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Parks and Recreation - 05/17/1979 _ i 1979 i MAY 71117 j MINUTES � CITY OF EDEN PRAIRIE I � AGENDA EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, MAY 7, 1979 7:30 P.M. , CITY HALL COMMISSION MEMBERS: Richard Anderson, Chairperson; David Anderson, Robert Carlson, Steve Fifield, Robert Johnson, Robert Kruell , George Tangen COMMISSION STAFF: Robert A. Lambert, Director of Community Services Approx. Time to Begin Item 7:30 I. ROLL CALL II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 7:35 III. MINUTES OF APRIL 16 and 30 7:40 IV. A. Petition From Residents Along Valley View Road - Bike Trail 7:50 B. Letter From Midwest Power Boat Association 8:00 C. Request for Slalom Course on Staring Lake From Matt Werneke 8:10 D. Request for Reservation of Tennis Courts From Racqueteers V. RECOMMENDATIONS AND REPORTS A. Reports of Commissioners None B. Reports of Staff 1. Development Proposals 8:20 a. To view Acres 4th - Jerrold Miller 8:40 b. Nellwoods - Lee Johnson 9:00 2. Restrictions on Filling of Wetlands 9:10 3. Council Report - May 1, 1979 9:20 4. Teen Center Report - Hal Weldin VI. OLD BUSINESS 9:30 A. Park Dedication Ordinance 9:50 B. Eden Prairie Stables Proposals 10:15 C. Hidden Ponds Park Site -2- ,._ Eden Prairie Parks, Recreation & May 7, 1979 Natural Resources Commission 10:30 , D. Topview Park Site 10:45 E. Park Bond Referendum Committee Needs Assessment Form VII. NEW BUSINESS 11:00 A. Tree Hauling Truck 11:05 B. Board/Commission Section Workshop 11:10 VIII. ADJOURNMENT { �0.` APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION Monday, May 7, 1979 17:30 P.M. , City Hall COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Richard Anderson, Chairperson; David Anderson, Robert Carlson, Robert Kruell, George Tangen COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Steve Fifield, Robert Johnson COMMISSION STAFF PRESENT: Robert Lambert, Director of Community Services r ' OTHERS PRESENT: Kenneth Johnson, E.P. Racqueteers; Jerrold and Mary Miller, Larry Hanson, Gene Jereczek, Jerry Wigen, Lee Johnson, Matt Werneke, Hal Weldin, Al Dybiec, E.P. Sun; Dick Dahl, E.P. News I. ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m. by Chairperson Richard Anderson. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA a , Additions: V.A.1. Park Playing Fields--Dave Anderson { V.A.2. Elm Trees--R. Anderson V.A.3. Soccer Fields--R. Anderson �_. VII.C. Purgatory Creek--Kruell VII.D. Visual Blight--Kruell VII.E. Mess Along Highway 5--Dave Anderson w MOTION: Tangen moved to approve the agenda with the additions. Dave Anderson ' seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. E. III. MINUTES OF APRIL 16, 1979 I' :Chan es P 2 g g. para. 5: "offer visual amenities" r Pg. 3, para. 9: Anderson asked height relationship of the two buildings. E. Pg. 4, para. 2: "coagulate and precipitate" M Pg. 7, para. 6: add: Problems, if any, will occur outside. r i 6t MOTION: Motion to approve ammended minutes was made by Dave Anderson and seconded r1 by Carlson. The motion passed unanimously. h MINUTES OF APRIL 30, 1979 MOTION: Motion to approve the minutes as kr pp published was made by Dave Anderson. „ Seconded by Carlson, the motion carried with Tangen abstaining. IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS, AND COMMUNICATIONS ea A. Petition From Residents Along Valley View Road--Bike Trail A petition from residents along Valley View Road was taken before the Council on April 16, and then again on May 1, requesting the city to provide a separate r I Minutes--Parks,Recreation $ .approved May 7, 1979 Natural Resources Commission -2- i bike and pedestrian path along Valley View Road east from County Road 4. Lambert reported that the council wanted a recommendation from the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission. Staff recommends the construction of a temporary, aglime trail since the proposed upgrading of Valley View Road will disrupt any trail built now. i Carlson questioned the use of aglime for a bicycle path. He suggested that a five-foot shoulder trail with a dividing barrier or curb to prevent cars from encroaching on the trail be built instead. Lambert replied that the council did not approve of a shoulder trail--it would not be practical there anyway because there is no shoulder along much of the road. He pointed out that his past experience with aglime trails proved satisfactory unless motorized vehicles tear it up. It generally compacts and forms a usable bike trail. R. Anderson noted that again priorities have been moved back. Valley View Road carries many children to the library, Round Lake Park, Little Red, and soon the high school will generate even more traffic on and along the road. j He stated that the problem must be faced now--not five to ten years from now. The bond issue may provide funds necessary to build a good trail along Valley View Road. i Lambert reported that the State Department of Transportation was willing to fund 90% of the trail construction costs last year. The funds could not be utilized, however, because of the time stipulation. The state required that the work be completed the same year the grant is issued. These funds would probably be available again this year, but they would not cover the cost of acquiring right-of-way, which will be expensive because many landowners do not wish to sell. R. Anderson suggested that the time schedule for the upgrading of Valley View Road be moved up; and a permanent trail could be constructed at the same time. I Kruell asked if there was another possible route for a trail. He was told that Valley View Road is the most direct access, and people will continue to use it for that reason. MOTION: Carlson moved to recommend to the council the upgrading of Valley View Road as soon as possible. The commission would prefer to see the entire roadway upgraded and a permanent trail included at the time of road construc- tion, rather than a temporary aglime trail. Tangen seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. B. Letter From Midwest Power Boat Association Request was withdrawn. C. Request for Slalom Course on Staring Lake from Matt Werneke I �. Matt Werneke was introduced by Lambert, who briefly outlined the procedure for such a request. After being reviewed by the commission, the recommendation is taken to the council. Final approval is given by the Sheriffs office. Tangen asked Werneke if he was a resident and if he represented a local water- ski club or other organization. r ` I I Minutes--Parks, Recreation $ approved May 7, 1979 Natural Resources Commission -3- Werneke replied that he lived nearby, in Edina, and was acting on his own for purposes of recreation only. Tangen the questioned whether the Pioneer Club had been contacted, since their meeting center was located on the lake. They had not been contacted. MOTION: Tangen recommended denial until such time as approval from the Pioneers Club be obtained. Seconded by Kruell. DISCUSSION: R. Anderson noted that since Staring Lake is public water, with no private landowners, the commission and council should handle the request. There are no permanent residents on the lakeshore, only a center for meeting purposes that is located on city parkland. Boats are already allowed on the lake. Dave Anderson asked where the slalom course would be located in relation to the Senior Citizen Center. Werneke indicated the he planned to use the southern end of the lake. Lambert pointed out that if he used the Southwest area, it would be on the opposite side of the lake from the Senior Citizens Center. VOTE: The motion failed to pass, with Kruell and Tangen voting in favor, and the others opposing. { MOTION: Dave Anderson moved to recommend approval of the Slalom Course proposed by Matt Werneke. The Pioneer Club should be notified of this recommendation, and can appear at the council meeting for comment if they wish to do so. Tangen seconded this motion, and it passed unanimously. D. Request for Reservation of Tennis Courts From Racqueteers The Eden Prairie Racqueteers asked to have tennis courts at Round Lake reserved from 12:00 noon-2:00 p.m. on Sundays, and on Wednesday evenings from 7:00-8:00 p.m. from Sunday, June 10 through August 29, 1979. R. Anderson asked how many courts are being requested. He was told that the club asked for two courts. MOTION: Tangen moved to approve the reservation of two tennis courts at Round Lake Park as requested. Dave Anderson seconded, and the motion carried unanimously. V. RECOMMENDATIONS AND REPORTS A. Reports of Commissioners 1. Park Playing Fields Dave Anderson reported to the commission that it had come to his attention Minutes--Parks, Recreation & approved May 7, 1979 Natural Resources Commission -4- that the soccer fields at Forest Hills were full of holes, and the baseball fields were in need of fill in the infield and some areas of they outfield. R. Anderson combined his report on soccer fields at this point. He had noticed many large holes in the soccer playing fields at Round Lake. He speculated that dogs must have been digging after the gophers for the holes to be so large. Lambert agreed that gophers have been a problem in the parks. He reported that a poisoning program is underway at this time, and that he would instruct park maintenence people to fill the large holes. 2. Elm Trees R. Anderson reported that in the Edenvale area south of Valley View Road along the south banks of Purgatory Creek many trees, including some Elms, had been taken down for construction purposes and had not been removed. When a developer pushes trees into a flood plain area and leaves them, he is in violation of our ordinance. Carlson noted that he had observed the same thing happening on Neill Lake Road at the Bancon Townhouses. He then asked what the purpose of the chip pile was at Anderson Lakes Park, and aren't the chips potentialy harmful to healthy Elms? Lambert explained that once chipped, the wood could no longer host the beetles-; and that the chips were being given to homeowners or sold to landscapers. They are also used on some park walkways. B. Reports of Staff 1� Development Proposals a. Topview Acres 4th Lambert explained that the Millers were requesting rezoning of 17 acres and platting the south 5 acres for development. This is the same property that the commission had talked about acquiring for a neighborhood park, but had determined that the property was too expensive. Staff had looked at an alternate park site which seemed to be acceptable. There will be a total of 30 acres dedicated to the city by Edenvale which will be accessible to Top View Neighborhood by trails if Valley View Road is cul-de-saced. Lambert also recommended a mini-park to serve the immediate area. With a 10% (2 acre) dedication and the purchase of an adjoining lot, a mini-park could be provided. C Lambert outlined the proposed trail access to the marsh area and to �= Minutes-Parks, Recreation & approved May 7, 1979 Natural Resources Commi:ss on --5_ Forest Hills School/Park. It is not a direct trail , but it avoids Valley View Road and Baker Road. R. Anderson asked if there wasn't a more direct route. Lambert replied not without going through private property. Kruell asked about the possibility of getting the trail , and building the park as the land is being developed, instead of allowing piece- meal development. He suggested tying down all the loose ends before development occurs, while there is still land available. Dave Anderson questioned the value of a mini-park in the area if they will have access to a 30 acre park a few blocks away. , Lambert explained that it would be good for park programs such as playgound-on-wheels, informal games, a mini-rink, picnic area, etc. R. Anderson suggested that rather than buy a lot for a mini-park, it r might be wise to spend the money on a safe crossing (an underpass or overpass) to get a few blocks further to the large park site. MOTION: Kruell moved to continue the project until the May 21, 1979, meeting, when some of the problems can be answered. Staff should speak to property owners in an attempt to develop a more direct trail and try to get a committment about the cul-de-sacing of Valley View Road. Carlson seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. A short break was called at 9:20 p.m. b.. Neil Woods Lee Johnson made the presentation to the commission of the proposed Neil Wood Addition. R. Anderson asked how Neill Lake is classified. He was told it is considered public water. He' then noted that the "homeowners Association" owned easement around the entire lake makes it a private lake. f Dave Anderson pointed out that there is no control of the trails to prevent the public from using them. MOTION: Carlson moved to recommend approval of the Neil Wood Addition as per staff recommendation of May 4, 1979, memorandum. Dave Anderson seconded, and the motion passed, with R. Anderson opposed. 2. Restrictions on Filling of Wetlands Lambert reported to the commission that there is no ordinance at the present to protect small (23;-, acres or less) ponds and wetlands. DNR can, on request, designate wetlands as small as one acre as public water. Kruell asked if, from a naturalist' position, it would be desireable to provide protection or control over these wetlands. 0. r I Minutes--Parks, Recreation & approved May 7, 1979 Natural Resources Commission -6- CLambert stated that the commission shouldn't try to designate every "damp" piece of ground as public water. However, there are many small wetland areas that deserve preservation. He suggested the commission might suggest the possiblilty to the council to see if they will support a modification of the ordinance to preserve some wetlands of 22 acres or less. MOTION: Kruell moved to direct staff to draft a statement for presentation To the council ; to be brought back to the commission in a report, for approval by the commission. R. Anderson seconded the motion which passed unanimously. 3. Council Report: May 1, 1979 Lambert reported the following actions taken by the council : 1) Super Value--continued to May 15, 1979 meeting. 2) Olympic Hills--development proposal denied 3•-2. Reasons for denial : -platting not in the best interest of the land -no compelling reason to change the existing land use -no guarantee that the golf course would remain in operation 3) Meadow Park--approved 4) Human Rights & Senior Citizen staff person--approved 5) Park Dedication Ordinance--requested another formula to be drawn up by staff, and sent back to commission 6) Guide Plan--Public hearing scheduled for June 12, 1979 �I 7) Bryant Lake Access--approved alternate route proposed by city engineering department (at corner; must be filled and graded extensively) 8) Valley View Bike Trail--sent to Park, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission for recommendation 9) Tree Hauling Truck--approved 10) Eden Prairie Stables--requested recommendation from Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources Commission 4, Teen Center 'Report Lambert introduced Hal Weldin, the person hired to head the teen-center program. Weldin spoke to the commission about some of the concerns they had expressed about the program. He related to them that he had talked with members of the Public Safety Department. They offered some ideas on conununication and agreed to help at the staff training sessions that Weldin is scheduling. He plans to offer more programed activities, tournaments, etc. �_ ' r Minutes--Parks, Recreation & approved May 7, 1979 Natural Resources: Commi.ssi:on -J-. R. Anderson commented that problems don't occur inside, but rather, outside the center. He asked what support the center could expect from CV the Public Safety Department, and how many supervisors will be used? Weldin replied that he had received good support from the Public Safety Department at their meeting; they offered to cruise past the teen center nightly. Also, there would be four supervisors, one of whom will', be outside. He felt that strong leaders would improve the program. VI. OLD BUSINESS A. Eden Prairie Stables Lambert spoke to the commission about the question of a horse operation at Bryant Lake Park. There had been a question concerning the pollution of the lake by the horses. The last review indicated that horses in a pasture south of the tie-stall barn were polluting the lake. This pasture was eliminated, and used only as an exercise area. The staff recommended that the proposal submitted by the Vo-Tech School would serve the most people, while maintaining the intended use of the facilities. n, z Kruell asked about the proposal submitted by the Hockey Associ<ltion of Eden Prairi'e,(HAEP). Would all the participants use the facility? Dave Anderson answered that the Bantams would not utilize the barn for f games as the younger groups could, but would practice there. He stated that HAEP is looking at the facility as an interim solution--their ultimate goal being to build a Community Center with indoor ice. This interim facility would serve to prolong the practice season and get the skaters out of the wind. Anderson stated that he would not be voting on this matter because of his personal involvement. Mr. Gene Jereczek, representing the Vo-Tech school , explained to the commission that the school 's present location (for horse related courses) will have to move since the facilities are going to be leased to a private party. They feel Eden Prairie Stables' location would be ideal . Carlson asked if the Vo-Tech School would be willing to provide more recreational opportunities. Jereczek replied that they would do what they could without creating a liab.ility problem. MOTION; Kruell moved to recommend to the council the adoption of the H E proposal . The motion died for the lack of a second. MOTION; Carlson moved to recommend that the council accept the proposal offered by the Hennepin County Area Vo-Tech as the first choice, and the HAEP proposal as the second choice. Seconded by R. Anderson, the motion passed with Kruell opposed and Dave Anderson abstaining. Minutes- Parks, Recreation & approved May 7, 1979 Natural Resources Commission -8- B. Park Dedication Ordinance Lambert explained that he had drafted another ordinance, since the council seemed to want another formula for determining cash park fees; one based on property value. Tangen stated that flat fees seemed to be easier to administer, since the city and the developer would seldom agree with an appraisal . R. Anderson asked if the assessed value could be used for the purpose of determining the fee. Tangen explained that the assessd value does not always reflect the true value of a property for number of reasons. Carlson stated that he still favored the flat fee, which could be changed at such a time as the council and commission felt it was necessary. -; MOTION: Dave Anderson moved that the commission recommend to the council the approval of Draft #4 of the Park Dedication Ordinance. Seconded by Tangen, the motion passed unanimously. C. Hidden Ponds Park Site Lambert reported to the commission that he had received a purchase agreement from the owners of the Camp Frontier site, with their price and terms. He recommended getting appraisals of that site and also a possible park site east of there. R. Anderson stated that he did not think any parks should be purchased prior to the Park Bond Referendum, since those people affected may feel satisfied, and not support the bond issue for the rest of the city. MOTION: Tangen moved to recommend to the council approval of the request for appraisals of the two parcels recommended by staff as possible park sites. Kruell seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. D. Top View Park Site This item was included in the discussion of Jerrold Miller's development proposal . F. Park Bond Referendum Committee Needs Assessment Form Dave Anderson reported that he had been informed by some members of the committee that they were having difficulty in answering questions raised by the form. After much discussion, Lambert suggested that,:the committee be called back to be provided with more information. Jerry Wigen suggested that a solid proposal should be developed before people are asked to contact citizens, so they know what they are trying to Minutes--Parks, Recreation & :approved May 7, 1979 Natural Resources Commission -9- Csell . He! also suggested that a member of the city council and a member from the school board be asked to serve on the committee to create a unified approach. Lambert felt that it would be helpful for a committe _ienr?sPntativP to meat with Basset, the director in Apple Valley, who just had a successful bond referendum this spring. It was decided that the next meeting of the Park Bond Referendum Committee would be held on Thursday, May 17, 1979, at 7:30 p.m. VII . NEW BUSINESS A. Tree Hauling Truck ' Tangen stated that the commission had already expressed it's support for the purchase of the truck, and asked if there were sufficient funds in the budget to make the purchase. Lambert replied that the funds are available within the department budget. MOTION: Tangen moved to recommend that the council approve the use of 40,000 for the purchase of a new truck to remove dead and diseased trees. Kruell seconded the motion which passed unanimously. B. Board/Commission Workshop Lambert invited the commissioners to attend the workshop on Thursday, May 31. Those wishing to attend were asked to complete the registration forms and return them to Lambert. C. Purgatory Creek Kruell noted that Edengate development was allowed one road into the project. Now it appears that there is another corridor staked toward the Belhurst Addition. Since this is a creek crossing, Kruell wanted the staff to investigate. D. Visual Blight Kruell has received complaints from neighbors on Lochanburn Road about the street parking of trucks in a residential area. They feel it creates a visual blight as well as a traffic hazard. He requested the possibility of an ordinance be looked into and put on the next agenda. E. Mess on Highway 5 Dave Anderson noted that there is construction debris strewn along both sides of Highway 5 between Wallace Road and Mitchell Road. He suggested that if it is the contractor's responsibility to clean it up, he do so. or the State Highway Maintenance Department be notified. I. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at .12:25 a.m. Respectfully Submitted, Georgia Jessen, Recording Secretary EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION COMMITTEE FOR BOND REFERENDUM May 17, 1979 7:30 P.M. , City Hall COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: David Anderson, Robert Johnson COMMISSION STAFF PRESENT: Robert A. Lambert, Director of Community Services COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Jerry Kingrey, Jerry Wiggen, Edward King, Marie Cornett, Mary Lee, Gloria Pond, Shirley Williamson, Sandy Collins, William Phillips, Barbara White Lambert opened the meeting with a brief explanation of the reasons for calling the meeting. It had been noted at the last commission meeting that many of the committee members were discovering that the questionnaire raised more questions than it answered. The commission decided that a special meeting should be called to re-assess the direction the committee was taking. Jerry Kingrey suggested that since the commission hoped to advise the council , the council should have some input. He suggested that after the council appoints the committee, they (the committee) should hold numerous meetings throughout the community of educate the citizens, and discuss with them the pros and cons involved in the issue. After these meetings, the council should be presented with the findings along with the committee's recommendations. The time table C may have to be revised to allow for all this to happen. Jerry Wigen offered his thoughts to the committee in the form of an outline. Briefly, he suggested that the committee support one large question, rather than dividing the issues. Secondly, he offered several reasons for not using a survey, feeling it may ultimately have a negative affect. He outlined a breakdown of sub-committees, and a general plan for action. Wigin also discussed the possibility of a last-minute telephone campaign directed toward ! park and program users, and those with children involved in programs. One commi.ttee. pe.rson suggested that a heavy emphasis be placed on facilities being developed at Community Parks, such as Round Lake Park, and trails, that would be used by, and accessible to all residents. Dave Anderson agreed with. most of the ideas brought out by the committee. He felt strongly that the committee should have the councils. support in order to be effective. Because of the changing population in Eden Prairie, many people are expecting to have more facilities, and seem willing to support them. The committee must, however, come up with_ a definate plan and price tag. Ed King pointed out that EPAA would benefit from more playing fields. There are now over 90.0. children active in various programs,--that should generate a lot of support. He. also noted that neighborhood parks are important for kids. to learn and practice basic athletic skills. i C Minutes-- Committee for -2- May 17, 1979 Bond Referendum ( Bill Phillips also stated that he favored a large, single question; but -the costs and benefits must be spelled out clearly from the beginning. The committee agreed that: 1) One question should be presented to the voters. 2) All costs and benefits should be clearly outlined. 3) The committee must be responsible for educating and informing the voters. 4) Having the committee approved by the council would add greater credibility. The committee appointments should include a member of the council , the school board, and the school 's building committee. The plan of action to be taken: 1) Ask the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources 'Commission to.go to the council and request them to adopt or appoint a committee, to include representatives from all fair sized (24 homes and larger) neighborhoods, the council , the school board, and the school district's building committee. 2) The committee should then elect a committee chairperson, and appoint sub-committees. 3) The committee should set the desired date for the referendum, and after council approval begin actively meeting 90-120 days before the final date. 4) Since the school is about to begin construction, plans for a pool should be discussed with the school board, the building committee, and the architect to get their ideas and suggestions at this point. The meeting was completed at 9:30 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Georgia Jessen Recording Secretary I COMMITTEE FOR BOND REFERENDUM April 30, 1979 4- - ✓Jerry Kingrey 14311 Holly Road Susan Schultz 9395 Creekwood Drive Phil Renslow 9731 Archer Lane ,,�Jerry Wigen 7000 Kingston Drive Steve Sandness 7101 Center Drive Mary Upton 16163 Edenwood Drive Sharon Levitt 8406 Hiawatha Ave. Hugh Overstreet 10246 Laurel Drive ✓Edward King 7252 Gordon Drive Rodney Wilson 7190 Topview Road v arie Cornett 8745 Darnell Road -rr1a ;l:ec_ f$37 .0~e// /Pal. Pat Kinney 8755 Darnell Road `loria Pond 8819 Darnell Road Diana Pauling 10805 Northmark Drive p9'hirley Williamson 6740 Tartan Curve 'Sandy Collins 6641 Tartan Curve Sue Keller 6721 Lochanburn Road Brenda Welch 18810 Harrogate Road Karen Edstrom 10133 Eden Prairie Road Dick Bartley 9500 Clubhouse Road ,,,,"William Phillips 7330 Green Ridge Drive Robert Kurland L 10186 Laurel Drive / Sharon Levitt 8406 Hiawatha Ave.