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Parks and Recreation - 03/21/1988 ,. .. _ .�. ;... .r � 'r.w 1� � nr r :p 'V.;, ..<.k.L .. _.,�.��i.2..a..,�....... t..,. .Cr,n,_ 1'7,:ea:.sr.a i:,jr trxt.nn �_..na,v�.e.��•...,t I 1988 21 MARCH 7 } a MINUTES -. CITY OP EDEN PRAIRIE AGENDA EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION .'.; MONDAY, MARCH 7, 1988 7:30 P.M. CITY HALL - 7600 EXECUTIVE DRIVE COMMISSION MEMBERS: Pat Breitenstein, chairperson; Raiford Baker, Moe Cook, Karon Joyer, Brian Mikkelson, Pat Richards, Charles Shaw COMMISSION STAFF: Bob Lambert, Director of Community Services 7:30 I. ROLL CALL II. INTRODUCTION OF PAT RICHARDS III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 7:35 IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - FEBRUARY 1, 1988 V. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS A. None VI. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS 7:40 A. DNR Permits 88-6186 & 88-6208 7:50 B. Staring Lake Park Improvements VI. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS, BOARDS AND STAFF A. Reports of Director of Community Services 8:00 1. Consultant Proposals for Updating Comprehensive Park Plan 8:05 2. Edenvale Golf Course Proposal 8:10 3. Annual Report i B. Reports of Recreation Supervisor 8:20 1. Proposal Changes to Scheduled Pool Use 8:30 2. Summer Camping Program 8:40 3. Family Snow Picnic 8:50 C. City Council Meeting Report of 2/16 & 3/1/88 VII. OLD BUSINESS None VIII. NEW BUSINESS 1` C 8:55 A. Riley Lake Access 9:05 B. Department Name Change I 9c10 IX. ADJOURNMENT I I (APPROVED MINUTES r EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS , RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION Monday , March 7th, 1988 7 : 30 P .M. , 7600 Executive Dr . COMMISSION h1EMBERS PRESENT : Pat Breitenstein ; chairperson , Bud Baker , Moe Cook , Karon Joyer , Brian Mikkelson , Pat Richard , Charles Shaw COMMISSION Pi_EM13fRS_.. 1i}SENT ; None COMMISSION STA1`1''- : Bob Lambert ; Director of Corn- ----- - - "-` mun.ity Services , Rick Boli.nske , Superintendent of Recreation Barb Cross , Park Planner , Lindell Frey, Recreation Super- visor . I . ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order at 7 : 30 by chairperson , Pat Breitenstein . II . INTRODUCTION OF PAT RICHARD CBreitenstein welcomed new member , Pat Richard to the Commission . Richard gave a brief summary of his background : Ile had resided in Eden Prairie for 3 years and was a native of Roseville . His wife is an attorney and they have 2 children . lie enjoys the park system. III . APPROVAL OF AGENDA Lambert added Summer Rec . Program under VI , 132 Summer Camping Program f•. MOTION : Mi.kkel5on moved that the Commission approve the agenda j as amended . Shaw seconded the motion . Passed unanimously. IV . APPROVAL OF MINUTES , FEBRUARY 1 , 1988 MOTION : Cool: moved that the Commission accept thn minutes as preSentecl for the meeting of February 1 , 1988 . Baker- secOlided the motion . Passed unanimously . V . PETITIONS , REQUESTS , AND COMMUNICATIONS A . None do VI . DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS A . DNR Permits 88-6186 & 88-6208 i Edward Crozier , of the U . S . Fish and Wildlife Services appeared before the Commission to present their plan for control structures on Rice Lake ,He displayed a layout which depicted the area ;in order to more easily explain the DNR ' s plan . The U . S . Fish and Wildlife Services owns the shoreline from Shakopee to Indian 2 Road. A local landowner, Mr. Peterson, owns the remainder. This project would be a joint venture between Mr Peterson and the U.S . Fish and Wildlife Service that would benefit the migratory waterfowl . The lake has deteriorated and at this point has very little benefit for waterfowl . It is their in- tention to put in new water control and drainage. This would clear the water up and reduce the rough fish population. The vegetation would be able to grow so birds could take advantage of the food. The program consists of 2 phases in alternating 5 year periods. The structures applied for are corrugated metal pipes that would manage the water level. This method has also been used in Blue Lake , Fish Lake , and Louisville Swamp. Lambert asked how deep the lakes were at the present time . Crozier replied that they were about 18" deep , because of a heavy silt load.A Federal Enviromental Impact Study had already been done . ., Baker asked what the plans were concerning hunting regulations and future expansion plans . Crozier replied that the DNR was attempting to purchase all the flood plain. At the present time they are appraising the Peterson property for the purpose of presenting an offer in the spring . Mr. Peterson leases blinds to waterfowl hunters-the plan of the DNR is more long range . Supervised hunting by children assisted by guides would be allowed. In the long term, goose hunting may need to be increased,with a permit system, as control is needed or overpopulation results . Mikkelson asked if the rough fish are eliminated, would the silt run off improve. Crozier answered that silt run off is always a problem. The creek at 169 and 212 and also Moon Valley are two of the main silt producers at the present time. Baker was concerned about the lead content of the water coming from Moon Valley because of the gun range located there . Cook asked how private hunting would be controlled. Crozier replied that Mr. Peterson has the only control now. Mikkelson brought up the issue of public information on the project . Where there had once been a beautiful lake , they would be seeing mud. He felt there should be some articles on this. Crozier replied that they had planned news releases and other projects ,but that the staff is limited. Mikkelson felt it should be in the Eden Prairie News to keep 3 the public informed on the issue. Crozier said that he would welcome such informative articles . Cook stated that some think that there are enough geese now. What about the beavers in the area? Crozier replied that they have been trying to trap as many as possible . They do present a problem in that they plug the water control structures . Shaw asked if the nitrogen and potash content of the water had been checked . Crozier answered that it should not be a problem. Barb Cross stated that the Planning Commission had approved the matter'. Breitenstein asked for a motion regarding the issue . MOTION Cook moved that the Commission recommend approval contingent upon applicant receiving a Watershed District permit to proceed with this work. Shaw seconded the motion. Passed unanimously. C B . Staring Lake Park Improvements Lambert explained that the existing parking area at the Park is insufficient and the people are now parking on Co . Rd. 1 Barb Cross drew the Commission' s attention to a board depicting a plan of the site and she then explained that it made more sense to put all the parking in one area and shift the ballpark to a new location. In the stage area, terraces had been incorporated into the plan for better viewing from a distance . The Lioness Club has committed $15 ,000 to the project and the Community Band Director had given some good ideas . There would be storage area allowed for below the stage . A plaza area would be incorporated into the plan with trees , flowers and planter beds . Baker asked about a sound system for the stage area . Cross replied that electricity would be provided to the site for a sound system. t Baker asked if after a sound system were installed, would there be a problem with neighbors and noise. Lambert replied that the sound should go towards the side of the hill . With an average attendance of 50-150 people per event , he felt there should not be a problem with that . foyer asked how long it would be until the ballfield would be usable . V. Cross replied that if the construction were to be completed this year , it would probably be next summer before it would be in use . Shaw asked if Staring Lake Pa•ik• had drawn more people than had been anticipated . Lambert replied that those numbers are hard to determine , but the increase has been dramatic both from Eden Prairie and other communities . Cook was concerned about the settling problem that often occurs after new construction and the use of chairs on this surface . Cross replied that the soil in that area looks gravely and should lend itself to compaction easily. Cook asked if the stage would be of wood. Cooss replied that it would,but with a concrete base . ~' Mikkelson asked about the problem of vandalism in the stage area. Cross answered that the park maintenance people would handle that . CCook asked if there were provisions for additional parking areas in five years if needed. Cross answered that the problem would be addressed in the present plans . Baker reminded the Commission that the people had been able to grill their food during concerts previously and would probably expect to be able to continue this . Cook voiced a question on the angle of the terraces and seating around the stage. Cross replied that there were 2 sets of wooden timber steps to access the seating, which was set in angled sections . Shaw asked Lambert if the moving of funding in this way was compatible with plans . Lambert replied that the five year capital improvement plan is flexible . �. MOTION: Shaw moved that the Commission approve the proposed improvements to the Park per recommendation of staff. Cook seconded the motion. Passed unanimously. j . i rs 5 Cook also felt a letter of thanks should be sent to Lioness Club for their support . Lambert said he would do that and Breitenstein mentioned that she would like to read a letter of thanks at the next meeting of the Lioness Club. VII . REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS , BOARDS AND STAFF A. Reports of Director of Community Services 1 . Consultant Proposals for Updating Comprehensive Park Plan I Lambert explained to the Commission that this study was extremely important and it s.`.:ould tell us several things including (1) Parcels of property that would be important for the system, (2) What recreation facilities should be developed and (3) Provide information on the trails system. { I A survey was being done and rough draft forms would be brought to the meeting. It was planned to be completed by the end of August, but had been moved to end of Sept for completion date. There had been a wide variance in fees I ; for this survey ranging from $21 ,000 to $121 ,000. Barton Aschman Associates had been selected for the project . Lambert felt the results should be very interesting. 3 He felt it would be good for the citizens to see the staff separated from this plan. i Breitenstein asked if this was an informational item. Lambert replied that it was. a Richard asked if it would be a written survey or a meeting. Lambert said it would be done by telephone or else a written i survey. There are two options: 1 . Random sample survey:Covers a random sample of people who may or may not use the parks. 2 . Written survey:Everyone has the opportunity to respond, but only if there is a strong interest will the form get filled out and returned, therefore the results are somewhat biased. Lambert stated that he leaned towards the written survey. There will be four neighborhood meetings held to answer questions and gain input on community needs . Richard asked if the meetings would be next fall . 1 t Lambert answered that they would be held in May or September . 2 . Edenvale Golf Course Proposal Lambert stated that the report on this matter was 62 pages , ,.1 6 long but he had included a brief summary in the packets sent to the Commission members.The Edenvale -Golf Course was offered for sale to the City for 7 . 2 million dollars . One option for this would be revenue bonds . I. Breitenstein asked if it had been to the City Council and what they had decided on the issue. Lambert answered that the Council had authorized a staff review on the matter. On April 15 a presentation would be made to the council. If at that time they approve, they would then authorize further steps for investigation and research. Lambert compared the Minnesota Valley Country Club to the Edenvale Golf Club. He mentioned that Hennepin County Assess- ing Dept had done a study in 1987 of the Golf Clubs in the area using 10 criteria. The Minnesota Valley Country Club had been assessed at a much higher value, but not nearly the 7 . 2 million asked by Edenvale for their property. Therefore , he felt that Edenvale was probably being offered for sale at an inflated price. �-•: Baker asked if the Commission should go on record as supporting I' the review process . Cook asked if any other citizens had offered land for a C golf course . Lambert said that one other area had been discussed. Joyer asked what prompted the offer from Edenvale Golf Course . Lambert answered that the owners were thinking of going "private" (members would need to buy in) . The Golf Course was offering the City the opportunity to keep the course public before going private. Joyer asked if the city said no to the offer, would the Golf Course then go private? Lambert replied that they would either go private or attempt to subdivide and possibly develop the property. Those were the 2 options that the owners had hinted at . The owners are getting older and want to reduce their work and involvement in the Golf Course management . Richard asked if a feasibility study was even necessary. Lambert replied that it was important to know the value for future records . l MOTION: Shaw moved that the Commission recommend that the staff proceed with the evaluation . Joyer seconded the motion. Passed unanimously. t, 7 3 . Annual Report Lambert said that only a summary of the report had been provided for the Commission as the original report had been over 200 pages . Among other things , items included in the report were: (1) Breakdown on use of facilities ( 2) Summaries of proposals and park fees . ( 3) Community Center Projections. Lambert asked if there were any questions . Shaw stated he would like time to review the report . Lambert answered that he would put the item back on the agenda for the next meeting. Cook noticed that there was a $100,000 mistake in addition on the report . He wondered if the large deficit would continue . Lambert answered that original thoughts were never that the budget would break even-a 40-60 thousand deficit is to be expected. There were a couple of years when the budget did break even. That was before private health clubs became competitive. The city has since added 2 full time maintenance , and five recreation staff. The 50-60 thousand dollar deficit will Cprobably be expected from now on. "i Cook replied that his question had not been meant to ask why the cost was so high. He asked if the costs have leveled off. Lambert replied that after the building is in shape the costs should hold about level. Baker asked , that when the issue is brought up again, if it would be possible to discuss just what recreation is and is not responsible for . There is some gray area there . What are we trying to accompolish? Are there ways to raise funds? Lambert answered that it would be put on the agenda again. B. Reports of Recreation Supervisor 1 . Proposal Changes to Scheduled Pool Use Rick Bolinske stated to the Commission that it was desirable to change i hour of lap time at the pool and make it into swimming lessons . C Breitenstein asked if Bolinske recommended the change . l Bolinske answered that he did as the number of lap swimmers is smaller .There are two possible proposals with one increasing 8 time for lessons by z hour and the other increasing it by one hour. Bolinske felt that early morning lessons are not as successful. Lambert noted that option number 1 takes away from noon lap swims and option 2 takes away from noon lap swim plus morning lap swim. He would recommend number 1 at this point . MOTION: Baker moved that the Commission approve option A as presented in the review. Cook seconded the motion. Passed unanimously. 2 . Summer Camping Program Lindell Frey reviewed 2 new programs for the summer . He noted that attendance had gone up in the various programs til when they had begun to charge for use of the programs . In the age group of 6-11 , attendance is good. Age 12 and up is more difficult to bring into the program. He would like to offer the program for three weeks on a trial basis .There would be set up items needed so a loss is anticipated in that area. Those set up items would be used in many other programs in addition to these presented. It is important to meet the needs of the community in setting up the hours . He felt it would involve about 450 kids . The new programs,which were summarized in brief written reports, are as follows : Youth Late Afternoon/Early Evening Camping Program Summer Playground Program Proposed at Eden Prairie Baker asked what would be the result if the fee were to be raised from $30 to $40? Frey answered that people begin to compare the cost of a sitter with the cost of the program. He felt that as the program becomes more popular, the fees can then be raised. Shaw asked what was the life expectancy of the tents & equipment? Frey replied about 4 years maximum. Baker felt the fee should start at $30. Any additional money raised could go toward more equipment . MOTION: Cook moved that the Commission approve the Summer Program for the Playground and the Youth camping program as presented. Shaw seconded the motion. Passed unanimously. 3 . Family Snow Picnic: e Lindell Frey gave a brief review cf the Snow Picnic and the various activities that had taken place that day. He had � I :a 9 estimated that between 600-700 people had attended . All activities were free of charge . 20 different youth organizations had been represented. A job and activities fair had been included. He felt that getting the people into the facility reminded them of some of the things that their tax dollars are spent for . Frey showed slides and pointed out various aspects of the Snow Picnic Activities . He mentioned that there was an upcoming Easter Egg Hunt scheduled . Cook asked how many organizations had been invited to the Snow Picnic . Frey answered that 60 had been invited. Cook felt that the response had not been good and that a record of attendance and response should be kept . C . City Council Meeting Report of 2/16 & 3/l /88 Lambert summarized the meetini,s as follows: 2/16: Approved that staff spend time on Golf Course Study. 1/3: Approved recommendation to hire consultant for study to update Park and Open Space plan. VIII . OLD BUSINESS CNone IX. NEW BUSINESS A. Rilev Lake Access Lambert referred to a letter recently received from the DNR which stated that the City of Eden Prairie cannot continue to discriminate by closing public access after the parking lot is full . Lambert would recommend any of several options : (1 ) Extend the area of no parking signs . This will discourage non residents , but not local residents . ( 2) Allow no trailer boats in overflow parking. ( 3) Consider changing policy on allowing people to moor boats at park. This would discourage party atmosphere on boats . Lambert feels that 2/3 to 3/4 of users are probably non residents . These actions would take recreational facility away from 16-24 year old group and change character of Riley Lake Park from party atmosphere to family orientated park. Some changes need to be made to prevent accident or death because of alcohol use . Don Sarles , a property owner at Riley Lake, appeared before the Commission to express his views . He supported Lambert ' s plan because he felt the situation was "an accident waiting to happen . " Shaw asked if the DNR had offered any support in policing the lake . / •. _ 9.' fd 10 Sarles had replied that no support had been shown by the C. DNR in that area nor in other area such as control of algae , I! weeds , etc . He had lived in the area for 17 years . The property owners will have a meeting in April to discuss the matter . Baker asked how the association would feel if surface management were to be activated? Sarles answered that speed limits may be necessary, but he felt that horsepower limits would upset people . Cook asked how much of the problem was alcohol related? How about a "no drinking" law in the park? Lambert answered that it would eliminate a certain portion of the users . There would probably be more drinking in the boats , on public waters . The sheriff' s patrol goes maybe two times a year to check on this . It would eliminate kegger parties and similar activities . Possibly something could be published and see what response comes from it . :} Bretienstein felt publishing the issue was a good idea. She asked if a decision needed eo be made tonight . C_ Lambert answered no, it did not, but soon. Joyer said that the lifeguards take a lot of abuse from users who have too much to drink, especially 18-20 year olds . Lambert mentioned some problems at park with waterskiing and unsafe boating practices in the past. Cook felt that we were making additional rules instead of enforcing the present ones. Shaw said he felt there were two places to attack the problem: (1 ) Keep boats off shore (2) No alcohol allowed in area. Perhaps it is time to change the crowd there . MOTION: Shaw moved that the Commission recommend no boats be allowed in park area, no alcohol be allowed in park,the no parking signs be extended, and overflow parking of trailers stopped. He recommended that the matter be brought up for additional review in the fall. Joyer seconded the motion. Passed unanimously. Richard stated that he felt it was important to have park rangers on duty. Good communication was needed between park staff and police department . I ' f B. Department Name Change Lambert briefly summarized the origin of the name of the department and recommended going back to Dept of Parks and I i Recreation in order to more easily clarify the identity and purpose of the department . Baker said he felt that the term Natural Resources is synonymous with open space . Lambert suggested the name Park, Recreation and Natural Resources . Joyer felt it makes the name more consistent with the purpose of the department . MOTION: Joyer moved that the Commission change the name of the department to Department of Parks , Recreation and Natural Resources. Baker seconded the motion. Passed unanimously. X. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Baker moved that the Commission adjourn. Shaw seconded the motion. Passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 9 : 50 P.M. l k 1 AGENDA C EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, MARCH 21, 1988 7:30 P. M. CITY HALL 7600 EXECUTIVE DRIVE COMMISSION MEMBERS: Pat Breitenstein , chairperson; Raiford Baker, Moe Cook , Karon Joyer , Brian Mikkelson, Pat Richard, Charles Shaw COMMISSION STAFF: Bob Lambert, Director of Community Services 7:30 I. ROLL CALL II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 7:35 III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MARCH 7, 1988 IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS None V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS 7:40 A. The Farm 2nd Addition C 7:55 B. Alpine Estates 2nd Addition 8:05 C. Eden Place Center 8:15 D. Golf Point VI. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS, BOARDS AND STAFF A. Reports fof Director of Community Services 8:25 1. Annual Report (con't from March 7, 1988) 8:40 2. Schedule of Commission Tour of Parks B. Reports of Recreation Supervisor 8:45 1. Policy on Scholarships 8:55 2. Senior Citizen Survey C. Reports of Athletic Coordinator 9:05 1988 Adult Softball Eligibility Rules E. City Council Meeting Report of March 15, 1988 ( VII. OLD BUSINESS None (over) II T -2- VIII. NEW BUSINESS c None 9:10 IX. ADJOURNMENT f APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION Monday, March 21 , 1988 7:30 p.m., City Hall 7600 Executive Drive COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Pat Breitenstein, chairperson; Bud Baker, Moe Cook, Karon Joyer, Brian Mikkelson, Pat Richard, Charles Shaw COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: None COMMISSION STAFF: Bob Lambert, Director of Community Services, Rick Bolinske, Superintendent of Recreation, Lyndell Frey, Recreation Supervisor, w Sandy Werts, Lori Helling, Athletic Coordinator 1. ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by chairperson, Pat Breitenstein. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Lambert added A. Carmel Park under VIII. New Business. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MARCH 7, 1988 The minutes were lost in the mail and are being redone. IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS None V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS A. The Farm 2nd Addition Refer to staff report dated March 11, 1988. Ron Krueger was present at the meeting representing Countryside Investments. This site is located north of Duck Lake Trail and Loralee Lane. The proposal is to divide the 30 acres into 16 single family lofts. The City is requesting that the developer dedicate the pond and land to the north to the City. They are not requiring a trail since the land to the east is owned by the church and will not be developed. Baker asked if land within the floodplain will remain private property or if there Is a scenic easement. Lambert said the southern part will remain private property. He added that the drainage and utility easement referred to in the staff report describes the scenic easement. APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION Mar. 21, 1988 -2- Richard asked for the definition of a scenic easement. Lambert said it is document filed with the County which says that the land will be maintained in its natural condition. MOTION: Baker moved to recommend approval of The Farm 2nd Addition per staff report with the addition of a scenic easement from the floodplain north. Shaw seconded the motion and it passed 7-0. B. Alpine Estates 2nd Addition Refer to staff report dated March 11, 1988. Krueger reviewed the site which is located east of Alpine Trail and south of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific railroad. The proposal is for 16 single family lots on 8.36 acres. Lambert said development has been proposed for this site several times before, but the original proposal for a townhouse development was rejected because of unacceptable land use and the next proposal for a single family development was dropped because 80,000 cu. ft. of fill would have been required. C_ Baker asked if the railroad will be abandoned. Lambert said it will not be abandoned in the near future. Cook asked what will be the closest park to this development. Lambert said it would be Round Lake Park. Baker asked if there would be any access to the creek valley. Lambert said no; however, there is a possibility further to the north. i MOTION: Cook moved to recommend approval of Alpine Estates 2nd Addition per staff report. Mikkelson seconded the i motion and it passed 7-0. C. Eden Place Center Refer to staff report dated March 11 , 1988. Brian Klutz was present at the meeting to review the proposal. The site is located at the intersection of Glen Lane and Eden Road and calls for a 52,000 sq. ft. retail center including 1 a restaurant, offices and retail. There are some mature oaks on the restaurant side which will be maintained. Other trees that are removed will be replaced. Sidewalks are proposed to connect to peripheral sidewalks. i i �4.7 w- � III APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION Mar. 21, 1988 -3- Lambert said he has suggested that sidewalks be constructed on both Eden Road and Glen Lane along the entire parameter. Klutz said the developer has several concerns with putting sidewalks along both sides including the possibility of having to remove more trees to add sidewalks. Also the existence of a retaining wall will make it more difficult. Shaw asked what the advantages are of adding sidewalks r at this point rather than waiting until later. Lambert said it is easier to construct sidewalks at this point before landscaping has been completed and it is more difficult to get the owner's approval for assessments later on. Joyer asked if sidewalks on both sides of the street will be required on all future developments. Lambert said all development south of Highway 5 in the "downtown" area will require this in the future although some will have to be added to existing developments. Klutz said another concern the developer has with constructing sidewalks is the 17' setback that is required by the City. He asked if sidewalks can be located in the right of way. Lambert said yes. MOTION: Shaw moved to recommend approval of Eden Place enter per staff recommendation. Richard seconded the motion and it passed 7-0. D. Golf Point Refer to staff report dated March 11, 1988. i Tom Robertson was at the meeting representing Associated Investors. He reviewed the proposed development on the site which is located south of Valley View Road and east of the Chicago & Northwestern railroad. The plan calls for 15 townhouse units and depends upon the realignment of Valley View Road and whether the railroad is abandoned. There is a strong possibility that the situation with the railroad may remain the same as it was three months ago. The developer has agreed to construct sidewalks on the south side of Valley View Road. Lambert said about one-third of this site is within the Purgatory Creek Conservancy Area, but he recommends the conservancy requirement be waived since the natural character of Purgatory Creek in this area was changed by the construction of the golf course. He added that some of the land is located in the 100 year floodplain and should be either dedicated i to the City or a scenic easement required. i APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION Mar. 21, 1988 -4- Robertson said the developer has not made a decision on this since they are talking to the golf course about easement possibilities. Shaw asked if this proposal should be brought back to the commission prior to presenting to the City Council. Lambert said no. MOTION: Shaw recommended approval of Golf Point Townhomes per staff recommendation. Cook seconded the motion and it passed 7-0. V1. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS, BOARDS AND STAFF A. Reports of Director of Community Services 1 . Annual Report (cont. from March 7, 1988) I Baker asked what the guidelines are for running programs. Lambert said all adult programs pay their own way and do not include administrative costs. All youth programs that are special services such as skiing or tennis lessons are run at a break even point. Youth recreational services to the community are subsidized to a point, i.e. special events at the Community Center or summer playground programs. Baker asked at what point is it decided that the deficit is too large. Lambert said it it decided by the commissions and City Council. Shaw asked where money to make up the deficit comes from. Lambert said it comes from the City general fund. Lambert added that the Community Center could be operated on a break-even basis If staff were cut and the swimming pool and ice rink were used during peak demand times. He said he is comfortable with the guidelines as they are since this is the manner in which most cities operate and which the City Council has approved. Shaw said that child care Is an area of visibility at this time and asked if the City is vulnerable to scrutiny. Bolinske discussed different child care options and programs for kids and said although usage and revenue have Increased the past several weeks, he does not feel the City should be in the day care business if someone else Is willing to meet the need. Joyer asked who is initiating the Ideas. Bolinske said the parents are asking for these services. 'APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION Mar. 21, 1988 -5- I, Cook asked if the swimming pool will be open the remainder of 1988. Bolinske said that the the around the pool will be replaced sometime in December which will require closing the pool. MOTION: Shaw moved to recommend acceptance of the annual report. Cook seconded the motion and it passed 7-0. 2. Schedule of Commission Tour of Parks Refer to memo dated March 17, 1988 from Bob Lambert, Director of Community Services. After discussion, it was decided to have three tours. Tour 1 of the new projects will be on Saturday, April 16, Tour 2 of undeveloped park sites will be Saturday, April 23 and Tour 3 of the trails will be Saturday, April 30. Baker suggested that the commission also tour the Riley Lake area. This will be scheduled prior to a regular commission meeting. B. Reports of Recreation Supervisor I . Policy on Scholarships Refer to memo dated March 15, 1988 from Lyndell Frey, Recreation Supervisor. Frey said the scholarship program has not been used often, but he feels there should be a $50 limit per applicant per year. Shaw asked what the income limitations are to qualify for a scholarship. Frey said they have not required income information to apply. Shaw said he feels it is necessary to ask some of these questions so those In need will get the scholarships. Cook asked who qualifies for financial assistance. Frey said the individual would list the agency they receive assistance from on the form. APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION Mar. 21, 1988 -6- Joyer said that people in need should not be required to fill out more forms since this would scare some people away and that some form of dignity should be maintained. Shaw suggested that the form could list a multiple choice of income brackets and this information could be used to decide eligibility. Cook suggested that a statement be added to the form stating that the City has the right to check information or request further information. ; Breitenstein said that the form the school uses for free lunch eligibility is good and perhaps we should use the wording for this form. Breitenstein suggested that the scholarships be limited to one per program per year. j MOTION: Baker moved to recommend acceptance of the youth scholarship program, but to include more information about financial need on the form using the free lunch application from the school as an example and providing a means of limiting the number of scholarships per activity for budgeting purposes. The motion was seconded by Cook. On call for discussion, Bolinske asked if Community Education should use the same form for their scholarships. Cook said he feels they should conform to this program or come before the commission with their suggestions. i Mikkelson added that the form should have a space for the applicant's signature stating that all information is true. The motion passed 7-0. 2. Senior Citizen Survey Sandy Werts summarized the survey which was taken last May. Names and addresses were from the Senior Center mailing list. According to census, Eden Prairie has 1048 people 62 and older of which 750 are 65 and older. There were 344 surveys mailed out and 193 i were returned (67%). The following points were reviewed: ; demographics of survey respondents, summary information, education, leisure and recreation, transportation, programs for mixed ages, help for independent living and Information request/volunteer opportunities form. r h APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION Mar. 21, 1988 -7- Cook asked how the City is responding to the leisure ' and recreational programs for senior citizens. Werts said there are several programs at the present time. Baker asked if there is an organized garden group in Eden Prairie. Werts said she is not aware of any. C. Reports of Athletic Coordinator 1 . 1988 Adult Softball Eligibility Rules Lori Helling said that there have been many changes in the softball program for 1988 along with mandatory team meetings. She estimates that there will be at least 50 new teams this year. There is also a requirement for a $100 eligibility deposit by the team manager to insure that no ineligible players are on the team. This money is deposited and refunded at the end of the season if there have been no ineligible players. Eligible players are defined as those who live or work in Eden Prairie. All players must prove eligibility �. by completing a registration form which requires either a driver's license or paycheck stub. If a team has ineligible players, they will be allowed to play for the remainder of the season but cannot participate in play-offs and are not eligible to play next season. D. City Council Meeting Report of March 15, 1988 Lambert said the Council approved the beginning of the second phase of rebricking the Community Center and architectural fees. They also approved Staring Lake improvements, but tabled the Commission's recommendation on banning boat mooring and alcohol at Staring Lake. The Council also approved the name change for the commission and the eligibility fee for softball. VII. OLD BUSINESS None Vlll. NEW BUSINESS A. Carmel Park Lambert reported that Carmel Park will be graded and seeded at the same time as Staring Lake Park. This item will be returned to the commission at that time. APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION Mar. 21 , 1988 -8- MOTION: Shaw moved to recommend approval of the grading and seeding of Carmel Park this spring. Cook seconded the motion and it passed 7-0. IX. ADJOURNMENT i MOTION: Baker moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:10 p.m. Richard seconded the motion and it passed 7-0. CRespectfully submitted, 1 Lois Boettcher ? Recording Secretary l i I i 3