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1995
APRIL
3 17
MIN- UTES
CITY OF EDEN PRAIRIE
1
1�. AGENDA
EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
I '
MONDAY, APRIL 3, 1995 7:00 P. M. CITY CENTER
8080 MITCHELL ROAD
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
COMMISSION MEMBERS: Claire Hilgeman, Chair; Bruce Bowman, Richard Brown,
Don Jacobson, Vicki Koenig, David Kracum, Joanne
Kube-Harderwijk
STUDENT MEMBER: Mark Bremer, Brian Mustanski
COMMISSION STAFF: Robert A. Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and
Natural Resources; Stuart A. Fox, Manager of Parks and
Natural Resources; Laurie Helling, Manager of
Recreation Services
I. ROLI. CALL
II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - MARCH 10 1995
IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
A. None
V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
A. Central Middle School Athletic Field
VI. OLD BUSINESS
A. None
VII. NEW BUSINESS
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A. -ARpoint Representative to Senior Issues Tack Force
VIII. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF
A. Reports of Director of Parks_ Recreation and Facilities
1. City Manager's Update - March 24 1995
2. Letter from Dave Black Re: Girl's Hockey
IX. ADJOURNMENT
APPROVED MINUTES
EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS,RECREATION &NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
MONDAY,APRIL 3, 1995 7:00 P.M. CITY CENTER
8080 MITCHE_LL ROAD
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Claire Hilgeman, Chair;Richard Brown,
Don Jacobson,Vicki Koenig, David Kracum
COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Bruce Bowman and Joanne Kube-Harderwijk
COMMISSION STAFF: Robert A. Lambert,Director of Parks,
Recreation and Natural Resources;
Stuart A. Fox,Manager of Parks and Natural
Resources; Laurie Helling,Manager of
Recreation Services
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES: Mark Bremer,Brian Mustanski
I. ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair, Claire Hilgeman. Bruce
Bowman,Joanne Kube-Harderwijk, and Laurie Helling were absent.
II. APPROVAL. OF AGENDA
MOTION: Brown moved, seconded by Koenig, to approve the agenda as submitted.
Motion passed 5-0-0.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -MARCH 20, 1995
MOTION: Koenig moved to approve the Minutes of March 20, 1995 as corrected:
page 4 (paragraph 7) change Bowman to Brown, page 9 (paragraph 1) regarding
responsibilities of Commission - high density development is also a concern of
the Commission when it leads to the possibility of excess water runoff. Motion was
seconded by Jacobson. Motion passed 5-0-0.
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IV. PETITIONS REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
A. Nanc
Page 1
V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
A. Central Middle School Athletic Field
Staff familiarized Commission on development proposal occurring in an area
being developed by Highway 212 which is taking property currently used for bus
garages and other facilities. An agreement was made to trade some property with
NINDOT.
Bruce L. Chamberlain of Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. reviewed the proposal
for development of the northern side of CMS and answered questions by the
Commission.
Hoisington Koegler Group has been working with MNDOT to acquire a parcel of
property to be transferred this summer for use by the school district. The area
encompassing the site, referred to as the School Road neighborhood, consists of
residential homes which have been removed and cleared over the past year.
The school district will be constructing their athletic facilities in this area.
Existing facilities (minus the tennis courts) will be in place until the construction
of Hwy 212. The site will become well established before being used aggressively.
This summer grading and construction of the tennis courts will occur. Installation
of the track will not be done,however grading and seeding will be completed so that
it is prepared when the old track is removed from the site. Ball fields will also be
constructed this summer. The site includes 2 softball fields, 3 soccer fields,and 8
bank tennis courts. There is no lighting plan for the area at this time, however, a
conduit will be installed for future lighting.
From a grading and drainage standpoint, the site is divided in half. The tennis
courts and half of the track area will drain toward Wallace Road, the other half
will drain to the Hwy 212 right-of-way as an interim solution. Eventually
drainage will go to Gopher Pond.
Jacobson inquired about plans for tree removal and replacement. Chamberlain
stated that he was not sure what MNDOT's demolition plans were for the right-
of-way area because in will not be constructed for many years. There is a land-
scaping plan available for review with very dense vegetation around the site.
Kracum confirmed that MNDOT would pay for the trees removed. MNDOT and
the school district have worked out an agreement that takes care of all the
construction of the facilities.
IIilgeman requested clarification of the statement "this project does not meet the
normal scope in terms of reviewing for tree loss ..." Fox responded that because
Page 2
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this is a. regional roadway improvement, trees remaining are too large to move.
This project is difficult to look at in small segments. Sound barrier walls and
landscaping need to be considered when the project is further along. Timetable
could be 10-15 years out. Trees will remain if not included in construction
project.
Kracum inquired if anything needed to be voted on. Lambert said they would
like the Commission to support the site plan. He also commented that the timing
is good for this proposal. There will be a school enrollment increase during the
next 10-12 years. No existing facilities will be taken until the new facility is
ready (5+ years), These become City facilities during off school hours and will
be very valuable for use of scheduling tournaments and league groups.
Koenig asked if it is practical to light the softball fields. Lambert said that that is
not recommended for these fields since they will be used as both softball and
soccer fields depending on the time of year.
Jacobson expressed concern for public parking in the area. Chamberlain pointed
out that CMS has parking facilities (bus turnaround area). Also at the south end
of the school there is ample parking with walking paths.
MOTION: Brown moved, seconded by Kracum, that the Commission support
the recommendation of the staff for the CMS Athletic Field Site Plan. Motion
passed 5-0-0.
VI. OLD BUSINESS
A. None
VII. NEW BUSINESS
A. Appoint Representative to Senior Issues Task Force
MOTION: Koenig moved, seconded by Hilgeman, to nominate Richard
Brown as the Representative to the Senior Issues Task Force. Motion passed
5-0-0.
VIII. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF
A. Reports of Director of Parks. Recrenteon.and Facilities
1. Coly Manager's Update-March 24, 1995
Lambert raised a comment that was received from an anonymous observer
suggesting that at future meetings the Commission address the audience for
Page 3
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any questions they may have.
2• Ueiicr from Dave Blnek Re• Cir1'a ockev
rd
Lambert said that Eden Prairie will need to gure out how to could be built atdd thlor
sheet of ice in the community. A park shelter
Riley Park that could serve as an ice arena in the winter months. We
are about$300,000 away fiom feasibility of this. We already are short on ice
time. It would be nice if the Minnestoa High School League would split the
season for boys and girls to eliminate this problem for communities. They
split boys and girls tennis for that reason,indoor ice is even more scarce than
tennis courts and a lot more expensive to duplicate.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Jacobson moved, seconded by Hilgeman, to adjourn the meeting at
7:35 p.m. Motion passed 5-0-0.
Prepared by Lee Bell
I •.
Page 4
AGENDA
EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
MONDAY, APRIL 17, 1995 7:00 P. M. CITY CENTER
8080 MITCHELL ROAD
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
COMMISSION MEMBERS: Claire Hilgeman, Chair; Bruce Bowman, Richard Brown,
Don Jacobson, Vicki Koenig, David Kracum, Joanne
Kube-Harderwijk
STUDENT MEMBER: Mark Bremer, Brian Mustanski
COMMISSION STAFF: Robert A. Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and
Natural Resources; Stuart A. Fox, Manager of Parks and
Natural Resources; Laurie Helling, Manager of
Recreation Services
I. ROLL CALL
II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - APRIL 3, 1995
IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMtJNICATIONS
V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
A. Golden Triangle Park
B. Walnut Ridge
C. Hirshler Addition
VI. OLD BUSINESS
A. None
VII. NEW BUSINESS
A. Award Bids for Site Furniture at Miller Park
B. Award Bids for Bleachers at Miller Park
C. 4th of July Concessions
VIII. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF
A. ;Reports of Director of Parks. Recreation and Facilities
1. Swimming Pool Liability
o-
B. Reports of Manager of Parks and Natural Resource
• 1. coyote News Release
IX. ADJOURNMENT
i
APPROVED MINUTES
r EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION & NATURAL RESOURCES
MONDAY$ APRIL 17, 1995 7:00 P.M. CITY CENTER
8080 MITCHELL ROAD
COUNCIL CHAMBERS j
COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Cllaire Hilgeman, Chair; Bruce Bowman, Richard
Brown, Don Jacobson, Vicki Koenig, David
Kracum, Joanne Kube-Harderwijk
COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: All present
f
COMMISSION STAFF: Robert A. Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation
and Natural Resources; Stuart A. Fox, Manager of
Parks and Natural Resources; Laurie Helling,
Manager of Recreation Services
STUDENT MEMBERS: Mark Bremer, Brian Mustankski
I. ROLL CALI,
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair, Claire Hilgeman.
Kracum arrived at 7:20 p.m.
II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: Brown moved to approve the agenda as published. Koenig seconded
the motion and it passed
6-0-0.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - APRIL 3, 1995
MOTION: Hilgeman moved to approve the Minutes of April 3, 1995 as
amended: Hilgeman is spelled with an "a". Brown seconded the motion and it
passed 4-0-0 with abstentions by Bowman and Kube-Harderwijk.
IV. PETITION& REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
A. None.
V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
A. Golden Triangle Park
Staff referred the Commission to a memo dated April 12, 1995, from
Stuart A. Fox, Manager of Parks and Natural Resources, and a Staff
Report dated April 7, 1995, from Michael D. Franzen, City Planner.
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Evan Casey of CSM Investors reviewed his development proposal and
r_ answered questions by the Commission.
The proposal calls for the construction of 2 one story buildings, 153,000
square feet of office warehouse. They are seeking guidance from the City
with reference to the tree loss, vegetation and wetland delineation, and are
doing what the City has suggested. The total number of significant trees
on the entire property is 1,132 inches. Tree loss is calculated at 65% or
736 inches. Tree replacement would be 636 inches. They are trying to
create a buffer zone. The north side of the creek will be a gift to the
t
City.
Fox noted that this site is 26.8 acres in size. It's currently zoned rural
and guided for industrial development. It's one of the few remaining sites
in that north easterly quadrant that has not been developed.
The grading of this site would remove approximately 21 significant trees.
The total number of diameter inches of significant trees on the entire
property is 1,132 inches. Staff realizes that this represents a rather
significant amount of tree loss. If the Comprehensive Guide Plan guided
it for an alternative use, we would certainly be able to save additional
trees during development. The majority of the trees are lost in the front
knoll where the buildings are going to sit. Trees on the southwesterly
corner would remain. The primary reason for this high tree loss is that
when you build any commercial/industrial building there is a requirement
for quite a bit of hard surface parking.
Regarding landscaping, the plan is to plant about 1400 caliber inches of
trees on this site. The landscaping requirement based on the building and
the tree loss calls for planting approximately 1000 inches, and they have
added an additional 400 inches of trees. The primary reason for this is to
screen the site, not only from the front, but also from the rear. The back
would be natural screening and not be maintained.
I
There is a NURP pond on this site proposed to be built. It would be
privately maintained so the owners of the property would have
responsibility for that pond itself. There is a loss of some existing
wetland and this is mitigated at a 2:1 ratio on the south side of the most
easterly building.
The five foot wide sidewalks will continue along West 76th Street.
Casey noted that there is going to be a retaining wall 20 feet from the
parking and it will vary from four to eight feet of height. The dock
loading area is about 15 feet above the wetland.
Bowman expressed concern about the site lines from the creek. Casey
replied that the screening plan was recommended, that they didn't initiate
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it. They looked for guidance from the City, and the City felt this would
provide a nice natural buffer zone to the wetlands versus just a fence to
C screen the trucks.
Brown expressed concern about maintaining the NURP pond if there is
excess run-off. Lambert replied that the NURP pond's design is
engineered to meet standards, and would have to be approved by the
Watershed District. The ongoing maintenance of the NURP pond will be
the responsibility of the property owner.
Koenig inquired about the size of the outlot that is being dedicated to the
City. Fox replied that it's approximately 1/3 the size of the site at least,
maybe 10 acres.
Koenig expressed concern about the tree replacement not being
Cottonwoods. Hilgeman replied that it's undesirable because a lot of
people don't like the Cootonwoods. Fox noted that when the landscape
is so close together, Staff's recommendation is to go with something that
was more native in terms of what they would normally mix together.
These trees will establish the same thing because they will be 50 to 60 feet
at maturity, and the Cottonwoods are 75 feet.
Lambert asked if the trees on the southwest corner were used in the
f calculations of the percentage of tree loss. Casey replied that they were.
I Lambert commented that he has no problem with outlot ##2 being gift to
P S a g
the City, but if the developer used the trees on outlot ##2 as part of the tree
replacement calculations the City should require a scenic easement over
outlot ##2 to ensure that it's on the record and nobody is going to forget
about it.
Brown expressed concern about the retaining wall being effected by the
runoff. Fox replied that any retaining wall over four feet high has to be
certified by engineers regarding the construction, and drainage will be
diverted from the wall to the storm sewer system.
Koenig expressed concern about conifer versus deciduous trees on 78th
Street. Fox replied that due to the setback variance there isn't room for
berms and they need the conifers for year round screening, and they are
adding more than twice that's required.
Hilgeman commented that she understands why conifers are preferred, but
she would like to make up the motion to be that they keep the deciduous
trees for screening.
Lambert noted that it would be a major change for the City ordinance to
recommend screening from conifers to deciduous trees. You cannot
screen with deciduous trees. The purpose of the landscaping screening
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ordinance is to screen parking lots from views. This has been City policy
for 20 years. He recommends making a recommendation to the Planning
CCommission as a discussion item for the City Council if the Commission
is not concerned with screening parking lots.
Koenig asked if the extra tree replacement has anything to do with the
landscaping for commercial/industrial. Fox replied that part of it has to
do with the landscaping screening ordinance, but the majority of it is a
good faith gesture by the developer to make sure everything is covered.
Koenig commented that she agrees with Hilgeman, that she likes
deciduous trees and is happy to see Oaks go in there. However, she is
disappointed to see another hill being leveled and 65% tree loss.
MOTION: Brown moved to approve the proposal and add to the Staff
Report the recommendation of a scenic easement over outlot #/2. Jacobson
seconded the motion and it passed 6-0-0.
B. Walnut Ridge
Staff referred the Commission to a memo dated April 12, 1995, from
Stuart A. Fox, Manager of Parks and Natural Resources, and a Staff
Report dated April 7, 1995, from Michael D. Franzen, City Planner.
Rick Murray of Residential Development reviewed the proposal for
development and answered questions by the Commission.
He noted that this site is located on the Minnesota River Bluff by
Riverview Road. The property belongs to Ed and Lois Schlampp. The
site is 33.6 acres and they are proposing 22 homes including Mr.
Schlampp's property which is located at the top of the hill. The Staff
Report is very thorough and explains what they intend to do on this site
and the impact to both.
A point of interest not in the Staff Report is that this piece of property is
the last existing tree farm in Eden Prairie. Back in the 1960's, Mr.
Schlampp planted 70,000 trees on this site. There were 55,000 Norway
Maples and about 15,000 Black Walnuts and Soft Maples. The Black
Walnuts and Soft Maples are in the area down by the river which is
approximately a foot and a half higher than the central floodplain area.
There are approximately 30,000 evergreens and about 15,000 walnuts and
soft maples. Those trees are not included in the tree count. The tree loss
will be 20% of the trees, excluding those thousands of Evergreens.
The site was visited by their consultant and Mr. Sampson, the Watershed
District Engineer, to determine the best site for the NURP pond. The
neighborhood will be single family homes, and will be entirely association
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controlled. It will take care of all exterior maintenance with the exception
of painting.
C
The project will be served by public streets which will connect to
Riverview Heights to the west, and Riverview Drive to the north. A -
private drive will service the three units to the west, and a private drive
will service the area of homes through the apple orchard. The outlot is
75 feet wide along the river.
The land owner has asked for credit for some trees. He suggested that
instead of harvesting them, he would leave them in place. Assuming their
vitality meets the grade, how long they will grow and their vegetation is 1
adequate, they would like credit. This would be in excess of 6000 caliber
inches which could be harvested on this site.
Fox reviewed the Staff's recommendations with the Commission. He
noted that it's 145 feet of elevation difference between Riverview Road
and the floodplain, which is rather substantial. The density on this site is
about 1 1/2 units per acre, and compares very similar between the projects
to the east and the west. The tree loss calculation is about 20%, and
about half the trees are due to roadways, and about half the trees are due
to driveways and building pads.
A scenic conservancy easement is recommended to prevent people from
Ic cutting down trees in the future for a pool. This has been the trend from
the two adjacent projects, and they would like it to continue on to this
one. The NURP pond is constructed to the proper standards. Staff is
requesting that an easement be placed over the private trail so that City
vehicles can get down and access the NURP pond and monitor it. That's
the reason for the trail to be 10 feet wide. i
Staff has made the request that the 75 foot wide portion along the
Minnesota River be dedicated as an outlot. This way there would be
room for a future trail if and when the Minnesota Valley project went
forward.
Laura Blume, 10450 Riverview Road, stated that they own river bluff
property, and expressed concern about the tree loss. She asked where
they expect the trees to be taken down from, and if there is something in
the plans that say the other trees will remain.
Murray showed on the map the locations of the trees that were coming I
down. Fox noted that a majority of the trees that will remain are in the
front yard of Mr. Schlampp's house, and he doesn't believe that Mr.
Schlampp has any intention of taking those trees down. Murray
commented that Mr. Schlampp's driveway will be rerouted and there will
( be two or three trees removed.
5
Blume asked if there was any way to prevent someone from taking the
trees down that are exempt in the floodplain area. Fox replied that the
_ lower floodplain would be over the City conservation area, and they
wouldn't be going in and harvesting any trees.
Blume expressed concern about the views that people will have from the
homes, and preserving the wildlife habitat. She is also concerned about
access to the area where people would be coming on to her property.
Brown expressed concern about allowing a credit for the trees. He knows
it's a tree farm and will probably need to be harvested in part so the
remaining trees can grow. `
Murray agreed that probably half of the Norway Pine trees will be
harvested or taken out. The remaining trees, however, that would not be
harvested, make a very significant stand of trees.
Fox noted that the calculation for tree loss is 639 inches that they would
be asking to replace.
Murray stated that in addition to that, they are asking that the Staff, with
permission, recognize that there are a significant amount of trees, about
6000 plus caliber inches, that are being left there. They want the
Commission to weigh the remaining trees and give a credit for what they
are not harvesting.
Kracum commented that the trees are also left to enhance the value of the
property.
Lambert said that in the project before this one, they gave credit for trees
that are on a parcel of land on a steep slope that you can't build on. The
trees not considered on this project are the cropped trees. It is only fair
to give him credit for his "crop."
Bowman commented that he disagrees with the way they calculate tree
loss. He doesn't understand why the City should consider these trees that
can't be removed anyway because of development, plus they are in a
floodplain area.
Fox noted that Staff needs to evaluate the trees before they decide whether
it's total credit or half credit. He said that these trees are there and will
remain after construction.
Koenig briefly described her visit to the site with Mr. Schlampp. She
I
noted that Mr. Schlampp said that this was actually a timber farm, and he
could clear cut those trees if he chose to do so. He didn't want to do that
because he wants to leave as many trees as possible. He also told her that
tree farms were in the tree ordinance.
6
Fox noted that tree farms are exempted in the tree ordinance because these
trees are being raised for the specific purpose of harvesting them. If he
chose to cut them all down, he could do that.
Hilgeman expressed concern about page 5 of the Staff Report, because
things are not always done the way they should be. Fox replied that
what's shown on the house pad is what Staff feels is a true representation
of what the market value of this house will be.
Koenig asked if the association will govern the conservancy easement.
Murray replied that the association will be responsible for the site, for the
easment and the conservancy easement.
Murray gave a brief history on the skeletons that were found on the site.
Hilgeman noted that she is comfortable with the recommendation of the
credit written in the report, and the Staff's recommendations. The other
Commissioners concurred.
MOTION: Hilgeman moved to approve the Walnut Ridge development
as per Staff recommendations of the Staff Report dated April 7, 1995, and
the credit to be requested is subject to Staff's inspection of Walnut Ridge.
Brown seconded the motion and it passed 7-0-0.
C. Hirshler Addition
Staff referred the Commission to a memo dated April 12, 1995, from
Stuart A. Fox, Manager of Parks and Natural Resources, and a Staff
Report dated April 7, 1995, from Scott A. Kipp, City Planner.
Ned Hirschler, owner, reviewed his proposal of development with the
Commission. This site is an outlot located in the King's Forest Addition.
He plans to build a residential single family home on this site. Everything
to the right of the scenic easement they intend to not touch, other than
clean up some of the construction debri that's been stacked there for
years. He needs special permission to remove everything, as long as it's
just to clean up. The existing fencing will remain and they are planning
to add fencing in the backyard that will match the look of the other fence.
Fox reviewed Staff's recommendations with the Commission. He noted
that this particular parcel of property was originally platted as an oudot.
At the time it came in with Lavonne Industrial Park, there were a number
of options. The primary concerns were in terms of the turn-around in
terms of snow removal. The size of the turn-around is large enough so
City vehicles can go in there. Staff's recommendation is that this is better
than bringing in a cul-de-sac.
,
Koenig thanked Mr. Hirschler for his sensitivity to the trees and the
natural area, and the Commission appreciates that.
MOTION: Kracum moved to approve the Hirschler Addition as per Staff
Report of April 7, 1995. Koenig seconded the motion and it passed 7-0-0.
VI. OLD BUSINESS
A. NQNE•
VII. NEW BUSINESS
A. Award Bids for Site Furniture at Miller Park
Staff referred the Commission to a memo dated April 18, 1995, from
Barbara Penning Cross, Parks Planner, Parks, Recreation and Facilities
Management.
r
Lambert noted that three bids have been received for City furniture which
includes trash receptables, benches and tables. This is still part of the
referendum funding project. Staff is recommending Value Recreation
Incorporated in the amount of$29,734.88.
Hilgeman suggested the Senior Center make the furniture at their new
Cwood place. Lambert replied that this furniture is not wood, but metal
with rubberized coating on the outside.
Bowman asked how much money was allocated for this furniture in the
original referendum, if they are close to the original budget estimation.
Lambert replied that they are within a few thousand dollars.
Jacobson inquired about why they are purchasing furniture this year when
Miller Park will not be open. Lambert replied that it will be open June
1 st for limited areas. The baseball and softball fields, and the picnic area
will not be opened until this Fall. Fox noted that it was to their advantage
to purchase all the furniture at one time and get the best deal.
MOTION: Hilgeman moved to award the bid for the City furniture at
Miller Park to Value Recreation Incorporated, so named, as per Staff
recommendation of April 18, 1995. Koenig seconded the motion and it
passed 7-0-0.
B. Award Bids for Bleachers at Miller Park
Staff referred the Commission to a memo dated April 18, 1995, from
Barbara Penning Cross, Parks Planner, Parks, Recreation and Facilities
Management.
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Lambert noted that there are two bids for bleachers, one from Miracle
Recreation of Minnesota, Inc; and one from Value Recreation, Inc.
Miracle Recreation of Minnesota, Inc. was the low bidder by a significant
amount. Staff recommends approval of Miracle Recreation of Minnesota,
Inc. for $30,764.41.
Jacobson asked why there were only two bidders. Lambert replied that
the City decided to go with the black and blue expanded metal bleachers,
and these were the only two companies that can provide that.
Bowman inquired about the warranty and the life expectancy. Fox replied
that the City has both types of bleachers in the system that are over 20
years old and are still functioning.
MOTION: Jacobson moved to accept Staff's recommendation of April
18, 1995 to accept the lower bidder for bleachers at Miller Park.
Hilgeman seconded the motion and it passed 7-0-0.
C. 4th of July Concessions
Staff referred the Commission to a report dated April 18, 1995, from Tria
Vikesland, Parks, Recreation and Facilities.
Lambert noted that to improve the 4th of July special event, Staff is
requesting moving the vendors off the grassy area to the 60' by 180'
parking lot facing the beach. They are also requesting that the vendors
bring in a generator supplied by a private contractor to distribute
electricity and charge each concession operator for the amount of
electricity used. The tents will have to be free standing or weighted with
cement blocks, because you can not put stakes into the asphalt. The City
has never had enough electricity and there are vendors who would have
to bring their own generators.
Hilgeman noted that she is a vendor with her Boy Scout Troop, and this
will add to their costs and take away from their profit. She is concerned
that certain groups will find it no longer feasible to have concessions, and
this is not fair.
MOTION: Kube-Harderwijk moved to move the vendors for the 4th of
July celebration to grassy area, and approve generators supplied by a
private contractor as per the report of April 18, 1995. Hilgeman seconded
the motion and it passed 7-0-0.
VIII. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF
A. Reports of Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities
9
1. Swimming Pool Liability
CStaff referred the Commission to a memo dated April 11, 1995,
from Bob Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities.
Lambert noted that as a result of a drowning in the YMCA, is was
brought to Staff's attention that when the City leases or rents a
pool to the Foxjets and to the high school swimming team, there
is no lifeguard working for the City of Eden Prairie. People could
walk in during practice and parents come in with young children.
The instructors in the pool are just focused on teaching their kids
that are in the Foxjet program. They are not guarding the pool.
The question here is whether or not the City should provide a
lifguard during that time, just for the City's own liability concern.
Staff spoke with the Foxjets and the high school. The high school
was willing to pay, but didn't think it was necessary. The Foxjets
are not willing to pay.
After speaking with the City attorney, his opinion is that a sign be `y
put up stating that there is no lifeguard on duty for the parents and ;
spectators entering the pool. He said the City would pretty well
be covered as far as liability.
Hilgeman commented that she feels the sign is sufficient.
Bowman noted that it's a legal issue and they've got a legal
opinion. That should be adequate.
Brown asked what a lifeguard costs. Lambert replied $ 8.00 or $
9.00 an hour, and the Foxjets are there about 15 to 18 hours a
week minimum.
Brown noted that just because a sign is up, it won't relieve anyone
from liability. If something happens, they will sue.
Lambert noted that they charge $35.00 an hour for the pool, and
a lifeguard would increase that fee by $ 9.00 an hour. They have
already asked for a cutback to a fee closer to $20.00 an hour.
Brown asked if there is any liability coverage on the parks.
Lambert replied that the City itself is insured.
B. Reports of Manager of Parks and Nahiral Resourm
Lambert noted that this is an FYI.
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IX. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Kube-Harderwijk moved to adjourn. Hilgeman seconded the motion
and it passed 7-0-0. The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Elinda Baliley,
Recording Secretary
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