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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks and Recreation - 11/03/2003 APPROVED MINUTES PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2003 7:00 P.M. City Center City Council Chamber COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Rob Barrett, Chair; Jeffrey Gerst, Vice Chair; John Brill, Tom Crain, Randy Jacobus, David Larson, Ian Mackay, Michael Moriarity and Bruce Schaepe (arrived at 7:25 p.m.) COMMISSION STAFF PRESENT: Bob Lambert, Director of Parks and Recreation Services; Carla Kress, Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator; and Carol Pelzel, Recording Secretary STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES: Rachel Giertz and Cole Johnson I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Chair Barrett at 7:00 p.m. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Barrett asked that future meetings be started with an update of City Council action on items this Commission forwarded to the Council from the previous meeting. He asked that Lambert update the Commission on the Council's actions to their recommendations from last month's meeting. Lambert reported that the Council did authorize City staff to come back with a report on different ways to finance the acquisition of 4.04 acres for the expansion of the Birch Island Woods Conservation Area. This report will be brought to this Commission in December for their review prior to it going back to the City Council. The City Council approved the recommendation to allow the Eden Prairie Nordic Ski Team to build a storage shed within Staring Lake Park for storage of cross-country ski maintenance equipment. Lambert further reported that the Council did approve the revised plan for the expansion of Flying Cloud Ballfields. This revised plan will be forwarded to MAC and then to the FAA. The City Council, with this Commission's recommended changes, approved the City draft survey. Lambert explained that he would be meeting with MarketLine Research to do a test. After the test calls, they will determine if any changes should be made to the questions. The Council supported the Commission's recommendation for ponding requirements within Round Lake Park. However, should there be a referendum prior to that time, they would wait to realign the roads until the project is completed. Lambert stated that the Council did table the request for the acquisition of the Shuldhiess Property indefinitely. They felt that it was too much money. Since that time, a realtor did contact the City indicating that they realize that the property probably isn't worth what they are asking for it. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION November 3, 2003 Page 2 Lambert explained that the Council approved the Miller Spring upgrade. The area has been paved and the spring is operating on a temporary basis because of the weather. The project should be completed next spring. The trail at Bryant Lake has been put in except for about 150 feet. The church will be doing some construction work and will be tearing this portion up. This project will be completed next spring and will go into the regional park. Lambert reported that a 19-car parking lot and road has been constructed at the Anderson Lakes Park Reserve. The City Council approved the Riley Lake Farm Project. Property owners from Bearpath have expressed concerns with the proposed trail being too close to their property. In response to a question from Crain, Lambert explained that the first phase for the Purgatory Creek Recreation Area should be completed by December 1, depending on the weather. Motion: Larson moved, seconded by Gerst, to approve the agenda as submitted. The motion carried, 8-0. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES —October 6, 2003 Motion: Motion was made by Brill, seconded by Mackay, to approve the October 6, 2003, minutes as published. The motion carried, 7-0-1 with Larson abstaining because of his absence from that meeting. IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATION A. Request from the Eden Prairie Soccer Association re: Dogs at Flyins! Cloud Fields Lambert reported that the City did receive a request from the Eden Prairie Soccer Association asking that the City post"No Dogs Allowed" at Flying Cloud Ballfields. The Association has received complaints that people are bringing their dogs to the ballfields and either letting them run off leash or not cleaning up after them. Lambert explained that City staff does support the Soccer Association's request. Flying Cloud is a single purpose park, it is not a neighborhood park. Mackay said he disagrees with Staff's recommendation. People enjoy taking their dogs to this park and he himself takes his dog there. The Soccer Association uses the fields heavily during certain parts of the day as well as on certain weekends. Mackay asked if it is necessary to ban dogs completely from this park. He suggested that the Association restrict dogs during games. Mackay said he does not necessarily think it is appropriate that one event dictate the ability of the people to bring their dogs to the park. Larson said he feels it would be appropriate to contact the baseball and football associations and all other associations that use Flying Cloud fields to see if they agree with this proposed change. Jacobus said he agrees with staff and that dogs should not be allowed on these fields. These fields are for kids to play sporting events and it is not a neighborhood park. They are recreational fields for baseball, football, etc. Larson stated that good points have been raised and he feels the way to resolve this issue is to check with all of the other associations to determine their feelings on this request since it seems to be orchestrated by the Soccer Association. This is a park being used by all associations and they need to hear from them. Lambert responded that City PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION November 3, 2003 Page 3 staff could write a letter to the president of the other associations asking them to talk to their boards about this issue and to get back to the City with their response. If City staff does not hear from them within 30 days they will assume that that association supports the request. Lambert said once the letter is sent to the other associations, they may find that several of them support the request while one or two others may not. This will make this decision that much harder but at least the associations will be aware of where people stand. Jacobus said he does not feel that this is an association's issue but that it is this Commission's issue. Mackay asked if the association referees couldn't make this part of their rules. Lambert responded that it is a public park not the Soccer Associations' park and is an issue that needs to be addressed by the City. Johnson said he supports the idea of no dogs allowed. In theory, by not allowing the dogs on the fields the same time as the participants, they are not solving the problem of dog droppings on the fields. No matter when the dogs are on the field, there will still be the issue of people not picking up after their dogs. Crain asked if any other parks are posted for not allowing dogs. He questioned if they would be setting a precedence by posting the Flying Cloud fields. Lambert said it could raise the issue for discussion. Jacobus pointed out that it is very clear that this park is for one purpose and is different than neighborhood parks. Barrett said he feels it is necessary that they talk to the other organizations using the fields. Lambert said ultimately, the decision does come down to this Commission. However,by contacting the other Associations, they will be aware of why this change is being considered. Motion: Mackay moved, seconded by Larson, to direct staff to send a letter to all Associations using the Flying Cloud fields to determine if they are in favor of banning dogs from these fields. The motion carried, 9-0. Larson recommended that they give the Associations 30 days to respond and if they do not hear from them within that time they will assume they have no issue with banning dogs from the fields. B. Petition for Construction of Archery Range Lambert reported that on March 18, 2003, the City Council moved to continue consideration of an archery range in Staring Lake Park and felt the need for any archery range could not be assessed since there was no public request for the facility. The City has now received a petition for an archery range from parents of children who have participated in the City's archery program classes, as well as some of the archers who utilize the facility on Spring Road. Lambert further explained that the initial estimated cost for the archery range was $30,000,however, since that time the Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative has donated the poles for the structure and the canvas battings have also been provided. The revised estimated cost for construction is approximately $12,000 for the remaining materials. Motion: Gerst moved, seconded by Mackay, to recommend approval of construction of an archery range in Staring Lake Park in 2004. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION November 3, 2003 Page 4 In response to a question from Larson, Lambert explained that the upkeep of this facility would be extremely low. He presented an overview and pictures of the proposed range. Lambert stated that this is a fairly inexpensive facility and will be used by the archery program and by archers that bow hunt. Barrett asked if the City has considered partnering with archery stores. Lambert said if they did, they would like it to be with a store in Eden Prairie. Vote was called on the motion with all members voting aye. The motion carried, 9-0. V. NEW BUSINESS A. Proposed Tribute to Charlotte Bruenins! Lambert explained that the Senior Center Advisory Council is asking for approval to display an angel in the garden behind the Senior Center honoring Charlotte Bruening for her dedication to the garden. In the fall of 2002, Charlotte and her late husband Paul were in a tragic auto accident. Due to this tragic event, Charlotte is unable to care and maintain the garden as she has in the past. Charlotte is the reason they have the garden. Lambert stated that they need to be careful about tributes made to anyone in the park system. However, staff does support this request. Without Charlotte, the garden would not be there and staff does feel the tribute is appropriate. No funding for this project is being requested, they are only requesting approval to place the statue in the garden. Motion: Motion was made by Barrett, seconded by Jacobus, to recommend approval of the proposed tribute to Charlotte Bruening by displaying an angel in the garden behind the Senior Center with a plaque inscribing: "A tribute to Charlotte Bruening for her dedication to the garden." Crain cautioned the Commission that an angel to a lot of people is a religious symbol and they need to be sure that they don't offend anyone with this statue. Crain said they must also keep in mind that they should separate religion from state. Larson asked if there would be another location for this statue, perhaps the Senior Center. Lambert explained they are proposing to place the statue in the garden behind the Senior Center. Lambert said if the Commission feels that the statue is religious and inappropriate, they may want to recommend that the Senior Council consider some other way to pay tribute to Bruening. Jacobus pointed out that this is a senior center and they do tend to be more religious. Barrett said he does not feel that this would offend people. They cannot be concerned about one person but need to look at the whole community. Larson asked at what point do they not allow tributes or memorials in City parks. Mackay suggested that wording be included on the statue indicating that Bruening gave ten years of service to this garden and that is the reason for the tribute. Barrett suggested that the Commission discuss the appropriateness for placing tributes or memorials in City parks at a future meeting. Perhaps something could be put in a policy. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION November 3, 2003 Page 5 Lambert responded that he had previously written a recommended policy regarding memorials in parks. People do donate trees or park benches that include brass plates. The City has to be very careful about putting up memorials in the park system and starting a precedent. Schaepe asked if it would be valid for this Commission to review the policy regarding memorials in City parks. Lambert said he would bring the policy to this Commission at their next meeting for review. Larson suggested that the Senior Center Advisory Council consider a tree or bench as a tribute to Bruening rather than the statue. Lambert explained that the Board has already taken action on this item and recommended the statue, however, this Commission's concerns could be relayed to the Board. Crain said he feels that a religious symbol is inappropriate. Schaepe said he would encourage City staff to ask the City Attorney his opinion as to the appropriateness of this statue being placed in the senior garden. Gerst said he does not feel this is as much of a legal issue as it is a public relations issue. Schaepe said he disagrees and feels it is a legal issue. Giertz suggested that the inscription on the plaque explain the reason for using an angel. The angel is an inspiration for developing and maintaining the garden. The statue may be less offensive if the purpose of the statue is described rather than it being a tribute. Mackay said that is a good point and that the wording would make it less of a tribute. Jacobus pointed out that the people who use this garden daily are the ones recommending the statue. Gerst said he has no problem with this tribute. If someone dedicates ten years of service to the City they certainly deserve a tribute and he has no problem with the angel statue. Carla Kress, Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator, explained that Bruening chose the angel statue to be placed in the garden and showed the Commission the angel that would be used. Crain said after seeing the angel, he feels it is more mythical than religious. Vote was called on the motion with all members voting aye except Larson who voted nay and Schaepe who abstained. Schaepe said he abstained because he was not ready to support or deny this request because of the possible legal issue. Larson said he feels there are other alternatives that could be used as tributes such as park benches or trees without setting a precedent. At what point do they say no. B. Proposal to Chance Fitness Center Use Policy Lambert reported that the Community Center currently has the policy of no child under the age of 14 is allowed to utilize the fitness center at any time. In an effort to provide family and intergenerational programs, and to encourage youth physical activity to help combat the obesity epidemic, staff is requesting this change to ages 10 to 14 for Sunday afternoons. Lambert explained that ordinarily this change could be done administratively, however, this was a decision made by the Parks Commission approximately 20 years ago and staff felt it appropriate to bring it to this Commission for review. Motion: Mackay moved, seconded by Larson, to recommend a change in the current policy of the minimal age for using the fitness center from the current age of 14 to the ages of 10 to 14, with the accompaniment of a parent, during specified program times. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION November 3, 2003 Page 6 Moriarity asked if there is any problem with these children using the locker rooms. Lambert said there is really no issue since there are only men and women locker rooms and they are for all ages. Larson asked with today's technology, if there are any restrictions for cameras and cell phones in locker rooms. Lambert said they have not discussed this but is something that needs to be addressed. Vote was called on the motion with all members voting aye. The motion carried, 9-0. Barrett asked about political signs on parkland. He said he realizes it is currently against the rules but does happen. He asked if the Police are the only ones allowed to remove those signs. Lambert responded that Park Maintenance staff does remove them. Barrett asked if the land on Baker Road has been deeded to the City. Lambert said they have not yet received the deed and it is currently private property. Mackay said he noticed in a park that two vehicles were parked with for sale signs on them. He asked if this is an issue. Lambert said there is nothing they can do as long as the cars are not parked overnight. VI. REPORTS OF STAFF A. Director of Parks and Recreation Services 1. Report on Use of Dog Parks Lambert reported that staff intends to put the dog parks back up in the hockey rinks again next year. He said they would not call them a great success but those rinks were lightly used. Staff did not receive any complaints from residents and they did receive some recommendations from users on how the gate was designed. They received approximately a dozen calls from people using them expressing their appreciation for the parks. Schaepe asked if there are any other dog parks on line for next year. Lambert responded that there would be a dog park by Best Buy. He said he was not sure how much use that park would get. Three-Rivers Park will be building a dog park at Bryant Lake. VII. ADJOURNMENT Motion: Gerst moved, Jacobus seconded, to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 9-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.