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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks and Recreation - 06/06/2016 APPROVED MINUTES PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY,JUNE 6, 2016 7:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS 8080 Mitchell Road, City Center PRNR COMMISSION MEMBERS: Larry Link, Chair; Debra McBride, Vice Chair; Donald Jacobson, Matt Pellowski, Leonard Pesheck, Kirk Spresser, Deborah Termer CITY STAFF: Jay Lotthammer, Parks & Recreation Director Matt Bourne, Parks and Natural Resources Manager Lori Brink, Recreation Manager Valerie Verley, Community Center Manager Lindsey Danhauser, Art Center Supervisor RECORDING SECRETARY: Jodie Fenske I. ROLL CALLANTRODUCTIONS Link called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. Roll call was taken. Vice Chair McBride and Parks and Natural Resources Manager Bourne were absent. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion: Spresser moved, seconded by Pesheck, to add Section VII. B. Next Big Project. Motion carried 6-0. III. APPROVAL OF PRNR MINUTES - May 9, 2016 Motion: Pesheck moved, seconded by Spresser, to amend minutes to indicate Commission Members Pesheck and Termer were not present at the May 9, 2016 meeting. Motion carried 6-0. IV. REPORT OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION Lotthammer reported on several actions recently taken by the City Council. A. SENIOR AWARENESS MONTH The annual Proclamation made to the Council discussed senior awareness and the many programs available, in addition to the value of seniors to our community. The Proclamation began a month of activities held in May. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES June 6, 2016 Page 2 B. MILLER CONSTRUCTION ON FIELDS NO. 8 AND NO. 10 AND STORAGE BUILDING Based on staff recommendations, the Council rejected construction bids for the storage building at Miller Park field No. 8, but accepted bids for improvements to the plaza and parking lot behind the field. Bids were rejected a year ago due to high cost. This year bids were not only approved but also included additional trail work at a lower price than the bids the year prior. The Council also approved bids for improvements to the soccer field at Miller Park No. 10. Bids came in lower than projected which again was not the case a year ago. Work will include removing all irrigation and improving drainage, as well as parking lot repairs. C. STARING LAKE PARK PLAY AREA RENOVATION Contracts were awarded for the Staring Lake play area renovation totaling slightly more than $1 million. Work began last week and completion is expected by early September. D. ROUND LAKE PARK 1. Irrigation Contract was awarded to Green Acres Sprinkler Company for improved irrigation. 2. Phase II Professional Services Agreement Council approved the professional services agreement with Hansen, Thorp, Pellinen Olson, Inc. (HTPO) for the construction, observation, administration, and inspection of the Round Lake project beginning right after July 4. 3. Agreement with Watershed District The maintenance agreement with Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District for Round Lake Phase 11 was recently approved by the Council. Lotthammer explained any projects involving storm or retention ponds now require a maintenance agreement with the Watershed District stating the City will maintain the ponds well into the future by testing the filtration system periodically. E. TRAIL PROJECT DESIGN Council approved the professional services agreement with HTPO for trail project design. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES June 6, 2016 Page 3 F. WILLOW PARK TENNIS COURT RENOVATION Contract was awarded to Dermco-Lavine Construction Company for tennis court renovation. G. TREE DONATION Three trees were donated and located in Rice Marsh Lake Park by a family wanting to place more trees into the park system. H. COMMUNITY GARDENS LEASE The lease with Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) was approved for the community garden at Pioneer Trail and Flying Cloud Drive. All garden plots are currently rented for the 2016 season. V. REPORT OF PLANNING COMMISSION VI. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATION A. HANDOUTS OF UPCOMING EVENTS Brink presented copies of flyers for several upcoming events. 1. Minnesota Festival of Jazz on the Prairie The event, featuring six area big bands from around the metro, will take place on Sunday, June 12 from 2 to 8 p.m. at Staring Lake Amphitheatre. The festival will run in conjunction with RibFest benefitting the Eden Prairie Noon Rotary. 2. Staring Lake Concert Series The 33rd season of the free Starring at Staring Concert Series will kick off on Sunday, June 12 at 7 p.m. The concerts are held on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday nights until August 14 at Staring Lake Amphitheatre. 3. Eden Prairie Players Musical "Seussical" The Eden Prairie Players will present"Seussical" the musical from June 17 to 19 and June 23 to 26 at 7 p.m. each evening. The shows are free at the Staring Lake Amphitheatre. 4. Senior Center Garden Party The Senior Advisory Council will sponsor this annual event at the Senior PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES June 6, 2016 Page 4 Center on Wednesday, June 22 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The registration deadline is Friday, June 17. 5. KidStock Eden Prairie Smiles will again sponsor this free concert series at Staring Lake Amphitheatre on Tuesday mornings from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. from June 28 to August 16. Concerts are specifically geared toward younger children and many preschool groups attend each year. 6. Itty Bitty Beach Party Music and fun ideal for children ages 6 and under will be held at Round Lake Park on Friday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon from June 17 to July 29. 7. Fitness in the Parks As part of the Live Well Eden Prairie initiative, Fitness in the Parks will be held this summer at various parks. The classes are free with donations accepted for PROP at all events which run from June 12 to August 12. 8. 4th of July Hometown Celebration Beginning the afternoon of July 3 through the fireworks on July 4, the Hometown Celebration at Round Lake Park will offer activities including inflatable fun, BMX demonstrations, canoeing, paddleboarding, food, kids' beach party, vendors, pickleball tournament,bingo, 5K fun run, and Eden Prairie Baseball Association games. Publicity for the event is broadly distributed via social media, and an Eden Prairie News insert. B. PARKS AND RECREATION EXPERIENCES Pesheck referred to a recent Sun Current article about how Boy Scout Troup 695 used mulch donated by the City to repair the Central Middle School (CMS) nature trail as part of an Eagle Scout project. Using materials donated by Home Depot and Costco, the troop pulled weeds,raked leaves, built a culvert and removed fallen trees on the trail. Pesheck also stated he enjoys seeing the tennis and pickleball courts at Franlo Park being used often. Link shared he recently mountain-biked the cross country ski trails at Staring Lake Park. He also commended Art Center Supervisor Danhauser on another excellent Arts in the Park event. She estimated between 2,500 and 3,000 attendees enjoyed the experience. Spresser recently played tennis at CMS with the Mayor and enjoyed seeing many others using the courts. Termer shared her family's continued enjoyment of the PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES June 6, 2016 Page 5 parks. She noted crumbling rocks on a wall near Ginger Drive and 62nd Street. Lotthammer stated the Parks Maintenance Division is currently surveying the status of all rock walls. Jacobson shared his friend who moved recently from Oklahoma states the Eden Prairie Parks system is exceptional. Another friend who recently joined the Eden Prairie Community Center(EPCC) stated it is better than any private club he's visited and it is always immaculate and completely enjoyable. Jacobson also stated he has enjoyed seeing all parks "grow up" over the last forty years. Pellowski mentioned some children in a neighborhood on Dell Road between Joseph Circle and Duck Lake Road periodically move picnic tables into the road. Lotthammer suggested calling 911 so the Eden Prairie Police Department(EPPD) can assess the situation, inform Parks personnel and speak to the children. VII. NEW BUSINESS A. SWLRT PUBLIC ART PLACEMAKING Lotthammer reiterated for the past two years he and Danhauser have been reporting to the Commission on the current status of the light rail project. Previous reports contained mostly station location information. The most recent work has involved plaza and bridge pier artwork design. Adding art, placemaking and connectivity to stations along the line would be aesthetically pleasing but also provide an experience greater than just riding the train. Conceptual designs are in place and bridge piers are at the final design stage. He explained by getting a jumpstart on design work ahead of approval will ensure a better position if project does materialize. Danhauser offered a presentation of public art and placemaking of public areas at proposed train stations. Placemaking encompasses four components of public spaces to describe: 1) why one goes there (dinner, shopping, etc.); 2) how one gets there (i.e., drive, train,bike, walk); 3) how one feels about the area when there (i.e., safe, charming, attractive); and 4) who else is there (neighbors, new people, etc.). She reminded the Commission the three stations proposed for Eden Prairie are City West Station (CWS), Golden Triangle Station (GTS) and Southwest Station (SWS). CWS would include a park and ride and one of the largest plazas on the line. The plaza would offer lots of opportunity for placemaking to possibly include bike parking, way finding, seating, public art providing a large focal element (including lighting and seating), tree canopy for shade, and a kiosk for coffee, newspapers, etc. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES June 6, 2016 Page 6 GTS opportunities are unique in that there is an existing technology theme due to businesses in the area, as well as high-quality wetlands. By blending technology and natural resources, the public art could be more functional in nature by offering custom covered bike parking, creative lighting in the median, etc. SWS would be underground but since there are already mixed-use opportunities available (Purgatory Creek Park, residential condominiums, restaurants, and future retail opportunities), the area is special and could be Eden Prairie's "meet me at the spoon and cherry" spot. A second parking ramp is planned in addition to the existing ramp. Public art could be functional including structures that allow greenery to grow on them, as well as a potential large public art structure. She displayed a computer rendering of the bridge that would be over Prairie Center Drive. In order to celebrate this corridor and make it more walkable, opportunities exist for artwork on bridge piers including color-changing lighting. An open Request for Qualifications (RFQ)resulted in several artists with experience in designing bridge piers. Two finalists submitted budgets and references and Steven Weitzman was chosen. Danhauser displayed examples of his work from all over the country. Direction received from the City Council was to include natural landscaping. She described bridge piers would expand from eight feet tall to 32 feet tall and provide designs that would be unveiled as one travels down Prairie Center Drive. Part of the public art process is receiving input on designs from groups such as the Commission, so Danhauser requested feedback. In response to Pesheck's inquiry as to who is responsible for maintenance of the artwork, Danhauser explained any artwork on-platform would be maintained by SWLRT and any artwork off-platform would be the City's responsibility. She continued by describing platform panels which would be maintained by SWLRT. The panels would provide lighting and each would be unique to each station. Danhauser explained public art was removed from the SWLRT budget. Therefore the PLACES (Public Art and Community Engagement Southwest) Committee was formed which is an initiative to facilitate public art along Southwest Light Rain Transit(LRT) Corridor. Its vision is to tell the story, character, heritage and culture of communities along the corridor through public art. Pesheck inquired about the current timing of entire project and Danhauser explained the timeline tends to creep back due to uncertainty at the State level. Lotthammer interjected the construction period is at least two years so there is a full year to focus on fundraising. The line and track would be installed first and the plazas would be the final piece of the project. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES June 6, 2016 Page 7 Tenner inquired and Danhauser confirmed corporate sponsors are being considered. Bridge pier artwork needs to be part of the bid documents for the entire project so time is of the essence to secure an artist to design the bridge piers. The fundraising by the PLACES committee will be for artwork not on the structures or on the platforms. SWLRT staff will become more active at community events to share timing, locations, etc. and invite community members to become involved in the artwork portion of project. B. NEXT BIG PROJECT Spresser initiated discussion of future project options now that aquatic facility is complete at EPCC and SWLRT project is pending. Lotthammer described how over the past 20 years the City has responded to the most current explosion, i.e., soccer, lacrosse, pickleball etc., by repurposing existing facilities to meet current and future needs. Spresser initiated discussion of the City's aging population and the possibility of improving the Senior Center. Lotthammer explained the EPCC now has a senior liaison fostering the relationship with and informing seniors of the amenities at the EPCC. Spresser suggested upcoming Commission discussions include recreation trends. He also requested a wish list of the Commission for the year 2025 be developed considering demographics. Brink interjected Eden Prairie can lead the way for vital aging (including staying active, fit and healthy while experiencing lifelong learning and arts opportunities) and become a City where residents want to stay year round and through all ages of life, not just a great place for young families. Pesheck introduced discussion of a possible large area designated for cricket games. Link initiated discussion of Lake Riley. Lotthammer stated plans are in place to redo parking lots and redesign the Riley Lake Park area beginning this fall. Lotthammer offered his appreciation for discussion and thoughts shared by the group. VIII. OLD BUSINESS IX. REPORTS OF STAFF A. PARKS AND NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGER PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES June 6, 2016 Page 8 1. Parks Projects Update Lotthammer provided brief updates on several recent projects. a) Hidden Ponds Park. On the upcoming July bus tour, the Commission will see the new play structure recently installed near the water tower. b) Pheasant Woods Park. The new play structure has been installed but not yet opened until the concrete has cured. Trails at the park were also scheduled to be redone. c) Miracle League Field. The field is completed and the group is currently accepting registrations for leagues to start soon. d) Staring Lake Park. The playground has been removed and the area will reopen in early September. e) Cedar Hills Park. Improvement project is currently under review by the watershed district. Bids are expected in July and work to begin this fall. An update will be provided at July meeting. B. RECREATION SERVICES MANAGER 1. Senior Awareness Month Recap Brink shared details of opportunities provided not only by the City but also by other partners in the community. She estimated 679 people attended 13 events that took place in May. The Signature event was the first-ever Senior Resource Fair held at Pax Christi in conjunction with Eden Prairie Professionals in Aging (EPPIA), which is a collaborative involving a number of agencies that provide services for older adults in our community. More than 30 vendors provided information to over 300 participants of the event which included an inspirational talk by Don Shelby. Free shredding services were provided to 175 older adults at the Senior Center via a shredding truck sponsored by business partners. The Senior Awareness Dinner wrapped up the rewarding month and was a great opportunity to thank the many volunteers. 2. Summer Staff Trainin! Last Saturday morning at City Center, 140 summer Parks staff were PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES June 6, 2016 Page 9 trained in policies and procedures and engaged in motivational and team building activities. C. COMMUNITY CENTER MANAGER D. PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR 1. Health and Wellness Update Lotthammer stated the new food trailer promoting healthy foods will receive its wrap soon and will debut at the July 4 Hometown Celebration and other Parks events and concerts over the summer. 2. 2016 PRNR Work Plan The Commission will meet at a park TBD on Monday, July 11 at 6 p.m. The food truck will be available for dinner prior to the bus tour. X. NEXT MEETING Next PRNR Meeting—Monday, July 11 at 6 p.m., Food Trailer and Bus Tour XI. ADJOURNMENT Motion: Pesheck moved, seconded by Tenner, to adjourn the meeting at 8:42 p.m.