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03/18/1996 - Advisory Parks & Recreation CommissionMINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION EAGAN MINNESOTA MARCH 18, 1996 A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on March 18, 1996 with the following Commission Members present: Lee Markell, Ken Tyler, ~hn Rudolph, David Szott, Stephen Thompson, George Kubik, Randall Ahem, Tim Callister, Guy Kohlnhofer and Daryle Petersen. Commission Member Michael Vincent was not present. Staff present included Ken Vraa, Director of Parks and Recreation; Dorothy Peterson, Superintendent of Recreation; Paul Olson, Parks Superintendent; C) Lilly, Landscape Architect; Rich Brasch, Water Resources Coordinator; Gregg Hove, Forestry Supervisor and Cheryl Mesko, Secretary. Stephen Thompson moved, Randall Ahem seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the agenda as proposed. George Kubik moved, )ohn Rudolph seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the minutes of the regular meeting of February 20, 1996 as presented. Items highlighted included the upcoming tree sale, Community Services open house scheduled for May 30, 4-8 pm; finishing work has begun on the LexingtoNDiffley service building; satellite toilets are scheduled to be out on April 1; spring registration begins shortly and EAA soccer reports a 3096 increase in numbers this year. ROYAL OAK CIRCLE 4TH ADDITION -PRINCIPLE CONSTRUCTION, INC. Stephen Thompson moved, George Kubik seconded with all members voting in favor to make the following recommendations to the City Council relative to Royal Oak Circle 4th Addition -Principle Construction, Inc.: 1. The parks dedication requirements for this development have previously been met. 2. This development shall be responsible for a cash trails dedication. 3. The Tree Preservation Plan should be approved as proposed with the following conditions: a. 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 significant trees/woodlands to be preserved. b. The developer shall contact the City Forestry Division at least five days prior to the issuance of the grading permit to ensure compliance with the approved Tree Preservation Plan. c. The existing landscape trees are to be transplanted to "safe areas". d. City staff shall have access to boulders which will be moved by staff prior to the grading. 5. This development shall be responsible for a cash water quality dedication. v TIMBERWOOD VILLAGE -DERRICK INVESTMENT After a brief introduction by Director Vraa, Project Planner Farnum noted that Derrick Investment is requesting approval of a Preliminary Subdivision consisting of 12.77 acres of unplatted property to create 16 lots and a Preliminary Planned Development to allow construction of 63 one-level condominium units for adults 55 and over located in the southwest comer of LoneOak Road and Pilot Knob Road in the NE 1/4 of Section 9. It is Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resource Commission Minutes of March 18, 1996 Meeting Page 2 anticipated that the units will range in price from 5110,000 to 5175,000. A community activity center will be incorporated within the development which will offer residents an area to meet and recreate. Forestry Supervisor Hove described the site and noted that the submitted tree inventory indicates there are 214,5000 square feet of significant woodland on site and 4 significant trees. The development proposed will result in the removal of about 177,940 square feet of woodland, or 83% of the total) Allowable removal for this type of development is 47.5% (101,897 square feet). According o the Tree Replacement Schedule, Hove continued, the applicant is responsible for furnishing and installing one Category B tree for every 250 square feet of significant woodland destroyed beyond allowable limits. The mitigation calculates to 304 Category B trees which is in addition to any landscape requirements. Supervisor Hove suggested that a re-inventory be completed and that the mitigation calculated for this meeting be re-examined at that time. Water Resources Coordinator Brasch noted that this development is located in Drainage Basin D just downstream of LeMay Lake. Pond DP-17, a 2.7 acre Type 3 cattail march, is the only downstream recreational water body. The only feasible location for a treatment pond is a.16 acre Type 7 wetland located along the western margin of the site just east of Pond DP-17. This wetland is heavily wooded and supports a wetland community that is more resistant to stormwater impacts than other types of wetland communities, therefore staff is recommending that stormwater be managed to avoid adverse impact to the woodland in Type 7 wetland. There is one wetland on the site and staff is requesting that the developer provide a 30 foot upgraded buffer along the edge of the wetland. Roger Derrick, representing Cottage Homesteads of America reviewed the single level condo they design and build for seniors. They expect that their market will be primarily empty nesters and will be offering a product that is not done regularly in this area. Member Kubik asked if there would be an intemal trail system in this development. Mr. Derrick responded that there will be intemal private drives to minimize traffic and they are also planning to tie into the existing trail system near Pilot Knob Park. Member Markel) asked if the setbacks off Pilot Knob Road had been resolved. Mr. Derrick responded that it appears to be resolved with the County and that the design was done based on what the County had originally directed the developer to do. Aker further brief discussion, Lee Markel) moved, Ken Tyler seconded with all members voting in favor to make the following recommendations to the City Council relative to Timberwood Village -Derrick Investment: 1. The parks dedication requirements for this development have previously been met. 2. This development shall be subject to a cash trails dedication. 3. The developer should provide an intemal trail connection from the southwest portion of the site that will tie this development into the existing trail south of Pilot Knob School and into Pilot Knob Park. 4. The developer should provide a trail easement along Lone Oak Road to allow for a trail at that location. 5. If the existing trail is actually as it appears on the site plan, an easement will be required for that portion of the trail currently located within the proposed development. 6. The applicant shall re-inventory the existing woodlands on site to determine a more exact total of those which are of "significant size" and those that are not. OR The applicant shall re-design the site layout to reduce significant woodland removal and therefore reduce required mitigation or recalculate mitigation as staff deems appropriate. 7. The development shall be subject to a water quality cash dedication. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resource Commission Minutes of March 18, 1996 Meeting Page 3 8. The stormwater shall be managed to preserve the wooded character of the Type 7 wetland located along the west edge of the property. 9. No grading shall occur within 30 feet of the delineated edge of the wetland on the property. a ~ k ;~. There were no items under Old Business for the Commission to review. DNR NATURAL AND SCENIC GRANTS PROGRAM Director Vraa explained that staff is looking for direction to approve a recommendation to the City Council that the Department submit a Natural and Scenic Grant application in the amount of $100,000 toward acquisition of the Anderson Parcel adjacent to Patrick Eagan Park. If the Commission directs staff to proceed, Vraa continued, the owner of the property will be contacted to let them know of the City's interest to acquire. After a brief discussion, the Commission concluded that this would be an important parcel for the City to acquire and that the matching portion of the grant, if successful, can be obtained through the bond referendum or Park Site Fund. George Kubik moved, Daryle Petersen seconded with all members voting in favor to approve a recommendation to the City Council that the Department of Parks and Recreation submit a Natural and Scenic Grant application in the amount of $100,000 toward acquisition of the Anderson parcel adjacent to Patrick Eagan Park. ACTIVE LIVING, HEALTH LIFESTYLES PROJECT - NRPA Superintendent Peterson explained that the National Recreation and Park Association has announced a new initiative to correspond with the Surgeon General's report on Americans and physical activity. It is anticipated that the report due out in May, will demonstrate that 60°Yo of the adult population is at health risk due to physical inactivity. It is expected that this report will be as far reaching as the one done on smoking several years ago. Superintendent Peterson distributed samples of literature that will be available and distributed with this promotion. George Kubik moved, Stephen Thompson seconded with all members voting in favor to recommend support for the department of Parks and Recreation's desire to participate in the Active Living/Healthy LifestylesTM project. Landscape Architect Lilly identified several projects including the salvaging of the Sell Farm which is expected to begin on March 20 and will be completed prior to April 1. They will be attempting to salvage barn boards and hardware to be used at Holz Farm. The Lexington/Diffley maintenance building continues and is nearing completion; Arbor Day will be held on Saturday, May 11 at the Municipal Center site; the pre- construction meeting for the Blackhawk pavilion was held recently and construction is expected to begin on April 15, WETLAND BUFFER ORDINANCE Water Resources Coordinator Brasch explained that the draft wetland buffer ordinance has been developed by the Natural Resources Subcommittee and staff is included in the packet for the entire Commission to review. It is expected that Commission Members will have had the opportunity to review this draft and will Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resource Commission Minutes of March 18, 1996 Meeting Page 4 ask questions for clarification. This draft will also be presented at a workshop of the Advisory Planning Commission on March 21 and it is hoped that the Commission will make a final recommendation of the ordinance at their April meeting after which it will be forwarded on to the City Council for their consideration. Coordinator Brasch then provided a brief background and overview of the process that has occurred to date. Member Thompson stated that in the Sub-Committee review it was pointed out that caution needs to exercised in making decisions that may seem to encroach on the rights of developers or property owners. Significant discussion occurred relative to the width of trails that may/may not be allowed in wetland buffers. Member Kohlnhoffer suggested that rather than reducing the width of a trail, reduce the drainage to the wetland and in effect, controlling the width of a trail. Member Markel) suggested language that should have a trail built in such as manner so as not to cany water to the wetland. The consensus of the Commission was that a 2-3 foot width would be sufficient for atrail/path. Member Tyler commented that if the City wished to build a trail they could not build it within 30-50 feet of the buffer the way the ordinance is written. It was suggested that a variance mechanism be incorporated to a-low for extenuating circumstances, Coordinator Brasch explained that variances cannot be provided as a convenience and it must preserve the intent of the ordinance. Director Vraa suggested adding verbiage such as "if a trail is for recreation or education then it could be exempt from the ordinance" to clarify the issue. Member Thompson agreed stating the original intent of trail width was to allow for flexibility. After further review of the components of the draft ordinance, the Commission thanked staff and the Natural Resources Sub-committee for their thorough research and work toward the ordinance's completion. Coordinator Brasch stated he would come back to the Commission in April with the changes that have been incorporated in the proposed ordinance. GYPSY MOTH PRESENTATION Supervisor Ho ve explained that the gypsy moth is on of the most notorious pests of hardwood trees in the Eastern United States. This moth was introduced on the east coast and has progressed westward toward Michigan/Wisconsin although infestations have occurred in Utah, Oregon, Washington, California and many other states outside the northeast. The greatest threat appears when the gypsy moth passes through its larval stage when it can do serious damage by defoliating deciduous trees. This moth is primarily transported through infected nursery stock. Dwight Robinson of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture presented an extensive background on the moth, it's impact to the area and what can be done to diminish/prevent further instances of infection. In response to a question about the moths surviving the cold of winter, Dwight stated that if egg masses are covered by snow, they are pretty well protected and their growth may not be affected at all. It was noted that the Minnesota Department of Agriculture has been chasing these pests sine 1980 and hope to maintain their spread. They welcomed the opportunity to provide information to the Commission and thanked the City for working cooperatively with them on this project. Chairman Markel) thanked Gregg and Mr. Robinson for the extensive and informative report. BOND REFERENDUM UPDATE Director Vraa noted that this item will appear on future agendas so the Commission can remain updated. Several residents have expressed an interest in serving on the Task Force and the Council will be appointing those Task Force Members shortly. Chairman Markel) added that the Council has directed the recruitment of a Task Force which will bring information back to the Council by June 4 on a proposed dollar amount for a referendum as well as what the wording should be. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resource Commission Minutes of March 18, 1996 Meeting Page 5 Director Vraa stated that the City Council will be conducting a workshop on the Caponi Art Park Proposal and Commission Members are invited to attend. Commission Member Kubik commented on the excellent facilities in the Council Chambers. Superintendent Olson noted that the boulevard tree inventory that was completed by Forestry Supervisor Hove and his staff is receiving statewide recognition. With no further business to conduct, Stephen Thompson moved, George Kubik seconded with all members voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m. d ~, ~gy~ Date Sec