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Parks and Recreation - 03/02/1998 p r 1998 i March 2, 1998 Minutes Parks, recreation & Natural Resources Commission CITY OF EDEN PRAIRIE '' AGENDA PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAV,MARCH 2, 1998 7:00 P.M.CITY CENTER 8080 MITCHELL ROAD COUNCIL CHAMBERS COMMISSION MEMBERS: Richard Brown,Chair;Frantz Corneille,Claire Hilegman,Don Jacobson, Vicki Koenig,Glenn Stolar,John Wilson STUDENT MEMBERS: Elizabeth Cook,Stacy Enger COMMISSION STAFF: Robert A.Lambert,Director of Parks,Recreation and Natural Resources; Stuart A. Fox, Manager of Parks and Natural Resources;Laurie Helling,Manager of Recreation Services I. ROLL.CALL 11. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 111. APPROVAL.OF MINUTES- LAN JARY S 1999 IV. PETITIONS. REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS A. Maple Addition B. Eden Prairie High School Activity Center/Turf Bubble 4 VI. OLD BUSINESS ' I A. 1lidden Ponds Park PlaXuround_ Pry i B. Rice Marsh Lake PlayuroundProposals I � f V11. NEW BUSINESS , A. Conservation Area Management Plans and Concept Site Plans B. Discussion of Possible Bond Referendum for 1999 Vill. RI'-PORTS OF COMMISSI NF.RS AND STAFF A. Reports of Director of Parks Recreation and Natural Resources 1. Memo from City Attorney Re: United States Supreme Court Decision in Dolan v.TiLnrd ( B. Reports of Manager of Parks and Natural Resources I. Report on Use of Mini Rinks C. Reports of Community Center Manager 1. Breakdown of Cost Pcr Lane for Pool Rates for 1998 2. Oak Point Pool Schedule_ During Community Center Pool Sb rtcy_Io_MM IX. ADJOURNMENT r . �I i i APPROVED MINUTES PARKS,RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY,MARCH 2, 1998 7:00 P.M.CITY CENTER 8080 MITCHELL ROAD COUNCIL CHAMBERS COMMISSION MEMBERS: Richard Brown,Chair,Frantz Corneille,Claire Hilgeman,Don Jacobson, Vicki Koenig,Glenn Stolar,John Wilson STUDENT MEMBERS: Elizabeth Cook,Stacy Enger COMMISSION STAFF: Robert A.Lambert,Director of Parks,Recreation and Natural Resources, Stuart A. Fox, Manager of Parks and Natural Resources, Laurie Helling, Manager of Recreation Services, and Barbara Anderson,City Recorder 1. ROLL CALL Elizabeth Cook was absent. 11. APPROVAL OF AGENDA f Koenig requested that an update on Eden Vale Homes be added under Old Business. MOTION:Stolar moved,seconded by Koenig,to approve the Agenda as amended. Motion carried 7-0. J Ill. APPROVAL OF MINUTES-JANUARY 5.1998 MOTION:Wilson moved,seconded by Hilgeman,to approve the January 5, 1998 Minutes of the Parks,Recreation and Natural Resources Commission as submitted. Motion curried I 7-0. � a IV. PETITIONS.REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS A. Maple Addition Steve Kroiss reviewed the development plans and requested approval from the Commission. Fox gave the staff'report and noted that staff recommended approval of the project. Iic noted that because it was an existing large single family lot there ( were many large trees that were originally planted around the perimeter which will PARKS,RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES March 2, 1998 Page 2 mostly remain on the site. Staff recommends that credit be given for transplanting small trees presently existing on the site, which will reduce the bonding for the developer but would allow them to use existing trees toward landscaping credit if they survive being transplanted. Koenig asked if the property extended to the ravine and Fox responded it goes down to the bottom of the slope. Kroiss stated the ravine was mainly located on different property. Hilgeman asked about the 37%tree loss and if the existing significant trees were included in the tree loss calculations. Fox responded negatively,noting those were given credit to provide an incentive for the proponent to save as many existing trees as possible. Lambert noted this was a property owner who planted these trees on his lot to enhance his home and the City of Eden Prairie, If the City wants people to plant trees on their property in the future they have to make sure they will not be penalized for planting trees on lots which could be subdivided in the future. Fox commented the developer will have to provide the bond for the landscaping which would be the same as if he was providing landscape material from a nursery or using existing trees from the property. Brown inquired why the number of homes could not be reduced so the tree loss would not be so significant. Lambert responded that the developer met the density requirement stipulated by the Zoning Ordinance the City could not require him to reduce the number of lots in the development,especially because he was removing trees he had planted. He reminded the Commission that the 30'!/0 figure was only a goal,and was not mandated by Ordinance. MOTION:Wilson moved,seconded by Corneille,to recommend approval of Maple I lill Addition based on the recommendations in the Community Development Staff I Report dated February 20, 1998 and recommendations within the supplemental staff report dated February 25, 1998. Motion curried 7-0. B. Eden Prairie 1(ji!h School Activity.Center/Turf Bubble . Michael Darian representing Independent School District 272 and Jay Pomeroy who r is the Landscape Architect were present. Pomeroy discussed the landscaping which will be done around the perimeter of the site and around the bubble to provide screening and butTering Isom the adjacent residential properties. There will be landscaping around the activity center also to mitigate the mass of the building and soften its appearance. He discussed the plants which will be included in the plan and the sizes of the plantings which will be used. He noted the heights of the trees used to screen the bubble would be varied to provide some interest as well as screening. ( i i1 PARKS,RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES March 2, 1998 Page 3 Fox gave the staff report and discussed the landscaping plan,which meets ordinance requirements. It also was approved by the Watershed District and the Planning Commission. Staff recommends approval with the stipulation that the School District work with adjacent property owners to buffer the bubble as much as possible. There was significant plant material which was stored in the northwest corner of the property and it should be used to supplement the landscaping for this project. Stolar asked how much of the material in the northwest corner will be lefl there,and Fox responded that most of the naterial crone out of the area where the NURP ponds are and sonic of it was from the City realignment of Valley View Road. Lambert suggested there were going to be many people who will be surprised by the illuminated bubble which will be very visible at night,and he believed the proponents should work with adjacent residents to get the most effective screening possible. Darian stated they were willing to work with people as much as possible, but did not believe it would be possible to satisfy everyone. Pomeroy has talked with Scott Kipp about this and they have many trees to work with. Lambert stressed that the developer should do everything they can to satisfy people regarding this buffering issue. He stated that this will be very much like a 65 foot high by 300 foot long light bulb glowing in the dark right next to these people's homes. He suggested the School District do whatever is possible to work with neighbors to screen this facility from their homes. Hilgeman asked about the 30 ash trees and why there were so many. Pomeroy responded that they arc being transplanted but are not new trees; they already existed on the site. Corneille commented he wished to emphasize that they need to work with the neighbors to locate the trees in the most effective manner to provide maximum I screening and bufloring. Wilson concurred,noting it was paramount that they work with the neighbors to complete the screening process in as satisfactory manner to as many residents as possible. Jacobson commented the impervious surface area meets the standard for water quality and yet Round Lakc was still deteriorating, and he asked if there was something wrong with the NURP pond standard. Fox responded that there were many sources of water coming into Round Lake other than those from the NURP ponds on this site. Pomeroy stated that on the EPHS site 98%of the water goes through the NURP ponds now, but this has not always been the case in the past. Koenig inquired how much area around the lake was open space and how much was not. Fox responded that information was not readily available but could be obtained from the City Engineer. i a PARKS,RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES March 2, 1999 Page 4 Chair Brown introduced Steve Schultz,who is the Activity Director at Eden Prairie High school. Koenig asked about the noise levels from the bubble and Darian responded that the noise level from the bubble will be about 40 decibels or less than the general noise levels generated by traffic. It would be a constant noise level which will be less noticeable than a varying noise level would be. i MOTION:Wilson moved,seconded by Stolar,to recommend approval of the Eden Prairie High School Activity Center and Turf Field Bubble Phase III as detailed in the February 20. 1998 Community Development Staff Report and the recommendations within the supplemental staff report dated February 25, 1998 MOTION: Jacobson moved,seconded by Brown,to amend the motion to add the stipulation that the proponent work with adjacent residents to achieve the most satisfactory buffering and screening plan possible. Motion carried 7-0. VI. OLD BUSINESS Fox noted that stafPwill be presenting equipment proposals for Hidden Ponds Park and Rice Marsh Lake Playground equipment separately. Each manufacturer's representative would have ten minutes to make a presentation of their equipment and then the Commission would discuss cacti proposal on it's merits and make a recommendation. Fox noted that the plan for hidden Ponds would include some trail realignments. A. Hidden Ponds Park Playground Proposalso The first presentation was made by Dave Owen representing Earl F.Anderson-Play Sense,who described the proposed play area in detail. Vic noted he had proposed a different type of equipment to make the most of the City dollars,and this included a cross-shaped pole instead of a round one. This equipment is manufactured containing pre-determined components and the colon arc not changeable. It comes"off=the- shelf'and is installed as is. I lc reviewed the plans for the park and the components that would be included. He described the surface which would be placed under the play structures, lie showed a sample of the materials that they arc proposing to use in the play structure,and noted that it was guaranteed for two years completely. Lambert asked if there were any problems with the"T"shaped posts tend the edges, as they appeared sharp to him. Owen responded that they seem to be working okay ( but it is always possible to be hurt on playground equipment. He showed a sample of the surface which will be underneath the play area. 1 PARKS,RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES March 2, 1998 Page 5 Brenda Townsend, 1799 Grove Court,stated site was concerned that there was only one tot seat and she felt there should be two,so she could go to the park with a friend and they could both swing their toddlers at the scone time. Jacobson asked where the rubber surface would be used and Owen responded it would be used on the approach to the swings,and underneath the swings. Bill Johnson, Flanagan Sales for"Little Tykes Play Systems, stated they bid a 5" round post with stainless steel hardware so it won't rust. He described the surfaces they use for platforms and their slides. He described the warranty on the equipment and discussed the color options which arc available. He described the layout of the play area and the location of the shelter and the sidewalk. He noted that approximately 50%of the play structure would be handicapped accessible, Stolar inquired how easy it would be to expand the swings if they wanted to add an additional swing,and Johnson responded it could be done but it was best to do it at the outset to avoid incurring costs later on. Jacobson asked how high the climbing wall was and Johnson responded the top bar was about 7-8 feet in height but the top rung of the ladder was about 48 inches or 4 feet in height. Brenda Townsend was concerned if it was very friendly for very young children. Johnson explained that about half of the structure was accessible for children between the ages oft-5 years. Gail Fitzpatrick,7678 Paulson Drive,stated she lives next door to the park and was concerned about the play structure having a negative impact on her view by using bright colors where it had been only nature before. She was also concerned about how high the structure would be. Johnson responded the peak of the roofwas approximately 1 1-12 feet in height,and they can create any colors they want to use. Stolar asked if Johnson had erected any other play structures in Eden Prairie and , Johnson responded not in Eden Prairie but in other communities in the area. Brown asked why they had requested a shelter in the proposal and if they had these shelters in other parks. Fox stated that the shelters would provide instant shade and shelter from rain and trees take a while to grow to provide these things. Todd Lehman, Minnesota Wisconsin Playground, Inc., Game Time Playstructures, reviewed their proposal for the playground. He described the layout of the equipment and showed samples of the materials that would be used. They use recycled aluminum in the posts and the hardware is zinc coated with a yellow chromate conversion coating to prevent rust. They have endeavored to accommodate children of most age groups in their design and have made it handicapped accessible. He described the space shuttle piece they have included in the play structure. They have a variety of colors available so they would be able to create an attractive play ! structure for the City. i PARKS,RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES March 2, 1998 Page 6 Ann Walbrun, 17950 Liv Lane,asked if there were any swings included in the play structure and Lehman responded they had not included swings in their proposal. Koenig asked if it would be scaled back significantly to include six swings and Lehman responded they would lose about one bridge to put in the swings. Brown asked if there was any way the littler kids could get in the way of the space shuttle, and Lchman responded there was sort of a natural"safe zone"surrounding the space shuttle and the adjacent equipment was for the older kids. Brenda Wenner, Miracle Recreation Equipment Company, Miracle Recreation Playstructure,reviewed her design and materials. She noted they have two separate layouts,one for 5-12 year olds and one for 2-5 year olds. She reviewed the site layout and the shelter which is 12'X 12"in size. The concrete pad is 14'X 14"which will provide more shelter area. Most elements in the play structure arc handicapped accessible. Fox reviewed the plan submitted by St. Croix Recreation Company, Inc., Burke d Playstructure,as that company representative was not present. The plan included $ swings,a 10;X 10'steel shelter and a play structure which included platforms,bridges and slides. It is ADA accessible with a transfer point. The safety surface is based on the height of the equipment and this one is about six feet in height. Hilgcman asked if they want to consider options when choosing the plan they like, and Lambert responded the plan can be configured any way the Commission desired. Hilgeman commented that natural colors,six swings,including two tot swings,and the roof shelter were things that the neighbors were interested in. Also,two spring riders and it good mix for various age groups had been mentioned. Stolar was concerned about shelter locations and Lambert noted that could be dictated. Discussion ensued regarding the various plans and proposals. Concern was expressed regarding the"T"shaped post, and it was felt that could be hazardous to children playing on that structure. The number of swings was discussed and the consensus J was that six swings should be included on the playstructure,two with tot scats. The issue of divided focus was discussed and it was felt that it was important to have parents be able to survey the play structure from a central point. ARcr more discussion, the Commission concluded that Flanagan Sales and Game Time Playstructures were the two best plans. Lehman was asked if he could put six swings into his plan and lie responded he would have to rework the plan to come up with the redesigned one and would look at the numbers. They have to include the additional cost of more safety surface in the proposal. lie noted they also have single spring riders which could replace the double rider,and have seventeen models to choose from. PARKS,RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES March 2, 1998 Page 7 Further discussion ensued,and the consensus was that the contract should be awarded to Flanagan Sales, Inc,because they had the best layout and equipment supplied for the money. MOTION:Hilgcman moved,seconded by Stolar,to award the bid to Flanagan Sales, Inc.With the understanding that there will be a total of six swings,with City staff to determine the configuration,and one spring play event will be removed. Discussion ensued regarding why the location of the playground equipment was moved to its present location and Lambert responded it has to be outside the foul ball zone from the ball park and they do not have many other areas within the park which they can use. This is located on the main walkway and it should be one that is centrally located and visible from the parking lot. It will be about halfway between the tennis court and the parking lot. Fox commented the site details can be worked out later,and they expect the equipment will be installed in June. Motion carried 7-0. B. il3icc March 1 akc Plnv�round Pro ocalc Bill Johnson, Flanagan Sales, Inc,reviewed the plans,noting this one includes four swings, is ADA accessible, has it 12' X 12' shelter, and a mixture of events for multiple age groups, including a 4-wheeler which many children find irresistible. Hilgeman inquired if lie would be willing to remove the log roll and add two more swings,and he agreed that would work. Wilson asked where the spring riders were 'and Johnson responded they substituted the 4-wheeler for them. Hilgcman noted the plan does not show an ADA swing,and Johnson stated he could obtain one made by II, another manufacturer,but they did not make them. Sheldon Lucas, 1800 Palmer Circle, thanked the City for making the neighborhood aware ofthe ro'ects being 'P I bon the agenda and the Commission for making such good decisions, J Todd Lehman, Minnesota Wisconsin Playground,Inc.,Game Time Playstructures, reviewed his plan,noting it contained a 20 foot space shuttle,and two separate areas for diflerent aged children. Hilgcman inquired if they could exchange the climbing area for six swings,and Lehman responded affirmatively,but they would have to put some in another area. They use the 511 surface which is the only one that has received written approval by ASTM standards. Wilson asked if they make an ADA swing,and ( I-climan responded affirmatively, Brenda Wenner,Miracle Recreation Playstructures,noted again she created separate systems for different age groups. They have a shelter,and the swings as requested, I PARKS,RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES March 2, 1998 Page 9 and the structures are ADA accessible. Hilgeman asked if they could eliminate the tot system and get two more swings and one spring animal in exchange and Wenner responded that could be done. Fox reviewed the proposal from Saint Croix Recreation Company,and noted that part of the plan was for 2-5 year olds and the remainder for older kids. Koenig asked if things could be moved around on these plans,and Fox responded affirmatively,but the proposals arc based on the square footage of the safety surfacing which could change the cost of the systems. The Commission discussed the proposals for Rice Marsh Lake,and it was noted that the people in the audience liked proposal#2. Discussion ensued regarding how long these play structures would last,and Lambert responded they were supposed to last for about 20 years. Some decks were painted and some were rubberized. Maintenance concerns were discussed. MOTION: Wilson moved, seconded by Hilgeman, to approve the proposal by Flanagan Sales,Inc.For the Rice Marsh Lake park with the elimination of the log roll, the addition of two more swings,and work with staff to more centrally locate the shelter. The ADA swing is to be purchased from another vender. Motion carried 7-0. C. Ed,gvale llomes Fox noted that staff received a landscaping plan which included screening,trees, and shrubs around the perimeter of the development which was acceptable. i I Vll. NEW BUSINESj A. Conservation Area Management Plans and Concept Site Plans t i r Lambert requested that they obtain quotes from consultants to do a Conservation Area Plan which would give the City a policy to manage all these areas. He reviewed the process which would be included in the plan. This would give everyone in the City information on what was happening with conservation areas throughout the City. He has submitted a grant request to the DNR to see if the City can get some funding to help cover the costs and there is some funding in the budget which can be used as well. They should request authorization from the City council to proceed with this project. MOTION:Hilgctnan moved,seconded by Corneille,that the Parks.Recreation and Natural Resources Commission approves the Staff Memorandum dated 2/18/98 pertaining to Conservation Area Management Plans and Concept Site Plans. Motion carried 7-0. l 1 PARKS,RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES March 2, 1998 Page 9 B. Discussion of Possible Bond Referendum for 1999 Lambert reviewed the memorandum that lists many projects which the Commission should consider in the near future. He noted they should be discussing purchasing land, improving the ballficlds at Flying Cloud, ctc. He put together a list of five questions which he requested the Commission to consider on each of these projects and he believed they should have a workshop with the City Council to discuss these things. Hilgcman noted the City Council has not approved subsidizing any of these projects with Cash Park Fees in the past. Lambert stated it had been suggested that perhaps some revenues generated by the Liquor Stores could be used for this purpose, but until the Cash Park Fees decrease that probably will not occur. Corneille asked about Governor Carlson's park plans and Lambert responded there will probably be some funding for parks that will come from that but it would not be enough to accomplish what the City needs to do and it is unlikely the City of Eden Prairie would be successful for those types of park improvement grants.. The City can only obtain one grant from this and it was doubtful if that would be adequate. Brown asked Lambert to set up a meeting with the City Council for a fourth Tuesday workshop to discuss this issue. MOTION: Wilson moved, seconded by Stolar,to ask the City Council for time to discuss the possibility of a bond referendum. Motion carried 7-0. Vill. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONE RS AND STAFF A. Reports of Director of Parks Recreation and Natural Resources i I. Memo from City Attorney Rea United States Supreme Court Decision in Dolan V.'Tigard Lambert noted this information had been included for information only. B. Reports of Manager of Parks and Natural Resource C. Reports of CommuniiX Center Manager 1. breakdown of Cost Pcr Lan for Pool Rates for 1998 Lyndcll Frey reviewed his Memorandum to Bob Lambert regarding the costs per lane for the pool. lie noted that when broken down into a per-lane,rate, ( the City is in the same area as other facilities in their fees. 2. Oak Point Pool schedule During Community center Pool Shutdown Julic Hocft reviewed the memo dated 2/23/98 covering the Oak Point Pool i, PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES March 2, 1998 Page 10 cost breakdown. Morning lap swim hours were discussed. It was noted that a reduced member rate had been implemented while the Community Center pool was inoperable. Fryc stated they were hoping that members felt that they were doing all they could do to accommodate them. He noted that members would receive a$3 discount at Minnetonka. Hocft commented that a press release and newsletter to members explained this. IX ADJOURNMENT' MOTION:Hilgcman moved,seconded by Wilson to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 7-0. The meeting was adjourned at 1 1:07 p m. a