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Mounds View City Council March 22, 1999 Regular Meeting Page 17 Director of Public Works Ulrich indicated that in recent years the hockey rink was removed, due to the difficulty in attempting to get ice to the area, and maintaining the ice, which involved a considerable effort. He stated the park shelter structure, which was currently very unstable due to the shifting soils and the very high water table, was cited for removal and replacement this year. He added that in many years the playground area is under water, and is almost unusable at times. Director of Public Works Ulrich stated the City Council directed staff to proceed with the permitting for the mitigation of the Community Center site, and a $20,000 bond was presented to the Rice Creek Water Shed District to continue with this site. He indicated that through the permit process, the City has one year in which to commence the mitigation. He explained that this public hearing was being held on order to obtain public input into this project. Director of Public Works Ulrich stated staff has sought comments from the Rice Creek Watershed District regarding the stipulations of the mitigation. He advised that State Statute requires the City mitigate the wetland within the community, and also within the local watershed, which is the Rice Creek Watershed District Director of Public Works Ulrich stated the last opportunity the City would have to do anything in terms of mitigation would be to purchase some credits in an available wetland bank, and the only available wetland bank they could find was in Columbus Township. He advised that according to the Department of Natural Resources, the Army Corps of Engineers, the Rice Creek Watershed District, and local statutes, that would not be acceptable. Director of Public Works Ulrich explained that the entire park would be removed from its current state. He stated the building would be removed, as well as the playground equipment, which would likely be relocated to Groveland Park. He indicated there would be two water quality ponds, one located on the east end of the park, along Woodcrest Drive, and another small pond, along Silver Lake Road, with a bituminous walking path throughout the entire area. Council Member Marty inquired when the time period for mitigation would expire. Director of Public Works Ulrich explained that barring any contingency or major difficulties, the project would be completed in November of 1999. Council Member Marty advised that there are a number of parks in Mounds View, however, only two parks on the south side of the City. He indicated the Parks and Recreation Commission had discussed the possibility of relocating the playground equipment to Random Park, because the equipment currently at this park is designed primarily for very young children. He pointed out that this would provide that the residents on the south side of Highway 10 would have a greater variety of playground equipment. Director of Public Works Ulrich stated staff could research this matter. He noted Random Park has its own unique wet areas, as well. He explained that to the south of the shelter, which is about the only grassy area of the park, with the exception of a small area along the Long Lake Road frontage, this park was also is very wet during wet years and periods of high rain.