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1993-02-09 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda PacketCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARKS AND FEBRUARY AGENDA RECREATION COMMISSION 9, 1993 - 7:00 P.M. 1. Call to Order. 2. Roll Call. 3. Introduction of New Commission Members • Stan Linnell • David Libra 4. Approval of January 12, 1993 Minutes. 5. Election of New Officers • Chair • Vice -Chair • Secretary Parks and Recreation Commission for 1993 6. 1993 Softball League Rules • Michelle Morgan, Recreation Programmer 7. Partnerships in Trail Connections 8. St. Thomas Request for Tennis Court Reservations 9. National Sports Training Center - Minneapolis 10. Verbal Updates. 11. Adjourn. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO February 4, 1993 To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kevin Batchelder, Administrative Assi Subject: Introductions of New Commissioners DISCUSSION At the February 2, 1993 City Council meeting, the Council appointed Stan Linnell and David Libra as the two new members to the Parks and Recreation Commission. These appointments are to' fill the vacant seats created with John Huber's election to the City Council and Stephen Hunter's appointment to the Planning Commission. It is hoped that both new members will be in attendance for their first meeting on February 9, 1993. Stan Linnell is a registered professional Landscape Architect who is employed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and has professional experience designing trails, parks, water access sites, etc. Mr. Linnell resides in the Cherry Hills neighborhood. In addition to Stan's professional experience in trails and parks, he brings a high level of enthusiasm for continued improvement of the City's parks and trails and for the preservation of open space. David Libra is an attorney practicing in the areas of real estate and business law who resides in the Ivy Falls Creek neighborhood. David has been heavily involved in the Mend -Eagan Athletic Association and has served for the past four years as the Soccer Commissioner and as a Board Member. He is quite familiar with youth athletic programs and has a strong desire to contribute to the continued management and development of the city's park and recreations systems. Welcome aboard! ACTION REQUIRED The Commission and staff would like to provide a heartfelt welcome to Commissioners Stan Linnell and David Libra. DAVID A. LIBRA 737 KNOLLWOOD CT. MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MN 55118 451-9700 January 12, 1993 Mayor Charles E. Mertensotto City of Mendota Heights 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, MN 55118 Dear Mayor Mertensotto: I am submitting this letter as an application for appointment to the open position on the Mendota Heights Parks Commission. PERSONAL I am married, and my wife, Mary, and I have lived in Mendota Heights for approximately nine years. We built our home at the above address in 1984 and moved from the Highland area of St. Paul. I currently have two children living at home: Alyssa, age 10, who attends Somerset Heights Elementary; and John, age 15, who attends St. Thomas Academy. Our family has used and appreciated the Mendota Heights parks and trails for organized sports and for family recreation. EDUCATION I graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts in 1970 and received my Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1973. WORK EXPERIENCE I am an attorney practicing in the areas of real estate and business law. I represent businesses and individuals in commercial and residential real estate purchases, financing, and leasing. I also have substantial experience in organizing businesses, commercial contracts, and estate planning for business owners. I am a Real Property Specialist, certified by the Real Property Section of the Minnesota State Bar Association, and a member of the Real Property Section of the Minnesota and American Bar Associations. COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES I have coached and assisted with youth soccer in Mendota Heights and West St. Paul for approximately nine years. I also helped coach basketball for a number of years. Because I played football and some hockey in high school, my personal skills in soccer and basketball are limited, but the area athletic associations are very good at encouraging participation by players and parents. I have been the Soccer Commissioner for the Mend -Eagan Athletic Association for the past four years. My duties have included handling registrations, purchasing and distributing equipment and uniforms, scheduling season games, coordinating fields with the City and the School District, recruiting coaches and referees, and handling the Soccer Saturday playoffs. The soccer registrations have increased from approximately 180 players to over 460 players. In the process, I have worked with many people in the City staff, School District, Sibley Athletic Department, Mend -Eagan Athletic Association, and the community. During the last four years, I have also been a member of the Mend -Eagan Athletic Association Board. As such, I have become familiar with the facilities, budgets, and athletic programs for baseball, softball, hockey, basketball, tennis, and football in the community. The current Association President, Dick Spicer, and the other members of the Board have done a tremendous job of assisting youth activities for the community. The Association has had a very good relationship with the City and the School Board. As MEAA Soccer Commissioner, I participated in discussions concerning the development of the soccer fields at Kensington Park. I attended several Parks Commission meetings and City Council meetings on the matter, and I was impressed with the careful handling of the process, the opportunity for community input, and the prudent management of the bond referendum monies. Last November, I recruited a successor to serve as MEAA Soccer Commissioner. I will be helping with various duties such as equipment and scheduling next Fall. SUMMARY I am interested in serving on the Parks Commission to assist in continuing the prudent management and development of our community's parks and trails. My participation in the Mend -Eagan Athletic Association gives me an insight into one use of these facilities. I also appreciate the need for areas and uses that are not related to organized athletics. I believe that my background and interests provide a strong basis for consideration for this position. Please feel free to contact me at home (451- 9700) or at work (338-5815). Sincerely, David A. Libra Mayor Charles Mertensotto City of Mendota Heights 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, MN 55118 January 18,1993 Dear Mayor Mertensotto: I wish to apply for one of the vacancies on the Parks and Recreation Commission. I've been impressed with all the new parks and trails, and improvements to the existing parks which have recently been completed in Mendota Heights. I now wish to take an active role in maintaining and continuing to improve the park and trail system in our community, and also explore the idea of preserving additional open space for our community. I'm a registered professional Landscape Architect. I've been working for the Minnesota DNR - Bureau of Engineering, for the past eight years, designing parks, trails, water access sites, roads and parking lots. I recently completed the design of the Gateway Trail which runs from St. Paul to just north of Stillwater. Through the design, I became very familiar with trail design standards, pedestrian bridges and tunnels. I'm aware of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Act which may make federal funds available for trails. Through my work I've also become familiar with the American Disabilities Act. My family and I have lived in Mendota Heights for a little over a year but already have strong ties to the City. We purchased our home from a grandparent who lived in Mendota Heights for 31 years, and have a brother who has lived in the City for two years. I look forward to the opportunity to serve our community. 1407 Cherry Hill Road Mendota Heights, MN 55118 552-1149 (Residence) .1) CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 12, 1993 The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, January 12, 1993, in the City Hall Large Conference Room, 1101 Victoria Curve. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 o'clock P.M. The following members were present: Katz, Kleinglass, Spicer and Hunter. Commissioners Damberg and Norton were excused. Also present were Administrative Assistant Kevin Batchelder and Recreation Programmer Michelle Morgan. Mr. Stan Linnell, a resident, was also in attendance. APPOINTMENT OF ACTING CHAIR Commissioner Spicer moved to appoint Commissioner Katz as acting chair for the remainder of the current term. Commissioner Hunter seconded the motion. AYES: 4 NAYS: 0 APPROVAL AYES: 4 NAYS: 0 OF MINUTES Commissioner Hunter moved to approve the November 10, 1992 Minutes. Commissioner Kleinglass seconded the motion. VERBAL UPDATES AYES: 4 NAYS: 0 Commissioner Spicer inquired if the City had been in recent contact with the owners of the Par 3 Golf Course regarding possible future land acquisition. Administrative Assistant Batchelder stated he was not aware that any additional contacts have been made in recent months. Commissioner Spicer moved to recommend that the City contact the Par 3 Golf Course to inform them that the City is interested in discussing possible acquisition of this site. Chair Katz seconded the motion. January 12, 1993 Page 2 Administrative Assistant Batchelder stated that City recreational staff had proposed to the City Administrator to set schedules for the quarterly newsletter, the Heights Highlites, to accommodate the recreation programming deadlines. Batchelder stated it was likely that the newsletter would be assigned a schedule of February, May, August and November in order to give the recreation programs time to advertise for registrations for,the upcoming spring, summer, fall and winter seasons. Commissioner Spicer stated Mend -Eagan would.like to meet with the Recreation Programmer .to begin discussing use and scheduling of City fields. Recreation Programmer Morgan stated the log sheets being kept at the ice. rinks show approximately 30 to 40 people were using the ice. rinks each day and that. complaints are at a minimum. Commissioner. Spicer stated Mend -Eagan hockey was going great .and all of the ice rinks were working fine. RECREATION PROGRA24MING Recreation Programmer Morgan described the current efforts to conduct the skating lessons program. She stated that registrations had been proceeding and that it was likely two classes were going to be held. Morgan stated the fees for the skating lessons will cover all costs of the program. Morgan stated it is likely a Youth Beginners class would be held with the possibility of one Adult class being held. Morgan stated all skating lesson classes will be held on the next five Saturdays. Morgan stated that next year the City could advertise the skating lesson program in the newsletters to assure themselves of a better response to fill up all five proposed classes. Chair Katz inquired if the City would also offer skating lessons on Sundays as that would work .better for some families of the Jewish faith because Saturdays are a religious school day for children. Commissioner Kleinglass stated he was happy to •see new recreation programs utilizing the City's parks. Commissioner Kleinglass inquired if the fees for the skating• lessons would be going into the Park Fund. Administrative Assistant Batchelder stated all recreation fees that come into the City go into the General Fund. Batchelder stated the dollars that come in for the recreation programs would be coded as recreation revenue and at budget time the recreation staff could use those figures January 12, 1993 Page 3 to request increased funding due to the fact that they are generating these revenues. Recreation Programmer Morgan described her approach to the upcoming softball season. Morgan stated the City would be advertising in the Heights Highlites around the first week in February for softball registrations and she had wanted to discuss details of the league and the league rules with the Parks Commission prior to proceeding with those advertisements. Morgan stated the two existing leagues, the men's Over 30 League and the Kittenball League would remain the same as last year. Morgan stated the City would be putting out feelers in their advertisements for four leagues instead of the three leagues that were budgeted. She stated these would • be a men's industrial.0 league, women's D league and a men's C and D leagues. Morgan stated she is not quite sure where the demand for adult softball is in Mendota Heights, however these leagues that are being offered are based upon inquiries last year that were received by the City for these types of leagues. Morgan stated a D league is considered recreational, a C league is considered recreational/competitive, a B league is considered competitive and A leagues are considered top flight competition leagues. Recreation Programmer Morgan stated the leagues would all play at Mendakota Park and depending on the number of leagues that are operated, Mendakota Park could be used four to five nights a week for adult softball. Morgan stated all of the softball programs would be supported by the fees for the program. Commissioner Spicer inquired if Mend -Eagan athletics would have use of the fields for their youth baseball programs. Administrative Assistant Batchelder stated Mendakota Park had been designed as an adult softball complex and the fields at Sibley were intended for youth use. Morgan stated the use of Mendakota fields would be dependent on the number of adult softball leagues that we operate in 1993 and that she would discuss possible use of those fields with Mend - Eagan. Recreation Programmer Morgan inquired about the eligibility issue for the softball leagues. She stated she is considering allowing only those people that live or work in Mendota Heights to be in the adult softball • leagues with the exception of three non-residents per team. Demand for adult softball was discussed. The • Parks Commission felt the stated eligibility requirements ( ) were appropriate. Morgan stated, for example, if Mendota Heights received requests for five teams from Mendota AYES: 4 NAYS: 0 January 12, 1993 Page 4 Heights, to have an eight team league we would could consider three outside teams. The Parks Commission was of a consensus that Mendota Heights residents would be given priority and that a caveat in the advertisement should be that league availability is as demanded. The Commission agreed with the Recreation Programmer that participants in adult softball must be 18 years and over. Commissioner Spicer stated Mend -Eagan offers softball and baseball recreation programs up to the age of 18. Recreation Programmer Morgan stated the fees for the softball program would cover all of the costs and that under current projected costs this would be approximately a $400 entry fee per team. Morgan stated this would cover the costs for sanctioning by United States Slow Pitch Softball Association (USSSA), umpires, balls, trophy's, printing costs and rosters, etc. Morgan stated the City would begin advertising for adult softball in February and registration would occur from March 1 to March 19 which would be followed by a manager's meeting in April with the season beginning in May. Commissioner Hunter moved to .recommend that City staff be authorized to proceed with advertising for the softball programs under the terms discussed. Chair Katz seconded the motion. Recreation Programmer Morgan stated she was considering offering three sand volleyball leagues this coming summer. She stated the three leagues would consist of a mens, women and co-rec and that this could be done at the Roger's Lake sand volleyball court three nights per week. Morgan stated there would be minimal fees of approximately $30 to $40 per team to cover costs. Commissioner Spicer inquired if these leagues would be supervised. Morgan stated she is looking at hiring a supervisor to take scores, provide first aid, keep track of balls and equipment but that the league is fairly informal with no umpires needed to call the play. The Parks Commission was of a consensus that staff should also advertise in the February newsletter for sand volleyball leagues to determine the demand and proceed with these sand volleyball leagues. January 12, 1993 Page 5 PARK VIDEO Administrative Assistant Batchelder stated he had received a final draft of the park video entitled "Celebrate Mendota Heights Parks" from Paul Pieper the freelance producer hired by Northern Dakota County Cable Commission to produce the park video. Batchelder stated this park video had been produced under a grant from Northern Dakota County Cable Commission's Government Access Department. Batchelder stated NDC -4 would eventually air this video on Government Access Channel 18 for information for Mendota Heights residents. Batchelder stated this final draft was being previewed for the Commission tonight in order for them to provide input and comments on the production. Batchelder stated the master copy is essentially complete at this time and final comments could be incorporated into the video. The Parks Commission viewed the video and provided comments to staff on technical aspects of the video. Several Commissioners were concerned about the length of the video which is 27 minutes. Batchelder, stated he would be meeting with Judy Skiei-Voss of NDC -4 to review the final draft video and make any appropriate changes to dress up the video prior to public airing. 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 February 4, 1993 To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kevin Batchelder, Administrative Assis Subject: Election of Officers - 1993 DISCUSSION The terms of officers for the Parks and Recreation Commission commence on February 1st and continue through January 31st of the next year. Each year in February the officers of the Commission are elected by the members of the Commission to serve a one year term. • The offices that need to be elected are those of the Chair, the Vice -Chair, and the Secretary. I have, attached ordinance No. 109 that describes the Parks and Recreation Commission. ACTION REQUIRED Elect officers to the position of Chair, Vice -Chair and Secretary for 1993. Note: Commissioners Katz and Spicer's terms expired on 1-31-93 and both Commissioners were then reappointed by City Council to another three year term at the February 2, 1993 City Council meeting. ORDINANCE NO. 109 AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION. SECTION 1. ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION The Parks and Recreation Commission for the Village of Mendota Heights is hereby established. SECTION 2. COMPOSITION The Parks and Recreation Commission shall consist of 7 residents of the Village, appointed by the Mayor with the consent of the majority of the members of the Village Council The members shall serve terms of three years. The term shall be staggered so that terms of at least two members shall expire each year. Terms of members shall commence on February land shall terminate on January 31 of the year of termination. A member whose term of office has expiredshall serve until a successor has been appointed. The February meeting shall be an organizational meeting at which the Commission shall elect a Chairman and a Vice Chairman from among its members and shall appoint a Secretary who may or may not be a member of the Commission. The term of such officers shall be .for a period of one year. SECTION 3. DUTIES AND POWERS The Parks and Recreation Commission shall advise the Village Council on matters per- taining to Parks and Recreational development programs and shall cooperate with Village personnel in implementing the Parks and Recreation programs. The Parks and Recreation Commission shall advise the Village Council on the establishment of written rules and regulations for the use, management and operation of the public parks and recreational facilities, the same to be approved by action of the Council before being put into effect. The Commission shall, if requested by. the Village Council, prepare plans for the acquisition, development and improvement of the Village public parks and recreational facilities and shall, if requested by the Village Council, develop a Comprehensive Plan for future park development and open space. The Parks and Recreation Commission shall,. if requested by the Village Council, .prepare a Capital Improvements program for the purpose of determining priorities and apportioning costs of scheduled improvements. (109) 1 The Commission shall, in performing the aforementioned duties and responsibilities, exhibit the initiative in formulating policies which will be responsive to the anticipated need and objectives of the community. SECTION 4. MEETINGS The Commission shall hold at least one meeting each month at a time regularly esta- blished and approved by the Village Council and shall hold such special meetings as may be necessary for the conduct of its business. The Commission shall adopt rules for the transaction of business and shall keep a record of its resolutions, transactions and findings, which record shall be maintained as a public record. The Commission shall submit to the Village Council a true and correct copy of all of its minutes, recommen- dations and other reports. SECTION 5. COMPENSATION The members of the Parks and Recreation Commission shall serve without compensation but shall have the right to be reimbursed for expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. SECTION 6. VACANCIES Any of the following may cause the office of a member to become vacated: 6.1 Death; 6.2 Disability or failure to serve, as shown by failure to attend four regularly scheduled meetings in any one calendar year; 6.3 Removal of residence from the Village, or 6.4 Resignation in writing. Vacancies shall be filled as soon as possible for the unexpired portion of the term by the Mayor with the consent of the majority of the members of the Village Council. (109) 2 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO February 4, 1993 To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kevin Batchelder, Administrative Assist Subject: 1993 Softball League Rules Michelle Morgan, Recreation Programmer DISCUSSION At the January meeting, the Parks and Recreation Commission discussed softball league rules and regulations with the Recreation Programmer. Advertisements for registrations were then placed in the Mendota Heights Highlites for distribution to residents regarding our upcoming summer softball leagues. Based on the direction provided by the Parks and Recreation Commission, a set of League Rules has been prepared. This set of rules and regulations will govern the operation and management of the sanctioned leagues that will begin play for the first time in 1993. As discussed in January, the City intends to use the United States Slo-Pitch Softball Association ammo as a sanctioning body for the new leagues to provide umpires, balls, liability insurance, and tournament options. Shelli Morgan, Recreation Programmer, will be present to answer any questions you may have about the proposed league rules. Please see attached Softball League Rules. ACTION REQUIRED Please review the proposed set of Softball League Rules and provide staff with any appropriate direction. MENDOTA HEIGHTS 1993 SOFTBALL LEAGUE RULES 1. ELIGIBILITY A. Players must live or work fulltime (35 hours) within the Mendota Heights City limits as of March 1 through the end of the season. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Up to four outside players are allowed at a fee of $15.00 per player. 2. Industrial teams must have all players rostered .working at the same company with four players 'allowed from another branch of the same company. 3. For 1993, non-resident teams will be able to register. after Mendota Heights residents have been given registration time. B. All participants must be at least 18 years old as of June 1 of this year. C. Pregnant women are discouraged from playing. D. Players on More than one team in a division must declare on which team they are playing within the post season by indicating so on the roster. June 4 is the deadline. E. Non -Resident teams will not have returning team status in 1994 until priority registration for Mendota Heights residents has occurred. F. Violations 1. The League Director will check all rosters. 2. Managers will receive verbal and written notice naming ineligible players. 3. Ineligible players not removed from the roster will cause the following to occur: a. ,The League Director shall declare the team's remaining games as forfeits. b. The team shall be dropped from the league immediately. 4. Opposing managers may protest a player's eligibility. a. A written explanation with the name of the player in question must be turned in to the Leauge Director within 24 hours. b. Any play-off or tournament protests for rules and eligibility will be done according to MRPA/USSSA procedures. c. Any violation of eligibility rules could result in the expulsion of player(s), manager and/or team and/or forfeiture of games played or to be played. II. ROSTERS A. In order to register a team, a preliminary roster must be submitted including: 1. Player's name 2. Home address 3. Home phone 4. Work phone 6. Birthdate 7. Driver's license number B. Preliminary rosters that are not complete will not be accepted and that team will not be considered as registered until complete. C. A final roster is due by June 4, 1993. It will list the same information as on the preliminary roster plus each of the player's signatures. Changes can be made to the preliminaryroster until June 4, 1993. D. A team must be composed of not more than twenty eligible players. E. Any "outside" players rostered must be listed first before any Mendota Heights residents or workers. III. EQUIPMENT A. Metal spikes are illegal. B. Bat rings or "donuts" are prohibited. C. Teams are required to have matching colored shirts or uniforms. A player that does not comply to this rule will not play until the situation has been corrected to the satisfaction of the umpire. D. Game balls are provided by the league. The home team provides one new and one good used ball. A team's first home game will require two new game balls which. will be provided for. The official softball will be the Dudley Blue Thunder 12" and 11". IV. GAME PLAY A. A game can be played withnine players. A tenth player may be added at anytime. If the team begins with ten players and must go to nine, that player's spot in the batting order may be appealed as an out. A team must have ten players on the field forthe entire game during play-offs. B. Each team manager mustsubmit.. their team line-up to the umpire and the opposing team before the game begins. The batting order submitted must be followed throughout the game, unless a substitute replaces a player in which the substitute must take the turn at bat of the player replaced. C. The home team (team listed first on the schedule) is responsible for keeping the official scorebook. IV. GAME PLAY (CONTINUED) D. A one hour and fifteen minute time limit is placed on all games regardless of the number of innings played. There is to be no new inning started after the time limit as expired; however, a tied game will be allowed to finish. A ten minute grace period will be given before a forfeit is declared. The ten minutes is considered part of the game time. E. Any team that forfeits two or more games will lose their returning team status for the next season and/or be dropped from the current league. A forfeit will be recorded as 7-0. F. Games will be seven innings long. The ten run rule is in effect after five innings. An official game has been played after 3 1/2 or 4 innings. G. Home run hitters are limited in each league as follows: 1. Men's C - One home run hitter 2. Men's D - Zero home run hitters 3. Men's Industrial C - One home run hitter 4. Women's C - One home run hitter H. Starting players may re-enter once, but only when their team is in the field. They must return to their own original position in the batting order. Improper reentry is handled as a protest by the offended team. Improper reentry is a violation after a pitch is made. Examples of improper reentry are: 1. Starter who reenters in an incorrect batting position. 2. Starter who reenters a second time. 3. A substitute who reenters the game. I. The appointed manager should meet with the umpire prior to the start of the game.. Any discussions with the umpire thereafter should only involve that designated team manager. K. Only players and coaches are allowed on the bench. V. PROTESTS A. Protests shall be handled according to the USSSA rulebook. Any protest not handled accordingly will not be valid. B. All protests must be received in writing at city hall within 24 hours after the game. C. The League Director will decide the validity of the protest and then rule upon it. VI. SPORTSMANSHIP A. Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be allowed. Each team member is responsible for their own conduct. VI. SPORTSMANSHIP. (CONTINUED) B. A player will be ejected for abusive language, arguing judgement calls, violent behavior, and physical aggression. If a player is ejected from a game, he or she will automatically be suspended for the next game and possibly games thereafter depending upon the reason for the ejection. C. If a player is ejected from a game, he or she must leave the park. If a player chooses not to respond to the ejection and/or suspension, their team will forfeit the games involved. D. Any player, manager or coach that is ejected for the second time during the season for unsportmanshiplike conduct shall be prohibited from participating in the remaining season, play-off, district or state tournament games. E.. The individual will have the right to a hearing when action to be taken is expulsion from participation in the league. The player must provide a written explanation of the situation that resulted in his/her ejection from the game. VII. MENDOTA HEIGHTS PARK REGULATIONS A. The City of Mendota Heights park hours are 6:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. B. Glass beverage containers and'keg beer are prohibited in City parks. Please inform all team members and spectators. C. Gambling, excessive use of alcoholic beverages, or abusive, boisterous, profane or indecent language, or conduct, in any public park is prohibited. D. 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. E. Please use the trash and recycling receptacles that are provided at the parks. VIII. WEATHER A. If there is a question of poor weather, only team managers should call City Hall after 4:00 P.M. Players should call their respective managers to determine game status. If the game is not postponed at 4:00 P.M., the umpire will make a decision at the field at each scheduled game time. If the game does not start within 15 minutes of the scheduled game time, the game will be postponed. VIII. WEATHER (CONTINUED) B. Unless it is announced by the League Director that all games are postponed, each succeeding game will be determined within 15 minutes of the scheduled game time. Umpires should then remain at the park for the second game time to make that determination. Umpires should not postpone the second game before the scheduled start unless the League Director has authorized such a decision. C. If the warning sirens sound at 6:00 P.M. or thereafter, all games for the evening are postponed immediately. If an official game has been played at this time, the score will stand. All other games may be made up from where they were interrupted. Dates will be set aside for make- up games. D,, Games will not be rescheduled due to team's request. IX. STANDINGS A. Tie Breakers at the end of the season will be determined as follows: 1. Thebest percentage will be used to break a tie between two or more teams. 2. If there is still a tie, then head to head wins and losses between the tied teams will determine a winner. 3. If a tie remains at this point, then net runs from the head to head games will be used. 4. For ties other than for first place, net runs for all games will be used. 5. If a tie for first remains at the end of the season, a play-off game will be played. X. MOVEMENT OF TEAMS A. Where applicable, league winners move up a league. B. Where applicable, league last place teams move down a league. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO February 4, 1993 To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kevin Batchelder, Administrative Assi-t Subject: Partnerships in Trail Connections DISCUSSION LAP The City of Mendota Heights has recently been included in a planning group that bills itself as the "Partnerships in Trail Connections." The purpose of the group is to coordinate and act on trail connection opportunities, mainly in the Mendota Bridge area. Participants include the Cities of Minneapolis, Bloomington, Mendota Heights, Eagan, the DNR, Fort Snelling State Park, Dakota County and other interested parties. (See attached list of participants.) The most recent discussions, on February 4th, involved efforts to act on a joint grant proposal under the auspices of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) which provides federal grant monies for bike trail projects. The group is also meeting to discuss trail connections and the benefits of a coordinated approach on a regional basis. Each participant has been asked to submit a wish list as a preliminary look at the possibilities for a joint application for ISTEA funding. Staff would like to examine a few of the options with the Parks and Recreation Commission, as well as just generally informing the Commission of the trail links around the Mendota Bridge and at other key junctures within the City. Staff will be meeting with the City of Eagan and Dakota County on Tuesday morning to discuss preferred alternatives for this side of the river. A verbal report of this meeting will be ready for Tuesday evening. ACTION REQUIRED Review trail system and connections and provide direction to staff on trail connection options and pursuit of ISTEA funding. Minnesota Department of Transportation Transportation Building 395 John Ireland Boulevard Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155 5-1-f yyt 16-2 t w5per .k.. 9 Zn t,,, i January 14, 1993 Partnerships in Trail Connections c/o David L. Fisher, Superintendent Minneapolis Parks & Recreation Board 310 South Fourth Avenue Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415 p. 11141aur. �iesflo� NAja./6- `j2G4- 10 •r, crvleA4 ba y rccrs G b_ " Ca ti he tT lV (t-1 'OI- t ka:zr-+.- 01-40 t4-44, ce.A. k-+3 etnote ,,ern uute„-s Wt..0 to e ocv Ole* Cc c ( f f-s,00o lkaxc�,v� fr45--co,cc, a To the Partnerships in Trail Connections: The Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) is very supportive of groups committed to improving the bike/pedestrian systems for the citizens of Minnesota. I appreciate your suggestions to improve the current plans for Trunk Highway (T.H.) 55. A quick analysis of your suggestions revealed the following: . In paragraph A you request the continuation of the bike and pedestrian path between Minnehaha Park and the Mendota Bridge on the upper right-of-way. There is one area which could require a significant amountof fill to achieve this connection. It will take good cooperation between agencies to accomplish this in that environmentally sensitive area. We will continue to give this option serious consideration. In paragraph B you request that the path meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. We will use these design criteria. *As you point out, it is relatively flat in this area so this should not be a problem except in the fill area where we may have to look at alternatives to achieve this goal. You requested sound protection devices in paragraph C. Mn/DOT's past studies in the area did not find that it was warranted. Considering the difficult terrain, the need for access and the bluff it would be expensive and of questionable effectiveness. We would be glad to discuss this in more detail with you or your committee if you would like to have more information. • An Equal Opportimit, Employer Partnerships in Trail Connections January 14, 1993 Page Two Please let Ron Erickson (593-8540) know when you would like to meet for more information in the City of Eagan (requested in paragraph D). He can arrange to have someone there to discuss the future plans in that area. We appreciate your interest in our project and will keep you informed as the design. develops. Sincerely, Richard. A. Stehr Director, Office of Planning, Development, and Traffic Metro Division December 14, 1992 Mr. William M. Crawford Division Engineer Metro Division of Minnesota Department of. Transportation Transportation Building = Room 120 395 John Ireland Boulevard St. Paul, MN 55155-1899 Dear Mr. Crawford: Thank you for sending Ron Erickson to present the engineering concept plans of Highway 55 from East 54th Street in Minneapolis to the Mendota Bridge. Ron , as you know, presented.the proposed plan to a group of professionals from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and the Cities of Eagan and Bloomington. It is the goal of this group to go beyond our city or jurisdictional boundaries for the purpose of providing a coordinated and connected bike/pedestrian system. We feel that it is through partnerships with each other that we can provide the . best bike/pedestrian trail system for the citizens of Minnesota. The task force has the following comments on the plan. President Scott Neiman Vice President: Kathryn F. Thurber Commissioners:. Patricia D. Baker Tom Baker • Walter Bratt Dale W. "Skip" Gilbert Patricia Hillmeyer Naomi Loper Annie Young Superintendent: David L. Fisher Secretary: Harvey Feldman 310 South Fourth Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55415 Phone 1-612-348-2142 FAX 1-612-348-6904 A. Continue the bike and pedestrian path from East 54th Street in Minnehaha Park to the Mendota Bridge on the upper right-of-way .so as to connect with the Minnesota Historical Socjety's Interpretive Center .andthe upper area of Fort Snelling. The proposed area is relatively flat and will easily accommodate the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act; whereas, the proposed trail on the existing: Department of Natural Resources easement below the bluff line will not accommodate the Act's requirements. B. C. Sound protection devices must be incorporated into the plan to protect the integrity of the Parks and Historical areas. Mr. William M. Crawford Page 2 December 14, 1992 D. The City of Eagan and this task force would like further dialogue with the Minnesota Department of Transportation on Highway 13 and the Mendota Bridge area. We would appreciate being involved in the design of this section of Highway 55 corridor; we will gladly meet with you and your Department staff at any time. The presentation was appreciated; it was very informative and helpful. It is through our joint cooperation at the concept design stage that we can avoid costly mistakes. We look forward to enhanced opportunities in which to work. Sincerely, PARTNERSHIPS IN TRAIL CONNECTIONS David L. Fisher, Superintendent Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board Ken Vraa, Director Eagan Parks and Recreation DLF/GK/KV/JW/rm Gene Kelly, anager Bloomington Parks and Recreation wl, John Winter, Regi nal Manager Minnesota State Department of Natural Resources DNR - Parks PARTICIPANT LIST OF INVITEES Jim Dustrude 807 Transportation Building 395 John Ireland Boulevard St. Paul, MN 55155 297-1838 John Vondelinde City of Eagan 3830 Pilot Knob Road Eagan, MN 55122 681-4300 Ken Vraa. City of Eagan • 3830 Piot Knob Road Eagan, MN 55122 David A. Swanburg - Base Civil Engineer • 934 S.P.T.G./Civil Engineethig Mpls - St. Paul I.A.P.A.R.S. Minneapolis, MN 55450-5000 (Joanne Bentley - attended previous meeting) 725-8132 Dorothy Peterson City of Eagan 3830 Piot Knob Road Eagan, MN 55122 681-4660 Milt Krona 1064 Mary Lane St. Paul, MN 55117 488-4479 Ken Wehrle, Landscape Architect City of St. Paul Division of Parks and Recreation 25 West Fourth Street - 300 City Hall Annex St. Paul, MN 55102 292-7400 Participant List of Invitees Page 2 For Feb. 4th. Meeting Arne Stefferud Metropolitan Council 230 East Fifth Street St. Paul, MN 55101 291-6360 Jack Mauritz, Park Coordinator/Commission Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission Mears Park Centre, 230 Fast Fifth Street St. Paul, MN 55101 291-6602 Marcel Jouseau Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission Mears Park Centre, .230 Fast Fifth Street St. Paul, MN 55101 291-6402 John Forrest, Planner Dakota County Office of Planning Western Service Center 14955 Galaxie Avenue Apple Valley, MN 55124-8579 891-7030 Delos Barber Minnesota State Department of Natural 'Resources Trails and Waterways 1200 Warner Road St Paul, MN 55106 772-7936 Judy Thomson Minnesota. State Department of Natural Resources DNR -Parks 1200 Warner Road St. Paul, .MN 55106 772-7996 • • Tim McNaughton Metropolitan Airports Commission 6040 - 28th Avenue South. Minneapolis, MN 55450 726-8137 Participant List of Invitees Page 3 For Feb: 4th. Meeting John Winter Minnesota State Department of Natural Resources DNR - Parks 1200 Warner Road St. Paul, MN 55106 Steve Rose Minnesota Valley State Park 19825 Park Boulevard Jordan, MN 55352 Wally Bartel Fort Snelling State Park Highway 5 and Post Road St. Paul, MN 55111 Dan Coffins Minnesota State Department of Natural Resources 500 Lafayette Road St. Paul, MN 55155-4052 Gordon. Kimball • • Minnesota State Department of Natural Resources 500 Lafayette Road St. Paul, MN 55155-4052 Brian McCann Minnesota State Department of Natural Resources 500 Lafayette Road St. Paul, MN 55155-4052 Frank Knoke Minnesota Valley State Park 19825 Park Boulevard Jordan, MN 55352 Susan Thornton, Research Manager LCMR -. Room 65 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue. St. Paul, MN 55155 296-2406 Participant List of Invitees Page 4 For Feb. 4th. Meeting David Olfelt Minnesota State Department of Natural Resources DNR - Parks 1200 Warner Road St. Paul, MN 55106 772-7998 Barb Schmidt Metropolitan Council 230 Fast Fifth Street St. Paul, MN. 55101 John Schomaker, Outdoor Recreation Planner U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge 3815 Fast 80th Street Bloomington, MN 55425-1600 725-3145 Jim Barton Metropolitan Council 230 Fast Fifth Street St. Paul, MN 55101 Ed Moranda Metropolitan Council 230 Fast Fifth Street St. Paul, MN 55101 Gene .Kelly City of Bloomington Park and Recreation Division 2215 West Old Shakopee Road Bloomington, MN 55431 Jan Nielson Metropolitan Airports Commission 6040 - 28th Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55450 Participant List of Invitees Page 5 For Feb. 4th. Meeting David Leuthe Minnesota State Department of Natural Resources DNR - Regional Administration 1200 Warner Road St. Paul, MN 55106 772-7990 Gretchen Blank, Leisure Services Coordinator City of Richfield Park and Recreation Programs 6700 Portland Avenue South Richfield, MN 55423 Ms. Shelli. Morgan, Coordinator City of Mendota Heights Park and. Recreation Department 1101 Victoria Ctuve Mendota Heights, MN 55118-4167 Mr. Kevin Batchelder, Administrative Assistant •City of Mendota Heights Park and Recreation Department 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, MN 55118-4167 Mr. Guy Kullander, Engineering Technician City of Mendota Heights Park and Recreation Department 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, MN 55118-4167 Ms. Lynn lVforatzlca. Dakota County Western Services Center Environment Management Department 14955 Galaxy Avenue Apple Valley, MN 55124-8579 Participant List of Invitees Page 6 For Feb. 4th. Meeting David L. Fisher, Superintendent Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board 310 Fourth Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55415-1010 348-2142 Albert D. Wittman, Assistant Superintendent for Planning Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board 310 Fourth Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55415-1010 348-2142 Maureen 'Durand, Recreational Research Planner Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board 310 Fourth Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55415-1010 348-2220 Filespec:. Trails2.lst Partnerships in Trail Connections Meeting - February 4, 1993 - 9:00 a.m. - Nokomis Center CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO February 4, 1993 To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kevin Batchelder, Administrative As Subject: Request for Tennis Court Reservation St. Thomas Tennis Team DISCUSSION Mr. Jack Zahr, Athletic Director for St. Thomas Academy, is requesting the reservation of tennis courts at Roger's Lake Park and Friendly Hills Park for use by the St. Thomas tennis teams. They are requesting use of these courts Monday - Friday from April 1 until June 1 - from 3:15 to 5:15 p.m. (Please see attached letter of request.) The Parks Reservation policy states: Tennis courts are available on first come, first served basis for Mendota Heights residents and are not to be reserved. The following community groups may reserve tennis courts with the permission of the Parks and Recreation Commission and the City Council - Mend -Eagan Athletic Association, and all public and private schools in Mendota Heights. In the past, St. Thomas' request for reservation of tennis courts has usually been granted. In 1992, however, the City Council only granted half of the request and did not allow Friendly Hills tennis courts to be reserved, because of the heavy use that it receives from the neighborhood. (Please see attached notification letter to Mr. Zahr.) ACTION REQUIRED Review the request for reservations of Roger's Lake Park and Friendly Hills Park tennis courts for the tennis teams of St. Thomas Academy and make a recommendation to City Council. Development/Alumni Saint Thomas Administrative Offices (612) 454-0090 (612) 454-4570 March 6, 1003 Mr. Jim Danielson City of Mendota Heights 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, MN 55118 Dear Mr. Danielson, I am writing to again request the use of the Tennis courts by Rogers Lake and the courts located at Friendly Hills Park for use by the Saint Thomas Academy Tennis team. We would like to use thecourts Monday - Friday from April 1- June 1- from 3:15 - 5:15 PM. I am making this request since the tennis courts at St. Thomas Academy are in such a condition that they are unsafe to play on. We are hoping to rectify this condition but as of now, I am not certain when we will do this. We will be using the courts at Visitation High School but are in need of additional courts. Thank you for considering this request. Please notify me of your decision. Sincerely, eVelg114 Jack Zahr Athletic Director JWZ/js 949 Mendota Heights Road * Mendota Heights * Minnesota • 55120 Saint Thomas Academy - preparing young men to succeed in college and in life. ) March 19, 1992 „ Cp_ (Zcy,e_rui,4( MendotaCity of Heights Mr. Jack Zahr, Athletic Director Saint Thomas Academy 949 Mendota Heights Road Mendota Heights, MN 55120 Dear Mr. Zahr: I am writing to inform you that City Council, at their March 17, 1992 meeting, agreed only to half of your request to reserve tennis courts in the City for the 1992 Boys Tennis Season. City Council agreed to allow Saint Thomas Academy to reserve the Rogers Lake Park tennis courts from April 1 to June 1, Monday through Friday, 3:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. We will have the sign posted at this court in time for your season. City Council did not agree to allowing the Friendly Hills Park tennis courts to be reserved, choosing to keep this tennis facility open on a first come, first serve basis. You are entitled to use this facility, but not on a reserved basis. Friendly Hills tennis courts are becoming quite popular and the reservation of this court would tie up all City tennis facilities south of Highway 110 for our residents during the Spring. If this arrangement proves to be unacceptable, please contact me prior to March 31st so that we may further discuss the situation. I may be reached at 452-1850. Sincerely, Kevin Batchelder Administrative Assistant 1101 Victoria Curve -/Viendota Heights, AIN - 55118 452-1850 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO February 4, 1993 To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kevin Batchelder, Administrative Assi Subject: National Sports Training Center DISCUSSION The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board has invited the City of Mendota Heights to consider supporting a feasibility study grant to assess the need and financial projections for a proposed National Sports Training Center in the Fort Snelling area. (Please see attached letter and proposal.) The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board has also invited the cities of Bloomington, Richfield, St. Paul and Eagan to consider supporting this partnership. They are asking each city to provide a resolution of support for the concept. An application has been made to the Minnesota Legislature to fund a feasibility study. Staff has not yet fully determined further details such as the timeline, future financial obligations, the willingness of other communities and the possibilities of future joint operating agreements. The proposal at this point intends that all capital expenditures for this facility, if it becomes a reality, would be bonded by the State of Minnesota and then would operate under a Joint Powers Agreement among interested communities. Staff will attempt to have more details available for the Commission meeting Tuesday evening. ACTION REQUIRED Review the proposal for a National Sports Training Center and consider a recommendation to the City Council on a resolution to support the concept of the National. Sports Training Center and a feasibility study. President Scott Neiman Vice President: Kathryn F. Thurber January 14, 1993 Mr. Tom Lawell, Manager City of Mendota Heights 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, Minnesota 55118 Dear Mr. Lawell: I am writing this to invite your city to join with Minneapolis in supporting a feasibility study grant to assess the need and financial projections for a National Sports Training Center in the Southern Metropolitan area. We believe a multi -city partnership would provide the partnership cities with a unique opportunity to enhance the recreational opportunities for our residents in the following ways: * An additional resource for increasing sports ( opportunities, especially for targeted user groups: * Low income households • * "At Risk" youth * Girls and/or women participants * People with disabilities • Greater access to Olympic quality facilities in the Southern Metropolitan area. • Enhancing programs which promote positive recreational opportunities in a safe environment for at risk user groups to maximize their own potential. Please take the time to review the accompanying material which Commissioners: outlines the details of the partnership. I encourage you to Patricia D. Baker Tom Baker call me at 348-2142 for additional information as well as seek Walter Bratt a resolution of support from your City Council. Dale W. "Skip" Gilbert Patricia Hillmeyer Naomi Loper Annie Young Superintendent: David L. Fisher Secretary: Harvey Feldman Sincerely, David L. Fisher Superintendent 310 South Fourth Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55415 Phone 1-612-348-2142 FAX 1-612-348-6904 NATIONAL SPORTS TRAINING CENTER PARTNERSHIP PROPOSAL BACKGROUND Three representatives from the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission (MASC) and State Representative Phyllis Kahn met with Minneapolis Mayor Don Fraser and City of Minneapolis staff in December, 1992 and encouraged Minneapolis to file an application for State funding for a National Sports Training Center in Minneapolis. MASC reviews applications from governmental units throughout the state and makes funding recommendations to the State Legislature for each session. MASC and the State have funded 12 such sports facilities throughout the state over the last few years. A large number of outstanding State bonds are scheduled to reach maturity over the next 2 to 3 years and the MASC representatives indicated there is a likely window of opportunity during this time period for bond funding for additional sports facilities. A summary of the physical characteristics •of a facility the MASC would recommend to the State Legislature for funding include specifications similar to the indoor facility in Blaine. Essentially, the MASC suggests the facility should haVe: 1. 58,000 sq. ft. "clear span" space for organized sports and recreation programming. 2. 12,000 sq. ft. for office and support functions (ie classrooms, concessions, locker rooms, etc.) 3. Approximately 250 to 300 parking spaces. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) reviewed several potential sites within the park system and believes that an excellent location for such a facility would be an 11+ acre parcel of Federal land located southeast of Minneapolis, near Fort Snelling. The MPRB further believes this site offers the most optimistic possibility of a financially viable sports complex for the City of Minneapolis. The proposed 70,000 sq. ft. structure could easily be accommodated on this site. Furthermore, the site will also accommodate a large outdoor athletic field area for heavy summer usage and the 200 - 300 car parking lot without infringing on the full potential this type of facility offers. We also believe that if this site is •selected, the facility has the potential to become a "regional south" facility with the existing National Sports Center in Blaine being the "regional north" facility. The Fort Snelling site is very convenient to several existing major roadways; State Highway 55 to the north and east, Interstate 494 to the south, and the Crosstown Expressway 62 to the west. Interstate 35 E and State Highway 110 are located nearby and link St. Paul and other cities to the site. The Mississippi River bridge to St. Paul and Minnesota River bridge to the suburb of Mendota Heights are also in the vicinity. Both Highway 55 and Crosstown Expressway 62 are scheduled to be reconfigured in the mid 1990's and access to the Fort Snelling site would be greatly improved. In addition, a network of bicycle trails, the proposed LRT route from the airport to downtown Minneapolis as well as MTC bus service can also be linked to the site. The Fort Snelling site is also very close to the Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport and the Mall of America shopping complex. At the proposed site, each jurisdiction would be able to incorporate existing league programs at no extra cost. Until LRT or bike corridors are built, this will enable MTC to provide public busing from local community centers to and from the National Sports Complex. In the past, MTC has been very supportive of specialized transportation requests from the MPRB for identified programs requiring non-scheduled bus routes. OVERVIEW Since the construction of the first park/school complex in 1969, the MPRB has embraced a policy of cooperating with other agencies and / or organizations to provide joint delivery of program services. These types of partnerships maximizes capital, human and financial resources for both organizations. To take this partnership concept to a new level, this proposal is based upon entering into joint operating agreements with cities in close proximity to the Fort Snelling site. We believe this type of partnership will uniquely provide residents of participating cities with the following: 1. An additional facility that enhances each partnership member's capacity to specifically respond to identified emerging needs within their own municipality. While it is desirable to have access to a quality facility when implementing youth sports programs based upon the philosophy that urban cities have a responsibility to provide low or no cost sports and recreational opportunities through on-going program services, that access is critical when those program services are offered as alternatives to gangs, drugs or other anti -social and negative behavior many urban youth participate in. 2. Increased recreation program options, especially for low income households who rely on public recreation because they cannot afford the costly memberships at private• health clubs. 3. Greater access to Olympic quality facilities in the Southern Metropolitan Area. 4. Programs •that promote creative self-expression and accomplishment in a safe environment where positive risk- taking is possible. These programs have the potential to serve as a catalyst youth participants in particular can use to maximize their own potential. 2 5. Heightened public awareness towards increasing sports opportunities for targeted user groups, such as "at risk" youth, girls and/or women participants and people with disabilities. SUPPLEMENTAL OPPORTUNITIES There is also a tremendous opportunity to provide numerous auxiliary functions within this partnership, such as: 1. Daytime use of the new facility for early childhood learning experiences. There is mounting evidence that identification and implementation of systematic intervention strategies are often needed by third grade or earlier to break the "at risk cycle" of poverty and educational decline that leads to dependence on governmental assistance many urban children experience throughout their lifetimes. 2. Specialized learning and/or mentoring opportunities for youth provided by staff of partnership cities. A large number of •youth in urban city communities have expressed feelings indicating they do not feel like they belong or are wanted or needed by the community. As a result, these alienated youth are not involved in traditional community programs for teens and are often influenced to engage in negative and anti -social activities such as juvenile delinquency, drugs and vandalism. However, I think exposure to organized .sports and athletic programs allow youth the opportunity to belong and/or contribute to a group effort as well as experience positive social and multi -cultural relationships. 3. Adaptive reuse of several nearby abandoned buildings as dorms and/or hostels to offer residential environmental learning opportunities for partnership residents. These types of learning activities will provide positive, personally significant recreational opportunities and access to natural areas in an ecologically sound and sustainable manner f o r partnership cities residents. There exists the special opportunity of offering urban youth the opportunity to experience nature through regional resources that serve as a link between formal and informal education. ECONOMIC IMPACT In addition, the establishment of the Sports Complex has the potential to promote new net economic activity for the participating cities, the Metropolitan Area and the State of Minnesota. This opportunity significantly increases if the new program opportunities are accompanied with an effective promotion program. The proximity of the Fort Snelling location to the ) Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport and Mall of America shopping complex greatly enhances the marketability and financial viability of this proposed facility. 3 In the past six years, 82 national and international events were hosted at Sports Training Centers throughout the state, creating total direct expenditures of over $ 19.6 million and an estimated economic impact of over $ 30 million. In addition, in the last two years, the National Sports Center in Blaine has realized an operating profit. CAPITAL BOND FUNDS AND FEASIBILITY STUDY GRANT REQUEST Although there appeais to be little likelihood that bond funding would be available during the 1993 legislative session, the City of Minneapolis plans to submit a request for capital bond funds and funding of a 100,000 to $150,000 feasibility study grant to the State Legislature. By filing this application, the City would be indicating an interest in such a facility and would ask for more time to refine the application in 1993. A resolution of support for the partnership will be included with the feasibility study grant request. The indoor as well as outdoor programming opportunities for every season are virtually unlimited and will be fully explored through the feasibility study process. Specifically, the feasibility study grant would be used to assist the partnership cities in: 1. Selecting the preferred site and master planning the surrounding area. 2. Refining the operations and maintenance budget. 3. Researching the market for such a facility. 4. Defining estimates of capital and annual operating costs, CONCLUDING REMARKS While recreation programs offer significant social value to .our individual local •governments and businesses; however, the basic human need for physical stimulation and development that sports and athletics promote is primary to our citizen's physical and emotional well-being. Leisure services are not only essential to the good health and improved quality of life in the community, but they are also essential to increased feelings of self-worth and positive individual character development. The changing demographics, economics and emerging social trends of urban cities places an added responsibility on local government departments to provide more diverse programs for their residents. It will take the most frugal management of our fiscal dollars as well as creative collaborations and partnerships with other public and/or private funding resources to meet these challenges. 4 This potential partnership as a win - win situation as we all will gain access to an additional facility we can use as a conduit to and support for our existing municipality facilities. Indeed one that will provide specialized sports and athletics program services for the citizens of each partnership member. I think a multi -jurisdictional application would be most favorably received by both the MASC as well as the Legislature and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board looks forward to working with you on this exciting project. 5 02/05/93 10:26 FAX 612 861 9749 CITY -RICHFIELD 444 MENDOTA HEIGHTS 11001 Post -Er brand fax transmittal memo 7671 /ter PISes I" I 11) 1-./ Nt‘rjrN Ptt 'Ow I CI P r -- sKair' 12yL-Fc I, eider °3-8-2.- r•C iLiweict-6. it,s4..5 ca. ec4„io.c. Tz,k_paki Dept. j Phone # 0 i/01—q1110 Fax 2-1.5a—gt4n . January 8, 1993 Mayor Donald Fraser 127 City Hall Minneapolis, MN 55415 Dear Mayor Fraser: The City of Richfield Community Services Department is interested in exploring the partnership concept to administer the proposed Sports Complex at Fort Snelling as discussed on December 22 with Gretchen Blank of our staff and Minneapolis City and Park and Recreation Board staff members. We understand the facility would be operated on a nonprofit basis, with every expectation that maintenance and operating costs would be covered by facility revenues. We are also interested in being involved in creating a Master Plan for the entire Fort Snelling complex outside the historical Fort. This area has great potential for providing needed facilities for the south metropolitan area and for visitors to the Stte. Please keep me informed of the progress of this proposal, and let me know how I can be of further assistance. Sincerely, Donald A. Fondrick, Director Community Services Department