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Parks and Recreation - 01/09/2006 APPROVED MINUTES PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY,JANUARY 9, 2006 7:00 P.M., CITY CENTER Heritage Rooms 3 & 4 8080 Mitchell Road COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Rob Barrett, John Brill (arrived at 7:10 p.m.), Randy Jacobus, Ian Mackay, Michael Moriarity and Geri Napuck COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Tom Bierman and Jeffrey Gerst COMMISSION STAFF PRESENT: Bob Lambert, Director of Parks and Recreation Services; Stu Fox, Manager of Natural Resources; and Carol Pelzel, Recording Secretary STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES: Danny Crichton, Graham Kist, Ali Neugebauer I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Chair Barrett at 7:00 p.m. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Lambert asked that an item be added under Reports of Staff, Director of Parks and Recreation Services —Discussion of sign color. Mackay asked that a verbal update of the dog park also be included under Reports of Staff, Manager of Parks and Natural Resources. Motion: Mackay moved, seconded by Napuck, to approve the agenda as amended. The motion carried, 5-0. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES —DECEMBER 5, 2005 Motion: Mackay moved, Moriarity seconded, to approve the December 5, 2005, Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission minutes as presented. The motion carried, 5-0. IV. REPORT OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION—DECEMBER 5, DECEMBER 13 AND JANUARY 3 PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION January 9, 2006 Page 2 Lambert reported that at the December 5 meeting the Council approved the increase in park dedication fees as recommended. They also approved the pick-up policy and discussed the alignment of Pioneer Trail and its impact on Staring Lake Park and Flying Cloud Fields. There were no items for consideration at the December 13 meeting and on January 3 the Council approved the Trails Master Plan. V. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATION A. BRYANT LAKE SKI TEAM REQUEST Lambert explained that this item had been continued from last month's meeting. The City had received a request from the Bryant Lake Ski Team for a submersible slalom course on Bryant Lake. Because of this Commission's discussion and questions, staff invited Lieutenant Jeff Storm, from the Hennepin County Water Patrol, to this meeting to answer questions. John Barton from the Three Rivers Park District was also in attendance and available for questions. Lieutenant Storm stated that he is responsible for patrolling water areas in Hennepin County. He explained that they work with each individual city that has lakes in their jurisdiction and grant permits for these types of uses. It is normal practice for them to not overrule something a city has set up for these uses. Storm further explained that the County determines whether or not the use is a safety or navigational hazard. The County does require that the applicant receive written permission from the city in which the lake is located and from all property owners that are affected by the use. The permission letters from landowners affected are most critical for issuance of the permit. Storm pointed out that the course cannot exceed 850 feet. He also indicated that he is not aware of any permanent submersible slalom course in the County or there is no record of a permanent course. In response to a question from Moriarity, Storm explained that the adjacent property owners that are affected by the ski course must provide written permission. Since the Three Rivers Park District is a landowner, they would also have to provide written permission for this course. Storm indicated that permits are not required for temporary courses since they are put in and taken out on a daily basis. The County did have to remove an abandoned permanent course about four or five years ago from Bryant Lake. He stated that there are probably 30 or 40 courses that have been abandoned and are at the bottom of various lakes throughout Hennepin County. Barrett asked Jacques Gibbs if he brought his permit for his course with him. Mr. Gibbs replied that he had, and showed it to Barrett. Barrett stated that the permit appeared to be for one year, 1994. Storm indicated that Mr. Gibbs had been requested to remove his course from the lake. Barrett asked Gibbs if the course was removed. Gibbs replied that it has been removed. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION January 9, 2006 Page 3 Brad Knudson, representative from the Bryant Lake Ski Team, said they are asking for formal permission so that they may have this course on Bryant Lake and be in compliance with both local and County regulations. Storm explained that anything that is put in the lake becomes a potential hazard. They are proposing 18 to 20 buoys and that is a lot of items in this area. What they look at is navigation and right-of-way problems. There are a lot of issues with these uses. Storm said the last plan he saw had the course placed in front of the boat landing and he does have some safety concerns with that. Knudson explained that they do already ski up and down the lake. Storm said there are also concerns with the course being maintained and if the group dissolves, that it be removed. Whether they use the lake now or not is one thing but they will be putting buoys in the area of the boat landing. Storm said he would like to see it moved away from the landing,however, the City makes the decision of whether or not this use will be permitted and the County will work with the City's recommendation. Barrett asked if the course would be permitted if Three Rivers Park District were not in favor of it. Storm said if the District does not sign a letter of permission, the permit would not be approved. John Barton, Water Resources Manager, Three Rivers Park District, explained that park staff would make a recommendation based on safety and recreational concerns with the Board making the final decision. Napuck asked Storm if he would consider the proposed placement of this course a navigational hazard. Storm responded that he would have to measure the placement to see if there is adequate space for movement in this area. Storm said he understands why they want to place the course in this location but he is not sure it is the best place on the lake. Knudson explained that they would not be using the course if it were windy or if there were a number of boats on the lake because of the waves. Lambert asked if the County's permit process provides them with a way to get a name of the person who would be responsible for the removal of this equipment once the course is no longer used and what leverage do they have if the group dissolves. Storm answered that they would have a signed document indicating who would ultimately be responsible for removal of the equipment. There are several ways to enforce this, which could involve a civil process. September Steinolfson, 6711 Canterbury Lane, asked if this proposed course would affect non-motorized boats. Storm said it would not because this activity is already going on. The buoys would not affect non-motorized boats. Lambert explained that staff has some of the same concerns as the Three Rivers Park District and that is the location of the course and it's proximity to the access point. If Three Rivers is in agreement with the location of the course, staff would not be opposed to it. Barrett said he would like to see the permit approved for one year and that it come back to this Commission at that time to see whether or not there are any problems with the course or complaints received. Storm said generally they do not PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION January 9, 2006 Page 4 come back for approval,but would set up the permit in the manner the City would like. Barrett said he does appreciate the Bryant Lake Ski Team requesting a permit rather than just putting the course in without approval. Moriarity said the skiing activity already exists on this lake and they are allowed to use a temporary structure every day. He said he would be in favor of approving this request for one year and he would hope that the Three Rivers Park District would grant approval for the same reason. Napuck said her concern would be for safety and if the Three Rivers Park District does not approve this request that would be the end of it. Napuck indicated that she would be okay with approving the request for a one- year period to see how it goes and if there are any concerns or complaints. Lambert explained that if the Three Rivers Park District asks the applicants to move the ski course to another location, they would not be required to come back to the City for approval of that new location. He suggested that the Commission recommend to the City Council approval of a one-year permit for the slalom ski course on Bryant Lake subject to approval from the Three Rivers Park District. Moriarity said approval should be based on Hennepin County's procedures that require affected property owner's approval. Mackay said he would also be agreement with a one year trial basis and if Three Rivers Park District requires them to move the course to a different location he would also be okay with that. Motion: M/Barrett, S/Moriarity, to recommend that the City Council support the request for the submersible slalom ski course provided the course is installed in a location approved by Three Rivers Park District and subject to the Hennepin County Water Patrol rules with the letter of recommendation expiring in one year. The motion carried, 6-0. B. RESIGNATION OF TOM CRAIN Barrett reported that staff had received a letter from Tom Crain resigning from the Commission. On behalf of the Commission, Barrett accepted Crain's resignation and expressed his appreciation to Crain for his participation on the Commission. VI. OLD BUSINESS A. PRIORITIZING PARK LAND ACQUISITION NEEDS Lambert explained that the Commission requested a list of the status of the lands that have been identified as future parkland and the Commission recommended that the City prioritize which parcels should be acquired and negotiate for the acquisition of those lands that are for sale as soon as the parcels have willing sellers. Lambert further explained that the City Council's goal to obtain property for parkland is to acquire it when the land comes on the market or an owner indicates their willingness to sell their property. The memo included in the Commission's agenda material highlights two parcels that are for sale today including the Picha property and the PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION January 9, 2006 Page 5 Jackson property. Lambert said he would like to add the Neuharth property to the listing under Parcel#5 Riley Creek Valley Trail, south of creek with a creek setback of 150 feet and the method of acquisition would be dedication/donation and the year of acquisition unknown. Jeff Strate, representing the Friends of Birch Island Woods, said they would like to recommend that the Commission prioritize the Picha parcel first on the list. Strate distributed to the Commission information regarding the expansion of the Birch Island Woods Conservation Area and indicated that they have a big concern for completing this Conservation Area. There has been a lot of work done in this area by the City and they know how expensive land is and how critical it is to complete the park system. Strate said they feel these four acres are extremely important and they know the City can only buy what they can afford and the purchase of this land makes sense. Without this parcel the area would be fragmented and the historic amenities would also be fragmented. Strate said they strongly recommend that the City purchase this four-acre parcel. He explained to the Commission what would be lost if the City did not purchase this parcel. Trees would be cut from the property for development; the ecosystem of the woods would be fragmented and reduced in size and function; two major trails would have town homes pressing in on them; trail access from the southwest could be cut off; natural and scenic settings would be harmed and the best site for a parking lot would be lost. Marcus Johnson, 7017 Kingston Drive, explained that the Picha property is an invaluable bridge to the entire conservation area. There would be a nice flow for people using the trails and he feels it would be a shame to allow this parcel to be privately developed. Even though this land is expensive, the City is coming to the end of what is available for park acquisition. The City cannot afford everything they would like but because of the centrality of this land in this conservation area, it would add to the overall use of the City's parkland. The time to purchase this property is right and they have a willing seller who is willing to negotiate a fair price. Mackay asked if the City has negotiated the best price. Lambert responded that they have not. The owner has given the City an asking price but they have not yet negotiated a final price and this is also true for the property on Riley Lake. Moriarity questioned if they are being asked to prioritize all of the properties for all of the years or if they are only looking at 2006. Lambert said staff is recommending that they only talk about 2006 because the listing will change as the status of the properties change. Moriarity asked if money had been budgeted for trail acquisition or were those funds for construction planning and design. Lambert explained that acquisition necessary for trails would come out of park dedication fees. Napuck explained that in order for her to make a recommendation to the City Council, she needs to be clear as to what criteria this Commission uses to prioritize the acquisitions of these parcels. She questioned if the primary reason for acquiring the parcel on Riley Lake Park is to ease the tension between private landowners and park users. She pointed out that at this time there is only one parcel available for sale PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION January 9, 2006 Page 6 and one parcel would still remain private. Napuck asked what the value of the Jackson property would be to park users if it were acquired. Lambert responded that the buildings would probably be removed and the picnic area expanded. Barrett pointed out that if the City did purchase the Jackson property, it would make it difficult to develop the remaining parcel. He also pointed out that someone could purchase both parcels and develop them. Lambert explained that these two parcels are within the boundaries of a community park. They should be acquired and removed to complete that park acquisition. The acquisition of these two parcels has been in the plans since 1968. Napuck said based on the asking price for the Jackson property, they are talking about $730,000 per acre while the Picha property would cost$188,000 per acre. Depending on how the City wants to spend money to expand a picnic area, she is inclined to recommend that the City Council purchase the Picha property first. She does not see the acquisition of the Jackson property as urgent as acquisition of the Picha property. Napuck said she feels it will be difficult to sell the Jackson property because of the restrictions while the Picha family is trying to work with the City. This may be the City's last opportunity to acquire that property. It does matter that the Picha family are stewards to the City and have donated land. The owner of the Jackson property does not even live in Eden Prairie. Napuck said she does not feel that there is as much urgency to purchase the Jackson property as there is to purchase the Picha property and they also need to consider the asking price. Dave Meyer, 6540 Kurtz Lane, suggested that the criteria for determining the prioritization include what effect each parcel would have on the rest. The Riley Lake's parcel includes houses in the middle of the park that is enjoyed by thousands. If this parcel is acquired, thousands will still enjoy the park. By acquiring the Picha parcel a wonderful wild conservation area will be developed. By not purchasing this parcel, a large section of this area will become a housing development that seriously diminishes the quality of the 32 acres the City has already invested in. Jacobus said it was his understanding that if the four-acre Picha parcel were obtained, it would be used for a parking lot. Fox responded that this site would be ideal for a parking lot and they would not be required to remove any trees. The City can only develop plans for land it owns and currently the parking lot would be located off of Indian Chief Road. The Task Force recommendation was for a relatively small parking lot. Rachel Harlos, 6441 Kurtz Lane, said what she appreciates about Eden Prairie is the City's concerted effort to preserve land and the environment and she also appreciates how the City conserves its heritage including the Picha property. This is a great opportunity for the City and this parcel would add a great deal to the trail system. Eden Prairie offers something that other suburbs in the area do not. If this parcel is allowed to be developed, it will change the quality of living in the City that they now enjoy. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION January 9, 2006 Page 7 Brill asked if someone purchased both lots on Riley Lake, would they be allowed to build a much larger home on that space. Lambert answered that it would have to go before the Planning Commission for review and there would be significant restrictions because of the setbacks and because there is no water and sewer on these parcels. Brill also asked if the City loses negotiation power because everyone will know how they prioritize the purchase of these parcels and they know what the City has available for funding. Lambert said it does but if the price is unreasonable the City does have the option to not purchase the property. Lois Hall, 6933 Edenvale, said she lives in the town home community and enjoys using Birch Island Woods. There are senior citizens in this area and people who do not have their own back yards. Joan Marlow, 1400 Forest Hill Road,pointed out that$800,000 was approved for land acquisition in the City's park referendum and they are talking about one parcel on Riley Lake. David Spoor, 6629 Manchester, stated that they are talking about the impact on one budget cycle but they must also consider the impact on the area in Eden Prairie five or ten years from now along with the quality and structure of the City's park system. Some of these changes will be irreversible and they need to look at the acquisition of these parcels from the long term. Strate pointed out that acquisition of both the Riley Lake's parcel and the Birch Island Woods parcel are important. However, if the Picha property is not acquired, this conservation area will be much more highly populated in the future and larger lots will be subdivided. Development in that area will harm the conservation area. Birch Island Woods is key and pivotal to the City's park system. Tammy Rosenthal, 5800 Lake Rose Circle, said she came from Edina and loves Eden Prairie because of the open space. People don't realize what happens when construction occurs in an area. It will affect people not only when walking on the trails and the views but will also affect traffic on the local streets. Rosenthal said the City has a gem and once this area is developed, it cannot be gotten back. A member of the audience pointed out that if the Commission doesn't prioritize Riley Lake Park as the first acquisition, two homes will remain on that site. If Birch Island Woods is not prioritized first, development will occur and they will lose the conservation atmosphere. Lambert said it is important to understand what the loss of either of those two areas will have on the City's park system. Eden Prairie residents have some great parks and conservation areas because they have City Council and Commission members who have made the right decisions over the years. Birch Island Woods is valuable and the most compelling argument is that once it is gone, they cannot get it back. However, PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION January 9, 2006 Page 8 they must also consider the value of Birch Island Woods compared to Riley Lake Park to the City's park system. They should also consider that one of the parcels is within park boundaries and a commitment was made to complete that community park. Lambert said they must also consider how an area will be affected by a particular decision 30 to 50 years from now. Barrett pointed out that it is this Commission's responsibility to determine what is important to all of Eden Prairie. Neugebauer said that it makes sense to purchase the Picha property if only one parcel on Riley Lake is for sale. Dennis Burns, 6745 Harlan Drive, said there have been some good points made by Commissioner Napuck. The Birch Island Woods Conservation Area and its history is more than a parcel of land. Moriarity said he feels the message they need to send to the City Council is that more money is needed for parkland acquisition and that it makes sense to purchase the Jackson property now when it is available. They also need to send the message that they have a unique opportunity to purchase both the Picha and Jackson parcels and now is the time to do that or they may have to spend twice as much money in the future. Moriarity said if he must decide today which parcel he would purchase, he would go with the Picha parcel. He does not believe that anyone would build a home on the Jackson property at this time because of the restrictions. There is no question that having the Jackson property would make the park nicer but it appears that it would only be adding to the picnic area. Napuck said if both parcels on Riley Lake were available and if they were to be used for something other than expanding the picnic area, it would be difficult to not acquire them at this time. Based on the fact that there are limited funds available, she feels that the more urgent acquisition of property would be the Picha property because if the property is not purchased now it may never be available again to the City. Ray Daniels 752013ittersweet Drive,pointed out that the price for the Picha property is very reasonable. The City has a very unique situation in Birch Island Woods and it is a unique wooded area. Daniels mentioned that many of them voted in favor of the referendum and the City has the money to purchase this land. Mackay said this Commission did look at the Riley Lake Park property previously and they discussed using park dedication fees to purchase it. The referendum did not specifically state that the money would be used for acquisition of the Picha property but was to be used to purchase this type of property. Mackay said he would be in favor of prioritizing the Picha property over the Jackson property. Motion: M/Barrett, S/Mackay, to recommend that the City Council purchase both the Birch Island Woods Picha property and the Riley Lake Park Jackson property with all due diligence as soon as possible and that the purchases be prioritized with PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION January 9, 2006 Page 9 the Picha property being first and the Jackson parcel second and that the City Council should consider both referendum money and park dedication fees to be used for these acquisitions. The motion carried, 6-0. B. ESTIMATED COST OF BASEBALL FIELD IMPROVEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY CENTER Lambert reported that staff has compiled a summary of the estimated costs for improvements to the Eden Prairie Community Center baseball field. As previously discussed, the Eden Prairie Baseball Association will share in the cost of the improvements to a commitment of fifty-percent of the improvement cost. Lambert explained that staff has been having an ongoing conversation with the architect for the Community Center improvements. They have been discussing how the existing baseball field will fit in with the proposed improvements. After much discussion, it was suggested that the baseball field be moved by the fire station and parking be expanded around the Community Center. Lambert said staff is asking that the Commission recommend that the City prepare plans and specifications for a baseball field at Round Lake Park and when the field is moved the improvements be made with the Baseball Association's contribution. New parking would then be constructed where the existing baseball field is currently located. Tom Siering, President of the Eden Prairie Baseball Association, stated that they are not opposed to relocating the baseball field. Lambert pointed out that whether the improvements are done on the existing field or the new field, the Baseball Association has agreed to pay 50 percent of the cost of the upgrades. In response to a question from Barrett, Lambert explained that extensive grading would be required whether they move the field or not. The only additional cost will be to construct the baseball field. Siering pointed out that a lit field will allow them double capacity for the field. Adult teams have come into existence and a lot of the teams require play on a lit field. Scheduling all of this has become problematic. This is a way for them to gain another 90-foot field at a fraction of the cost. Fox pointed out that the Park and Open Space Plan currently does not permit lighting on fields in neighborhood parks. Motion: M/Brill, S/Mackay, to recommend that the City Council authorize staff to prepare plans to relocate the Community Center 90-foot baseball field to the east side of Round Lake Park. The motion carried, 6-0. Motion: M/Brill, S/Jacobus, to recommend the City Council authorize staff to prepare plans and specifications for improvements to the Round Lake Park baseball field at an estimated cost of$190,000; and that the Eden Prairie Baseball Association will share in the cost of those improvements to a commitment of fifty-percent of the improvement cost. The motion carried, 6-0. VII. NEW BUSINESS PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION January 9, 2006 Page 10 A. CONTRACT FOR SERVICES FOR FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR EXPANSION OF THE WADING POOL Lambert explained that staff is asking for authorization to enter into a contract for services with US Aquatics for a feasibility study for the expansion of the wading pool at the Community Center. The Commission had previously discussed the possibility of doing different projects with revenue bonds. These projects included a wading pool and an indoor play space. Staff would like to have a feasibility study done to determine what the cost would be for the pool and if enough revenue could be generated to pay for revenue bonds. Barrett said he feels they will be doing another design for an outdoor pool. Lambert explained that the contractor is proposing to provide the City with a revenue projection analysis. Staff already knows that approximately 43 percent of the residents want some swimming facility. This study will determine whether or not it will be paid for with revenue bonds. This analysis will be done on three different sized pools. Barrett pointed out that the pool question was voted down on two referendums. Moriarity said he feels this is similar to a survey follow up. They are proposing to spend a little bit of money to determine if it is feasible to build the wading pool with revenue bonds. If the Commission feels the recommendation is sound they can move forward, it not, they will not proceed. Moriarity said he feels it is worth $5,000 to take a look at this project. Lambert pointed out that it would be part of the Community Center upgrade if they decide to move forward. Jacobus asked if this pool was included in the question to upgrade the Community Center. Lambert responded that the pool and indoor space was eliminated from the question but was discussed with this Commission and the City Council to do them as separate projects with revenue bonds. If a wading pool is going to be expanded it would make sense to do it with Community Center improvements. Barrett said he feels the information they would receive from this report would be meaningless. Brill said he feels they are trying to provide activities for all ages at the Community Center and he feels Eden Prairie has a lot of kids that would use this facility. Barrett said he thinks Eden Prairie should avoid outdoor pools for the foreseeable future because of the way past referendums have gone. There appears to be an anti-pool sentiment. Lambert pointed out that 43 percent of the residents voted for this and it is a wading pool not an aquatics center. Mackay said he does not feel this is an unreasonable thing to take a look at. If the report comes back and says it can be done then they will have to take a strong look at it to see if they feel it is feasible. Napuck pointed out that they did previously discuss this and said they would take a look at issuing revenue bonds for these projects. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION January 9, 2006 Page 11 Motion: Motion was made by Barrett, seconded by Mackay, to recommend to the City Council that they not look into expanding the outdoor pool area for the foreseeable future. Brill said he feels foreseeable future is too vague. Jacobus indicated that there seems to be a demand for this type of facility and they should move forward with a feasibility study. Mackay said he feels the wording of the motion is too strict and Napuck said she could not support the motion. Vote was called with all members voting nay except Barrett who voted yes. The motion failed, 1-5. Mackay said if the report comes back and looks fairly compelling, they could then discuss doing a survey to see if this is really something residents want. Motion: M/Brill, S/Moriarity, to approve the Contract for Services with US Aquatics for the feasibility study for the expansion of the wading pool at the Community Center for an amount not to exceed $4,850. The motion carried, 5-1 with Barrett voting nay. VII. REPORTS OF STAFF A. DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION SERVICES 1. Discussion of Sign Color The Commission was asked to recommend a color for the City signs to be placed at the various City locations. The Commission recommended that the color used for City signage be the lighter tan color, if one color of sign is used for all City signs. B. MANAGER OF RECREATION SERVICES C. MANAGER OF PARKS AND NATURAL RESOURCES 1. Doi Park Update Barrett asked that this item be continued to the next Commission meeting. VIII. NEXT MEETING The next meeting of the Commission is scheduled for Monday, February 6 at 7:00 p.m. IX. ADJOURNMENT Motion: Mackay moved, Napuck seconded, to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 5-0 The meeting was adjourned at10:05 p.m.