houses
would be attached to poles driven into the pond bottom during winter when frozen ice makes
the pond accessible. Some units would also be mounted on trees or poles in wetland areas.
This type of duck house prevents predators (fox, raccoons, dogs, cats, etc.) from access to the
nest. During the winter months the old nesting materials would be removed.
Mike and John have a supplier that would provide the poles and unassembled wood
duck house units for approximately$30.00 per unit. They determined that twenty units would
be sufficient to establish nesting boxes in most City parks.
RECOWIE WATION•
If the Commission wishes to establish Wood Duck Nesting boxes in City Parks they
should make a recommendation to the City Council to provide up to $600.00 from the Special
Park Fund for the purchase of poles and nesting box construction materials.
H the City Council concurs and allocates the funds the Commission may want Mr.
Olund to provide a yearly update on the success of this endeavor.
r
wIt -
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Build a Wood Duck House •
By Carrol Henderson The house should be constructed of
Nongame Wildlife Supervisor wood that is strong and can be made
Minnesota Dept.of Natural Resources weather resistant. Cedar or cypress
Wood ducks are one of Minnesota's
wood is best. It can be painted,stained
or treated-on the outside only. The
favorite wildlife species. You can help floor should be recessed 1/4 inch up
the wood duck by building and placing from the lower edge of the sides to
nest boxes for them. Many other wildlife prevent rotting.
species benefit from the presence of
wood duck houses,including kestrels Location
(sparrow hawks),screech owls,flickers, Houses can be erected on an isolated
hooded mergansers,and common gol- tree or on a 16-foot Iong,4"x 4"post
deneyes. that is cyprns,cedar or preservative-
treated wood An aluminum or tin
Construction sheet should be nailed around the tree
As shown in the figure the entrance hole or post under the house to prevent
should be an oval 3 inches high and 4 in- squirrels and raccoons from climbing.
ches wide. This hole excludes most rac- Used aluminum printing plates from
coons. The hole should be centered 19 newspaper ofces can be purchased
inches above the floor. An 18"x 3"strip very cheaply and stapled lengthwise to
of 1/4 inch mesh hardware cloth or screen the 4"x 4"post or tree under the nest
door screen should be cut out and cut box. Since wood ducks are not ter-
edges folded back. This should-be at- ritorial,two or more houses can be
tached inside the box under the entrance placed on the same tree.
to function as a ladder for the newly
hatched ducklings. Sometimes squirrels Vigilant starling control will be neces-
will tear this ladder loose so it will need sary in wood duck boxes. Remove their
to be checked annually. If you don't wish nests and eggs whenever they occur.
to install the ladder,the wood under the The top of the wood duck box should
entrance hole inside the box should be be fastened to its support
scratched and roughened with a chisel to leans forward a couple of inches.i�
give the ducklings the toeholds they need. facilitates the drainage of rainwater
The roughened area should extend below and makes it easier for ducklings to
the entrance hole for 1 foot. Mixed saw- climb up to the entrance hole. To
dust and chain saw wood chips should be strengthen the box, nail a 9-3/4 inch
placed to a depth of at least 3 inches in long 1"x 2"piece of wood along the in-
the nest to serve as nesting material. side top edge of the front. Nail a
Paired roofing nails with large heads similar size piece onto the back just
should be used around the top of the box under where the roof rests.
to wire it shut so raccoons can't open up
the box. Screen door hooks can be Lyle Bradley of Anoka recommends
opened by raccoons. placing a horizontal piece of slab wood
with the bark attached on the front of the the box and kill the duck inside. Such
box immediately below the entrance hole. boxes are best placed on predator
This aids the hen in landing and entering proof posts or trees in woodland
the entrance hole. habitat adjacent to wetlands. In the far
northeast,however,there are few rac-
Boxes placed on posts in water should be coons.
about 6 to 8 feet above the watees sur-
face. Wood duck boxes should be placed Yearly Care
over water or in woodland habitat up to Bares must be cleaned and cared for
half a mile from lakes,ponds,marshes every year If not,in 2-3 years a number
and rivers. Wood ducks nest regularly in of things might occur making the cavity
most of Minnesota except in far north- unusable. The box could be destroyed,
eastern coniferous forests of Cook,Lake filled with branches,dead critters,etc,
and St.Louis counties where they are un- to make it unusable. In addition to
common. Since the hen must lead her cleaning the box,you should caulk any
ducklings to water after they hatch,the cracks,renal loose boards,check drain
habitat between the house location and holes and assure it is well fastened to
the water's edge should be free of major the tree. Replace old shavings with
obstacles like highways,fences with small new(available at lumbar yards and saw-
mesh wife,and street curbing. mills). Use dry sawdust as a last resort.
Sawdust will pack when wet and does
Heights above 20 feet seem to be not dry well. Good shavings,when
preferred in trees. Aspens should be mixed with down from the nesting hen,
avoided because beavers frequently cut make excellent insulation and dry well.
down aspen trees. Box entrances near Boxes should be ready for use by March
water should face the water. Otherwise, 1.
there seems to be a slight preference for
the south and west facing entrance holes. You may want to check your woodduck
Ideally,boxes on land should be 30 to 100 boxes during May-June to record the
feet from water's edge. The change of number of eggs or the type of critter
predation by raccoons is higher along the using them. If you find more than 16
water's edge. woodduck eggs in a box,this may be an
indication of"dump nesting"-meaning
Common Goldeneye a possible shortage of nesting cavities.
If duck boxes of the style shown in the fig- More than one hen is attempting to use
ure are to be placed in northern Min- the structure. You may consider ad-
nesota,including Cass,Beltrami, ding additional structures for the com-
Koochiching,Itasca,Lake of the Woods, ing year. Woodducks tend to have a
St.Louis,Lake and Cook counties,it is 'homing'instinct,and the surviving
desirable to use an oval entrance hole young from yodr boxes will likely
that is 3-1/2"high and 4-1/2"wide. This return to the general area the following
size hole will allow the common gol- year and attempt to establish their nest-
deneye to nest in the box as well as the ing cavity.
wood duck and hooded merganser. The
• disadvantage of that size entrance hole is
that it will allow some raccoons to enter
Don "The Duckman's"
Cedar Wood Duck House Plan
3"x 4"
rti Actual Size
Wood Duck&
SAFETY TIPS: Hooded
M
1. SAFETY GLASSES should be worn by erganser
EVERYONE in the woodworking area. F1LtranCe Hole
2. ADULTS should closely supervise the
use of all tools. POWER SAWS should
involve"hands on"adult supervision—if not (31/2"x 41/2"-Goldeneyes)
actual COMPLETION BY AN ADULT.
(21/2"circle-Bufflehead)
91/4" (use as pattern)
i rip to 8" 1 boat, ,
back 8" 11 1/4"
- side
floorLQ
roof
W
N
' u
end view
O � �
------- 15deg=
cut
indde
M --LUMBER:
N .1. Use"grade 3"cedar,rough one side.
d N 2. Sides/front/back/floor -- 1" X 10"
N (actual 3/4"X 9-1/4").
side front 3. Roof—1"X 12"(actual 3/4"X 11-1/4").
4. Rough surface goes OUT on completed
house."
**One "side" will be smooth unless you.
make an even number of houses and
alternate the direction of your cross cut.
Page 26 Minnesota Waterfowler
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a March G, 1997
MRUARY PARKS REPORT
1. Early in the month- flooding and sweeping of rinks.
2. Closed rinks - clean-up warming houses.
3. Repaired hockey nets
4. Started trimming trees along pedways.
TO DO AFTER JANUARY 14 COUNCIL AND PARKS AND RECREATION
COMMISSION JOINT WORKSHOP
1. Update Park Inventory List - PATRICK/GUY
2. Update Roll of Parks Commission/February Agenda Item - PATRICK
3. Parks and Recreation Commission Consideration of Policy on Recreation
Programmer and Job Description/February P&R Agenda - PATRICK
4. Policy on Monthly Agendas - PATRICK
5. Ballfield Capacity:
- Contact Resurrection Cemetery and Visitation about Joint Use -
KEVIN/MAYOR MERTENSOTTO
- Continue Mendota Heights Athletic Association Facilitation - CHRIS
- Prepare Detailed Ballfield Scenario at Acacia Site - GUY
- Contact Steve Kleinglass for Fields at Veteran's Hospital - PATRICK
Contact ISD No. 197 for Partnership Review of Balifields - KEVIN
Prepare One Field Scenario at Friendly Marsh Park - GUY
6. Implementation of Capital Improvement Plan
- Discuss Engineering Department Priorities with Jim - KEVIN
- Design of North Kensington Park - February P&R Agenda - PATRICK
- Get Quotes on Spring Maintenance at Ivy Falls Park - PATRICK/GUY
- Wentworth Park Shelter
- Dodd Road Bike Trail
- All of the Items in the 1997 Parks CIP
7. Open Space
- Parks and Recreation Commission should Prioritize Available Parcels -
PATRICK
- Determine Availability, Cost and Financing Options - PATRICK
- Rank Open Space Parcels in Terms of Urgency and Risk of
Development - PATRICK
- City Council Delegation/Ridder's - KEVIN
8. Trails
Memo Summarizing Trail Discussion - February P&R Agenda -
PATRICK
Research the Upgrading of Victoria Road - PATRICK/ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT
Contact Mendakota Country Club about Cross Country Skiing -
PATRICK
Contact County about Widening Delaware Avenue - KEVIN/JIM