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08/14/1995 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION EAGAN, MINNESOTA August 14, 1995 A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission was called to order at 7:00 pm with the following Commission Members present: Cindy Lynch, Sherie Wallace, Stephen Thompson, Lee Markell, George Kubik, Michael Vincent,David Szott, Ken Tyler and Tom Walkington. Commission Members John Rudolph and Jonathan Widem were not present. Staff present included Ken Vraa, Director of Parks and Recreation Dorothy Peterson, Superintendent of Recreation; Paul Olson, Parks Superintendent; C.J. Lily, Landscape Architect/Parks Planner; Rich Brasch, Water Resources Coordinator; Gregg Hove, Forestry Supervisor and Cherryl Mesko, Secretary. AGENDA Stephen Thompson moved, Michael Vincent seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the agenda as presented. MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF JULY 17, 1995 George Kubik moved, Michael Vincent seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the minutes of the July 17, 1995 meeting as presented. DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS Items highlighted included NYSCA coaches training for football and soccer; award of a Community Development Block Grant for the Youth Development Junior Program; fall recreation programming has begun; 25 Eagan seniors are planning to take a trip to Red Wing on August 9; the quarterly City/school meeting to coordinate facility maintenance construction projects will occur on August 9 and staff continues their involvement with ISD 196 family services collaborative. CONSENT AGENDA George Kubik moved, Michael Vincent seconded with all members voting in favor to make the following recommendations to the city Council relative to the following proposal: 1. Pruesse Addition - Gregory L. Pruesse. This development would be subject to a cash parks dedication, cash trails dedication and cash water quality dedication. The grading plan shall be revised to illustrate grading impacts and proposed tree/woodland protection measures. There are no jurisdictional wetlands on site. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS RIVER PARK OFFICE CENTER - BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD Following a brief introduction of this item, Planner Ridley explained this was a request for a Preliminary Planned Development to permit the addition of four new 100 sq. ft. office buildings on 52.5 acres and a Preliminary Subdivision consisting of 6 lots on 52.5 acres located at 3400 Yankee Drive, west of Highway 13 and south of Yankee Doodle Road in the south 1/2 of section 8 and the north 1/2 of section 17. Ridley continued that BCBS has 550 employees working at the existing River Park office facility. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of August 14, 1995 Meeting Page 2 Because of the proposed building expansion, which exceed 300,000 sq. ft., an Environmental Assessment Worksheet must be prepared for review and approval by the MPCA. An Indirect Source Permit is also required by the MPCA because the total required parking exceeds 200 parking spaces. Until these have been completed, the City cannot give final approval of this subdivision. In conclusion, Ridley noted that the office park has been compatible with this area and will continue to be compatible with this area with the proposed expansion. Supervisor Hove explained that the Tree Preservation Plan is acceptable as presented. The guidelines allow for the two-phase woodland mass removal of 47.5% which will require BCBS to replace a small number of trees as mitigation for exceeding the woodland loss. Water Resources Coordinator Brasch explained that two-thirds of the site (including all improved areas) drains through two storm water basins, first to CP-7 then discharging to CP-8 before discharging into CP-9, a 45 foot deep flooded gravel pit located in Ft. Snelling State Park. This has been recommended for re-assignment to a "recreational" classification by the APRNRC. The impervious surface coverage on the 34 acres draining to CP-7 will double with the addition of four buildings and expansion of the existing parking lot. The western edge of the site designated as "proof of parking" for 1400 spaces will result in a high impervious coverage, if developed. A water quality pond has been provided by the developer to serve this proof of parking area. If the proof of parking area is constructed, the design of this pond must meet NURP standards, Brasch continued. Because of the increase in impervious surface and associated run off to CP-7, staff is recommending that BCBS meet it's water quality treatment requirements with on-site ponding by expanding CP-7, however BCBS prefers to pay a cash water quality dedication so they can maximize the use of the 55 acre site. Sharon Zahar, representing BCBS reiterated they would prefer a cash dedication to allow for the preservation of trees throughout the site that would be impacted with a pond. BCBS will continue to work cooperatively with the City to provide an effective use of this property. Member Markell asked if staff could work with BCBS toward promoting more prairie area. Ms. Zahar explained that BCBS is open to providing a prairie area understanding that they will need to take a proactive approach to educating their employees. In response to a question relative to parking, Ms. Zahar explained that BCBS will provide parking for the development and if future parking is required it will be provided to the north. Member Markell asked if there were any other alternatives to providing ponding on this site. Brasch indicated that there are very few opportunities to pond downstream from this development. The only other option would be to dredge the next pond downstream to allow for a higher capacity which may be cost prohibitive. After further discussion, Lee Markell moved, Stephen Thompson seconded with all members voting in favor to make the following recommendation relative to River Park Office Center: 1. This development is responsible for a cash parks dedication for the 11 acres added to the plat based on the parks dedication fee at the time of the final plat. 2. This development is responsible for a cash trails dedication for the 11 acres added to the plat based on the trails dedication fee at the time of the final plat. 3. This development will be required to plant 5 category B trees as mitigation for significant tree/woodland removal exceeding the 47.5% woodland loss. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of August 14, 1995 Meeting Page 3 4. The development shall meet it's water quality treatment requirements via on-site ponding through the expansion of pond CP-7. 5. The developer shall be required to incorporate on-site ponding to fully meet water quality treatment requirements for the possible parking lot to be built on Parcel 4. The pond size and design should be approved by the water resources coordinator prior to issuance of a grading permit for this portion of the site by the City. 6. If a parking lot is proposed to be developed where it is currently shown as proof of parking, this issue shall come back to the Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission for review. 7. There are no jurisdictional wetlands within the development site which will be filled or drained. EASTER LUTHERAN CHURCH Planner Tyree reminded the Commission that they had previously reviewed this development recommending that it not be approved because of the significant impact to both wetlands and tree preservation. This proposal is for a Comprehensive Guide Plan Amendment changing the existing land use guide plan designation from D-l Single Family to PF-Public Facility and a Preliminary Planned Development/Conditional Use Permit to allow the development of a 79,000 sq. ft. church facility in the northwest corner of Cliff Road and Pilot Knob Road. This development is being proposed in four phases. The original proposal was denied by the City Council due to the intensity of development and associated high impervious surface coverage. Tyree continued that Easter Lutheran Church has reevaluated its development possibilities and have reapplied after revising the plans to minimize the impervious surface coverage. The Natural Resource subcommittee suggested denial of the development proposal based on unacceptablity high impacts to the woodland resource portion due to the construction of detention basins needed to meet water quality treatment requirements for the site. Forestry Supervisor Hove explained that the tree preservation provided is a relatively informal tree inventory. He noted the massing in the southwest corner of the site are primarily conifers. The original tree removal for this site was 70% and the new plan has some grading limits with tree removal shown at 65%. Hove suggested that the developer consider moving the access on Cliff Road approximately 30 feet east to save approximately 25, 28-30' Colorado Spruce trees eliminating the need for the developer to acquire an easement from the neighboring property to the west. Another suggestion was that the developer do root pruning on some of the other spruce, pine and birch trees to allow the developer to transport trees already existing on site, reducing the percentage of removal to approximately 40%. Water Resources Coordinator Brasch stated that the reduction of impervious surface has helped mitigate water quality impacts. When the Natural Resources Subcommittee met regarding this issue they acknowledged that construction of ponding for water quality treatment would exacerbate tree loss within the site and that an even lower density development may be the only way of meeting all natural. resources management objectives for the site. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of August 14, 1995 Meeting Page 4 Relative to wetlands, staff has requested that the developer avoid any grading within the wetland fringe in order to provide maximum protection of the shoreline of Thomas Lake, which the developer has agreed to do. Erosion control measures will also be required, Brasch concluded. Member Kubik suggested that there be an agreement by the developer to use no phosphorous fertilizer on the property and that no salt be used that could wash into Thomas Lake. Brasch indicated that the developer is willing to look at whatever they can do to help maintain the integrity of Thomas Lake. Pastor James Borgschatz explained that the church is trying hard to meet the concerns expressed by staff. They will continue working with staff as those issues arise. Pastor Borgschatz reiterated that the plan is for the development of this site to be done in phases. Member Markell asked if the southerly connection with Cliff from the southern parking lot could be eliminated. Pastor Borgschatz explained that that accommodates a second level of parking and would be an elevation issue. Member Thompson suggested moving the entrance from Cliff Road to the east to save some of the trees. Pastor Borgschatz responded that they are working with the curb cuts as they currently exist; if the County would approve the relocation, the church would have no problem moving that access. Member Vincent moved and Member Wallace seconded the motion to approve the development based on the 8 recommendations made by staff. Member Kubik reiterated his concern about the road alignment, parking and unresolved tree issues. Member Markell agreed stating the level of tree removal and impervious surface far exceeds what the Commission typically wants to see. Vincent suggested that staff should follow through with the guidelines that exist for these specific issues. Kubik expressed concern for placing additional burdens on staff when it was the Commission's responsibility to review these issues and make recommendations. The motion was called with the following voting Aye: Michael Vincent and Sherie Wallace. Those voting Nay included Cindy Lynch, Lee Markell, George Kubik, David Szott, Ken Tyler, Tom Walkington and Stephen Thompson. The motion did not pass. George Kubik moved, David Szott seconded a motion that this proposal be considered for denial based on unresolved issues including alignment of entrance/exit roads, impervious surfaces on the site and the exceedingly high degree of tree removal on the site. Those voting Aye included Cindy Lynch, Lee Markell, George Kubik, David Szott, Ken Tyler, Tom Walkington, Stephen Thompson and Sherie Wallace. Michael Vincent voted Nay. LEGISLATIVE MANDATE FOR NEW DEVELOPMENT PROCESS Director Vraa explained that a new legislative mandate requires that developments be reviewed by government agencies 60 days after receipt of a completed plat application. This time frame will result in some tight time frames to allow for staff review, APRNRC review and Planning Commission review prior to City Council review and recommendation. Member Markell opined that it would be important to hold fast on establishing the completeness of submittals. Member Wallace asked if the development process is clear to the novice developer. Director Vraa responded that the information is overwhelming to the novice, however the information and time frames are very clear. Member Kubik suggested that this may be a good sub-committee discussion item. Member Thompson expressed his concern for this mandate that forces review of developments in such a short time frame. Director Vraa explained that most municipalities spoke against this mandate, however they are working on ways to integrate this additional change into existing processes. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of August 14, 1995 Meeting Page 5 HOLZ FARM UPDATE Recreation Supervisor Oyanagi explained that the Holz Farm Task Force was established at the May 15 City Council meeting with the group meeting the third Wednesday of each month since May 24. The Task Force has explored the Family History, Area History and Building Condition of Holz Farm during that period. At the July meeting the Family History subcommittee recommended that the era for programming all efforts be focused on 1941. The farm became most productive in the 1940's and this period also allows programming efforts into the era before modernization to contrast the changes. It was felt that this could fill a niche not yet addressed by other historic facilities. In September the Task Force is holding a "block party" Oyanagi continued. This event is hoped to be a goodwill gesture to include the neighborhood surrounding the Holz Farm on planning the utilization of the site. An inspection of the farm was completed by Bill Bruestle, Senior Inspector who provided an extensive list of repairs needed to meet codes for public use. A professional structural and mechanical evaluation has been suggested to provide information necessary to make informed decisions concerning use of the farm. Oyanagi concluded by asking the Commission's direction/opinions relative to options for the farm, recommendation to proceed with a structural analysis of the buildings and the appointment of Debbie Issacson and Ann McCarthy to the Task Force. George Kubik moved, Sherie Wallace seconded with all members voting in favor to express their support for the direction the Task Force has taken and continues to take relative to Holz Farm, that the Task Force should proceed with a structural analysis of the buildings at Holz Farm, (not to exceed $6,000) and that Debbie Issacson and Ann McCarthy be appointed to the Holz Farm Task Force. ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY (NW OF NORTH PARK) Director Vraa explained that the City has the option of purchasing an easement on the northwest corner of North Park for $21,000 plus one lot for $10,000 or purchasing 4 lots on the northwest edge of North Park for $40,000. Staff opined that acquiring the four lots would provide more flexibility in providing a trail around the wetland within North Park. After a brief discussion, Stephen Thompson moved, Michael Vincent seconded with all members voting in favor to direct staff to proceed with negotiations to acquire four lots on the northwest comer of North Park which shall be funded by the Park Site Fund. PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALK STUDY - AMY SIEVERS Superintendent Peterson explained that part of each intern's responsibility within the department is to have a research project that they present to the Advisory Commission prior to their completing their internship with the City of Eagan. Peterson introduced Amy Sievers who has completed a pedestrian crosswalk study for presentation to the Commission. Ms. Sievers indicated that she has been interning since June and was assigned this research project based on a concern brought before the Advisory Commission relative to the Wedgewood neighborhood and their request for a pedestrian crosswalk on Wilderness run Road at Wedgewood Road. The study was conducted to find out the number of pedestrians crossing into parks compared to vehicle traffic. Eight sites were chosen for the survey including neighborhood collector streets and community collector streets. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of August 14, 1995 Meeting Page 6 Site 1, Sievers continued, had pedestrians expressing concern for the curve in the road from the east. She did note that her observations confirmed the difficulty of some to make that crossing. At Site 6 the concern was for the speed of vehicles on the road and the many children that make this crossing from west to east. Site 2 showed problems during the athletic season due to vehicles parking on the road, thus restricting the view by pedestrians of on-coming traffic. She suggested that site lines need to be looked at from a pedestrian standpoint in some of these locations. This study, Sievers stated, is just a beginning and will offer a base line for the Commission in looking at requests for pedestrian crosswalks. Member Kubik asked if vehicle speed was a significant issue to pedestrians. Sievers responded that to many this was a significant issue coupled with the inability of younger pedestrians to cross the intersections in a timely fashion to allow vehicles to see them. Member Kubik commented on the excellent report and thanked Amy for providing such valuable information for the City in their efforts to wrestle with this issue. PARK DEVELOPMENT UPDATE Director Vraa explained that Holz Farm playground and Red Pine Elementary playground are under construction. Staff continues planning for the Blackhawk Park shelter building which was to have been completed in 1995. The shelter building is being planned to accommodate 200 people with the expectation that it will be completed in 1996. Director Vraa explained that a complaint had been received from a resident relative to the mowing of Thomas Lake Park. This resident had indicated his concern that the center islands within the park are not maintained as well as they should be and also opined that a larger portion of Thomas Lake Park should be mowed to promote the appearance of the park. Director Vraa explained that a large portion of the park is maintained in a native prairie state. Member Kubik commented that he had visited Thomas Lake Park and talked to people who were at the park, none of which had complaints relative to the maintenance of the park.. Member Markell stated he had noticed several weeds between the curb and bituminous surface. Markell suggested that perhaps the weeds could be removed and the islands mowed one foot from the edge to present a cleaner look. Member Wallace also noted that signage is a critical part of this equation. Residents need to be aware that Thomas Lake is being preserved as a native prairie and as such, does not have a manicured look. Kubik reiterated that most people that he has talked to like the "wildness" of the park and opined that if the native prairie restoration were explained to residents, they would understand and support it. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to conduct, Michael Vincent moved, George Kubik seconded with all members voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:06 pm. Secretary Date