2013-06-11 Parks and Rec Comm Minutes
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING
June 11, 2013
The June meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, June
11, 2013 at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve.
Chair Levine called to order the parks and recreation commission meeting at 6:31 p.m. The following
commissioners were present: Chair Stephanie Levine, Commissioners Mary McGrory-Ussett, Ira Kipp,
Joel Paper, David Miller, Pat Hinderscheid and Michael Toth. Staff present: Recreation Program
Coordinator Sloan Wallgren, City Engineer/Public Works Director John Mazzitello and Assistant to the
City Administrator Jake Sedlacek.
Ivy Hills Park Clean Up
The commission thanked Noah and Sam Farber for cleaning up the area around the pond at Ivy Hills
Park. The youth had coordinated the cleanup as a fundraiser for the newly formed Henry Sibley Ping
Pong Club. The commission hopes that staff may be able to provide notice of upcoming clean up events,
so they may thank volunteers and/or help out.
Approval of Minutes of May 14, 2013
A minor correction to the minutes was noted, changing the first sentence of the minutes to say “the May
meeting…” Commissioner Hinderscheid made a motion to approve minutes of the May 14, 2013
meeting; commissioner McGrory-Ussett seconded the motion.
Ayes 7: Nays 0
Recreation Programming Update
Recreation Program Coordinator Sloan Wallgren noted that this is the biggest week of the year for
recreation programs. Tennis, playgrounds, field trips and golf programs all started June 10, 2013. Most
programs are filled and total revenues are up, even though some registration fees were reduced.
Mr. Sedlacek responded to a question about recreation program revenues, stating that programs are
intended to pay for themselves, and that the staff time (.5 FTE) for the recreation program coordinator is
paid for out of the general fund. If recreation programs create additional revenue, that amount would
offset the amount drawn from the general fund for staff salary.
Recognizing Parks Celebration Donors
Mr. Wallgren identified businesses that contributed cash or prizes to the parks celebration. Donors were
also recognized in the Southwest Review, and will be recognized in a formal resolution to be presented to
the City Council. The commission asked that donors also be recognized in the next edition of the Heights
Highlights.
Mr. Wallgren was recognized by the commission for putting together a great Parks Celebration event.
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Trail Improvement and Maintenance Plan
Mr. Sedlacek noted that City Engineer/Public Works Director John Mazzitello was in attendance to
answer questions and accept feedback on the Trail Improvement and Maintenance Plan (TIMP) originally
presented to the commission in December, 2012.
The commission had no specific comment on the plan itself, but provided staff with feedback on areas
that were in need of maintenance.
Mr. Mazzitello noted that most trails in Mendota Heights are in the 20-25 year age range, and will be due
for maintenance soon. The TIMP has been drafted to help manage the maintenance for all trails. The
public is welcome to provide input on trails at any time. Citizens may contact Mr. Mazzitello directly, or
email cityhall@mendota-heights.com.
Chair Levine asked for an update on the status of the portion Valley Park Trail which is currently
unpaved. Mr. Mazzitello stated that a contractor has been selected to complete the installation of
pavement, which had been scheduled for late last week. The rainy spring weather has created a challenge,
as the existing base for the trail is still wet. Mr. Mazzitello, Mr. Sedlacek and Commissioner Toth all
attested that a trail installed over a wet base is more likely to fail than one installed on a dry base. The
cool temperatures, significant shade trees and frequent rains have delayed the project. If there are three
warm days without rain, the base should be ready to pave.
Mendota-Lebanon Greenway Open House Update
Mr. Sedlacek updated the commission on the open houses, and comments provided by Mendota Heights
residents who did attend the open houses.
Capital Improvements Planning
The commission identified criteria for evaluating capital improvements at the May 2013 meeting. At this
meeting, the commission also proposed new concepts for further consideration. Staff noted that a Sun
Shade for Hagstrom King Park was ruled out, in favor of “spading-in” larger diameter trees. The
commission confirmed this change. Staff will look into this activity for this year or 2014.
The city is still awaiting further detail from the Mendota Heights Athletic Association on their proposed
improvements to the ball field at Victoria Highlands Park. The commission expressed their hope to have
further detail as soon as possible. Staff agreed.
Four projects were identified for further study: Rogers Lake Swimming Beach, Splash Pad, Victoria
Highlands Park and Warming House Repairs/Improvements. The commission expressed interest in
making a blank request for funding for a project in 2014, while they continue to research and discuss new
park amenities.
Par 3 Update
Mr. Wallgren reviewed the Par 3 update. Youth programs have started, and the course is teaming with
kids in mornings and afternoons. Registrations to date are strong compared to last year, which staff
credits to better promotion of programs. Turf at the Par 3 is in good health, maintenance staff have been
working through mechanical issues with the rough mower, and hope to have rough areas looking as good
as tees, fairways and greens soon.
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Mr. Wallgren shared year to date expenditures and revenues, through May 31, 2013. Revenues currently
exceed expenditures by $3,365. The commission noted errors on the Budget to Actual report. Staff will
correct and re-send the report.
Ivy Hills Park Tennis Court
Mr. Sedlacek reported that the tennis court at Ivy Hills Park was in need of repair which goes beyond the
normal patching and repainting. An estimate to patch, place a 1.5” asphalt overlay and repaint the court is
approximately $24,000. A typical rebuilding of a court costs $50,000. Mr. Sedlacek also noted that
Valley Park was redone several years ago, with patching and Sport Court tile surfacing installed which
also cost approximately $50,000.
Staff encouraged the commission to set an open house to collect public input on the court. The
commission timing, weighing setting an open house early enough in the year to still complete a rehab of
the court in 2013 against holding off to make sure the public is well informed. The commission decided
that it was more important to make the community aware of the issue, and utilize the next Heights
Highlights to promote the open house.
Chair Levine made a motion to hold an open house to discuss options for Ivy Hills Park tennis courts
prior to the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting Tuesday, October 8, 2013. Commissioner Miller
seconded the motion.
Ayes: 7 Nays: 0
Commission Comments
Commissioner Toth requested an update on weed treatment in Roger’s Lake, and inquired if a garbage
can could be placed at the S-Curve on Wagon Wheel Trail. Mr. Mazzitello responded that the contractor
for treating weeds keeps a close eye on Rogers Lake, and will treat the lake when conditions are optimal.
City staff recommends against a garbage can at the S-Curve, as the area seems to have less litter now than
in years when there was a can in the area. The can may also pose a safety risk, cluttering an already
crowded area.
Commissioners wished Mr. Sedlacek well is his new career opportunity and encouraged residents to get
out and enjoy Mendota Heights Parks and Trails.
Adjourn
Commissioner Paper made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Commissioner McGrory-Ussett seconded the
motion.
Ayes 7: Nays 0
The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted by Jake Sedlacek
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