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Issue 22 - Heights Highlights Spring 1992PAGE 1 April, 1992 ISSUE 22 1 PARKS NEAR COMPLETION The Parks Bond Referendum approved by voters in August 1989 has culminated in significant park improvements around Mendota Heights. Many of you have probably seen the latest addition to the park system if you have had the chance to drive on Dodd Road south of Highway 110. Mendakota Park, located at the corner of Dodd Road and Mendakota Drive, is the name of this new, large facility. It was designed and constructed to be a community park which includes a ballfield complex. Mendakota Park is a nineteen acre site park. It is located near the play equipment structure which is able to accommodate over 100 kids including those with special accessibility needs. Other picnic areas are spread throughout the park. Mendakota Park will be served by a 156 stall parking lot and connections to the bicycle/pedestrian pathways. It has been heavily landscaped to provide a green and attractive appearance. It is estimated that the play field turf will be ready for activity by mid -summer and organized activities can begin at that time. A community group is currently organizing an annual which includes four softball fields, a youth soccer field, a full court basketball court, a grass volleyball site, a comfort station with second level observation deck, trails, picnic areas, a picnic pavilion/band shell/ and a large play structure. The softball fields were designed and built in a pinwheel layout with the com- fort station located in the center hub of the pinwheel. This will allow folks to ob- serve play at all four fields from the second story observation deck and will provide a central activity area that includes benches, sh,lde, bleachers and restroom facilities. comfort station includes a conces- sions area as well. The picnic pavilion/band shell was designed to overlook the soccer field and will provide for community events, large picnic gatherings, and concerts in the community celebration for Mendakota Park that has been tentatively scheduled for early August. As one of the final, major steps of the parks referendum the City will begin con- struction of Kensington Park this sum- mer. Kensington Park is a new acquisition for the City and is located at the intersec- tion of Huber Drive and Mendota Heights Road in the new Kensington neighbor- hood. The City received a 12.9 acre dedication from the Centex Corporation which is building the Kensington residen- tial development. Kensington Park consists of two land parcel connected by a bicycle/pedestrian pathway. The park includes a 4.4 acre site along Mendota Heights Road and an 8.5 acre site located adjacent to the I-494 highway right-of-way. The 8.5 acre site in the southern portion of the park will contain two full sized soc- cer fields that are fully sprinkled and ir- rigated. These two fields will accom- modate adult soccer play and are also capable of being re -striped to accom- modate four youth size fields. The park will have a play structure similar in size to those installed in the neighborhood parks throughout the City. There will be two small picnic shelters and a comfort station that includes a concessions area, restrooms, and storage. Kensington South Park will include a paved parking area to eliminate the need for on -street parking and will be con- nected to the bicycle/pedestrian pathway. The trails will connect to the north park and also will connect to the east for access to Delaware Avenue and the future single family development at Mendota Heights Road and Delaware Avenue. There will be fencing around the soccer fields to con- tain stray balls and there will be landscap- ing installed to further screen the park facilities from future residential develop- ment. The 4.4 acre site in the north area of the park along Mendota Heights Road will be connected by a bicycle/pedestrian path- way to the south park area during 1992 construction. This site will be graded, seeded and left as open space in 1992. Future development of this park area will be determined as the residential develop- ment in the area occurs. Mendakota Park and Kensington Park essentially complete the major improve- ments intended by the 1989 Parks Referendum while minor improvements and additions to the trail system will be occurring during the next few years. All the recent investments in our parks have provided a significant improvement to the community. The nature and variety of our parks, open spaces and recreational facilities give the community a sense of space, identity and pride as well as provid- ing a place for outdoor and recreational enjoyment. HEIGHTS HIGHLITES YAtsr, J BUILDING SEASON/PLANNING SERVICES ,pring has sprung and another building and construction season is fast upon us. Many residents use this time to begin planning for new construction or to build that key addition to their home or property. In order that all new development and land use maintain a high degree of quality, the City enforces planning and land use regulations that ensure the health, welfare and safety of our residents. Ultimate responsibility for land use and development decisions lies with the City Council. To assist them in carrying out this vital task, the Council appoints members to the Planning Commission which serves as an advisory body to the Council on planning and land use matters. The city's planning staff and consulting City Planner are respon- sible for carrying out the analytical, research and administrative duties associated with the planning and zoning functions of the City. One of the primary services provided by the Planning Department is conducting pre -application meetings with residents, developers and businesses. The City Planner meets with applicants to determine zoning code requirements and application proce- dures. This would be necessary for anyone desiring to appear before the Planning Commission and City Council with a zoning or land use issue. It is important for anyone with building plans to be aware of the land use regulations in Mendota Heights well in advance of construction plans. For instance, a resident desiring to build an addition to a single family home may discover, upon requesting a building permit, that the zoning ordinance requires a building setback variance, or a Wetlands Permit, which requires a planning application and City approval. The homeowners, eager to begin building, may be faced with a significant delay in their timetable. Planning applications may take up to six weeks, or longerif public hearings are required at the Planning Commission. This is due to the notification requirements of the Minnesota State Statutes, the scheduling of the Planning Commission meetings and City Council meetings and the need for staff and Planner's reports. Vo avoid the potential frustration caused by the approval procedures, anyone with ilding plans, or development proposals, is encouraged to contact the City well in pre -application cfa[ on mehe eting sed project, be aosee if the rranged bycodes cconta contae a cting planning er application. Hall, 4r 52-1850. The City Council and Planning Commission, by applying established legal principles and the standards set forth in the land use and zoning ordinances, are committed to quality planning for the community in order to ensure high quality neighborhoods and a safe and healthy community. WATER BUT DON'T WASTE During those hot and dry months of summer, we all do our best to keep the lawn looking good n' green. But during the peak of the summer, the City water tower is hard pressed to keep up with the demand. You can help by keeping these tips in mind: * Don't over -water; grass that is over - watered doesn't develop a deep root sys- tem, so it is less tolerant to drought. * Water until the ground is well saturated, but stop before water accumu- lates and drains into the street or drainage system. *If you have an auto -sprinkler, keep it good working order. A broken head or 11 can waste an enormous volume of water. *Turn the auto -sprinkler OFF if it has rained recently. *Water no more than every other day. This IN That Annual dog licenses are due for renewal on June 1st. All dogs within the city are required to be licensed, for their own protection and the protection of all resi- dents of the community. Licenses are available at City Hall and cost $3.00 for spayed/neutered dogs and $6.00 for un- spayed/unneutered dogs. If you are planning to landscape your yard this spring, please do not plan to plant bushes or place landscape material within the boulevard area. Plantings in the boulevard area could easily be damaged during winter snowplowing operations. If you do choose to place landscaping material in the boulevard area, please be advised that any damage done to it is the responsibility of the homeowner. If you're out walking along an "un - trailed" street, please walk on the oppos- ing traffic side. It's a safe practice, and is advised by state statutes. 1992 Yard Waste Composting Dakota County's yard waste facilities in Eagan and Lakeville opened on a regular schedule beginning Wednesday, April lst. The hours of operation are Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from 1 P.M. to 6 p.m. The facilities will be closed on Wed- nesday and Thursday. The Eagan site may only be open for the early part of summer when its location may be changed. The fee for bagless yard waste is $.25 per bag or $2.00 per cubic yard with a $1.00 minimum; $1 per bag or $15.00 per cubic yard with a $8 minimum for bagged yard waste; and $3.40 per cubic yard for brush and prunings which must be no larger than 6" in diameter. Residents are encouraged not to bring rocks, dirt, lumber, metal, wire, etc. when visiting the drop-off sites. The Dakota County InfoLine for yard waste is 438-4636. The City of Mendota Heights and Dakota County encourage backyard com- posting. Information on how to compost is available at City Hall, the Dakota Coun- ty Western Service Center and the Min- nesota Extension Service at 463-3302. Kittenball League There are presently two openings in the Co -Ed Kittenball League. The league is open to those who live or work in Men- dota Heights, West St. Paul or Eagan. If you can get a team together and wish to participate, contact Diane at 452-1850 by April 15th. Teams will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The kittenball league is recreational and non -sanctioned. The entry fee will depend on the number of teams participating. Play will be scheduled for every other Sun- day beginning the first Sunday in May. PAGE 6 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES A ril, 1992 TJK Z Mendota Bridge to be Reconstructed This year the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDot) will begin a $38 million project to rebuild the Mendota Bridge and construct a new interchange between Highways 13, 55, and 110. The project is scheduled for 1994 completion. The Mendota Bridge is in serious need of repair, and the bridge deck design is obsolete. MnDot will remove the entire bridge deck, repair the arches, then build a new bridge deck. The new deck will be wider and safer, and will include a pedestrian trail connecting into the Fort Snelling State Park. The other major objective of this project is to improve the interchanges on both sides of the bridge. On our side of the bridge three highways intersect, creat- ing one of the most hazardous intersec- tions in the state. This project will com- pletely reconstruct the highway 55/110 in- tersection. Also the Highway 55/13 inter- section will actually be relocated to a dif- ferent location. The new intersection will be located near George's Golf Tee, about 1/2 mile south of the existing intersection. After completion, this project should greatly enhance the highway system around the Mendota Bridge. Unfor- tunately the construction will necessitate detours and alternate routes for up to two years. The Mendota Bridge is scheduled to be closed in the Fall of 1992 and will remain closed for two years. Areas west of Lexington Avenue on Highway 110 and areas north of Mendota Heights Road on Highway 55 will see some disruption. However, access to homes and businesses will be maintained throughout the project. If you have any questions about this project you can contact Klayton Eckles at City Offices, or Jack Caroon, MnDot Corridor Manager (779-1201). Mendota Heights Road Reconstruction This spring, a street project will be undertaken to widen Mendota Heights Road. The section to be widened is located between Interstate 35E and Dodd Road. The project will be completed before school opens this Fall. Although the road will be under construction, limited access will be available at all times. Tree Planting Program Continued The boulevard tree planting program has been continued for 1992. The program provides trees to residents interested in dressing up their boulevards. For a prepayment of $50 per tree, homeowners may select from three varieties of trees available, Norway Maple, American Lin- den, and Summit Ash. All of the trees will be approximately 2 1/2 inches in caliper and ten to twelve feet tall. They will be planted and staked in the fall by a landscape contractor hired by the city. Each tree will be guaranteed for one year. If you are interested in participating, contact Diane at City Hall, 452-1850 to place your name on a priority list. Trees are made available on a first come, first- served basis. The City will be taking applications until April 10th for part-time summer help in the Public Works Department. The work week will be 36 hours, depending on weather. The salary will be $5.50 per hour. Candidates must be at least 18 years of age. Applications are available at the City Offices, 1101 Victoria Curve. Contact Diane at 452-1850 for additional informa- tion. The City is an AA/EEO employer. From: City Of Mendota Heights 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, Mn. 55118 Bunny Brigade's Back After months of inactivity, the bunny brigade is hopping to it again. Rumor has it that our long-eared friends are planning to hide numerous brightly colored oval objects in Friendly Hills Park soon. It's up to the youngsters of the community to meet their challenge. The reward will I— eggs, prizes and lots of fun. The second annual community Easter egg hunt is again sponsored by Holly Homes Realty. It will be held in the park, located between Pueblo Drive and Decorah Lane, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 12th. Participants should bring Easter baskets. For more information call Holly Homes Realty at 452-6222. MM"l =44swx(4$�4h POSTAL PATRON MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MN 55118 �01A HFA FIRST CLASS MAIL W Z U.S. POSTAGE PAID 0) MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MN 55118 �NESO�P PERMITNO.6166 CARRIER ROUTE FIRST CLASS PAGE 5 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES April, 1992 AIR NOISE LITIGATION FUND ESTABLISHED The Mendota Heights City Council has "raised the stakes" in its war against aircraft noise. At the urging of residents affected by aircraft noise, the City Council recently established the Mendota Heights Air Noise Litigation Escrow Fund (ANLEF) to address the problem of repeated aircraft overflights caused by nearby Minneapolis/St. Paul Internation- al Airport. The City contends that aircraft noise distribution is unfair based on the dif- ferent procedures used to fly aircraft to the southeast over Mendota Heights and Eagan, as compared to the procedures utilized to the northwest over Min- neapolis and Richfield. To the northwest, aircraft are allowed to turn to a number of different headings immediately after lift- off which serves to spread and dilute the noise burden over a larger area. Over Mendota Heights and Eagan, only two headings are available and turns to the south are strictly prohibited during the f;--`, most noise intensive, three miles of .t. The result is a repetitious con- centration of aircraft traffic which overfly Mendota Heights neighborhoods at the rate of one airplane every 82 seconds during peak periods. The City has repeatedly asked the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) and the Federal Aviation Ad- ministration (FAA) to revise the flight tracks used to the southeast of the airport. Despite the multitude of changes which have occurred within the aviation industry in the past 20 years, the MAC and the FAA refuse to revise the flight tracks to reflect today's conditions. After years of negotiation, it appears as if our ad- ministrative options with respect to the air noise problem have been exhausted. The City's pursuit of this issue has lead to a point where litigation may be the only remaining solution. Through the crea- tion of ANLEF, the community hopes to force a more equitable distribution of noise in the future. The City will accept voluntary dona- tions from residents interested in sup- porting ANLEF. Donated funds will be pledged exclusively to support necessary legal action against the MAC and/or the FAA if the two agencies continue to resist modifications to the outdated flight path regulations. Fund collection will begin immediately and will actively be pursued through June 1, 1992. Should the City not commence litigation by June 1, 1994, all contributed funds shall be returned to the contributors without interest. If you are interested in helping the City fund a possible legal challenge to the cur- rent aircraft distribution procedures, please mail in your contribution along with the clip off form shown below: TOO MUCH NOISE? When air noise becomes un- bearable and disrupts your family's lifestyle, the Metropolitan Airports Com- mission (MAC) wants to know. The MAC Air Noise Complaint Line can be reached at 726- 9411. If possible, please be prepared to provide information on time, location, direction and aircraft type to help pin- point the source of your concern. ---------------------------- MENDOTA HEIGHTS AIR NOISE LITIGATION FUND Name Address Telephone Number Amount of Donation Donations should be made payable to "ANLEF," and should be mailed to Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, Minnesota 55118, Atten- tion: Kim Connect with City Hall on Cable TV Everyday decisions are being made that can affect the way you live. Isn't it time to take an active role in helping your city leaders make the right decision? The Northern Dakota County Cable Communications Commission (NDC4), through Government Access Channel 18, encourages you to participate in your city government by viewing cable coverage of both City Council and Planning Commis- sion meetings. Become an informed citizen by turning to Government Access Channel 18 for live coverage and replays of city government meetings. Then turn to Mendota Heights leaders with your valuable input! City Council meetings are broadcast live on the first and third Tuesdays every month, at 7:30 P.M. They are replayed on the Friday following the meeting day. Planning Com- mission meetings are telecast live on the fourth Tuesday of each month and replayed on the Wednesday following the meeting day. Check the channel guide on Channel 18 between programming for in- formation on replay times. In addition to meeting broadcasts, watch Mayor Charles Mertensotto on Channel 18's "Mendota Heights City Hall Update." The first half of this program is dedicated to current city happenings. In the second half, the Mayor visits with special guests. "Mendota Heights City Hall Update" is run immediately prior to Council meeting telecasts, and at other times throughout the month. Check your Sun -Current for more details. For more information, contact NDC4 Government Coordinator, Judy Skeie- Voss, at 450-9891. The Heights Highlites is a government newsletter distributed to residents to in- form them on events and activities that affect Mendota Heights. All articles, as well as layout and production are done by City staff members. If you know any residents who are not receiving the Heights Highlites but would like to, please invite them to con- tact City Hall at 4522-1850.