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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks and Recreation - 08/07/2006 UNAPPROVED MINUTES PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY,AUGUST 7, 2006 7:00 P.M., CITY CENTER Council Chambers 8080 Mitchell Road COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: John Brill, Chair; Tom Bierman, Lee Elliott- Stoering, Jeffrey Gerst, Randy Jacobus, Ian Mackay, Michael Moriarty COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Rob Barrett and Geri Napuck CITY STAFF: Bob Lambert, Parks & Recreation Director RECORDING SECRETARY: Allison Burr I. ROLL CALL Chair Brill called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. Napuck and Barrett were absent. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda was unanimously approved as published. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES —June 5, 2006 and July 10, 2006 Gerst noted the July 10"'minutes should reflect he was absent from the meeting. Bierman noted the July 10"' minutes should reflect that the Commission did suggest a number of uses for the Cedar Hills Clubhouse, including wedding reception, family reunions, executive corporate meetings, graduation parties, birthday parties, team- building events, or a teen center. He noted some Commissioners were in favor of acquiring the property. Lambert agreed those things were discussed,but there was no formal action on whether that was supported. Bierman responded he wanted to record the ideas for the record. Brill noted there was no approval or voting on the issue. Motion: Moriarty moved, Mackay seconded, to approve the June 5, 2006, Parks Recreation and Natural Resources Commission minutes as published. The motion carried, 7-0. Motion: Bierman moved, Jacobus seconded, to approve the July 10, 2006, Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources minutes as amended. The motion carried, 4-0-3 with Moriarty, Mackay, and Gerst abstaining because of absence from that meeting. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION August 7, 2006 Page 2 IV. APPROVED MINUTES —April 3, 2006 No action was taken. V. REPORT OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION of June 6,June 20,July 18, 2006 Lambert reported the only item discussed was on July 18"' when the Council reviewed the recommendations regarding the community center addition, specifically the parking lot plans and relocation of the baseball diamond. VI. REPORT OF PLANNING COMMISSION OF JUNE 12,JUNE 26,JULY 10,JULY 24, 2006 Lambert asked what the Commission would like in the future regarding the Planning Commission report. Stu Fox typically provides a detailed memo that covers variances of setbacks of yards, et cetera,but Lambert believes the Commission is likely interested in the Planning Commission review that directly affected parks and trails. Planning Commission minutes can be included for review, but it may not be a good use of Commissioners' time. Brill stated a condensed version of the memo that covers the park issues is fine. Elliott- Stoering requested a copy of the minutes be included in the packet. Lambert stated that is fine, although they will be a couple months old because of the time it takes for approval. Bierman asked if developer fees can be found in the Planning Commission minutes. Lambert responded the Planning Commission does not discuss fees. Recommendations regarding park fees are made toward the end of each year. A decision regarding anything other than park fees would come to this Commission, and that has probably happened only six times in the last 25 years. VII. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATION A. THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT—BRYANT LAKE PARK OFF LEASH AREA Lambert provided background on the proposed park. Two years ago the City received a petition from over 1,600 residents requesting off-leash areas. A task force was formed and spent six months evaluating it. The original request was to have large acreage dog parks, which was found to be difficult upon review of the City park property. What evolved from that are four hockey rinks that will be off- leash dog parks from March 1 through December 1. The City built a one-acre dog park off Highway 212 and recently opened a 5.6-acre dog park in Staring PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION August 7, 2006 Page 3 Lake Park which will be the largest one in the park system. His initial recommendation was to approach Three Rivers Park District and evaluate the feasibility of off-leash parks in their park system because they have large enough park land to accommodate the park areas. Lambert continued that Three Rivers has done a nice job of providing large dog areas in their park system. They are present tonight not because the City has the right to advise on the development of their parks,but because part of the agreement during the transfer of Bryant Lake Park was the City's right to review and comment on any changes to their park plan. Three Rivers has accommodated that throughout the last 20 years. Lambert noted there are six or seven letters in the packet objecting to the park generally because of parking concerns. He noted this is not a public hearing, and therefore the Commission does not have to open it up for public comment. Alex Meyer, Three Rivers Park District, introduced Rosemary Francine, a board commissioner representing Eden Prairie, as well as Tom McDowell and Jonathon Fleming. Meyer presented an overhead map showing the parameters of the proposed off-leash dog park area. He noted the area under consideration is 9.3 acres. He explained the entrance road will be upgraded into a two-lane road leading into a 24-car parking lot. There will be a path around the perimeter of the fenced area and possibly a path through the middle of the park as well as an enclosed area with a 5-foot fence. Trash collection and a dog waste dispenser will be included as well as picnic tables. Meyer noted the Park District operates four other off-leash parks currently. In 2005 the Board approved three additional off-leash areas which include a 27-acre dog park near Victoria and a 7-acre park in Plymouth. He outlined the rules and regulations to be followed by park users. Moriarty noted resident concerns regarding dog feces and other matter going into the lake. He asked if that is an issue with other dog parks. Meyer responded there were issues with the horse stable operation; the horse operation was not able to remove manure during the winter months due to weight restrictions on the roads. There were also runoff issues into the lake. At other facilities, there is a fair amount of peer pressure for people to pick up after their dogs. Bierman asked about the distance between the fenced area and the lake. Meyer responded 300 to 400 feet. Bierman asked why it is located so close to the bike path, possibly only 10 feet away. Meyer responded it is probably a minimum of 20 feet away. There is a lot of contouring along the path, so the bike path is elevated above the dog area. Bierman asked if the area could be moved if there were objections. Meyer responded that would be possible, although there have PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION August 7, 2006 Page 4 not been complaints in the other parks. Those trails are also for walking dogs with leashes. Meyer noted the park at Elm Creek is right next to a neighborhood, and there have not been any complaints regarding dog barking. Bierman asked why the size of the lot was determined to be 24 cars rather than 36 or 48. Meyer responded that is based on the count of the use in the existing facilities. There is never in excess of 22 cars at the Elm Creek park, for example. Bierman asked if the other facilities open at 5 a.m. Meyer responded the operating hours of the Park District facilities are 5 a.m. to sunset. The hours for this facility can be set to any hour if it becomes an issue. Bierman asked if the Commission can review the posted rules and regulations and if there are rules pertaining to barking, obnoxious, and vicious dogs. Meyer responded a dog owner's permit will be pulled if complaints are received regarding a dog. Bierman asked about the permitting process. McDowell responded the permit is a $30 annual fee that will allow the dog owner access to any off-leash areas. The Park District headquarters issue the permit, and they take the name, address, and phone number of the permitees. This provides the enforcement mechanism, which is done by the park police, although there is an extraordinary amount of self-policing that goes on with this type of park facilities. Bierman asked if there will be any additional burden on Eden Prairie's park police. McDowell responded there should not be. He added the off-leash areas operate under the same hours as the rest of the parks, and surveys show there is very, very little usage of the park early in the morning. The most usage is mid- morning and after 4 p.m. Elliott-S toering asked if there is there a way to expand the parking lot due to concerns about overflow parking. Meyer responded that particular piece is not expandable. The north side of the parking lot would have to be looked at, though the 24 parking spots are believed to be sufficient. Elliott-S toering asked about the provision of water for dogs. Meyer stated there is no available water on the site;park users usually provide their own water. Elliott-S toering asked which dog park has been open the longest. McDowell stated the park at Elm Creek is the oldest one; the original one was at a different site in the 1980s. The existing site opened in 1993. Elliott-S toering asked about the vegetation. McDowell responded the vegetation on the off-leash side is the PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION August 7, 2006 Page 5 same as what is found outside the off-leash area. The human users stick to the trail and the dogs run into the vegetation. The use patterns have not created single-track paths. Jacobus noted nearby residents seem to be surprised about this park. He asked if there is a process of educating the residents and addressing their concerns. McDowell responded he has attended a number of meetings upon request. Three Rivers staff communicates with City staff, and the communication tends to be with the City as they identify the steps they would have the Park District respond to. Jacobus asked if the other dog parks are located near residential areas. McDowell responded the dog park at Elm Creek is the closest. Jacobus asked about the location of the playground. Meyer pointed out the playground and swimming beach; it is at least a quarter of a mile from the closest fence area. Lambert stated another resident concern is lighting. McDowell responded at present there are no plans for lighting. There have been a couple requests for lighting at an existing park,but lighting the off-leash areas is a complex issue. The question may arise of lighting all Park District parks in addition to just dog parks. The second issue is the difficulty in lighting the off-leash areas, deciding whether it is the area that people use and not the area the dogs use, et cetera. Brill asked about safety lighting for the parking area. McDowell responded the off-leash areas close at sunset, and there are no plans to light any parking lots. Brill asked about the approval process and who has the final say. Lambert responded the Park District has the final say; this is a regional park and not a City park. The Planning Commission has reviewed and approved the park; this Commission is reviewing this, and the Council will also review this. Jacobus asked how the Planning Commission handled the notification of residents regarding this park. Lambert responded it does not require a notice of public hearing, so he is not sure what kind of a notice was given. Jacobus asked if it is the Planning Commission's job to ensure they are working to accommodate the residents of Eden Prairie. Lambert responded the District develops regional parks to serve the region. They are not going to listen to adjacent neighbors like the City would listen to them for a neighborhood or City park because it is for a different purpose. Elliott-S toering commented the City does not have much to provide during the winter-time, and this does provide that. She also likes the fact that dogs have access to the water. Lambert responded the proposed park has a great layout. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION August 7, 2006 Page 6 Most people do not want their dog next to water,but this is an opportunity for those with sporting dogs to be able to do that. Mackay commented he looked at the facility and believes it is quite well put together, and the water is a great idea. Moriarty asked if there is thought of putting a park in the Anderson Lakes Regional Park. McDowell responded there is a committee who reviews sites throughout the Park District. The Anderson Lakes parcel is part of a regional park reserve. The development plans there would not allow an amenity that would take up that much additional acreage. Moriarty expressed appreciation for what Park District has done in that area. Bierman asked how many acres are in Bryant Lake Park. Fleming responded there are less than 200 acres but more than 100. Bierman asked why 9 acres was picked versus 5 or 20. McDowell responded it had to do with natural landform breaks, ease of fencing, the wetland and access to water. Bierman stated this Commission receives requests for more athletic fields, skateboard facilities, farmer's markets, and other things, and it looks like there are many other things can be done with that area. McDowell responded the Park District is charged providing recreation that is intermediary between the local level and state level, so they seek to complement rather than duplicate what is provided at the local and state level. A few years ago it became clear that while municipalities and park systems can provide dog-walking trails, the Park District can provide large off-leash areas. Bierman questioned what other activities could be held there, including band concerts. McDowell responded the Park District does provide concert space in a ski area in the summer. Currently the off-leash dog areas are serving a need and are very popular. Brill noted this is not a public hearing but opened the floor for public comments. No one spoke. Moriarty noted there is a recommendation about screening of the parking lot, et cetera. He asked if those have been communicated to Three Rivers. Lambert responded they have been passed along. Motion: Moriarty moved, Gerst seconded, to recommended approval of the revision of the Bryant Lake Regional Park plan to include an off-leash dog park, and a parking area to accommodate that use, as proposed by the Three Rivers Park District. Jacobus asked if there is concern regarding residents' objections. Moriarty noted the Park District has responded to a lot of the concerns raised in the letters. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION August 7, 2006 Page 7 Bierman noted he would not like 15 cars near his home, and if that does become a concern, there may be a signage process to go through. He asked whether the Commission can include in its motion a recommendation about times and signage. Lambert responded it is not necessary to include that; those concerns are reflected in the minutes. If there is any type of land use causing problems with adjacent neighbors, it is addressed through the transportation or police departments. He believes a 24-car lot will be rarely filled except perhaps on Saturday mornings. There are also other lots in the park that can be used. The motion carried, 6-1, with Jacobus voting no. Jacobus commented the Council should ensure the residents of that area are notified there is going to be a dog park and also ensure their concerns are addressed. B. REQUEST OF SENIOR CENTER ADVISORY COUNCIL FOR IRRIGATION OF COMMUNITY GARDENS AT PIONEER PARK Lambert presented the staff report and noted there are probably residents present to comment on the various recommendations. Elliott-S toering asked if there has been consideration of creating two different charges because Pioneer Trail is so expensive to maintain. Lambert responded that is possible,but the gardens at Pioneer Trail are much larger than the others so those could be split to provide more gardens for more people. He does not believe it is fair to have different charges for different gardens within the City. There is a policy regarding subsidies for programs for adults; adult programs are supposed to be covering their own costs. There is also a policy that some minimal subsidy can be provided for senior programs. All the other gardens are currently subsidized. He does not recommend discontinuing this program as it is a great program,but the issues need to be raised. Elliott-S toering asked if age 55 is the age at which the senior discount is provided. Lambert responded affirmatively. Moriarty asked if the cost of putting water in at the MAC land can be charged to the developer should the City's lease be terminated. Lambert responded MAC is the owner, not the developer. They would likely remove any water the City put in. Jacobus asked if the 7 cents per square foot gets the City close to breaking even on the program. Lambert responded it gets close to breaking even on Pioneer Park only. The rate would have to be 12.5 cents to break even on both. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION August 7, 2006 Page 8 Mackay asked about the occupancy of the Pioneer Trail gardens if the gardens were reduced in size. Lambert responded he is not sure what effect that would have. Currently the gardens are sold out,but there are always a few that go unused despite being paid for. A review of the numbers shows the City's gardens are considerably larger than those in surrounding communities. Jacobus asked about the impact of raising fees. Lambert responded he does not know the impact; however, the City should not have waited 13 years to raise the fee. Brill opened the floor for public comment. Sherry Chaffee, 15617 62nd Street West, expressed support for raising rates is necessary. If the City publicizes it has not raised rates in 13 years, it should not be a problem. She suggested providing discounted rates for any leftover parcels. Mackay expressed agreement with raising rates. Doubling the rates would be a shock to the system; he is comfortable with 8 cents per square foot. Lambert noted there are four questions before the Commission. The first is the type of water service at Pioneer Park; the second is the rate increase; the third is the continuation of senior discount; the fourth is approaching MAC to get a commitment for five years. If the City can get five years, staff's recommendation is to put in water at that location. Elliott-S toering stated the City does so much for the youth, and she would hate to see an increase in rates as well as elimination of the senior discount. Moriarty clarified staff is not in favor of having two different rates depending on water. Lambert concurred that is correct. He suggested charging 7 cents for seniors and 9 cents for everyone else if the Commission wants to keep the senior discount. Motion: Elliott-Stoering moved, Mackay seconded, to recommend to the City Council that water be extended at the Pioneer Park garden site to two locations (middle and east end) and that the spigots be push button "demand" style. The motion carried, 7-0. Motion: Gerst moved, Moriarty seconded, to recommend to the City Council that the rental rate for garden plots be raised to 9 cents per square foot for residents and 7 cents per square foot for seniors at both Community Garden locations. The motion carried, 7-0. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION August 7, 2006 Page 9 Motion: Moriarty moved, Elliott-S toering seconded, to recommend that the City Council direct staff to discuss long-term lease options with the Metropolitan Airports Commission prior to installing any water piping at the Pioneer Trail Gardens, and if discussions are successful, to proceed with a feasibility study on water options. The motion carried, 7-0. C. REQUEST OF BASEBALL ASSOCIATION REGARDING EXTENSION OF PARK HOURS Lambert noted the City received a request to extend the lighting curfew from 10 to 10:30 p.m. for the next two years because during those two years the Baseball Association will be losing two fields. City staff has been strict regarding shutting lights off at 10 p.m., and it recognizes the commitment to the neighbors. The City has notified several hundred neighbors about this proposed change, and the Commission's recommendation will go before the City Council. Elliott-S toering asked if the City receives complaints regarding the current 10 p.m. shut-off time. Lambert responded no, the City does not. A few weeks ago during a playoff game, the lights were on until 10:10 p.m. The lights were shut off when the game concluded,before the players even left the field. He noted on occasion women's softball will host their regional tournament and they are required to send out letters to neighbors notifying them the games may run over 10 p.m. but will stop as soon after as possible. The baseball field's lights are higher than those of the softball fields. The nearest neighbors are quite a ways away, on the south side of 312. Lambert noted the City would be as rigid about 10:30 p.m. as it is about 10 p.m. currently, and after two years it would go back to 10 p.m. Jacobus asked if that section of 312 will have lighting. Lambert responded he is not sure, other than there will be lights at the intersections. Bierman asked how many nights a week this will be. Lambert responded three or four nights, generally Monday through Thursday unless there is a tournament. Bierman asked if the season is June through August. Lambert responded it begins in May through the first of August. Peter Campyon, 16886 Hanover Lane, stated he is directly south of Miller Park and would be the only non-wooded lot. He has not complained about the lights because he is trying to be a good sport about it,but he is affected enough that he moved the entertainment center downstairs and the lights shine into his windows. He noted there is also a hockey season where lights shine through his east-facing window. His is also dealing with the ongoing construction. He suggested planting some big trees to cover the lights or providing awnings. His lower windows are not going to be an issue with the berm,but the upper windows will PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION August 7, 2006 Page 10 still be affected no matter what. Moriarty asked if there are plantings on the Miller side of 312. Lambert responded the landscape plans for the berms will not be completed until construction is finished on that section. He does not want to imply trees could be planted to screen 90-foot lights;perhaps 50 years from now they may be tall enough. Bierman asked about the lighting along 312. Lambert responded it is the same lighting as further up 312. The lighting at the intersection of Dell Road and 312 is very well-lit; beyond that he cannot speculate. Jerry Condon, 9353 McNolton Road, explained he is representing the Baseball Association at tonight's meeting. He reviewed the scheduled use of the fields and noted most teams do not start their season until the third week of May. The traveling teams mostly use fields without lighting except Miller field 8. The Baseball Association always tells coaches never to practice under lights as that is not a good use of City funds. The extension to 10:30 p.m. is needed because of the loss of two fields. He noted teams will have to begin playing more games on the road to accommodate the loss of the fields. He does not believe the lights will be on every night Monday through Thursday until 10 p.m., and for the most part the games are completed by 10 p.m. Jacobus asked if the current baseball games begin at 5:30 and 7:45 p.m. Condon responded affirmatively. He noted by the middle of July there will be no fields to be found if there are any rainouts. Brill asked if there can be a five-minute rule with the park attendant. Lambert stated unless the Commission wants to notify several hundred residents, there can be no five-minute rule. There is a floodlight on the parking lot and that is being rewired so it can flood the infield and the players can pick up their bags with a low-level light. Condon added there are evenings where it is not possible to play both games, so the second game is suspended. The extension to 10:30 p.m. will guarantee the second game can be played next year because there will not be other options. Lambert noted in two years there will be another lighted field at the community center. Mackay stated he is on the north side of Miller Park so he appreciates the resident's concerns about the lights. He also appreciates Baseball's accommodating the situation over the next two years. Condon noted the goal is to continue to complete the games at 10 p.m. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION August 7, 2006 Page 11 Motion: Moriarty moved, Gerst seconded, to recommend approval of the request of the Eden Prairie Baseball Association for the extension of the curfew for lights at Miller#8 until 10:30 p.m. for the 2007 and 2008 seasons. The motion carried, 6-1, with Gerst voting no. VIII. OLD BUSINESS A. BIRCH ISLAND PARK PLAN Lambert presented the staff report, noting staff met with residents adjacent to the park to observe the problem of access. He noted engineers have recommended moving the access as depicted in the revised concept plan. Staff agrees Birch Island Park is designated a community park and also has to serve a neighborhood function, and the goal is to not disturb the natural aspects of the park. His intention was to take this to the Council on August 151h,but he recommended the Commission consider residents' feedback tonight. Staff will then re-send a letter to the neighbors with the revised plan, inviting them to comment on it at the September 51h meeting. Jacobus asked about the increased costs for the access revisions. Lambert responded it is probably double the cost,but it also depends on what amenities are included. Bierman asked if the volleyball court is intended to be a neighborhood court. Lambert responded this is not for team volleyball; it is for neighborhood pick-up. This is a designated community park but it serves more as a neighborhood park. Round Lake Park is 180 acres of land; Staring is 170 acres; Miller is 110 acres; this is about 17 acres excluding the wetlands. Elliott-S toering asked why volleyball was included rather than tennis. Lambert stated one person pushed tennis and others suggested volleyball. He noted a sand volleyball court requires a lot less land and expense. The Watershed District has also indicated there will have to be a pond somewhere in this park to take care of the run-off on County Road 4. Elliott-S toering asked why staff recommends this project be bid in conjunction with the community center parking lot renovation. Lambert stated there is excess fill at the community center, and this park will require fill. Elliott-S toering asked about the bike trail recommendations for the east side of County Road 4. Lambert responded the neighborhood south of here would have a trail on the east side of 4, and that trail would go through this site, underneath the Crosstown underpass to the west side of 4. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION August 7, 2006 Page 12 Jacobus asked about eliminating the entrance altogether and making it a neighborhood park accessible only by trails. Lambert responded there is only one neighborhood park in town without a parking lot. Birch Island Park is used by many who drive in from other neighborhoods. Mackay asked Lambert to comment on the $55,000 bridge. Lambert responded there is a bridge on the trail north to access Crosstown. It passes through County- owned creek land. He noted this portion of the trail is in the Parks budget because the County road trail plan may or may not be approved. Mackay noted the elimination of the cost of the tennis court will help offset the cost of the relocation of the entrance. Lambert responded it will offset it by $60,000 or$70,000. Lambert suggested opening the floor to the residents regarding the revised plans. Brill opened the floor to public comment. Raysom Tuck, Eden Prairie, stated he has been walking Birch Island for years and is pleased the City is in a position to improve the park. He asked if all the extras in the park are needed. He suggested leaving the park natural with just a picnic area. He agreed the entrance is dangerous. Moriarty asked if Tuck would like the playground area. Tuck responded no. He believes the trails should be improved, with perhaps some additional trees and picnic tables. Bierman asked what Tuck thinks about the parking lot. Tuck responded if there is no parking lot, it will be restricted to neighbors only. Jerry Rodberg, 1181 Brown Hill Road, stated he owns property just north of the park. He noted Lambert has incorporated many of his ideas into the proposal. He suggested moving the entrance to the park and leaving the rest alone. He suggested the trail come in from the south side rather than the north side, and the sand volleyball should be located next to a lake. Wayne Fair, 6224 Eden Prairie Road, stated he is impressed with the revision of the driveway specifically. He supports the improvement of the parking lot, but does not believe the other amenities are needed. Jacobus asked what people use this park for. Fair responded during the day people eat lunch at the picnic tables. A lot of traffic is people bringing pets in to walk. He stated at rush hour it can be a busy park. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION August 7, 2006 Page 13 Moriarty asked if the play area will be a playground or an open grassy space. Lambert responded it will be play equipment for 8-year-olds and under. He noted at the previous meeting there were three or four moms in the neighborhood who requested a playground. He noted this is the one area left within the City that is not serviced by a playground. Elliott-S toering asked about the location of the nearest playground facility. Lambert responded Eden Valley Park is the nearest park, which is an 8-acre neighborhood park. Sherry Chaffee, 15617 62nd Street West, asked about changing the location of parking. Lambert noted there are contours around the park, so it would require significant fill to move the parking lot. Chaffee expressed support for the playground. She is in favor of the volleyball court and also a tennis court but realizes that is not feasible. Jan Sensar, Eden Prairie, asked about the location of the trail. Lambert responded that will be discussed later on in the agenda,but provided a brief description of the trail. She noted traffic is terrible and she has been hit twice pulling into her driveway. She does not believe drivers will respect people on trails. Lambert noted the trails will not be on the road. Sensar stated putting trails along those roads is asking for trouble due to the speed of traffic on that road. She asked about the location of people's mailboxes near the trails. Lambert responded there are over 100 miles of trail in the city, most of them fronting people's mailboxes. Bierman stated the chief of police should be made aware of the safety issues in this area. He asked about the bike trails on this revised plan. Lambert pointed out the bike trail that will come from the south. Brill stated this is a sound, well thought-out plan. The biggest question is the play area. He supports the play area;he is willing to go either way on the sand volleyball court. Lambert noted the sand volleyball could always be easily added later if park use warrants it. Elliott-S toering stated the area right now does not look good with the dirt parking lot, so the parking lot improvements are good. She suggested a more natural-type playground equipment similar to what is at Bryant Lake Park. Gerst agreed with Brill and suggested tabling the sand volleyball court until later to see if demand warrants it. Motion: Gerst moved, Mackay seconded, to recommend approval of the revised PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION August 7, 2006 Page 14 concept plan for Birch Island Park, without the sand volleyball court. The motion carried, 7-0. Bierman thanked the Birch Island neighbors for their input in this process. B. VETERANS MEMORIAL CONCEPT PLAN Lambert provided the staff report. He noted the Veterans Memorial Committee had an excellent group of volunteers with a number of diverse opinions. John Mallo, 14000 Forest Hill Road, committee chair, stated it was good to have such a diverse committee. The meetings began in April, and the possible locations were narrowed down to Riley Lake or Purgatory Creek and it was unanimous for Purgatory Creek. Subsequently, four sites were considered within the park, and one was unanimously decided on. There were four initial designs, and the committee agreed unanimously on the design. He has visited 15 to 20 community Veterans memorials, and this is the best plan he has seen. Ken Greesan, SRF, presented a number of sketches of the proposed memorial and its location in the park. He noted the idea is to have an art competition among local residents to create a culture representative of war and conflict. He noted there will be another sculpture representing peace and freedom. There was an effort to address past,present, and future veterans. The goal was to include a lot of plantings within the park as well as three flagpoles. The budget for the memorial is about$300,000. Paving and landscaping will cost $200,000, and about$50,000 will be set aside for each sculpture competition. Bierman asked about the inclusion of the National Guard. Greesan noted they would be included within the other six branches of military. Moriarty thought it would be important to have the National Guard units recognized on its own. Mallo noted there are also Air Force Reserves, Marine Reserves, et cetera, so it could be never-ending to include them all. Discussion ensued regarding the various branches of the military. Elliott-S toering stated the design is beautiful. She commented the peace/freedom structure appears smaller than the war/conflict structure. Greesan responded a more generous space within the plaza was created for people to gather, which is the location of the war/conflict sculpture. The two sculptures themselves will be decided by the results of the art competition. Brill agreed the memorial is beautiful. Motion: Gerst moved, Jacobus seconded, to recommend approval of the concept PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION August 7, 2006 Page 15 plan recommended by the Veterans Memorial Committee. Bierman noted the concept plan does not identify the location within Purgatory Creek. Lambert noted the second motion addresses the location. Lambert stated a higher resolution site plan can be included in the packet. The motion carried, 7-0. Motion: Gerst moved, Moriarty seconded, to preserve the portion of the Purgatory Creek Recreation Area planned for the Veterans memorial until sufficient funds are raised to construct the project. The motion carried, 7-0. Moriarty added the design is fantastic. Mallo stated some in the community have suggested about changing the park name to Memorial Park and he asked the Commission to consider that name change. Brill stated he likes the idea;he requested staff review the concept. C. RILEY CREEK QUOTES FOR TRAIL CONSTRUCTION Lambert presented the staff report, noting the original plan had been to begin Riley Creek, Purgatory Creek, and Edenbrook Trailhead this year. Three quotes were received, and the low bid is TrailSource. An additional quote will come in over the next few weeks for the bridges for creek crossings. Motion: Bierman moved, Jacobus seconded, to recommend that the City Council approve the bid from TrailSource LLC in the amount of$35,945 for construction of the Riley Creek Nature Trail. The motion carried, 7-0. D. PURGATORY CREEK RECREATION AREA PLANS FOR BOARDWALK Lambert presented the staff report. Bierman asked about the location of the park. Lambert explained the location of the trail. He noted it is 56 feet out to the first turn, followed by another 8 feet. It is probably 40 or 50 feet out into the water. Bierman asked if there will be fishing allowed. Lambert responded this is not a fishing pier. Elliott-S toering asked about the $500 for a trash receptacle. Lambert responded that is an estimate. It will be attached to the deck itself and those types of receptacles are expensive. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION August 7, 2006 Page 16 Gerst asked about paddle boats. Lambert responded the Corps of Engineers was not happy about the design for the Purgatory Creek area. They specifically recommended against boats in that area. Paddle boats are not part of the plan right now,but it is not unreasonable. Motion: Gerst moved, Bierman seconded, to approve the plans for the boardwalk design and access path within the Purgatory Creek Recreation Area. The motion carried, 7-0. E. EDENBROOK TRAILHEAD BID Lambert presented the staff report. He noted this is the first phase of Edenbrook, and it is fairly expensive at$160,000. This really meets the major needs of connecting the two neighborhoods across the wetland area and provides public with access. The second phase of this project is very expensive and includes a lot of boardwalks. The residents near phase II are not very happy with this plan and have indicated they do not want to be connected to the trail. However,he believes once this trail is in, those residents will want a connection. Staff's concern is providing access to the City's largest conservation area. The second and third phases will probably not occur until Riley Creek and Purgatory Creek are complete. Elliott-S toering asked about the alternate area to be paved. Lambert explained the alternate location of the trail. She asked about the timeline for the various phases. Lambert explained the phasing of the construction. She expressed concern some people may get the impression it will be an asphalt trail rather than a nature trail. Lambert responded the construction crews will be far enough along by the fall so residents will see it will be a nature trail. Bierman asked if Lambert is familiar with Quiring Construction. Lambert responded he has not worked with them, but Bauer and Associations is aware of them and they are a reputable firm. Mackay asked if this is part of the referendum. Lambert responded it is separate. Motion: Elliott-Stoering moved, Gerst seconded, to recommend that the City Council approve the bid from Quiring Construction in the amount of$159,838.98 and alternates not to exceed $9,400, for construction of the Edenbrook trailhead and parking lot in Edenbrook Conservation Area. The motion carried, 7-0. F. COUNTY ROAD 4 BIKE TRAIL PLANS Lambert presented the staff report. He noted the County does not have a PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION August 7, 2006 Page 17 widening of this road on their 20-year plan. However, the improvements to the bridge are in their five-year plan. If they do that, the City will recommend putting trails on both sides, which will help in the cost of finishing the trail. It is not a perfect solution,but this plan will leave $800,000 to complete the sidewalks in the downtown area. Mackay asked what sections will not be completed on the east side. Lambert explained the sections that will not be completed at this time. Elliott-S toering noted on the west side the trail goes from Valley View to Mere Drive. Jacobus asked if these trails will encroach on people's properties. Lambert responded there are two intersections where maybe two feet will have to be taken to accommodate the trail. The rest of the trail is working within the right-of-way. Elliott-S toering asked how much space there is between the bike trail and the road. Lambert responded there are some sections where the trail is 8 feet rather than 10 feet so it goes right to the road. In most places it will be 2 or 3 feet from the road. Elliott-S toering asked if it makes sense to have a crosswalk for those who want to go into Birch Island Park. Lambert responded the City may ask the County to install a crosswalk there. The City's engineers say that is not possible due to a number of traffic concerns. Bierman asked if this trail goes underneath County Road 62. Lambert responded Crosstown goes under 4, as does the trail. Motion: Gerst moved, Jacobus seconded, to recommend completion of final plans and specifications for bid of the bicycle trail plans on the west side of County Road 4 from Mere Drive north to County Road 62 and on the east side of County Road 4 from Baywood Lane to Rainbow Drive, and from Park Terrace Drive north through Birch Island Park to County Road 62. Furthermore, request Hennepin County to approve a pedestrian at grade crossing at Duck Lake Trail. The motion carried, 7-0. G. THIRD RINK FUNDRAISING EFFORTS Lambert stated the Hockey Association is doing a fantastic job in fundraising. The issue tonight is a number of businesses have requested additional naming rights. Many businesses are interested in donating toward the Community Center project rather than a specific project like the third rink, and the Hockey Association needs guidelines in this area. Lambert suggested the pool should also be added to the list of possible naming rights. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION August 7, 2006 Page 18 Bierman asked if there are precedents in other communities. Lambert responded Schwan's gave a couple million dollars in Blaine, and the entire rink was named after then. Lambert stated he believes it shows strong community support to walk in and see local business names all over the community center. Elliott-S toering stated the Baseball and Football Association may want a similar deal with the City when they hear about this. Lambert clarified the money raised through naming rights will go into a fund for the community center. The money individuals are giving the Hockey Association is kept by them and will have to be given back should the third rink not happen. Elliott-S toering asked why this money would not go toward the City's $1 million contribution. Lambert responded that is because the Hockey Association is out there raising the money. Lambert stated the Hockey Association wants to contribute a$1 million facility to serve the City for several decades. Many of the kids of those out raising money will be out of high school by the time the ice is in. The City has previously told the Baseball Association they can sell naming rights to a field for a significant amount; the City has also told them they can consider selling advertising on the outfield fences. He added the Hockey Association has raised $400,000 from individuals. Elliott-S toering wondered if there is a tactful way to inform other associations that the naming rights of a public facility are going towards the association's matching $1 million. The Commission agreed to not include the naming rights for the pool at this time, since another association uses the facility. Motion: Brill moved, Gerst seconded, to recommend the City Council authorize providing naming rights to the main rink, the gymnasium and the fitness center for a minimum donation of$100,000; and the naming rights for the Olympic rink, the third rink and the childcare area for a minimum donation for$50,000; and the naming rights to the multipurpose room for a minimum donation of$25,000; and for all of the other meeting rooms a minimum donation of$10,000, with all donations received going toward the third rink fund until the Hockey Association's $1 million commitment is met. Any excess funding would fund the Community Center. The motion carried, 6-1, with Elliott-Stoering voting no. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION August 7, 2006 Page 19 H. BIRCH ISLAND WOODS ACQUISITION Motion: Moriarty moved, Gerst seconded, to recommend proceeding with the acquisition of the Picha property to complete parcel acquisition for Birch Island Woods. Mackay asked why this needs to be done now when discussions are still being held regarding LAWCON conversion of the Cummins-Grill historic site. Lambert stated he committed to the owners that this would be done by this summer. Prices in Eden Prairie are not stable, and he does not want to take any more chances with this land. This whole project has to be done by September 2007. He noted there are a number of federal and state agencies involved and the situation is complicated. He added the City had an agreement but it ran out in June. The motion carried, 7-0. Bierman asked how long it will take to buy the property. Lambert responded it should close in two months. IX. NEW BUSINESS A. POLICY FOR COMMUNITY USE OF PARKS & RECREATION RENTAL FACILITIES Lambert suggested continuing this discussion until the next meeting. X. REPORTS OF STAFF A. DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION Lambert noted these are all FYI items for Commission review. 1. Students on Commissions 2. Veterans Memorial Committee Minutes of June 13 and July 11, 2006 Birch Island Neighborhood Meeting on June 12, 2006 3. Community Center Update Lambert noted staff is still making changes; Chuck Pappas has been hired as a consultant. He has posed some good questions in a number of areas PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION August 7, 2006 Page 20 including concessions and locker rooms. XI. NEXT MEETING The next meeting is Monday, September 11, 2006 in Heritage Room. XII. ADJOURNMENT Motion: Jacobus moved, Gerst seconded, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 7-0. The meeting adjourned at 11:03 p.m.