Loading...
2013-05-14 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda Packet CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA AGENDA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Tuesday, May 14, 2013 - 6:30 P.M. City Council Chambers 1. Roll Call 2. Approval of the April 9, 2013 Minutes 3. Recreation Programming Report 4. Victoria Highlands Field Update 5. Par 3 Update 6. Capital Improvements Plan 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 & Rec Commission, 5/14//2013, Page 1 MH Parks and Recreation Commission 4-09-2013 Page 1 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING April 9, 2013 The March meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve. Chair Levine called to order the parks and recreation commission meeting at 6:32 p.m. The following commissioners were present: Chair Stephanie Levine, Commissioners Mary McGrory- Ussett, Joel Paper, David Miller and Pat Hinderscheid. Excused absent: Commissioners Ira Kipp and Michael Toth. Staff present: Recreation Program Coordinator Sloan Wallgren and Assistant to the City Administrator Jake Sedlacek. Approval of Minutes of March 12, 2013 Commissioner McGrory-Ussett made a motion to approve minutes of the March 12, 2013 meeting; commissioner Paper seconded the motion. Ayes 5: Nays 0 Discussion on Victoria Highlands Ball Field Joe Juliette, a volunteer with the Mendota Heights Athletic Association presented a plan to convert the field at Victoria Highlands Park to a baseball-only facility. Mr. Juliette explained that Mertensotto Field is the only facility exclusively for baseball in the community, and that MHAA is looking for a place for 11 and 12 year old travelling baseball teams to play. MHAA would like to make improvements to the field in two phases. The first phase would include expanding the infield, adding a pitching mound, installing an outfield fence and replacing the existing backstop. The second phase of the project would include adding irrigated turf to the infield and constructing batting cages. Currently, 11 and 12 year old teams utilize a temporary pitching mound at Hagstrom-King Park. MHAA would like to utilize Victoria Highlands Field this year, but has yet to raise funds for the project. Mr. Juliette answered several questions from parks and recreation commissioners regarding field demand, quotes for work, timelines and funding sources. Sloan Wallgren provided staff input that exclusive baseball use would not hurt other current users. Based upon field use requests from recent years, this appears to be the trend. The commission expressed concern that this request was not submitted on a proper timeline, and needed to be weighed against other parks and facilities needs which are a part of the capital improvement plan. The commission voiced support for the intended use, and requested further MH Parks & Rec Commission, 5/14//2013, Page 2 MH Parks and Recreation Commission 4-09-2013 Page 2 information before entertaining any discussion on potential city contribution to funding of the project. Commissioner McGrory-Ussett made a motion supporting use of Victoria Highlands Field for baseball use contingent on the city and MHAA reaching an agreement for funding for that use. Commissioner Paper seconded the motion. Ayes 5: Nays 0 Discussion of Request to Allow Motors on Rogers Lake Tim Carlson spoke on behalf of the Rogers Lake Homeowners Association, who is requesting a code change to allow boat motors on Rogers Lake, with a number of conditions. Mr. Carlson explained that the association made a similar request before city council in the fall of 2012, and were directed to consider additional conditions, and present the concept to the parks and recreation commission prior to returning to city council. The proposed amendment to city code would allow electric motors on boats fourteen feet or less in length. Allowed motors would have a power rating of 96 lbs. of thrust or less and be allowed from sunrise to sunset on the lake. Signs with conditions would be posted at Rogers Lake Park. Mr. Carlson reported that eleven of the seventeen homeowners on the lake had attended a meeting on the topic, and nine of the homeowners in attendance supported the amendment. Commissioner McGrory-Ussett passed a motion recommending approval of the code amendment as provided. Commissioner Paper seconded the motion. Ayes 5: Nays 0 Recreation Programming Update Mr. Wallgren reviewed the recreation programming update – registration for field trips and the summer playground program have been filling quickly. Flyers will go out to schools promoting tennis and golf programs, as well as information in the upcoming Heights Highlights. Mr. Wallgren is considering options for getting participants from waiting lists into programs/trips. The Mendota Heights Parks celebration will be held June 1, 2013. Mr. Wallgren outlined the activities, which will include a climbing wall, Duggan’s Dashes, a petting zoo and live entertainment. Donations for the celebration have been steady, funding the activities. Mendakota Park Playground Update Mr. Sedlacek presented an updated quote to refurbish the playground at Mendakota Park, at approximately half the cost of replacement for a similar sized structure. Mr. Sedlacek answered questions about what features would be changing, and the scope of the work. MH Parks & Rec Commission, 5/14//2013, Page 3 MH Parks and Recreation Commission 4-09-2013 Page 3 Commissioner McGrory-Ussett made a motion recommending county to approve the quote for refurbishing Mendakota Park Playground at a cost not to exceed $75,000 with the following alternatives detailed for council consideration: Refurbish, rather than replace the glider play component Add a maypole play component, or a cascade climber Remove the play-basins in the sandbox area, and move diggers to that location Place a set of monkey bars removed in 2008 within the play area Commissioner Paper seconded the motion. Ayes 5: Nays 0 The commission also directed staff to procure competitive bids to replace current playground surfacing with engineered wood fiber. Recreation Programming Update Mr. Wallgren reviewed the Par 3 update. The parks and recreation commission encouraged staff to look into providing wireless internet access for customers. Mr. Wallgren provided more detail on Nite Golf, which is a new revenue opportunity for the golf course. Commission Comments Commissioner Hinderscheid shared language from City Code on the requirements for dogs to be leashed when not on private property. Mr. Sedlacek encouraged the commission, and any audience watching to call 911 when they encounter unleashed dogs – the only way for police to enforce the leash law is to observe when it is being broken. Commissioners Miller and McGrory-Ussett asked that new items not be placed on the commission agenda if the item is not prepared for formal discussion or action. Adjourn Commissioner Hinderscheid made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Commissioner McGrory- Ussett seconded the motion. Ayes 5: Nays 0 The meeting adjourned at 9:23 p.m. Respectfully Submitted by Jake Sedlacek MH Parks & Rec Commission, 5/14//2013, Page 4 Page 1 of 3 DATE: May 14th, 2013 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Sloan Wallgren, Recreation Program Coordinator SUBJECT: Recreation Programs Parks Celebration The annual Mendota Heights Parks Celebration will be held the weekend of Friday May 31st & Saturday June 1st, 2013. The weekend starts with free music in the park event at Market Square Park at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 30, 2013. Saturday is full of fun activities, staring at Market Square Park with the 5K Walk/Run to benefit Special Olympics at 9:00 a.m. Sign-ups are $20 at city hall prior to the race or $25 the day of the race. The Saturday fun continues with the Parks Celebration from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Mendakota Park. There will be free games and events including a petting zoo, fitness demonstrations, pony rides, climbing wall, National Guard obstacle course, tennis party, soccer kick, inflatables, face painting, hockey shoot, prizes and much more! The Splatter Sisters will take the stage at 11:30 playing family friendly favorites. Kevin Hall, the Magic Maniac will take the stage at 12:30 with his lively all ages show. The attached flyer contains a list of event times and locations. Programs The below chart shows registrations taken as of May 7th, 2013 for Summer Recreation Programs. Program flyers will be distributed again two more times to all of the local schools, also the Heights Highlights should be coming out very soon with list of all recreation programs. Tennis Programs Playground Program Field Trips Safety Camp Fishing Derby Totals 2013 140 237 119 24 9 529 2012 151 254 132 43 52 632 2011 138 298 87 50 44 617 MH Parks & Rec Commission, 5/14//2013, Page 5 Page 2 of 3 Allied Associations Staff has been attending meetings of local associations to find ways that we can work together. Some topics that have been brought up include: hosting golf fundraisers at the Mendota Heights Par 3, field use in the city, and how we can work together to promote opportunities. Park Reservations The weather in April forced many groups to cancel practices and games. Staff has been busy helping rearrange field use for local user groups trying to accommodate as many as possible. Park Permit Applications are continuing to be accepted for our parks. Some of the popular courts and facilities are becoming fairly busy. If anyone would like to reserve a court, shelter, or field please contact City Hall at 651-454-1850. Summer Performances and Concerts Below is a list of concerts and performances that staff has scheduled for this summer. All of these events are very family friendly and should be great entertainment for individuals of all ages. Date Location Performer Time 5/31/2013 Market Square Park Fu-Ga-We Tribe 6:30 p.m. 6/1/2013 Mendakota Park Splatter Sisters 11:15 a.m. 6/1/2013 Mendakota Park Kevin Hall Magic 12:30 p.m. 6/12/2013 Henry Sibley High School Teddy Bear Band 6:30 p.m. 6/19/2013 Market Square Park Connie Evingson 6:30 p.m. 6/26/2013 Market Square Park Jazz on the Prairie 7:00 p.m. 7/8/2013 Market Square Park Northern Winds Band 7:00 p.m. 7/17/2013 Market Square Park treVeld 6:30 p.m. 7/31/2013 Market Square Park Echoes of Elvis 6:30 p.m. 8/21/2013 Market Square Park Kids Dance Back 6:30 p.m. Every Monday at 11:45 a.m. from June 10th-July 29th, 2013(no show July 1st, 2013) the Eagan Puppet Wagon will be at the Market Square Park. The puppet wagon provides fun for the whole family. Enjoy themed shows, dance with the puppets and make a craft. Don’t forget to bring puppet mail, which the puppets will read aloud! Bring you lunch or snack, lawn chair or blanket. Local businesses will offer lunch specials! In the event of inclement weather, puppet show will be cancelled. MH Parks & Rec Commission, 5/14//2013, Page 6 DATE: May 14, 2013 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Jake Sedlacek, Assistant to the City Administrator SUBJECT: Victoria Highlands Ball Field Improvements BACKGROUND The parks and recreation commission received a presentation from a volunteer with the Mendota Heights Athletic Association (MHAA) regarding a concept plan for improvements to Victoria Highlands Park. The requested change would convert the existing multi-purpose field into a baseball-only facility. The commission discussed the details of proposed changes at length, ultimately voicing support for the concept. No formal approval was provided for the project, and no funding was committed the project. MHAA has developed further detail on project costs, specifications for the materials used and the installation methods proposed. A representative from MHAA will be in attendance at the commission meeting, to make a formal request to move ahead with improvements, and to request a cost-share for the project. If the project moves forward, MHAA has expressed interest in future improvements to the facility to include batting cages and a grass infield. Maintenance of a grass infield would require irrigation, which does not currently exist on site. The commission typically likes to have a feel for the anticipated use of a facility when considering improvements. We do not have the benefit of good data on baseball use, or the percentage of MHAA players that are from Mendota Heights. BUDGET IMPACT This project is not part of the current budget. The maintenance of a baseball field is not anticipated to create additional work for parks staff. RECOMMENDATION There is no formal action required at this time. If the commission would like to take action on the item, staff would suggest two separate motions: The commission may wish consider passing a motion regarding the proposed use. The commission may also wish to consider passing a motion on any city funding of the improvements. Staff has no recommendation on this request, but does recognize that current field uses can accommodate an additional baseball-only facility. MH Parks & Rec Commission, 5/14//2013, Page 7 Page 1 of 1 DATE: May 14th, 2013 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Sloan Wallgren, Recreation Program Coordinator SUBJECT: Par 3 Update – April 2013 Update The Mendota Heights Par 3 opened for the 2013 season on April 27th, 2013. The clubhouse currently opens at 9:00 a.m. on weekdays, and 8:00 a.m. on weekends. The course closes at sunset. All privately-organized adult leagues are returning for the 2013 season – several of which have already started. Our Friday Senior League was scheduled to start April 26th, 2013, but was postponed to May10th, 2013 for weather reasons. Programs Flyers for golf programs will be distributed two more times to all of the local schools, also the Heights Highlights should be coming out very soon with list of all golf programs. The following are registrations taken as of May 7th, 2013: Golf Leagues Golf Lessons Totals 2013 68 73 141 2012 113 89 202 2011 137 110 247 Upcoming Specials and Events May 10 to 12, 2013: Mother’s Day Special, Women play for free with a paid guest. May 18, 2013: Somerset Elementary School Event 9:00 a.m. May 24 to 27, 2013: Memorial Day Special, Veterans & Military play for free with a paid guest. June 5, 2013: Women’s Wednesday Night League begins. June 10, 2013: Junior Golf Leagues and Camps begin. MH Parks & Rec Commission, 5/14//2013, Page 8 Page 1 of 3 DATE: May 14, 2013 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Jake Sedlacek, Assistant to the City Administrator SUBJECT: Parks Capital Improvements Planning BACKGROUND The Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission plays an important role in evaluating parks improvement projects for recommendation to the city council. This role has evolved significantly over the years for two primary reasons: the park system is now fully developed, and park dedication funding is a much smaller revenue source than when the city was growing. The city council looks to the parks and recreation commission to provide a list of parks improvements priorities for budgeting and planning purposes. If the commission finds items to be of a high priority, staff brings that recommendation to the city council in background materials for budget discussions. Lower priority items are maintained as public record, to be referenced when new requests spring up from the community. Last year, the commission established four criteria for evaluation potential projects: 1. Safety 2. Anticipated use of the facility 3. Urgency 4. Value added to the community Based on those criteria, upgrades to the Rogers Lake Skate Park were completed in 2012, and an update to the Mendakota Park playground was included in the 2013 budget. A proposal for Mendakota Park will be considered by city council at their next regular meeting. The parks and recreation commission is in a unique position this year. There are no safety concerns to address as a part of the capital planning process. All park facilities are in safe and serviceable condition. As background to the discussion, the following is a list of capital improvement projects completed in the last five years: Rogers Lake Skate Park: $ 8,000 Kensington Park Playground: $53,000 Mendakota Park 2-5 year play equipment: $47,000 Hagstrom King Park backstop: $24,000 Friendly Hills Park playground: $62,000 Victoria Highlands Playground: $51,000 Rogers Lake Playground: $54,000 MH Parks & Rec Commission, 5/14//2013, Page 9 Page 2 of 3 The role for the parks and recreation commission is to define a list of improvements projects for the parks going forward. Staff encourages commissioners to think creatively about the future of Mendota Heights Parks and what amenities are desirable today, and into the future. BUDGET IMPACT Parks improvement projects are considered separately from maintenance activities. Improvements are funded by the Special Parks Fund, which currently has a balance of $221,000. The Mendakota Park Refurbishment, if approved will expend approximately $70,000 of that balance. Funding of capital projects is determined by the city council. RECOMMENDATION There is no formal action required at this time. Staff recommends that the commission discuss the attached list of projects, assign priority levels, and provide staff with direction for further study. Staff anticipates presenting a capital improvement plan for formal consideration at the June 2013 parks and recreation commission meeting. MH Parks & Rec Commission, 5/14//2013, Page 10 Page 3 of 3 Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission 2013 Capital Improvement Planning Worksheet Project Estimate Priority Comment Hagstrom King sun shade $10,000 Could benefit playground and ball field users – there is a vast array of sizes and styles to choose from. Install monkey bars for 2-5 year olds $3,000- $4,500 Primary cost is creating a safety area Trail/park signs and kiosks New Ideas Splash pad added to park(s) $2,500 – $4,000 There are a variety of stand-alone misters/sprayers that could be added to any park. Access to water may be a limiting factor. Rogers Lake swimming beach Would likely require DNR approval for clearing weeds and adding materials for swimming area. Would require additional staff and insurance coverage. No preliminary estimates have been developed for this project. Victoria Highlands ball field improvements Phased project, in partnership with MHAA Baseball. Low Priority Projects Pave hockey rinks at Marie and Wentworth Parks $60,000 ea. New lights at hockey rinks $35,000 ea. Refurbish warming houses $10,000 ea. Ivy Hills Park skating area shelter $12,000 - $25,000 Mendakota Park sun Shelter $10,000 Could be installed over sand play area Copperfield Ponds nature walk $15,000 To fund planting, signage, bench, etc. Ivy Hills Park pond fountain $7,000 Mendakota Park storage building $50,000 Need for this facility has not been defined. Additional multi-sport field at Friendly Marsh Park $120,000 Requires access and parking, need for this facility has not been defined. MH Parks & Rec Commission, 5/14//2013, Page 11