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11/17/2003 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission Approved as amended December 15, 2003 ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION EAGAN, MINNESOTA MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF November 17,2003 A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on November 17, 2003 with the following Commission Members present: Joseph Bari, Margo Danner, chair Terry Davis, Elizabeth Perry, Dorothy Peterson, Phil Belfiori, N. Mark Filipi, and Ken West. Members Pletcher and Williams were not present. Staff present included Ken Vraa, Director of Parks and Recreation; Jeff Asfahl, Superintendent of Recreation; Paul Olson, Parks Superintendent; Eric Macbeth, Water Resources Coordinator; Gregg Hove, City Forester, Beth Wielde, Research and Special Projects (serving as acting Recording Secretary); CJ Lilly, Parks Planner; Sheila Cartney, Planner. APPROVAL OF AGENDA One change was made to the agenda. Travel Baseball under Visitors to be Heard was deferred to the December meeting. Terry Davis moved, Margo Danner seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the agenda as amep.ded. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF OCTOBER 20, 2003 Mark Filipi moved, Margo Danner seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the minutes of the October 20, 2003 meeting as presented. VISITORS TO BE HEARD- GIRLS FASTPITCH SOFTBALL Superintendent of Recreation Jeff Asfahl introduced Don Surges, representing fastpitch softball. He gave an overview of girls fastpitch softball, covering play seasons, travel area, and team talent. He discussed tournament growth, travel, and fields used. He noted the community economic benefits that are derived from hosting tournaments. He commended City staff for their assistance. Surges discussed some concerns of girls fastpitch softball, such as field space and lighting. He recognized the difficulty of space allocation and that additional field space and lighting would benefit more than just girls fastpitch softball. Dorothy Peterson asked if, with the seasons becoming year round, there is any conflict with school sports. Surges replied that they deliberately do not use high school officials or coaches in order to avoid conflict with eligibility and rules. He noted that scores are not kept. Chair Davis noted challenge of prioritizing funds, and that it is good to get feedback. He discussed the idea of looking to groups for partnerships and participation. Surges also addressed safety fencing to protect spectators. SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE AND DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS Superintendents Olson and Asfahl provided updates and a brief overview of issues and activities from the Parks and Recreation divisions. CONSENT AGENDA MOTHER NATURE ADDlTION- KENT LAGESON Margo Danner moved, Mark Filipi seconded, with all present members voting to approve Mother Nature Addition. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of November 17,2003 Page 2 DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS SUGAR BLUFFS- MICHAEL AND KAREN STACK Karen Stack and Russ Stamwell of Probe Engineering introduced themselves and briefly stated their intentions for a subdivision. Terry Davis asked them to stay nearby in case there were questions after staff reports had been presented. Paul Olson provided background on the subdivision, four lots on 5.58 acres north of Cliff Road and east of Thomas Lake Road. Olson stressed the efforts placed on conservation and shoreland protection when planning this subdivision. He referred to the Acquisition Priority Summary Site Narratives in the packet, identifying the Sugar Bluff area as one of the areas desirable for protection. Olson described the efforts made to create a conservation easement and comply with shoreland preservation setback requirements. He noted the homes would be well back from the impact zone, creating an area of slope and shoreline preservation. Photos and visual aides of the development show extension of conservation easement into City property. City Forester Gregg Hove discussed the trees within the proposed subdivision, comparing it to the oak woodland and sloped terrain found at Central Park. The proposed development would remove II trees, 9.2% of the total inventory, well below the Eagan Tree Preservation Ordinance of 40% removal. The applicant intends to plant several large oak and other species adjacent to areas marked for grading. Water Resources Coordinator Eric Macbeth stated the plan fits in well with state public waters and shoreland ordinances relevant to bluff, that is consistent with code. Water Quality has no issues with the subdivision as it is proposed. He stated it is subject to cash dedication rather than ponding. He said there are no wetlands on the site. Member Phil Belfiori asked if there were precautions for construction and grading. Macbeth said that there are for individual home grading, and that is handled during the grading and building permit process. Chair Davis asked if this point should be made under the recommendations. Coordinator Macbeth said no, it is not necessary, Member Belfiori said yes, it would be preferable. Member Bari asked how large the lot sizes are. Planner Cartney responded with each lot size, none of which exceeded 1.4 acres. Member Peterson stated how pleased she was to see the conservation easement, to see something the APrC has been so concerned about come to fruition. Chair Davis invited Ms. Stack to comment on the proposal. Ms. Stack said she is comfortable with the presentation. Russ Stamwell, engineer on the project, said they looked at a variety of scenarios, including a typical city street development instead of a provate drive, and determined the private drive could still accommodate emergency vehicles. He also described the work attempting to divert roads between trees in an effort to preserve them wherever possible, working with the City Forester on this plan. Chair Davis said he was very pleased with the preservation effort, that this is just the type of thing the APrC likes to see. Stamwell noted the difference in working with private homeowner on development rather than professional developer. Member Belfiori asked whether there is a commitment to the preservation plan, and Forester Hove affirmed. Member Belfiori moved to approve alternatives 1-7, with amendment number 8, and a suggestion from Margo Danner that Alternative I include "parks dedication" along with "cash trail dedication.": I. The development shall be responsible for a cash trail dedication. The development shall be responsible for cash parks dedication. 2. The developer shall create a fifty foot wide Conservation Easement along the west and north shore of the development prohibiting development or the removal of vegetation within the easement. Said easement shall coincide with the setback from the OHW except in that area forty-five feet and eighty feet west of the westerly north/south property line of the BluffImpact Zone. Said easement to be recorded with the property. 3. To ensure survival of the preserved trees (on-site trees 78, 81, 83, 86, 87, 89, and 99), a long-term tree survival plan shall be prepared by a certified arborist and implemented on all trees with encroachments into Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of November 17,2003 Page 3 the CRZ. Also staff is recommending that the applicant communicate with city forestry staff in the actual placement of tree protection fence around these large preserved trees. 4. An Individual Lot Tree Preservation Plan shall be required on lots 1,3, and 4 of Block I at the time of building permit application. 5. Tree Protective measures (i.e. orange colored silt fence or 4 foot polyethylene laminate safety netting) shall be installed at the Drip Line or at the perimeter of the Critical Root Zone, whichever is greater, of significant trees/woodlands to be preserved on-site and off-site (i.e. park trees). 6. The applicant, shall contact the City Forestry Division and set up a pre-construction site inspection at least five days prior to the issuance of the grading permit to ensure compliance with the approved Tree Preservation Plan and placement of the Tree Protective Fencing. 7. A cash dedication in lieu of on-site water quality ponding should be required for this development. Member Belfiori proposed the following amendment to the alternatives. 8. Given the high potential for erosion on site, the APrC recommends that the developer and/or builders utilize temporary best management practices such as sedimentation ponds, silt fence and immediate restoration and revegetation to avoid sedimentation into Thomas Lake. These activities shall be constructed in accordance with the City's erosion control policy and the MPCA erosion control manual. Member Belfiori moved to approve, numbers 1-7 with the addition of 8. Dorothy Peterson seconded, with all present members voting to approve. TERRA GLEN- LUNDGREN BROS. CONSTRUCTION Planner Cartney provided a brief introduction to the plat, the creation of 54 single family lots and 26 town home units on 39.5 acres adjacent to Blue Cross Blue Shield. Dorothy Peterson asked if the plat was consistent with zoning. Cartney said it is, as a Planned Development. Superintendent of Parks Olson stated parks Dedication has been met. The property, originally part of the Blue Cross/Blue Shield campus fulfilled their parks dedication by the creation of Sky Hill Park. One issue that has arisen with development is the observation deck at Sky Hill Park. It encroaches slightly onto Lundgren property. To rectify this without removing the amenity, the City has worked with Lundgren Bros. to develop an alternative trail dedication fulfillment. The request is a small outlot approximately 16' wide and 450' long. This plan would also allow Lundgren to mitigate trees on-site. This alternative dedication comes near to the equivalent of the regular trail dedication the City would request. Olson showed pictures of the property, noting the developer recognizes the observation deck as an amenity and doesn't want it removed, either. There is hope that the outlot could connect through to Blue Cross/ Blue Shield property. Forester Hove showed exhibits of the site, noting it is entirely wooded but the internal tree cover has problems. An inventory of the site resulted in discovery of a significant number of invasive species along with the significant trees. In 40 acres, there are 1300 trees. Hove stated ordinance allows inventories of woodlands by a forestry consultant. A condition rating from the inventory indicates an average condition rating of 5.1, 1 being low. Forester Hove stated the inventory revealed 35% to 40% oak trees of varied types. The forest area is actually a mixed hardwood, but there is buckthorn invasion. He said the trees have grown tall rather than wide, reaching for sunlight, and that might alter the critical root zone. The plat was reviewed in two part; In the multiple- family part, there are 60 significant trees, black cherry, bur oak, hackberry, red oak. The development proposed to remove 60, at 100% of the total. The single- family lots hold about 1,234 significant trees, also including oaks, Black Cherry, ash, and hackberry. The developer proposes Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of November 17,2003 Page 4 removal of773, 62.4% of the total. Ordinance allows a 40% removal. This would require mitigation of 696 category B trees, or equivalent combination of category A or category C trees. Forester Hove said the mitigation plan shows 794 trees, a mix of categories A and B. This exceeds the required amount of replacement. Lundgren Bros. is proposing to walk the site with forestry staff to identify specific trees for preservation. This could result in a credit system, where additional trees preserved will increase the final mitigation number, a system that has been used successfully on other large development sites. Forester Hove said trees would likely be mitigated in a common area, shown in concept drawings. Hove then reviewed the alternatives for APrC consideration, with the addition of individual tree preservation plans for Block 2, lots I 15, and Block 1, lots 1 20 prior to issuance of building permits. (Amended by Gregg Hove to read Block 2, lots 1-15, and Block 4, lots 1-20. Amended 11-19-03) Member Belfiori noted he didn't see a mitigation plan in the packet. He would like to see the plan, since it is hard to visualize. Hove invited him to look at the exhibits posted on the wall. Water Resources Coordinator Eric Macbeth described storm drainage issues. There are 3 main storm drainage areas, going in to 3 created storage ponds. 12 acres are proposed to drain off-site without treatment, and would be subject to cash dedication. The proposed wetland fill will require a 2: I mitigation. The developer proposed to replace the wetlands just off-site, partially on Blue Cross/ Blue Shield property, with an expansion of treatment under Blue Cross/ Blue Shield and subject to individual review by the City Council. Member Belfiori asked if the mitigation area serves as storm treatment. Macbeth replied stormwater would be come into a pond located near the wetland replacement area. Belfiori asked if these connect at certain points. Macbeth affirmed. David Hinners of Lundgren Brothers Development described the project in detail, including background, housing units, roads, home design, topography, utility lines, retaining walls, stormwater drainage (affirming Macbeth's assessment), and noted that the depth of ponds were 6':!: at normal depth. Noted storm ponds were at a 10: I aquatic bench. He further described right-of-way and roads, trails, cul-de-sac design elements, divided road portions. Hinners described a conservation easement, a 40' natural buffer on the east portion of the development. He noted that there were plans to develop a 20' buffer along the west portion, and a natural space in the bed area of the L- shaped development. He further affirmed Forester Hove's presentation, and described in detail the tree assessment process, tree removal process, and the company that will be used to do the removal. He described the process of identifying when trees are injeopardy, and noted that the company would like to do most of the planting before building, except for front yard trees. Hinners described the buckthorm removal process on the Lundgren site and the Blue Cross/Blue Shield site. He described the intended trails in the property, 8' bituminous, and the Parks Dedication satisfaction, affirming Paul Olson's presentation. He noted that the amount ofland being proposed for parks exceeds the trail fee. He said Lundgren would like to see the excess trail fee put back into the tree credit. Hinners discussed the gazebo and tot lot on the property, stating the City would like to see an alternative location for the tot lot. Showed an example from a Maple Grove development. He talked about buffering techniques between the gazebo and pond, and buffering plans for the Terra Glen site. Hinners discussed the three entry monuments in detail, and Homeowner's Association duties. He reiterated the tree credit issue, and stated again that they intend to plant more trees than required and explained why. He said Lundgren would like to create a buffer and potentially get credit for buckthorn removal. He concluded his remarks by discussing the Skyline Park encroachment vs. trail credit. Member Joe Bari asked details about the homeowners association organization and operation. Hinners detailed the information about operations, organization, and turnover to residents. Member Liza Perry asked about maintenance of common areas, and noted that experience has demonstrated that open spaces rarely have water lines to them, and noted damage when improper vegetation and Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of November 17,2003 Page 5 excessive trampling occur. She asked what will be done to maintain common areas. Hinners replied that although they have never run water to common areas, they encourage resident participation and use of hardy materials such as trees and rock mulch bedding. Member Peterson asked about moving the position of the tot lot. Director Vraa affirmed that the tot lot has been discussed for relocation on the plan, and that parents are likely to accompany smaller children. Member Belfiori asked about two of the ponds being over slightly over 6' in depth, and whether this should be of concern in areas where children might play. Water Resources Coordinator Eric Macbeth said 6' is typical in residential areas, although there have been fluctuations. He said 6' is more of a guideline than a requirement. He said maintenance is the Homeowner Association's responsibility. Alternate Member West asked if, with 54 single family homes and 26 townhomes, Sky Hill Park would need reconfiguration. Director Vraa said when the park was being developed, it was understood that adjacent areas could develop. Vraa said it should be okay. Member Filipi moved to approve, Member Peterson seconded the alternatives as presented with one addition; 1. The trail dedication shall be satisfied through the creation and subsequent dedication to the City of Outlot E, a 16' wide parcel extending north/south along the length of the most westerly boundary oflots 5 and 6 of Terra Glen. In cooperation with the City, the developer may plant mitigation trees on said Outlot. 2. To require that the applicant fulfill required tree preservation mitigation through the installation of seven- hundred sixty-two category B trees to be installed on site. 3. To utilize a "floating number" system pertaining to the final number of mitigation trees required. Complete fulfillment of all required mitigation to be installed prior to final project completion. 4. To encourage the applicant to continue to work with city staff to identify additional opportunities for preservation during the development and construction process. 5. To require that Tree Protective measures (i.e. orange-colored silt fence or 4' polyethylene laminate safety netting) 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 on-site. 6. To require that the applicant contact the City Forestry Division and set up a pre-construction site inspection at least five days prior to the issuance of the grading permit to ensure compliance with the approve Tree Preservation Plan and placement of the Tree Protection Fencing. 7. The development should meet the City's water quality requirements primarily by creating a minimum stormwater treatment capacity of 1.84 acre-feet. Sotrmwater treatment ponds should be constructed according to NURP standards with maximum depths of6 feet, 1-:1 aquatic benches from the normal water levels, and outlets in accordance with City design standards. 8. Subject to assurance that the wetland replacement area is accepted by the Board of Water and Soil Resources into the City's wetland bank account, and subject to full accordance with standards and provisions of the WCA, the proposed wetland replacement and monitoring plan should be approved, allowing the developer to fill 2,574 sq ft of wetland and create 13,233 sq ft of new wetland credit and at least 13,233 square feet ofPVC. And the additional condition: 9. Requirement of individual tree preservation plans for Block 1 lots 1 20, and Block 2, lots I 15 (Amended by Gregg Hove to read Block 2, lots 1-15, and Block 4, lots 1-20. Amended 11-19-03). All present members of the APrC voted to approve recommendations 1-8 and amendment (9). Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of November 17, 2003 Page 6 OLD BUSINESS There were no Old Business items for the APrC to discuss. NEW BUSINESS 2004 PARKS AND TRAILS DEDICATION FEES Director Vraa presented the APrC with alternatives for the 2004 Parks and Trails dedication fees, reviewing information gathered from other municipalities, and discussed the connection between land values and dedication fees, and need to keep up with area market. There was discussion regarding analysis of other municipalities charges and comparative structures. Member Perry suggested based on information available, it might be beneficial to raise parks dedication by 17.5% and trails by another percentage. Member Davis noted a concern that Eagan is falling behind other cities in the area, and stressed a need to catch up. He noted it might take more than one year to do this. Member Perry moved to increase the dedication fees 17.5% for residential units, 5% for commercial and industrial units, and trails 2.5% for both types. Member Bari seconded the motion. All present members voted to approve recommendation. 2004 FEES AND CHARGES Superintendent Asfahl presented the 10% proposed fee increase for recreation. He stated fees are scrutinized for budgeting each year. He reminded the commission that for 2003, fees were also raised 10%, but prior to that they hadn't increased in 7 years. Asfahl said taxes are included in the fee structure, to avoid confusion when patrons come to City Hall to pay. They will know exactly how much they owe when they step up to the counter. Member Davis asked if Eagan fees were comparable to other municipalities. Asfahl said these numbers were indeed comparable. Member Davis asked if the same cities were involved in this comparison as for the Parks Dedication study. Researcher Wielde said that the comparative figures were done as two separate project, so likely not exactly the same. Member Perry asked to clarify about the tax, and Asfahl reiterated that it is included in the fees as presented. Member Bari asked if a $3 fee at the Trapp Farm tubing hill would create conflict. Asfahl said a survey conducted the prior season indicated that the $2 was not generally causing upset, and some respondents indicated $3 wouldn't be a hardship. Member Peterson asked if fee increases would generate revenue, and Asfahl said it would generate about $5,000. Member Peterson moved, Member Perry seconded with all present members voting to recommend approval. Chair Davis noted he would like to see comparative analysis in future presentations. WATER RESOURCES UPDATE Water Resources Coordinator Eric Macbeth informed the APrC of two upcoming meetings. One is another public meeting for the ongoing Fish Lake project, with an expanded contact range. The other is yet to be announced, discussing a stormwater program for the federal rule for erosion control. This will be held in early January, to get input for the Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of November 17,2003 Page 7 Macbeth also told the APrC about his attendance at the International lake Management conference. He presented an exhibit from that meeting showing projected pre-settlement phosphorus levels and increase of phosphorus over time with development, then the subsequent decrease in the years after alum-dosing was introduced. The data came from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. OTHER BUSINESS AND REPORTS SUBCOMMITTEE UPDATE Member Peterson informed the APrC that the Holz Farm group had met prior to the evening's APrC meeting to review the preliminary evaluation. The group went through it thoroughly, and she noted how fortunate the group was to have Don Holz participate because of his first-hand knowledge. She noted that the preliminary evaluation can be wrapped up quickly and the evaluation can be submitted to the State Historic Preservation Office. Member Peterson asked the APrC to recommend Council approve submission of the preliminary evaluation. Chair Davis asked if there were timing issues involved with the preliminary evaluation. Peterson said not specifically, but the sooner it is submitted, the sooner it can be reviewed. She noted that a preliminary evaluation may make the property eligible for some grant applications, and prefers the matter be put before Council at the next available opportunity. Member Filipi emphasized that submission is a preliminary evaluation only, and does not commit the City to doing a full-scale nomination. It is a first step only. Member Filipi moved, Member Danner seconded, with all present members voting to recommend Council approve submission of the preliminary evaluation for Holz Farm. Member Peterson went on to discuss the budget estimates Friends of the Farm have been reviewing, using the numbers provided by Miller-Dunwiddie. Part of this evaluation was to identify which projects could be done in- house vs. by consultants. She invited the APrC to participate in a meeting with Friends of the Farm 6:00 on December 11th at Holz Farm. The intent is to create a "mini-CIP" for Holz Farm. COMMISSION MEMBERS TERM EXPIRATION. Director Vraa reminded APrC members about a letter recently sent that explains the new term 'end dates.' Chair Davis asked the group if anyone had any problems with extending the terms. None of the present commission members had a problem with the extension. ROUND TABLE Director Vraa reviewed the various meetings set for December 8, including the Fish Lake meeting and a meeting with City Council about the Alternative Funding study. Member Perry asked for an e-mail reminder to be sent out. Director Vraa said the agenda hasn't been set, but workshops tend to start about 5:00 pm. Member Davis commented that the first two weeks of December were going to be very busy ones. Member Danner checked the date of the next Donor Naming meeting. Vraa responded that it is November 24. Member Davis asked if the group was on its final draft, and Joe Bari affirmed. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to conduct Terry Davis moved, Joe Bari seconded with all members voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 10 p.m. ~~'/~d7 Secretary Date