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Parks and Recreation - 03/16/1992 ti. �1 1992 MARCH 2 16 MINUTES CITY OF EDEN PRAIRI E I i AGENDA 1 EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, MARCH 2, 1992 7:30 P. M., CITY BALL 7600 EXECUTIVE DRIVE COMMISSION MEMBERS: Pat Richard, Chair; Bruce Bowman, Paul Karpinko, Joanne Kube-Harderwijk, David Kracum, Diane Popovich Lynch, Del Vanderploeg COMMISSION STAFF: Robert A. Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources; Barbara Penning Cross, Landscape Architect; Stuart A. Fox, Manager of Parks and Natural Resources; Laurie Helling, Manager of Recreation Services I. ROLL CALL - INTRODUCTION OF DAVID R. KRACUM II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FEBRUARY 3 & FEBRUARY 8 1992 C IV. PETITIONS REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS A. Weston Bay Residents Request for Revision to Miller Park B. Petition for Improved r Fa ili i s a thePraia Community enter C. RRgquest from Garden Club to Consider Development of Floral Display and Information Sign at En= to Round Lake Park (SW Intersection of VBIIU View Road and County Road 4 V. DEVET OPMENT PROPOSALS A. Fairfield 2nd Addition Amendment VI. OLD BUSINESS A. Student Membership on Boards and Commissions B. Leg Hold Tros_(cgn't from January 6. 1992) VII. NEW BUSINESS A. Recommendation on EPCC Meeting_Room Reservation Policy and Procedure B. Resolution 92-36 Urging State of MN to Expand Funding for State Outdoor Recreation Grant Program �. C. Resolution 92-20 Urging Expansion--of the Federal L•AWCON Program VIH. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF A. Discussion of Quid?,Plan B. Reports of Manger of Parks and Natural Resources 1. Hennepin Parks - Winter Aerial Deer Survey 2. 1992 Partnership Minnesota CQoverative Public Services Award IX. REPORTS OF CITY COUNCIL X. ADJOURNMENT parkag/bob i I . • -f APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION Monday, March 2, 1992 7:30 p.m. , City Hall 7600 Executive Drive COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Pat Richard, Chair; Bruce Bowman, Joanne Kube-Harderwijk, David Kracum, Diane Popovich Lynch, 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 Natural Resources; Dave Black, Community Center Operations Supervisor I. ROLL CALL - INTRODUCTION OF DAVID R. KRACUM j The meeting was called to order at 7:45 p.m. by Chair, Pat Richard. Lambert introduced David Kracum, new member of the Commission. II . APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Vanderploeg moved to approve the agenda as printed. Kube-Harderwijk seconded the motion and it passed 6-0. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - FEBRUARY 3 & FEBRUARY 8, 1992 MOTION: Lynch moved to approve the minutes of February 3 , 1992 as printed. Bowman seconded the motion and it passed 5-0. MOTION: Lynch moved to approve the minutes of February 8, 1992 as printed. Vanderploeg seconded the motion and it passed 5-0. IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS A. Weston Bay Request for Revision to Miller Park Refer to memo dated February 27, 1992 from Barb Cross, Landscape Architect. APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. March 2, 1992 -2- Cross said that the plan for Miller Park was originally started in 1986. She showed the first layout for the park which residents in the area did not like because the homes were double fronted. Cross reviewed the last revision of the park which showed a similar layout of the roads, but the residents did not like the proximity of the parking lot to the homes. Three alternatives were presented to the group. The first was to eliminate the northern most parking bay from the plan and reduce the number of parking spaces by 34. The "proof of parking" would have served the park unless additional space was needed in which case it would be added. This was not acceptable because the additional parking could be added at any time. The second option was to eliminate the northern most parking bay and add a tennis court, as residents said ( they would rather live next to a tennis court than a parking lot. This was better than Option 1, but the residents preferred Option 3. Option 3 was a change to the parking lot configuration where the lot was moved down to south of the ballfields with the ballfields spread apart and moved further north. The islands between the parking bays were reduced from 20 ' to 15 ' which still allows space for a 4 ' to 6 ' berm. The residents also asked that the right-of-way to County Road 4 be eliminated. Two access points in and out of a subdivision for circulation and safety reasons were required by the Rottland subdivision and it would require a public hearing involving the entire neighborhood to eliminate the road. Staff is leaving the option open by leaving the area vacant. If the neighborhood eventually wants a second access, the potential connection will be there. Berms will be provided as high as possible, but will not exceed the 3-1 slope required by City Code. Parking has been shifted as far south as possible. C The original plan provided 346 parking spaces and the revised plan provides spaces for 344 cars. �rur. • LQ'i: APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. March 2, 1992 -3- Louvered lighting has also been requested to direct light on the playing surface rather than the neighborhood and is being considered. Lights in the park will be turned off at 10:00 p.m. when the park closes. The residents requested that there be no public address sytem in the park. However, tournaments will be held here and it may be necessary to have a public address system for these tournaments. If it is too loud, residents should contact the police. Staff has no objection to a fence within the right- of-way along Weston Bay Road as long as it is installed and maintained by the homeowners association. The large oak tree in the middle of the berming to screen the softball complex will be saved if extraordinary measures are not required. Lambert indicated that "Plan 3" works for the park; however, he wanted residents to know that staff believes the parking lot behind a 15 ' berm would have less impact on their property than a ballfield behind a 4 ' berm with the outfield only 50 feet from property lines. The following questions were asked by the residents and responded to by staff: In what other area in the City are homes located next to a 350 car parking lot? None. There are no other parks in the City with this size parking lot. What assurance is there that the three softball fields in the northeast portion of the park will not be lighted? There is no assurance that the fields will not be lighted at some time although it is not planned at this point. What about alcohol use within the park? The only parks where alcohol is prohibited are Flying Cloud Fields and all school park sites. The City Council would have to make the decision to prohibit the use of alcohol in all City parks. Is there a recorded easement on the right-of-way at this time. No. gAPPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. March 2, 1992 -4- What is the radius of the curve at Timber Lakes? It is unknown. However, it is not the intent of the City to extend the road unless the neighborhood petitions for it because of safety reasons. If the road is connected, the road would be designed to City standards. Richard asked what the residents general feeling is about the revised plan. Jim Shingler said it is the understanding of the residents that if a public address system were used, it would 1 be a portable system which would be brought in by the users of the park. Cross said that is correct. Lambert added that there may be the possibility of a public address system on the other fields, but it should not affect this neighborhood. The residents reported that they can hear the public address system from the middle school. i Barb Chenek asked if Round Lake Park rents a public ; address system on a regular basis. Lambert said they n do not, but users of the park are allowed to bring in a portable system. He added that the only complaints j that have been received about public address systems has been when the BMX track was operating. A resident asked if an EIS has been done in the wetland area by the DNR. Cross said that this plan does not require an EIS and staff does not foresee a problem j as long as water is not being filtered directly into the wetland area. i The residents requested notification if any changes are made in the park plan prior to construction. MOTION: Lynch moved to recommend approval of Option 3A that berms be at a maximum of a 3-1 slope, the parking lot will be shifted as far south as possible, lighting will be selected to direct light the playing surfaces, the large oak tree will be saved if extraordinary measures are not necessary, the homeowners association will pay to erect a fence within the right-of-way and maintain it and that the residents be notified if any changes j in the plan occur. Vanderploeg seconded the motion. `s * d i.4 ^; �7 .APPROVED MINUTES C, EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. March 2, 1992 -5- On call for discussion, Bowman asked if the Baseball Association has any problems with the changes. Lambert said staff has not been able to contact the President of the association, but feels they have had enough time to respond. A resident asked why the Baseball Association is so important to the final plan of the park. Richard said that they will be the group using the ballfields, will r„ be providing the programs for the children and need the extra facilities. Lambert also stated that Miller Park is a community park and residents from all over the community have the right to comment on how the park is designed and if we are making the best use of their tax dollars. A resident asked if the Miller Park will be considered a regional park. Lambert said that Miller Park will be a community park owned and operated by the City of Eden Prairie. Regional parks are owned and operated by Suburban Hennepin Parks. The group discussed the fact that only youth and girls softball will be played on the fields at Miller Park, as they are not large enough to accommodate mens softball. Lambert indicated that adult women could play on the youth baseball fields and all ages could play on the regujlation baseball and soccer fields. A resident asked if the City will be soliciting for tournaments to be played at Miller Park. Lambert said that the associations will be hosting and soliciting for tournaments. A resident asked how large the park will be. Lambert said it is 97 acres. A resident asked if this will be the largest park in Eden Prairie. Lambert said that there are several parks that are this size or larger; however, this would compare with Round Lake Park as our most active park. The motion passed 6-0. C� APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. March 2, 1992 -6- B. Petition for Improved Locker Facilities at the Eden Prairie Community Center Refer to memo dated February 25, 1992 from Bob Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources. Lambert introduced Bob Gartner who circulated a petition requesting the improvement of locker facilities at the Community Center. Staff recommends that the locker facility improvements be funded either through profits from the liquor stores, cash park fees or asking for a donation from a civic organizaition such as the Eden Prairie Foundation. Staff feels that this is a valid request and should be given top priority. There are a total of 362 signatures on the petition including some children. Gartner discussed some of the concerns raised by users of the Community Center regarding the locker facilities. Lambert recommends forwarding the information to the City Council and considering the improvements to be included in the 1993 budget. Richard said that this issue has been brought up often when discussing need within the City. MOTION: Richard moved that the Commission accept the report and are in agreement with the petition. Improvements to the locker facilities at the Community Center will be discussed when changes are being made to the 5 year C. I.P. within the next 90 days. Lynch seconded the motion and it passed 6-0. C. Request from Garden Club to Consider Development of Floral Display and Information Sign at Entry to Round Lake Park (SW Intersection of Valley View Road and County Road 1 Refer to memo dated February 26, 1992 from Brenda Berkebile, President of the Eden Prairie Garden Club. C r; ............ ... APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. March 2, 1992 -7- Berkebile said that the club is requesting irrigation, soil and site preparation as the first phase of development of a floral display and information sign at the entry to Round Lake Park. The Garden Club is requesting that the City haul in the dirt and the club will raise money or ask for a donation from the Eden Prairie Foundation for the cost of irrigation. The labor will be done by members of the Garden Club. Richard asked if the timing proposed by the City for hauling fill work with the Garden Club' s schedule. Berkebile said the club has worked their plan around this schedule. Vanderploeg asked if lighting the area was discussed. Berkebile said that they hope to eventually light the area and add a fountain or theme gardens. Lambert added that before a plan is finalized, staff will give final approval to insure that it doesn't conflict with other park use. Lynch asked what the sign will say. Berkebile said there will not be a sign although this was their original idea. Lambert added that the Fire Department will have an information sign directly across the street and it was felt that two signs were not necessary in the same area. Lynch recommend that the Garden Club should consider species of plants that require low maintenance and little water. Berkebile said thsat this was already considered when making plant selections. This is also a high carbon monoxide area and plants need to be able to withstand this as well. MOTION: Lynch moved to recommend approval of the Garden Club' s plan for Phase 1 of the floral display at County Road 4 and Valley View Road with the City hauling fill into the site and final plans to be coordinated with Barb Cross, Landscape Architect. Kube-Harderwijk seconded Cthe motion and it passed 6-0 . I i 0. APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. March 2, 1992 -8- V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS A. Fairfield 2nd Addition Amendment Refer to staff report dated February 21, 1992. Dan Blake of Centex Real Estate Corporation was present at the meeting to review the proposal. The developer is requesting a change from clustered single family to single family on the site which is located north of Stanley Trail, north of Candlewood Parkway, west of County Road 4. Blake asked about the status of the railroad. Lambert said the interim use will be as a trail corridor with ' a future light rail system. Staff is encouraging the use of this trail as a regional trail in 1993. Lynch asked about tree loss on the site. Blake said Cit is basically a cornfield at this point. The developer has met tree replacement requirements on other areas of the site. Kracum asked what is the distance from the homes to Hwy. 212. Blake was not certain of the distance. Blake noted that the sidewalk on the site plan is located on the east side of the road in one location and on the west side in another location. Cross said that the sidewalks will be located on the west side of the road for continuity. Richard asked if home buyers will be aware of the potential use of the trail. Blake said that this will be in writing and will be provided to all potential buyers. Bowman asked how big a problem back lot drainage will be. Blake believes that this has been worked out with staff and Cross confirmed that it had. MOTION: Lynch moved to recommend approval of Fairfield 2nd Addition amendment per staff recommendation. Bowman seconded the motion and it passed 6-0. f f w APPROVED MINUTES Cf EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. March 2, 1992 -9- VI. OLD BUSINESS A. Student Memberships on Boards and Commissions Refer to memo dated January 30, 1992 from Craig Dawson, Assistant to the City Manager. Lambert said that this issue was discussed at an earlier meeting. The memo from Craig Dawson covers the background, benefits and recommendation structure including the pilot project, appointment and term, age and attendance and non-voting status. B. Leg Bold Traps (cont. from January 6, 1992) Refer to memo dated February 26 , 1992 from Stu Fox, Manager of Parks and Recreation. ; This issue was discussed at an earlier meeting. Fox reported that neighboring communities were surveyed to find out if they have an ordinance related to animal trapping and what restrictions or special provisions are included in the ordinance. Fox said that the discussion began after an article appeared in the Star Tribune which listed Bloomington and Eden Prairie as being the two suburbs who still allow the use of leg hold traps. Thirteen cities were surveyed, six of which had ordinances controlling use and six did not. Lynch asked which cities allow the use of leg hold traps. Fox said that Eagan and Burnsville have ordinances that control the use of the trap. In Eagan it is allowed on parcels over 5 acres in size with the permission of the property owner. Burnsville allows trapping on large tracts of land in the Minnesota River bottoms with the permission of the property owner. Fox added that in all cases, nuisance trapping or trapping for scientific purposes is allowed. This includes netting of birds, live trapping and use of falcons for hunting. Lynch asked if there was any research done on alternatives to the leg hold trap. Fox said he spoke to many animal control officers who all agreed that it is very difficult to live trap animals such as beaver. a i. • .APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. March 2, 1992 -10- Fox said that he was contacted by several residents who were present at the meeting. Raymond Rau of 11973 Chesholm Lane, a member of the Minnesota Trappers Association, was present at the meeting. Rau recommends keeping as many trapping options as possible open for controlling nuisance animals. He feels that there is no difference between a leg hold trap or a carnobare which traps the animal and eventually drowns it. Hie said both types of traps kill at about the same rate of speed. Richard said it sounds like trappers prefer the leg hold traps. Rau said they prefer the trap because it is more flexible to the type of animal being trapped. Vanderploeg asked how many trappers are iii Eden Prairie. rau said there are about four he knows about. Vanderploeg asked if most of the trapping is done for ( recreation or as a living. Rau said that in a bad year the value of raw hides runs anywhere from $3-4 million. In a good year, the hides can bring in $18- 20 million statewide. Vanderploeg asked how much a fox hide is worth. Rau said it is worth approximately $20-25. Vanderploeg asked if most of the trapping done in Eden Prairie is done in the river bottoms. Rau said yes. Lynch asked what is the bait used in leg hold traps. Rau said that racoons will eat almost anything, but he noted that they are the only animals that will reach into the traps before going in. Vanderploeg asked how often the traps are checked. Rau said the law requires that the traps be checked every 24 hours. Vanderploeg asked how many traps does a person have set at any one time. Rau said if they are trapping for a living, they are generally setting 100-150 traps. Bowman asked who regulates trap use. Rau said that both the DNR and Minnesota Trappers Association have very strict laws regarding the use of traps. He added that both a small game license and trapping license are required. ,t: 9- APPROVED MINUTES C EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. March 2, 1992 -11- Lynch asked if the Minnesota Trappers Association supports the use of a device that does not damage the pelt. Raw said damage to the pelt is always a possibility with the leg hold trap. Richard asked how trapping is allowed in the river bottoms. Rau said it is allowed by permission of the property owner. Rau added that trapping can be controlled by permit of the City over and above that which is required by state law. Charlotte Cozzetto and Linda Hatfield were present at the meeting representing F.A.T.E. , Friends of Animals and the Environment which is a wildlife protection group involved with issues including leg hold traps, etc. Cozzetto is very concerned that leg hold traps are being allowed in Eden Prairie. She gave a presentation on the use of leg hold traps and demonstrated how the trap works. Richard said he would like to see statistics from veterinarians on how many animals they have treated because they were caught in leg hold traps. Lynch noted that she spoke to the Rapture Center who had eight cases of birds of prey that were caught in leg hold traps this year. Only one bird had to be euthanized. Rau said that report show that the number of stray dogs and cats is as large as the number of wildlife in Hennepin County. Richard asked how likely is it that a dog or cat will be caught in a leg hold trap. Rau commented that there is a 50-50 chance in Hennepin County due to all the stray dogs and cats. Elaine Sorenson, a DNR licensed rehabilitator, was present at the meeting to give a presentation on leg hold traps. { I �� ! -•Ii_ 11 'APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. March 2, 1992 -12- Cindy Reevers of SuFa_rior Terrace in Eden Prairie was present at the meeting with her cat who was caught in a leg hold trap approximately six weeks ago. The cat was caught by the toe and not severely injured. Donn Sorenson commented that his St. Bernard had also been caught in a leg hold trap. MOTION: Lynch moved to recommend continuing studying the issue of leg hold traps and other trapping alternatives before making a recommendation to the City Council. Vanderploeg seconded the motion. On call for discussion, Reevers said she feels that the information received from City staff may be biased. Lynch said that information would be welcomed from any source. { �i Bowman requested that an animal control officer be present at a future meeting. Sorenson asked when the information is requested by the Commission. Richard said it will be discussed at the April 6 meeting. Bowman said he feels the issues need to be specified. Lambert said that trapping could be controlled in the same way as hunting with a permit which would control who traps and where they trap in the City. Fox said that the discussion of the issue of leg hold traps is a spin-off of the wildlife management issue. Sorenson suggested that all areas be considered and that the public needs to be educated. MOTION: Lynch amended the motion to add that alternative methods to leg hold traps be researched and that an ad hoc committee be formed to review the issues with a report to the Commission on April 20. Bowman seconded the motion and it passed 5-0. APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. March 2, 1992 -13- VII. NEW BUSINESS A. Recommendation on EPCC Meeting Room Reservation Policy and Procedure Refer to memo dated February 25, 1992 from Dave Black, Community Center Operations Supervisor. Black said that staff has reviewed the policy on Community Center meeting room reservations. The current policy does not have a provision for groups who reserve a meeting room and do not show up or in cases where extra maintenance is required. Bowman asked if the only payment in advance that is required is the hourly rate. Black said yes. MOTION: Vanderploeg moved to recommend approval of the change in the meeting room reservation policy at the Community Center. Kracum seconded the motion and it passed 5-0. B. Resolution 92-36 Urging State of MN to Expand Funding for State Outdoor Recreation Grant Program C. Resolution 92_-20 Urging Expansion of the Federal LAWCON Program MOTION: Richard moved to recommend approval of both resolutions per staff recommendation. Lynch seconded the motion and it passed 5-0. VIII. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF A. Discussion of Guide Plan This item was tasbled until a future meeting. B. Reports of Manager of Parks and Natural Resources 1. Hennepin Parks - Winter Aerial Deer Survey This is an information item only. 2. 1.992 Partnership Minnesota Cooperative Public Services Award This is an information item only. ( APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. March 2, 1992 -14- Fox said that this award was received because of the work done by the school district, City of Eden Prairie and Minnesota Wildlife Service on prairie restoration. IX. REPORTS OF CITY COUNCIL None .f X. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Lynch moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:50 p.m. Bowman seconded the motion and it passed 5-0. Respectfully submitted, &AA, � Lois Boettcher Recording Secretary y + i i i 1 - t _.3 •. I *~ AGENDA EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, MARCH 16, 1992 7:30 P. M., CITY HALL 7600 EXECUTIVE DRIVE COMMISSION MEMBERS: Pat Richard, Chair; Bruce Bowman, Paul Karpinko, Joanne Kube-Harderwijk, David Kracum, Diane Popovich Lynch, Del Vanderploeg COMMISSION STAFF: Robert A. Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources; Barbara Penning Cross, Landscape Architect; Stuart A. Fox, Manager of Parks and Natural Resources; Laurie Helling, Manager of Recreation Services I. ROLL CALL II, APPROVAL OF AGENDA III. _APPROVAL OF MINTiTFc MARCH 2, 1992 C IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMINICATIONS A. Presentation from AR E Boar Julie Bridges V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS A. School Dist ict Pr oosals for B. Victory LL+I,P,�.� Church VI. NEW AUMNM A. Review of Milfoil Tt�g'alatin., B. Consideration on Merit of Darating RRec esth,,,cih;liilAc ix,.n,., ►N n hon and Natural Resources Commission VII. ADJOURM4ENT parkag/bob APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION Monday, March 16, 1992 7 :30 p.m. , City Hall 7600 Executive Dr. COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Pat Richard, Chair; Bruce Bowman, Joanne Kube-Harderwijk, David Kracum, Diane Popovich Lynch, Del Vanderploeg COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Paul Karpinko COMMISSION STAFF: Bob Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources; Barb Cross, Landscape Architect I. ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order at 7 :30 p.m. by Chair, Pat Richard. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Vanderploeg moved to approve the agenda as printed. Kube-Harderwijk seconded the motion and it passed 6-0. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - MARCH 2, 1992 This was tabled until the April 5 meeting. IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS A. Presentation from ARLE Board - Julie Bridges Tria Vikesland, Adaptive Recreation Supervisor from Eden Prairie, Christie Youngquist, Adaptive Recreation Supervisor from Richfield, Julie Bridges, Learning Exchange Liaison in Eden Prairie and Edina and Michelle Kissel, a parent of a special needs child, were present •at the meeting. ARLE stands for adaptive recretion learning exchange and is a coop between the cities of Eden Prairie, Bloomington, Edina and Richfield. The group will be having a retreat at the Outdoor Center in April on how to say no. A video about the program was shown. Youngquist discussed the adaptive recreation program and the different activites that are offered through the program. a, - I, APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. March 16, 1992 -2- Bridges disussed the learning exchange program which includes programs such as "Know Your City Hall" and "Dress for Success" . A cooking class will also be offered at Welcome Home in Eden Prairie. Kissel is the parent of two daughters who have taken advantage of almost all the programs that are offered by the City. The youngest daughter has participated in programs for special needs children and has a special interest in the integrated programs. Vanderploeg asked how many people participate in the program now compared to previous years. Vikesland said that the numbers in the programs has doubled. Kracum asked how the group finds out how many special needs children there are. Vikesland said they work closely with the school district and also try to make new residents aware of the program. Vikesland added that there are four sub-committees with the program including marketing, special programs and education. Richard asked how Eden Prairie compares to other communities on programs for special needs children. Kissel said she feels the academics if the first things parents look for with recreation second and Eden Prairie is vastly improving in recreation for special populations. Vikesland said that she has had calls from out of state regarding how to gat started on a program such as ARLE. V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS A. School District Proposals for Expansion of Schools Refer to staff reports dated March 6, 1992 and memos from Barb Cross, Landscape Architect dated March 12, 1992. Cross introduced Steve Thompson from Cunningham Architects , representing School District 272. Thompson said they are currently working on six projects over a five year time frame. Central Middle School is the largest project amounting to one-third of the referendum dollars. There are no parks and recreation issues involved with this project. . j •tt .APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. March 16 , 1992 -3- The first phase will include the addition of classrooms on the north side of the building with a gym and administrative area to the west. The second phase includes a media center which will affect the current extension of Wallace Road and structuring a corridor down the center for better circulation. The interior of the school will be remodeled and a new dining room will be added. There are also safety issues involved regarding the drop-off zone. The parking lot to the west will be redone and a new access will be provided to School Road. Bus loading at the kindergarten center will be revamped and a bus loop will be added on the east side similar to Cedar Ridge. Lynch noted that tree loss is estimated at 49% as stated in the staff report. Thompson said he does not believe that this is an accurate number, as this refers to the amount of trees that need to be replaced of the total that are removed. Lambert asked if the brick on the new additions will match the existing brick. Thompson said there are some reservations about matching the brick for various reasons, but indicated they will try to match the brick. Lambert is concerned about recreation facilities and asked when they will be lost and when they will be replaced. Thompson said the Hoisington Group will be working on the ballfields which will be related to the realignment of Hwy. 212. Lambert asked if the school will be without outdoor facilities for 1-2 years. Thompson said it is hoped that the loss of time will be minimal. He is hopeful that they will be able to acquire the buildings along Wallace Road soon so construction can begin. Vanderploeg asked where the main entrance to the school will be. Thompson showed the location of the main entrance on the site plan and added that it will be a plaza area. The Commission also discussed how the construction would affect the alignment of Scenic Heights Road. `t• APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. March 16, 1992 -4- Thompson said there was also a safety issue involved at Foresrt Hills with the bus area and drop-off zone. The berming and landscaping along Holly Road will be retained and the existing road will be for buses only during the day. There will be separate accesses for visitor parking. A landscaped play area will be added to the lower level , about seven classrooms will be added on the south side and the inside will also be remodeled with the addition of a gym and art, music and special education rooms. Cross said there is a drainage problem in the low area on the east side of the building. Tiled drains were installed last year and seem to be effective. Because of the summer recreation programs held at Forest Hills which approximately 465 kids participate in, access will be needed from the warming house to the school for restrooms and drinking fountains. `- Harderwijk-Kube asked if the existing playstructure will be removed. Thompson said yes. Lambert said that staff would be interested in reviewing the new playstructure before construction begins. Kube-Harderwijk asked if the construction will impact the work that is beging done in the wetland area. Lambert said no. Thompson said the project at Prairie View will be similar to Forest Hills with very little work on the outside. The access point for overload parking will be added to the hard surface play area and a turnaround area will be provided on the west side of the building. There is also some concern about drainage from a low spot. Lynch asked about the location of the trail connection. Thompson showed its location on the site plan. Cross added that the City accesses the park property with maintenance vehicles via the trail system. Cross noted that summer youth programs are also held at Prairie View and it will be necessary to have access to the building. i- APPROVED MINUTES BDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. March 16, 1992 -5- Lambert said that since the warming house behind the school is used for summer programs, construction fences needs to be put up for safety reasons. He asked where parking will be available for users of the ballfields. Thompson said the developer will try to maintain a portion of the area for these activities, but construction will affect this to a certain degree. Lambert suggested using the hockey rink as a staging area and leaving as much of the parking lot open as possible. Richard asked if the playground will be lost. Lambert said no. Richard asked if the playground equipment here is comparable to the age of the children at the school. t Lambert said no, but the selection of playground equipment for the school is generally made by the principal and PTO and Prairie View playground equipment on the west side of the building is very old. MOTION: Kracum moved to recommend approval of the proposal for the expansion of the schools per staff recommendation. Lynch seconded the motion and it passed 6-0. B. Victory Lutheran Church Refer to staff reports dated January 10, 1992 and March 6, 1992. Cross said that the church will be located on a 6. 6 acre site east of County Road 4 , north of Berger Drive and west of Red Oak Drive. There is a trail along County Road 4 that will be shifted to the other side of the road with the construction of the church. MOTION: Lynch moved to approve the request for Victory Lutheran Church per staff recommendation. Bowman seconded the motion and it passed 6-0. h i 1{. APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. March 16, 1992 -6- VI. NEW BUSINESS A. Review of Milfoil Legislation Refer to memo dated March 10, 1992 from Bob Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources. Lambert said that Lynch had provided him with a copy of the Senate legislation that would control Eurasian water milfoil and other harmful exotic species. Staff has some concerns with the language used in the legislation. Lynch noted that she spoke with a lobbyist today and found out that the legislation has already been changed. She will try to get a copy of the new legislation this week. This is an information item only. B. Consideration on Merits of Separating Responsibilities Within the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Refer to memo dated March 6 , 1992 from Bob Lambert, Director of Parks , Recreation and Natural Resources Commission. Lambert said that this will be discussed at the City Council meeting tomorrow night. He asked the members of the Commission which group they would be interested in participating in. The Commission did not know if they would be interested in serving if the Commission were split up. MOTION: Lynch moved that the Commission remains as a united body concurring with the staff recommendation. Richard seconded the motion and it passed 6-0. Lynch asked if it was necessary for all Commission members to receive copies of the plans in the packets. . Cross said that copies are provided by the architect and she has attempted to get a smaller size plan. 71 I.Z APPROVED MINUTES •:,� EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, REC. & NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. March 16, 1992 -7- The Commission decided that it would be left to Barb Cross ' discretion on whether to include these plans in future packets. Lynch said that if there is a copy available at the meeting, that is all that should be necessary. VII. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lois Boettcher Recording Secretary C r; C y° 'i. AGENDA EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION & NATURAL RESOURCES COMiVIISSION MONDAY, APRIL 6, 1992 7:00 P. M. HOMEWARD HILLS PARK COMMISSION MEMBERS: Pat Richard, Chair; Bruce Bowman, Joanne Kube- Harderwijk, David Kracum, Diane Popovich Lynch, Del . Vanderploeg COMMISSION STAFF: Robert A. Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources; Barbara Penning Cross, Landscape Architect; Stuart A. Fox, Manager of Parks and Natural Resources; Laurie Helling, Manager of Recreation Services l'XAS NOTI~ lvleetxn v�rtll be held at Homewat�d Hills 1P Sheltex :: 120Q S�lv,�xwpai Dnv At.7«QQ,p,m. ::..., I. ROLL CALL II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - MARCH 2 & MARCH 1 6 1992 IV. OLD BUSINESS A. Review of Final Plan & Specifications for 2nd Ice Rink at Community Center V. NEW BUSINESS A. Review of Revised Legislation for Controlling Eurasian Water Milfoil & Othe* Exotic Species in Our La VI. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONUS AND STAFF A. Reports of Manager of Parks and Natural Resources 1. Bid for Mid-Size Utility Tractor with MFD VII. ADJOURNMENT