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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks and Recreation - 06/17/1996 fr'I J i I �I. 1 1996 a , June 17 i MINUTES Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources Commission i t CITY OF EDEN PRAIRIE AGENDA 1r 1 PARKS,RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAV,JUNE 17,1996 7:00 P.M.CITY CENTER 8080 MITCHELL ROAD COUNCIL CHAMBERS COMMISSION MEMBERS: Claire Hilgeman, Chair; Bruce Bowman, Richard Brown, l Don Jacobson,Vicki Kocning, David Kracum,John Wilson STUDENT MEMBERS: Mark Bremer,Emily Hanka i COMMISSION STAFF: Robert A. Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and I Natural Resources. Stuart A, Fox, Manager of Parks and I Natural Resources; Laurie Helling,Manager of Recreation Services I. ROLL .A i IL APPROVAL OF AGENDA III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES- M:w 20. 1996 IV. PETITIONS REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS A. Letter from Douy•m I c Susan Eleyvacrt Regarding: R, i ding Ring at Riley Lake Park B. Hennepin Parks-Removal of Geese from Brvant Lake V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL A. Purgart�y Creek Estates B. Mitchell Y11LlL'c VI. O .] 3 1SIN FSS A. LYSZI1c VII. NEW BUSINESS A. NQU Vill. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF I i Parks,Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Agenda Monday,June 17, 1996 A. Reports of Director of Parks Recreation and Facilitics 1. Response to Karen and Scott Pedersen Regarding Lighting Baseball Fields at Millcr Park 2. Article on City of .aven's Builder's der's Fee B. Reports of Manager of Recreation Services 1. Letter from MRPA Awards Committee Revardine MRPA Award of Excellence for Taste on the Prairie anti DivcrseCity on the Prairie(FYI) IX. ADJOURNMENT I ' 1 I i APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS,RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES MONDAY,JUNE 17, 1996 7:00 P.M.CITY CENTER Council Chambers 8080 Mitchell Road COMMISSION MEMBERS: Claire Hilgcman, Chair; Bruce Bowman, Richard Brown,Don Jacobson,Vicki Koenig,David Kracum, John Wilson STUDENT MEMBERS: Mark Bremer.Emily Hanka COMMISSION STAFF: Robert A.Lambert,Director of Parks.Recreation and Facilities, Stuart A. Fox, Manager of Parks and Natural Resources; Elinda Bahley, Recording Secretary 1. ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.by Chair Hilgcman. Commissioners Kracum and Wilson were excused. Commissioner Jacobson arrived at 9:15 p.m. 11. APPROVAL.OF AGENDA I i MOTION: Koenig moved, seconded by Bowman, to approve the Agenda as published. Motion carried 4-0. t lll. APPROVAL OF MINUTL'.S-May 20.1996 MOTION: Koenig moved,seconded by Brown,to approve the Minutes of the May 20, 1996 Eden Prairie Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission as published. Motion carried 4-0. IV. PE ITION_S.REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS i A. Letter from Dom,and Susan Ileyvaert Re ar Iinge Ring RIng at Riley I f Lake Park i Staffrefered the Commission to a memo dated June 10, 1996,from Robert A. Lambert,Director of Parks,Recreation and Facilities;a letter dated May 22, 1996,from Doug and Susan Hcyvacrt; and a letter dated June 12. 1996. from Walter Farnham,Eden Prairie Horsemen's Club. Lambert indicated the Ileritage Preservation Commission has listened to the Icyvacrt's presentation and decided to continue the item for 30 days. 'rile HPC seems very favorable to the proposal. Parks,recreation and Natural Resources Commission Monday,June 17, 1996 Susan Hcyvacrt,9002 Riley Lake Road,stated they arc going to be putting up a barn on their property for two horses and need a place to ride them. They were considering putting an outdoor arena on their property but they would have to lose a lot of trees. From past Lake Riley Association meetings they have seen where a horse arena has been penciled in on the plans for Lake Riley Park, near the historic home and barn. The location is only a block from their entrance off of Riley Lake Road. The Hcyvaerts are willing to donate the funds needed to put an arena in Lake Riley Park which would be open to the public. [cowman asked how the horses would be brought there. Doug Hcyvacrt replied that when there's a horse show or exhibit, the horses would be trailered in corning off Riley Lake Road. They would either park on the grass area around the arena,or in the small parking area. Bowman expressed concern about pedestrians, bicycles,and rollerbladers coming into contact with the horses. Lambert explained that the City has just planted several rows of trees for wind breaking in different areas of the park. Lambert discussed with the Commission the potential problems with having a riding ring in a public park, Vic also discussed the benefits of having it ;. riding ring, Fie noted that there is a riding arena behind City [fall in Minnetonka and there have not been any significant problems. Hilgeman commented that having horses has a benefit to a lot of people in Eden Prairie. i Lambert noted that if it works out,there are a lot of other benefits for other people to conic and watch horse shows in a park. If the City can't control it and people don't follow the rules,the City would have to remove it. Susan Hcyvacrt stated that there used to be a lot of farms around where people could ride horses,but now that Eden Prairie is very developed,there �� are not many farms left that would be within riding distance. She suggested making sure signs arc posted to let people know where they can ride so they don't go riding down to the beach or in other parts of the park. She also noted that the Eden Prairie Horsemen would also be using this ring to put on horse shows or for exhibits. Bowman asked if this ring could be utilized in the winter for possible ice skating. Lambert indicated it could not. Bowman was concerned about how often this ring would be used. Susan [Icyvacrt indicated she and her daughter ride on a daily basis,or every other day at the least. I z 2 C Parks,recreation and Natural Resources Commission Monday,June 17, 1996 i Bowman asked if something could be worked out that lessons could be given. Lambert commented it's difficult to have riding lessons without access to horses. Susan Heyvacrt noted that because this is a public place, people could hire a trainer to teach them to ride at the ring. Bowman expressed concern about the liability issues. Lambert commented that the club is required to have liability insurance because they arc inviting people to the facility to watch it show. i Hilgeman commented she likes diversity in the neighborhood and it's wonderful of the 1-Icyvacrts to donate their own money. She supports the riding ring. i Brown asked what advantage does the location have to the Eden Prairie Horsemen. Walter Famham replied they will have to eventually relocate the present facility because of the airport expansion. Brown expressed concern about the grounds after the trailers and the horses are gone because it will be a mess. Susan Heyvacrt invited the Commissioners to the ring in Minnetonka to sec how nice the grounds look. �. 'ncc grounds there have never been touched. They have about 12 to 15 shows there a year and everything looks fine. They are only talking about one to two shows a year at the new ring. There would only be about 6 to 12 i trailers parked at any one time. f Y Bowman expressed concern about the dangers of children running up to the horses. He was also concerned about how much use this ring would actually i get. He suggested continuing this item which would give them a little time to research this idea and get the answers to all the questions listed in the memo. lie would also like to know exactly how many people really want the t ring and are going to use it. He can not approve the ring without that information. Susan I-leyvaert noted that if this is not approved,they will build a riding s ring on their own property. liilgeman commented she would like to approve this ring because it's very important to kids to be able to sec horses. It's a great idea. Doug Heyvaert noted they would like the ring to be in by the end of Fall so it can be used for next Spring. They would like it down before the ground freezes. He also encouraged the Commissioners to go to the park and see \ where the natural barriers arc between the ring and the rest of the park. 3 i` Parks,recreation and Natural Resources Commission Monday,June 17, 1996 MOTION: Brown moved,seconded by Bowman,to continue this item until they have further commitment from the Heritage Preservation and more research from Staff. Motion carried 3-21 with the nay votes by 1111geman and Koenig. B. Hennepin Parks-Removal of Geese r p ygul 1 nk Staff referred the Commission to a memo dated June 13, 1996,from Stuart A. Fox, Manager of Recreation Services; and it letter dated June 5, 1996, from John Moriarty,Wildlife Specialist from Suburban Hcnncpin Regional Park District i Fox indicated this is a petition request from John Moriarty to roundup 1 Canadian geese at Bryant Regional Park, This is in accordance with the City's Wildlife Management Program. 'rhe request is to remove flightless Canadian geese, adults and juveniles, either during the third week of June or the first week in July. They will also roundup any other major congregations of geese around the lake. Suburban Hcnncpin Parks would pay for 100 percent of the roundup and the cost of the operation. The roundup would be done by Park District employees and the birds would be turned over to the DNR under the auspicious of Dr.James Cooper. Dr. Cooper is from the University of Minnesota,who is empowered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service,and the Minnesota Department of Resources,to conduct such roundups. Koenig asked what the estimation of the geese roundup would be. Fox indicated there were approximately 125 to 150 geese rounded up last year. Hilgcman inquired whether these roundups have proved to be effective. It's partly successful. They are trying to take them to Oklahoma.Nebraska and North and South Dakota. The reason for the roundup is primarily because $ of the droppings and the health issues that are related. f MOTION: Brown moved, seconded by Bowman, to accept Staffs recommendation to remove the geese from Bryant Lake Park. Motion curried 4-0. Bowman noted that he would like the requests in the future to be more specific as to the numbers and the locations of the roundups. Koenig would like the death rate numbers included, Fox stated he will ask them for a roundup report. 4 Parks,recreation and Natural Resources Commission Monday„tune 17,1996 V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL A. Purgatory Creek Estates Staff referred the Commission to it memo dated June 12, 1996,from Stuart A. Fox,Manager of parks and Natural Resources,and it Staff Report dated June 7, 1996, from Michael D. Franzen,City Planner. Fox indicated this project came through the system two years ago but was withdrawn. It is now back in the same forth. What has changed since 1994 is some information based on the wetland delineation. Barry Post,9977 Bennett Place,reviewed his development proposal with the Commission. I-le reviewed the changes that have taken place since 1994. This is the same plan but is slightly pulled up north. The Watershed District and the Army Corp were out,and they do need to fill and mitigate for the sliver of wetland in the southeast area. They have all the necessary permits and documentation which took it year and half to obtain. They were approved at the Planning Commission and have received the neighbor's approval. The tree loss is at I 1 percent but they will be replacing it with much more than the required replacement of 14 caliber inch trees. The size of the NURP pond is 6500 feet. They are going to deed back two and a half acres of the property to the City. It will be an outlot with City ownership. The closest setback from the center of the creek will be 122 feet. The lots will be 13,500 feet and the minimum distance is 50 feet from the creek. F Bowman asked what actually was the redclincation. Post indicated they were trying to fill 4/10 of an acre, and now they are at 400 square feet. They I eliminated 90 percent of the till. Bowman stated the NURP pond is 50 feet away from the creek. He asked what is the elevation from the creek. Post responded the actual elevation will be fairly consistent with the top of the bank. It will be sufficient enough to catch all the sedimentation from the high creek. Fox commented it's consistent with the Watershed District requirements. This is an artificial pond with just a wall around it to catch the water settling out the solids and particular matter,and skim the clear water off the top and put that into the creek so the solids stay in the bottom of the pond. Hilgcman was concerned about the NURP pond in the fioodplain. Fox replied that with projects like this with the creek,if you put the NURP pond up land,you would make a quarter of the site unable to be developed. 5 I`1 1 Parks,recreation and Natural Resources Commission Monday,.lune 17,1996 Brown expressed concern about who is going to maintain the property where the NURP pond is located which the City will own. Fox replied the City is responsible. It's part of their Storm Drainage System. Brown expressed concern about flooding even though the Watershed District does not anticipate flooding. Koenig was concerned about what type of species of trees are going to be used for replacement. Post indicated some oak and spruce. and in accordance with Staffs memo,green ash,American basswood,sugar maple, and red maple. Hilgeman asked what trees are included in the I I percent tree loss. Fox replied there are only three trees being removed,two 50 inch oaks,and a 36 inch cottonwood. Staffs recommendation is to put some deciduous trees back on that site which would be consistent with the types of trees found in that area, which is ash, basswood,red maple and sugar maple. The other recommendation is to put at least one tree per lot as opposed to putting out ' a screen or barrier along Sunnybrook Road. Bowman asked for a clarification regarding the sidewalks. Post replied there will be sidewalks on the north side of Sunnybrook Road. MOTION: Brown moved, Bowman seconded, to accept Staffs recommendation and approve the project recommendations as stated, in addition, the Commission would like to see as many deciduous trees as possible. Motion carried 4-0. B. Mitchell Villane l Staff referred the Commission to a memo dated June 13, 1996,from Stuart A. Fox, Manager of Recreation Services.and a Staff Report dated June 7, 1996,from Michacl D. Franzen,City Planner. Dan Blakc, Centex Homes, reviewed his development proposal with the Commission. This site is diagonally across from the Eden Prairie City Hall. A review of the wetland locations was given. Photos were shown depicting the debris,dumping,and the rapid growth of grass that has taken place over the last couple of years. The views were shown from different angles of the property. Tree loss is estimated at 67 percent. There are 35 significant trees to be removed. Of those 35 trees, 31 arc cottonwood trees that range from 12 inches to 16 inches. The tree replacement is in accordance with the 6 Parks, recreation and Natural Resources Commission Monday,June 17, 1996 ordinance which is double the amount normally required. The project will be built in a number of size configurations with 3,4,5,6, R,and 12 units per building. Koenig asked if the units are going to have front and rear entrances. Blake replied yes. Fox reviewed the Staff Report with the Commission. The site is currently a mixture of box elder,cottonwood,elm,and American basswood. The Staff has walked the site several times to ascertain the health of the trees,as well as generally evaluating the tree mass on this property. Overall,the site at one time was a farmstead and an area for storage of farm equipment. Over the past 10-15 years quite a bit of construction material, including bituminous mix and concrete refuse, has been dumped on the westerly portion of the proposed project. In addition,some abandoned farm equipment and other grading materials have been deposited on the easterly portion of the project, I The tree loss is at 67 percent and 35 of the 51 trees will be removed. The two issues discussed with the Commission were I) What the result of general grading would have on the tree mass on the site. 2)Whether or not !the loss of significant trees could be reduced. Staff believes this project to be the best in terms of balancing with some of the adjacent neighborhoods 4 with nearly I000 inches of landscaping material. Y There are three proposed NURP ponds included within the development. This will be evaluated by the City Engineering Department to make sure they r arc properly sized to pretreat storm water prior to its discharge into the I Purgatory Creek Recreation Area Floodplain. In addition, there is a large 'wetlands area immediately adjacent to Anderson Lakes Parkway,which will remain in its current state under the proposed grading plan. Staff has made the recommendation that anything that occurred between the 'normal high water level Lind the outside edge of the lot should be covered by a scenic and conservation casement. This would be placed over Lots 3,4,5, `and 6 of Block 2. The long-range park plan indicates that a sidewalk should be located along the easterly side of Mitchell Road. Staffs recommendation is for a five-Foot concrete sidewalk to be constricted concurrent with this development, however,the actual timing of upgrade of Mitchell Road and Anderson Lakes CParkway intersections could impact this recommendation. The Engineering Department has also made a request to widen the right-of-way to accommodate further signalization of Anderson Luke and Mitchell Road. 7 1 a 'I Parks,recreation and Natural Resources Commission Monday,June 17, 1996 I This project was reviewed at the June 10, 1996 Planning Commission meeting and it was approved on a 6-0 vote. Koenig was concerned about moving the knoll because that's where most of the significant trees arc on the development. Fox commented there arc two large basswoods and no oaks in that area. Koenig expressed concern about fitting the buildings in between the two wetlands without impacting the existing wetlands. Blake replied that the closest wetland impacts arc along the north edge and they will be required to I put up silt fencing prior to construction. Hilgcman asked if there were any areas on this Site for cottonwoods. Fox replied there should be some areas for cotton less cottonwoods. Brown asked what the price ranges are of the homes. Blake indicated between$105,000 and$130,000. Bowman expressed concern about the five-foot sidewalk not listed in the Staff Report. Fox indicated it is listed in the Supplemental Staff Report and that's what goes to the City Council. MOTION: Brown moved, seconded by Hilgcman, to accept Staffs recommendation and that they seriously look at a certain percentage of cotton less cottonwoods in the replacement. Motion carried 3-1-1 with one nay i vote by Bowman,and one abstention by Jacobson. j VI. OLD BUSINESS ' A. jY4pg V11. NEW BUSIN ,-t A. None Vill. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF I ` A. Repnrts of Director of Parks Recreation and Facilities 1. Response to Karen and Scott Ped rc n Regarding Lighting Baseball Flelds at Miller Park_ Staff indicated this was an FYI item. 8 Parks,recreation and Natural Resources Commission Monday,.tune 17,1996 2. Article on City of faenn'c B,ild Staff indicated this was an FYI item. B. Renortc of Manager of Recreation&Lyk.0 1. Letter from MRPA ewnrds Committee Reoard►ng MRPA Award of .xcellence for Tnst_e m�the Prairi ...d 11Iy=wn CkxAn theme Staff indicated this was an FYI item. IX. ADJOILRNMFNT MOTION: Brown moved,seconded by Bowman,to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m. C 9