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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks and Recreation - 05/15/1989 • 1989 MAY 1 15 MINUTES CITY OF EDEN PRAIRIE AGENDA EDEN PRAIRIE PARRS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSSION MONDAY, May 1, 1989 7:30 P.M. , CITY HALL 7600 EXECUTIVE DRIVE COMMISSION MEMBERS: Pat Breitenstein, chairperson; Raiford Baker, Moe Cook, Karon Joyer, Brian Mikkelson, Pat Richard, Charles Shaw COMMISSION STAFF: Bob Lambert Director of Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources 7:30 I. ROLL CALL II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 7:35 III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - APRIL 17, 1989 IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS & COMMUNICATIONS 7:40 1. Request of E. P. Soccer Association 7:50 2. High School Request for Community Center Use _ y C V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL 8:00 A. Red Rock Shores 8:20 B. Strawberry Hill 8:25 C. Red Rock View Addition 8:30 D. Eden Square Shopping Center VI. OLD BUSINESS 8:45 A. Annual Report (continued from April 17th) VII. NEW BUSINESS 8: 50 A. Park Use Ordinance 8:55 B. Schedule Parks Commission Tour 9: 00 C. Change Order No. 3 - Phase II Partial, Repairs Eden Prairie Community Center VIII. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF 1. A. $enorts of Director of Parks Recreation & Natural Resources Agenda - PRNRC -2- May 1, 1989 9:05 1. 1989 Park Bond Referendum Results 9:10 2. Jacques Property AQpraisal Update 13. Reports of Landscape Architect 9:15 1. Recruest Authorization to Receive Bids for Tennis Court Construction at Franlo Park & Wyndham Knoll Park C. Reports of Manager of Parks and Natural Resources 9:20 1. Skating Rink Service Area Report D. Reports of Recreation Manager & Supervisors 9:25 1. Soviet Soccer Team Welcome 9:30 2. ORtimist Club Softball Tournament & Donation E. Reports of Athletic Program Coordinator 9:35 1. Men's 3-Man Basketball - Spring 1989 Season C Ending Report IX. REPORT OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING 9:40 1. City Manager's Update - April 21. 1989 9:45 X. ADJOURNMENT APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION Monday, May 1 , 1989 7:30 p.m. , City Hall 7600 Executive Drive COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Pat Breitenstein, chairperson; Bud Baker (late) , Karon Joyer, Brian Mikkelson, Pat Richard COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Moe Cook, Charles Shaw COMMISSION STAFF: Bob Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources, Barb Cross, Landscape Architect, Laurie Helling, Recreation Manager, Stu Fox, Manager of Parks and Natural Resources I. ROLL CALL r ' The meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m. by Pat Breitenstein, chairperson. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Joyer moved to approve the agenda as printed. Richard seconded the motion and it passed 4-0. C- III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF APRIL 17, 1989 MOTION: Richard moved to approve the minutes as mailed. There was no second to the motion. Joyer and Mikkelson abstained. The minutes will be approved at the next meeting. IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS & COMMUNICATIONS A. Request of Eden Prairie Soccer Association Refer to memo dated April 27 , 1989 from Stu Fox, Manager of Parks and Natural Resources. Kevin Dahl of the Eden Prairie Soccer Association was present at the meeting to present the request. Dahl said he understood that there is a new three year contract at Flying Cloud Fields and the Soccer Association feels the fields are in need of irrigation. There are currently 400 youth registered to play soccer, along with 200 on a traveling team. Lambert said the lease at Flying Cloud Fields can still be terminated with 90 days notice. This is a concern ; since the cost to irrigate the fields would be a minimum of $50,000. Staff has the same concerns about the condition of the fields, but the baseball field conditions are even v worse than the soccer fields. Baseball fields are scheduled for use seven days a week and soccer fields are used six days a week. l' APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. May 1 , 1989 C -2- Dahl suggested that the Soccer Association may have to have a fund raiser in order to raise funds to help subsidize the cost of irrigating Flying Cloud Fields . Lambert said he felt no decision should be made on irrigating the fields until the airport expansion issue is resolved. Fox added that if the fields are seeded, they would not be useable for 120 to 150 days. Joyer asked if any kids have been turned away from the soccer programs because of a shortage of fields. Dahl said not at this point. Joyer asked what is being done to the fields now. Fox said the fields were overseeded last fall. Dahl said registration for soccer is in late May and early June. Mikkelson agreed that a decision has to be made soon. Helling asked the commission to keep in mind that there is also a traveling team which should be treated in the Csame manner as the regular soccer teams. After discussion, it was decided that more information would be brought back to the commission at the next meeting in two weeks. Lambert asked that Fox comment on the correct maintenance procedures for the fields in the fall and discuss cutting programs at the next meeting. B. High School Request for Community Center Use Refer to memo dated April 13, 1989 from Bob Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources. A request was received from the high school for additional pool time and some exclusive pool time and a reassessment of ice rental. The pool time was requested for use by the girl 's swim team. Loss of income would be significant, as some swim classes would have to be eliminated. Estimated loss would be $7680. Staff recommends that the school be charged for the exclusive use of pool time, but not charged for lost revenue. t 1 APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. May 1 , 1989 - � -3 The school is being charged the current ice time rate with a four hour minimum plus 50% of the gate. The school pays the entire cost for ticket takers, security, officials and scorekeepers. Staff recommends that the school be charged the current ice time rate for a minimum of four hours and pay all expenses for ticket takers, scorekeepers, announcers and police officers from gate receipts and the City and school would split the remaining balance 50/50. Steve Schultz, Athletic Director for Eden Prairie High School, commented that there are 40 on the girl ' s swim team and 15-20 on the boy's team. It is important that the girl ' s team be able to use the entire pool for practice. Schultz said the school appreciates any consideration from the City. Regarding hockey, Schultz said the school has no problems with the ice time or charges and agrees with the recommendation to increase admissions. Baker asked how this request compares with the Foxjets request several months ago. Lambert said that the Foxjets are charged the going rate for pool time and their request C for additional pool time was denied. Joyer asked how much of the pool time is scheduled by swim teams. Lambert said not a large amount of time is scheduled by teams in comparison to all pool time, but their prime time (after school to 7:00 p.m. ) is booked solid. Joyer asked if the swim teams could get extra pool time if they would swim at a different time. Schultz said the teams are already swimming at various times such as early morning. Mikkelson asked if there is any way that the lost income from lessons and aerobics can be made up. Lambert said .no. Richard said he feels the school should not lose money on hockey games, but the City should be able to keep the revenue in lieu of ice time. Schultz said the school does not charge the City for use of athletic fields and he would not feel comfortable with less than a 50/50 split. Joyer said the pool time and hockey issues should be kept separate and two recommendations should be made. I. APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. May 1 , 1989 -4- 1 MOTION: Joyer moved to recommend approval of staff s recommendation on additional and exclusive pool time requested by the school. Richard seconded the motion. The motion passed 4-0. MOTION: Richard moved to recommend_ approval of a formula that allowed the City to .keep all revenue above operating costs for hockey games. Baker seconded the motion. On call for discussion, Baker reminded the commission of the City' s philosophy in the past regarding operating costs and breaking even. The motion passed 4-0. V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS A. Red Rock Shores Refer to memo dated April 26, 1989 from Barb Cross, Landscape Architect and staff report dated April 7, 1989. Barb introduced Bob Smith from Krueger & Associates. Smith said the site is located on Co. Rd. 4 on 19.77 acres . The C original proposal was for 17 single family lots, but this has been reduced to 15. The residents have petitioned the City to improve existing Meadowdale, Red Oak and Summit Drive. The Planning Commission suggested that a sidewalk be constructed on the west side of Red Oak Drive. Grading will be done for the streets only and there will be tree loss of 327 caliper inches. There are 3097 total caliper inches of trees on the site. B. Strawberry Hill This site is located on 3.2 acres south of Lake Shore Drive, east of Co. Rd. 4. The original proposal was for 7 single family lots, but this has been reduced to 5. The largest lot in this subdivision would be approximately 30,000 sq. ft. There is no access to Co. Rd. 4 from this subdivision a with the exception of the Wittenberg homestead. C. Red Rock View Addition This site is located on 5.7 acres west of Meadowdale Drive and east of Bluesky 1st Addition. Nine single family lots are proposed and this development has already been approved by the Planning Commission. ;t APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. May 1 , 1989 Cross said that Red Rock Shores was discussed in February:, At that time, the streets consisted of two cul-de-sacs off of Lakeshore Drive. Staff recommended no sidewalks within the development. Residents in the area were opposed to the project until sidewalks and thru streets were added. Grading on the site follows the natural contours and 33% of the trees will be removed which is average. Utilities will be installed with the roadway improvements as petitioned by the residents. Regarding trails, Cross said trails may be extended when Co. Rd. 4 is upgraded. Outlot A which consists of 4. 95 acres of lowlands adjacent to Red Rock Lake will be dedicated to the City. Baker asked how this development connects to the public access and park on the other side of Red Rock Lake. Cross said there will be no trail connection because of the number of established homes in the area. Baker asked if there are any plans to use the outlot area C.. for this purpose. Cross said the outlot is a marshy area. Lambert noted that there should be an 8 ° bituminous trail added to the plans along the south side of Scenic Heights Road. Mikkelson asked at what point the homeowners will be contacted about docks, etc. not being allowed down by the lake. Lambert said it would be unlikely that residents would have a dock since the area is so marshy. Cross added that residents do not own land down to the lake like they do on Mitchell Lake. There is a buffer area that is owned by the City. Richard said that when the builder is responsible for preserving trees and not the developer, it must be more difficult for the City to monitor. Cross said that the City does have a loss of control when the builder is responsible for trees. Baker asked what is the total number of lots in this development. Smith said there will be a total of 29 units. MOTION: Baker moved to recommend approval of Red Rock Shores ( per staff recommendation with the addition of an 8 ' bituminous trail on the south side of Scenic Height Road *connecting to Co. Rd. 4 . Mikkelson seconded the motion and it passed 4-0. •;APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. May 1 , 1989 \. -6- D. Eden Square Shopping Center Refer to staff report dated April 21 , 1989. Cross introduced Chris Galley of Johnson Brothers. This site is located at the corner of Hwy. 169 and Prairie Center Drive on 9.58 acres. Sidewalks will be constructed along Hwy. 169 and Prairie Center Drive from Firestone to the MCF parcel. The building will be one story with 67, 000 square feet and will include two restaurants. Cross said there is no significant vegetation on the site. There will be an 8 ' bituminous trail along Hwy. 169 and Prairie Center Drive. The site itself is higher than the lot so berming the parking lot will be difficult. Staff recommends approval of the project using heavy coniferous trees for screening. Lambert asked if the outside of the building will be brick. Galley said yes and the developer hopes to match all brick on the site as closely as possible. Lambert asked who the tenants in the building will be. Galley said the tenants include McDonald 's, Taco Bell, Pannekoeken Huis, an organization store, drugstore, paint and wallpaper store. Richard asked if there is any need for an additional sidewalk in this area. Lambert said no. MOTION: Richard moved to recommend approval of Eden Square Shopping Center per staff recommendation with an 8 ' bituminous trail along Hwy. 169 and Prairie Center Drive. Joyer seconded the motion and it passed 4-0. VI. OLD BUSINESS A. Annual Report (Continued from April 17 ) Baker asked if it would be possible to summarize the annual report. Lambert said there is a summary report included. VII. NEW BUSINESS A. Park Use Ordinance Refer to memo dated April 25, 1989 from Bob Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources. i APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. May 1 , 1989 -7- Lambert said that staff is recommending that the existing ordinance be expanded to restrict the use of alcohol at three neighborhood parks: Forest Hills, Prairie View and Eden Lakes. There is a state law that prohibits alcohol on public school grounds and these parks are also used as school playgrounds. In addition, beer cans and bottles have been left on the fields and children have had to pick them up before using the playground. Staff also recommends that consideration is given to a revision in the ordinance that would prohibit individuals from using the parking lots to store their vehicles. Mikkelson asked what would happen if there was a case in which alcohol was involved and the individual was driven home by someone else and left his car at the park. Lambert said that if Public Safety were notified of such a case, the vehicle would not be ticketed. Joyer asked if these parks are being used by co-rec softball. She also asked if there is another step that could be taken before banning alcohol from the parks entirely. Lambert said this would be a problem because it would be hard to prove who the individuals are who are causing the problems. CHelling added that Eden Lake is not reserved- for co-rec softball, but it is difficult to monitor. The alcohol restriction would be included in the league rules. MOTION: Mikkelson moved to recommend eliminating alcohol use at Prairie View, Forest Hills and Eden Lake Parks and to revise the ordinance to require individuals to remove privately owned vehicles from parks during the hours the park is closed. Baker seconded the motion and it passed 4-0. B. Schedule Parks Commission Tour I Refer to memo dated April 27, 1989 from Bob Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources. The proposed schedule was included in the packets. Baker asked about the status of the lake trail and fishing pier at Staring Lake. Fox said construction of the pier will begin immediately and the trail is #1 priority and should be complete by June 15. APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. May 1 , 1989 -8- Cross added that the fishing pier is being repaired by the DNR and they will begin work by Tuesday. Richard asked if the August 7 tour date could be rescheduled due to a conflict. The tour was rescheduled for July 17. An additional tour date of August 24 was also added. C. Change Order No 3 - Phase II Partial Repairs Eden Prairie Community Center Refer to memo dated April 20, 1989 from Bob Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources. Lambert noted that this should be the last change order for Phase II. MOTION: Baker moved to recommend approval of Change Order No. 3. Mikkelson seconded the motion and it passed 4-0. VIII. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF A. Reports of Director of Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources 1 . 1989 Park Bond Referendum Results Refer to letter dated April 27, 1989 from Bob Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources. This is an information item only. 2. Jacques Property Appraisal Update Refer to memo dated April 14, 1989 from Bob Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources. Lambert said the appraisal was increased $16, 000- $16,500 per acre. He feels this is the fair value for the property but Mrs . Jacques is considering a higher offer. B. Reports of Landscape Architect 1 . Request Authorization to Receive Bids for Tennis Court Construction at Franlo Park and Wyndham Knoll Park Refer to memo dated April 25, 1989 from Barb Cross, Landscape Architect. II i . 'APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. May 1 , 1989 S. -9- Cross said that both parks are in the process of being completed. Franlo Park will have two soccer fields, one softball field, one baseball field, play equipment and parking for 96 cars. Wyndham Knolls Park will have a football field, a softball field, play equipment and parking for 18 cars. I MOTION: Richard moved to recommend approval to go out for bids for tennis court construction at Franlo Park and Wyndham Knolls Park. Mikkelson seconded the motion and it passed 4-0. C. Reports of Manager of Parks and Natural Resources 1 . Skating Rink Service Area Report ,74 Refer to memo dated April 26, 1989 from Stu Fox, Manager of Parks and Natural Resources. Fox said that the City had a request in January for `r a mini rink on a neighborhood pond. A map included in the packets shows both existing and proposed parks with skating and hockey rinks. Fox feels the City should maintain some control as to where these rinks are located. Mini rinks require 180 to 220 hours of labor per season for maintenance. There are currently three areas which are not serviced by adequate skating facilities. They are Wyndham Knolls, Carmel and Prairie East Parks. It is suggested that three sided temporary wind shelters be added to all mini rinks . Baker asked if there is a site in mind in the southwest corner for a mini rink. Fox said that was a park which was included in the referendum. Richard asked if a skating rink should be located in the marshy area at Wyndham Knolls, as they are close to Prairie View and it may be destructive to the marsh. Baker asked how the usage of mini rinks is monitored. Fox said it is easy to tell if rinks are being used by ice shavings, snow being shoveled off the rink, etc. Baker asked what the City's schedule is for removing snow from mini rinks. Fox said the snow is usually removed within three days after a snowfall, if it occurs on a weekend, but these rinks have a low priority for snow removal. .APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. May 1 , 1989 S -1 0- Mikkelson said since he is not familiar with these sites, he is unsure how flooding would affect their natural state. Lambert said these areas could be added to the parks tour. It was decided to table a decision on the mini rinks until after the parks tour. D. Reports of Recreation Manager & Supervisors 1 . Soviet Soccer Team Welcome Refer to memo dated April 26 , 1989 from Laurie Helling, Manager of Recreation. This is an information item only. 2. Optimist Club Softball Tournament & Donation Refer to memo dated April 25 , 1989 from Bob Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources . This is an information item only. Breitenstein asked if a thank you letter will be sent to the Optimist Club for their donation. Lambert said yes. E. Reports of Athletic Program Coordinator This is an information item only. IX. REPORT OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING At the April 18 meeting, the City Council approved Disability Awareness Week, Arbor Day Proclamation and the Jacques property appraisal . A. City Manager's Update - April 21 , 1989 This is an information item only. X. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Joyer moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:35 p.m. Mikkelson seconded the motion and it passed 4-0. Respectfully submitted, Lois Boettcher J Recording Secretary AGENDA EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, May 15, 1989 7:30 P.M. , CITY HALL LUNCHROOM COMMISSION MEMBERS: Pat Breitenstein, chairperson; Raiford Baker, Moe Cook, Karon Joyer, Brian Mikkelson, Pat Richard, Charles Shaw COMMISSION STAFF: Bob Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources 7:30 I. ROLL CALL II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 7:35 III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - APRIL 17 & May 1, 1989 IV. PETITIONS . REQUESTS & COMMUNICATIONS 7:40 1. Reauest from Baseball Association 7:50 2. Petition from the Spoon Ridge Neighborhood for the City to Construct a Bike Trail Along Co Rd 1 y V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL None VI. OLD BUSINESS None VII. NEW BUSINESS 8:00 A. Recommendations for Athletic Field-Naintenance and Future Scheduling of Athletic Fields VIII. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF A. Retort of Director of PRNR 8:15 1. Inver Grove Heights Park Dedication- Survey B. Retort of Manager of Recreation Services 8:20 1. Senior Citizen Fees IX. REPORT OFF CITY COUNCIL MEETING- OF MAY 2 1989 8:25 1. City Managers Update. - May 5 1989 8:30 X. ADJOURNMENT - .. :APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION Monday, May 15, 1989 7:30 p.m. , City Hall Lunchroom COMMISSION*MEMBERS PRESENT: Pat Breitenstein, chairperson; Bud Baker, Moe Cook, Karon Joyer, Pat Richard, Charles Shaw COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Brian Mikkelson COMMISSION STAFF: Barb Cross, Landscape Architect, •Laurie Helling, Recreation Manager, Stu Fox, Manager of Parks and Natural Resources I'. ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by chairperson, " Pat Breitenstein. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Shaw moved to approve the agenda as printed. Joyer seconded the motion and it passed 5-0 . III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - APRIL 17 & MAY 1 , 1989 MOTION: Cook moved to approve the minutes of April 17, 1989 as printed. Shaw seconded the motion and -it passed 5-0. Joyer abstained. MOTION: Richard moved to approve the minutes of May 1 , 1989 as printed. Baker seconded the motion and it passed 4-0. Cook and Shaw abstained. IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS A. Request from Baseball Association Refer to memo dated May 11 , 1989 from Bob Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources. I Cross said a letter was received from Harry Bongard, a member of the Eden Prairie Baseball Board, requesting the City pay one-half the cost of a batting cage at Round Lake Park, Staff referred the request to the school district, but they are committed to installing a permanent facility at Round Lake Park in July. Therefore, staff is recommending that this batting cage be located at Flying Cloud Fields and that the City pay one-third of the cost. UNAPPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. May 15, 1989 Baker asked what the Baseball Association 's reason was to " request the batting cage at Round Lake. Fox said they were not aware of the plans for a permanent structure at Round Lake, but when he was advised of this, Bongard said he would go back to the Board for a final decision. I MOTION: Cook moved to recommend approval of the City paying one-third of the cost of a batting cage at Flying Cloud Fields and exploring the possibility of the electrical supply to the batting cage not being a safety hazard. Baker seconded the motion and it passed 5-0. B'. Petition from the Spoon Ridge Nei hborhood for the City to Construct a Bike Trail Along Co Rd 1 Refer to memo dated May 9, 1989 from Bob Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources. Cross said that a petition was received from the Spoon Ridge Neighborhood along with a letter from Mike and Sue Levi. This neighborhood was a strong supporter of the bond i referendum. They are requesting the City to install a trail along Co. Rd. 1 from Spoon Ridge to Franlo Road. Staff is recommending that this trail be added to the 1990 budget unless a bond referendum which includes this trail, passes before that time. Baker asked which side of Co. Rd. 1 the trail would be located. Cross said the residents are requesting a trail on the north side, but staff would consider putting a trail on both sides of Co. Rd. 1 up to Hwy. 18. Baker asked what the cost would be for a trail on both sides of Co. Rd. 1 . Cross said the cost would be approximately $60,000. Richard noted that this is a particularly busy stretch of road and he feels it would be worth the money to construct a trail on both sides. MOTION: Baker moved to recommend approval of trails on the north and south sides of Co. Rd. 1 up to Hwy. 18. Shaw seconded the motion and it passed 5-0. V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS None UNAPPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. May 15, 1989 -3- VI. OLD BUSINESS None VII. NEW BUSINESS A. Recommendations for Athletic Field Maintenance and Future Scheduling of Athletic Fields Refer to memo dated May 11 , 1989 from Stu Fox, Manager of Parks and Natural Resources. Fox reported that after an inspection of all athletic fields to check their condition, Flying Cloud Fields are in the worst shape. The only realistic approach is a process of renovation including restricting use by both adults and Youth, the Soccer Association and Soccer Club. The only fair way to do this is to take Flying Cloud Fields out of use and divide the rest of the fields between the Soccer Club and Soccer Association. The softball program could be moved to Round Lake which may mean bumping some of the adult softball teams. The Staring Lake Grill fields should also be redone which would take away two more softball fields. Baseball fields at neighborhood parks are in much better shape since they are not used as much. Fox added that certain fields also need to be designated to be'- renovated and removed from use like the school district does . He feels that it is fortunate there have been no serious injuries on these fields. Joyer asked if there is a policy regarding priority on the fields - kids or adults. Fox said that most fields are designated for either adult or youth use. Helling added that fields 1 -6 at Round Lake and fields 1 -2 at Staring Lake are designated, but staff will have to look at limiting adult programs to accommodate youth. There is no written policy at this point. Baker asked if there are any school fields which are not used during the summer. Helling said the school has removed one new soccer field and an east-west field at the high school and the CMS stadium field for renovation. In addition, the school will be keeping the CMS field for their exclusive use. Baker strongly suggested that as a temporary situation, contacts should be made with the school district requesting use of the CMS field until conditions at the other fields improve. He feels this is not an unreasonable request since the field is not used all summer. UNAPPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. May 15, 1989 -4- Helling said that using this field would be a but the school district must be in agreement, possibility, Cook asked if there will be any fields available at Cedar Ridge School. for use Cross said there are not an at the school because of limited space. Y fields Baker asked if the neighborhood parks are being used to the maximum. Fox said yes. Cook said staff s recommendation is an acceptable one in order to protect youth from injury. Richard said assuming normal precipitation, will a full schedule be possible at these fields next u1e Probably pull 1-2 fields per Year. Fox said they could Year for renovation and still be in good shape. Cook commented that since April to June seems to be the busiest time for youth programs, why can't the associations their schedule. Baker agreed. change Helling said lengthening the season could also be considered which would mean less practices per baseball and softball could do this week on the fields. Both Joyer asked Helling if she felt the athletic associatio agree t this. Helling said the noveruld accommodating. the fields, City still has control ds, but she feels the associations will be somewhat Joyer asked if more kids could be accommodated if there was a longer season. Helling said there will facilities for a certain number of teams. still be limited Baker asked if this plan would improve the Helling said yes. turf conditions. Fox added that it would be better if Youth start until mid May so the turf would be much omoresesdid tablit before fields are being used. shed Kevin Dahl said the Soccer Association feels this would be a reasonable request and, as a with this. His main concern isr for�the safety he would of et a prob lem Fox said he would like to s he kids. first about wouldpeak to the athletic associations City Council .adjusting their schedules and then go to the f UNAPPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. May 15, 1989 � -5- Dahl said a decision needs to be made quickly, as registration for fall soccer is beginning. Cook added that he feels more strongly about fall softball and spring baseball being limited because soccer has both a spring and fall season and most of the kids play on both. Dahl said that only about 20% of the kids play both seasons. Cook asked if this was true. Helling said she •did not see the registrations for these programs. Richard asked if the issue of postponing fall soccer decided. Fox said that has not been resolved yet. Fox said that something has to be done with Flying Cloud Fields this fall and, again, the only fair way is to divide the remaining fields between the Soccer Association and Soccer Club. He added that when irrigation at Franlo Park is complete, it may be possible to accommodate downsized fields at this park although parking would be a problem. MOTION: Richard moved to recomend that Flying Cloud Fields be removed from use and that the soccer programs are cut in half with the remaining fields being divided between the Soccer Association an the Soccer Club. It is also recommended that the soccer program is started later next spring. In addition, a lighter program should be started next year. Also, contact should be made with the school district to try and get some use out of the CMS field. Shaw seconded the motion. On call for discussion, Cook added that staff should discuss these cuts with the individual athletic associations. Dahl encouraged locking the gates at Flying Cloud Fields and posting a "no trespassing" sign while they are being renovated with a notice in the paper advising the public. The motion passed 5-0. VIII. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF A. Reports of Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources ,I 1 . Inver Grove Heights Park Dedication Survey Refer to memo dated May 9, 1989 from Bob Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources. i UNAPPROVED MINUTES -EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. May 15, 1989 This is an information item only. Cross said this shows where Eden Prairie is in relation to other cities on dedication and fee charges. Cook asked if this subject was discussed last fall. Cress said the fees were increased last fall. Baker asked if Eden Prairie is competitive with other cities. Cross said yes, but they could be higher. Richard suggested that this issue be reviewed again next January. B. Report of Manager of Recreation Services 1 . Senior Citizen Fees Refer to memo dated May 10, 1989 from Tom Eastman, Supervisor of Operations and Laurie Helling, Manager of Recreation Services. Baker asked if there is an opportunity here to "merchandise" dead times at the Community Center or other facilities by giving discounts to senior citizens with no discounts ' given at heavy use times. _ 0 Helling said Community Education programs are discounted across the board. She said Baker ' s idea is a good one to generate revenue. Baker said that his concern is having people come in at peak times and getting a discount when there are limited facilities. Breitenstein asked if the discount would be for memberships only. Helling said the discount would apply to both memberships and any programs that are offered. Joyer said she feels that an across the board discount would be easier. She did not feel that senior citizens would take away peak periods of time since most seniors participate in these activities during the day anyway. She feels giving seniors a discount will generate more use of the facilities and encourage seniors to utilize the facilities. • . UNAPPROVED MINUTES I•: EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. May 15, 1989 Cook said he agrees with Baker. There should be a balance of participation. He does not see a reason why a retired 'person cannot adjust his schedule to come in during the day. Helling said staff 's position is that many of the senior citizens are long time residents of Eden Prairie and this would be the City's way of showing its appreciation for their many years of contribution to these facilities. She added that there is a limited number of seniors who register for these programs and the discount would not make a. significant difference. MOTION: Baker moved to recommend giving senior citizens a 50% discount on memberships and programs at the Community Center with a re-evaluation to be done in one year. Cook seconded the motion and it passed 5-0. Breitenstein added that perhaps a notation could be made on the membership cards asking the seniors to use the facilities at off peak hours. IX, REPORT OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 2, 1989 There was no report. A. City Manager's Update - May 5 , 1989 This is an information item only. X. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Joyer moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:25 p.m. Richard seconded the motion and it passed 5-0 . Respectfully submitted, Lois Boettcher Recording Secretary