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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks and Recreation - 03/16/1987 r :" ,... .. Ir :'.. ... .1?,'.,......,. t.., .. .. . 7, ... _.r. , .., ..., ...a ....1 awl...i+:'{GIWY _ ...r:i\i..r4�mrN n ra. ♦.....,ra.e.Jr......�.:: i.. 1987 MARCH 2 16 MINUTES CITY OF EDEN PRAIRIE a '.' .,.• � ,:.. •...,.; _...... '.: .+. r .al r.- ..fir•. ��:r- as a+ w AGENDA EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, MARCH 2, 1987 7:30 P.M. SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION BUILDING - BOARD ROOM I 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 - FEBRUARY 21, 1987 IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS 7:35 A. Letter From Eden Prairie Horsemen 7:40 B. Eden Prairie Baseball Association Request V. DEVELOPMENT' PROPOSALS 7:45 A. Edenbrook Park Development Proposal 8:00 B. Hidden Glen Park Development Proposal 8:15 C. International School VI. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS, BOARDS AND STAFF A. Reports of Director of Community Services 9:00 Park Bond Referendum Progress Report B. Reports of Superintendent of Recreation 9:05 1. Racquetball Court #3 9:10 2. Survey on Lake Conference School/City Agreements for High School Hockey Game Costs C. Reports of Recreation Supervisors 9:15 1. Special Events Report 9:20 2. CDBG Grant for Discretionary Funds for New Senior Center Improvement 9:25 D. City Council Meeting Report of February 17, 1987 VII. OLD BUSINESS � . 9:30 A. Park Facility Use Permit 9:35 B. Purgatory Creek Tour VIII. NEW BUSINESS 9:40 March loth Special Meeting on Trail Development Policies 9:45 IX. ADJOURNMENT do d 1 j APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION \ Monday, March 2, 1987 7:30 p.m. , School Board Room COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Pat Breitenstein, chairperson; Bud Baker, Moe Cook, Karon Joyer, Brian Mikkelson, Charles Shaw (late) COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Gary Gonyea COMMISSION STAFF: Bob Lambert, Director of Community Services OTHERS PRESENT: Rick Bolinske, Superintendent of Recreation; Jenny Dressen, Aquatics Supervisor; Barb Cross, Park Planner; Tom Eastman, Supervisor of Operations I. ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by chairperson, Pat Breitenstein. f II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA �- Joyer added B. Report from MRPA Meeting under VIII. New Business. MOTION: Mikkelson moved to approve the agenda as amended. Cook seconded the motion and it passed 5-0. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - FEBRUARY 2, 1987 MOTION: Mikkelson moved to approve the minutes as mailed. Joyer seconded the motion and it passed 5-0. IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS A. Letter from Eden Prairie Horsemen Refer to letter dated February 12, 1987 from the Eden Prairie Horsemen. This is an information item only. Lambert said the Eden Prairie Horsemen have concerns about the horse trails in the city and would like staff to plan on trails for the future in the Riley Creek area. Lambert said that trails in this area would be a problem 11- to the width of the trail corridor in the creek valley. APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCE COMMISSION March 2, 1987 _••...,. _ -2- Joyer asked how many horse trails there are in the city. Lambert said there are no public trails, but property owners have given permission to ride in certain areas. Cook asked if there is a map available which shows the horse trails. Lambert said no. Mikkelson said that when the letter was sent to the Eden Prairie Horsemen a couple months ago advising them of the elimination of Staring Lake trails for riding, no one attended the meeting to comment. He asked if these people were involved in the same group. Lambert said this is the same group of people. B. Eden Prairie Baseball Association Request Refer to memo dated February 24, 1987 from Bob Lambert, Director of Community Services and letter dated February 3, 1987 from the Eden Prairie Baseball Association. Lambert said the letter was signed by Ron Groves who is the EPBA Facilities Commissioner. Groves was unable to attend the meeting so Doug Tripp was present. CLambert reviewed the six major concerns the association has. They would like the 4' fences in front of the dugouts replaced with 61 fences; they are requesting the backstops on Fields 4-8 be replaced; they are asking that the City do a study with Prairie Electric to improve the electric outlet for the jugs machine, they would like improvements to the Eden Lake outfield fence and they are asking that clay and aglime be supplied at various places for repairs. Lambert said that staff is recommending that the City replace all line fences on Fields 4-8 with chain link fencing that will extend approximately 20, past the first and third baselines; one or two backstops per year be replaced; the City install a snowfence for an outfield fence at the same dimensions as the Preserve fields and that excess clay and aglime be supplied for necessary repairs at the four major fields. Staff recommends that the City will fund 50% of the cost of installing an automatic retrieve system for the jugs machine if the baseball association will also fund 50%. Doug Tripp said he feels the baseball association had a productive meeting with City staff. Their major concerns were the 4' fences at Flying Cloud Field. He feels that 6' fences would help reduce overthrow and balls going oil' i ll t- t.h" roSll Ui th kids chasing after them and also reduce (lie lllmo„ , ,, hii.l.ls that hit cars. The electrical outlets at Flying G101.1l are difficult to keep clean and the association would like an automatic retrieve system. If ( materials such as clay and aglime are provided, the association will be glad to do the necessary repairs. APPROVED MINUTES \ EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCE COMMISSION March 2, 1987 -3- Lambert asked for more details regarding their request for use of the field at Staring Lake. Tripp said the association is experiencing some field availability problems and asked if the Staring Lake Field could be reserved on Thursday nights. Lambert said that the girls have two teams playing on a field. Why couldn't the baseball association do the same thing? Tripp said the reason it has not been done is because of timing and it would limit the length of time each team could play during the week or they would have to play Saturday games. Cook asked what the schedule would look like if they could reserve the field at Staring Lake. Tripp said teams would not have to double up and they would not have to play on Saturdays. i Lambert said the baseball association has spoken with Lori Helling regarding the use of the field at the Staring Lake park reservation area. He gave a background of what happened several years ago when this was done. The City had complaints from citizens because the fields were being used by the athletic association and were not available to the public. Baker asked about the parking facilities at Staring Lake. Lambert said there are usually not more than 30 cars at these games so there would be sufficient parking space. Baker asked what the reservations look like so far this year. Lambert said about half of the weekends from May to September are already reserved, but these will fill up soon and then groups will use weekend evenings. Shaw asked if there will be any additional fields available for use this year. Lambert said there will actually be fewer fields this year since the Forest Hills field cannot be used because of the , realignment of Baker Road and Field 8 cannot be used because of construction. Baker asked if the commission could go to the Council with a request that the baseball association be allowed to use the field j at Staring Lake this year only since we are losing fields. Lambert said there is no guarantee that Forest Hills will be available next year, but he has no problem with going to the Council with this proposal. i Cook said he cannot Justify taking a field away from the public just because of youth baseball.. Tripp said if that is t.hk 11 Have to try and schedule games on Saturdays or have uiie might less baseball every third week. APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCE COMMISSION March 2, 1987 -4- Mikkelson asked about the possibility of using a batter's cage instead of installing backstops. Lambert said this could work out for practice, but not for the games. Mikkelson referred to the April 11 try-outs mentioned in the letter. Tripp said this should be referred to as a grading system and not try-outs since all kids are allowed to play, but this gives them some idea as to what level they should be in. Cook gave some general comments on the memo from Bob Lambert. #4 refers to an existing 61 high dugout fence at Eden Lake Park. Cook asked if there is a fence there. Lambert said yes. Cook referred to #5 and asked if the clay could be kept in one place so it would not form into big lumps and remain easy to work with. Lambert said he could have several boxes built to hold the material. Cook referred to the length of the grass at CMS mentioned in #6. He asked if the infield dirt could be dragged. Lambert said the school maintains this field and does not keep the grass down. Cook said he feels it would be worth a letter to the school asking that Cthis grass be kept mowed. j MOTION: Cook moved to support the six recommendations made by staffIn reference to the baseball association requests adding that the Commission does not see fit to open up Staring Lake Field to the baseball association and that a letter be written to the school district regarding grass mowing at CMS. The motion was i seconded by Mikkelson and passed 6-0. V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS A. Edenbrook Park Development Proposal Refer to memo dated February 24, 1987 from Bob Lambert, Director of Community Services. Lambert said this park is about 120 acres at the present time, but will increase to at least 150 acres. There are three major access points and more will be added. There will be one off Duck Lake Road and one off Dell Road and Rustic Hills Drive. It is planned to construct a backstop, tennis courts and a walking path leading to the play area, as well as the playground structure. A letter was mailed to resid, r t11- area who were present at the meeting to give tlieii fill Ilie development proposal. APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCE COMMISSION March 2, 1987 -5- Claire Hil.geman of 17493 Rustic Hills Dr. said that she has no objections to the proposal and her only concern is when it can be done. Lambert said construction should begin early this summer. Joyer asked what type of equipment is proposed for the totlot. Lambert said it will be the standard equipment which includes swings, slide, a climbing apparatus and a sitting area for adults. The equipment will be for elementary school age kids. Steve Reed of 7508 Rustic Hills Dr. asked if any of the park will be lighted. Lambert said no. John Beel said he has just purchased a lot in this area and asked if this park will be used as an organized playground for baseball games, etc. Lambert said no. Tom Borgmann of 17540 Rustic Hills Dr. noted that there are a lot of trees shown on the map and asked if there would actually be this many trees in the park. Lambert said all the trees won't be planted right away although some will be put in this year. Borgmann asked about access points to the park. Lambert said the CCity will add an access in the floodplain area. Reed asked if reservations will be needed to use the park. Lambert said it will be a first come, first served basis. Reed asked if the park will be fenced. Lambert said no. This is the property owner's responsibility. MOTION: Baker moved to recommend authorization for funding and eg nn ng construction of Edenbrook Park this year. Cook seconded the motion. On call for discussion, Shaw asked if the residents can call somewhere to find out about the progress at the park. Lambert said they can call the Community Services Department at the City Hall, but that work should be started by June 1. Mikkelson asked if the elementary sized equipment meets with the approval of the residents. The residents were in agreement. Mikkelson asked if a statement should be added to the motion that required this project to move swiftly. Lambert said the project would have to go through a normal process, but shouldn' t be delayed for any reason. The motion passed 6-0. APPROVED MINUTES \ EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCE COMMISSION March 2, 1987 _6_ B. Hidden Glen Park Development Proposal Refer to memo dated February 24, 1987 from Bob Lambert, Director of Community Services. Lambert said that grading has been started on this park and should be completed by mid July. It should be seeded by mid August. If for some reason the park is not seeded until fall, no construction will occur until next year. The parking lot is located off Dell Road. The park will include a totlot, tennis courts and softball field. The development plan was approved by the City Council two weeks ago. A letter was mailed to residents of the area who were present at the meeting to hear their comments on the development proposal. Greg Shepherd of 18426 Avon Court asked if this park will be lighted. Lambert said no. Shepherd asked if there would be an ice rink in the park. Lambert said no. Shepherd asked why the City cut down trees in the swamp area. Lambert said it is the policy to remove dead trees in City parks for aesthetic reasons. Larry Larder of 18433 Avon Court asked about access to the park. Lambert said there will be a path on one side and a sidewalk on the other side of the park. Shepherd asked when Dell Road will be finished. Lambert said it should be finished in 1987. Shepherd asked if a barricade couldn't be put up at the dead end portion of the road to prevent cars from speeding through, turning around and going back. Lambert said road issues are not handled by this commission, but he should call Gene Dietz at City Hall. Diane Bierbaum of 18836 Broadmoore Dr. asked if there will be access points at the top of the hill. Lambert said there will be access points from the east. Larder asked when the paved trail will be constructed. Lambert said it will be done when Dell Road is blacktopped. Bob Kruell of 6780 Tartan Curve asked if the tennis courts couldn' t be made regulation size anal 1-1 11m, o basl•.et-hall hoop and bike rack be added at th, i• i ,0 u:;l< d it the City would consider trading the sofLb,tlI Ii,,:Id fur a sheet of ice with no lighting or warming house. He also asked for a definition of ( occasional use of the park by the athletic association. APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCE COMMISSION March 2, 1987 -7- Lambert said the tennis courts are the accepted standard size. The concept has changed somewhat in that more parking has been added. Lambert said he cannot define occasional use of the park by the athletic association because it will depend upon if the bond referendum is passed. If it is not, the athletic association will be looking at any available fields. Regarding the exchange of the softball field for an ice rink, Lambert commented that several years ago there were more than 20 unlighted skating rinks without warming houses. However, many surveys of unlighted rinks showed that they weren't used. There is only one of these left because kids will go to the parks where the rinks are lighted and there is a warming house. Lambert does not see a problem adding a basketball hoop and bike rack. The resident asked if the football field could be enlarged to accommodate soccer. Lambert said we are already working in a very tight space and there isn' t room to make the field a regulation soccer field. Bierbaum asked if the parking space at the park will be sufficient. Lambert said yes. C. International School Refer to memo dated February 26, 1987 from Bob Lambert, Director of Community Services, staff report dated February 20, 1987 and letter dated February 23, 1987 from James Steilen, attorney for the International School. Lambert said the main issue regarding this development is the payment of cash park fees discussed in the attorney's letter. Other issues are grading, shoreland ordinance and consistency with the regional park plan. Regarding grading, Lambert said the proposal preserves a significant amount of trees and the site plan conforms with the requirements of the Shoreland Management Ordinance. However, the development as it is would severely limit the size of the proposed park expansion. The developer is applying for public zoning and without revising the public zone, the City will have to deny the proposal. The City does not charge cash park fees for non-profit, tax exempt developments. Lambert said he would expect and encourage children and staff boarding and working at the school to use public facilities. Tracy Whitehead, Director ' r.,o i.he Tnt� rnatia�al School, was present a tl, �,._ apviogized to the Commission for not being owl.t.: u,.11. prepared, but did not know she was to attend the meeting until today. APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCE COMMISSION March 2, 1987 -8- Whitehead reviewed the plans for development of the school and said density would be 0.05 upon completion in approximately ten years. The buildings on the site will be low profile and built into the contours of the hills. The lakeshore will remain undeveloped since this will provide a good opportunity of learning for the children. They will also not light any of the athletic fields. The only disagreement she has with staff is the use of parkland and payment of cash park fees. The school has paid $30,000 per acre for this land and cannot justify dedicating land to the City for parkland, especially since the school has no plans to develop the land. Whitehead does not agree that the school will generate a need for have all these facilities at the school. park space since they will Whitehead added that the county removed at 'least 40 trees in order to remove the county garage on this property and did not ask permission of the school. Referring to Bob Lambert's memo, Whitehead said she does not understand why the preservation of the Nine Mile Creek valley and floodplain and the north shore of Bryant Lake is so important to the development of Bryant Lake Regional Park since the park is already so large. She added that boarding children at the school is only a concept for the future at this time and is not definite. The school will have its own athletic field, gym and swimming pool so it will not be necessary to use public facilities. If the City requires the payment of cash park fees, the school would be unable to continue with the project. Lambert referred to a phone call he and Whitehead had a couple of months ago when he told her that the City would require the payment of cash park fees and the dedication of parkland to the City in order to approve the proposal. Whitehead reviewed notes she had taken of the phone conversation and did not recall any reference to cash park fees or park dedication. Whitehead added that she understands the City owes the Metropolitan Council $240,000 and that if the school paid the cash park fees, this would erase the debt. Lambert said this amount was paid back about 1-1/2 years ago and the City no longer owes them any money; however, the City has agreed to obtain as much land as possible through park dedication and to sell the land to the Park District for regional parkland. Whitehead said she questions if the payment of cash park fees will be required with public zoning. Lambert indicated that the zoning they apply for will not be the same as the existing ordinance because the existing ordinance a,nn,ldn' t allow their use. Shaw asked about the w!ii— i im of the ,<chuol- Whitehead said the school has two ,uikl has been in the family for over 100 years. There are five other schools, but this will be the �' first in the United States. APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCE COMMISSION March 2, 1987 -9- Cook asked if the school is a for profit organization. Whitehead said the overseas schools are making money, but it will be some time before this one makes any money. Baker asked what size staff the school will have. Whitehead said there are currently 41 staff for 100 students, but when it is running at capacity, there will be about 300 staff. Shaw asked the cost per student at the school. Whitehead said it is about $4500 this year and next year it will be about $5000. Joyer asked what would happen if the school needed to use public facilities in the future. She also asked if the floodplain area were dedicated to the city, will it prevent the school from using the area. Lambert said the school will still be able to use the area, but the floodplain is important to the park because as much shoreline and floodplain as possible should be preserved forever. Whitehead asked if a scenic easement could be considered for land in the floodplain. Cook feels that cash park fees should be applied to this development because he feels certain the school will require public facilities in the future. Mikkelson asked if cash park fees are always paid in one lump sum. Lambert said they are paid in full when the developer applies for a building permit. Mikkelson asked if there has ever been an exception. Lambert said no. Mikkelson said perhaps the City should make an exception for the school. Shaw said the school is owned by a large corporation and is definitely not short of money considering their proposed investment. MOTION: Shaw moved to recommend that the International School be re—guTred to pay cash park fees and that a scenic easement be added to the floodplain area to maintain control. Joyer seconded the motion and it passed 6-0. VI. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS, BOARDS AND STAFF A. Reports of Director of Community Services i 1. Park Bond Referendum Progress Report Lambert said staff has been meeting with various associations and the last meeting jai I 1 1, i' "Ill ilri! Thum•day. They are currently looking [ui i l l' il,uul. 50 i.elephones so 2500 residents can be called Lhu ii.ight before the referendum. �' j APPROVED MINUTES �. EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCE COMMISSION March 2, 1987 -10- B. Reports of Superintendent of Recreation 1. Racquetball Court #3 Refer to memo dated February 9, 1987 from Tom Eastman, Supervisor of Operations. Rick Bolinske said the Court #3 has been closed due to water problems. This means that about 1/3 of the racquetball income is being lost. Baker asked how long the court will be closed. Bolinske said it will be closed under the water problem is solved which may be late summer. 2. Survey on Lake Conference School/City Agreements for High School Hockey Game Costs Refer to memo dated February 16, 1987 from Bob Lambert, Director of Community Services and memo dated February 20, 1987 from Tom Eastman, Supervisor of Operations. Tom Eastman said the majority of those surveyed charge $3.00 for adults and $2.00 for students. Eden Prairie has not had an increase in their fees. He noted that the survey is an average. Cook asked how much of the $30,000 loss at the Community Center is attributable to school use. Lambert said none. He added that a change in fees would not increase the profit. Lambert suggests a joint study group be formed to adjust the fee schedule. Cook asked if all fees shouldn't be adjusted. Lambert said yes. MOTION: Cook moved to recommend that a joint committee do a stuTy oon charges at the Community Center for both the public and the school. Baker seconded the motion. On call for discussion, Lambert asked if anyone on this commission would like to serve on the committee. Shaw volunteered to participate. The motion passed 6-0. APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCE COMMISSION March 2, 1987 -11- C. Reports of Recreation Supervisors 1. Special Events Report Lambert introduced Jenny Dressen, Aquatics Supervisor. Jenny gave a review of special events which have been held in the past year including four dive-in movies, fitness classes, etc. 2. CDBG Grant for Discretionary Funds for New Senior Center Improvements Refer to memo dated February 25, 1987 from Sandy Werts, Recreation Supervisor. Lambert said that if the City has not used the money from CDBG, it is then returned to the County to be placed in a "discretionary account". Eden Prairie is asking for funds to renovate the lower level of City Hall for a new senior center. MOTION: Shaw moved to recommend authorization to proceed wwitt tFie application requesting $65,000 from the CDBG Discretionary Account. Cook seconded the motion and it passed 6-0. D. City Council Meeting Report of February 17, 1987 Lambert reported that the Council approved the Homeward Hills Park plan and the commission's recommendation to allow beer and wine only in City parks. The only change they made was any kind of beer will be allowed, not only 3.2. Kegs will be limited to those reserving the park. The Council also followed the commission's recommendations on naming of parks. VII. OLD BUSINESS A. Park Facility Use Permit Refer to memo dated February 24, 1987 from Bob Lambert, Director of Community Services. i Lambert noted the changes on the form which include the change in fees and that kegs of beer will be allowed only by those reserving park facilities. The last st.,timmc,iit oii the form will be underlined. MOTION: A motion was made I.,r i ,LA to accept the form as amended. St�conded the motion and it passed 6-0. ( APPROVED MINUTES CY EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCE COMMISSION March 2, 1987 -12- B. Purgatory Creek Tour Refer to memo dated February 25, 1987 from Bob Lambert, Director of Community Services. Lambert said that the tour will be this coming Saturday, March 7 beginning at 9:00 a.m. at City Hall. The group should return by 12:30 p.m. VIII. NEW BUSINESS A. March 10 Special Meeting on Trail Development Policies Refer to memo dated February 25, 1987 from Bob Lambert, Director of Community Services. Lambert said that the meeting will be held on March 10 at 3:00 p.m. at City Hall. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss policy on trails and sidewalks. Members of the commission are invited to attend. B. MRPA Meeting Report ` Karon Joyer attended this meeting. She reported that the committee is made up of representatives from commissions throughout the metropolitan area. The committee would like to hold special conferences and discuss issues of interest. This meeting was mainly a brainstorm of ideas. The following items were discussed: vandalism, working with park maintenance people on vandal-proof equipment, security systems, utilizing senior citizens, how to have a successful bond referendum, commission meetings being shown on cable T.V. , cooperation between community education and city programs and user fees. The committee is looking for different facilities to hold their meetings. IX. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: A motion was made by Shaw to adjourn the meeting at 10:30 p.m. Bader seconded the motion and it passed 6-0. Respectfully submitted, �&-.( , Lv Lois Boettcher Recording Secretary AGENDA EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, MARCH 16, 1987 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 2, 1987 IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS None V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS 7:35 A. Willow Park Development 8:00 B. Topview Acres 5th Addition VI. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS, BOARDS AND STAFF A. Reports of Recreation Supervisor 8:35 NYSCA - National Youth Sports Coaches Association 8:40 B. City Council Meeting Report of March 3, 1987 VII. OLD BUSINESS None VIII. NEW BUSINESS None r 8:45 IX. ADJOURNMENT APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION Monday, March 16, 1987 7:30 p.m. , School Board Room COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Karon Joyer, Moe Cook COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Pat Breitenstein, Bud Baker, Gary Gonyea, Brian Mikkelson, Charles Shaw COMMISSION STAFF: Bob Lambert, Director of Community Services The meeting began at 7:30 p.m. There was not a quorum present; however, several residents of the Willow Park area were present to discuss proposed park development. Cook told the residents that Willow Park development would also be on the agenda at the next meeting which will be held on Monday, April 6, 1987. Lambert reviewed the park which is located north of Valley View Road, south of Roberts Drive and east of Mitchell/Baker Road. The majority of the park was acquired through tax forfeiture although the City purchased about two acres from Edenvale and received the hill on the southeast portion through park dedication. Six to eight feet of fill was added to the marsh during construction of Valley View Road to create an active use area. Additional fill was added when Edenvale Apartments were constructed and later from a project at Hwy. 101 and Hwy. 7. The fill has continued to settle, but has stabilized to the point where the area can be graded and seeded this summer and the playground structure installed this fall. The rest of the development will take place during the next two to four years. Residents asked the following questions which Lambert responded to. 1. Will the park be lighted? No 2. Are there plans for a road through the park? Yes, Butterscotch Road will continue through the park. The area east of the park is zoned rural, but is guided for multi-family residential. 3. How will the park be paid for? The park will be paid for out of cash park fees that have been collected on new construction. 4. What hours will the park be open? The park will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. This park may be used by organized athletics; however, it will be for youth only since the fields will not be built to adult playing standards. This depends upon the outcome of the park bond referendum. i A resident commented that he would like to see Butterscotch Road looped, but he likes the layout of the park very much. He asked when the road will be designed and whether this has been discussed with City staff. Lambert said there have been no discussions so far. A resident asked what would be required at the next commission meeting. Lambert said it is to confirm the concept plan of the park and to authorize the expenditure of funding the park. It will then be forwarded to the City Council for final approval. Lambert added that they prefer to seed no later than August 1. A resident asked if there will be a tennis court in the park. Lambert said no, but that there is a basketball hoop. Several residents commented that they would like to see a tennis court added. Lambert said that it will be considered. Lambert said that the fill that was brought in contained a great deal of peat and if a tennis court were to be constructed, sand would be added and left alone for a year of two before building. w Cook said he feels Willow Park will be a fine park and that the knoll will make an excellent picnic area. It was asked whether the residents could do anything to promote this project or make it move along more quickly. Lambert said there should be no problem. Cook thanked the residents for coming to the meeting and invited them back on April 6 if they wished to attend. The meeting ended at 8:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lois Boettcher Recording Secretary I