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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks and Recreation - 06/19/1989 4� 1989 JUNE 5 19 r ~'2 <7 7 MINUTES CITY OF EDEN PRAIRIE i S AGENDA EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, JUNE 5, 1989 7:30 P.M. , CITY HALL 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 - May 15. 1989 IV. PETITIONS REQUESTS & COMMUNICATIONS None V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL 7:40 1. Preserve South 7:55 2. Country Glen VI. OLD BUSINESS 8:00 A. Park Bond Referendum 8:30 B. Revised Schedule of Park Tours VII. NEW BUSINESS 8:35 A. approve Bids for Tennis Courts at Franlo Park and Wyndham Knoll Park VIII. REnORTS OF COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF A. Reports of Director of Parks Recreation and Natural resources 8:40 1. Updated Trails Map & Article on Sidewalks B. Reports of Manager of Recreation Services 8:45 1. 4th of July Flyer r" i;,;r. _2_ June 5, 1989 PRNRC - AGENDA �- IX. REPORT OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING 9:55 1. May-- 6 Council Meeting 2. city Manager's Update - May _19 & 2 6 9:00 X. ADJOURNMENT f APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, MJUNE 5, 1989 7:30 P. M. CITY HALL COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Pat Breitenstein, chairperson; r Raiford Baker, Moe Cook, Karon Joyer, Brian Mikkelson, Pat Richard, Charles Shaw COMMISSION STAFF: Robert Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources; Barb Penning Cross, Landscape , Architect; Laurie Helling, Recreation Manager; Lyndell Frey, Recreation Supervisor .; I. ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P. M. by chairperson Pat Breitenstein. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Cook moved to approve the agenda as printed. Joyer seconded, motion 6-0. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - MAY 15 1989 MOTION: Shaw moved to approve the minutes of May 15, 1989 as printed. Baker seconded, motion passed 5-0. Mikkelson abstained. IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS None V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS 1. Preserve South - Miles Lindberg of BRW presented the proposal of Preserve South. Mr. Lindberg addressed the parks, recreation & natural resources issues that included trail grading of steep slopes, screening and landscaping. The site plan provides a theater on the east side and proof of parking on the west. A strip of land around the pond and southern edge of the property will be a conservation easement. Mr. Lindberg described how the developer proposed to handle grading on the steep slope and where retaining walls would be placed. He also provided a detailed I PRNRC - approved Minutes -2- June 5, 1989 explanation on berms and screening that was proposed to screen the parking lot and theaters from the adjacent residential developments. Barb Cross explained that the neighbors from the southeast and southwest objected to this proposal and further explained that the City is requesting a trail easement to allow for the possibility of a trail in the future, if it is ever requested by residents. The trail would extend from this development south along the west side of Eden Lake to Eden Lake Park. Joyer asked how well this development will be screened from the neighborhood. Mr. Lindberg indicated that the majority of the facility would be filtered through the natural vegetation and proposed landscaping during the summer months. Several other questions were asked regarding screening and maintenance of slopes around the perimeter by Commission members. Mark Fiskar, a resident living to the southeast of this site, indicated that regardless of screening the neighbors will be subject the noise of traffic at the theater and from 169. He also indicated a concern of the neighbors that noise will be concentrated at the start and ending of all of the movie times. The latest movie will start around 11 P. M. and would be getting out between 12 and 1 A. M. , and perhaps later. Mr. Fiskar believes that it is an inappropriate land use and the request change in the Guide Plan from Neighbor- hood Commercial to Regional Commercial should be denied due to the impact on the adjacent neighborhoods. He cited noise pollution at hours when residents are home in the evening and on weekends, rather than the type of noise that would come from a neighborhood commercial development, which would be mostly during the day during the week. Julie Skarda, attorney representing the developer, indicated the developer had looked at other land uses such as high density low income housing and retail strip centers that would be open 24 hours a day. She also indicated that there would be no increase in traffic through the residential neighborhood from the movie theaters. Mr. Fiskar believed that Ms. Skarda's comments were "absurd". MOTION: Cook moved to approve the proposal as per the staff report. Seconded by Shaw, motion passed. Cook Baker, Shaw and Breitenstein favor. Mikkelson, Joyer and Richard opposed. PRNRC - Minutes -3- June 5, 1989 C2. Country Glen - Ron Bastier representing the developer summarized the development of the 10 acre site located south of Highway 62 and approximately 1000' west of Purgatory Creek. Mr. Bastier indicated that the site was relatively open with only five significant spruce trees on the site. All five will be transplanted on the site. The developer has agreed to the sidewalk requested by the park and recreation staff, as well as a 40 ' outlot that would connect this neighborhood to the Chatham Woods open space outlot. Shaw recommended that the 40' outlot be defined by having the developer plant trees along both boundaries to screen the neighbors immediately from the outlot and form any future trail that may be installed in that outlot. Mr. Bastier agreed to plant trees along those property lines. MOT.T Shaw moved to approve the development of QN Country Glen as per the staff report with the additional commitment to plant coniferous trees along the boundary of the outlot. Seconded by Mikkelson, motion passed unanimously. { VI. OLD BUSINESS A. park Bond Referendum - Lambert summarized a memorandum indicating the staff opinion of the reasons for the j failure of the last two referendums and recommending the City reduce the referendum amount to approximately 5.9 million dollars by eliminating the Bluff Park acquisition and by cutting approximately $200,000 from Miller Park. Tom Bierman, member of the Park Bond Referendum Committee, supported the proposed single question issue, j but requested the Commission and committee to consider l the pros and cons of including a second question on the referendum for the Bluff Park acquisition. This would 1 give the voters a chance to vote no on one of the two 1 issues. Commission members and committee members generally thought that the second question might simply upset those people that were strongly opposed to the last referendum because of the golf course and initiate a negative response toward this second referendum. Bob Hallett indicated support for the staff proposal, but indicated that the City still needs the Bluff Park for preserving the Riley Creek valley and the Minn River bluffs. He also strongly still supported the concept of a municipal golf course and urged the staff to continue to find a creative way to accomplish that task. ff Hallett also indicated that the school still has needs that were addressed in the last referendum and that the City and school should get together regarding the timing of their issues. I r PRNRC - approved Minutes -4- June 5, 1989 1 Fred LeGrand indicated his disappointment on the failure of the last referendum and suggested the committee continue to consider two issues and leavLng the golf course on a separate issue. Curt Connoughty also thought the committee should consider two questions and believed the committee needed to do a better job of notifying everybody in the community about the needs for the park system. Joyer indicated the major comments she had was request for breaking the referendum down into several questions and that if Bluff Park would stay in the referendum that we should down play the possibility of a golf course. Baker agreed that if we had it to do over again, we would have the golf course on a separate question. Baker also thought that the City is the only govern- mental agency where most people have the opportunity to directly vote against particular spending; therefore, when there is general dissatisfaction over taxes or whatever, the municipal referendum is a good opportunity to voice a no vote, even if they do support parks. Cook indicated that in his opinion we won't ever erase the "stigma" of a golf course use of Bluff Park and recommended that we not include that as an issue on the next referendum. He indicated that this is one of the last shots we'll ever have for a while and we better make sure that it passes. Shaw also indicated that he opposed a second question on this referendum. In his opinion, many voters will believe that "here it comes again" and be upset that they have to come out and vote down the "golf course" again. Mikkelson believed that if the referendum is scaled down to 5.9 million dollars that we have really taken away the reasons for people to oppose the referendum. Vickie Koenig indicated that she supports the staff proposal for a single question 5.9 million dollar referendum, but urged the City do whatever they can to preserve the Minnesota River bluffs and the land around the airport. Richard agreed that the golf course had to be left off this referendum and asked about a tentative date for a referendum. He suggested the staff talk to the School District prior to setting a date for the referendum. MOTION: Richard moved to recommend the City Council consider a single question referendum for 5.945 million dollars, and that the referendum be held as early as I PRNRC - approved Minutes -5- June 5, 1989 possible based on a discussion with the School District. Seconded by Cook, motion passed unanimously. B. Revised Schedule of Park Tours - The Commission supported the revised schedule of the park tours and requested staff to send a special notice to Commission members reminding them of the 6 P. M. meeting time, rather than 7:30 P. M. at the next Commission meeting, and before each of these park tours. VII. NEW BUSINESS A. Approve Bids for Tennis Courts at Wyndham Knoll. Park and Franlo Park - Barb Cross reviewed the bids for the Commission. MOTION: Motion by Mikkelson, seconded by Shaw to approve Finely Bros. Enterprises bid for construction of tennis courts at Franlo Park and Wyndham Knoll Park. Motion passed unanimously. VIII. REPORTS OF COMMISSION AND STAFF A. Reports of Director of Parks. Recreation & Natural CResources 1. Updated Trail Map and Articles on Sidewalks - Lambert reported that this was an information item only. No action required. B. Reports of Manaaer of Recreation Services I. 4th of July Flyer - Laurie Helling reported on the status of the 4th of July planning and indicated all of the new items that would be sold and reviewed the program of events for the day. Commission members thanked Laurie for her great job and agreed that the 4th of July would be bigger and better than ever. IX. REPORT OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING AND MANAGER'S UPDATE No action required. X. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Motion by Baker, seconded by Mikkelson to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 P. M. Motion passed 6-0. Respectfully Submitted, Robert A. Lambert Recording Secretary l AGENDA EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, DUNE 19, 1989 7:30 P.M. , CITY HALL REMINDER: PARK TOUR AT 6:00 P.M. 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 - JUNE 5, 1989 IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS & COMMUNICATIONS 7:40 1. Letter from Kent Barker C V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL None VI. OLD BUSINESS 7:50 1. Snowmobile Trails in Eden Prairie 8: 10 2. Ordinance Prohibiting Parking of Vehicles in Parks After Hours, Etc. VII. NEW BUSINESS None VIII. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF A. Reports of Manager of Recreation Services I 8: 15 1. 3-Man Basketball- --Summer 1989 8:20 2. Racguetball - Summer 1989 8:25 3. School 's Out Program 8:30 4. Neighborhood Outreach 8:35 5. Family Bike Social \ 8:40 6. Student Internship IX. REPORTS OF CITY COUNCIL ACT:[ON$ 8:45 1. June 6, 1989 Council Meeting; 8:50 2. June 9 . 1989 City Manager's Update 8:55 X. ADJOURNMENT C_ i .APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION C Monday, June 19, 1989 7:30 p.m. , City Hall COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Pat Breitenstein, chairperson; Moe Cook, Karon Joyer, Brian Mikkelson, Pat Richard COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Bud Baker, Charles Shaw COMMISSION STAFF: Bob Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources; Laurie Helling, Recreation Manager; Lyndell Frey, Recreation Supervisor; Stu Fox, Manager of Parks and Natural Resources , I. ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order at 7:40 p.m. by chairperson, Pat Breitenstein. C. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Joyer moved to approve the agenda as printed. Mikkelson seconded the motion and it passed 4-0. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JUNE 5 , 1989 MOTION: Cook moved to approve the minutes as printed. Mikkelson seconded the motion and it passed 4-0. IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS A. Letter from Kent Barker Refer to letter dated June 14, 1989 from Kent Barker and letter dated June 16 , 1989 from Bob Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources. I Lambert asked the commission for suggestions on how the public could be better informed about what is going on in the City. I l APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. June 19, 1989 -2- Breitenstein said she feels letters of this type should be made available to the public, perhaps thru the local newspaper. Lambert said he did not feel that the public would read this much information. Lambert added that Bud Baker had called and suggested that the mayor place an information column in the newspaper addressing particular issues and providing answers to them. Lambert will discuss this possibility with the mayor. r V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS None VI. OLD BUSINESS A. Snowmobile Trails in Eden Prairie ^r Refer to memo dated June 12, 1989 from Stu Fox, Manager of C Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources. a j Last winter the City Council directed staff to work with the Public Safety Department and bring back ideas and suggestions about snowmobiling and what should be done about it. Stu Fox and the Public Safety Department did a survey of surrounding communities and are offering suggestions for changes to the present ordinance. The suggestion which would have the greatest impact would be prohibiting snowmobiling to and from City trails. This would mean no snowmobiling would be allowed north of County Road 1, to or from the trails, or on public bodies of water on the lakes named. This would also include ATV usage. 1 Staff has worked closely with the Eden Prairie Snowdrifters Club who have cooperated with the City and also become angry when the ordinance is disobeyed by other snowmobilers. Richard asked if these changes would eliminate snowmobiling across Staring Lake. Lambert said a that although it would be illegal to snowmobile r on Staring Lake, there would still be problems for several years until people were made aware of the change, but signs would be put up to make snowmobilers aware. APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. June 19, 1989 C -3- Bill Kinny of 16571 W. 78th St. said he has lived west of Mitchell Lake since 1966 and a member of the Eden Prairie Snowdrifters since 1975. There are about 50 families in the club with 150- 200 snowmobiles. He said the club has had good cooperation from City staff in keeping these trails open. He made comments on the following issues: Riding on parkland and bike trail highway connections in the City: After a good snowfall, many snowmobiles which are not even registered are being used. The club would be willing to offer their support in regulating this, perhaps by using larger signs. Riding on private property: There is not much which can be done to control this. Riding on City streets with 10 mph speed limit: Not familiar with complaints of this type. Fox had a listing of all complaints relating to snowmobiles from last winter. Most of the complaints are that snowmobiles are going back and forth, riding across lawns, chasing dogs, etc. Kinny suggested that maybe a list of registered snowmobiles in Eden Prairie could be made available to help with enforcing the ordinance. Kinny added that the club would like to see snowmobiling on City streets kept open if it can be controlled. Regarding snowmobiling on lakes, there are no trails to Birch Island and Bryant Lake. It is understood that there is no snowmobiling allowed on Staring Lake. Mitchell Lake has a trail and Kinny feels it should be kept open. He also sees f no reason why snowmobiling should not be allowed r on Riley Lake, Red Rock Lake or Rice Marsh Lake. As development occurs in these areas in the next several years, the club understands that these trails will have to be moved to eliminated. He added that the parking lots at both the American Legion in Eden Prairie and the American Legion in Chanhassen can be used to park trailers. i • i 'APPROVED MINUTES r EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. June 19, 1989 -4- Mikkelson asked how many citations were issued to snowmobilers last winter. Fox said there were no citations issued because snowmobiles are difficult to catch unless the officer also has a snowmobile. Bill Turner, also a member of the Eden Prairie Snowdrifters Club, said that two years ago letters were sent to all registered snowmobilers in Eden Prairie and surrounding communities listing the rules for operating snowmobiles in Eden Prairie. However, there was no snow that winter so •there were no problems. Cook said it is evident that snowmobiling will have to be eliminated in Eden Prairie at some point in the future, but at this point if riding on City streets was eliminated and snowmobiles would have to be put on trailers to the trails , it would alleviate a lot of problems. He asked if the location of parking lots would make a difference. Turner said no. Cook asked if the time when snowmobiling is allowed make a difference. Fox said that the majority of complaints are in the late afternoon so it would not make a significant difference. Richard said he feels that eliminating riding on City streets is necessary. He does not see a problem leaving the trails where they are and suggested that the Eden Prairie Snowdrifters Club bring their suggestions back to the commission on what can be done. Lambert said he feels that restricting snowmobiling areas would make it easier to understand and to enforce. He added that he would like a decision made now that would be effective for several years, rather than discussing the issue every year. Cook asked if it would be feasible to get around Mitchell Lake without going over it and also if persons living on the lake would be allowed to use it for snowmobiling. Lambert said it would be easy to get around Mitchell Lake, but that there hasn't been a concern to date from residents on that lake. ;APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. June 19, 1989 -5- MOTION: Cook moved to recommend that snowmobiling be limited to areas south of Highway 5, west of County Road 4 and south of Pioneer Trail west of the airport and only with the landowners permission in those areas with no riding allowed on City streets to and from trails. Mikkelson seconded the motion. On call for discussion, it was decided that the City would maintain a parking lot to be used for unloading snowmobiles in the riding arena parking lot. The motion passed 4-0. B. Ordinance Prohibiting_ Parking of Vehicles in Parks After Hours, Etc. MOTION: Richard moved to approve the ordinance as written. Joyer seconded the motion and it passed 4-0. VII. NEW BUSINESS None VIII. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF A. Reports of Manager of Recreation Services 1. 3 Man Basketball - Summer 1989 2. Racquetball - Summer 1989 These are information items only. 3. Neighborhood Outreach Rdfer to memo dated June 16, 1989 from Lyndell Frey, Recreation Supervisor. The residents of Windslope Apartment Complex requested a program similar to the City summer playground program. Nesbitt Park is only two blocks away, but the residents of Windslope requested an evening program for their children on a year round basis. They asked if the City would develop this type of program if they would provide funding. Frey did not i see a problem with doing this as long as it did not duplicate the program the City was offering. . . l APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. June 19, 1989 -6- The programs the residents wish to implement include a recreational program, a tenant' s forum, a transportation program and a welcoming f committee. The neighborhood crime watch program was cut from the original proposal. City staff had some concern about the transportation proposal since the residents were going to set up their own transportation program. It was felt that the City could be liable if there were any problems. The residents were directed to Southwest Metro Transit services and a subsidized program has been developed with this funding. The money for the program has been allocated and approved by the Community Action for Suburban Hennepin (CASH) . The City would be in charge of hiring the recreation staff for this program. CASH would like to use Eden Prairie as a pilot program. The Windslope Apartment Complex has approximately �. 60 children between the ages of 6 and 12, 40 of which are anticipated to participate in this program. The program would be held year round. Cook asked if this would be an ongoing program or for one year only. Frey said there are no guarantees, but it is hoped that it will be ongoing. Cook asked if the residents will be able to handle the program themselves in the future or if City staff will continue to be involved. Frey said he does not believe the residents will be able to handle the program within the next year, but perhaps sometime in the future it will be possible. Joyer asked if this is a segregated program for kids in this area only and asked why there has been an increase in the programs at Nesbitt Park. Frey said there have been some misunderstandings between Windslope residents and other neighbors in the area which is already being resolved since this program has begun. r APPROVED MINUTES ;r. EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. June 19, 1989 -7- Joyer asked if this is a duplicate program to the one being offered by the City. Frey said it was similar, in terms of content, to the summer playground program, but held in the evening and would be year round. MOTION: Mikkelson moved to recommend approval of the Neighborhood Outreach Program per staff recommendation. Richard seconded the motion and it passed 4-0. Richard said he would like a report to be brought back to the commission in 4-6 months. I Frey added that Briar Hill would also be another possibility for a program similar to Windslope if it works out well there. 4. School ' s Out Program Refer to memo dated June 16, 1989 from Lyndell Frey, Recreation Supervisor. Staff is looking at a $1200 commitment from the City -in addition to the same amount from both the school and the YMCA. This money would be made up out of the rental of the facility.. The program is for Cedar Ridge Elementary School for kids participating in the latch key program. Transportation would be provided. Frey is recommending that $400 is needed for the fall quarter. $1000 in excess revenue from adult golf lessons could be transferred for use in this program. Lambert asked what the rationale is for tax money to be used to provide activities for a select group of kids going to this particular school. Frey said this would be a pilot program and should be run on a break-even basis. The money is needed up front to get the program off the ground. Kids from other schools may attend the program if they have their own transportation. The $1200 from the City would be covered by registration fees. I I 1 I ti APPROVED MINUTES r EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. June 19, 1989 -8- MOTION: Richard moved to recommend approval of the School 's Out Program with reports to � ..' the commission on a quarterly basis and the $1200 from City funds to be used for implementation of the program. Joyer seconded the motion and it passed 4-0. Richard suggested that perhaps employees of the parents could be solicited to make donations to help pay for the program. Frey said this would be a possibility. { 5. Family Bike Social Lori Helling re-introduced Dave Whiteford, intern student from Mankato State University. Dave was the coordinator for the Family Bike Social which was held on June 9. It was co- sponsored by Prairie Cycle and the Eden Prairie Parks and Recreation Department. There were 25 more participants than last year. However, Cit is important to have an alternate date in case of bad weather so programs do not have to be re-printed. 6 . Student Internship i Dave said his internship has far exceeded his goals and he feels he was very fortunate to have been in Eden Prairie. The major portion of his time was spent with adult athletics and he felt very comfortable doing this. Events Dave coordinated were listed in the memo included in the packets. He also attended lots of meetings during the last 11 weeks. IX. REPORTS OF CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS A. June 6, 1989 Council Meeting The City Council approved the senior citizens discount at the Community Center. The Spoon Ridge neighborhood petition for a bike trail was discussed. The Council also approved the construction of tennis courts at Franlo Park and Wyndham Knolls Park and the commission ' s suggestions for athletic field usage. The bond referendum was also discussed and August 8 was the date decided for another referendum. Lambert said that after more discussion, this will be delayed for an undetermined amount of time. _ ._....... ... .. ._._._. _ .._...... ....... aw .rrr.nri✓r...,. ...ram....Jf.i_r4.Y<l{4ry1{'sJ[c+..a iir✓�.w•...w ..`SY ,r APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. June 19, 1989 -9- B. June 9, 1989 City Manager' s Update This is an information item only. X. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Cook moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:20 p.m. Richard seconded the motion and it passed 4-0. Respectfully submitted, Lois Boettcher Recording Secretary C�. 1 i r