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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks and Recreation - 11/20/1995 r 1995 t s N"OVEMBER 6 20 ;1 MINUTES CITY OF EDEN PRA1EIXI .1ti AGENDA EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION 8 NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 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, Emily Hanka COMMISSION STAFF: Robert A. Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities; Stuart A. Fox, Manager of Parks and Natural Resources; Laurie Helling, Manager of Recreation Services I. ROLL CALL A. Introduction of New Student Member Emily Hanka II, APPROVAL OF AGENDA III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - OCTOBER 2 1995 IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS A. Reguest from James R Bayer Tournament Director to Grant a Variance to Lights Out Policy at Miller Park and Round Lake Park August 7-11 1996 B. Petition from Lecy Construction to Move Scenic Easement Tine on Lot 6 Block 1 Bluffs West 11 th C. Hennepin Parks Request to Remove Deer at Bryant rake Park D. RgQuest for Pool Use from Foxjet Swim Club V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS i A. Glen Lake Golf and Practice Center by Hennepin County B. Eden Hills Condomini ims y Brenwcod DeveDevelopment Corooradon VI. OLD BUSINESS A. Fees Policy (con't from October 2 1995) B. Opt on No, 1 Klein/Peterson Prop,grt,y • 1 0£��xnrli`rLa'.. 1`w�i.: Ya :,I;;._!n.�t.�_.,�. �.��S..r.. t-r�c•�ttNs.�a•....v.. m y+. 4 C.. Revised Entry to Purgatory Creek Recreation Area VII. NEW BUSINESS A. Fees for Shelter Reservation During, Winter Months VIII. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF A. News Article from Manaver of Parks and Natural Resources (FBI) IX. ADJOURNMENT PorkAg/Bob i ;j �s } APPROVED MINUTES PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1995 7:00 P.M., CITY CENTER Council Chambers 8080 Mitchell Road COMMISSIONERS MEMBERS: Clair Hilgeman, Chair; Bruce Bowman, Richard Brown, Don Jacobson, Vicki Koenig, David Kracum, Joanne Kube-Harderwikk STUDENT MEMBERS: Mark Bremer, Emily Hanka COMMISSION STAFF: Robert A. Lambert, Director of Parks, .., ^'. Recreation and Facilities, Stuart A. Fox, Manager of Parks and Natural Resources,Laurie Helling, Manager of Recreation Services and Barbara Anderson, City Recorder I. ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair Hilgeman. Commissioner Kube- Harderwijk was excused. A. Introduction of New Student Member Emily Hanka I Hilgeman welcomed Emily Hanka to the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission. H. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Hilgeman moved, seconded by Koenig, to approve the agenda as published. Motion carried unanimously. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - OCTOBER 2, 1995 MOTION: Koenig moved, seconded by Bowman, to approve the Minutes of the October 2, 1995 Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources Commission as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. i EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION November 6, 1995 C Page 2 IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS A. Request from James R. Bayer, Tournament Director to Grant a Variance to Lights Out Policy at Miller Park and Round Lake Park August 7-11, 1296 Robert Lambert reviewed the October 30, 1995 staff report and noted that staff recommended approval of the variance request to keep the lights on until 10:30 p.m. James Bayer, Tournament Director, indicated he was in agreement with the 10:30 p.m. time limit for the lights to remain on, as recommended by staff. Bowman inquired why the games could not be scheduled so they were completed by 9:30 p.m. Bayer responded they hope to be done by then but there is always the possibility that the games could run later. They are requesting the 10:30 p.m. time limit as a cushion to allow the participants and spectators time to leave the ! fields after the games have concluded for the evening, rather than have the lights go out immediately at the conclusion of the games and people find their way to their cars in the darkness. He noted this is a national tournament for 18 and under players, and they do anticipate that some games may run longer than 10:00 p.m. They have stipulated that they will not begin a new inning after the 10:00 p.m, time limit. Bowman commented he would like to see that the tournament run in such a manner so that the games are finished by 10:00 p.m. Hilgeman inquired if the residents were being involved in the tournament plans, and Bayer responded affirmatively, noting they will send letters inviting adjacent residents to attend the games. Staff commented that residents adjacent to Miller Park and on the south side of Round Lake Park had been notified of the proposed time change, and only two calls had been received One of the callers was in support of the tournament, but was concerned that the time change did not set a precedent, and the other caller was present at the meeting to voice her concerns. Cheryl Cotter, Bay Road, was concerned about having the games stay contained within the 10:00 p.m. time frame and asked if the Commission would consider moving up the time cushion period from 9:30-10:00 p.m. Brown inquired what would happen in the event a game was tied, the time was 10:00 p.m. and they could not start another inning. Bayer responded that they would undoubtedly have some disgruntled people, but would reschedule the game for the following day. His intent was to attempt to avoid this situation occurring if at all possible. He commented that if it appeared that games were running behind schedule, they had the opportunity to move games to the next day to avoid the problem of games running over the time frames. Brown inquired why the tournament was not scheduled to begin earlier in the day, and Bayer responded EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION November 6, 1995 Page 3 that while there was no ASA regulation requiring a particular starting time, coaches and teams usually practiced before the games, and were counting on having that time to warm up beforehand. l:f the games were scheduled earlier, it would encroach into that time, and he did not believe that the coaches and players would be too pleased with that. Jacobson inquired why the last game could not be started at 7:00 p.m, instead of 7:45 p.m. Bayer responded that they are changing the time frames for the games so that the final game will begin by 7:45 p.m. He explained that earlier times would require them to use more fields to play the tournament, which would require more expenses and maintenance, and it would become more intensive than proposed. Potter inquired why they did not just use more fields and finish the games sooner, and Bayer responded that this would incur additional costs for umpires and grooming of the playing fields, which would raise the costs of the tournament. Brown inquired if it would be possible to leave the lights on for a half hour after the last game ended so patrons would not have to leave the fields in the dark, and Bayer responded that was their intent in requesting the variance. Hilgeman commented that the lights would go out at 10:30 p.m. regardless of what time the game ended. Lambert commented that if the games end at 10:00 p.m. they will not shut the lights off immediately, but will allow the people to reach their cars before the lights are turned off. Fox suggested that perhaps it would be possible to turn off all the lights but one pole, to leave sufficient illumination until people have left the park. Kracum noted that this was during a time when school was not in session and lie appreciated the concerns of the neighborhoods. Potter commented that the residents had concerns regarding traffic and parking and how this was going to be handled. Lambert commented that County Road 4 could be under construction at that time, but that would have to be dealt with if that occurred. MOTION: Hilgeman moved, Koenig seconded, to recommend that the Council authorize extending the time lights could be turned off to 10:30 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. B. Petition from Lecy Construction to Move Scenic Easement Line on Lot 6 Block 1. Bluffs West 11th Mark Lecy, representing Lecy Construction reviewed their proposal and illustrated the proposed intrusion for the house into the drainage and conservation easement, and outlined the vacation of the easement they have requested. This area will allow the homeowner adequate area to move around the point intrusion into the easement, and will allow room for a yard area as well. EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION November 6, 1995 Page 4 Fox reviewed the staff report and noted staff recommended the easement be amended to allow for the construction of the proposed home. There were some issues the Commission needed to consider; one, the footprint of the house was customized to fit onto the lot in the least intrusive manner possible and preserve as many of the existing trees as possible. He noted that the majority of the understory trees would remain untouched. There was also the possibility of sliding the house sideways to bring it closer to the lot line, but that would require a variance from the Board of Adjustments and Appeals. Hilgeman inquired why the triangular-shaped piece of the easement located at the bottom of the lot was included in the vacation. Lecy responded that this would be used as yard space by the homeowner, since it was a flat, grassy area which would provide some activity area, and there was no mowing allowed within a conservation easement. Hilgeman inquired why the house size was not reduced to fit within the lot area and Lecy responded that it would not be approved j because it did not fall into the dollar range stipulated by the restrictive covenants I on the property. Most customers want spread-out ramblers with this type of view, and the proposed house was on the smaller side, and he believed was as small as they could go and still be approved by the homeowners association. ' Koenig inquired if there would be fill placed on the property and Lecy responded negatively, noting that extra courses of block will need to be added to place the footings below the frost level. He commented they will do everything possible to avoid encroaching into the drip line area of the oak trees. Brown inquired what the building area requirements were in the restrictive covenants for the lot, and Lecy responded that there were no square footage requirements as such. In his opinion, a smaller home would not be valued in the same range as other homes in the area. He noted that if the house was turned i around on the lot it would preclude the view they are trying to save. Koenig commented she realized this was a better plan than the others, but the was concerned about the back yard syndrome, which seemed to be occurring more frequently. She appreciated that people were entitled to develop their land as they wished, but at the same time, she believed that a purchaser for the property was aware of its limitations, and should enter into the agreement with those limits in mind. If not, there would be another buyer. Hilgeman was concerned about setting a precedent if they were to approve the vacation as proposed, and believed that the triangular part of the easement should be excluded and the lot line drawn in a straight line to the end instead of creating a lot which was even more confusing in shape. She agreed that property owners needed area to get around the house itself. Koenig agreed with Hilgeman. EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION November 6, 1995 Page 5 Lecy said staff had recommended that the property line be staked to avoid encroachment further than that proposed. Hilgeman responded that if they have to impact the easement it should be as little as possible, and she did not support the inclusion of the triangular portion that was proposed. Brown, concurred, and commented that he also felt it should be excluded. Lecy noted that the buyers had asked for more land and he had convinced them to move the easement back 7. to where it was shown on the plan. MOTION: Hilgeman moved, seconded by Koenig, to approve the request for a modified easement vacation with the stipulation that the lot line be extended in a straight line from the house until it meets the adjacent property line, eliminating the triangular portion at the southeast corner of the easement, and subject to the stipulations contained in the November 2, 1995 staff memorandum. Motion carried unanimously. I C. Hennepin Parks Request to Remove Deer at Brant Lake Park Fox reviewed the staff report and stated staff recommended approval of the proposal. He noted that Lawrence Gillette from Hennepin County was not present. Hilgeman asked if the City was giving permission for the deer population to be reduced or if there would actually be a reduction done. Fox responded that there was a need to reduce deer in the Bryant Regional area but Hennepin County would be required to show need to reduce the deer population in the Anderson Lakes area. lie noted that approximately 20-24 deer would be removed from this area of the City and 10 deer would come out of the Bryant Regional Park area. Bremer commented that there were many winter activities that went on in Bryant Regional Park and he was concerned about the safety of park visitors when deer reduction was occurring. Fox responded that the area would be posted and lanes of fire which dead-ended would be used, and firing would only be into hills to avoid the problem of stray gunfire. Koenig inquired if Hennepin County would only be removing anterless deer, and Fox responded that was their intent, whenever possible. Koenig inquired when this would occur and Fox responded that it would take place between mid- November through March 1, 1996. Jacobson inquired if an Eden Prairie Police Officer would be present when the sharpshooting was going on, and Fox responded that Hennepin County Parks would use their own rangers on the site. The person doing the shooting would be an employee of the Hennepin County Park Service. Jacobson inquired if the Police Department would be notified when the sharpshooting was occurring and Fox responded affirmatively. EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION November 6, 1995 Page 6 :MOTION: Hilgeman moved, Kracum seconded, to recommend approval of the request of Hennepin County to remove 10 deer from Bryant Regional Park, with the stipulation that the Eden Prairie Police Department be notified when sharpshooting would occur. Motion carried unanimously. D. Request for Pool Use from Foxjet Swim Club Lambert reviewed the request of the Foxjet Swim Club to rent the Community Center Pool on Friday, January 19, 1996 from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. for the purpose of holding a swim meet. This will impact the open swim hours for that day, but n. the revenues from the swim meet exceed that projected from the open swim. Signs would be posted at the Community Center to notify the public of the i cancellation or reduction of public use hours, and the monthly pool hours calendar will reflect the change in hours. Hilgeman commented she believed this was a reasonable request, but she was concerned about inconveniencing the public. Signs are not always seen by the public, and there are always people who don't know about these events who complain later. She inquired if there was some way that people who were inconvenienced could be recompensed. Laurie Helling responded that when they don't get signs up in time or notices published in the paper, they do give people free passes, etc. as compensation. However, this swim meet is far enough in advance so that they will be able to post notices and publish it in the paper. Brown inquired how many times they close the pool for swim meets, etc. and Helling responded that three to five times a year. She noted that open swim attendance varies from season to season, and there was no adequate way to predict how many swimmers would be impacted. Brown inquired if there was some other time to hold the swim meet and Lambert responded that most of the kids at the swim meet would be from Eden Prairie anyway, as it was a local swim club event. MOTION: Hilgeman moved, seconded by Koenig, to recommend approval of rental of the Community Center Pool for the Foxjets to conduct a swim meet on January 19, 1996. Motion carried unanimously. V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS A. Glen Lake Golf and Practice Center by Hennepin County Paul Miller, representing Williams Gill & Associates, reviewed the proposal and noted that it would be a championship quality golf course, but was designed as an executive golf course. There will be nine holes, with the first seven holes EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION November 6, 1995 Page 7 located on the Minnetonka side of the site and the eighth and ninth holes located on the Eden Prairie portion of the property. The course has been designed as a family-type community course, rather than for competitive golfers. The amenities include a two-story clubhouse, a parking lot, the practice range and a teaching area. Players will cross beneath County Road 62 at the bridge to reach the Eden Prairie portion of the course. The maintenance building will be located on the Eden Prairie property and will be heavily landscaped and well screened from view. Brown asked about the proximity of the golf course to the Hennepin County Home School. Miller illustrated the boundaries of the site in Minnetonka and Eden Prairie. Brown asked if the trees in that area would be affected and Miller responded that the large stand of oak trees would be preserved, and most of the trees on the site will remain untouched. Hanka inquired about the horse trails that the boys at the Home School use, and Miller responded they were all located on Home School property and not on the golf course site. Bremer inquired if the gold course was being developed by Hennepin County, and Miller responded affirmatively, but that it would be managed by the Hennepin County Park Service. Kracum commented he was excited by the proposal and was pleased to see a community and family oriented golf course come into the community. Fox reviewed the staff report and illustrated the locations of the oak and cottonwood trees which were proposed to be retained. He indicated that the total number of trees which would be lost was 8, with the loss of a total of 102 caliper inches of mitigation required. The proponent proposed to plant 145 caliper inches of replacement trees. There is no wetland impact on the Eden Prairie portion of the site, and a NURP pond is proposed to treat runoff from the hard surface areas. Staff recommended that an eight foot wide bituminous trail be constructed along the westerly side of Indian Chief Road at the time of construction. Staff recommended approval based on the October 20, 1995 Community development staff report and the sidewalk trail issue included in the November 1, 1995 staff report. Brown inquired if the entrance to the maintenance building would be from Indian Chief Road and Fox responded affirmatively. Hilgeman commented that it was an excellent plan in that it only impacted eight trees. Koenig inquired if replacement materials had been addressed, and Fox responded that it had not yet been formally incorporated but staff will be meeting with the proponents to incorporate this into the plan prior to City Council review. Bowman inquired if special consideration had been given to landmark trees on the property, as lie assumed that a large cottonwood could be perceived as a EDE,N PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION November 6, 1995 Page 8 landmark tree. He inquired about the age of the cottonwood trees on the site and Fox responded that they would be about 80 years old and about at the end of their life expectancy. Miller stated that because the cottonwoods are so old, Hennepin County was more concerned about saving the oak trees, which would live for some time yet. Hilgeman commented that there will be a good deal of replacement planting done in areas such as around the maintenance shed, and she would not be opposed to the developer planting a few cottonwoods as they were indigenous to the site. MOTION: Brown moved, Hilgeman seconded, to recommend approval of the request subject to the stipulations in the October 20, 1995 Planning Commission staff report and the trail recommendation set forth in the November 1, 1995 Memorandum prepared by staff. Motion carried unanimously. Jacobson inquired when the gold course would be completed and Miller responded about July, 1997. I B. Eden Hills Condominiums by Brenwood Development Corporation Arne Zachman, representing Brenwood Development Corporation, was present, but did not wish to address the Commission. Fox reviewed the staff report and discussed the proposed tree replacement, which staff believed was insufficient to meet City requirements. A meeting was scheduled with the developer to address this issue. Brown inquired if Medcom Boulevard would be extended to Franlo Road, and Fox responded that it was planned to continue through, although some fill may need to be added in the area to make this possible. Koenig inquired about the scenic easements and the area involved. Fox responded that it will be at the base of the retaining walls downhill, and there would be an easement to prevent erosion. Brown inquired about the parking on the site, and Zachman responded that there will be one underground parking stall for each unit, with extra stalls available for those residents with more than one vehicle. He commented that they have tried to preserve as many of the existing trees as possible, but there was going to be some tree loss no matter how the building was placed on the site. They endeavored to save the most significant trees on the site. Hilgeman asked about the tree replacement on the plans and Fox reviewed the landscape plan and noted that the numbers were not yet finalized, but it would give the Commission some idea of what was proposed. The plans will be revised to meet City Code requirements. EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION November 6, 1995 Page 9 Koenig asked abut the shrubs that the developer proposed to plant and if they included arborvitae. Fox responded that those had been replaced with other plantings which were not so inviting to the deer. MOTION: Hilgeman moved, Brown seconded, to recommend approval of the Eden Hills Condominium development proposed by Brenwood Development as per the October 20, 1995 Planning Commission staff report, and Staff supplement of 10/31/95. Motion carried unanimously. VI. OLD BUSINESS A. Fees Policy(continued from October 2, 1995 Lambert reviewed the proposed fees policy and noted that the concept of breaking down the programs and services into categories helped in arriving at the indirect costs which enabled staff to determine the direct costs. He believed that this recommendation was one that they could support. Bowman inquired how these fees changed from previous recommendations and Lambert responded that they will have to increase fees to get the projects to fit within the guidelines established by the Council. He noted that it may take two or three years to reach that point. Bowman inquired why the subsidy to the preschool programs was set at 15% and Lambert responded that the City was in direct competition with other agencies for this service, but staff believed it should be available. These fees could be more because there are other resources available. Hilgeman commented that the percentage for Adaptive Recreation seemed to be less than might be needed, and Lambert explained that it was combined with Integrated Recreation programs and they used the figures they were given. i Brown inquired if the 20% overhead costs were included in the percentages and Lambert responded affirmatively. Koenig inquired if efforts were planned to obtain subsidies from the public sector for these programs, and Lambert responded that was the intent. Hilgeman commented she believed it was good public relations for companies to sponsor events and programs for the City. MOTION: Hilgeman moved, [crown seconded, to recommend approval of the proposed fee schedule per the Staff memo dated October 24, 1995. Motion carried unanimously. B. Ojtio 1 No. 1. Klein/Peterson Property Lambert reviewed the staff report and after describing the site and the erosion which is occurring, recommended that the Commission schedule a field trip for EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION November 6, 1995 ( Page 10 a visual inspection of the site prior to making a recommendation to the City Council. He suggested they plan this trip for November 18, 1995 at 9:00 a.m. He was concerned about the extreme erosion on the site and when the property '. to the north is developed, it will have a direct impact on this property to the south. Discussion ensued regarding the debris which was deposited on the property and cleanup measures which have taken place. Lambert stated that the drainage from the property to the north will have to be controlled. MOTION: Hilgeman moved, Koenig seconded, that a field trip be scheduled on November 18, 1995 at 9:00 a.m. to view the property. Motion carried unanimously. C. Revised Entry to Purgatory Creek Recreation Area George Watson reviewed the changes proposed to the entrance to Purgatory Creek Recreation Area and described the proposed amenities which would be included in this project. Formal gardens and a pavilion will be an, eye-catching addition to the City. There will be only one restaurant included in the plan instead of the two originally proposed. Five acres would be sold to accommodate a restaurant and to generate revenue. Hilgeman inquired about action the Commission was requested to take and Lambert responded that the Commission should make a recommendation to the City Council. Watson noted that it was estimated it would be approximately two years before the site would be ready to sell to a developer for the restaurant. MOTION: Koenig moved, Hilgeman seconded, to recommend approval of the revised entry to Purgatory Creek Recreation Area per the November 1, 1995 letter from Brauer & Associates, Ltd. and the October 30, 1995 Staff Report. Motion carried unanimously. VII. NEW BUSINESS A. Fees for Shelter Reservation During Winter Months Bob Lanzi reviewed the proposed fee changes for shelter use. Brown inquired if there were Senior Discount Rates implemented for the Starling Lake shelter, and Lanzi responded negatively. Lambert commented that there have never been Senior rates available, nor will there be. MOTION: Koenig moved, Kracum seconded, to recommend approval of the shelter fees as set forth in the memorandum dated October 31, 1995. Motion carried unanimously. • 1. f EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION r: November 6, 1995 C Page 11 VIII. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF A. News Article from Manager of Parks and Natural Resources (FYI). IX. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Koenig moved, Kracum seconded, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m. I i i x AGENDA EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 199S 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, Emily Hanka r' COMMISSION STAFF: Robert A. Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities; Stuart A. Fox, Manager of Parks and Natural Resources; Laurie Helling, Manager of Recreation Services I. ROLL CALL ,6 i II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA i III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - NOVEMBER 6. 1995 IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS A. None z V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS A. Nane I B. VI. OLD BUSINESS J A. Option No. 1 Klein/Peterson Property B. VII. NEW BUSINESS A. None VIII. ADJOURNMENT .9 ParkAS/Bob 1 APPROVED MINUTES PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, NOVEMBER ?0, 1995 7:00 P.M., CITY CENTER Council Chambers 8080 Mitchell Road COMMISSIONERS MF. 'I:BERS: Clair Hilgeman, Chair; Bruce Bowman, Richard Brown, Don Jacobson, Vicki Koenig, David Kracum, Joanne Kube-Harderwijk STUDENT MEMBERS: Mark Bremer, Emily Hanka COMMISSION STAFF: Robert A. Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities, and Barbara Anderson, City Recorder I. ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair Hilgeman. Commissioners Bowman and Kube-Harderwijk were excused. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Jacobson moved, seconded by Koenig, to approve the agenda as published. Motion carried unanimously. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - NOVEMBER 6. 1995 The following corrections were noted: on page 2 it was Cotter not Potter and on Page 5, the motion was made by Hilgeman, seconded by Koenig. MOTION: Hilgeman moved, seconded by Koenig, to approve the Minutes of the November 6, 1995 Parks, Recreation &Natural Resources Commission as amended. Motion carried unanimously. I ` IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS A. None. V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS A. None. EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION November 21, 1995 Page 2 VI. OLD BUSINESS A. Option No. 1 Klein/Peterson Property Lambert stated that he met with City Attorney Roger Pauly to discuss the potential liability for the City if the Klein/Peterson property were purchased because of the potential for further erosion on the property and Pauly believed that the City would not be liable because it was not something that the City or the present property owners have caused. Brown inquired if the City filled in the top with concrete and planted grass and trees, etc. if that would create a liability. Lambert responded that those would be measures to correct the erosion problem, not exacerbate it, and the City would not be liable in this instance, either. He discussed the tour taken by the Commission on November 18th and the suggestion that was made that the property except for the one acre containing the erosion could be purchased. With the $18,000 in funds which would have been spent to purchase that acre,corrective measures could be taken to correct the erosion problems. The City would plant vegetation to help correct the erosion problems and preserve the natural appearance of the ravine. Hilgeman commented that knowing the City was not liable for the erosion problems made the purchase more attractive and reasonable, particularly if the $18,000 was used to mitigate further erosion. Kracum commented he was concerned about public reaction to the purchase of additional bluff land, particularly when the property was so heavily eroded, as the referendum had been passed with the idea of preservation, not restoration. Jacobson inquired if the $50,000 grant funds were still available, and Lambert responded they were available until the end of the year. Jacobson commented that the $230,000 net cost to the City was slightly over two-thirds of the budget for this year, and he was not comfortable spending that: much of their funding on this property. Kracum commented that a disclaimer should be placed on the property so that any purchases of land located above this area would be notified that there had been erosion on the property in the past so they would not be uninformed about this situation, but would know about it from the beginning. Hilgeman inquired if the two options were contingent upon each other, and Lambert responded negatively. He noted that it would be easier to EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION November G, 1995 Page 3 purchase Option#2 if Option #1 had been exercised, but there was no funding in the 5 Year Capital Improvement Plan for Option #2 so another referendum would be needed. He commented there were other needs in other parks in the City that needed to be considered as well. Many of these upgrades will cost $100,000 or more to accomplish. Hilgeman commented if the Commission decided not to exercise Option #1 they can wait five years and then put it on a referendum and let the citizens decide whether they want to acquire the land or not. She believed that the City should finish other projects before undertaking new ones. She was unsure whether additional bluff land was what the citizens of Eden Prairie wanted to acquire at this time. She was hearing that the citizens want more park amenities, more skating rink space, etc. She believed the City was overextended at this time and preferred to wait and see what the financial picture was in five years. Jacobson felt that the purchase should be postponed and the option could be exercised at a later time when the purchase would be more feasible. Brown commented he also heard citizens express concern regarding the need for more park amenities and he did not want to tell them they would have to wait five years until those things could be accomplished. He concurred with Jacobson that the purchase should be deferred until a later time. MOTION: Moved by Hilgeman, seconded by Koenig, to recommend to the City Council not to exercise Option #1 on the Klein/Peterson property at this time. Motion carried unanimously. VII. NEW BUSINESS A. None. i VIII. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Hilgeman moved, seconded by Jacobson, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.