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07/17/1995 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION EAGAN, MINNESOTA JULY 17, 1995 A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission was called to order at 7:00 pm on July 17, 1995 with the following Commission Members present: George Kubik, Cindy Lynch, Lee Markell, John Rudolph, David Szott, Stephen Thompson, Michael Vincent, Thomas Walkington,Sherie Wallace and Jonathan Widem. Commission Member Ken Tyler was not present. Staff present included Dorothy Peterson, Superintendent of Recreation; Paul Olson, Park Superintendent; C.). Lilly, Landscape Architect/Parks Planner; Rich Brasch, Water Resources Coordinator; Gregg Hove, Forestry Supervisor; and Cherryl Mesko, Secretary. Member Vincent asked to incorporate bond referendum planning under "Future Bond Referendum/Caponi Art Park" as New Business. George Kubik moved, Jonathan Widem seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the agenda as amended. (may John Rudolph moved, Jonathan Widem seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the regular minutes of April 17, 1995 as presented. Superintendent Peterson highlighted several items included within the Department Happenings including the City providing an interpreter for the hearing impaired at each Evening in the Park event; reservations for fall field use for sports is beginning; over 1,122 children are involved in Summer in the Park; Adult slo-pitch softball is moving into it's final weeks and plans are beginning for fall softball; the introduction of nature programs has been very successful; trails along Pilot Knob Road and Lexington Avenue are included in the seal coating bids and a 10-1/2' rotary mower is being purchased for park and boulevard use. ~Wlvffml Stephen Thompson moved, Michael Vincent seconded with all members voting in favor to make the following recommendations to the City Council relative to the following proposals: 1. Tan-Me Industrial Park-APPRO Development. This development would be responsible for a cash parks dedication and cash trails dedication. Individual Lot Tree Preservation Plans will be required for Lots 1, 2 and 3 and this development will also require a cash dedication for water quality mitigation. 2. Town Centre 100 Sixteenth Addition. This development will require the developer to satisfy water quality mitigation requirements through a combination of on-site ponding and a supplemental cash dedication. The pond shall be designed to provide partial treatment for the entire planned development. The supplemental cash dedication shall be pro-rated based on 16 the area for the entire planned development. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of July 19, 1995 Meeting Page 2 3. Eagan Heights - RLK Associates, LTD. This development would be responsible for a cash parks dedication and a cash trails dedication. The Tree Preservation Plan should be approved as proposed. The developer shall install 9 Category A trees or 18 Category B trees or 36 Category C trees as mitigation for significant tree removal in excess of allowable limits. This tree replacement will be in addition to any vegetation required in a landscape plan. Tree Protective Measures (i.e. 4 foot polyethylene laminate safety netting) shall be installed at the Drip Line or at the perimeter of the Critical Root Zone, whichever is greater, of the significant trees/woodlands to be preserved. The developer shall be required to contact the City Forestry Division at least five days prior to the issuance of a grading permit to ensure compliance with the approved Tree Preservation Plan. The developer shall be given credit for the on-site ponding identified in the current site plan, and a supplemental cash dedication shall be required as mitigation for the shortfall in treatment provided by the proposed pond system. Filling and draining of the wetland on the site shall be prohibited. 4. Soderholm Addition. This development would be responsible for a cash trails dedication and the Tree Preservation Plan shall be approved as submitted. 7 smaller existing landscape trees (3", 4", three 5" pine, 6" pine, 3' ash and a 4' ash) shall be preserved via transplanting to a "safe area" on site or made available to City staff to transplant to a park area. This development meets water quality mitigation requirements with on-site ponding. The current design of the pond is unacceptable and will need to be modified. The final pond design must be approved by the Water Resources Coordinator. 5. Delosh Addition - Wayne Brekken. This development is responsible for a cash trail dedication and a cash parks dedication. The Tree Preservation Plan should be approved as submitted. The development shall require Tree Protective Measures (i.e. 4 foot polyethylene laminate safety netting) to be installed at the Drip Line or at the perimeter of the Critical Root Zone, whichever is greater, of the significant treestwoodlands to be preserved. The developer shall contact the City Forestry Division at least five days prior to the issuance of a grading permit to ensure compliance with the approved Tree Preservation Plan. Individual Lot Tree Preservation Plans will be required for Lot 6, Block 1. The development shall be responsible for a cash water quality dedication. There were no items to be discussed under Development Proposals. BORCHERT INGERSOLL PROPERTY AGREEMENT/GOPHER SMELTING Superintendent Peterson explained that the Commission is being asked to review the draft agreement for a land exchange between the City and Gopher Smelting for North Park. Member Markell asked John Tapper from Gopher Resource Corporation to explain the financial ramifications of the trade. Mr. Tapper responded that both properties have assessments but the trade will be a fairly equal transaction for both parties. Member Szott explained that the Land Acquisition Subcommittee had reviewed this issue during a work session and were expecting that a trail would extend around the entire southern end of the wetland. The sub-committee wanted to ensure that the necessary easements were provided to allow for that trail. Mr. Tapper explained that the easements can still occur and noted that Gopher Resource Corporation will ensure that the necessary easements are provided to facilitate this trail. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of July 19, 1995 Meeting Page 3 Member Vincent questioned the rational for incorporating future lease dollars within the value of a parcel as Gopher Resources has shown. Vincent explained that the lease dollars are not relevant and should not be incorporated into the value. Mr. Tapper responded that it was felt that the composting site should remain at its present location and this provision allows the City to receive the revenue from this site over the next 3 years. Gopher Resources is taking the risk in that the compost site may not generate $12,000 per year, which is what has been projected, Tapper added. He did note, however, that this is not typically figured into the value of a parcel. Member Vincent continued that the way the agreement is set up, the City is a responsible partner in the composting site but the revenues have been calculated into the value. He opined that this implies that the City will also be responsible for the relocation of the site once the 3 year time period has expired. Mr. Tapper explained that after 3 years the City is being asked to facilitate the move and his interpretation is that the City will 'support' the relocation of the composting site if necessary. Member Vincent again explained that he would like to see this issue clarified in the agreement. Mr. Tapper explained that he would clarify the City's responsibility with this issue, specifying that it would be simply support, with no financial obligation in the future. The City's responsibility can then be addressed at the end of the 3 year period. After further brief discussion, Jonathan Widem moved, Tom Walkington seconded with all members voting in favor to recommend that the draft agreement with Gopher Smelting for the North Park land exchange be forwarded onto the City Council for their review and action based on the recommendations made by the Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission. PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALK POLICY Superintendent Peterson summarized the discussion held by the Recreation Subcommittee relative to the crosswalk policy and reviewed the four recommendations the subcommittee was suggesting for Commission review and action. Member Wallace indicated the Recreation Subcommittee had had a good discussion of this issue and had looked at a variety of park sites that may have crosswalk concerns. The subcommittee concluded that there is a need to look at each situation individually and assess the concerns and need. A study will be completed shortly addressing some of these crosswalk issues as they impact access to parks. Safety, Wallace continued, was the primary issue during the discussion. It was suggested that a representative of the APRNRC would work with other department representatives to address the safety issues. Member Rudolph stated that because this is such a new area, this issue needs to be worked on slowly and adjusted/adapted as necessary. Rudolph concluded that there was very good input from the people attending the subcommittee meeting. Member Kubik asked what staff involvement would be in this process. Member Rudolph responded that they would need to look at vehicle traffic, site lines, etc. which will be worked on cooperatively with the Engineering Department. After a brief discussion John Rudolph moved, Jonathan Widem seconded with all members voting in favor to make the following recommendation to the City Council: 1. A separate section addressing crosswalks to parks be written for the Pedestrian Crosswalk Policy. An objective matrix of safety warrants be developed based on vehicular speed, volume, width of street, visibility and pedestrian demographics. 2. A pedestrian study be conducted. 3. Consideration be given to creating a safety review ad hoc committee whose purpose would be to review neighborhood requests for crosswalk safety devices of a higher level than warranted by the objective matrix. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of July 19, 1995 Meeting Page 4 4. The City's sidewalk policy be utilized as the standard for neighborhood financial participation for installation of pedestrian crosswalk devices that supersede the objective matrix level of protection. MOSQUITO CONTROL RECOMMENDATION Parks Superintendent Olson introduced this item explaining that in February, 1994 the City Council had directed the APRNRC to review and develop a recommendation regarding mosquito control practices in the City of Eagan. The Natural Resources Subcommittee discussed this issue on October 5, 1994 followed by APRNRC discussion on October 17 wherein the Commission deferred this item to allow time for additional input from interest groups and the public. A press release was placed in the local papers in June identifying a public hearing on June 15 and soliciting public input through July 1, 1995. On June 15, 1995, Olson continued, the public hearing was held as requested by the City Council, to collect comments pertaining to this issue with 4 representatives of the MMCD, one citizen and one representative of the -Human Ecology Action League present. Public comment remained open and was received through July 1. As a follow-up to the public hearing, MMCD and the Human Ecology Action League were offered the opportunity to submit written summaries of their positions which Superintendent Olson indicated were included within the packet. The Natural Resources sub-committee reviewed this issue for recommendation again on July 11 resulting in divided opinions. Superintendent Olson concluded that the issue is now before the Commission for their review and recommendation to the City Council. It is expected that the Council will be reviewing this issue on July 18, 1995. Superintendent Olson added that approximately 20 letters had been received during the public comment period with 18 indicating support for the MMCD program and 2 expressing concerns related to the use of chemicals. Options identified for the Commission to consider included 1) continuing participation in the current mosquito control program; 2) continuing the current MMCD program but not to allow the spraying of adult mosquito habitat on public property; 3) allow for adult spraying but eliminate larval treatment; 4)"opt" out of the MMCD nuisance mosquito control program and/or 5) educate the public regarding alternative control methods and their options as landowners. Olson commented that some communities have opted out of the MMCD program and individuals have also opted out of this program as well. Chairman Markell asked if there was anyone from the public present to address this issue. Jim Starke, Public Affairs for the MMCD responded that they were present to respond to any questions the Commission may have relative to this issue. He stated that the public input process is very much appreciated and was pleased that the majority of Eagan residents, based on the response from the public, have expressed support for the MMCD program as it exists. Starke did note that although some cities have opted out of the program on public land, the City of Lakeville is an example of a city that looked at the process several years ago and opted to stay with the MMCD program. It was noted that environmental compatibility and safety are the two biggest issues the MMCD considers in working with mosquito control issues. He indicated that park and recreation areas are posted when spraying is going to occur and there is a recorded message that is updated daily for residents to call for that information. Additionally, individuals can call and ask to be contacted directly when spraying will occur near their home. The MMCD, Starke continued, wants to continue protecting the health and well-being of Eagan residents and they firmly believe in the safety of their program. Member Widem, chairman of the Natural Resources sub-committee, stated that when this issue was discussed at the sub-committee level the opinions were divided. He stated that with the support of the EPA and the Mn. Dept of Health he was comfortable with the products being used by the MMCD for mosquito control. In addition, it was apparent that the response from the public to date overwhelmingly supported Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of July 19, 1995 Meeting Page 5 continuation of the MMCD program. Widem also noted that to his knowledge, until this issue had been brought forward, there had not been any negative input from residents relative to the mosquito control program within the City. Widem concluded that this is an issue where there will always be differing opinions but that he supported continuation of the mosquito control program as it exists. Member Vincent asked how the public is educated relative to this issue and who is responsible for providing that education. Jim Starke stated that the MMCD is primarily responsible for providing education to residents through presentations at schools, information in local newspapers and some neighborhood distribution, information at fairs, libraries and government buildings. The information is made available whenever there is a vehicle to provide it, Starke concluded. Member Vincent stated that if the MMCD program is to continue within the City he wanted to see increased education provided by the MMCD for residents in an attempt to diminish chemical use within the City and help residents understand how they can help to control mosquitos by other means. Member Markell commented that the primary control provided by the MMCD was for nuisance control of mosquitos rather than for disease control which is the area that is generally highly publicized. Markell asked if there were any statistics supporting park usage decreasing in areas where the MMCD no longer sprays or conversely, whether park usage increases in areas where they do spray. Superintendent Olson stated that there have been no discussions or statistics available, to his knowledge, relative to this issue. Member Markell asked if there were cities that had opted out and then approached MMCD to re- enter the program. Starke stated that there were none to his knowledge, however, the MMCD still gets complaints from residents in Chanhassen and Maplewood where those cities have opted out of the program in public areas. Member Thompson commented that the public's perception is that mosquitos are disliked. It is not clear in his mind that control has been effective to date and he would prefer to see the City take a conservative stand on this issue. Thompson suggested that adult spraying occur on a request basis only, that the City opt out of the larval control portion of mosquito control and that any concentrated effort be placed on disease control when appropriate. Member Markel) concurred with Thompson's suggestions. Member Kubik stated his concern for continuing mosquito control as it currently exists and suggested looking at other options along with investigating the financial implications of this program. Member Walkington stated he thought the MMCD had been and continues to be environmentally responsible in their mosquito control program and wanted to see the program continued. After further brief discussion, Michael Vincent moved and Jonathan Widem seconded a motion to make the following recommendations to the City Council relative to mosquito control procedures within the City of Eagan: 1. Continue to participate in the current mosquito control program as administered and implemented by the MMCD. This includes the treatment of larvae sites with chemical briquets and the ground spraying of adult mosquito habitat on public property. 2. Create an aggressive public education program, administered and implemented by the MMCD, in cooperation with the City of Eagan, regarding alternative control methods and their options in an attempt to reduce the level of chemicals used within the City of Eagan. S Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of July 19, 1995 Meeting Page 6 3. The MMCD shall provide an annual report of the amount of chemicals used and in which locations within the City of Eagan. There should be a concentrated effort to reduce the amount of chemicals each year. Those voting Aye included Tom Walkington, Michael Vincent, David Szott, Jonathan Widem, John Rudolph, Sherie Wallace and Cindy Lynch. Those voting Nay included Lee Markell, George Kubik and Stephen Thompson. The motion passed. ACQUISITION OF NORTHWEST CORNER OF NORTH PARK Landscape Architect/Parks Planner Lilly introduced this item explaining that the City has been exploring the possibility of continuing the proposed trail around the northwest portion of the wetland within North Park. In order to provide for this extension, the City will need to acquire easements from the existing landowners. Staff is looking for direction from the Commission as to whether negotiations should continue relative to the acquisition of trail easements in this northwest portion of North Park. George Kubik moved, Michael Vincent seconded with all members voting in favor to direct staff to continue negotiations for the acquisition of a trail easement within the northwest portion of North Park to allow for the trail to continue in that location. FUTURE BOND REFERENDUM/CAPONI ART PARK Member Vincent explained that the City Council had directed the APRNRC to research the issue of a future bond referendum. Vincent moved, Widem seconded with all members voting in favor to make the following recommendations to the City Council relative to a future bond referendum: 1. Assign one member from each of the three sub-committees (other commission members are welcome) along with a staff representative to evaluate and develop an outline for a Park and Open Space bond referendum: 2. The task force will report it's findings and recommendations within 60 days directly to the Commission. Recommendations should include but are not limited to: • A view of park, open space, recreation and natural resource needs. • Providing a ranking system of the needs and goals. • An accountability of bond fund uses and issues. • Recommendations of outside resources the Commission may want to review and/or use in assisting with the bond. Member Wallace expressed her appreciation for the initiative in getting this project started but felt the whole Commission should be involved in the discussions. Member Szott agreed. Member Vincent stated that the meetings would be set up so that any Commission member could attend and participate, but that he felt it was necessary to have a "core group" to keep the process on task. Members volunteering to serve on the task force included Michael Vincent, Lee Markell, John Rudolph and Sherie Wallace with Vincent serving as chair. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of July 19, 1995 Meeting Page 7 Superintendent Peterson explained that Professor Caponi was not able to participate in the Commission's discussion regarding this issue nor was he able to provide an overview of the Caponi Art Park, however, he was aware that the Art Park was being considered for inclusion within the bond referendum discussion process. Tom Walkington moved, Jonathan Widem seconded with all members voting in favor to incorporate the Caponi Art Park into the discussion and study process for a future bond referendum Landscape Architect/Parks Planner Lilly reviewed the Borchert Ingersoll property showing the potential development of 4 softball fields, sand volleyball, picnic area, playground and parking lot. The trails within the park will be bituminous, however the trails surrounding the wetland will be mowed/soft surface. At the Lexington/Diffley site the irrigation/fencing is nearing completion with the turf to be done by late fall in anticipation for a 1996 opening. SUBCOMMITTEE UPDATES ON COMMISSION GOALS Member Widem of the Natural Resources sub-committee explained that they had met on July 12 to begin the review process of the Water Quality Management Program focusing on classification and prioritization. Another issue the sub-committee is working on is a fertilization ordinance. They are looking at the legal boundaries and how other communities have handled this issue of banning or controlling fertilizers before moving ahead with an ordinance proposal. This would be done in conjunction with a strong education program. Member Szott explained the Land Acquisition sub-committee had spent a great deal of time reviewing the downtown park development. The next project being discussed was the acquisition of additional space at North Park for the continuation of the bike trail to the south of the wetland area. Holz Farm planning has also been a large portion of the sub-committees discussion. Member Wallace of the Recreation sub-committee explained they are evaluating the mission of recreation/leisure policies by setting up 14 criteria to determine how a program fits those criteria. The crosswalk policy was a recent issue assigned to the sub-committee which they reviewed and provided a recommendation to the Commission. The Behavior Policy was another issue brought to the Commission which was adopted for use during the 1995 summer programming. Corporate giving/sponsorship is another open issue for the sub-committee to discuss. LEGISLATIVE MANDATE FOR NEW DEVELOPMENT PROCESS Superintendent Peterson explained that staff had hoped to have more details and clarification of the new Legislative mandate to review development proposals within a 60 day time frame. Information was not available as yet to share with the Commission, however, this item should appear again on the August agenda. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of July 19, 1995 Meeting Page 8 WINXIMM. Coordinator Brasch explained that a revised development plan had been received for Easter Lutheran Church and they are asking for a recommendation from the Commission at their August 14 meeting. Brasch suggested scheduling a Natural Resources sub-committee meeting to discuss this item prior to the August 14 meeting. Tuesday, July 25 was selected as a meeting date. Member Wallace asked if there was a way to provide clearer exhibits within the packet. She noted that some of the reduced maps are very difficult to read. Member Rudolph thanked the City Council for their recognition of volunteers during a recent picnic. Although he was unable to attend, he appreciated the gesture by the Council in showing their appreciation of volunteers. Member Markell stated he was impressed with the interest by the Eagan Garden Club in the Holz Farm garden. Member Vincent asked if there would be a way for staff to provide an "executive summary' which would provide a brief background and recommendations for the Commission to consider. He asked that just enough information be provided to give the audience an overview rather than provide a lengthy review and presentation. Member Kubik suggested that perhaps Director Vraa could provide some direction as to how something in between can be accomplished. Member Walkington suggested that there be more discussion of issues rather than review of written materials. With no further business to conduct, Jonathan Widem moved, George Kubik seconded with all members voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 9:20 pm. A Secretary Date S