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Parks and Recreation - 09/11/2017 APPROVED MINUTES PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2017 7:00 P.M. HERITAGE ROOMS 1 and 2 8080 Mitchell Road, City Center, Lower Level PRNR COMMISSION MEMBERS: Larry Link, Chair; Debra McBride, Vice Chair; Cecilia Cervantes, Patrice Erickson, Donald Jacobson, Matt Pellowski, Leonard Pesheck, John Rahman, Kirk Spresser STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES: William Hemler, John Lindholm, Govind Makaram, Janvi Shah, James Yoo CITY STAFF: Jay Lotthammer, Parks and Recreation Director Matt Bourne, Parks and Natural Resources Manager Lori Brink, Recreation Manager RECORDING SECRETARY: Jodie Fenske GUEST: Erica Sniegowski, Program Manager Nine Mile Creek Watershed District I. INTRODUCTIONS Link called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Roll call was taken. Commission Members Pellowski and Spresser were absent. Link welcomed the Student Representatives and asked each to introduce themselves to the Commission. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA McBride requested to amend the agenda to add V11. New Business, Section C, Aspire 2040. Motion: Pesheck moved, seconded by McBride, to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried 7-0. III. APPROVAL OF PRNR MINUTES Motion: Erickson moved, seconded by Rahman, to approve the August 7, 2017 minutes as presented. Motion carried 7-0. IV. REPORT OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES September 11, 2017 Page 2 A. SHADE TREE PEST CONTROL ORDINANCE Bourne reported the City Council held a public hearing and approved the first reading of the update to the ordinance to add Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) as a nuisance pest. The update also included inspection procedures and defined procedures on how to remove trees infested with EAB. Prior to this update, only Dutch Elm Disease and Oak Wilt were defined as nuisance pests. Tree inspectors will begin actively searching for EAB in the next few weeks. B. DONATION TO KIDSTOCK, SPOOKY SATURDAY,AND HALLOWEEN ON THE MALL Lotthammer reported Council approved a resolution accepting $250 from Veil Orthodontics. The donation will be split amongst the KidStock Concert Series, Spooky Saturday, and Halloween on the Mall. Veil Orthodontics will be recognized as a Silver sponsor for each of these events. C. RICE MARSH LAKE PARK PARKING LOT AND TRAIL REHABILITATION Lotthammer stated Council awarded the construction contract for rehabilitation of the parking lot and trails at Rice Marsh Lake Park. Contractors were able to begin almost immediately. D. RILEY LAKE PARK CONTRACT AMENDMENT Lotthammer reported Council approved an amendment for additional services needed for the Riley Lake Park renovation. Drainage issues in the stormwater pond resulted in design changes needed in order to meet the requirements of Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District. Pesheck inquired and Lotthammer and Bourne responded the amendment adds an additional amount of$16,500. V. REPORT OF PLANNING COMMISSION Bourne reported the Planning Commission recently approved a request for an addition by Assembly of God Church located at the corner of Duck Lake Trail and Eden Prairie Road. Project will include trail connections and is expected to be presented to Council in the next week. VI. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATION A. HANDOUTS OF UPCOMING EVENTS 1. Collection of One Acts PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES September 11, 2017 Page 3 The 13th annual Collection of One Acts will be presented by the Eden Prairie Players on September 15-16 and 21-23 at 7:30 p.m. and September 17 and 24 at 2 p.m. at the Riley-Jacques Barn. Six plays will be performed and two of the playwrights are expected to attend. 2. Eden Prairie Art Crawl The free event will be held on September 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and September 24 from Noon to 5 p.m. Art will be featured in artists' home studios, the Art Center, and the Senior Center. 3. Fall Lunch The Senior Center is hosting the Fall Lunch on Wednesday, October 4, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. A portion of this event is sponsored by Omega Chiropractic. B. PARKS AND RECREATION EXPERIENCES Pesheck noticed a lot of activity at Staring Lake Park in the weeks prior to school starting. Lotthammer noted an increase in cars as he's driven past recently. Cervantes added her grandsons have been enjoying the improved play structures and she feels the park is attracting more children than in the past. McBride walked to Cedar Hills Park and noted the play structure is up and the parking lot paved, although additional work continues. She mentioned a neighbor has stated she is not pleased with the development causing a disturbance to the area. McBride responded she is excited about the improvements and the natural plants and grasses will grow back. McBride also noted people are unfortunately using the area as an off-leash dog park. Link stated he recently biked to Staring Lake Park and also to Purgatory Creek Park for Prairie Brewfest. He commented the Brewfest was a great event and really showcased the park area. Lotthammer added the Purgatory Creek Park has been a catalyst to many community organizations for fundraising. Erickson returned to Staring Lake Park to play disc golf again with her family. She was pleased to see a new course map sign which last month she suggested would be helpful. She thanked staff for taking the initiative. She noticed the tennis and basketball courts are heavily used when she is there on weekends. McBride stated she visited Staring Lake Dog Park but left when she saw a sign that a coyote was seen in the park. Staff was unaware and had not posted the sign. Bourne stated he will investigate. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES September 11, 2017 Page 4 Student Representative Janvi Shah stated she had not frequently visited Staring Lake Park in the past but did so several times over this past summer. VII. NEW BUSINESS A. MASTER WATER STEWARDS Erica Sniegowski, Education and Outreach Manager for the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District(NMCWD), provided background information on watershed districts in general, as well as specific information on NMCWD. The Master Water Stewards program is modeled after the Master Naturalist and Master Gardener programs. Goals of the program are to get people involved with promoting water best practices and water management. Requirements include signing up for the program, taking 14 classes, and working with a partner to complete a project. Examples include rain barrels, cisterns, and restoration projects. She noted cost sharing opportunities are available. Volunteer service is required to stay certified. She invited the group to consider and to pass the word along about the program to others they know who may be interested. Class training includes hydrology, how to talk with neighbors about water management, benefit of rain gardens, etc. The program starts October 10 and cohorts are held in different areas within the NWCWD. The Freshwater Society hosts and runs the program. She provided a flyer to the group and invited them to visit the website, www.masterwaterstewards.ore. Erickson inquired and Sniegowski confirmed some watershed districts allow high school students to join the program. B. RED ROCK III ADDITION—PARK ACCESS Lotthammer provided background information of the request for an additional access to the Red Rock III Addition—Park Property. In the early 1970's it was common for developers to leave an open area of land to the homeowner's association. In this situation, the land did not get followed through on and the parcel sat for many years. Neighbors took it upon themselves to grade the dirt and make it into a useful area. At one point, a tree needed to be removed and there was no one to pay for it so the property went into tax forfeiture. Once certified by the County, the County approached the City about acquiring the land. Due to the pond on the property and stormwater issues, the City accepted the land as public property. On March 6, 2006, this property was discussed at the PRNR Commission meeting. The item was brought forward because a neighbor had been maintaining the property and had recently discovered it was actually City property. At that meeting, the previous Parks and Recreation Director and Parks and Natural Resources Manager recommended the City mark the property corners, not install a PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES September 11, 2017 Page 5 hard surface path, and continue to mow the current area. The PRNR Commission passed a motion in agreement with staff s recommendation. Since then the City has installed property markers and has contracted with a company to mow the area. Lotthammer introduced Sheila Zwettler(15382 Sand Hill Circle) who had requested to speak to the Commission regarding access to the park area. Zwettler outlined her concerns with parks staff, including the City not maintaining the access path next to her property that leads to the park area, despite her requests over ten years. She stated her goals for this meeting to be consistent maintenance, or at least accessibility of,posted park access areas and paths, and a policy in writing thereof. She provided a PowerPoint presentation including an overhead snapshot of the land and surrounding homes which had been provided by the City. She referred to a second access to the park area which is accessible and a third access which is not accessible. The path off Village Woods Drive leads to an asphalt path to Red Rock Lake which her family uses often. Zwettler stated she has not had many positive or constructive interactions with parks staff about this matter. She referred to conversations during which staff stated the path is not a path and posted access is not really access. She recalls staff clearly referring to three access points and that metal posts were installed as access indicators. She stated she was informed by city staff there is no written policy on City posted paths and access points. Over ten years,her requests to maintain the overgrown park access points have been ignored. Most recently, this spring she received agreement to trim the trees but then the agreement was denied. She stated she is not requesting any trees be removed, only trimmed, since the terrain of the area is very walkable. She referred to the meeting ten years ago during which she and neighbors shared concerns about the newly-installed metal posts and safety concerns. She stated she was told the posts needed to stay so other residents knew where to access the park. During that meeting, she had also shared concerns about the Village Woods path not being maintained or accessible and was told the City would investigate. She had met with then City Manager Scott Neal who was receptive to her suggestions but left his position prior to taking action. For many years Zwettler sporadically left messages for City staff about the tree maintenance and received no response. In March 2017, Zwettler thought she received approval for parks staff to trim the trees after speaking with Bourne. During follow up telephone calls, Bourne stated the growth of the trees needed to be observed prior to trimming. Bourne met with neighbors of the alternative path who stated they were willing to provide unofficial access to the park through their property. Zwettler stated her approval of that idea as long as access signs were moved but she did not feel that was the intention of City staff. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES September 11, 2017 Page 6 Per her request, Lotthammer and City Manager Rick Getschow met with Zwettler at her property in July 2017. Lotthammer stated at that meeting the path is not part of the Parks trail system. Zwettler became receptive to neighbor's alternative path but felt it was not sustainable in the long term and has requested in writing a long-term plan. She stated the trees have grown in the last ten years, the situation has not improved, and it is awkward to use a neighbor's alternative access rather than an official access. She asked the Commission to consider equity when considering her request and not maximize the path by her property and the others paths less as a punitive measure of her request. She stated she feels there have been punitive measures in the past when she has made her requests. She indicated her appreciation to the Commission for considering her request. Pesheck expressed concern that other City residents would not want City resources being used to maintain a not well-known,private park. Mark Elliott(15372 Sandhill Circle) stated Red Rock Lake could be more easily accessible for nearby residents if this path was more accessible. Commission Member Rahman, who happens to live on Morraine Way, stated he and his children obtain access via the already accessible path. Rahman inquired if anyone in the audience lived on the Village Woods side. Beth Broich (15431 Village Woods Drive) stated she purchased her property from her husband's uncle who planted the trees 30 years ago with no intention to block anyone's access to the park area. She shared concern about the slope of the land and how rains could easily wash out the area if trees were trimmed. She stated her family has never denied access to others and she herself suggested unofficial access from the other side of their property where there is easy access. She stated due to the slope of the land, tree trimming would need to go very high up the trees to make the path accessible and would create more problems than it would solve. She reiterated due to the slope, to make a passable trail, land would need to be leveled and a retaining structure installed, in her opinion. Link inquired of Bourne his recollection of the recent conversations with Zwettler. Bourne stated he informed her staff needed to wait until June for vegetation to have grown to determine what would need to be trimmed to make area accessible. Tom Stowe, Parks Maintenance Supervisor, surveyed the area, noting how much vegetation would need to be trimmed and how it would affect Broich's property and that of her neighbor, Karl Ness (15441 Village Woods Drive). Amber Stoner(15430 Morraine Way) stated she met with Bourne in June about the asphalt trail down to Red Rock Lake conservation area. She requested clearing the trail area and adding benches to make it more accessible and enjoyable for families to use. Karl Ness (15441 Village Woods Drive) stated he understands there is no public access to the lake in his area and the only access is on the other side of the lake. He PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES September 11, 2017 Page 7 stated he feels area is raised and would need to be cleared, graded, retaining structure installed, and cottonwood tree removed. In his experience,he does not feel the City would maintain it properly and it would become overgrown again. Lotthammer referred to the 2006 decision that the path would not become a paved path. City terminology of accessibility usually refers to Federal law and Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA). In this instance, the grass entrance could be considered non-accessible. In addition, after surveying the area with staff to determine trimming options, it was determined that with potential grade changes, trimming the trees would be detrimental to the trees which would also be detrimental to site lines of residents. Lotthammer also stated metal posts are installed at ends of property lines and are not path access indicators. At the time the posts were installed on the Zwettler property (15382 Sandhill Circle), the City followed her request to place the posts back a few feet so posts were not visible from her living room window. Normally property line posts are placed at the curb. Toni Knorr(15383 Sandhill Circle) stated clearing the pathway would be more convenient for residents in her part of the neighborhood and would make park area more well-known to residents to enjoy. Broich stated she would support clearing the area if it were the only access to the park area. However, since there are other access points available, she does not support clearing the area. Link inquired and Bourne confirmed the branches that would be trimmed are not five feet above ground but actually eight feet above ground, taking into consideration the three-foot slope down to where the base of the tree is. That is part of the reason staff determined cutting that much of the trees would be detrimental. Zwettler played a video of her son walking the path for the Commission to view. Link asked if any Commission members had additional questions or comments. McBride shared legal and cost concerns if path was created now and would need to meet ADA requirements. Cervantes shared similar concerns and felt there were other options already available to access the park area. Jacobson clarified the path coming from Sand Hill is mowed and accessible. Bourne restated the posts do not indicate a path but mark City property lines. Scott Zwettler(15382 Sandhill Circle) asked for posts to be removed since they are confusing. Bourne stated posts are located throughout the City to clarify boundary lines, not just in this area. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES September 11, 2017 Page 8 Broich shared other neighbors indicated concern to her about providing access on the other side of her home so she could not support making that area an unofficial accessible path. Rahman inquired and Mark Elliott(15372 Sandhill Circle) stated he supports clearing the path to make it accessible to more people. Knorr asked if signage could be installed to let people walking through the area know there are other access points since the two accessible areas are through cul de sacs. Link stated that request will be considered. Link asked if any Commission members intended to make a motion. He thanked Zwettler and the other residents for sharing their opinions and comments. C. ASPIRE 2040 McBride informed the focus groups for sustainability/open space and transportation will meet next week. She will provide updates at next month's Commission meeting. VIII. OLD BUSINESS A. STARING LAKE DOG PARK/SKI TRAIL UPDATE Bourne reminded the Commission a group of dog park users has approached the City and requested it move the cross country skiing out of Staring Lake dog park area to make it year-round dog park use. Staff has been working with the Eden Prairie High School cross country ski coach and contractors to determine feasibility of moving the cross country ski shed. Staff has determined additional information is needed prior to making a decision. Staff s suggestion to Commission is to allow staff to study the dog park and ski trails during the next winter, tracking how much time is used for each, and determining if it is feasible to switch use back and forth throughout the winter. Counts will be done on use and brought back to Commission with recommendations in spring. Erickson inquired and Bourne confirmed for this winter the dog park would close for skiing when posted. Lotthammer stated the area has historically been kept open as a dog park as long as possible each year until there is skiable snow. Intent is to track if area is used as a dog park in December and January if there is no snow. McBride inquired and Lotthammer responded tracking will be performed by staff driving by and making note of use at different times. Pesheck inquired and Bourne responded dog park is historically closed until the first large snowfall. Website is then updated and signs posted indicating dog park is then closed for the winter. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES September 11, 2017 Page 9 Link summarized staff s recommendation is to more closely track use throughout the winter and report back in spring. IX. REPORTS OF STAFF A. RECREATION SERVICES MANAGER 1. Springy-Summer Registration Brink provided follow up statistics to her comments in April regarding a record number of first-day summer registrations. Between 2016 and 2017, increases of 6 percent in enrollment and 11 percent in revenue were realized. Pricing of playground camps was held to a 1-4 percent increase so growth not necessarily a price increase jump but achieved by maximizing slots in programs offered. The majority of registrations historically occur between March 15-31 so early preparation and excellent accessibility for the community to register is required. Summer revenue was 67 percent of the year and March 15-31 registrations were 28 percent of the year. The camp preview day on February 20 (a no-school day) allowed staff to present information to the community and allow children and parents to interact with summer staff and coaches. Registration was opened for a few hours to only participants of the preview day and resulted in 90 registrations. Brink reiterated as in the past, the last few weeks of summer provide staffing challenges as college students return to school. Erickson suggested and Brink agreed consulting with Community Education staff could provide some alternatives. Jacobson inquired and Brink responded about profit from summer programs. Brink estimated approximately $100,000 of the $597,781 revenue received for summer registrations was due to playground camps. The camps are highly subsidized by the City by design. The programs provide 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. child care, in addition to before and after care. The remaining programs only need to cover their direct cost taking into consideration instructor, supplies, and minimum registrant number. Brink stated profit is not the goal but maximizing resources for service is. Link inquired about maximizing program offerings. Brink responded about the importance of creating balance amongst user groups; i.e.,how much pool time is available to rent to schools and private groups versus providing access to community center patrons. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES September 11, 2017 Page 10 B. PARKS AND NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGER 1. Park Construction Update Bourne provided a PowerPoint presentation recapping construction projects from the past season. At Riley Lake Park, the first of two layers of the new parking lot has been installed, boat launch is open on one side, hillsides have been seeded, new beach area has been expanded, retaining wall has been started, and some of the picnic areas and lakeshore seating have been started or completed. At Cedar Hills Park, the main parking lot off Eden Prairie Road has been completed,basketball court has been completed, grass has been seeded and native species planted, playground is finished, and the trail to the new bridge has been completed. Bourne noted the entire park project will be completed within the next month. The Edenvale Boulevard trail rehabilitation has been completed. The new parking lot at Rice Marsh Lake Park is finished and will be striped next week. The tennis courts at Holasek Hills Park have been resurfaced. The Edenbrook Conservation Area Nature Trail extension has been completed. The trail is located near the new residential development off Duck Lake Trail and includes boardwalks. The trail work was completed with assistance from an $8,500 payment provided by the homeowner's association. Bourne concluded with drawings of the replacement playground equipment being installed at Eden Lake Park next June. Since the park is next to Eden Lake Elementary School, the project cost is split at 50 percent with the Eden Prairie School District and City of Eden Prairie, each paying approximately $120,000 and the school district taking the lead on the project since they provide the majority of use of the park. C. PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR 1. Li!ht Rail Transit (LRT) Update Lotthammer reported Lindsey Danhauser and other City staff have been working on colors and materials recommended for the interior of train stations. Lotthammer expects to provide an update at the October Commission meeting. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES September 11, 2017 Page 11 2. 2017 PRNR Work Plan Lotthammer stated the October meeting will be held at the Senior Center and will include a tour of the facility and an overview of senior programming. Jacobson requested an update be provided regarding beetles released at the Richard T. Anderson Conservation area years ago. Bourne responded they are Aphthona beetles and the majority of them were released at the Prairie Bluff Conservation Area. He will provide additional information at a future Commission meeting in response to Jacobson's request. X. NEXT MEETING The next PRNR Commission meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 2 at 7 p.m., at the Eden Prairie Senior Center, 8950 Eden Prairie Road. The Fruit Tree Ceremonial Planting is planned for Tuesday, October 3 at 4 p.m. at Pioneer Park. XI. ADJOURNMENT Motion: McBride moved, seconded by Cervantes, to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 p.m. Motion carried 7-0.