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11/02/1989 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION EAGAN, MINNESOTA NOVEMBER 2, 1989 A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, November 2, 1989 with the following Commission Members present: Ted Billy, George Kubik, Dick Carroll, Shawn Hunter, Michele Swanson and Sandy Masin. Staff present included Ken Vraa, Director of Parks and Recreation; Steve Sullivan, Landscape Architect/Parks Planner; Dorothy Peterson, Recreation Supervisor II; Jim Sturm, City Planner; Shannon Willey, Zoning Administrator/City Planner I and Cherryl Mesko, Secretary. Commission Member Jack Johnson and Parks Superintendent John VonDeLinde were not present. AGENDA Ken Vraa asked that two items be added under Other Business and Reports. Item #4 is a request for facilities at Kettle Park and Item #5 is an update on architect interviews. Dick Carroll moved, Shawn Hunter seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the agenda as amended. MINUTES FROM SPECIAL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1989 Page 3, Sentence 3 should read "George agreed, and felt it was wise to set the parameters...". Page 3, second to last paragraph, first sentence should read "....September Commission meeting, were Shawn Hunter moved, Dick Carroll seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the minutes of the special meeting as amended. MINUTES FROM OCTOBER 5, 1989 Page 4, Paragraph 3, Sentence 2 should read, "Jack Johnson offered an amendment to recommend the creation of a passive play area with the particulars to be worked out with staff. Michele Swanson seconded the motion and amendment with all members voting in favor." CONSENT AGENDA Dick Carroll moved, Ted Billy seconded with all members voting in favor to recommend to the City Council approval of the following: 1. REZONING - BURNSVILLE LUMBER CO., INC. That this parcel be subject to a cash parkland dedication. That this parcel may be subject to a cash trailway dedication dependent on the enacted policy at the time of City Council approval of the final plat. ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 2,1989 MEETING PAGE 2 COVENTRY PASS 2ND ADDITION Jim Sturm explained that Coventry Pass 2nd Addition is for 39 single family homes on the east side of Dodd Road. During the rough grading of this parcel there was a discrepancy in the grade to serve the future needs of the adjacent parent property. After several meetings the decision was made to change the location of the road within the plat. Due to the change in the plat the issue is being brought back before the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission. Mr. Sturm explained that the lot layout is the same except for the change in the road. Steve Sullivan reminded the Commission that they had reviewed this issue in January of 1989. At that time they reviewed three alternatives and chose a park site in the southeast corner of the site. The parkland acquisition equates to 141.45 lots and the remaining lots would be subject to a cash dedication. Coventry Pass platted 59 lots and the proposed 2nd Addition has an additional 39 lots. These 98 lots have fulfilled the parks dedication through the parkland dedication and the subdivision would begin providing a cash dedication with the platting of the 142nd lot. Mr. Sullivan further stated that there is no Commission action required at this time. The Commission recommendation made previously is still effective even with the change in the road location. Dick Carroll noted that the construction of an 8 foot bituminous trail from Country View Drive to Prairie Ridge Road within Outlot B, which was part of the original recommendation, should be graded so that the trail will be able to be used effectively. Jim Sturm commented that all grading requirements would be met to fulfill the requirements set forth by the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission. SHADE TREF,/LANDSCAPING ORDINANCE Ken Vraa explained that the existing ordinance covers diseased trees, maintenance of private property and weed control. In the packet is a list of proposed changes to the ordinance and Ken suggested going through each of the changes so there is an understanding of what is being proposed. This project has been a joint effort between Parks, Public Works and Planning to determine the most beneficial program for the City of Eagan. Additions to the policy include Tree Contractor licensing which applies to all tree service contractors performing work in the City, including services contracted by governmental units. Uniform planting standards creates uniform standards and guidelines for the placement of trees within public right-of-ways and enforcement for non-compliance. Master street tree planting plan and tree maintenance standards will established uniform standards for the pruning, spraying and maintenance of trees within public right-of-ways. This requires the public to comply with standards. ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 2, 1989 MEETING PAGE 3 Other new additions include Shade Tree Disease Control and Prevention by defining standing dead trees as a public nuisance. Also included are "Forester" and duties of Forester which defines qualifications of forester; grants powers and duties; requires pesticide applicators certification. Notification of property owners authorizes forester to notify owners of property to abate nuisances; defines expiration period for non-compliance. Maintenance of private property adds language related to the treatment or removal of insect infested and diseased trees on private property. Mr. Vraa explained that the master street planting plan would involve collector streets primarily and would define planting schemes and species that would be placed, i.e. Wescott would become the responsibility of Forestry Department to maintain within the right-of-way. If individuals wanted to plant within the right-of-way they would need to be within the limitations of the master plan. Shawn Hunter asked where the ordinance section regarding trees being planted within a right-of way at least 10 feet from the back of curb came from. Dick Carroll noted that the 10 foot right of way designation is normal for most streets. Dick Carroll suggested that going with one variety in the master plan on a given street may not be a good idea; rather a variety of types, colors, heights, etc. should be considered so that the potential of a disease destroying one species will not affect all the plantings. Dick also felt the master plan should reflect that trees should be 30 feet apart rather than 20 to allow them the proper growing space. Ken Vraa stated that it will be nice to have an ordinance to cover these issues but there is a greater need to get this information to the public. An informational brochure should be made available for distribution which includes prohibited species. George Kubik commented that he appreciated the condensed version of the ordinance outlining all the changes and additions. Ken Vraa stated that there was no need for action on this item tonight but comments from the Commission are important. Dick Carroll congratulated all those that have been working on these ordinance revisions and sees this project moving in the right direction. George Kubik suggested that perhaps information from other communities would be helpful regarding the right of way distance. Ken Vraa noted that they have discovered, after checking with other communities that the standards for planting within right-of-ways are anywhere from 5 feet to 10 feet. ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 2, 1989 MEETING PAGE 4 1990 PARK DEDICATION FEES Mr. Vraa explained that the Commission was being provided with past dedication fees, current dedication fees and input from other Twin Cities suburbs regarding their park dedication fees. He further noted that the park dedication fees have been based on average land values. There continues to be a strong single family market which has increased the demand/price for property in the last 12 to 14 months whereas multiple family use has dropped in use and demand. Currently, most single family property is being sold in the $20,000 per acre range. Also enclosed in the report is staffs suggestion of the range for 1990 fees. Mr. Vraa continued by stating that the trails dedication issue has yet to be resolved. Currently developers are required to construct trails at the time of their development. It has been requested that the trails dedication fee be separated from the parks dedication fee. Developers, while not opposed to a trails dedication fee, have looked at this issue as an impact fee. With the adoption of a separate trails dedication fee they see that undeveloped property may be paying for already developed property. With many questions still remaining the trails dedication issue is yet to be resolved. Relative to commercial/industrial property, Mr. Vraa explained that historically this fee has increased incrementally each year. Enclosed in the report was a breakdown of other communities and their park fee structure for the Commission to review and compare. Ken asked the Commission to consider the fees being proposed and make their recommendation to the City Council. Dick Carroll noted that the Water Quality Committee is thinking about using a rate structure similar to the park dedication fees and careful consideration should be given to setting up the rates so that they will be consistent and appropriate. George Kubik noted that he felt the dedication fees proposed by staff seemed equitable. After further discussion, Ted Billy moved, Dick Carroll seconded with all members voting in favor to recommend the following park dedication fees for 1990 to the City Council: Housing Type Average Market Value Cash Eg. Per Res. Unit Single Family $15,000 - $:16,000 per acre $685/Unit Duplex $17,000 - $:18,000 per acre $600/Unit Townhouse/Quad $20,000 - $22,000 per acre $535/Unit Apts/Multiple $22,000 - $26,000 per acre $540/Unit Dick Carroll moved, George Kubik seconded with all members voting in favor to table the commercial/industrial park dedication fees until the December 7, 1989 meeting. ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 2, 1989 MEETING PAGE 5 TRAPP FARM PARK Ken Vraa provided the Commission with an overview of Trapp Farm Park noting that this park was dedicated to the city without the benefit of a plat; completed by legal description. With the actual platting of Lexington Pointe's Additions and the subsequent staking, it became evident that the trees thought to be on park property were in fact well within the plat and not on park property. Because of this discovery many of the trees thought to be a part of Trapp Farm Park may now be lost due to proposed home construction. Steve Sullivan continued with a video presentation showing the actual lot lines in relation to the park. The video showed that by losing the lots it would infringe upon the sliding hill that has been used at this site. Lots 9, 10 and 11, Block 3, Lexington Pointe Fifth seems to have the most impact on the park. The mow lines in the video went to the north line of Lot 11 and the southwest line of Lot 9 so the Commission could see how the elimination of this land would impact the park. Ted Billy asked about the cost of the lots and Mr. Vraa responded that the information hadn't been provided to him as yet. George Kubik asked what the time line was for construction on these lots. Mr. Vraa stated they are anticipating beginning construction this winter; the base road construction is done and utility work would be the next phase. Mr. Kubik asked if there would be an option to purchase the lots from the developer. Mr. Vraa responded that staff suggests that some of the lots be acquired but would need the Commission to review the issue and recommend to the City Council what their requests would be. He also noted that the approximate cost of the lots is expected to be in the "mid 20's". Dick Carroll asked if the boundaries would be rechecked to which Mr. Vraa responded affirmatively. Mr. Vraa also noted that he had asked Brad Swenson not to market these lots until this issue could be discussed and resolved. Sandy Masin asked how quickly the boundary check could be done and Ken responded that it was to have been completed last week but no results were available for this meeting. George Kubik stated that he would hate to see this park short changed considering all the monies that have been spent to develop it to the degree it is and felt it was necessary to pursue the purchase of lots to insure the integrity of Trapp Farm Park. Mr. Vraa stated that the lots could be purchased using the Park Site Fund but that would close some other options for future park development at this time. Ted Billy expressed his concern for the dollars that would be spent but stated that once there are homes on the hill any option for preserving that as parkland is gone. ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 2, 1989 MEETING PAGE 6 After further discussion, George Kubik moved, Shawn Hunter seconded with all members voting in favor to give authority to staff to negotiate, if necessary, the acquisition of 6 lots (Lots 9, 10, 11, 12, Block 3, Lexington Pointe Fifth Addition and Lots 9 and 10, Block 2, Lexington Pointe Fourth Addition) to preserve the integrity of Trapp Farm Park. 1989-90 WINTER SKATING REPORT Dorothy Peterson explained that she and Ken Vraa had met with the Eagan Hockey Association to discuss the 1989-90 skating season before it gets underway. At the meeting maintenance, creating base ice, rink classification and scheduling were some of the items discussed. It appears that there will be 21 teams looking for ice time through the hockey association. The proposal that was presented shows 47 hours for ice time with Tuesdays and Thursdays being the most preferred use. There will be 3 hours provided on Saturdays for the little ones since the older participants will be using indoor ice time then. EHA has agreed to return ice time they do not use after scheduling their individual teams from the master schedule provided by the City of Eagan. The breakdown of ice time shows City lessons as well as broomball leagues at Quarry Park. Carnelian is not being used for hockey practice because there is only one rink which may preclude use by pleasure skaters. Woodhaven will be used as an extra site if necessary for extra practice or if adult broomball leagues need to expand. George Kubik asked how things look for future years. Dorothy responded that the sudden growth in the hockey program was last year and they do not anticipate a large growth next year. Woodhaven has seen a loss of growth probably due to the increase in Sky Hill use. George also asked how the warming house was progressing at Well Site Park. Ken Vraa explained that it is up and ready to be shingled and should be completed by the middle of next week. PARKS DEVELOPMENT Steve Sullivan explained that Contract 89-12 for Northview Tennis courts is nearing completion. The punch list is being completed with only a few minor items remaining. Contract 89-19, parking lot and pedestrian lighting at Ohmann and Thomas Lake Parks will be completed yet this year. Contract 89-20, Bridle Ridge hockey rink lighting will begin on Monday. Contract 89-23, miscellaneous trails and Thomas Lake trail will see clearing and grubbing beginning this fall with completion in the spring. Contract 89-17, Northview parking lot, will see the contractor starting this week with the bituminous being installed next spring. ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 2, 1989 PAGE 7 HAPPENINGS George Kubik asked for a description and update of the Community Education #196 Youth Connection Council. Dorothy Peterson explained that this is a program for youth development in all school districts. The monies available for this project are to be spent to create a directory to inform folks of services available to youth. School District 196 is the only one of the Youth Connection Council with youth as a part of the group. All other groups are adults only. The youth in this group have become very involved in this project. The middle school youth feel the need for transportation, i.e. pep buses for away games, to movies, shopping, etc. The adults on the council want to provide some action to the requests so the young people don't get discouraged and think nothing is being done. It has been a very interesting and cooperative effort so far. Dorothy commented that over 300 participants visited the spook trail this year with many volunteers on hand to help. George Kubik asked about the progress of the Lillian McCarthy meeting. Ken Vraa responded that there are no conclusions to date but they are still working on the middle ground with some counter offers. We should hear something more in 2-3 weeks. WILLIVIUS PROPERTY Ken Vraa showed the Commission a visual of the property acquired and a possible park layout of the property. He noted that School District #196 is looking at the 10 acre parcel next to this park and they wanted to know if the City is interested in a joint venture similar to the Woodland School site, if the land is acquired by the School District. It appears that the City Council and School District 196 are very comfortable with the idea. Ken wanted to make the Commission aware of this possible joint involvement and will keep them posted on this item. WESCOTT STATION PARK - POND IMPACT ANALYSIS Steve Sullivan explained that a re-evaluation was done recently on Ponds JP16/17/18 as they impact Wescott Station Park. Pond JP-16 within the northwest portion of Wescott Station Park is half on park property and half on property owned by West Publishing. The potential development for West Publishing would result in a great deal of water run-off. Although West Publishing is anxious to continue with development all people involved were anxious to address the water run-off, water quality issue before proceeding. Pond JP-17 is a secondary pond and Pond JP18 is a dry area. ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 2, 1989 MEETING PAGE 8 After much review and analysis it is suggested that Pond JP-16 normal water elevation should be set at 875.0 with a high water level not to exceed the 879.1 proposed elevation. This normal water elevation would provide minimal wet volume. If wet volume is desired for nutrient trapping and sedimentation the pond could be deepened without significantly influencing the park function or wildlife. Pond JP-17 normal water elevation should be set at approximately 858.0 with the high water elevation not to exceed the 863.0 elevation due to the quality and quantity of significant trees that would be affected. This normal water elevation would provide minimal wet volume. The high number of trees and shrubs located below the 858.0 normal water level should be removed with the storm sewer improvement. The high water elevation for Pond JP-18 could be increased to 862.0 but should not exceed an 867.0 elevation. This will provide additional water into the basin enhancing the wetland character and wildlife habitat. The engineer should evaluate the connection of the two (2) separate ponding areas as well. Modifying the basin to increase wet volume for nutrient trapping and sedimentation should not be considered. The deepening of the pond would negatively influence the parkland character. George Kubik commented that it is helpful and reasonable to look at the long range plans for this development. Ken Vraa commented that this is an item that almost slipped through the cracks and Steve Sullivan has spent a great deal of time analyzing the situation so that a solution could be reached. This information is provided to keep the Commission abreast of the activities impacting Wescott Station Park. KETTLE; PARK REQUEST Steve Sullivan explained that he had talked to neighbors who shared an interest in placing a sand volleyball court and open skating area within Kettle Park. Steve felt it was important to bring these types of requests to the attention of the Commission. Sandy Masin questioned the cost of providing a volleyball court and George Kubik expressed concern for the room needed to install this type of facility at this site. Steve explained that the very south triangular corner of the park could possibly support a court but more information would need to be compiled before building at this location. Steve also mentioned that while it may be possible to construct a court at this location the Commission should consider whether this is a facility that should be placed in a community park rather than a neighborhood park. Another consideration would be whether this court would be used for the purpose it is intended. ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 2, 1989 MEETING PAGE 9 Ken Vraa explained that this site has too much run-off to do a skating rink and would require regrading and re-design to make it work. Dick Carroll also noted that the pond was not a good option for skating because it is used for MnDot run-off. After further discussion staff was instructed to do a mini study to determine the options and costs for additional facilities at this park. ARCHITECT INTERVIEWS Ken Vraa informed the Commission that interviews for prospective architects for park shelter buildings will be held on Monday, November 6. Ken Vraa, Tom Hedges, Dorothy Peterson and Steve Sullivan will all participate in the interview process and Ken invited any interested Commission members to attend. George Kubik commented that any member interested in participating would find this a very informative and educational process. OTHER BUSINESS AND REPORTS George Kubik stated that the Natural Resources Mission Statement should be worked on over the next few weeks and asked if any information had been received from other communities. Ken Vraa responded that John VonDeLinde would be able to respond to that issue, however he was not available this evening. George asked if the Commission would be reviewing park planning for 1990 and Mr. Vraa explained that staff would be establishing a list of priorities for 1990 along with a progress report on what has been completed in 1989 and what will be carried over into 1990. Dick Carroll commented that the next Water Quality meeting will be November 16 for final review before going to developers on November 29 and then on to the City Council. Copies should be received this month for review before the December meeting. With no further business to conduct, Sandy Masin moved, Ted Billy seconded with all members voting in favor to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 P.M. SECRETARY DATE