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09/09/1993 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION EAGAN, MINNESOTA SEPTEMBER 9, 1993 A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on September 9, 1993 with the following Commission Members present: John Rudolph, George Kubik, Lee Markell, Stephen Thompson, Dan Mooradian, Ted Billy, Jonathan Widem, Erin Ipsen- Borgersen and Deborah Johnson. Commission Members Frankie Hall and David Szott were not present. Staff present included Dorothy Peterson, Superintendent of Recreation; John VonDeLinde, Parks Superintendent; Rich Brasch, Water Resources Coordinator; Paula Nowariak, Recreation Supervisor; Mike Ridley, Project Planner and Cherryl Mesko, Secretary. AGENDA Superintendent of Recreation Peterson added "Joint Meeting with City Council" under Other Business and Reports. Dan Mooradian moved, John Rudolph seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the agenda as amended. MINUTES OF AUGUST 5, 1993 REGULAR MEETING Lee Markell moved, Stephen Thompson seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the minutes of August 5, 1993 as presented. CONSENT AGENDA Ted Billy moved, Dan Mooradian seconded with all members voting in favor to make the following recommendations to the City Council: 1. Town Centre 100 - 13th Addition. No parks dedication is required since it has been fulfilled with the P.U.D. No trails dedication is required, however, Outlot B, which abuts Town Centre Drive will be required to install a trail at the time of development. The development will be subject to a water quality cash dedication based on the area of Lot 1, Block 1 only. There are no wetland issues associated with this parcel and this development will not be required to submit a Tree Preservation Plan. KINGS WOOD - 3RD ADDITION Superintendent of Recreation Peterson introduced this item as a Preliminary Plat application for the Kings Wood 3rd Addition located between 1-35E and Pilot Knob Road just south of Englert Road. Project Planner Ridley continued that the application consists of 42 single family lots on approximately 28 previously zoned R-1 (Single Family) acres. Mike added that the area has been downsized from 48 single family units to the current application for 42 units. It was noted that both the Advisory Planning Commission and the City Council have approved this application. Rollie Crawford, attorney representing Horne Development, clarified that the earlier plat included 49 lots rather than the 48 as indicated earlier. Mr. Crawford continued that the developer has reviewed the staffs' reports and agree with them indicating they have done a great deal to reduce grading and tree removal on site. Mr. Crawford added that Mr. Horne is passionate about tree preservation and has planned the development accordingly. He did express the developer's reluctance to excavate up to 1.2 acre feet of sediment from Pond JP-5 noting that there is a MnDot easement over the pond and suggested that MnDot may not authorize the excavation of this pond. Mr. Crawford continued that it is the developer's position that the sediment in the pond is from Highway 35-E and Pilot Knob Road with only a small portion coming from this development. The developer felt as though he was being asked to clean out a sediment pond that was created by the City of Eagan and MnDot. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of September 9, 1993 Meeting Page 2 Relative to the recommendation for a reconstructed outlet from Pond JP-5 along with a skimmer constructed on the outlet, Mr. Crawford explained that the City constructed this outlet and the developer did not feel it was fair to ask that the developer be responsible for this reconstruction work as part of this development. Mr. Crawford also noted that the recommendation to create .37 acres of replacement wetland on site would require removal of trees and asked that the replacement be less than .3 acre. He also noted that since this subdivision has previously been approved the Tree Preservation Guidelines do not apply with this development. Mr. Crawford continued that the developer does not agree with the individual lot tree preservation plan as requested by staff. He noted that it is more appropriate for tree preservation to occur at the time an entire site is graded and therefore did not feel they should provide individual lot surveys. Mr. Crawford also clarified that the Tree Preservation Guidelines did not apply to this development. In clarifying the reconstructed outlot from Pond JP-5, Rich Brasch explained that Public Works is requiring the reconstruction of this outlet to allow a raise in the normal water elevation of Pond JP-5 by one foot, should such a raise become both feasible and desirable in the future. Regarding the easement MnDot holds over Pond JP-5,Rich noted that he would contact MnDot regarding this item but felt they would be supportive of the City's recommendation. Rich further clarified that a skimmer was being recommended by Public Works to keep any floating debris from getting to Blackhawk Lake. In response to a question from Mr. Billy, Rich noted that if the outlot from Pond JP-5 is reconstructed, the cost for installing rails to prevent debris from getting through would be approximately $2-300. John VonDeLinde noted that Mr. Crawford's assessment relative to the Tree Preservation Guidelines for this development was correct. John added that individual lot tree preservation plans would not be a condition of this preliminary plat, however, it would impact future development. After Mr. Markell asked why there was a design change in the wetland, Mr. Crawford responded that the County and City had designated the entrance location to this residential site. Because it is located where it is, it becomes necessary to impact the wetland in order to provide continued access to this development. The developer has been attempting to bend the entrance road to minimize wetland impact, however, he noted that if the wetland replacement is required, the MnDot pond will need to be increased resulting in tree loss and cutting into the existing slopes. Bob Weigert of Paramount Engineering responded to a question regarding accessibility to the homes on the northern portion of the site. Mr. Weigert continued that the City Council wanted the private drive to continue to the north as well as have utility services provided to the top of the hill for future development of the land to the north. Mr. Markell asked if it was feasible for the developer to provide a conservation easement around the pond to provide a trail for the homeowners within the development. Mr. Weigert noted that a 30 foot buffer has been provided around the pond, however a trail easement wasn't considered because of the grading and construction necessary which would remove several trees.. Mr. Horne stated that homeowners do not want a trail. Mr. Markell asked how restrictive the 30 foot buffer was. Mr. Weigert explained that it was not a scenic easement therefore homeowners are not restricted from removing vegetation. The developer's attempt was to reduce grading on the site by the builders but not to restrict homeowners access and use of that area. After further discussion, Deborah Johnson moved, Erin Ipsen-Borgersen seconded the motion to make the following recommendations to the City Council relative to Kingswood 3rd Addition: 1. The proposal be subject to a cash parks dedication for the 16 lots not part of the Blackhawk P.U.D. 2. The proposal be subject to a cash trails dedication for the 42 lots within the development. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of September 9, 1993 Meeting Page 3 3. The developer be responsible for excavating up to 1.2 acre -feet of sediment from Pond JP-5 contingent upon approval by MnDot. The excavation plan must be approved by City water resources staff. 4. The reconstructed outlet from Pond )P-5 must include the physical features to allow a raise in the normal water elevation of Pond JP-5 by one foot, should such a raise become both feasible and desirable in the future. 5. A skimmer is to be constructed on the outlet of Pond JP-5. 6. The developer is authorized to fill the .37 acre wetland in the northeast corner of the site to allow construction of the entrance road. The developer will be responsible for creating .37 acres of replacement wetland on the site, with the design of the replacement wetland subject to staff approval. 7. This preliminary plat proposal complies with the City's Tree Preservation Guidelines therefore the developer will not be responsible for any tree replacement at this time. 8. The construction of single family homes on wooded lots will require the submission of individual lot tree preservation plans. Commission Members voting for the motion included Stephen Thompson, Deborah Johnson, Dan Mooradian, George Kubik, Ted Billy, John Rudolph, Erin lpsen-Borgersen and Jonathan Widem. Commission Member Lee Markel[ was opposed. The motion passed on an 8-1 vote. UNITED STATIONERS Superintendent of Recreation Peterson introduced this item as a preliminary plat application to add approximately 80,000 square foot to an existing United Stationers development to allow for future expansion of the existing building. Project Planner Ridley continued that the applicant currently has a 150,000 sq. ft. building located on Lot 1, Block 1,, R.L. Johnson 1st Addition and is proposing a split involving the northern 80,000 sq. ft. of the 5.12 acre Lot 2, Block 1, Sibley Terminal Industrial Park Addition. This acquisition will allow an expansion of approximately 40,000 sq. ft. fora total building square footage of approximately 190,000 sq. ft. on the 12.4 acre lot. Mike added that there are no development plans with this proposed plat and building expansion is undetermined at this point. Water Resources Coordinator Brasch identified several items for the Commission to consider relative to water quality and wetlands issues. After a brief discussion, Stephen Thompson moved, Deborah Johnson seconded with all members voting in favor to make the following recommendations to the City Council relative to United Stationers: 1. There is no park dedication requirement sing the property has already been platted. 2. There is no trails dedication requirement with this plat. 3. A cash water quality dedication for the site will be required and will be based on the difference in impervious coverage of the site between existing and future conditions. 4. The developer must demonstrate compliance with the Wetland Conservation Act prior to preliminary plat approval. This will include hiring a qualified wetlands consultant to determine the status of the possible wetland to the south west of the existing building. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of September 9, 1993 Meeting Page 4 5. An easement across the developer's property sufficient to all re-routing of the storm sewer along Alexander Road to Pond CP-8 should be required as a condition of the plat. 6. Future expansion plans for United Stationers are to be reviewed and required to meet Tree Preservation Guidelines. GARDENWOOD PONDS TRAIL Superintendent of Recreation Peterson explained that the Commission has previously reviewed the proposed Gardenwood Ponds plat but since that review, the developer has negotiated acquisition of two outlots, C & D previously owned by Sienna Corporation. The Commission had previously recommended that staff attempt to acquire the two outlots for park purposes to provide sufficient room around an existing pond for a trailway in Wandering Walk Park, however, they were not successful in acquired both outlots. It was noted that Argus Development will continue with the acquisition of the two outlots and provide a 50 foot easement to the City of Eagan to allow for the trailway in lieu of the City taking a portion of the outlots as parks dedication. The developer noted that the easement would allow the outlots to be used as buildable lots but if a portion of the land had to be dedicated for parks purposes there would not be sufficient room to develop lots,therefore, no incentive on the developer's part to acquire Outlots C and D from Sienna Corporation. After further discussion, Erin lpsen-Borgersen moved, Stephen Thompson seconded, with all members voting in favor to have staff pursue a 50 foot easement on the west side of the pond to facilitate a trail which should be constructed at the earliest opportunity to clarify for future homeowners the existence of a trail on the property. MAJESTIC OAKS UPDATE Water Resources Coordinator Brasch explained that this item had been reviewed at the August 5th meeting and the Commission asked staff to pursue the option of changing the 30 foot setback from the edge of the wetland to a 50 foot conservation easement. The Commission also asked if the northern cul-de-sac could be moved to the west the maximum extent possible. Rich added that he had written a letter to the developer about these issues but had not received a response to date. Brad Swenson, representing this development addressed the Commission noting that he would like to see some flexibility regarding the conservation easement issue. He explained that a homeowner should have the option of using the property they have purchased and some homeowners may find this too restrictive if they want to do some landscaping in that portion of their property. Relative to the cul-de-sac being moved to the west, Mr. Swenson was supportive of that option. Lee Markell commented that it appears this is an issue that can be worked out with the developer and suggested that staff, Commission Members and the developer sit down to work out some criteria to allow some use by the homeowner within the 50 foot easement area, but also protect that area. Stephen Thompson suggested a paragraph in the agreement which would preserve as much of the natural environment as possible. After further discussion, George Kubik moved to have a select number of Commission Members work with the developer and staff to resolve this issue. Jonathan Widem seconded the motion with all members voting in favor. Lee Markel[, Stephen Thompson and George Kubik agreed to be a part of this committee to work on an agreement with the developer. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of September 9, 1993 Meeting Page 5 Chairman Kubik noted that the action taken by the Commission was in no way to be perceived as setting a precedent. John Rudolph noted that the action was an attempt by both parties to resolve the issues in a cooperative fashion. It was also noted that all Commission members would be notified of the meeting date and time. COMMUNITY FESTIVALS Superintendent of Recreation Peterson explained that there has been a great deal of discussion regarding the need to have a community festival to help identify Eagan with a specific event. This subject has been broached by the City Council, the Community Partnership Forum, the Recreation Sub-Committee and staff with the consensus being that the community is ready for a festival of some kind. Dorothy reviewed festivals that currently occur in several communities such as Minnetonka Summer Festival, Burnsville Fire Muster, Apple Valley Mid-Winter Fest, Rosemount Leprechaun Days, New Brighton Stockyard Days, Hopkins Raspberry Festival and Lakeville Pan-O-Prog. Some of the conclusions reached after reviewing other community festivals were that no single format was found; each community has found a format that works for them, service organizations are partners with Parks and Recreation for successful events; financial commitments vary from $1,500 to $35,000; carnivals are not a universal festival element and fireworks are perceived to be an important element. Superintendent Peterson continued that a significant financial commitment would be required from the City with corporate and business sponsorships mitigating the city's financial commitment. In summary, Peterson added, community events that appear to be the most successful are well coordinated, have a wide cross section of organizations participating, provide activity that has broad appeal, are conducted in a short period of time and are well financed. Ted Billy noted that an event of this type would require wide community involvement and suggested surveying organizations to see if they would be interested in participating. George Kubik asked if a survey would be something an ad-hoc committee could work on. Dorothy suggested that staff could prepare a survey to elicit feedback if the Commission desires. John Rudolph suggested inviting community leaders to a "town meeting" to get their feedback. Lee Markell asked what the catalyst was for the community event request. Superintendent Peterson explained that the Community Partnership Forum which has been meeting regularly to incorporate values and ideas throughout the community have addressed this issue on several occasions. After further discussion, Ted Billy moved, Jonathan Widem seconded with all members voting in favor to have staff prepare a form to survey community groups relative to their interest and level of involvement in a community event. The form should come back to the Commission for a brainstorming session at a later meeting. PARKS DEVELOPMENT Parks Superintendent VonDeLinde reviewed several items under parks development including the trail connecting Lakeside Park to the Autumn Ridge development; the hardcourt repair and color coating are underway; playground and benches have been installed at Glacier Hills Elementary School; plans and specifications are completed for Wescott Square; work continues on the Park System Plan update and at Blackhawk Park trails have been paved, seeding and sodding have been completed, the parking lot blacktop will be done soon and the sign for the entrance to the park is being designed. Rich Brasch added that the ramps will be ready to be used this fall to get a weed harvester into Blackhawk Lake. George Kubik asked if an aerator would be installed in Blackhawk Lake and Mr. Brasch responded that it was in the capital outlay for 1994. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of September 9, 1993 Meeting Page 6 WETLANDS REPLACEMENT RULES Water Resources Coordinator Brasch, responding to the Commission's concern that there would be a rush by developers to get plats into the City prior to the Wetlands Replacement Rules taking effect, noted that only one has come in so far. The inquiry, however, is whether the City would consider approving wetland replacement plans under the interim program rules even if the preliminary plat approval for the development causing the impact is not approved by the City until after the permanent program becomes effective. The inquiry being referenced is a large commercial/industrial development of over 200 acres, development of which will occur in numerous phases as parcels within the development are sold to individual buyers who would then bring their parcels through the platting process separately. A comprehensive inventory of the wetland resources has been completed by the developer including an overall plan to protect higher priority water bodies within the development as well as to meet wetland replacement obligations. Rich continued that staff is looking for guidance from the Commission as to how the City should handle these types of requests in the future. Rich added that by reviewing a large site and addressing wetland and water quality issues up front the process becomes less time consuming and would result in a better planned parcel of land. Lee Markell stated he liked looking at a site more wholistically and noted the developer should be rewarded for looking this far ahead on a larger parcel. Stephen Thompson asked if the new rules would change how the site is looked at. Rich responded that it is more difficult to assess smaller parcels in trying to provide for wetland replacement on-site which results in several wetlands on the entire site rather than a few strategically placed and planned wetlands. Ted Billy noted that there are a lot more options in dealing with a larger parcel. George Kubik added that it was important to take a broader review of the eco system. DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS Some of the Happenings highlighted included gross concession sales at $13,141.48; the bluebird houses along the Highline Trail being maintained by Darrel Isebrand; completion of projects by the Twin Cities Tree Trust; hosting of the first annual Strategic Planning Workshop of the Minnesota Recreation and Parks Association; Supervisor of Forestry Gregg Hove will begin on September 20 and the City's community services open house will be held on Saturday, September 11. 1993 COMMISSION PICNIC Friday, September 24, from 5 - 10 p.m. was set as the date for the annual Commission picnic. SUMMER PROGRAM REPORT Recreation Supervisor Paula Nowariak provided some highlights of the summer recreation programs. It was noted that the numbers of participants for Summer in the Park increased from 1992 to 1993 although prices were increased from $10 to $15. The new site at Mueller Farm Park provided for sporadic attendance because of the rain and the numbers at the new Downing and Ohmann sites were small. A new 11-14 year old program was offered at both Sky Hill and Northview Parks, however, it appeared as though the spontaneity of the program at Sky Hill proved to be more successful than the planned program at Northview for this age group. It is anticipated that for the 11-14 year old program to be successful at Northview, this age group needs to be physically separated from the younger age group. Paula noted the significant growth in the T-Ball program from 58 participants in 1990 to 207 participants in 1993. Safety Camp, Day Camp and Sports and Games Camp continued to be a big draw with both Safety Camp and Day Camp holding a large waiting list of interested participants. Paula concluded that after a very busy, productive summer parents continue to share staff's concern for the safety of children. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of September 9, 1993 Meeting Page 7 Chairman Kubik thanked Paula for the excellent report and complimented her and her staff on the wonderful programming opportunities offered to Eagan youth. George encouraged staff to continue with their experimentation of new programs. Ted Billy asked if the fee assistance provided this summer was above last year's requests and Paula responded that the dollar amounts were approximately the same. DEER STUDY Dorothy Peterson explained that the Council has recently reviewed the issue of deer bow hunting within the city limits and their continued concern for public safety versus controlling the deer population. The Council has asked that the Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission play a role in the deer population control issue as it arises. JOINT CITY COUNCIUCOMMISSION MEETING Superintendent of Recreation Peterson noted that a joint City Council/Commission meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, September 29 at 7:00 p.m. to review the Park System Plan update with Barton Aschman Associates, Inc. ROUND TABLE With no further business to conduct, Stephen Thompson moved, Erin Ipsen-Borgersen seconded with all members voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m. Secretary 61 Date