2013-03-12 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda Packet
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
AGENDA
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Tuesday, March 12, 2013 - 6:30 P.M.
City Council Chambers
1. Roll Call
2. Approval of the February 12, 2013 Minutes
3. Introduction of Recreation Program Coordinator
4. North Urban Regional Trail Plan
5. Recreation Programming and Facilities Report
6. Mendakota Park Playground Equipment Replacement
7. Commission Comments
8. Adjourn
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.
Meetings can be viewed anytime on-demand at: www.mendota-heights.com.
MH Parks and Rec Commission 3-12-2013, Page 1
MH Parks and Recreation Commission 2-12-2013 Page 1
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING
February 12, 2013
The February meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on
Tuesday, February 12, 2013 at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve.
Chair Levine called to order the parks and recreation commission meeting at 6:34 p.m. The
following commissioners were present: Chair Stephanie Levine, Commissioners Mary McGrory-
Ussett, Ira Kipp, Joel Paper, David Miller and Michael Toth. Excused absent: Commissioner Pat
Hinderscheid. Staff present: Assistant to the City Administrator Jake Sedlacek.
Election of Chair and Vice Chair
CHAIR LEVINE MADE A MOTION RECOMMENDING THE ELECTION OF
COMMISSIONERS MARY MCGRORY-USSETT AND DAVID MILLER AS CO-VICE
CHAIRS FOR 2013. COMMISSIONER PAPER SECONDED THE MOTION
AYES 6: NAYS 0
COMMISSIONER MCGRORY-USSETT MADE A MOTION RECOMMENDING THE
ELECTION OF COMMISSIONER LEVINE AS CHAIR FOR 2013. COMMISSIONER
MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION
AYES 6: NAYS 0
Review Rules of Order
Assistant to the City Administrator Sedlacek presented the existing rules of order adopted in
March 2010. The commission noted a reference to the airport relations commission, and did not
take action to modify the rules of order.
Approval of Minutes of January 8, 2013
COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES OF THE
JANUARY 8, 2013 MEETING; COMMISSIONER MCGRORY-USSETT SECONDED THE
MOTION.
AYES 6: NAYS 0
Recreation Programming and Facility Update
MH Parks and Rec Commission 3-12-2013, Page 2
MH Parks and Recreation Commission 2-12-2013 Page 2
Mr. Sedlacek reviewed agenda memo on recreation programming and facilities. The
commission expressed their hope that the Sr. Golf Program could be promoted at the upcoming
community discussion on aging detailed in the report.
The commission sought clarification on the city council discussion of field lights at Mendakota
Park. Mr. Sedlacek reported that the city council discussed the idea at their annual goal setting
work session. While no formal vote was taken the consensus of the city council was that lighting
ball fields at Mendakota Park would not be supported at this time. Responding to commission
comments, Mr. Sedlacek noted that individual commission members could speak with individual
city council members on the matter. Mr. Sedlacek cautioned the commission about any form of
communication which could be construed as a violation of public meeting laws.
The commission discussed the concept of field use capacity and evaluation. The commission
requested that a study of current use and capacity be presented at their October meeting.
Trail Open House Updates
Mr. Sedlacek shared comments from Commissioner Hindersheid, who had attended the February
6, 2013 Open House on the North Urban Regional Trail (NURT). Dakota County is seeking
feedback on trail alignments for the trail, from the intersection of Warrior Drive and the frontage
road to Highway 110, east to Robert Street.
Mr. Sedlacek provided a brief background on the NURT alignment, utilizing the flyer distributed
for the open house. The commission expressed their support for utilizing existing trails either
along Marie Avenue or Delaware Avenue within Mendota Heights. Commissioner Hinderscheid
reported that there will be another open house in April 2013, with further detail on the plan,
which will incorporate public input to date.
Park Bench Donation
A park bench donation has been received for a bench on the corner of Cheyenne Lane and Huber
Drive, in memory of Carol Grewing. The donation has been reviewed and approved by public
works staff. Mr. Sedlacek explained that the same style of bench has been used since the
inception of the program. Commissioner Paper commented that his family donated a bench
several years ago, and it is still in great condition.
COMMISSIONER PAPER MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPTING THE PARK BENCH
DONATION; COMMISSIONER MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION.
AYES 6: NAYS 0
Par 3 Update
Mr. Sedlacek reviewed the attached agenda materials, noting that the operating expenses just
slightly outpaced operating revenues for 2012. Staff continues seeking methods to reduce
operating expenses, which were trimmed again for 2012. Mr. Sedlacek outlined a four-pronged
MH Parks and Rec Commission 3-12-2013, Page 3
MH Parks and Recreation Commission 2-12-2013 Page 3
approach to increasing revenue for 2013, which includes improved promotion, enhancing
existing programs, new programs and special events. Rates are not proposed to change for the
2013 season.
There was discussion on course and equipment maintenance for 2013, as the city will test
directly employing Par 3 maintenance staff, instead of paying a third party to manage
maintenance staff.
The commission sought clarification on the Par 3 report, which only shows operating expenses
and revenues for the years 2008-2012. Mr. Sedlacek noted that the city budget, with far more
detail, is available on the city website (www.mendota-heights.com) for all residents to view at
any time.
Commission Comments
Commissioner Paper thanked the public works staff for their work in maintaining good ice at
hockey and pleasure rinks.
Chair Levine thanked the rink attendants and flooders for maintaining a safe and enjoyable
recreation experience for residents.
Commissioner Miller publicly recognized the Mendota Heights Public Works staff for their
efficiency in plowing streets and trails in response to recent snowfalls.
Commissioner Miller noted that the role of the parks and recreation commission is evolving into
one of analysis, and encouraged staff to provide more data on a timely basis.
Commissioner Toth thanked Parks Lead Terry Blum for having attended the January commission
meeting, and expressed his hope that Mr. Blum will attend meetings in the future.
Adjourn
COMMISSIONER TOTH MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING;
COMMISSIONER KIPP SECONDED THE MOTION.
AYES 6: NAYS 0
The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted by Jake Sedlacek
MH Parks and Rec Commission 3-12-2013, Page 4
March 12, 2013
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission, and Assistant to the City Administrator
FROM: John R. Mazzitello, PE, PMP
Public Works Director/City Engineer
SUBJECT: Dakota County North Urban Regional Trail (NURT) Realignment and
Greenways Study
BACKGROUND
For the past several years, Dakota County has been working the development of a Greenway
Network through the County. They have received grant money through the Metropolitan
Council for planning and execution of the network. The history of the Greenways program will
be provided through the presentation made by Mr. Chris Hartzell, the County’s project manager
for the NURT realignment portion of the Greenways plan. A copy of a condensed version of Mr.
Hartzell’s presentation is attached.
The NURT is a County facility that, when complete, will connect the Big Rivers Regional Trail
(BRRT) with the Mississippi River Regional Trail (MRRT) by running through Mendota
Heights, West Saint Paul, and South Saint Paul. The NURT is nearly complete and one of the
remain connection to be made is from Warrior Drive and Mendota Road in Mendota Heights to
Garlough Environmental Magnet School in West Saint Paul.
There are number of realignment alternatives being analyzed as part of this connection, 3 north-
south alignments, and 2 east-west alignments. Both east-west alignments are in West Saint Paul,
and two of the three north-south alignments are in Mendota Heights. The three north-south
alignments consist of:
Option 1 – School District 197 property at Henry Sibley High School (parallel to Warrior
Drive and Marie Avenue)
Option 2 – The existing trail along Delaware Avenue
Option 3 – Dodge Nature Center Property in West Saint Paul between Delaware Avenue
and Charlton Street south of Marie Avenue
Mr. Hartzell form Dakota County will be able to present these alternatives in greater detail
during his presentation. The County is in the information gathering stage of the selection
process, so a formal action is not required at this time. The County would like input from the
Commission and your thoughts on the proposed alignment alternatives. The attached
presentation slides provide some background on the project. The presentation Mr. Hartzell will
be making at tonight’s Commission meeting will provide more detail on the alignment
alternatives.
MH Parks and Rec Commission 3-12-2013, Page 5
BUDGET IMPACT
None
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Commission listen to the report from Dakota County and offer any
comments the Commission may have.
MH Parks and Rec Commission 3-12-2013, Page 6
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Page 1 of 2
DATE: March 12, 2013
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Jake Sedlacek, Assistant to the City Administrator
SUBJECT: Recreation Program and Facilities Update
RECREATION PROGRAMS
Ice rinks closed for the 2012-2013 season on Sunday, March 3, 2013. Staff will collect data
from ice rink use and report back to the commission at a future meeting. Overall, the weather
was very good for outdoor activities this winter.
A spring break field trip is scheduled on March 26, 2013, to Nickelodeon Universe at the Mall of
America – there are still a number of spots available for this trip for ages eight and up.
Flyers have been distributed to schools with full detail on summer programming opportunities.
This year more schools were included in the distribution list, including Moreland Elementary,
Faithful Shepard Elementary, Trinity Lutheran and Talmud Torah. For the first time, we had
schools request the flyer in an electronic format. We are curious to see the results of a wider
distribution of our program flyer.
Registration for summer programs will start on Monday, March 18, 2013. There will be in-
person registration for junior golf leagues from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at City Hall; online registrations
for all programs will open up at 7:30 p.m.
It appears that our adult men’s and women’s softball leagues will be filled with returning teams.
We were able to bring in one additional women’s team, which ran with only four teams last year.
Our softball leagues are sanctioned by MSF/NSF
Sloan Wallgren has been sorting through reservations for athletic fields, picnic pavilions and
tennis courts for the coming year. Mr. Wallgren will work with Terry Blum to maximize field
use while ensuring that we can maintain the quality of the fields.
We have received estimates for improvements to Victoria Highlands field, per the request
of MHAA Baseball, for dedicated baseball use. Staff hopes to establish a date for a
follow-up meeting to revisit project costs with MHAA and determine if projects can be
completed this year.
A community discussion around aging has been set for Thursday, March 21 at Mendakota
Country Club. The event is a partnership between the City of Mendota Heights, Dakota County,
MH Parks and Rec Commission 3-12-2013, Page 22
Page 2 of 2
Anytime Fitness, Access Solutions and DARTS. The event has been titled: The Powers and
Possibilities of Aging, we have already taken 30 RSVP’s for the event, and are hopeful to get
useful feedback to help our community prepare for the needs of families dealing with aging
issues.
The Mendota Heights Parks Celebration is set for Saturday, June 1, 2013, from 11:00 a.m. to
2:00 p.m. at Mendakota Park. Taking notes from what went well last year, we intend to offer
activities and information that will appeal to all ages. Donation letters will be mailed the week
of March 11, 2013, and we are in the process of coordinating contracts for live entertainment, the
petting zoo and more.
RECREATION STAFFING UPDATE
Sloan Wallgren was selected for the Recreation Program Coordinator position, and started with
the city on Monday, March 4, 2013. His background includes experience running an executive
golf course, as well as conducting recreation programs. This is a very busy time as we gear up
for summer programming and the start of the golf season.
The hiring process for temporary/seasonal staff for recreation, tennis and golf programs is well
underway. We have a strong base of returning staff in each area, and are pleased to have a
number of quality candidates applying for open positions as well.
FACILITIES UPDATE
No parks maintenance requests were received by staff since the last parks and recreation
commission meeting.
MH Parks and Rec Commission 3-12-2013, Page 23
MH Parks and Rec Commission 3-12-2013, Page 24
Page 1 of 1
DATE: March 12, 2012
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Jake Sedlacek, Assistant to the City Administrator
SUBJECT: Mendakota Park Playground
BACKGROUND
The playground at Mendakota Park is the largest (and oldest) playground in our parks system. A
component of the play area, geared towards toddlers and pre-school youth, was replaced in 2010.
The larger part of the playground, geared towards school age youth, was installed in 1991 and is
showing signs of its age.
In May 2012, the parks and recreation commission discussed a proposal from Flagship Recreation to
refurbish the playground for school aged youth at Mendakota Park. The commission expressed
support for this idea, and directed staff to include the project in the 2013 General Budget. The
Mendota Heights City Council included $70,000 for the project in the 2013 budget. This amount is
consistent with the proposal received by the parks and recreation commission to refurbish the
playground. The current balance of the Special Parks Fund is approximately $220,000.
The City of Mendota Heights has not refurbished a playground previously; as such, staff would like
the parks and recreation commission to discuss their intent for the Mendakota Park playground
replacement. Staff will be prepared to outline the process for acquiring proposals for refurbishing the
playground, and/or a past practices requesting proposals to replace the playground. Staff also seeks
commission input on their desire for public input into the development of any request for proposals.
The commission may wish provide staff with direction on refurbishing/replacing the playground,
play features desired, the type of play surface desired and a potential timeline for the project.
BUDGET IMPACT
The 2013 City of Mendota Heights budget includes $70,000 from the Special Parks Fund for
improvements to Mendakota Park playground equipment.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the parks and recreation commission discuss options for refurbishing or
replacing the Mendakota Park playground. If there is consensus on feedback to staff, the commission
may wish to pass a motion recommending staff develop a request for proposals.
MH Parks and Rec Commission 3-12-2013, Page 25
MH Parks and Rec Commission 3-12-2013, Page 26
MH Parks and Rec Commission 3-12-2013, Page 27
MH Parks and Rec Commission 3-12-2013, Page 28