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01/15/2004 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission Approved February 12. 2004 ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION EAGAN, MINNESOTA MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF JANUARY 15,2004 A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on December 15, 2003 with the following Commission Members present: Joe Bari, Margo Danner (arrived late), Terry Davis, Liza Perry, Dorothy Peterson, Richard Pletcher, and Ken West. Members Filipi, Williams, and Belfiori 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; Beth Wielde, Research and Special Projects; and Cherryl Mesko, Recording Secretary. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Member Peterson moved, Member Perry seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the agenda as presented. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF DECEMBER 15, 2003 Member Perry moved, Member West seconded, with all present members voting to approve the minutes of December 15,2003. VISITORS TO BE HEARD EAGAN ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION Dave Mact, new president of the Eagan Athletic Association (EAA), described recent activity of the association. He described the 10,000 to 12,000 participation statistics, noting it is one of the largest in the state. He highlighted the 13 sport offerings overseen by EAA. He cited the strong relationship EAA has had with the City of Eagan for many years. He said the biggest challenge facing EAA right now is availability of green space, for soccer in particular, especially in light of fields at Blue Cross/ blue Shield no longer being available. He noted that the group is looking forward to the use of Thresher Fields as an alternate for the Blue Cross site. He said the growth of interest in Lacrosse makes space allocation competitive. EAA Vice President Dave Unmacht said the group would like the City to consider lighting to expand the use of space. He said they would like to partner with the community to identify amenities that don't currently exist, but might be desirable. This investigation would look at the interests of residents, City of Eagan, and schools to see what might be plausible in the near future. He said EAA may be open to working with all partners to benefit the community. Chair Davis thanked the EAA representatives for sharing their interests and information. SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE AND DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS Superintendent of Recreation Jeff Asfahl provided the APrC with an overview of current events in the recreation division. These items include: . Winter leagues are under way. . Spring Basketball and Volleyball leagues will be offered at the Community Center late March through early June. . Discussion of the Eagan Senior Program Advisory Board. . Don't Break the Ice Fest will be February 7th at Blackhawk Park. . Planning is underway for the Eagan Art Festival, June 26-27. . Spring/Summer edition of the Discover brochure will be delivered the week of Feb. 16. . Space allocation for Lacrosse programs will be challenging due to demand. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of January 15,2004 Page 2 Chair Davis expressed excitement to hear of the heightened activity levels for teens and seniors. He asked if certain transportation issues had been resolved. Asfahl said these were being worked on. Superintendent of Parks Paul Olson provided an overview of current events in the Parks division: . Most rinks were open during the holiday season due to maintenance crew efforts. . The "Pond Rink" at Central Park is now open, and the gazebo has been winterized. . Staff has fielded calls requesting the City clear or flood adjacent ponds. The City does not do this. . A large drainage structure has been installed under the walking trail around Blackhawk Lake. CONSENT AGENDA There were no items for the APrC to review under the Consent Agenda. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS LONG ACRES- MANLEY LAND DEVELOPMENT Water Resources Coordinator Eric Macbeth said the application for wetland replacement was received recently, and the proposal submitted by the developer meets requirements. City Forester Hove said he received a tree preservation plan on Monday, January Ith, and that the applicant has completed the mitigation plan. He reviewed an updated memo outlining changes from the original mitigation plan. Frank B1ondel, a representative from Manley Land Development was present to address any questions the APrC had. After further brief discussion, Member Peterson moved, Liza Perry seconded, with all present members voting to make the following recommendations to the City Council regarding this development: 1. The Development shall be responsible for a cash parks dedication. 2. The developer shall construct an 8' wide bituminous trail to City standards within the "drainage and utility" easement located between lots 7and 8, extending from an accessible curb to the north property line. Said trail to be constructed prior to the construction of homes on lots 7 and 8. The construction value of the trail shall be credited towards the trail dedication for the Development. Any remaining balance due shall be satisfied through a cash dedication. 3. To require that the applicant fulfill required tree preservation mitigation through the installation of two hundred twenty-eight (228) category A trees to be installed on site, (this is an equivalent of 659 category B trees) with the balance of forty-three (43) Category B trees to be installed off the site at the Piney Woods subdivision site, mostly on the west side of the created storm-water pond that is shared with Holz Farm Park. A tree mitigation (landscape) plan will be prepared for this tree planting area and approved by city staff before tree installation commences during spring 2004. 4. To require the applicant to continue to work with city staff to identify additional opportunities for preservation during development. 5. To require that Tree Protective measures (i.e. orange colored silt fence or 4 foot 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 approved Tree Preservation Plan and placement of the Tree Protection Fencing. 7. The development shall meet the City's water quality requirements primarily by creating a minimum stormwater treatment capacity of 1.8 acre-feet covering a minimum area of 0.6 acres. Stormwater treatment ponds should be constructed according to NURP standards with a maximum depth of 6 feet, a 10: I aquatic bench from the normal water level, and an outlet structure according to City design standards. 8. A formal wetland replacement and monitoring plan application must be submitted to the City for separate action by the City Council. 9. A minimum 30-foot wide buffer of natural, undisturbed vegetation outside the boundary of the wetland should be maintained before, during and after construction. Chair Davis moved, Member Peterson seconded, with all present members voting to accept the Wetland Replacement plan. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of January 15,2004 Page 3 LEXINGTON RIDGE- MILLERVILLE, INC. Director Ken Vraa provided background on the Lexington Ridge development proposal, a 16-unit townhome development at 4225 Lexington Way. He discussed the access proposal off Diffley Road and how the City would work with the applicant on changes to the Water Quality and Tree Preservation plans. Water Resources Coordinator Eric Macbeth described the water drainage patterns, which would flow toward the northeastern portion of the site. Macbeth said Engineering has indicated water would infiltrate to the northeast portion of the site. The developer felt the impact to the wetland would be more significant with change to the storage area. City Forester Hove explained trees in the area are accustomed to water, speaking to the issue of how long they can stay partially submerged. He said the key is how much water is standing, and how long the trees would remain submerged. Hove shared photos of the low area, with a bisection line indicating park property and private areas. A representative of the developer said he met with City staff. While the developer has talked with the County, no formal meeting has yet taken place to determine access. The developer has also discussed access issues off of Diffley Road, an option being a "right in-right out" from the development. The access point has been changed to the east side of the property since the last plat proposal. Member Pletcher asked if the buildings would be less visible from the road with this configuration. The developer said it was probably "a wash." The developer's engineer, Paul Davidson, showed an access near a raised median off of Diffley Road. He detailed the storm sewer through the catch basin to low-lying areas. He said they looked at the low-lying area as a storage/treatment pond initially. He showed the impacted areas of infiltration after a storm event 2 hours after the event, and 18 hours after the event. By the 18 hour mark, water retention would be off park property completely. Davidson showed the proposal to raise the inlet, and described the effort to use conservative rates of infiltration. He doesn't believe there would be more than 18 to 20 hours of impact to Lexington-Diffley Athletic Fields. Member Davis asked how much acreage of runoff would flow to the pond on the Tony Caponi property. Davidson said 4.7 acres of the site would flow to the northeast lowlands, 1.3 acres would flow off-site. Member Peterson asked what the elevation of the pipe would be. Davidson said the inlet would be an elevation of942, and the outlet would be 939.1. Water Resources Coordinator Macbeth expressed comfort with the option and information presented by the developer. Member Perry asked about the potential to establish a clause in the homeowner's association that would make it the resident's responsibility to ensure the runoff plan and basin would work as proposed. The developer said it would be possible to include such a clause. Chair Davis asked whether a single-family development would have been responsible for ponding if the ponding didn't work, or if this is something that would be unique to the multiple-family dwelling. Director Vraa did not know whether there would be a difference. Chair Davis expressed concern that there may be greater demands placed on associations than there would be in the case of single-family homes. The developer again expressed that a clause could be put in association by-laws. Director Vraa reviewed the parks and trails dedication issues and recommendations. Chair Davis asked what the price range of the units might be. The developer estimated $600,000 per unit. Eagan resident Steve Cox, who serves on the Board of Directors for the Caponi Art Park, noted how the plat is surrounded on all sides by park, how it sits on top of the hill overlooking several components of Caponi Art Park, specifically the amphitheatre. He expressed the Art Park's disappointment to see this plat developed because it is right in the middle of the park, and would basically become part of the park experience. He requested consideration of fencing to delineate the separation of the residential area from the Art Park, to avoid noise and light intrusion. Chair Davis asked what kind of fence Cox would like to see. Cox said some sort of solid fencing. Member Perry noted that nobody came forth to express concern with the previous plat proposal, reviewed at a prior APrC meeting. She asked Cox to define "significant traffic," one of his expressed concerns. She noted that creation of a Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of January 15,2004 Page 4 fence seems to run contrary to maintaining an open space area. She noted that noise from Diffley Road already exists in the same relative area. Mr. Cox said he wasn't really aware of the first proposal, and noted that his concern has nothing to do with the density of house, whether it's single family or multiple family residential units. He cited an estimate of 6 automobile trips a day per household coming from a multiple family residential unit as a major concern. Member Perry asked if the Caponi Art Park Board had approached the land owner to inquire about purchasing the property. Cox replied that it wasn't available and that it had been on contract for quite some time. John Ward, a representative of Friends of the Eagan Core Greenway (FECG) noted that the greenway includes the proposed plat parcel, and expressed concern about difficulty in access from Diffley. He noted that the Lexington/Diffley intersection is already a busy place. He described flooding that had occurred along Diffley several years ago, and noted trees would certainly be impacted in the case of another flood. He stated his desire to keep this parcel "green." Tony Caponi, adjacent landowner and proprietor of the Caponi Art Park described his efforts to have the City purchase the property several years ago. He had been under the impression that the landowner, his son Remo Caponi, would not sell the land, that it was supposed to become part of the Art Park. He described the hill that lies to the west of the parcel, on Art Park land. He noted County and City efforts to keep the slope steep. He said erosion is a constant problem, and expressed concern that development would increase this problem. He said houses can be built anywhere else. Chair Davis asked where the erosion occurs. Caponi said it generally happens on the north side of Diffley , and headed toward the pond on the parcels south of Diffley, near the amphitheater. He feels it is necessary to protect participants and visitors to the Art Park, and that the Art Park is vital to the mental and physical health of the community. He said there is plenty to be lost by developing the property. Chair Davis asked for elaboration regarding the erosion issues to the south. Director Vraa said erosion does occur in that area. Chair Davis asked what the impact of 1.3 acres of runoff from the development would have on erosion. Developer Ray Miller responded that this plan may actually reduce overall erosion. Chair Davis asked how much runoff is directed to the south now. Miller said that it was a small portion, not significant. Miller said he is not opposed to parks. As the developer, he asked if this was going to be park property from the onset. Miller added that iif anyone was interested in purchasing the property for park, he would step away and allow it. Ifnot, he wants to be the one to develop it. He stated a fence wouldn't help with site line or noise problems, that in fact he has some concern about the noise from the amphitheater, but hasn't made an issue of it. He noted a dip between the developed area and where the hill and downslope begins, a 6' crest that would shield a great deal of the activity on both sides. Member Davis asked if there were trees on the crest of the hill. Miller shared a photo of the trees and open space. Member Perry asked if there had been a posting on the property to notify people of pending development proposals. Miller said yes, and three letters have been sent to neighbors surrounding the area. Member Pletcher noted that the role of the APrC is to address the parks dedication, trails dedication, water quality, and tree preservation issues presented in a plat to ensure they meet the requirements. Miller noted that the density of the property would, by zoning alottment regulation, allow 21 units on the property, and MilIverville, Inc. is proposing 16. Member Pletcher noted that with all due respect for Mr. Caponi and his work on the Art Park, he has to fulfill his duty and address the issues assigned to the Parks Commission. . Following further brief discussion, Ken West moved and Elizabeth Perry seconded a motion to make the following recommendations to the City Council regarding the Lexington Ridge development. All but one present member of the Commission voted to recommend approval. Member Danner abstained from voting, citing 'not being ready to make a decision.' 1. The Development shall be responsible for a cash park dedication. 2. The Development shall satisfy a portion of the landscape requirement by creating and/or enhancing a vegetative buffer along the east, south and west property lines. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of January 15,2004 Page 5 3. The Development shall be allowed to construct a trail and, associated landscape berms, extending from the development to an existing internal park trail. The alignment, location and specifications to be approved by the City. No trail dedication credit shall be given for said trail or landscaping. 4. The Development shall be responsible for a cash trails dedication. 5. The existing access easement through the City park shall be voided and the gravel portion of the existing driveway access restored to a turf condition and a curb section installed by the Developer. 6. To ensure survival of preserved trees, #191,198,201,202,203,220,233,234,257,262,285, and 1009, a long-term tree survival plan shall be prepared by a certified arborist and implemented on all trees with encroachment into 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 oaks. 7. 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). 8. 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 approved Tree Preservation Plan and placement of the Tree Protection Fencing. 9. The developer shall be required to get some kind of assurance that the developer is accountable for stormwater that may not infiltrate sufficiently (now or in the future) to avoid or minimize impacts to City park trees. This is to be handled through bylaws of the homeowners association which stipulate that the homeowners association is responsible for fixing the situation should the stormwater not infiltrate sufficiently and the trees on park property are compromised. 10. A cash dedication in lieu of on-site water quality ponding should be required for the remaining 1.3 acres of this development. 11. The concerns addressed by the Advisory Commission regarding the location of this development, in particular being surrounded by park property, should be forwarded to the Advisory Planning Commission for consideration during their review of this proposal Member Pletcher asked where, in the state regulation governing time frames for development, this plat was. Miller said they are closing on the property the next day, before Planning and City Council meet. He also said they have waived the time requirement. Chair Davis said he was struggling with the decision because the houses are in the middle of a greenway. He noted that nothing on the plan seems intrusive to the parkland, and that erosion to the south is occurring now, and that runoff may actually decrease with development. Member Perry suggested recommending their concerns about the interruption of land uses be presented to the APC for their consideration at the next meeting. SYCAMORE PLACE- EPIC DEVELOPMENT Director Vraa presented background into Sycamore Place, a 14 unit single family residential proposed plat at the north end of Sycamore Court. City Forester Gregg Hove presented the tree mitigation proposal, noting there are 231 significant trees on the site. He shared photos of the site, including the scattered larger oaks. He said the developer proposed to remove 180 of these trees. He described the replacement plan for these trees. Water Resources Coordinator Eric Macbeth explained the water quality proposal, noting that the developer proposed to create adequate stormwater treatment volume by excavating the natural wetland on the site. He said 1/3 of the acreage would drain to the northeast, and .6 acres to the west. He presented an overall wetland review. Developer representative Rich Raggens said there is an issue of a culvert that drains to the site, and he raised the site to allow drainage. Greg Murray, resident at 4812 Weston Hills Drive, showed pictures of areas near Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of January 15,2004 Page 6 the proposed site taken in April of2003. The pictures illustrated standing water on the site, on existing wetland. He expressed concern that when the "bowl" gets filled, it is unclear where the water will go. He expressed concern also for establishing a 6' pond when there are lots of children in the area. He is concerned about the proposed culvert and how it will impact the surrounding acres, and loss of trees on the site. Randy Hedlund, project engineer, said the pipe is 2' too high, and said he is unclear as to why it is located where it is. He said 40,000 cubic yards need to be brought in to fill this area. He said the developer has done calculations of 100 year and back-to-back 100 year flood events, and assumed a clogged inlet to establish where the building pads would be set. Chair Davis asked where the lowest point on the property is. The developer noted the northwest area. The engineer said if there was an event that the pipes didn't flow, there is emergency overland flow. Member Peterson asked what happened to the pond during the Mega Storm in 2000. Water Resources Coordinator Eric Macbeth said he didn't know for certain. Member Davis asked for further clarification of tree mitigation efforts for the site. City Forester Hove briefly explained the efforts. Member Davis said it seems like a lot of trees removed at first look, but noted Eagan's strict tree ordinances and the mitigation efforts. Member Peterson moved, Member Pletcher seconded, with all attending Commissioners voting in favor to make the following recommendations to the City Council regarding the Sycamore Place development. 1. The Development shall be responsible for a cash park dedication. 2. The Development shall be responsible for a cash trails dedication. 3. The applicant shall be required to fulfill required tree preservation mitigation through the installation offorty-two (42) category A trees to be installed on site, and through the installation of fifty-five (55) category A trees to be installed off-site at the proposed Woodland Place subdivision. 4. A tree mitigation plan shall be submitted for Woodland Place subdivision. 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. 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 Protection Fencing. 7. A minimum wet-pond volume of 0.45 acre-feet covering an area of 0.23 acres shall be required. The pond shall have a maximum depth of six feet and a 10: 1 aquatic bench beginning at the normal water level. OLD BUSINESS DONOR NAMING POLICY Beth Wielde, Research and Special Projects, gave a brief introduction into the Donor Naming policy, noting the draft had been reviewed by the City Attorney. She introduced Member Pletcher's comments, and turned the presentation over to him. Member Pletcher first recognized the efforts of workshop participants, Joe Bari, Dorothy Peterson, and Margo Danner, and staff, Director Vraa, Superintendent of Recreation Asfahl, and Researcher Wielde. He described the workshop efforts starting in October, with the charge of wanting to recognize donors for substantial contribution, generally defined as 50% or greater of estimated cost of structures or real estate. The group developed a Donor Agreement to spell out the details specific to each gift. He noted the policy includes policies and procedures for significant gifts, and method of payment. Member Pletcher moved, Member West seconded with all present members voting in favor to recommend that the City Council adopt the Donor Naming Policy. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of January 15, 2004 Page 7 Member Peterson thanked Member Pletcher for helming the project. Member Pletcher described how the process streamlined after a few meetings, and out of this, the idea for a Gift Book was developed. This is currently being worked on by the group. NEW BUSINESS There were no items for the APrC to review under New Business. WATER RESOURCES UPDATE Water Resources Coordinator Eric Macbeth described happenings of the Water Resources division: . An aerator was installed at LeMay Lake and Bur Oaks Park. . There is about 12" of ice on the lakes. . Fertilizer with phosphorus is now banned, enforced locally, unless soil tests warrant their use. Gardens and golf courses are exempt. He noted the law supercedes City code. · On January 20, 2004, Macbeth will give a presentation of the Stormwater Pollution Plan, a 20 minute presentation at the City Council meeting, followed by an open house in the Eagan Room. · Bid openings for removal of alum sludge at JP-47 begins January 24. Macbeth estimates they are 30 days away from starting work. . On January 14 there was a workshop about alum dosing. Many experts were present. Macbeth said research is being conducted for City Council regarding alternatives to alum dosing. Member Davis asked if there were any alternatives offered. Macbeth said there was some discussion, but it was more focused on alum. OTHER BUSINESS AND REPORTS SUBCOMMITTEE UPDATES Director Vraa described the details of the upcoming joint City Council and Advisory Parks Commission meeting. Parks Commissioners will be asked to arrive at 6:00 p.m. Topics for the Parks Commission will include Alternative Funding, Holz Farm, Donor Naming, and the 5-year CIP. Chair Davis shared some information that will go to Council. Member Peterson described a luncheon she attended at the Eagan Community Center, the Minnesota Recreation and Parks Association A wards Luncheon, and noted Director V raa' s award honors. Director V raa thanked everyone. ROUND TABLE There were no items brought up for discussion under the Round Table. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to conduct, Member Danner moved, Chair Davis seconded with all members voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:55 p.m. c?2~~ Secretary Date