Loading...
1992-11-10 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda PacketCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA AGENDA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION NOVEMBER 10, 1992 - 7:00 P.M. 1. Call to Order. 2. Roll Call. 3. Approval of October 13, 1992 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes. 4. Dakota County Regional Trail System - Soo Line Rail Alignment • Lynn Moratzka, Dakota County • John Forrest, Dakota County 5. Park Reservation/Softball Tournament Policy • Discussion of proposed Resolution to adopt policy 6. Report on Ice Rink Use in 1991-92 and Directions for 1992-93 • Michelle Morgan, Recreation Programmer 7. Future Land Acquisition Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager 8. Verbal Updates • Park Video progress • Somerset Place PUD • Superblock Planning Effort • Mendota School - Grand Opening of New Play Equipment • I-35E/Highway 13/Victoria Road Project - Trail 9. Adjourn. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 13, 1992 The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, October 13, 1992, in the City Hall Large Conference Room, 1101 Victoria Curve. The meeting was called to order at 7:05 o'clock P.M. The following members were present: Huber, Kleinglass, Spicer, Hunter, Katz, Norton and Damberg. Also present were Administrative Assistant Kevin Batchelder and Recreation Programmer Michelle Morgan. INTRODUCTION OF RECREATION PROGRAMMER Chair Huber introduced Michelle Morgan to the Parks and Recreation Commission. Huber stated he had served on the interview panel for the Recreation Programmer position and that Michelle had been chosen from amongst 52 qualified candidates for the position. Huber stated Michelle has a strong background in recreation programming and this opportunity at the City of Mendota Heights has growth potential for both the City and for Michelle as a Recreation Programmer. The Parks and Recreation Commission discussed recreation programming needs in Mendota Heights. Ms. Morgan stated she had met with City staff for orientation and would be starting her position on Monday, October 19th. Michelle explained her immediate duties included devising a softball tournament policy and programming for the 1993 softball season. Ms. Morgan stated she would also be working closely with Terry and Diane to hire, train and supervise the ice rink attendants. Commissioner Kleinglass stated he feels it is important that the City of Mendota Heights also consider passive recreation programs in addition to athletic recreation programs. Administrative Assistant Batchelder stated the new Recreation Programmer will be encouraged to participate in SORR which stands for South of the River Recreators and involves cooperative ventures with Cities in the area to provide recreation programs. Chair Huber stated he supports the notion that recreational niches besides athletic events need to be bolstered in Mendota Heights. Commissioner Damberg stated she would like to see the City begin cooperating with Dodge Nature Center on recreation programming that involves nature and wildlife including birding, wildflowers and photography. October 13, 1992 Page 2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Damberg moved to approve the September 8, 1992, Minutes. Commissioner Hunter seconded the motion. AYES: 7 NAYS: 0 MAZZARA PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT PARK DEDICATION Administrative Assistant Batchelder provided a presentation to the Parks Commission on the proposed Planned Unit Development by Mr. Jerry Mazzara involving the subdivision of a ten acre parcel on Wentworth Avenue in the Superblock into three large single family lots and one wetlands area outlot. Batchelder stated the developer was proposing a, cash dedication for this subdivision. Batchelder also explained the City Council and Planning Commission, at their joint workshop, had directed staff to get the City's Planner started on the Superblock planning process. Batchelder stated the Comprehensive Land Use Plan in the Superblock area includes a park designation intended to be implemented at such time as development occurs in the interior of the Superblock. The Parks Commission discussed the Comprehensive Land Use Plan designation of a park in this Superblock area and how that related to the proposed development of this ten acre parcel. Commissioner Katz stated she was not willing to rule on a cash dedication at this time until the City knows if this parcel is involved in the City's plan for future park land in this area. The Parks Commission discussed the proposed Wetlands outlot in the plat and its designation as private, natural open space. The Parks Commission felt that if a cash dedication was accepted on this proposed Planned Unit Development that the developer should be charged for creating three new lots. The Commission discussed the need for trail access from Wentworth Avenue to the interior of the Superblock. Commissioner Spicer moved that the Parks and Recreation Commission recommend that the City Council, if they approve this Planned Unit Development, should accept the cash dedication in the amount of $2,250 with the condition that a trail easement be provided from Wentworth Avenue on this subdivision. October 13, 1992 Page 3 Commissioner Hunter seconded the motion. AYES: 7 NAYS: 0 The Commission discussed the need to have a higher dedication fee structure for large parcels in excess of 1.5 acres. The Commission also discussed the appropriateness of the $750 per lot fee for park cash dedications. Batchelder stated the $750 fee was adopted in December of 1991, following a recommendation by the Commission to review fees. He stated the previous fee was $600 per lot Commissioner Katz recommended that City Council reconsider Resolution No. 91-94 to provide a higher dedication fee for parcels in excess of 1.5 acres and also to have a lot dedication fee higher than $750. Commissioner Damberg seconded the motion. AYES: 7 NAYS: 0 FUTURE LAND ACQUISITIONS REVIEW OF VACANT LANDS Administrative Assistant Batchelder provided a presentation on vacant lands in Mendota Heights that had been presented to the City Council and Planning Commission at their joint workshop on September 29, 1992. Batchelder stated this inventory was of interest to the Parks and Recreation Commission because they are currently looking at possible future land acquisitions and had designated one of their priorities as focusing on land parcels that are adjacent to existing parks. The Commission discussed each of the parcels on the inventory. The Commission directed staff to poll each Commissioner prior to the November meeting to receive from each Commissioner the top five choices for the Commission to focus on in their review of future land acquisition for City parks. The Commission directed staff to provide this information for their November meeting. VERBAL UPDATES Administrative Assistant Batchelder stated that Lynn Moratzka from Dakota County Planning office was hosting a meeting October 19th at Mendota Heights City Hall that involved representatives fromsSoo Line Railroad, MnDOT and the DNR to discuss the Dakota County Regional Trail • October 13, 1992 Page 4 System and the abandonment of the Soo Line Railroad through Mendota Heights. Batchelder stated that Ms. Moratzka had offered to attend the November Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to provide an update to the Commission on the County's desire to acquire this railroad abandonment for the regional trail system. Batchelder reported City Council had approved the Kensington Park bids from last month's Commission meeting and the Council had also approved the "Role of the Parks Commission". Batchelder reported the park video production was in progress, that a final script had been produced and that Mr. Paul Pieper, the free lance producer, is currently working on the voice overs and matching some of the audio with the video footage he had taken throughout the City's parks. Batchelder stated the park video has a December 1st deadline. Batchelder stated the playground installation at Mendota School was almost finished and encouraged the Commission to visit the site. Commissioner Damberg inquired about the trail that would be left with the Victoria realignment. Commissioner Damberg stated she was concerned with the progress of Victoria realignment and the trail that had been designed to be left behind following road construction in that area. Damberg stated she had observed all of the asphalt for old Victoria Road had been removed and she was of the understanding that a ten foot strip would have been left for a bike trail in that area. Darnberg also stated her concern with the plans for the bridge over I -35E and whether that would include a sidewalk or a trail connection. Damberg requested that someone from the Engineering Department appear on the November meeting to brief the Parks and Recreation Commission on the Highway 13/I -35E project and the trails that were designed with that project. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Parks and Recreation Commission adjourned at 8:30 o'clock P.M. Respectfully submitted, Kevin Batchelder Administrative Assistant CITY OF,MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO November 5, 1992 To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kevin Batchelder, Administrative Subject: DISCUSSION Dakota County Regional Trail System Lynn Moratzka, Dakota County John Forrest; Dakota County Ms. Lynn Moratzka and Mr. John Forrest, of the Dakota County Planning office, will be with us Tuesday evening to provide a presentation on the County's recent efforts to include the Soo Line Railroad alignment in their Regional Trail Concept Plan. The Commission will recall that the City of Mendota Heights passed Resolution. No. 92-50, A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING REGIONAL TRAILS IN DAKOTA COUNTY based_upon a recommendation from the Parks and Recreation Commission. (See attached.) On September 1, 1992 Dakota County passed their own resolution directing their staff to pursue this railroad alignment for their regional trail system. (See attached.) Since that time, Dakota County officials have been meeting with officials from the Soo Line Railroad, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Soo Line Railroad. These officials have toured the site and walked the rail alignment. Dakota County has offered to provide an update on the proceedings to the Commission. ACTION REQUIRED Meet with Lynn Moratzka and John Forrest and acknowledge their presentation on the Dakota County Regional Trail Concept Plan. Provide any direction to staff based on this discussion. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA RESOLUTION NO. 92- A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING REGIONAL TRAILS IN DAKOTA COUNTY WHEREAS, Dakota County is considering expansion and additions to its Regional Trail System; and WHEREAS, the Minnegota Department of Transportation and the Soo Line Railroad are considering the abandonment of railroad tracks through Mendota Heights as part of the construction project for future Highway 13, Highway 55 and the Mendota Bridge; and WHEREAS, said Soo Line Railroad alignment consists of a railbed alignment running from approximately Highway 55 and 1-494 through the Mendota Heights industrial park and along Highway 13 to the Mendota Bridge, said alignment as depicted on Exhibit A, attached hereto; and WHEREAS, Dakota County desires to examine said alignment as an opportunity to provide trail access to Fort Snelling, Fort Snelling State Park,.. and Lilydale Regional Park, and has requested the support of the City of Mendota Heights; and WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Commission of the City of. Mendota Heights, at their August 11, 1992 meeting, expressed a desire to support the examination of this alignment as •a future regional trail. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of Mendota Heights that the City of Mendota Heights supports the concept of a Regional Trail System in Dakota County. IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Mendota Heights supports the examination and consideration of the above said Soo Line Railroad alignment as a possible addition to the Dakota County Regional Trail System. Adopted by the City Council of the City of Mendota Heights this 18th day of August, 1992. ATTEST: Kathleen M. Swanson, City Clerk CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS By Charles E. Mertensotto, Mayor • EXHIBIT A DAKOTA COUNTY REGIONAL TRAIL SYSTEM BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA DATE September 1, 1992 Motion by Commissioner Maher RESOLUTION NO 92-669 Seconded by Commissioner Turner WHEREAS, Regional Trail Corridors are one of the regionally -significant recreational facilities that are eligible for funding by the Metropolitan Council; and WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council has previously established a moratorium on the funding of regional trails, but is currently studying alignments for a future regional trail system; and WHEREAS, a segment of the Soo Line Railroad may be abandoned that could meet the needs of a regional trail in the northwest part of the County; and WHEREAS, such circumstances provide an auspicious time for Dakota County to refine and upgrade its regional trail plans. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That staff is hereby directed to proceed with upgrading and refining the Regional Trail Concept Plan for Dakota County, with particular emphasis on the Soo Line railroad alignment that may become available in northern Dakota County; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That staff keep the County Board apprised of the issues, concerns and opportunities that develop in this planning process;. and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a letter signed by the Chair of the County Board be sent to MN/DOT stating the County supports MN/DOT's purchase of the Soo Line Corridor to be preserved for future public multi-purpose transportation uses. YES Harris X Harris Maher X Maher Chapdelaine X Chapdelaine Loeding X Loeding Turner X Turner State of Minnesota County of Dakota NO I, Joan L. Kendall, Clerk to the Board of the County of Dakota, State of Minnesota, do hereby certify that I have compared the foregoing copy of a resolution with the original minutes of the proceedings of the Board of County Commissioners, Dakota County, Minnesota, at their session held on the 1st day of September 19 92 now on file in the County Administration Department, and have found the same to be a true and correct copy thereof. Witness my hand and official seal of Dakota County this Clerk to the Board CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO November 5, 1992 To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kevin Batchelder, Administrative Subject: Park Reservation/Softball Tournament Policy DISCUSSION Earlier this year, the Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed a Park Reservation policy that was later approved and adopted by the City Council. At that time, the City Council intended the reservation policy to be implemented on a trial basis to be reviewed over the winter. Also, the Commission is aware of the need for a softball tournament policy to govern the use of the new Mendakota Park facility. During the discussions with Matt Blair Celebrity Promotions the Commission directed staff to draft a softball tournament policy on the following basis: 1. Rental of Mendakota Park for the weekends should be guided by a consistent policy for all groups. 2. A user fee in the range of $300 to $500. 3. A maintenance fee to cover any time by City staff involving dragging of the fields. 4. A damage deposit and proof of insurance. Michelle Morgan, Recreation Programmer, and myself are submitting the attached proposed Resolution for your review and for consideration of a recommendation to City Council. The Resolution includes the original parks reservation policy (with minor adjustments) and the new language that will guide tournament reservations. (See attached.) ACTION REQUIRED Please review the attached, proposed Park Reservation/Softball Tournament Policy. Discuss proposed policies with staff and make a recommendation to City Council. ( CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA RESOLUTION NO. 92- A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING RULES AND RENTAL FEES FOR USE OF CITY PARKS AND PROPERTY WHEREAS, the City of Mendota Heights has a need to establish a rules and rental fees schedule for use of City parks and facilities. NOW THEREFORE BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Mendota Heights that the following policy of the City as set forth below shall be adopted: I. PARK RENTALS A. The fee to reserve space in the picnic areas, or picnic shelters of city parks shall be: Resident - Private no charge $25.00 for groups of 50 or larger Non -Resident - Private $50.00 per day Resident - Corporate/business $50.00 per day Non -Resident - Corporate/business $100.00 per day B. Anyone can reserve a park. Friendly Marsh Park may not be reserved and is operated on a first-come, first-served basis. C. Written requests shall be submitted for park reservations and shall contain the following information: 1. Name of the park 2. Date 3. Time 4. Event (such as family picnic, softball game) 5. Number of people attending 6. If there will be beer present or available. D. Reservations will be tentatively recorded in the reservation book when called in. Applicants will have three working days to submit deposits and fees or their reservation may be canceled. E. A damage deposit of $100.00 will be required by all groups reserving picnic facilities in the parks, with the exception of nonprofit youth service organizations. The deposit is due when making the,written reservation. The facility will be inspected immediately after the event I. PARR RENTALS (continued) and provided there are no damages, or deposit will be returned promptly. F The Mendota Heights Police Department all reservations. clean-up costs, the will be notified of G. Groups wishing to reserve space or facilities shall abide by the attached rules and regulations and a written confirmation of the reservation shall be executed between the sponsor and the City setting forth the terms for the use of the park. The attached rules and regulations are identified as "Exhibit A". H. Mendota Heights schools, nonprofit civic organizations and City of Mendota Heights employee organizations are fee exempt. These groups must, however, pay a damage deposit. I. There will not be a park attendant on duty. The reserving group is responsible for cleaning the reserved area. J. The refund policy for canceled reservations shall be: Cancellation 14 days in advance 1000 refund Cancellation 1 to 13 days in advance 50o refund Refunds due to inclement weather on the day of the event will not be considered. There will be no additional charge for rescheduling of events postponed due to weather. II. EQUIPMENT RENTALS A. B. Volleyball Nets $ 5.00 per day Extra picnic tables $ 5.00 each (limited quantity available) A deposit of $10.00 will be required for equipment rentals excluding picnic tables. III. SOFTBALL TOURNAMENTS A. Fees: Mendota Heights team currently participating in Mendota Heights adult softball league: $200.00 For all others a flat rate of: $350.00 B. All tournaments will be governed by USSSA rules and regulations. All tournaments will also adhere to Mendota Heights rules and regulations governing park department facilities. III. SOFTBALL TOURNAMENTS (continued) C. A damage deposit of $100.60 will be required and must be submitted along with the tournament fee two weeks prior to the scheduled event. D. All Park and Recreation Department sponsored tournaments will be exempt from the above fee. E. No more than two tournaments per month will be allowed without approval of the Parks and Recreation Commission, request for approval must be submitted through the Recreation Programmer. F. Each tournament and sponsor shall abide by the attached rules and regulations and a written confirmation of the reservation shall be executed between the sponsor and the City setting forth the fee and terms for the use of the park. The attached rules and regulations are identified as "EXHIBIT B". G. The refund policy for cancelled reservations shall be: Cancellation 14 days in advance Cancellation 1 to 13 days in advance IV. FIELD/SITE RESERVATIONS A. Softball fields: Adult Standard Fields (Mendakota, Civic Center) 100c.6 refund 50%. refund $25.00 per field for non-residents Neighborhood park fields First come, first served Field preparation $25.00 B. Soccer $35.00 per field for non-residents C. Ice Rinks D. Basketball Courts $20.00 per site per hour for non-residents $5.00 per rink per hour for lights. $5.00 per hour to reserve E. Volleyball Courts $5.00 per hour to reserve F. Tennis Courts - Tennis courts are available on a first come, first served basis for Mendota Heights residents and are not to be reserved. The following IV. FIELD/SITE RESERVATIONS (continued) community groups may reserve tennis courts with the permission of the Parks and Recreation Commission and the • City Council - Mend -Eagan Athletic Association, the Mendota Heights Senior Tennis Association, and all public -and private schools in Mendota Heights. G. The following groups are exempted from the above described fees: Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Department, Mend -Eagan Athletic Association, and nonprofit* organizations within Mendota Heights city limits. *Proof of non-profit status is required. H. The Parks and Recreation Commission, with City Council approval, reserves the right to waive fees or to limit or deny reservation requests at their discretion. ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Mendota Heights this day of , 1992. CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS By Charles E. Mertensotto, Mayor ATTEST: Kathleen M. Swanson, City Clerk EXHIBIT "A" RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR USE OF CITY PARKS 1. Rental groups will use only those areas designated for group picnics. Facilities such as the horseshoe pit, volleyball courts and softball fields will be available on a first come, first served basis unless specifically reserved. 2. Rental groups will be responsible for cleanup of trash and debris in the area reserved for their activity. 3. Facilities such as picnic tables,. benches and other park facilities will remain in their present locations. The moving of any facilities will require permission. 4. A rental group will be responsible for controlling all members of said group. Any violations to City ordinances will result in immediate cancellation of the rental group contract and the group will be removed from City property. 5. All motor vehicles will be parked in designated parking areas unless prior arrangements have been made. If an event is being catered, a group leader must make arrangements in advance with a member of the park staff for specific instructions on entering the park, parking, etc. 6. Only groups consisting of 200 people or less will be considered for rental of designated areas. 7. Gambling, excessive use of alcoholic beverages, or abusive, boisterous, profane or indecent language, or conduct, in any public park is prohibited. 8. GLASS BEVERAGE CONTAINERS and/or KEG BEER are prohibited in City parks. 9. The City of Mendota Heights park hours are 6:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. 10. Fires are allowed only in designated receptacles. Fires must be completely extinguished before leaving the area. 11. The City of Mendota Heights ordinances require all dogs in the City to be leashed. This also pertains to park property. Pet owners are also required to clean up any droppings left by their animals. EXHIBIT "B" RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR LEAGUE AND NON-LEAGUE SOFTBALL TOURNAMENTS 1. The City of Mendota Heights will provide four ball fields, bases, trash removal, chalking equipment and bathroom materials. 2. The sponsoring organization will be responsible for picking up all trash at the end of Saturday's and Sunday's games. Trash is to be placed in containers provided by the City. Failure to properly clean up will cause forfeit of deposit. 3. The sponsoring organization will be responsible for traffic and parking control. Only city vehicles used for maintenance will be allowed past the parking lot. Ail other vehicles will be restricted to the parking lot. 4. All park facilities such as picnic tables, playground equipment and bleachers shall remain in their present locations. The moving of any facilities will require additional permission. 5. It is required that the sponsoring organization purchase a USSSA liability policy to properly protect themselves from possible suit as a result of the tournament. A copy of the liability policy must be furnished to the City. 6. The sale of beer or any other alcoholic beverages is prohibited. 7. A formal letter of request must be submitted to the Recreation Programmer, City of Mendota Heights that will include the following information: a. Name of sponsoring organization and contact person that is responsible for the tournament. b. Dates of the tournament. c. Number of fields and approximate times they will be used. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO November 5, 1992 To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kevin Batchelder, Administrative A Subject: Report on Ice Rink Use Michelle Morgan, Recreation Programmer DISCUSSION Last year the Commission gave approval to the removal of the hockey boards at Ivy Hills Park due to problems maintaining ice at that location. Poor soils and percolation had caused heaving of the ice and poor ice conditions. The Commission directed staff to begin monitoring the use at each ice rink in order to survey levels of use and provide information to the Commission. Michelle will report on the levels of use last year at the ice rinks and will give an update on the direction of the ice rinks for 1992-93 winter season. ACTION REQUIRED Acknowledge report from the Recreation Programmer and provide any appropriate direction to staff. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO November 5, 1992 To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kevin Batchelder, Administrative Subject: Future Land Acquisition Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager DISCUSSION At the October Planning Commission meeting, staff presented an overview of a Vacant Lands Inventory in order to provide the Commission with some information regarding possible park acquisition sites in Mendota Heights. The Commission has been examining goals and priorities for use of the remaining referendum monies that have been earmarked for future land acquisition. Following the overview of the Vacant Lands Inventory, the Commission directed staff to poll each Commissioner prior to the November meeting to determine which sites the Commission should focus on in a more detailed fashion. The intent is to focus on a limited number of sites, examine the features and characteristics of these sites and provide direction to the City Council on the goals and priorities for future land acquisition monies. After polling the individual Commissioners, the vote totals are as follows: Site Number of Votes Par 3 Golf Course 6 Superblock 5 Olin Site 4 Dodd Road R.O.W. 3 School District/Friendly Hills 3 Centex Remainder 3 Foss Property 2 Guy Kullander is preparing detailed plans of each of these sites for review on Tuesday evening. Guy's presentation will focus on features such as topography and grading, wetlands, forestry, access, zoning and land value, passive vs. active uses, locational advantages, etc. ACTION REQUIRED Acknowledge report and presentation from Parks Project Manager and discuss future land acquisition, goals and priorities, possible sites and direction for park acquisition.