Loading...
1993-06-08 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda PacketCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA AGENDA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION JUNE 8, 1993 - 6:30 P.M. ** 6:30 o'clock p.m. ** 1. Call to Order. 2. Roll Call. 3. Approval of May 11, 1993 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes. 4. Future Land Acquisition - Revisit Discussion * Par 3 Golf Course * Burrows Farm Site 5. Discussion of Parking - Mendota Heights Road * Hagstrom - King Park 6. Purchase of Big Top Tents 7. Verbal Updates * Capital Improvement Plan for 1994 Budget * Approval of Concessions Agreement * Celebrate Mendota Heights Parks! * ISTEA Grant Award for Soo Line Trail * Calendar of Activities 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 MAY 11, 1993 The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, May 11, 1993 in the City Hall Large Conference Room, 1101 Victoria Curve. The meeting was called to order at 6:40 o'clock P.M. The following members were present: Spicer, Kleinglass, Linnell and Norton. Commissioners Katz and Damberg were excused. Commissioner Libra had notified the Commission he would be late. Also present was Administrative Assistant Kevin Batchelder and Parks Project Manager Guy Kullander. Mr. Jim Kilburg, President of the Fire Relief Association and three members of the Fire Relief Association were in the audience. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Norton moved to approve the April 13, 1993, Minutes with corrections. Commissioner Linnell seconded the motion. AYES: 4 NAYS: 0 MENDAKOTA CONCESSION STAND Vice Chair Spicer introduced this item by stating the Parks and Recreation Commission had been aware, for over a year, that the Fire Relief Association had desired to operate the Mendakota Park Concession Stand. Spicer also stated Mend - Eagan was not interested in doing this on a regular basis. Fire Relief Association President Jim Kilburg stated he had submitted a letter in order to describe what the Fire Relief Association is and what they do for the Fire Department and the City of Mendota Heights. Kilburg stated their major efforts were towards funding of the fire prevention program. Kilburg stated the Fire Relief Association is loosing funding donations, which they have received from the VFW in the past, due to the demise of pull tabs. Commissioner Spicer inquired as to how the money, the Fire Relief Association would make off the concession stands, would go back into the community. Kilburg stated the Fire Relief Association intended to use this money to help fund their fire prevention program. Kilburg stated with the loss of VFW donations the Fire Relief Association is trying to find other avenues to provide funding for their program other than going to City Council and asking for budgetary dollars. Kilburg stated the Fire Relief Association operated the concession stand twice last summer and has been in operation for a week , Parks and Recreation Commission May 11, 1993 Page 2 this year under a temporary basis approved by the City Council. Kilburg stated the Fire Relief Association intends to operate on a minimum of three nights per week with the possibility of two tournaments a month during the summer. Administrative Assistant Batchelder outlined the agreement which had been provided to the Parks and Recreation Commission. Batchelder stated this agreement was done in cooperation with the Fire Relief Association and through putting together this agreement, the City has come to realize the level of investment and commitment needed to operate a concessions stand. Commissioner Norton inquired if the money was coming out of the Park Fund to pay for the insurance. Batchelder stated the general liability coverage provided by the City already names the members of the Relief Association and no changes to the general liability are necessary as that was already covered. Batchelder stated a Volunteer Extension was taken out on the Worker's Compensation Insurance and this would provide coverage for all City volunteers including park adopters, commissioners and other volunteers that may be working on behalf of the City for various reasons. Batchelder stated this Volunteer Extension to the Worker's Compensation Insurance costs about $935 a year and he is unsure whether that money was coming from the Special Park Fund. Commissioner Kleinglass inquired about the expenditures of the Fire Relief Association. Kilburg explained that the Fire Prevention Program began in 1985 and is getting bigger and bigger every year. He stated their expenditures include money for school visits, brochures and displays. Kilburg stated they have a Dance Fund which raises approximately $9,000 a year and this is used to help pay insurance, awards, recognition ceremonies, sending of flowers to fire fighter families and to other individuals for special reasons. Kilburg stated they buy their own uniforms and they do not ask the City Council for this money. Kilburg stated, in the past, they have purchased a Cellular phone, computer for the equipment command vehicle, a television set and VCR which they use for training videos, a high pressure washer to clean and test hose and they have purchased Pluggie. Commissioner Kleinglass stated he understood all the fire fighters were volunteers and inquired as to how they are paid. Kilburg responded the Fire Department is paid by the hour for calls and drills and that the City provides money into a pension fund. Kilburg stated that operating the concession stand would allow the Fire Relief Association opportunity to replace the contributions from the VFW that they are no longer able to rely upon. Parks and Recreation Commission May 11, 1993 Page 3 Commissioner Kleinglass moved to approve the proposed agreement between the Fire Relief Association and the City of Mendota Heights for operation of the Mendakota Park Concession Stand. Commissioner Norton seconded the motion. AYESs 4 NAYSs 0 Batchelder stated there would be slight changes to the agreement, as written tonight, due to his discussions with Don Maddaus, the City's insurance agent, this morning. CONCRETE PADS Parks Project Manager Kuliander explained that Parks Leadperson Terry Blum had requested the Commission to authorize the expenditure of $6,000 in order to install concrete pads for bleachers at eight ball fields in the City's neighborhood parks. Kullander stated that at the Parks Commission's direction in April, staff had looked into other surfaces such asgravel and asphalt for bleacher pads. Kullander estimated if the City crews were to dig out these pads and place gravel their time and cost would be roughly the same as contracting for concrete pads. Kullander stated the Citywould still have to spray the gravel pads and the asphalt pads were not the best on hot summer days as the bleachers can sink into the asphalt. Commissioner Libra arrived at 7:00 o'clock P.M. Vice Chair Spicer inquired if it was cost efficient to place concrete pads for the bleachers in the neighborhood parks. Kullander stated herbicide can be used instead of building a pad or the park crews could pair up and move the bleachers. Kullander explained this request originated from the fact that one person cannot move the bleachers when he is in the park mowing them. He stated it takes two to three men to move these heavy bleachers. Spicer stated for the 120 days a year that the park crews are mowing grass, it is probably not necessary to build bleacher pads. Commissioner Linnell stated if it is important to the park crews, then it could be placed as an item in the Maintenance Budget and then it could be done one park a year when there is time for the park crews to do it and that this makes more sense as a maintenance item. Vice Chair Spicer moved to recommend that the park crews consider this as a maintenance item in the 1994 Budget and Parks and Recreation Commission May 11, 1993 Page 4 they can budget for one park a year and install these pads when they have time during the Fall or Spring. Spicer requested that the park crews come back to the Parks Commission for discussion of location of bleacher pads and the priority in which they will be built. Commissioner Libra seconded the motion. AYES: 5 NAYS: 0 MENDOTA HEIGHTS PAR 3 GOLF COURSE ACQUISITION Administrative Assistant Batchelder stated, at the request of the Parks and Recreation Commission, staff had begun discussions with Mr. Eugene Schway, owner of the Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course, regarding acquisition of the Par 3 Golf Course by the City of Mendota Heights. Batchelder stated staff had discussed the current operations at the golf course, the number of rounds per year and a sale price with Mr. Schway who had then provided the City with five years of tax information, operating costs and league schedules for the City's analysis. Batchelder stated Treasurer Shaughnessy, who points out in his memo, the purchase price offered by Mr. Schway would total approximately $1.8 million and that this works out to be a value of over $100,000 per acre. Batchelder stated Treasurer Shaughnessy's analysis showed that it would appear the revenues could support a City purchase price in the $800,000 to $900,000 range, leaving the City about $900,000 short of the requested purchase price. Batchelder stated if the Parks Commission had serious interest in the purchase of the Mendota Heights Par 3 the first step should be to obtain an Appraisal of Property in order to determine an appropriate value of the property and to begin to balance all of the factors involved with the purchase. Vice Chair Spicer inquired about the deferred assessments on the property and wondered if the City should purchase the property do these deferred assessments disappear. Batchelder stated no, and that the City still has to satisfy the bonds. Spicer stated it makes sense for the City to pursue an appraisal of this property due to its potential to be a revenue generator in the future. Batchelder explained if a property appraisal is ordered, the City could then begin to do more detailed analysis, including the price of the land, the proper location for golf course in Mendota Heights, future competition, loss tax opportunity revenues and the budget impact of City operations. He further stated staff could also Parks and Recreation Commission May 11, 1993 Page 5 compare these numbers with other municipal operations. Vice Chair Spicer stated it would be in the City's interest to plan ahead and after the fifteen year bonds to purchase the golf course retire, then the City would be profiting off of the revenues. Commissioner Linnell stated there might be other opportunities in Mendota Heights including the land held by Resurrection Cemetery. Linnell stated it might be more appropriate to allow the Par 3 to develop as single family homes which would provide a tax base in this area and have a golf course in a less developable area such as the Resurrection Cemetery property where there is airport noise. Spicer stated this golf course could possibly provide a long term source of revenue for the City and this might appeal to the Parks Commissioners as the Special Park Fund is relying on cash dedications for subdivisions which are dwindling. Commissioner Linnell inquired about the Friendly Hills school site and wondered if this could ever be used as a golf course on a lease basis from the school district. Batchelder stated whenever the City has inquired if the school district intends to release the land, they say no and that they are going to hold on to it for possible future schools. Commissioner Spicer moved that the City obtain an appraisal to determine the value of the Par 3 Golf Course land and to direct staff to look at alternative sites for golf courses. Commissioner Libra offered a friendly amendment stating to have the appraiser take a look at other sites in Mendota Heights and compare this to the fact that Mendota Heights Par 3 is already an operating business as compared to raw land. Commissioner Libra stated further that the City could compare the cost of improving alternate land costs and the fact that this would be a business buy out. Commissioner Spicer accepted the friendly amendment. Commissioner Libra seconded the motion. AYES: 5 NAYS: 0 BRIDGE REPLACEMENT Parks Project Manager Kullander stated the City's Budget for 1993 had included the replacement of four bridges in Wentworth Parks and Recreation Commission May 11, 1993 Page 6 and Valley Parks for the amount of $25,000 to be funded by Referendum or Special Park Fund monies. Kullander stated these bridges keep shifting every year when the ice melts and the rails are getting ricketie and that the asphalt ramps leading up to the bridge are in need of constant repair. Kullander explained the Wentworth bridges are four feet wide and just cover a small span and the City park crews cannot get their equipment over these bridges. Kullander stated it would be easy to place a culvert with a paved trail in these locations and the culvert would have no maintenance and no liability due to weak railings. Kullander stated this would allow the maintenance or emergency vehicles to have access to the park from one location. Kullander stated one of the bridges in Wentworth Park was a bridge that had been moved from Valley Park after a washout. Kullander stated in Valley Park to construct a culvert would be expensive because of the large flow of water in this area and that a bridge would be cheaper. Kullander stated this bridge could be five feet wide due to the fact that vehicle access is not needed in this area. Kullander stated this would be a structural steel bridge with wood planking on concrete footing foundations. Kullander stated, in the future, there are two other bridges which might need replacement, Roger's Lake Park and Friendly Hills Park, and it would be most appropriate to replace those bridges by culverts in the future. Administrative Assistant Batchelder explained this item was not advertised in the Referendum and may not be appropriate to use Referendum funding for this item. Batchelder stated the Referendum funding remaining is earmarked andthat this might be more appropriate to come out of the Special Park Fund. Batchelder stated Special Park Funds are intended to provide for capital improvements in parks or for park land purchases. Commissioner Linnell stated he felt this was more of a maintenance item and should be paid for through the General Fund. Linnell stated the City needs to set up a major maintenance fund for the parks, especially if it seems there will be major expenditures every year. Linnell stated as far as specific bridges go, he has visited the Valley Park bridge site and it appears to be in descent shape. Linnell admitted the railings at the Valley Park bridge needed to be fixed or replaced. Kullander stated the City park crews have been replacing the railings and doing patch jobs on these bridges on a continuous Parks and Recreation Commission May 11, 1993 Page 7 basis. Kullander stated the park crews feel that a permanent fix is needed for these bridges. Commissioner Linnell stated he would like to consider having a bridge at Wentworth Park at least in one location instead of a culvert. He stated this bridge could be widened out for motor vehicle access. Commissioner Norton stated the Parks Commission needs to consider future capital improvements. Batchelder stated the Special Park Fund grew by $28,000 last year. Commissioner Libra inquired if other big park maintenance items were coming or due in the near future. Kullander stated no, not really. He stated most maintenance items are covered by the General Fund Maintenance Budget which includes the warming houses, hockey boards, trail improvements and picnic tables. Kullander that the only capital improvements needed in the near future would be for ADA modifications, which are not significant. He stated that the Valley bridge by itself would be $9,000 to $10,000 and he compared this to the cost of the bridge at Somerset Elementary School. Commissioner Kleinglass stated it seems the Parks Commission was of a consensus to do this project but the question was how to pay for it. Commissioner Linnell stated Special Park Funds would be appropriate if this is deemed to be a life safety issue. Commissioner Kleinglass inquired about the Special Park Fund. Batchelder explained the Special Park Fund currently has $391,614 in it and that this is an increase of $28,639 from 1992. Kleinglass stated it seems a lot of people are using the trails and the Maintenance Funds in the Parks Budget is not adequate to pay for one bridge a year. Kleinglass inquired, if in staff's estimation, is this absolutely necessary to be done in 1993. Kullander stated the patching and reinforcement of the railings on these bridges is a liability concern. Kullander stated we have had the same problem for the last few years, it could cost about $500 to $1,000 this year to fix the railings and next year the frost could heave again and it would need to be done all over. Commissioner Libra inquired about the time frame in completing this project. Kullander responded it would take approximately two months for bidding and the construction process. Commissioner Norton repeated that the Parks Commission would like to see projections for capital improvements. Kullander responded the only large maintenance item, he could think of, is the resurfacing of the tennis courts. He stated resurfacing of the tennis courts had been an annual budget item until 1993. Linnell stated the Americans With Disability Act might require a number of improvements in the City parks. Kullander stated he had done a self evaluation of the park system and that the Referendum had anticipated most of the Parks and Recreation Commission May 11, 1993 Page 8 improvements. He stated the trails all have curb cuts, paths and some play equipment would need updates. Kullander estimated ADA improvements would not be significant. The Commission directed staff to look at the City's Maintenance Budget and to fix what bridges we can this year and to report back at the June meeting about possible alternatives for fixing the bridges. VERBAL UPDATES Batchelder distributed a roster of the City Council and. Commission members. Batchelder stated the City had recently begun a wildflower project at Victoria Highlands Park with the help of a volunteer, Ms. Shari Hanson, of 930 Douglas. Batchelder stated the park crews had burned an area around the Victoria Highlands pond and that Ms. Hanson had cleared the land and planted wildflower seeds. Batchelder stated it was nice to have a volunteer help the City in this fashion. He further stated that burning and seeding may need to be repeated next year. Batchelder stated the City's Police Department has agreed to lock the comfort stations at Mendakota and Kensington Parks. Batchelder stated seven nights a week the Police will be driving through the parks at closing time and locking up these facilities. Batchelder stated Dakota County and the Metropolitan Council were holding a public hearing on May 26th at 7:00 P.M. at WentworthLibrary to discuss the Dakota County Regional Trail Plan including the acquisition of the Soo Line Railroad for regional trail purposes. Parks Project Manager Kullander stated the County's trail plan includes trails throughout each City and the County and if the County has a trail through your City they usually pay for it. Kullander stated the Pilot Knob trail, which will be constructed in conjunction with the Highway 55 project, maybe included on the County plan after discussions with their staff. Kullander stated that previously Lexington Avenue had been considered the north/south County route in this area but its unlikely that the Lexington Avenue trail will be built within the next ten years and that in a few years Lexington Avenue may be turned back to the City. Kullander stated County staff has agreed to consider using Pilot Knob. Road instead of Lexington Avenue for the County trail. If this was Parks and Recreation Commission May 11, 1993 Page 9 accepted the County would pay for the trail which the City had included in the highway project. Kullander stated the County may provide approximately $60,000 of funding if the County Board approves this change of trail routing. Kullander stated the City then would only have to pay for a connection from the Mendota Bridge to the Pilot Knob Road trail. The Parks Commission discussed having a brochure or handout on the parks and trails systems. Commissioner Linnell inquired if the Ivy Falls Project had progressed to the point that landscape plans for the pond in Ivy Falls had been completed. Kullander stated no, but he has had discussions with Engineer Eckles and at the time the landscape plan is completed, they will stake the area and maybe the Parks Commission can tour the area to determine appropriate landscaping in coordination with the Parks Project Manager. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Parks and Recreation Commission adjourned at 8:05 o'clock P.M. Respectfully submitted, Kevin Batchelder Administrative Assistant CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO June 4, 1993 To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kevin Batchelder, Administrative Assista Subject: Future Land Acquisition - Revisit Discussion INTRODUCTION Following the June 1992 Joint Workshop between the City Council and the Parks and Recreation Commission, it was decided that following the construction of Kensington Park unexpended bond proceeds would be carried over for use as future land acquisition funds. The Parks and Recreation Commission then began a process to examine goals and priorities for future land acquisition. Priorities and goals were discussed as follows: 1. Land that is adjacent to existing parks. 2. Possible acquisition of one large site. 3. Land that could be used for trail extensions or trail links. In October and November 1992, the Commission reviewed the vacant lands inventory and ranked the vacant sites in Mendota Heights that could possibly be acquired for parks or open space. The vote totals were 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 The Commission concluded this discussion by directing staff to hold this information available for opportunities that might arise and to review land acquisition every six months. Six months have passed and it is now time to review the land acquisition discussion again. (See attached November 1992 minutes.) DISCUSSION Attached you will find a Site Review sheet for each of the above ranked sites in Mendota Heights. In addition, staff will be prepared to discuss and highlight the vacant properties that did not receive a high ranking, but were also discussed during the vacant lands inventory that preceded the polling of commissioners in November. In addition to a general discussion, two current issues need to be reviewed in context of land acquisition - the Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course and the Burrows Farm. Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course At the May meeting, the Parks and Recreation Commission recommended that City Council authorize an appraisal of the Par 3 Golf Course as the first step in considering its possible purchase. The City Council reviewed this recommendation and felt that the price of the appraisal, estimated to be $5,000, was too expensive considering that the asking price and the perceived purchase ability of the City were so far apart. (See attached June 2, 1993 letter to Mr. Schway and attached memos.) This action by the City Council has stalled pursuit of this option by City staff. The Commission should discuss this item. Burrows Farm At the June 1, 1993 City Council meeting, Mr. Ronald Smith approached the City Council regarding the possible purchase, by the City, of the Burrows Farm located on Victoria Road between Marie Avenue and Stratford Road. Mr. Burrows' home recently suffered a fire and there was a discussion about its historical value and the possible interest in preserving this home and rural site in the City. Council was interested enough to refer this item to the Parks and Recreation Commission for discussion. There are many factors to consider in regards to preserving and maintaining this site including historical value, operating costs and on-going liability for a working farm, requirements for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for municipally owned structures, provision of a life estate for Mr. Burrows, limited resources for future land acquisition, and the priority of this type of open space. Staff will be prepared to discuss these factors in further detail on Tuesday night. ACTION REQUIRED Discuss land acquisition goals and priorities and examine the two current land acquisition issues. �t1t. d' 5 cx. w. c.-. total of 417 skaters. She stated the ice rinks were open from approximately December 21st to February 28th. Morgan stated a new log sheet had been assembled that required the park attendants to take attendance every two hours and this would give staff a look at the peak times of the ice rink. She stated that this would help staff determine which were the most appropriate hours for staffing and it would also log all maintenance needs and accident reports. Morgan stated the City currently had 13 applications for the eight positions to fill for ice rink attendants and that she was intending on doing an extensive orientation and training program that would be followed up with close supervision of the ice rink attendants. Morgan stated they hope to open in mid December. Chair Huber inquired if the ice rinks would be open on New Year's Day as this seems to be one of the most popular days of the year. Morgan stated the rinks would be open on New Year's Day. Commissioner Damberg stated she would like to see the rink attendants do a better job of supervising the free skating areas to make sure that hockey is not being played in the free skating area. Morgan stated that would be enforced this year. FUTURE LAND ACQUISITION Administrative Assistant Batchelder stated that at the October Planning Commission meeting staff presented an overview of a vacant lands inventory in order to provide the Parks Commission with some information regarding possible park acquisition sites in Mendota Heights. Batchelder stated the Commission has been examining goals and priorities for use of the remaining Referendum monies that have been earmarked for future land acquisition. Batchelder stated that 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. Batchelder stated that Parks Project Manager Kullander was .present this evening to review the individual sites that scored the highest in the poll among Commissioners and he would be presenting fact sheets and maps based on site features including topography and grading, wetlands, forestry, access, zoning and land value, passive vs. active uses and locational advantages. Parks Project Manager Kullander reviewed each of the following sites, on the basis of the poll, with the Commissioners: 1. Par 3 Golf Course - 6 votes 2. Superblock - 5 votes 3. Olin Site - 4 votes 4. Dodd Road Right -of -Way - 3 votes 5. School District/Friendly Hills - 3 votes 6. Centex Remainder - 3 votes 7. Foss Property - 2 votes Kullander stated the Par 3 Golf Course, in earlier discussions, has always been intended to be operated as a golf course. Kullander stated the Slowinski property next door to the Par 3 Golf Course might be useful as an addition to the Par 3 Golf Course, but was not necessary as an addition to Valley Park. Commissioner Norton stated the City should consider operating the Par 3 Golf Course for cross country skiing in the winter and that trail connections could be made to Valley Park. Commissioner Norton inquired if the State's Trail Pass Program would help fund the grooming of City trails. Kullander stated the Par 3 Golf Course could tie into Valley Park through Bachelor Avenue. Kullander stated the City in the past to groom ski trails in cooperation with the County. Kullander stated he believes the County now has better equipment and the City could contact the County about cooperation on snow grooming equipment. Kullander stated a park could be obtained in the Superblock area, as per the City's Comprehensive Plan, but that it would require many landowners to cooperate in this regard. Kullander stated this park could be obtained through easements or land dedication. Kullander stated any park in this area would consist of passive trails, viewing areas and possibly a small play area with parking for approximately 6 cars. Administrative Assistant Batchelder updated the Parks Commission on the neighborhood meeting held with the City Planner and the residents of the Superblock study area. Batchelder stated the residents had clearly indicated that evening that they did .not desire City streets within the interior of their neighborhood and desired to keep the large lot, wooded nature of their neighborhood intact. Batchelder stated the neighborhood asked the Planner and staff to do the Second Phase of the study including the inventory and analysis and come back and present that at another neighborhood meeting. Batchelder stated it was likely this next neighborhood meeting would occur after the holiday season. Kullander discussed the Olin property and stated the City had received the Van property through a dedication last year. Kullander explained the potential of combining the Van property with a potential dedication from Dr. Olin and connecting this to the current City held land Pr c, a_ c. 1 t. c ?a r- c a ekG- A6v. t1'“ including the pond and ballfield. Kullander explained the Dodd Road Right -of -Way and stated it is not known at this time who the underlying fee title owners are. Batchelder explained one of the primary reasons for the current downtown discussions amongst City Councilmembers is the need for pedestrian/trail access across Highway 110. Kullander demonstrated how the southern Dodd Road right-of-way could possibly be added to the existing Friendly Marsh Park. Kullander reviewed the School site located at the corner of Huber Drive and Mendota Heights Road. Kullander stated that reports in the newspaper about the School District's Bond Issue included a mention that athletic fields might be built by the School District at this site. Kullander described the Centex Remainder which includes the rear of the Beale and Kennedy properties immediately east of the City's new soccer fields. Kullander stated there is access from the Centex Subdivision into the back of this property should Beale and Kennedy ever decide to develop. Kullander stated a dedication could be obtained at that time. Kullander reviewed the Foss Property which is immediately west of Wentworth Park. Kullander stated the creek that runs through this property can flow heavily and this property is likely difficult to grade for any active uses. He stated this would be a good addition to Wentworth Park for passive park uses. Administrative Assistant Batchelder recapped the four months of discussions on future land acquisition by the Parks Commission. Batchelder stated the Commission had discussed priorities and goals for park acquisition including: 1. Land that is adjacent to existing parks 2. Possible acquisition of one large site 3. Land that could be used for trail extensions or trail links. Batchelder stated that we hadalso reviewed vacant lands and many of the sites that the Commission considered most appropriate for park acquisition. Batchelder inquired as to how the Commission desired staff to proceed. Commissioner Hunter felt it wasn't necessary for the Parks Commission to push forward with acquisition of any particular property at this time. Hunter stated the Parks Commission has enough irons in the fire at the current time and now that we have the appropriate information to guide us on park acquisition we should sit back and let things happen. Commissioner Damberg stated this was good information to keep as background material and the Parks Commission could wait and see on future land acquisition. Commissioner Hunter stated he was surprised that more Commissioners did not vote for the western Resurrection Cemetery site. Hunter stated the airport might not always be there and that the Parks Commission should look 20 to 30 years down the road and consider if the land is available cheaply at this time that it might be a good acquisition. The Parks Commission directed Kullander to prepare a detailed sheet for the western Resurrection site. Chair Huber stated the future land acquisition was really an awareness item. Huber stated the Parks Commission had the information necessary to process future land acquisition at such time it should be necessary. Huber stated staff should keep the list alive and haul it out every six months for the Parks Commission to review. Commissioner Damberg stated that approach is good for short term consideration at park land acquisition but that the City should also consider more long range types of future land use plans. She stated, in particular, preserving passive open space areas. Commissioner Hunter plugged the Lake Augusta area in the western Resurrection Cemetery site. VERBAL UPDATES • Batchelder stated the park video that is being produced is making good progress and that Paul Pieper, the City's freelance producer, had indicated he had a first copy of a master. Batchelder stated this rough draft video would be reviewed for final touches. Batchelder stated the Somerset Place PUD, being proposed by Jerry Mazzara, had appeared at the previous month's Planning Commission and they continued the public hearing to the November meeting. Batchelder stated the Planning Commission's desire was for a better definition of the wetlands in the area and concerns over private services verses public services. Batchelder stated since that time the Superbiock Neighborhood Meeting had been held and that the City was moving forward on efforts to provide information for the neighborhood regarding wetlands and other features in the study area. Chair Huber explained he had attended the grand opening of the new play equipment at Mendota School and it was a enjoyable to get together with the School District and November 10, 1992 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager RE: Future Land Acquisition - Site Reviews For Information Only SITE DESCRIPTION: Par 3 Golf Course 1695 Dodd Road SIZE OF PARCEL: 1950' x 390' 17.5 acre EXISTING USE: Golf Course 9 Hole EXISTING ZONING: R-1 P.I.D. NUMBER: 27-03800-010-42 CURRENT OWNER: Eugene Schway VALUATION: $371,200.00 MAX. DEVELOPMENT: R-1 PUD (17.5 x 2.9 = 50 units) (17.5 x 1.8 = 32 units) SI'Z'E CHARACTERISTICS: TOPOGRAPHY: Small pond, flat/gently rolling WETLANDS: Pond & storm drainage way VEGETATION: Grass - Minimum tree cover LOCATION/ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES: Good street access, trail access to Valley Park, centrally located. BEST PUBLIC USE (PASSIVE OR ACTIVE): Golf course or ballfields (4-6) GRADING IMPACTS OF DEVELOPMENT: Minimal unless playfields developed: OTHER: As golf course purchase and maintenance costs would be recovered tbru user fees. November 10, 1992 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission r'ROM: Guy KuBander, Parks Project Manager RE: Future Land Acquisition - Site Reviews For Information Only S1TE DESCRIPTION: Slowinski Parcel 806 Bachelor SIZE OF PARCEL: 660' x 520' 7.9 acres EXISTING USE: Homestead EXISTING ZONING: R-1 P.I.D. NUMBER: 27-03700-010-02 CURRENT OWNER: Emil J. Slowinski VALUATION: $205,300 MAX. DEVELOPMENT: R-1 PUD (22 units) R-1 (15 units) SITE CHARACTERISTICS: TOPOGRAPHY: Steep slopes (70-80' above Valley Park) WETLANDS: None. Drainage way in Valley Park adjacent to parcel. VEGETATION: Heavy tree covered. Volunteer vegetation. LOCATION/ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES: Between Valley Park and Par 3 Golf Course. BEST PUBLIC USE (PASSIVE OR ACTIVE): Passive - include with Par 3 to improve course. trail connection to Valley Park. GRADING IMPACTS OF DEVEI!OPMENT: Significant if developed/added to Par 3. OTHER: If this is the only acquisition the addition of this parcel to Valley Park would not add to or enhance existing park features or amenities. t t November 10, 1992 TO: FROM: RE: Parks and Recreation Commission Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager Future Land Acquisition - Site Reviews For Information Only SITE DESCRIPTION: Super Block SIZE OF PARCEL: Approximately 200 acres EXISTING USE: 65 plus homesteads EXISTING ZONING: R-1 (45 acres) R -1A (155 acres) P.I.D. NUMBER: Multiple CURRENT OWNER: Multiple VALUATION: 10 million - MAX. DEVELOPMENT: Currently under study SITE CHARACTERISTICS: TOPOGRAPHY: Rolling WETLANDS: VEGETATION: Extensive drainage ways, ponds and low lands. Wetland cover approximately 1/4 of entire site. Extensive volunteer vegetation and landscape plantings near homesites. LOCATION/ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES: No direct connections to existing city trails. BEST PUBLIC USE (PASSIVE OR ACTIVE): Passive, scenic, nature trails. Possible small parking area with play equipment. GRADING IMPACTS OF DEVELOPMENT: Minimal for trails. OTHER: Possible 20 plus other parcels may develop separately. Land dedications thru plat process could take many years to achieve adjoining parcels suitable for park improvements. Location of streets and utilities could determine park/trail possibilities. itt lotatati MVO November 10, 1992 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager RE: Future Land Acquisition - Site Reviews For Information Only SITE DESCRIPTION: Foss Property SIZE OF PARCEL: 560' x (550' & 700') 7.8 acres EXISTING USE: Homestead EXISTING ZONING: R-1 P.I.D. NUMBER: 27-03800-010-33 CURRENT OWNER: Paul A. Foss 755 Wentworth Ave. VALUATION: $169,000 MAX. DEVELOPMENT: R-1 (10 to 12 additional units) SITE CHARACTERISTICS: TOPOGRAPHY: Rolling Terrain WETLANDS: Drainage Way VEGETATION: Mature tree covered LOCATION/ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES: Adjacent to Wentworth Park BEST PUBLIC USE (PASSIVE OR ACTIVE): Passive. Trails, etc. Drainage way thru parcel limits play field development. GRADING IMPACTS OF DEVELOPMENT: Minimal for trails. OTHER: fOS 4140 400, 66410 • 464 40▪ 000 .194 44 000691, %,aw. November 10, 1992 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission PROM: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager RE: Future Land Acquisition - Site Reviews For Information Only SHE DESCRIPTION: Hwy 149 Right -Of -Way Thru Friendly Hills SIZE OF PARCEL: 220' wide x 3500 long. Approx. 29 acres EXISTING USE: Reserved for Future Highway EXISTING ZONING: R-1, B-4 & B-1 P.I.D. NUMBER: 27-27800-010-06 CURRENT OWNER: Shopping Center, Dodge Nature Center, Friendly Hills Homeowners Association VALUATION: Not available. MAX. DEVELOPMENT: -R-1,_ 13 acres, (25 S.F. Units) Business (11.5 Acres) R-1 (Nature Preserve 4.5 acres) S1TE CHARACTERISTICS: TOPOGRAPHY: Mostly level with moderate side slopes to Friendly Hills housing. WETLANDS: Drainage way thru north 1/4 of parcel VEGETATION: Volunteer vegetation, some significant trees LOCATION/ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES: Narrow area between existing backyards of single family housing. BEST PUBLIC USE (PASSIVE OR ACTIVE): Passive, trails and open space. Combine mid portion with Friendly Marsh Park for play field possibilities. GRADING IMPACTS OF DEVELOPMENT: Minimal impacts for trails. OTHER: Currently a gravel trail connects shopping center to friendly hills neighborhood. I ::..P i . Y4"." RY CLUB Iv DODGE i 44� Mff.rilta November 10, 1992 TO: FROM: RE: Parks and Recreation Commission Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager Future Land Acquisition - Site Reviews For Information Only S1TB DESCRIPTION: SIZE OF PARCEL: EXISTING USE: EXISTING ZONING: P.I.D. NUMBER: CURRENT OWNER: VALUATION: MAX. DEVELOPMENT: Wetland east of Kensington Park 1300' x 500' Approx. 3.5 to 7.5 acres Part of 6 acre & 5 acre homesteads R 1A 27-03600-010-78 & 27-03600-020-78 Merrill Biel & Michael Kennedy $232,400 & $130,200 R 1A PUD (4 to 6 units) Access Limited. SITE CHARACTERISTICS: TOPOGRAPHY: Rolling to steep. Adjacent to I-494 & Power line WETLANDS: VEGETATION: Mature woods. LOCATION/ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES: BEST PUBLIC USE (PASSIVE OR ACTIVE).: GRADING IMPACTS OF DEVELOPMENT: OTHER: easement. Yes. Controlled pond elevation. Development will need setback variances from wetlands. No access except from Kensington Park Trail. Passive - trails Minimal - wetland must be preserved. When additional lots platted land dedication will be required. 9 s le ea ae8 C q B R a e e • PARK 'Ls. ° a•o 4 • aP as 1.101101011.0 0011$10/1101 a • a e e taa • a _'wa November 10, 1992 TO: FROM: RE: Parks and Recreation Commission Guy KuBander, Parks Project Manager Future Land Acquisition - Site Reviews For Information Only S1'I'E DESCRIPTION: SIZE OF PARCEL: EXISTING USE: EXLSTING ZONING: P.I.D. NUMBER: CURRENT OWNER: VALUATION: MAX. DEVELOPMENT: School Forest Site 11300' x 1100' Approx. 33 acres None R-1 27-03600-012-52 School District 197 $323,000 R-1 (75 units) SITE CHARACTERISTICS: TOPOGRAPHY: WETLANDS: VEGETATION: Flat to rolling hills - site is bi-sected by NSP highlines Pond in SW corner Mature tree covered. LOCATION/ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES: BEST PUBLIC USE (PASSIVE OR ACTIVE): GRADING IMPACTS OF DEVELOPMENT: , OTHER: Good street access, accessible to trail system on three sides. Ski, & walking trails, future active ball fields. No significant impacts anticipated. Identified by School District 197as future school or athletic facility site. November 10, 1992 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission kROM: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager RE: Future Land Acquisition - Site Reviews For Information Only SUE DESCRIPTION: Olin Parcel SIZE OF PARCEL: 1730 x 310 12.3 acre EXISTING USE: Homestead EXISTING ZONING: R-1 P.I.D. NUMBER: 27-02700-010-07 CURRENT OWNER: James Olin 1140 Orchard Place VALUATION: $552,700 MAX. DEVELOPMENT: R-1 (16 additional units) R-1 PUD (25 to 30 units) S1TE CHARACTERISTICS: TOPOGRAPHY: Flat slopes, rolling terrain. WETLANDS: Pond & wetland. 4.5 acres will be dedicated to City when land developed. VEGETATION: Extensive landscape tree areas by homestead. Volunteer vegetation throughout site. LOCATION/ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES: North side of civic center/pond wetland BEST PUBLIC USE (PASSIVE OR ACTIVE): Passive - trail around pond connects Hunter, Lexington & City Hall site. , GRADING IMPACTS OF DEVELOPMENT: Minimal for trail. OTHER: Easements required from one land owner and synagogue to completely circle wetland pond. City of Mendota Heights June 2, 1993 Mr. Eugene Schway 689 Wentworth Avenue West Mendota Heights, MN 55118 Dear Mr. Schway: I am writing to notify you of the progress of the City's analysis in, regards to our discussion of acquisition of the Mendota Heights Par .3 Golf Course. On May 18, 1993 the City Council considered a recommendation by the Parks and Recreation Commission to hire an independent property appraiser to provide the City with an appraisal of the Par 3 Golf Course. The City Council denied the proposal to hire an appraiser and our process to consider this acquisition has now stalled. I have attached the City Council, Parks Commission and staff memorandums that serve as the background of our recent discussions. In particular, . the May- 7, -1993 memorandumfrom, Larry. Sbaugshessy explains that revenues based, on past:ieainings%:wOjadPuPPPrtAcit y purchase price in the neighborhood of $800,000 to $900,000,:.- s ignificiantlYM3hortif of !;?YeAlrlaskingq3' ri6e given the extreme differences in the proposed price and • our perceived purchase ability, it was not worthwhile to pursue an expensive appraisal of the. property. This action by the City Council appears to halt further action on acquisition of the Par 3 Golf Course. Should you desire to further discuss this issue, Larry, Tom and I will be available. Please contact us at 452-1850. Sincerely, • Kevin Batchelder. Administrative Assistant K.LB:kk.b cc: Tom Lawell, City Administrator Larry Shaughnessy, Treasurer 1101 Victoria Curve -Mendota Heights, MN • 55118 452-1850 To: From: Subject: Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course Discussion of Possible Acquisition CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO . . May 12, 1993 Mayor, City Council and City Administ Kevin Batchelder, Administrative Assistant DISCUSSION • The Parka and Recreation Commission discussed the acquisition •of the Mendota Heights •Par 3 Golf Course at its. may 11, 1993 meeting. • This discussion followed staff's meetings with the owner of the Par .3, Mr. Eugene Schway. (Please refer to May 7, 1993 Parks and Recreation Commission memo.) Larry Shaughnessy, City Treasurer, has reviewed the tax information, operating costs and league schedules of the Mendota Heights Par 3 for the last five years and provides a brief analysis in an attached Nay 7, 1993 memo. Mr. Shaughnessy suggests that if the City .wants to seriously consider ..pursuing this item further, , ) the first -step- would be twobtain An -appraisal of the property. . ' The Parks and Recreation Commission, intheirrecommendation to proceed with an appraisal, desired to '''factor .the :Cdsts , of purchasing --:alternate .7.sites • and 'developing :a -'-golf -.course , Purchising.ien- existing business.- Many Aother factors such as location, lost -tax revenues, future competition and operating costs would also have to be analyzed. Prior t� the Park meeting, Mr. Shaughnessy estimated an appraisal of this nature would cost approximately $2,000. Since the Parks Commission meeting. we have had discussions with Blake Davis, the property appraiser generally • used by .the City. It appears that .the cost . of the type -of appraisal the City requires would cost approximately $5,000. This , could be funded from future land acquisition funds in the:' -park- . Referendum Fund. , . RECOMMENDATION The Parks and Recreation. Commission voted unanimously. (5-0)to recommend that City Council order an appraisal of the Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course and direct staff .to consider alternate sites and the development of a golf course vs. purchase of an existing business. ACTION REQUIRED ) If the City Council desires to implement the recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Commission, they should pass a motion ordering an appraisal of the Mendota Heights Par 3. ) LES:kkb TO: FROM: SUBJECT: CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO May 7, 1993 Kevin Batchelder, Administrative Assistant Lawrence E. Shaughnessy, Jr., Treasurer Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course The owners of Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course have indicated that they want a net $1,500,000 for the purchase of their land and club house. At this time, approximately $280,000 of deferred assessment are against the land which brings the total purchase price to approximately. $1,800,000. This works out to a value of over $100,000 per acre. Based on the past earnings of the facility, it would appear that revenues could support a City purchase price in the $800,000/$900,000 range leaving us about $900,000/$1 million short of the• requested purchase price. There are many factors for the City to consider as part of the process of going into the Golf Course •business. Among these are the location, future competition, lost opportunity revenues and general City opera.tions. The Mendota Heights Par 3 currently has between 30,000/35,000 rounds of play a year. Of the total, about 9,000 rounds are from league play. I don't feel it would be possible for the City to consider purchasing the •facility without an appraisal. Our most recent appraisal of a large piece of land was the Wachtler property in 1980. This appraisal came in at $17,500 per acre. The purchase of Mendakota Park was at the rate of $54,000 per acre. This property was zoned for construction. of 110 apartment units and purchased in 1990. Other appraisals in connection with the Highway. 55 construction have been in the $30,000 to $35,000 per acre range. Recent sales of improved industrial sites have been in the $60,000 to$80,000•range. I believe that if there is the Mendota Heights Par 3, the appraisal of the property and involved with the purchase. serious interest in the purchase of first step should be to obtain an begin to balance all the factors November 10, 1992 TO: Parks and Recreation Commis' sion FROM: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager RE: Future Land Acquisition - Site Reviews For Information Only Stuk, DESCRIPTION: Par 3 Golf Course 1695 Dodd Road SWE OF PARCEIL: 1950'. x 390' 17.5 acre • EXISTING USE: Golf Course 9 Hole EXISTING ZONING: R.-:1 P.LD. NUMBER: 27-03800-010-42 CURRENT OWNER.: -Eugene Schway VALUATION: $371,200.00 (frf rc..”( • 4' 2a), 000i. coLs-C,1: c-v-eD sessm e MAX. DEVELOPMENT: R-1 PUD (17.5 x 2.9 50 units) (17.5 x 1.8 = 32 units) SiTt CHARACTERISTICS: TOPOGRAPHY: Small pond, flat/gently rolling WETLANDS: Pond & storm. drainage way VEGETATION: Grass - Minimum tree cover LOCATION/ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES: Good street access, trail access to Valley Park, centrally located. BEST PUBLIC USE (PASSIVE OR ACTIVE): Golf course or ballfields (4-6) • GRADING IMP" ACTS OF DEVELOPMENT; unleis playfields developed: OMER: As golf course purchase and maintenance costs would be recovered thru user fees. f� 1l 0 • 0 0 0 1 v :4 O sviek a 0 n• v CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO June 4, 1993 To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kevin Batchelder, Administrative Assista Subject: Discussion of Parking - Mendota Heights Road Hagstrom-King Park DISCUSSION At the June 1, 1993 City Council meeting, the City Council adopted an ordinance restricting parking along Victoria Curve by the ballfields to the Synagogue and along Delaware Avenue at Sibley Park. Both cases were due to use of the ballfields. Along Victoria Curve, parking was limited to the south side of the road due to the hazards caused by cars parked on both sides of a narrow curved road. Parking was restricted on the Mendota Heights side of Delaware Avenue due to safety concerns. During the discussion of this topic, it was brought up that a parking problem existed along Mendota Heights Road at Hagstrom-King Park during scheduled play at the ballfield. There was a concern of child safety with parked cars and road traffic. The City Council asked the Parks and Recreation Commission to review this issue. Mendota Heights Road is a Minnesota State Aid (MSA) road and is governed by state design standards to be a forty four foot (44') wide roadway consisting of two driving lanes and two parking lanes. Parking regulations are controlled by the State through an appeals process. Striped crosswalks and warning signs for playgrounds are within the City's jurisdiction. Parking along Mendakota Drive has also become an issue that the Commission may wish to discuss as well. ACTION REQUIRED Discuss parking along Mendota Heights Road and Mendakota Drive adjacent to city parks and provide direction to staff or a recommendation to City Council. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO June 4, 1993 To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kevin Batchelder, Administrative Assist Subject: Purchase of Big Top Tents DISCUSSION Last year at the community celebration, the City rented two big top tents for use by celebrants for shade and picnicking. It was suggested that the City could purchase these tents for our use and also make them available for rent to residents who wish to use them in the parks. The rental of two 20° by 30' tents cost the City approximately $46 for the community celebration. For Tuesday evening, staff will have some quotes on the costs of these tents so that a rental vs. purchase comparison can be made. ACTION REQUIRED Consider the need for tents and the purchase for City use and make a recommendation to City Council. DATE April 26 - July6 - July 26 May 2 - August 8 May 4 - July 27 May 6 - July 24 June 5-6 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS 1993 SUMMER PARKS AND RECREATION CALENDAR EVENT Men's "C" Softball League on Monday Nights Kittenball League on Sunday Nights Men's "D" and Women's "C" Softball, Leagueson Tuesday Nights Men's Over 30 Softball Leauge on Thursday Nights Mend -Eagan Baseball Tournament June 7 -Aug 16 Advanced Co-Rec Sand Volleyball on Monday Nights June 9 -Aug 11 June 11-13 Intermediate Co-Rec Sand Volleyball on Wednesday Nights Mend -Eagan Baseball Tournament June 26 Mend -Eagan T -Ball Super Saturday July 16-18 Sibley Girls Fast -Pitch Tournament July 24 Celebrate Mendota Heights Parks Men's Over 30 Tournament July 29-30 Nature Camp August 7-8 Men's "C" League Play-offs Women's "C" League Play-offs August 14-15 Men's "D" League Play-offs August 16-18 Safety Camp • August 18 & 25 Intermediate Co-Rec Volleyball Tournament August 23 & 30 Advanced Co-Rec Volleyball Tournament LOCATION Mendakota Park Mendakota Park Mendakota Park Mendakota Park Mendakota Park Rogers Lake Park Rogers Lake Park Mendakota Park Mendakota Park Mendakota Park Mendakota Park Mendakota Park Valley Park Mendakota Park Mendakota Park Kaposia Park South St. Paul Rogers Lake Park Rogers Lake Park