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05/16/1994 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION EAGAN, MINNESOTA MAY 16, 1994 A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission was called to order at 7:00 PM on May 16, 1994 with the following Commission Members present: Lee Markell, John Rudolph, Ted Billy, George Kubik, Ken Tyler and Michael Vincent. Commission Members David Szott, Stephen Thompson and Jonathan Widem 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 Architect/Parks Planner; Rich Brasch, Water Resources Coordinator; Shannon Tyree, Project Planner; Mike Ridley, Project Planner and Cherry) Mesko, Secretary. AGENDA Director Vraa added Item 5, Park System Plan Update Meetings under Other Business and Reports. George Kubik moved, John Rudolph seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the amended agenda as presented. Director Vraa introduced Youth Development Coordinator Walker Lee Ashley to the Commission after reviewing his background briefly. Ken continued that this was a newly created position and Walker Lee has taken responsibility for the position and has accomplished a great deal in a short period of time. Walker Lee thanked Ken for the introduction and explained how enthusiastic he was to tackle this position. He reviewed several ideas that are being worked on to provide positive experiences for youth in the community. Mr. Ashley also commented on the support being provided by other government agencies as well as the management company at Wescott Commons. The owners of the property are providing an apartment which will be rented for 6 months, on a trial basis, beginning July 1. Programming will occur out of this apartment. Commission Chair Markell welcomed Walker Lee and thanked him for his efforts to provide positive programming opportunities for youth. He also stated this was a good compliment to the existing programs the City offers it's youth. CONSENT AGENDA Ted Billy moved, George Kubik seconded with all members voting in favor to make the following recommendations to the Advisory Planning Commission and the City Council relative to the following proposal: 1. Amundson Corner Addition - Gilbert Anderson. This plat would be subject to a cash parks dedication, cash trails dedication and cash water quality dedication. An individual lot Tree Preservation Plan would be required at the time of building permit application. There are no wetlands subject to regulation under the Wetlands Conservation Act on this parcel. THEODORE WACHTER ADDITION (Municipal Center Expansion) Director Vraa introduced this item explaining that first phase expansion of the Municipal Center is to include the new police building. Construction of the new police facility and remodeling of the City Hall will be phased over the next two years. Ken noted that staff had mailed 150 notices for a public meeting relative to the Municipal Center expansion but had only two people in attendance asking questions. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resouces Commission Minutes of May 16 Meeting Page 2 Water Resources Coordinator Brasch noted that the northern 11.8 acres of the site currently drain to Pond JP-1 5 which is classified as an indirect contact recreation basin that discharges to Fish Lake. The southern 22.7 acres discharges to Pond JP-6, an 8 acre wetland with an average depth of about 3 feet classified as an indirect contact recreation water body. On-site ponding is feasible and has been incorporated into the site plan considering the present development proposal as we'll as likely future development which will be similar in intensity to commercial/industrial. Rich noted that the pond will generate sufficient water quality treatment "credit" for both the north and south sub-drainages of the site. Relative to wetlands, Rich noted that four small wetlands ranging in area from 60 square feet to 4,000 square feet were located within the development area. None of the wetlands are identified on the National Wetlands Inventory but are associated with ditches and overland drainage swales formed by site grading that altered drainage patterns. Since the actions were taken by public entities, the wetlands are exempt from regulation under the Wetlands Conservation Act and can be filled or drained without providing replacement. It was also noted that a fringe wetland adjacent to Pond JP-6 was found and delineated. No filling or draining of the wetland is being proposed. Parks Superintendent VonDeLinde explained that a total of 135 tees and 28,400 square feet of significant woodlands exist on this site. Staff is transplanting 60 trees off campus and is preserving 65 trees on site. Ten trees are recommended to be removed because they are either too large to be transplanted or they are damaged or diseased. Director Vraa added that the City has opened the bid for the first phase grading. The total project will last approximately 2-1/2 years. The bid for the construction of the police facility will be awarded on June 26 with the expectation that the police department will move into it's new facility in May/June, 1995. Commission Member Markell asked if it would be possible to make the roadway between the Municipal Center and library smaller to favor pedestrian traffic. Director Vraa explained that the site plan joining the library and Municipal Center parking lots is conceptual but the intention was to provide a safe, shared access between the two facilities. In response to where the main parking lot would be, Director Vraa responded it would be on the south side of the building with the main access from Wescott Road. He also noted that the intersection of Wescott and Pilot Knob would be signalized this year. After further discussion, George Kubik moved, Ted Billy seconded with all members voting in favor to make the following recommendations to the Advisory Planning Commission and the City Council relative to Theodore Wachter Addition: 1. The developer will provide on-site ponding to meet water quality treatment requirements for this development. Ponding should be designed to treat runoff from existing and proposed developed areas in the south drainage of the site, and will thereby provide sufficient treatment credit so that water quality mitigation for the north drainage of the site is unnecessary. 2. Wetland basins 1, 2, 3 and 4 as identified in staff's February 10, 1994 wetland delineation and inventory report should be exempted from regulation under the Wetlands Conservation Act as allowed under the permanent program rules. 3. No filling or draining of the delineated fringe wetland adjacent to Pond JP-6 be permitted. 4. 125 trees on site be either preserved during construction or transplanted to a "safe" location on site. Ten trees are recommended to be removed because they are either too large to be transplanted or they are damaged or diseased. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resouces Commission Minutes of May 16, 1994 Meeting Page 3 Commission Member Markell asked if consideration could be given to removing the roadway between the municipal center and library to provide more green space. CRESTWOOD ADDITION - CRESTWOOD ENTERPRISES After a brief introduction by Director Vraa, Project Planner Tyree explained this was a preliminary plat application for one lot on 12.719 previously zoned L-1 acres and a conditional use permit to allow a truck and freight terminal located in the NW 1/4 of Section 17. Shannon continued that this request is consistent with the Comp Guide Plan and will be heard by the Advisory Planning Commission on May 24. Director Vraa explained that this area is within Park Service District 18 and is removed from the general residential area located to the west. A cash parks dedication and cash trails dedication is being suggested by staff. Water Resources Coordinator Brasch explained that runoff from this site will discharge to a pond within Silver Bell Addition which in turn discharges to a drainage through wetland on its way to a back water of the Minnesota River within Fort Snelling State Park. Although there are no recreationally classified water bodies downstream, a portion of the Nicols fen apparently lies between the ponding area on Silver Bill and the Minnesota River. Because of possible impact to the fen, the DNR was contacted, however staff has not received comments back from the hydrologist to date. Rich added that a broader review of this issue will be done when more information has been obtained. It was also noted that infiltration of ground water may help to mitigate any impact to the Kennealy trout creek that also exists in this area. Relative to tree preservation, it was noted that the majority of this site has been previously cleared and graded, however 16 significant trees are currently on site. The initial site development will result in the removal of five significant trees (31.3%) with 30% being the allowable removal for this type of development. After further discussion, Ted Billy moved, John Rudolph seconded with all members voting in favor to make the following recommendations to the Advisory Planning Commission and City Council relative to Crestwood Addition: 1. This development would be subject to a cash parks dedication. 2. This development would be subject to a cash trails dedication. 3. This development would be required to provide ponding to meet water quality treatment requirements for the site. 4. The wetland identified on the site would be exempt from regulation under the Wetlands Conservation Act. 5. The developer would be responsible for planting 2 Category B trees as mitigation for the loss of significant trees in addition to the normal landscaping requirements for this site. The Tree Preservation Plan indicates that ten Category B trees will be planted as replacement trees. 6. This development is to comply with all applicable state requirements. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resouces Commission Minutes of May 16, 1994 Meeting Page 4 VANTAGE POINT After a brief introduction by Director Vraa, Project Planner Ridley explained this was a proposal for the rezoning of approximately 5.92 acres of Agricultural to Single Family and a Preliminary Plat for 11 lots located in the NE 1/4 of Section 27 on the south side of Diffley and west of the Lexington Diffley Athletic site. Mike continued that this proposal is consistent with the Comprehensive Land Use Guide Plan. This proposal is scheduled to appear at the May Advisory Planning Commission, however there are some questions relative to the access to the site. Planner Ridley stated that access is being proposed through the Lexington Diffley Athletic site since access directly from Diffley Road would eliminate the majority of the north lots proposed within this development. Director Vraa commented that this parcel is located in Park Service Section 27 served by Carlson Lake, Oak Chase, Clearwater and Goat Hill Parks as well as the new Lexington Diffley Athletic site. Ken added that this residential development will have limited access to a neighborhood facility although future development within the Lexington Diffley Athletic complex will provide some recreational amenities that would be available for this subdivision. Water Resources Coordinator Brasch explained that stormwater from this development will discharge to a storm sewer line in Diffley Road which in turn discharges to Pond JP-8.1 in Patrick Eagan Park. Pond JP- 8.1 was constructed, at city expense, to catch and treat runoff for Diffley Road and adjacent properties between the Rooney property and the intersection of Lexington Avenue and Diffley Road. It appears this pond is adequately sized to protect the water quality and avoid impacting the considerable woodland resources on this site. Parks Superintendent VonDeLinde noted that a total of 104 significant trees have been identified on site. This tree mass is concentrated on the north half of the development (lots 1-6). The initial site development will result in the loss of 6 significant trees (5.8%) due to road construction. The allowable removal is 25% of the total number therefore this falls within the allowable range per the Tree Preservation Guidelines. Director Vraa added that this development is located immediately adjacent to the Lexington Diffley Athletic site. Mr. Caponi currently has a 16' easement across the park property to gain access to his home. This 16' width is not large enough fora public street therefore a new alignment accessing the development from Lexington Avenue through the athletic site has been suggested by staff. Ken noted that the developer would like the road access to his development to remain where the 16' easement is, however, staff feels this access would provide a negative impact to the park as well as pose some problems with providing a public street in this location. Commission Member Billy commented that he didn't feel an entrance to a development through an athletic facility would be very appealing. After further discussion, George Kubik moved, Lee Markell seconded with all members voting in favor to make the following recommendations to the Advisory Planning Commission and City Council relative to the Vantage Point development: 1. The developer be responsible for initiating a petition for a public street across City property and for the road plan to be reviewed by the Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission to ensure design comparability with the Eagan Park. 2. The developer vacate the 16 foot access easement at the time of final plat. 3. This development be subject to a cash parks dedication. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resouces Commission Minutes of May 16, 1994 Meeting Page 5 4. This development be subject to a cash trails dedication. 5. This development be subject to a cash water quality dedication. 6. There are no wetlands subject to regulation under the Wetlands Conservation Act on this parcel. 7. Recommend approval of the Tree Preservation Plan as it exists for initial site development. 8. Acknowledge that the presence of significant trees on Lots 1 through 6, and Lots 8 and 9 within the development will require future builders of those lots to prepare individual lot Tree Preservation Plans at the time of building permit application. WHISPERING WOODS 10TH CEDAR HEIGHTS ADDITION Director Vraa explained that a preliminary plat application has been submitted requesting rezoning of 6.25 acres from agricultural to single family and a preliminary plat for 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 and the extension of Slater Road. Ken noted that this development, along with Cedar Heights, had been reviewed by the Advisory Commission at their April 18 meeting. The Commission recommended that water quality and wetlands issues be separated from the rest of the recommendations so the Natural Resources subcommittee could review them in conjunction with their review of the Cedar Heights Addition. It was noted that this item will appear at the May 18 City Council meeting. Jim Schmidt indicated he lives in the Slater Acres development and has watched it grow from 13 homes to over 300. He shared his concern in seeing the demise of oak trees and wetlands in this area. Mr. Schmidt also asked that consideration be given to providing a mini-park in lieu of Lots 1 and 2 south of Storland Road. He opined that this would provide a recreation area for young children and their parents which would preclude the necessity of traveling along Slater Road to get to Slater Acres Park. He felt this would also relieve some of the pressure from that park. Mr. Schmidt asked that the two developers cooperate and act on behalf of the whole community in providing this amenity. Henrikka Rustin commented that she was concerned for the safety of the children who play in the streets once these two developments are built. Lee Markel l asked if there were any traffic count projections in this area. Planner Tyree responded that the counters were out but no information has been provided to date. Director Vraa asked if this is a location the Commission would choose if they were to identify a need for a mini park in this area. George Kubik asked the developers how they felt about this proposal. Scott Hilla, representing Whispering Woods 10th explained that the location the residents have identified for a mini-park is completely within the Cedar Heights Addition and would not impact his development. Mr. Hilla suggested the Commission consider expanding Slater Acres Park rather than provide a mini-park. Jim Schmidt reiterated his opinion that a mini-park situated on the two lots he identified earlier would best serve the toddler population in the area. Commission Member Markell clarified that a pond would be located very near where Mr. Schmidt was proposing a mini-park. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resouces Commission Minutes of May 16, 1994 Meeting Page 6 After further discussion, Ted Billy moved, Lee Markell seconded a motion to make the following recommendations to the City Council relative to Cedar Heights Addition: 1. This development be subject to a cash parks dedication. 2. This development be subject to a cash trails dedication. 3. The developer construct an on-site pond to meet water quality treatment standards to protect Pond AP-34. 4. Exemptions from regulation under the Wetlands Conservation Act be granted for wetland basins A and B as identified in the Cedar Heights Wetland Replacement Plan. However, the developer should preserve basin A and shall allow its use as a detention basin for stormwater from Whispering Woods 10th Addition. 5. The proposed wetland replacement plan for Cedar Heights compiled by Westwood Professional Services, Inc. dated April 5, 1994 and as revised by an April 14, 1994 memo should be approved. 6. The developer of Cedar Heights be responsible for planting 35 Category B trees or 70 Category C trees as mitigation for the loss of significant trees and woodlands. 7. The developer preserve the 8 significant trees on Lot 1, Block 1 when the individual lot is built upon. 8. Acknowledge the presence of significant trees of woodlands on Lots 1, 2, 3, 4, 14, 15 and 30 of Block 2 within the development which will require future builders of those lots to prepare individual lot Tree Preservation Plans at the time of building permit application. Those voting in favor included Lee Markell, Ted Billy, George Kubik, Ken Tyler and Michael Vincent. John Rudolph voted against. The motion passed. George Kubik moved, Ted Billy seconded with all members voting in favor to make the following recommendations to the 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. It is acknowledged that the Whispering Woods 10th Addition development complies with the City's Tree Preservation policy. 4. The presence of significant trees on all lots within the development will require future builders to prepare individual lot tree preservation plans at the time of the building permit application. 5. The developer is to provide on-site detention ponds to meet water quality treatment requirements or stormwater discharged to the drainage of Pond AP-34. 6. A cash dedication is required for all drainage from the site which is not adequately treated with on-site ponding. 7. No filling or draining of the wetland identified in the March 10, 1994 report for the site prepared by Pioneer Engineering be allowed. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resouces Commission Minutes of May 16,1994 Meeting Page 7 DAKOTA COUNTY PARK PLANNING OF LEBANON HILLS Director Vraa explained that representatives of Dakota County Parks were present to update the Commission on pending improvements that will be occurring within the county park system. Steve Sullivan, Supervisor of Parks Planning and Maintenance, provided the Commission with background relative to the regional park concept and the intent to develop a state-like park system in the metro area that would be more resource based. Steve explained the difference between facility designations such as regional park, reserve, lineal park and special features. Mr. Sullivan continued that Dakota County has identified several projects they want to incorporate within Lebanon Hills Regional Park for near term development. Those items include Jensen Lake picnic area, Holland Lake picnic area, Camp Sacajawea youth group camp, tent camp area expansion and tamarack bog restoration. After an indepth review of each project, Steve concluded that Dakota County has identified approximately $900,000 to accomplish these projects. Commission Member Markell asked what the status of Holland Lake swimming would be after the picnic area is expanded. Mr. Sullivan explained that there continues to be concern for parking along Cliff Road by individuals who use Holland Lake. Because of safety concerns, Steve continued, Dakota County will be discouraging tubing at Holland Lake since this water body has not been identified as a designated swimming area. Director Vraa asked about the intended use for the area shown as turf north of the picnic area. Mr. Sullivan responded this was expected to support open play opportunities for pavilion users. Steve also added that the playstructure planned at Jensen was envisioned to be similar to the one constructed at Trapp Farm Park. There also may be smaller structures scattered throughout the Holland Lake area. Commission Chair Markell thanked Mr. Sullivan and Mr. Doering for providing this update to the Commission. SIDEWALK EXTENSION - SLATER ROAD Director Vraa noted that with the addition of residential development in Park Service Section 31W, the extension of Slater Road to Burnsville Parkway will be completed. The Commission's previous review of Whispering Woods 10th and Cedar Heights noted that a sidewalk/trail would be extended along the west side of Stater Road to interconnect with the trailway already existing along Burnsville Parkway. John Rudolph stated that, due to the condition of the trail dedication fund, if a trail were to go through this new section it may be appropriate to do it at a later date suggesting that only the area currently under construction provide for a trail extension. George Kubik moved, John Rudolph seconded with all members voting in favor to recommend that a trailway along Slater Road be extended at least through that portion of Slater Road intended for construction. The other portions of the trailway would be done at a later date with a preference that the trail be extended all the way to Cliff Road. TREE PRESERVATION GUIDELINES Park Superintendent VonDeLinde noted that the Natural Resources sub-committee met on April 25 and concluded to recommend to the Commission approval of the Tree Preservation Guidelines as changed. Ted Billy moved, Michael Vincent seconded with all members voting in favorto approve the adoption of the proposed changes to the tree preservation guidelines and recommend that staff research the development of a new ordinance requiring a city permit for the removal of significant stands of trees prior to the land development phase. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resouces Commission Minutes of May 16, 1994 Meeting Page 8 PARKS DEVELOPMENT UPDATE Landscape Architect/Parks Planner Lilly explained that work is progressing quite aggressively at the Lexington Diffley athletic site. C.J. continued that the landscaping and entrance sign at Blackhawk Park have been completed as well as the retaining wall near the pavilion at Trapp Farm Park. The Bur Oaks north playground has been reviewed with the neighborhood and will be modified to incorporate their input. Commission Member Kubik thanked C.). for providing pictures of these projects since they give the Commission a better understanding of the work being described. WATER QUALITY UPDATE Water Resources Coordinator Brasch explained that a meeting needs to be set relative to the Fish Lake diagnostic study. Rich asked if this meeting should incorporate the new Natural Resources Subcommittee or the group that reviewed it previously. Chairman MarkelI suggested this be addressed by the Natural Resources Subcommittee. In reviewing the time frame, Mr. Brasch explained that the steering committee could meet on June 2 to discuss the water quality goals for Fish Lake and provide feedback on the proposed criteria. Public informational meeting could then be held on June 30 or July 7. George Kubik suggested getting time line input from Jonathan Widem and Stephen Thompson since they were on the Natural Resources sub-committee. After they confirm a date,George continued, the balance of the sub-committee and any other Commission Members could attend. DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS Superintendent of Recreation Dorothy Peterson noted that summer registration started on Saturday, May 14 with 1746 registrations followed by 300 more on the 16th. Other items highlighted included the June 5 Open House at Blackhawk Park from 1-4 pm; 184 participants in the May 7 Fun Run; 700+ participants in the recent baseball clinic; submission of the Northview Tennis complex for a national facility award and the upcoming Family Bike Fest on May 21 for bicyclists from Apple Valley, Burnsville, Lakeville, Farmington, Rosemount, Savage and Eagan. Superintendent VonDeLinde added that fields are being prepared for the '94 athletic season; spring fertilization is underway; STS completed the landscaping and tree planting in Blackhawk Park; nearly 5,000 residents were involved in some aspect of this year's Arbor Month activities and thanked the volunteers from U.S. West for assisting with bagging trees at the Tree Sale. Commission Member Kubik indicated he had received good feedback on the Arbor Day celebration at South Oaks Park. Member Markell complimented staff for their continued excellent work. EROSION CONTROL LETTER Director Vraa brought the Commission's attention to the letter in the packet which represents communication from the City to builders and developers regarding erosion control. Ken noted that this letter, signed jointly by the Directors of Parks and Recreation, Community Development and Public Works, reflects direct input from the Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission and their continued concern about erosion control. PARK SYSTEM PLAN UPDATE MEETINGS Director Vraa outlined several meetings for Commission Members to note on their calendars. Those included a joint Council/Commission meeting on May 24, Park System Plan meeting on June 6, and public input meeting incorporated on the June 20 Commission agenda. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resouces Commission Minutes of May 16, 1994 Meeting Page 9 ROUND TABLE Commission Member Kubik suggested that Department Happenings appear earlier on the agenda to provide information to the public earlier in the meeting. With no further business to conduct, George Kubik moved, Michael Vincent seconded, with all members voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 10:35 PM. 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