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01/21/1997 - Advisory Parks & Recreation CommissionMINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION JANUARY 21, 1997 EAGAN, MINNESOTA A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on January 21, 1997 with the following Commission Members present: Tim Callister, George Kubik, Lee Markell, Daryle Petersen, John Rudolph, David Szott, Stephen Thompson and Michael Vincent. Commission Members Randall Ahern, and Guy Kohinhofer were not present. Staff present included Ken Vraa, Director of Parks and Recreation; Dorothy Peterson, Superintendent of Recreation; Paul Olson, Parks Superintendent; C.J. Lilly, Landscape Architect/Parks Planner; Rich Brasch, Water Resources Coordinator; Gregg Hove, Forestry Supervisor; Pam Dudziak, Planner and Cherryl Mesko, Secretary. AGENDA Director Vraa added General Discussion as Item #6 under Other Business and Reports. George Kubik moved, Michael Vincent seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the agenda as amended. VISITORS TO BE HEARD Wayne Bugasch, 845 Trotters Ridge addressed the Commission regarding the issue of a walking path to Bald Lake from Northview Park Road. He noted that there was concern in their neighborhood for this trail. Their primary concern is for the safety of the children and some of the residents feel that a trail would create a situation where safety is compromised. They asked that this issue be added to the Commission s agenda. Director Vraa added that a letter had been provided to the Commission regarding the residents concerns for this trail. He also noted that the City Council did not proceed with the Gardenwood Ponds preliminary plat, however the plan to install a trail at this location still exists. Commission Member Markeil asked if this issue could be addressed by the Land Acquisition/Development Sub-committee prior to the February meeting. Following discussion by the sub- committee, it was felt that a recommendation could then be forward to the full Commission at a later time. It was the consensus of the Commission and Mr. Bugasch that a meeting be set for February 24 before the regular Commission meeting to discuss the neighbors concerns. MINUTES OF DECEMBER 16, 1996 Michael Vincent moved, John Rudolph seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the minutes of the regular meeting of December 16, 1996 as presented. DEPARTMENT HAPPENNINGS Items highlighted included authorization of mail distribution of the quarterly newsletter; informational meeting with the new Fastview Athletic Association; hectic first day of pavilion reservations for 1997; Community Development block grant application for Youth Development programs; agreement with Dakota County for the grooming of cross country ski trails in the city parks; installation of aerators in several lakes and the park maintenance staff has been called upon to aid with snow plowing. CONSENT AGENDA There were no items under the Consent Agenda for the Commission to review. ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES OF ~ANUARY 21, 1997 MEETING PAGE 2 DEVELOPMENT AGENDA EVERGREEN -ROYAL OAKS REALTY. INC. Planner Dudziak introduced this item as a request of a Preliminary Subdivision of 40 acres and a Rezoning of 20 acres for Agricultural to R-i, Single Family Residential. The 40 acre site is located east of Gun Club Road, north of 120 Street, and south of the Pines Edge subdivision and Red Pine Elementary School. The proposed subdivision would create two lots of approximately 9.5 acres on the west half of the site and 53 lots and one outiot on the east half of the site. This rezoning request is for the east half of the site only, Dudziak concluded. Forestry Supervisor Hove noted this was a very unique site in that it has been a nursery for the past 30 years and there are more than 1000 trees on the site. Because of the high amount of trees located on the site a method of forest sampling was developed and performed by a forestry consultant hired by the applicant. Hove then reviewed the results of the sampling procedure which resulted in a calculation of an allowable removal of 934 significant trees. A mitigation plan was devised whereby the 431 trees in excess of the allowable limits would be transplanted within the development site and at Hidden Comer Park and Red Pine Elementary school. The applicant would be responsible for the cost of transplanting the 431 trees. Member Rudolph asked if the trees would survive being transplanted. Hove responded that staff has been very successful with their transplanting efforts in the past. Water Resources Coordinator Brasch stated that this development will generate runoff that will eventually reach several recreation classified water bodies within Lebanon Hills Park. Because of the size of the total development and where the runoff will occur, staff is recommending on-site ponding. The developer s proposed pond location is on a slope above the wetland centered in the western parcel. To minimize erosion- related filling of the wetland, intensive erosion control will be required and a 15 ~ upgraded buffer between the wetland edge and the limit of grading will be maintained. The proposed pond is somewhat larger than would be required to fully satisfy treatment for the proposed 20 acre development and would also be used to pre-treat runoff from the western 20 acre parcel when it develops in the future. The remaining wet volume to fully meet treatment requirements for this parcel would be created by excavation of a portion of the wetland to which the constructed pond discharges. Member Markell asked if there were any trail opportunities around the wetland once development is completed. Brasch responded that it is not likely that development will occur on the property where the Mrotzkes are currently living until they are no longer in the home. Director Vraa noted that this development will be responsible for a cash parks dedication since Hidden Corner Park is already developed .There may be the possibility of a trail connection to the park when the western portion of the property is developed, Vraa added, however, the development will be responsible for a cash trails dedication. Mike Black, representing the developer, thanked staff for working cooperatively with them to resolve all the issues. He noted that they concur with staff s recommendations. After a brief discussion, George Kubik moved, Michael Vincent seconded with all members voting in favor to make the following recommendations to the City Council regarding the Evergreen development: 1. This development shall be responsible for a cash parks dedication. 2. This development shall be responsible for a cash trails dedication. 3. This development shall be required to arrange for and bear the cost of transplanting 431 trees as identified below: 4. 50 12 ~ - 15 ~ trees to Hidden Corner Park. 5. 50 12 ~ - 15 ~ trees to Red Pine Elementary School. ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES OF ]ANUARY 21, 1997 MEETING PAGE 3 6. 23 i 12 ~ - 15 ~ trees within the Evergreen development site. 7. 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 vees/woodlands to be preserved. 8. 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. 9. This development shall meet its water quality mitigation requirements through construction of a detention pond. The design of the pond must be approved by the water resources coordinator. 10. An ungraded buffer at least 15 feet in width shall be maintained around the wetland on the western parcel. 1 l . Filling or draining of wetlands shall be prohibited. OLD BUSINESS INVER GROVE HEIGHTS - IOINT POWERS AGREEMENT Director Vraa noted that the discussion of a Joint Powers Agreement between the City of Fagan and Inver Grove Heights was based on the development of Southern Lakes. That development will get services from the City of Fagan and the children living there will attend Red Pine Elementary School. Since this area will most likely be participating in sports and school attivities within Eagan a recommendation is being made that a playfield with a soccer overlay be incorporated within the development. It is also being suggested that parking be considered near the park area. More discussions will occur with Inver Grove Heights and the developer regarding this proposal, Vraa concluded. WORKNG DRAFT SCHOOL/CITY BALLFIELD MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT Director Vraa introduced this item stating that Dakota Hills Middle SchooVEagan High School had approached the City to ballfield maintenance on their site on a contract basis. Some preliminary work has been done, however staff is seeking feedback from the Commission on the agreement. Superintendent Olson pointed out that there are 4 balifields adjacent to Dakota Hills Middle School that are included in the request. Tasks included in the proposed maintenance agreement were reviewed as were the tasks that would not be included. The fees being proposed were based on the approved City fee schedule that is adopted each year. The costs to maintain mowers and equipment were also reviewed in this analysis. Olson continued that Phase I, Renovation/Pre-Season Preparation ,would be recommended maintenance since this would bring the fields to a level consistent with the City s facilities. The various levels of maintenance were provided so the school district could select which components they would like to incorporate based on the dollars available to them for this work. Olson added that the estimate to maintain the four fields, based on the City s own maintenance standards, would be $25,654 per year. Member Vincent asked what the incentive was to do this work for the school district. Director Vraa responded that providing quality fields at the high schooVmiddle school for the community to use during the summer would mean that the City would not have to build more to accommodate the need. As long as the fields are well maintained and used, and the City s costs are covered, this appears to be a benefit to everyone. Vraa added that staff would want to see a 2 year minimum contratt to ensure that the fields could be properly prepared. ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES OF ~ANUARY 21, 1997 MEETING PAGE 4 Member Rudolph asked if City fields would suffer from the time spent on the school fields. Superintendent Olson responded that the reason this request can work is because the school fields are located very close to Northview Athletic fields. There would not be the issue of moving a lot of equipment to a remote location; rather, the equipment can continue the work from Northview right on to the school fields. Olson added that the principal at Dakota Hills Middle School is very interested in having the school fields of equal quality to the nearby City fields. Member Kubik stated that the reasons for pursuing this option seem to be very sound and suggested that staff continue to negotiate with the school for the maintenance of the fields. Member Thompson added that most residents don ~ t know where school property ends and City property begins so this may be a way to maintain some consistency. After further brief discussion, Member Kubik noted that it appeared to be the consensus of the Commission that staff proceed with negotiations with the school district relative to the maintenance of the four ballfields at Dakota Hills Middle School/Pagan High School. NEW BUSINESS There were no items under New Business for the Commission to review. PARKS DEVELOPMENT UPDATE Parks Planner Lilly explained that plans are underway to proceed with sign replacement at Cedar Pond, Bur Oaks and Evergreen neighborhood parks as well as Trapp Farm and Thomas Lake community parks. Lily then provided the Commission with three concepwal signs with A being the largest sign, B medium sized and C the smallest size. Three construction materials were also discussed; Cylex, a granite looking artificial stone, aluminum and redwood. The price for using the Cylex product was; Concept A, $11,000; Concept B, $7,084; Concept C; $5,000+. The price for using aluminum was; Concept A, $4,500; Concept B, $4,375; Concept C, $2,450. The price for using redwood was; Concept A, $5,500; Concept B, $5,400; Concept C, $2,000. Member Petersen asked about the life span of the three products. Planner Lilly responded that they are all durable. Responding to concerns about maintenance for the redwood product, Lilly noted that the wood is painted with an enamel based paint and would need to be repainted in approximately 20 years. After significant discussion, it was the consensus of the Commission that Concept B, made from redwood with a see through tree was the preference. Staff was directed to pursue cost estimates to see which sign was the most feasible to pursue. WATER RESOURCES UPDATE LETTER TO EAGAN FOOTBALL BOOSTER CLUB -FERTILIZER SALE Water Resources Coordinator Brasch noted that the Eagan Wildcat Football Booster Club had been selling fertilizer as afund-raiser for the past several years. The City has encouraged the group to focus on the phosphorous content of the fertilizer they have been selling. A letter has been drafted to the booster club asking that they limit the phosphorus content of all lawn fertilizers to 396 or less and requesting sales volume figures for each of the blends of fertilizer sold through the sale. It is hoped that this can provide information as to whether purchasing patterns of fertilizer have changed over time as it relates to product phosphonus content. Staff also congrawlated the booster club for their efforts to promote low or no phosphorus fertilizers during their sale. ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES OF ]ANUARY 21, 1997 MEETING PAGE 5 In response to a question, Brasch noted that 1800, 20 Ib. bags of fertilizer had been sold last year. He also noted that this group also distributes water quality brochures during their sale process. It was the Commission's consensus that a letter be forwarded to the booster club requesting the information as identified in the draft letter. Chairman Markel) will sign the letter on behalf of the Commission. OTHER BUSINESS AND REPORTS DART TRANSIT Director Vraa introduced this item noting that iy is not a development item, however with the Conditional Use Permit being requested by the developer there are issues that should be addressed by the Commission. Ken noted that this is a request to allow outdoor storage on two sites located west of Hwy. 149 east of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad and just south of Stark's restaurant. Because of the extent of impact on this permitted use, staff has prepared some preliminary conditions for Commission consideration. Following a brief review regarding tree preservation and water quality, it was the Commission's consensus that the following items be incorporated in the Conditional Use Permit: 1. Parks dedication and trails dedication will be reviewed when an application for development is submitted. 2. A tree inventory and tree preservation plan will be required when an application for development is submitted. 3. Runoff from impervious surfaces within the site will be treated with on-site ponding prior to discharge off the site. The ponding configuration must be approved by the City's Water Resources Coordinator. 4. A wetland inventory must be conducted to identify, delineate and determine the jurisdictional status of any wetlands within the parcel. 5. Wetland fill or drain impacts should be avoided. If avoidance is not possible, mitigation which complies with the Wetland Conservation Act standards shall be required. b. If the Commission is not satisfied with the level of detail presented, it could also recommend that it be given the opporwnity to review supplemental information for fuwre recommendations. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS Superintendent Peterson noted that the Recreation Subcommittee will meet on January 27 to review the Child Protection Policy. Director Vraa noted that the Acquisition/Development Subcommittee has begun to look at the $2 million Park Site Fund budget and how it could be spent. It was felt that once new Commission Members are on board the subcommittee can continue their review. There have not been issues for the Natural Resources Subcommittee to review recently. NEW COMMISSION ORIENTATION Director Vraa noted that Guy Kohinhofer, Lee Markel), and Terry Davis had been appointed by the Council to the Advisory Commission for 3 year terms. Barbara Johnson was appointed fora 1 year term and ]erry Farley was appointed as the alternate. The new member will be at the first meeting in February. ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES OF ]ANUARY 21, 1997 MEETING PAGE 6 Commission Members in the past have expressed a desire to provide consistency in how the meetings are conducted and to have a clear understanding of how decisions are made to make sure information is accurate and that the Commission portrays a united front with issues. Members Thompson and Vincent opined that the Commission needs to focus on discussing all sides of an issue but present a stronger voice by remaining unified. Member Kubik opined that the Commission should simply focus on basic professionalism in their role as an advisory commission and the rest will fall into place. In discussing the how the Commission could pursue some of these ideas, it was determined that the first meeting with new members in February would be an appropriate time to discuss these issues. It was the Commission's recommendation that an orientation for all members be held from b:30-7:00 prior to the February meeting. SET FEBRUARY MEETING DATE The February meeting was set for Monday, February 24, 1997. GENERAL DISCUSSION Director Vraa stated that at the last Council/Commission joint meeting, the Commission had been directed to look at multi-use facilities to see if there were any opportunities to facilitate such a use. The question that has come from the Commission was how the Council specifically wanted them to proceed. Vraa noted that it may be appropriate for the Commission to communicate with the Council to obtain more specific direction. Member Kubik asked if it would be helpful for staff to do a simple scope of services which could be included with a letter from the Commission to the Council. After a brief discussion, Michael Vincent moved, George Kubik seconded with ail members voting in favor to have staff prepare a scope of services along with the Advisory Commission Chair writing a letter to the City Council on behalf of the Commission seeking further direction on the process of investigating multi-use facilities in the city. AD)OIIRNMENT With no further business to conduct, George Kubik moved, Michael Vincent seconded with all members voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:55 p.m. Secretary Date