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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks and Recreation - 03/17/1986 t i 1986 MARCH 31. 17 Ml-N- - UTES CITY OF EDEN PRAIRIE 7 i • Y qf1 f ,1 AGENDA EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, MARCH 3, 1986 7:30 P.M. SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION BUILDING - BOARD ROOM COMMISSIO14 MEMBERS: Raiford Baker, Pat Breitenstein, Moe Cook, Gary Gonyea, Karon Joyer, Brian Mikkelson, Charles Shaw COMMISSION STAFF: Bob Lambert, Director of Community Services 7:30 I. ROLL CALL & INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS II. ELECTION OF CHAIRPERSON & VICE CHAIRPERSON III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FEBRUARY 3, 1986 V. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS None VI. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS s 7:35 A. Alpine Village (continued from Feb. 3/86 - Review Grading 8:15 B. Red Rock Heights 3rd Addition VII. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS BOARDS AND STAFF A. Report of Commission Members Review of City Needs Study Committee Recommendation to City Council - continued B. Reports of Athletic Coordinator None C. Reports of Superintentent of Recreation 1. January 1986 Monthly Report 2. February 1986 Monthly Report D. Reports of Recreation Supervisor None E. Reports of Athletic Coordinator �` None 8:20 F. Community Education Advisory Council Monthly Report 8:25 G. City Council Meeting Reports of February 18, 1986 . c VII. OLD BUSINESS 8:30 A. Lighting Two Softball Fields at Round Lake Park 9:00 B. Fencing Four Softball Fields at Round Lake Park VIII. NEW BUSINESS 9:10 A. Unauthorized Motorized Vehicle Use of City Parks and Trails 9:40 B. Safety Conditions at Riley Lake Park 10:00 IX. ADJOURNMENT M APPROVED MINUTES �. EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION Monday, March 3, 1986 7:30 p.m. , School Board Room COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Pat Breitenstein, chairperson; Bud Baker, Moe Cook, Karon Joyer, Brian Mikkelson, Charles Shaw COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Gary Gonyea COMMISSION STAFF: Bob Lambert, Director of Community Services OTHERS PRESENT: Rick Bolinske, Superintendent of Recreation I. ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Bob Lambert. 4 II. ELECTION OF CHAIRPERSON & VICE CHAIRPERSON Lambert asked for nominations for the positions of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson. .4 C. Cook nominated Pat Breitenstein for Chairperson and Bud Baker for Vice 4 Chairperson. There were no other nominations. MOTION: Shaw moved to approve the nomination of Breitenstein for CE-a- rperson and Baker for Vice Chairperson. Cook seconded the motion and it passed 6-0. III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Baker moved to approve the agenda as printed. Cook seconded i t-Fe motion and it passed 6-0. J IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - FEBRUARY 3, 1986 i MOTION: Baker moved to approve the minutes as printed. Cook seconded t1-ie motion and it passed 6-0. V. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS None ' VI. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS A. Alpine Village (continued from 2/3/86 - Revaew Grading Refer to memo dated February 27, 1986 from Bob Lambert, Director of 3 Community Services. 9 APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL REOURCES COMMISSION March 3, 1986 -2- Charles Hettinger representing the Herlitz Construction Company was present at the meeting. Hettinger said that the revised grading plan preserves the hill on the north which contains the majority of hardwood trees. The location of the street was also moved slightly and only small poplar and cottonwood trees will be removed. Lambert said this issue was continued from the last meeting because the developer did not have a revised grading plan completed. He said the Council requested that the commission look at creating a trail across this area to the floodplain and the sanitary sewer line. Lambert said staff decided this was not a good location for a trail it is a wide expanse of floodplain and a trail would not be feasible until Mr. Anderson develops the 40 acres. MOTION: Shaw moved to recommend approval of the grading plan per tMe pinning staff report. Cook seconded the motion and it passed 6-0. B. Red Rock Heights 3rd Addition a Refer to memo dated February 27, 1986 from Bob Lambert, Director of ( Community Services and staff report dated Ron Krueger was present at the meeting representing the proponent. Krueger reviewed the site which is located on approximately 14 acres southeast of Village Woods Drive and View Lane. The developer is proposing seven lots on the site and a trail connection between the eastern most house and the eastern boundary of the third addition, continuing north along the cul-de-sac which connects to Village Woods Drive. Most of the trees on the site will be saved; however, staff is concerned with the intensity of the grade. Lambert said that this is a difficult issue and the only question left is the trail connection. There are several alternatives to the trail proposed by the developer: terminate the trail at the j eastern boundary of Red Rock Heights 3rd addition; extend the 81 asphalt trail along the shoreline across the two eastern lots and then north between the second and third house from the east and connect the trail to the cul-de-sac; begin lowering the trail on i the north end and raising it on the south end through retaining walls and fill to reduce the grade and leave the trail in the , location along the eastern border; or ending the 8' wide asphalt trail in a turnaround for maintenance vehicles on the eastern property line and create a pedestrian access to the north through a 5' concrete sidewalk and series of steps north of the property line. i � 'i _. ... ......,,. r . i _I I APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL REOURCES COMMISSION March 3, 1986 -3- i Lambert said that none of the alternatives is very good. However, the Planning Commission did not like the idea of a stairway because they are very difficult to maintain. Lambert recommends that a 5' concrete sidewalk be constructed leading to a stairway to the bottom of the hill. He agrees with the developer that running the path any further to the west would make the trail too visible from the homes. This would be the only other alternative other than eliminating the oaks and adding a retaining wall. Baker asked where the bike path would be located. Lambert said its location is shown on the overview included in the packet. Shaw said that the trail presently comes to a dead end at the bottom of the hill and he feels if the trail idea were abandoned and it was made into a trail access instead this would save the trees and make the trail safer. Cook asked if it would be feasible to put an 18 inch asphalt trail next to the steps to allow bicycles to be pushed up. Lambert said that kids would also attempt to ride bikes down the narrow trail and be injured so he did not feel it was a good idea. Baker asked what the percent of p grade is at Staring Lake. Lambert said 12-13%. Krueger added that the path located about 100 feet from this site is at 12.8% grade and ends in a T. Lambert said that this path was built by a developer without staff approval and would have to be redone with the grading reduced. Cook said bicycling could be prohibited here in the best interests of City liability. Lambert said he does not think prohibiting it would make a difference. MOTION: A motion was made by Baker to recommend that a stairway be constructed per staff recommendation. Shaw seconded the motion and it passed 6-0. VII. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS, BOARDS AND STAFF A. Reports of Commission Members 1. Review of City Needs Study Committee Recommendation to City Council-- continued Moe Cook reported that the committee met in February at the request of the City Council to review the possibility of a bond referendum on both the recreation needs and the fire station and city hall in the spring. It was decided to give the fire station and city hall first priority with the parr needs and land acquisition third and fourth priority. It was found that it is illegal to put all the items on the same ballot so the referendum on the fire station and city hall are planned for the fall of 1986 and the park needs in the spring of 1987. APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL REOURCES COMMISSION March 3, 1986 -4- Lambert added that the athletic sub-committee met earlier and felt that the athletic needs should come before the fire station and city hall. Baker asked if the referendum on the fire station and city hall failed, would the recreation needs be viable for a referendum in the fall of 1986. Lambert said that both the fire station and city hall will be listed separately on the referendum and he did not know what would happen if both of them failed. Lambert added that the Council authorized staff to go out for request for proposal for an architect to work with staff on specifications and costs for Community Center improvements. B. Reports of Athletic Coordinator None `i C. Reports of Superintendent of Recreation 1. January 1986 Monthly Report This is an information item only. Y 2. February 1986 Monthly Report J This is an information item only. i D. Reports of Recreation Supervisor None E. Community Education Advisory Council Monthly Report 1 This report was included in the packet. F. City Council Meeting Report of February 18, 1986 1 Lambert reported that the Council approved the first reading of the i Riley Lake surface use ordinance; the adjustment in the cash park fees as recommended by the commission; the new members of the Parks and Recreation Commission; the request for proposal for Community Center improvements; the appraisal of the Boyce property; and the study on the Purgatory Creek Recreation Area contingent upon Watershed District approval to share costs. Cook asked Lambert if he feels the Watershed District will, approve j sharing the costs of the study. Lambert said that they have been supportive up to this point and he feels they will approve it. } APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL REOURCES COMMISSION March 3, 1986 -5- VIII. OLD BUSINESS A. Lighting Two Softball Fields at Round Lake Park Refer to letter dated February 24, 1986 and memo dated February 27, 1986 from Bob Lambert, Director of Community Services and memo dated February 28, 1986 from Stuart Fox. Lambert said that a letter was sent to over 600 residents in the Round Lake Park area notifying them of the City's intention to light two softball fields at Round Lake Park. He showed a map of the Round Lake Park plan at this time. The City made a commitment in 1980 not to light Field #1 because of its close proximity to homes in the area. Bids have been received to light Fields #2 and 3. The bids for a six pole lighting system ranged from $54,000 to $75,000 with Gunnar Electric having the lowest bid. A copy of the standards and criteria used to compare bids was included in the packet. Comparing the four pole and six pole system, Lambert said the four pole is somewhat higher and when asked which would have a greater C impact on the park, he said that both have 60, poles, but the six pole system has better light distribution which is why it was I ' chosen. The closest house to a light pole facing the home is 650 feet. There are two of these homes on Luther Way. On County Road 4 the closest homes to a light pole are 450 feet and 495 feet. The light level is 1/10 of 1 footcandle to 3/10 of 1 footcandle. Lambert said there would be some impact of the lighting on adjacent homes, but shields can be added to those lights pointing at the homes to minimize glare. Also, existing ash trees along the bike trail will provide screening. Additional landscaping can also be added. Lambert said the softball season begins in May and runs through August with a shorter season during the fall. He said the football association may also decide to use these fields in fall if the softball teams are not using them. Baker asked the height of the lights at the hockey rink. Lambert said they are 20 feet high in comparison with the ones at the high school football field which are 90 to 110 feet high. Cook asked if the figures on footcandle levels included shields. Lambert said no. I l j APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL REOURCES COMMISSION March 3, 1986 -6- . Larry Olson, who lives on Walnut Court, said he is concerned with the lighting and noise. He has watched Round Lake Parks develop and feels it is one of the prettiest parks in the area. He thinks the towers will detract from the aesthetics of the park. Olson asked if staff has considered lighting fields at Staring Lake. Lambert agreed that towers would detract from the park atmosphere at Round Lake, but since Staring Lake would need irrigation in order to have playable fields, there are no other alternatives at this time. Lambert feels that when the trees mature, this will cut down the glare from the lights. The next set of fields to be lit will be at Staring Lake. Lynn Brocke said that she has put together a petition representing ry . 23 homes on Westgate Drive, Westgate Trail and Luther Way opposing the lighting of Round Lake Park. Even though the park closes at 10:00 p.m. now, she feels that when lighting is added it will get later than that. She also said she does not believe that all the people that play softball either live or work in Eden Prairie. Lambert said that is the city rule for playing in our leagues. Lambert added that he feels the communication between team managers C and the athletic coordinator is relatively good and if the team playing the late game in the evening is told to leave immediately following the game at 10:00 p.m. when the park closes, they will comply or have a problem continuing to play in the league. Regarding limiting the number of teams allowed to play, Lambert said that we are inviting industries into Eden Prairie who pay taxes and cash park fees and he feels the new industries would not get a chance to have a team, if teams allowed to play were limited to the existing teams. Gary Clifford of 7601 Ontario Blvd. commented that he has played softball in Eden Prairie for two years and said that the teams have been contributing money for lighting fields and he feels they have done a good job of policing themselves after games. David Brenner, who lives on Luther Way, said that Lambert seemed concerned with the residents on Red Rock Way being able to see a trail outside their house, but doesn' t seem as concerned with the residents near Round Lake seeing glaring lights. Don Jacobson, who lives on Luther Way, said he feels Round Lake Park is a lovely family park and to put lights up would be a shame. He added that even though there is an ordinance to close the parks at 10:00 p.m. there is always a possibility it could be changed to allow the parks to remain open until 11:00 p.m. or later. APPROVED MINUTES C EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL REOURCES COMMISSION March 3, 1986 -7- Olson said it could be a mistake to light Round Lake Park and then find a more suitable location in the next couple of years. Lambert said the City Needs Study Committee felt that at least six lighted new fields would be necessary by 1990 plus the Round Lake park fields and the Staring Lake Park fields. Jacobsen asked Lambert if he knew anything about the residents near Dred Scott field in Bloomington that were opposing the lighting. Lambert said he was not aware of this, but did note that many expensive new homes are being built around the park. John Pollock, who lives on Hillcrest Court, asked about the possibility of lighting the Flying Cloud fields instead. Lambert said the ballfields at Flying Cloud are youth baseball fields at this time and the City does not want to put anymore money into them because they are only temporary and can be taken back by the Airport Commission with a 90 day notice. Our existing lease doesn't allow lighting any of those fields. Steve Lee, who lives on Luther Way, asked why it was felt that a trail on Red Rock Lake would be an eyesore, but lighting Round Lake Park would not be. Lambert reminded Mr. Lee that he agreed that �. the lighting standards would be an intrusion on the aesthetics of the park. Brenner asked why there is so much pressure to light Round Lake Park. Lambert said that if facilities are not provided, the City will get pressure from industries who are not able to have teams. Lambert said that with the high cost of land and the high cost to develop new parks, it is only fiscally responsible to make the most j use of the facilities we already have. Bracke presented the petition from residents opposing the lighting of Round Lake Park to the Commission at this time. Shaw said he feels the City should make good use of the facilities it has and that the lighting of Round Lake Park would be a good move for the City. MOTION: Shaw moved to recommend approving the lighting of Fields 2 and-1—at Round Lake Park per staff recommendation. Cook seconded the motion and it passed 6-0. B. Fencing Four Softball Fields at Round Lake Park Refer to memo dated February 27, 1986 from Bob Lambert, Director of Community Services and memo dated February 26, 1986 from f Stuart Fox. C APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL REOURCES COMMISSION March 3, 1986 -8- Lambert said the staff recommendation is to accept the low bid of Finley Brothers for $21,078.40 for a vinyl clad 9 gauge wire and vinyl clad steel posts and hardware for fields 1 thru 4. The fence will be paid for by the softball improvement fund. Shaw asked about the manufacturers warranty on vinyl clad fences. Lambert said it is the same as for a chain link fence -- 15 years. Cook said the City is lucky no one has hurt themselves seriously on the snow fence up to now. He also agreed with the extra cost for the vinyl fence in order to maintain the character of the park as much as possible. ti MOTION: Cook moved to recommend approval per staff recommendation. Ba er seconded the motion and it passed 6-0. IX. NEW BUSINESS A. Unauthorized Motor Vehicle Use of City Parks and Trails Refer to memo dated February 24, 1986 from Bob Lambert, Director of Community Services. Lambert invited Jim Clark of the Public Safety Department and representatives of the Eden Prairie Snowdrifters Club to present their ideas on solutions to the problem. He said the majority of complaints are from residential neighborhoods. Most people will not leave their names or the name of the person they are complaining about. The main topic to be discussed is snowmobiling in unauthorized areas in Eden Prairie, particularly Staring Lake Park. Mike Hughes, president of the Eden Prairie Snowdrifters, was the spokesman for the group. He said that only a small percentage of snowmobilers are causing the problems and his group would like to see more strict enforcement of the rules. He recommends that a committee be formed to come up with a workable solution. The committee could consist of representatives from the snowmobilers club, public safety and city staff. Shaw asked if the group would like all of Eden Prairie open for snowmobiling. Hughes said he feels the area that is offered at this time is sufficient. Shaw asked what type of enforcement besides an officer in a squad car would work better. Hughes said all snowmobiles are to be registered and this may be a way to trace the owner. C APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL REOURCES COMMISSION March 3, 1986 -9- i Baker asked Hughes if he felt the signs were adequate identifying trails. Hughes said yes. Clark said Lambert's plan should be tried; however, if the laws are to be enforced, an officer has to see it happen. He said there have been about 20 arrests so far this year. Cook asked what percentage of arrests have been Eden Prairie residents. Clark said most of the juveniles are residents. Hughes asked what percentage of the arrests occur between 2:00 and 5:00 p.m. weekdays. Clark said most have occurred on Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Cook asked what the fine or penalty is. Clark said it is approximately $25 to $30 in most cases. Shaw felt a motion should include that the committee consist of five representatives: two from the snowmobilers club, one from the Parks and Recreation Commission and two from public safety chaired by a safety representative. The committee should meet twice in July and August, once in September and present their ideas to the Parks and Recreation Commission as soon as possible after the September meeting. The recommendations would be published in October for the 1986-87 season. Baker asked if the number of City representatives should equal the number of other representatives. Lambert said it might be best if the commission didn' t make a recommendation at this point on the number of meetings since the committee might come up with something better. He said he would be concerned with telling the committee how many times they should meet. Cook said he also felt that the number of meetings should not be set, but the committee should be given the latitude to get the job done and bring their findings back to the commission. MOTION: Shaw moved to recommend that a committee of no fewer than eve members be formed whose goal it is to bring suggestions and recommendations to the Parks and Recreation Commission no later than September 1, 1986. The committee would meet at their own discretion. Baker seconded the motion and it passed 6-0. B. Safety Conditions at Riley Lake Park i Refer to memo dated February 24, 1986 from Bob Lambert, Director of Community Services. ;t •. " �;r7 is I` APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL REOURCES COMMISSION March 3, 1986 -10- This issue was discussed at the last City Council meeting where the council asked staff to prepare a report regarding safety conditions at Riley Lake Park. Lambert said a major concern the City has relates to the lack of parking facilities presently available. There is additional parking available on the Hendrickson property which should be sufficient most of the time except holidays or extremely warm weekends. Staff recommends that if all regular and overflow parking is full and emergency parking only is allowed on County Road 1, this would discourage people from using the park when it has reached its capacity. MOTION: Cook moved to recommend approval per staff recommendation. Slaw seconded the motion and it passed 6-0. X. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Shaw moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:45 p.m. Cook seconded t-T a motion and it passed 6-0. i Respectfully submitted, Lois Boettcher Recording Secretary I AGENDA EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, MARCH 17, 1986 7 :30 P.M. SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION BUILDING - BOARD ROOM COMMISSION MEMBERS: Pat Breitenstein, chairperson; Raiford Baker, Moe Cook, Gary Gonyea, Karon Joyer, Brian Mikkelson, Charles Shaw COMMISSION STAFF: Bob Lambert, Director of Community Services 7:30 I. ROLL CALL II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - MARCH 3, 1986 f IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS None V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS 7:35 Donnay's Round Lake Estates C VI. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS, BOARDS AND STAFF ;5 A. Reports of Commission Members None i B. Reports of Director of Community Services 8:00 Resolution Supporting Local Outdoor Recreation Funding C. Reports of Superintendent of Recreation I None 8:05 D. City Council Meeting Report of March 4, 1986 VII. OLD BUSINESS None VIII. NEW BUSINESS 8:10 BMX Association Use of BMX Track I � 8:30 IX. ADJOURNMENT APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION Monday, March 17, 1986 7:30 p.m., School Board Room COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Pat Breitenstein, chairperson; Bud Baker (late), Gary Gonyea, Karon Joyer, Brian Mikkelsonn COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Moe Cook, Charles Shaw COMMISSION STAFF: Bob Lambert, Director of Community Services OTHERS PRESENT: None I. ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by chairperson, Pat Breitenstein. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Lambert added Item B. 1986 LAWCON Application under VIII. New Business. MOTION: Gonyea moved to approve the agenda as amended. Joyer seconded the moiion and it passed 4-0. C. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - MARCH 3, 1986 MOTION; Mikkelson moved to approve the minutes as mailed. Joyer seconded the motion and it passed 4-0. Gonyea abstained. IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS None V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS 1. Donnay's Round Lake Estates Refer to memo dated March 13, 1986 from Bob Lambert, Director of Community Services and staff report dated January 24, 1986. Lambert introduced Mr. Vern Donnay and said that the planning staff report on this development was included in the packets. Mr. Donnay reported that the only thing missing in the planning staff report was the proposed construction of a totlot by the developer along with a sidewalk and trail. The two ponding areas were shown on the site plan in blue. Donnay said he was not prepared to give a complete presentation to the Commission at this time since his planner was not present and he was not advised by the planning staff that this would be required. I APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION March 17, 1986 -2- Lambert said that the three areas of concern were the marsh area which is a good sized area common to water fowl, and staff questions why this entire area has to be removed. The second concern is the large amount of trees that will be removed and the third concern is the trail connection from Kilmer Way to the trail around the marsh area. Lambert said the Commission could recommend approval of the proposal if they felt comfortable with it or could continue it to the next meeting. Breitenstein said she would feel more comfortable continuing the issue until the next meeting after the Commission has seen the revised grading plan showing the trail connection and when the developer can discuss the rationale for removal of the marsh and the vegetation. MOTION: Baker made a motion to request that the developer come actTto the next meeting with his planner and present a proposal showing the grading plan, tree inventory and proposed trail connection. Gonyea seconded the motion and it passed 5-0. C VI. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS, BOARDS AND STAFF A. Reports of Commission Members None B. Reports of Director of Community Services 1. Resolution Supporting Local Outdoor Recreation Funding Refer to memo dated March 6, 1986 from Bob Lambert, Director of Community Services. Lambert said that the President's Commission on Americans i Outdoors has prepared a resolution supporting local outdoor recreation funding. Staff recommends approval of the resolution. I MOTION: Gonyea moved to recommend approval of Resolution #86- TU-per staff recommendation. Mikkelson seconded the motion and it passed 5-0. 2. City Council Meeting Report of March 4, 1986 There was no report. VII. OLD BUSINESS j None I APPROVED MINUTES C EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION March 17, 1986 -3- I VIII. NEW BUSINESS i A. BMX Association Use of BMX Track Refer to memo dated March 13, 1986 from Bob Lambert, Director of Community Services. Lambert introduced Gary Anderson who was present at the meeting on behalf of the Eden Prairie BMX Association. Lambert said the memo included in the packet gave a brief history of why a BMX track is located in Eden Prairie and why it was approved in 1981. The memo also gives the reasons why Mr. Anderson contacted Lambert about what is going on regarding the track. Anderson said he became president in January of this year and established an association of four active members. He said anyone is welcome to Join the group. Anderson wanted to correct some facts and figures that were incorrectly stated in the memo. He I introduced Mr. Dave Fischer whom he is proposing to run the Eden Prairie track this year. Anderson said he was not happy with the way the races were being run by Northstar last year. He did not want to split the ABA and USBA associations, but went with the ABA �_. who have 12 to 15 active tracks. Baker asked what the disagreement was between Northstar and Midwest BMX. Anderson said that the kids are put into classes according to age and experience and Northstar was moving kids into classes that were not their age group or experience level. For this reason, kids lost interest in racing and Northstar was not promoting the races. Baker asked how many riders there are at an average race. Anderson said the average is 65. Baker asked how many riders the inside track in Shakopee is drawing. Anderson said about 80 to 90. Baker asked if there was a possibility of attracting 150 riders to a race. Anderson said it was possible. Gonyea asked why there are so few riders from Eden Prairie. Anderson said the races have not been promoted. Gonyea expressed concern with why the track was originally approved in 1981 and why the interest level has dropped off. Mr. Fischer said the kids did not like being moved out of their age group and class. He said he never moves kids more than one age group. Fischer added that each kid that participates in a race \.. gets some type of trophy. Samples of the trophies were brought to the meetng. He added that he has started several new ideas to the races such as the singing of the National Anthem before the races and girls participation in racing. APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION March 17, 1986 -4- Gonyea asked if Fischer's track is run as a business or tor the City of Shakopee. Fischer said his track is a non-profit business. Gonyea asked who built the Shakopee track. Fischer said the track is located in an empty warehouse and he has added the jumps. etc. Baker asked how the track is organized. Fischer said it is run on a non-profit basis and he is assisted at races by the parents of the riders. Baker asked if the track is registered as a non-profit business by the state. Fischer said no. Baker expressed concern over the expiration date of the insurance policy. Fischer said all his policies are due on May 1 and the policy would be renewed. i Baker asked if Northstar was still interested in running the track in Eden Prairie. Lambert said they have not submitted a proposal j to the City. Baker asked Fischer to review his costs for trophies. Fischer said first place trophies are $4.50, second place $4.25, third place $3.00, fourth place $2.75, fifth thru eighth place $2.00 and participation plaques $1.75. The minimum sanction fee is $30.00 and the maximum $50.00 with $15.00 for concessions. Breitenstein asked who supervises the kids at the track on days they want to practice. Lambert said no one supervises them. Joyer asked what age ranges participate in races. Fischer said the participants are from 5 to 17 years old. Joyer asked if a race would be cancelled if not enough kids from each age group showed up. Fischer said no. Fischer added that he buys trophies from Trophies by Linda in Osseo and because of the large number he purchases, he gets a very good price. Breitenstein asked several questions which were given to her by interested parties in Eden Prairie. Why couldn't the track be run by Eden Prairie volunteers instead of bringing in someone from the outside? Anderson said he feels he is a volunteer and he would like to see more participation. Why not go to the service organizations in Eden Prairie for donations so the money could be kept in Eden Prairie? Dee Anderson said the only problem is that volunteers would not have the � . expertise at this time to run the association. APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION March 17, 1986 -5- Breitenstein commented that her understanding is that Fischer is not making any money and that all money goes back into the program. Fischer said that was the case. Baker asked where Fischer was employed. Fischer said he is employed at Owens Illinois in Shakopee. Lambert said he is concerned with the insurance policy, whether this is a non-profit organization or not and how the races will be complainingeabout howhMr.rFischer operateschissraces.people compla 8 peopleoat apologized other organization calls trying said to get feels back athey him. from P P Gonyea asked itowasnnotred the monitoredeafterntheefirstben as in charge. year. Fischer said he has two thatparamedics hey be tpresent at each race and feels it is very imp Lambert said he has received complaints regarding the noise from the speakers at the track and the condition the grounds were left in several times when races were over. Anderson agreed with the ; hat he comment poor conditionise, but said tfollowingsanot in charge when race. Lambert asked whose concession was at the track. Fischer said it is a private party. Lambert said that private concessions are not allowed. The BMX Association was not aware of this. Gonyea asked how many tracks Fischer runs. Fischer said he currently runs one at both Rockford and Lino Lakes and is working on Eden Prairie, St. Louis Park, Shakopee and Prior Lake. The Commission expressed concern that with so many tracks, there would not be enough time to have races at each one. Fischer said different tracks have races at different times and those with lights hold races in the evening. Fischer assured the Commission i that he would be present at every race. Breitenstein asked if all tracks are owned by the City. Fischer said Lino Lakes is owned that the nbyotheoLions and owned theyone the inschool, Shakopeethe isne in Li privately owned. I Breitenstein asked how long it would take if the Commission waited to approve the track until the insurance information is received. Lambert said the Commission could approve the track with a contingency about the insurance policy. y Anderson said that it is important the track is approved soon so the schedule can be set up. i APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE ,PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION March 17, 1986 -6- Lambert asked what the deadline is for the schedule. Anderson said as soon as possible. i MOTION: Baker moved to recommend the approval of the Eden Prairie BMX Association for operating ABA races on a race by race basis in 1986 in Eden Prairie with the following conditions: that the insurance policy be approved by the city insurance agent or legal staff; that the track's books are open to inspection by the City at anytime; that City staff contacts Mr. ? from Rockford and Mr. Debke from Shakopee as character references; that concessions be run strictly as a function of an Eden Prairie non-profit service organization; and that the races should be monitored on a random basis. Gonyea seconded the motion. On call for discussion, Mikkelson said he felt the assciation should report back in a year on the number of Eden Prairie children involved in the program. Dee Anderson asked if the races did not have to be approved in previous years. Lambert said yes, they were approved by the athletic coordinator. The motion passed 4-1. B. 1986 LAWCON Application Lambert said he would like the Commission's approval on a grant similar to last year's to recommend to the City Council. Lambert briefly explained to the new members of the Commission what a LAWCON grant is. MOTION: Joyer moved to recommend approval of the 1986 LAWCON grant application. Mikkelson seconded the motion and it passed 5-0. IX. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Gonyea moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:05 p.m. Joyer seconded the motion and it passed 5-0. Respectfully submitted, Lois Boettcher Recording Secretary