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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks and Recreation - 12/05/2016 APPROVED MINUTES PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2016 7:00 P.M. HERITAGE ROOMS 8080 Mitchell Road, Lower Level City Center PRNR COMMISSION MEMBERS: Larry Link, Chair; Debra McBride, Vice Chair; Donald Jacobson, Matt Pellowski, Leonard Pesheck, Kirk Spresser, Deborah Termer STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES: William Hemler, Kirsten Johnson, Phillip Kuhn, Conner Reding, Stefan Wenc, James Yoo CITY STAFF: Jay Lotthammer, Parks & Recreation Director Matt Bourne, Parks and Natural Resources Manager Lori Brink, Recreation Manager Valerie Verley, Community Center Manager RECORDING SECRETARY: Jodie Fenske I. ROLL CALLANTRODUCTIONS Link called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. Roll call was taken. Vice Chair McBride and Commission Member Termer were absent. Student Representatives Hemler, Johnson and Yoo were absent. Recreation Manager Brink and Community Center Manager Verley were absent. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion: Pesheck moved, seconded by Jacobson, to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried 5-0. III. APPROVAL OF PRNR MINUTES Motion: Spresser moved, seconded by Pesheck, to approve the November 7, 2016 minutes as presented. Motion carried 5-0. IV. REPORT OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION Lotthammer reported the second reading of the Tree Replacement Ordinance took place, the updated Ordinance has been published, and it will be in effect for any developments starting in January 2017. V. REPORT OF PLANNING COMMISSION Bourne reported a daycare is being proposed near the Flying Cloud expansion fields, lower level, on the northeast corner of Mitchell Road and Pioneer Trail. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION December 5, 2016 Page 2 The daycare would be located on three acres of un-platted land within the 35-acre parcel of property owned by Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC). Link inquired about the number of remaining undeveloped lots for housing that exist within the City. Lotthammer responded there are potential sites on the Marshall's Farm property and along the riverbank on the east side of the City that may develop within the next five years. VI. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATION A. HANDOUTS OF UPCOMING EVENTS Lotthammer presented copies of flyers for three upcoming events. 1. Twelve Days of Fitness The Community Center is offering this challenge from November 28 to December 24, 2016. Participants who visit the Community Center 12 times during those dates and maintain or lose weight will receive a t-shirt. The challenge is free for members and $20 for non-members. 2. Holiday Lunch The annual holiday celebration will be held at the Senior Center on December 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees will enjoy a catered meal from Kowalski's as well as live music from Eden Prairie High School students. Cost of attendance is $11 and a portion of the event is sponsored by Summit Place Senior Campus. 3. Thirty-Day Challenge The Community Center is offering this challenge from January 9 to February 7, 2017. Participants join a team for 30 days of fun and fitness, including new classes and meeting other motivated individuals. Personal coaches inspire, motivate, and educate participants to help achieve fitness goals. B. PARKS AND RECREATION EXPERIENCES VII. NEW BUSINESS A. BUDGET UPDATE Lotthammer reported the City Manager is expected to propose the 2017 budget to Council on December 6. The budget includes a 2.7 percent increase resulting in a PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION December 5, 2016 Page 3 few dollars for a median-value home. The Parks and Recreation Department budget will remain fairly stable with a three percent increase to full-time wages. There is an impact for seasonal wages due to minimum wage increases over the past few years. Spresser inquired and Lotthammer responded that efficiencies created by the PRNR department one year allow for little or no increases the following year. VIII. OLD BUSINESS A. PICKLEBALL UPDATE Jerry Maas,representing the Southwest Metro Pickeball Club (SWMPC), was in the audience. At the November 7, 2016, PRNR Commission meeting, representatives from SWMPC requested an analysis of sites in Eden Prairie where multiple courts could be located. The representatives indicated if an available site was capable of accommodating eight or more courts and the City was willing to partner with them, the SWMPC would explore a funding proposal. Commission members asked Staff to explore potential locations and associated costs and issues. Lotthammer presented the results of a Pickleball Court Development and Feasibility Study performed by Staff for Commission review and feedback. The report included City pickleball courts history, current locations, and conditions at Pioneer, Riley Lake, Round Lake and Franlo Parks. A chart was provided listing court inventory at surrounding cities, including Bloomington, Shakopee, Minnetonka, Chaska, Savage, Edina, Chanhassen, and Hopkins. Spresser noted the most courts any city has in one location is six courts (both Chanhassen and Chaska) and Eden Prairie leads the group with 27 total courts available. The report further outlined desired amenities and facility needs including multiple courts in one location, parking, restrooms, drinking water, wind screens/fencing, and seating preferably with shade. Location analysis included three sites at Staring Lake Park and one at Riley Lake Park. The report indicated Staring Lake Park Site A appears to be the best fit since it could accommodate ten courts. In addition, it is located adjacent to, and could be incorporated as part of a reconstruction of the current tennis and basketball courts. The current courts are in need of reconstruction which could help in the overall square foot cost of a project, as well as having the potential of staggering in multiple phases of pickleball courts; i.e., start with four or six and increase to ten over time. The site is flat and is adjacent to restrooms, drinking water, and a large parking area. It was noted that all sites at Staring Lake Park would need to consider and coordinate with special event nights and large concert and theater performances. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION December 5, 2016 Page 4 Budget calculations were based on recent court installation costs at Franlo Park and resulted in a total project cost of$500,000 for ten courts. The basketball courts are currently scheduled to be redone in 2019. Commission discussed the prospect of using the City's land and resources to be a regional location or draw for pickleball versus keeping what we have and if it is enough for residents. Possible conflict could be that courts become too busy and residents are not able to use courts in their own city. Lotthammer stated this issue can usually be regulated by policy to provide priority to Eden Prairie residents. The Commission also discussed the concept of multi-use courts which is not preferred by tennis players or pickleball players, both of whom prefer dedicated courts for their respective sport. Spresser and Lotthammer relayed preference of returning Riley Lake Park courts to dedicated tennis courts should additional permanent pickleball courts be built in the City. Maas stated SWMPC recognizes and is ready to allocate financial resources toward more courts in Eden Prairie. He has been authorized by the Club to provide $5,000 at this time. Lotthammer reiterated previous discussions with SWMPC regarding having a more solidified location for additional courts within the City will allow SWMPC to more easily fundraise for the project. He does not feel Council would consider spending $500,000 for the project and mentioned Edina's project was funded by a private donor. He feels in order for Council to consider using City land or tax dollars for this type of project, close to 100 percent of funds would need to be presented. Lotthammer feels with support of Commission, Council would consider providing feedback to a discussion of the project. Motion: Spresser moved, seconded by Jacobson, for Commission to recommend the City Council consider Staring Lake Park Site A for a possible pickleball multi-court location and to allow SWMPC to fundralse for the project to offset the majority of the cost. Motion carried 5-0. Lotthammer will present the motion at the January 17, 2017 Council meeting. IX. REPORTS OF STAFF A. RECREATION SERVICES MANAGER 1. Outdoor Center Master Plan Update Lotthammer reiterated the Master Planning goals include increased visibility, improved access and circulation, enhanced community use, and increased program capability. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION December 5, 2016 Page 5 Bourne presented a map and pictures to recap the projects completed so far, noting they did not require a large budget amount. Completed projects include trail improvements and additions, educational elements, a greenhouse provided by Girl Scouts, and improved pedestrian crossings. A paved trail was added at the entrance from Staring Lake Parkway to the first parking lot to prevent pedestrians from having to walk on the road. Additional boardwalks and footbridges were added within the park. Educational elements include a woodduck box and a full-size eagle's nest built by Eagle Scouts. The raptor mew was updated in anticipation of a new owl arriving this winter. Initial design phase elements that have begun include the nature play area, new wayfinding and interpretive signage plan, support and storage building improvements, entryway, and lighting. Several benches throughout the park have been moved closer to the trails and have had pads installed underneath to make them more accessible. Additional aspects of the Master Plan will be updated in the future. B. PARKS AND NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGER 1. Riley Park Update Bourne presented the updated Riley Park Master Plan which was provided by WSB & Associates, Inc. (WSB) after receiving input from the two preliminary plans. One major update is a change to the entrance to avoid vehicles having to drive boat trailers all the way through the parking lot to the boat launch. A second major update is to isolate the boat and trailer parking lot so it is not used for general parking. Updated plan takes further consideration of existing trees and topography so very little loss of trees will need to occur, especially in beach and picnic area. In addition, the boardwalk access has been improved to separate the seating area from the path. Jacobson inquired and Bourne responded the boat launch will most likely be inaccessible May through July for reconstruction. Lotthammer stated $800,000 has been budgeted from the replacement fund for Phase I of the project. Staff will meet with WSB in the coming week to review pricing estimates and determine where cost savings can be achieved. Since it is assumed cost will exceed budgeted amount, determinations will be made on how to phase the project with parking and safety being achieved first. Lotthammer stated the full east half of the project will be started first, including utilities. Total project cost is estimated at$2.5 million which will be phased in over time. Bathrooms and buildings are the most costly components of the project. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION December 5, 2016 Page 6 Phase II is currently not budged within the CIP;however, cash park fees may be eligible for the restrooms and utilities since they are new pieces, not replacement items. 2. Trail Update Bourne provided a map of trail improvements (including new construction, new segments, and new connections)planned for 2017, with a budgeted amount of$280,000. He indicated the biggest needs have been determined to be 1) Valley View Road near the pedestrian/rail road crossing at Eden Prairie High School; 2) Anderson Lakes Parkway near Oak Point Elementary School; and 3) Golden Triangle connection from Valley View Road up to Washington Avenue. C. COMMUNITY CENTER MANAGER D. PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR 1. 2016 PRNR Work Plan Lotthammer presented the 2016 work plan listing all focus items covered throughout the year. Spresser commended Lotthammer and staff for doing great work, listening to Commission's feedback and keeping Commission informed. 2. 2017 Tentative Meeting Dates Lotthammer provided a list of 2017 Commission meeting dates and indicated the focus items tend to populate easily as time goes on. Link asked Commission members to bring to the January meeting any ideas of items to be added to the work plan throughout the next year. X. NEXT MEETING Next PRNR Meeting—Monday, January 9, 2017, at 7 p.m., Heritage Rooms XI. ADJOURNMENT Motion: Spresser motioned, seconded by Pesheck, to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 p.m. Motion carried 5-0.