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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks and Recreation - 05/06/2013 APPROVED MINUTES PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013 7:00 P.M.—MAINTENANCE FACILITY 15150 Technology Drive COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Hutch Coburn, Chair(arrived at 7:10 p.m.); Larry Link, Vice Chair; Michael Belaen, Matthew Kraft, Debra McBride, Maria Helena Moreno and Leonard Pesheck COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Derek Gunderson and Geri Napuck STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT: Vy Nguyen COMMISSION STAFF PRESENT: Jay Lotthammer, Parks & Recreation Director; Laurie Obiazor, Recreation Services Manager; Stu Fox, Parks and Natural Resources Manager; Wendy Sevenich, Community Center Manager Sue Bohnsack, Senior Center Recreation Supervisor; Doug Ernst, Park Maintenance Supervisor; Matt Bourne, Park Maintenance Supervisor; Carol Pelzel, Recording Secretary I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Vice Chair Link called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Link asked staff and Commission members to introduce themselves. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion: Kraft moved, seconded by Pesheck, to approve the agenda as presented. The motion carried 6-0. III. APPROVAL OF PRNR MINUTES —March 4, 2013 and April 1, 2013 Motion: Pesheck moved, seconded by Kraft, to approve the March 4, 2013 meeting minutes as presented. The motion carried 3-0-3 with Belaen, McBride and Moreno abstaining because they were not members of the Commission at that time. Motion: Belaen moved, seconded by McBride, to approve the April 1, 2013 meeting minutes as presented. The motion carried 4-0-2 with Link and Moreno abstaining because of absence from that meeting. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES May 6, 2013 Page 2 IV. REPORT OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION A. AQUATICS FACILITY UPGRADE Sevenich reported staff will be presenting to the City Council tomorrow evening a recommendation that the City Council award a professional services agreement to Hammel, Green and Abrahamson, Inc. (HGA) for design and architectural services for the first phase at the Community Center with a transition into the second phase. If the Council agrees they should move forward they would go into a design phase which would take approximately six months. Once the design is completed, they would go out for bids. Sevenich said this Commission will have an opportunity to review the design prior to their going out for bid. The first phase of the design will be the master planning and design phases for the pool and will cost approximately $243,000. Sevenich further explained staff has received comments about a hot tub component and there have been questions about parking. The consultant will be asked to address both of those issues in their design. Lotthammer said there was a Letter to the Editor in the local newspaper with the writer expressing concern about transparency and not fully understanding the numbers. That person will speak to the City Council at tomorrow night's meeting. B. FARMERS MARKET Obiazor reported the City Council discussed a farmers market at their workshop. Staff met with four local growers; Bachmans, Petersons, Pichas and Marshalls to get their input on the possibility of starting a farmers market in Eden Prairie. Staff also did additional research with other communities that have a farmers market. The local growers thought the City's promotion of healthy eating and active living was very good,but did not feel it would be beneficial for them to participate in a farmers market on an on-going basis. They currently have produce stands and designated areas in the community and feel it would not be cost effective for them to participate and they would discourage the City from having a farmers market. Obiazor said they would, however, be interested in participating in some of the City's summer events. Marshalls did donate plants and seeds for the edible garden. The local growers are willing to work with the School District and City to protect the health and wellness of the City's residents. Obiazor explained other cities they talked to that have a farmers market do not have long standing farmers. She said staff s recommendation to the Council is to get the public's perspective. They have received a lot of favorable responses from the public wanting to have a farmers market. Staff will provide the Council with all of this feedback to help them decide if they should proceed with a farmers market or do a collaborative market with local farmers. Coburn asked how the farmers perceive Kowalski's or other stores as competitive. Obiazor said Bachmans did not want a farmers market because they as providers are part of Eden Prairie's tax base and felt the citizen's needs were also being met by local stores. Kowalski's has classes and programs teaching people how to work with fresh produce. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES May 6, 2013 Page 3 Link asked if residents could sell fresh vegetables from their properties. Fox responded as long as they don't establish a business they could sell excess vegetables. This is something they cannot do on an on-going basis. Market stands are required to obtain a permit and permission from the property owners where the stand is located. The City Code only allows outdoor displays for a limited time. Lotthammer said the next step in this process is to receive community input. Thus far approximately 99 percent of the comments are positive and residents see it as something more than a fruits and vegetables event. Belaen asked if staff has taken a position on a farmers market. Lotthammer said when the idea came up staff was excited about it as it fits into their health and wellness programming. McBride said it will be a difficult decision to make if the community wants it but the local farmers are opposed to it. She said this could be quite a hurdle to overcome. McBride said she personally would like a farmers market. Moreno said if the demand for a market is there, there should be one in the City. She said the schools are promoting healthy eating and are moving away from fried foods and kids now want to eat healthier. Eventually these kids will be paying customers. C. LIMITED USE PERMIT Fox explained in order to develop the trail on the north side of Highway 212 and Riley Creek Crossing the City has to apply for a Use Permit. The trail would be on MNDOT property and, therefore, a use permit is required. D. COVERED DUGOUTS Fox reported the City is acting as the middle person in obtaining covered dugouts for installation at Staring Lake, Cummins Grill and Franlo Parks. A grant was given to the Baseball Association through the Twin's Community Grant Program for these dugouts. E. PURCHASE TAX FORFEITED LAND Fox explained every six months or so the City receives a list from Hennepin County of tax forfeited properties within City boundaries to determine if the City is interested in receiving those properties. The City purchased a piece of wetland for$150. The City already owns the southern portion of the wetland. V. REPORT OF PLANNING COMMISSION Fox reported the Planning Commission approved a pool setback variance on Mitchell Lake and reviewed a request from the Eden Prairie Booster Club to replace the score board at the stadium. This request requires a sign variance because it exceeds the height restriction. The item was continued for two weeks. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES May 6, 2013 Page 4 VI. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS A. GOLDEN TRIANGLE AREA SUSTAINABLE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSESSMENT USING LEED-ND Lotthammer explained a free neighborhood design consultation from Global Green USA was performed on the Golden Triangle Light Rail Station area. This study was funded through a grant. This area will potentially be part of the LRT line and where one of the stations may be located. They will be talking about place-making and station design. Additional information regarding this study was included in the Commission's agenda material. Lotthammer said this information will provide the Commission with an idea of some of the preliminary work being done in the area and how they are making the area more walkable, etc. LRT development could impact redevelopment in and around that area. A SW LRT Station Area Planning workshop with the City Council will be held on May 13 at 5 p.m. at the City Center. Commission members are invited to attend this meeting. Link asked if the area is to be reclassified, is this something the City would do. Fox explained if, for example, they wanted to change an area from office/warehouse to something else they would have to go through a process. The land owner would have to apply to the City for a zoning change and justify the change. B. RESIDENT FACILITY REQUESTS Lotthammer reported staff had a request from the pickleball group asking for additional courts. He reminded the Commission that they added six pickleball courts at Pioneer Park last year. They are now planning to add six additional courts at Riley Park and should have them ready in July. They will be restriping the tennis courts so the courts can be used both for tennis and pickleball. Staff will bring this item back in the fall to see if they need to do anything different. Lotthammer said staff also received a request for consideration of integrating mountain bike paths into the park system. This is something they could look into as they begin the design of Cedar Hills Park since this is a larger area. A lot of the City's open space is low impact and may not be conducive to mountain bike riding. Staff will look at this further as they go into park planning. Lotthammer said cricket players also approached staff and commented that they go wherever there is open space. They are not an organized athletic association. Lotthammer said staff questions if it will have the interest that lacrosse did but they are planning to do some summer camps to see if there is an interest. Staff will keep the Commission advised on whether or not there is enough interest in cricket to go any further with that program. VII. OLD BUSINESS PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES May 6, 2013 Page 5 VIII. NEW BUSINESS IX. REPORTS OF STAFF A. RECREATION SERVICES MANAGER 1. Senior Awareness Month Bohnsack explained she is the Recreation Supervisor at the Senior Center and has been there for five years. The Senior Center has been in existence for over 40 years and provides activities for anyone 55 or older. They have seen a large increase of parents moving in with their children and they come together to the Center. Bohnsack said the Center offers a wide variety of programs. In 2012 they had over 22,500 visits at the Center including six active groups, 13 annual special events and 32 trips. She said they send out a newsletter every three months and are pushing to go green by putting it on the City's website. They are trying to decrease the number of newsletters mailed. Bohnsack said they are actively promoting health and wellness through exercise classes and by partnering with the Community Center. Bohnsack reviewed the various programs being offered during the month of May, Senior Awareness Month. Coburn asked if staff solicits feedback from the seniors on the various programs offered. Bohnsack responded for special events they do provide them with comment cards. Coburn questioned if they have any additional feedback related to garden plots and having the seniors serve as mentors to the younger gardeners. Lotthammer said the concept was to use them at some of the edible gardens as well and that may happen. The garden plots have a greater use and the seniors have priority over the plots behind the Senior Center. Link asked how many people staff the Senior Center. Bohnsack responded in addition to herself there is one full-time person, five bus drivers and building attendants. Obiazor pointed out the Senior Center has the highest volunteer service hours. FYI: Community Band 40t' Anniversary Concert FYI: Arts in the Parks B. PARKS AND NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGER 1. Park Maintenance Overview/Tour of Maintenance Facility Fox explained staff would like to present an overview of the park maintenance operation to the Commission including park maintenance, park construction and forestry. Fox introduced Doug Ernst and Matt Bourne, Park Maintenance Supervisors, and said together they supervise 16 full-time people. Bourne reviewed the Park Maintenance section explaining staff maintains 43 parks and special use areas; Riley and Round Lake beaches and five fishing piers. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES May 6, 2013 Page 6 They also maintain 52 baseball/softball fields, 48 soccer/lacrosse/football fields and 47 tennis and pickle ball courts. The City has 13 sand volleyball courts, 26 basketball courts, 29 play structures, 130 miles of trails, formal flower gardens and two community garden plots that also require maintenance. Bourne explained in the winter park maintenance staff assists with snow removal from trails, parking lots and rinks and they remove diseased trees. They also maintain nine skating rinks, nine hockey rinks and Staring Lake sledding hill. Bourne said staff assists with 40 to 50 special events per year and with summer athletic tournaments. Ernst presented an overview of park construction work which is done by hired contractors, Park Maintenance staff, other City departments, Institution Correction Work Crew (ICWC), contracted with the State prison, and through the Twin City Tree Trust(TCTT)program. Ernst explained 2012 summer projects included work at Round Lake Park, Birch Island Woods Conservation Area, Riley Lake Park, Staring Lake Park and Pioneer Park. Trail work was done at Riley Lake Road and work was also done at Purgatory Creek Park. Ernst reviewed with the Commission projects completed at the various parks. Lotthammer explained their biggest nemesis has been the weather. They have not been able to prepare the softball and soccer fields for the season because of the weather. During the summer, seasonal staff or contractors are hired to assist Park Maintenance. He also explained they are getting close to installing the soaring bird sculpture at the Community Center. The Rotary will help with the installation and are also paying for the sculpture. Bourne and Ernst conducted a tour of the maintenance facility. 2. Riley Lake Concept Plan Fox reported on the Riley Lake Park redesign. He stated the project was listed in the City's Capital Improvement Plan for three years. The City contracted with a consulting firm, HTPO, to develop plans for the redesign and reconstruction of a portion of the park. This firm has done a number of projects for the City and staff is very familiar with their work. Fox said the scope of the project is to convert two youth baseball fields at the park into adult sized softball fields. The reconstruction work would lengthen the field fence distances from 250 feet for the current fields to 300 feet for the new fields. They are also planning to light the fields. This would be the first lit tennis courts in a Community Park. Staff felt as long as they are lighting the fields they will also light the volleyball, tennis and basketball courts on the south end of the park. Fox said they are also looking at maintaining these fields for youth play through July and then at that point have the contractor come in and take everything apart and put back together in the fall. The fields will have to rest for probably the rest of the year. Lighting of the fields will take place at the same time as the reconstruction and would probably be available in the fall. The lights would have demand buttons on them during park hours allowing users to push a button to turn the lights on. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES May 6, 2013 Page 7 Coburn asked if the proposed lighting required approval from surrounding residents. Fox responded because it is located in a park and open space it is not necessary to get resident approval. Staff would notify the neighbors of the lighting proposal. The lighting has been greatly improved from what was previously used and is not as intrusive. Fox explained funding for this project comes from the Capital Improvement Program. Money was programmed into the plan with a consultant estimate. There may be some additional cost because they did not anticipate lighting the various courts. Kraft asked where the trail would go. Fox showed on a map the location of the existing trail and where the new trail would run. Moreno asked if there has been any consideration of placing a trail by the new development on Eden Prairie Road. Fox responded a trail extension is part of the upgrade of Eden Prairie Road. There is a plan for a bike trail to continue on the east side of Eden Prairie Road to Riley Lake. They plan to go out for bids for this project in two weeks. C. COMMUNITY CENTER MANAGER FYI: Play Structure is Turning 5 —Prairie Play Zone Moreno said she has noticed people coming into the play area at the Community Center that have not paid and are not wearing wrist bands. Sevenich said she would look into this. McBride reported the Art Center open house was very successful and they had more than 100 people in attendance. A vast majority of the people had never been to the Art Center and did not realize it existed. Kraft reported on the Arbor Day walk held last Saturday. He read the children's book "The Lorax" for the kids in attendance. D. PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR 1. 2013 PRNR Work Plan FYI: Board & Commission Banquet, May 15, 6 p.m., Garden Room. Lotthammer reminded the Commission there is an LRT presentation scheduled for tomorrow night at 5 p.m. with the City Council and Commission members are invited to attend. Lotthammer thanked Student Representative Vy Nguyen for her participation on the Commission. This is her last meeting as the Student Representative. Link thanked Fox and his staff for their presentation. He asked if the Commission will be conducting their annual tour of the various parks in the City. Lotthammer said that is scheduled for the July 1 meeting. Link said he has ridden the new trail PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES May 6, 2013 Page 8 by Bearpath and complimented staff on the great job they did in developing this trail. X. NEXT MEETING Next PRNR meeting —Monday, June 3, 7 p.m., Civic Center, Council Chambers. XI. ADJOURNMENT Motion: Motion was made by Coburn, seconded by Belaen, to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m.