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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks and Recreation - 04/03/2017 APPROVED MINUTES PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY,APRIL 3, 2017 7:00 P.M., HERITAGE ROOMS 8080 Mitchell Road, Lower Level, City Center PRNR COMMISSION MEMBERS: Larry Link, Chair; Debra McBride, Vice Chair; Cecilia Cervantes, Patrice Erickson, Donald Jacobson, Matt Pellowski, Leonard Pesheck, John Rahman, Kirk Spresser STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES: William Hemler, Kirsten Johnson, Phillip Kuhn, Conner Reding, Stefan Wenc, James Yoo CITY STAFF: Jay Lotthammer, Parks and Recreation Director Matt Bourne, Parks and Natural Resources Manager Lori Brink, Recreation Manager Valerie Verley, Community Center Manager Courtney Kendall, Recreation/Special Events Intern I. ROLL CALLANTRODUCTIONS Link called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Roll call was taken. Commission Members Jacobson, Rahman, and Pesheck were absent. Student Representatives Johnson, Kuhn, Reding, and Wenc were absent. New commission members were welcomed. Cecilia Cervantes and Patrice Erickson introduced themselves. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Spresser suggested addressing the dog park proposal earlier in the agenda. Motion: McBride moved, seconded by Pellowski, to approve the agenda as adjusted. Motion carried 6-0. III. APPROVAL OF PRNR MINUTES Motion: McBride moved, seconded by Spresser, to approve the March 6, 2017 minutes as presented. Motion carried 6-0. IV. REPORT OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION Lotthammer reported on the items going to the City Council. A resolution to adopt the acceptance of a$200 donation from Friends of the Eden Prairie Library towards Arts in the Park ($100), the Animal Open House ($50) and the Fall Harvest($50). Another resolution to adopt the acceptance of a$200 gift from the Flying Cloud Animal Hospital for the Annual Animal Open House held at the Staring Lake Outdoor Center. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION April 3, 2017 Page 2 V. REPORT OF PLANNING COMMISSION Bourne reported on action recently taken by the Planning Commission; and provided the parks information for the city's comprehensive plan update, Aspire Eden Prairie 2040. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. STARING LAKE DOG PARK PROPOSAL Lotthammer opened with the history of the partnership that has brought us to the discussion today. The EPHS ski team created the ski trails in Staring Lake Park in early 2000's, and the ski coaches have been maintaining the trails each winter. A proposal was submitted by dog owners requesting the dog park be opened year- round and the ski shed be removed. Bourne showed a map of the dog park at Staring Lake and highlighted the areas used for cross-country skiing. The ski team shed is used for reviewing taping of skiers and stores the trail grooming snowmobile. Spresser questioned if everything was accurate in the letter from the EPHS ski coach. Lotthammer responded that it was accurate. Lotthammer also expressed the coach is very committed to grooming the ski trails. All the equipment belongs to the school; and it is nice to have this resource available for the trails. Bourne commented that the ski team uses Highland Hills Ski Area,but are limited to once a week due to high usage by many other teams. During the last few winters the ski season has been short, due to lack of snow and that area is converted to a dog park usually by early March. McBride asked about the dog park at Bryant Lake Park. A resident commented that it is open year-round;however, she felt it is expensive at$45 per year,per dog. Kendall shared with the commission the survey of surrounding communities. Eden Prairie has the most dog parks of surrounding communities. Discussion was opened to the community members. John Hanson commented that there is a misconception that dog owners want to close down skiing. He wants the best utilization of that space year round. The winters don't support cross-country skiing, but a year-round dog park would be used. He thanked the commission for allowing the group to hear their opinions. Spresser countered that Staring Lake is the only spot for cross-country skiing,but other areas of the city can be used for dog parks. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION April 3, 2017 Page 3 Barb Hanson commented that the city pays for ballfields, dugouts, etc.; spend the money to move the shed. Bourne estimated that cost could be $2,500 to $8,000. Pellowski questioned if the fencing could be re-done to accommodate both groups. Pam Reimer has three kids that have been in Nordic Skiing and has never seen the shed being used as a tape reviewing location. She sees skiers that use other (non- groomed) ski trails near the Hennepin Technical College. Christina Buckeye suggested that the area be utilized by different users at different times, and modify the fencing so it can be moved easier in the winter. Allow the skiers to utilize the park from 2-5 p.m. Monday through Friday; and dog owners use the area in the morning and early afternoon. McBride suggested a resident survey could be conducted to get some official feedback. Link said that the commission needs more information and will address this issue at a future meeting. Bourne added he can get more information on costs for moving/adding fencing, and for movingibuilding the shed to another location. VII. OLD BUSINESS A. DEER MANAGEMENT McBride received a call from a concerned neighbor about the perception of using poisoned corn and deer poachers. Bourne explained a communication via the city website and website subscribers will be sent out. Lotthammer gave an update on the deer management program for the new commission members. VIII. REPORTS OF STAFF A. COMMUNITY CENTER MANAGER B. RECREATION SERVICES MANAGER Verley provided information on the first day of enrollment for spring/summer programs. The camp preview day may have helped many families plan their summer activities. More people registered on the first day and within the first two weeks than in the previous two years. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION April 3, 2017 Page 4 C. PARKS AND NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGER 1. Riley Lake Park Boat Launch Bourne presented information on Phase 1 of the boat launch project. The trails and basic layout will stay the same. The beach area will add an ADA accessible ramp, a shower area, storage, seating and designated picnic areas. The pricing will determine the specific amenities. The entrance had to change to not interfere with the LRT trail. The project will go to bid in two weeks, with construction starting in early June. Spresser was concerned with the timeline and closing the parking lot during high usage. Bourne stated he will work with the consultant to review the timeline. Lotthammer explained the balance with safety issues and environmental needs of working next to the lake, including capturing storm water. Bourne explained the majority of the work involves grading the land, with minimal impact on the large oak trees. Signage will be posted about the changes,plus the park projects webpage will be updated. 2. Rice Marsh Lake Playground Bourne explained that a request for proposal was sent out to eight different playground vendors with $70,000 maximum. Playground designs were submitted; feedback was given to the vendors. The resubmitted designs were narrowed down to two vendors. The commission members liked the variety of the design by Little Tikes (P1ayPower LT Farmington), and like the orange color. D. PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR Lotthammer shared the annual report with the commission. He explained the 2016 accomplishments, trends and how this is a good document for new employees. May 1 meeting will be with the Conservation Commission at the Outdoor Center. Arrive early at 6:30 p.m. for an optional tour. IX. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATION A. HANDOUTS OF UPCOMING EVENTS • Animal Open House • Art Center Open House • Park Clean-Up Day • Floating Egg Hunt • Step to It Challenge PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION April 3, 2017 Page 5 B. PARKS AND RECREATION EXPERIENCES McBride attended the Ice Show on Sunday with a full audience. Lotthammer explained to the new commission members about the sharing of experiences. X. NEXT MEETING Next PRNR Meeting—Monday, May 1 at 7 p.m., Outdoor Center with the Conservation Commission Arrive at 6:30 p.m. for an optional tour of the Outdoor Center, new trails, etc. XI. ADJOURNMENT Motion: Cervantes moved, seconded by McBride, to adjourn the meeting at 8:52 p.m. Motion carried 6-0.