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04/18/1994 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION EAGAN, MINNESOTA APRIL 18, 1994 A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission was called to order at 7:00 pm on April 18, 1994 with the following Commission Members present: Ken Tyler, John Rudolph, Ted Billy, Lee Markell, Jonathan Widem, Stephen Thompson, David Szott, Michael Vincent and Erin Ipsen-Borgersen. Commission Members George Kubik and Dan Mooradian were not present. Staff present included Ken Vraa, Director of Parks and Recreation; Dorothy Peterson, Superintendent of Recreation; John VonDeLinde, Parks Superintendent; C.J. Lilly, Landscape Arch itect/Parks Planner; Rich Brasch, WaterResources Coordinator; Gregg Hove, Forestry Supervisor; Shannon Tyree, Project Planner; Mike Ridley, Project Planner; and Cherryl Mesko, Secretary. AGENDA Director Vraa added under Other Business and Reports, Item #5,"Commission Organization". John Rudolph moved, Jonathan Widem seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the agenda as amended. MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF MARCH 14, 1994 John Rudolph moved, Jonathan Widem seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the minutes of the March 14, 1994 meeting as presented. CONSENT AGENDA Erin Ipsen-Borgersen moved, Jonathan Widem seconded with all members voting in favorto make the following recommendations to the Advisory Planning Commission and the City Council relative to the following proposals: 1. Waiver of Plat - Frank Rechtzigel. The waiver of plat was recommended for approval with future development plans to be reviewed under the platting process for parks, trails and water quality requirements. 2. Waiver of Plat - M.L. Gressr. The waiver of plat was recommended for approval and there were no park, trails, wetlands or water quality dedications. 3. Villas of Violet Lane. This plat would be subject to a cash parks dedication, cash trails dedication and cash water quality dedication. The developer would be required to plant 24 Category B trees or 48 Category C trees in addition to landscaping provided. The developer would also be required to provide a revised tree preservation plan which identifies measures to protect remaining trees and identifies size, species and location of all replacement trees. 4. Waiver of Plat - Blue Ridge 3rd Addition. The waiver of plat was recommended for approval and there were no park, trails, wetlands or water quality dedications. 5. American Red Cross - E.F.H. A cash parks and cash trails dedication consistent with City policy on commercial/industrial property would be required. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resouces Commission Minutes of April 18, 1994 Meeting Page 2 CEDAR HEIGHTS ADDITION After introduction of this item by Director Vraa, Project Planner Tyree explained that this is a request for re-zoning 17.7 acres from agricultural to R-1 and a preliminary plat consisting of 39 single family lots. The subdivision is located south of Storland Road west of Highway 77 and 135E and the proposed re-zoning is consistent with the City's Comprehensive Guide Plan designation of D-1, Single Family Residential. It was noted that simultaneous to this development, a preliminary plat for Whispering Woods 10th Addition, immediately to the west is being processed. Shannon indicated that the two residential subdivisions will be sharing road right-of-ways for Slater Road which needed to be coordinated with both the City of Eagan and the City of Burnsville. Ms. Tyree concluded that John Dobbs, representing Heritage Development, was present to answer any questions the Commission may have relative to Cedar Heights Addition. Director Vraa explained that this subdivision is located in Park Service District 31W, serviced by Slater Acres neighborhood park which is approximately 1/4 to 1/2 mile south of this subdivision. Ken continued that Slater Road, which is shared by both Cedar Heights Addition and Whispering Woods 10th Addition, will interconnect with the City of Burnsville at Burnsville Parkway. Burnsville Parkway has atrailway located along the north side and staff is asking that the Commission consider the extension of the trail/sidewalk from the Burnsville Parkway along the westerly edge of Slater Road. Water Resources Coordinator Brasch explained that there are three wetlands located within this subdivision. Two of the wetlands have requested an exemption from regulation under the WCA and documentation has been provided for that request. The third .09 acre wetland is located where a proposed road is planned for the development. The developer is proposing to provide a replacement wetland as part of this detention basin to be completed with the development, however the plan application contains insufficient information to evaluate whether the plan complies with very restrictive hydraulic standards identified in the WCA permanent program. Rich added that modifications of the detention basin that will be necessary to comply with the water quality mitigation may affect the feasibility of this plan Relative to water quality, Rich noted that most of the site drains to the north and will generate storm water that will be discharged to Pond AP-34 which is one of the two higher priority water bodies in this drainage basin. Staff is recommending that all storm water runoff generated from the site be discharged to Pond AP-34 and be treated by using an on-site NURP pond per the requirements in the Water Quality Management Plan. In addition, the developer is being asked to divert runoff from the storm sewer along Storland Road into his on-site detention pond. Rich explained that he has been working with the developer to try to determine the best way to resolve the water quality/wetland issues since the preliminary proposals did not appear to be adequate. An option to route the central 10 acres of the development into the pond south of Storland Road with 7.8 acres to drain under Storland Road and divert into the pond and the balance to drain off-site without a cash dedication was suggested. Rich also explained that this new proposal had been received the past Wednesday and he did not have sufficient time to do a complete analysis of the water quality implications. It appears that the preference of the Cedar Heights developer is that an on-site 2-cell pond be designed to treat water from their site only. The developer has indicated that the second cell could serve as wetland replacement. Stephen Thompson stated he had a difficult time using a detention basin as wetland replacement. John Rudolph asked if the impact of the runoff would overburden the pond. Rich responded that the volume generated by a 10 year event is used as the basis for sizing the basin. Mr. Brasch asked for Commission direction as to whether or not staff should be concentrating on the first recommended plan or should they be looking at a revised plan to treat run-off on the site only. Stephen Thompson suggested that using the natural divide should be the most economical solution. Ken Tyler questioned if this should even be considered given the fact that there are several unknowns based on what WCA will say. Rich clarified that the City administers WCA and an argument could be made for both draining off site and ponding on-site. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resouces Commission Minutes of April 18, 1994 Meeting Page 3 John Dobbs, representing Heritage Development, explained that he had met with Rich Brasch approximately 3 weeks earlier regarding the drainage of this site. He stated there were several constraints he had to deal with which included draining to Whispering Woods 10th site, drainage into Burnsville and the costs involved in all of these options. Mr. Dobbs explained how difficult it was working on this development because of two developments sharing the layout of a road that will tie together two cities. He recognized that he was late getting information to Mr. Brasch but asked that the process not be delayed. He suggested that the process be allowed to continue pending resolution of the water shed issues between Scott Hilla, his development and the City. Gregg Hove, Forestry Supervisor, explained that there are 48 significant trees and 10,650 square feet of significant woodlands on site. Initial site development will result in a loss of 18 significant trees and 7,900 square feet of woodlands with mitigation of tree loss to be achieved by planting 35 Category B trees or 70 Category C trees. The allowable tree loss is 25% and with this proposed development, the tree loss is 37%. Gregg added that tree replacement along 35E was planned to greatly mitigate the tree loss. John Rudolph noted that the area where Marilyn Avenue cuts across the property appears to have the greatest tree loss. Mr. Markell asked how the site could be reconfigured to reduce tree loss. Mr. Dobbs responded that the largest tree loss occurred due to the alignment of Slater Road/Burnsville Parkway and he doesn't know if there are very many more options on this site that would preserve more trees. Mr. Markell reiterated his request that the developer look at the site again to see if it could be changed to preserve more trees. Some discussion occurred relative to piping stormwater at Storland and Slater Road into the pond, however Mr. Dobbs indicated he didn't know if this would work. He did conclude that if that could be a workable option he would certainly be agreeable and is open to working on a solution. Mr. Markell stated he felt the issues at hand were the wetland and the tree loss on Marilyn and Slater Road. He asked if Marilyn Avenue could end in a cul-de-sac to reduce the impact to the trees. Shannon Tyree responded that the provision of a secondary access is an important consideration and staff felt that it was better to have a second access rather than 2 cul-de-sacs. Jonathan Widem suggested extending Rusten Road out to Slater Road and the ending Marilyn Avenue in a cul-de-sac which would provide the second access as well as save trees and wetlands. Mr. Dobbs responded that some of these items are grading issues. He added that Mr. Colbert had talked with the City of Burnsville and they felt that this was the best alignment. David Szott noted that this 17-18 acre parcels with 39 homes on it may have more homes that the topography can handle. He suggested that perhaps the proposal doesn't fit the topography. Ken Tyler expressed his concern that the Commission was being asked to consider some wetland issues based on too many unknowns. He stated he was uncomfortable making this kind of decision without having current and accurate information to respond to. After further discussion, Lee Markell moved that the water quality and tree preservation issues be discussed by the Natural Resources Sub-committee and that they come back to the Commission in May with some options to best meet the water quality and tree preservation issues for this area. There was no second to the motion. Mr. Dobbs explained that the density is lower than what is approved for this site. He continued that both Eagan and Burnsville defined the best alignment for Slater Road which resulted in the biggest loss of trees on his site; a choice he did not have. Based on all the objections presented by the Commission, Mr. Dobbs noted that new configurations of the site may be possible, but at some point it may not be practical to build on this site. Mr. Dobbs reiterated his request that this process not be delayed and asked the Commission to consider allowing the process to continue based on these items being worked on to resolution. Project Planner Tyree explained that if the Advisory Commission continues this item, the Advisory Planning Commission may also continue it. Rich Brasch suggested that if the Natural Resources Sub-committee wanted to review this development again than it could possibly continue through to the Advisory Planning Commission in April and still come back to the Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission on May 16 in time to make a recommendation for the City Council meeting on May 18. Ms. Tyree responded that the water quality issues can be worked on independently of the Advisory Planning Commission. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resouces Commission Minutes of April 18, 1994 Meeting Page 4 After further discussion, Jonathan Widem moved, Ted Billy seconded with all members voting in favor to table this item until the May 16 Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission meeting. It was clarified that this item will remain on the April Advisory Planning Commission, will come back to the Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission on May 16 and then on to the City Council on May 18. WHISPERING WOODS 10TH ADDITION Director Vraa introduced this request for the rezoning of 6.25 acres from agricultural to R-1 and a preliminary plat of 14 lots and 1 outlot. This subdivision is located south of the existing Whispering Woods additions in the southwest quarter of Section 31 and immediately west of the proposed Cedar Heights Addition. Project Planner Tyree added that this proposal by Hilla, Inc. is consistent with the Comprehensive Guide Plan, meets or exceeds all lot requirements and is scheduled to appear before the Advisory Planning Commission on April 26. Water Resources Coordinator Brasch explained that this development is located near the watershed divide between Pond AP-34 which is a high priority Class 2 water body in Eagan and designated storm water pond in the City of Burnsville. Relative to wetlands, Rich noted that the developer's wetlands consultant located and delineated one wetland on the site which is a 1.4 acre shallow marsh straddling the backs of Lots 3 and 4. Although there will be no filling or draining of this wetland, it will be expanded and used for storm water treatment prior to discharge off site. Rich added that this site ties in closely with the Cedar Heights Addition and as a result of working with two developments and two cities, there are still some water quality and wetlands issues unresolved. Mr. Hilla suggested that this development not be tabled until the May 16 Advisory Commission because he was confident that any unresolved issues could be addressed and resolved. He expressed his willingness to work with City staff to reconcile any outstanding issues but wanted to see the proposal proceed as scheduled. Rich Brasch explained that if the Commission recommends draining storm water to Burnsville, the evaluation of the water quality could be more lengthy. However, if all the run-off goes to Storland Pond, than it may not be as big an issue. After further discussion, Erin Ipsen-Borgersen moved, Jonathan Widem seconded a motion to make the following recommendations to the Advisory Planning Commission and City Council relative to Whispering Woods 10th Addition: 1. The development be subject to a cash parks dedication. 2. The development be subject to a cash trails dedication. 3. The water quality requirements be tabled until the May 16, 1994 Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission meeting. 4. The wetlands requirements be tabled until the May 16, 1994 Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission meeting. 5. The Whispering Woods 10th Addition development complies with the City's tree preservation policy. 6. Individual lot tree preservation plans will be required at the time of the building permit application. Those Commission members voting aye included Erin Ipsen-Borgersen, Michael Vincent, Stephen Thompson, Jonathan Widem, Lee Markell, Ted Billy, John Rudolph and Ken Tyler with David Szott voting nay. The motion passed Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resouces Commission Minutes of April 18, 1994 Meeting Page 5 SIDEWALK REQUEST POLICY Director Vraa introduced this item noting that at the request of the Advisory Commission a draft city policy outlining a process and evaluation criterion to be used in reviewing special requests for sidewalk installation in existing residential areas has been prepared. The proposed policy is similar to that in effect for street lighting requests in that the process could begin based on a public petition. Ken indicated staff would be available to respond to any questions. Commission Member Billy asked if the purpose of the policy would be to handle these requests consistently. Park Superintendent VonDeLinde responded that was the case; adding that evaluation criteria would need to be clear following the written petition process. Commission Member Ipsen-Borgersen complimented staff on an excellent job in responding to this request from the public. John Rudolph indicated that the City, community and homeowner would benefit from this informational process. After further discussion, Erin Ipsen-Borgersen moved, Ted Billy seconded with all members voting in favor to approve the draft sidewalk petition policy as presented by staff and asked that the policy be recommended to the City Council for their review and approval. WINTER PROGRAM REPORT After introduction of this item by Director Vraa, Recreation Supervisor Jon Oyanagi reviewed the 1993- 94 winter recreation season with the Advisory Commission. Jon explained that although the warm weather in December delayed skating site openings, this winter season was one of the best in recent memory for good skating surfaces and nice tubing snow. Jon continued that the accident/injury reports for the past winter season were dramatically reduced from previous years. A new addition to the winter season, Jon added, was to rent the tubing hill for private reservations. Although this was the first year this occurred, the experiment was well received resulting in a limited number of paid reservations during the "off hours" of the tubing hill's operation. This was an experiment staff felt should be continued for another year to see if the reservations increase. It was also noted that the sales of hot chocolate at the warming shelters resulted in a net profit of $1,442.06 for the season. In conclusion, Jon explained that there are several items being recommended for the 1994-95 season which include improved efforts to recruit staff. If staffing continues to be a problem, consideration should be given to cutting hours at Pilot Knob, Lexington and Woodhaven on weekends from Noon to 5:00 PM, freeing one staff from those sites to fill in at other sites. Another option could be to reduce hours of operation on Super Bowl Sunday from Noon to 5:00 PM. It was also suggested that the shelters be open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM on December 31. Lee Markell thanked Jon for an excellent report as well as a successful winter season. John Rudolph commented on the wonderful time the students and staff from Metcalf Junior High had during their reserved use of Trapp Farm tubing hill and looked forward to planning an event there again next year. TREE PRESERVATION GUIDELINES CHANGES Director Vraa explained that a meeting regarding tree preservation guideline changes should be held so the Commission can review them and make any recommendations for change to the City Council. It was suggested that this item be reviewed by the Natural Resources Sub-committee. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resouces Commission Minutes of April 18. 1994 Meeting Page 6 EROSION CONTROL Superintendent VonDeLinde explained that several departments have been coordinating efforts to establish a means by which to monitor erosion control in new developments. Director Vraa explained that Department heads have met to identify how this process will be monitored and enforced. The process will include monitoring by the Engineering Department during the grading process while Community Development will follow through after the streets are installed within a development. As a means for enforcing guidelines, the City will notify a developer or builder of non-compliance and they will be given 24 hours to comply. If they do not, the City will contract the work to be completed and charge it back to the developer/builder. Superintendent VonDeLinde noted that developers were brought into this review process and provided some good input as well. Director Vraa concluded that staff is trying to pull this together as soon as possible to try to capture as much of the building season as possible. Stephen Thompson commended staff for working so diligently to resolve this issue. PARKS DEVELOPMENT UPDATE Director Vraa explained that the bid for the Lexington Diffley athletic site, Wescott Commons park and Lexington Meadows grading project has been let. The apparent low bidder, Friedges Construction, came in at approximately $780,000 and construction will be underway shortly. Ken also noted that the Eagan Rotary Club will be donating approximately $13,000 toward the purchase of a new playground at Blackhawk Park. Bur Oaks Park north playground is also in the planning stages with anticipation that it will be installed during the fall of this year. Additionally, Wescott Commons playground will be under construction later this summer. WATER QUALITY UPDATE Water Resources Coordinator Brasch noted that the 45 minute play by the Climbe Theatre will occur on April 27. Representatives from the PCA, DNR and Met Council have been invited to attend. The preliminary reviews of the production have been very good, Rich added. CARLSON LAKE TREATMENT PROGRAM UPDATE Mr. Brasch explained that the treatment program for Carlson Lake was completed on March 30 with no significant reduction in phosphorous noted. Continued monitoring of Carlson Lake will occur with the DNR interested in the results. Rich noted that there has been a very good response from the residents near Carlson Lake regarding this treatment program. FISH LAKE PUBLIC MEETING UPDATE Six hundred notices were sent to residents affected by the Fish Lake drainage with 20-25 attending the public meeting. The meeting focused on controlling the weed growth of the lake and identified the role of the community regarding use of lawn fertilizers. Rich concluded that City staff will continue to monitor this situation and evaluate again at a later date. FISH LAKE BYPASS UPDATE Mr. Brasch explained that the City Council has adopted the recommendation made by the Commission relative to this bypass proposal. Rich continued that the developer had been notified of the recommendation that was being made but opted not to attend the City Council meeting. DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS Superintendent Peterson commented that the summer brochure will be distributed to Eagan residents on May 4 which includes more activities extending into August. She also noted that 241 EAA and RAAA coaches were certified through NYSCA Coaches clinics in late March. Other items highlighted included a negotiated 5-year contract with Coca Cola and a donation toward a scoreboard on Field 6 at Northview Athletic; screening interviews wi l l occur on Apri l 18 for the 3/4 time Youth Development Coordinator and plans have been finalized for seven Evening in the Park events. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resouces Commission Minutes of April 18, 1994 Meeting Page 7 Superintendent VonDeLinde highlighted the City's ISTEA application for trails development in the Minnesota River Valley; the City of Eagan being awarded Tree City USA for the 7th year and the upcoming preparations for Arbor Day programs. COMMISSION ORGANIZATION Jonathan Widem explained that in the Commission's most recent brainstorming session they had discussed the advantages of breaking the Commission into different sub-committees to research various items and report back to the whole Commission with their recommendations for action. After a brief discussion Jonathan Widem moved to establish three subcommittees comprised of the members of the Advisory Commission. The sub-committees will be as follows: Land Acquisition and Parks Development sub-committee, Natural Resources and Preservation sub-committee and the Recreation sub- committee. All eleven members of the Commission must serve on one, but can serve on only one, of the sub- committees. With no more than four members on each sub-committee, there would be a chairperson appointed to each subcommittee. Each sub-committee would be required to meet at least monthly with topics and issues generated by staff and/or the Commission. The sub-committees would have no voting or policy making power so all information would be brought before the public at the televised monthly meetings. The sub-committee chairperson would be charged with giving a report at the monthly commission meeting. The responsibility and duties of the subcommittees is to work with department staff and the public on various issues for dissemination to the rest of the Advisory Commission at the monthly meetings. The ultimate goal of the sub-committee would be increased efficiency of the Advisory Commission through timely policy implementation and timely decision making. Erin Ipsen-Borgersen seconded the motion with all Commission members voting in favor. Commission Member Widem suggested that items will come from staff to the Commission to get preliminary questions out of the way prior to the meeting. Member Vincent asked if staff is expected to assign issues to the sub-committees based on what should be done. Member Thompson asked if more time could be allowed by developers for staff review of development issues. Director Vraa responded that the City Council has 90 days to respond to a preliminary plat which creates a very tight time frame now to provide for all necessary reviews. Ken continued that if the Commission wishes to review plats prior to their meeting they will need to see them at the very preliminary stage when they are first presented to the City and, in most cases, changes will occur prior to the scheduled Commission meeting. Commission Member Markell stated that the primary function of this change would be to support staff and help with the review process as necessary. Commission Member Billy commented that in the event a developer changes the scope of their project after their preliminary submissions, there should be a means by which the the item can be pulled from the agenda. Member Markell agreed, stating it was ineffective to discuss an item when adequate information isn't provided for staff review. Member Widem opined that it would help expedite issues before the Advisory Commission is some of the preliminary review has been done by the appropriate sub-committees. Member Vincent stated that the Commission may still need to review the whole issue even though it has been reviewed at the sub- committee level. Commission Chair Markell suggested trying the new process for a period of time to see if it will help staff and the Commission with their review process. Appointed to the Recreation sub-committee were Ted Billy and John Rudolph. Appointed to the Natural Resources sub-committee were Jonathan Widem, George Kubik and Stephen Thompson. Appointed to the Land Acquisition sub-committee were Lee Markell, David Szott, Michael Vincent and Ken Tyler. It was determined that the Land Acquistion sub-committee would meet on April 23 at 6:30 AM to review the potential acquisition sites as identified in the Park System Plan review. The Natural Resources sub- committee scheduled a meeting for 6:30 PM, Monday, April 25 at the maintenance facility. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resouces Commission Minutes of April 18, 1994 Meeting Page 8 MISSION STATEMENT Commission Chair Markell asked for volunteers to work on the Mission Statement. Members appointed included George Kubik, Michael Vincent and Stephen Thompson. With no further business to conduct, Jonathan Wide moved, John Rudolph seconded with all members voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 11:15 PM. Y 9. IV 7 A. /-Z - ~-e 1, cretary U Date