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03/05/1987 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION _EAGAN, MINNESOTA MARCH 5, 1987 A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order by Vice Chairperson Thurston at 7:00 p.m. Members present were Porter, Sames, Bertz, Thurston, Caponi, Carroll, Kubik, and Masin. Staff present were the Director of Parks and Recreation, Ken Vraa; Parks Planner /Landscape Architect, Steve Sullivan; John VonDeLinde, Superintendent of Parks; and Planner, Jim Sturm. Other visitors were present for specific agenda items. - AGENDA On a motion by Porter, seconded by Carroll, with all members voting in favor, the agenda, with the addition of garden plots, was approved. MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 5, 1987 It was noted on page 8 of the minutes that the word "recommendation" should be inserted, and on page 7 "is" should be inserted in the second line. On a motion by Carroll, seconded by Bertz, with all members voting in favor, the minutes of February 5, 1987 were approved as amended. _ MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 11, 1987 SPECIAL MEETING Mr. Porter noted changes in the final paragraph concerning the recommendation to the City Council. On a motion by Carroll, seconded by Kubik, minutes of the Special Meeting of February 11, 1987 were approved as amended. LEXINGTON PARKVIEW ADDITION The Director of Parks and Recreation stated that staff had met with the developer to review the issues relative to the proposed grades for Parkview Road. Relative to the sharing of road costs, it is estimated at $17,500 for the City's share. The Director stated that the department has two alternatives; separate contracts or reduce the parks dedication on other projects to represent the value of the road construction cost in Lexington Parkview. After further discussion and explanation, on a motion by Kubik, seconded by Bertz, with all members voting in favor, it was recommeded that staff take appropriate action for the funding and sharing of the roadway for this plat. DANBURY ADDITION Planner Sturm reviewed the proposed Danbury Addition which was an exception within the Lexington Square Development. With review, the Commission recommended to the City Council, on a motion by Mr. Sames, seconded by Mr. Kubik, that a cash dedication requirement be a condition of plat approval. Adv. Parks & Rec. Comm. March 5, 1987 Page Two SUNRISE ADDITION Planner Sturm reviewed the proposed Sunrise Addition on Wescott Road, east of the proposed park/school site. Commission member Carroll expressed concern for the cul-de-sac which may result in erosion to this depression. Mr. Sturm stated that the Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation Service recently entered into a contract with the City concerning erosion control measures. The Director of Parks and Recreation reviewed the proposed exchange of land between the Sunrise Addition and the park/school site. The trades would be processed through a quit claim deed. After additional -discussion, there was a motion by Bertz, seconded by Kubik, with all members voting in favor, that Sunrise Addition be responsible for a cash dedication, a trail on Wescott, and a pedestrian trail to the park/school site. WOODLANDS ADDITION Planner Sturm reviewed the proposed Woodlands Addition, immediately east of the Sunrise Addition. After discussion, on a motion by Bertz, seconded by Kubik,. with all members voting in favor, the Advisory Commission recommended that there be a trail on Wescott Road, a trail to the school/parksite through the Sunrise Addition, and a cash dedication requirement. OLD BUSINESS CARNELIAN PARK 1 The Director of Parks and Recreation reviewed the comments received at the Carnelian Park neighborhood meeting. A number of suggestions and comments were received at the meeting which have been incorporated into planned improvements for the parks. Landscape Architect/Parks Planner Steve Sullivan explained the planning process and the limitations of the present park site. The residents wished the hockey rink to remain at its present location, but be repaired and upgraded. A single ball field is to be placed internally, but closer to the parking lot. An internal trail and importation of topsoil or other materials to create some topographic relief with massive plantings will be required. After further explanation of the concept plan, Mr. Sullivan reviewed two alternatives for the area identified as the play equipment and hard court surfaces. The alternatives involved incorporating horseshoe, basketball, and soccer kickboards. Several residents of the neighborhood were present to ask questions regarding the plan. Several residents spoke in favor of the plan, but rejected the idea of incorporating the basketball/soccer hard court space into one area, citing the limited space available. There were numerous questions regarding financing, timing, ball field distances, plant material, etc. After additional discussion, residents complimented the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission and staff on the plan and their willingness to listen to the residents' concerns. Upon a motion by Kubik, seconded by Carroll, with all members voting in favor, staff was directed to proceed with the final construction documents for Carnelian Park shown on Plan Alternate B. Adv. Parks & Rec. Comm. March 5, 1987 Page Three COMMUNITY CENTER STUDY - STEP 2 The Director of Parks and Recreation reviewed his memorandum contained in the packet, saying he felt the next step would be to do a sampling of the community relative to its needs. He suggested that representatives of the hockey association, figure skating groups, and swim groups be invited to provide input and information to the Commission. It was agreed that this would be the most logical step. Mr. Caponi questioned why the Commission should consider listening to additional people and collect more information before it has determined the philosophy of a community center. The Director responded that these people could provide additional information and expertise to allow the Commission the opportunity to know what the community has an interest in. Further, it is important to allow these groups to represent their views early in the Commission study. Mr. Kubik said that he felt it would be important to see some additional literature on this subject from perhaps, professional journals. Director VFaa responded that he has collected additional data that can be shared with the Commission. Mr. Kubik stated he hoped that if we bring additional people in, we will pay attention to more than just the special interest groups. Chairperson Thurston stated that she was in agreement with the next step as had been previously laid out and that the Commission should set a meeting date. After discussion, the Director of Parks and Recreation was asked to establish March 25, 7:00 p.m. for this meeting. BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD PARK SHELTER The Director told the Advisory Commission that the Finance Committee of Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Minnesota has approved, and will be recommending to the Board, the expenditures for the expansion of the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Park facility to include shower and locker rooms. Staff will be meeting with a representative of Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Minnesota to advance these plans. Director Vraa responded to a question indicating that the recent meeting with Schwarz-Weber Architects had set April 30 as a tentative bid opening date for shelter bidding. GARDEN PLOTS Director of Parks and Recreation Vraa reviewed the discussion at the last Advisory Commission meeting concerning garden plot sites. Superintendent VonDeLinde commented that the Lexington/Diff ley sites, Rahn park site and Pilot Knob park site had also been reviewed and found to be inadequate because of traffic, poor soil, or lack of space. There was discussion by the Advisory Commission relative to the best alternatives. Commission members commented that while none of the sites were ideal, the program should be continued. Director Vraa was asked for his recommendation concerning the site. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Advisory Commission for staff to proceed with the garden plot site under the Highline adjacent to Dodd Road. It was noted that this would be a temporary location until a suitable site could be located elsewhere. Adv. Parks & Rec. Comm. March 5, 1987 Page Four PARKS DEVELOPMENT Chairperson Thurston noted that there were several residents in the audience from the Lakeside Park neighborhood. The Commission was asked to take up this item. % The Director of Parks and Recreation reviewed the history of the park systems plan, the neighborhood meetings, and the selection and approval of a plan for Lakeside Park. He stated that several residents had been in contact with the department over the last several days. The resident adjacent to the park was very much opposed to the proposed plan, while others were very supportive. The Director continued, saying that the plan for the park had not changed from the plan that was approved in 1983 and that staff had continued with the planning for development of this park under the approved '84 bond referendum. Landscape Architect Steve Sullivan reviewed the existing park site and elements that affect its design. The systems plan located a ball field in the park, relocated a play structure, and prov tded for a hard courts play area. A trail is to be provided along the north edge of the park, beneath overhead powerlines. Because the park is small, little can be done to incorporate more than what is shown. Mr. Sullivan explained the tree line, maintenance line, etc. There were several questions by residents of the Commission regarding the size of the ball field and who might use it. Mr. Dahl, an adjacent resident, spoke J against the plan. He was concerned about the destruction-of the trees and disruption to wildlife. He further stated that the ball field would be used by adult groups which would encourage drinking and disuse of the park. In response to a question from the audience, the Director of Parks and Recreation stated that this is not a scheduled facility. Adult league games are played at two community athletic sites and youth games are scheduled at school sites and parks with adequate parking. This site would not be a scheduled site, but for use by neighborhood pick-up groups. He went on to say that the 220-foot foul line distances are sufficient for younger children, but older groups would find it too small for their use. In response to the issue of destruction to vegetation, Mr. Sullivan stated that the City forester had done an inventory and analysis of the trees on the park. The trees taken would be box elder and other volunteer growth vegetation of a very small diameter. Larger ash trees with approximately 4" diameters would be lost, but the majority of mature trees would be saved and would not be affected by this plan. There were other questions regarding the size of the play equipment, trails, disruption of wildlife, and the utilization of the park. Several of the residents spoke in favor of the plan, citing that children are often now playing in the cul-de-sacs and streets because there is limited play space at the park presently. Chairperson Thurston asked Mr. Dahl if the backstop should be moved to an alternate location, one which would place it next to the house. Mr. Dahl opposed this and stated that his desire was not to have any ball field or any development. After additional discussion, Mr. Caponi stated that he accepted the plan, even though he had not been involved with it Adv. Parks & Rec. Comm. March 5, 1987 Page Five before, that the size of the parcel. limited the alternatives available, and that this was a good parks plan given the restrictions. Mr. Caponi then made a motion to accept the plan and for staff to proceed with construction documents. The motion was seconded by Carroll, with all members voting in favor. HIGHVIEW SKATING RINK Director of Parks and Recreation Vraa referred to his memorandum in the packet concerning the elimination or repair of the Highview -skating rink. A video tape was played for the Commission which was taken of the hockey rink, open skating area, and park shelter building. During the playing 'of the tape, the Director pointed out the poor condition of the hockey boards and attempts at repair made by staff. After presentation of the video tape, members of the Commission acknowledged the very poor condition of the hockey boards and the embarrassment to the parks system. Commission questioned cost for replacement of the hockey boards only. Director Vraa responded that material costs are approximately $10,000 - $12,000. In response to a question about the building, the Director indicated that the replacement structures are now estimated at about $22,000. There were questions relative to the number of skaters, relocation of light poles, the status of a broomball program using the facility, as well as other general questions. Mr. Caponi, seconded by Mr. Carroll, recommended that staff remove the hockey boards, regrade the disrupted area, and leave a free skating rink. All voted in favor. CONSENT AGENDA Director Vraa questioned whether the Commission would approve of the use of a consent agenda for the more routine items pertaining to developer proposals. Member Kubik questioned whether items could be removed from the consent agenda. Finding that this could be done, on a motion by Sames, seconded by Kubik, with all members voting in favor, the Commission asked that the consent agenda be used. ARBOR DAY Director of Parks and Recreation Vraa stated that the department had been working on an Arbor Day program to highlight and focus on the importance of tree planting and reforestation. Superintendent VonDeLinde stated that the third Saturday in April is National Arbor Day. He explained the Saturday, • April 25 planned program, for the planting of trees at Meadowlands Park. After additional explanation, members of the Commission expressed positive support and excitement over the program. Member Caponi stated that the Commission should function responsibly and express its main interest in this program. Director Vraa asked for the Commission's response to a proposal entitled "Buy A Tree/Get A Tree". He stated that the City would purchase trees at a Adv. Parks & Rec. Comm. March 5, 1987 Page Six discount and then sell them to residents along with a free tree. Sandy Bertz suggested that the individuals be allowed to buy a tree and then donate a tree to the parks system. Several members spoke adamantly in favor of this idea. Member Kubik asked how this might be accomplished. After additional discussion and comments relative to the support of this program, on a motion by Kubik, seconded by Bertz, with all members voting in favor, $1,000 for an Arbor Day tree planting program shall be initiated. Mr. Caponi suggested that the Advisory Commission prepare a press release or resolution regarding the Arbor Day program. After discussion, on a motion by Caponi, seconded by Kubik, with all members voting in favor, staff was directed to prepare on behalf of the Commission for its review at the next meeting, a resolution in support of Arbor Day. 1987/1988 COMMISSION OBJECTIVES The Director of Parks and Recreation suggested that the Commission put together a list of items it feels are important for the staff and Commission to address over the next several months. He explained a process for collection that staff would be using. After additional discussion and questioning as to the process, it was the consensus of the Commission that it would take the following weeks to individually prepare suggestion items. A separate meeting would be held at a future time as a brainstorming session to further refine and prioritize these items. PARKS DEVELOPMENT - O'LEARY PARK/VIENNA WOODS PARK Landscape Architect Steve Sullivan reviewed the parks plan for O'Leary Park. He stated that several topographic features and vegetation of this site were important to consider and maximize. He explained that the park is devoid of any real winter program activity and is primarily a summer park. The lineal nature of the park lends itself to several trails and the installation of play equipment would be located on an island surrounded by mature trees. He described for the Commission how this would be accomplished, along with other elements of the park. The play equipment would have to be very site specific, utilizing wood chips and a series of timbers and soft surface materials. A small shelter, a hard court, and a centrally-located picnic area would be constructed. The Commission commented positively about the parks plan and stated that Mr. Sullivan has taken a very difficult park and created an opportunity. Mr. Sullivan then proceeded to review the proposed Vienna Woods Park, noting its location adjacent to I-35E and a commercial area to the north with major restrictions. Although the size of the park is somewhat limited, an overlay ball field and soccer area could be accommodated. He noted that these would be undersized facilities. Commission member Carroll stated that screening of the commercial area of the highway would be very important to this park's plan. After additional discussion regarding the parks. and its elements, on a motion by Carroll, seconded by Sames, staff was directed to proceed with the ` two parks plans for construction documents. - Adv. Parks & Rec. Comm. March 5, 1987 Page Seven OTHER BUSINESS AND REPORTS Director of Parks and Recreation Vraa reviewed items under the "Other Business and Reports" section of the agenda. He asked the Commission if it would be interested in having a joint Commission meeting with the Commissions of Burnsville and Apple Valley. It was the consensus of the Commission that this should be held in May and that it had no particular priority at this time because of the work load. Director Vraa stated that he had negotiated an addendum to the contract with Schwarz-Weber Architects for the 1987 building construction and architectural program. Because of this program being expanded from two to four buildings and the work load of the department, he felt it would be advisable to use the architectural firm rather than staff. Members were in agreement with this recommendation. The Director next explained the Police Explorers program, handing out a draft manual that had been prepared for volunteer explorers. Members of the Commission expressed support for this concept. The Director next explained the contractual arrangement the City had with Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District for enactment of erosion control measures. Staff responded to several questions regarding frequency of inspections and who pays for these services. ADJOURNMENT On a motion by Porter, seconded by Sames, the Commission meeting of March 5, 1987 was adjourned at 10:50 p.m. 9/ c Da a Advisory Parks & Recrea on Secretary