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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks and Recreation - 07/17/1989 �.V..;.�.i.r:. + i � •,?r�. ,.k�.....L!'Sr:r;e._, ..tn`f:?r.P.t ..,....h...F�.pFv.�.;�;_aarai..F,..uw,..,.......,« -� t� I 1989 I JULY 17 , Y MINUTE S CITY OF EDEN PRAIRIE t AGENDA C1 EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, JULY 17, 1989 7:30 P.M. , CITY HALL i 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 7:3 0 I. ROLL CAL_L II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 7:35 III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - JUNE 19 1989 IV. PETITIONS REQUESTS & COMMUNICATIONS 7:40 1. Petition from Chatham Woods for Mini Park Dev C 8:00 2. Reggest from Jeanne H. Carsello Re: Development of Swimming Pool Fees for Low Income Fam.3,lies V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL 8:15 Edenvale Crossing VI. OLD BUSINESS 8: 30 1. Mini Rinks/Skating Rinks VII. NEW BUSINESS 8:45 A. Letter from MN Department of Trade & Economic Development RE: Miller _Park VIII. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF A. Reports of Director of PRNR 8: 55 1. Correspondence with Baseball Association RE: Maintenance & Improvements 9: 00 2. Letter from Lions Club ` `:'�, B. Reports of Manager of Recreation Services 9:05 1. 1989 4TH of July Celebration 9:10 2. USTA/NJTL Scholarship Program• 189 Allocations 9:30 IX. REPORT OF CIT X COUNCIL MEETINGS June 20 Ju y 11 I. City Manager's Update June 23 1989 9:35 X. ADJOURNMENT C_ I • ,y APPROVED MINUTES i EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION Monday, July 17 , 1989 7: 30 p.m. , City Hall COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Pat Breitenstein, chairperson; Bud Baker, Moe Cook, Karon Joyer, Pat Richard COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Brian Mikkelson, Charles Shaw COMMISSION STAFF: Bob Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources; Lori Helling, Recreation Manager; Tom Eastman, Supervisor of Operations; Barb Cross, Landscape Architect I. ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by chairperson, Pat Breitenstein. C II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Joyer moved to approve the agenda as printed. Baker seconded the motion and it passed 4-0. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JUNE 19 , 1989 MOTION: Joyer moved to approve the minutes as printed. Cook seconded the motion and it passed 4-0. IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS Refer to memo dated July 11, 1989 from Barb Cross, Landscape Architect. Cross met with residents living on Whittington Walk and Ashby Lane. The residents are asking for a small mini park play area and playstructure on a city owned lot at the corner of these two streets. There are many young children in this neighborhood who are unable to reach other neighborhood parks in the area. The residents said they would be willing to do everything they could to help the city with this play area. I Cross told the residents how other neighborhoods had petitioned the City to build playgrounds in their neighborhoods and also showed them playground equipment catalogs. rt APPROVED MINUTES ( EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. July 17, 1989 -2- Cross .met with the residents on site in May. At this time, the residents stated that they would be willing to build and/or maintain the play area. They also requested a plan which they could show to other residents. Cross developed a concept plan for a proposed play area for the site as preferred by residents. This concept plan is included in the packets. 31 families from this neighborhood signed a petition supporting the construction of a play area on this lot. However, there are some adjoining neighbors who have concerns about a play area located on this site. Cross said that a map was also included in the packets showing the proximity of other parks to this neighborhood and the facilities they offer. A rough estimate of costs to develop a play area is approximately $14,200 which is based on contracted work, as city crews have a heavy workload and would not be able to complete the work. No money has been allocated for development of this play area at this time and there are no cash park reserves. An estimated $300,000 of revenue was C estimated for this year, but so far only $100,000 has been received and there are other commitments for this money. If it is felt that a play area in this neighborhood is a high priority, the five year CIP could be revised to shuffle the priorities and add this project, the neighborhood could try to raise the funds or it could be added to the 1990 operating budget. Lori Olson of 16581 Ashby Lane said that her main concern is for the children in the neighborhood. The lot is an eyesore at this point and after talking to several realtors, it is felt that a totlot would raise the value of homes in the area. At this time, (, the children play in the cul-de-sac and because of the fast traffic, it is a dangerous situation. Dan Russ of 16717 Camborne Place said that 30+ families in the neighborhood with at least 57 children were contacted about a play area on this lot. This is a very active neighborhood group and they would be willing to participate in the clean-up of this lot and any other work that is necessary to complete the project. At this point, the lot is a collecting point ( for debris and if funding for the play area is a problem, the neighbors would be willing to help. APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. July 17, 1989 -3- Kim Yilek of 16582 Ashby Lane lives in the home directly adjacent to this lot. She feels the concept plan j .. is totally unacceptable because it is too close to the property line. When she called the City to inquire about this lot, she was told that they preferred to leave it as it is for drainage purposes. Yilek said she is not against the idea of a play area, but wants it to be screened well. She cannot afford to fence the entire 300+ feet and thinks it should be centered better on the lot than what the concept plan shows. She spoke with several realtors regarding the issue and was told that a play area on this lot would be a minus or lower the value of her home. Yilek asked if there would be a possibility to leave a buffer of wild grass to screen the area better and define property lines. Olson commented that not all children from the neighborhood will be using the park at the same time and that they will not abuse the neighbor' s yards. i C Pam Fordge of 16763 Whittington Walk said her experience has been that the neighborhood children have always been cooperative and well behaved and she did not anticipate any problems with having a play area located on this lot. Cross said she has received eight phone calls from residents in this area who area who are in favor of the playground. They feel the lot is an eyesore. She received a letter from Charles Davis of 16772 Whittington Walk who was unable to attend this meeting. Mr. Davis was against the idea of having a backstop in the park and would like the playstructure to be 100 feet from the south lot line. He suggested that three 6 ' pine trees would not be enough of a barrier and felt that nine would be better. He also felt that shade trees would enhance the lot and the location of the playstructure on the lot was acceptable to him. Lambert referred to the playground structure on 168th St. which had to be moved after three years because of the excessive noise problem to the neighbor. There was some discussion at that point of having a minimum distance from homes. 100% of the residents in the Prairie East 7th neighborhood petitioned to have the playstructure removed. Lambert said it is difficult for him to recommend a playstructure in this location because of the noise potential. He feels this piece 1APPROVED MINUTES (' EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. July 17, 1989 -4- of property is not large enough for a playstructure and play area and was never planned as a mini park. Yilak said that there is another outlet across the street and maybe it would be possible to put a playstructure in that location and a play area here. Olson commented that there are mature trees on that lot. Lambert said a playstructure can be worked in around trees. Ralph Koloski of 16771 Whittington Walk said that he was not aware of any plans for this lot until he received the letter from the City about this meeting. He said his home is located closer than 100 feet from this lot and he was not approached about signing the petition. Tom Streagle of 16767 Whittington Walk said his home is located directly across the street from this lot. His only concern is the noise. CCook said he feels the neighbors are trying to accomplish too many things in a limited amount of space and will have to determine whether they want a playstructure or an open play area. He asked if fill would be required on this lot. Lambert said that the area has not been surveyed, but the area is not flat. Cook asked how far this neighborhood is from Eden Valley Park. Lambert said it is within a half mile away. Baker asked why the City owns this lot. Lambert said the original intent was to have an open space corridor for drainage and wildlife protection and the developer was required to dedicate this outlet to the City. Baker asked what was the source of the noise complaints from the 168th St. park. Lambert said it was the playstructure. Baker asked how the noise level would be in an open play area. Lambert said it should be less because older children would be using the area. There was a discussion at one point about setting a standard for distance, but this did not happen. .APPROVED MINUTES C . EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. July 17, 1989 -5- Baker asked if there is any other City owned property in this neighborhood that could be used for a playstructure. Lambert said it appears that any area would be tight for a playstructure. The recommended minimum size for a mini park is two acres although they should preferably be 3-4 acres. Cross said that this lot is only . 96 acres. Baker asked if it would be possible to scale this down to a less active use area similar to the large sandbox at Staring Lake. Lambert said this would be a possibility. Joyer said she feels residents are looking for space for younger children because other parks are too far away. She said that when the Timber Creek development was discussed, a bridge over the creek was being considered. Lambert said this will be a very expensive project, but it will be considered in the future. It is low on the priority list at this point. Cross said a number of the phone calls she received were from residents with small children who said that other parks in the area do not have facilities for younger kids. Lambert commented on fencing the area and the request for a 6 ' screen., The City screens parks to a certain extent, but they do not build fences. Park hours are from 6:00 a.m. to 10 :00 p.m. Cross said she also received comments on possible parking problems, lighting and the fast traffic on the loop road in this neighborhood. Olson said this will not be a City park and she feels that the noise will not be a problem. The park would be for the safety and good of the children in the area. Lambert said there are other neighborhoods in Eden Prairie just as large as this that have parks further distance away than this neighborhood. When planning for parks, the City has set standards for a 10-20do acre park within a 1-1/2 mile radius of surrounding homes. If areas are further away than this, a neighborhood park is constructed. The neighborhood (" is within these ranges. Mini parkes are generally developed if the neighborhood park is over 1/2 mile away or if there is a large high density neighborhood with very small lots. APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. July 17, 1989 -6- Russ said that of the 57 children in the neighborhood, only four are over 13 years old and ten are 2 years old and under. He asked if perhaps the lot could be graded and seeded to begin with and see how it works out before a playstructure is added. i i Cook asked how large the lots in this neighborhood are. Koloski said they are approximately 1/2 to 3/4 acre. MOTION: Baker moved to recommend a redesign of the concept plan to less active use to reduce noise potential. Joyer seconded the motion. On call for discussion, Sue Sorenson of 16579 Ashby Lane said she is in favor of cleaning up the lot for a play area, but is against having a large sand box because of the small children in the area. The motion passed 4-0. C Russ asked if the lot could be cleaned up and mowed without waiting a couple more months for approval. Lambert said that the City has many commitments this year and work would have to be contracted out. He said he could get a cost estimate to grade, seed and landscape the lot, but funds are not available. The estimate will be brought to the City Council to see if funding is available this year or put into the 1990 budget. 2. Request from Jeanne H. Carsello Re: Development of Swimming Pool Fees for Low Income Families Refer to memo dated July 12, 1989 from Tom Eastman, Supervisor of Operations. Lambert said that a request was received from Jeanne Carsello requesting the City to subsidize or provide free swimming passes to people in low income housing. I Baker asked how many children are in low income housing in Eden Prairie. Lambert said this would include f both Briarhill and Windslope which have at least 500-600 total units, but he is uncertain on the number of children. Lambert said he is concerned with subsidizing only certain programs or offering them free of charge. ,APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. July 17, 1989 -7- Richard asked if the request is for user fees or lessons. Lambert said the request is for user fees, as scholarships cover_ the cost of lessons. i Richard agreed that parents have to make some decisions on the programs their children are able to participate in and we have to say no at some point. Cook asked how far Briarhill is from the Community Center. Lambert said it is 1-1/2 to 2 miles. Cook asked what ages are considered youth. Eastman said youth are considered to be 18 years old and younger. Cook commented that subsidized or free swimming for low income youth could amount be significant. Lambert said he would like to make facilities available to everyone, but there are no parameters to follow. If the Commission is interested in developing this program, staff needs guidelines. Joyer noted that very few people have taken advantage of the scholarship program. Lambert said these figures were from 1988 before the program was advertised and it is being used now and, in fact, the scholarship budget for 1989 would run out in the next few months. MOTION: Richard moved to recommend denial of the request for subsidized or free swimming for low income youth with the issue to be re-evaluated if further requests are received. Cook seconded the motion. On call for discussion, Lambert reminded the commission of the Neighborhood Outreach Program for Windslope which will be held two nights per week and will include taking the kids swimming. This program may also be started at Briarhill next year if it works out well and if Briarhill residents are willing to initiate a program grant. The motion passed 4-0. Helling noted that additional funding for the scholarship program could be considered. V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL A. Edenvale Crossing Refer to memo dated July 12, 1989 from Barb Cross, Landscape Architect qand staff reports dated June 9 and June 23, 1989. APPROVED MINUTES (- EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. July 17, 1989 -8- Cross introduced Darrel Anderson from Marcor Properties and Whitney Payton from Caldwell Banker. Mr. Anderson reviewed the site which is located north of McDonald's and Mexican Village across from McGlynn' s. The developer is proposing a strip shopping center facing Mitchell Road. The center would consist of a convenience store and approximately 10,000 sq. ft. of office building. A new entry will be added for traffic control with a thru street all the way around. The current trails will be preserved. A traffic study has been completed and all issues have been resolved. Cross said the project meets all shoreland management ordinances and there is no significant grading required with very little vegetation on the site. The trail system can be completed after this development is finished. There is an 8 ' bituminous trail proposed to Hwy. 5. Richard asked who the tenants will be. Payton said there will be a real estate office, an Amoco or Super America station, a paint and wallpaper store and a video store. They are currently negotiating with Davanni ' s. Lambert asked if the grades on the slope are such that a trail connection can be made. Payton said yes. Anderson added that grades are 5% maximum. MOTION: Baker moved to recommend approval of Edenvale Crossing per staff recommendation. Cook seconded the motion and it passed 4-0. VI. OLD BUSINESS A. Mini Rinks/Skating Rinks I Refer to memo dated April 26, 1989 from Stu Fox, Manager of Parks and Natural Resources. Lambert said that last January the City Council asked the commission and staff to look at the possibility of mini rinks because of the number of requests that were received. Rinks were requested at Prairie East and Carmel. APPROVED MINUTES i EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. July 17, 1989 ` -9- Baker asked what is in mind for the lower southwest corner. Lambert said nothing is planned at this time. Cross said that the old City Hall site would be the closest, but it is not centrally located. Cook agreed with the staff recommendation to provide rinks for the 1989-90 season and monitor their usage. VII. NEW BUSINESS A. Letter from MN Department of Trade & Economic__ Development Re: Miller Park Refer to memo dated July 11, 1989 from Bob Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources. Lambert said that Miller Park will be seeded this fall. The City will also apply for a boat launch request and gravel driveway. He added that this land was not acquired contingent upon a park plan. MOTION: Richard moved to recommend proceeding with staff' s recommendation for Miller Park in order to retain the LAWCON grant. Joyer seconded the motion and it passed 4-0. Baker asked what size grant the City could lose if this park was not developed. Lambert said it covered three grants and the total would exceed $300,000. VIII. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF A. Reports of Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources 1. Correspondence with Baseball Association Re: Maintenance and Improvements Refer to memo dated July 6, 1989 from Bob Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources. r APPROVED MINUTES ,r EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. July 17, 1989 -10- This is an information item only. 2. Letter from Lions Club This is an information item only. B. Reports of Manager of Recreation Services 1. 1989 4th of 6uly Celebration Helling said the final report was included in the packets. Richard commented on the longer reservation line for the paddle boats and suggested that the time should be limited to one-half hour instead of one hour. He also felt that having a triathalon would be a tremendous amount of work and that a 5k or 10k run might be a better idea. Baker said he feels that the 4th of July celebration gets better every year and there are always new ideas. He said there were lots of questions of where activities were located. Helling said there should be more signs and maps available next year. Baker said he does not feel that an admission fee should be charged, but that all area organizations could be contacted and charged a nominal fee to participate. Helling added that letters were sent to all who donated money in 1988, in addition to athletic associations and businesses. Baker did not feel an arts and crafts fair would be successful, but that there should be more participation activities. He asked if money was made on T-shirt sales in the past. Helling said T-shirts have not been sold the last two years. Baker said that the Lions Club would like to have bingo in their pavilion all day. Helling said this would be fine. APPROVED MINUTES - EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. July 17 , 1989 -11- Cook suggested that fireworks displays be videotaped so they could be compared from year to year. He also did not feel that the celebration had to be increased every year. i A certain amount could be allowed for inflation and different entertainment. Helling said $15,000 is budgeted for 1990. Cook said he is totally opposed to charging an admission fee. He also suggested off site parking and transportation be made available to the park. The P.A. system at the entry is a good idea; however, audio entertainment should not be too loud. Joyer commented that she did not like the idea of a swimsuit contest. Richard felt that the celebration should be made more patriotic with red, white and blue, etc. 2. USTA/NJTL Scholarship Program - 189 Allocations This is an information item only. IX. REPORT OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING - June 20, July 11 There were no parks and recreation issues discussed at the June 20 meeting. At the July 11 meeting the City Council approved the Neighborhood Outreach and School' s Out Programs and the ordinance banning overnight parking in City parks. There was a discussion on hunting in Eden Prairie and it was decided to allow hunting only south of Hwy. 169 and Riverview Road and bows can be fired only on approved archery ranges with target arrows only. Snowmobile trails were discussed and the Council concurred with the commission' s recommendation, but will leave the trail on Red Rock Lake. In discussions with the City Attorney, snowmobiling is still allowed on private property with the property owner' s permission. No ATV' s or motorcycles are allowed on bodies of water and snowmobiling is allowed on Red Rock, Mitchell, Rice Marsh and Bryant Lakes only. '-'... ... .. _.. ...... .: ..........r:. .I n.r\.J.r .nfr.t:alx4:..:elrR i.•6VSJ111.:Irtl4M.a4.a._mun.s.aw...u..w......_i�l^. APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. July 17, 1989 c A. City Manager's Update - June 23, 1989 This is an information item only. X. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Richard moved to adjourn the meeting at 9: 35 p.m. Joyer seconded the motion and it passed 4-0. Respectfully submitted, Lois Boettcher Recording Secretary