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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks and Recreation - 08/15/1994 to i z._,i q�:.0" 1994 't AUGUST 15 K MIN- UTES CITY OF EDEN PRAIRIE �t AGENDA C EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 1994 7:00 P. M. CITY CENTER 8080 MITCHELL ROAD COUNCIL CHAMBERS COMMISSION MEMBERS: Diane Popovich Lynch, Chair; Bruce Bowman, Richard Brown, Claire Hilgeman, Vicki Koenig, David Kracum, Joanne Kube-Harderwijk 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 - SPECIAL MEETING JUNE 21 & JULY 18, 1994 IV. PETITIONS. REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS A. &Quest to Eliminate Recreation Program Transfer Fees B. Rgquest from Southwest Trails System to Designate a Snowmobile Trail on the Hennepin Parks Regional Trail Within Eden Prairie C. R!.-,quest for Bonfire at Round Lake Park V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS A. Lakeside VI. OLD BUSINESS A. 1995 Capital Outlay for Park Maintenance Division (gon't from July 18. 1994) VII. NEW BUSINESS A. Recommendation to Acquire Lakeshore Prouty on Duck Lake B. Rctuest for Additional Services from RCM RE: Riley Lake Park Development VIII. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF A. None IX. ADJOURNMENT VII. NEW BUSINESS A. Review 1995 Capital Improvement Budget for Park Maintenance VIII. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF A. Reports of Director of Parks Recreation & Natural Resoung� 1. Update on Park Acquisition 2. Memo from Roger Pauly. Oily Attorney. RE: U.S. Supreme-Court Derision in Dolan vs Tigard 3. Security at Bearnath Memo from Jim Clark. Chief of Police 4. Condemnation Award of Commissioners for Philip R. Hill Property. - Riley Lake Park 5. Open Meeting Law B. Reports of Community Center Manager 1. Request Authorisation to Install Public Courtesy Phone at Community Center IX. ADJOURNMENT parkag/Bob60 1 C, I. : s APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION Monday, August 15, 1994 7:00 p.m., Eden Prairie Center COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Diane Popovich Lynch, Chair; Richard Brown, Claire Hilgeman, Vicki Koenig, David Kracum, Joanne Kube-Harderwijk COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Bruce Bowman 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 STUDENT MEMBERS: Mark Bremer I. ROLL CALL i The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair, Diane Popovich Lynch. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda was approved as printed. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - JUNE 21 & JULY 18, 199 MOTION: Koenig moved to approve the minutes of July 18, 1994, as printed. Brown seconded the motion and it passed 6-0. MOTION: Kube-Harderwijk moved to approve the minutes of June 21, 1994, as printed. Hilgeman seconded the motion and it passed 6-0. IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS A. west to Eliminate Recreation Program Transfer Fee Staff referred the Commission to the memo dated August 10, 1992, from Laurie Helling, Manager of Recreation Services, and a letter dated July 25, 1994 from Dipak J. Shah, 18940 Pennington Avenue. i Parks, Recreation, & 2 August 15, 1994 Natural Resources Commission I Shah had requested a change in the transfer policy and in the cancellation policy for City Programs. Mr. Shah's reason for the request was to eliminate these fees because of the extremely early advance registration requirements for the programs. Helling recommended a change in the transfer policy which would basically eliminate the $ 2.00 transfer fee. The City could then provide transferring between programs as a service to the customers. Helling said the second recommendation was to provide a full and complete refund to registrants, if they cancelled at least seven (7) days prior to the start date of the program. If a registrant cancelled less than seven (7) days prior to the start of the program, there would be a $ 3.00 cancellation fee, with the remainder of the fee credited to another program, or reimbursed to the registrant. Helling referred to a survey of 90 city recreation departments conducted in the Fall of 1992, noting that Staff's recommendation was based on these findings. Brown stated that the 1993 and 1994 cancellations and transfers seemed to have dropped substantially. Helling said that was just a year to date figure and that transfers have actually increased, as had cancellations. Helling said there would be some administrative impact, but that Staff was willing to try this for a year and see what the actual impacts would be. MOTION: Brown moved to recommend and accept the changes of transfer policy and cancellation policy recommended by Staff. Koenig seconded the motion and it passed 6-0. B. Request from Southwest Trails System to Designate A Snowmobile Trail on the Hennepin Parks Regional Trail Within Eden Prairie Staff referred the Commission to the memo dated August 2, 1994, from Bob Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources, and the letter dated July 27, 1994, from Leroy Biteler, past President of Chanhassen Snowmobilers and member of Southwest Trails. Lambert said that the Snowmobilers were trying to develop a trail connection for the Southwest Trails System. It would enter Eden Prairie from the northwest on Lake Riley, heading southeast to the lakeshore adjacent to the t Hennepin Light Rail Authority right-of--way, just southwest of the old Riley Parks, Recreation, & 3 August 15, 1994 C' Natural Resources Commission Lake Road railroad crossing. From that point the trail would follow the light rail corridor southwest into Chanhassen. Staff was recommending denial of the request because of the inability to control snowmobiles in Eden Prairie. Staff had also found that snowmobiling occurred randomly throughout the park with or without having monitoring. Without supervision, Staff believed that Riley Lake Park would become a trail head and snowmobiles would not stay on the light rail corridor from Riley Lake Park southwest to Chanhassen. The Staff also believes it would be very difficult to keep snowmobiles from proceeding northeast on the light rail corridor if they were allowed to follow the corridor into Eden Prairie as far as Riley Lake Park. Another concern was that this trail did not provide an alternative route around Lake Riley for situations of early snowfall, before it is safe to snowmobile on the lake. The Staff believed that the proposed trail would simply encourage snowmobiles to proceed north on Lake Riley Boulevard around the east side of Lake Riley on Riley Lake Road during those times of the year. Staff also expressed concern about mixing snowmobiles with pedestrians or cross country skiers on any trail system. Staff believed there would be a Ic problem keeping snowmobiles off this trail through Eden Prairie, with or without a portion of the trail designated for snowmobiles. Staff recommended forwarding their concerns regarding the proposed trail alignment to the Southwest Trail System, the City of Chanhassen and Hennepin Parks. I LeroyBiteler,, past President of Chanhassen Snowmobilers, stated that they would like the opportunity to use the abandoned railroad from Eden Prairie at Lake Riley, through Chanhassen, to Chaska as a snowmobile trail during the winter months. He said they would monitor the trail with their own patrol and post visual signs for speed limits and enforce fines for exceeding the speed limit. He said he spoke with many of the landowners in the area of these proposed trails and they had no objections. He was asking for approval on this proposal and suggested trying it out for one year to see how it goes. Richard Brown stated he was concerned with the noise this would create for homeowners and about the snowmobilers riding where trails were not marked, causing damage to the roads. Kracum asked whether the drivers would need licenses. Biteler replied they must all take a test and receive a valid license. Parkas, Recreation, & 4 August 15, 1994 Natural Resources Commission Hilgeman stated that instead of punishing the people that want to snowmobile by denying them this request, perhaps heavy penalties could be implemented I for those who did not obey the rules. Koenig asked what the rules were for children snowmobiling, if there were any age restrictions. Biteler stated that children cannot actually drive a snowmobile without their parents unless they are .13 years of age. Hilgeman stated that she supported this proposal but would like the one year trial period to be put in the motion. Brown stated that he hesitated to open up any trail for snowmobiling in this area because of the crowds, the park development, and the complaints that he believed the City would be receiving. He was also concerned about all the _ money being spent on Lake Riley Park and how this would effect it the park's improvements. He felt that, maybe in a year or two, but not at the present time, it may be possible to reconsider the request. However, he believed the park was too sensitive of an area at this time. Ic Kube-Harderwijk stated that she would like to see Staff pursue options to accommodate snowmobilers in Eden Prairie. MOTION: Moved by Lyncli, seconded by Koenig to deny the request for using snowmobiles on the Lake Riley trail. Motion passed 4-1, 1 abstention. C. Request for lRonfire at Round Lake Park Staff referred the Commission to the memo dated August 9, 1994, from Bob Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources and the letter dated August 7, 1994, from Barb Wutz, Eden Prairie High School, Chairperson for the Eden Prairie High School PTO Parent/Staff party. Lambert stated that Barb Wutz was requesting authorization for a bonfire at Round Lake Park on the beach from 8:00 P.M. until 12:30 A.M. after the football game on the night of either September 23rd or October 14th. He said they had a request last year for a bonfire and it was granted as a one time trial situation just to see how it would work. The party was very well organized, carefully supervised, and conducted without any problems. While Staff supported idea of the request, they were reluctant to send a i message to the community that Round Lake Park was now open for requests for bonfires. Staff recommended the Council adopt a policy limiting the type Parks, Recreation, & 5 August 15, 1994 Natural Resources Commission of requests and a set of conditions under which those requests would be approved. It was also recommended that a permit fee of$75.00 be part of the conditions. It was noted that this fee would not come close to covering the cost of Park Staff coming the next day. Staff recommended approval of the request according to the recommendations stated in the memo. Barb Wutz, 7540 Minstrel Drive, stated that the goal of the Parent/Staff party was to provide a social environment within the community of Eden Prairie for parents and staff of the Eden Prairie High School to gather and become acquainted with one another. She said they were investigating the possibility of having an Eden Prairie service organization provide beer and wine during the event. They were also planning on hiring a DJ with music, and would be serving chili, hot cider and coffee. She stated that they understood a request to have a bonfire was an exception and thanked the Commission in advance for their consideration for their request. Hilgeman stated she supported the idea and recommended a policy on the fine permit because it was not something they wanted to see happen after every football game; but, once a year was okay. ; J Brown asked what the City policy was on liquor around the lake. Lambert replied that drinking beer and wine was allowed in the park, but that the sale of either required a liquor license. Wutz stated they were going to have a cash bar. Brown expressed concern about the deterioration of the park as a result of the bonfire. MOTION: Hilgeman moved to approve the request to have a bonfire at the park as per the memorandum of August 9, 1994. Kube-Harderwijk seconded the motion and it passed 3-3, with Brown abstaining. V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS A. Lakeside Staff referred the Commission to a memo dated August 10, 1994, from Barbara Penning Cross, Landscape Architect, staff report dated July 22, 1994, from Michael Franzen, Senior Planner. Cross stated this was a proposal for 16 single family lots on 11.4 acres on the southeast corner of Duck Lake Road and Duck Lake Trail. I. Parks, Recreation, & 6 August 15, 1994 Natural Resources Commission Don Peterson, representing the Rogers' Estate, reviewed his request using visual aids. He stated that Lillian Rogers passed away last January and the estate was trying to sell the property. He said they have agreed to purchase the property if the request was approved. He said they had presented this to the Planning Commission and received recommendation for approval. He stated there were some requests for variances which were outlined in the staff report. He said they had been to the Board of Appeals. Hilgeman asked if the large trees along Duck Lake Road going towards the school were going to be transplanted. Peterson replied that they were not certain which trees were going to be transplanted. He said there were a lot of transplantable size trees on the property. Hilgeman asked how many residents from proposed Lots #4 and #5 were going to access their lots. Peterson showed where the driveways would be located. I Hilgeman asked if the driveways off the cul-de-sac would be very large. Peterson replied that they would be. Brown asked if Lots #7 thru #16 would require any variances. Peterson replied they would not. Brown asked if this had been the first plan submitted for approval. Peterson replied that it has been revised. He said the originally started out with 18 lots and with Staff's recommendation they eliminated two (2) lots. Brown asked if the variance requested for cutting down some trees would improve the views of the lake. Peterson replied that it would. Brown expressed concern about the pond across the street being effected by run off or water displacement. Kracum asked if the City had a policy addressing the grass clippings on the easement area. Cross replied that the policy allowed for no yard waste in the easement. Hilgeman asked if the project was designed to be built to NURP standards, and, if so whether it meant a NURP pond was required. Cross replied it does ( mean a NURP pond. Peterson pointed it out on the map. r Parks, Recreation, & 7 August 15, 1994 ` Natural Resources Commission John Dawson, 17201 Duck Lake Trail, expressed concern about the run off of water damaging his house. He was also concerned about the traffic conditions because that road was so narrow. He suggested putting a dock there for kids to fish, instead of having the kids fish along the lake, which was very dangerous. Kurt Schendel, 17200 Duck Lake Trail, expressed concern about the lack of a public access and that this would be a good opportunity to provide one. Hilgeman expressed concern about there being no turn around for the houses coming out of Duck Lake Road. She said it was a very busy road and was concerned about the safety of children. Lynch expressed concern regarding the missing sidewalk segment leading to the school. Brown stated there was no room for a sidewalk on the pond side of the road. He said it was going to have to be through the development somehow. Cross stated there was no room on either side if the developer used his plan. Lynch asked about the issue of flooding was. Cross replied that the City Engineer said he had not received any complaints from that particular area. She advised anyone who had a draining problem to contact Al Gray. Kurt Schendel expressed concern about the aesthetics of the homes and about preserving the nesting habitat. Kracum asked if there would be one or more builders on this project. Peterson replied they would have two (2) or three (3) builders. John Dawson stated that his wife did day care and was concerned about the traffic and congestion resulting from parents turning around in his driveway to pick up their children. Mike Flynn, 16980 Duck Lake Trail, expressed concern about the water situation. He had spoken with other neighbors and they have had flooding problems. Brown suggested the four neighbors contact the City Engineer and have him come out and visit with them at their homes. r - g August 15, 1994 Parks, Recreation, & C Natural Resources Commission Brown expressed concern about the traffic conditions and would like Mr. i Peterson to come up with a sidewalk plan in that development. MOTION: Hilgeman moved to approve the Lakeside Development as per Staff's recommendations of August 10, 1994, with the added recommendations that the traffic concerns be addressed with residents and that residents be informed about water run off. Kube-Harderwijk seconded the motion and it passed 5-1-0, with Koenig voting no. V. OLD BU E. A. 1995 Capital outlay for Park 1`.dutenance Division (cont't�rq�t July 18 1994) Lambert asked if there were any questions about those capital improvements for next year's budget. There were no questions. VI. NEW BUSIN_E SS } A. Recom end o Acquire ;`Akechnre Progg y on Duck Lake The Commission was referred to the memo dated August 2, 1994, from Bob Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources. Lambert referred to the map attached to the memo which depicted a sliver of lakeshore property on the north shore of Duck Lake. He said this parcel of land was a remnant owned by Helen Karasek of Jacksonville, Arkansas. When she sold the land on the north side of Duck Lake Trail, she had decided to keep this remnant for sentimental reasons. Staff had contacted Ms. Karasek to determine if she was interested in selling that parcel of land to the City. She indicated that she would be interested in selling the property and agreed to a price of $5,000.00. Staff recommended consideration of the acquisition of the 470 feet of lakeshore adjacent to Duck Lake Trail in order to provide a safer access to the lake for canoeists and people that simply want to fish from the shoreline. Residents from the Duck Lake area have asked the City to aerate Duck Lake to help sustain the fish population. Staff suggested that the City Attorney be asked to draft a Purchase Agreement in the amount of$5,000 for the acquisition of the 470 feet of lakeshore property described in this memorandum, and to proceed with acquisition of that parcel for public recreation purposes. Parks, Recreation, & 9 August 15, 1994 CNatural Resources Commission MOTION: Hilgeman moved to approve the purchase of 470 feet of lakeshore property on Duck Lake as per memorandum of August 2, 1994. Kube-Harderwijk seconded the motion and it passed 6-0. Koenig said she would like to see City Staff do something to preserve the "reading rock" for Ms. Karasek and send her a letter in return for buying her property. B. Request for Additional Services from RCM RE: Riley Lake Park Development Staff referred the Commission to a letter dated August 5, 1994, from Mark C. Anderson of Rieke Carroll Muller Associates, Inc., and to the invoice dated August 8, 1994, from Rieke Carroll Muller Associates, Inc. Cross stated that this was to continue the first request for change order. This request was for a time extension on the Riley Lake Contract with S.M. Hentges doing the construction. MOTION: Brown moved to approve the addition of the expenditure for RCM. Hilgeman seconded the motion and it passed 6-0-0. J VII.REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF 1 None. IX. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 P.M. i :i Respectfully submitted, ] i Elinda Bahley Recording Secretary