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11/18/1996 - Advisory Parks & Recreation CommissionMINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION EAGAN, MINNESOTA NOVEMBER 18, 1996 A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission was called to order at 7:00 pm on November 18, 1996 with the following Commission Members present: Randall Ahern, Guy Kohlnhofer, Lee Markell, Daryle Petersen, John Rudolph, David Szott and Stephen Thompson. Members not present included Tim Callister and George Kubik. 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; Shannon Tyree, Planner and Cherry) Mesko, Secretary. AGENDA Lexington Diffley Landscaping, under Parks Development Update was deferred to the December meeting. Borchert/Ingersoll Acquisition Update was added as Item 3 under Other Business and Reports and the letter from Sharon Holbeck was added as Item 4 under Other Business and Reports. Michael Vincent moved, Randall Ahern seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the agenda as amended. MINUTES OF OCTOBER 14, 1996 MEETING Michael Vincent moved, Stephen Thompson seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the minutes of the regular meeting of October 14, 1996 as presented. DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS Items highlighted by Director Vraa included Eagan Hockey Association's scheduling of dry land practice at the asphalt rink at Goat Hill Park, installation of two launch ramps at Blackhawk Park by the Parks and Streets Departments, overseeding of parks damaged by the summer drought, placement of seasonal shelters and trailers at the winter sites, purchase of ballfield ag-lime from Inver Grove Heights at a greatly reduced price and the start-up of the in-floor heating system at Blackhawk Park shelter building. CONSENT AGENDA INTERIM USE PERMIT -SMC COMPOST SERVICES Michael Vincent moved, John Rudolph seconded with all members voting in favor to make the following recommendation to the City Council relative to the interim use permit for SMC Compost Services: 1. The interim use permit should contain a condition which requires construction of two ponding areas to contain runoff from the expansion. The design must be approved by the Water Resources Coordinator. DEVELOPMENT PROIfOSALS GARDENWOOD PONDS 3RD ADDITION Following the introduction by Director Vraa, Planner Tyree explained that Jce Miller Homes is requesting a rezoning of approximately 1.5 acres from PD-R-1 Planned Development Single Family (outlots C&D Bridle Ridge 2nd Addition) to R-1 Single Family and a Preliminary Subdivision of 15 lots on 18.56 ascres located north of Northview Park Road, west of Trotters Ridge and southwest of Bald Lake. Although the 91 acre Gardenwood Ponds Addition subdivision received approval in 1993, a reapproval was granted by the Council in 1994 with an extension granted in 1995. The first phase began construction in 1995, is basically complete and the second addition received final approval this October. The developer is requesting the rezoning because the 1.5 acres formally of the Bridle Ridge 2nd Addition is now being incorporated into this subdivision. Planner Tyree also noted that the completion of the sanitary sewer along Northview Park Road will require 2 trees in Wandering Walk Park to be removed. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of November 18, 1996 Meeting Page 2 Director Vraa explained that the Advisory Commission reviewed the proposed Gardenwood Ponds Addition in July of 1993. At that time, Outlots C and D, Bridle Ridge Addition were not included since they were owned by Sienna Development. Those outlots have been sold to the developer and included into the plat. At the time the Commission reviewed this issue, they recommeded that with the final platting and development of the two lots owned by Sienna that atrail/foot path would be developed which would require the dedication of two small parcels of property; one adjacent to Northview Park Road and one adjacent to Bald Lake. The existing park parcel extends approximately 10 feet west of a small storm water pond that has a high water elevation of 868.3. In order for a trail to be placed in this location, it is necessary to go farther to the west beyond what the City owns for parkland. In 1993 staff outlined the need for an additional 40 feet in order to place this trail. Vraa noted that staff walked the site with the developer to relocate the trail to a new location that is closer to the pond and at an elevation lower than previously identified. The lower elevation does permit the use of the trail without being seen from the proposed house locations. The new trail location will require additional clearing of ground vegetation although no significant trees will be lost as a result of trail construction. Staff is also recommending that the developer provide the City with a right of entry to the property with the approved preliminary plat for the purpose of initiating trail construction. The trail is scheduled to be buildt in the spring of 1997, in advance of the developer's time line for final plat approval and start of home construction. The Commission is being asked to consider if the relocated trail alignment is satisfactory, if a parkland dedication, with the balance in cash, is acceptable and if a right of entry for trail construction should be a condition of approval. Forestry Supervisor Hove noted that the tree inventory as submitted by the applicant has identified a total of 235 significant trees. The Tree Preservation Plan submitted indicates that site prepartation and grading will result in the removal of 14.5% of the total trees with the allowable removal identified as 20%. An additional 9 trees inside the grading limits will be destroyed if grading commences as indicated, although the total removal (18.3%) is still less than the total allowed within the Ordinance. Hove added that staff is requesting that additional trees be preserved on lots 3 through 6 through custom grading. Water Resources Coordinator Brasch noted that there are no additional water quality requirements for this parcel since the on-site pond that receives funoff from this area was sized assuming residential development. Brasch also noted that there are no jurisdictional wetlands within the parcel. Mr. Don Patten representing D.R. Horton Company reiterated Director Vraa's comments regarding the relocated trail alignment and expressed their desire to cooperate with the City to ensure the trail can be completed. Director Vraa noted that the trail would be a soft surface trail of various widths to take advantage of the natural terrain. He also explained that the trail is to be completed in the spring prior to any house pads being defined. Member Markel) asked if there would be an overlook on the south side of Bald Lake. Director Vraa responded that the design of the trail will take advantage of the views and provide access to the lake. Member Rudolph asked if retaining walls will be needed to install the trail. Director Vraa responded that there may need to be some minor work but that will be addressed closer to the time of the trail installation. Bill Nyman, lot 1, Bridle Ridge 2nd Addition stated that the sanitary sewer line along the north side of Northview Park Road is just south of his house. His concern is for the removal of approximately 40' wide by 110' in lengh of trees to accommodate the sanitary sewer line. Mr. Nyman shared several photos of the area that will be disturbed with this improvement hoping that the City will reconsider taking such a large swath of trees. Member Vincent clarified that the Advisory Commission's function is to preserve trees when appropriate and opined that the City would make every effort to reduce the impact of tree removal for the sanitary sewer installation. Member Markel) added that there seems to be some confusion regarding the construction limits for this project that may need to be clarified for Mr. Nyman. Member Thompson added that part of the problem is that because the sewer is so deep it requires a 50 foot easement to make it fit. Mr. Patten added that trees will only enhance this development and the developer is interested in removing only the trees that are absolutely necessary to complete the project. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of November 18, 1996 Meeting Page 3 After further brief discussion, Michael Vincent moved, Daryle Petersen seconded with all members voting in favor to make the following recommendations to the City Council relative to Gardenwood Ponds 3rd Addition: 1. The relocated trail alignment as identified by staff is acceptable. This development shall be responsible for a parkland dedication for the area in which the trail is to be located. The balance of the development is responsible for a cash parks dedication and a cash trails dedication. The developer shall provide the City with a Right of Entry to allow for the construction of the trail. 2. The Tree Preservation Plan shall be approved as proposed with the following conditions: a. The applicant shall work with staff to alter the tree removal limits on Lots 3, 4, 5 and 6 in an attempt to preserve additional significant trees. b. Tree Protective Measures. (i.e. 4 foot polyethlyene laminate safety netting) shalt 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. c. 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. 3. There are no additional water quality requirements for this parcel, since the on-site pond that receives runoff from this area was sized assuming residential development of the parcel in question. There are no jurisdictional wetlands within the parcel. 4. Staff shall work with developer to minimize tree removal during. the sanitary. sewer installation. OLD BUSI»IESS REQUEST FOR TENNIS BACKBOARD AT WOODHAVEN PARK Director Vraa recapped a request from several residents to provide a tennis backboard at the tennis courts at Woodhaven Park on Gold Trail. Member Vincent asked if there were any other backboards in the City and Director Vraa stated no. Member Kohlnhofer asked if residents immediately adjacent to the tennis courts supported the request. It was noted that that information was not available. Other questions raised by Commission Members included, how much noise would this use generate; is this the appropriate location for this type of facility; what is the cost to fulfill this request and should the City consider placing this type of facility in a park on a temporary basis to see what use it gets and what comments may come from it's use. After further disucssion it was suggested that this issue be reviewed more carefully by the Recreation Subcommittee. Member Petersen also suggested that the petitioners separate the backboard issue from the request for no rollerblading and also contact the homes immediately adjacent to Woodhaven Park to see if they too support this use in the park. N~1+V B1.JSINESS 1997 PARKSlTRAILS DEDICATION FEES Director Vraa provided the Commission with background on how the City has determined parks dedication fees in the past based on average land sales. A history of fees from 1994 through 1996 was also provided. Since the fees are based on land values, the land values are also tied to the number of persons per household. In 1983 the City based its parks calculation on 3.5 residents per single family, 2.8 per duplex, 2.1 per townhome and 1.9 per apartment unit. The 1995 census figures changed those calculations to 3.37 per single family, 3.36 per duplex, 1.97 per townhome and 1.79 per apartment unit. The change in density results in a change in land value, thus creating a change in the parks dedication fees. A comparison was also Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of November 18, 1996 Meeting Page 4 provided of other communities dedication fees. Director Vraa concluded by stating that in establishing these fees the City must be careful that the fees are reasonable and directly connected to the needs based on the State Statutes. Commission Members Thompson and Markel) opined that the increase in fees appears to be in line with what other cities are charging and it appears that they are defensible. Stephen Thompson moved, Randall Ahern seconded with all members voting in favor to make the following recommendations to the City Council relative to 1997 Parks and Trails Dedication Fees: Parks Dedication Single Family $1,042 $25,900 Land Value Duplex 1,038 25,900 Townhouse/Quad 777 32,900 Apartments/Multiple 772 35,900 Commercial/Industrial $3,200 per acre Trails Dedication Residential $ 150/Unit Commercial/Industrial $ 880/Acre 1997 FEES AND CHARGES Following a brief introduction by Director Vraa, Superintendent Peterson reviewed the background of the fees and charges. After staff's review of the programs and revenues, they are recommending that there be no increase in the 1997 fees. The only new additions to the fee schedule are the addition of the Blackhawk kitchen facility and the non-resident tubing fee. Member Rudolph asked if the fees are adequate to cover the costs of the services. Superintendent Peterson explained that the facility rental fees typically cover the costs for maintenance, field marking, etc, the attendant on duty and trash removal. Member Petersen asked why the revenue estimates were so low. Superintendent Peterson responded that the figures are kept conservative in the event they do not meet staff's expectations. Member Markel) asked if the City has received feedback on whether the park users feel the fees are appropriate. Superintendent Peterson responded that typically gets very positive feedback on the prices; some feeling that the rental fees are very reasonable for what they are getting. Director Vraa added that some of the non-profits and casual users have expressed concerns regarding fees. Member Markel) suggested the fees be increased at least at the rate of inflation. Member Vincent agreed stating he didn't want to be over ambitious but felt that an increase would be appropriate. Member Szott suggested looking at the income versus the cost of service to determine if revenue is covering the costs. He agreed that regular incremental increases would be better than a bigger increase less frequently. After discussing several different fee increase options, Guy Kohlnhofer moved, Michael Vincent seconded with all members voting in favor to increase 1997 fees by 5%, on average, to be worked out by staff. PARK SECURITY GATE REQUEST Director Vraa noted that staff had received a request to provide park security gates at Blackhawk Park to diminish the occurrance of vandalism in the park. Research of other public facilities that use gates was completed by Superintendents Olson and Peterson. Superintendent Olson reviewed the use of gates by the State of Minnesota (DNR), Ramsey County, Dakota County, Wright County, Cities of Plymouth, Rosemount, Roseville, Lakeville, Maple Grove and Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of November 18, 1996 Meeting Page 5 Buffalo. That research pointed out that gates can prevent emergency vehicles from entering a park in response to an emergency call; to be credible, the gates must be opened and closed at a pre-set time on a consistent basis; vehicles can inadvertently be locked in the park; security or police patrol are less likely to enter; even with reflective surfaces, the gates may create a liability concern and the use of lighting was a primary deterrent to vandalism and unauthorized entry. Several recommendations that could be implemented at Blackhawk included installing security lighting at the pavilion and parking lot; increase police patrol of the park, install a security system and post additional signs to increase awareness and make the issuance of citations more viable. It was also noted that it would be difficult to limit bike and walking traffic into Blackhawk Park. Member Rudolph thanked staff for providing extensive background for the Commission to consider but also appreciated the recommendations that can be implemented to help the situation. Member Ahern added that more usage of the park will also provide less opportunity for vandalism. After further discussion, )ohn Rudolph moved, Michael Vincent seconded with all members voting in favor to not endorse security gates at Blackhawk Park but to pursue the recommendations as outlined by staff. PARK CLOSING HOURS Director Vraa stated that the curfew for minors is 10:00 pm and the question for the Commission to consider is whether the City should change it's current park closing hours from 11:00 pm to 10:00 pm to match the curfew. Member Petersen opined that it was not park staff's responsibility to enforce curfew. He also stated that there is probably not much activity by minors between the hours of 10:00 pm and 11:00 pm and did not see the need to change the hours. Member Kohlnhofer concurred saying that he did not see the connection of park hours to curfew. By changing the hours, it will affect the people who are already in compliance with the rules,not those that are not. Member Rudolph opined that the park hours should remain the same; that the two issues are separate. After further discussion, )ohn Rudolph moved, Guy Kohlnhofer seconded with all members voting in favor to take no action on changing the parks closing hours. PARKS DEVELOPMENT UPDATE HOLZ FARM/CLIFF ROAD ACCESS Director Vraa explained that the original intention in acquiring the Richard Holz property was to provide a secondary access to Holz Farm from Cliff Road in addition to the one through the adjacent neighborhood streets. Other objectives included providing trail opportunities for walkers adjacent to a park like setting and group parking for events associated with Holz Farm. Director Vraa continued that staff has provided several options for the Commission to consider including selling the home and requiring that it be moved, renting the home, providing the house for civic use or other city use or subdivide the property and sell the portion with the house on it. Director Vraa then reviewed the site noting that the city currently has a 16 foot wide access to Holz Farm from Cliff Road along with the access to the Richard Holz property. Dakota County has requested that the accesses from Cliff Road be consolidated into one and staff has established the criteria for locating the access which topographically, provides good sight distance onto Cliff Road and removes the current 16 foot wide access point. In reviewing the option of selling the home and requiring that it be moved, staff solicited bids to move the home but found that with the availability of homes in Richfield, only one written proposal for $5,000 was received. It is possible, however, that an offer greater than $5,000 can be obtained at some time in the future but it was felt that $10,000 would most likely be the maximum that would be paid for this home were it to be removed. Concept plans were shown depicting how the access and parking could be accomplished without the presence of the house or garage. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of November 18, 1996 Meeting Page 6 The option for renting the home was reviewed noting that not only would it provide an income, but it is less likely that the property would be vandalized with someone living there. The renter could also be responsible for the grass mowing, snow removal and other small tasks that would normally be the responsibility of maintenance staff. Agents in the rental housing market have indicated to staff that for this type of 3 bedroom home, rental can go as high as $900 per month. Since the property is now tax exempt, 1/3 of any rental must be returned to the County as a form of tax. It was noted that the rental option could be considered a "holding option" to determine the ultimate interest in the Holz Farm and how this property best fits into that equation. Another option presented included the use of this house for collaborative groups who need organizational space for their operations or a facility for non-profits that benefit the community. Specific inquiries have not been pursued with this option, Vraa noted. Rental of the property appears to be one way to maximize options as the City assesses the interest and growth of Holz Farm. Concepts were provided showing the parking lot and trail access if the property were to be used for any of these uses. It was noted that the concepts showed the removal of the garage. The option of using the house for other City use was also discussed by Department Heads although the only use identified was for cold storage. It was noted that the Friends of the Farm committee expressed an interest in the use of the home as an adjunct facility to facilitate programming of the farm. The final option discussed was the subdivision of the property and sale of the existing home. Proceeds from the sale of the home would be returned to the Park Site Fund to fund other park improvements. Based on the acquisition appraisal, it was anticipated that the home might be sold for $80,000. Concepts were reviewed showing possible sale of the property with parking. One of the concepts showed the sale of the home without the garage. Director Vraa concluded that the Commission should review the options and make a recommendation to the City Council relative to the use of the Richard Holz property. Member Kohlnhofer explained that the Friends of the Farm would prefer to see the building rented long term. Their preference would be to rent it to a "caretaker" who could not only take care of the existing home but also tend to the needs of the farm. It is their hope that this could increase the "farming" possibilities and expand this type of opportunity to Eagan residents. Member Petersen commented that the sale of the home should not be considered. He opined that renting the home or providing it for civic use allows more choices at a later date. If the interest in Holz Farm continues to grow, the option to expand for parking or programming exists. He felt there were too many benefits to holding onto the house rather than selling at this time. Member Vincent opined that it was pre- mature to make a decision to sell since Holz Farm is in it's infancy and the options need to be preserved for this property. Member Markel) added that as Holz Farm becomes more popular there is a need for more land, not less, and supported the option of renting the property for the short term. After further input from other Commission Members, it was their consensus that the Richard Holz home not be sold at the present time. They preferred that it be rented until such time as a decision is made on the growth needs of Holz Farm and how this property can facilitate that growth WATER RU1tC1l:S UPDATE LAWN CHEMICAL CONTROL UPDATE Water Resources Coordinator Brasch summarized the Natural Resources Subcommittee meeting of October 14 where Council Members Wachter and Masin were present to discuss the Eagan Lawn Fertilizer Ordinance Conceptual Outline. Staff was given direction by the Council to draft a lawn chemical ordinance and this meeting was afollow-up to that. Following review by the Natural Resources Subcommittee and the Advisory Commission, this item is scheduled to appear on the December 4 City Council workshop agenda, Brasch concluded. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of November 18, 1996 Meeting Page 7 Stephen Thompson moved, )ohn Rudolph seconded with all members voting in favor to approve the draft lawn fertilizer ordinance as presented and bring this item to the City Council at their December 4 workshop. APPROVAL TO PURSUE WETLAND BANKING OPPORTUNITY Water Resources Coordinator Brasch noted that wetland banking involves the creation or restoration of a viable wetland in advance of causing impacts which require mitigation in the form of replacement wetland. The City has been looking for an opportunity to pursue a wetland banking opportunity and that opportunity may exist with a property in Eureka Township. Brasch explained that this is an agricultural area of Eureka Township approximately 5 miles south of Lakeville, where restoration of a drained wetland currently under cultivation could generate 20-35 acres of bankable wetland and upland buffer area. Avery rough estimate of the cost is projected to be approximately $7,000-9,000/acre although there are a number of variables that could affect this unit cost. Staff is excited about the potential for wetland banking for projects within the City where mitigation is required by the City of Eagan. After a brief discussion, Michael Vincent moved, Randall Ahern seconded with all members voting in favor to forward a recommendation to the City Council authorizing staff to proceed with further investigation of the wetland banking opportunity in Eureka Township, including an evaluation of the technical feasibility of the project and an identification of the City's share of the cost of purchasing banking credits. OTHER BUSfNESS AND REPORTS INVER GROVE HEIGHTS JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT Director Vraa explained that the City is working on an extension of utilities into Inver Grove Heights. The development affected participated in parks dedication for Captaion Dodd Park. The youth in this area will be attending school at Red Pine Elementary and the Department is of the opinion that the stress for parks in this area will be in Eagan, not Inver Grove Heights. No agreement has been reached as yet, however, discussion continues as both cities work together on this issue. PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT A report on the feasibility of replacing playground equipment in a planned fashion was presented for Commission review and consideration. Options that were discussed included replacing the entire structure on a scheduled basis, retrofitting components of the equipment as they break down, or replacing specific components of the playground structure on a systematic basis. Commission Members opined that staff that works with the equipment on a daily basis is better equipped to determine how. and when it should be replaced based on the dollars available and the needs of the community. After a brief discussion, Michael Vincent moved, Randall Ahern seconded with all members voting in favor to have staff develop criteria for replacing playground equipment and bring that information back to the Commission for their review. BORCHERT/INGERSOLL ACQUISITION UPDATE Director Vraa stated that the City has not yet acquired the property because of it's past use as a dumping site. The City will not proceed until all results of environmental testing are completed. Dakota County, however, has agreed to split off the property for Gopher Resources so they can proceed with the development of a plastics recycling facility on the site. This was provided to the Commission for information only. SHARON HOLBKK LETTER Director Vraa brought to the Commission's attention a fetter from Sharon Holbeck. This is an issue the Commission may need to look at again in the future. Member Rudolph commented that they had reviewed this some time ago when Ms. Holbeck complained about the runoff from Diamond T Ranch. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of November 18, 1996 Meeting Page 8 ROUND TABLE Member Petersen asked the status of trail clearing. Director Vraa explained that the Council had approved a trial program of clearing trails near schools. iADjOUR1VMENT With no further business to conduct, a motion was made and seconded, with all member voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 10:25 pm. Secretary ~ ~ Date