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08/19/1996 - Advisory Parks & Recreation CommissionMINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION EAGAN, MINNESOTA AUGUST 19, 1996 A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on August 19,.1996 with the following Commission Members present: Tim Callister, Guy Kohlnhofer, George Kubik, Lee Markell, Daryle Petersen, )ohn Rudolph, David Szott, Stephen Thompson, Randall Ahern and Michael Vincent. Staff present included Ken Vraa, Director of Parks and Recreation, Dorothy Peterson, Superintendent of Recreation; Paul Olson, Parks Superintendent; C.). Lilly, Landscape Architect/Parks Planner; Rich Brasch, Water Resources Coordinator; Gregg Hove, Forestry Supervisor; Mike Ridley, Senior Planner and Cherryl Mesko, Secretary. AGENDA Under Development Proposals, Shaw-Lundquist was added as Item #2. )ohn Rudolph moved, George Kubik seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the agenda as amended. DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS Items highlighted by Director Vraa included the upcoming Eagan Lone Oak Days, installation of an asphalt surface in one of the hockey rinks at Goat Hill Park, successful concession sales at the men's D region softball tournament, NYSCA coaches clinics, August camps that are underway, fall brochure which i~ being distributed September 4, 5 and 6, corrective work on the Carnelian Park building, nearing completion of playground installation at Northview Elementary School, excavation assistance provided to Eagan High School to allow for additional seating, color coating and crack filling of tennis courts and the extensive installation of plant material at the municipal center.. CONSENT AGENDA There were no issues to be discussed under this agenda item. CIEVELflPMENT PRt)POSALS ROLLING OAKS - PULTE HOMES Following a brief introduction by Director Vraa, Senior Planner Ridley explained that Pulte Homes proposing amixed-residential development for the 120 acre Bieter-Franz site located at the northeastern intersection of I-35E and Diffley Road. The proposal requests rezoning to allow a total of 505 residential units to be placed on the site; 79 single family and 426 mixed residential units. Forestry Supervisor Hove noted that the development as proposed will result in the removal of 454 significant trees which is 40% of the total. This does not include an additional 33 significant trees that will be removed due to the revised layout of Johnny Cake Ridge Road as the City has requested. The Tree Preservation Ordinance allows 40% removal for this type of multi-lot residential development. Hove added that the developer is proposing to prepare the entire site at one time. Staff has recommended that field reviews of the lots be done after the roads are located and staked, prior to any grading, so that significant tress that could possibly be preserved can be identified. Water Resources Coordinator Brasch explained that this development will generate runoff that will reach Blackhawk Lake downstream. Because of the high classification of Blackhawk Lake, staff is recommending on-site ponding as the primary means of meeting water quality mitigation. A large constructed ponding area (BP-35) in the southwest area of the site will be used to treat runoff from over half of the development and staff has directed the developer to construct a detention basin to treat runoff in the north central and eastern portion prior to discharge off the site. In addition, staff is recommending that the discharge from Pond BP-3.3 be routed around this constructed basin so that it discharges directly to the stub underlying Deerwood Drive. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of August 16, 1996 Meeting Page 2 Coordinator Brasch noted there are five wetlands on site; four natural wetland basins and one storm water pond (BP-35) which has been slightly modified. The grading plan shows ungraded buffers around the four natural wetland basins that range from 30 to 300 feet in width. The exception is an area around the southern end of wetland basin BP-3.4, where a retaining wall has been proposed to avoid filling of the wetland but grading would extend to the wetland edge. Relative to parks and trails dedication, Director Vraa noted that a development had previously been reviewed on this site and the Advisory Commission had recommended a cash dedication for both parks and trails. The developer, however, submitted revised plans to City staff on Thursday, August 15 which included identification of land they would like the Advisory Commission to accept in lieu of a cash parks dedication. Gary Grant representing Pulte Homes explained that this development attempts to create a community with five different home styles. The most recent plans submitted to the City included changing the layout of the site and adding more units to the site. Although he conceded that the plans had been submitted at a late date to City staff, the developer is hopeful that the Commission wilt agree, in concept, that the proposed park land dedication would be beneficial to the City. Dennis Griswald, Landscape Architect representing Pulte Homes concurred that the identification of proposed parkland on this site was to enhance the entire community. With the restraints provided by the extension of Johnny Cake Ridge Road, the developer felt that recreational amenities at the identified locations would be in the best interest of this new community. A warming house with hockey rink, sledding hill, parking lot and trails were suggested and identified as park amenities on various portions of land identified for park purposes. It was noted that the total site is 118 acres which would require a land dedication of 12 acres. This proposal, Mr. Griswald continued, provides for 15+ acres of parkland. The developer is hopeful that they can provide a park dedication, as identified, in lieu of a cash dedication so that the City can develop the amenities that have been identified for this land by the developer. Mr. Griswald expressed the developer's agreement with the tree preservation, water quality/wetland issues as well as the trail along Johnny Cake Ridge Road. It is the developer's hope that the Advisory Commission will agree with the newly submitted 2nd plan so that the process can continue for this development. Member Vincent asked how many more units were included with the new 2nd plan. It was noted that the development would gain 12 units. Member Marken noted that although the proposed parkland dedication is 15+ acres, that includes wetlands which are typically deleted from the total net parkland. Member Markel) asked what the developer's time frame was for this proposal. Mr. Griswald responded that it is scheduled before the Advisory Planning Commission the week of August 26 and then onto a September City Council meeting. Member Thompson opined that although the 2nd plan has some merit, the Commission would need to further review the proposal and look at the development potential of the site. Member Vincent stated that since this was such a high density site, it would require more review before an informed decision could be made. Member Markel) asked if staff has had sufficient time to review the proposal. Senior Planner Ridley noted that although engineering and parks issues are being reviewed, Pulte would like this project to stay on track. If the Advisory Commission makes a decision on parks, the Advisory Planning Commission can continue this item or take action as is appropriate, Ridley added. Member Markel) suggested that this be deferred to the Land Acquisition/Development and Natural Resources subcommittees for further review. Mr. Griswald expressed their hope that a recommendation could be made by the Advisory Commission and then passed onto the Advisory Planning Commission, however, they would appreciate the subcommittee's review of this park issue in a timely manner. It was also noted that this item could come back to the Advisory Commission on September 16 and a recommendation could be made prior to this being reviewed by the City Council on September 17. Planner Ridley added that without direction from the APRNRC the Advisory PlanningCcommission will most likely continue this item. After further discussion, Michael Vincent moved, George Kubik seconded with all members voting in favor to recommend that this item. be tabled and that the 2nd plan submitted by Pulte Homes be made available for the Natural Resources and Land Acquisition/Development subcommittees to review. SHAW LUNDQUIST Senior Planner Ridley explained that this is a request for a Conditional Use Permit to allow the outdoor storage of construction equipment in conjunction with a proposed office/warehouse building to be located on Lot 2, Block 1, Eagandale Center First Addition. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of August 16, 1996 Meeting Page 3 Forestry Supervisor Hove noted that there are 19 existing significant trees on this site with 17 proposed for removal with this development. This is 89% of the total with 30% being the allowable removable amount. After a brief discussion, Stephen Thompson moved, Michael Vincent seconded with all members voting in favor to make the following recommendations to the City Council relative to Shaw-Lundquist Conditional Use Permit: The Tree Preservation Plan shall be approved as proposed with the following conditions: The developer shall provide a cash mitigation of $7,800.00 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. 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. t~LD BUSINESS SCENIC ENTERPRISES -COMP GUIDE PLAN AMENDMENT Planner Ridley noted that the Scenic Enterprises proposal was reviewed by the APC on July 23, 1996 and denied because of their concern about the loss of land suitable for major office development; acknowledgment that the City has ample land for D-II residential development; the Central Area Plan calls for major office development; the proposed park is not large enough for the central area park and another neighborhood park is not needed in this area. Since the City Council still remains interested in the "Central Park" concept within the City, the APRNRC has been asked to readdress this plan. They may choose to look only at the proposed 20 acre park and make a recommendation about whether the City should pursue acquisition of this property for a public park and update the City's Park System Plan accordingly. They may also choose to make a more general recommendation regarding preservation of the natural features of this site, regardless of the land use and eventual development on the surrounding property. John Voss, representing the developer acknowledged that this issue had been discussed with the Land Acquisition subcommittee previously. Mr. Voss suggested that 19-21 acres could be preserved through parkland dedication and/or acquisition which would allow for an amphitheater, multiple-dwelling use, assisted housing, 2nd wading pool, area for art shows, 4th of July event and possible shared parking on this site. The park area would provide a passive area within this dense neighborhood and provide passive/active use in the center of Eagan. Mr. Voss opined that this park could accommodate some special needs of the community, not all of them. This issue is scheduled before the City Council on September 3 and the Council is anxious to hear what the APRNRC feels about this site, Voss concluded. Member Szott noted that the Land Acquisition subcommittee had reviewed this issue and suggested that any park land should be preserved for passive use. The subcommittee agreed that the zoning should remain as R&D and that identifying a central park at any location may be premature. It was felt that the criteria for a central park should be identified first; then as a potential site is identified, the criteria could be used to see if it can be incorporated within a particular site. Member Vincent added that a trail connection to Quarry Park and Pilot Knob Park was seen as the highest priority for this site. Member Thompson added that it was the subcommittee's opinion that this land was not sufficient for a central park. Thompson also stated that the subcommittee had looked at this site only using 20 acres for a potential park. Member Markell opined that this is a beautiful piece of property and the preservation of the 20 wetland acres should be looked at. After further discussion Michael Vincent moved, Stephen Thompson seconded a motion that intensive use of the 20 acres identified for potential park within the Scenic Enterprises parcel would not be appropriate use. Passive recreational use coupled with connecting trails to Quarry Park and Pilot Knob Park would be a priority for this site. All members voted in favor. It was further noted that discussion should occur during the Round Table relative to the establishment of criteria for a central park, i.e. parking needs, area needs, access, etc. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of August 16, 1996 Meeting Page 4 r~ NATURAL AND SCENIC GRANT Superintendent Peterson reminded the Commission that the Department had submitted a Natural and Scenic Grants Program application earlier this year. The application was for funds to assist with acquisition of approximately 7.5 acres of land directly south of the Patrick Eagan Park access road off Lexington Avenue. The City's grant request was $92,000 and the City's matching share would be, at a minimum, equal to that amount. Superintendent Peterson continued that the City has been notified that they have been awarded a grant in the amount of $26,900. Since this is significantly less than what was requested, the Commission was asked to consider how they wished to proceed. Some of the options included pursuing purchase of the 7.5 acres using the grant dollars and increased level of City funding; rework the grant focusing on acquisition of the 4.4 acre piece south of the entrance to Patrick Eagan Park; rework the grant to acquire the 3.1 acre piece west of the owner's home or reject the grant. Member Ahern asked if the grant amount would be reduced if a smaller parcel of land was suggested for acquisition. Superintendent Peterson stated staff would need to re-submit the application to see what the results would be. This may require splitting the parcel and explaining the criteria for acquisition of a smaller parcel. Member Thompson stated that this parcel has been identified as a high priority for acquisition and suggested that the grant be accepted and as much land as possible be acquired. Member Szott agreed stating that the balance could be funded if the bond referendum is successful. As a point of clarification it was noted that the 7.5 acre parcel has an asking price of $187,000 with an appraised value of $180,000. Member Rudolph asked if the grant were denied, would the DNR look unfavorably on future requests. Member Vincent suggested acquiring the 4.4 acre parcel and attempt to acquire future grant dollars to acquire the balance. Member Thompson expressed his concern that the value of the land will only increase and the land will become more difficult to acquire suggesting the need to get a first right of refusal on the property. After further discussion, Member Thompson suggested that the focus should be on the 4.4 acre site with a contingency to secure a first right on the balance of the 7.5 acre parcel. If there is not an option to secure a first right on the balance of the parcel, then acquisition of the entire parcel should be pursued. The consensus of the Commission appeared to be the acceptance of the $26,900 grant with the intent that the 7.5 acre parcel be acquired through funding from a successful bond referendum. or from the Park Site Fund. NEW BUSINESS There were no items under New Business for the Commission to discuss. pAtI1~S DEVELOPMENT .UPDATE Director Vraa noted that staff, led by Superintendent Olson, has been meeting to formulate a design program for the possible construction of a service building(s) at Lexington-Diffley as part of the 1997 Capital Improvement Program. Their meetings identified the need for 2 buildings; one as a tournament headquarters and a restroom building. Each of the buildings would be in the center of field pods. One building would be similar to that at Northview with a 2nd floor and pass through area that could be secured in the evening. The second would be a pavilion building with a cupula on the top to provide some vertical elevation to the site. The preliminary estimates have come in at approximately $250,000 per building, which is more than what was originally anticipated. Director Vraa suggested the land Acquisition subcommittee work with the design staff on the proposed buildings so that it can be paced in the C1P. Member Petersen questioned the lack of a permanent concession. Director Vraa responded that staff is researching a trailer concession concept to allow some mobility of concessions to other areas of the city. Member Kohlnhofer asked if there was consideration for contracting out the concession trailer. Director Vraa stated that would be a consideration for the subcommittee and design staff to consider. Member Markell recapped that this issue would be placed on the agenda for the Land Acquisition/Development subcommittee to review at their next meeting. WATER ~lESOURCE5 t7PL?ATE Water Resources Coordinator Brasch noted that September 11 had been set up for the Natural Resources Subcommittee to review the Rolling Oaks development. Brasch also noted that the Eagle Scout project will begin in mid-September. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of August 16, 1996 Meeting Page 5 OTHFR BUSINESS AND RIEPORTS BOND REFERENDUM UPDATE Director Vraa noted that residents have received an informational mailing on the bond referendum with informational meetings set for August 22 and September 5 in the Municipal Center Community Room. Member Vincent provided a hotline number for residents to call if they have specific questions about the referendum and require further information. Member Markell solicited resident volunteers and noted that this was a way for residents to be pro-active in preserving open space. Itt7UND-7A61E Member Petersen reiterated the importance of the Commission's involvement in identifying standards for consideration of a Ncentral park" in the City of Eagan. Member Thompson suggested that the Commission could focus on criteria after the bond referendum election has concluded. Member Kubik thanked Director Vraa and Superintendent Peterson for their continued participation in internships since the research information provided has, and will continue to, provide valuable information and insight. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to conduct, Michael Vincent moved, George Kubik seconded with all members voting in favor to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m. Vim' ~~> >~q~ Secretary Date