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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks and Recreation - 09/21/1987 r x 1987 SEPTEMBER 21 MINUTES CITY OP EDEN PRAIRIE - •. mad` AGENDA C. EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1987 7:30 P.M. CITY HALL - 7600 EXECUTIVE DRIVE 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 - AUGUST 17, 1987 IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS 7:35 A. Request from Ray Stodola Re: Eden Valley Park s V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS VI. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS, BOARDS & STAFF A. Reports of Director of Community Services 8:40 1. Community Center Repair Request for Bids 8:45 2. Update of 5 Year CIP 9:00 B. Reports of Athletic Coordinator a. Men's "25 & Over" Hockey - Summer 1987 b. Adult Tennis - Sprinq 987 c. Racquetball - Spring 98 d. Senior Men's Hockey - Summer 1987 e. Sand Volleyball - Summer 198 9:05 C. City Council Report of September 2 & 15, 1987 VII. OLD BUSINESS 9:15 A. Edenvale Park Trail EAW 9:30 B. Report on Park Bond Referendum Survey VIII. NEW BUSINESS 9:45 Review Proposed 1988 Community Services Budget Summary { 10:00 IX. ADJOURNMENT 4t APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION Monday, September 21, 1987 7:30 p.m. , 7600 Executive Drive COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Pat Breitenstein, chairperson; Bud Baker (late) , Moe Cook, Karon Joyer, Brian Mikkelson COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Gary Gonyea, Charles Shaw COMMISSION STAFF: Bob Lambert, Director of Community Services; Rick Bolitske, Superintendent of Recreation 4• I. ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by chairperson, Pat Breitenstein. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Lambert added Update on LAWCON Grant under VI. Reports of Commissioners, Boards & Staff, A. Reports of Director of Community Services. MOTION: Mikkelson moved to approve the agenda as amended. Cook seconded the motion and it passed 5-0. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - AUGUST- 17, 1987 MOTION: Cook moved to approve the minutes as mailed. Joyer seconded the motion and it passed 5-0. IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS A. Request from Ray Stodola Re: Eden Valley Park Refer to memo dated September 3, 1987 from Bob Lambert, Director of Community Services and letter dated September 1, 1987 from Ray Stodola. Lambert said that Mr. Stodola has suggested that the City buy this parcel of land from him, as there are several diseased trees on this property that must be removed and he does not believe he can get all seven property owners in this area to extend their property lines and pay him for the parcel along with attorney's fees to subdivide the land. Lambert said that a letter was sent to the seven property owners that abut Mr. Stodola's property to the west. The parcel of land is approximately 30' wide and was basically a surveyor's r error. Area records show no one as the property owner; however, Mr. Stodola was the owner previously. I. APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION -2- Lambert showed pictures of what the property line looks like and said that it is an eyesore in some areas since it has not been maintained. The property will go tax delinquent in two years. There were five of the seven property owners present at the meeting. Dan Campbell of 6725 Sunburst Dr. said that at the time he purchased his home three years ago, he knew about the surveyor's error on this parcel of land and since that time has used it as a kids play area and also planted some trees. He personally would like to acquire this land and added that he likes the park very much, but does not feel the City needs the additional land and cost to maintain it. If property owners were to purchase the land, it would make it taxable. John Price of 16680 Honeysuckle Lane said he sympathizes with Ray Stodola who thought he had sold the land some time ago. Price said that his home is located on the northern most portion and he wants to know about the plans for park access. He asked if the land becomes tax delinquent, does the City have a right to it over the property owners. Lambert said that when property goes tax forfeit, it..QoP-%.to. the state who turns it over to the County who' in turn ask the City if it is needed for public open space purposes. If,the City does not have a need, the property goes back to the County and is sold at public auction. Regarding park access, Lambert said it will be from existing trails and future access will be to the northwest of Eden Valley Park to a five acre parcel to the north. It will require a sidewalk system and access to the park. Breitenstein asked if Price would be interested in purchasing the property. Price said yes, Cook asked if the City would require an easement for the path to go through. Lambert said approximately 30' of easement would be required. Price asked who is responsible for adding berming, etc. along the property. Lambert said it would be the homeowner's responsibility. i John Erdman of 6705 Sunburst Dr. said that he had someone in last year to remove trash on the lot to make it safer for the children. Erdman would be interested in obtaining the land for a reasonable price. Bob Grafton of 16689 Honeysuckle Lane said he would like to purchase the land also. He said he has tried to maintain the property. If the City were to receive the property, Grafton said there would not be more than 601,1, between his property and the park. He does not know what the options are, bpt asked if the City needs the property. Lambert said the park works with or without the property. He added that on September 9 he received a call APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION -3- from June Beckman who also lives in this area. She said that she would not be interested in purchasing the property and thought the idea of the City owning and maintaining it was a good idea. Lambert said that he sees a number of options. If the City were to receive the property by quick claim title and could get the money they spend on special assessments, surveys and attorney's fees, they would probably consider selling it. Tom Johnson of 6685 Sunburst Dr. said that his major concern is being so close to the softball field that is used so frequently. He does not want to encourage bringing it closer to the homes. Johnson- said that if the other home owners want to buy the property, he would go along with it but would like additional buffer from the park. �i Lambert said that if the property owners want to get together and figure out what they would like to do about this property, it could be brought before the City Council in two weeks. He will send a note to the residents with the approximate costs involved and allow them 30 days to make a decision. Johnson said that if the City would be interested and since they have the necessary-equipment, perhaps they could level out the property and clean it up. Lambert said that this was a possibility and they would charge for the services. MOTION: Cook moved.to recommend -that the-..City .purchase the Stodola property and sell to the adjacent property owners, subject to an acceptable agreement. Mikkelson seconded the motion and it passed 5-0. V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS None VI. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS, BOARDS AND -STAFF A. Resorts of Director of Community Services Refer to memo dated September 10, 1987 from Bob Lambert, Director of Community Services regarding Community Center partial repairs. Lambert said that this item was brought before the City Council on September 15. They authorized going out for bids on the first phase of repair. Lambert said it was made clear to the Council that after the first phase, the building will look rather strange until the second phase is completed. i APPROVED MINUTES C EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION -4- Baker asked what was meant by the building would look strange. Lambert said that the outer wall will be removed and a new wall would be put in its place, but the brick wall would not match the existing block wall very. well. This is an information item only. 1 2. Update of 5 Year CIP Lambert said that the CIP is updated on an annual basis and that there have already been changes sinc a the chart was printed. Lambert added that the LAWCON grant for Riley Lake Park was approved in the amount of $245,000. $225,000 is for the cost of acquisition. Lambert said that one of the changes in the CIP is the amount of income projected from cash park fees which is shown at $400,000. He said the amount of cash park fees generated in 1987 will probably not exceed $300,000. The reason is that most of the development in the City has been single family homes and not apartment buildings which bring in the largest amount of cash park fees. Lambert said he-will not include items in the CIP that will . be covered under a bond referendum. Cook asked for the difference between the ampitheater at Staring Lake Park and the ampitheater for the Purgatory Creek Recreation Area. Lambert said that the cost for the structure at Purgatory Creek would be at least $1 million which would definitely have to come from'a bond referendum or large donation. The ampitheater at Staring Lake is proposed to cost approximately $50r,000, broken down to $35,000 for expanded parking and $15,000 for a wooden stage, seating and connection of electricity to the stage for sound equipment. It has been suggested that the outdoor concerts be moved from Round Lake Park to Staring Lake Park. Baker asked which location is second choice for the softball field complex and if it would be behind the old City Hall. Lambert said that the school agrees that this would be a good location, but Lambert is not sure that this would be the best I location due to the proposed adjacent land uses. B. Reports of Athletic Coordinator 1. Men's "25 & Over" Hockey - Summer 1987 2. Adult Tennis - Spring 1987 3. Racquetball - Spring 1987 APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PAR113, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION -5- 4. Senior Men's Hockey - Summer 1987 5. Sand Volleyball - Summer 1987 Lambert said that this is a summary of the number of teams, revenue generated and costs involved. MOTION: Baker moved to recommend approval of the reports. Cook seconded the motion and it passed 5-0. C. City Council Report of September 2 & 15, 1987 w At the September 15 meeting, the Council approved the renaming of Wyndham Knolls Park, the request by Stan Tiekela for a transfer of ownership of property near -Birch Island Park and the going out for bids for Community Center repair. VII. OLD BUSINESS A. Edenvale Park Trail 'EAW, Refer to letter dated August 31, 1987 from Bob Lambert, Director of Community Services, memo dated June 10, 1987 from Bob Lambert, 1 Director of Community Services and letter dated June 8, 1987 from Bob Lambert, Director of Community Services. i Lambert said that this process started over a year ago. The EAW which is reviewed by 18 governmental agencies has been completed. Lambert read a letter he received from Jerry Johnson who said he agrees with the City's recommendation which is to begin mowing a path on top of the interceptor to the Hillcrest Court area-.and construct a pedestrian bridge which would restrict the use of motorized vehicles. The bridge would have to be approved by the Watershed District. Culverts would need to be put in and Lambert recommends the trail be left in this condition until there is 1 sufficient use to require otherwise. The City will continue to ? monitor the water level for a couple more years.Prior to putting in an asphalt trail, residents would be notified. He showed the location of the proposed trail. Tim Line of• 732O Ontario Blvd. said they are new residents to the neighborhood, but purchased their home with the understanding that this property would remain undeveloped. He feels that development of this land will interfere with wildlife and he sees a bridge in this area as dangerous. Line said the present ' path is not used except for access to graffiti bridge and be ( feels that money should be spent on education and access to workplaces., He added that he likes the peace and quiet in this area, but he feels the amount of parks in a city can be overdone and that you don't need paths to reach a swamp in the center of a neighborhood. APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION -6- James Cullen, spokesman for the neighborhood group, said there has to be a distinction between recreation and parks and nature. He said he has reviewed the EAW with his attorney and noted that it was filed in August of 1986. Cullen has come to the conclusion that the City has a definite plan for the development of the Purgatory Creek area. He read portions of an article which was printed it he Eden Prairie News. Cullen::requests that the City do an EIS on all projects that are planned. He believes that there will be an impact on the environment and wildlife and the EIS' should include the entire creek corridor. George Carlson of 16171 S. Hillcrest Court said he is in favor of the park. The area is not beautiful until you get into it and he believes this would be an excellent area for cross country skiing. The proposed trail and bridge would give residents a way to the east and would also be good for runners. Carlson said that 2/3 of the residents in the Hillcrest area he has spoken to were in favor of the trail. He read a list of names of those in favor and those opposed to the plan. Carlson said this list was given to the City Council. Pat Richard said that the people he spoke to while he was on the park referendum group were in favor of trails, but that only one person is at this meeting who is in favor of the trail. Carlson said it is difficult to get a group to attend a meeting. Dick Brown of 7027 Edenvale said that the two main iRR11P.R..r0 be considered are the environmental impact and accesR to a public area. He believes it should not be a protected area to be used only by a select few and he is satisfied with the EAW. Denny Hoffman of 15560 Edgewood Court said that residents on this street are very affected by this proposal. His concern is that, as a developer and builder, he hears many comments from people who are in favor of trails for the future but he feels these items should not be tied into the development. Hoffman is also concerned with the environmental impact. He has not seen a design of this program, but feels the current system is adequate. Cullen said that one of, the main objections is that this will mainly be a transportation trail and that within a couple of years there will be an 8' asphalt trail here. He added that his group is totally in favor of asphalt trails along roadways, but not in this type of environment. APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION -7- Lambert said the EAW was done, .using thq.worst .gqss ble scenario (as referred to by some residents) which is an asphalt trail and the EAW indicated no significant impact. Other areas in the creek valley are related only by connection with other trails along City streets and the City attorney does not believe that they are related in hny other way and that the EAW was adequate. Mikkelson said that he appreciates what is being said shout asphalt trails since he is also not in favor of them. i_n sensitive areas. If the trail could remain a wood chip trail, he would agree with its construction since it would be used only for accessibility of the people into this area. He asked if an EIS was done on the entire area, would the neighborhood group agree with it if it had no negative impact on the environment, or are the residents interested in preserving their own peace and quiet only. Cullenisaid he does not feel anyone should be selfish about the area; however, they envision vehicular traffic on an asphalt trail in the future. If a trail were used only for people walking, they would have no objection. I Carl Nelson asked what would be involved in Phase 2. Lambert replied that the EAW considered a trail all the way up the creek corridor and found no environmental impact. Nelson said he does not disagree with a mowed trail and pedestrian bridge. Lori Line of 7320 Ontario Blvd. said she is concerned because all the residents are not informed as to what is going on in this area. ; George Carlson commented that he feels this issue has been going on long enough and since no one objects to a mowed trail, it should be done. MOTION: Baker moved to recommend that a mowed trail be extended along the east side of the creek to Hillcrest Court and that a pedestrian bridge be constructed which would restrict vehicular use, a wildlife blind should be constructed also and the water level should continue to be monitored. Mikkelson seconded the motion. On call for discussion, Cook added that any request for an asphalt trail would require the residents to be notified before any decision was made. Joyer said that she voted against this issue at first, but feels this plan will bring minimal environmental impact to the area. ( The motion passed 5-0. After discussion, it was decided to bring this issue before the City Council on the third Tuesday in October. 'A %APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION -8- B. Report on Park Bond Referendum Survey Refer to memo dated August 21, 1987 from Bob Lambert, Director of Community Services and memo dated August 20, 1987 from Bob Lambert, Director of Community Services. Lambert reviewed the outcome of the survey in which 63% of those surveyed responded, 49% were yes voters and 51% were no voters. He said the biggest surprise was that 50% of the people that were figured to be supporters turned out to be no voters. Staff recommendations are that future bond referendums are held after citizens see the impaot of the school referendum, there should be more neighborhood participation, a petition should be obtained prior to setting a bond referendum date, future bond referendums should be for smaller dollar amounts and a different format for informing citizens should be considered other than the Happenings format. Baker asked what the cost of the survey was. Lambert said the consultant's fee was approximately $400 and the rest was staff time. He added that he feels it was worth the cost. Baker said he feels another bond referendum should wait until after the school bond referendum and the citizens see what affect this has on their taxes. Cook said he found it interesting that the survey showed most people said they felt they had enough information to vote, but he questions whether the City is giving enough information to citizens on status of: roads, etc. Baker made a motion to recommend that the City go back to the voters with another bond referendum in the amount of $1 million in the summer of 1988 after the state tax changes have become effective and that there be organized neighborhood committees led by elected members of the City Council. Cook seconded the i motion. On call for discussion, Lambert said he feels early summer may be too soon for another bond referendum and that we should see what the citizens' feelings are by next spring. He also feels that any future referendum should begin with a petition from the citizens. Baker said to wait for the citizens to petition would risk both timing and the people that petition will be special interest groups. Lambert said he feels the City should at least acquire the land, but he is not so concerned with timing. When the people need something bad enough, they will be willing to work .for passage of a referendum, but if we don t have the land we may never be sine to get it. _ . APPROVED MINUTES �• EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION -9- Baker withdrew his original motion at this time. MOTION: Baker moved to recommend to the City Council that the information brought forth in the survey be reviewed now while it is still fresh and that future strategy be to go back to the citizens after they present a petition to the City. A "grass roots" organization should be formed led by City officials and the referendum should be in smaller increments. Joyer seconded the motion and it passed 5-0. j VIII. NEW BUSINESS � . A. Review Proposed 1988 Community Services Budget Summary Refer to memo dated August 17, 1987 from Bob Lambert, Director of Community Services. Lambert reported -that the summary sheets are included with the budget report. Breitenstein asked about the uniforms listed under park maintenance. Lambert said these uniforms are rented by the City and the City pays for cleaning. Cook referred to the cost of postage going from $300 down to zero. Lambert said some changes were made when some of the office staff was moved to the Community Center and this accounts for the difference. Cook asked about video voice equipment at the Community Center. Lambert said the City is looking into prices for this equipment which would eliminate the need for an employee to collect fees, etc. from those using the facilities. MOTION: Joyer moved to recommend approval. of the 1988 Community Services budget as presented. Cook seconded the motion and it passed 5-0. IX. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Cook moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:20 p.m. Joyer seconded the motion and it passed 5-0. Respectfully submitted, Lois Boettcher Recording Secretary