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Parks and Recreation - 06/03/2002 APPROVED MINUTES PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY,JUNE 3, 2002 7:00 P.M. City Center Council Chambers COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Munna Yasiri, Chair; Rob Barrett, Dick Brown, Therese Benkowski, David Larson, Jeffrey Gerst, Trisha Swanson, Kim Teaver and Philip Wright COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: None COMMISSION STAFF PRESENT: Bob Lambert, Director of Parks and Recreation Services; Laurie Obiazor, Staff Liaison; Stu Fox, Manager of Natural Resources and Carol Pelzel, Recording Secretary I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Chair Yasiri at 7:00 p.m. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Lambert asked that under New Business, Item B, Annual Report be added. Benkowski asked that the spelling of her first name be corrected. It should be Therese and not Terese. Gerst asked that his first named be corrected to Jeffrey, not Jeffery. Motion: Gerst moved, Teaver seconded, to approve the agenda as amended. The motion carried 9-0. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Benkowski asked that her name be corrected to read Therese and not Terese. Motion: Benkowski moved, Gerst seconded, to approve the May 6, 2002, minutes of the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission as corrected. The motion carried, 8-0-1, with Barrett abstaining because of absence from that meeting. IV. OLD BUSINESS A. Birch Island Woods Conservation Area Management Plan Stu Fox, Manager Parks and Natural Resources, explained that he was the staff liaison for the Birch Island Wood Task Force and that this task force was guided by Greg Ingraham of PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION June 3, 2002 Page 2 Ingraham and Associates, the consultant for this project. Since Mr. Ingraham was unable to attend this meeting, Fox said he would be presenting the Task Force's report. Fox introduced Jeff Strate, the Chair for the Task Force and George Tkach, a member of the Task Force. Fox described to the Commission the location of Birch Island Woods and explained that the Task Force was charged with developing a management plan to guide the development in this area. The funding for these projects would have to be carried forward as budget requests to the City Council and would then be included in next year's budget process. Fox reported that the Task Force members were asked what they would like to see happen in this area. They did discuss phases of development in the area and were able to focus on the parcel itself. Fox reviewed with the Commission the site analysis map and explained that this parcel is bound by the railroad and roads on three sides. A total of five wetland areas were inventoried on the parcel and scenic areas were identified. Fox explained that one of the things that came forward in the report was how the hill could be used as an asset to the park. This hill is not owned by the City,however, they did review it with the thought the City could look at an easement or acquire it. In the interim, they need to let the residents know that it is not City property. Fox explained that the two corner stone recommendations that were arrived at by the Task Force was that Birch Island Woods should be preserved as close as possible to its current state and be developed in a minimal manner. Additionally, the area should be preserved and managed according to the natural resources that exist on the site. Fox stated that the Task Force also discussed a shared signage program for this area. Fox reviewed with the Commission the signage program that the City uses. The signs would be located at the entry to the park and would provide users of the park the necessary information at one location. Fox reported that the Task Force was very clear on the majority of recommendations that they made;however, there were some issues that they desired to have discussed by this Commission. These items included off leash dog use; off-road mountain bike use and a conservation policy. The Task Force questioned if this area should be an off-leash use for dogs or if it should be left as the other areas; requiring that the dogs be on leashes. The Task Force recommended that the current ordinance be enforced and that signs be posted regarding the leash law regulations. With regard to off-road mountain bike use, the Task Force felt strongly that the use of off-road mountain bikes on this site be strongly discouraged. A number of kids have built jumps and trails that are not suitable for general use by the public. The Task Force recommended that these bike jumps be removed and that trails not suited for general bike riding be barricaded or handled in a way that makes them unavailable for this type of off-road bike usage. Fox further reported that the Task Force members had varying opinions on a conservation policy. The general view was to continue using the current City Parks and Open Space Place information. Fox explained that the Task Force also discussed how intensive over the next year this area should be developed. They questioned if more extensive trails should be developed or if the area should be kept relatively wild. They also discussed the acquisition of an easement on the PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION June 3, 2002 Page 3 west end of the trail so that the trail is rerouted from its close proximity to the railroad tracks. The Task Force further discussed access along Indian Chief Road due to the restrictive railroad underpass that makes it difficult for people to access the conservation area along this road segment. There were several items discussed from building a railroad underpass to widening the road and adding a trail at the time that the bridge is reconstructed. The Task Force recommended that the City consider any improvements in this area that would make access to the conservation area better than currently exists today. The Task Force also recommended that the City consider purchase of the Picha property on the north side of Birch Island Road. Currently, this property's future disposition is not known. Fox reported that the Task Force discussed a volunteer position of"Woods Keeper". The idea was to create a position that would foster community involvement in the conservation area and would be done by appointment by the City Council. Benkowski questioned how heavily the railroad tracks are used. Jeff Strate, Chair of the Task Force,responded that the Twin City Western Railroad uses these tracks from four to five times a day and it may become more heavily used in the future. These tracks may be used for light rail transit or as a commuter rail. Right now there is an illegal trail created along the railroad which is used quite frequently by residents. Benkowski asked if some type of deal were worked out for use of this property, what safety features would be instituted. Strate responded that there may be an overpass or an underpass installed which could be fairly expensive. They are also looking at widening Indian Chief Road. Some type of agreement could be made to include a pedestrian underpass along the side if the road were widened. Fox explained that the City does not have any control over the railroad. The City cannot sign it as a trail or encourage its use. Staff recommends that this area be blocked off so residents do not use this as an access point. In response to a question from Barrett regarding the type of path going through the property, Fox explained that the Task Force did spend a lot of time discussing the type of path that should be at this site. The Task Force recommended that it be left in its current condition. If it does need to be improved, they recommend using some type of chipped rock. A bituminous path would be the last resort. The secondary trails would be packed and it is their intent to try to dissuade people from using the other trails. They must also take into consideration the watershed rules. Swanson questioned whether or not they would receive much resistance from people who do use this park for off-road mountain bike use or allow their dogs to run off leash. Fox explained that many of the users do not realize that this is a City park. It will be an educational process. Lambert indicated that he had previously been at the park for approximately 30 minutes and he saw two people in the park that were allowing their dogs to run off leash. At another time, he did see three people in the park with those three running their dogs off leash. The park has become a place for people to allow their dogs to run freely. Lambert explained this was a County owned piece of property and the rules were not enforced. Once the park is developed and signed, the City's Animal Control people will be PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION June 3, 2002 Page 4 able to enforce the leash laws._ Strate explained that mountain biking is very destructive. The area next to the main hill will have to be graded because of the danger for mountain bike riders. The Task Force recommended that trails not suited for general bike riding be barricaded or handled in a way that makes them unavailable for this type of off-road bike usage. Bikes will be allowed in the main thoroughfare. Yasiri asked if the volunteer"Woods Keeper"position is used at other facilities and asked how feasible it would be to find someone to fill this position. Fox responded that they currently do not have any type of program like the one being proposed. Strate explained that the thought behind this Woods Keeper would be to have someone who lives near the park and has an active stake in the park; especially in the conservation area. There are a number of different ways they could develop this program including an adopt a park program. There are many conservation areas in the City and Strate said he feels they will need more help in the future. This person would visit the area on a regular basis. Tkach explained that he is a volunteer for the Fish and Wildlife Refuge under a program similar to what is being proposed. He further explained that they are the eyes and ears of the park rangers but do not have any authority to issue tickets. They look to see if things go wrong and then report this to the Parks Department. This is a valuable program in that there are another set of eyes and ears down in the park. They also pick up garbage and clean up after users. The Task Force's idea would be to try to extend this program to other parks and conservation areas in the City. Tkach said they are not aware of any program like this in any other cities. Yasiri asked if these people are provided formal training. Tkach responded that training is provided by the Fish and Wildlife. Tkach explained that he would be able to provide training to anyone who volunteers for the City position. Lambert explained that staff's opinion on the Woods Keeper volunteer position is that they are in favor of this type of program. However, staff would not recommend that they do it without additional thought about training and the reporting process. They also need to consider how to set up such a program for each of the conservation areas in the City. They would propose that everyone be trained at the same time. Lambert said staff feels this is a wonderful idea but they need to take some time to develop it. Lambert suggested that this Commission support the Woods Keeper concept to the City Council. He also suggested that they do a one-year trial program to allow them time to work out any problems that might occur. Motion: Benkowski moved, seconded by Brown, to accept the Birch Island Woods Conservation Area Management Plan dated May 21, 2002 and to recommend its contents to the City Council for approval. The motion carried, 9-0. Teaver asked if the City could develop a partnership with Hennepin County Tech for training of a Woods Keeper. Lambert responded that Hennepin Tech does not have a forestry program. He explained that staff is not that concerned with someone having a degree. It is more important that someone have the commitment to do what is required to make this a PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION June 3, 2002 Page 5 successful program. They will also have to have a general understanding of what the rules and ordinances are and be willing to keep the parks looking good. Motion: Yasiri moved, seconded by Brown, to recommend to the City Council development of a program for the recruitment and training of volunteer Woods Keeper for wildlife and conservation areas to be evaluated at a later time for its effectiveness. Motion carried, 9-0. B. Outdoor Pool Ad Hoc Committee 1. Committee Charter Statement Lambert reported that Staff is recommending the development of an ad hoc Committee of this Commission to evaluate the financial feasibility of an outdoor family aquatic center. He explained that this Commission would appoint the members of this Committee, which will report to this Commission after which the Commission will make a recommendation to the City Council. Membership should include members of this Commission,residents at-large, a representative from the Foxjets Swim Club and a representative from the School District. Lambert stated that the first step in forming this Committee is to approve a Charter Statement for this ad hoc Committee of the Commission. That Charter Statement spells out the rolls of the participants and what the roll of that Committee is overall. The second step would be to approve the membership process. Benkowski said that as she reads the Charter Statement it indicates that this water park is going to happen and describes the steps to get there. Lambert said that is not correct. He explained that the Charter Statement is necessary in order to evaluate a water park and whether or not they want this. Residents feel this is the most important thing in the City in terms of parks and recreation. To evaluate the water park, they need to look at where it can be developed and once a site is decided on they need to look at what will have to be given up to develop a water park and how many residents it will serve. They also need to look at what revenue will be generated and what the cost would be to taxpayers. Once all of that information is gathered, they will be able to decide whether or not a water park should be developed. Motion: Wright moved, seconded by Barrett, to aprove the Charter Statement for the Outdoor Pool Study Committee. The motion carried, 9-0. 2. Committee Membership Selection Process Lambert reviewed Staff's recommendation for the Committee's membership selection process. He explained that the City has one of the most successful swimming clubs in Minnesota and this group will want a lap pool. He explained that this is something completely different than a water park. The residents of Eden Prairie have clearly stated through the survey process that they want an outdoor water park. Lambert said he feels it PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION June 3, 2002 Page 6 is important to have a representative from the Foxjets Swim Club on the Committee to give the members of this Committee the opportunity to discuss the needs of the Swim Club and who will be benefiting from this. In considering members from the public, Lambert said they must be sure they are representing the members from the community that want the water park. Staff is suggesting that the Committee membership include four members of the Parks Recreation and Natural Resources Commission, three residents at- large, one representative from the Foxjets Swim Club and one representative from the School District. Yasiri said she feels that four members from this Commission is a high number. She would rather see two or three members serve on the Committee and have more members be residents at-large. Lambert responded that the reason for the four members is that Staff did go to the City Council and suggested that they ban the Program Board and Parks Committee and come back with this Commission. The Mayor asked if they were going to give this Commission more authority. This authority would be through the use of ad hoc committees. This Committee is a subcommittee of this Commission. If the size of the Committee is increased it becomes unwieldy. Yasiri indicated that she does not want to increase the size but change the balance. She suggested that they wait to see how many applicants they get from the citizens at-large and then at that time determine how many positions should be filled by the citizens at that time. Brown said he would like to see at least four members of this Commission on the Committee. Yasiri said she would recommend three Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission members serve on the Board and four residents at-large. Lambert explained that the Commission could approve the membership selection process at this time withholding the decision on how many Commission members and how many citizens at-large will serve on the Committee based on the interest from the Commission and the community. Motion: Yasiri moved, seconded by Benkowski, to approve the Ad Hoc Committee selection process with the caveat that the membership of the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission and citizen at-large may vary based on the level of interest and the number of applicants. The motion carried, 9-0. Teaver asked who will be reviewing the applications for this Committee. Lambert responded that the applications will be included in the Commission's next meeting packet and the Commission members can then interview the applicants. Barrett suggested if they get 30 or more applications, they re-evaluate the process rather than interview all of the applicants. Lambert said if they get that many applicants staff will have the applicants complete a questionnaire. V. OLD BUSINESS PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION June 3, 2002 Page 7 A. Proposed Changes to Park Use Ordinance Lambert reported that there are three proposed changes to the Park Use Ordinance as recommended by the Park Ranger. The changes include prohibiting the possession of glass containers in the parks and a provision that requires people to obey park regulations that are posted by the Director of Parks and Recreation Services. The third change is the prohibition of the use of snowmobiles, trail bikes or other all terrain vehicles, hovercrafts, or motor vehicles licensed for highway operation being used for off-road recreational purposes in parks within the limits of the City. Motion: Gerst moved, seconded by Teaver, to recommend approval of revisions to Chapter 9 of the City Code relating to rules and regulations governing public parks as described in the memorandum dated June 3, 3002 and the attached draft ordinance. The motion carried, 9-0. B. Annual Report Lambert distributed the Parks and Recreation Services Annual Report to the Commission members. He explained that this is a historical document which shows what the Department has done in the past year and it includes the Capital Improvement Program and budget. Lambert explained that this document requires no formal action but was provided to the Commission for information only. VI. ADJOURNMENT Motion: Teaver moved, Gerst seconded, to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m. The motion carried 9-0.