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Parks and Recreation - 05/21/1990 '__. ", . .'.._ �:1.. .. .. ... .:....... .�:� ...� _.r.,i rt!_...�._1.�.n_e.�:L .t.,_. :�,_.n...R° v r.Lti..uk...,.....t'�.�{E+"`."•.;?f:;"......t.«dT'.t Ct'.......sv....t.J.C:f....+..,.�..9.¢.m+n�w.Nec.uu...w.,....».,.. :R 1990 MAY 7 21 5 MINUTES CITY OF EDEN PR- -A-IPtIE s AGENDA EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, MAY 7, 1990 7:30 P.M. , CITY HALL 7600 EXECUTIVE DRIVE COMMISSION MEMBERS: Pat Breitenstein, chairperson; Raiford Baker, Karon Joyer, Paul Karpinko, David Kuechenmeister, Pat Richard, Del Vanderploeg COMMISSION STAFF: Robert A. Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources 7:30 I. ROLL CALL II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - A R L 16, 1990 7:35 IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS 1. Earth Week Follow ug Councilman Anderson 2. Request- from Weston Bay Road Homeowners Re: Miller Park Development C -. 3. Request from Podawiltz Development RE: Sterling Ponds Trail 4. Reguest from- Xichael Skarp to Add 11 a.m. to 1 p m Lap Swim on Sunday 8:30 V. DEVELOP ENT PROPOSALS i 1. Eden Prairj a Ford 8:45 VI. OLD BUSINESS 1. Tree Preservation ordinance changes 2. Riverview verview Spring_ 3. jP D'sLPersonal E+,..4ation Devices at City Beaches 9:00 VII. NEW BUSINESS 1. Staring Lake Park guisition 2 . Policy on Private use of Public Facilities ( 9: 15 VITT. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF i i - A. Report of Director of PRNR 1. Purgatory Creek Recreation Area Update B. Report of Landscape ArchitectlPark Planner 1. Tennis Court Construction and Repair Bids C. Reports of Manager of Parks & Natural Resources 1. Mitchell Lake Level History 2. Mower Bid Summary D. Reports of Community Center Operations Manager '1 1. Open Skate Attendance Figures October 1989 ; to March 1990 9:45 IX. REPORTS OF CITY COUNCIL I. City Manager's Update April 20. 1990 9:50 X. ADJOURNMENT 3 3 i � J ti r 1_ C :APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION Monday, May 7 , 1990 7:30 p.m. , City Hall 7600 Executive Drive COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Bud Baker, chairperson; Pat Breitenstein, Karon Joyer, David Kuechenmeister, Pat Richard (late) , Del Vanderploeg COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Paul Karpinko COMMISSION STAFF: Bob Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources; Barb Cross, Landscape Architect; Stu Fox, Manager of Parks and Recreation; Laurie Helling, Recreation Manager I. ROLL CALL The meetiri v;ais called to order at 7:30 p.m, by chairperson, Bud Bea::er.. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Breitenstein moved to approve the agenda as printed. Vanderploeg seconded the motion and it passed 4-0. a III . APPROVAL OF MINUTES - APRIL 10, 1990 Joyer noted that Fox stated that the tree ordinance does cover trees lost during construction. MOTION: Joyer moved to approve the minutes as amended. Breitenstein seconded the motion and it passed 4-0. IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS A. Earth Week Follow-Up - Councilman Anderson Refer to memo dated April 25 , 1990 from Stu Fox, Manager of Parks and Natural Resources. Councilman Anderson told the commission that Eden Prairie' s had a successful Earth Week and added that the schools had done an excellent Sob of participating. There were 250-300 volunteers for clean-up on Saturday, but he feels that the clean-up should not occur only once a year, but be an ongoing project. APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. a NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. May G, 1990 -2- Anderson suggested that a program such as "adopt a park" or "adopt a trail" would be a good idea and also that the City needs a plan in order to plant more trees. Baker said he would like to continue the clean-up effort during the summer and work on reforestation in Eden Prairie. Anderson said that since there is no additional money in the parks and recreation budget, the ideas for clean- up and reforestation will have to be creative. He added that the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission should look into the possibilities and advise the City Council. Anderson also suggested that it may be necessary to hire a part-time person to be in charge of these projects. Kuechenmeister said there was also a discussion at a recent meeting regarding clean-up of construction materials. Lambert said this is difficult to enforce, as one developer may use a number of different builders and it is hard to prove whose debris it is . Baker said he feels there should be some type of recognition to the Clean-Up Day volunteers. Anderson said that this has already been suggested to the City Council. Lambert said that City staff does not have the time to coordinate a major clean-up project. Anderson said he realizes that outside help may have to be hired and he has requested additional money in the budget for this purpose. Kuechenmeister suggested some incentives for builders so the problem of construction debris would be lessened. Baker suggested that this item be discussed in more detail at the next commission meeting. 2. Request from Weston Bay Road Homeowners Re: Miller Park Development { Refer to memo dated May 3, 1990 from Bob Lambert, Director of Parks , Recreation and Natural Resources. APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. May 7, 1990. -3 Lambert said that City staff received a letter from Cheryl and William Cotter, representing residents of Weston Bay, regarding a concern they have with the proposal to construct an access road into Miller Park for picknicking and boat access on Mitchell Lake. Cheryl Cotter of 16837 Weston Bay Road said that the residents understand that the road has to be constructed but the have this year. in order to receive funding, y a concern with access to the park being Timber Lake Drive. Lambert stated that he would answer the questions that were raised in the letter and then take individual questions from residents. He showed the location of Weston Bay and said that the developer requested that the road be moved so it would be located partially on his property and partially on City property. The following are questions from the residents and ~ C_ staff answers: 1. Will Timber Lakes Drive be a permanent access to Miller Park? Timber Lakes Drive will be one of several permanent accesses to the park, but will not be the major access. 2. Is the County Road 4 access planned for .the same opening time as the Timber Lakes Drive access?' The Timber Lakes Drive access should be completed early this summer and the park access will not be opened until late summer, 3. Where will the park be in relationship to the townhomes and Weston Bay Road homes? The park road will be approximately 9 feet south of the park property line. APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMB. May 7 , 1990 -4- 4 . Is the road to be gravel indefinitely? If so, will the City control the dust by oiling or another alternative? It is recommended that the road will be asphalt to the point where it swings away from the rear lot line of homes. At that point, it will be a gravel road with dust control applied as necessary. It wil.L remain a yravel road until the parn is developed. 5. Where will the initial parking lots be? There will be a parxiny lot for ten cars with trailers near the boat launch and a parking lot for 15 cars on the south side of the access road. f 6. Who will patrol and maintain the park area once public access is provided? Loitering, vandalism and littering are a major concern. The park will be maintained by the Park Maintenance Department and will be patrolled by both park rangers and the Police Department. 7 . Will evening traffic be restricted? The park hours will be 6 :00 a.m. to 10 :00 p.m. , -the same as other parks in the City. These hours will be enforced by the Police Department. 8. The only bus stop for children is at the corner of Timber Lakes Drive and Weston .Bay Road. We are concerned with the increased traffic and chiidren' s safety, as there are no sidewaixs on Lhe north side of -timber Lakes Drive. i It is not anticipated that 'there will be a significant increase in traffic due to the development of the park. If the residents wish to extend the sidewalx system, they are welcome to petition the City. Lorinda Schlaudaff of 16812 Weston Bay Road said she is concerned with the location of the road because it is so close to the property lines and asxed if it can be moved. APPROVED MINUTES C EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. May 7, 1990 -5- Cotter added that Weston Bay Road is already a blind corner and the residents would like to see the road moved away from the homes. Kuechenmeister asked if the railroad has been abandoned. Lambert said that it is expected to be abandoned at any time, but is proposed for a light rail system. He added that it would be possible to redesign the park, but it is unknown whether a new design would have the same number of ballfields. The alternative would be to have ballfields located closer to the homes. John Nabla of 16921 Weston Bay Road said he feels the road and parking lot will lessen the value of the homes in this area. He has a problem with the road and parking lot backing up to his property, but would not have a problem with the ballfields. Dave Ch.inek of 16977 Weston Bay Road said he feels the present plan does not fit the needs of the homeowners. Richard asked if the road was not located behind the homes and was used for ballfields instead, would there be more space for plantings and screening. Lambert said that this type of plan was not explored. Trish Albrect .of 16761 Weston Bay Road feels their home would be one of the most affected, as there are no fences or berming behind the house. The present plan would put a major road about 15 feet from their deck. She asked if there is a setback requirement for the back of the homes, as well as the front. Lambert said the builder apparently received a variance at the time the lots were sold. Tom Oster of 16785 Weston Bay Road said it seems that the ballfields are approximately the same size as the parking lots. He feels changing the location of the parking lots would allow for better access. Lambert said that a plan such as this has not been done, but the idea was to have the ballfields located so the kids would not be running across the road between fields. Oster asked where the future Hwy. 212 would be located. Lambert said that it would be south of this development with an overpass providing access from the south. i 0 '•:APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. May 7, 1990 -6- Jim Schingler of 16949 Weston Bay Road stated that it seems that the residents in attendance agree that ballfields are preferred over parking lots and the City is willing to do another study. He is concerned with the public access to the lake since he feels the lake is "dead" at this point. Lambert said that the lake is at the 868 contour which is an average over the last 20 years. It will have to be raised 3 feet by rainfall to meet the outlet. The DNR has committed to manage the lake by requiring City aeration and stocking the lake, but this will not be done until there is public access. Staff feels that this will be an improvement to the lake. Schingler asked if there is a requirement for the lake to be motorized. Lambert said that this was decided two years ago by residents on the lake who wanted 10 hp motors allowed. Schingler asked if the lake can be filled by means `. other than rainfall. Lambert said no. Lisa Flamm of 16896 Weston Bay Road asked if the DNR will also take care of weed control . Lambert said no. 1 Flamm asked if it is possible to have the parking lots located further to the south. Lambert said that the City will do a good job of screening and a nursery to the north is also planned for the future which should also help with screening. Lee Grasen of 16756 Weston Bay Road asked how large is the parking lot north of the ballfields. He is concerned with cars parking on the street. Lambert said the parking lot will accommodate50 cars, but during tournaments there may be some parking along •the street. May Oster of 16785 Weston Bay Road said they have already had problems with people using a dirt road along the railroad tracks to get to the lake and the police have not been enforcing it. Lambert agreed that people are getting to the lake illegally along the railroad tracks, but said that it is difficult to change once people know about it. - - F1 (" ..'APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. May 7, 1990 -7- Schingler asked if there would be a problem to revise the park plan. Lambert said no, but there are no guarantees that a new plan will be approved by the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission or the City Council. Nabla asked who will be playing on the ballfields. Lambert said they will be set up for youth softball and baseball. Nabla asked if an EIS was done. Lambert said it is not necessary to do an EIS for lake access. MOTION: Breitenstein moved to recommend that a study be done to determine the feasibility of moving the ballfields and access road in Miller Park without losing any ballfields. Richard seconded the motion. On call for discussion, Vanderploeg asked if there is a possibility that the commission could come out C and look at the property. Cotter said they could come at anytime. Kuechenmeister said he feels that City staff has gone to a great deal of time and effort developing a plan for Miller Park, but he would like to look at an alternative routing into the park without losing any playing facilities. Joyer said that the commission went out to look at this property before the lots were laid and had some of the same concerns that the residents have. The deveioper was made aware of them at that time. She also indicated that a new plan with fewer ballfields was not acceptable. The motion passed 5-0. Lambert said that the study will be completed and the findings brought back to the commission at their next meeting on May 21. 3. Request from Podawitz Development Re: Sterling Ponds Trail Refer to memo dated April 30 , 1990 from Bob Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources. APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. May 7 , 1990 -8- Lambert said that this property was purchased from Derrick Land Co. by Podawitz Development. It was agreed to build a trail along the pond, but the current developer has determined that it is not feasible to develop the trail . A revised plan was included in the packets. Kuechenmeister asked if anything additional needs to be done for the connection of the loop trail. Lambert said that this is a plan for the future, as the trail cannot be built on someone else' s property. Joyer asked where the trail is in relation to Hwy. 5. Lambert said the trail is located in the right- of-way. MOTION: Kuechenmeister moved to recommend approval to eliminate the trail requirement for Sterling Ponds. Richard seconded the motion and it passed 5-0. 4 . Request from Michael Skarp to Add 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lap Swim on Sunday '> C, Refer to memo dated April 25 , 1990 from Tom Eastman, Supervisor of Operations. Lambert said that Michael Skarp is requesting an additional lap swim session from 11:00 a.m, to 1 :00 p.m, on Sundays. Staff' s only concern is that revenues will not cover lifeguard wages, but they are willing to try it on a trial basis. MOTION: Breitenstein moved to recommend approval of an additional 11 : 00 a.m. to 1: 00 p.m. lap swim session on Sundays on a six month trial basis. Richard seconded the motion and it passed 5-0. V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS A. Eden Prairie Ford Refer to staff report dated April 20, 1990 and memo dated May 3, 1990 from Barb Cross, Landscape Architect. Cross introduced Jim Ruckles from Shay Architects. Baker said he would abstain from discussions on this item due to a possible conflict of interest. i r APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. May 7 , 1990 -9- Ruckles said that Eden Prairie Ford would be the first car dealership in Eden Prairie. Its location is on Plaza Drive between Crown Auto and Prairie View Shopping Center. Ruckles said City staff is concerned with outside parking areas. The original plan has been changed to better screen the parking areas and use more berming. Three rows of evergreens and 6-8 foot bermings have been added to the plan. The developer is also proposing a 10 ' berm and plantings in the back of the building. Because of the fence by Menard 's and a retaining wall, there is already 12 ' of screening on that side of the site. There is also one acre of wetland on the site which the developer is proposing to fill. The building will be constructed mainly of brick with masonry in the back service area which will not be visible. CCross said that the Planning Commission had concerns with screening of the on-site parking area and the , amount of lighting, in addition to flags, banners and spotlights. For this reason, the plan will be reviewed by the Planning Commission again before it is brought before the City Council. Cross added that the developer will need permits from the DNR and Army Corps of Engineers in order to fill the one acre of wetland. There are no shoreland management issues. The developer is requesting for a five acre variance for outdoor storage. Menard ' s was not allowed a variance, but a fence was required. Frank' s Nursery will be constructing a brick wall to screen outside storage areas, but that would be cost prohibitive in this case. Ruckles said the developer has agreed to screen according to the Planning staff recommendations and have also agreed to the lighting . do Cross said that a commitment from the owner may be necessary to ensure that signage meets City code. « +'Y i .APPROVED MINUTES C- EDEN PRAIRl'E PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. May 7 , 1990 -10- There are sidewalks located on the east side of Plaza Drive near Festival Center and staff is not recommending any additional sidewalks, as heavy pedestrian traffic is not anticipated. Kuechenmeister asked what is the total acreage of wetland. Cross said she is uncertain, but it is not confined to this property. Richard asked if there is a code requiring lights to be turned off at night. Cross said that she believes lighting will be allowed at any time. w Vanderploeg asked how many cars the lot will hold. Ruckles said the lot will accommodate 328 cars. - Vanderploeg asked where the customer parking lot will j be located. Ruckles showed its location and added that cars will be stored inside until the customer picks it up. �- Richard asked if there will be a fence to enclose the car lot. Ruckles said no. Vanderploeg asked if a bubble, commonly used at car dealerships , wii.l be allowed. Cross said it would require a permit. Kuechenmeister asked if permits have been applied for. Ruckles said they are in the process. MOTION: Richard moved to recommend approval of Eden Prairie Ford per staff recommendation. Kuechenmeister seconded the motion and it passed 5-0. V1. OLD BUSINESS A. Tree Preservation Ordinance Changes Refer to memo dated May 2, 1990 from Stu Fox, Manager of Parks and Natural Resources. Lambert said that the commission requested that they be informed of any changes made to the ordinance by the City Council. .. .._...... ._ __...,. _ .._._.. .... ... .. .. ,..,. ,...< ...,.e.......,...._._.�..- .ter .t ^L; i APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. May 7 , 1990 -11- Fox said that staff agreed with four of the seven points made by the developers- There were no ma3or changes made to the ordinance. The statement regarding wilding trees was added. Baker asked what the developers reactions were at the meeting. Fox said some of them were not pleased, but the developers have been dealing with the tree replacement policy for several years. This is an information item only. 2. Riverview Spring Refer to memo dated May 3, 1990 from Barb Cross, Landscape r Architect. Cross said that the water quality at Riverview Spring was discussed at the last commission meeting. At that time, the commission recommended closing the spring. r The City Council felt that the spring has some historic 1 significance and directed staff to redesign the spring so water could not be drawn from it. The City owns 66 feet of land in the right-of-way and it is suggested that the water be channeled into an above ground stream rather than an underground pipe. Several islands could be added to create a place for a historic marker. Cross said that City crews would be able to do the work in mid June at a cost of $3000-$5000 with funding coming from the park maintenance budget. Vanderploeg said he feels the Historical and Cultural Commission would be better qualified to make a decision on the spring . Baker asked if this design would be in compliance with the State Department of Health. Lambert said ,yes. Richard said although the idea of making Riverview Spring a historic site is a good one, he questions whether this amount of money should be spent for a ' plaque until the funds are available. C a; ?APPROVED MINUTES C EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. May 7, 1990 -12- MOTION: Joyer moved to recommend that Riverview Spring' is redesigned into an open ditch with work to be done by the City, but that no plaque be added at this time. Vanderploeg seconded the motion. On call for discussion, Kuechenmeister asked what the cost will be to do the work. Cross said it would be approximately $1500. The motion passed 5-0. d. F' 3. Personal Flotation Devices (PFD' s) at City Beaches Refer to memo dated May 1, 1990 from Bob Lambert, Director of Parks , Recreation and Natural Resources. Lambert said that after further consideration, City staff is suggesting that we wait a year to allow use of PFD' s on City beaches to see what type of experience Hennepin Parks has with the devices. This is an information item only. ? VII. NEW BUSINESS A. Staring Lake Park Acquisition Refer to memo dated April 27 , 1990 from Bob Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources . This is an information item only. The property was to be foreclosed on May 15 so the City had to move quickly to acquire this land. The 11.77 acres will be purchased for $675,000 and the City will allow the owner to live there for five years. It is planned that this will be the future site of the cultural arts center. B. Policy on Private Use of Public Facilities Refer to memo dated May 1, 1990 from Bob Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources. Lambert said that the policy has been not to allow private lessons on public facilities except for fund raising by civic organizations. Staff would like to maze this a formal policy. ' ,........-.....i.e.. .v.T.r..:....a....wn...,.,.........,.�, t ,APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. May 7 , 1990 -13- Baker asked how hockey schools fit in. Lambert said if the group wants to rent the facility and give lessons, that would be acceptable. Kuechenmeister said if proper channels are followed, he is in favor of enforcing a policy prohibiting private use of facilities during open swim or skate times. Baker said he is concerned that we will be restricting rental time for outside instructors. MOTION: Vanderploeg moved to recommend approval of the policy prohibiting private use of public facilities. Richard seconded the motion and it passed 5-0 . Vill. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF A. Report of Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources 1. Purgatory Creek Recreation Area Update C., This is an information item only. Lambert snowed the proposed plan which was approved several years ago with the exception of ballfields which were not appropriate on the site. Dredging this area would cost between $3-4 million 'and would have to be done on a continued basis. A control structure could be added at the outlet of Staring Lake with 100% funding available from the Watershed District. Without improvements, the 820 flood elevation would cause significant damage to the south shore of Staring Lake and cause flooding of the outdoor center and trail system. The Fish and Wildlife Service is funding $20 ,000 for the water control structure if it is done in 1990 . Assistance was also requested from the Watershed District. APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRI E PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. May 7? 1990 -14- Lambert showed a revised plan which depicted the amount of water that would be maintained and how the project would look upon completion. The parking lot would accommodate 145 cars. fie also reviewed the amenities the park would offer such as picxnicking, canoeing, skating , fountains , a shelter for public use, etc. B. Report of Landscape Architect/Paris Planner 1. Tennis Court Construction and Re air Bids Refer to memo dated April 23 , 1990 from Barb Cross, Landscape Architect. Tennis courts will be built at Willow Park, Carmel Park and Red Rock Lake Park. The courts at Forest Hills, Staring Lake and Hidden Ponds will be refinished. The low bid of $66 ,139 was from Finley Brothers . �. MOTION: Vanderploeg moved to -recommend approval of the low bid from Finley Brothers for construction and refinishing of tennis courts. Breitenstein seconded the motion and it passed 5-0. C. Reports of Manager of Parks and Natural Resources 1. Mitchell Lake Level History Refer to memo dated May 2, 1990 from Stu Fox, Manager j of Parks and Natural Resources. ;II This is an information item only. 1 2. Mower Bid Summary Refer to memo dated April 25, 1990 from Stu Fox, Manager of Parks and Natural Resources. Lambert said that City staff has not seen the equipment on the low bid. MacQueen Equipment was not able to obtain the equipment so the bid was readvertised. Only one bid was received from MTI Distributing for $16,328. d Y� .y 1 .'APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. May 7 , 1990 -15- MOTION: Breitenstein moved to recommend accepting the bid for two rotary mowers from MTI Distributing for $16,328. Richard seconded the motion and it passed 5-0. D. Reports of Community Center Operations Manager is 1. Open Skate Attendance Figures October 1989 to March 1990 Y' Refer to memo dated March 29, 1990 from Tom Eastman, Supervisor of Operations. This is an information item only. Baker requested that City staff look into the 8 :00 to11:00 P.M. time slot on Saturday nights. He suggested that it be used for hockey in order to generate more revenue. Lambert said he would not support this recommendation, but the commission could do so. IX. REPORTS OF CITY COUNCIL A. City Manager's Update April 20 , 1990 This is an information item only. X. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Breitenstein moved to adjourn the meeting at 10 :20 P.M. Vanderploey seconded the motion and it passed 5-0. Respectfully submitted, Lois Boettcher Recording Secretary , AGENDA EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, MAY 21, 1990 7:30 P.M. , CITY HALL 7600 EXECUTIVE DRIVE COMMISSION MEMBERS: Pat Breitenstein, chairperson; Raiford Baker, Karon Joyer, Paul Karpinko, David Kuechenmeister, Pat Richard, Del Vanderploeg COMMISSION STAFF: Robert A. Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources 7:30 I. ROLL CALL II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - MAY 7 . 1990 7:35 IV. PETITIONS REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS 1. Petition from Rustic Hills Neighborhood RE: - Playground Improvements 2. Letter, of Request from Pat Thompson, Manager c2 Senior Baseball Team 3. Letter from Angela Messerli Regarding Recycling V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS None 8:00 VI. OLD BUSINESS 1. Miller Park - con't from May 7 . 1990 2. Trail Easement from Beach Road to Bryant Lake Park VII. NEW BUSINESS None 8: 30 VIII. REPORTS OF CITY COUNCIL 1. City Manager's Update - May 4. 1990 8:35 IX. ADJOURNMENT MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, MAY 21, 1990 7:30 P.M. , CITY HALL 7600 EXECUTIVE DRIVE COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Bud Baker, chairperson; David Kuechenmeister, Del Vanderploeg COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Paul Karpinko, Pat Breitenstein, Pat Richard, Karon Joyer COMMISSION STAFF: Bob Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources; Barb Penning Cross, Landscape Architect; Laurie Helling, Recreation Manager I. ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by chairperson Bud Baker. Upon determining there was an insufficient number of Commission members able to attend the meeting, Baker informed the audience that a quorum was not net; therefore, the Commission could not take any official action on any of the items on the agenda this evening. Baker apologized to the residence in attendance and indicated the Commission members present would hear the concerns of each neighborhood and the petitions and these items would be continued to the June 4, 1990 meeting. II. PETITIONS REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS 1. Petition from Rustic Hills Neighborhood Concerning Play around Improvements - Barb Cross summarized the background information regarding the history of the park and discussions she has had with neighbors and summarized the petition submitted by the neighborhood. Claire Hilgeman, 17493 Rustic Hills Drive, spoke as the person representing the neighborhood. She indicated they requested playground equipment and improvements to the park as there are 143 children under 16 years of age within the immediate neighborhood and 10 1 icenced day care providers within a three block area of the park. Ms. Hilgeman indicated the request for 1990 was to install trees around the playground equipment, some park benches, picnic tables, and a swing set to accommodate the high numbers of children that play in that playground area. They also requested that for 1991 to have the City install additional climbing apparatus, Minutes -PRNRC - May 21, 1990 skin the infield of the baseball field in order to encourage kids to play there (rather than in the tennis court) , and to provide additional sand around the playground apparatus to improve drainage. Cress indicated the staff was recommending the City commit to installing park benches, picnic tables, grill, and 4 trees near the playground equipment this year. All remaining funds in the cash park fee fund are committed for additional projects; therefore, the only method of providing funds for the additional requests is through a 1991 budget request, or if the neighborhood is able to raise funds in some other method. Cross also indicated that a skating rink has been requested and that request would be against policy to provide skating rinks within the 1 mile service area of an existing rink. This area is within the 1 mile service area of the hockey rink and skating rink located at Prairie View School/Park. '.a Del Vanderploeg indicated that he did visit the site and agreed there were a lot of children using the facility. He noticed there was standing water under the swing and slide area. .a David Kuechenmeister asked if the residents were committed to donating funds to purchase the swing set for 1990. Ms. Hilgeman indicated that 60% of the residents indicated they would donate money toward this project, and asked if money were donated whether or not the City could order the equipment this year. Lambert indicated that as soon as there was sufficient money collected to pay for a swing set, the City would submit an order. He also indicated that if money was collected in 1990, but was insufficient to pay for a swing set in 1990, it could be put toward construction of facilities requested for the 1991 budget. He indicated that if people were interested in donating to the Rustic Hills playground improvement project, they should write a check to the City of Eden Prairie (Rustic Hills playground improvements) . Baker indicated that the City would install the facilities committed for 1990 and would include their request in the 1991 budget. He also indicated that this item would be included on the June 4th agenda for review and approval by the full commission prior to be forwarded to the City Council. 1- 2. Letter of Request from Pat Thompson Manager of Senior 2 Minutes -PRNRC - May 21, 1990 CBaseball Team - Laurie Helling summarized the background information regarding the 1986 City Council commitment to restrict the use of the facilities on the school property. The majority of the reasons for the neighborhood requesting those restrictions was due to noise and concern about profanity and alcohol abuse immediately adjacent to their homes. The school district has no restrictions on the use of those fields and the City schedules those fields during the summer as the City contributed $50,000 toward the construction of those four soccer fields and the baseball field located at the northeast corner of the school site north of Round Lake Park. Roger Swigart, 13184 Cardinal Creek Road, represented the baseball team and indicated that he has played with the team since its inception four years ago. He indicated that the high school team has players that are bigger and quicker than most of the players on the senior men's team, which requires players to be 35 years or older and suggested that the foul ball problem would not be as significant with the senior team as it is with the younger age group users. He also indicated that the senior men's team is willing to use the baseball field under any conditions the City suggests and reminded the C_ commission that other City teams such as the American Legion and the Babe Ruth teams use this facility, and to not allow the senior men's team to use it would be discriminating against them on the basis of age. Don Hedlund, 16441 North Hillcrest Court, indicated that he went through the planning process at the School District, the Planning Commission, the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission, and the City Council when these fields were planned in 1986 and indicated his concern based on the proximity of the ballfield. He suggested at that time that the ballfield was too close to the neighborhood property and was concerned about foul balls, noise, and increased traffic to the neighborhood. The City committed at that time to restrict use to youth teams and requests the City maintain that policy. Mr. Hedlund also indicated there was a senior soccer league playing on the soccer fields last fall and there were many problems with balls going over the fence and players climbing over the fence to retrieve their balls. He also indicated that the senior baseball team caused more foul balls last than other players. 3 Minutes -PRNRC - May 21, 1990 ` Ed Steinbrook, 16670 North Hillcrest Court, lives directly behind the ballfield. He indicated there are too many people "back there using the field every night". Last year there was lots of trash behind the backstop until toward the end of the year when trash cans were provided. He sees no reason why the neighbor- hood should have to put up with people using that facility every night of the week and indicated that it gets "pretty sickening" after a while with all of the noise and increased traffic. Mr. Steinbrook indicated that last Sunday between 1 and 4 p.m. there was a baseball game going on and a baseball landed right next to the slide, within 2 ' of his two year old child. He also is upset with people constantly jumping the fence to retrieve their balls and does not ; like arguing with people that are walking through his flower beds and demanding their ball back. John Pollack, 16460 No. Hillcrest Court, indicated that when they purchased their home, they knew they were purchasing next to school property and expected it to have school use, not City use of the property. There has been several confrontations between ball players and neighbors when ball players are retrieving either soccer balls or baseballs. He opposes City use of those facilities. John Pollack III also residing at 16460 North Hillcrest Court referred to a problem of two weeks ago with a golfer hitting golf balls from the soccer fields into private property. In his opinion, the non regulated use of these soccer fields and baseball field are just as bad as the regulated use and doesn't believe the City is able to control the use of these facilities for non scheduled pickup games. Laurie Helling indicated that the baseball field is completely fenced and people have to get a key from the City or the school to play on that facility. This facility did not have that type of control last year, but all games or practices on the baseball field are controlled by either the City or the School District, unless people are climbing the fence to play ball. David Kuechenmeister asked if there were any reasonable modifications that can be made to the facility to eliminate the problem with foul balls. 4 Minutes -PRNRC - May 21, 1990 Steve Schultz stated that the school is trying to squeeze the maximum amount of facilities on their property, as well as trying to be a good neighbor. He indicated that the backstop at the baseball field is one of the highest around and although the school entertained the idea of a netting 60' in the air, the neighbors were not supportive of that idea. He indicated that the School District purposely did not put a gate in the fence so that people would not be encouraged to go into the neighborhood to retrieve balls. The City faces the continued increased number of users trying to use a limited number of facilities and suggested that this problem will only increase rather than decrease until additional facilities are provided. Roger Swigart of the senior baseball team indicated that the senior team only used the baseball field 3 or 4 times in 1989 and has not used the field this year; therefore, it is doubtful that they have caused the problems referred to by the neighborhood. He feels that it is inappropriate to discriminate against a group of users who are not responsible for the problems the neighborhood is complaining about. He also indicated ( that the baseball team has tentatively only scheduled 8 games in 1990 on that field and does not feel that 8 additional games is going to make a major difference with the neighborhood. He also stated that the senior men Is team would not have confrontations with neighbors, nor would they climb the fence and trespass on private property to retrieve any foul balls that might occur during the game. Hedlund indicated that soccer field #4 may be "out of use" for 1990, but is still used three, four, or five times per week by unscheduled teams and pickup games. He also referred to the commitment by the School District to plant trees along the property line, and there are no trees planted as yet. (This commitment was made about a month ago.) Patty Norby, 16420 Hillcrest Court, lives across from the soccer fields, she indicated that on Sunday evenings, when they would like to use their backyard, there are as many as dozen soccer balls that come over the fence into their lawn and 3 or 4 cars parking in front of their home, often blocking their driveway. People keep jumping the fence and intruding in their backyard when they are trying to have private family functions. 5 S Minutes -PRNRC - May 21, 1990 Helling suggested restricting to the use of the baseball field to games and eliminating it to be scheduled for practices as a way to have a more controlled use of the facility. Baker stated that the real problem is that the fields were planned without sufficient buffer, rather than the issue of adult use of the field. It appears as though there is a problem whether it is adult use of youth use, and the request of the neighbors is to restrict or limit the number of users than specifically who is using the fields. This is a problem in that the irrigated fields are some of the nicest facilities in the community and it is difficult to say that the nicest facilities in the community should have the least amount of use. One of the neighbors then stated that the City use of school property is the problem and there is just too much use of that property. They would like to see it limited to school use only. Another neighbor, Jerry Baisky, 16400 Hillcrest Court North, questioned why the school has money to add to the baseball field and make improvements to the base- ball field, but does not have sufficient money to maintain the weeds and dandelions in the back of the slope. John Pollack III indicated that the fields are not "suitable" for use for City programs without a decent buffer zone. These facilities were designed without a buffer zone and, therefore, should be restricted to school use. Baker indicated that there was no easy solution to this problem, and indicated that this item would be brought before the full commission on Monday, June 4th prior to Council review of the item on June 5th. Baker then thanked residents for attending the meeting and sharing their concerns and indicated the commission members would take this issue under advisement over the next two week period. III. OLD BUSINESS 1. Miller Park (con't from MAY 7. 1990) - Barb Cross summarized the concerns of the neighborhood that were presented at the May 7th Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission meeting and then reviewed the �. 6 Minutes -PRNRC - May 21, 1990 C changes to the Miller Park Plan that has, hopefully, alleviated the concerns of the residents. A resident of the Townhome Association requested information regarding private road access to the new y connection from Timber Lakes Drive to County Road 4, and the size of the berms that would be screening the ballfields from the road and neighborhood. Cross indicated that the berms would be from 4 to 6 feet high with evergreens planted on top of the berms. Several of the residents from the Weston Bay area indicated their support of the revised plan and indicated they thought the plan was much better and alleviated their concern. Cross indicated that the gravel access road to be constructed in 1990 would extend from the end of Timber Lakes Drive south approximately 2001 , then westerly toward to planned parking lot and boat launch area. The boat launch parking lot has been reduced from 20 cars with trailers to 15 cars with trailers, and an additional 20 car parking lot to accommodate picnicking would be constructed just east of the boat launch parking lot. Baker thanked the residents from the Weston Bay area for becoming involved in the process, and indicated that he believed the park plan was a much improved plan due their input. Vanderploeg and Kuechenmeister concurred with the improved park plan. Residents from the Weston Bay area thanked Vanderploeg and Kuechenmeister for taking the time to come out to ;. the site and visit with residents regarding their concerns and they all believed the "process works" and the park plan is better for everyone concerned. Lambert indicated that the staff does support the revised plan and would be recommending revisions to Miller Park Master Plan to the Commission at the June 4th meeting. IV. ADJOURNMENT Baker adjourned the meeting at 9 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Robert A. Lambert Recording Secretary 7