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JULY
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MINUTES
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CITY OF EDEN PRAM IE
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AGENDA
EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
MONDAY, JULY 6, 1987 7:30 P.M. CITY HALL - 7600 EXECUTIVE DRIVE
COMMISSION MEMBERS: Pat Breitenstein, chairperson; Raiford Baker,
Moe Cook, Gary Gonyea, Karon Joyer, Brian
Mikkelson, Charles Shaw
COMMISSION STAFF: Bob Lambert, Director of Community Services
7:30 I. ROLL CALL
II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - JUNE 15, 1987
IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
7:35 Request for Trail Connections
V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
.3
None
VI. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS, BOARDS & STAFF
A. Reports of Director of Community Services
7:45
Round Lake Tennis Courts
B. Reports of Athletic Coordinator
7:55 1. Season Endinq Reports a
a. Men's 25 & Over Hockey - Spring 1987
b. Senior Men's Hockey Winter 1987
c. Senior Men's Hockey - Spring 987 1
d. Men's Broomball - 1987
e. Women's Volleyball - 987
f. Men's Vol eyball - 1Tg6=$7
g. Co-Rec Volleyball - Winter 1987
h. Men's 3-Man Basketball - S r n 1987
i . Table Tennis - Winter 1987
J. Co-Rec Broomba 1 -
- 1987
k. Sun Mon Open Gym Vo eyball
1 . Mon ay Night/Satur ay Open Gym
M. Men's 5-Man Basketball---19T6-87
n. Racquetball - Winter OUT
VII. OLD BUSINESS
8:10 Feasibility Report - Purgatory Creek Recreation Area
( VIII. NEW BUSINESS
8:30 A. Proposed Park Use Ordinance Revisions
B. CDBG Discetionary Fund Application
8:45 IX. ADJOURNMENT
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APPROVED MINUTES
EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
MONDAY, JULY 6, 1987 7:30 P.M. , 7600 EXECUTIVE DRIVE
COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Pat Breitenstein, chairperson; Bud Baker, Moe
Cook, Gary Gonyea, Brian Mikkelson, Karon
Joyer
COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Charles Shaw
COMMISSION STAFF: Bob Lambert, Director of Community Services
OTHERS PRESENT: Rick Bolinske, Superintendent of Recreation
I. ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by chairperson Pat Breitenstein.
II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Lambert indicated there were no additions to the agenda.
MOTION: Cook moved to approve the agenda as printed. Baker seconded the
motion and it passed 6-0.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JUNE 15, 1987
MOTION: Gonyea moved to approve the minutes as mailed. Joyer seconded the
motion and it passed 6-0.
IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Request for Trail Connections - Lambert reviewed the June 30 memo regarding
three proposed trail construction projects for 1987 including: County Road 4
trail from Duck Lake Trail north to Mere Drive, request from Eden Land Sales,
Inc. for blacktopping the trail throughout Edenvale 9th addition and the
request from the School District to construct a trail along the north side of
Anderson Lakes Parkway from the eastern most intersection of Darnel Road to
Anderson Lakes Parkway to the western most intersection of Darnel Road.
Baker questioned the difference between the proposed Class V surface vs asphalt
and maintenance on both types of surface. Lambert explained that the Class V
was basically the gravel surface that was provided by Eden Land Sales
Corporation. That type of surface could provide a satisfactory trail surface
during dry weather conditions only. The maintenance would include occasional
watering and rolling the surface and mowing the grass and vegetation two feet
on either side of the trail . Lambert recommended that the City construct the
connection to Mitchell Road and install the bridge across the creek at this
time, but to delay paring the project until further development of the Edenvale
Office Park.
MOTION: Baker moved to approve the construction of the trails as per the June
30th memo. Seconded by Gonyea. Motion passed 6-0.
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PARKS, RECREATION & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION JULY 6, 1987
V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
None
VI. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS, BOARDS AND STAFF
A. Round Lake Tennis Courts - Lambert reporteu that the Round Lake tennis
court resurfacing project was completed. Although, the project took two
weeks longer than projected, it was completed prior to the 4th of July
celebration. Lambert indicated that the two week delay caused several
problems for the recreation staff; however, the staff personally called all
210 individuals registered for the tennis lesson program to inform them of
the change to the Central Middle School courts. The lesson change was made
without any major problems due to the very professional handling of this
problem by staff.
B. Season 'Ending Reports - Lambert summarized the season ending reports
submitted by Laurie Helling, Athletic Coordinator. Lambert praised Helling
for the excellent job on expanding the existing programs and initiating
several new adult recreation programs. All of the programs are going very
smoothly with no major problems. This is directly attributable to the
strong leadership and excellent planning of Ms. Helling. Lambert requested
the Commission to accept all reports and approve the recommendations
recommended by Ms. Helling.
MOTION: Motion by Cook, seconded by Baker to accept all season ending
reports submitted, as well those recommendations included in the reports
for program improvements for next year.
VII. OLD BUSINESS
Feasibility Report Purgatory Creek Recreation Area - Lambert summarized the
history of the planning of the Purgatory Creek Recreation Area and introduced
Paul Fjare of Brauer and Associates, the park planning consultant on this
project, and Rod Cole of Hickok and Associates, the lead engineer on this
project.
Paul Fjare summarized the changes to the plan and reasons for those various
changes. The major change to the plan was the elimination of the golf course,
and Fjare gave a brief summary of the previous plans that attempted to include
the golf course and the reasons for the final decision to exclude that
activity.
Baker asked about the possibility of winter activities, the need for a chain
link fence around the southern boundary, and the distance of the paddle boat
route.
Fjare explained the winter activities would include cross country skiing and
skating. Skating would only be feasible if the flow of Purgatory Creek were
diverted into the ditch channel . He recommended the chain link fence as a
necessary function to keep dogs out of the proposed wildlife preservation and
nesting area in the southern portion of the marsh. The distance of the paddle
boat route would be similar to paddling around the circumference of Round Lake.
PARKS, RECREATION & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION JULY 6, 1987
Cook questioned Lambert on the liability problems associated with this park and
urged the planners to make sure the deep water ponds had fishing potential .
Cook suggested it might be necessary to develop a paddle boat patrol if much of
the route is not visible from the marina dock.
Cook also requested Cole to explain how much of the area would flood during
normal spring runoff and during a year with normal rainfall . Lambert
indicated there were two key questions related to this proposal . The first
question is "How much of the park would be inundated and for how long during a
normal (30" rainfall ) year?" The second question is "How much land should be
acquired at the major entry point to the park, and can we really rely on use of
adjacent property owners parking to accommodate this park?"
In answer to the first question, Lambert suggested that no one can predict
exactly how much of the park would be inundated, anymore than anyone can
predict how ofter during a "normal year" we would receive a 3" rain or 5" rain,
etc. Lambert suggested that no one would really question the feasibility of
the perimeter hard surface trail and cross country ski trail , nor the
feasibility of the active use area on the west, side or the feasibility of the
major entry point. The major question will be how feasible the interior trail
�► system is and whether or not the island just west of the Flagship will be able
to be maintained as a picnic area. Lambert suggested that after the dredging
of the ditch and the large ponding areas, the City would want to monitor the
water elevations for several years prior to developing the entire interior
trail system. Development of the picnic areas on the proposed island would be
a minimal cost and could be monitored for several years prior to developing any
sun shelters, etc. in that vicinity.
Lambert expressed concern over the parking issue at the main entry and
indicated it is only feasible to acquire the minimal two acre entry if adjacent
land use is of an office character whereby the peak use of the park would be in
the evenings and weekends when the office buildings would be empty and parking
lots available for park users; however, Lambert projected that it is more
likely the adjacent users would be commercial thereby requiring the City to
acquire additional parkland at the entry for parking lot purposes.
Baker questioned how difficult it would be to sell this park idea to the
public. Lambert agreed that it would be a long educational process and that
the park would be developed in stages. He felt the most difficult concept to
sell to the public would be the expensive entry area; however, he felt it would
be possible to get the support of the residents if the Eden Prairie businesses,
the Eden Prairie Foundation (community leaders) supported this concept with
donations so there would be some matching money toward a referendum project.
Rod Cole gave a brief summary of the discoveries made through this study
regarding the soils and water levels relating to this project. Cole indicated
that no one can predict exactly how often certain areas will be flooded;
however, through the use of models they can predict what elevation the water
would be during certain ten year, twenty five, fifty or hundred year flood
occurances.
Joyer asked what impact the lowering of the water elevation would have on the
preservation area. Lambert responded that during the construction process, the
area would be dry. Bolinske indicated that as a waterfowl production area, the
area must be allowed to dry up on occasion in order to continue the food chain
necessary for waterfowl .
PARKS, RECREATION & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION JULY 6, 1987
Mikkelson voiced a concern for this area in the conflict of future managers of
this recreation area. He cited there would be a conflict relating to water
elevations for the preservation area vs water elevations for the recreation
area. He questioned the feasibility of the inner trail system and asked the
planners for information regarding the environmental impact of this
construction on the water quality of Purgatory Creek and Staring Lake. Cole
indicated that development of trail systems, etc. in a marsh area is not a new
science and there are many methods for reducing negative impact on the marsh,
the creek and lake downstream. Cole cited the construction of the Painter
Marsh Project in the Minnehaha Creek two winters ago when there was lots of I ...
snow and a high spring runoff. Paul Fjare also referred to the Woodlake Nature
Center in Richfield, the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge development project
in Wisconsin, the Carver Park Reserve development of several marsh areas, the
Bredeson Park development project in Edina last year and the Lake Normandale
development project in Bloomington. These were all examples of the development
of trail systems within this type of a marsh area.
Cook voiced his concern over the lack of parking at the entry and believed the
City would have to acquire more than the two acres proposed as the minimal
ro '
acquisition.
Dick Feerick, an Eden Prairie resident who has a purchase agreement for the
Feeders project, voiced positive support in what the City is trying to
accomplish in this area. He agreed it is important for the City to have a plan
and dream for this area. Mr. Feerick suggested that the City consider
acquiring additional acreage, not only for parking for the park, but also for a
Cgovernment center. He believed that it was feasible to acquire additional land
in this vicinity for a City Hall or government center if the terms are right.
Mr. Feerick pointed to his site as a possible location for a hotel or a
galleria type of site, or as a first class restaurant with meeting facilities.
He also indicated that he believed there was sufficient space for a City Hall
with parking for the City Hall and the park.
MOTION: Baker moved to accept the feasibility report of June 30, 1987 from
Hickok and Associates and the proposed revised concept plan for the Purgatory
Creek Recreation Area with the following concerns that should be addressed
prior to proceeding with this project:
1. There is inadequate parking at the entry plaza and the Commission suggests
a redesign of the entry plaza indicating sufficient parking for normal
daily use of that entry point.
2. The Commission has concerns relating to the environmental impact the
construction of this project would have on the creek valley, the water
quality in the creek, in Staring Lake and Staring Lake Park.
Seconded by Mikkelson. Passed 6-0
VIII . NEW BUSINESS
A. Proposed Park Use Ordinance Revisions - Lambert summarized the revisions
proposed by the aquatics staff for t e Park Use Ordinance, and answered
l questions of Commission members regarding rationale for changes.
PARKS, RECREATION & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION JULY 6, 1987
MOTION: Mikkelson moved to approve the Park Use Ordinance revisions as
proposed. Seconded by Joyer. Passed 6-0.
B. CDBG Discretionary Fund Application - Rick Bolinske reported on the
Community Development Block Grant Discretionary Fund proposed application.
There is an additional $200,000 in the County Discretionay Fund available
for grant application. Bolinske indicated that he was having the City's
architect and a representative of the Hennepin County Health Department
write a letter to be attached to the grant application explaining the costs
involved in the kitchen appliances, etc. necessary to provide food at the
Senior Center. Bolinske also emphasized that having food available is a
major part of the Senior Center program.
MOTION: Cook moved to approve the recommendation that the City apply for
Community Development Block Grant Discretionary Funds and that the City
consider using some cash park fees to pay for 10-20% of the cost of this j
project and to attempt to acquire used equipment for this purpose.
Seconded by Baker. Motion passed 6-0.
Breitenstein indicated that she had toured Round Lake Park during the 4th
of July celebration and was very impressed by the enthusiasm and leadership
abilities of all of the recreation staff that were leading a variety of
recreation programs throughout the day and evening. She indicated that
there was a "good feeling" by all those who were participating in the
events as well as those who were spectators. She requested a letter from
the Commission to the recreation staff commending them on an excellent 4th
of July. Lambert agreed that the recreation staff did an outstanding job
in running the 4th of July celebration and specifically commended Rick 1
Bolinske for his leadership role. He noted that the recreatation staff
were at the'park working before 6 a.m. and were still there cleaning up
after 12:30 a.m. the following morning.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Motion by Cook, seconded by Gonyea to adjourn the meeting at 9:45 p.m. j
Motion passed 6-0.
Respectfully Submitted,
Robert A. Lambert
Recording Secretary
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