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Parks and Recreation - 04/05/2004 APPROVED MINUTES PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY,APRIL 5, 2004 7:00 PM, CITY CENTER Council Chambers 8080 Mitchell Road COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Rob Barrett, Chair; Jeffrey Gerst, Vice Chair; Tom Bierman, John Brill, Tom Crain and Cari Grayson COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Randy Jacobus, Ian Mackay and Michael Moriarity COMMISSION STAFF PRESENT: Bob Lambert, Director of Parks and Recreation Services; Laurie Obiazor, Manager of Recreation Services; Brenda Uting, Parks and Recreation Administrative Assistant and Carol Pelzel, Recording Secretary I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chair Barrett called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Brief introductions of the Commission members were made. On behalf of the Commission, Chair Barrett welcomed new Commission members Bierman and Grayson. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Lambert asked that a report on the bid opening for new roofing for park buildings and an item regarding the Picha property option be added to the agenda. Bierman asked that a report also be given on the request of the residents in Hillcrest Court for a presentation on the bond referendum and that an update on the meeting held with the Watershed District and the City regarding Round Lake also be given. With regard to the Zero Tolerance Policy, Bierman asked that he receive a copy of this proposed Policy. Motion: Gerst moved, seconded by Brill, to approve the agenda as amended. The motion carried, 6-0. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES —March 1, 2004 Motion: Motion was made by Gerst, seconded by Barrett, to approve the minutes as presented. The motion carried, 4-0-2 with Bierman and Grayson abstaining because of not being in attendance at that meeting. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION April 5, 2004 Page 2 IV. REPORT OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION—March 9 and March 23, 2004 Lambert reported that at their March 9 meeting the City Council adopted a resolution authorizing a referendum for$22.5 million. The City Council also appointed Ian Mackay from the Parks Commission to serve on the City and School Facility Use Advisory Committee replacing David Larson. The Council authorized Staff to contract for architectural services for design of a concept plan for the park building to be located at Miller Park. The concept design for this building will be presented to this Commission at the May meeting. The Council awarded the bid for the Richard T. Anderson Conservation area grading and parking lot construction to Midwest Asphalt. Lambert further reported that at the March 22 City Council meeting the Council adopted a resolution approving a 2004 grant application for$400,000 for a matching grant to acquire the Picha property. The report on the water quality of Round Lake was continued. The Parks Commission recommended that Round Lake Beach be closed and requested permission to meet with the Watershed District on March 31. There will be a memo to the City Council on April 13 regarding that meeting. The Watershed District did request a joint meeting with the City Council for a workshop in July. The Parks Commission will be invited to that meeting to listen to and observe that discussion. V. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATION VI. OLD BUSINESS A. 2004 Referendum Presentation Lambert explained that staff would show the PowerPoint presentation City staff would be using at the various public meetings for the Park Referendum. He briefly explained the message of this presentation. This presentation is a factual presentation and is as neutral as possible. Lambert asked for the Commission's comments regarding the town meeting that was conducted. Brill said he was not surprised to see some positive comments made and some not so positive. There were good opinions on both sides and Staff did a good job in stating the facts. Lambert pointed out that the next town meeting is scheduled for April 22. Barrett suggested that the slide showing results from the 2000 survey be converted to a bar graph similar to that included in the report presented to the Commission. Barrett said he felt this was a more powerful way to describe that survey. Barrett also pointed out that the presentation states that the cost is $2.17 per median house. He asked if they should indicate PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION April 5, 2004 Page 3 that this would be the maximum cost. For example, if the Hockey Association does not raise $1 million the cost would be reduced because the City would not be constructing a third ice sheet. Lambert said that after talking to the City's financial staff,he would like to keep the number at$2.17. He has heard no negative comments on the cost to the homeowner. Those people that are opposed to the referendum appear to be opposed to the amount of money being spent on a pool at the Community Center. B. Schedule of Public Presentations Lambert explained that the presentation schedule for the Park Bond Referendum was included in the Commission's agenda material. He indicated that it is important that the Commissioners attend the town meetings. They may be able to answer some of the questions that are asked better than City staff. This would enable the citizens to better understand why the Commission decided to proceed with a referendum. It is much more effective for a Commission member to answer some of the questions from the audience rather than a staff person. Bierman said he feels the presentation does not address "what's in it for me". Unless residents see how this referendum will benefit them, they will not be interested in supporting it. They need to see a broader perspective. Some of the residents have to envision how they are going to use what is being proposed and they need help in visualizing how they will use these facilities. Lambert responded that that might require selling the referendum, which City staff is not trying to do. Bierman said residents might think that the ice rinks are for hockey only and not be aware that they are available for open skating. The general public has to understand that it is a resource. Barrett pointed out that these improvements will increase property values and residents will be investing in Eden Prairie. Crain said he was confused as to why City staff cannot state their opinion. Bierman is proposing that a visual be given to the audience and Crain questioned why they could not show how this referendum would benefit a particular audience. Lambert explained that pointing out the benefits might be construed as selling the referendum. City staff has to represent both those people who are in favor of a referendum and those who are not. Barrett pointed out that this Commission can support the referendum. Grayson said they should not underestimate the citizens. Those residents that are informed will know what this referendum will do for them and how it will benefit them. She said she does not feel it is necessary to point out what this referendum is going to do for the citizens. Brill questioned the amount of parking available at Miller Park and asked if it will be sufficient should a grand stand be added. Lambert responded that there are about 960 parking stalls at Miller Park. If they have a large event taking place, they will not allow other events to be held at the Park at the same time so there will be sufficient parking. Bierman asked if a presentation has been scheduled for the residents on Hillcrest Court. At a previous meeting they indicated that they wanted a presentation on the bond referendum made to the neighborhood. Lambert said they have not called to schedule anything. Barrett explained that he and Gerst did meet with the homeowner who was present at the Commission's last meeting and reviewed the proposed park improvements with him. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION April 5, 2004 Page 4 Bierman encouraged City staff to notify the over 35-baseball league of the town meeting so they are aware of what is happening. Bierman asked that he be provided with a copy of the zero tolerance policy that was before the Commission. Obiazor indicated that she would see that he received a copy of it. C. Soccer Association Request Lambert reported that at their January 5 meeting the Commission voted to recommend the City designate Flying Cloud Athletic Fields as "No Dogs Allowed" beginning April 1, 2004. Several of the City Council members discussed this action and decided that they would like to talk about it further. Lambert explained that he does have the authority to post the fields as recommended by the Commission without City Council approval. However, the Council does have a difference of opinion on the decision made by this Commission. Some members support it while others would like a modification to it. Lambert stated that this item would be discussed further at the Council's May 18 workshop. Lambert said he would let the Commission know if it is necessary for them to attend this workshop. Flying Cloud Fields are currently not posted. Bierman said he did review the minutes of January 5 and the discussion that took place at that meeting. He indicated that he does have first hand knowledge of this problem having been involved in soccer for about ten years. Bierman said he feels there are some real concerns that the City needs to be aware of. Lambert suggested that the new members of the Commission express their opinion regarding this issue and that it is not necessary for this Commission to take any additional formal action. Minutes from this meeting would be forwarded to the City Council along with the minutes from the January 5 meeting. Bierman read a statement of proposed guidelines for restricting dogs from athletic fields. Bierman recommended that no dogs be allowed at or near athletic fields in Eden Prairie Parks or athletic complexes wherein Athletic Association(s) or league sanctioned play involving youth or adult activities are being conducted. During open periods, at or near athletic fields, when the above organizations are not conducting activities, dogs may be allowed on the fields only if the responsible party/owner has a visible container with the intention to clean up any dog defecatings. A hand, shoe or article of clothing is not considered a viable container. Flying Cloud is unique in its usage. It is not designated as a "park" and is only designated as "athletic fields". Flying Cloud is used primarily for youth and adult athletics. No dogs are allowed on the property at any time. Violators will be subject to a "to be determined" fine for each infraction. Guidelines or ordinance will be effective on a "to be determined" date. Bierman said he feels there are two very important issues that need to be addressed. The first is a health issue involving dog owners who do not clean up after their animals. The second is a liability issue. City staff should look at what kind of liability they are assuming. The City needs to understand what their liability is. Bierman said it is not his intention to ban leashed PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION April 5, 2004 Page 5 dogs from the City parks. He is recommending that guidelines or an ordinance be considered that controls responsible behavior and supervision of dogs at or around City athletic fields. Grayson said she has a mixed opinion about this issue. She is not a dog owner and does not use the Flying Cloud fields. However, she has seen dogs that make children and adults leery. Grayson said she tends to be more conservative and to be on the safe side she would like to see dogs not allowed at Flying Cloud. Barrett explained that the reason they did not go with something similar to what Bierman is suggesting is because it is extremely difficult to enforce. He suggested that they consider changing the terms "at or near athletic fields" to something more specific and that the guidelines state Flying Cloud Athletic Fields and not City parks. Brill pointed out that one of the items previously brought up was that Flying Cloud Fields are a confined space when it comes to soccer fields. These fields are different from other City parks. They need to stay focused on the Flying Cloud fields. Bierman said he feels there is no place for dogs at soccer or football activities. There is no need to have dogs in a crowded, congested area. Bierman said he is talking about the immediate area of the fields. They must also keep in mind the City's liability should a dog bite someone. In response to a question from Grayson, Lambert explained that the City does have four outdoor hockey rinks fenced in from April 1 to November 1 for people to run their dogs. Also, the City will be building a 2.5 to 3 acre dog park across from the former Best Buy building and Three-Rivers Park District is building a 10-acre dog park in Bryant Lake Park. Crain pointed out that statistics would support the fact that dogs that are at events are more controlled than if there is no activity in terms of incidents. There are more dog incidents when the dog is unsupervised; that allowing dogs in a park is a viable use of the park VII. NEW BUSINESS A. Playsround Proposals for Willow Park and High Trail Estates Lambert briefly reviewed with the Commission the procedure the City uses for bidding for playground equipment. Information is sent to the manufacturers indicating that the City wants them to bid on equipment for a specific site and age group within a specific budget. The manufacturer then provides the City with the maximum amount of playground equipment they can provide the City for that specified cost. Once that information is received, a presentation is made to the neighbors and they vote on which playground equipment they want. In response to a question from Bierman, Lambert explained that all of the equipment meets the national safety guidelines and it has to fit on the site. Bierman stated that this appears to be a great process and it is good that the neighbors have a say in what is selected. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION April 5, 2004 Page 6 Motion: Motion was made by Gerst, seconded by Crain, to award a contract for $27,000 of playground equipment at Willow Park to Midwest Playscapes, Inc. Motion carried 6-0. Motion: Motion was made by Gerst, seconded by Grayson, to award a contract for$17,000 of playground equipment at High Trail Estates Park to Webber Recreational Design, Inc. Motion carried 6-0. VIII. REPORTS OF STAFF A. Director of Parks and Recreation Services Lambert reported that on Thursday, April 8, the City would be opening bids on two different contracts for reshingling the park buildings at Round Lake Park. Bid results will be forwarded to the City Council on Tuesday, April 13. Lambert said they would also be opening bids to relocate school playground equipment for children development. This was necessitated by the City expanding parking for the CH Robinson Company located in the City Center. Estimated cost for this project is approximately $100,000. An additional 36 parking spaces will also be added by the Police Department. Lambert explained that an appraisal of$800,000 was received for the 4-acre Picha site. Picha has agreed to the appraisal and also has a standing offer from a developer for$800,000. The City will be getting an option from the Picha family stating that they will not develop or sell this site until next September in order for the City to have an opportunity to see if the referendum is successful and if they are successful in obtaining a grant. The cost for the option is approximately $2,800. Brill asked if staff is confident that the City will receive a grant. Lambert responded that in looking at what the Governor is supporting for this grant program this year for the entire State and with the City asking for$400,000 for four acres it does not seem likely that the City will be awarded the grant. Barrett asked if the issue of the basketball court at Franlo Park being too close to the property line has been resolved. Lambert responded that that project is complete. Lambert reported that the Metropolitan Council would be offering a Walkable Community Workshop to discuss park systems and trail systems. Suggestions for improving trails systems will be given at this workshop and will help to make a community pedestrian friendly. VII. ADJOURNMENT Motion: Grayson moved, Bierman seconded, to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 6-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m.