HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council - 11/12/2024 - Workshop
APPROVED WORKSHOP MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP & OPEN PODIUM
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2024 CITY CENTER
5:00 – 6:25 PM, HERITAGE ROOMS
6:30 – 7:00 PM, COUNCIL CHAMBER
CITY COUNCIL: Mayor Ron Case, Council Members Kathy Nelson, Mark Freiberg, PG
Narayanan, and Lisa Toomey
CITY STAFF: City Manager Rick Getschow, Police Chief Matt Sackett, Fire Chief Scott Gerber,
Public Works Director Robert Ellis, Community Development Director Julie Klima, Parks and
Recreation Director Amy Markle, Administrative Services/HR Director Alecia Rose,
Communications Manager Joyce Lorenz, City Attorney Maggie Neuville, and Recorder Sara Potter
Workshop - Heritage Rooms I and II (5:30)
I. ATHLETIC POLICY UPDATE
Getschow explained the City is updating its athletic policy and would like Council feedback.
Markle introduced Lori Brink, Recreation Programs Manager. Markle explained the number of
organizations using City facilities is increasing. A better scheduling process, increased
technology capabilities, and improved communication are needed. The current athletic policy is
outdated and should be updated to reflect the athletic community and emerging sports,
participation, and needs. The policy should also ensure equitable access to facilities.
Additionally, repeated negative behaviors such as repeatedly using facilities without a
reservation, should be addressed.
Markle explained staff researched peer city athletic policies and worked with a consultant to
gather partner feedback. This research was used to draft a policy, which was reviewed with the
Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources (PRNR) commission. Staff will bring the updated
policy to Council to vote on in the next few months. Markle noted the new athletic policy will
align to City goals, partner needs, and peer city policies. A tiered approach is consistently used
by surrounding cities, with usage fees varying per tier.
Markle explained the new athletic policy’s proposed tiers. Tier one is City programming and city
sponsored or co-sponsored programs. Tier two is Eden Prairie School District programming and
programming for special populations including physical disabilities. Tier three would be
recognized Eden Prairie based nonprofit youth-serving athletic associations that address barriers
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November 12, 2024
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to participation (i.e. financial challenges). The Eden Prairie Baseball Association and Eden
Prairie Soccer Association would fall into tier three. The new policy will outline a path to
become a recognized tier three organization. Narayanan asked if any cricket teams are in tier
three. Markle answered no cricket teams are in tier three. Brink added tier three is youth
programming, there are adult cricket teams that fall into higher tiers.
Markle stated tier four is for private or charter schools located in Eden Prairie or close proximity
serving Eden Prairie students. Tier five is nonprofit athletic leagues that servea dults. Tier six
would be other non-recognized youth-serving athletic organizations serving Eden Prairie youth.
These organization would be registered with Eden Prairie as their home location and have Eden
Prairie residents on their roster. Tier seven, the final tier, would be other adult-serving athletic
organizations serving Eden Prairie adults. There may be times of the year where facilities are
completely reserved by lower tiered programming, and higher tiers are unable to be
accommodated. Nelson stated large family gatherings should be allowed use of facilities. Brink
confirmed those gatherings are addressed in single use rental requests.
Narayanan asked if an organization would need just one Eden Prairie student for tier six. Markle
stated the PRNR commission recommended removing a percentage requirement for residents as
the number of resident participants can vary year to year. Freiberg asked if seven tiers is too
many. Markle confirmed most peer Cities have a similar number of tiers. Case added the number
of tiers helps the City equitably provide access over a limited number of facilities. Nelson asked
if the City has room to construct more outdoor fields. Markle stated adding more outdoor
facilities would take creative planning.
Markle next detailed proposed usage fees for each tier. There would be no charge for City
programs in tier one. The School District in tier two would not be charged for practices or
competitions but would be charged for tournaments. Programs serving special populations would
be charged. Organizations in tier three would be charged on a per-athlete per-season basis. Peer
cities using this model are charging between $8 and $20 per-athlete per-season. This fee would
be used to provide better technology and fund a staff member to assist in scheduling facilities.
The fee for organizations in tiers four to seven would be determined by the Fee Resolution
adopted annually by the Council.
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November 12, 2024
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Toomey said she did not wish to charge Eden Prairie groups. Markle noted staff wanted to
provide Council with a variety of proposals prior to voting. Toomey asked how much money the
tier three fee would raise. Brink estimated $25 thousand per year. Narayanan asked if a part time
person to help with scheduling is necessary. Markle explained due to the demand increase for
field space and the rising number of emerging sports, scheduling facilities has become much
more time intensive. Narayanan noted the fee revenue raised would break even with the new
staff member’s salary and questioned if the City should proceed. Markle noted the City needs
improved communications and scheduling to maintain a high service level, so an additional staff
would be beneficial even if the user fee only funds their salary.
Markle noted staff is looking for Council direction on the tiered approach and fees charged. Case
stated the City needs a prioritization process and he is fine with the tiered approach. The not for
profit organizations in lower tiers provide an invaluable amenity to residents. Non-residents
should be charged more for facility use. Narayanan added non-residents have a higher fee to use
the community center or rent a park. An app would help scheduling. Toomey asked if Markle is
comfortable with the tiered system. Markle confirmed she was, most peer cities and the school
district use a tiered approach.
Toomey noted she thinks only tiers four to seven should be charged. Nelson stated there should
be some financial assistance for families experiencing financial hardship. Nelson asked if some
sports have higher maintenance costs than others. Brink confirmed softball and baseball require
the most time to prepare, and the tournaments wear the most on fields. Case indicated he is
interested in how the number of participants has trended for each sport. Narayanan noted he
would be interested to see how many organizations participate in each sport. Getschow thanked
the Council for their feedback and summarized the Council is comfortable with the tiered
approach and usage fees.
II. ELECTRIC BICYCLES
Markle explained electric bicycles (e-bikes) have a motor to provide additional power and speed.
There are three classes of e-bikes. Class one bikes are pedal assist only and cap at 20 miles per
hour (MPH). Class two bikes cap at 20 MPH are throttle-assisted, meaning they have a motor
that can fully propel the bike without pedaling. Class three bikes are also throttle-assisted, and
have a higher speed cap at 28 MPH. All classes of e-bikes are allowed on hard surfaced trails and
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November 12, 2024
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sidewalks in the City. The City encourages cyclists to keep e-bikes on trails in lieu of sidewalks.
Markle gave an overview of the benefits to e-bikes, including environmental benefits, health
benefits, and faster speed.
Sackett summarized the difference between e-bikes and electric motorbikes. Electric motorbikes
do not have pedals and are governed by different State statutes. Electric motorbikes are allowed
on trails and sidewalks. A rider needs to be at least 15 years old and have a drivers license.
Nelson noted kids often ride their bikes downhill. A child on an e-bike or a motorbike can travel
faster than a car. Nelson asked how the City will prevent this. Sackett explained electric and non-
electric bicycles are required to follow speeding and reckless driving guidelines. The City is
focusing on education and ensuring parents are aware of what they’re buying their children.
Sackett gave an overview of safety reminders for e-bikes. Cyclists must alert pedestrians of their
approach and be courteous to others trail users. Cyclists should wear appropriate safety gear.E-
bike batteries should be properly disposed of. Narayanan asked if cyclists must wear a helmet on
an e-bike. Sackett confirmed e-bike cyclists under age 18 must wear a helmet. The Eden Prairie
Police Department has been partnering with retailers to ensure they’re properly educated on
laws. Narayanan asked if its worthwhile to have an e-bike training. Sackett confirmed e-bikes are
covered at safety camp. Additionally, e-bike safety resources are available at the City website.
Case thanked Markle and Sackett for the information provided, and indicated he is interested in
discussing disallowing motorized vehicles on bikes and walking trails. Motor vehicles traveling
28 MPH on a path with pedestrian traffic can be dangerous.
Open Podium - Council Chamber (6:30)
III. OPEN PODIUM
IV. ADJOURNMENT