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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks and Recreation - 05/04/2015 APPROVED MINUTES JOINT PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION & HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015 7:00 P.M. OUTDOOR CENTER 13765 Staring Lake Parkway PRNR COMMISSION MEMBERS: Larry Link, Chair; Debra McBride, Vice Chair; Michael Balaen, Donald Jacobson, Leonard Pesheck, Tim Rawerts, Kirk Spresser, and Deborah Tenner PRNR STUDENT REPS: Riley Tillitt HP COMMISSION MEMBERS: Steven Olson, Chair; Cindy Evert, Mark Freiberg, Tara Kalar, Pamela Spera, and Paul Thorp HPC STUDENT REPS: Courtney Sweeney CITY STAFF: Jay Lotthammer, Parks & Recreation Director; Stu Fox, Parks &Natural Resources Manager; Lori Brink, Recreation Manager; Lori Creamer, Planning Technician; Stan Tekiela, Outdoor Center Supervisor; Jodie Fenske, Recording Secretary GUEST: Randy Boser, True Friends; Camp Eden Wood L ROLL CALLANTRODUCTIONS Link called the meeting to order at 7:04 PM. Absent Commission Members were: Michael Balaen, Debra McBride, Tim Rawerts, Cindy Evert, and Pamela Spera. Absent Student Representatives were: Zeinab Hussen, Alexander Modeas, Pratik Baandal, Jacqueline Armstrong, Jennifer Powell II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion: Kalar moved, seconded by Spresser, to approve the agenda as presented. III. APPROVAL OF PRNR MINUTES OF APRIL 6, 2015 Tenner requested to add "would" to the first sentence on page 2. Motion: Pesheck moved, seconded by Link, to approve the amended April meeting minutes. IV. APPROVAL OF HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF APRIL 20, 2015 JOINT PARKS, RECREATION & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION/HPC MINUTES May 4, 2015 Page 2 Motion: Thorp moved, seconded by Olson, to approve the April meeting minutes. V. REPORT OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION VI. REPORT OF PLANNING COMMISSION Fox reported the Planning Commission issued two approvals in April: 1) To reface and improve Crossroads Center commercial development property which faces Flying Cloud Drive (near Viking Drive and Prairie Center Drive); and 2) To add employee parking lot in former nursery staging area at Eden Prairie Plaza (Salon Concepts). VIL PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATION A. OUTDOOR CENTER UPDATE Tekiela reported on Outdoor Center building history. He indicated the purpose of the Center is to conduct environmental education programs while maintaining integrity of natural resources. The Master Plan includes the addition of technology; making the Center more welcoming to patrons to visit for an experience not just for classes; more signage. He stated there is an increased interest by schools to visit the Outdoor Center not just as a field trip but as an onsite educational classroom. Tekiela stated there are no restrictions on Lake at this time. He commented on Staring Lake flood elevation and once it is reached, no wake zone is quickly established. He noted the Lake is currently level, while normally flooded at this time. B. STARING LAKE CARP STUDY Tekiela reported in 2011, the U of M, Watershed District, City of Eden Prairie and DNR began a project to remove carp infestation. He stated at that time, estimates were 500 pounds/acre in the lake and are currently down to 130 pounds/acre. They would like to see 100 pounds/acre. He stated carp are "bottom feeders" and don't let native vegetation take hold which results in poor water clarity due to lack of plants. He stated vegetation density was 0-2 percent in 2014, 10 percent in 2015 and hopefully 30-40 percent in the future. The clearer the water, the more native fish can survive. Tekiela also reported last winter commercial fishermen performed seining several times to remove approximately 800 carp at a time which were then composted. New options to remove carp may include spawning migration, baited traps, gill netting. VIIL OLD BUSINESS IX. NEW BUSINESS JOINT PARKS, RECREATION & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION/HPC MINUTES May 4, 2015 Page 3 A. CAMP EDEN WOOD PLAY STRUCTURE— CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS Lotthammer provided background information on Camp Eden Wood which the City owns and leases to True Friends. With a grant secured through a Hennepin youth sports program and matching funding of$40,000 from C.H. Robinson, the City hopes to assist with construction to replace the current outdated play structure with a new play facility. Lotthammer introduced Randy Boser, COO of True Friends. Mr. Boser informed the group True Friends is a non-profit organization focused on providing experiences for children and adults with developmental and physical disabilities. He reported on a plan to develop an accessible play structure/central play environment on several flat and level areas separated by retaining walls and connected by ramps. It was discussed that True Friends recently signed a 20-year lease with the City for Camp Eden Wood and True Friends to make improvements, maintain equipment and obtain insurance. Boser stated True Friends is currently looking for guidance from the City and hopes to obtain approvals over the summer so work can start in September. Steve Olson of UPC stated the importance of protecting view and resources. The dormitory building and Birch Hall are two historic buildings on the property. The entire site is a Historic District, not just buildings. Olson stated UPC will review the management plan and report back to PRNR Commission. B. CAMP EDEN WOOD PROPOSED BUILDING ADDITION Mr. Boser reported on the plan to construct an $800,00041,000,000 building made possible by a $500,000 donation. The new building would be located in southwest area of property near the railroad tracks and would replace the current Boulay building which is seasonal and not completely functioning. The current 1,000 square foot footprint would be replaced by building with 2,500 square foot footprint. The proposed building would be a respite center which includes program and play space, a house center, and camper and staff quarters. Boser stated there is no real indoor space currently, other than the dining space. Mark Freiberg inquired if there is any other option outside the historic district. Boser replied there is not much other level ground and only one small pine tree would be impacted. UPC Commission member Steve Olson indicated a desire to be proactive by outlining items and priorities so True Friends' resources are not wasted. The intent is to provide feedback by July before plans are drawn which would allow for 120 days for planning, application, etc. JOINT PARKS, RECREATION & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION/HPC MINUTES May 4, 2015 Page 4 Boser commented True Friends has $75,000 in funding for design and approval and hopes to break ground in 2016 at the earliest. C. INTERPRETIVE SIGNAGE BUFFING PROJECT—UPDATE Fox provided background information and reported the Heritage Preservation Commission performed an inventory of interpretive signage provided by a grant and originally installed 12-14 years ago (estimated 25- to 30-year life). Signs provide historical and natural information pertaining to geology, Native Americans, plants, birds, etc. The embossed fiberglass signs with pictures underneath have dried out and become cloudy over time since it was not realized they needed to be waxed each year. Fox was informed after buffing last year, the signs only improved for approximately one week and signs in direct sunlight were more adversely affected. Fox reported new digitally-produced, one-half inch thick, signage can withstand sun, weather and tolerate vandalism. New signage at Staring Lake and Purgatory Creek installed four years ago still appears new and paint/graffiti is easily removed. Approximately 20 signs (48 inches by 38 inches) will be needed at scattered locations throughout the parks system at a cost of$3,000 to $3,500 each, including artwork, production and bracket. Fox stated the plan is to stagger the sign purchases and include this cost in future budgets. D. RILEY LAKE PARK Creamer reported on a collaborative effort to put to use grants received along with an interpretive sign plan for the entire site. The goal is to reach the most people and provide information of the historic site over the hill. It was determined more signage is needed around the entire park. 1. Walking Path Currently there is a gravel road from Riley Jacques Barn to Dorenkemper House. The Dorenkemper House has a ramp to enter, but the House is not fully accessible. This summer a walking path will be constructed . 2. Kiosk A consultant is working with Parks on the construction and maintenance of a 4- sided kiosk that will be sheltered and located near the pavilion in late summer/early fall. 3. Si2nne The Interpretive Plan identified additional signage is needed all around the park; ie, on path near lake, on lake, and by fishing dock. Eleven additional signs are JOINT PARKS, RECREATION & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION/HPC MINUTES May 4, 2015 Page 5 recommended covering land, people and lake information. The consultant has determined a plan for concept, language and design, but nothing further has been done. 4. Farm Implements Inside Riley Jacques Barn Nicole Minton, staff liaison to the Eden Prairie Historical Society, is researching how to better protect and secure the milk cans, saws, tools, etc. stored on the lower level. 5. Creative ideas for Dorenkemper House The Dorenkemper House was relocated to its current site as a gift 15 years ago. It was originally thought it could be used for school groups. Through an interpretive plan, it was determined to not be the best use since it is not conducive to large groups, has no restroom and there is not much else for school groups to do in the area during day time hours. The Historical Society had concerns about the artifacts being stored at the house, since there is no climate control. Group discussed the Dorenkemper House would most likely need an addition if it was to be used as a business. The group also discussed possible sale of concessions/ice cream and the need for signage from the beach area. E. COMMUNITY GARDENS—2016 Fox provided the background of community garden plots at Pioneer Park, near the Senior Center; and on leased MAC property on Pioneer Trail near the Super America gas station. MAC has informed us that the lease is good for this summer, but that area is a potential building site and may not be available in the future. A new community garden site was offered this year on leased property at the Assembly of God Church on Duck Lake Trail. In 2016, we may want to consider using the land in front of the Dorenkemper House in Riley Lake Park. F. 2014 ANNUAL REPORT Lotthammer distributed copies of the annual report intended to memorialize and highlight the previous year's participation, attendance, and trends in program areas. X. REPORTS OF STAFF A. RECREATION SERVICES MANAGER Brink reported a good turnout for Arbor Day Walk/Green Fair. FYI: Arts in the Park on Saturday, May 16, at Purgatory Creek Park B. PARKS AND NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGER JOINT PARKS, RECREATION & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION/HPC MINUTES May 4, 2015 Page 6 C. PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR FYI: Board and Commissions Banquet, May 13, Garden Room at 6 p.m. 1. Lotthammer reported the grand opening of the new aquatics center is estimated for mid-July once the pool water has been inspected. The new upper fitness area to be open in 10 days and lower level addition (minus the pool)to be open in three weeks. 2. Lotthammer also reported that the second phase of the aquatics project is still scheduled for completion in December 2015. D. PLANNINWHERITAGE PRESERVATION Creamer reported the month of May is National Historic Preservation Month. The City of Eden Prairie is celebrating by kicking off the inaugural Heritage Preservation Award. Nominations are being accepted through June 30 for the awards which will be given to an outstanding individual, family or business. Nomination criteria will be posted on the City's website this week. In future years, the plan is to kick off in January and present the award in May. XI. NEXT MEETING Next PRNR Meeting—Monday, June 1 at 7 p.m., City Center Next UPC Meeting—Monday, June 15 at 7 p.m., City Center FYI: Board and Commissions Banquet, May 13 at 6 p.m. in the Garden Room XIL ADJOURNMENT: Motion: Tenner moved, seconded by Jacobson, to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:15 p.m.