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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks and Recreation - 01/15/1979 1979 JANUARY 8 ,, 15 j j MINUTES � CITY OF EDEN PRAIRIE � SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION '3NDAY, JANUARY 8, 1979 7:30 P.M. , CITY HALL COMMISSION MEMBERS: Richard Anderson, Chairperson; David Anderson, Steve Fifield, William Garens, Robert Johnson, Robert Kruell , George Tangen COMMISSION STAFF: Robert Lambert, Director of Community Services Approx. Time to Begin Item 7:30 I. ROLL CALL II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 7:35 III. MINUTES OF DECEMBER 18, 1978 IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 7:45 A. Hockey Association Board Request V. RECOMMENDATIONS AND REPORTS A. Reports of Commissioners None B. Reports of Staff None VI. OLD BUSINESS 8:00 A. 1979 Guide Plan VII. NEW BUSINESS None 10:00 VIII. ADJOURNMENT l 1 r APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION, AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, JANUARY 8, 1979 7:30 P.M. , CITY HALL COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Richard Anderson, Chairperson; David Anderson, William Garens, Robert Kruell , George Tangen COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Steve Fifield, Robert Johnson COMMISSION STAFF PRESENT: Robert Lambert, Director of Community Services; Sandy Werts, Recreation Supervisor OTHERS PRESENT: None �{ I. ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by William Garens, Vice-Chairperson, at 7:30 p.m. R II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA } The agenda was approved as published. III. MINUTES OF DECEMBER 18, 1978 MEETING This item was tabled until the next meeting. ( Garens turned the meeting over to Chairperson Richard Anderson. IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS A. Hockey Association Board Request Lambert explained that there have been some problems with the present policy of closing all warming houses when the windchill factor reaches 20 below zero. Some coaches in the hockey program wanted to schedule informal practices even after the practices were officially cancelled. Bob Hallett, Chairman of the Hockey Association Board, contacted Lambert after the board meeting on January 3. They took action to reconfirm that there would be no official hockey practice or games when the windchill factor was 20 below zero or colder. However, they recommended that the city consider keeping the warming houses open to a windchill factor of 35 below zero. This had been adopted as an interim policy, with the coaches being required to call if they wanted a warming house open for pratice when the windchill was colder than 20 below zero. Staff recommended leaving all warming houses open until the windchill factor of 35 below zero was reached. Dave Anderson reported that his team had been out skating one night when the windchill factor was 34 below zero. He said there were about a dozen free-skaters present that night also. Garens felt that cost may be excessive if the city were to keep all rinks open until the windchill factor reached 35 below zero, if there were no skaters. He favored closing the rinks at 20 degrees below zero,(windchill factor) and leaving them open upon request. Sandy Werts reported that only a few skaters used the rinks during winter Minutes- Parks, Recreation & approved Jan. 8, 1979 Natural Resources Commission -2- break when the temperatures were extremely low. MOTION: Garens moved that the Commission adopt a policy -that would require the warming houses to close when the windchill factor reaches 20 below zero, unless a hockey coach calls the rink attendant, requesting that the rink remain open for his team to practice. The warming houses would not remain open if the windchill factor went lower -than 35 below zero. Kruell seconded the motion. DISCUSSION: R. Anderson pointed out that the high school Lake Conference ash a policy that prevents participation in any outdoor sport or activity if the windchill factor reaches 15 below zero or colder. Dave Anderson stated that while it would be possible for the city to save money with this policy (as opposed to a 35 below zero closing) it could seem confusing to the residents and free-skaters--having one rink open but not another, on the same night. Sandy Werts explained that this happens occasionally now, since rink attendants have the option of closing a rink early if there are no skaters. VOTE: The motion passed unanimously. B. Joint Meeting 1_ Dave Anderson raised the question of the proposed joint meeting with the City Council . Lambert had been told that they had another meeting on the date suggested by the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission. MOTION: Garens moved that the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Co mission request a meeting with the City Council at the earliest j possible date. Tangen seconded. Motion carried unanimously. V. RECOMMENDATIONS AND REPORTS A. Reports of Commissioners None B. Reports of Staff None VI. OLD BUSINESS A. 1979 GUIDE PLAN Lambert led a brief review of the 1968 Guide Plan Map, comparing it to the 1979 version. Some differences were rioted--such as the park-playground- picnic area at the south end of Anderson Lakes, which cannot exist under a Regional Park Plan. The Commission concurred that it might be a good idea to request that 8-10 acres be deleted from the Regional Park, enabling the city to regain control of that area. Lambert explained that the request would have to be taken to the Metropolitan Council , since the funding had come through them. i Minutes--Parks, Recreation & approved Jan. 8, 1979 Natural Resources Commission -3- C+ MOTION: Tangen moved to instruct the staff to identify the site they wished taken out of the Regional Park Plan, to be brought back to the city for local use. Seconded by Garens. DISCUSSION: R. Anderson commented that he would like to see the proposal be presented to the commission before making a recommendation to the Council . VOTE: Motion passed unanimously. Kruell made the point that he was in favor of using specific zoning throughout the city. Lambert continued the discussion of the new guide plan. He described a plan for creating a park near the Lake Eden area. The city owns 11 acres adjacent to a site owned by the School District. If the city could grade the entire property it would result in the preparation of a building site while improving the low acreage. R. Anderson agreed that this may be feasible since school districts are no longer being allowed to build new schools without special permission. Tangen added that if this school-park area were developed for organized play, Lambert's suggested addition of a small 8-10 acre park along the proposed Homeward Hills Road to be used as a casual neighborhood park would be a good idea. R. Anderson suggested that the Vo-Tech District should be approached concerning the potential use of a portion of their property for recreational fields like those at Flying Cloud Fields. The city could develop the fields and use them until the school needed the land-- thus eliminating aquisition costs. There was another proposed school-park site in the Red Rock area. The owner is willing to sell the property at a reasonable price. Lambert suggested that the commission consider getting an option on the property. Another proposed site is in the area around the present City Hall . Consideration will also have to be given to the need for a new parks maintenence garage. There were two more possible sites pointed out in the southwest area as possible neighborhood parks. At 9:30 a 5 minute break was called by the chairperson. Lambert discussed a possible trail connection from the proposed 160 acre Riley Lake Regional Park to the Mitchell Lake Park Area. Kruell raised the question as to whether it should be a community park rather than a regional park, so the city could maintain control for future development. R. Anderson suggested a trail should follow the Riley Creek corridor from Riley Lake to Rice- Marsh Lake. He also stated that the Riley Lake site Minutes--Parks, Recreation & approved Jan. 8, 1979 Natural Resources Commission -4- was ideal as a regional park because of it's size, location, and general usability. Tangen agreed, since the Mitchell Lake Park area was to be a community park, it makes sense to propose Riley as a regional park; also to add the corridor along the creek and ponds to Rice Lake. Lambert pointed out an area west of Round Lake to be designated as open space and connected to Round Lake by a trail . s The Camp Frontier site is under negotiation at this time. It connects to an area owned by the city, near Hidden Ponds. The possibility of selling part of the camp property was discussed. In the Birch Island Park area' there is a parcel of land owned by the county. They have stated that they intend to dedicate it to the city. R. Anderson suggested a trail connecting a dead-end road to the Birch Island Park area to increase its accessibility. Lambert reported that Topview residents have requested a park on part of the Menard development. The staff is proposing an alternate site since there is a major roadway between the neighborhood and the proposed park site. William Garens left the meeting at 10:15 p.m. R. Anderson asked for consideration of access to Bryant Lake from areas across the freeway; a trail connecting Beach Road to Valley View--Schooner Blvd. would be adequate, he thought. Some other revisions were suggested in the northeast corner of the city. Lambert pointed out that an approved map and recommendations should be ready to go to the Council by February. The Metropolitan Council will be using these guide plans from every city in their reviews. Some of the points from the Metropolitan Guide Plan that should be included: 1) Policy statements and definitions should be included. 2) Statement should be made regarding development, maintenence, and ownership of Regional Parks within the city. 3) Statement of goals that relate to recreation programs in the city should be made. 4) Statement concerning maximum use of school facilities in the community should be included. Lambert pointed out that even though the commission may know and agree on these things, they should be stated formally. Minutes--Parks, Recreation & approved Jan. 8, 1979 Natural Resources Commission -5- Tangen suggested that something should be written about the Senior Citizen Center, and included in the Guide Plan. He then requested the staff to come back to the commission with these statements for comment and review by the commission. MOTION: Tangen requested that the Shoreline Management Act be discussed at tie first meeting in February so it can be acted on before development starts next summer. The motion was seconded by Dave Anderson. VOTE: The motion carried unanimously. VII. NEW BUSINESS None VIII. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 10:45 p.m. j Respectfully Submitted, Georgia Jessen Recording Secretary ij r AGENDA EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, JANUARY 15, 1979 7:30 P.M. CITY HALL COMMISSION MEMBERS: Richard Anderson, chairperson; David Anderson, Steve Fifield, William Garens, Robert Johnson, Robert Kruell , George Tangen COMMISSION STAFF: Robert Lambert, Director of Community Services Approx. Time to Begin Item 7:30 I. ROLL CALL II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 7:35 III. MINUTES OF DECEMBER 18, 1978 MINUTES OF JANUARY 8, 1979 IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS 7:40 A. Snowmobile Association Grant Request 7:50 B. Eden Prairie In Action V. RECOMMENDATIONS AND REPORTS A. Reports of Commissioners None B. Reports of Staff 1. Development Proposals 8:00 a. Lake He4hts Addition 8:30 b. Hi s Mitchell Heights 4th Addition 9:00 c. Chatham Woods 9:30 2. Bryant Lake Park Plan 9:45 3. Miller Park on Mitchell Lake 10:00 4. Senior Citizen Transportation Program - Council Action 1/2/79 VI. OLD BUSINESS 10:10 A. Park Dedication Ordinance- Draft 2 10:30 B. Guide Plan (� VII. NEW BUSINESS 10:50 A. Topview Park 11:00 VIII. ADJOURNMENT APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, JANUARY 15, 1979 7:30 P.M. , CITY HALL COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Richard Anderson, Chairperson; David Anderson, Steve Fifield, William Garens, Robert Kruell , George Tangen COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Robert Johnson COMMISSION STAFF PRESENT: Robert Lambert, Director of Community Services; Jim Jensen, City Park Planner OTHERS PRESENT: Earl Sickman, Al Zachow, George Roles, Beulah Pinion, Don Peterson, Don Sorenson, Jim Fillippi , Tom Selseth, John Mueheberg, Hakon Torjesen, Don ;( Hess, Richard Dahl , E.P. News; Al Dybier, E.P. Sun I. ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by chairperson Richard Anderson. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Additions to the agenda: IV.C. Top View Acres Petition--Lambert V.A.1. Snowmobiles on Parks--Richard Anderson MOTION: Kruell moved, and Dave Anderson seconded, to approve the agenda as revised; passed unanimously. III. MINUTES OF DECEMBER 18, 1978 MOTION: Motion was made by Fifield to approve minutes of December 18,1978, as published; seconded by R. Anderson. Motion carried. MINUTES OF JANUARY 8, 1979 Changes to the minutes to be made as follows: Page 1, para. 3: there were "about a dozen skaters" Page 3, final para: "from Riley Lake to Rice Marsh Lake" , MOTION: Tangen moved to approve the minutes as revised; seconded by Dave Anderson. 1 Motion carried, with Fifield abstaining. IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS A. Snowmobile Association Grant Request Mr. Earl Sickman was introduced by Lambert. He spoke to the Commission asking for their endorsement of a grant request being made by the Snowdrifters Snowmobile Club. The state funds are available to reimburse the club for time and money spent aquiring, developing, and maintaining trails within the { city. t. Kruell had several questions; he asked: 1) How appropriate is it for the Commission to act on a grant request when j the Commission was not consulted on the preparation of the trail plans? Minutes-Parks, Recreation & approved Jan. 15, 1979 Natural Resources Commission -2- 2) What is the actual cash outlay? 3) What was aquired with the money? 4) From the maintenence figure given, what percentage was time, and what percentage was for materials? Lambert spoke to the first question, pointing out that it would be desireable for the staff and commission to be consulted when the trails are being planned. He pointed out that they did have some contact with the city manager on the subject. Sickman explained that the figures were totals from a detailed worksheet. The club members were allowed $4.00 per hour and $ .16 per mile for their work in aquiring land rights. (To date they have purchased no land.) They are also credited at the rate of $15 per mile for maintenence of the trail . The members donate their time, machine, and by their own gas. The reimburse- ment goes to the club. Sickman said he would have to break down the figures from his worksheets for percentages. The amount of maintenence required depends on snow conditions. Lambert reported to the commission that he had been contacted by Mr. Schmidt, of Scenic Heights Road. Mr Schmidt has issued several complaints about snowmobiles traveling the bike trail just west of his home. He requested signs on the bikeway, and a possible ordinance about trail use in the city-- prohibiting motorized vehicles on trails. Lambert pointed out that the Snowmobile Club should recognize a responsibility to police its members. R. Anderson reported that he, too, had received many complaints about misuse, and asked if the club was willing to help. Al Zachow, another Snowdrifters member, reported that several members have been meeting with the Public Safety Department to work on this problem. At this time they are having I.D. Cards made up, which will identify the local patrol and give them more credibility. MOTION: Garens moved that while the Commission recognizes that there are problems, they feel the Snowdrifters Club is making an effort to police trails, and to recommend to the Council that they continue to support them in their efforts to obtain assistance for trails within Eden Prairie and approve the grant application. Dave Anderson seconded the motion. VOTE: The motion passed, with Kruell opposed. B. Eden Prairie in Action--1979 Lambert asked the commission for their reaction to a request by the Eden Prairie in Action Committee to participate in their event. Garens suggested that it may be a good opportunity to lay the groundwork for a possible bond issue. R. Anderson noted that attendance at the event is waning, and yet it seems like a good opportunity to gain recognition and to spread the new ideas being discussed and implemented by the Commission. However, the commissioners must be willing to spend some time at the booth. Minutes-Parks, Recreation & approved Jan. 15, 1979 Natural Resources Commission -3- Garens pointed out that it may be a good time to poll people about their needs and desires for parks and programs. He added that most of the people �r who do attend are biased in favor of parks, and the results would not reflect the views of the entire community. R. Anderson suggested that the graphics presently being used by the Commission would be adequate for an "information booth". We could show what's being done, and ask "What do you want?" Tangen volunteered to help staff a booth, stating that he felt it would be worthwhile. MOTION: Tangen recommended that the Commission proceed with plans for a booth at Eden Prairie in Action--1979,using existing graphics, and the commissioners to talk to the public. Garens seconded the motion. DISCUSSION: Dave Anderson stated that he would still like a questionaire to be used--leading up to a bond issue. Tangen questioned the validity of biased questionaires. VOTE: Motion passed. Some suggested topics were Bryant Lake Park, Round Lake, trails, etc. Graphics will be chosen by the commission before the event. C. Top View Acres Petition Lambert reported to the commission that just minutes before the meeting he was presented with a petition reported to have 120 signatures. The petition asked the city in all discussions and votes pertaining to the development of the northwest quadrant of the intersection of Highways 5 and I-494 to consider the following desires: 1) The existing screen of trees along the south side of Valley View be protected. 2) A standing request for a "scenic easement" be considered for the buffer area between Valley View Road and the ring-road. 3) Maintain a buffer zone of single and/or double family residences between Valley Veiw Road and the ring-road. No commercial property of any kind should be considered for this buffer zone. 4) Any grading of the area between Valley View Road and the ring-road be denied until such time as this area is actually rezoned and a building permit issued. MOTION: Tangen moved to recognize the petition from the Top View Acres residents and to keep their wishes in mind when reviewing any proposed development as the site is developed. Fifield seconded, motion passed unanimously. V. RECOMMENDATIONS AND REPORTS A. Reports of Commissioners Minutes-Parks, Recreation & approved Jan. 15, 1979 Natural Resources Commission -4- 1. Snowmobiles on Parks R. Anderson reported that while cross-country skiing at Bryant Lake Park he found that snowmobiles are ruining the trails--they have even thrown gravel up onto the snow. Apparently in this park area, the snowmobilers are using the groomed cross-country ski trails and not the open areas, which ruins the trail for skiers. Anderson suggested that a letter may be sent to the residents around the lake pointing out that snowmobiles cannot use cross country trails developed by the city for the skiers. It was apparent to him that the offenders lived near the park. Tangen pointed out that there are no snowmobile trails or use areas in the Bryant Lake or Anderson Lakes areas, and the policing by the snomobile club will have little effect on the problem there. Most of the trails are in the western area of the city. Lambert agreed that a letter could be sent to all the residents of the Bryant Lake area. R. Anderson requested, at the next meeting, some concrete ideas for enforcement throughout the community--including Bryant Lake and Anderson Lakes areas. Kruell suggested that the trail mileage_mi.ght .be increased throughout the community by using the right, of way after the Publis Works Department leveled the banks with the wing-plow. B. Reports of Staff 1. Development Proposals a. Lake Heights Addition Lambert located the proposed development on the map for the commission, and introduced Don Peterson, who presented the proposal . He stated that most of the committments have been or will be met--but they feel ther is a problem with the required 8' bituminous bikeway. Also, the owners feel they should be exempt from the cash park fee since it was not a requirement at the time of zoning. Lambert pointed out the critical need for a neighborhood park in that area now, and most of the land dedicated to the city in the area is either under water now, or too low to develop. There is one site, however, that will be a suitable park site if the school district allows the city to grade and borrow fill from their j adjoining proposed school site. Lambert recommended that the commission require a cash park fee to help pay for the development of this site; and also require the developer to construct a 5' concrete sidewalk along proposed Homeward Hills Road, as per current policy. Peterson objected to the sidewalk on the basis that part of it would be on city-owned property. Kruell asked if the city had a policy on the maintenence of side- walks and bike trails; and Tangen asked if an asphalt sidewalk would be less expensive to construct. Lambert replied that there Minutes-Parks, Recreation & approved Jan. 15, 1979 Natural Resources Commission -5- is no maintenence policy at this time; and there is little Cdifference in cost. MOTION: Tangen moved to recommend to the Council approval of the Lake Heights Addition as per staff recommendation in the January 12, 1979, memo, with the following changes: 1) Eliminate requirement for 5' concrete sidewalk on the west side of proposed Homeward Hills Road. 2) Add a connector of 8' asphalt or 5' concrete from the under- pass west to Homeward Hills Road. Motion was seconded by Dave Anderson. DISCUSSION: Dave Anderson questioned the problem with the cash park fee; asking if there was an agreement which stated no fees would be collected. Peterson replied -that the developer had dedicated land to the city and that no fee had been levied against the early development. Lambert pointed out that all of the outlots dedicated to the city are under water or too low to use. Even outlot A is going to require $35,000 to grade and fill with borrowed material . R Anderson asked if outlot A was buildable in its present state. He was told that it is not because of the soil structure--it consists of peaty soils. VOTE: Motion carried unanimously. A five minute break was called at 9:30 p.m. b. Hipp's Mitchell Heights 4th Addition Lambert introduced Don Sorenson who was representing the developer- builder. He described the proposed development and stated that he was unaware of the planners desire to change the back lot lines of Lots 18 and 19 (to rovide a funneling effect toward the pathway from the mini-park. He stated that the requirement for a $1,000 bond did not seem neccessary since no problems have been caused by the builder in the past. Lambert agreed on this point. Tangen asked why the funneling effect was desired. He was told the planners felt it would create an easier access to the mini-park for children using the trail . Sorenson also questioned the width of the proposed trail--having agreed to build a 4' wide trail , they were surprised to see the staff recommendation for a 61wide trail . Kruell asked why 6' was required. He was told that it is city policy for all trails to be 6' in width. Lambert pointed out that possible maintenence would be extremely difficult on a 4' trail with a standard 6' plow blade. Also, six feet is the minimum �I for two walkers or a biker. Sorenson stated that it seemed the developer was being expected to make an unreasonable number of concessions. Minutes-Parks, Recreation & approved Jan. 15, 1979 Natural Resouces Commission -6- Garens asked Sorenson what his reaction was to the path leading r to the 1st Addition from the mini-park. He replied that it seemed excessive; however, the developer has agreed to cooperate when possible. MOTION: Tangen moved that the commission recommend to the council approval of Hipp's Mitchell Heights 4th Addition as recommended by the staff in the January 12, 1979 memo, with the following changes: 1) Delete the trail extension to the cul-de-sac in Mitchell Heights 1st Addition 2) Delete provisions E and F (the $1,000 bond requirement, and the changes in the back lot lines of Lots 18 and 19. ) Garens seconded the motion. DISCUSSION: Tangen felt the developer should not have to put in improvements outside their development or on city property. Kruell agreed that E and F should be deleted. Garens also agreed, stating that the cash park fee should be used to build the trail extension. Lambert explained to the commission that the trail request was made based on the background of the entire development. The original Planned Unit Development (1972) called for two play areas 150' by 100' in size, constructed and landscaped to provide recreation for the residents of the area. Also contemplated in the original PUD were trails, tot lots, extensive landscaping, and tennis courts. To date, none of the above mentioned improve- ments have been accomplished, according to the original PUD. Lambert told the commission they could accept the proposal without the trail extension, but there was rational for the requirement. VOTE: Motion carried unanimously. c. Chatham Wood Mr. Tom Selseth and Mr. John Mueheberg were introduced by Lambert. They discussed the proposed Chatham Wood development, the park and trail commitments and dedication. R. Anderson raised the question of future traffic in the development; and would it affect the trailway to the creek corridor. He did not favor a trail crossing a heavily traveled road. Kruell suggested that the "no-build" land should be protected by ¢ a firm but reasonable ordinance; and it should be surveyed in this development, since the topography is so irregular. MOTION: Kruell moved that the commission recommend to the council approval of the Chatham Wood Development as per the staff recommendations outlined in the January 12, 1979 memorandum. ( Tangen seconded the motion. DISCUSSION: Garens expressed concern over the trail crossing the extension f 168th to Townline Road. Based on this concern, he could not support the motion. He suggested an underpass be put Minutes-Parks, Recreation & approved Jan. 15, 1979 Natural Resources Commission -7 in at the trail intersection, or signs, on the road to control {' the traffic. R. Anderson asked if a culvert underpass would be possible considering the topography of the area. He was told the road would have to be raised. Kruell pointed out that traffic would probably use better roads, he did not think it would be heavilly traveled. VOTE: Motion carried, Garens opposed. MOTION: Garens moved to recommend to the council the construction of an underpass to accomodate pedestrian traffic from outlots E-F to Purgatory Creek in order to provide safe access; or erecting stop signs on 168th. Seconded by R. Anderson. VOTE: Motion passed unanimously. 2. Bryant Lake Park Plan Jim Jensen reviewed the revised concept plan, showing the suggested changes in the bike trail and boat launch parking that had been made. He then discussed two access possibilities; realignment as opposed to direct alignment. The cost difference was estimated to be $11,000; with the direct alignment being the least costly. He pointed out that the access road was to be of a gravel surface so it could be moved if/when the council were to dead-end or upgrade Rowland Road. Hakon Torjesen presented a letter from the residents near Bryant Lake Park. He discussed through the letter: Park use, possible sediment problems at the beach area, an alternate access (through the low area) , more parking, tails, and fencing alternatives. R. Anderson pointed out to Mr. Torjesen that all the points had been voted on and passed except the access. Lambert questioned the alternate cost figures quoted by Torjesen for the alternate access. He requested the commission make a recommendation on one of the access points to the Council in order to begin trail k construction. He reminded them that the question about Rowland Road would have to be decided by the Council . R. Anderson stated that the difference in the cost of access seems excessive. He pointed out that a gravel road could be moved if it did not work; the commission can only make a recommendation on the park entrance--not road alignment and transportation planning. Beulah Pinion, Vina Lane, suggested that if cost were the only factor a fee,comparable to a toll , could be charged to park users until cost was recovered. Anderson pointed out that when the eventual upgrading of Rowland Road does occur, the permanent entrance could be decided. The extra money should not be spent for a temporary access, therefore he favored the direct alignment. Minutes--Parks, Recreation & -approved Jan. 15, 1979 Natural Resources Commission -8- Torjesen comlained that he did not feel the staff had provided enough options or opportunity for community involvment in the planning process. He thought the overall agenda programed adoption of -the plan. R. Anderson repeated that the access was the only point open for discussion. The staff had explained all options before making recommendations. The chairperson turned the meeting over to Garens. MOTION: R. Anderson moved to recommend the use at this time of the d'irect alignment" access as recommended by staff, considering this access temporary until such time as Rowland Road is upgraded. This provides a starting point for further park construction. Garens seconded. DISCUSSION: Garens expressed agreement with the motion, stating further that he would like to see the eventual aquisition of additional property for the access. Tangen felt he could not support the motion because many types of vehicles will be using the park entrance--the gravel road will cause excessive dust--dust contol must be included in the motion. Lambert agreed that some form of dust contol would be desireable. Garens asked if the bike trails could be built using the present access; if so, that access could be used temporarily rather than constructing a new temporary access. i Lambert pointed out that the Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission may not accept the plan with a temporary access. I VOTE: Anderson, "aye", all others opposed. Motion failed. R. Anderson re-assumed the chair. MOTION: Tangen moved to recommend that the present access be maintained as a temporary access; and that the park plan be accepted, deleting that portion of the proposed access from Rowland Road to the top of the hill , and delay asphalting of the bike trail on the old access road. Seconded by Garens; motion carried with R. Anderson abstaining. A five minute break was called at 11:50 p.m. 3. Miller Park on Mitchell Lake Lambert provided a memorandum informing the commission of the action taken by the Council regarding the Mitchell Lake option. No action was required. 4. Senior Citizen Transportation Program--Council Action 1/2/79 ( Lambert provided the commissioners with an informational memorandum to update them on the status of the Senior citizen transportation program, which is scheduled to begin on February 1, 1979. No action was taken. Minutes-Parks, Recreation & approved Jan. 15, 1979 Natural Resources Commission -9- VI. OLD BUSINESS A. Park Dedication Ordinance--Draft 2 Lambert opened discussion on draft #2 of the park dedication ordinance. Don Hess, representing the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce, offered some comment. He felt the percentage of land and fee arrangement must be looked at, especially under multiple dwelling units--there seems to be no "top end" for land dedication, using that formula. With increased industrial and commercial fees, he felt that buyers simply wouldn't pay as much for the land, thus decreasing its value for the seller. He He was especially critical of the proposed front end payment of fees. MOTION: Tangen moved that draft #2 of the Park Dedication Ordinance be forwarded to the council for approval . R. Anderson seconded the motion. DISCUSSION: Tangen suggested that the council could take into account the view—' s and letters received on the matter; but the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission should support the ordinance as it stands. ro Dave Anderson denied support based on the front-end costs and the never- ending escalation of the multiple-family residential scale. Garens stated that although in the past he favored the idea, he could not support an ordinance requiring front end payment. Tangen withdrew his motion, and R. Anderson withdrew his second. MOTION: Tangen moved to table this item until the February 6, 1979, meeting. Kruell seconded; motion carried. VII. NEW BUSINESS A. Top View Park Lambert reviewed possible options for the much needed park in the Top View Neigl+borhood. He stated that the staff would like to begin negotiations. Mrs. Beulah Pinion, Vina Lane, spoke to the commission on the advantages of the north end of the Menard site as a neighborhood park for Top View residents. She stated her reasons: 1) If Valley View were cul-de-saced there would be no problem crossing the road. 2) The site could serve as a buffer between the residential and commercial properties. 3) It would beautify the area. 4) It would serve the Stewart Highlands area. 5) It would serve the Top View area. 6) It would serve the employees in the commercial area. 7) It would serve to break up the commercial area. She also asked the commission to consider the entire Menard site for a park ( if Menards should fail to exercise their option. MOTION: Tangen moved that the commission reaffirm the position that a park is needed in the Top View area, and that staff should proceed to inquire Minutes-Parks, Recreation & -approved Jan. 15, 1979 Natural Resources Commi.ssi.gn -10- about land aquisition costs. Seconded by Garens; motion passed unanimously. vIII. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjouned at 12:40 a.m. Respectfully Submitted, Georgia Jessen Recording Secretary