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09/18/2000 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission Approved October 16. 2000 ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION EAGAN, MINNESOTA MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 18, 2000 A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, September 18,2000 with the following Commission Members present: Joseph Bari, Terry Davis, Cyndee Fields, N. Mark Filipi, Floyd Hiar, Barbara Johnson, George Kubik, Daryle Petersen, Dorothy Peterson and John Rudolph. Staff present included Ken Vraa, Director of Parks and Recreation; Jeff Asfahl, Superintendent of Recreation; Paul Olson, Superintendent of Parks; Gregg Hove, Forestry Supervisor; Eric Macbeth, Water Resources Coordinator; Paula Nowariak, Recreation Supervisor; Mary Pat Ochis, Interim Youth Development Coordinator; Sonja Rippe, Recreation Supervisor; Cathy Bolduc, Recreation Supervisor; Beth Wielde, Administrative Specialist; Bob Kirmis, Planner; Pam Dudziak, Planner and Cherryl Mesko, Recording Secretary. APPROVAL OF AGENDA George Kubik moved, Terry Davis seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the agenda as amended. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF AUGUST 14,2000 Daryle Petersen moved, Joseph Bari seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the minutes of August 14,2000 as presented. 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 start of fall sports, completion of playground installation at Country Home Park and the beginning installation at Oak Chase Park, continued work efforts with MPCA regarding North Park, stabilization of the restroom section of Thomas Lake pavilion, the paving of 2 hockey rinks at Goat Hill Park and the closure of restrooms in parks for the season CONSENT AGENDA Commission Members Bari and Petersen expressed concerns relative the lot sizes proposed for the Woodhaven Villas development. Petersen cited a similar proposal on Lexy Court where the private street is extremely narrow and the houses are very large compared to the small lot size. The other concern expressed was that this proposal did not adhere to the City's 12,000 sq. ft. minimum lot size. Planner Kirrnis stated that this is a development proposal seeking rezoning to accommodate zero lot line setbacks and a private street. He also noted that this has become a more familiar form of housing in many different areas and allows options for a more varied population. Member Filipi expressed disagreement with the concern for this development, noting that this would provide a much needed housing option. Member Rudolph reminded the Commission that their charge was to respond to and make recommendations relative to parks, trails, tree preservation and water quality. After further brief discussion, Daryle Petersen moved, Barbara Johnson seconded a motion to make the following recommendations to the City Council relative to Woodhaven Villas: 1. This proposal shall be responsible for a cash parks dedication. 2. This proposal shall be responsible for a cash trails dedication. 3. This proposal shall be responsible for tree mitigation that calculates to seven Category A trees or fourteen Category B trees or twenty-eight Category C trees, or an equivalent combination of the three categories. 4. In lieu of on-site water quality ponding, a cash dedication of $1,673 shall be required for this development. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of September 18, 2000 Meeting Page 2 Daryle Petersen moved and Joseph Bari seconded a motion to recommend to the Advisory Planning Commission and City Council that this development proposal not be approved until the number of lots are reduced and that the lots be held to the City's minimum standards. All members voted in favor except for Member Filipi. The motion passed. Member Kubik asked if the developer was responsible for requesting an exception to the minimum lot size. Planner Kirmis stated that they were making that request in the proposal. Member Kubik suggested that a procedure might be put in place whereby exceptions like this development was suggesting could be flagged ahead of time. It was suggested that this item be re-visited during the Round Table discussion. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS PERRON ACRES Following a brief introduction by Director Vraa, Planner Kirmis noted that Manley Land Company is requesing preliminary subdivision approval to allow a 23 lot single-family residential subdivision on 10.7 acres east of Dodd Road and south of Coventry Parkway. He added that the property overlays two unplatted parcels and is occupied by two single family residences. Forestry Supervisor Hove shared an aerial view of the site noting that is was an open field with significant vegetation surrounding the site. The development proposes to remove 72.9% of the significant trees, however the Tree Preservation Ordinance allows a maximum removal of 40%. After outlining the required tree mitigation for this proposal, Hove stated the applicant has submitted a tree preservation plan outlining mitigation of 110 Category trees on-site. The plan also indicates that 14 significant trees will be transplanted on-site to a holding area then replanted, via tree spade, following construction. It was noted that 15 significant trees within the proposed Thames Avenue right-of- way have been excluded from the inventory. Member Kubik asked if the 14 significant trees could be transplanted on-site successfully. Supervisor Hove responded that they would have a good chance if the transplantation is timed well. Water Resources Coordinator Macbeth reviewed the water quality, wetlands issues. He noted that the stormwater from a majority of the site will drain to the southeast into a proposed treatment pond and then into a series of treatment ponds. Macbeth continued that in several areas of this development, the topography of the site would require proper installation and effective maintenance of erosion control practices to prevent and minimize soil loss. Director Vraa reviewed parks and trails dedication noting that although a cash parks dedication would be required for this proposal, the Commission may want to consider a potential trail link from this development to Dodd Road. Since a trail along Dodd Road is in the City's Master Trail Plan, connection to this potential trail should be considered prior to the issuance of any building permits within this proposed development. Member Rudolph stated that this situation is similar to the Lexington Point Trail the Commission dealt with during the past year. Member Johnson asked if there was a way to ensure that this trail link is constructed before any building permits are pulled. Director Vraa stated that staff will need to monitor issuance of permits. Member Rudolph opined that the location of the trail link is the most appropriate and reiterated that the trail needs to be installed before any permits are issued. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of September 18,2000 Meeting Page 3 After further brief discussion, N. Mark Filipi moved, John Rudolph seconded with all members voting in favor to make the following recommendations to the Advisory Planning Commission and City Council regarding Perron Acres: 1. This proposal shall be responsible for a cash parks dedication. 2. This proposal shall be responsible for providing an eight-foot wide bituminous trail within a fifteen- foot easement from the western cul-de-sac to Dodd Road between Lots 10 and 7. Said trail is to be installed prior to the issuance of building permits. 3. This proposal shall meet its tree mitigation with sixty-two (62) Category A trees or one-hundred twenty-four (124) Category B trees or two-hundred forty-eight (248) Category C trees, or an equivalent combination of the tree categories. The applicant has submitted a tree mitigation plan that shows the installation of one-hundred ten (110) Category B trees to be planted on this development site. The balance of the required tree mitigation is to be fulfilled through off-site tree installation (Oak Bluffs development). 4. The proposed development plan indicates that fourteen (14) significant trees will be transplanted onsite to a holding area, then replanted, via tree space, following construction. These fourteen trees were included on the inventory with thirty-five other trees proposed to be preserved. 5. This development shall meet the City's water quality requirement through a combination of on-site ponding and cash dedication. . The stormwater pond shall be constructed to meet 8.8 acres of the site. It should contain a minimum wet-pond volume of 0.5 acre-feet and should have a minimum area of 0.25 acres. The storm water treatment pond should be constructed according to NURP standards with a maximum depth of 6 feet and a 10: 1 aquatic bench. An outlet structure acceptable to the City's Engineering Division should be installed in the treatment pond. . In lieu of ponding to treat stormwater from 1.9 acres of the site, a cash dedication of $3,127 shall be required. . Erosion control practices should be property installed and effectively maintained throughout the development process to prevent and minimize soil loss. Member Hiar asked if the trail could be placed at the time the street is constructed. Member Bari opined that wouldn't guarantee the trail would be installed prior to any homes being constructed. Director Vraa stated that it isn't uncommon for streets to be constructed after lot construction. Member Kubik stated that staff should monitor construction of this trail to ensure that there is no misunderstanding by potential lot owners of the trail's location. Member Petersen addressed the 12,000 sq. ft. lot minimum again asking if there is a concern for the total square footage of a building on smaller lots. Planner Kirmis stated the directives from the Met Council to use land wisely. Member Rudolph opined that the City of Eagan will be seeing more and more of this type of development as land diminishes. SPECTRUM COMMERCE CENTER Following a brief introduction by Director Vraa, Planner Dudziak explained that this development proposal requests a Preliminary Subdivision to create three lots on approximately 27 acres located between Hwy 55 and Blue Water Road in the NW Yz of Section 2. The proposed subdivision would create three lots and includes existing MnDOT right-of-way that the applicant is negotiating to acquire. Lot 2 is proposed to be 17.8 acres upon which the applicant proposes to construct a 288,510 square foot office/warehouse in three phases. There are no development plans at this time for Lots 1 and 3, which are proposed to be one acre and 3.6 acres in area respectively, Dudziak concluded. Forestry Supervisor Hove shared information he had relative to tree preservation. He noted that there were three significant woodlands on this site, shared aerial photos to identify their locations and questioned when Lots 1 and 3 might be developed. It was also noted that the developer has not as yet submitted a tree preservation mitigation plan that shows the fulfillment of the required mitigation. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of September 18, 2000 Meeting Page 4 Water Resources Coordinator Macbeth reviewed the water quality/wetland issues noting that a minimum wet- pond volume of 5.1 acre-feet would need to be created for this development. The pond would have a maximum depth of 10 feet, a 10: 1 aquatic bench from the normal water level and an outlet skimmer according to City design standards. A representative of Spectrum Properties shared an aerial view of the site and reviewed the proposal, which shows a "U" shaped building with proposed loading docks for trucks located in the center of the "U" so that they are not visible to the surrounding area. It was stated that the proposal was planned for 3 phases with the first phase to be one of the legs of the "U". Member Petersen asked how much green space is left on the site. The developer did not have that information available. Member Bari asked if this was a warehouse. The developer responded that it was an office warehouse building. Member Bari asked if the tree mitigation issue had been resolved. Supervisor Hove stated that since there was no specific plan from the developer it could be a combination of trees and cash, however, that has not been negotiated to date. Member Filipi opined that the plan seems very regimented. Member Petersen asked if the green space recommendation was approved by the City Council. Member Davis stated that although they have reviewed the suggestions and options brought forward by the joint task force members of the APC and AprC, no formal action has been taken to his knowledge. Those recommendations would have clearly outlined what the green space requirements might be for commercial development. Member Kubik asked if the area in the center of the "U" was bituminous surface. The developer responded that it was. Member Petersen stated he didn't feel this development would meet the City Council's intention in establishing green space. Member Peterson concurred, stating she was troubled with the extensive amount of impervious surface and that it wasn't broken up with green space. Following further brief discussion, Daryle Petersen moved, Terry Davis seconded with all members voting in favor to recommend that the Spectrum Commerce Center not be approved. Since the developer was presenting tree mitigation options for the first time at the Advisory Commission meeting, staff should have the opportunity to look at tree preservation in more detail and the developer should review green space for each lot. Member Davis asked the developer if they were asking for more parking spaces than they needed. The developer responded that they were meeting the City's parking requirements. Planner Dudziak clarified that the developer could petition for fewer parking spaces or can use proof of parking for their plan, however, should that parking be necessary at a later date, the green space would be turned into parking. The developer stated that presuming a parking variance is granted and they can add parking later, if needed, they could live with less parking initially. The developer added that there is considerable green space between the building and street and they are open to working with staff to help resolve any landscaping issues in that area. OLD BUSINESS There were no Old Business items for the Commission to review. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of September 18,2000 Meeting Page 5 NEW BUSINESS COMPREHENSIVE TRAIL PLAN UPDATE Director Vraa stated that a Comprehensive Trail System Plan was included as part of a Park System Plan for the City of Eagan in 1995. Since that time, trails have been extended, added or altered in the course of the City's overall development. Vraa added that it is timely to review and update the Plan based on changes between 1995 and 2000. Administrative Specialist Wielde noted that the Plan tried to anticipate future development and recommended trails in the developable land areas. Since the Plan has not been revised since 1995, many trails are in place that are not currently a part of the Comprehensive Trail Plan. Wielde highlighted the goals fof the review, shared the existing trails map and the changes from 1995 to 2000. Parks Superintendent Olson shared a large map, which was a culmination of a lot of information sources, commenting that the City has done a very good job with the overall trail system. It was noted that in-park trails were not included in this review. Review continued of existing trails and links and concluded with a list of proposed trails and trails under construction. Member Rudolph commented on the exceptional trail system the residents of Eagan have come to enjoy. He noted the ability to meander through the city on a wide variety of trails and complimented staff for providing this comprehensive system. He also thanked staff for the extensive data compiled for the update. Superintendent Olson stated that the Plan is simply a tool that can be changed. He stated that there are trails that were installed but weren't part of the master plan. Member Kubik complimented the Plan for its continued effort to keep trails off-road. Following further brief discussion, George Kubik moved, Terry Davis seconded, with all members voting in favor to accept the following recommendations to the Comprehensive Trail Plan Update: 1. Approve changes to the Boulevard Trails and Sidewalks map as shown in the September 18, 2000 Commission packet. Encourage continued progress towards completion of the undeveloped trails proposed in the 1995 Plan and the inclusion of the following proposed trail segments: . Town Centre Drive from Duckwood to Denmark . Central Park trail . The east side of Coachman Road from Yankee Doodle Road to the Eagan Maintenance Facility . Highway 149, from Wescott to Opperman Drive 2. The 1995 trail plan map should be updated to reflect the changes that have taken place between 1995 and 2000. 3. Future trail construction in developed areas should concentrate on connecting pieces of trail that are currently interrupted, such as Daniel Drive to Lexington Point Parkway, or the spur on Lexington Avenue around the Lone Oak Road intersection. 4. Future trail development should occur along the primary corridors such as continuing the Cliff Road trail to the east, completing Lexington Avenue trail, and Yankee Doodle Road trail. These are especially important due to their connections to neighboring communities. 5. Future trails should be coordinated with development, connecting residential development to the main trail corridors to give residents access to major trail paths. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of September 18, 2000 Meeting Page 6 SHINGLEDECKER PROPERTY Parks Superintendent Olson provided a brief background noting that Louis and Marcella Schindeldecker have indicated a willingness to consider the sale of their property at 4880 Pilot Knob Road. Olson added that this 6.5 acre parcel is located south of George Ohmann Park and was part of the George Ohmann farmstead. Since the Shingledeckers have discontinued active use of the property they are considering several options including its sale. Superintendent Olson provided further information of the surrounding land use, zoning/comp guide designation, woodlands, wetlands, slopes and access. Photos of the site and buildings were also shared. Olson continued that in reviewing this parcel previously for potential acquisition options, a portion of the site (one-half acre) was considered for access to Lebanon Hills and Ohmann Park. Although a price has not been negotiated with the owners, they have indicated that the price for the 6.5 acre parcel may be in excess of $500,000. Since this would be a desirable site for development, if it were sold for that purpose, the park dedication requirement for this parcel would be approximately .65 acre, which would be sufficient for a trail connection. Member Peterson stated that the Master Parks Plan shows the establishment of a trail link only in this area, rather than additional parkland. She suggested acquiring a trail link through park dedication and thanked the Shingledeckers for their positive and long relationship with the City of Eagan. Member Petersen suggested that there would be no guarantee that the land would be acquired from a developer for trail purposes. Director Vraa clarified that since this trail link has been designated on the Master Plan, the City is well within its jurisdiction to request specific land dedication for this trail. Member Hiar opined that since there was a parking problem at Ohmann Park, perhaps the purchase of some of the property for an expanded parking lot might be considered. Superintendent Olson responded that that may be an option, however significant modifications would need to be made to the CIP to accommodate construction of a road and parking. Following further brief discussion, Barbara Johnson moved, George Kubik seconded with all members voting in favor to not acquire the Shingledecker property. Consideration should be given to a land dedication for trail purposes when this property is developed. PARKS AND RECREATION UPDATE Superintendent Olson noted that most storm related park repairs have been made. He added that broad leaf spraying is underway and that areas sprayed are being marked. Restroom continue to be opened for a limited time at specific locations given that 85% of seasonal staff are gone. Member Rudolph asked how the grass is recovering at Rahn Athletic Fields following the flood. Superintendent Olson responded that they are improving significantly. Member Kubik asked about winter trail plowing. Olson responded that some trails have been added for 2000 noting that the City Council reviews requests from the public annually in April Superintendent Asfahl stated that adult and youth sports are in full swing for the fall. The winter brochure continues being worked on with an emphasis on improving marketing and writing skills. Further information will be added in the summer program reports by recreation staff, Asfahl added. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of September 18, 2000 Meeting Page 7 WATER RESOURCES UPDATE WETLANDS CONSERVATION PROGRAM UPDATE Water Resources Coordinator Macbeth reviewed the Wetlands Conservation Program specifically reviewing jurisdiction of the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act, status of Fredrickson Wetland Bank and grant initiati ve to protect wetlands and buffer setbacks. Macbeth noted that Eagan is still considered on the cutting edge of wetland conservation. Coordinator Macbeth provided a very extensive background of the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act Basics from the basic definition of a wetland, through the role of the local government unit, exemptions, replacement plans, appeals, enforcement and banking. His report continued with explanation of the Wetland Bank Project and the joint powers agreement between the City of Eagan and Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District for deposit of wetland banking credits into State wetland bank. Photos of the Eureka Township wetland banking site were presented so Commission Members could have a better understanding of how wetland banking actually works. Macbeth suggested that using some of the wetland banking credits might be considered in dealing with the Central Park site. Member Petersen commented that if the City were to eliminate one acre of wetland they could draw two acres from this site. Member Davis suggested that it might be a good idea to look at this issue yet this year. Macbeth suggested that this might be a good winter project for the Natural Resources Sub-committee to tackle. Commission Members thanked Coordinator Macbeth for the in-depth, informative report. STREET SWEEPING STUDY Water Resources Coordinator Macbeth provided a brief background of the study of street sweeping to improve water quality in urban lakes. He noted that he is looking forward to receiving proposals for this work so that the results of this work can be reviewed and analyzed. OTHER BUSINESS AND REPORTS MOONSHINE PARK UPDATE Parks Planner Lilly reviewed the status of the Moonshine Park planning. He shared cost comparisons between bringing City water and sewer services to the site versus using the existing well and installing a new septic tank and drain field. In looking at installation of the access road, it was thought that by eliminating curbs, providing a narrower road and gravel parking lot there would be a substantial cost savings along with creating a more rustic look. Lilly concluded that he would continue to refine the costs of this project in preparation for the next meeting scheduled for October 11 at 5:00 p.m. BERGIN PROPERTY UPDATE Director Vraa explained that the Bergin property is currently for sale. He added that there may still be an option for the City to purchase a portion of the property and will keep the Commission updated. SENIORS UPDATE Recreation Supervisor Cathy Bolduc provided a brief background noting that based on recommendations by the Commission and Recreation Sub-committee a Senior Program Development Team was convened to assist with the development of programs for seniors. Bolduc noted that the first meeting had 12 participants who shared their ideas and opinions. Subsequent meetings have been scheduled. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of September 18,2000 Meeting Page 8 Member Bari asked how this group will connect with the community center focus group. Director Vraa responded that Supervisor Bolduc is the group leader for the seniors focus group and would be bringing any comments or concerns from the Development Team. Member Johnson asked what the goal was for the Senior Program Development Team. Director Vraa responded that their focus was geared toward looking at programming opportunities for this population. SUMMER PROGRAM REPORTS Following a brief introduction by Superintendent Asfahl, Recreation Supervisor Nowariak provided an in- depth report of summer activities for which she is responsible. Her responsibilities encompassed youth and family programs and she highlighted the continued successful Summer in the Park/Wagonful O'Fun programs that saw almost 900 participants over the summer. Nowariak also provided background on the preschool and instructional programs along with the many varied camps offered to Eagan youth and concluded with outlining multiple issues that staff faces trying to facilitate the community's needs. Photos of programs and participants were also shared. Member Kubik commented on the positive potential for a reading camp in the future. Interim Youth Development Coordinator Ochis, responsible for youth development programs provided a recap of the multiple activities and programs offered at Wescott and Quarry for the families she services. Teen mentorship programs, preschool, summer lunch and junior summer fun were only a few of the many opportunities offered, which resulted in total program attendance of 8,042 for the summer. Similar to Nowariak's report,Ochis commented on the excellent staff helping to facilitate these programs. Her presentation was also followed up with photos of various participants and activities. Recreation Supervisor Rippe, responsible for adult athletics reviewed another busy summer of activities. Summer softball saw 218 teams playing 1,138 games, sand volleyball had 12 teams, men's and women's tennis had 69 participants, co-rec team tennis had 14 teams registered and golf offerings ballooned to 281 participants; up 115 from 1999. Rippe concluded with a successful concession operation at Northview, which was helped by 9 weekend tournaments. After photos of programs were shown, Sonya concluded by sharing that teams can access schedules and league standings through an independent website. Recreation Supervisor Bolduc, responsible for special events reviewed some of the events she was responsible for this past summer. Some of those included Evening in the Park series, Eagan Fun Run with 328 participants, softball clinics and camp. In addition, Bolduc was responsible for in-line skating, tennis lessons and involved in several community wide special events like Express Fest and SORR Music Festival. Seniors programming rounded out a hectic summer. Bolduc also shared photos of programs and participants. Superintendent Asfahl concluded by adding some of the projects he was involved in including facilitating EAA requests for 1,900 soccer, 1,800 baseball and 1,000 softball players. Working with the Eagan Arts and Humanities Council to continue the growth of the Art House programs, Mens and Womens Chorus and the Friends of the Farm at Holz Farm rounded out a busy summer. Photos were shared of these programs as well. Several Commission Members thanked staff for their informative reports and their hard work to provide quality recreational opportunities to the community. ROUNDTABLE There were no items discussed under this agenda item. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of September 18, 2000 Meeting Page 9 ADJOURNMENT With no further business to conduct, Joseph Bari moved, Barbara Johnson seconded with all members voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 10:40 p.m. . "\ 8 . ,,::;D i k ;::t\:.q . -~J}C'<'1 Secretary \ Date 1/ qjCJ3> r I