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Parks and Recreation - 03/16/1981 i 1981 MARCH 2 ,, 16 MINUTES CITY OF EDEN PRAIRIE r ' i AGENDA r. EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, MARCH 2, 1981 7:30 P.M. , CITY HALL COMMISSION MEMBERS: Richard Anderson, chairperson; Pat Brientenstein, Marge Friederichs, Marty Jessen, Jerry Kingrey, Jesse Schwartz, Larry VanMeter COMMISSION STAFF: Robert A. Lambert, Director of Community Services Approx. Time to Begin Item 7:30 I. ROLL CALL II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA "L 7:35 III. MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 2, 1981 IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS 7:40 A. Petition from Horse Owners for Equestrian Trails in Staring Lake Park 7:45 B. Letter from Mr. Henry Eserhut V. RECOMMENDATIONS AND REPORTS A. Reports of Commissioners 1. Introduce Jesse Schwartz B. Reports of Staff 7:50 1. Minutes from Community School Services Advisory Council 7:55 2. Information on New Athletic Coordinator 8:00 3. Council Report of 2/3/81 & 2/17/81 VI. OLD BUSINESS 8:05 A. Appointment of Slope Ordinance Committee Members 8:10 B. Round Lake Park Shelter 8:25 C. Bridges Over Valley View Road VII. NEW BUSINESS 8:30 A. Staring Lake Master Plan 8:50 B. Concession/Storage Building for Flying Cloud Ballfields r Parks, Recreation & -2- March 2, 1981 Natural Resources VII. NEW BUSINESS (cont) 8:55 C. 1980 Annual Report of Community Services Department 9:05 D. Building at Riley Lake Park 9:15 E. Athletic Association Request for Funds 9:20 F. Community Center Change Orders 9:30 G. 1982 LAIVCON Grant 9:35 VIII. ADJOURNMENT r' I APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, MARCH 2, 1981 7:30 P.M. , CITY HALL COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Richard Anderson, chairperson; Pat Breitenstein, Marge Friederichs, Marty Jessen, Jerry Kingrey, Jesse Schwartz, Larry VanMeter COMMISSION STAFF: Robert A. Lambert, Director of Community Services OTHERS PRESENT: Dick Dahl, E. P. News I. ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P.M., by Chairperson, Richard Anderson. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: VanMeter moved to approve the Agenda as published. Jessen seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. III. MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 2, 1981 Change: p. 6 Item C. — Change spelling from John"Lobin", to John "Lobben" Kingrey. MOTION: Jessen moved to approve the Minutes as published with the above change. Kingrey seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS A. Petition from Horse Owners for Equestrian Trails in Staring Lake Park Lambert referred to a petition with 63 signatures on it in support of a horse trail through Staring Lake Park. Staff is generally supportive of an equestrian trail at Staring Lake but does want to note certain concerns. There is a potential conflict at the north creek crossing between users of the bike trail and the equestrian trail. Staff also would recommend that the equestrian clubs get together to discuss their involvement in controlling this trail and assisting the City to enforce this park ordinance. Staff is uncomfortable with development of lighted ballfields at Staring Lake Park. Vanbleter asked if there is a potential problem with horses crossing the creek, is it necessary that the trail go all the way around the lake? Lambert said he feels the traffic (car) is heavy enough on Research Rd. to make it unsafe for horses. Therefore Staff recommends the trail go all the way around the lake. y Jensen asked if this proposed horse trail would connect with another trail. Lambert replied not at this point, it merely is giving people in the City a place to ride. Future connections would connect this trail to the Minnesota River Valley Trail. r _ Minutes - Parks, Recreation & approved March 2, 1981 Natural Resources Commission -2- Anderson asked what the possibility would be of connecting the Staring Lake horse trail thru the underpass of 169 to the Minn. River Valley as the snowmobile trail conneots. Lambert said the City can look at a connection, but a problem might be in obtaining easements as a horse trail is a year round trail, where a snowmobile trail is very short t erm. Kingrey expressed support of a horse trail but said the burden should be placed on riding groups for major responsibility policing of the trail. Resident Pat Hartell, Staring Lane, said she is pleased to see a concern for horse trails in Eden Prairie. She said there presently isn't a strong equestrian group in Eden Prairie, but perhaps development of a designated trail would unify riders within the City and give them something to work toward. MOTION: Jessen moved to recommend approval of the petition and recommend development of a horse trail around Staring Lake within the Park boundary. This Commission also would recommend pursuing an alter- native to horses crossing the 6' creek bridge and check with Northrup King on the possibility of an equestrian easement up to Research Rd. Breitenstein seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. MOTION: Jessen moved to recommend checking with the MAC on the possibility . of crossing airport property for an equestrian trail as a connection j from Staring Lake to the Minnesota River Valley. Kingrey seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. ' B. Letter from Mr. Henry Eserhut Lambert referred to Staff Memo of February 23, 1981, where Eserhut's wrote to the City and informed them they want to sell their property (.4 acre and house) and would give the City first option to buy. Staff feels this prospect is about 5 years too early in terms of need and budget. MOTION: VanMeter moved to recommend the Council not pursue acquisition of the Eserhut property at this time. Anderson seconded the motion. The motion carried with Anderson voting "nays". i DISCUSSION: Kingrey suggested Staff respond to Eserhut's in a letter and explain why this action was taken. V. RECOMMENDATIONS AND REPORTS A. Reports of Commissioners 1. Introduce Jesse Schwartz Anderson introduced Jesse Schwartz as a new member of this Commission. i r I Minutes — Parks, Recreation & .approved March 2, 1981 Natural Resources Commission —3— B. Reports of Staff 1. Minutes from Community School Services Advisory Council I Information item — no discussion. 2. Information on New Athletic Coordinator Lambert reported that Stuart Alexander has been hired as the new Athletic Coordinator. Alexander was at St. Louis Park from 1974 78, and has been a free—lance writer from 1978 to the present. Lambert also reported Chuck Pappas has been hired as Community Center Manager. Pappas comes to Eden Prairie from Flint, Michigan. Anderson said he would like this Commission to formally meet the new people in the near future. 3. Council Report of 2/3/81 & 2/17/81 February 3. 1281: a) Appointed representative for Slope Ordinance Committee b) Reviewed Master Plan for City Hall site. Agreed to choose architect to analyze present site. c) Approved agreement to transfer parks to HCPRD. d) Approved BMX track. e) Considered Brauer Plan—requested Brauer come back in 60 days with consent letters from property owners, a commitment from Browning Ferris for free fill, opinion from attorney for assessment procedures, opinion from finance if City could with— stand so much more in levy. f) Approved M�nnesota Wildlife Refuge Area recommendation from this Commission. February 17, 1981: a) Continued to next meeting bid for Round Lake Park Shelter Chairperson Anderson recommended moving to Agenda Item VII.A. Staring Lake Master Plan, to accommodate residents present. i Minutes - Parks, Recreation & approved March 2, 1981 Natural Resources Commission -4- VII. NEW BUSINESS A. Staring Lake Master Plan Lambert pointed out that development of this park is based on the outcome of torrens proceedings presently in progress. If there are claims made against this property development of Staring Lake Park will be delayed until 1982. If no claim, the majority of this development will occur during the summer of 1981. Lambert reviewed the Master Plan for all present. Kingrey expressed concern that the archery range could be a hazard with the play area so close. Lambert said the archery range will be very visible and all shooting will be away from the play activity area and into an embankment so he feels the range will be a safe one. Anderson expressed concern that access to the park is not as good as he would like to see it. Lambert said the City will probably have to live with the weak access areas as it will be a time before Mitchell Road and Research Road will be upgraded. Jensen said he feels lighted ballfields do not seem in character with this park, and asked if the fields couldn't be put on MAC property or S' elsewhere. Lambert said MAC will not allow it, the City has had trouble before on the subject of field lights on MAC property. Kingrey said the Football Association definitely needs 3 to 4 fields with lights for their practices. Lambert and Jessen suggested possibly lighting the 2 existing softball fields at Round Lake Park instead of putting lighted fields in at Staring Lake Park. Kingrey said he would like to consider the proposition rather than answer at this point. MOTION: Jessen recommended approval of the Staring Lake Master Plan and requests that the ballfield item be held out until the Football and Soccer Associations have a chance to review the., �tter. VanMeter seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. DISCUSSION: Jessen asked what the cost for this park might be. Lambert estimated $140,000 depending on the extent of the lighting plan. (Return to Agenda sequence) VI. OLD BUSINESS A. Appointment of Slope Ordinance Committee Members Kingrey and Anderson volunteered to serve on the Committee. Kingrey expressed concern that the Committee will be established without notifying land owners of the intent of the Committee. He suggests that preliminary notification of apparent affected landowners, especially those along the slope of Hwy.169, would be the best approach. Lambert said notifying landowners is premature at this point, as the Committee is being formed only to give ideas, not to draft an ordinance. At this point, we wouldn't know who to notify. i Minutes — Parks, Recreation & approved March 2, 1981 Natural Resources Commission -5- T B. Round Lake Park Shelter Lambert pointed out the shelter estimate was $150,000 and the bids came in at $199,000. Staff recommends rejection of bid in an effort to get the cost down to $170,000 range. MOTION: Jensen moved to recommend all bids for Round Lake Park Shetler be rejected and plans be redone to promote a lower bid. Breitenstein seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. C. Bridges .Over Valley View Road Lambert referred to Staff memo of February 24, 1981 , noting that the school district has authorized removing the easterly and westerly bridges. VII. NEW BUSINESS A. Above B. Concession/Storage Building for Flying Cloud Ballfields MOTION: Vanhieter recommended approval of Concession/Storage building for Flying Cloud ballfields per Staff recommendation. Schwartz seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. C. 1980 Annual Report of Community Services Department Lambert referred to this as an informational item--no discussion. D. Buildings at Rile Lake Park MOTION: Kingrey moved to recommend proceeding to demolish the cottage and the old resort building at Riley Lake Park, and that the City continue to rent the Sohaitberger house. Friederiohe seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. E. Athletic Association Request for Funds MOTION: Jensen moved to approve $500 from the City to the Athletic Association as requested. VanMeter seconded the motion and it carried with Kingrey abstaining. F. Community Center Change Orders MOTION: Breitenstein moved to recommend approval of the proposed change orders for the Community Center. Kingrey seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. r. Minutes — Parks, Rooreation & approved March 2, 1981 Natural Resources Commission —6— i- G. 1982 LAWCON Grant MOTION: VanMeter moved to approve negotiating for the purchase of the Swedlund property at Riley Lake per Staff recommendations. Schwartz seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. VIII. ADJOURNMENT VanMeter moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:40 p.m. Jessen seconded the motion. Respectfully submitted, Carrie Tietz Recording Secretary i AGENDA EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, MARCH 16, 1981 7:30 P.M., CITY HALL COMMISSION MEMBERS: Richard Anderson, chairperson; Pat Breitenstein, Marge Friederichs, Marty Jessen, Jerry Kingrey, Jesse Schwartz, Larry VanMeter COMMISSION STAFF: Robert A. Lambert, Director of Community Services Approx. Time to Begin Item 7:30 I. ROLL CALL II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA III. MINUTES OF MARCH 2, 1981 IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS 7:35 A. Letter from John Lobben RE: BMX Races V. RECOMMENDATIONS AND REPORTS A. Reports of Commissioners None B. Reports of Staff 7:40 1. Development Proposal - CPT 2nd Phase Building 7:55 2. Minutes of Eden Prairie Community School Advisor Council 2 26 81 8:00 3. Eden Prairie In Action F 8:05 4. Council Report 3/3/81 r VI. OLD BUSINESS 8:10 A. Purgatory Creek Recreation Area Plan - Progress Report 1 ; 8:20 B. Staring Lake Master Plan 8:35 C. Revision to Eden Prairie Comprehensive Plan Review VII. NEW BUSINESS 8:45 A. Update 5 Year Capital Improvement Program 9:15 VtII. ADJOURNMENT APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, MARCH 16, 1981 7:30 P.M. , CITY HALL COMMISSION MEMBERS: Richard Anderson, chairperson; Pat Breitenstein, Marge Friederichs, Marty Jessen, Jerry Kingrey, Jesse Schwartz, Larry VanMeter COMMISSION STAFF: Robert A. Lambert, Director of Community Services OTHERS PRESENT: Dick Dahl, E.P. News I. ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Chairperson, Richard Anderson, at 7:30 p.m. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Additions: Section V.A.1. Request for Information - Friederichs Section V.A.2. Report on MRPC Meeting - Jessen MOTION: VanMeter moved to approve the Agenda as published with the above additions. Jessen seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. III. MINUTES OF MARCH 2, 1981 Addition: Page 4, last para. - After first sentence, add -the following sentence: "He suggests that preliminary notification of apparent affected landowners, especially those along the slope of Highway 169, would be the best approach.' (continue paragraph as published) MOTION: Jessen moved to approve the Minutes of March 2, 1981 as written with the addition. Breitenstein seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. IV. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMb1UNICATIONS A. Letter from John Lobben RE: BMX Races Lambert referred to the letter from John Lobben requesting the City to enter into an agreement with Midwest BMX to sponsor and schedule some races in Eden Prairie this summer. Midwest BMX would like to sponsor about one race per month at a cost to each participant of $5.00. (The cost covers insurance, trophies, publicity and $.50 per child paid to the City.) Lambert said he supports this effort but is concerned with the concept of someone coming to the City and making a profit on park lands. Jessen asked how much money, finally, will the City have to provide for these races? Lambert said other than minimal grading of the track, CMidwest BMX will do all advertising and organizing of the races thus Minutes — Parks, Recreation & .,approved March 16, 1981 Natural Resources Commission —2— incurring all the expenses. Lambert pointed out that an alternative to this arrangement is for the City to sponsor the races, at perhaps $3.00-$4.00 per participant, but the races would not be sanctioned or as extravagant. Midwest BMX has sponsored many very well—run races throughout the Midwest Mr. Lobben mentioned. Jessen suggested trying the Midwest BMX races on a trial basis with a complete financial report after the first couple races. Lambert said this could be accomplished, as well as a report on the number of Eden Prairie residents participating in these races. MOTION: Jessen moved to approve Midwest BMX sponsored races in Eden Prairie this year with a maximum of 6 races, for planning purposes, and also that a status report be provided after 2 races. Friederichs seoonded the motion and it carried unanimously. At this point, business moved to Item V.B. 1. to accommodate -those present making presentations. V. RECOMMENDATIONS AND REPORTS B.1. Development Proposal — CPT 2nd Phase Building John Torseth, project architect, and Jim Engler, representing CPT Corp., 1 were present to discuss the project. Torseth located the present building at the northwest corner of Mitchell Road and Scenic Heights Drive. He pointed out that the CPT Corporation has been expanding at a very rapid rate over the past 10 years and especially over the past 2 years, making their present facility, after one year, at 100A capacity. They are looking for more engineering, office and possibly manufacturing space. Torseth mentioned they would like to achieve a better entry system than they presently have. A possibility is to enter from the north side of the site. He said 78th Street might be extended at some point which would bring traffic from 78th St. to Wallace Rd. Torseth said a new parking lot is planned along the west side of the building and a storm drain system from the parking lot will be channeled into the pond. Berming is planned around the parking lot and landscaping will be extended along the west property line. Lambert asked if CPT has made any commitments to replace trees presently on the site that have died? Engler said about $20,000 has been invested in replacing trees so far and probably more will be done this year. Kingroy asked if a trail system has been worked into this plan? j Lambert said there is nothing in the way of a trail. CPT is dedicating approximately 171 of land along Mitchell Road. Lambert further pointed ( out that an 89 asphalt trail is planned for the east side of Mitchell Minutes — Parks, Recreation & approved March 16, 1981 Natural Resources Commission —3— 1 Road to tie in with the proposed Anderson Lakes Parkway trail, but upgrading of Mitchell Road will not take place until Anderson Lakes Parkway makes a connection. Kingrey said the City should take a very hard look at screening of this site, the extent of proposed plantings, and assurances from the developer that the screening will take place and be maintained. He pointed out that -the trees on the site that have died simply weren't taken care of. Torseth said they are considering a plan to eliminate the entry on Scenio Heights Drive which would enable them to do more elaborate screening at that point. Lambert said he feels this Commission should express their concern with the large proposed parking area and that the developer comply completely with the screening ordinance. Kingrey said the way 78th Street is proposed to the west, would draw traffic in front of the Middle School. If expansion extension of Highway 212 is not a reality, then the pond on the CPT site becomes quite significant from an environmental standpoint, and increased ( traffic adjacent to it would definitely have a negative effect on it. Anderson expressed concern that there are no detailed plans, as yet, for landscaping, therefore he feels uncomfortable about the type and extent of screening that will be done. Lambert said that there is nothing the City can do to insure proper screening other than the screening ordinance which does cover berms, landscaping and maintenance. Kingrey asked that a copy of the City screening ordinance be provided to Commissioners. MOTION: Jensen moved to approve the revised plan of the CPT addition. Breitenstein seconded the motion. Breitenstein, Friederichs, Jessen and Schwartz voted "aye", Anderson and Kingrey voted "nave" and VanMeter abstained. The motion passed. DISCUSSION: Kingrey said he voted no because the natural resources on and adjacent to the development have not been adequately considered. He said he wished better answers had been supplied about other areas affected by a development such as this. Anderson said he would like to review what is within the realm of this Commission's responsibilities. He feels visual pollution is a concern and is a valid one to look at in developments like this. Jessen said one should keep in mind the three responsibilities of this Commission in advising the Council on; 1) park planning 2) recreation activities, and 3) inventory of natural resource areas and recommending appropriate preservation programs. Minutes - Parks, Recreation & approved March 16, 1981 Natural Resources Commission -4- At this point business returned to Agenda Item V.A. V. RECOMMENDATIONS AND REPORTS A. Reports of Commissioners 1. Request for Information Friederiohs asked that Minutes from the Fishing Resource Committee Meetings be filed into Commission.materials. Lambert agreed and said this would be accomplished. 2. Report on MRPC Meeting Jessen reported on the March 14, 1981, MRPC meeting in Roseville on the subject of the Roseville Central Park Foundation. Jessen provided printed information for Commission members. Anderson said he would like to hear more about "Foundation" status and Lambert offered to provide this information when the proposed Eden Prairie Foundation (Rotary and Chamber project) details are available. B. Reports of Staff 1. Development Proposal (above) 2. Minutes of Eden Prairie Community School Advisory Council 2/26/81 Lambert referred to a copy of the Minutes provided to Commission members for their information. 3. Eden Prairie In Action Lambert said Eden Prairie In Action will take place Sunday, May 3, 1981, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Community Services will have 3 booths at the event and Lambert said he would like to see C Commission members man one of the booths. Staff will provide a sign-up sheet at the next meeting. 4. Council Report 3/3/81 * Round Lake Park Shelter - Council took Park Commission recommen- dation to reject bids. Bids will be received on the revised plan on March 30, 1981- * Esserhut letter was considered and the offer denied at this time. * Denied Eden Prairie Athletic Association's request for funds. Approved funds for the flyer only. C *Approved concessions at Flying Cloud Fields Minutes - Parks, Recreation & approved March 16, 1981 Natural Resources Commission -5- * Approved Community Center change orders * Approved application for Swedlund property purchase with 1982 LAWCON funds. Kingrey suggested asking the Eden Prairie Athletic Assooiation to have a booth at the Eden Prairie In Action event. VI. OLD BUSINESS A. Purgatory Creek Recreation Area Plan - Progress Report Lambert updated the Commission on this plan and noted that it is not going well. Letters received from property owners indicate that of the twelve landowners that would have to contribute land, five indicate yes, five maybe and two no. Also there are no commitments for any free fill for this project. Kingrey suggested that as long as the majority of lowland/creek ` land will be acquired by Eden Prairie eventually, perhaps the City should develop a preliminary plan as land is acquired, and then in 5 to 10 years decide whether to go with a golf course or something else. Lambert said by the next meeting Staff will make a feasibility study as to whether Eden Prairie needs another golf course, and be ready to report findings to this Commission. The City Attorney will also be consulted on this subject and a .report made to the Commission. p i B. Staring Lake Master Plan Lambert reviewed Commission action at the last meeting to approve the concept plan for Staring Lake Park, but asked for alternative consider- ation on the lighted ballfields area. Steve Calhoun, City Park Planner, was present and explained alternative park plans that have been prepared. The new plan will out grading for t the park almost in half as their is only one softball field planned and it will be only slightly below grade. Also an overflow parking lot is planned adjacent to the softball field. Jessen questioned the necessity for the overflow parking lot. Calhoun responded that some overflow parking is needed which this lot would provide and it will also accommodate those that just come to the park to play ball. Anderson asked if a sand volleyball area could be incorporated into this park? Lambert agreed to include this in the plan. C Minutes — Parks, Recreation & approved March 16, 1981 Natural Resources Commission —6— MOTION: Breitenstein moved to approve the revised Staring Lake Master Plan per staff report of March 12, 1981. VanMeter seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. Jessen recommended leaving the overflow parking lot open (grass) and if there becomes a need after the park is in use, the area can be asphalted and defined later. Staff agreed with this suggestion. C. Revision to Eden Prairie Comprehensive Plan Review Lambert referred to Staff Memo of March 12, 1981, as an information item. VII. NEW BUSINESS A. Update 5 Year Capital Improvement Program Lambert referred to the Draft Copy of the Program prepared for this Commission. Lambert said Cash Park Fees stated therein represent a conservative estimate. Kingrey asked where the City stands on the liquor store? Lambert said a new liquor store at the Preserve Shopping Center is planned and will be voted on this fall, but revenues have not been projected in this draft. Anderson and Kingrey suggested that the sliding hill at Forest Hills School be bermed to direct sliding away from the chain link fence around the tennis court. Lambert asked Commission members to review the draft and make suggestions at the next meeting. He pointed out that once the program is adopted we would expect to update it on an annual basis. Anderson suggested that tennis courts at the Middle School be asphalt and that practice boards on the outside of the courts be installed with extra blacktopping space. ' VIII. ADJOURNMENT r VanMeter moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:10 p.m. Jessen seconded the motion. Respectfully submitted, Carrie Tietz Recording Secretary r i