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1994-05-10 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda PacketCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA AGENDA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MAY 10, 1994 - 6:30 P.M. ** 6 :30 o'clock p.m. ** 1. Call to Order. 2. Roll Call. 3. Approval of April 12, 1994 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes. 4. Capital Improvements Plan for Park System * Discussion of Preliminary CIP List * Determination of Priorities and Funding 5. Discussion of Draft Dakota County Park Policy Plan * Executive Summary * Public Meeting - Tuesday May 10 - 1:30 p.m. Library Conference Room, Western Service Center Apple Valley 6. Reservation Request for Kensington Park * Shelli Morgan, Recreation Programmer 7. Verbal Updates * Tree City USA * Mendakota Park and Baseball * North Urban Trail * North Kensington Park 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 MEMO May 4, 1994 To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kevin Batchelder, Administrative Assistant Subject: Capital Improvement Planning for the Park System DISCUSSION At the April 8, 1994 Commission meeting, the Commission began reviewing the preliminary list of capital improvements, including infrastructure and replacement needs. Priorities and funding recommendations were made on a number of system items and the Commission began to discussions on individual facilities and improvements. Policies recommendations were established on: 1. Port-a-Pottie Enclosures 2. Modifications to Play Equipment to meet ADA standards 3. Concrete Bleacher Pads 4. Park and Trail Maps 5. Park Signage 6. Seal Coating of Trails 7. Seal Coating of Parking Lots New facilities that were discussed for establishing recommendations include: 1. Tennis at Hagstrom-King Park 2. Handicapped Play equipment schedule 3. Lighted Tennis Court 4. Ivy Park Landscaping 5. Top Dressing Kensington Park soccer fields 6. Wooden Bridges at Wentworth Park 7. Friendly Hills Bridge/Culvert 8. Friendly Hills Ice Rink lights Please see the April 8, 1994 minutes for the details on the above listed items. In my absence on Tuesday evening, Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager, will be prepared to continue the discussion of priorities, funding and scheduling of the remaining items on the preliminary list. A preliminary list, on 11" x 17" sized paper, was distributed at the April meeting and is not being reproduced, except for those members who were not present. If you have misplaced your copy, or need another copy, please contact Guy prior to the meeting on Tuesday. The other preliminary list that was used last month is attached. ACTION REQUIRED Discuss the remaining items on the preliminary list and provide direction to staff for recommendation on priorities, funding and scheduling of the items on the preliminary list. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO April 4, 1994 To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kevin Batchelder, Administrative Assistant Subject: Preliminary List of Capital Improvements Parks System IVY PARK 1. Modify Play Equipment to meet ADA Standards $6 - 7,000 It will be necessary to have a long term plan in effect to make all play equipment accessible. The law requires that all programs and facilities be evaluated and that a plan be developed to make services accessible. 2. Relocate Warming House No determination made by Commission. Needs to be prioritized. 3. Dedicated land addition $2 3,000 Low cost, low maintenance bushes and grass on north and east boundaries. 4. Grade Swales to drain skating and field Park maintenance crew project. Commission inquired if pond contractor could also regrade ice area. 5. Resurface Tennis Court Evaluated and scheduled in general fund park maintenance budget. 0 $1,750/court 6. Remove Lights 0 General fund park maintenance budget. 7. Resurface/Overlay for Trail $1,000 Schedule sealcoat for 1999 in general fund budget. 8. Restripe Parking Lot $ 100/lot Schedule for 1995 in general fund budget. 9. Maintain/Reseed Wildflowers $100/year Follows storm water construction and is anticipated to be annual general fund budget item. 10. Benches near Pond Commission must decide funding source and priority/year. 11. Concrete Pads for Bleachers $ 700 Schedule one a year to be constructed by Park crews. Schedule and prioritize for each park. 12. Rock Wall Berm by Pond $2,000 Attempt to get included in storm water pond project. Stacked boulders and fabric on butt end of berm. WENTWORTH PARR 1. Resurface Tennis Courts $1,750/court 2. Modify fence/tennis court for ADA $2,000 3. Sealcoat Trail $1,500 Include in 1999 general fund budget. 4. Modify Play Equipment for ADA Standards $7 - 9,000 The price could double if Wentworth Park is chosen in plan as the accessible park to serve a northern geographic area of the city. 5. Construct ramps to warming houses - ADA $2 - 3,000 Needs to be prioritized and consider if warming houses are relocated. 6. Replace Three Wood Bridges $26,000 Questions about proper funding source during earlier discussions. 7. Restripe Parking Lots $ 100 General Fund budget for 1995 8. Picnic Shelter, grills, fire pits $6 - 8,000 This item needs a funding source, and priority assigned to be scheduled. 9. Concrete Pads for Bleachers $700/each Schedule one a year to be constructed by Park crews. Schedule and prioritize for each park. 10. Enclosure for Port-a-pottie $2,000/each No determination made yet, but discussion indicated eventually every neighborhood park. Schedule on a yearly basis. Prioritize each park, if needed. 11. Drinking Fountains $7,500/each No determination made yet to include this item. VICTORIA HIGHLANDS PARK 1. Wildflowers $ 100/year To maintain and reseed. Annual general fund. 2. Update Play Equipment ADA Standards $3,650 3. Regulatory Signage $200/park Standard sign for all parks. Referendum fund. 4. Port-a-pottie enclosure $2,000 See above. MARIE PARK 1. Update Play Equipment to ADA Standards $4,000 It will be necessary to have a long term plan in effect to make all play equipment accessible. The law requires that all programs and facilities be evaluated and that a plan be developed to make services accessible. 2. Bituminous Trail to Warming House - ADA updates $1,000 3. Regulatory Signage $ 200 Standard Sign for all parks. Referendum fund. VALLEY PARK 1. Modify Play Equipment to ADA Standards $3,500 It will be necessary to have a long term plan in effect to make all play equipment accessible. The law requires that all programs and facilities be evaluated and that a plan be developed to make services accessible. 2. Wildflower Plantings Analyze success at Ivy Park and possibly plan for future. 3. Way side rest area $2,000 Two benches at $1,000 each. No decision made on this item. Consider sponsors who may pay to install a bench. ROGERS LAKE PARK 1. Replace wooden bridge with bituminous walkway $1,500 The Commission did not prioritize this or choose a funding source for this item. 2. Install Fire Pits $3,000/each The Commission indicated a desire for 2 stone/ concrete fire pit/grills to accomodate picnics. 3. Additional Horse Shoe Pits $ 750/each Two additional pits to complement existing pit. 4. Repaint Hardcourt $ 100 Add to general fund maintenance in 1995. 5. Regulatory Signage $200/park Standard sign for all parks. Referendum fund. 6. Port-a-pottie Shelter $2,000 No determination made yet, but discussion indicated eventually every neighborhood park. Schedule on a yearly basis. Prioritize each park, if needed. 7. Modify Play Equipment to ADA Standards $6,000 It will be necessary to have a long term plan in effect to make all play equipment accessible. The law requires that all programs and facilities be evaluated and that a plan be developed to make services accessible. 8. Replace Benches $1,000 /each Five old benches, two destroyed by fire. Determine priority or necessity. Park crews desire concrete pads to ease mowing. 9. Reroof Shelter Cedar shakes. Determine priority. 10. Resurface Tennis Courts Evaluated and scheduled in general fund park maintenance budget. It was determined this park should receive first resurfacing. 11. Sealcoat Trail Include in 1999 general fund budget. MENDAKOTA PARK $1,500 $1,750 /each 1. Sports Lighting for Playfields $185,000 Long discussion, no decision. This figure includes $10,000 for maintenance buidling if lights are installed. Expensive project, but cheaper than building new fields. Priority, funding and schedule still to be determined. 2. Resurface Basketball Court $ 2,000 Includes paint marking. Could be included in tennis court schedule in general fund budget. 3. Restripe Parking Lot $ 150 1995 maintenance project out of general fund. Overhead Netting in Ballfield Hub $10,000 Recommended to Council in 1994, still being considered. 5. Convert Grass Volleyball to Sand $ 5,000 An upgrade to sand court with borders. Would allow more organized programs by City. Priority, funding, and schedule still to be determined. FRIENDLY HILLS PARK 1. Modify Play Equipment to meet ADA Standards $10,000 It will be necessary to have a long term plan in effect to make all play equipment accessible. The law requires that all programs and facilities be evaluated and that a plan be developed to make services accessible. 2. ADA Improvements to Warming House $3,000 3. New Lights for Ice Rink $8,000 4. Expansion of Free Skating Area 5. Bridge Replacement $5,000 6. Tennis Court Resurfacing $1,750/court Evaluated and scheduled in general fund park maintenance budget. 7. Park Signage $2,000 Sign includes concrete base with roof/kiosk. Referendum funding if priority is determined 8. Restripe Parking and Hardcourt $ 300 General fund budget for 1995 9. Resurface Bituminous Trail $1,500 General fund budget for 1996 FRIENDLY MARSH PARK 1. Reshape Gravel Trail $2,000 Anticipated for 1995 maintenance budget. 2. Repair Target Bales as necessary $ 100 COPPERFIELD PONDS 1. Wildflower Plantings $ 300 The western area of this passive park was considered appropriate for wildflowers. Would require annual maintenance after initial planting. 2. Reshape gravel trail General fund budget for 1995. HAGSTROM-KING PARK $3,000 1. Tennis Court Construction $35,000 During discussion of North Kensington Park this was put into CIP. Priority and funding need to be determined. 2. Replace Play Equipment Borders $3,000 To meet safety fall zone guides. 3. Resurface Bituminous Trail $ 500 General fund budget for 1995. KENSINGTON PARK 1. Topdress Soccer Fields $10,000 Determine necessity and funding source. 2. Install Soccer Bang Board $2,000 No determination made on inclusion of this item. 3. Park signage map and signs $3,500 Referendum funding. 4. Resurface Trails $3,000 Not anticipated until 1998. OPEN SPACE AND TRAIL SYSTEM 1. T-Ball Fields at Public Works Garage 2. Trail Maintenance and Upgrade Policy A policy is needed for annual trail maintenance. 3. Valley Trail Cross Country Skiing Track This would include costs for grubbing and clearing a trail that could be groomed for cross country skiing. 4. Trail Sign System $5,000 Referendum funding for comprehensive sign system. Needs to be scheduled. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO May 4, 1994 To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kevin Batchelder, Administrative Assis Subject: Draft Dakota County Park Policy Plan DISCUSSION Dakota County has recently been engaged in updating their County Park Policy Plan and have delivered a copy of the Executive Summary to us. (Please see attached.) Also, a public meeting has been scheduled for comment on the proposed plan at the following time and location: Tuesday, May 10, 1994 1:30 - 4:00 p.m. Library Conference Room Western Service Center Apple Valley, Minnesota While there is not much detail provided in the Executive Summary, the Parks and Recreation Commission should discuss this item for the purpose of providing any direction or input to Dakota County regarding their efforts. On a related issue, at the recent Joint City Council - Planning Commission workshop, the idea of approaching Dakota County about a possible County park (on the western Resurrection Cemetery site) in Mendota Heights was discussed. Staff was to begin making contacts regarding the potential of a County park in this location. Commissioner Linnell attended the joint workshop as a guest and can provide some detail on Tuesday evening. Some member of City Staff will attend the announced public meeting and any Commissioners who might be interested are encouraged to attend. ACTION REQUIRED Discuss the attached Executive Summary Draft County Park Policy Plan and provide staff with any appropriate direction. DAKOTA COUNTY DIVISION OF PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT 14955 GALAXIE AVENUE LOUIS J. BREIMHURST, P.E. DIRECTOR (612) 891 -7005 FAX (612) 891 -7031 APPLE VALLEY, MINNESOTA 55124 -8579 DEPARTMENTS OF - • ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT • HIGHWAYS • PARKS • SURVEY • OFFICE OF PLANNING Kevin Batchelder, Parks Director City of Mendota Heights 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, MN 55118 Dear Kevin: April 29, 1994 We are pleased to provide your community with the enclosed copy of the Executive Summary from the DRAFT Dakota County Park Policy Plan. This is a continuation and refinement of park planning which began in 1970 when the County's first park was adopted. The original plan was expanded in 1975 and refined as part of the County's Comprehensive Plan which was developed in the 1980s. While park plans have been developed for specific parks in the interim, the proposed Park Policy Plan is the first major revision proposed to the County Board in 12 years. The proposed Park Policy Plan provides the opportunity to reconsider and define the directions for the future of the Dakota County Park System. It also provides the opportunity to make long - range, strategic decisions which will guide the future acquisition, development, protection, and use of the County Parks. A meeting to discuss the draft Park Policy Plan has been set for: Tuesday, May 10, 1994 1:30 - 4:00 p.m. Library Conference Room Western Service Center Apple Valley, Minnesota Complete copies of the DRAFT Park Policy Plan will be available for review at the meeting. We hope you are planning to attend the meeting. It is helpful for us to have your input in order for the County to maintain policies which compliment those of local units of government. If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Planning at 891 -7030. Sincerely, Evenso , ' onmental Planner Office of Planning Enclosure cc: Dakota County Board of Commissioners Brandt Richardson, County Administrator Jack Ditmore, Deputy Director, Physical Development Division AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER DAKOTA COUNTY PARK POLICY PLAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This Park Policy Plan defines the overall policy and direction for growth of Dakota County Parks, based on a mission to "provide for the protection and preservation of land in its natural state while providing for outdoor, natural resource oriented recreation activities". The Policy Plan is an update for a park planning document originally completed in 1970, expanded in 1975, and refined in 1982. It sets general policies that apply to all County Parks and to County - administered Regional Trails which are regarded as linear parks. The County Park System provides only a portion of the recreational facilities in the County. The State, cities, townships, schools, private operators, and other groups also provide recreational opportunities. Local park system's service areas tend to be population -based and focus on traditional activities to serve the particular needs of •- • - - a neighborhood or a community County parks are natural resource -based and focus on providing facilities and recreational uses that are suited for large- acreage, natural resource settings .and focus on activities of regional.:... interest. Dakota County currently manages the following parks and regional trails: Lebanon Hill Regional Park Lake Byllesby Regional Park Spring Lake Park Reserve Miesville Ravine Park Reserve (undeveloped) Thompson County Park Regional Trail System (undeveloped) The Policy Plan describes the development, acquisition status and bikeway linkage for each park. City park facilities are then linked with County Parks in a trends and needs assessment. The assessment identifies a future need for swimming, camping, and fishing facilities. Strategic issues for policy formation are portioned into eight categories, each with an accompanying strategic issue question. 1) Park System Finance Policies - The increasing use of the County Park System is placing pressure on existing financial resources. This issue is compounded by current efforts to encourage more usage of County Parks and attempts to complete the development and acquisition of parkland. With increasing pressure on financial resources, what approach should be taken on future funding? Park Development Policies - What is the appropriate level and type of development for Dakota County Parks? 3) Park Design Standards - The standards for parkland and facility development may be based on differing expectations and objectives. These differing standards may result in conflicts regarding developmental type, extent, compatibility and quality. The establishment of comprehensive design standards will insure quality of service while optimizing both development and operational costs. Should the County establish fundamental standards for parkland and facility development? 4) Parkland Acquisition Policies - Approximately 20 percent of County parkland has not yet been acquired. What approach should the County take to acquire the remaining parcels within the County Park System? 5) Park Security & User Assistance - What elements are necessary for the Park Patrol to effectively carry out its duties? 6) Natural Resource Management - What natural resource management components are important in County Parks? 7) Performance Measures - How can the effect and quality of service provided by County Parks be effectively measured and monitored? DAKOTA COUNTY PARK POLICY PLAN 8) Inter - governmental Cooperation - What needs to be done to improve the coordination of park services with cities, townships, and other government agencies? Strategic Issue Policy Recommendations are summarized as follows: A) Park System Finance Policies In tight budget situations, priorities for funding are as follows: Maintain park user safety - Maintain existing park facilities and natural resources - New acquisition New developments and natural resource enhancement initiatives Provide new recreational services /programs. County property taxes will remain the primary source of funding for operation and maintenance of the .Dakota County Park system. However, Dakota County must aggressively evaluate fee and other sources of 'funding which will supplement property tax revenuesln order to keep up with the growing demand .tit park services. The County will also aggressively seek regional funding for acquisition and development of • regional park facilities. Finally, it is recommended that the Board of Commissioners fully fund the Park Acquisition and Development Reserve at the level of $1 million, transferring $775,000 from the . undesignated balance of the Park Fund for this purpose. This action would increase the flexibility of the Board for new acquisitions and developments. B) Park Development Policies Park development efforts will be focussed only on development within the boundaries of existing parks and proposed trail corridors that are compatible with the County park mission statement. C) Park Design Standards Dakota County will embark on an effort to establish design standards to be used for parkland and facility improvements. These standards will incorporate elements to promote user friendliness, high quality of service, operational and maintenance efficiency, appropriate visual image, and compatibility with the site and the overall natural environment. D) Parkland Acquisition Policies If Dakota County wishes to complete parkland acquisition within the next 10 to 20 years, a three -part strategy is recommended: - Purchase land from willing sellers or use of eminent domain to acquire land holdings that interfere with park development, use, maintenance, or security. Establishment of a sunset date for each County Park, wherein all land within the park boundary will be under County ownership within 10 to 20 years. More effective control of future development with tools such as an official mapping ordinance which would require Zoning Board of Adjustment approval for building pernuts within the park boundary. It is further recommended that additional County Parks or park facilities outside of existing park boundaries or proposed regional trail corridors not be established until acquisition of land within existing County Parks is completed. E) Park Security and User Assistance Dakota County will strive to protect life and property of park users, County Park property, and natural resources within parks. County Park Patrol responsibilities will include user assistance, enforcing the County Park Ordinance, deterring crime and maintaining order. Law enforcement in County parks will be the responsibility of appropriate law enforcement agencies (local police, County Sheriff). F) Natural Resource Management Dakota County is committed to the protection of soils, water, and significant landforms in its parks. More active management of park vegetation will restore native landscapes and preserve vegetation diversity. The DAKOTA COUNTY PARK POLICY PLAN County will work with natural resource management organizations on improved fish and wildlife management, and to make natural resource education an important focus of the park activities program. G) Performance Measures Performance measurement tools such as, household surveys, user surveys, and trained observers will be utilized to monitor the performance of Dakota County's provision of recreational services to the public. The County desires to measure how well it is making uses of funds and meeting public expectations. H) Inter - governmental Cooperation Dakota County shall strive to cooperate with its communities to provide recreational facilities that are complementary to those provided by other levels of government and in accordance with the stated mission of the County Park System. Finally, strategic analysis of policy interrelationships reveal the following major conclusions:. - Since the County has little direct control over how regional park funds are allocated, the County must be prepared to increase local support of parks if it wishes to have high quality parks in the future. The recommended development policy is pivotal to how most other park policies are implemented, and reflects the Park Mission Statement, focusing park development on natural resource oriented facilities, which the County has the most skill and experience at providing. An accelerated schedule for arkland acquisition will provide long -term savings, ensure the integrity of park boundaries, and enhance park development and security. Continued inter - governmental cooperation is a key element in future park security and the overall quality of recreational opportunities in Dakota County. The system plan is based on commitment to providing a high quality level of service to a rapidly expanding user population. Increased user needs require increased funding and staffing. Background information and the rationale for these recommended policies are contained in the complete Park Policy Plan. You, the reader, are encouraged to review the entire planning document to gain a thorough understanding of the issues. The County Park and Recreation Advisory Committee was extensively involved throughout the process of plan preparation and review. The Park Policy Plan represents a positive step toward focusing on County Park issues and setting a more clear direction for the future acquisition, development, and management of Dakota County's parks. Reviewed and recommended for approval by the Park and Recreation Advisory Committee on April 12, 1994. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO May 4, 1994 To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kevin Batchelder, Administrative Assistant Subject: Reservation Request for Kensington Park DISCUSSION Shelli Morgan, Recreation Programmer, has received a request to reserve Kensington Park for a graduation party on Tuesday, June 14th. She is seeking a recommendation from the Parks and Recreation Commission on whether or not to issue this permit due to a number of concerns that have arisen regarding this event. The reservation policy includes a clause that states "The Parks and Recreation Commission, with City Council approval, reserves the right to waive fees or to limit or deny reservations at their discretion." (Please see attached reservation request.) Shelli requested that Police Chief Delmont review this request because of concerns with potential noise and parking problems to nearby residents. Chief Delmont is concerned with possible noise and nuisance citations due to the live band, with the possibility of uninvited guests and the inability to control the size of the crowd, with parking for this size of a crowd and with the mixing of high school students from rival high schools. (Please see attached comments.) The current park reservation policy allows crowds of up to 200 people, but this may have been with Mendakota Park in mind. Having this event at Mendakota Park does not remove all the concerns of the Police Chief. He has suggested the hiring of off duty police officers to help control the event. The parents group has indicated their willingness to cooperate and be reasonable about steps necessary to control the event or mitigate potential nuisances. Staff is seeking direction on the issuance of this permit and any reasonable conditions. ACTION REQUIRED Meet with the applicants and the Recreation Programmer and make a recommendation to City Council. caeg_ /9vil itcz'e-tca Air -e-,1/ 1 (1121-e-dd.-1 &,1..eawd4r--- 0-60.1 ,efec9 4./ cr.;-1 A ' ,.4Ptildina Mendota Heights Police Department MEMORANDUM May 5, 1994 TO: Kevin Batchelder FROM: Chief Delmont 071A Subject: June 14 park reservation You and I have spoken recently of a request by Ms. Sue Stillman to reserve the entire Kensington Park area for a graduation party attended by adults and students from St. Thomas and Sibley High Schools. I am reducing some of my specific concerns to writing for your information. 1. Access to the park is through a neighborhood. There is no direct route from a main collector street. This is going to create a large amount of traffic on neighborhood streets and most likely will generate complaints. The parking in the area of the park is insufficient to handle as many people as can be expected, and that will most likely create more complaints from neighbors. 2. Security. Historically, we have problems with uninvited guests at nearly every graduation party. With a large number of students invited to this party, the word will get out throughout both high schools and surrounding schools as well. I would conservatively estimate that there will be one uninvited guest for every invited guest at the party. It will be virtually impossible to control access to this park, and I doubt very much that the people who are sponsoring the party, will be able to tell the difference between a young person who was invited and one who was not invited. Obviously, along with uninvited guests comes uninvited provisions. At other parties, our experience has been that alcohol will end up being present, even if it is not being provided by the hosts. Because the party will end up being attended by students from many different schools, the chance of fights or other unruly behavior is very likely. 3. It is my understanding that there are plans to have a live band at the party. I think you are aware that we have been going through an awful lot of grief in the police department over noise complaints from different areas of the city that involve things as minor as normal street traffic and the neighbors' air conditioning unit. I would expect that a live band in a park located in a residential area will cause a great number of calls to our department. One person's music is another person's noise, and we will have to be prepared for a large number of noise complaints. I admire the courage of the parents to attempt to schedule an event this large, but I am extremely concerned about the resulting effect on the community. As I have mentioned, we have serious problems every year with graduation parties that are held in homes and involve much fewer people than this party. I have no doubt that the motivation of the families is pure, and that their outlook is optimistic. I only wish I could share that optimism. A party this size should more appropriately be held indoors in a school auditorium or gymnasium, where it can be better controlled and better coordinated. My recommendation is that the park commission not approve the permit for the June 14th graduation party at Kensington Park. Note: When I spoke to Richard Spicer, he indicated that he would have the coordinators of this party contact me so that we could discuss their plans in detail. To date, no one has made that contact. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO May 4, 1994 To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kevin Batchelder, Administrative Assnt Subject: Verbal Updates DISCUSSION There are a number of items this month for your attention. 1. Tree City USA The City Council considered the recommendation to seek Tree City USA status at their April 19, 1994 meeting and directed City staff to obtain samples of Tree Ordinances from other cities. This information would then be provided to City Council for their review at a later meeting. Council is concerned about potential budget increases to meet the requirements in a "typical" tree ordinance and they desire to further quantify what the obligations of this program would be. 2. Mendakota Park and Baseball City Council did not approve the request from staff and Commission to install overhead netting at Mendakota Park to allow baseball play and directed staff to deny permits for baseball tournaments. Unfortunately, one of two requested tournament permits had been issued to Mend- Eagan, and Mend - Eagan was already registering teams for both tournaments. Mend -Eagan appeared before City Council on May 3rd and were granted approval to continue with the requested baseball tournaments with the conditions of insurance, spotters to watch for baseball and the installation of warning signs by city staff. Council's decision on the netting was based on aesthetics and the desire not to force the design of this softball park. 3. North Urban Trail The City council agreed with the Commission that the Highway 110 Frontage Road was the least negative route for the North Urban Trail and that no front yards should be impacted. Please see attached letter for more details. 4. North Kensington Park Staff received one application from the University of Minnesota Graduate School of Landscape Architecture for the project of designing the landscaping in North Kensington Park. Staff is attempting to schedule an interview with the individual the week of May 16th to discuss their qualifications and the project. If the decision is made to hire this landscape architect, it is likely that staff will arrange meetings between a volunteer from the Parks Commission and from City Council to meet with staff and the architect to begin the design process. Any contract that is entered into will include appearances before the Commission throughout the design and approval process. ACTION REQUIRED No action required, these items are simply for your information. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO April 29, 1994 To: Mayor, City Council and City Administ From: Kevin Batchelder, Administrative Assist Subject: Baseball Tournaments at Mendakota Park DISCUSSION At the April 19, 1994 City Council meeting, public safety concerns regarding the use of the softball fields for youth baseball led to a City Council decision to not allow baseball play at the park. Council instructed staff to deny any reservation requests for baseball tournaments at Mendakota Park, under the assumption that reservation permits pending for baseball tournaments were not yet approved. Based on the scope of such tournaments, Mend -Eagan Athletic Association must begin planning in March of the year and, therefore, City approval of a permit requested for a baseball tournament on June 17, 18 and 19th was issued on March 21st. Mend - Eagan Athletic Association had also been accepting registrations for another baseball tournament they had requested for June 3, 4 and 5th. Mend -Eagan Athletic Association was quite concerned that these tournaments that they had been planning for were going to have their permits revoked or not issued. Mend -Eagan has sent a letter to City staff requesting to address this issue at the May 3, 1994 Council meeting. (See attached letter from Dick Arnold, Baseball Commissioner.) On Thursday, Mayor Mertensotto spoke with Judge Richard Spicer and Mr. Michael Bazal, President of Mend- Eagan, to discuss their concerns. The Mayor will recommend that City Council allow these two scheduled tournaments to be held, as plans are well under way and Mend -Eagan has received numerous registrations for both tournaments. Mayor Mertensotto is not recommending that netting be installed or that any assurances be given regarding future baseball tournaments at Mendakota Park, only that these two tournaments be allowed in June. ACTION REQUIRED Meet with Mend -Eagan representatives and provide staff with appropriate direction regarding the permits for Mend - Eagan's tournaments on June 3, 4 and 5th and on June 17, 18 and 19th. April 28, 1994 To: She Ili Morgan From: Dick Arnold Mend-Eagan Athletic Association Subj: Baseball Tournaments Would you please place the Mend-Eagan Athletic Association on the agenda for our May 3rd city council meeting. We would like to discuss the two weekend dates for our community youth baseball tournaments. Thanks. City of Mendota Heights April 21, 1994 Ms. Chantell Kadin, Planning Associate Dakota County Western Service Center Environmental Management Department 14955 Galaxie Avenue Apple Valley, MN 55124 -8579 Dear Ms. Kadin: As requested in your March 14, 1994 letter, the City of Mendota Heights has reviewed the trail route alternatives for the North Urban Trail, as presented in the Location Alternatives document on March 9, 1994 by your consultant at the Wentworth Library. Both our Parks and Recreation Commission and our City Council have reviewed these alternatives. While our official bodies agree with staff that the Highway 110 Frontage Road route appears to be the most favorable route, their agreement to this alternative is from the perspective that this is the least negative route of the three alternatives that have been explored. Both the City Council and the Parks and Recreation Commission strongly expressed the concern that any disruption of front yards for County regional trails would be unacceptable and would be something that they could not support. They suggested, that should this trail be located along front yards, that significant plantings and landscaping would be necessary to minimize the impacts. Our City Council suggested that locating the trail between the frontage road and Trunk Highway 110 should be re- explored as a possible trail location in order to avoid going through the front yards of residents along the frontage road. The City Council is also concerned about the level of bicycle traffic that would be routed through Valley Park as the City has already received numerous complaints of bicyclists traveling too fast in this area and frightening pedestrians. As previously conveyed, our City Council is unable to offer conceptual support for the North Urban Trail until such time as more details are known about the specific locations and connections of the trail and what impacts these choices may have. 1101 Victoria Curve - Mendota Heights, MN - 55118 452-1850 Ms. Chantell Kadin Page Two April 21, 1994 The City of Mendota Heights appreciates the opportunity to provide input and desires to be kept informed on any decisions or directions that the County is taking with the North Urban Trail and its location. We would especially appreciate an opportunity to review and comment on the draft plan that is being prepared. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Kevin Batchelder Administrative Assistant cc: Bill Craig, City of West St. Paul Randee Nelson, City of South St. Paul