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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks and Recreation - 03/03/2003 APPROVED MINUTES PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, MARCH 3, 2003 7:00 P.M. City Center Council Chambers COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Munna Yasiri, Chair; Dick Brown, Rob Barrett, Jeffrey Gerst, David Larson and Bruce Schaepe COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Trisha Swanson (excused), Kim Teaver and Philip Wright STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES: Chris Shea and David Westphal COMMISSION STAFF PRESENT: Bob Lambert, Director of Parks and Recreation Services; Lori Obiazor, Manager of Recreation Services, Stu Fox, Manager of Natural Resources, Carla Kress, Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator, Lyndell Frey, Community Center Manager and Carol Pelzel, Recording Secretary I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Chair Yasiri at 7:00 p.m. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Lambert asked that an item be added under VI L Request to Discontinue Weekday Evening Lap Swim. Motion: Brown moved, Larson seconded, to approve the agenda as amended. The motion carried, 6-0. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES —February 3, 2003 Motion: Larson moved, Barrett seconded, to approve the February 3, 2003, minutes as presented. The motion carried, 5-0-1 with Brown abstaining because of absence from that meeting. IV. OLD BUSINESS A. Proposed Relocation of Round Lake Totlot Fox presented the background of this item and explained why it is before this Commission. This totlot was originally located north of Heritage Road and was removed because of PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION March 3, 2003 Page 2 safety concerns and other issues. At the time it was removed, the City received a petition from approximately 80 neighbors requesting that the totlot at Round Lake be upgraded to replace the playground removed. At the time the petition was received, staff recommended that the current totlot on the west side be upgraded. The surrounding neighbors were notified and invited to the February 3 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. The only residents that showed up at that meeting were five residents concerned with the location of the totlot and it's proximity to their property and wanted the totlot moved somewhere else. Fox further explained that this Commission directed staff to notify the property owners of the City's desire to upgrade the playground and to look at possible alternative locations. City staff is proposing to move the totlot directly east of the current location. Equipment for ages two to five would be installed with the budget for the proposed playlot being $10,000. Barrett asked if this is where the fitness walk is currently located. Fox responded that this totlot would not affect this fitness station. There is some question as to how may people actually use this apparatus. Brown asked how many feet this proposed playground is set back from the trail. Fox explained that at the intersection, the totlot would be adjacent to the trail. The reason for this is access. Brown pointed out that there is a downgrade and bikers do go rather fast coming down that trail and he is concerned with safety. Fox pointed out that they are limited by the physical space. It is their desire to have the park located where they will not have to do any major grading. Lambert stated that City staff does need to take a look at the exact location of this totlot. They need to make sure that small children aren't playing on the bike path. They may need to set it back a little. Schaepe asked what type of access there is to the lake at this location. Fox responded that the area around the lake is pretty well grown up and it is not easily accessible. There is a lot of brush and tall grass. Yasiri asked if staff has received any further feedback from the neighbors regarding this new location. Fox said he has not received any comments. Monica Kaeding, 7571 Atherton Way, explained that she is one of the people concerned with the playground. Her children used the old playground and she would like to make sure that the new equipment is safe for the children. Kaeding asked that the old site be filled with clean sand. She pointed out that there is broken glass in the old site and she asked that this be removed. Lambert said the glass can be removed from the old site. Staff does not intend to do anything with the old site because the natural vegetation will fill it in. Fox pointed out that the equipment does have to meet the national safety standards. Motion: Barrett moved, seconded by Schaepe, to recommend authorizing the relocation of the totlot on the west side of Round Lake Park and to provide for new play equipment not to exceed $10,000 during the summer of 2003. The motion carried, 6-0. Schaepe asked that the Commission note the e-mail received from a resident asking that the new totlot be placed in the same location as the existing play structure. Yasiri pointed out that this is the only person the Commission has heard from who is opposed to moving this totlot. However, the majority of the people who testified before the Commission asked that the totlot be moved. The e-mail states that by moving the totlot the City is only enlarging PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION March 3, 2003 Page 3 the adjoining property owners' back yard. Yasiri said this is not the case. It is a City park and City property and will be used for City activities. B. Report of the Outdoor Pool Committee Mike Boland, Chair of the Outdoor Pool Feasibility Study Committee and member of the Community Center Expansion Committee,presented a summary of the steps the Outdoor Pool Committee took to develop a recommendation. After much work, the Committee can now recommend a plan that is outstanding. Boland expressed his appreciation to Commissioner Brown for the comments he made at the beginning of this process. It helped keep the Committee focused on the task. Boland presented a brief overview of the process. The Committee toured five local aquatic facilities and received some very useful financial information. To start, the Committee developed a list of everything they wanted and then looked at what the community wanted. A questionnaire was created and those who used the facility were asked to complete this questionnaire. From that questionnaire, the Committee developed an idea of what the community would desire in an activity center. That information was compiled to create a facility that the Committee thought would be inclusive. Boland explained that the Committee considered four different sites for this facility. It was determined that the Association Bylaws would make a joint project with the Preserve impractical. They also wanted to make sure they had room for expansion, which the Preserve Site would not allow. The Committee's biggest concerns with Round Lake Park south of Valley View Road included traffic flow and congestion of Round Lake Park. The Round Lake Park site north of Valley View Road was considered as a potential site,but as the Committee started to look at costs associated with locker rooms and concessions and duplication of amenities located at the Community Center, they realized they needed to look at ways to cut costs of duplication of services. Boland explained that the Committee unanimously approved the south east corner Community Center site as the best site for the proposed Family Aquatic Center. They felt this site would be the best site for creating a dual use or multi-use facility. Boland explained that the proposed facility would include an 850-foot lazy river, a six lane 50-meter pool, diving boards and a zero-depth entry. They are also proposing a floating walkway, slides and a reasonably sized tot area that has patrol points. The proposed location will allow the aquatic facility users to use the Community Center locker rooms as well as the exercise area, food service, etc. Larson asked staff to briefly review the Valley View Road expansion and entrance to the Community Center. Boland responded that there are currently two entrances to the parking lot of the Community Center from Valley View Road. They would be able to have a larger entrance from Valley View Road into the site and an additional entrance to the parking lot would be developed at Eagle Way. Larson questioned the anticipated attendance and the PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION March 3, 2003 Page 4 number of additional vehicles using this site. Boland responded that the maximum number of people that would be using this facility at one time would be 2,000, for a ten-week long season. Lambert pointed out that the majority of the pool users would be dropped off. There are approximately 400 parking spaces proposed. It was recommended that there be at least 200 spaces. During the summer months, parking will not be an issue. They will be eliminating two softball fields and will be relocating a baseball field that will require 40 to 50 parking spaces for a game. Larson said staff must look at the traffic issue as they consider future growth, including an additional ice sheet. Larson commended the Task Force for the terrific job they did. Motion: Gerst moved, Barrett seconded, to approve the Community Center site for an outdoor swimming pool and the concept design for development of an outdoor pool at a cost not to exceed $7.9 million and to recommend that the City Council consider the most appropriate method and timing for financing the development of this facility. The motion carried, 6-0. Yasiri pointed out that this whole concept still has to be approved by the citizens through a possible referendum. C. Report of Community Center Expansion Committee Del Erickson of Delano Erickson Architects, the architect and consultant for the Community Center expansion project, presented a brief summary of the steps taken in looking at the expansion of the Community Center. A program was developed which evolved around the locker rooms, pool, lobby, ice arena and parking. The Committee looked at different alternatives for a gym, fitness center,pool expansion and outdoor pool complex. They took the approach of allowing space to accommodate a pool complex on the south side of the Community Center which would result in both facilities using the locker rooms and concessions in the Community Center. The Committee did solidify the concept of a total complex to serve the pool needs as well as the Community Center needs. There was concern with the drop-off area in the present facility. Expanding the drop-off area will allow for 15 vehicles. Access would be provided from the north and south to central location uses for both the pool and the Community Center as well as expanding the parking. Erickson briefly reviewed with the Commission the design concept for the expansion of the Community Center. He explained that the main entrance to the Center would be located by the existing racquetball courts. The drop-off court area could have direct access to the pool complex or directly into the Community Center where a control desk would be located for controlling access to the Community Center. The proposed lobby will be about four times larger than the existing lobby. Erickson said they are proposing seating in the first rink to be changed so that access for games would be from the upper level. A food/lounge area will be located off the lobby with access to the outdoor pool facility. They are proposing a 1,500 square foot concession area to serve both the indoor and exterior facilities. They are PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION March 3, 2003 Page 5 also proposing three types of locker rooms; male, female and family. The existing locker room would be converted to a family locker room. The existing fitness area would be converted to a viewing lounge over both rinks and the pool area. A walking track will be designed on the second level. The proposal also includes a fitness area, 1,400 square foot aerobics area, a 1,000 square foot weight area and 4,000 square feet of fitness machines. The Committee did discuss the use of the racquetball courts and determined that two courts should remain. They did recommend that the lower level of one court be used for Community Center storage and the upper level court be an additional meeting room to accommodate teens or seniors. The Committee decided that a skate park beyond the Community Center should be included in future plans. Gerst, Chair of the Community Center Expansion Committee,pointed out that the Community Center was built in 1981. In developing this plan, the Committee worked to make sure that this plan would not date itself. This was one of the reasons for not eliminating all of the racquetball courts. The Committee did consider everything to make sure that the Community Center is a better-rounded recreation facility. Erickson explained that one of the main concerns was the cost and that is why they tried to stay within $5 million to $6 million. To accommodate the needs of a Community Center, the price tag was a little more. Boland pointed out that since the Center was built in 1981, it would take a good amount of money to bring the existing Community Center up to code because of its age. Larson said this is an awesome plan. He asked if the pool is improved to allow High School swimming and other competitive swimming at this location, would it be possible to look at additional spectator seating in the pool area. Lambert said the proposal does not include any additional seating; however, there will be a new viewing area. They are really limited by space and adding additional seating would be extremely expensive. Lambert reported that the City had been contacted by Lifetime Fitness to investigate the feasibility of forming a partnership with the City on this site. Lambert said they gave them a set of the plans and indicated that the outdoor pool would have to have the features discussed this evening. It appears that it would be difficult to make a Lifetime Fitness facility fit on this site and to have adequate parking spaces. Lambert said if they do bring in a reasonable proposal, it will be presented to this Commission for review. Lifetime did indicate that they do not want anything to do with the ice arena but would be interested in operating the other facilities. This may be one way to get the proposed facilities without a referendum. As the Community Center Task Force chairperson, Gerst expressed his appreciation to everyone involved. The plan developed by this Committee for the Community Center is one to serve the community best, as is the plan proposed for the aquatics center. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION March 3, 2003 Page 6 Motion: Barrett moved, Gerst seconded, to approve the Community Center Concept Plan as prepared by Delano Erickson Architects, and approved by the Community Center Improvement Study Committee and the Outdoor Pool Feasibility Study Committee at the February 18, 2003,joint Committee meeting. The motion carried, 6-0. V. NEW BUSINESS A. Approve Playsround Bid for Franlo Park Fox explained the bid process for obtaining playground equipment. This process allows them to select something other than a low bid. The City gives the bidders a target amount and the amount of space available for the equipment. This allows the bidder to maximize the play area for the space. Once the bids are received, staff meets with the neighbors along with the manufacturer representatives to select the best product for the specific park. All proposals have the ame bid amount. Fox further explained that invitations to bid on this project were sent to six playground manufacturers and five proposals were received. The proposed budget for this project was $40,000 of playground equipment and $10,000 for site work and restoration. Franlo is a replacement playground for an existing park. Motion: Larson moved, Brown seconded, to award a contract for$40,000 of playground equipment at Franlo Park Playground to Flanagan Sales, Inc. The motion carried, 6-0. B. Approve Playsround Bid for Crestwood Park Fox explained that basically the same process was used as was used for the Franlo park project. Crestwood is a new neighborhood park located in the southwest part of the City. This equipment is part of the initial park construction. Barrett asked if the City uses wood chips. Fox said they do. All of the playgrounds use wood chips. Motion: Brown moved, Gerst seconded, to award a contract for $40,000 of playground equipment at Crestwood Park Playground to Webber Recreational Design, Inc. The motion carried, 6-0. C. Approve Plans for Staring Lake Park Archery Ranse Fox reported that the archery range is a new facility within the park system. A member of the parks staff visited Colorado and brought back a design whereby an archery range could be built in a manner so that adjacent park users would not be affected by those utilizing the specialized facility. Staff has researched this particular facility and is recommending construction of a new archery range on the property north of the Cummins-Grill Homestead. Fox explained that the existing archery range is located off of Spring Road adjacent to the Flying Cloud ballfields. Staff is proposing to build a unique facility where PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION March 3, 2003 Page 7 they can control where people can shoot their arrows. A series of curtains hang overhead to not allow users to shoot arrows up. Fox displayed photos of the proposed facility. The facility would be 135 feet in length and the 14 foot high wing walls would not allow users to shoot out the sides. Staff did look at various locations for placement of the range and are proposing to locate the archery range directly north of the Cummins-Grill area. Fox said staff anticipates being able to build such a facility for$30,000. The range on Spring Road would be discontinued. Brown asked where users of this facility would park on this site. Fox responded that they would use the ballfield parking lots. A paved trail would lead them to the range. Schaepe asked what this area is being used for now. Fox explained that it is an open area and is used for cross-country skiing during the winter months. Staff have already relocated the trail. This will be the first facility like this in Minnesota. This facility also allows them to put an archery range in a park without being concerned about stray arrows. Barrett asked if there is a problem with the current archery range. Lambert explained that it is a temporary location and will become a ballfield in the future. Barrett asked how many Eden Prairie residents would be served by this facility. Fox responded that the archery lesson program has 20 to 30 participants in each session and there are several sessions each year. There are also many people who use this range to practice shooting on their own. Gerst asked what type of maintenance would be required for this range. Fox stated that it is low maintenance once it is constructed. The major maintenance would be the replacement of the bales. Motion: Barrett moved, seconded by Brown, to approve the construction of the Staring Lake Archery Range utilizing capital improvement funds not to exceed $30,000 during the summer of 2003. The motion carried, 6-0. D. Recommendation for Community Survey Lambert explained that as a method to evaluate the support for or lack of support for all of the different facilities discussed (pool, Community Center, ballfields and land acquisition) staff is recommending completing a random sample survey to determine what, if any, of those projects would be supported on a referendum in 2003. A similar random survey was done in the past and proved to be very accurate. The estimated cost for conducting a random sample telephone survey would be approximately $7,500. Staff is recommending funding this survey from park dedication fees. Motion: Brown moved, Larson seconded, to recommend the City Council consider contracting for a random sample survey to determine what, if any, projects would be approved in a referendum at this time. The motion carried, 6-0. E. Approve Bids for Staring Lake Sliding Hill Fox explained that this project had been started almost two years ago. In 2002 the engineer's estimate for the project was about$15,800 and the quotes were significantly PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION March 3, 2003 Page 8 over the projected cost. Staff recommended postponing the bids until this February to see if they could get a lower bid on the project. Staff is recommending regrading of the sliding hill due to formation of moguls and also the pronounced side slope. The project is designed to lessen the mogul producing area of the hill and to create a uniform slope, which will make the hill more enjoyable for all those who slide there. Staff anticipates having the project completed by May 15, allowing for turf to reestablish for the full summer. Motion: Gerst moved, Barrett seconded, to authorize the sliding hill grading improvements at Staring Lake Park by DMJ Corporation for the quoted amount of$21,317. The motion carried, 6-0. F. Proposed Chance to Community Center Hours of Operation Obiazor explained that the Community Center public hours are currently 5:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Staff is recommending that the facility be open to the public from 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. seven days a week. The proposed change will provide consistency in regards to facility hours and allow maintenance staff an extra hour for cleaning the facilities uninterrupted by the public. Ice rental hours would not be affected by this change. Schaepe asked what the effective date would be. Obiazor responded that their brochure comes out in the spring which would not allow them to make this change until April 1. Motion: Brown moved, Larson seconded, to approve a change in public hours at the Community Center to 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday through Sunday (seven days a week). The motion carried, 6-0. G. Update on ARLE Cooperative Agreement Kress explained that in January she came before the Commission recommending the discontinuance of the Adaptive Recreation Partnership and to expand therapeutic recreation services. This would enable staff to focus on Eden Prairie residents and better serve them. Following discussion with the three other coordinators, they are revising the partnership. It is staff's intent to continue with the ARLE Cooperative but each city will remain more independent. Kress stated that no formal action is necessary, this information is provided for informational purposes only. H. Update on Leisure Education Program Kress presented a brief update on the Leisure Education Program. The program did run last year at a loss. Various grants have been applied for and they did receive a $25,000 grant from LCTS/Familink to support the Leisure Education Program. This program will continue for another year and it may take two to three years to get it up and running. NIR Report PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION March 3, 2003 Page 9 Kress distributed a brochure for a National Institute coming up this September at the Radisson South. As the result of a questionnaire completed by all park and recreation agencies as to how they can better serve with disabilities, Tria Mann and Kress will be chairing the National Institute for Recreation Inclusion. Kress asked any members of the Commission interested in attending or volunteering to contact her. I. Discontinue Weekday Evening Lap Swim Obiazor explained that staff is recommending the discontinuance of lap swim from 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. On an average, they have one to two people during that time frame. There are several evening alternatives for lap swim available at Oak Point Pool. Motion: Schaepe moved, Brown seconded, to discontinue lap swim at the Community Center Monday through Friday evenings from 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. effective April 1. The motion carried, 6-0. VII. ADJOURNMENT Yasiri reported that this would be her last meeting since she was not reappointed to this Commission. After 15 years of continual service to the City of Eden Prairie she is retiring. Brown pointed out that this would also be his last meeting after 12 years of service to the City and he wished the Commission much luck and growth. Lambert said they are losing some really talented people. He reported that Swanson will be moving from the City so she will only be serving on the Commission until June. Teaver will also be leaving the Commission and Wright was not reappointed due to the high number of people wishing to serve the City on this Commission. Motion: Brown moved, Yasiri seconded, to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m. The motion carried 6-0.