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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks and Recreation - 12/21/1992 r 1992 DECEMBER 21 r MINUTES CITY OF EDEN PRAIRIE y AGENDA EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION & NATURAL RESOURCES COAD41SSION i MONDAY, DEC EMBER 21, 1992 7:30 P. M., CITY BALL COMMISSION MEMBERS: Pat Richard, Chair; Bruce Bowman, Claire Hilgeman, Joanne Kube-Harderwijk, Adam Harju, David Kracum, Diane Popovich Lynch, Thomas Marcus, Del Vanderploeg COMMISSION STAFF: Robert A. Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources; Barbara Penning Cross, Landscape Architect; Stuart A. Fox, Manager of Parks and Natural Resources; Laurie Heliing, Manager of Recreation ~ Services I. ROLL CALL - Introduce New Student Member - Thomas March II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA III. APPROVAL OF MIh=ES - NOVEMBER 16, 1992 IV. PETITIONS REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATLQNS N= V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS A. BeaLpath VI. OLD BUSINESS A. Trapping Ordinance B. Air & Water Quality Review C mmitt= VII. NEW BUSINESS A. Prn.ess for Natural Resources Inventory & Selection of Volunteers to Serve on the Committee B. Review of Cily urvey Results C. Riley Lake Park VIII. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF C 1 V Agenda Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission December 21, 1992 Page 2 A. Reports of Director of Parks. R acreation and Natural Resources 1. Snowmobile Trails Grant-In-Aide Cancellation 2. 1995 29 State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan 3. Change Order No. 4 for F„dgn Prairie Com__m__unily Center Addition B. Reports of Landscape Architect/Park Planner 1. Miller Park Construcdon Progress 1 C. Reports of Manager of Parks and Natural Resources 1. Oil Spill Into Purgatory Creek 2. Outdoor Skating Rink Schedule D. Reports of Manager of Recreation Service, 1. HPC Recommendation on the Proposal from Mrs. Fowler E. Reports of Community Center Managgrr 1. Recommendation on Community Center User Fees for 1993 IX. ADJOURNMENT parkallAmb � i is C a J 7 j UNAPPROVED MINUTES PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION Monday, December 21, 1992 7:30 p.m., City Hall 7600 Executive Drive COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT• Pat Richard, Chair; Bruce Bowman, Claire Hilgeman, Joanne Kube-Harderwijk, David Kracum, Diane Popovich Lynch, Thomas Marcus, Del Vanderploeg COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Adam Harju COMMISSION STAFF: Robert A. Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources; Barb Penning Cross, Landscape Architect; Laurie Helling, Manager of Recreation Services I. ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m.by Chair, Pat Richard. Lambert introduced new student member, Thomas Marcus. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Lambert added the following: PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS A. Eden Prairie Land Trust Request for Support B. Eden Prairie Land Trust Request for Designated Representative to the Land Trust Board of Directors REPORTS OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT/PARK PLANNER 2. CDGB proposed projects to comply with ADA requirements MOTION: Lynch moved to approve the Agenda as amended. Vanderploeg seconded the motion and it passed 6-0. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - November 16, 1992 MOTION: Vanderploeg moved to accept the minutes as printed, seconded by Hilgeman. Motion carried 6-0. IV. PETITIONS. REQUESTS AND COMMUMCATIONS i Unapproved Minutes - Parks, Recreation and Natural ResourGas Commission Monday, December 21, 1992 A. Eden Prairie Land Trust Request for Sunk Lambert pointed out the request provided by the Eden Prairie Land Trust at this evenings meeting and suggested that this item and Item B be continued until after the discussion of Item A, under NEW BUSINESS, Process for Natural Resource Inventory and Selection of Volunteers to Serve on the Committee. MOTION: Lynch moved to table Items A and B until after discussion of Item A under NEW BUSINESS. Vanderploeg seconded the motion and it passed 6-0. a V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS A. Bath Rick Packer, representative from Sienna Corporation, described the first phase request from Sienna Corporation. Packer indicated that over the next 5 to 6 months the Commission would be reviewing many more phases of this very large development. It would be 45 to 60 days before the golf course plan is finalized and ready for review. Sienna understands that no phase will receive final approval until the golf course phase is completed and approved. Packer indicated that since they have announced the Bearpath Proposal they have been selling slightly less than one lot per day and approximately 35% of the buyers are presently Eden Prairie residents. He indicated that Sienna has limited the number of builders to 10 and all lots will require architectural approval. The very lengthy document that was provided to the Commission is presently being reviewed by 22 regulatory agencies. Tree removal will be limited to 32% in the worst case scenario and less than one acre of fill will be requested of over 70 acres of wetlands in 25 different basins. Cross summarized the request for first phase approval and listed the issues that were addressed by city staff and agreed to by Sienna Corporation. Lambert requested Packer to confirm that Sienna Corporation will pay for 100% of realignment of Riley Lake Road from Co. Rd. 1 to Riley Creek, and the City will pay for 100% of the construction of Riley Lake Road from Riley Creek to the border. Packer confirmed that Sienna had agreed to those terms and that Riley Lake Road would be realigned and construction completed in 1993. i MOTION: Vanderploeg moved to approve the first phase development of Bearpath as per the Planning Staff and Park and Recreation Staff reports, 7 seconded by Lynch. Motion was approved by 6-0. a l a 2 i I' I ' Unapproved Minutes - Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Monday, December 21, 1992 VI. OLD BUSINESS A. Trapping Ordinance i Stuart Fox, Manager of Parks and Natural Resources and staff liaison to the Trapping Ordinance Committee, summarized the 10 month process of meetings of the Trapping Ordinance Committee. He indicated that the 10 member committee included representatives from extreme viewpoints from both sides of the issue, including representatives from FATE (Friends of Animals and Environment) and the Minnesota Trapping Association. The committee also received input from our own Animal Control Staff, as well as the DNR and City Attorney. The goal of the committee was to provide an ordinance that would allow controlling certain types of wildlife and restricting the areas that trapping could take place and providing some controls over who was able to trap. He believes that this ordinance does meet the goals as directed by the Commission. Linda Hatfield, a representative from FATE, provided the Commission with pictures of a fox that had been trapped and destroyed. She indicated that Eden Prairie had taken some positive steps from the previous trapping regulations, however, she and other representatives from her organization still oppose the passing the this ordinance because it will allow recreational trapping and trapping for furs. She indicated that the ordinance failed to recognize the danger of the leghold trap and provided no laws restricting how the animal is killed. She and several others surveyed 107 homes, 44 homes were contacted and 41 of the 44 signed a petition opposing the trapping. She requested that the city ban trapping and reject this ordinance. Richard asked if she worked with the committee and helped develop the ordinance? Hatfield indicated she had worked with the committee but consistently expressed her opinion that she was not supporting anything but banning trapping. Diane Lynch, also a member of the Trapping Committee, reminded the Commission that prior to this ordinance we had no trapping restrictions other than not allowing them on city land. This ordinance does provide restrictions and limits trapping. Lynch indicated that the committee did not agree with an outright ban and had come a long way in negotiating an ordinance that most people on the committee were comfortable with. Bruce Bowen, another member of the committee, agreed that the committee had spent a lot of time trying to develop language that limited trapping and thought that the present ordinance met the spirit of the compromise that the committee developed. He indicated that the committee did not have unanimous consensus. 1, 3 Unapproved Minutes - Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Monday, December 21, 1992 Raymond Rau, representative from the Minnesota Trapper's Association, commended the committee for working through a long difficult process. He believed the committee did meet their original objectives of controlling trapping and restricting the area, as well as providing some control on who could trap. He wanted to thank the city for allowing him to serve on the committee and believes the city has a very good control on trapping with this ordinance. Kube-Harderwijk asked if the ordinance provided controls on several specific I restrictions. Fox indicated that the restrictions she referred to were already included in state law and that the City Attorney did not want this law to duplicate any other state laws already in effect. i Lynch thanked Linda and Ray, as well as the city staff for working on a very challenging issue and believed the committee did the best they could. MOTION: Richard moved to recommend the Trapping Ordinance to the City Council as proposed by the Trapping Ordinance Committee, seconded by Lynch. Motion passed 6-0. B. Air & Water Quality Review Committee Lambert review the goal of the Air & Water Review Committee. He indicated this would be a short term committee that should not have to meet more than 2 or 3 times. The purpose of the committee is to determine whether air and water issues should be included in the charge of a new or existing commission or advisory committee. He requested the committee to provide a volunteer to serve on this committee. Diane Lynch volunteered to serve on this committee, provided it is a "short term committee". VII. NEW BUSINESS A. Process for Natural Resources Inventory & Selection of Volunteers to Serve on the Committee Lambert reviewed his December 26th memorandum and a map depicting the 70 parcels of land covering slightly over 1,000 acres of undeveloped land that could be categorized as containing unique natural features, whether it is creek valley, woods, natural prairie grasses or Minnesota River bluffs. Lambert indicated he was sending out letters to all 50 property owners explaining the process and requesting authorization for a committee to walk on their site to view the property in order to categorize it in this inventory process. He indicated that it was 4 , Unapproved Minutes - Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Monday, December 21, 1992 unlikely that all property owners would allow committee members to walk on their property as many will most likely be unhappy that the city is considering their property for acquisition or being encumbered by any special restrictions. Lambert indicated that he believed it was important to review all the remaining land in Eden Prairie that is not being developed, or being considered for development, so that future commissions and councils are not"surprised" why the city is allowing development to be considered on those parcels. Furthermore he believes that until the city is aware of all the remaining parcels that should be considered for acquisition, preservation, or any other development restrictions, it is difficult to assess whether or not the Mitchell Lake "Big Woods" is number one on the list, number three on the list, or number five on the list etc. If the only way to obtain significant funding to acquire these parcels is through a referendum, Lambert believes that the voters of Eden Prairie would want to be assured that the city had assessed all the remaining unique natural areas and were in fact purchasing the property that would be most important to preserve. He also believes that the decision on determining what property is the most important to preserve, be done by a citizens committee, rather than by city staff. The most important part of the entire process that has been outlined is determining the criteria for evaluating these sites. Lambert requested the Commission submit the names of two volunteers to serve J on this committee and outlined the time commitment they would be asked to make 1 for this very important project. Richard indicated that he believed that one of the most important criteria that ought to be developed at the front end of the process would be a reasonable budget for all of their acquisition. He believed the budget ought to fit into the city's overall CIP, with a goal of not raising the levy over that 10 year CIP. He referred to his experience on other referendum committees. Without a budget, the committee talked themselves into referendum amounts that could not be passed. Lambert concurred with Richard's recommendation and indicated that to remain within the CIP the budget would most likely be $4,000,000 or as much as $6,000,000 if the city agreed that we would not plan for any type of pool construction. That may not be feasible. Bowman suggested that we might want to consider surveying the public to determine what they want in terms of park use, trail use or preservation of natural resources prior to developing the criteria. If we are intending to purchase this S i I Unapproved Minutes - Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Monday, December 21, 1992 property through a referendum, it makes sense to find out what people would support in a referendum, and developing the criteria for selection of sites based on what could be approved through a referendum. After a lengthy discussion on the process and time commitment, David Kracum and Bruce Bowman volunteered to serve on the committee. Bowman expressed his concern over the unknown time commitments of his job and Pat Richard volunteered to serve as Bowman's alternate. Richard would also try to attend all meetings. MOTION: Lynch moved to approve the Process for the Natural Resources Inventory and to recommend David Kracum and Bruce Bowman as volunteers to serve on the committee, with Pat Richard as Parks Commission alternate. Hilgeman seconded the motion, and motion passed 6-0. B. Review of City Survey Results Lambert reviewed the recently completed city-wide survey and pointed out several significant statistics on a the need for a second swimming pool, the acquisition of conservation protection areas, Community Center future additions and trails. Lambert referred to his December 15th memorandum and pointed out that the survey indicated only 30% of the citizens believed there was a need for an additional pool at this time. They also indicated that 54% would favor a referendum for an additional pool when an additional pool is needed. Diane Traxler of Decision Resources indicated that the chances are not good at this time to pass a referendum for a second swimming pool. Richard indicated that those people that use the pool really do need a second swimming pool, and that the pool is overused during the peak times. Lambert agreed that during the after school to about 8:00 time period the pool is heavily used with a waiting list to get into the Fox Jets at this time. He also expressed a concern that the pool is relatively empty from 8:30 to 10:00, a time period when elementary and middle school age children are still heavily using gymnasiums and ice rinks. In Lambert's opinion, until the swimming pool is heavily used to 9:30 or 10:00 at night, it is unlikely that the citizens of Eden Prairie will be willing to spend additional tax dollars for a second swimming pool. A relatively small percentage of the population presently feels a need for a second swimming pool at this time. Lambert further indicated that although ice arena users pay a sufficient amount of hourly rental to pay for the cost of constructing an ice arena, swimming pool users do not pay a fraction of the cost to consider using revenue bonds for construction of a second swimming pool. 6 I I : Unapproved Minutes - Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Monday, December 21, 1992 The survey showed a surprisingly strong support for preservation of wooded areas in southwest Eden Prairie and preservation of the Minnesota River bluffs. Forty- seven percent strongly opposed developing in the wooded areas in southwest Eden Prairie compared to 3% that strongly support developing there. Similar support is shown for preserving Minnesota River bluffs, as well as the Riley Creek Valley. Sixty-one percent supported raising their taxes by at least $20 a year to pay for preservation for these areas. A teen center and gymnasium were the strongest supported areas for the future Community Center additions. Richard asked Marcus what his opinion was regarding the need for a teen center. Marcus explained that while middle school age children might attend a teen center as described by Richard, he believed that a gymnasium would be more used by high school age children and possibly middle school age children. Lambert also indicated that once again trails were the strongest supported expansion of the park and open space system. Sixty-one per cent somewhat or strongly supported expansion of city trail system. C. Riley Lake Park Lambert reviewed the various phases of development of Riley Lake Park and explained that the city did not anticipate developing the final phase of Riley Lake Park until Riley Park Road would be realigned and eliminated from the present location through the park. The staff did not anticipate this realignment for a number of years, however with the development of Bearpath, the realignment will occur in 1993. Staff does not believe it make sense to spend a great deal of money developing the third phase, locating the boat launch in the middle of the park, forcing all the boat launch traffic right through the middle of the park, and separating the beach from the picnic area by an unnecessary road. He would recommend that the city delay development of Riley Lake Park until 1994 when Riley Lake Road has been re-located, thus allowing the city to eliminate Riley Lake Road through the park during this phase of construction, Furthermore, Lambert recommends that the city acquire the four remaining parcels of land at i the south end of the park during 1993, and immediately develop phase 4 of Riley Lake Park relocating the boat launch to that location. Lambert indicated that it is very likely that each of the four property owners may be unwilling sellers, however if the city truly intends to acquire these parcels it is unlikely the city will ever have all of those property owners willing sellers. i iI i 7 Unapproved Minutes - Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Monday, December 21, 1992 Vanderploeg asked if the citizens of Eden Prairie would be educated as to the reason for delaying construction one year? Lambert answered that most people would understand a one year delay if they were aware that the city was in the process of acquiring property and waiting for Riley Lake Road to be realigned. Lambert indicated that it would be his recommendation to close the park for approximately two and a half to three months in 1994 for this construction project. Hilgeman asked if there was any way to keep the park open during the construction period. Lambert indicated that with location of the development taking place, expanding the beach and changing the parking, there would be virtually no way to keep the park open during construction. MOTION: Richard moved to recommend the city acquire the four remaining parcels at Riley Lake Park with cash park fees, with the intent of moving all the buildings from that site prior to construction in 1994. Lynch seconded motion, motion carried 6-0. MOTION: Richard moved to recommend that the City Council delay the construction of Riley Lake Park until after the realignment of Riley Lake Road. Richard further recommended the City Council get a guarantee from Sienna Corporation to insure that Riley Lake Road is completed during 1993. Motion seconded by Lynch, passed 6-0. VIII. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF A. Reports of Director of Parks. Recreation and Natural Resources 1. Snowmobile Trails Grant-In-Aide Cancellation Lambert indicated this was an informational item only. Lambert reminded Commission members there is no public snowmobile trail in Eden Prairie. The Snowdrifters Club trail has been eliminated and their grant-in-aid cancelled. The only legal place to ride a snowmobile in Eden Prairie at this time is on private property with the homeowner's permission or on lakes. Staff is working with the DNR to develop an ordinance that will eventually eliminate snowmobiling from most of the lakes in Eden Prairie. i 2. 1995-99 StateComprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan Lambert explained the importance of the State Comprehensive Outdoor Plan with future grant applications. 8 Unapproved Minutes - Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Monday, December 21, 1992 MOTION: Lynch moved to approve the support for the 4 issues outlined in Lambert's memo, seconded by Vanderploeg. Motion carried 6-0. 3. Change Order No 4 for Dien Prairie Community Center Addition Lambert indicated that this is an information item only as this item as already been approved by the City Council. B. snorts of Landscape Architect./Park Planner 1. Miller Park Construction Progress Cross summarized the park construction progress of Miller Park. 2. CDBG ProRgsed Projects to Comply With ADA Rgquirements Cross reviewed the fact that the city has approximately $9500 remaining in Community Development Block Grant money for 1992 and would like to use that money to begin compliance with ADA requirements for access to the Senior Center and the Community Center. The proposed projects include a sidewalk at the Community Center and automatic door opener at the Senior Center, as well as improving the sidewalk entry to the upper floor of the Senior Center(presently the Family Education Center)to meet handicapped accessible requirements. Cross reviewed the proposed construction plan and explained why the ramp lengths were required. Bob Gartner addressed the Commission indicating that he believed that the city should consider moving the parking lot closer to the building in order to make the walk from the parking lot to the building as close as possible. Hilgeman asked what the distance was from the parking lot to the front door. Cross responded that it was 25 feet. Hilgeman believed that 25 ft. was relatively close. Cross indicated that she had done a preliminary plan to determine the cost to raise the parking lot 3 ft. and move it closer to the building. Preliminary cost assessments are approximately$72,000 and that would cause a problem with access to the lower level door at the north end of the Senior Center. MOTION: Kube-Harderwijk moved to approve the expenditure of Community Development Block Grant funds as proposed by staff, seconded by Hilgeman. Motion carried 6-0. C. Reggrts of Manager of Parks and Natural Resources 1. Oil Spill Into Purg to ory Creek Lambert reported this was an information item only and showed a copy 9 i I Unapproved Minutes - Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Monday, December 21, 1992 of the complaint filed by the State of Minnesota vs. Daniel Gerald Brown, Allan David Watson, Southside Sewer Service Incorporated. The State of Minnesota intends to prosecute to the fullest. 2. Outdoor Skating Rink Schedule This is an information only. D. R=rts of Recreation Services 1. HPC Recommendation on the Proposal from Mrs. Fowler Lambert indicated this is an information item only and added that the City Council concurred with the Commission recommendation to deny the proposal as is but to continue discussions of Mrs. Fowler as this is a very desirable piece of property. E. Reports of Community Center Manaeer 1. Recommendation on Community Center User Fees for 1993 Lambert indicated the only change to the report was that the city staff would like to continue the$4 fee for family skate. He indicated that there is some obvious abuses of this fee. As an example, you see a 35 year old man bringing in four or five fourth grade boys and asking for the $4 family pass, it is quite obvious that all boys are probably not members of the same family. Lambert suggested that we keep track of how many abuses the staff believe are happening over the next few months and come back with a recommendation to eliminate the family pass if this is significant. MOTION: Richard moved to recommend approval of the Community Center User Fees for 1993, seconded by Hilgeman. Motion carried 6-0. MOTION: Kube-Harderwijk moved to adjourn meeting, seconded by Lynch. Motion carried 6-0. Respectfully submitted, Robert A. Lambert i C 10