Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks and Recreation - 09/09/2019APPROVED MINUTES PARKS, RECREATION, AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2019 7:00 P.M. CITY CENTER Heritage Rooms PRNR COMMISSION MEMBERS: Larry Link, Chair; Patrice Erickson, Vice Chair; Cecilia Cervantes, Kim Harris, Andy McGlasson, Leonard Pesheck, John Rahman, Ken Ross, Kirk Spresser PRNR STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES: Shay Ginuga, Riley Marble, Tanay Salunke, Zachery Spears, Simon Vergara CITY STAFF: Jay Lotthammer, Parks and Recreation Director Lori Brink, Recreation Manager Matt Bourne, Parks and Natural Resources Manager Valerie Verley, Community Center Manager Jes Schrom, Arts and Events Recreation Supervisor RECORDING SECRETARY: Jodie Fenske I. INTRODUCTIONS Chair Link called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. Roll call was taken. Commission Members McGlasson and Rahman were absent. Student Representatives Shay Ginuga and Simon Vergara were absent. As this was the first meeting with new student representatives, Link welcomed them to the Commission and invited them to provide input throughout the year. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion: Erickson moved, seconded by Pesheck, to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried 7-0. III. APPROVAL OF PRNR MINUTES Motion: Spresser moved, seconded by Pesheck, to approve the August 5, 2019 minutes as presented. Motion carried 7-0. IV. REPORT OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION Lotthammer reported on actions recently taken by the City Council. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES September 9, 2019 Page 2 A. ART CENTER DONATION Council accepted a $9,606.03 donation from the Sampson family to purchase additional equipment for the Art Center. B. BIKE FIX-IT STATION DONATION A donation of a bike fix-it station from Scheels was accepted by Council. The permanent station with tools and pumps has been placed adjacent to the trail in Purgatory Creek Park where a high number of bikes travel on a daily basis. C. PLEASANT HILLS CEMETERY PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT Council approved a Standard Agreement for Professional Services with WSB & Associates, Inc. for the columbarium installation at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. The actual columbarium will be purchased directly from the manufacturer’s supplier. D. STARING LAKE PARK PARKING LOT RECONSTRUCTION Council awarded a contract to Minnesota Roadways for the Staring Lake Park parking lot improvement project. The building will be completed within the next three weeks, at which time the parking lot will be reconstructed, including an improved drop-off lane by the new building. Harris inquired about a grand opening and Lotthammer responded a pop-up celebration will be held once a large amount of snow falls for sledding conditions. Pesheck inquired about additional curb installation and Bourne responded the only curbs will be installed along the horseshoe shaped drop-off lane by the building. E. ARTS IN THE PARK DONATION Council adopted a Resolution accepting a $500 donation from Renewal by Andersen to go towards the Arts in the Park event. F. ELECTRONIC ENTRANCE SIGN FOR COMMUNITY CENTER Council approved the purchase of a digital signboard from Think Digital Signs for the entrance of the Eden Prairie Community Center in order to deliver community information with greater visibility. Ross inquired and Verley responded the sign will be able to display three lines of 6-inch letters. G. SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT FOR AQUATICS ADDITION Council approved entering into a Settlement Agreement and Release with Hammel, Green and Abrahamson, Inc. (HGA), whom the City retained in 2013 to provide architectural and engineering services for the aquatic center addition to the PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES September 9, 2019 Page 3 Community Center. Issues arose, so Staff and the City Attorney worked with HGA and their legal counsel to determine a fair and appropriate way to resolve the issues and complete the project in a satisfactory manner. Both parties have resolved all issues on the project to date by entering into the Settlement Agreement. V. REPORT OF PLANNING COMMISSION A. PHASE 2 CASTLE RIDGE/PARAVEL PROJECT ON PRAIRIE CENTER DRIVE Bourne stated the non-senior living portion of this project has been approved by the Planning Commission and is awaiting Council approval. The main topic concerning Parks and Natural Resources is a large payment will be made to the City’s Tree Fund. Lotthammer further explained whenever developers propose developments in the City, they need to provide a tree inventory including the size and quality of each tree being removed. Bourne then reviews the information and performs calculations set by the City’s Tree Replacement Plan to assure trees are replaced with the proper size and types of trees. After each development is completed, Bourne verifies the replacements have been made properly. Lotthammer added the Council is very serious about preserving as many trees as possible. Should it not be physically possible to replace them, funds are placed in the Tree Fund to plant additional trees throughout the City. B. MILLER PROPERTY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OFF GERARD DRIVE Bourne stated this project has been approved by the Planning Commission and is awaiting Council approval. The main topic concerning Parks and Natural Resources is a wetland and conservation outlot of two or three acres that will be deeded to the City. Bourne stated this is being done to preserve the wetland and the City actually owns several adjoining parcels. VI. PETITIONS, REQUESTS, AND COMMUNICATION A. HANDOUTS OF UPCOMING EVENTS Brink and Verley presented handouts of the following events. 1. Collection of One Acts. The Eden Prairie Players will present the 15th annual Collection of One Act plays on September 13-14 and 19-21 at 7 p.m. and on September 15 and 22 at 2 p.m. at the Riley-Jacques Barn. The seven plays were chosen from over 200 presented from across the United States. Brink noted a costume and props sale will take place at the Barn on Saturday, October 12 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES September 9, 2019 Page 4 2. Arts in the Park. This event, originally scheduled in spring but rained out, will take place on Saturday, September 21 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Purgatory Creek Park. Local artists and vendors will be selling all types of artwork. The Noon Rotary will sell beer and wine. Live entertainment, concessions, art activities, and lawn games will be provided to participants. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held indoors at the Community Center. 3. Art Center Teen and Adult Open House. An evening of art with hands- on projects and demonstrations will be held on Friday, September 27 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Art Center. Participants will learn about all of the adult and teen Art Center offerings and meet many instructors. 4. Fall Harvest Celebration. The Eden Prairie Historical Society is assisting in this annual event on Saturday, October 5, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Riley-Jacques Farmstead. Participants can enjoy a history hunt, artmaking, old-fashioned games, a story stroll, and tour the Dorenkemper House. Concessions will be available for purchase. VII. NEW BUSINESS VIII. OLD BUSINESS IX. REPORTS OF COMMISSION AND STAFF A. PARKS AND RECREATION EXPERIENCES Staff and Commission members shared recent parks and recreation related experiences. Cervantes commended Bourne on the excellent job Staff did recently mowing and spraying at Franlo Park. Student Representative Zach Spears commented how he’s trained in several City parks throughout the years while participating in sports. Chair Link participated in a fun group bike outing on Labor Day lead by Community Center instructor Chris Poferl. Pesheck stated the parking lot trench at Staring Lake was tough to bike over until it was recently filled in with gravel. Bourne explained the trench was needed to run power for the reconstruction project and for storm drainage. Spresser and Pesheck both indicated how much better the boat docking situation was at Riley Lake Park this summer with two docks and additional parking. Erickson noticed Prairie View Elementary recently had new playground equipment installed and inquired if the City was involved. Bourne indicated the Prairie View PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES September 9, 2019 Page 5 project was fully managed by Eden Prairie Schools. Erickson also noted the Sterling Park playground project looks complete. Harris mentioned she was impressed by, and her daughter enjoyed, the Safety Camp run by the City’s Recreation Department. Her family has also enjoyed a number of evening astronomy events at the Outdoor Center. B. RECREATION SERVICES MANAGER 1. Public Art. Brink introduced Arts and Events Recreation Supervisor Jes Schrom who has been with the City just over one year. Brink explained besides supervising the Art Center and Special Events, Schrom’s role includes managing and promoting installation and integration of public art in the City. Schrom provided a PowerPoint presentation to the Commission regarding the City’s public art and placemaking. She started her presentation by explaining various ways public art can enhance a city. For residents and visitors, public art has the power to create and reinforce a sense of community, spark dialogue, solve problems, and contribute to economic development. In addition, integrating art in public spaces and as part of private developments can further support and enhance the community values of health, equity and diversity, sustainability and resilience, and historic preservation. She displayed photos of various pieces of public art throughout the City and provided background on how the pieces came to the City through grants, donations, endowments, etc. She provided in-depth explanations and displayed photos of the rotating art series, utility and equipment box wrap projects, and the light pole banner contest. After Schrom described and displayed an example of a mural which will be painted in the tunnel leading to the Minnesota River Vista Outlook, Ross and Pesheck voiced concern over the possibility of graffiti. Schrom explained two cameras (and a sign informing people there are cameras) have been installed and have eliminated graffiti thus far. She further explained traditionally graffiti artists do not place graffiti over quality artwork such as what will be done in the tunnel. Spresser suggested Staff pursue the possibility of marketing and seeking donations and/or memorial funds to go toward the cost of the utility and equipment box wraps. Schrom estimates the cost to print and wrap, including the artist stipend, to be approximately $1,500. She provided photos and examples of the large pieces of public art soon to be installed along the Preserve Boulevard reconstruction project. She PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES September 9, 2019 Page 6 explained where art is allowed with the Southwest Light Rail Transit (SWLRT) project at transit stations and displayed examples in her presentation. Photos were shown of the Prairie Center Drive bridge mold artwork that is also part of the SWLRT project. Pieces of public art will also be placed within the surrounding areas of the project. Schrom is working with a group called PLACES (Public Art and Community Engagement Southwest) which is an initiative to facilitate public art along the SWLRT corridor. Their goal is to tell the story, character, heritage, and culture of communities along the Southwest Corridor through public art. Pesheck requested clarification of the funds needed for the various areas of public art related to the SWLRT project. The artwork at the various stations requires fundraising by the individual cities and also via collaborative efforts as a whole. She explained how art can be incorporated into private developments such as the new Scheels store being built at Eden Prairie Center, Elevate Apartments, and other upcoming new developments. Examples of how public art equals public engagement were displayed via photos from the July 4th Hometown Celebration and PeopleFest! Schrom concluded her presentation by answering questions from Commission members. Link inquired how to encourage existing businesses to incorporate public art on their properties. Cervantes commented the more art the City displays will probably motivate and encourage businesses. Schrom suggested contacting the businesses surrounding the transit stations could be a catalyst to additional art projects. Brink concluded by mentioning civic pride as another benefit of public art. Residents feel proud of their community when art is infused throughout their city. C. COMMUNITY CENTER MANAGER 1. Fitness in the Parks. Verley stated this summer was the fourth year for Fitness in the Parks. Although the classes have varied each year, the opportunity for “free fitness for all” has remained. The five classes offered this summer were Zumba, Group Run, Boot Camp Express, Family Yoga, and Three-on-Three Youth Basketball. Sixty-one total classes were offered from June 10 to August 13. She estimates approximately 541 total participants. The most popular class was Tuesday night Zumba at Purgatory Creek Park. New offerings this year included classes at Pioneer Park with the Senior Center available in case of inclement weather and the ability to check out PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES September 9, 2019 Page 7 Nordic walking poles, free of charge, from the Community Center. No classes were canceled due to weather because of the ability to hold the classes indoor or under shelter at all locations. The program was once again considered a success and plans are in process to offer Family Zumba and Family Yoga year-round at the Community Center. D. PARKS AND NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGER 1. CIP Update. Bourne provided the Commission with a handout explaining how park construction projects are determined and funded. Each year Staff plans park construction and renovation projects based on the age, condition, and needed preventive maintenance of the existing park system infrastructure. Funding for these projects, as well as new park facilities, comes from the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) which represents the planning, forecasting, and budgeting of projects throughout the City for the next ten years. He explained the two main funding sources are the Capital Maintenance and Reinvestment Fund for refurbishing existing projects and the Park Improvement Fund for (funded through cash park fees) for any new projects, other than trails. He provided a detailed list, including costs, of the park maintenance projects completed or will be completed during the 2019 construction season: park shelter reconstruction at Staring Lake Park, athletic field irrigation installation at Staring Lake Park, several new trail and sidewalk construction projects, miscellaneous parking lot repairs, trail maintenance projects, play court improvement projects, play equipment replacement, and the plaza replacement at the Community Center. A preliminary list of projects planned in the next five years, including the estimated costs, was provided. Every two years an updated ten-year CIP is prepared. Spresser inquired about the variability of the cash flow needed for the projects in the next five years. Bourne responded these items are only a small portion of the City’s CIP and other departments may have projects planned to balance the cash flow. Department heads meet with the City Manager and Finance Manager to work through the timing of expenditures. Spresser inquired about the possibility of the Commission providing input on the Park Improvement Fund projects. Lotthammer responded the projects are reviewed with the Commission on an annual basis. Link inquired about City-owned trail improvements, specifically along Pioneer Trail. Bourne responded that trail is owned by the County which PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES September 9, 2019 Page 8 has a maintenance agreement with the City to maintain it. The trails are reviewed every two years and an inventory is taken of their condition. Lotthammer stated approximately $500,000 per year is budgeted for existing trail maintenance for the more than 120 miles of trails in the City. 2. Columbarium Design Review. Bourne provided an update on the columbarium project at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. His PowerPoint presentation displayed the site plan, availability of size, height, and style options for the columbarium, as well as granite color choices. A columbarium with an ossuary option will most likely be chosen. An ossuary is the center portion of the columbarium which provides additional capacity to the niches of the columbarium. Lotthammer explained the grading will be done by late fall which will allow time to determine which size columbarium would look most appropriate. Should the current trend continue of half traditional burials and half cremations, Lotthammer estimates one columbarium will take the City well into the future. The site plan allows for two additional columbariums as needed. Erickson recommended the ossuary option as being a good low-cost option for families. She mentioned there is a columbarium in a cemetery in Chanhasssen. Link inquired and Bourne responded a decision does not need to be made on a specific design and options until next spring. E. PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR 1. 2019 PRNR Work Plan. Lotthammer presented an updated 2019 work plan indicating future topics will include a recap of summer recreation programming and events and a review of facility rentals, specifically the cancellation policy. X. NEXT MEETING The next PRNR Commission Meeting will be held on Monday, October 7, at 7 p.m. at City Center. XI. ADJOURNMENT Motion: Spresser moved, seconded by Pesheck, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 7-0. Chair Link adjourned the meeting at 9:00 p.m.