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Heritage Preservation - 03/07/2022APPROVED MINUTES PARKS, RECREATION, AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION and HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MONDAY, MARCH 7, 2022 7:00 P.M. CITY CENTER Heritage Rooms, 8080 Mitchell Road PRNR COMMISSION MEMBERS: Patrice Erickson, Chair; Cecilia Cervantes, Vice Chair; Kim Harris, Tom Poul, Ken Ross, Shanti Shah, Kirk Spresser, Ashley Young HP COMMISSION MEMBERS: Pamela Spera, Chair; Valerie Ross, Vice Chair; Robert Bowes, Rod Fisher, George Maxwell, Steven Schumacher, Paul Thorp PRNR STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES: Arie Cohen, Evan Lembke, Aditi Nadkarni, Joey Schommer, Kamal Yusuf, Maria Zeien HPC STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES: Joseph Canham, Andrea Porter, Devyn Stanton, Luc Willett CITY STAFF: Jay Lotthammer, Parks and Recreation Director Lori Brink, Recreation Manager Matt Bourne, Parks and Natural Resources Manager Valerie Verley, Community Center Manager Beth Novak-Krebs, Senior Planner RECORDING SECRETARY: Jodie Fenske PRNR Chair Erickson called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Brief introductions were made by all those in attendance. Recreation Manager Brink and PRNR Commission Members Harris, Spresser, and Young were absent. PRNR Student Representatives Cohen, Nadkarni, Schommer, Yusuf, and Zeien were absent. HPC Member Maxwell was absent and HPC Student Representatives Canham and Porter were absent. Since City Commission terms end in May, Parks and Recreation Director Lotthammer noted this meeting will be the last for PRNR Commission Members Harris, Ross, and Spresser. Senior Planner Novak-Krebs noted this meeting will be the last for HPC Chair Spera and Vice Chair Ross. Lotthammer and Novak-Krebs thanked all retiring members for their hard work throughout their terms. I. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion: PRNR Commission Member Poul moved, seconded by HPC Member Bowes, to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried 11-0. PARKS, RECREATION, AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES March 7, 2022 Page 2 II. APPROVAL OF PRNR MINUTES Motion: PRNR Commission Vice Chair Cervantes moved, seconded by PRNR Commission Member Ross, to approve the February 7, 2022 PRNR Commission minutes as presented. Motion carried 5-0. III. REPORT OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION Lotthammer reported on actions recently taken by the City Council. A. EDEN PRAIRIE CEMETERY TRANSFER AND FEES Council approved the transfer and proposed fees for the Eden Prairie Cemetery. Management of the cemetery by the City was effective March 1, 2022. B. DONATIONS 1. Elim Shores for Senior Center. Council accepted a donation of $350 from Elim Shores to the Senior Center to be used toward the shredding event and golf event. 2. Eden Prairie Community Foundation for MLK Jr. Words in Action Contest Prizes. Council accepted a donation of $350 from the Eden Prairie Community Foundation to be used for cash prizes for the MLK Jr. Words in Action contest winners. 3. Humana for Senior Center. Council accepted a donation of $200 from Humana to the Senior Center to be used toward the golf event and June bingo program. C. ROUND LAKE FIELD AWARD Lotthammer informed the Council the City has been recognized by the Minnesota Park and Sports Turf Manager’s Association with a Field of the Year award for Round Lake Stadium. Lotthammer explained the award is usually presented to professional or university fields, so it was an honor for Eden Prairie to receive such an award. Additionally, Round Lake Stadium was built in 2007 and 2008, and it is remarkable to receive an award at this time in the Stadium’s lifespan. Lotthammer commended the Eden Prairie Baseball Association, as well as City staff, for their work in the upkeep of the field. Bowes added American Legion baseball teams also maintain the field. PARKS, RECREATION, AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES March 7, 2022 Page 3 D. PLAY STRUCTURE REPLACEMENT AGREEMENT Council approved a Standard Agreement for purchase of play structures from Northland Recreation, LLC for Prairie East and Wyndham Knoll Parks. IV. REPORT OF PLANNING COMMISSION V. PETITIONS, REQUESTS, AND COMMUNICATION VI. NEW BUSINESS A. READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS Community Center Manager Verley stated the City has an opportunity on a yearly basis to be a part of the Sun Current Readers’ Choice Awards. Sun Current readers throughout the metropolitan area participate in selecting the award winners. The Community Center received the award for Best Recreation Center for the sixth year in a row. The Round Lake Splash Pad received the award for Best Outdoor Waterpark/Splashpad for the second year in a row. B. DORENKEMPER HOUSE Novak-Krebs provided a presentation on the history of the Dorenkemper House which is located on the shores of Lake Riley. The home was built around 1855 by Frank Geisler and is one of the rare surviving examples of a log home. Originally located near the entrance to the now Settlers Ridge residential community, the Dorenkemper House was moved to its current location near the Riley-Jacques Barn in 2002. The house has limited electricity and no running water or plumbing. The HPC has been discussing ways to increase awareness of the house and its history. The Commission recognizes the limitations (lack of electricity, water, and sewer) and also the need for partners to achieve the goal of introducing more people to the house. Partnering with the PRNR Commission and Parks and Recreation events and summer camps would be ideal. Novak-Krebs noted the Harvest to Halloween event last fall was successful in bringing in more than one hundred visitors to tour the Dorenkemper House. The HPC has come up with several possible uses for expanding exposure to the house. Offering tours and selling ice cream, providing a food truck, coordinating a farmers’ market, organizing themed events (i.e., spring plant swap, barn dance, 4th of July), and setting up beer sales or wine tastings by local businesses are some of the ideas. By offering these events, adults and children from the park, beach, and summer camps would be drawn to the house. Directional signage could be provided and Commission members could give tours of the house and/or provide programming for children. Novak-Krebs stated these ideas were presented to the City Council and Council members were supportive. PARKS, RECREATION, AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES March 7, 2022 Page 4 Additional ideas and input were requested of the group by Novak-Krebs. Cervantes inquired if there are regular hours for tours and HPC Vice Chair Ross responded the house is not open on a regular basis but tours can be pre-arranged. Poul inquired and HPC Member Fisher confirmed there are limited activities available at the house other than historic representation and furniture of the time. Cervantes suggested preset tours could be advertised in parks and recreation brochures and signage could be put up. Erickson suggested a recording be made of an interview of a person who previously lived in the house. HPC Vice Chair Ross suggested the possibility in the future of adding running water and additional electricity so the entire community could use the house, such as was done with the Smith-Douglas-More house. Lotthammer suggested a coordinated effort with safety camp in the summer may be possible. Erickson mentioned the Bakken Museum effectively provides STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education in an old house, and perhaps a similar learning experience without electricity could be provided in the future at the Dorenkemper House. Lotthammer stated the importance of knowing who to contact to schedule a tour because confusion often occurs between the HPC and Eden Prairie Historical Society. Fisher suggested the possibility of training Parks staff to open the House and provide tours. HPC Member Schumacher noted there is no paid staff or a large budget at this time to provide any significant input. HPC Vice Chair Ross suggested advertising days and times of specific Dorenkemper House events at the park for park users to add to their visit. She also requested picnic tables be added on the lawn outside the house and inquired about the possibility of the City’s food truck making a stop. Lotthammer interjected pop- up events could also be held and advertised via a sandwich board. Cervantes suggested the Dorenkemper House be added to the PRNR Commission bus tour this summer. Next steps will include HPC members setting up possible dates and times and then coordinating with Parks and Recreation staff. VII. OLD BUSINESS A. FLYING RED HORSE SIGN Lotthammer provided a brief history of the Flying Red Horse sign for the HPC since the PRNR Commission has been presented information previously on February 4, 2021 and May 6, 2019. He included background on the sign from 1936 when it was first installed in Eden Prairie through 2008 when it was named a historical landmark. The Flying Red Horse sign was “grandfathered” as a rooftop sign by the City and remains one of the original Eden Prairie landmarks. Frank and PARKS, RECREATION, AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES March 7, 2022 Page 5 Anna Schwartz settled in Eden Prairie in the early 1900s and were one of the first nine families to settle in the City. Four generations of the family still reside in Eden Prairie. The Schwartz family owned the Wye Café and gas station where the sign was originally installed. Photographs were displayed for Commission members to see the sign in 1936, 1978, early 2000s, and its current state as it was donated to the City in 2008 by the Schwartz family. Previous discussions took place considering if the sign should be displayed inside or outside. The only feasible indoor location would be the Eden Prairie Center mall, but mall management is not interested at this time. The most feasible outdoor location determined is the sign’s original location which is across from the Davanni’s restaurant on Flying Cloud Drive. The proposed plaza area will allow for historical accuracy and lots of traffic flow, including LRT traffic, for viewing the sign. Lotthammer introduced Candace Amberg, Senior Professional Landscape Architect at WSB and Associates, which is a design and consulting firm that has worked with the City on several projects. Ms. Amberg has many years of creative and design experience in placemaking and taking advantage of location. She developed three concepts and presented them to the Commissions and asked for reactions and feedback throughout her presentation. Concept 1, called “The Showroom,” included Googie-style design elements, automobile memorabilia, and globe lighting with license plate-wrapped pedestals. The concept included interpretive signage, a checkered-floor plaza, and benches. The Flying Red Horse sign panels were individually attached to each side of a marquee-style concrete base with LED lighting. Concept 2, called “Paradise (by the Dashboard) Light,” included the Flying Red Horse restored as a modern public art piece with neon lighting. The concept included interpretive signage and a rustic wood-patterned concrete plaza floor integrated with neon or LED light strips. Concept 3, called “Remembering Wye,” was named after the formerly referred to Wye intersection and triangular piece of land where the sign will set. In this concept, the Flying Red Horse sign would only be lit via ground up-lights, the sign itself would not be lighted. The concept included two small plazas for viewing interpretive signage on gas-pump-inspired bollards. Ms. Amberg invited input from both Commissions. Schumacher inquired and Ms. Amberg responded there would not be much additional cost to light both sides compared to only one side of the sign. Schumacher added he preferred the limestone and metal accents in Concept 3. He also inquired if the orientation could be changed to that in Concept 1 and questioned if benches would be necessary. HPC Student Representative Stanton stated he liked Concept 3 and preferred lighting the sign itself rather than just up-lighting. PARKS, RECREATION, AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES March 7, 2022 Page 6 Fisher stated lighting the sign with LED or neon is essential and inquired if dropping the word “Mobil” should be considered. Cervantes stated she liked the material and lighting of the old-fashioned gas pumps. Erickson inquired and Lotthammer confirmed sidewalks are available to the plaza for all concepts. Bowes suggested a combination of Concepts 1 and 3 and was excited about the media attention the sign could bring to the City. Lotthammer interjected having the words “Eden Prairie” on the hardscaping would make the area an excellent spot for taking pictures. HPC Chair Spera stated the importance of keeping the historical integrity of the sign. HPC Member Thorp added the importance of putting the sign back to the condition to which it was last displayed. He stated it would be the least expensive and would keep the sign as historically accurate as possible. Cervantes and Poul stated they liked the lighted landscaping and words “Eden Prairie” visible for picture taking. Opinions were mixed on the checkerboard-style plaza floor. Members from both Commissions commended Ms. Amberg’s work. Lotthammer stated next steps include determining cost, grading, and types of material. A final concept will be developed taking into consideration the input received at tonight’s meeting as well as input from the City’s Community Development Department. Lotthammer estimates a final design could be created by early summer, the project could go to bid by July, and Council could approve the project by August. Depending on the City’s ability to secure the site from the SWLRT (South West Light Rail Transit), the sign could be installed by September. VIII. REPORTS OF COMMISSION AND STAFF A. PARKS AND RECREATION EXPERIENCES Staff and Commission members shared recent experiences with City parks and recreation programs. Erickson commended the improvements the City has made to the Duck Lake area, including work on the bridge and new sidewalks leading to Prairie View Elementary School. Lotthammer estimated the count to be over 12,000 visitors to the new Staring Lake Building, sledding hill, and skating rink this winter. B. RECREATION SERVICES MANAGER C. COMMUNITY CENTER MANAGER D. PARKS AND NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGER PARKS, RECREATION, AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES March 7, 2022 Page 7 1. Historical Properties Update. Parks and Natural Resources Manager Bourne presented an update on the inventory of historical properties within the City. The Riley House exterior will be painted by Facilities staff in 2022 and a grant is currently being sought to fund a new roof. Facilities staff will replace rotting boards on the exterior of the Riley-Jacques Barn in 2022 and paint the exterior within the next two years. In addition, access to the Barn will be updated with card readers. The Riley Granary exterior will be painted in 2022. The Smith-Douglas-More House received extensive kitchen updates recently, including installation of a walk-in cooler. A landscape consultant has been hired to develop plans to reinvigorate the rain garden and deal with erosion issues. The work will be performed in 2022. The Cummins-Phipps-Grill House was painted in the spring of 2021. A grant has been received to replace the roofs of the house and well house. Work is expected to be completed by the fall of 2022. A Certificate of Appropriateness has been submitted for roofing and siding replacement of the Birchwood Cabin at the Eden Wood Center/Camp Eden Wood property. Novak-Krebs stated the HPC will review the plans in April and it is expected the Council will review the plans in May. Fisher inquired and Lotthammer responded City staff continues to oversee maintenance and preservation of the property performed by True Friends staff. A new furnace was installed at the Outdoor Center in 2021. Other recent updates include the rebuilding of the storage shed, installation of LED bulbs, and improvements to the Animal Junction building. 2. Birch Island Wood Interpretive Signs. Bourne provided an update to last month’s report that the Friends of Birch Island Woods (BIW) has dissolved as a non-profit organization. He stated the funds have now been transferred to the City. Part of the funds will be used to add an interpretive sign at the entrance to the Birch Island Woods Conservation area. The sign will provide information on the land and history of the conservation area, as well as the integral role the Friends of BIW played in conserving the area. Bourne expects the sign to be completed and installed this summer. E. PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR 1. Eden Prairie Cemetery Acquisition. Lotthammer provided a brief history and explanation of the difference PARKS, RECREATION, AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES March 7, 2022 Page 8 between the two cemeteries in the City for the benefit of the HPC. This same information had been previously provided to the PRNR Commission. In summary, the Eden Prairie Cemetery Board was established in 1865. It remained an active cemetery board until November 13, 2021, at which time the Board unanimously passed a resolution to dissolve and transfer the cemetery to the City. Lotthammer explained the benefits of the City taking over management of the cemetery, including economies of scale for turf, mowing, irrigation, and snow removal costs which were previously paid to contractors. The City Council passed a Resolution accepting the transfer and the City began operation of the Eden Prairie Cemetery on March 1, 2022. Fisher inquired and Lotthammer responded there are no known historical items or buildings in the cemetery other than the gravestones and markers. Poul inquired if consistent signage will be installed for both cemeteries. Lotthammer responded the previous cemetery board requested the current font at the Eden Prairie Cemetery stay as long as possible. Signage at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery needs to be updated and moved away from the irrigation system. PRNR Commission Member Ross suggested signage at both cemeteries include contact information and confirmation the City owns and operates the cemeteries. IX. NEXT MEETINGS The next PRNR Commission meeting will be held on Monday, April 4, at 7 p.m., in the Heritage Rooms at City Center. This will be a joint meeting with the Human Rights and Diversity Commission. The next HPC meeting will be held on Monday, April 18, at 7 p.m., in the Heritage Rooms at City Center. X. ADJOURNMENT Motion: Fisher moved, seconded by PRNR Commission Member Ross, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 11-0. PRNR Chair Erickson adjourned the meeting at 8:40 p.m.