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1995-06-13 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda PacketCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA AGENDA PARKS AND RECREATION COMNIISSION June 13, 1995 - 6:30 P.M. ** 6:30 o'clock p.m. ** 1 Call to Order. 2. Roll Call. 3. Approval of May 9, 1995 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes. 4. Introduction of Steven Shimek, Voluntary Consulting Horticulturalist 5. Discussion of Private Improvements on Public Park Land * Lexington and Marie Open Space 6. Continued Discussion of Capital Improvements Plan for 1995 Establish Five Year CIP for 1996 - 2000 7. Discussion about Vandalism in the Parks 8. Updates * City Council Actions - Ivy Falls Park, North Kensington Park, Dakota CIP * Schedule Trail Stencilling * Others. 9. Adjourn. Auxiliary aids for disabled persons are available upon request at least 120 hours in advance. If a notice of less than 120 hours is received, the City of Mendota Heights will make every attempt to provide the aids,, however, this may not be possible on short notice. Please contact City Administration at 452 -1850 with requests. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY-9, 1995 The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, May 9, 1995, in the City Hall Large Conference Room, 1101 Victoria Curve. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 o'clock P.M. The following members were present: Spicer, Kleinglass, Libra, Damberg, Liberacki, Norton and Linnell. Also present were Administrative Assistant Kevin Batchelder and Parks Project Manager Guy Kul lender. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Libra moved approval of the April 11, 1995, minutes with corrections. Commissioner Damberg seconded the motion. AYES: 5 NAYS: 0 COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Kleinglass stated that he felt the previous meeting in April was a very good meeting because controversial issues generated a good discussion. Commissioner Liberacki inquired about having the Police Chief at the June meeting to address the vandalism issue. Commissioner Damberg stated the graffiti and destruction in our parks is serious and was wondering if the Commission can do more to address this issue. Commissioner Damberg stated the Commission does not want to just sit there and see this happen without being proactive. The Commission discussed people practicing golf in the parks and a broken window that was reported. The Commission discussed regulatory signage in the parks. Mr. Ram Muthyala, of 699 Apache Lane, stated that he does not want to limit park use but that he wants people to respect his private property and not golf in the direction of his home. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PLAN Administrative Assistant Batchelder provided an overview of the 1995 -1999 Capital Improvements Plan. He outlined the funding sources that are 'relied on by the Capital Improvements Plan including the General Fund, the Special Parks Fund and the Referendum fund. Batchelder provided a list of new requests that have been made for park improvements since the adoption of 1995 -1999 Capital Improvements Plan. These items are: 1. Enlarge the skating area in Wentworth Park. 2. Construct a tennis wall at Friendly Hills Park. 3. A request for basketball court at Valley View Heights Park. 4. Resurface the tennis courts in a different order of priority. 5. Explore the construction of additional baseball fields at Mendota Plaza and Centre Pointe. Mr. Ram Muthyala and his son, Brian, were present to discuss the need for a tennis wall at the Friendly Hills Park site. Commissioner Liberacki inquired if the City had a tennis wall or bang board at any of our tennis facilities. er Kullander responded no. Commissioner Liberacki inquired if Mendota Heights teaches tennis through its recreation program. Parks Project Manager responded no. Commissioner Libra stated that Sibley High School does not have a bang board at their tennis courts, however he stated that Mendota Heights Athletic Association has a summer tennis program. Commissioner Norton arrived at 6:45 o'clock P.M. Commissioner Damberg inquired how big a tennis wall needed to be and how much would it cost. Parks Project Manager Kullander responded the ideal bang board would be constructed out of concrete block and based on an estimate of a 20' by 8' wall that would cost approximately $2000. Kullander stated this size was used for a soccer wall estimate and tennis may need to be.bigger and could possibly cost up to $10,000. Commissioner Liberacki inquired if the tennis wall could be constructed out of wood. Kullander stated the reason his estimate was based on a concrete block wall was due to the wind load that would be created by such a wall and it would be necessary to have reenforced concrete block for this. Commissioner Liberacki stated that perhaps a bang board could be constructed with a 2' by 4' frame with plywood surface that would be 8' high with possible reinforced bracing. Commissioner Liberacki stated he thinks this is a great idea, however, he qualified his comments by stating that bang boards and tennis walls are more generally associated with a teaching program. 2 Parks Project Manager Kullander stated that in his discussions with people involved in tennis, their response has been that ball machines have generally replaced bang boards due to the cost of a ball machine being about $200. Mr. Muthyala stated that he feels a ball machine and a bang board wall serve two different purposes. Commissioner Kleinglass inquired if there was a fence in a strategic location that we could experiment with a plywood tennis wall. Kullander stated that it would have to be structurally based to support for wind load. Commissioner Damberg inquired of Brian Muthyala if there were other youths interested in using this tennis wall. Brian Muthyala stated yes, that he has approximately a dozen friends that play tennis and that they are interested. Commissioner Kleinglass moved to recommend that City staff look at providing a tennis wall at a minimal cost in the City. Commissioner Kleinglass stated that it was nice that someone approached the Parks and Recreation Commission to ask for a neighborhood improvement. Commissioner Damberg seconded the motion. AYES: 7 NAYS: 0 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN CONTINUED Parks Project Manager Kullander distributed a handout describing funds available for park and trail improvements in the coming years. This handout included the 1995 City Budget, remaining referendum projects, items approved by City Council in 1995 that are not in the Budget and improvements funded by the Special Park Fund in 1995. This list also included Special Park Funds committed in 1995, Mendakota Park assessments, Kensington turf improvements, anticipated additions in 1995, and referendum fund expenditures and balance to date. Estimates were also provided for park improvement projects that have been newly placed on the agenda. The Parks Commission reviewed the new imprbvement items that have recently been suggested. Chair Spicer stated that Valley View Heights Park basketball court should be addressed and that Mr. Dave Ayers had contacted him and stated that a particular neighborhood resident is in the concrete business and could provide the City with an estimate on the cost of building a half court basketball at this location. Kullander stated that the City must receive quotes from contractors based on plans and specifications 3 and that he would be happy to send this person a copy of the plans and specifications to receive a quote from him. The Parks Commission desired to get the estimates for Valley View Heights Park for their June meeting. Mr. Mark Kapaun, a Valley View Heights resident, stated that the neighborhood was concerned that this park improvement would be put off many years into the future and felt that it should be built in 1995 or 1996. Commissioner Linnell arrived at 7:10 o'clock P.M. Commissioner Libra stated that according to the Capital Improvements Plan in 1996, only $12,800 is proposed to be spent in the Special Park Fund and that this Special Park Fund figure for 1997 is $11,000. Libra stated this is quite a bit different than approximately $65,000 that is anticipated to be spent in 1995. Commissioner Libra stated that it might be a good idea to spread some of the expenses from 1995 over these other two years. Commissioner Spicer agreed with Commissioner Libra that it would be possible to spread out some of the Special Park Fund expenditures over the next few years. Kullander stated that the big items are the Wentworth picnic shelter and Wentworth and Valley Park bridges. The Commission agreed that the bridges are a health, safety and welfare issue and should be addressed in 1995. Commissioner Norton inquired if the picnic shelter could be put off until 1996. Commissioner Linnell stated that currently the picnic shelter is in the budget and he wondered if there would be a risk of losing the picnic shelter project if it has to go through the budget process again. Chair Spicer stated that the picnic shelter could be placed in the 1996 Budget and that we could start the planning process to site and design it in January so that it would be built in early summer next year. Chair Spicer stated that it might be September before we can do anything on the Wentworth picnic shelter this year. The Commission agreed to put off the Wentworth Park picnic shelter until 1996. Parks Project Manager Kullander inquired about the Friendly Hills picnic shelter and should that be moved to 1997. The Commission was of the consensus to move the Friendly Hills picnic shelter to 1997. Commissioner Damberg stated a concern that the Special Park Fund would be spent down and stated that paying for Mendakota Park assessments out of the Special Park Fund might not be appropriate. Commissioner Damberg stated there is not much development remaining in Mendota Heights and 4 that it appears the City Council is using the Special Park Fund to pay for replacement items such as bridges in Wentworth Park. The Commission discussed the spending down of the Special Park Fund. The Parks Commission reviewed the improvements funded by the General Fund in the 1995 Budget. The Commission reviewed the improvements funded by the Special Park Fund in 1995. The Commission was of the consensus to delay the installation of Wentworth Park grills for $600 and the Wentworth Park picnic shelter for $18,000 until 1996 with the caveat that this project would begin its planning stages in January so it could be built in the early summer of 1996. Commissioner Linnell stated that the enlarging of the skating area at Wentworth Park should be looked at if the warming houses are being switched between Ivy Falls and Wentworth Park. The Commission directed staff to look at the possibility of enlarging the skating area at Wentworth Park. The Commission directed staff to add Wentworth Park rink enlargement to the 1995 Special Park Budget. The Commission discussed the Wentworth Park bridges and culverts which are estimated to be $25,000 from the Special Park Fund in 1995. The Commission felt that this was a priority item and that it should be addressed in 1995. Commissioner Liberacki inquired about resurfacing the tennis court at Roger's Lake Park as funded in the 1995 General Fund Budget. Commissioner Liberacki stated that he had visited the tennis courts in the City and that Roger's Lake tennis court was still in good condition and that he felt that Valley Park tennis court was in very poor condition. Administrative Assistant Batchelder stated he had received a phone call from a resident upset about the condition of Valley Park tennis court surface. Parks Project Kullander stated a resurfacing contractor will be visiting the tennis courts in Mendota Heights in the next week to prioritize the courts for resurfacing. Kullander stated that resurfacing involves sealing the cracks and adding a top coat of 1/4 inch of colored asphalt. Commissioner Liberacki inquired about sweeping the trails and seal coating the Mendakota Park trail. Liberacki inquired if it would be better to overlay as opposed to seal coating. Kullander stated the slurry seal machine will not fit on the City bike trails and that seal coating has proven to be more cost effective than overlay. Commissioner Linnell stated that this issue had been examined by the Parks Commission during last year's discussion. Commissioner Liberacki inquired about sweeping trails and Parks Project 5 Manager Kullander responded that this is an item contracted as part of the street sweeping bid. Commissioner Linnell stated that in his opinion, overlaying of trails is not worth the money and that it is more cost effective to seal coat trails until they need replacement. Kullander reported that for installing concrete bleacher pads in the park, the park crews have reported that Kensington Park is the most appropriate location for concrete bleacher pads this year. The Commission felt that staff should determine the needs of concrete bleacher pads. The Commission discussed the priority for tennis court resurfacing, which are scheduled to be done one court per year Commissioner Liberacki stated he felt the priority should be in the following order: Valley, Ivy, Rogers, Marie, Wentworth and Friendly Hills. The Parks Commission discussed installing baseball fields at the Mendota Plaza and Centre Pointe sites. The Commission felt that the City should continue to explore these options and that City staff should continue to work with Mendota Plaza and look at ball field options at the Centre Pointe site. The Commission reviewed the 1996 improvements in the Capital Improvement Plan. The Commission was of the consensus that the Hagstrom -King tennis court should wait until the Friendly Hills school site is designed as it may include tennis courts and it would be unwise to duplicate this service in the same neighborhood. Commissioner Liberacki inquired about paving the gravel driveway entrance to Roger's Lake Park. Parks Project Manager Kullander stated that the Parks and Recreation Commission had looked at this item on a number of occasions including during and after the referendum and that for reasons due to the character of the neighborhood and the park, the Commission has always favored leaving this driveway as a gravel trail. Chair Spicer stated that the neighborhood had informed the Parks Commission that they wanted this kept as a gravel drive, however we have paved all the other driveways into the other parks. Spicer stated this was necessary because the other parks had ball fields which caused parking and dust concerns. Commissioner Liberacki inquired if the City should look at paving a hockey rink for rollerblading. Batchelder stated that some cities have tried this and that the City of Mendota Heights looked at this issue in 1990 and dismissed 6 it at that time. The Commission directed staff to review the success that other cities may or may not have had with paving a rink for rollerblading. Commissioner Liberacki stated that he feels there is a general lack of picnic tables in City parks. Parks Project Manager Kullander stated that the City budget includes the purchase of ten picnic tables in 1995 and that the City has a general supply of picnic tables that the park crews move-around as requested. Commissioner Liberacki stated that there should be more picnic tables near the ball diamonds for use by the parents attending games. Commissioner Libra stated that Ivy Falls Park could definitely use some picnic tables near the ball diamonds. The Commission directed staff to include picnic table purchases on the 1996 CIP list. The Commission directed staff to put together these pieces of their discussion on the Capital Improvement Plan for review at the June meeting at which time the Capital Improvement Plan for 1996 through the year 2000 would be put into final draft form for City Council review. DAKOTA COUNTY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN Administrative Assistant Batchelder stated that Dakota County was seeking comments on its Capital Improvements Plan. Commissioner Norton stated that the County's Capital Improvement Plan includes a massive development scheme for Lebanon Hills Park to which there is organized opposition. Norton stated she feels the County is making these capital improvements at Lebanon Hills Park because the Cities of Eagan and Apple Valley are putting political pressure on the County. Norton stated that $2 million is budgeted for expenditures in Lebanon Hills Park and that she feels this money would be better spent on acquisition of additional park land. Commissioner Norton stated that Thompson Park is the only County park in northern Dakota County and that it is very small and does not meet the needs of northern Dakota County. Commissioner Norton stated that the City has approached Dakota County about purchasing park land on the Resurrection Cemetery site but that the County has ignored this site in their acquisition program.. Norton stated that the County Park Policy is not to acquire any more park land until existing parks are developed. Commissioner Damberg stated she felt Dakota County was unwise in not making acquisitions at this time while the land may still be available. 7 Commissioner Liberacki stated that the County Highway Department is supposed to have shoulders on all their County highways and that these shoulders are definitely lacking along Delaware between Huber Drive and the south boundary of the City and along Wentworth Avenue between Dodd Road and Delaware Avenue. Liberacki stated that Delaware Avenue is very dangerous because of its narrow shoulders and he is aware that a lot of bike riders and pedestrians use this stretch of Delaware Avenue. Commissioner Norton stated she feels that at this time there is an opportunity for a three way partnership with the City, County and Archdiocese to preserve the area around Lake Augusta. Commissioner Damberg stated this end of Dakota County needs more County park land. The Commission was of a consensus that the City should offer to meet with the County and the Church to discuss the possibility of a partnership for the preservation of open space and trails around Lake Augusta in the Resurrection Cemetery. The Commission suggested that Bill Morrish River Plan Group and perhaps the National Park Service should be involved in these discussions as well. CITY COUNCIL/PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION JOINT MEETING Chair Spicer stated that the City Council had put a joint meeting with the Parks and Recreation Commission on their agenda for some time this summer. Spicer stated that the Parks Commission should discuss what type of items they may want to address during this joint meeting with the City Council. The Parks Commission generated the following list including County park lands, additional baseball fields, the philosophy of park fund use and major park project funding, netting at Mendakota Park, expansion of the recreation program, the Burows Farm, open space inventory and trail opportunities. VERBAL UPDATES Administrative Assistant Batchelder reported that City Council had met with representatives from the Valley View Heights neighborhood and had told them that Valley View Heights Park would not be added to the City's park system. Batchelder stated that the City Council did, however, indicate that the City park crews would maintain this park and that improvements to this park could be made. Batchelder stated that the City Council had directed the Commission to review the basketball court request at Valley View 8 Heights Park. Batchelder stated that the City Council had met with neighbors in Bridgeview Shores regarding the trail extension as part of the Mendota Heights Road/Dodd Road traffic signal project. Batchelder stated City Council had directed staff to contact the contractor regarding whether this project could be put off until the fall under the terms of the contract. Batchelder stated the City and the contractor.are currently discussing doing this project later in the year during the fall. TRAIL STENCILING The Commission decided to set aside a night or an afternoon in June in which they could tour the park and participate in trail stenciling. VERBAL UPDATES CONTINUED Administrative Assistant Batchelder stated that finding a civic group or organization to operate the concession stands at Mendakota Park has been very difficult because while many people would like to do the concessions on the big weekend tournaments there are not many groups who are willing to do the Monday through Friday night time periods. Batchelder stated that the City Council had told staff that if no civic groups or booster groups could be found to upgrade the concessions stand, that it should be advertised for a private vendor. The Commission inquired if lease money through a private vendor situation could go into the Special Park Fund or be earmarked for park projects. Commissioner Norton reported that on the pond at the corner of Marie and Lexington Avenue a resident had built a path down to the pond including stone steps. Norton stated that she feels this stairway was unattractive and inquired if it was on park land and in a designated Wetland. The Commission directed staff to have the Code Enforcement Office look at the construction of a pathway to the pond at Marie and Lexington. The Commission discussed the vandalism at the Marie Park warming house. Administrative Assistant Batchelder informed the Commission that Acacia Cemetery had approved our request for the use of up to 300 stones to include in our projects in North Kensington Park and Ivy Hills Park 9 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Parks and Recreation Commission adjourned its meeting at 8:25 o'clock P.M. Respectfully submitted, Kevin Batchelder Administrative Assistant 10 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO June 7, 1995 To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kevin Batchelder, Administrative Assis 0" Subject: Introduction of Steven Shimek, Voluntary Consulting Horticulturalist DISCUSSION On April 4, 1995, City Council approved the creation of the Voluntary Consulting Horticulturalist position and appointed Mr. Steven Shimek to fill the position and its responsibilities. (Please see attached March 30, 1995 memo from Tom Lawell to City Council.) The new position is similar in nature to having a designated Health Officer in that the City can rely on the expertise of the volunteer for matters related to municipal forestry. The position was created to provide advise to the City on: 1. Urban forestry, including tree purchasing, placement, planting, protection and maintenance. 2. Insect and disease control, including identification, treatment and associated public education efforts. 3. Grants and other monetary awards which may be available to assist the City in its effort to enhance its natural environment. Mr. Shimek will be present to meet with the Parks and Recreation Commission on Tuesday evening. ACTION REQUIRED Meet with Mr. Shimek and discuss any forestry related items. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Tom Lawell, City Administr SUBJECT: Establishment of Voluntary Consulting Horticulturalist Position March 30, 1995 DISCUSSION Recently the City Council interviewed applicants for a vacancy on the City's Parks and Recreation Commission. During those interviews Council spoke with Mr. Steven Shimek, 2188 Aztec Lane, and was impressed by his qualifications in the area of horticulture in general, and urban forestry, in particular. During the interview, Mr. Shimek volunteered to work with the City as a "Voluntary Consulting Horticulturalist" to apply his knowledge and skills to benefit our community. The Council was receptive to the idea and directed Mr. Shimek to submit a letter outlining his experience and willingness to assist the City along these lines. Attached please find the material submitted by Mr. Shimek, along with a draft Resolution which establishes and describes the duties associated with the Voluntary Consulting Horticulturalist position. A Copy of this material has been mailed to Mr. Shimek and he has been invited to attend our meeting pp Tuesday night. ACTION REQUIRED Council should discuss Mr. Shimek's offer to serve without compensation as the City's Voluntary Consulting Horticulturalist and the duties which would be expected of a person serving in that capacity. If Council so desires, a motion should be made to officially establish the position by adopting the attached Resolution No. 95- A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE POSITION OF VOLUNTARY CONSULTING HORTICULTURALIST. Once the position is established, the Council should consider appointing Mr. Steven Shimek, 2188 Aztec Lane, to the position for a term commencing on April 4, 1995 and running through January 31, 1996. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA RESOLUTION NO. 95- A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE POSITION OF VOLUNTARY CONSULTING HORTICULTORALIST WHEREAS, the City of Mendota Heights counts as one of its finest assets its mature established natural environment, and WHEREAS, through various other ordinances and resolutions the Mendota Heights City Council has taken proactive steps to maintain and protect the character and health of this natural environment, and WHEREAS, the City Council now desires to take steps to enhance the maintenance and protection of this natural environment through the establishment of a position to be known as "Voluntary Consulting Horticulturalist ". NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Mendota Heights, that the position of "Voluntary Consulting Horticulturalist" is hereby established, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the position will have as its primary duty to, upon request, advise the Mayor, City Council, and City Staff on matters related to the following: 1. Urban forestry, including tree purchasing, placement, planting, protection and maintenance. 2. Insect and disease control, including identification, treatment, and associated public education efforts. 3. Grants and other monetary awards whidh may be available to assist the City in its effort to enhance its natural environment. ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Mendota Heights this 4th day of April, 1995. CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS By ATTEST: Kathleen M. Swanson, City Clerk Charles E. Mertensotto, Mayor City of Mendota Heights March 30, 1995 Mr. Steven Shimek 2188 Aztec Lane Mendota Heights, MN 55120 - Dear Mr. Shimek: On behalf of the Mendota Heights City Council, I wish to again thank you for your offer to voluntarily provide us with advice on matters related to horticulture. As you will recall from our recent discussions, the City Council is very interested in further protecting our community's natural environment and views your offer to assist in these efforts as very generous. As promised, the City Council will soon consider the establishment of a position to be known as "Voluntary Consulting Horticulturalist" within Mendota Heights, and will also consider your appointment to this newly created position. Attached please find a brief description of the proposed position along with some other applicable background material. The attached information has been provided to the Mayor and City Council for consideration at the Council meeting scheduled for the evening of April 4, 1995. Of course, we are interested in your. input into the establishment of the position and the duties which will be associated with your appointment. Please review the attached material and let me know if, you have any suggested additions, deletions, or modifications. Also, if your schedule allows, please make plans to attend the Council's April 4th Council meeting to further discuss this item with them. If your schedule does not allow you to be present on April 4th, please let me know and the matter can be postponed to a future Council meeting date. Thanks again for your willingness to advise us on matters related to horticulture. Should you have questions or comments regarding any of the above, please let me know. Attachments Sincerely, CI OF MEND TA HEIGHTS Tom LaweY"1 City Administrator 1101 Victoria. Curve • 1Viendota Heights, MN . 55118 452.1850 February 11, 1995 452 -3159 2188 Aztec Lane Mendota Heights, MN 55120 Mayor Charles Mertensotto _ 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, MN 55118 Dear Mayor: As you requested in our meeting on 2/7/95 to interview for an appointment to the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission, I am sending this letter to summarize our discussions and formalize my offer to provide the city of Mendota Heights with horticultural consulting services. This offer is understood to be voluntary service as needed to assist the city administration the city council and the mayor in making informed decisions regarding . horticulture, tree planting, insect and disease control and related issues. Through my extensive experience, training and knowledge in these areas, I am well qualified to provide assistance in the maintenance and improvement of Mendota Heights urban forest resource. This infrastructure is no less important to the value of our community than more traditional infrastructure components like streets and sewers. Proper maintenance practices, knowledgeable tree selection and placement of trees contribute greatly to the health of this resource. More importantly, significant cost savings results from avoiding harmful management practices. I have offered my services to the city before and have twice interviewed for available Parks and Recreation Commission appointment. My interest in becoming involved is well established. My qualifications for appointment would seem a perfect match. Providingnew perspective in making recommendations to the council on park and recreation issues would serve residents well. Never the less, I have been considered "over qualified" for appointment to the commission. Despite my repeated offers with no response, I am hopeful the city will identify the merit of my offer. I will be available to serve in whatever capacity is determined. Please review this information with city council members and appropriate city staff: I welcome questions and would anticipate a meeting to discuss current related issues of concern. Sincerely givj Steven Shimek CC: City Council - John Huber, Christine Koch, Sandra Krebsbach, Jill Smith City Administrator - Tom Lawell 2188 Aztec Lane Mendota Heights, MN 55120 452 -3159 March 14, 1995 Tom Lawell - City Administrator City of Mendota Heights 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, MN 55118 Dear Mr. Lawell: Enclosed is 'a brief article regarding city tree protection I thought may be of interest. I understand the city has enacted a tree preservation ordinance. Perhaps proper tree maintenance could be addressed in the ordinance? As the article points out "topping" is a very destructive practice and must be discouraged. Unfortunately there are many tree cutting companies in business that are ignorant to proper arboricultural techniques. Most importantly, topped trees will result in severe rot of remaining wood and lead to a safety hazard. It is ironic that often topping is done to prevent a tree from falling and damaging property and often increases the hazard. A seminar on proper the pruning techniques could be made available to residents to encourage knowledgeable contracting of arborist services. Regarding the tree preservation ordinance, I suggest contacting cities with similar ordinances in place. Stuart Fox, Forester with the city of Eden Prairie has done some excellent work and has had a few years of implementation. His cities tree preservation ordinance has been used nationally as a.model and may provide some useful ideas. His phone is: 937 - 2262 x272. Tree preservation can be a complex and controversial issue. The purpose must be clear and the implementation must be practical. Those responsible for it's administration must be knowledgeable to assure the purpose is being served. Let me know if I can provide assistance. Sincerely aeavk s??ItM4if Steven Shimek Encl. MEI INSIGHTS Metamorphosis: From cow manure Call it serendipity, call it a happy accident, call it what you'd like. But while trying to develop a new fertilizer, a pair of Texans stumbled upon an effec- . five fire ant killer. Using nutrient -rich liq- uids extracted from cow manure, Dean Holz of Austin, Texas, tested his proposed fertilizer on some land six years ago. The surprise result: Fire ants started dying and mounds were completely dead in 10 -15 days. Holz and his partner, Sabino Cortez of Stephen- ville, Texas, are now rnarket- ing their invention as True Stop. The fire ant killer com- bines the manure liquids with rotenone, a natural insecticide that occurs in plants. Unlike other manu- factured poisons, True Stop. attacks the ants' innards and is not a contact killer. "I know of a greenhouse operator that uses a light dose of True Stop to kill to fire ant killer ants on potted plants," Cortez said. "It's a natural- - based insecticide, which makes it attractive to use." The insecticide has been } effective against whiteffies in limited tests at Tarleton 1 State University in Stephen- , ville. Students saw a reduc- tion in whiteffies when the insecticide was sprayed on poinsettias, said Connie Fox, head of the horticul- ture department atTarleton State. "It's important to note that we haven't done full - fledged research on this yet," Fox said. "There could have been some other outside factors that caused the whitefly popu- lation to decrease. But after we stopped using it (True Stop], the number of whiteflies went up again. The product is available from Sphere Corp. • For more: Sphere Corp., Route 4, Box 172, Georgetown, TX 78628; (512) 515-6032; fax (512) 778.5756. HRI grant iuoney available to you The Horticultural Re- search Institute will award grants totaling more than $200,000 to fund nursery and land- scape industry research this year, the American Association of Nursery- men reported. Founded in 1962 as a nonprofit research divi- sion of AAN, HRI pro- motes and funds nursery research. It established an endowment fund in 1975, which allows individuals, firms and industry asso- 16 ciations to make tax de- ductible contributions in support of nursery scien- tific research. • Research topics include container production, ge- netic engineering, inte- grated pest management, disease and insect control, marketing, propagation, stress tolerance and water and fertilizer manage- I ment. Contact AAN for a grant application. • For more: AAN, 1250 1 St. N.W., Washington, DC 20005; (202) 789 -2900; fax (202) 789 -1893. LANDSCAPE TREND .Notes on how plants are being used Cities.have new weapon to fight tree toppers ome people just don't get Knoxville, Tenn., offers "No Top - sthe point. As much evidence ping Zone" and "Tree Topping as there is about the dangers and general stupidity of tree top- ping, it is still being practiced in neighborhoods everywhere. The practice goes back to 1907 when John Davey, the father of arboriculture, referred to tree toppers as "tree fools." Topping, also known as "hat racking" and "crown lopping," is the practice of trimming the greater portions off the tops of trees. If this doesn't outright kill the tree, several small branches grow out of each stub, which is not only unattradive,.1but unhealthy for the tree. Cities are now taking steps to fight this practice, which makes neighborhoods unsightly and lowers property values. Cortese Tree Specialists in One anti -tree topping sign is recommended for every 250 people in a population. Prices range from $11 -$25, depending on the number of signs purchased. Hurts" reflective aluminum signs. The 124nchbby -1 8 -inch signs are a proactive way of educat- ing the public on the impropri- ety of the practice and can be the backbone of an area's anti - topping campaign, said CTS president Jim Cortese. Cities already participating in the project include Cleve- land, Tenn., Knoxville, Tenn., Callaway Gardens, Ga., and Asheville, N.C. • For more: Jim Cortese, Cortese Tree Specialists, P.O. Box 433, Knoxville, TN 37901 -0433; (615) 521-8002; fax (615) 521-6055. Nursery awarded damages in Benlate lawsuit; appeal planned Shady Grove Plantation lion and intends to appeal. and Nursery Inc. in Or- About 300 lawsuits a- angeburg, S.C.. was awarded gainst DuPont, based in almost $17 million by a Wilmington. Del., pertain - federal jury for actual and ing to Benlate DF damage punitive damages caused by have been resolved and the fungicide Benlate DF. there are about 250 cases Spokespersons for Ben- pending. late manufacturer DuPont said the company is "greatly disappointed" with the deci- • For more: Pat Getter, DuPont, 1417 Nantucket Drive, Houston, TX 77057; (713) 780.9596. industry Insights Continued On Page 21 February 1995 — Nursery Management & Production CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO June 7, 1995 To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kevin Batchelder, Administrative Ass Subject: Discussion of Private Improvements On Public Park Land DISCUSSION At the May 9, 1995 meeting, the Parks and Recreation Commission asked staff to investigate private improvements (trail construction and removal of vegetation) that had been noticed on City property leading to the pond at the corner of Marie Avenue and Lexington Avenue. Staff investigated and discovered that the trail is approximately 80 to 100 feet into the open space /park land controlled by the City. (Please see attached May 11, 1995 memo from Guy Kullander.) A notice was sent to the homeowner, Mr. Mike Johnson, of 1085 Bwana Court, informing him that the path was on public property and was in violation of the Wetlands Ordinance. Mr. Johnson requested to appear on the Parks and Recreation Commission agenda to discuss the situation. There are two issues involved in the location of this private trail improvement. First, it encroaches on City property, an area of open space /passive park that was dedicated to the City to satisfy the park dedication requirement for the subdivision of this neighborhood. Whether or not to allow this private use on public park land is a Parks and Recreation Commission issue. The Commission should consider the impact of this trail and the precedent that might be established for other neighbors of City park land who may wish to make similar improvements that encroach on City property. The second issue is a Wetlands Ordinance issue. The Planning Commission considers all applications for Wetlands Permit which are required for any improvement or removal of vegetation within 100 feet of an officially designated Wetlands, such as this. An application to the Planning Commission for a Wetlands Permit will be necessary, if the Commission feels that this type of encroachment on park land is acceptable. ACTION REQUIRED Meet with Mr. Johnson and determine if this trail improvement should be allowed on City park property. MEMO May 11, 1995 To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager Re: Unauthorized Improvements on Park Property DISCUSSION At the May 9th commission meeting staff was directed to try and determine if improvements were made on park property by the homeower living at 1085 Bwana Court. The attached topographic map, flown in 1992, clearly shows the edge of the water which is controled by an overflow outlet at elevation 880.3. Pond cleaning operations conducted in the winter of 1995 did not change the outline/edge of the pond, only deepened/removed silt from center of pond. By measuring the distance from the edge of the pond to the property line of 1085 Bwana Court it can be determined that, imporvements to access the edge of the pond from this lot have encroched approximately 80 to 100 feet on park property. ACTION REQUIRED The commission should discuss this situtation and recommend to Council what action, if any, is appropriate. MA k•J (70+1 N.SotO c_vz IlLA ‘3,. MARIE AVENUE CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS 1. ��0 May 17, 1995 To: Jim Danielson, Public Works Director From: Kevin Batchelder, Administrative Assistant Subject: Private Pathway Improvements on Public Property DISCUSSION At the May 9, 1995 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, Commissioner Norton inquired about a stone pathway, or steps, that had been constructed leading from a private residence to the edge of the pond located at the corner of Marie Avenue and Lexington Avenue. The Commission expressed a concern about private improvements that might be on park property and also expressed a concern about improvements in the Wetlands Area. The Commission desired to have the Code Enforcement Office investigate this situation. Attached you will find a memo from Guy that estimates this encroachment on park property to be between 80 and 100 feet. Would you please have Code Enforcement look into this situation? This pond is listed on the City's official Wetlands Ordinance Map. J1AA A A AA A May 18, 1995 City of Mendota Heights Mary E. Johnson 1085 Bwana Court Mendota Heights, MN 55118 Dear Ms. Johnson: On May 9, 1995 the Parks and Recreation Commission brought up the improvements (wide gravel paved pathway) which have been installed from your back yard to the pond located at Lexington and Marie Avenues. Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager has estimated that you have constructed or had constructed approximately 80 -100 feet of unauthorized graved paved pathway on the City of Mendota Heights park property. (See Attached Memo's) Upon receipt of memo's from Kevin Batchelder, Administrative Assistant and Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager, I was directed to field verify the pathway. This was done by me on 5- 18 -95. All of this unauthorized gravel pathway which is on City park land must be removed from City property and the hillside must be replaced back to its natural state which was existing prior to your unauthorized paving of City Park property. You also need to be aware that the vegetation you removed to create this path is in violation of the City's Wetland Ordinance. In order to aid you with the required restoration the City's Engineering Department will help you determine where your property ends and City park land starts. You should contact Jim Danielson Public Works Director ASAP in order to coordinate this effort. The park property needs to be restored to its natural state by 6- 23 -95. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter and if you have further questions please feel free to contact me. Sincerely, pew-e e.dtk, Paul R. Berg Building Official Enclosure cc: Guy Kullendar Kevin Batchelder Park & Recreation 1101 Victoria Curve • Mendota Heights, MN • 55118 452-1850 May 31, 1995 Paul R. Berg Building Official _ City of Mendota Heights 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, MN 55118 Dear Mr. Berg: In response to your letter dated May 18, 1995 regarding the pond located on Lexington & Marie Avenues. I have consulted with Jim Danielson regarding the gravel pathway to the pond from the rear of my lot. This pathway was made in the summer of 1990 with the City Tnspector's approval while I was doing some grating in the rear of my lot. The path is "not" gravel but wood chips to the pond with the purpose of feeding the ducks and geese only. My children and other neighbor children enjoy feeding the wildlife. The inspector informed me at the time that the trail must be kept natural. This year I added new wood chips which highlighted the trail until they turn a natural gray color. The habitat of the pond has benefited greatly by the trail. We place 150 lb to 200 lb of corn there weekly for feed. We now have, for the first time since the early 1980's, both geese and wood ducks making there nest there for the community to enjoy the wildlife in a suburban setting. I would very much like to be put on the calendar for the next Parks & Recreation meeting to discuss this situation. Sincerely, Mike Johnson 1085 Bwana Ct. Mendota Heights, MN Home # 454 -0260 Work CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO June 7, 1995 To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kevin Batchelder, Administrative Ass Subject: Discussion of Capital Improvements Plan for 1996 to 2000 DISCUSSION Last month the Commission discussed the Five Year Capital Improvements Plan and directed staff to make some changes to the document and to research some new items for costs and feasibility. Attached is a revised Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) for years 1995 thru 2000. New requests that have been investigated include a tennis "bang board" and a basketball halfcourt for Valley View Heights Park. Please see attached memos from Guy Kullander for estimates and feasibility on these two new requests. The resurfacing of the tennis courts has been adjusted in priority based upon recommendations received from two contractors who bid on the project. (City Council authorized the low bidder to proceed with resurfacing Ivy Hills Park and to seal cracks on the other tennis courts at their meeting on June 6, 1995.) Changes in the CIP include moving the Wentworth picnic shelter and grills to 1996, moving the Friendly Hills picnic shelter to 1997, adding the Wentworth rink enlargement to 1996 and striking the Hagstrom -King Tennis Courts from the list. Picnic table purchases were added to the 1996 list. Guy has estimated that it may cost between $20,000 to $40,000 to build two new youth sized baseball fields, depending upon whether these fields are built at the Mendota Plaza or at the Center Point site. The Commission should consider including this estimated cost in the CIP. Guy will have more information available on Tuesday evening. The tennis "bang board" and the basketball court at Valley View Heights Park should also be considered. ACTION REQUIRED The Commission should discuss the draft 1996 to 2000 Capital Improvements Plan and consider a recommendation to City Council. MENDOTA HEIGHTS PARK SYSTEM FIVE .AR CAPITAT, TMP1tOVEMENT PT.AN Expenditures Proposed for 1995 PARK/ITEM Landscape plantings for land dedication at Ivy Park 2. Replace wood bridge in Valley Park with steel and wood bridge. Council approved 1993. 3. Switch /relocate warming houses at Ivy and Wentworth Parks. Make ADA improvements such as ramps, railings and pathway. Remove excess poles and lights at Ivy Park. 4. Develop wildflower planting areas in 4 parks Valley, Copperfield Victoria Highlands and Marie Park 5. Install concrete bleacher pads in two parks 6. Develop, print, distribute and display park & trail maps - 11 locations 7. Construct enclosures for Port - A- Poties in two parks 8. Wildflower maintenance & expansion 9. Enhance trees and landscape plantings in two parks per year 10. Resurface tennis court at Ivy Hills Park 11. Replace 3 wood bridges with culverts or steel bridges - safety and ADA issue 12. Reroof shelter in Valley Park Page 1 GENERAL FUND SPECIAL PARK REFERENDUM $1,500.00 $2,000.00 $300.00 $500.00 $3,500.00 $1,500.00 $300.00 $10,000.00 $6,000.00 $600.00 $12 to 25,000 $5,500.00 MENDOTA HEIGHTS _PA SYSTEM FIVE YEAR G PITAI RO Pi AN Expenditures Proposed for 1995 pg 2 PARK/ITEM 13. Replace 2 of 5 benches in Rogers Lake Park 14. Resurface basketball court at Mendakota Park 15. Enlarge ballfield warning track. One per year - 5 total 16. Replace trees at Mendakota Park 17. Replace two grills removed /damaged in Rogers Lake Park 18. Improvements to North Kensington Park 19. Repair rubberized play surface at Mendakota Park 20. Sod for repairs at Kensington soccer fields 21. Sweep Trails 22. Seal coat trail segments in Mendakota Park 23. Mendakota Park Utility Assessment Proposed 1995 Expenditures ** When all referendum funds have been expended, special park funds will be used for project completion. Page 2 GENERAL FUND $700.00 $1,500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $600.00 $1,000.00 $2,000.00 SPECIAL PARK $12,383.00 $16,100.00 $41,283 - 54,283 $42,000.00 $1,500.00 $13,000.00 $62,000.00 ** MENDOTA E D.TS PARK SY, TEM EISEEXEARCAEMLIMEROYDRZEULAN Expenditures Proposed for 1996 Enhance tree and landscape plantings in two parks 2. Wildflower maintenance 3. Enclosures for Port-A- Poties in two parks 4. Concrete bleacher pads in two parks 5. Reroof shelter in Rogers Lake Park 6. Paint/stain structures in Mendakota Park 7. Replace 1 of 5 benches in Rogers Lake Park 8. Resurface tennis court in Valley Park 9. Modify tennis court fence opening to meet ADA at Wentworth Park 10. Replace wood bridge with bit. walkway in Rogers Lake Park 11. Resurface trail thru Rogers Lake Park 12. Enlarge warning track one per year - 5 total 13. Reshape gravel trails in Friendly Marsh Park and Copperfield Ponds 14. Resurface Lexington Ave. trail 15. Install 2 grills in Wentworth Park 16. Construct picnic shelter in Wentworth Park 17. Wentworth Park Rink Enlargement 18. Picnic table purchase 19. Mendakota Park Utility Assessments 20. Sweep Trails 21. Inspection/Repairs at All Park play structures 22. Top dress ball fields Proposed 1996 Expenditures Page 3 GENERAL FUND $500.00 $500.00 $1,000.00 $1,500.00 $1,500.00 $4,000.00 $350.00 $3,500.00 $500.00 $1,500.00 $3,000.00 $500.00 $1,500.00 $2,500.00 $2,000.00 $1,000.00 $5,000.00 $2,000.00 $32,350.00 $600.00 $12 to 18,000 $2,000.00 $11,707.00 $26,307- 32,307 $0.00 MENDOTA HEIGHTS PARK SYSTEM FIYE_YEAR_CAPITAILIMPROMIENELPLAN Expenditures Proposed for 1997 1. Enhance tree and landscape plantings in two parks 2. Wildflower maintenance and expansion 3. Enclosures for 2 Port-A- Poties 4. Concrete bleacher pads in two parks 5. Paint/stain structures at Kensington Park 6. Resurface tennis court at Marie Park 7. Construct two wayside rest areas with benches in Valley Park 8. Replace two of 5 benches in Rogers Lake Park 9. Expand sprinkler system at Mendakota Park ) 10. Enlarge warning track 3rd of 5 total 11. Seal coat trail in Valley View Heights Park 12. Seal coat Mendota Heights Road Delaware to Dodd 13. Upgrade play equipment in Hagstrom King Park ADA & Safety 14. Bench along Victoria Trail 15. Basketball hoop at S. Kensington Park 16. Friendly Hills Park Picnic Shelter 17. Mendakota Park Utility Assessments 18. Inspection/repairs to all park play structures 19. Sweep trails 20. Top dress ball fields Proposed 1997 Expenditures Page 4 GENERAL. FUND SPECIAL PARK REFERENDUM $500.00 $500.00 $1,000.00 $1,500.00 $2,500.00 $3,500.00 $700.00 $6,000.00 $500.00 $500.00 $5,000.00 $5,000.00 $1,000.00 $2,000.00 $30,200.00 $2,000.00 $5 to 8,000 $500.00 $500.00 $12 to 18,000 $6,160.00 $26,660- 35,660 $0.00 MFNDOTA HEIGHTS P RK SYSTEM FIVE YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT P .AN Expenditures Proposed for 1998 1. Enhance trees and landscape plantings in two parks 2. Maintain and expand wildflower plantings 3. Enclosures for 2 Port- A- Poties 4. Concrete bleacher pads at two locations 5. Resurface tennis court at Rogers Lake Park 6. Install two additional horseshoe pits at Rogers Lake Park 7. Enlarge warning track at Mendakota Park 4 of 5 8. Repair /replace rubberized surface at Mendakota Park 9. Restripe parking lot at Kensington Park (every 5 years) 10. Enhance tree plantings at Kensington Park 11. ADA upgrades to Marie Park warming house 12. Mendakota Utility Assessments 13. Inspect/repairs to all Park play structures 14. Top dress ball fields 15. Upgrade play equipment in one park Proposed 1998 Expenditures Page 5 GENERAL FUND SPECIAL PARK REFERENDUM $500.00 $500.00 $1,000.00 $1,500.00 $3,500.00 $500.00 $3 to 5,000 $200.00 $500.00 $2,000.00 $5,000.00 $2,000.00 $1,500.00 $5,874.00 $6,000.00 $20,200- 23,200 $13,374.00 $0.00 MENDOTAREIGBEESJEARKSMEM FIVE EI3MYEARXAMEALIMPROYEMENTYLAN Expenditures Proposed for 1999 1. Enhance trees and landscape plantings in two parks 2. Wildflower maintenance and expansion 3. Enclosures for 2 Port-A- Poties 4. Concrete bleacher pads in 2 parks 5. Resurface tennis courts in Wentworth Park 6. Resurface (seal coat) 8 park parking lots 7. Restripe 8 parking lots and hard courts 8. Seal coat trails in Ivy Park, Mendakota Park, Friendly Hills Park and Hagstrom King Park Modify /upgrade play equipment to meet ADA in Valley Park 10. Enlarge warning track at Civic Center Field last of 5 fields 11. Modify trail grades from Park Place to Valley Park 12. Mendakota Park Utility Assessments 13. Inspect/repair all park play equipment 14. Enlarge outfield warming track 5 of 5 15. Sweep trails 16. Top dress ball fields Proposed 1999 Expenditures Page 6 GENERAL FUND $500.00 $500.00 $1,000.00 $1,500.00 $3,500.00 $4,800.00 $1,225.00 $7,000.00 $500.00 $6,000.00 $750.00 $1,250.00 $2,000.00 $30,525.00 SPECIAL PARK REFERENDUM $4,000.00 $5,587.00 $9,587.00 $0.00 MENDOTAMEIGHTSPARKSYSTEM FIVE YEAR CAPITALIMPROVEMENT PLAN Expenditures Proposed for 2000 1. Resurface tennis court in Friendly Hills Park 2. Enhance Trees and Landscape Plantings in parks 3. Mendakota Park Utility Assessments 4. Inspect/repair all park play equipment 5. Stain/paint structures at Mendakota Park 6. Top dress ball fields in Neighborhood Parks 7. Paint all port-a-poties enclosures 8. Seal coat Wentworth Park Parking lot 9. Upgrade play equipment in Parks 10. Inspect/repair play equipment 11. Seal coat Trails Friendly Hills Park 12. Sweep trails Proposed 2000 Expenditures Page 7 GENERAL FUND SPECIAL PARK $3,500.00 $1,000.00 $5,300.00 $7,000.00 $6,000.00 $2,000.00 $1,000.00 $3,000.00 $10,000.00 $5,000.00 $4,000.00 $1,500.00 $34,000.00 $15,300.00 $0.00 June 6, 1995 Memo to: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager Subject: Tennis "Bang Board" at Friendly Hills Park The commission asked for an analysis of the feasibility of constructing a bang board on one of the tennis courts in Friendly Hills Park. Construction Details: Bang board would be constructed using pressure treated 3/4 inch plywood, 2"x4" support members and 2"x6" treated cap and end trim. Unit would be 42 feet long and 6 feet high with "net" painted on interior side (36 feet by 36 inches high). Unit would be raised off the existing court surface to allow drainage and supported by exterior (outside fence) supports and fastened to existing fence posts that are spaced ten feet on center. Approximate cost would be $1500 to $2,000. Before making a final decision the commission should also consider the following items: 1. All our tennis courts are double courts. Use of the bang board may distract a match on the adajcent court. 2. The bang board may alter the wind currents at the end of court where: it is installed. 3. This would be a visual distraction to an oppneht..atthe other side of the net 4. This is a "target" for vandalism (artists). 5. It should not be a safety concern because it would only portrude into the court area 6" from the fence. 6. Maintenance on unit would be every two or three years depending on how well the paint weathers. ACTION REQUIRED If the commission desires to recommend the construction of a band board at Friendly Hills Park the should include this improvement in the Five Year Improvement Plan. June 5, 1995 Memo to: Park and Recreation Commission From: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager -Subject: Half basketball Court at Valley View Heights Park The commission asked for a cost estimate to construct a concrete half basketball court in this park similar to the six constructed in the Neighborhood Parks in 1990. Cost breakdown is as follows: -Site preperation and concrete slab, incl. paint stripe $4,000 -Basketball standard, installed 650 -Connecting asphalt trail 350 Restore site. Black dirt, sod, etc 500 -Engineering, document preperations, bidding, etc 500 $ 6,000.00 ACTION REQUIRED: If the commission desires to recommend the construction of this half court basketball imporvement they should include this in the Five Year Imporvement Plan (Oy ti IS hv tk .J%dij,iul x {.fit 111; 6A O W1R� MEhi-t 4" -2521. GOl GlzPr WAI. -I- (3(0 Q?.f'T MAX pAri- LF'' — 31111.Z/A‘ Gi�AhUL MAC ��IAI GvMPAc -Tpp +13�aRAP� Tar *D11.- AhP 5v7 TYPICAL HAP-126,002:T AAVO.MP1T cTIor1 Wti. LINE .-"PANT l.- (I = 41 "'PRA (4-^^ F_. OF f AA -,EUP1E) 34 -o" 40=0' HAlzpcouRT MAF -1LIr1 P�1"All- rro 1-P C r SOUR 5Q UA Iz P 12. =b" OA U N !-.161H h TIC M M h." xpANWIDN JOINT ((I1-IA' y�AL� GoNT1 AcTION JOINT (TooLEn) (Wn'H 8x4, witzp ti t) HOp C.OTe r1 HA -PGOU .1 CAMP PAIL* na 'AL. t; HA(NPGOLdR1 JOINT PETAIL. PLAN CITY OF MF.NDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO June 8, 1995 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission �/��/ FROM: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager X1,1%\ SUBJECT: Funds from 1995 Budget Items, and Proposed Expenditures in 1995 Funds Available For Park and Trail Improvements in 1995 1. General Fund Approved 1995 Budget 2. Referendum funds (approximate balance) 3. Special Park Fund (includes 1995 additions) 1995 Park Improvement 1. City 1995 Budget Improvements listed in budget: 1. Items paid out of General Fund 2. Items paid out of Special Park Fund ,$ 15,600.00 $ 55,120.00 $481,964.00 $552,684.00 $ 15, 600.00 $ 46, 600.00 $ 62,200.00 - 2. Projects Commission Felt Needed To Be Completed Using Referendum of Special Park Funds The following items were identified by the Commission as possible projects where the use of Referendum funds would be appropriate. All projects were included in either the 1994 or 1995 Five Year Parks Capital Improvement Plan. 1. Safety and regulatory signage in 14 parks or facilities 2. Bituminous trails to connect two hardcourts (ADA) 3. Repair rubberized play top at Mendakota (Safety /ADA) 1 $ 5,700.00 $ 1,000.00 $ 1,500.00 4. Install two grills at South Kensington Park 5. Develop, print, distribute and display park & trail maps 3. Items Approved By Council In 1995 Not In CIP Budget 1. Mendakota Park Assessments 2. Kensington South Park Turf, etc. 3. Kensington North Landscape $ 600.00 $ 5,500.00 $ 14, 300.00 $ 12,383.00 $ 13,000.00 $ 45,000.00 $ 70,303.00 If the Commission adheres to previous CIP priorities plus the items already approved by Council the total draw down form the funds available will be $146,883.00 leaving a balance at the end of 1995 in the Special Park Fund of $405,801.00. NOTE: All referendum funds will be used up in 1995. IMPROVEMENTS FUNDED BY GENERAL FUND 1995 BUDGET 1. Sweep trails (approximately 15 miles $ 1,000.00 2. Seal coat Mendakota Park Trail $ 2,000.00 3. Concrete bleacher pads in two parks $ 1,500.00 4. Port-a -potie enclosures in three parks $ 2,000.00 5. Wildflower maintenance or expansion $ 300.00 6. Resurface tennis courts at Roger's Lake Park $ 3,500.00 7. Repair roof at Valley Park $ 1,500.00 8. Replace two damaged benches at Roger's Lake Park $ 700.00 9. Resurface basketball court at Mendakota Park $ 1,500.00 10. Widen ballfield warning track, one field per year $ 500.00 11. Replace trees at Mendakota Park $ 500.00 12. Replace two grills at Roger's Lake Park $ 600.00 IMPROVEMENTS FUNDED BY SPECIAL PARK 1995 BUDGET 1. Wentworth Park bridges and culvert 2. Switch warming houses at Wentworth & Ivy plus ADA improvements (ramps, railing, path, etc.) 3. Wildflower plantings at 4 parks 2 $ 15,600.00 $ 25,000.00 $ 6,000.00 $ 600.00 Several projects scheduled for 1994 were not completed and can be accomplished in 1995 which were to be funded by the Special Park Fund 1. Replace wooden bridge in Valley Park 2. Complete upgrade of play equipment at Wentworth Park Total Funds required to complete above projects: Funds Committed y Council Action in 1995 Referendum and/or Special. Park Funds committed by Council so far in 1995: 1. Mendakota Park Assessments 2. Kensington Turf, etc. 3. Kensington North Landscape MENDAKOTA PARK UTILITY ASSESSMENTS $ 10,000.00 $ 5,000.00 $ 46,600.00 $ 12,383.00 $ 13,000.00 $ 45,000.00 $ 70,383.00 When the Mendakota Park land was acquired the outstanding utility and street assessments were to be paid for by the City. Through 1994 these assessments were paid from Referendum Funds. Beginning in 1995 the Special Park Fund will now continue to pay off the balance due. The following are the amounts to be paid each year from the Special Park Fund: 1995 $12,383.04 1996 $11,706.92 1997 $ 6,160.12 (street portion paid off in 1996) 1998 $ 5,873.60 1999 $ 5,587.08 2000 $ 5,300.56 2001 $ 5,014.04 2002 $ 4,727.54 2003 $ 4,441.02 2004 $ 4,154.50 2005 $ 3,868.02 (last payment for utility improvements) 3 SPECIAL PARK FUNDS Balance in Fund 12/31/91 Balance in Fund 12/31/92 Balance in Fund 12/31/93 Cash contributions in 1994 Interest earned in 1994 Expenditures from fund in 1994 $350,000.00 $392,000.00 $410,987.00 $ 15,355.00 $ 20,000.00 - $ 16,358.00 Balance in Special Park Fund 12/31/94 $429,964.00 Anticipated additions in 1995 1. Mendota Meadows 34 lots x $750.00 2. Swansons Second Addition 6 lots x $750.00 3. Logan Property 18 lots x $750.00 4. Estimated Interest 11 110 funds were drawn from Fund the approximate balance of fund at end of 1995 would be $481,964.00 REFERENDUM FUNDS Revenue from bond sales Other revenues MSA-Marie Ave. Trail County Delaware Trail Water Utility Fund-Mendakota Loop 4 $ 25,500.00 $ 4,500.00 $ unknown $ 22,000.00 $ 52,000.00 $3,386.362.00 $ 131,357.00 Total Funds $3,517,719.00 Expenditures for Referendum Improvements: 1989 $ 139,256.00 1990 $1,826,245.00 1991 $ 782,238.00 1992 $ 581,009.00 1993 $ 102,059.00 1994 $ 31,792.00 $3,462,599.00 Remaining Funds $ 55,120.00 OTHER POSSIBLE BUT NOT CURRENTLY APPROVED /SCHEDULED PARK IMPROVEMENTS 1. Netting or back stop improvements at Mendakota Park $ 8,000 to 40,000 2. Lights at Mendakota Park $150,000 3. Basketball at Valley View Heights Park $ 6,000 4. Safety fence /net at Friendly Hills Park - south end of hockey rink to protect people heading to free skating from flying pucks $ 1,000 to 3,000 5. Ball fields at Mendota Plaza (2 temporary) south of center $ 25,000 to 40,000 6. Ball fields on tax forfeited property of Centre Pointe 1 at $ 80,000 2 at $145,000 4 at $200,000 with building add $ 50,000 fully developed est $250,000 to 300,000 7. Bang board for Friendly Hills tennis courts $ 1,500 to 2,000 5 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO June 7, 1995 To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kevin Batchelder, Administrative Assistant Subject: Discussion of Vandalism in the Parks DISCUSSION The Commission has requested that Dennis Delmont, Police Chief, appear at the June meeting to discuss vandalism in the parks, how the cases are handled and to make suggestions on how the Parks and Recreation Commission may be more proactive on this issue. Unfortunately, the Dennis is unavailable for Tuesday evening as that is the date of the Law Enforcement Memorial banquet. The Chief is aware of the Parks and Recreation Commission's request and does desire to meet with the Commission to discuss this issue. He requested that, in his absence, the Commission could provide more direction on the information that they desire. The Chief has indicated that he would like to have discussions with myself and park staff prior to the July meeting, so that a well prepared response may be prepared. ACTION REQUIRED Discuss vandalism in the parks and make any appropriate suggestions for response by staff on this issue.