Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks and Recreation - 06/03/2019APPROVED MINUTES PARKS, RECREATION, AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, JUNE 3, 2019 7:00 P.M. SENIOR CENTER 8950 Eden Prairie Road, Room 201 PRNR COMMISSION MEMBERS: Larry Link, Chair; Patrice Erickson, Vice Chair; Cecilia Cervantes, Kim Harris, Andy McGlasson, Leonard Pesheck, John Rahman, Ken Ross, Kirk Spresser CITY STAFF: Jay Lotthammer, Parks and Recreation Director Lori Brink, Recreation Manager Matt Bourne, Parks and Natural Resources Manager Valerie Verley, Community Center Manager Sue Bohnsack, Senior Center Recreation Supervisor RECORDING SECRETARY: Jodie Fenske A Park Rezoning Information Meeting was held at 7:00 p.m. Additional information provided in Section VII. A. herein. I. INTRODUCTIONS Chair Link called the meeting to order at 8:10 p.m. The meeting started late due to a public information meeting regarding park zoning. Roll call was taken. Commission Members Cervantes and Ross were absent. Chair Link introduced new Commission Member Kim Harris. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion: Pesheck moved, seconded by Spresser, to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried 7-0. III. APPROVAL OF PRNR MINUTES Motion: McGlasson moved, seconded by Erickson, to approve the May 6, 2019 minutes as presented. Motion carried 7-0. IV. REPORT OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION Lotthammer reported on actions recently taken by the City Council. A. DONATION TO SAFETY CAMP Council adopted a Resolution accepting a donation of $5,000 from Comcast for the Eden Prairie Crime Fund to go towards Safety Camp. PARKS, RECREATION, AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES June 3, 2019 Page 2 B. SENIOR AWARENESS MONTH PROCLAMATION At the May 7, 2019 City Council meeting, Mayor Case read a proclamation proclaiming May 2019 as Senior Awareness Month. He presented the proclamation to representatives of the Eden Prairie Senior Center and several members of the Senior Advisory Council were in attendance. C. RESURFACING OF ROUND LAKE PARK PLAYGROUND SAFETY SURFACE Council accepted quotes and awarded a contract to Midwest Playscapes for the replacement of rubberized safety surfacing at the Round Lake Park play area. D. FIREWORKS FOR JULY 4TH AGREEMENT Council authorized entering into an Agreement with RES Pyro for the July 4th fireworks display. Lotthammer noted the City has enjoyed a successful relationship with this vendor for years. E. AWARD OF EXCELLENCE – PASSPORT TO FUN SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM The Minnesota Recreation and Parks Association Award of Excellence was presented to the Parks and Recreation Department for the City’s 2018 Passport to Fun scholarship program. Verley explained the program enables people to participate in the City’s recreation programs who may otherwise be unable due to financial constraints. Administrative changes were researched and put in place to allow participants to register online for programs whereas they previously needed to come to the Community Center to register in-person. F. AWARD OF EXCELLENCE – PEOPLEFEST! Council accepted the Minnesota Recreation and Parks Association Award of Excellence for the 2018 series of events entitled “PeopleFest! A Community Celebration of Culture.” Brink noted the celebration was a collaborative effort of Eden Prairie Schools Community Education, the City’s Human Rights and Diversity Commission as well as the Parks and Recreation Department. Several other community partners were involved in executing the celebration. Planning for the 2019 celebration is underway. G. RED CROSS AWARDS AND RECOGNITION Council accepted Red Cross Awards presented to Recreation Supervisor Jasmine Ellingson and the Parks and Recreation Department’s Aquatic programs. Verley explained the City was recognized as a “Gold Level Learn to Swim Provider.” In 2018 Eden Prairie had the second highest participant numbers for group swim lessons in the state of Minnesota, second only to the City of St. Paul. Verley PARKS, RECREATION, AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES June 3, 2019 Page 3 specifically noted thanks to Ellingson and her team’s efforts, Eden Prairie not only has a reputation for a state-of-the-art Aquatics Center but also high quality, regionally-recognized programming. V. REPORT OF PLANNING COMMISSION VI. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATION A. HANDOUTS OF UPCOMING EVENTS Brink and Verley presented handouts of the following upcoming events. 1. Jazz on the Prairie. This 29th annual event kicks off the summer concert series for the City on Sunday, June 9, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Staring Lake Amphitheatre. Six area big bands will be featured, along with RibFest benefiting the Eden Prairie noon Rotary Club. 2. Fitness in the Parks. No registration is required to attend these free fitness classes held from June 10 to August 9 at various parks. Schedule can be found online and donations are accepted for PROP at all events. 3. “State Fair” by Eden Prairie Players. The 27th annual summer musical will be held on June 14 and 15 and June 20 and 22 at 7 p.m. and June 16 and 23 at 6 p.m. at the Staring Lake Amphitheatre. Donations will be accepted from audience members. 4. KidStock. Children’s entertainers perform on Tuesday mornings from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. from June 18 to August 13 at Staring Lake Amphitheatre. 5. Garden Party. The annual event will be held at the Senior Center on Wednesday, June 26, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Participants at this free event will enjoy music and dessert. The event is sponsored by the Senior Advisory Council. 6. Staring Lake Concert Series. The concert series is presented with assistance of sponsorships from Eden Prairie businesses and organizations. Concerts are held each Sunday at 6 p.m. and Thursday and Friday evenings at 7 p.m. from June 27 through August 8 at the Staring Lake Amphitheatre. Brink noted the change from Wednesday evenings to Thursday evenings beginning this summer. 7. July 3 and 4 Hometown Celebration. Activities both days will be held at Round Lake Park and will include live music, beach activities, food, beer, bingo, trivia, kids activities, demonstrations, vendors, karaoke, baseball and pickleball tournaments, and fireworks. PARKS, RECREATION, AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES June 3, 2019 Page 4 VII. NEW BUSINESS A. PARK REZONING INFORMATION MEETING A Park Rezoning Information Meeting was held at 7 p.m. and attended by approximately 100 community members, in addition to the PRNR Commission. Lotthammer welcomed the group and explained a letter was mailed on May 17, 2019 to property owners within five hundred feet of a City-owned park or open space, inviting them to this information meeting about park rezoning. He then introduced City Planner Julie Klima. Klima explained the purpose of the meeting was to provide an explanation of the rezoning and offer residents an opportunity to ask questions and gather information. She stated the PRNR Commission was in attendance to ask questions, make comments, and hear resident input. She stated no formal action was required at this information meeting. Klima provided a PowerPoint presentation explaining the history of the City’s park zoning. In 2009 the City adopted its Comprehensive Plan which guides all of the properties in the City for a specific type of land use. At that time, the City guided park and open space as a land use designation for City-owned parks. However, the properties are currently zoned a variety of different ways, including residential, commercial, office, public, rural, etc. Each zoning district outlines permitted uses within that zoning district. She explained this park rezoning effort is intended to provide consistency amongst all parks within the City. In addition, State law requires zoning match a city’s comprehensive plan. In 2017 the City adopted a Park and Open Space Zoning District which established permitted uses, setbacks, and other standards. The City is now proposing to rezone thirty-five City-owned parks, fifteen conservation areas, and one special-use area to be designated “park and open space.” Klima noted this rezoning does not involve any physical changes to the parks and open spaces or any of the property boundaries. She displayed a color-coded map as part of the presentation and stated the map is available on the City’s website. A similar map was provided in the hallway for property owners to view. Klima explained the next step is for a formal public hearing process. The Planning Commission will hear the request to rezone the properties, including information shared by residents at this information meeting and through other means. The Planning Commission would then make a recommendation to the City Council. The Council would then hold a public hearing before making a determination to proceed with the rezoning or not. She stated the process will likely begin later this summer and then invited the group to ask questions and/or make comments. An audience member inquired and Klima responded the letter was mailed to nine thousand property owners who live within five hundred feet of a City-owned park or open space. In addition to the approximately one hundred people gathered, Staff PARKS, RECREATION, AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES June 3, 2019 Page 5 fielded about forty to fifty telephone calls. She clarified there are no changes planned to the parks at this time. An audience member requested clarification and Klima responded the way zoning is currently in place, a proposal could come forward based on current permissible use to place an apartment building or similar structure in a park. The proposed rezoning would prevent the proposal from even coming forward. Lotthammer added the scenario would be hypothetical on a zoning level. However, based on how the parks were acquired and their current use, it would not be possible. Lotthammer explained parkland has been acquired in many different ways and protections are built into some of those acquisitions through the deeds. Another audience member addressed the effect rezoning would have on adjacent properties. Klima reiterated the rezoning affects only the properties owned by the City, not the adjacent properties. Lotthammer interjected the rezoning provides additional guidelines the City will need to follow as far as setbacks, signage, etc. to protect property owners adjacent to the parks. A few residents inquired about their properties located in or near the Minnesota River Valley, other conservation areas, proposed lightrail areas, or in the green areas indicated on the map provided. Klima urged those residents to speak with her after the meeting since each parcel needs to be addressed individually based on its location. A resident inquired about the impact on property taxes. Klima responded there would be no impact to individual property owners because the zoning is limited to City-owned properties. Resident properties are taxed based on use, value, comparable sales, etc. Another resident interjected the location near a park would affect the value of the house and thus the property taxes. Klima stated the assessor looks at many factors to determine a value, one of which is the existing conditions, not the zoning. Lotthammer added the zoning would change if this proposal moves forward, not the use. An audience member asked for clarification of the specific State law Klima referred to regarding zoning needing to comply with the comprehensive plan. Klima responded State Statute Chapter 462 governs land use, planning, and zoning. Pursuant to the same audience member’s additional request for clarification, Klima stated the comprehensive plan guiding the properties in question is the City’s 2030 plan prepared in 2009, not the Metropolitan Council’s Thrive 2040 regional plan for the metro area. A resident whose property is located near Duck Lake Trail/Dell Road/Valley View/Hidden Ponds voiced concern about the wooded area possibly getting developed in the future. Lotthammer noted there are no plans to develop that woodland area and Klima reiterated since the areas being considered are already operating as parks, there should be very little fear of development. PARKS, RECREATION, AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES June 3, 2019 Page 6 An audience member shared concern about a park being transformed into a high- density or residential development. Klima responded the comprehensive plan guides each piece of property within the City for a specific land use. The City- owned properties considered under the rezoning proposal are limited by the parks zoning district for only the following permitted uses: public recreation, publicly- owned historical property and buildings, recreation-related structures and amenities, public conservation areas, public infrastructure, and antennas and towers. Therefore those are the only uses allowed on properties zoned park. Any proposal for commercial or residential development would not be consistent with the zoned uses and therefore not allowed. In response to an audience member’s comment regarding protection, Klima responded again the only properties under consideration for rezoning are City owned. If the proposal proceeds and the properties are rezoned to “park,” adjacent property owners would be provided additional protection because that zoning district assures no other development could occur. She noted in response to a gentleman’s concern about the rezoning process that plans out to 2040 do not include rezoning any of these properties to anything other than park. Commission Member Spresser introduced himself to the group and stated the rezoning proposal appears to provide more protection to property owners so the parks will not be developed into anything other than parks. In response to an audience member’s question, Klima responded the Metropolitan Council does not determine how much green space the City provides; that determination is made by the City Council through the public process. Klima invited residents to check online or to contact the Planning Department with any questions regarding how their property or adjacent property is zoned, setbacks, etc. The City website also provides a table outlining current setbacks and setbacks once City-owned properties are zoned parks. A resident shared concern about an addition to a home being limited if the property is adjacent to a park. Klima explained a process is already in place whereas the homeowner would apply for a building permit through the City. She further explained property owner’s setbacks will not change as a result of the rezoning proposal, only possible setback changes on the City-owned park property. Therefore this rezoning proposal would have no effect on proposed additions to residential properties. Lotthammer stated City Council recently developed a Housing Taskforce to address lifecycle housing, inclusive and affordable housing, and other housing options in Eden Prairie. Lotthammer explained the City’s policy of protecting parkland. He explained Staff even inspects along boundaries of parkland to ensure property owners are not encroaching on the parkland because it belongs to all residents of the City. Klima reiterated no development or park improvements are being proposed in any of the anticipated zoning change areas indicated on the map. In response to a resident’s concern about parking lots being added to parks, Lotthammer responded PARKS, RECREATION, AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES June 3, 2019 Page 7 there are no plans to add additional parking in any of the parks. He noted parking lots are reconfigured for traffic flow or safety concerns, or resurfaced for maintenance, but there are no plans for additional parking lots. The City considers the park system complete and its last neighborhood park was recently built at Cedar Hills Park. The City remains committed to preserving and protecting the parks and conservation areas. An audience member shared concern about the Metropolitan Council’s control over City parks via its comprehensive plan. Klima explained the City’s parks conform to the City’s comprehensive plan. She explained the Metropolitan Council does not have a comprehensive plan but they do have regional policies to guide transit, sewer, etc. The Metropolitan Council allows each city to prepare its own comprehensive plan and reviews each to ensure no city stands out with providing mismatched services with the others and won’t work from a regional perspective. The City has the ability to govern its own comprehensive plan, own and manage its own parks, providing assurance of resident input. In an effort not to overpromise, Lotthammer added there are methods Federal and State government have to be able to use land, including parkland or other City-owned land. He noted there is, however, a public process all levels of government must go through in order to development land. In conclusion, Lotthammer stated the PRNR Commission meeting still needed to take place. He invited any remaining audience members with specific questions to meet with Klima and other staff in a room down the hall or to contact Planning staff. He informed the PRNR Commission no additional action will be asked of its members but he will keep the Commission informed as the process progresses. B. LAWN GAME PLAZA This portion of the agenda has been moved to the July bus tour. C. COMMUNITY GARDENS This portion of the agenda has been moved to the July bus tour. VIII. OLD BUSINESS A. PARK AND OPEN SPACE PLAN – SERVING OLDER ADULTS Lotthammer stated Staff has been working for several months on updating the City’s Park and Open Space Plan. Additional programming is a main focus in updating the Plan and there is no template currently in place for programming under the current Plan. Senior programming was chosen as the first attempt in developing a template for use with other program areas as they are developed. Lotthammer, Brink, and Senior Center Recreation Supervisor Sue Bohnsack spent much time researching history, trends, and best practices of Senior programming PARKS, RECREATION, AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES June 3, 2019 Page 8 and developed a draft they presented to Commission members for review and input. Lotthammer introduced Bohnsack to the group, mentioning she has been with the City for eleven years and has transformed the Senior Center to be a much more active and energetic facility. Brink interjected Bohnsack is very active across the State and region with colleagues who are also involved with Senior programming. She has access to trend data, specifically legislative and Human Services, and how they intersect with recreation. Brink added Bohnsack will be asking Commission members for dialogue and input into how the template should be formatted and what information should be included as the Plan development moves forward. Bohnsack provided a brief history of her time working at the Senior Center, as well as history of the building, staff, programming, and activities. The facility welcomes about 120 visitors per day, which is up from 40 visitors per day in 2009. Many activities are free and there is no annual membership fee, unlike many other cities. Partnerships are very important to the success of the Senior Center, for providing sponsorship, volunteers, support, and speakers. Senior Community Services, Eden Prairie Schools Community Education, Meals on Wheels, Eden Prairie Professionals in Aging (EPPIA), and the Eden Prairie Police and Fire Departments are a just a few of the partners. She stated demographics, evolving interests and abilities, and technology and digital platforms are all influencing factors in programming provided to Seniors. She shared data indicating the number of Eden Prairie residents age 65 and older is expected to increase 34 percent by 2021. She asked Commission members to provide input as to what seniors they know are doing who are not coming to the Senior Center. Responses included staying in familiar surroundings at home or in their current living facility and keeping active with their own circle of friends and activities. Lack of knowledge of Senior Center activities was mentioned as a possible reason. Work friends, church community, and senior housing activities were also mentioned. Bohnsack provides four senior housing tours each year for seniors to tour current facilities in the City and their offerings. Lotthammer stated many senior living facilities offer the same type of activities the Senior Center offers. He added many seniors are active and socializing at the Community Center with almost twenty-five hundred current senior memberships. Pesheck shared he has a family member who enjoys watching old movies and Bohnsack responded perhaps a partnership could be coordinated with a local movie theater. Spresser inquired if charging a nominal fee would increase opportunities or allow for additional staff to serve more seniors. Bohnsack responded the Senior Center is afforded a very supportive budget. Spresser added consideration should be given to making more of an investment in staff and senior programming because of the increasing population. Adding additional employees could result in reaching more seniors. PARKS, RECREATION, AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES June 3, 2019 Page 9 Rahman raised the discussion of being able to reach a larger number of seniors living in facilities versus a smaller number who are remaining in their homes. Lotthammer stated Staff is researching barriers or lack of barriers with technology and reaching seniors. He also mentioned income disparity being a barrier for some. The Senior Center offers trips and activities for a fee which may be unattainable for some seniors. He also mentioned the age range of seniors being serviced has broadened from previously ages 65-70 to now ages 55-95 so more options need to be made available. Pesheck raised concern about losing rental space at the Senior Center as it becomes busier with programming. Bohnsack responded programming is given priority over rental opportunity, although there are still plenty of times in the evenings to rent space to offset costs. Spresser asked and Lotthammer responded consideration is being given to upgrading the Senior Center building in the future. Bohnsack stated studies and recent participation rates show an increase in a desire for more active programs. She foresees a need for additional smaller spaces available for drop-in small-group activities and socialization. Spresser shared interest in adding space for seniors at both the Senior Center and Community Center. Lotthammer added consideration needs to be given to the times the space would be used versus not needed and therefore making use of other City facilities with open space. Link shared desire for a possible central community gathering place within the City. Bohnsack stated even though program and event information is readily available online, recent survey and focus group feedback indicates the senior newsletter is still the primary source for most seniors. The publication is physically mailed to eight hundred homes and emailed to six hundred households. The Senior Center facility has been updated and maintained through the years with improvements to décor, furnishings, finishes, storage, multifunctional spaces, technology of sound and projection equipment, security cameras, outdoor activity space, and accessibility. Programming efforts have improved through collaborations with the Art Center, Outdoor Center, and Community Center. Bohnsack asked Commission members where they see themselves recreating in ten years. Responses included a senior center either in their community or at the facility in which they are living and the Community Center because a social circle has already been developed there. The group discussed if the name on the building was not “Senior” Center, would people be more receptive to participating in the activities there. Most members concurred what is happening inside is more important than the name on the outside of the building. Brink added the Senior Advisory Council has discussed the name of the building and services offered there many times over several years. They have concurred most seniors recognize how the City does so much for youth and do not want their building and activities compromised. PARKS, RECREATION, AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES June 3, 2019 Page 10 Rahman inquired about the possibility of serving food at the Senior Center to bring seniors together for fellowship. Bohnsack responded a catered meal is sponsored once a month. In addition, Lunch Bunch is offered once a month for seniors to meet at a restaurant. Spresser suggested a trial program of offering a meal once a week during the summer months. Erickson suggested the Commission meet with the Senior Advisory Council to brainstorm additional ideas for future programming and improvements to the Senior Center. Lotthammer thanked Bohnsack for her efforts and Commission members for their input. He concluded by stating discussions will continue in the future between Staff and Commission members regarding other programming the City offers. IX. REPORTS OF COMMISSION AND STAFF A. PARKS AND RECREATION EXPERIENCES Spresser requested Staff investigate Pop Tennis, a game played on shorter tennis courts but the same scoring and rules as tennis, to see if it could be a viable option on City tennis courts since it only requires two additional lines be added. Spresser stated he recently visited Round Lake Park on a Saturday evening and was pleased to see it busy and being appropriately used. He also mentioned a friend who recently joined a pickleball group stated the Staring Lake Park courts are great. Rahman inquired if plans were being made to reschedule the rained-out Arts in the Park event. Brink responded artists are being surveyed for availability on three possible dates in late August or early September that also provide an indoor back- up option in case of bad weather. B. RECREATION SERVICES MANAGER C. COMMUNITY CENTER MANAGER D. PARKS AND NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGER E. PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR 1. 2019 PRNR Work Plan. Lotthammer provided an updated 2019 work plan outlining upcoming important dates. The July gathering is not an official Commission meeting but a bus tour of City parks. The next official PRNR Commission meeting will be held on Monday, August 5, 2019. He invited all Commission members to the dedication of the Nancy Tyra- Lukens Aquatic Center on Tuesday, June 18 at 4 p.m. PARKS, RECREATION, AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES June 3, 2019 Page 11 X. NEXT MEETING The next PRNR Commission gathering will be held on Monday, July 8 at 6 p.m. Staff and Commission members will meet at the Parks Maintenance Building to view the Flying Red Horse sign and then a bus tour of City parks including Purgatory Creek, Nesbitt Preserve, Staring Lake, Sterling Field, Bluffs West 1 and 2, and the lawn game plaza and community gardens at Pioneer Park. XI. ADJOURNMENT Motion: Spresser moved, seconded by Rahman, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 7-0. Chair Link adjourned the meeting at 9:33 p.m. Bohnsack offered an optional tour of the Senior Center to any interested Commission members after the meeting.