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12/18/2000 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission Approved February 15.2001 ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION EAGAN, MINNESOTA MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF DECEMBER 18,2000 A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks Commission was called to order at 7 :00 p.m. on December 18, 2000 with the following Commission Members present: Terry Davis, Cyndee Fields, N. Mark Filipi, Barbara Johnson, Daryle Petersen, Dorothy Peterson and John Rudolph. Members not present included Joseph Bari, Floyd Hiar and George Kubik. Staff present included Ken Vraa, Director of Parks and Recreation; Paul Olson, Superintendent of Parks; Jeff Asfahl, Superintendent of Recreation; Gregg Hove, Forestry Supervisor; Eric Macbeth, Water Resources Coordinator; CJ Lilly, Parks Planner; Beth Wielde, Administrative Specialist and Cherryl Mesko, Recording Secretary. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Item L3, Mosquito Control District Update, was moved to follow Item G2, Woodstone Townhomes- Tollefson Development. Terry Davis moved, Barbara Johnson seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the agenda as amended. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 20, 2000 Member Rudolph noted the incorrect spelling of his name of page 6. Daryle Petersen moved, Terry Davis seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the minutes of November 20, 2000 as amended. VISITORS TO BE HEARD There were no visitors that wished to address the Commission under this agenda item. DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS Items highlighted by Director Vraa included the opening of the outdoor winter facilities on December 16, the naming of the waterbody near Holz Farm Park as Holz Lake, Holz Farm's old fashioned holiday, coordination of outdoor ice allocation for youth hockey associations, and the recent delivery of two new replacement mowers. CONSENT AGENDA There were no Consent Agenda items for the Commission to review. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS SILICON GRAPHICS Water Resources Coordinator Macbeth introduced this item noting that Silicon Graphics and their representatives had worked very closely with City staff throughout the development proposal process. He noted that the original development designs were significantly modified in order to accommodate existing natural resources. He continued that the subject site presently overlays four outlots over 42.5 acres of land. Coordinator Macbeth then reviewed the water resources issues and recommendations. Forestry Supervisor Hove reviewed the tree preservation issues noting that the largest woodland (316,866 sq. ft.) is comprised of oak, aspen, maple, elm and scattered evergreens. He noted that the developer had done a good job in preservation, which resulted in no mitigation on site. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of December 18,2000 Page 2 Member Petersen asked if reduction of parking space size was considered with this development proposal. He suggested that the developer consider decreasing the number of parking stalls. Coordinator Macbeth noted that this may be an item that could be flagged for staff to look at. Member Filipi expressed confusion about which lots the buildings were being placed upon. He also asked if there was a drainage easement under proposed building 2. Director Vraa responded that the easement should be vacated and a new description prepared. Following further brief discussion, Barbara Johnson moved, John Rudolph seconded with all members voting in favor to make the following recommendations to the City Council: I. 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. 2. 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 wit the approved Tree Preservation Plan and placement of the Tree Protection Fencing. 3. To minimize nearby impacts to wetlands "a" and "c", the development would need to be set back at least 30 feet from the delineated boundaries of the wetlands. During and after development, a minimum 30-foot wide buffer of undisturbed, natural vegetation along the wetlands would need to be maintained. 4. All three stormwater treatment ponds shall be constructed according to NURP standards. They should have maximum depths of 10 feet, 10: 1 aquatic safety benches from normal water levels, and outlet skimmers according to city design standards. Pond 1 should span 0.4 acres at normal water level and have a wet-pond volume of 1.2 acre-feet above normal water level. Pond 3 should span 0.3 acres at normal water level and have a wet-pond volume of 1.1 acre-feet above normal water level. Pond 4 should span 0.2 acres at normal water level and have a wet-pond volume of 0.7 acre-feet above normal water level. 5. To minimize nearby impacts to wetlands "a" and "c", the development should be set back at least 30 feet from the delineated boundaries of the wetlands. During and after development, a minimum 30-foot wide buffer of undisturbed, natural vegetation along the wetlands shall be maintained. WOODSTONE TOWNHOMES- TOLLEFSON DEVELOPMENT Following a brief introduction by Director Vraa, Planner Dudziak provided a brief background of the proposed development. She noted that the proposal consists of 37 lots for the construction of 36 two-unit townhomes on approximately 10.7 acres located north of Deerwood Drive across from Deerwood Elementary and Blackhawk Middle Schools. She added that the site consists of two parcels, both unplatted, and contains two existing single-family homes and several outbuildings which will be removed with this development. She concluded that a private access easement crosses the central portion of the site from south to north and that this easement is proposed to be terminated with this development. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of December 18,2000 Page 3 Forestry Supervisor Hove reviewed the tree preservation issues noting that several issues have been resolved with the developer since the report was completed. The applicant submitted a tree mitigation plan that shows the installation of 48 Category B trees on their revised plan. He noted that most areas of concern have been addressed by the developer. After further discussion, Chair Rudolph abstained from voting, Daryle Petersen moved and Terry Davis seconded with all members voting in favor to make the following recommendations to the City Council: 1. This development shall be responsible for a cash parks dedication. 2. This development shall be responsible for a cash trails dedication. 3. 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 both on-site and off-site on private property. 4. If the road stays, the applicant shall be required to submit a revised tree preservation plan and revised grading plan indicating the installation of additional tree protection measures for the northwest comer. 5. If the above is not possible, the installation or shifting of tree protection fencing shall be located to the perimeter of the CRZ as required by ordinance and the submission of a revised Tree Preservation Plan. Where this is not possible, alternative tree preservation measures shall be employed. 6. The applicant shall be required to contact the City Forestry Division and set up a pre-construction site inpsection 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. This development shall meet the City's water quality requirements through a combination of on- site ponding and cash dedication. · The stormwater pond should be constructed to treat 6.3 acres of the site area. It should contain a minimum wet-pond volume of 0.54 acre-feet and should have a minimum area of 0.25 acres. The stormwater treatment pond should be constructed according to NURP standards with a maximum depth of 6 feet, a 10: 1 aquatic bench beginning at the normal water level, and an outlet skimmer according to City design standards. · In lieu of ponding to treat stormwater from 3.1 acres of the site, a cash dedication of $4,535 should be required. 8. To minimize nearby impacts to the wetland, the development should be set back at least 30 feet from the delineated wetland boundary. During and after development, a minimum 30-foot wide buffer of undisturbed, natural vegetation along the wetland shall be maintained. 9. The development shall properly install and effectively maintain erosion control practices to prevent and minimize soil loss and to avoid impacts to the wetland. Any inadvertent fill of the wetland greater than 400 square feet (the maximum amount allowed) shall require mitigation, under state wetland conservation authority. 10. Staff shall research and prepare a plan to separate the outlot on the west portion of the site that can be developed in the future OLD BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM Superintendent Asfahl noted that over the past several months work has been ongoing related to the development of an official sponsorship program to be administered by the Parks and Recreation Department. He added that development of a program was discussed at the August 2000 Commission meeting and staff was directed Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of December 18, 2000 Page 4 to continue. It was noted that the primary intention for considering this program is the belief that current program offerings lend themselves to community involvement. Asfahl then reviewed the sponsorship program purpose as well as the proposed program guidelines. He noted that the initial targeted program areas for sponsorship included Evening in the Park series, Multicultural Festival and the Eagan Fun Run. In conclusion Superintendent Asfahl asked the Commission to recommend approval of the program and guidelines to the City Council, refer the issue back for further consideration or recommend specific revisions. Member Davis stated he was unclear what the benefit would be to the contributor. He suggested the guidelines be more specific to indicate what benefit the donor would receive for a specific dollar donation. A plaque was suggested for various donations so that the company's customers could see what they had donated. Davis added that contributors like to share what they've given to the community. Member Peterson asked if guidelines would be established to identify how staff will administer this program. Member Davis suggested that both internal and external guidelines be established. He noted that considerable thought needs to be given to how the program will be carried out. Peterson also asked how this information would be distributed to businesses since they do not receive a copy of the City's brochure. Member Rudolph reminded the Commission that the guidelines presented were intended to be a starting point so that continued refinement could bring the sponsorship program closer to fruition. Member Filipi added that staff would need to be prepared to respond to sponsors who question what specific program enhancements would result from their donation. Member Rudolph stated that the person(s) running the sponsorship program would need to have some flexibility in identifying enhancements to a particular program. After further discussion, Dorothy Peterson moved, Terry Davis seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the sponsorship program guidelines as outlined in the packet and let the program grow. Superintendent Asfahl noted that he would include the Commission's suggestions as he continued the refinement of this proposal. NEW BUSINESS SKATEBOARD PARK OVERVIEW Following a brief introduction by Director Vraa, Administrative Specialist Beth Wielde presented and in- depth power point presentation relative to the background and trends in the skateboarding industry. Beth pointed out the trend of increased activity in recent years coupled with requests by Eagan residents to have a more formalized location for this activity. To respond to the interest, the City Council contributed $5,000 towards the collaborative effort to construct a Tier II skate park built near the Burnsville City Hall. Specialist Wielde explained the difference between the various levels of "Tiers" associated with skate parks. In comparing skateboarding injuries to injuries from other popular sports, the National Safety Council and the Consumer Safety Commission in 1996 ranked skateboarding lowest behind volleyball, soccer, ice hockey, football, basketball and baseball. In addressing the option of constructing a skateboard park, Wielde noted that the cost for a moveable structure was approximately $10-25,000. A permanent structure ran approximately $30-100,000. Outdoor hockey rinks were suggested as a potential option. Options for funding discussed by Specialist Wielde included grants, public or private donations, "Adopt a Park" programs, fundraisers and charge fees for "special events" at the skate park. Issues associated with skate parks included vandalism, litter, controversy about charging for the facility, requiring helmet and protective pads in a Tier 1 skate park, negative or detrimental behaviors and noise. Existing Tier I skate parks in Brooklyn Park, Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of December 18, 2000 Page 5 Chanhassen, Coon Rapids, Oakdale, and St. Anthony Village were also discussed. The discussion included how the parks were implemented, developed and funded. It was also noted that these parks are not revenue generators but are heavily used. Member Rudolph asked if staff had identified any existing park for a Tier I skate park. Director Vraa responded that staff has not identified a specific location although a Goat Hill Park hockey rink may be a possibility because it already has an asphalt surface. Member Rudolph opined that a Tier I skate park might take the burden off other public property where skateboarding is occurring inappropriately. After further discussion, Dorothy Peterson moved, John Rudolph seconded a motion to recommend that staff investigate whether a Tier I skate park is feasible in the City of Eagan. Emphasis would be placed on not acquiring any new land; funding options and participating youth would need to be identified. Components that might be included and potential locations within Eagan would also need to be determined. WATER RESOURCES UPDATE GCLWMO DIVIDER CURTAIN STUDY Water Resources Coordinator provided an extensive report on the effectiveness of a fabric divider curtain to improve removal of pollutants in two-cell stormwater treatment ponds. Staff has been working with the PCA and DNR in an attempt to determine the effectiveness of this installation. Macbeth noted that two sites in Eagan were identified for this study. One was in an industrial area in the northwest area of the city and the second was near Fitz Lake in the southeast area. The curtain is similar to a sail submerged in the pond approximately 1/3 the distance from the inlet. Sampled results were reviewed both before and after the curtain installation however, the results did not show any improvement. Macbeth continued that a wetland near the Mann Theater has a curtain installed in a different way and this installation will be monitored to see if there are different results. He noted that curtains might be used on a temporary basis for construction sites to intercept run-off before if flows into ponds. Member Rudolph asked if the weed harvester will impact water quality in some of the city's water bodies. Macbeth responded that that was the focus of its use. Member Johnson asked how many ponds the harvester could be used in. Macbeth stated that approximately 6-7 have been identified although there are currently 4 sites where the harvester is regularly used. SUPERINTENDENTS UPDATE Items highlighted by Superintendent Asfahl included winter adult sports, which have approximately 1500 participants, the joint planning efforts of the Arts & Humanities Council and teens for a special event, the opening of the rinks/tubing hill and the planning for spring/summer programs. Items highlighted by Superintendent Olson included the continued planning for Moonshine Park and plans to submit applications for the Metro Greenways Planning Grant and the Outdoor Recreation Grant. He also reminded the public that the parks maintenance staff regularly helps the streets division during winter plowing before they continue their efforts to clear rinks. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of December 18,2000 Page 6 OTHER BUSINESS AND REPORTS SENIOR SUMMARY Recreation Supervisor Bolduc updated the Commission on the continued efforts to involve seniors in planning programs. They have been researching a place to meet a few times each week and are discovering how much effort goes into finding a location that meets their needs. The group is anxious to continue meeting and to provide some expanded opportunities for the seniors in the community. SUBCOMMITTEE UPDATES There were no subcommittee updates. MOSQUITO CONTROL DISTRICT UPDATE Jim Stark of the Minnesota Mosquito Control District presented an annual report of the District's services to the City of Eagan during 2000. The report included the larval mosquito control of 652 acres and adult mosquito control of 2,087 acres. Parks receiving adult mosquito treatment included Blackhawk, Bridle Ridge, Carnelian, Downing, Central, Peridot Path, Rahn, Sky Hill, Slater Acres and Wescott Station. Mr. Stark added that adult blackfly populations were monitored weekly from May through September in Dakota County and were low compared to other locations in the District. Two small-mammel trap locations were also monitored in Eagan at three different periods during the field season in search of disease-vector ticks and the Lyme Disease agent. Stark concluded that the MMCD makes a commitment to provide an annual update of the year's activities. He also noted that if there were any questions from the public they could be directed to the district office at 651-645- 9149 or via e-mail tojimstark@visi.com. ROUND TABLE Member Rudolph reminded Commission Members of the reception for Councilmembers Masin and Blomquist in recognition of their participation on the Eagan City Council. Commission Members were also reminded to turn in their applications by December 22 if they wished to be considered for reappointment to the Advisory Parks Commission. Member Davis thanked Commission Member Fields for her participation on the Advisory Commission and wished her well in her new role as Council member. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to conduct, Dorothy Peterson moved, Terry Davis seconded with all members voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m. '1'\ -L D to: C:::::bh~H ~ lL' Q..L\.--\~'-..'\. Secretary \ II S/c1 ~ Date I (