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Parks and Recreation - 02/06/1995 1995 a . FEBRUARY 6 MINUTE S CITY OF EDEN PRAIRIE .,__.. .. .,. ,. •:,,;;,, ...., ; .3•;e:"a�; ;fir, AGENDA EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION i MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1995 7:00 P. M. CITY CENTER 8080 MITCHELL ROAD COUNCIL CHAMBERS COMMISSION MEMBERS: Diane Popovich Lynch, Chair; Bruce Bowman, Richard Brown, Claire Hilgeman, Vicki Koenig, David Kracum, Joanne Kube-Harderwijk STUDENT MEMBER: Mark Bremer, Brian Mustanski COMMISSION STAFF: Robert A. Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources; Stuart A. Fox, Manager of Parks and Natural Resources; Laurie Helling, Manager of Recreation Services I. ROLL CALL II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - DECEMBER 19, 1994 and JANUARY 30. 1995 IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS i A. Presentation on Minnesota Land Trust - Renay Leong B. RcQuest for City to Accept Land Donation for Conservation Purposes C. Letter from Pamela Tyner Re: Request to Sand Trails V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL A. Pioneer Ridge 2nd Addition VI. OLD BUSINESS A. Purchase Agreement and Option Agreement for Klein/Peterson PropQrty. B. Oak Point Pool Update C. Closing Date on Charlson Property D. Citizen Involvement in Monitoring Development E. Appointment of Committee to Evaluate Tree Replacement VII. NEW BUSINESS A. Woodwork Shou Public Use Policies i f B. Concept of Designating Conservation Areas as DNR Scientific and Natural ` Areas VIU. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF A. Reports of Manager of Recreation Services 1. Winter Wonderland Flyer IX. ADJOURNMENT parkag/Bob w APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1995 7:00 P.M. CITY CENTER 8080 MITCHELL ROAD COUNCIL CHAMBER COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Diane Popovich Lynch, Chair; Richard Brown, Bruce Bowman, Claire Hilgeman, Vicki Koenig, David Kracum, Joanne Kube-Harderwijk COMMISSION STAb`F: 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 STUDENT MEMBERS: Mark Bremer, Brian Mustanski I. ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair, Diane Popovich Lynch. All members were present. H. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda was amended as follows: add Election of New Officers under New Business; move item VII B, Concept of Designating Conservation Areas as DNR Scientific and Natural Area, to be discussed after item IV A, Presentation on Minnesota Land Trust - Renay Leone; under New Business, add a discussion on the Senior Citizen Center; under New Business, add a discussion on the packets that the Commissioners receive prior to their meeting. MOTION: Brown moved to approve the agenda as amended. Koenig seconded the motion and it passed 7-0-0. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES DECEMBER 19, 1994 The Minutes were amended as follows: add Bruce Bowman to Commission Members that were present; page 11, second paragraph from the bottom, change strong mulch to read: straw mulch; page 11, last paragraph, third sentence, change the foul up to read: the follow-up; page 9, change the motion passed 7-0-0 to read: the motion passed 6-0-0. r MOTION: Kracum moved to approve the Minutes of December 19, 1994 as 1 amended. Koenig seconded the motion and it passed 6-0-1 with Brown abstaining. 1 I 1 . I A PROVAL OF MINUTES - JANUARY 30, 1995 MOTION: Brown moved to approve the Minutes of January 30, 1995 as published. Koenig seconded the motion and it passed 6-0-0 with Kube- Harderwijk abstaining. IV. PETITIONS, RMUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS A. Presentation an Minnesota Land Trust - Renay Leone Staff referred the Commission to a memo dated January 31, 1995 from Bob Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities. Renay Leone, Executive Director of Minnesota Land Trust, gave a brief presentation including when the Minnesota Land Trust was formed, who are members of the Land Trust, the services it provides, and what land trusts are. She described examples of what they have already done, and the tax benefits that a person would gain with a land trust. She handed out brochures which gives detailed information about Minnesota Land Trust. She noted that Minnesota Land Trust is a non-profit organization that is qualified under state and federal law to work in the area of conservation. Minnesota has only six land trusts and there is a need to get some work done. Their goal is to permanently protect open spaces such as farm land, woods, prairies, any place that is not developed, and preserve it in its natural state. In addition, they work directly with local governments and organizations to help them meet the open space needs of the State's current and future residents. They are willing to work with landowners and land agencies that want to get land protected. Lynch asked where the other five chapters are around the state. Leone described the various locations and noted that by the end of 1995 they will • have three more chapters. Brown asked if there was another state agency that the Minnesota Land Trust answers to. Leone replied no, that they are entirely private. They work a lot in partnership with state agencies when appropriate. They do not report to anyone but the IRS. Bowman asked if a person has a piece of property they would like to donate as a conservation easement, are there any federal or state or city restrictions as to what can be considered conservation easement in terms of property tax assessment. Leone replied that it's going to vary with the location. The IRS has extensive regulation on the income tax write-off Cavailable to someone who donates. 2 Bowman asked if these assessments can be done before the fact. Leone replied yes, that they usually advise landowners to the assessor ahead of time. Kracum asked how they come by the funds necessary to run this organization, and are there volunteers. Leone replied that they are not funded by the government at all. It's all private donations, foundation money, and they have membership fees. The are probably 50 to 60 percent funded by foundations. They have a lot of volunteers at all the chapters. B. Concept of Designating Conservation Areas as DNR Scientific and Natural Areas Staff referred the Commission to a memo dated January 30, 1995, from Bob Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities. Lambert discussed with the Commissioners the conversation he had with Bob Djupstrom from the DNR, about the pros and cons of designating either the Riley Creek Woods site, or the Charlson Bluffs site, as a DNR scientific and natural area. He noted that he is not recommending any decision from the Commissioners tonight. He said in order to actually designate those as a scientific and natural area, they have to be owned or controlled by the DNR. He explained the process of how the DNR would achieve that. One alternative to designate land as a DNR scientific and natural area would be to transfer ownership through a warranty deed, to just give up the land to the DNR for that purpose. There might be opposition from the residents. The reason why they should consider doing this is because the referendum specifically stated that the reason they are acquiring those properties was for preservation purposes. The City wants to preserve those areas, and preserve the natural characters of those areas. A scientific and natural area would preserve this property at little or no cost to the City. The City would give up control of the area, but also give up the cost of managing it. If the area is designated a scientific and natural area, the only type of use allowed on the site is an interpretive trail or research projects. No l recreational trail or linkage trail corridor would be allowed to be developed through the sites. The DNR would control the area and keep trespassers off the sites. It would be easier for the City to manage those areas as they want them C managed. If they put it with the DNR, it would be cheaper but the City will loose control. 3 is Bowman asked if it would be possible to work a deal along the extreme C' perimeter of some of those sites for trails. Lambert replied that on Riley Creek they would follow Dell Road; then cut through the orchard property to get brick to the creek valley with a trail. You loose the creek for 3/4 of a mile on the Charlson property. It's critical that the City ties their pedestrian/bicycle trail system to the underpass under 169 that is located on the east end of the Charlson site. Lambert noted that he is going to get in touch with the U.S. Wildlife to discuss other options for the City. Lynch expressed concern about the differences between the linkage trails put in by the City, versus the type that would be set up for scientific and natural area trails. Lambert replied that the trails would not "look" any different. The City's trails would start on one end and go right to the other end. The DNR's trails would start at one point, loop and come out at that same point. It would still be a wood chip trail. There would be a lot of problems trying to keep mountain bikes out of the area. He expresed concern about the dangers of the steep hills in the woods regarding kids thinking of this as a challenge. There is vegetation in there which is extremely fragile. In that case, a loop trail might be what the City decides themselves. Bowman expressed concern about the response time to calls by an officer. Lambert replied 90% of the calls would be handled by our local police force and then they can refer them to the conservation officer. Hilgeman expressed concern about who is responsible for maintaining the area if the City puts them into some type of conservation easement instead of a DNR area. Lambert replied that the City has the responsibility. Koenig expressed concern about buffer zones around the property, if there would be any difference if it were a DNR area. Lambert replied, no difference, that boundaries are boundaries. Kracum asked where does the officer, who is assigned to their area, respond from. Fox replied that he lives in Minnetonka and noted that he is stationed out of Fort Snelling, but responds for everything in the west metro area. Bowman asked what the time frame is for the Commission to respond. Lambert replied that there should be a decision made sometime this year. He noted that since they have advertised that they are acquiring this, people are assuming that it has taken place. As a result, there are a number of incidents that have happened concerning trespassers on private property. The City must let people know that there is no access to that land, even after the City owns it. 4 �. A . .. .... tii .._..... ..:.1':.. ... ,... •. :.Y -Jr.., r ..,.'.� 1....t•!': r.c, asv morn I A J. Lynch spoke on behalf of herself, other members, and staff, that they want to protect that property as best they can. C. Request for City to Accent Land Donation for Conservation PurlRnses Staff referred the Commission to a memo dated January 30, 1995, from Bob Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities. Lambert stated that there is a letter from six individual property owners in southeast Eden Prairie who are proposing to acquire Lot 2 of the Bluffs West 8th Addition in order to donate it to the City of Eden Prairie for conservation purposes. This is a heavily wooded lot surrounded by single family homes. The surrounding property owners have enjoyed wildlife that utilizes this area and would like to keep it in its natural condition. They want to dedicate the land to the City under the condition that there would be a conservation easement placed on the property. If the City ever wished to develop the property, the property would revert to the property owners who have donated it to the City. This lot is one of the "flag lots" that the City has authorized to be developed in this community. He noted that these property owners are "putting their money where their mouth is." Staff recommends approving this request to agree to accept the donation of that parcel of land with the conservation easement requirement. Lynch asked what a "flag lot" is. Lambert replied that it's a piece of property that looks like a flag. Hilgeman gave a description of what this lot looks like from her own observations of viewing it, and noted that she supports this idea. MOTION: Hilgeman moved to accept the land donation for conservation purposes as per the memorandum of January 30, 1995. Kube-Harderwijk seconded the motion and it passed 7-0-0. D. Lstter from Pamela Tyner Re: &quest to Sand Trails The Commission was referred to a memo dated, February 2, 1995 from Stuart A. Fox, Manager of Parks and Natural Resources; letter dated January 20, 1995 from Pam Tyner. Fox reviewed the policy approved in 1990 by City Council which charges the Parks Department with the maintaining of trails and sidewalks in the winter time. Currently they maintain about 90 miles out of the 140 miles of trails and sidewalks. Concern was brought to the City's attention as a result of the last storm in January causing extreme difficulty in walking on various places on the trail. The highlighted area is where the trail 5 • started around the lake. He reviewed Staffs recommendations per the memorandum. Pam Tyner, 18710 Partridge Circle, expressed concern about the serious safety hazards to pedestrians as a result of January's ice storm. Of particular concern was the steep hill on either side of the pedestrian bridge over Valley View Road that leads to the high school. She noted that she witnessed two high school students fall specifically on the hill area next to the pedestrian bridge. Her concern is not a cost concern, but a liability concern, and that the whole issue of liability was paralyzing the parks system. Lambert noted that in 1990 the issue about the appearance of an invitation to the trails systems, sanding a portion of the trail and not all the trail, was raised. If the City sands a portion of the trail it gives people the appearance that it's safe, and it says the City is inviting them to use the w trail. If they don't do anything to the trails, people just know certain times of the year to stay off the trail. The January ice storm is a very unique situation. It is not possible to sand 90 miles of trail by hand. Tyner asked who is responsible for maintaining around bus stops and major intersections. Lambert replied the Parks Department and the Public r Works Department. The have walking routes for kids going to school 1 which are plowed first. It is not the school district's responsibility but the City's responsibility. Hilgeman stated that she shares Ms. Tyner's concerns, but does not see how it would be possible to sand and salt all of the trails. Fox noted that this large amount of sanding and salting would greatly increase the City's cost for seal coating of the trails, and the staff have a concern about the negative environmental effects of salting trails around our lakes and marshes. Koenig asked if there has been much history of previous complaints regarding icing conditions on the trails. Lambert replied that there has not been. He noted that a few years ago regarding Staring Lake Park, a few people called and asked if the City would be sanding the trails on the hills. Staff said no, and the people just stayed off of them. He said that Ms. Tyner is the only person that called and expressed this concern regarding the January ice storm; however, staff is aware of several people who shipped and fell in our parking lots at City Center and the Community Center. Koenig noted that she shares the concerns for the kids using the trails excessively, but does not feel there is a need for the sanding and salting in the parks at this point. 6 .. ,.. : ....-.-. -....._.:.. . ,..... .._.. . •,::>.. ..... .. .. ::::::... r a,•, .n..e-.r.a ern,.,._..r.- r Mustanski asked if the City removed the snow around the trails. Lambert \ replied that the City does remove the snow. Mustanski suggested not removing the snow because there will be ice underneath it anyway. Lambert replied that you must remove the snow because it will make it easier for the ice to melt. Most of the trails are asphalt and when there is a sunny day you get a dry trail. Kracum recommended consulting with the City Attorney about these issues because it can be very dangerous. Brown expressed concern about the kinds of chemicals that are used in the parks as it relates to the impact to the runoff. Fox explained the different kinds of chemicals used and the impact of them in the parks. Brown noted that he uses the trail around the lake also, and is very careful when there are dangerous situations and just avoids the trail during those times. MOTION: Bowman moved to accept Staff's recommendations to solve hazardous walkway problems around the lake and other trails. Brown seconded the motion and it passed 6-1-0. Hilgeman asked if recommendation #3 means that the Commission is giving latitude to Staff to make the final decision of using chemical agents or sand, or is it brought back to the Commission to decide. Bowman suggested that the Commission leave it to the Staff to decide because they are sensitive to these issues. Fox noted that Staff needs the latitude to get the legal issues regarding liability worked out. V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS A. Pioneer Ridge 2nd Addition Staff was referred to a memo dated February 1, 1995, from Stuart A. Fox, Manager of Parks and Natural Resources, staff report dated January 6, 1995, from Michael D. Franzen, Senior Planner. Fox stated that this property is currently owned by Ron Helmer of R.H. Development and is 12.13 acres in size, at the corner of Eden Prairie Road and Pioneer. This site was the former pumpkin patch. There are ' no significant trees on the site as defined by ordinance. There is extensive landscaping that is being proposed by the proponent. The primary reason for screening is because the backyards would be backing up to both county roads. Berming and landscaping on lots #15, #16, and #17 will have to wait until the final upgrade on the county road is complete. 7 14 There is minimal grading wetland impact. There is one wetland delineation right on the corner and it will be protected by retaining walls and appropriate erosion control measures. To handle the runoff water from the project, a NURP pond would be constructed on the north side of the project and overflow into the storm sewer connection. An 8 foot trail would be constructed at the time of the upgrade of both county roads that would go around the perimeter of the project. Interior transportation would be recommended to be accomplished by constructing sidewalks on the north side of Azalea. In discussion with the proponent, he said he would not attend the meeting because he didn't feel it was necessary. Kube-Harderwijk asked when they are expecting to upgrade County Road 4. Fox replied that he doesn't know what the final plans are. He said the main reason for blocking County Road 4 is because of the sight lines to the Senior Center. Lambert noted that the last he heard was 1996 and up to 4 lanes. Hilgeman asked if the white house that looks abandoned is part of this. Lambert replied that piece of property is part of this project. Hilgeman asked what happens to the delineated wetland. Fox replied that they can't grade into it and it ends up being set aside. There is a retaining I wall in the backyards of some of those lots, so they can't fill the areas that are already delineated. Koenig asked how far does the property extend beyond the white house. Fox replied that the white house is just at the bottom of the northwest corner. That is where the northerly boundary is, and it goes due east and 1 runs into Coral Lane. Brown asked if they are going to be using any of Azalea Trail into Eden Prairie Road. Fox replied that the recommendation is that the Engineering Department will not use any entrance or exit out on Eden Prairie Road { because of traffic concerns. MOTION: Brown moved to approve the report on Pioneer Ridge 2nd Addition. Hilgeman seconded the motion and it passed 7-0-0. VI. OLD BUSINESS A. Purchase Aereement and Option Agreement for Klein/Peterson Property 8 _ r The Commission was referred to a memo dated, January 31, 1995 from �. Bob Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities. Lambert stated that the City has been dealing with the Klein family and Darril Peterson for a couple of months trying to get a purchase agreement together. There is an agreement and the terms of that agreement are outlined in the memorandum. The City will soon be closing on this the week after next assuming Council approves on this tomorrow evening. The City will purchase the 68 acres and they will have options on the remaining 45 acres. The option goes up by $1,000 per year for the next 5 years. This has stretched the cash park fees to the unit. Lynch asked what the size of the entire Peterson property is. Lambert replied that he has 150 acres, and the other 50 acres will be developed in the near future. Lambert stated that they will be closing on the Charlson property next week, and Peter George called and would like to close on his property in the middle of March. B. Oak Point Pool Update The Commission was referred to a memo dated, January 31, 1995 from Bob Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities. Lambert noted that after rejecting bids as a result of poor bid climate in 1994, the School District last week received bids again for this project. They got a better bid than before, but not nearly as low as they anticipated. This evening the Superintendent will be recommending to the school Board to accept the bid, 3.55 million dollars to start construction and finish it in a year from this spring. I C. Closing Date on Charlson Property i i The Commission was referred to a memo dated, January 31, 1995 from Bob Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities. D. Citizen Involvement in Monitoring Development The Commission was referred to a memo dated, February 2, 1995 from Bob Lambert, Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities. Lambert stated that at the joint meeting on January 30th, a couple of methods were proposed.• After discussing this with the City's attorney, they are suggesting that the first method of sending out 8 1/2 by 11 summary sheets should be what the City should do. The attorney was nervous about designating private citizen with any implied authority to 9 • ( _ \. A, represent the City on any development. Staff would recommend trying this report process for a period of six months and reporting back to the City Council prior to adopting it on a permanent basis. MOTION: Hilgeman moved to accept Staffs recommendation. Kracum seconded the motion and it passed 7-0-0. E. Anoointment of Committee to Evaluate Tree Replacement The Commission was referred to a memo dated, February 2, 1995 from Bob Lambert, Director of Parks, recreation and Facilities. Lambert stated that at the joint meeting on January 30th, the consensus was to request the City Council to appoint a committee to evaluate the Tree Replacement Ordinance. The Tree Replacement Ordinance is working very well, however, after seven years it is time to determine if the ordinance can be improved to better preserve the wooded character of property that is being developed. Staff is recommending a committee made up of members from the various commissions and groups, and would require two representatives from the f Parks Commission. Lynch suggested contacting the West Metro Land Trust or the Minnesota Land Trust to see if there is a name of an Eden Prairie resident on land trust that might be interested in sitting on this committee. Hilgeman expressed concern about these people being hand picked. She suggested soliciting new fresh people instead of the same ones, and placing an ad in the paper to see if anyone wants to respond. Hilgeman and Koenig volunteered to be representatives of the Parks Commission. Brown stated that he appreciates the Tree Ordinance for the wetlands, the rivers, but hopes that there is some way to include the trees between building properties where they have 50 foot buffers. MOTION: Kube-Harderwijk moved to approve the process as amended, and secondly, to approve the two appointees. Brown seconded the motion and it passed 7-0-0. VII. NEW BUSINESS A. Woodwork Shop Public Use Policies 1. 10 r .. The Commission was referred to a memo dated, February 1, 1995 from Sandra Werts, recreation Supervisor. Lambert stated that renovations at the Senior Center have recently been completed, and a policy and procedure manual on the use of the shop and equipment has been developed. Sandy asked volunteers at the Senior Center to develop the policies. They were reviewed by safety officers and the policies are very well thought out. Staff would recommend that the Commission and City Council adopt these policies. MOTION: Brown moved to approve the woodshop manual policy. Koenig seconded the motion and it passed 7-0-0. B. Senior Citizen Center Brown expressed concern about the doors at the Senior Citizen Center to be adjusted and close more easily and softer. They are big heavy doors and it takes a lot of energy. It is very difficult for the many people who use either canes, walkers or wheelchairs to open these doors. He noted that there have been several complaints, and the Chairman of the Board has asked him to bring this issue up to the Commission. Sandra Werts, Recreation Supervisor, noted that this issue was brought up at their Board meeting, but they were referring to the doors at City Hall, , not the Senior Citizen Center. Brown suggested installing an automatic door similar to the ones in supermarkets, and asked how expensive are they. Lambert replied that he will have the maintenance staff tale a look at the door closer to see if they can be adjusted. He noted that under the ADA program they talked about putting in an automatic door opener at the Senior Citizen Center, and that's scheduled for this year. An open house is planned later this year at that facility. They are hoping to plan it during the Senior Awareness Week, and would like to have everything finished by then. Brown expressed concern about the safety of Staff whose offices are located on the main street level. He would like the security issues expedited before it's too late and someone gets hurt. Lambert stated that Barb Cross is presently addressing this issue. C. Election of New Officers Lynch expressed how much she has enjoyed working with all of the Commissioners and Staff, and hopes to keep in touch with everyone. 11 i MOTION: Bowman moved to nominate Claire Hilgeman for the position of Chair. Lynch seconded the motion and it passed 7-0-0. MOTION: Hilgeman moved to nominate Bruce Bowman for the position of Vice Chair. Koenig seconded the motion and it passed 7-0-0. Commissioners Hilgeman and Bowman both accepted the nomination. D. Packets Brown expressed concern about the Commissioners receiving their packets a week sooner. He said that many Commissioners work full time and have only one weekend to prepare for the meetings. By receiving the packets a week ahead of time, this will entitle them to two weekends to prepare. He noted that several commissioners have asked him about it, and they would appreciate receiving it earlier. Lambert said that it is possible to do this, but he wants the Commission to be aware that this will be a cost to the City to have runners deliver packets twice a week to their home for each meeting. He said that they are looking at ways of trying to make government more efficient, and does not feel that by doing this makes it more efficient. He suggested that those Commissioners who are interested in that to stop by City Hall and Ic pick up a packet on developments that are going to have environmental issues. Lynch suggesting mailing the packets instead of runners. Lambert replied that the packets are very big and it would cost more money to do it that way. Brown suggested leaving the packets in an overnight bin or maybe at the police station so people can pick them up after hours. Hilgeman said it would be nice to have two weekends, but she is not comfortable with the additional cost to the City to do it. Kube-Harderwijk suggested calling on Friday and see if there is something, and then coming in and getting it. Lambert noted that the City Council, Planning Commission, and Parks and Recreation Commission have all gotten their packets on the Friday before the meeting for the last 20 years. This is the first request we have had , therefore it must have worked well for most people. i Koenig said that she works on Saturdays and would like the option of picking it up sooner. 12 Brown said he withdraws his request to receive the packets sooner. MOTION: Brown moved to leave the delivery of packets the way they are. Kracum seconded the motion and it passed 7-0-0. VII. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF A. Reports of Manager of Recreation Services 1. Winter Wonderland_Flyer Enclosed in the packets are flyers which are self explanatory. f IX. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Elinda Bahley Recording Secretary a 13