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12/15/1997 - Advisory Parks & Recreation CommissionADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION EAGAN, MINNESOTA MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF DECEMBER 15, 1997 A regulaz meeting of the Advisory Parks Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on December 15, 1997 with the following Commission Members present: Terry Davis, N. Mazk Filipi, Bazbaza Johnson, Steven Knutson, Lee Mazkell, Daryle Petersen, John Rudolph, and Michael Vincent. Commission Members Jerry Farlee, George Kubik and Michael Zwiefel were not present. Staff present included Ken Vraa, Director of Pazks and Recreation; Dorothy Peterson, Superintendent of Recreation; Paul Olson, Parks Superintendent; CJ Lilly, Parks Planner/Landscape Architect; Rich Brasch, Water Resources Coordinator; Gregg Hove, Forestry Supervisor; and Cherryl Mesko, Secretary. .~PrRO'VAL of AGEIA Bazbaza Johnson moved, John Rudolph seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the agenda as presented. A~P~OVAL' OF M7NUT11~ CULA~2 141I~ETIP~G OR ~YQVEMBI!R 17; t99' Michael Vincent moved, John Rudolph seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the minutes of the regular meeting of November 17, 1997 as presented. VISITORS T(J BE HEAD There were no visitors that wished to be heazd under this agenda item. DEI'A~IENT 1-IAPPEN INGS Items highlighted by Director Vraa included an MRPA Meritorious Awazd presented to Paula Nowariak for her work with the programming section; election of new officers for EAA occurred in November; newly forming alliance with the Arts and Humanities Council for programming at the McCarthy house in Patrick Eagan Pazk; the seazch for an assistant forester will be completed by eazly Mazch; late season transplanting occurred at Lexington- Diffley Athletic Fields; remodeling of the McCarthy house is expected to be completed by January 1; warm weather has delayed flooding of outdoor rinks which require 8-10 days of flooding to develop consistent, skateable ice; and Dakota County has agreed to provide grooming services for the winter sites. Member Markell asked if the arts classes would be open to the public. Director Vraa responded that they would. Vraa added that there will be programming opportunities for the department as well in this building. Member Rudolph complimented staff for the numerous awazds they have been presented and for the fine work they continue to provide to the community. NT'A There were no Consent Agenda items for the Commission to review. DEVELOPMENT PROPCISALS PRAIRIE OAKS - PRAIItIE OAKS PARTNERSHIP Director Vraa provided the background for this item noting that the site is located east of Slater Road, west of Trunk Highway 77, south of Cliff Road, north of St. Charles Wood residential development in the NW 1/4 of Section 31. The applicant is proposing to construct three office buildings that would be phased over several years. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of December 15, 1997 Page 2 Forestry Supervisor Hove noted that the tree inventory provided by the developer contained 83 significant trees, most of which are located in the southern half of the property. Although construction is to be phased for the three lots, the tree removal for Lot 1 is 0, Lot 2 is 22 and Lot 3 is 61. The tree removal proposed is 81 % and the allowable removal is 47.5%. The mitigation for this proposed removal calculates to 90 Category B trees or a cash mitigation of $27,000. Staff has recommended that site design modifications be considered to reduce significant tree removal, however the submitted "revised" plan included none of those modifications. Staff is recommending that the Tree Preservation Plan be denied as proposed. Water Resources Coordinator Brasch explained that a detention basin currently exists in the northern portion of the site which was constructed only to meet the requirements for the Oak Cliff 6s' Addition west of Slaters Road and is not lazge enough to fully satisfy the water quality requirements of the Prairie Oaks subdivision. It was noted that the City would most likely require expansion of on-site ponding to meet flood control requirements for this development, but they have not been specified as yet. Relative to wetlands, Brasch noted that an inland fresh meadow is located along the southwest border of the site and the state allows up to 5% of the area of the basin (approximately 900 sq. ft.) to be filled without having to mitigate the loss. The current plan proposes a fill of approximately 1700 sq. ft. to provide a road access to the southern portion of the development. The area of wetland filling can be reduced to 900 sq. ft. by using retaining walls, Brasch concluded. Alan Menning stated he lives adjacent to the south end of the proposed development and has some concerns relative to the close proximity of the pazking lot as well as the significant impact of removing all the trees. Although he did not object to the proposed use he opined that the development was too close to single family residential. Member Filipi asked why the developer had not responded to the City's request for site design modifications to reduce significant tree removal. Staff responded they did not know. Following a brief discussion, Terry Davis moved, Michael Vincent seconded with all members voting in favor to deny the plan application as presented. OLD S`C3SIlYESS PINETREE PASS - LUNDGREN BROS. Director Vraa explained that the Pinetree Pass proposal reviewed at the November Advisory Pazks Commission was denied at the follow-up Advisory Planning Commission. The City Council then deferred their decision on the development based on the developer working with staff to work out an appropriate pazk layout in the northern portion of the site. Vraa continued that in response to neighborhood meetings and meetings with City staff, the developer changed the private park designation in the south to public park but showed the high water elevation different than what staff was recommending. At a December 4, 1997 City Council meeting, the developer showed a 22 stall pazking lot on the southern portion of the park property and a cul-de-sac to the northwest for homes. This would have provided the developer with a total of 127 lots to develop; the same number proposed in their first proposal. There was concern expressed by a resident adjacent to the proposed parking lot. The developer followed up with a new proposal on December 10 which moved the pazking lot to the northern portion of the site to address the resident's concern. It was noted that a parking lot in that location, along with the relocated ballfield, would require extensive retaining walls because of the current grades. Vraa noted that in the first plan the pazking lot was 80 feet from the resident who expressed concern. Member Petersen asked if the option of overlaying the soccer field onto the ballfield had been considered. Director Vraa responded that in doing so it would result in tree loss which the residents felt strongly about retaining. Member Vincent asked if there would be concern for a parking lot close to the new resident of Pinetree Pass since Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of December 15, 1997 Meeting Page 3 concern was expressed by a resident near Thomas Lane. Vincent opined that if there is not sufficient pazking for a pazk, users will pazk as close to the fields as possible and complaints will be received from residents because of street pazking. Vraa responded that the parking lot, if placed to the north, would be approximately 20 feet from the adjacent property owner. Both plans would allow a ballfield to work but if placed where the developer is proposing, a fence would need to be placed on the Cliff Road side of the pazk. Member Davis asked which plan was more costly to the city noting that in either case the grading would be extensive. Member Johnson asked if the ballfield could move to the south in the developer's plan so that the trail can move closer to residential lots. Director Vraa said it would be workable. It was also noted that in both plans, the tree line down the center of the pazk would be maintained. Member Petersen asked how many trees may be lost if the ballfield and soccer field were switched. Planner Lilly responded that approximately 30% would need to be removed to accommodate that switch. Member Johnson opined that the pazking lot in the City's plan allows enough buffer space from adjacent lots to mitigate with vegetation. In response to a question regarding the type of fencing that would need to be installed if the ballfield were closer to Cliff Road, Lilly responded it would be chain link. Terry Forbord representing Lundgren Brothers noted that staff summarized the plans well but reiterated their preference for the December 10 plan because of the overall "flow". He added that the lot adjacent to the parking lot will be sold knowing the pazking will be there. He opined that at this point the grading of either site is pretty equal and that adjustments can be made to address issues identified by staff. The developer also agrees with the option of placing a fence along Cliff Road. Mr. Forbord concluded by stating that they want to fmd something that works mutually for the City and the developer and is confident that any outstanding issues can be worked out. Member Markell asked if the parking lot could be moved farther to the west in the City's plan. Director Vraa responded that they could but the grades would require retaining walls. Planner Lilly added that approximately 2,000 squaze feet of retaining wall would cost about $30,000. Member Markell reiterated his concern for moving the parking lot to the north because this may force pazking for soccer to occur on Thomas Lane. Member Davis expressed his concern for the significant grading that may result in 9' retaining wall(s). Member Petersen expressed his concern handicap accessibility of the trails; specifically the southern trail from Thomas Lane into the north park. The resident adjacent to the proposed parking lot in the City's plan suggested that his concern was based on the safety of the children and bringing more traffic into the neighborhood. He suggested isolating the parking lot from the neighborhood children, as proposed in the developer's December 10 plan. Member Vincent responded that with a parking lot placed farther away from where activities may occur, people will simply park in the street and walk to their activity. This may create far more street parking than if the pazking were provided in a more convenient location. Member Davis agreed stating that a remote parking lot may create more issues than having a parking lot closer to this resident's home. Mr. Forbord suggested posting "no parking" signs to eliminate street parking as a resolution. Members Filipi and Knutson favored the developer's proposal and opined that the streetscape was better than what staff was proposing. Following further discussion, Michael Vincent moved, Terry Davis seconded a motion to approve staffs recommendation for the development of Walden Heights Pazk. Those voting Aye included Terry Davis, Michael Vincent, Lee Markell, John Rudolph and Daryle Petersen. Those voting Nay included Steven Knutson, Bazbaza Johnson and Mazk Filipi. The motion passed. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of December 15, 1997 Meeting Page 4 KIOSK UPDATE Superintendent Peterson reminded the Commission that this issue was brought back to them for direction concerning alternatives for design and placement of informational kiosks adjacent to trails in the City. After reviewing the design with other City departments there were some concerns that need to be considered. They include sightlines and utility locations at proposed sites and they can be placed in the road right-of--way if placed on the side of a trailway from the street It was also discovered that a 10' high sign is considered a pylon sign and that any sign higher than 7' requires a conditional use permit. T'he code does not differentiate between signs on public or private property or public or private organizations. It was noted that a conditional use permit takes 60 days with submittals to the Planning Department, Planning Commission and City Council. It was suggested that reducing the height of the kiosk to 7' by placing the logo beneath the informational sign portion of the kiosk would remove sign ordinance required approvals. Peterson continued that the Commission could consider retaining the current design and acquire a conditional use permit or alter the design to a 7' maximum height and proceed to fmal design. Parks Planner Lilly reviewed the proposed locations for kiosk sign placement as had been discussed with the Commission earlier. Member Johnson asked what the advantage would be with a 10' kiosk. Lilly responded that although the 7' kiosk would be functional, the 10' kiosk would be easier to see. Member Knutson stated he initially favored a 10' size but now prefers 7' as it appears to be designed more for walkers. Member Davis clarified that the reading portion of the sign would be at the same height with both signs. Member Vincent asked if a Conditional Use Permit would be required for each sign. Superintendent Peterson responded that it would depend on the location. Member Rudolph wondered if there would be a chance that a permit would be denied in the future. He opined that the existing codes should be upheld and that exceptions not be made for this use. In response to a question regarding the difference in price of the two signs, Planner Lilly responded it would be minimal. Member Knutson reiterated his opinion that a 10' sign maybe too obtrusive. Member Filipi suggested mixing the 7' and 10' signs depending on their location and then follow whatever guidelines the City has in place to make that happen. Member Davis asked if an exception might be granted for the pylon designation of the 10' sign opining that a CUP may take more time over an issue that may not be an issue. Following further brief discussion, N. Mark Filipi moved, Michael Vincent seconded with all members voting in favor to recommend that all sites be reviewed to determine which sites are more appropriate fora 7' sign and which are more appropriate fora 10' sign. Terry Davis moved, Michael Vincent seconded with all members voting in favor to recommend that staff attempt to get an exemption from the pylon sign designation for these signs on park property. BUS BENCHES This item was deferred to the January, 1998 meeting pending further direction from the City Council. SHADE TREE DISEASE UPDATE Forestry Supervisor Hove explained that since 1993 the City has initiated a very aggressive program to combat shade tree disease through prevention, identification and control. Mark Shippe was present to review statistics relative to Dutch Elm and Oak Wilt disease. Mark noted that 20, 82, 75 and 37 trees have been identified on public land in 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997 respectively. Within that same time frame 180, 320, 224 and 60 trees were identified respectively also. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of December 15, 1997 Meeting Page 5 Mark provided the Commission with a comprehensive video presentation of how these diseases aze spread and the impact they have had on the City's trees. He also reviewed the federally funded cost shazing program which is in its last year of funding. An additional presentation showed how the vibratory plow is used to control the spread of Oak Wilt disease. Supervisor Hove concluded by predicting that Oak Wilt will increase minimally over the next few years and then plateau. In response to a question, Supervisor Hove noted that the federally funded cost sharing has provided for $62,000 reimbursement to the community over the last 5 years. Member Rudolph asked if a chemical barrier is ever used to disease control. Hove responded that it is used as a last resort in azeas where underground lines may be in place which could be disrupted by the vibratory plow. NEW ~USINES PATRICK EAGAN PARK Director Vraa explained that the Council had directed the Commission to begin developing a master plan for the development of Patrick Eagan Pazk which is to include the existing Deerwood house. It was suggested that this item be identified on the January or February agenda. Member Davis suggested asking for volunteers to work on the process to establish a concept as was done with the C]P evaluation. Davis then suggested a meeting in February to begin the plan process. LAND ACQUISITION/TREE MITIGATION FUNDS Director Vraa introduced this item noting that staff has been approached by the applicant of Prairie Oaks Development concerning the possible sale to the City of Lot 3 in the southern portion of the site. Since there is no policy regarding acquisition of land using tree mitigation funds it would be helpful for the Commission to provide direction and a recommendation as to how to proceed with this offer. Member Mazkell asked if the cost of the land was known. Director Vraa responded that it had not been appraised. Member Johnson asked what the advantage would be in acquiring this pazcel. Director Vraa responded it would be for tree preservation. Member Knutson opined that perhaps the dollars could be better spent at a different location; this may not be the most desired property for acquisition. Member Johnson asked if the dollars could be better used to re-forest another site and, if so, are there sites where this should be considered. Director Vraa responded that the tree mitigation dollars were designed for tree planting. Member Petersen concurred with Member Knutson's opinion and suggested looking at the policy to see how the dollars should be used. PARKS I'~~Iat)'I~NT LT~DATE There were no pazks development issues for the Commission to review. WATER RESOURCES [3PDATE MODIFICATION OF WETLAND REPLACEMENT PLAN -EAGAN PROMENADE Water Resources Coordinator Brasch explained that the City approved the wetland replacement plan for the Eagan Promenade development in December 1995. This approval authorized filling of up to .47 acres of jurisdictional wetland and identified replacement requirement of 1.05 acres to meet WCA regulations. The WCA specifies that a minimum of 2 acres of wetland credit can be generated for every 1 acre impacted and the regulations in effect at the time of plan approval required that the replacement be made up completely of created/restored wetland area. Changes to the WCA in 1996 allowed the second half of the 2:1 mitigation requirement to be met with storm water detention basins and/or upland buffers. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of December 15, 1997 Meeting Page 6 Opus has requested that the replacement requirement reflect the amount of wetland actually filled by the project (.36 ac) instead of the amount that was anticipated to be filled (.47 ac). They have also requested that the replacement plan be amended to allow the use of on-site detention basins to partially meet wetland replacement requirements as provided in the 1996 amendments. Brasch noted that the Natural Resources Subcommittee reviewed the proposal and supported application of the 1996 WCA amendments to the Eagan Promenade wetland replacement plan. They also recommended that staff work with the developer to preserve the un-used portion of the mitigation area north of Northwoods Drive as open space and that the City require a minimum of two years monitoring to assure the viability of the replacement wetlands, retaining the option to extend the monitoring period of up to 5 years after completion of the project. Following a brief discussion, Daryle Petersen moved, Michael Vincent seconded, with all members voting in favor to recommend to the City Council approval of a reduction in the amount of impacted wetland associated with this project from the .47 acres projected to .36 acres of actual impact and further recommend that the replacement mitigation requirements for Eagan Promenade be adjusted to allow credit for detention basins on the site as per the provisions of the 1996 amendments to the Wetland Conservation Act. OTHER BUSINESS ANU REPORT'S INTERN REPORT -CINDY FITSIMONS Selling of Advertising in the City Brochure Superintendent Peterson introduced Cindy Fitzsimons who was completing her internship with the Parks and Recreation Department. It was noted that a research project, presented to the Advisory Commission was the culmination of department interns. Cindy's research project was selling advertising in the City's brochure. Ms. Fitzsimons provided a very in-depth report regarding this research project. The initial catalyst came from brainstorming possible revenue-producing entrepreneurial ventures as directed by the City Council to close the gap between revenue and expenses. Several individuals and communities were interviewed for their input and experience in this venture only to discover that there is no common denominator relative to it's effectiveness or success. The risks and benefits were presented and reviewed. The biggest benefit was potential revenue, however may be offset by an increase in staff needed to monitor the advertising program. Also, in the case ofnon-profit bulk mailing status, there would be a limit to the types of advertisers that could be included in the publication. Ms. Fitzsimons then provided several recommendations that may be useful should the City decide to proceed with a venture of this type. She concluded by suggesting that the City review all the issues carefully before deciding to proceed. Following several questions by Commission Members, Chairman Markell thanked Ms. Fitzsimons for a very thorough and thought provoking report. SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS Member Filipi provided a brief review of the Natural Resource Sub-committee meeting relative to Fish Lake. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of December 15, 1997 Meeting Page 7 AQUATIC PARK Director Vraa noted that staff has prepared a Request for Proposal for consulting services and sent it to six firms. The RFP's are due on December 29 and interviews will be scheduled on January 6, 1998. Once a firm is selected, preliminary concept plans should be available by late February/early March for the public to respond to. Vraa concluded that the facility is scheduled to be open by June1999. JANUARY AND FEBRUARY COMMISSION MEETING DATES Director Vraa noted that, due to the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday on January 19 and President's Day on February 16, the Advisory Commission meetings for those months would need to be rescheduled. January 15, 1998 and February 12, 1998 were selected as alternate meeting dates. ROU ' ~L There were no items discussed under this agenda item. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to conduct, Michael Vincent moved, Barbara Johnson seconded with all members voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.m. ~~ Secre Date