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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks and Recreation - 11/15/1993 I ... ,. :- C.,�, � t -t l �, Ir 7 J� 1r � �kJ h tpY - lfrf l� r 5:•✓�:. �... ::. .__... ...., .._.. .� _.a&. �.... .:,I. ......-,.,. .. ..�'.. , .........,. . .......,_.I. _. ._ ,...�r t. uf:_.1... ._... �.-la }otS. .' •. ..�S,.�IVnf.�. ..,�', it S. I`. 1993 IA NOVEMBER w ' E y. M��UT S CITY OF EDEN PRAI"D TE AGENDA EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1993 7:00 P. M. CITY CENTER 8080 MITCHELL ROAD TRAINING ROOM COMMISSION MEMBERS: Pat Richard, Chair; Bruce Bowman, Richard Brown, Claire Hilgeman, Joanne Kube-Harderwijk, David Kracum, Diane Popovich Lynch STUDENT MEMBER: Mark Bremer 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 Helling, Manager of Recreation Services :`y::3`:i:i:;?;'i�:':::#,•.;$;$>S:ii:: `{:i:r`i`:: ::::"�::::�:i: f:i :`2'd`f:4;`::�:5;:::`:3}:;e;"•o.{;:.;r;#.. y:<. >:z#:? :,`:::s`:£ }�4Q q yyyy�� a�p '��yj��;SF.F:i;i�t•�4.R�:iii�IF� :.::....... : ...:IS'.'s.•!2'..:.�:..tc;•;::<.a:•....,.,.,.. .:..:......:..:.. a '+fit , ���:.r ..............• ...:, ....,..�i ........ ...:... .... ..,..,. ...}....:..:�:'•}:t.r::::.::.,:.�::::•.,...:..:::.,...,.::.,.:::::...:..,.::.:r..:}}r'•a}:r•a..}:>,.:.,...::.ro•.}}r:.:t.,r}.,•:.\.:{.t{::.9:}:{.:::};:;'fr::: :.....L..,::::,:.:::.,•:::•:::::::•:::....•a:;•::::::...•:::::::;•:::..,.::•::ti: •:::}}.,v::;•.,•:�.:::.:..:..,:•.. .:. :,`:.•`,t.. :::.:.::::::::::::::is}.:,.,:.::}}:::..:.,...:}::::::.:}:•r:•,Pv:;,,•}.w::::::.�v'id::{,•:q.:.�:. 2, y� .` Y^ 3#{ti ir':.?{{::{i:{:}:.;t}+::{{9.#:2�::;:{;r�::`;:;::{:'f•r;:'.'•i:;?i%%i{ii�3{ii?.r::.:.>"a.:;:;.}>•. a 'ti:2::::::::::{:jS;::'f,.::::�"f:i}:;:?:�•,.{'i\v}'::jj�C:::::},:}t.ri:}: ... .;...;;{ Q.. ..::.. :.y.2,.:::::.�:::{::..:i:;•:::'Or:;L::•i}}}}:{it•i}}:i}:9:;• :::}n:v.:;:•... .,,:4:......v n yj(�•VAFM:i<'?i•}::.}r••}::.}}}:t...:::.:::::..:.r•:is t:+r:}:,tn":•:i:}:•::::;i:i ....;:::::: :4}}}.:. ....,n.n...nw::.�.:.�......:::.:v}:::itiC;•i}::......:::::...::.:�.�M:>M �! T...::.......... � ........... h:iti< .......:....... .: ..:.........................:.:::r:.:i.}:::::t•;i•:}:•}:a:•};;:.}R•:};a}:.::.;}:.r::ti:a;t.:� ,,:�::.....:..::i:t,:t;:::;:.�.r:.;::.:::::.}:•.,:.::.::`:::i:::::::R>i:::::R: I. ROLL CALL A. Introduce New Student Member, Mark Bremer II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - OCTOBER 4. 1993 IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS A. Petition-from Topvi T ighborhood for Improvements to Neighborhood Totlot B. RcQuest from Optimist Club to Use Parking Tot in Round Lake Park for Christmas Tree Sales V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS A. Bent Creek VI. OLD BUSINESS A. Amendment to the City Code Regulating (Lse of Bicycleays Agenda - PRNR Monday, November 1, 1993 Page 2 VII. NEW BUSINESS A. Water Quality_ Improvement Projec B. Gift�l�ssk C. Tax Forfeited Lands VIII. REPORTS OF COMMISSIQNERS AND STAFF A. Reports of Manager of Recreation Services 1. Program Ending Report for 1993 Oktoberfest B. BB=rts of Community Center Manager 1. Shakopee High School Hockey at EPCC 1993-94 IX. ADJOURNMENT I i APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1993 7:00 P. M. CITY CENTER TRAINING ROOM 8080 MITCHELL ROAD COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Pat Richard, Chair; Bruce Bowman, Richard Brown, Claire Hilgeman, Joanne Kube-Harderwijk, Diane Popovich Lynch COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: David Kracum STUDENT MEMBER: Mark Bremer COMMISSION STAFF: Robert A. Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources; Barbara Penning Cross, Landscape architect; Laurie Helling, Manager of Recreation Services I. ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m, by chair Pat Richard. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Brown requested to add an item under New Business - Staff Reports to Commission. MOTION: Moved by Brown, seconded by Hilgeman, to approve the agenda as amended. Motion passed 6-0. 1I1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF OCTOBER 4. 1993 MOTION: Moved by Hilgeman, seconded by Kube-Harderwijk, to approve the minutes as written. Motion passed 6-0. IV. PETITIONS REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS A. Petition from Topview Neighborhood for Improvements to Neighborhood Totlot- Lambert reviewed the petition from the residents in the Topview neighborhood and explained that Topview Park is a 1.9 acre totlot that is designed to provide a play space for young children in the neighborhood that cannot safely use the neighborhood park. Willow park, located approximately one-half mile south of Topview mini park, is the neighborhood park designed to serve this neighborhood. A neighborhood park typically provides recreation facilities such as a ballfield, tennis courts, playground structure and, in some cases, picnic facilities. A mini park generally provides a small open space area for l Minutes - PRNR Commission Monday, November 1, 1993 I unorganized play and usually playground facilities. Topview Neighborhood Park has a basketball court and an open play area, but no play equipment. Lambert pointed out that the petition was for a skating rink and for playground equipment, as well as a request to consider other facilities that are typically provided in a neighborhood park. Lambert indicated that the staff could not support a request for another skating facility without reducing maintenance on some of the trail system during the winter months. He also pointed out that the use of outdoor skating rinks without warming facilities is minimal and would not recommend beginning to provide those facilities. Even though many neighborhoods petition for those facilities, City staff experience is that once they are provided they are not used. The service area for our outdoor skating rinks is a two mile radius. The skating rink that serves this neighborhood is the rink at Forest Hills School Park. Liza Ashley, a resident of the Topview neighborhood, stated that the population of her neighborhood has changed. Many families with young children have moved into this neighborhood and they would appreciate anything the City can do to upgrade Topview Park. Ms. Ashley suggested repairs to the basketball court, installing the play equipment as proposed by the City staff and perhaps a picnic table and a garbage can. Ms. Ashley indicated that Roberts Drive is a busy road and that she feels it is unsafe for many children to cross that road on their way to Willow Park. Cross stated that the basketball court at Topview is scheduled for an asphalt overlay early next year. Lambert indicated that the playground equipment that is being removed from the old Family Center site could be installed next summer. Hilgeman noted that the City should also correct the drainage problem near the basketball court prior to installing the asphalt overlay. Cross stated that regrading is part of the project. MOTION: Moved by Hilgeman, seconded by Kube-Harderwijk, to support the staff recommendation to install the playground equipment as per the staff recommendation, and to add in the 1995 budget a higher level climber and a swing set, and to improve the basketball court and install a picnic table and garbage can in 1994. Bowman suggested that if there is money available in 1994 those improvements should be made next year, rather than waiting until 1995. Motion passed unanimously. B. Request for Optimist Club to Use Parking Lot in Round Lake Park or Christmas Tree Sales - Lambert reviewed the letter from Wayne Gilbertson, fund raising �. chair, for the Optimist Club. Lambert stated that the City staff support the request from the Optimist Club to use the small parking lot immediately west of 2 ,.... Yr Minutes - PRNR Commission Monday, November 1, 1993 the Fire Station in Round Lake Park. He indicated that there was also a request from the Optimist to be able to install four signs within the right-of-way in the City for the five week period before Christmas. Brown pointed out that there is a private business immediately across the street that competes with the Optimists for the sale of Christmas trees. He is uncomfortable that they are not able to put up signs and that the Optimists can put a sign on the street directly across from his business. Hilgeman indicated that she does not have a problem with any signs and is concerned about competing with private enterprise. Richard stated that he is concerned with the sign locations and asked Gilbertson b if they had signs in that location in the past. Gilbertson stated that they have had a sign at the intersection of County Road 4 and Valley View Road for the ten years that they have operated a Christmas tree sales fund raiser. Gilbertson indicated that they are especially concerned about the need for signs this year because of their move to a new location. Bremer asked if the Optimists could use the Eden Prairie News and the Sailor to advertise their move. Gilbertson stated that they would be using the newspapers to advertise the new location. Brown asked if the Optimists were going to put a sign in the location of the old sales site to notify people of the new location. Gilbertson indicated there would be a sign in that location notifying people of the move. Lynch recommended that there is a limitation on the signs as a one time approval and believed that in the future the Optimists, as well as all public service organizations should live with the proposed changes to the ordinance. Lambert indicated that he initiated the "sign war" several years ago by removing real estate signs from park property. He is a strong opponent of advertising signs in the night-of-way; however, he believes there should be some amendment to the ordinance that allows some limited use of signs to promote public service organizations that are promoting one time activities for the good of the community. Lambert pointed out that organizations such as the Optimists are made up of citizens volunteering their time to raise money that is reinvested in the children that live in our community. If we make rules so tough that they cannot perform these public services the entire community loses. MOTION: Moved by Lynch, seconded by Hilgeman, to recommend approval �• of the staff recommendation to allow the Optimist Club to locate their Christmas tree sales at the parking lot in Round Lake Park and limit the signs to four or five 3 Minutes - PRNR Commission Monday, November 1, 1993 this year with the understanding that the Optimist Club must follow the ordinances in place next year. Motion passed unanimously. V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS A. Bent Creek-Cross summarized the Bent Creek residential development proposal. Ron King, representing the developer, reviewed the process the developer followed to bring the project to its present design. He indicated they originally tried to design a development with a through street according to City regulations; however, that resulted in over 40% tree loss. The existing development proposes two cul-de-sacs and has reduced the tree loss from 40% to 29%. This design requires a variety of setback variances to protect some trees and stay out of the wetlands. Brown asked for the total amount of variances on the 13 lots abutting the future light rail corridor. King indicated that the total variances would be 70 feet in that location, therefore, those lots would have an 80 foot setback from the future light rail corridor, rather than the 150 foot City standard. Brown indicated that if light rail ever comes in the future, he would not want to own a home only 80 feet from the rail line. King stated that he believes the developer would notify all buyers of potential future light rail. He reminded the Commission that by transferring density from the wooded lots to this area, they have no choice but to make smaller lots. King stated that the variances are reasonable considering what they are trying to save. The site is very difficult to develop and he majority of the grading will take place installing the road system to serve the development no matter what type of development occurs. Brown asked why even try to develop such a site? "If we allowed everyone all these variances we wouldn't have anything left in Eden Prairie." Curt Evert, resident from Hickory Court, indicated that he had a concern early on, especially with the original proposal. He stated that he believes the developer has done a good job in the northwest corner to develop the area to be compatible with what is adjacent to it; however, he too questions whether the property is developable without destroying the majority of the natural resource. Richard stated his major concern is the amount of variances required and after walking the property has difficulty envisioning the number of lots shown on the ( plan actually being developed on the site. He agrees that the revised plan is an improvement over the first one and that it saves the majority of the significant 4 Minutes - PRNR Commission Monday, November 1, 1993 trees; however, the vast majority of the trees on this property are not considered "significant." He believes the property will be destroyed with the proposed plan. King noted that development is proposing the same size lots as are developed across the street at 9.5. - Cross pointed out that the reason the Planning Department recommended the through street was for safety reasons. The Planning Department always recommends through streets whenever possible for good access by public safety vehicles, as well as for transportation reasons. Hilgeman stated that she believes that too much emphasis is placed on the economic benefit of developers at the expense of the loss of natural areas in Eden Prairie. The City ends up giving up its natural features. Lambert pointed out that although the developer will preserve 71% of the significant trees everyone should be prepared for massive tree loss on this site because the vast majority of the trees on this site are not counted as "significant." He also pointed out that this piece of property has been on the Guide Plan as medium density residential for nearly 20 years, and the Commission and City Council must consider what alternative type of development could occur on this site. Would a five to six story condominium or apartment building be preferable to the single family residential that is being proposed? Eden Prairie is a developing community that has many unique natural areas that will eventually be developed. The best we can do is identify the most valuable and preserve the those and try to work within the development rules to allow careful development of the remaining natural areas. If the majority of the significant trees and the wetlands can be preserved, as well as a portion of the natural hills and valleys, Eden Prairie will be far ahead of most developed communities. MOTION: Moved by Lynch, seconded by Hilgeman, to approve the request of the developer according to the October 22nd Planning Staff Report with the exception of item#6 under the request "rezoning from Rural to R-9.5 on 13 acres for 30 single family homes." Bowman indicated that it is more of a variance issue than a tree preservation issue and, although, he has an easier time of accepting variances within a development that has under a 30% tree loss, he believes the number of variances and the amount of the variance is significant in this case. Brown stated that the 13 lots that have the five foot front yard variance and the 75 foot rear yard variance is the main issue that causes his concern with this proposal. 5 • w Minutes - PRNR Commission Monday, November 1, 1993 Motion passed unanimously. MOTION: Moved by Richard, seconded by Brown, the Commission deny the request to rezone the 13.13 acres from rural to R-9.5 for 30 single family homes due to the number of significant variances requested. Motion passed unanimously. VI. OLD BUSINESS A. Amendment to the City Code Regulating Use of Bicycle Maw - Lambert reviewed the reason for the request for the amendment. MOTION: Moved by Brown, seconded by Kube-Harderwijk, to approve the proposed amendment to the City Code Regulating Use of Bicycle Ways. Motion passed unanimously. VII. NEW BUSINESS A. Water Quality Improvement Project - Lambert reviewed the Engineering Department application for a water quality improvement project grant to complete a diagnostic/feasibility study for Round Lake, Mitchell Lake and Red Rock Lake. This will check the water quality of these three lakes since they were connected through lie chain of lakes project. MOTION: Moved by Kube-Harderwijk, seconded by Brown, to approve the grant application for the Clean Water Partnership Grant. Motion passed unanimously. B. Gift Book - Helling described the "Gift Book" as a list of ideas that could be provided to community service clubs that are often looking for projects that would benefit the community. It is not intended to promote or "sell" these ideas to the public for projects. Kube-Harderwijk indicated that she really appreciated having this project list. Hilgeman stated that one of the first things that she asked when she became a Commission member was for this type of a gift book so individuals, neighborhood groups or community service organizations would have an idea of what park improvements, etc. would cost. MOTION: Moved by Kube-Harderwijk, seconded by Hilgeman, to recommend authorization to publish the "Excellence Through Giving" book and to provide it to local public service groups and to make it available to potential contributors upon request. Motion passed Unanimously. C. Tax Forfeited Lands - Lambert reviewed the lands that the City can acquire for parks and ponding. Parcels are adjacent to other land acquired for a future 6 Minutes - PRNR Commission Monday, November 1, 1993 neighborhood park. Part of this land may be used for developing ponding and wetlands that could be used for mitigating development in other parts of the park system. MOTION: Moved by Brown, seconded by Kube-Harderwijk, to approve acquiring the tax forfeited lands as per the staff report. Motion passed unanimously. D. aS aff ReI,►orts to Commissioners - Brown indicated that he would add that to a future meeting agenda. VIII. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF A. Rgports of Manager of Recreation Services 1. Program Ending R=rt for 1993 Oktoberfest - Helling indicated this is an information item only. No action required. B. R=rts of Community Center Manager 1. Shakop=High School Hockey in Eden Prairie Community Center 1993- 24 - Lambert indicated this is an information item only. No action is required. IX. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Moved by Brown, seconded by Kube Harderwijk, to adjourn the meeting. at 9:20 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. Respectfully Submitted, Robert A. Lambert Recording Secretary Nov l min/1 7 AGENDA EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1993 7:00 P. M. CITY CENTER 8080 MITCHELL ROAD COUNCIL CHAMBERS COMMISSION MEMBERS: Pat Richard, Chair; Bruce Bowman, Richard Brown, Claire Hilgeman, Joanne Kube-Harderwijk, David Kracum, Diane Popovich Lynch STUDENT MEMBER: Mark Bremer 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 Helling, Manager of Recreation Services I. ROLL CALL II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - NOVEMBER 1. 1993 IV. PETITIONS. REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS None V. OLD BUSINESS None VI. NEW BUSINESS A. Proposed Swimming Pool at Oak Point Intermediate School B. Change Order for Miller Park C. Request Change Order for Boulder Walls at Miller Park Playground D. Review Video for Center for the Arts VII. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF A. Letter from Hennepin Parks Re: Bryant Lake Regional Park VIII. TOUR OF CITY CENTER IX. ADJOURNMENT i APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1993 7:00 p.m., CITY CENTER 8080 MITCHELL ROAD ATRIUM CONFERENCE ROOM COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Pat Richard, Chair; Bruce Bowman, Richard Brown, Claire Hilgeman, Dave Kracum, Joanne Kube-Harderwijk, Diane Popovich Lynch STUDENT MEMBER: Mark Bremer COMMISSION STAFF: Robert A. Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources; Barbara Penning Cross, Landscape Architect; Laurie Helling, Manager of Recreation I. ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order at 7:20 p.m. by Chair, Pat Richard. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Popovich Lynch added VI. New Business, E. Status of the Deer Study. B. Lambert added VI. New Business, F. Joint Meeting, Monday, December 13. 1993 with City Council and Parks. Recreation. Will need to reschedule Deer Meeting. C. Brown added VII. Reports of Commissioners and Staff, B. MOTION: Lynch moved to approve the Agenda for the November 15, 1993 meeting. Motion seconded by Bowman. Motion passed 6-0. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - NOVEMBER 1 1993 MOTION: Bowman moved to approve the Minutes for the November 1, 1993 meeting. Motion seconded by Hilgeman. motion passes 5-0-1. IV. PETITIONS REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS None V. OLD BUSINESS eNone 1 Minutes - PRNR Commission Monday, November 15, 1993 VI. NEW BUSINESS A. Review Video for Center for the Arts - This is an informational video. It is intended to answer two questions and present a unified message: 1. What is a Center for the Arts? 2. What do we Need a Center for the Arts for? This is still on the committee level. The intended target/release is to premier at the Foundation Ball. Contact Bob Lambert, Laurie Helling (Park, Recreation Staff) with any questions you may have, or for further clarification. B. Change Order for Miller Park - Penning Cross presented PRNR's recommendation to approve change order #2. 2-4 is the biggest/most expensive part of this change order: where heavy rains washed away seed and undermined the soil. The berm on the north side of the park was washed out numerous times, dirt was removed from catch basins and low areas and replaced on the berm. Seed was also replaced, this time with mulch and polypropelene netting to help hold the seed in place. There has also been heavy vandalism in the park. Lights have been shot out. 4-wheel drive vehicles have driven on berms (every weekend for three weeks), they have also ripped up the soccer fields. They drive right over small trees, snapping them off with the body of the truck. A reward has been posted, vandals will be prosecuted. We will hire a second park ranger and concentrate on weekend watch for the short term. Discussion on how many bids were reviewed before selecting the contract. Lambert stated that 3 bids had been submitted for this project. MOTION: Moved by Popovich Lynch to approve Change Order #2 for Miller Park, seconded by Kube-Harderwijk. Motion passed unanimously, 5-0. C. RgQuest Change Order for Boulder Walls at Miller Park Playground - The changes to the playground during construction required additional rock walls. We now need to extend this boulder wall in the tunnel wall of the play area to prevent washout and leave room for the play equipment. The first phase will be ordered in December for Spring, 1994 installation. Benefits of adding this wall: would eliminate the steep slopes; give handi-cap C access to the play area; create a hard surface so kids won't beat it down; and it will solve some unforeseen circulation problems with kids scrambling up and 2 Minutes - PRNR Commission Monday, November 15, 1993 down the steep slopes. For safety concerns the size of the boulders is limited to less than 30 inches. MOTION: Brown moved to approve the request for Boulder Walls at Miller Park Playground, seconded by Kracum. Motion passed unanimously, 5-0. D. Proposed Swimmin_g, Pool at Oak Point Intermediate School -Lambert provided background information to the Commission members. The only public pool serving Eden Prairie is located at the Community Center. The waiting list for swimming lessons continues to grow after each swimming session. Some EP citizens feel that all students should be required to pass a basic lesson program as part of the School District curriculum. The School Board appointed a committee to study swimming pool needs in the community and to make a recommendation on a pool that would be considered in the upcoming referendum. The committee has recommended the School District consider including a referendum question that would authorize financing the construction of a swimming pool complex at Oak Point Intermediate School. The restrictions of the site will allow for a six lane 25 yard pool with a diving well, as well as a smaller teaching pool that would include a 100 foot water slide. The City and School District have discussed a possible Joint Powers Agreement between the City and the School for the operation of this facility. The City would operate this as a satellite of the Community Center, providing the same discount for lessons. The City would be responsible for scheduling outside of the school day and the schools would schedule during the week days. Operating costs(loss)to the City/community are estimated at$30,000 to$50,000. The City would be responsible for approximately 66% of the Operating Cost and the School District would be responsible for the remaining 33%. DISCUSSION: - Kracum: does EP have aquatics in their school program? No. - Hilgeman: wasn't this area originally planned for a pool? Why didn't they allow for 8 lanes? - Popovich Lynch: the locker room looks meager. Some people feel it depends on how the pool will be used; with this limited space you can't do lots of lessons. Encourage the Foxjets to utilize this pool. Foxjets consists of 240+ members/kids and 6 paid coaches. We need a pool, the real question is what type of pool do we need? The pool issue will be on the upcoming School District C referendum. Parks will pay the operating cost and the School will pay the building costs. 3 Minutes — PRNR Commission Monday, November 15, 1993 - Brown: the schools want a continuing program for classroom training (5th & 6th graders) for the curriculum. At $8.50/hour/lane the Foxjets have prime time from 3:00-9:00 weekdays and weekends. The competitive swim team wants a maximum temperature of 80 degrees, which is too cold for lessons. This is a practice pool only - you can't schedule meets. Complaints that locker rooms are too small in Community Center, these are smaller. - Richard: has a concern that this is only a quick fix solution. - Bowman: regarding the locker room, if this passes we wont get a third pool in the City. Will this proposal meet our needs and will it be an adequate facility? The long term plan does call for a third recreational pool. - Hilgeman: rationale is so different. The issues are almost at odds between the City and the School District. Is it the school system's job to make sure that children in Minnesota are water safe --- or the parents? - Richard: this is not the issue. It has already been decided that the School District will have the proposed pool on the next referendum. What we need to { do is decide if we (PRNR) will support the referendum or not. - Bowman: should PRNR participate in running and operating this pool? Short term/long term: if we pass this will we ever get the pool we really need? - Kube-Harderwijk: what if the School District builds and the City says they don't want to operate? $20,000 is a great buy for the City. - Kracum: has concerns in four areas. 1) ventilation - check this out and make sure it is state of the art, 2) number of swimming lanes, 3) someone needs to address user responsibility in the locker rooms, and 4) safety concerns mixing various age groups with school age children. - Bowman: why 25 yards and not 25 meters? - Brown: Foxjets would utilize the pool 3:00-9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 3 hours on Saturday. This is a total of 33 hours per week. Also note that it is possible to run two classes at the same time. Hockey is the only group that pays their way, ball fields are free. - Richard: people tend to vote more favorably on a school referendum than on a Park/Recreation referendum. - Hilgeman: agrees with Pat Richard. Do we support this proposal, or not? - Kube-Harderwijk: t) in general we support the Joint Powers Agreement, 2) it meets immediate needs and 3) several concerns that long term this may not meet the needs of this community. - Hilgeman: she feels railroaded and is seeing red flags. She can't support this proposal as the best use of tax dollars. j - Kracum: he grew up in Edina. From a curriculum stand point, it is a great opportunity to include in the education system. - Richard: all 5th and 6th graders in Eden Prairie go through this school. It is a wonderful way to provide swimming instruction to all children, y 4 i i Minutes - PRNR Commission Monday, November 15, 1993 MOTION: Popovich Lynch moved that the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission (PRNR) support the school district's plan to build a swimming pool at Oak Point Intermediate School. We recognize that the pool will assist in relieving pressure on the Community Center pool during peak use time periods. We believe the plan will maximize the use of the pool and free up the Community Center pool for open swim and lessons. We realize that while the school pool will not afford the advantages of building an independent facility which would meet current and future needs of our community, we support this interim step. We encourage the School District and the City to review the small locker area and consider additional options to maximize locker space. The PRNC supports the concept of a Joint Powers Agreement between the School District and the City in which the City and the School split the subsidy costs based on the percent of use by each governmental agency. The PRNC and the City Council should review this proposed facility plan and estimated operating costs, and then meet with the School Board to discuss any final agreements necessary prior to the referendum. Kube-Harderwijk seconded the motion. Hilgeman had a resounding NO - what am I voting for? She wants to know if PRNR is supposed to accept and approve whatever the School District has put together? The following discussion was produced by Claire's questions. - Brown: Is this the best plan the school can come up with to serve the City's needs and Foxjet's needs for an aquatic system? - Lambert: he wasn't on the committee, so he wasn't privy to all information. This plan wasn't suppose to serve the recreational needs of the City. The first priority of this plan is to provide swimming for the curriculum, and yes, it does meet that. - Bowman: stated that he was disappointed that nobody was present at the meeting to represent the School District or to present this project to the PRNR. - Richard: we know we need another pool in Eden Prairie. This is a good time (referendum) and a good place to do this. - Bowman: we have to remember what the alternatives are. - Richard: it would be a much harder sell to attach the pool issue to Park & Recreation referendum than to a School District referendum. - Brown: what is left for the City to operate; we are supposed to operate 66 io? The Community Center operates at a $100,000 deficit, with pool costs of$50- 70,000. This proposal would cost the City $20,000 per year. - Hilgeman: to support this proposal you get support for the children of Eden Prairie. 5 Minutes - PRNR Commission Monday, November 15, 1993 The motion proposed by Popovich Lynch passed, 6-1-0. Brown opposed. E. Status of the Deer Study - Popovich Lynch provided an update. This project is moving toward completion and will produce a 35-40 page report. Their target is to conclude in January. They would like an aerial survey/study which would depend on a one foot snowfall. They have found the volume of information challenging. Each one of the chairs has taken a section and will write a summary. Diane would like to request assistance from the PRNR staff to get the draft out by November 29. Lambert agreed to provide assistance. Richard thanked Diane for all the work she and her group have done on this project. F. Joint Meeting- City Council and PRNR. Monday, December 13th at 7:000 nTm• - the Deer Study Meeting also at this time will have to be rescheduled. VII. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF A. Letter from Hennepin Parks Re: Bryant Lake Regional Park Resources - FYI. B. Brown voiced an interest regarding the investment we (City) made in the Community Center on pneumatic controls. The engineers work everyday, are they held reliable for the design and inspection? Lambert advised that whomever signs the contracts is responsible for the results. He also suggested to all members of the Board, if they have any questions or need further clarification of an agenda issue to please call Bob on Monday morning for details. VIII.TOUR OF CITY CENTER IX. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Bowman moved to adjourn the meeting. Brown seconded the motion. Motion passed 6-0. The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, / Kathy Hengel 1• Recording Secretary 1115Park 6