Loading...
02/16/2006 - Advisory Parks & Recreation CommissionAdvisory Parks Commission Approved March 20, 2006 ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION EAGAN, MINNESOTA MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 16, 2006 A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on February 16, 2006 with the following Commission Members present: Joseph Bari, Phil Belfiori, Margo Danner, Duane Hansen, Muhammed Lodhi, Vice Chair Dorothy Peterson, Richard Pletcher and Ryan Zipf. Members Davis and Filipi were not present. Staff included Director Juli Syedell Johnson; Superintendent of Operations Cherryl Mesko; Superintendent of Parks Paul Olson; City Planner Pam Dudziak; Forestry Supervisor Gregg Hove; Water Resources Coordinator Eric Macbeth and Recording Secretary Lori Kimball. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Agenda Item F- 1, Gustafson Addition was moved to G-1, Development Proposal for further discussion. Member Bari moved, Member Danner seconded, with all present members voting in favor to approve the agenda as amended. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JANUARY 12, 2006 Member Pletcher moved and Member Danner seconded, with all present members voting in favor to approve the minutes of January 12, 2006. VISITORS TO BE HEARD There were no visitors to be heard. DIRECTOR'S DEPARTMENT UPDATE Director Johnson provided a brief update of recent department activities for the parks, recreation and facilities divisions. Superintendent Mesko presented the new look of the Discover catalog that will be delivered to Eagan mailboxes next week. The new design advertises the city web site from a banner at the top of each page to encourage readers to utilize the website for class registration or to gather more information. Mesko described the changes to catalog contents as a "pilot program" and encouraged the public to provide feedback to the Parks and Recreation department. CONSENT AGENDA There were no items on the Consent Agenda. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of February 16, 2006 Page 2 DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS GUSTAFSON ADDITION Director Johnson provided a brief background noting that Rick Gustafson is requesting approval to split his lot, creating two single family parcels, on his property located at 543 Red Pine Lane. Johnson asked Water Resources Coordinator Macbeth to discuss wetlands and water quality issues. Macbeth showed a map of the area in question, stating that the adjacent pond is a Class IV Wildlife Habitat considered a public waters wetland. Macbeth stated that the area of land doesn't provide a reasonable and practical way of dealing with storm water. There Macbeth showed an aerial photo of the area, explaining there will be a cash dedication required in lieu of storm water ponding because of the size of the lot. Discussion focused on water flow and water quality as questions were answered by Macbeth. Dan Markes of 4802 Red Pine Court said he lives near this property and is not opposed to this request but is concerned about water quality. The pond and conservation easement is in place to preserve the natural character. Markes continued that in 2001, the City required the Finch Place developer to create a conservation easement adjacent to this wetland. Markes asked that the commission insist on creating an easement and a detailed replanting plan for consistency of how this area appears. Martin Breese of 4798 Red Pine Court addressed the commission and opined that an easement is necessary due to the significant algae bloom. Breese stated that his children go into this water during the summer and wanted to see the water quality improved. Evelyn Nelson of 1776 Nokia Way introduced herself as Gustafson's mother-in-law who originally purchased the property for the couple. Nelson stated that another parcel of land had been purchased so a driveway could be accommodated and is now used by Finch Place residents. Nelson discussed the amount of stormwater that runs to this area and opined that another easement would not improve the water quality. She asked the commission to not impose a hardship on the Gustafsons. Vice Chair Peterson asked Macbeth to explain the impact of an easement. Macbeth used the map to show lots 14-18 in Finch Place that were affected by an easement, meaning that it has been agreed with the developers and the City that this area would be left alone to continue a natural, vegetative area. Vice Chair Peterson asked Nelson if providing an easement on this land would cause them a hardship. Gustafson answered that it would not provide a hardship, that it is more of an issue of already having made sacrifices and spent money on this area; the building of a subdivision, installation of a transformer and land taken from them for the building of the school were enough sacrifices, he opined. Gustafson said he wants to keep it as natural as it can be. Member Pletcher opined that since Gustafson wanted to keep his land as natural as possible, it seemed appropriate to want another easement. Member Zipf asked Gustafson if an easement were recommended, would it change Gustafson's current building plans. Gustafson answered that it would not change his building plans however, they had already given a lot and don't feel they have to give any more. Member Zipf asked Macbeth to clarify the Commission's choice to recommend an easement versus paying a fee. Macbeth answered that if the wetland weren't on a lot, the City would still require a cash dedication. Macbeth responded to questions regarding the easement and shoreline. Mr. Marks again approached the commission and restated his preference, asking the commission to require Gustafson to design the land around the pond with the same requirements as Finch Place was required to follow when the developer was building. Advisory Parks Commission Approved March 20, 2006 After further brief discussion, Vice Chair Peterson moved and Member Pletcher seconded, with all present members voting to recommend to the City Council the following: 1. Trails dedication due for the development shall be satisfied through a cash dedication. 2. Park dedication due for the development shall be satisfied through a cash dedication. 3. A 30 foot easement in lieu of a cash dedication should be required for this development 4. An Individual Lot Tree Preservation plan shall be submitted at the time of building permit application for Lot 1. RED PINE CROSSING Director Johnson introduced this item. City Planner Dudziak provided background stating the developer plans to create three lots at the southwest corner of Red Pine Lane and Highway 3. The property is currently zoned Neighborhood Business and the applicant proposes to rezone the property to Planned Development to accommodate multiple buildings on a single parcel, proposing to construct three commercial retail buildings on this site. Dudziak also clarified that the recommendation that the park dedication had been met was an error and that the dedication has not yet been paid. Forestry Supervisor Hove introduced the subject of tree preservation. Hove stated that a tree inventory has been conducted on this site and provided aerial photo to view. Hove continued that the majority of the woodland trees are located within seventy feet of the existing wetland in the southwest portion of the site. The development as proposed as proposed will result in the removal of five significant trees and 32,556 square feet of significant woodlands (96% of the total). According to the Eagan Tree Preservation Ordinance the developers would be required to provide a tree mitigation plan that calculates to 95 Category B trees or an equivalent combination of Category A and/or C trees. Forester Hove concluded by stating an incorrect Tree Mitigation Plan had been submitted and the developer would be resubmitting an accurate plan. Water Resources Coordinator Macbeth provided a map and explained to viewers where the runoff drains on this parcel of land. Macbeth stated that a 12-acre wetland (LP-23), a state water wetland that drains into Marsh Lake, is immediately downstream from this proposed development. Macbeth continued, saying the developer plans to construct two ponds which would pre-treat runoff before it drains to the wetland. The design and construction of the treatment ponds and infiltration basins would need to satisfy City standards and criteria. The developer has already submitted a wetland delineation report which identifies one wetland that is subject to the WCA laws and rules. Macbeth then referred to the Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) that is currently being updated, listing its various approaches that would apply to protect this wetland. Vice Chair Peterson questioned whether protection standards from the WQMP update could be applied to this situation. Macbeth noted that the new standards are not yet in place but wanted to illustrate the impact of the new standards to this particular development. The developer has submitted an application for Wetland Replacement but needs to submit a completed plan. Macbeth reviewed sequencing avoidance alternatives stating that City staff must analyze and evaluate whether "Sequencing" requirements have been adequately addressed. Macbeth answered questions from the commission regarding sequencing. Ron Peterson, of Environmental Services, represented Revestors stating they disagree why the sequencing analysis cannot be approved. Peterson believes the application contained a complete sequencing analysis, and in the opinion of the developer a plan for total avoidance is a poor alternative. Peterson opined that of the five factors in the WCA rules, total avoidance fails on two accounts. Peterson argued that a 30 foot buffer by the pond is customary but not required. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of February 16, 2006 Page 4 Member Belfiori questioned the developers plan regarding pre-filtering stormwater before it goes to the pond. Belfiori requested staff review this plan to ensure the maintenance capabilities of the pond are not compromised. Belfiori asked if the developer had conducted an evaluation to determine that he will not be minimizing the value of the wetland. Peterson answered no evaluation has been done. Belfiori then asked if the bounce had been determined. Peterson responded that the bounce would raise 24" in a 10 year storm. Pletcher questioned why the Wetland Replacement Plan cannot be approved. Macbeth responded that it cannot be approved because the form from the Board of Water and Soil Resources states that sequencing has not been adequately addressed. Discussion focused whether the commission needed to make a decision. Director Johnson informed them a decision had to be made in order to move this development proposal along through the process. Dudziak informed the commission they can recommend part or all of the alternatives presented. Vice Chair Peterson moved and Member Pletcher seconded, with all present members voting to recommend to the City Council the following: The development shall be responsible for a cash park dedication and a cash trail dedication. The applicant shall be required to fulfill the required tree mitigation through the installation of ninety-five (95) Category B trees (or an equivalent combination of Category A and/or Category C trees and resubmit the tree mitigation plan. Stormwater runoff shall be treated onsite via two constructed ponds. The design and construction of the treatment ponds and infiltration basins should satisfy City standards and criteria. The wetland delineation report for the site shall be approved as submitted. The wetland replacement plan for the site shall be denied as submitted. A minimum 30-foot natural vegetation buffer shall be provided next to the wetland. The commission cited the following reasons for denying the wetland replacement plan; 1)staff evaluation based on the standard established and implemented for other projects and 2) the sequencing argument for avoidance has not been met. OLD BUSINESS There were no items to review under Old Business NEW BUSINESS PUBLIC HEARING: THRESHER FIELDS GRANT APPLICATION The City Council designated the Advisory Parks Commission meeting of February 16, 2005 as the public hearing date required for the application of DNR Outdoor Recreation Grant. This grant will assist with further development of Thresher Fields. Notice of the public hearing section of the February 16, 2005 APrC meeting was published with the APrC agenda in the City's newspaper of record. Vice Chair Peterson asked that this discussion be noted as a Public Hearing. Superintendent of Parks, Paul Olson, provided a brief overview the Outdoor Recreation Grant and described the following proposed projects which the grant money would be applied to. Project Scope/Activity Involved Advisory Parks Commission Approved March 20, 2006 The proposed project includes park shelter buildings that will function as a restroom, weather/sun shelter, trail head, and gathering area. The use of Thresher Fields is mixed; partially groomed athletic fields with scheduled activities ranging from soccer practice to tournament play. The proposed restroom/storage building would provide the only restrooms available for public use in the vicinity. Heavy use of the site is expected to continue given the demand for scheduled tournaments and games. A permanent structure would offer comfort and convenient storage of maintenance equipment and supplies. Some of the more prestigious tournaments require on-site facilities. The proposed 2400 square foot, open-sided, shelter building will provide active and passive opportunities. It will serve as a shelter during inclement weather, a meeting area for visitors, or the base location for team pictures or personal events like picnics or afternoon play. Grills and picnic tables will be located nearby. The facility will be ADA compliant and use energy efficient fixtures and resilient materials that have become standard in Eagan park buildings. The service building will be approximately 640 square foot, block and wood, seasonal building with male and female ADA compliant restroom facilities. There will be additional space for maintenance supplies and storage, bulletin boards, drinking fountains and picnic tables separated by a landscaped buffer from the parking area. Water and sewer service to the building site were installed during the first phase of park development. A playground with features intended for accessibility will be installed near the pavilion. It will provide opportunities for young, non-participants or visitors to enjoy an activity at any time. A paved accessible trail will extend from the parking lot past the playground to a scenic overlook deck located above the easterly shore of the lake. The trail beyond the overlook will transition to a soft surface hiking trail and connect with an existing City trail along Yankee Doodle Road. The trail will provide an opportunity for park users to hike between Thresher Fields and the existing City trail system. A future phase of park improvement may extend the trail around the lake. A connector trail segment running north from the park was installed during a recent upgrade of the entry road. Implementation Schedule Park shelter buildings of this size and scope have typically been able to complete substantial construction within the year they begin. It is anticipated that the proposed project would be achieved in later 2007, opening in May of 2008. The grant allows a three year time period for completion of elements. . Overall cost and the proposed financing for the project Olson informed the commission that total estimated cost of the proposed project is $394.000. The DNR requires a 50% match for funding consideration, thus the grant request is $197,000. The local match of 50% is expected to consist of $182,000 to be allocated from the Park Site Fund and a $15,000 of in-kind labor costs. The in-kind contribution will consist primarily of the value of City labor used to implement the project. Twenty years of services would be provided with no assessed costs to the public. Costs to be assessed to community residents Project financing is proposed to be 50% state grant funding, and 50% from the Park Site Fund. Since the Park Site Fund is derived from developer contribution rather than taxation or special assessment, it is not anticipated that the proposed project will have any cost assessed to community residents. Other associated project costs Other costs associated with the project would be routine and long term maintenance. Olson said costs would be included in the City's annual operation and maintenance budgetary request. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of February 16, 2006 Page 6 The public hearing concluded with Member Bari moving to submit the grant application for the Outdoor Recreation Grant through the Department of Natural Resources. Member Danner seconded and all present voted to approve. The City Council has this item scheduled for its March 7th Council meeting. The completed application will be submitted to the DNR by March 31, 2006. Should the project request be accepted, the project could be completed in 2007. PUBLIC ART AND MEMORIAL POLICY Director Johnson introduced this item, noting there is currently no policy or guideline in place for making decisions regarding proposals to place public art or memorial structures within Eagan Parks. A subcommittee met in January to compose a draft version of this policy. Member Zipf referred to the draft policy's Guideline 1 that reads "absolute ownership must pass to the City". Zipf suggested including specific wording to allow the artist to waive their rights under the Visual Arts and Rights Act, a federal law which allows the artist to protect their work from destruction or alteration. Zipf opined that the option of waiving rights would be a benefit for the City if the city desires a piece of artwork and the artist who is unwilling to give up absolute ownership. Zipf referred to Guideline 5 "structures with political or religious messages will not be accepted" and Guideline 6 "Donations that require the City to pay installation, framing, restoration or repair are not encouraged." Suggesting these guidelines be changed from a guideline to a listing under Criteria for Review. This would allow artwork with a religious or political connotation to be considered by the City rather than refusal before consideration. Member Lodhi moved and Vice Chair Peterson seconded, with all present members voting in favor to enact the policy as amended prior to the City attorney reviewing the policy and consider Member Zipf's suggestions for inclusion. FEES AND CHARGES POLICY Member Danner provided background on this item, stating the subcommittee had met twice to draft a policy to determine fees and charges for Parks and Recreation programs. The draft policy was reviewed by Gene VanOverbeke, Eagan's Finance Director. Member Danner moved, Member Bari seconded with all present members voting in favor to recommend the policy for recreation programs and services be adopted and implemented as presented at the APrC meeting of February 16, 2006. PARK CLASSIFICATIONS Superintendent Olson introduced this item stating that the recently completed 20/20 Vision Plan made suggestions pertaining to the system used to classify parks. The APrC was asked to review and approve the adoption of a new City wide classification system as developed by staff and the commission. The revised classification system has been reviewed twice by the APrC in a workshop setting. At the workshop held on January 12, 2006, the consensus of those present was that the system as now described was appropriate. Olson continued that upon acceptance of the revised classification system staff will work to define a system of maintenance procedures or management strategies that can be assigned to each classification. Proposed Park Classifications are as follows: Advisory Parks Commission Approved March 20, 2006 Neighborhood Common Intended to serve specific neighborhoods within medium to high density residential areas, that can not be adequately served by a traditional neighborhood park due to physical limitations or access constraints. In certain circumstances, the park may be privately operated. Generally 1 to 4 acres in size with limited amenities that may include a play structure, hard court and some seating, '/4 mile service area. The amenities may be specific to the needs of the surrounding neighborhood. Neighborhood Park Provides for a variety active and passive/formal and informal, within a park space that is easily accessible from a defined neighborhood service area, generally 3/4 of a mile. Distribution is throughout the community. Amenities may include ball fields, skating rinks, warming house, play structure, open space and hard courts. The size is variable though most are less than 15 acres. Community Park Facilities and use are targeted are targeted to serve residents of the entire City. The scale and scope of the site, improvements and amenities are adequate for large groups and special events. Generally more than 25 acres in size, they are often associated with a significant natural feature. Easily accessible from collector and arterial roadways. Amenities are non-athletic and may include large shelters and pavilions, hiking trails, play structures, fishing piers and picnic grounds. Community Athletic Field A large athletic complex servicing the entire community, intended primarily for organized youth and adult play including tournaments. Generally more than 25 acres in size and easily accessible. Field space may be developed for a specific sport or remain open to allow for multiple sport use. Fields may be lighted to accommodate extended use. Some opportunity for passive use that includes trails and picnic areas, restroom/service buildings and play structures may be on site. Preserve An isolated site consisting primarily of unique and/or undisturbed tracts of park land. While not physically connected to other park land, it may function as part of an ecological corridor, flyway or a link in other natural processes. Development is associated only with passive activities such as hiking, nature observation or resource enhancement. Some may contain or function as drain runs, retention ponds or storm water collection points. Access may be limited Greenway Preserve A primarily undisturbed tract of park land containing unique and/or undisturbed natural resources, most often physically connected to other preserves or resources via a natural corridor. Any activities are passive and may include hiking, nature observation and interpretation. The site may contain elements of, or function as, part of the storm water management system. Access may be limited. Greenway Corridor A contiguous lineal corridor or resource that enhances buffers or connects undisturbed natural areas or features. May allow for physical access between areas via a trail or function as wildlife/ecologic corridor. Access may be from multiple public spaces, streets or trails. Special Use Facilities that provide a unique activity or built environment/amenities that promotes a unique activity, often intended for a single purpose. The location may be dictated by the physical needs of a specific activity which make it incompatible with other recreational areas. Service are is the entire community. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of February 16, 2006 Page 8 Historic Site A site intended to preserve, protect and/or interpret historic areas or buildings. Improvement are generally limited to those intended to enhance the experience of any visitors or of scheduled, on-site, programs. The site may also be designated as historically significant at the State or national level. Member Danner moved, Vice Chair Peterson seconded with all present members voting in favor to adopt a revised system of park classification as presented at the APrC meeting of February 16, 2006. WATER RESOURCES UPDATE Water Quality Management Plan Update Member Belfiori provided an update for the commission on the Water Quality Plan. He clarified that another plan, the Wetland Management Plan, is also being worked on and directly affects the Water Quality Plan. Belfiori explained that the 100 wetland evaluations conducted are now being classified and will play a role in the water quality goals for the city. Belfiori concluded saying the subcommittee will now meet monthly. OTHER BUSINESS AND REPORTS Member Pletcher updated the commission on the Donor Policy. Pletcher noted that the intention of re-visiting the already approved Donor Policy was to see if there were any changes that might be necessary based on other policies being implemented. It was the consensus of the ad-hoc committee that the intent of the Donor Policy was appropriate and will serve a guide for future significant donations. ROUND TABLE Member Danner informed the audience that a live web cast is now available for people to view live APrC and other City meetings over the internet. The website also contains archives of City meetings and is available by going to www.ciiyofeagan.com and choosing "Webcast Central". ADJOURNMENT With no further business to conduct, Member Pletcher moved, Member Bari seconded with all members voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:23 p.m. I I au 0 to Secretary Date