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1993-12-14 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda PacketCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA AGENDA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION DECEMBER 14, 1993 - 6:30 P.M. ** 6:30 o'clock p.m. ** 1. Call to Order. 2, Roll Call. 3. Approval of November 9, 1993 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes. 4. Discussion of Dakota County Regional Trail Project Bob Doffing, Dakota County Park's Commissioner 5. Capital Improvement Planning for Park System • Discussion of Friendly Hills Park • Discussion of Friendly Hills Tot Lot • Discussion of Friendly Marsh Park • Discussion of Copperfield Ponds 6. Review of Concept Plans - North Kensington Park • Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager 7. Verbal Updates • Arndt Addition Trail - Council Decision • Report on ADA Seminar • Ice Rink Update • Tree City USA - Mr. Steven Shimek 8. Adjourn. Auxiliary aids for disabled persons 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, however, this may not be possible on short notice. Please contact City Administration at 452-1850 with requests. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 9, 1993 The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, November 9, 1993, in the City Hall Large Conference Room, 1101 Victoria Curve. The meeting was called to order at 6:35 o'clock P.M. The following members were present: Damberg, Katz, Kleinglass, Linnell, Norton, Libra and Spicer. Also present were Administrative Assistant Kevin Batchelder, Parks Project Manager Guy Kullander and Recreation Programmer Shelli Morgan. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Damberg moved to approve the October 12, 1993 Minutes. Commissioner Linnell seconded the motion. AYES: 7 NAYS: 0 COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Damberg inquired about an article in the South- West Review dated November 7, 1993 about the proposal to upgrade the Friendly Hills streets. Commissioner Damberg stated that the article stated "the reconstruction would be funded from park land assessments and assessments to single family lots and municipal state aid funds." Damberg inquired if money from the special park fund would be used to pay park land assessments for the Friendly Hills street project. Parks Project Manager Kullander responded that the City Council makes the decision on where the money comes from for assessments to park land in Mendota Heights. Kullander stated that other funding sources that exist are the MSA money and the City Infrastructure Fund money. Kullander stated the City was required to assess park land when it is in a project district. Commissioner Linnell inquired if there will be a trail included in the Friendly Hills street project along Decorah Avenue. Kullander stated that early plans had shown a trail in the public right-of-way along Decorah Avenue, however the residents of the neighborhood are not clamoring for a trail with this street project. Kullander stated the street project has not yet been approved by the City Council. Parks and Recreation Commission November 9, 1993 Page 2 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PLAN Administrative Assistant Batchelder stated this month the Parks and Recreation Commission would be reviewing Roger's Lake Park and Mendakota Park for infrastructure and replacement needs in the capital improvements planning process. Batchelder stated the request for additional irrigation extensions at Mendakota Park that the Commission had received in September from Parks Leadperson Terry Blum had been held over until this meeting and that this item should be considered as well. He stated that in addition to the capital improvements planning that the Commission was obligated to review parking and traffic, as requested by City Council. Commissioner Norton inquired if there was a history to the fact that the parking lot at Roger's Lake was not paved. Batchelder stated that in consideration of park improvements during the referendum planning Roger's Park was decided to be left in a rural, unpaved state. Parks Project Manager Kullander stated there are no active fields at the park and that it was felt that paving this particular parking lot was not necessary and the City could save money. Batchelder stated other parks had received paving for their parking lots mainly due to the fact that there was a dust problem near residential homes. The Commission considered the list of improvements and replacement items for Roger's Lake Park. Kullander stated that this park receives some level of vandalism from time -to - time, including the burning of two park benches this past summer. Kullander reviewed the list of possible future improvements to Roger's Lake Park including: 1. Removing the wooden bridge to the picnic shelter and replacing with bituminous walkway for American with Disability Act standards and because of maintenance concerns. 2. Install fire pits with the options being steel fire pits or stone and concrete enclosures. 3. Additional horseshoe pits. 4. Pave the access driveways and parking areas. 5. Clearing out the brush along the trails for better visibility. Parks and Recreation Commission November 9, 1993 Page 3 6. Regulatory signage for park and trails. 7. Painting stripes on the hard court in 1995. 8. Port a Potty shelters. 9. ADA upgrades to play equipment. 10. Clearing the brush out along the beach and establishing turf to water. 11. Remove five old benches. 12. Reroofing the picnic shelter. 13. Resurfacing the tennis court. 14. Seal coating of the trails. Kullander explained that brushing out along the trail was a difficult project for the park crews because of the time and the equipment necessary to do this job. Kullander suggested it might be a possibility to contract a firm to clear the brush along the trails or that possibly this could be done as a community work service project. The Parks Commission discussed the possibility of getting a wood chipper to help ease the work of removing brush that has been cleared. Commissioner Damberg inquired if it would be worth the City buying a chipper. Batchelder stated that he felt there is a possibility the City could borrow a wood chipper from a neighboring community. Damberg inquired if there is a lot horseshoe play in Roger's Lake Park. Recreation Programmer Morgan responded that she has had a number of calls to rent horseshoes by people who are using Roger's Lake Park. Kullander stated the City has one nice horseshoe pit and that it is located in Roger's Lake Park. He stated that horseshoe pits can be added for cheaper costs than demonstrated on the list depending upon the level of quality the City wants. Kullander described the West St. Paul horseshoe complex. Kullander stated that when you have just one horseshoe pit it tends to be a token. He stated that if you put two or three horseshoe pits together they tend to get used more often. Kullander explained that the wooden bridge currently in Roger's Lake Park is rising and heaving with the frost every season and because it is not level with the trail it does not meet American with Disabilities Act standards. Parks and Recreation Commission November 9, 1993 Page 4 The Commission discussed fire pits in Roger's Lake Park and an upgrade to a stone and concrete enclosure around a large pit that could accommodate barbecues and small bonfires. Morgan stated that Roger's Lake Park is the City's picnic park mainly because of the location of volleyball, tennis, hard court, picnic shelter, the lake view and the trail. She stated this picnic shelter is rented almost every weekend during the warm months of the year. The Commission discussed the driveway and the unpaved parking. Kullander stated that in the past the consensus was to keep the driveway unpaved and the parking lot in a rural and unimproved condition. Kullander described the ADA upgrades that would be necessary for trails and transfer points. Kullander stated that there is one new play structure in Roger's Lake Park and one play structure which was renovated at the time of the referendum. Kullander stated the tennis court in Roger's Lake Park has cracks that need to be sealed every year and if the City gets into another cycle of resurfacing tennis courts Roger's Lake Park should be first on the list. Commissioner Damberg inquired about improving the quality of the lake and having a beach at Roger's Lake Park. Kullander stated the lake is very shallow and susceptible to weeds and algae growth. Commissioner Norton stated that lake quality issue was an issue that the City's Parks and Recreation Commission should be more involved with. Commissioner Damberg stated that educational efforts could be done by the City to help improve the water quality in the lakes and pending areas within the City. The Commission inquired if City Engineer Klayton Eckies could address the topic of water quality, non - point source pollution and steps the City can take to help the water quality in the City at a future park meeting. Commissioner Linnell stated he would like to see the benches that are proposed to be removed be replaced and not just removed. Kullander stated the park crews would like to see the benches placed on concrete pads if they are not removed to facilitate the ease of mowing grass. The Commission discussed proposed future improvements, replacement and infrastructure for Mendakota Park. Kullander stated he has estimated that the lighting of the five sports fields at Mendakota Park will cost approximately $175,000. Kullander described the list of possible future improvements to Mendakota Park as: Parks and Recreation Commission November 9, 1993 Page 5 1. Sports lighting for five play fields. 2. Expanded irrigation system. 3. Maintenance building if lights are installed 4. Concrete bases for benches and trashers. 5. Resurface the basketball court with paint markings. 6. Re -stripe the parking lot. 7. Any additional landscaping. 8. Seal coat old trails. 9. Adopt backstops (or netting) for baseball/hardball. 10. Convert the grass volleyball area to sand court with borders. Kullander stated the sport lighting estimate is based on Barton-Aschman's estimate at the time of the referendum and the design of Mendakota Park. Kullander stated that Barton- Aschman had estimated $150,000 to provide lights for the fields at Mendakota Park. Kullander stated that his estimate is on the high side but includes all poles and lights, lines and transformers, and restoration that would be needed to complete this project. Kullander stated it also includes the lighting of the youth soccer field. Kullander stated that installing lights at Mendakota Park would be cheaper than building new fields if the City reaches the point where demand is greater than field supply. Administrative Assistant Batchelder stated that at the time the referendum items were put together lighting had been considered for the softball complex. Batchelder stated a City Councilmember had wanted to include lights in the plans for Mendakota Park so that everyone would be aware that ballfield lights were a possibility. Commissioner Spicer stated the lights were always anticipated as 'a future use at this park. He stated that during the referendum there was never any opposition to the community park having lights for the ballfields. Spicer stated that at the time of the referendum it was anticipated that the softball field complex would have lights when it was built. Spicer stated no other fields in the City are lighted. Parks and Recreation Commission November 9, 1993 Page 6 Commissioner Damberg stated that groups which desire to have lights placed at these fields could participate in fund raising efforts to provide for the cost. Damberg stated that field lights are essentially a service for which only a certain sector of the City receives benefits. Commissioner Kleinglass inquired if the lights are shut off at 10:00 P.M. and, if lights are provided, does this double the amount of playing time. Commissioner Spicer responded that lights would extend the season during the spring and fall so that evening play was not limited to a few months in the summer. Spicer stated that adult softball leagues currently end in the last week in July and that adding lights would not only double the playing time in the evening during the summer but would allow fall and spring leagues. Commissioner Kleinglass stated that spring and fall leagues would be for adults only and that children are in school at this time. Kleinglass stated that providing lights would lead to the commercialization of the programs with more adult programs being offered and provided. Commissioner Kleinglass stated if the City is going with more adult programs we should not be lighting fields unless these programs are paying for the lighting. Recreation Programmer Morgan stated that each adult softball league more than pays for itself and generates some revenue. Kullander explained that the maintenance building, proposed on the list for future improvements, would allow City crews to work at night and on the weekends with the Cushman and the equipment which is needed to grade and drag the fields, if lights warrant a higher level of park crew activity. Kullander stated that the basketball court is starting to wear and could use a resurfacing in the near future. Kullander described his proposals for allowing the fields to be adapted for baseball at Mendakota Park, based on our experience with foul balls last summer. He explained that one option is to add hoods onto the existing backstops. He stated that this has not proven to be very successful in the past. Kullander stated the existing backstops could be extended in height and then further extended by adding vertical netting. Kullander stated that maintenance is a headache with netting and that half the foul balls will probably still come over any extension of netting. Kullander stated that a curved backstop that is twenty-five feet deep and extending out over the home plates would collect all of the foul balls. Kullander stated the idea of providing netting strung from the backstop to the comfort station was an idea which staff had considered and Parks and Recreation Commission November 9, 1993 Page 7 rejected due to the high level of maintenance and the fact that this netting would have to be attached to the comfort station. Kullander stated the comfort station was not designed to accommodate guy wires as an attachment. Commissioner Spicer stated that both the Cities of Eagan and Edina had provided this type of netting for their pinwheel field designs to keep foul balls from injuring spectators. Spicer stated he feels that this type of netting was not incredibly expensive and certainly provided a level of safety. Spicer stated it should be a priority for the City to provide this type of netting in order to accommodate youth baseball at Mendakota Park. Commissioner Norton inquired if baseball could be played on other fields. Commissioner Spicer stated that Mendakota Park was ideal for weekend tournaments, that it was the best facility in Mendota Heights and that the baseball parents desired to be able to use these facilities. Commissioner Linnell stated he feels that any irrigation extension at Mendakota Park should be kept to a minimum and that a little brown grass in the park is not the end of the world. NORTE KENSINGTON PARK Commissioner Spicer inquired how much money was left in the referendum. Batchelder stated he has not received a full accounting on the referendum funds but it is his understanding that there is less than $100,000 left in the referendum funds. Batchelder stated there are probably more earmarked items remaining than there was money left in the referendum fund. Commissioner Spicer inquired if the Parks Commission should continue talking about the design and construction of North Kensington Park if there is not enough referendum money to construct it. Kullander stated that priorities could be established for the remaining referendum funding and the remaining projects and there are other funds such as the special park fund that could be used to construct this project. Kullander stated this park could be constructed in phases over a number of years. Kullander stated the rest room and storage rooms provided by U.S. West in the fiber optics building were put in with the acknowledgment that there would be some future active use at this park. Kullander stated vandalism has occurred at this Parks and Recreation Commission November 9, 1993 Page 8 building because the low level of usage in this area. Kullander stated the rest rooms have not been opened for public use yet. Commissioner Norton stated this area has received some incredibly dense development and that park facilities are necessary in this area. Kullander repeated that this park would be appropriate for a higher use because of the rest room facilities. Kullander stated there is no "draw" to the park right now, as there are no facilities for people to use. Commissioner Spicer inquired about tennis courts in southern Mendota Heights. He stated he can see this park having some type of picnic facilities, tennis court and a green area. Commissioner Linnell stated there are picnic shelters in South Kensington Park and it probably should not be duplicated in this location. Commissioner Linnell stated that some parking should be provided to get the cars off of Mendota Heights Road at this park. Linnell inquired if there is a half court facility in this vicinity. Kullander stated there is a half basketball court at Friendly Hills Park and at Hagstrom-King Park. Commissioner Spicer stated that a tennis court is the only facility which is not in close proximity to the new construction in this area. Kullander stated that Hagstrom- King had an area graded for tennis, however, he felt that one or the other park should receive tennis but not both. Kullander stated that any horseshoe pits would be most appropriate near trees, in the shade, by a setting conducive to picnicking. Commissioner Libra stated that Hagstrom-King has more potential for picnic type activities due to its natural setting. Commissioner Spicer stated that there were not a lot of natural amenities in North Kensington, but that tennis, parking, horseshoes, plantings, berms, and the trail with the rest open grass area would seem appropriate. Libra stated that he felt the Homeowner's Associations in Kensington may desire open space for kite flying, tossing a ball or frisbee, type activities. The Parks and Recreation Commission directed staff to work on concept plans that would show tennis, parking, plantings, berms and trail with open space in North Kensington Park for the Commission to review and possibly present to the public in neighborhood meetings to solicit input. Parks and Recreation Commission November 9, 1993 Page 9 VERBAL UPDATES Batchelder stated that the City Council had approved both recommendations from last month's Park and Recreation Commission meeting - the Ivy Park warming house hours and the Parks Reservation Policy. Batchelder explained, in response to an inquiry, that the Marie Park boulevard had not been mowed earlier in the summer due to a tractor breakdown that will be fixed this winter. He stated that the City had contracted the work and that the boulevard had been maintained and mowed. Batchelder stated that the request to revise the bicycle/pedestrian trail in the Arndt Addition had been forwarded to the Planning Commission who would hear the request on November 23, 1993. Batchelder stated that staff had explored the option of converting the Ivy Park free skating to broomball but that the cost appeared high to place boards for this purpose. Batchelder stated that he had attended a seminar on Americans With Disabilities Act sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Employee Relations and had submitted a question regarding the updating of all the city play equipment apparatus. MnDOER will be providing written answers to all the questions submitted. Batchelder stated it appeared that the City does not have to update every individual component of the play system, but that we have an obligation to review the whole system, evaluate options for upgrading it and provide a level of access to meet our obligations. A transition plan would be necessary for those play structures not immediately updated. Commissioner Libra stated that Ivy Park could use some more picnic tables and that he had received a request for this. Commissioner Libra inquired if the City could receive copies of other city's mission statements for parks and park systems as we begin exploring Park Vision/Philosophy on the target issue list. ADJOURN There being no further business, the Parks and Recreation Commission adjourned at 8:10 o'clock p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kevin Batchelder Administrative Assistant CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO December 9, 1993 To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kevin Batchelder, Administrative Assistant Subject: Dakota County Regional Trail System Mr, Bob Doffing, Dakota County Park's Commissioner DISCUSSION Mr. Bob Doffing, Mendota Heights resident and recently appointed Parks and Recreation Commissioner for Dakota County, desires to meet with our Commission to discuss two items. First, he desires to meet the Commission, introduce himself and discuss park and recreation cooperation in a general sense. Second, Mr. Doffing desires to discuss the County's new plan for a regional trail from South St. Paul to Red Wing and connections to the Mendota Bridge/Soo Line Regional Trail. In addition, we have been recently contacted by Dakota County to provide input on the North Urban Trail concept. This trail concept would link northern Dakota County regional trails from west to east through Mendota Heights, West St. Paul and South St. Paul. Please see attached letter from Jack Ditmore dated December 2, 1993. I have also attached a summary of the Soo Line Corridor and Regional Trail that was provided by John Forrest, Dakota County Planner and a letter from the Soo Line Railroad regarding abandonment. Also included as background is the official copy of the Dakota County Regional Trail Development Plan - Northwest Segment that was prepared at the time the Dakota County received its ISTEA grant. These items are being placed on your agenda as an update on the Soo Line Regional Trail and for discussion regarding east/west trail connections into West St. Paul for the North Urban Trail. Mr. Ditmore has asked for a letter of support and City staff desire any input from the Commission that would help us when we meet with the County on Thursday, December 16, at 2 p.m., Wentworth Library. ACTION REQUIRED Meet with Mr. Doffing, discuss regional trails and trail connections and provide staff with direction regarding letters of support and guidance for upcoming meeting. DAKOTA COUNTY DIVISION OF PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT 14955 GALAXIE AVENUE DEPARTMENTS OF — • ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT • HIGHWAYS • PARKS • SURVEY • OFFICE OF PLANNING Kevin Batchelder Administrative Assistant City of Mendota Heights 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, MN 55118 Dear Mr. Batchelder: December 2, 1993 LOUIS J. BREIMHURST, P.E. DIRECTOR (612) 891-7005 FAX (612) 891-7031 APPLE VALLEY, MINNESOTA 55124-8579 As you know, during the past year a plan for a regional trail along the Minnesota River in northwest Dakota County has been developed for the Soo Line Corridor. This trail on the northwest side of the County complements the regional trail planned for the South St. Paul riverfront on the northeast side of the County. While the opportunities for regional trails along the Minnesota River in northwestern Dakota County and along the Mississippi River from South St. Paul to Spring Lake Regional Park Reserve are logically defined, the east -west connection of the corridors requires further consideration. While such a connection has been designated a priority for the County by the County Board, specific routes and the status of the connection have not yet been resolved. While verbal support for the trail was provided by your city at a recent Physical Development Board Committee meeting, a follow-up letter of support for the trail would be appreciated. In order to further research and develop a concept plan for the east -west trail corridor, currently named the North Urban Trail, Dakota County has hired the consulting firm of Barton-Aschman Associates, Inc. Barton-Aschman Associates began working with Office of Planning staff in mid-November and is scheduled to complete this project in June, 1994. We would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you on Thursday, December 16, 1993 at 2:00 p.m. in the large conference room at the Wentworth Library to address issues and gather information. Please bring copies of your city trail plans along with maps, so that these proposals can be evaluated. County staff will be acting as the liaison for local units of government and the consultants. Staff will keep you updated on the progress of the trail development plan. Please direct all correspondence to John Forrest or Chantell Kadin at 891- 7030. Sincerel Jac Ditmore, Deputy Director PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT DIVISION JD/JF/dj cc: Dakota County Board of Commissioners Brandt Richardson, County Administrator Louis J. Breimhurst, Physical Development Director Barb Schmidt, Parks Director Printed on Recycled Paper AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER DAKOTA COUNTY DIVISION OF PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT 14955 GALAXIE AVENUE LOUIS J. BREIMHURST, P.E. DIRECTOR (612)891-7005 FAX (612) 891-7031 APPLE VALLEY, MINNESOTA 55124-8579 December 7, 1993 DEPARTMENTS OF — • ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT • HIGHWAYS • PARKS • SURVEY • OFFICE OF PLANNING Kevin Batchelder Administrative Assistant City of Mendota Heights 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, MN 55118 Dear Mr. Batchelder: This letter is to update you and your City on recent activities pertaining to the Regional Trail project on the Soo Line Corridor in Lilydale, Mendota, and Mendota Heights. The following is a status description of issues relating to the project. Mendota Interchange/Trail Underpass Construction Work is proceeding on schedule. Paving of the access road over the railroad right-of-way will be completed soon. After all the road construction is completed, the 3000 -foot access road will remain as the first paved portion of the regional trail. A bike trail from the Mendota Bridge will eventually connect to the regional trail as shown on page 35 of the attached plan. The trail underpass beneath the Highway #110 exit ramp, shown on page 35 and Appendix D, is scheduled to be constructed this spring. Railroad Abandonment Our office recently received the attached Rail Line Abandonment letter from the Soo Line Railroad Company. Since the rail line has not been in operation since July of 1987, we understand that the railroad abandonment will occur through the "exempted" process. This process will take several weeks instead of several months or years. Trail Corridor Ownership and Management We understand that the Soo Line Railroad has agreed to sell the rail line and all adjoining Soo Line property to the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). MnDOT and Dakota County will be negotiating the terms for a "Limited Use Permit" wherein MnDOT would remain the owner of the Trail Corridor and Dakota County would be the trail "custodian". Such an agreement, of course, will require the approval of the Dakota County Board. Lilydale Trail Segment Staff has met with representatives of the Lilydale Yacht Club to refine the trail route past the Yacht Club property. Staff has also met with St. Paul Parks staff and found that the County Trail should link with the trail being built through Lilydale Regional Park. The trail connection point is at a location just to the east of the Yacht Club parking lot. Much work needs to be done on the Lilydale Trail Segment before it can be opened for public use. Printed on Recycled Paper AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Page 2 Mendota Trail Segment MnDOT will be conducting a monumentation study on the property that it acquires from the Soo Line. Another study will define which properties are desirable to retain under MnDOT ownership for regional trail use and when the regional trail will be built. A final study will determine if there are properties not suitable for regional trail use, and how that property can be transferred from MnDOT ownership. Fort Snelling Trail Segment The County is in the process of seeking grant funds to build the regional trail from the Mendota Bridge south to Pilot Knob Road, as well as funds to complete construction of the balance of the corridor. The Fort Snelling Trail Segment is scheduled to be constructed first. The County will be working with MnDOT in an effort to coordinate design so that the Regional Trail will merge in with the southbound County Bike Trail at the at -grade controlled intersection of Pilot Knob and new Highway 13. Mendota Heights Trail Segment MnDOT, the City of Mendota Heights, and the County need to work together to decide how this trail segment is used and managed over both the short term and long term. A trail underpass beneath Highway 13 is desirable if this trail segment is made a part of the regional trail over the long term. Conclusion We will continue to keep you updated on the progress of the regional trail corridor. We value your comments and suggestions on how the regional trail should be built and managed. Please call either Lynn Moratzka or me at 891-7030 if further information is needed. If you so desire, we are available to meet with you to discuss these matters in further detail. Sincerely, John Fob OFFICE OF PLANNING JF/dj cc: Dakota County Board of Commissioners City Clerks Jonette Kreideweiss, MnDOT Arne Stefferud, Metro Council Ed Olson, St. Paul Parks Dave Fisher, Minneapolis Parks Peggy Lynch, Friends of the St. Paul Parks and Trails Brandt Richardson, County Administrator Jack Ditmore, Deputy Director, Physical Development Barb Schmidt, Parks Director Jay Stassen, Assistant County Attorney Encl. Trail Development Plan: Official Copy Rail Abandonment Letter from Soo Line 1000 Soo Line Buildino Box 530 Minneapolis MN 55440 Tel (612) 337-7543 Fax (612) 347-8203 Soo Line Railroad Company Larry D Starns Senior General Attorney Administrative Law and Contracts November 19, 1993. Mr. John Forrest Senior Planner Dakota County Office of Planning 14955 Galaxy Avenue Apple Valley, MN 55124 Re: Request for Comments on Potential Environmental Impacts of Proposed Mendota Heights, MN Rail Line Abandonment in Dakota County, State of Minnesota •ICC Docket No.: AB -57 (Sub. No. 35X) Dear Mr. Forrest: Soo Line Railroad Company (Soo) will in the very near future petition the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) to discontinue and abandon all freight rail operations over approximately 4.2 miles of rail line located in Mendota. Heights, Minnesota (the Mendota Heights Line). A map of the proposed abandonment is enclosed as well as a listing and copies of the relevant U.S.G.S. topographic maps on which this line appears. This proposed rail line abandonment requires approval by the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC). I will be preparing an Environmental Report that will provide the basis of the environmental review that the ICC's Section of Energy and Environment (SEE) will conduct for this proceeding. In preparing this Environmental Report, consultation with agencies or organizations that may have specific interest in or knowledge of the potential environmental impacts is essential. This letter is, therefore, intended to solicit your comments regarding potential environmental impacts, if any, of the proposed rail line abandonment. As shown on the attached maps, the Mendota Heights line is located in the Minnesota county of Dakota. The line that is proposed to be abandoned begins at Mile Post 160.7+ and runs in a South -North direction to Mile Post 164.9+ near Mendota Heights, MN. It is located parallel to Highway 13 in an industrial area of Mendota •Heights and traverses an undeveloped portion of the Minnesota River Valley between the Mendota Bridge and the 135 freeway bridge. The line runs through the town of Mendota (population approximately 300). While Soo will attempt to sell the Mendota Heights line or portions thereof, a suitable purchaser may not be found in the appropriate time frame. For purposes of evaluating the environmental impacts that would result from abandonment of the line, it is conservatively assumed that the line will not be sold intact. Soo's proposed action, therefore, includes salvaging equipment and materials that are resent on the line, in addition to discontinuing freight service. Most of the Mendota Heights line consists of a single track with an average 100 -foot right-of-way. In addition to the right-of-way, the rail line includes an estimated 0 buildings, 0 bridges, 9 culverts, and 5 road crossinvs. A listing of these structures and crossings with their respective locations is enclosed for your reference. The proposed action includes the removal of all rails, ties, spikes, plates, railroad -related utilities, signaling devices, bridge spans, and bridge decking. The ballast, bridge abutments, and culverts would remain in place. Soo would continue to maintain the culverts as long as it owns the right-of-way. The buildings along the line would be offered for sale to local communities, townships, counties, other interested parties, and owners of reversionary rights along the line. Unwanted buildings would generally be demolished. However, buildings and bridges that are determined by the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) to be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places would not be dismantled or demolished unless or until permitted by applicable law and regulations. All equipment and materials that are removed from the line would either be reused, sold as scrap, or disposed of in accordance with applicable environmental regulations. The Environmental Report for the proposed abandonment of the Mendota Heights line is being prepared pursuant to ICC regulations (49 CFR Chapter X, Part 1105) (copy of which is enclosed), the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 42 U.S.C. Sections 4321 et seq., the Energy Policy and Conservation Act 42 U.S.C. Sections 6201 et seq., the National Historic Preservation Act 16 U.S.C. Sections 470 et seq., and the Endangered Species Act of 1973, 16 U.S.C. Sections 1531 et seq. Areas of concern that you and other interested parties are invited to address in your comments include potential impacts of the proposed action on the following: • Local land use • Existing local and regional transportation systems • Energy use * Air emissions and ambient air quality conditions • Water quality and wetlands • Biological resources, including threatened or endangered species • Ambient noise levels • Public health safety • Historic, cultural, or archaeological sites listed or eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places • Socioeconomics, including local and regional employment We are soliciting your comments with regard to: (1) any permitting/approval authority which your agency has over the proposed action, and (2) any specific concerns which you feel should be addressed in the ICC environmental document prepared after our Report is submitted. As required by applicable ICC regulations (49 CFR, Chapter X, Part 1105.7(e)(8)(1)), we also request that you comment on and describe the effects, if any, of our proposed action on those resources or areas of concern within the authority of your agency. Specifically, the Commissions's regulations state that, with respect to the area of concern within the jurisdiction of your agency, Soo Line must address the following: "49 C.F.R. Part 1105.7(e)(2) Transportation System: (2) Transportation System. Describe the effects, of the proposed action on regional or local transportation systems and patterns. Estimate the amount of traffic (passenger or freight) that will be diverted to other transportation systems or modes as a result of the proposed action." "49 C.F.R. Part 1105.7(e)(4)(i)-(iv) Energy: (4) Energy. (i) Describe the effect of the proposed action on transportation energy resources. (ii) Describe the effect of the proposed action on recyclable commodities. (iii) State whether the proposed action will result in an increase or decrease in overall energy efficiency and explain why. (iv) If the proposed action will cause diversions from rail to motor carriage of more than: (A) 1,000 rail carloads a year; or (B) An average of 50 rail carloads per mile per year for any part of the affected line, quantify the resulting net change in energy consumption and show the data and methodology used to arrive at the figure given. To minimize the production of repetitive data, the information on overall energy efficiency in Section 1105.7(e)(4)(iii) need not be supplied if the more detailed information in Section 1105.7(e)(4)(iv) is required." "49 C.F.R. Part 1105.7(e)(5)(ii)(c) Air: (C) An average increase in truck traffic of more than 10 percent of the average daily traffic or 50 vehicles a day on a given road segment, then state whether any expected increased emissions are within the parameters established by the State Implementation Plan. However, for a rail construction under 49 U.S.C. 10901 (or 49 U.S.C. 10505), or a case involving the reinstitution of service over a previously abandoned line, only the three train a day threshold in this item shall apply." (emphasis added) "49 C.F.R. Part 1105.7(e)(7)(i) Safety: (7) Safety (i) Describe any effects of the proposed action on public health and safety (including vehicle delay time at railroad grade crossings." Please address these questions in particular and, if you so desire, any other matters within the scope of the Report as you deem appropriate. Your comments should be submitted to the undersigned at the address on this letterhead. They will be appended to the Environmental Report being submitted to the Commission. Your response would be appreciated as soon as possible as preparation of the Environmental Report is required prior to filing for abandonment. I will be following up with a phone call within one week to confirm receipt of this letter and to discuss any additional data you may require to enable us to complete our Report. Any comments or information that you provide will be included in Soo's Environmental Report and will be considered by the ICC in the preparation of the draft environmental document and in its evaluation of the overall environmental and energy impacts of the proposed action. Your cooperation will help ensure that all environmental concerns are thoroughly addressed. Thank you very much for your assistance. LDSAmmw cc: Mn DNR - Mn SHPO - Dr. MPCA - Mr. MnTRB - Mr. Dakota County Very truly yours, SOO LINE RAILROAD COMPANY Rodney W. Sando Nina Archabal Charles W. Williams Timothy S. Perry - Mr. Brandt Richardson CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO December 9, 1993 To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kevin Batchelder, Administrative Ass Subject: Capital Improvements Plan DISCUSSION The schedule for discussion of the Capital Improvements Plan for this month's agenda includes: Friendly Hills Park Friendly Hills Tot Lot Friendly Marsh Park Copperfield Ponds These parks will be reviewed for maintenance, capital improvements and replacement on Tuesday evening. A map of each park and a list of possible future improvements in each of these parks will be available on Tuesday evening. As before, the generation of this list is based on our awareness of items in these parks and discussions with Terry Blum, Park Leadperson, The Commission should review the list and discuss funding sources and priorities. In addition, each park should be reviewed for parking and traffic, as requested by City Council, ACTION REQUIRED Review the infrastructure and the capital improvements needs for the above listed park areas, discuss priorities, funding sources and parking needs, and provide direction to staff. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO December 9, 1993 To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kevin Batchelder, Administrative A 'st Tit Subject: North Kensington Park Concept Plans DISCUSSION Parks Project Manager Guy Kullander will be prepared on Tuesday evening to present concept plans based on the Commission's discussion of North Kensington Park over the last several months. This will be a concept plan that shows tennis, a small amount of parking, trails and plantings and berms with the balance of the park being open space. At the November 9, 1993 meeting, the Commission felt that tennis courts were under represented in this area of the City and also desired not to duplicate facilities found at other nearby parks, such as half court basketball and play structures. The Commission felt that Hagstrom-King was a more natural setting if any picnic type activities are desired. As has been discussed, some type of neighborhood meeting should be held before final design recommendations are made to City Council for the development. The Commission should discuss possible approaches for public input on concept plans. ACTION REQUIRED Acknowledge presentation of concept plans and provide direction to staff on proceeding with plans and neighborhood input.