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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks and Recreation - 02/02/1981 1981 FEBRUARY 2 MINUTES CITY OF EDEN PRAIRIE Y .. AGENDA t.� EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1981 7:30 P.M. CITY HALL COMMISSION MEMBERS: Richard Anderson, Chairperson; Pat Breintenstein, Marge Friederichs, Marty Jessen, Robert Johnson, Jerry Kingrey, Larry VanMeter COMMISSION STAFF: Bob Lambert, Director of Community Services Approx. Time to Begin Item 7:30 I. ROLL CALL II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA III. MINUTES OF JANUARY 19, 1981 IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS 7:35 A. Presentation by Minnesota Valley Wildlife Refuge Planning Team - John Tietz p.� 9:00 B. Letter from Bob Gartner V. RECOMMENDATIONS AND REPORTS A. Reports of Commissioners 1. B. Reports of Staff 9:05 1. Development Proposal - Eden Glen 9:20 2. Council Report - 1/20/81 VI. OLD BUSINESS 9:25 A. Policy on Park Facility Reservations 9:45 B. 1981 Goals VII. NEW BUSINESS 10:00 A. Metropolitan Council Review of Guide Plan 10:20 VIII. ADJOURNMENT r APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1981 7:30 P.M., CITY HALL COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Richard Anderson, Chairperson; Pat Breitenstein, Marge Friederiehs, Marty Jessen, Robert Johnson, Jerry Kingrey, Larry VanMeter COMMISSION STAFF: Robert A. Lambert, Director of Community Services OTHERS PRESENT: John Tietz U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Ed Crozier Tim Kelley DNR Dick Dahl, Eden Prairie News E.P. City Council I. ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Chairperson, Richard Anderson. MOTION: Kingrey moved to go to Item N.A. on the Agenda. Breitenstein seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. IV. PETITIONS. REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS A. Presentation by Minnesota Valley Wildlife Refuge Planning Team - John Tietz Lambert announced that John Tietz is present tonight before both the Council and this Commission so that the City can have more impact on the Refuge plan if they are first aware of the development plan proposed by the Fish and Wildlife Service. Tietz explained the background of the project since 1975, and pointed out that there are 25 layers of government involved in planning of the Wildlife Refuge and at this point in time the Planning Staff is very active in obtaining public input to the concept plan. He further explained that they will collect all this additional information, review it, and come back with the final master plan hopefully in March or April. Tietz said the total project area, by Public Law 94-466, of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge/Reoreation Area is 17,500 acres. The total study area is 40,000 acres. At this point in time, 50-60% of the land is still in private ownership. Tietz gave a brief slide presentation of the Wildlife Refuge, and then described the 3 plane that the Planning Staff has prepared. Plan A shows ` the least level of development (resource commitment), Plan B shows more development and financial commitment, and Plan C shows the most extensive level of development and this plan or a variation of it, is the ultimate goal of the Planning Staff. It represents an appropriate mix of recreation and resource preservation/proteotion. This is oonsistent with the intent of the legislation. Ed Crozier of the Refuge Staff commented on the proposed hunting and fishing plans for the Refuge. He said hunting will require a permit by the Fish and Wildlife Service on Federal property, and will include small game, Minutes - Parke, Recreation & approved February 2, 1981 ii Natural Resources Commission -2- waterfowl and deer (archery). He projects there will be a certain quota of permits issued on a first come first served basis perhaps a lottery. Hunting and fishing will be restricted to certain areas along the Refuge and the season will be restricted. Edstrom asked if hunting would conflict with recreational trail use? Crozier said the short hunting season will help make both aotivities feasible and the recreation trails will be well marked during the hunting season. Edstrom asked what funds are presently available for development of the Wildlife Refuge? Tietz said there were no funds available for acquisition until 1978, and now 30-40% of the Refuge portion of the land is under option or fee title. The Fish and Wildlife Service will have to try to get additional funding from the Legislature. At present, there are no funds available for local acquisition within the Recreation Area unless LAWCON funds are sought. Edstrom asked how much of the Eden Prairie portion of the Refuge has been y acquired? Tietz estimated about 300 acres of about 2,200 total acres. Most of the Eden Prairie lands are controlled by the Peterson Family and the Upgralla Hunting Club. Tietz added that the Fish & Wildlife Service and the DNR have asked for State designated Critical Area consideration for the bluff lands along the Valley. Anderson asked for a definition of Critical Area status. Tim Kelley of the DNR said that if determined to be appropriate for consideration, the Environmental Quality Board will request that a study be conducted by the State Planning Agency to assess the need as a "critical area". If an area qualifies for designation, the local community will have 6 to 9 months to develop alternatives for, protection. There are no funds for acquisition. Kingrey asked if it is necessary to terminate the snowmobile trail through Eden Prairie as shown on the plan? Tietz said this is something that can be studied if a City makes a specifio request, and he feels that there are appropriate corridors where a trail can be run so it does not inter- fere with wildlife habitat or recreation programs. Lambert asked about equestrian trails, if they can be included inthe Eden Prairie area or does the Planning Staff consider horse trails to have the same kind of impact that snowmobile trails would? Tietz said horses and snowmobiles are not considered the same as far as their impact and s further pointed out that patrol of the Refuge would be carried out by horse. Crozier added that the national policy is not to allow horse and snowmobile trails in Wildlife Refuges, but in this case (PL 94-466) there is an exception when the State Corridor Trail (DNR) is involved. Kingrey asked why lands presently used for agricultural purposes would C be phased out--couldn't this use be continued? Crozier said the Refuge u system has thousands of acres rented out to farming, and in many areas Minutes - Parks, Recreation & approved February 2, 1981 Natural Resources Commission -3- the Fish and Wildlife Service is going to organic farming. He said he is quite certain farming of some kind in some areas of the Refuge will continue. Tietz said that it is 'critical the City make recommendations to the Refuge Planning Staff as soon as possible, he suggested by February 15, 1981. Office numbers for questions, eta. , are: John Tietz - 725-3306 Ed Crozier - 854-5900 (Refuge) Tim Kelley - 296-0501 (DNR) (Returned to Agenda at this point) II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Additions: Kingrey - VI.C. BMX Track Proposal Anderson - VII.B. Minnesota Valley Wildlife Refuge MOTION: Breitenstein moved to approve the Agenda as published with the additions. VanMeter seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. III. MINUTES OF JANUARY 19, 1981 Change - p.5 D. para.5 Kingrey asked to change "public scrutiny" to "special interest criticism". MOTION: Breitenstein moved to approve the Minutes of January 19, 1981, as published with the change. Kingrey seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS A. Above I B. Letter from Bob Gartner I Lambert referred to Mr. Gartner's letter of January 29, 1981 suggesting an Ad Hoc subcommittee of the Park and Recreation Commission be formed to study Eden Prairie lakes and ponds and improve the sport of fishing. Lambert said he is in favor of this proposal and suggested Duane Shodeen of the DNR be involved in the first meeting. Gartner said he knows of 4 people including himself who are interested in serving on this Committee. MOTION: Jessen moved to approve the formation of an Ad Hoc Committee with Bob Gartner as Chairman, Bill Garens, Jim Simons, John Hallett and Marty Jessen volunteered to serve as this Commission's representative on this Committee. Kingrey seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. I Minutes - Parks, Recreation & 'approved February 2, 1981 Natural Resources Commission -4- I , V. RECOMMENDATIONS AND REPORTS A. Reports of Commissioners None B. Reports of Staff 1. Development Proposal - Eden Glen John Shardlow of H. Dahlgren and Associates was present on behalf of the developer, Jesco, Inc. i Shardlow located the project northwest of Eden Prairie Center, bordered on the east by U.S. 169/212. He said the present acoeas onto 169 will be eliminated and the stop lights on either end of the project will be used as access. Shardlow said approximately 187,000 ou.yds. of fill will be required for the site. Currently there are 35,000 ou.yds. of fill stockpiled on the site. He said they plan a 35 ft. setback along 169 and 17-1 foot setbacks along interior roadways. The builder plans to have building covenants (including planting plans) for people buying into the area, which will provide a desireable continuity to the project. Shardlow showed proposed trail connections and sidewalks. Kingrey asked how the oak trees on the site would be saved? Shardlow said it is hoped grading and development can occur well outside the drip line of the trees, but if they find fill procedures to be too extensive, the trees may not survive. Anderson asked that a provision be put into the development agreement that if problems occur in saving the trees, the issue will be brought back before this Commission for approval. Shardlow said snow fencing would be put around the trees to indicate to workmen that the trees are to be saved. MOTION: Kingrey moved to approve the Eden Glen PUD Concept approval in accordance with Staff recommendations. This Commission expresses great concern in preserving existing vegetation to the extent shown ; in the plan, and that the developer come back before this Commission if problems in preserving the vegetation arrise, and that a snow fence be put up to show the vegetation is not to be intruded upon. VanMeter seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. DISCUSSION: Anderson asked that Lambert check on the possibility of placing performance bonds on large stands of trees to insure that they be saved. Jessen suggested perhaps there are other alternatives in C solving this problem, and Lambert said he would come back at the next meeting with possible actions. Minutes - Parks, Recreation & approved February 2, 1981 Natural Resouroes Commission 5- 2. Council Report - 1/20/81 Anderson commented that the Commission used to get Unapproved Council Minutes in packets, and now only get approved ones. He said it would be helpful to know Council information sooner than 4 weeks. Lambert said the Council made the decision not to distribute Unapproved Minutes, and Lambert said he tries to bring any information relating to this Commission forward before the Approved Minutes come out. 1/20/81 Council Actions: a) Approved Round Lake Park Shelter b) Continued HCPRD issue until Feb.3, and suggested the concerned property owners meet with Staff and HCPRD. A meeting on Jan.28, 1981 , resulted in recommendation to approve expansion of boundaries and give property owners one year to settle before -the County can condemn. o) Authorized Staff to apply for grants and prepare plans for Southwest Eden Prairie bike trail d) Approved bids for purchase of bobcat and tree spade. VI. OLD BUSINESS A. Policy on Park Facility Reservations Lambert reviewed Staff Memo of January 27, 1981, clarifying existing policies on reservations of City park facilities. Anderson expressed concern that there be a special park area for group use and a park area exclusively for families who want to picnic. He feels the City can provide for both. Jensen pointed out a problem in the past has been that Round Lake has been the main pionic area for both groups and families. Now, with the development of more park areas, more picnio areas will be available. Jensen also recommended 2 to 5 small park shelters be added at Round Lake strictly for families. MOTION: Kingrey moved to recommend concurrence with all Staff recommendations for park facility reservations, and that Staff develop a graduated scale for damage deposit. Jessen seoonded the motion and it carried unanimously. B. 1981 Goals Lambert referred to Staff Memo of January 28, 1981 and said last year C the system of assigning specific goals to each Commission member worked well and the Commission was able to meet their goals. r Minutes - Parks, Recreation & approved February 2, 1981 Natural Resources Commission -6- MOTION: Jensen moved to approve the goals for 1981 and they will be assigned as follows: 1. Johnson - Update the time table for completion of the Park Bond Referendum commitment. 2. Breitenstein - Update the Five Year Capital Improvement Program and the Comprehensive Park Plan. 3. VanMeter - Develop goals and policies on recreation programs and services provided by the Department of Community Services (this would include goals and policies on areas such as: player eligibility, what programs should be self sufficient, when is a recreation program justified in terms of cost vs participation, what services should be offered by the City and what services should be offered through Community Ed.) 4. Kingrey - Develop goals and policies on appropriate level of service for maintenance of parks, trails, ice rinks and other recreation facilities (this would include goals and policies on how often ball- fields should be mowed, lined, eta., should hockey rinks receive preferential treatment over free skating rinks, etc.) ice rinks, grounds (watering program). 5. Anderson - Develop policies on operation and maintenance of the Community Center including priority use, charges, budget, eto. 6. Jensen - Develop goals and policies on how the Athletic Coordinator will function with the newly created athletic associations as well as with the existing groups such as: Gymnastics Club, EPHA, eta. 7. Friederichs - Develop a policy on trail construction including priority trail connections, width and material for trail construction and policies on maintenance of these trails (how often should they be swept, should some trails be plowed during the winter months). Friederiohs seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. C. BMX Track Proposal Kingrey received a letter from John Lobben regarding a request for support of the BIv1X Track from this Commission. Kingrey feels the concept is good and recommends support if the number of people interested justifies the effort. Lambert said Lobben has come before this Commission before and the Council asked him to come back with something to show support. He is scheduled to come before the Council February 3, 1981 with a petition. Lambert said Staff recommends doing the basic grading of the track with a trail leading to it. If the City finds there is no interest r Minutes - Parks, Recreation & approved February 2, 1981 Natural Resources Commission 7- the track can be eliminated , and if there is a big demand a couple more tracks can be added at various looations in the City. VII. NEW BUSINESS 1 A. Metropolitan Council Review of Guide Plan t� Lambert asked that this Commission decide to accept Riley Lake as a Community Park or recommend the City apply for Regional Park status. In Lambert's opinion, the only plus for having a regional park at Riley Lake is in having the County pay for it and maintain it. He personally feels this would be selling Eden Prairie short and be a real mistake. Lambert added that the criteria to make a site a Regional Park is amenities it has to offer instead of just the money to be gained. The oorn field terrain at Riley Lake does not constitute "diverse natural resources" in his opinion. Anderson reflected that this Commission has spent a lot of time in recommending Riley Lake to be a Regional Park. MOTION: Kingrey moved to recommend keeping Riley Lake as a Community Park per Staff recommendation, and requests the City Council to forward this information and proposed amendment to the Regional Recreation Open Space System to the Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission. Breitenstein seconded the motion. The vote was 3 opposed, 3 in favor, and Jessen abstained. DISCUSSION: Breitenstein asked if the City decides to have Riley Lake remain a Community Park, can it ever be changed to a Regional Park? Lambert said it is possible but doubtful that it would be changed. MOTION: VanMeter moved to approve Riley Lake for Regional Park status. Anderson seconded the motion. The vote was 3 opposed, 3 in favor, and Jessen abstained. B. Minnesota Valley Wildlife Refuge MOTION: Jessen moved to recommend support of Concept C of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge/Recreation Area, and that the Fish and Wildlife Service limit and carefully manage snowmobile trails in the Eden Prairie area, that equestrian trails be made available within the boundaries of Eden Prairie, and that Eden Prairie support expansion of the Refuge boundary to include the bluff area as discussed at this meeting. Kingrey seconded the motion and it carried with VanMeter abstaining. DISCUSSION: Anderson expressed feelings that the City should take steps to preserve the bluffs. VIII. ADJOURNMENT ( Jessen moved to adjourn the meeting at 11:30 P.M. Johnson seconded the motion. Respectfully submitted, Carrie Tietz Recording secretary