City Council - 10/04/2005 - Workshop APPROVED MINUTES
EDEN PRAIRIE CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP
& OPEN FORUM/OPEN PODIUM
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2005 RILEY-JACQUES BARN
9096 RILEY LAKE ROAD
5:00—7:00 PM, COUNCIL CHAMBER
CITY COUNCIL: Mayor Nancy Tyra-Lukens, Councilmembers Brad Aho, Sherry Butcher,
and Philip Young. Councilmember Ron Case was absent from the meeting.
CITY STAFF: City Manager Scott Neal, Police Chief Dan Carlson, Fire Chief George
Esbensen, Public Works Director Eugene Dietz, Parks and Recreation Director Bob Lambert,
Community Development Director Janet Jeremiah, Communications Manager Pat Brink,
Assistant to the City Manager Michael Barone, City Attorney Ric Rosow, and Recorder Deb
Sweeney
I. TRAIL MASTER PLAN
Parks and Recreation Director Bob Lambert said the lack of"angry crowds" at tonight's
meeting is a testament to the process. Because consultant Jeff Schoenbauer met
individually with numerous residents at their properties, their concerns about
encroachment were addressed. Lambert noted the process was very time-consuming,
including walking the trail site, peering through people's bedroom windows to see how
visible the trail would be, working out screening, and so on. If even one resident had a
concern, it was addressed so that each person at least felt heard, and that their issue was
resolved as best as possible. About 800-1000 people were notified for each site. Now
that the community is "sold" on these trails, it is critical Council approve the first stage of
construction so the momentum is not lost.
Lambert highlighted the key points for each site:
EDENBROOK: Eight years ago, over 100 people opposed trails in Edenbrook. It's
important to capitalize on hard-won community support by beginning promptly. By
putting in a new lot and trailhead first and then extending it to Rustic Hills Park, the rest
of the trail system will fall naturally into place. Edenbrook is the only site with a new lot
and trailhead.
Aho asked how large the Edenbrook lot would be. Lambert said only 10 cars. He noted
residents were concerned about traffic on Dell Road before they learned the lot size. 90%
of users will walk to the park.
RILEY CREEK: Lambert noted this is old growth woods, with a lush understory of
ferns. Neighborhood kids are building BMX ramps and destroying some of this habitat.
The loop trail and signage, plus use by hikers, are critical to educate neighbors and
protect the area. This will be the easiest trail corridor to construct. It will extend all the
Council Workshop Minutes
October 4, 2005
Page 2
way to Cedar Hills Park if the City can get MAC to permit it. A lawsuit with Northwest
Airlines is hanging up the deal. Parking already exists.
Aho asked how many people would use each system. Lambert expected low use during
winter cold and summer heat. Spring and fall would be the peak usage times. Perhaps a
hundred people would use each trail on a sunny Saturday. This should be enough to
discourage problem users, like the BMX bikes at Riley Creek and the ATVs at
Edenbrook, and promote safety without feeling crowded. Lambert said it would be
similar to the Richard T. Anderson Conservation area now, where you might cross paths
with 4-5 other people as you walk the trails on a nice day.
PURGATORY CREEK: Parking is already available at Homeward Hills Park. This
trail will be the toughest and most expensive, with 8-9 bridges in the first phase. The
bridge at Miller Spring is going in this week or next week. Trail Consultant Jeff
Schoenbauer noted the bridges are fairly cost-effective for this kind of trail.
Aho asked what other trail construction activity residents might see,besides bridge
building. Schoenbauer said the trail is graded and defined using a narrow walk-behind
bulldozer. Lambert said residents would mainly see workers removing brush to widen
the trail. Aho asked about ongoing trail maintenance. Schoenbauer said maintenance is
minimal and very cost-effective per user. Lambert noted the Richard T. Anderson trails,
built 3-4 years ago, are still in fine shape. Manager of Parks and Natural Resources Stu
Fox said the City string trims the trails about twice a year and might need to remove
brush,particularly buckthorn, about every 5-7 years.
Tyra-Lukens asked if any of the trails encroach on future development. Schoenbauer said
there is one undeveloped area in Riley Creek,but the trail is on the opposite bank. Most
residents who had concerns asked for a site visit, and if needed the trail line was changed.
Residents will be notified again before construction begins. Steep slopes in many areas
make encroachment less of an issue. Lambert said Schoenbauer met with residents in all
the "tight" spots. In some cases, vegetative screening is going in now so it has a chance
to grow before the trail goes in 2-3 years from now. Schoenbauer noted the task forces
really helped. For example, on the Purgatory Creek task force, one member went to
almost all the meetings with his neighbors. Since he understood the concerns and fears
and was a neighbor, his presence really helped win support and solve problems.
II. DOG PARK UPDATE
Lambert noted the dog park project at Staring Lake Park has been held up due to
negotiations with a developer. The original plan called for an easement to create access
for skiers and walkers up to the Moen property, but obtaining the easement has proven
problematic. Current plans call for fencing to go right on the City's property line. If an
easement is obtained, the City can re-fence, or else build a retaining wall and ramp to
accommodate skiers. The cost of the wall and ramp can be weighed against the cost of
buying the parcel outright. Fox noted the parcel is only 90 by 150 feet and has no impact
on the development.
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October 4, 2005
Page 3
Aho asked when the dog park would be functional. Lambert said a revised fence bid is
needed. Plans now call for black vinyl chain link around the whole area for maximum
durability in this heavy use area, at a cost of about$50,000. Tyra Lukens noted the dog
park over by Best Buy seems to get a lot of use. Lambert said it is heavily used even
though it is in an out-of-the-way spot. The park has been improved with a better lot and
gate in response to feedback. There is huge demand for a dog park, and even residents
from Edina and Minneapolis are inquiring about the Staring Lake Park opening. Any dog
with a valid dog license can use the park. It does not have to be an Eden Prairie dog
license, as some have thought.
III. PURGATORY CREEK RECREATION AREA FOUNTAIN UPGRADE
Lambert said the fountain was not as dramatic as envisioned. Even after cleaning the
nozzles, an upgrade is needed. The original fountain was funded by the Foundation that
built the Memorial Bridge. The City will pay $4,000 to upgrade to a 5 HP motor, a
moderate upgrade. More than that—say a 20 HP motor similar to the Cambria fountain
would require 3-stage electricity, cost$20,000, and risk spraying trail users. The current
fountain shuts off if wind speed exceeds 20 M.P.H. to avoid spray. The upgrade will be
complete in the next month or so.
IV. FIRE TRUCK DEDICATION
Fire Chief George Esbensen dedicated three new pumper trucks—Numbers 11, 21, and
31. Esbensen noted the purchase had been two and a half years in the making and
thanked all involved. The trucks are technical wonders and should serve the City for 20
years or more.
Father Tim Powers thanked God for the new equipment and for those who use it, asking
protection for them in their work to serve the community. Tyra-Lukens contacted
dispatch to declare the trucks in service at 6:22 p.m.
III. OPEN PODIUM
There were no speakers for Open Podium.
IV. ADJOURNMENT