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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRNR Commission - 01/06/2025AGENDA PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2025 7:00 P.M. City Center, Heritage Rooms 1-2 8080 Mitchell Road PRNR COMMISSION MEMBERS: Patrice Erickson, Chair; Tom Poul, Vice Chair; Deepa Bhujle, Cecilia Cervantes, Pedro Curry, Duane Hookom, Annie Klodd, Jennifer Meyer, Kirk Spresser, Shanti Shah PRNR STUDENT REPRES.: Richa Raja, Tavin Koenig, Tessa Plourde, Jack Petrin, Noelle Fitzgerald, Sophia Hoffelt, Haricharan Neelamegam, Arya Mehta CITY STAFF: Amy Markle, Parks & Recreation Director Lori Brink, Recreation Manager Matt Bourne, Parks & Natural Resources Manager Andrea Kalligher, Rec. Supervisor of CC Operations RECORDING SECRETARY: Julie Krull I. APPROVAL OF AGENDA II. APPROVAL OF PRNR MINUTES – December 2, 2024 III. REPORT OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION IV. REPORT OF PLANNING COMMISSION V. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATION VI. NEW BUSINESS A. Commission Member Application VII. OLD BUSINESS I. REPORTS OF COMMISSION & STAFF A. Recreation Services Manager 1. N/A B. Community Center Manager 1. N/A C. Parks and Natural Resources Manager 1. Cemeteries 2. 2025 Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) D. Parks and Recreation Director 1. Athletics Project Update E. Parks & Recreation Experiences Share your experiences of past events, park/building visits, news articles, etc. VIII. NEXT MEETING PRNR: Monday, February 3, 2025, EP Community Center, Cambria Room IX. ADJOURNMENT PRNR Commission Purpose Statement: PRNR COMMISSION PURPOSE STATEMENT Act in an advisory capacity to the City on matters of leisure services, recreation programming, and development and use of parks and recreation facilities supported by the general public. • Enlist the support of organizations and individuals in providing City parks and recreation facilities and activities. • Provide input to staff in the promotion of awareness and use of recreation facilities and activities by community organizations and individuals. • Provide input to staff on park plans including the site development and facility modifications and/or improvement program. • Provide input to staff on park and recreation facility use. • Provide input to staff on leisure programs and activities. • Provide input to staff to ensure the inventory, preservation, and management of natural resources. UNAPPROVED MINUTES PARKS, RECREATION, AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2024 7:00 P.M. CITY CENTER 14800 Pioneer Road COMMISSION MEMBERS: Patrice Erickson, Chair; Tom Poul, Vice Chair; Deepa Bhujle, Cecilia Cervantes, Pedro Curry, Duane Hookom, Annie Klodd, Jennifer Meyer, Kirk Spresser PRNR STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES: Noelle Fitzgerald, Sophia Hoffelt, Tavin Koenig, Arya Mehta, Haricharan Neelamegam, Jack Petrin, Tessa Plourde, Richa Raja CITY STAFF: Amy Markle, Parks and Recreation Director Lori Brink, Recreation Manager Matt Bourne, Parks and Natural Resources Manager Valerie Verley, Community Center Manager Andrea Kalligher, Recreation Supervisor of Community Center Operations RECORDING SECRETARY: Julie Krull Chair Erickson called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Commission Members Cervantes and Meyer were absent; Bhujle arrived after the approval of the minutes and Shah arrived during the Wildlife Management presentation. Student Representatives Plourde, and Raja were absent. Recreation Manager Brink and Community Center Manager Verley were absent. I. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion: Vice Chair Poul moved, seconded by Commission Member Hookom, to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried 6-0. II. APPROVAL OF PRNR MINUTES Motion: Commission Member Spresser moved, seconded by Commission Member Curry, to approve the November 4, 2024 Commission Minutes. Motion carried 6-0. III. REPORT OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION Parks and Recreation Director Markle presented an update of the November 12th workshop session with the City Council. The items below were discussed. A. ELECTRIC BIKES (E-BIKES) IN EDEN PRAIRIE Markle said the Mayor would like to get more information regarding the legality of electric bikes in Eden Prairie and would be interested in a future discussion disallowing motorized vehicles on bike and walking trails. The Eden Prairie Police Department has been reaching out to businesses selling these bikes in Eden Prairie so they have knowledge of the rules that the bikes must be sold to individuals who are at least 15 years old and have a valid driver’s license. B. ATHLETICS POLICY The Athletics Policy was discussed with an emphasis on the 7-tiered system, which would allow for the allocation of facilities in an organized manner. In addition, the usage fees associated with these tiers were also discussed. Markle will discuss this in more detail under Staff Updates. C. ADDITIONAL ITEMS DISCUSSED • Contract for approval with Shadywood Tree Experts for EAB trees along Anderson Lakes Parkway for approximately $57,400. • Deer Management contract with the USDA for approximately $24,600. • MNDNR Grant agreement related to Shade Tree Bonding Grant. IV. REPORT OF PLANNING COMMISSION Matt Bourne, Parks & Natural Resources Manager gave an update on the Marshall Gardens project off of Dell Road. This is a 4-building condo and a 15 single family home development. The major concern of residents that live in the area is the amount of traffic it will generate. Bourne pointed out there will be some land donated to the City by Riley Creek so the nature trails can be expanded. The development will also have a community garden. This project will go before the City Council for discussion in January. The anticipated start time for construction would be spring of 2025. Vice Chair Poul inquired what the pricing would be for the condos. Bourne said the condos would be selling for approximately one million dollars and the single- family homes would be selling between $700,000 - $900,000. Commission Member Bhujle inquired if a substantial amount of trees would be removed. Bourne responded most of the trees would staying and they are working on saving some of the heritage trees. Bourne pointed out there will be buffer screening on the adjacent family homes. V. PETITIONS, REQUESTS, AND COMMUNICATION VI. NEW BUSINESS A. COMMISSON MEMBER UPDATE Markle shared Vice Chair Poul will be moving out of the City and after this evening will no longer be on the Commission. Markle, as well as the Commission, thanked Vice Chair Poul for his service. Because of his departure there will be two seats available on the PRNR Commission. Commissioners Bhujle and Curry’s terms are up in March and Markle asked them to think about renewing their term. X. OLD BUSINESS XI. REPORTS OF COMMISSION AND STAFF A. RECREATION SERVICES MANAGER B. COMMUNITY CENTER MANAGER C. PARKS AND NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGER 1. Wildlife Management Presentation Parks and Natural Resources Manager Bourne presented an update to the wildlife management in Eden Prairie. The presentation will mainly focus on the deer population in the City. The Deer Study Committee Task Force was formed in 1994 and consists of residents, City Staff and the DNR. This task force discussed the deer population in regards to landscape and property damage, traffic issues and artificial feeding. Also discussed were considerations pertaining to Chronic Waste Disease. This disease is spread through salvia of deer. It has spread in the last five years in the United States but fortunately it is still rare in Minnesota. Artificial feeding is also a concern and because of that Hennepin County is now under a DNR feeding ban. Bourne pointed out this program works through the DNR. In regard to the deer population, they would like to have 20-25 deer per square mile of natural habitat; the total habitat in Eden Prairie is 8 square miles. Bourne said Eden Prairie has contracted with the Department of Agriculture since 2016 for animal removals and pointed out all deer removed are donated to local food shelves and families in need. Commission Member Meyer inquired how donating the meat works in regards to Chronic Waste Disease. Bourne responded the deer would get tested before the food would be harvested. This program works closely with the DNR and the Eden Prairie Police Department in regards to the annual safety plan. Every year the City and Three Rivers Park District do an aerial survey of deer. The aerial survey taken on 3/7/2019 found 242 deer in Eden Prairie; 34 deer were removed. The 2020 survey found 260 deer and 53 deer were removed. In 2021, 278 deer were found and 35 deer were removed. And lastly, in the 2022 survey, 321 deer were found and 39 deer were removed. Bourne pointed out last year 95 deer were removed. An aerial survey could not be completed because of the lack of snow. Commissioner Bhujle inquired how the deer are removed. Bourne responded they are baited with corn and removed with sharp shooters from the USDA. The removal takes place in natural areas where there are no trails or homes around for the public safety. Bhujle inquired if the focus is on male or female deer. Bourne responded it is specifically adult female deer. Markle inquired how many deer are anticipated this year for removal. Bourne responded 50 are tagged for removal. Areas with a large population of deer are Edenbrook, Edenvale, and the Forest Hills area. There will be bait put out in these areas and will be monitored. Commissioner Klodd inquired when residents call in and complain about deer what are they told to do. Bourne responded they are told to make sure they, as well as their neighbors, are not feeding the deer. He also would suggest hanging Irish Spring soap in the area as deer do not like that scent. Commissioner Meyer inquired how Eden Prairie compares with other cities. Bourne responded Eden Prairie has a lot of natural habitat that attracts deer. Meyer asked what would happen if the City did not remove the deer. Bourne said the Chronic Waste Disease could rise along with more accidents and deterioration to landscaping. Bourne addressed other wildlife that is managed by the City. They are as follows: 1. Canada Geese This management program was created in 2008 and was coordinated by the Engineering Department because of water safety. The City has set up shore land restorations to help manage the geese population. 2. Turkey There is no population management for turkeys; they are only removed on a complaint basis. 3. Coyote There is no program for this, only problem coyotes are tracked. Commissioner Spresser inquired what a problem coyote is. Bourne responded it is one that is hanging around the area after being yelled at or shewed away. Chair Erickson inquired if there were any changes in the turkey population in the last few years. Bourne responded there really were not any changes in the population but they have become more aggressive, especially in the fall. D. PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR 1. Athletics Policy Project Update. Director Markle updated the Commission in regards to her discussions with the City Council in November. Markle said the Council liked the tier approach to organization. The tiers were defined as follows: Tier One (City programs and sponsored events); Tier Two (Eden Prairie Public School District programs including high school athletics teams and physical education classes); Tier Three (recognized Eden Prairie based nonprofit youth-serving athletics associations, of which at least seventy- five percent of participants must be Eden Prairie youth ages eighteen and under); Tier Four (adult-serving nonprofit athletic organizations or teams made up of at least fifty percent Eden Prairie residents); Tier Five (Eden Prairie based service organizations, churches, or neighborhood groups, private or charter schools located in Eden Prairie or in close proximity serving Eden Prairie students); Tier Six (other non-recognized youth- serving athletic organizations serving Eden Prairie youth); and Tier Seven (other adult-serving athletic organizations serving Eden Prairie adults). In discussions with the City Council, they wanted a fee structure that would be comfortable for everyone. In regards to growing sports, such as cricket, the City will need more fields to accommodate for the sports. There will be a financial need for all of the emerging sports. A per participant fee of $8-$10 was suggested. For non-profit groups it was discussed allowing them to reserve the fields for 2 hours at a time. Markle also pointed out the City needs to be in alignment with the Eden Prairie School District. She stated the usage fees were discussed with the City Council. They looked at both profit and non-profit and the Council was comfortable with having both groups pay for participation and rentals. Markle said she will be taking input in regards to this policy for another week and compiling the results to take before the City Council. The objective is to create a policy that will be effective and assessable for everyone. This policy will go before the City Council for potential approval at the December 3 meeting. If it is approved, implementation of the new Athletics Policy would then take place effective January 1, 2025. Commissioner Spresser commented there may be a better response if the public was aware that the money collected will go back into programs and maintenance of the fields. Markle responded they are working on that so they can let the City Council know there are expenses to run the programs and maintain the fields so they may be receptive to the usage fees. Commissioner Meyer inquired as to what obstacles are in place for this policy not to be approved by the City Council. Markle responded the usage fees are the main obstacle and that is what she is working on addressing with the City Council. E. PARKS AND RECREATION EXPERIENCES Staff and Commission members shared recent experiences with City parks and recreation programs, past events, park/building visits, news articles, etc. Commissioner Hookom commented he read an article in the Eden Prairie News regarding lakes in the City and thought it was well written. Chair Erickson pointed out Commissioner Hookom was in an article in the Eden Prairie News and said it was a tribute to the first responders that assisted him in his time of need. Vice Chair Poul commented one of the things he really has enjoyed about Eden Prairie was all of the parks in the City. Commissioner Meyer inquired as to what happens to the Staring Lake dog park in the winter months. Bourne responded it will be closed when the snow starts accumulating. Meyer commented that is unfortunate because people like to walk their dogs on the ski trails. She inquired if that should be changed. Bourne responded that topic could be discussed at a future meeting. Commission Spresser said it was previously discussed and decided to have the dog parks close when it starts to snow. Meyer inquired if the arrival of Planet Fitness in Eden Prairie will have an impact on the Community Center Fitness area. Markle responded she is unsure but pointed out the two are very different. The Community Center offers a variety of programs that Planet Fitness does not offer and that can pull people in. The fitness center will also be updated this winter. Commissioner Klodd inquired about all of the ice skating rinks in Eden Prairie and asked if all of them are needed as when they are not in use it is a waste of land. Markle responded they are also having discussions on that topic as to what to do with this land in the off season and suggested they could possibly be turned into cricket courts. Markle said Lori Brink, Recreation Manager, and Nicole Weedman, Senior Recreation Supervisor, would like to utilize the PRNR Student Representatives to get ideas for outreach programs for teens. There will be more discussion on this topic in future meetings. XII. NEXT MEETING The next PRNR Commission meeting will be held on Monday, January 6, at 7:00 p.m. at the Eden Prairie Community Center Cambria Room. XIII. ADJOURNMENT Motion: Vice Chair Poul Spresser moved, seconded by Commission Member Shah, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 8-0. Chair Erickson adjourned the meeting at 8:10 p.m.