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07/15/2002 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission Approved August 19.2002 ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION EAGAN, MINNESOTA MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF JULY 15, 2002 A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on July 15,2002 with the following Commission Members present: Joseph Bari, Phil Belfiori, Margo Danner, Terry Davis, N. Mark Filipi, Elizabeth Perry, Dorothy Peterson, Richard Pletcher, John Rudolph, and Melvin Williams. 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; CJ Lilly, Parks Planner and Cherryl Mesko, Recording Secretary. APPROVAL OF AGENDA N Mark Filipi moved, Elizabeth Perry seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the agenda as presented. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JUNE 17,2002 Dorothy Peterson moved, N. Mark Filipi seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the minutes of the June 17,2002 meeting as presented. VISITORS TO BE HEARD There were no visitors who wished to address the Commission under this agenda item. SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE AND DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS Items highlighted by Superintendent of Recreation Asfahl included preschool camps, puppet wagon, Cascade Bay attendance, summer and fall softball, fall athletic programs, summer park programs, teen and youth development programming. Superintendent Asfahl also recognized the volunteer judges from the 4th of July parade. Items highlighted by Superintendent of Parks Olson included odd/even watering schedule, miscellaneous repair and construction projects, alerting residents of the danger of oak wilt if they trim oak trees at this time, pavilion/wellhouse construction update and the MRP A Award of Excellence for the Grandfather Tree project. CASCADE BAY MID-SEASON UPDATE Facility Manager Aaron Hunter provided a brief overview of the 2002 Cascade Bay season to date. He noted that through June, attendance was up 14% from 2001 and that July was off to a good start with 33,000 guests visiting Cascade Bay to date. Manager Hunter reviewed the various class/instructional opportunities which included lap swim, water aerobics, lifeguard training, guard start and introduction to scuba and snorkeling. He commented on the continued success of Little Mates Morning, which is filled with a wait list for all sessions in July and August. It was noted that family fun nights continue to be included in Monday night activities and that adult only swim opportunities are being offered on July 26 and August 8. Member Peterson asked who was responsible for the curriculum for the classes being offered. Manager Hunter responded that lifeguard managers are providing their experience coupled with written instructional materials to supplement the programs. Member Williams asked if there were additional fees for the classes. Manager Hunter responded that fees are charged for most classes, however some of the activities are free to season pass holders. Member Bari asked how the new stroller policy is working, which allows strollers to be brought into the facility and stored in a designated stroller corral. Manager Hunter responded that although it helps to transport little ones into the facility, it does not appear to be the solution that some people are looking for. Preference has been expressed for allowing the strollers to be kept on the deck next to the parent. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of July 15,2002 Page 2 Member Perry asked how the recent Saturday night teen event was attended. Manager Hunter indicated that there was a good turn out for the pool party and hoped to expand on the idea in the future. Member Rudolph congratulated staff on a great job in making Cascade Bay as successful as it is. CONSENT AGENDA Dorothy Peterson moved, John Rudolph seconded with all members voting in favor to make the following recommendations to the City Council: 1. Wendolek Woods a> The proposal would be subject to a cash parks dedication for the newly created lots. a> This proposal would be subject to a cash trails dedication for the newly crated lots. a> This proposal would be subject to a cash dedication in lieu of on-site water quality ponding. a> Individual Lot Tree Preservation Plan will be required at the time of building permit application. 2. Eagan Tire & Auto Service ~ This proposal would be subject to a cash parks dedication. ~ This proposal would be subject to a cash trails dedication. ~ This proposal would be subject to a cash dedication in lieu of water quality ponding. ~ 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 to be preserved on-site. ~ 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. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS There were no development proposals for the Commission to review. OLD BUSINESS CANOE STUDY Researcher Wielde reminded the Commission that they had reviewed information relative to canoe rentals and canoe storage space rentals at their June meeting. Staff was directed to investigate the matter further to include insurance issues, life jacket regulations, potential use and startup costs. To that end, Wielde shared information about how both options relate to Moonshine Park, field observations of existing use, state regulations regarding canoes, life jacket regulations, loss control recommendations, and start-up costs. It was noted that start-up costs for a canoe rental operation ranged from $2,445 - 9,146 based on how extensive the program would be. Staffing required for this element ranged from $,5464 - 16,394. Start-up costs for canoe storage, however was approximately $200 per rack, which would store 6 canoes. Of the two options researched, Researcher Wielde noted that it appeared that canoe rental was not likely to recover start-up costs whereas canoe storage did. Wielde then reviewed options for the Commission to consider. Member Rudolph asked when the Moonshine Park retreat center and programs would be marketed. Director Vraa explained that programming would occur at that site in 2003. Member Williams asked if a survey could be conducted to determine which option might be preferred. Wielde noted that if a survey were going to be helpful, a specific demographic would need to be identified and pursued to obtain credible information. Member Rudolph suggested that since there wasn't an existing curriculum established for activities that might occur at Moonshine Park that could utilize rental canoes, that canoe storage be considered as the best option. Member Pletcher agreed noting that people could simply store their own canoe and keep it locked if a storage rack were provided. He saw this as a very low maintenance amenity to provide residents. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of July 15,2002 Page 3 Member Danner asked how many people would use a canoe rack. She suggested waiting until spring to see if there is a need. Member Pletcher reiterated that this would simply provide another recreational opportunity to residents. Member Danner opined that more information should be obtained before moving forward with any option. Member Perry asked if it was reasonable to expect that a rack could be built for $200. Member Davis asked if the structure would be permanent or could it be moved. Superintendent Olson responded based on his personal experience with a similar amenity in Buffalo. He noted that it is fairly inexpensive to construct, it is portable and can be moved, and it stores 4 canoes on each side. Residents simply need to pay a rental fee to the City and there is no further follow-up by staff except for maintenance of the rack. After further brief discussion, Dorothy Peterson moved, Joseph Bari seconded with all members voting in favor to recommend that a canoe storage pilot project be initiated at Moonshine Park to rent spaces to people interested in storing their canoe. Each renter is to be given a copy of the boating guide at the time of rental. Use is to be monitored with staff and the Commission looking at continued expansion options at other locations. The size of the canoe storage unit should be determined by maintenance staff but should accommodate approximately 6-8 canoes. NEW BUSINESS GUN CLUB LAKE WMO PROJECT ON NICOLS MEADOW Water Resources Coordinator Macbeth provided the background and a representative of WSB Consultants provided an in-depth review of the Gun Club Lake WMO project on Nicols Meadow. Macbeth noted that the Commission had the opportunity to visit the site of the project prior to the Commission meeting. It was noted that the City, State and DNR have an interest in looking at the unique resources found at this site. The purpose of the project was to collect and review background information, identify factors impacting the resources, coordinate agency perspectives, identify additional needs and provide preliminary recommendations for the site. The WSB representative noted that there was an interest in seeing if the stream could be restored to a trout stream. He shared several pictures of the wildlife and existing conditions, storm water impact and culvert crossing. He identified the multiple agencies involved in the review as well as the needs and recommendations for the site. Those primarily included the need for a viable source of ground water, precipitation monitoring, Seneca dewatering feasibility report and managing the stormwater. Member Rudolph commented that this was a very aggressive program. Member Belfiori asked WSB if there were specific ways they would manage the stormwater. He responded that they would encourage infiltration and re-route stormwater. Member Davis thanked Coordinator Macbeth for the information and asked that he keep the Commission updated on this project. WATER RESOURCES UPDATE Water Resources Coordinator Macbeth stated that weed harvesting has been underway at Thomas Lake with the primary focus area adjacent to the park. He also noted that additional work will be done on the rain water garden at Cedar Pond Park. Member Peterson asked about the MinAqua fishing clinic. Coordinator Macbeth responded that it was a very successful event and that there were more adult volunteers helping than they'd had in the past. OTHER BUSINESS AND REPORTS AL TERNATIVE FUNDING WORKSHOP UPDATE Director V raa provided a brief overview of the workshop held to discuss alternative funding sources given the decreasing contributions to the Park Site Fund over the next 10-15 years. Advisory Commission members were asked to generate ideas for future sustainable funding sources. Director Vraa shared a synopsis of ideas that were generated and the survey results of other communities. A follow-up meeting was set for July 24, 2002 at 5:00 p.m. to continue discussion of alternative funding. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of July 15, 2002 Page 4 STORMWATER MITIGATION WITHIN PARKS UPDATE Director Vraa introduced the chief field representative for BRAA, the City's consultant for stormwater mitigation projects currently underway throughout the City of Eagan. The BRAA representative shared information about the mitigation projects that have impacted Cedar Pond, Peridot Path, Thomas Lake, Woodhaven, Clearwater, Meadowland, Blackhawk and Evergreen parks. It was noted that sod, seeding and paving will be completed for the majority of the projects by the end of July. Sites that won't be completed until the end of August include Peri dot Path, Clearwater, Blackhawk and Evergreen parks. SUBCOMMITTEE UPDATES Member Peterson noted that the Acquisition/Development subcommittee has continued their work to review parcels of land to evaluate their ranked priority for potential acquisition. She added that they have looked at 18 parcels to date and have applied the predetermined criteria to each parcel to help with this review process. Once the subcommittee review has been completed, information will be shared with the Advisory Commission. Member Peterson stated that the sub-committee would confirm with the Planning Division that they have not missed any potential sites near parks that should have been included in the review. COMMUNITY CENTER UPDATE Director Vraa commented that construction is moving along well on the community center and that the bandshell is taking shape as it comes out of the ground. He noted that construction of the well/pavilion has been slightly delayed as a result of poor soils for one of the footings. Work is expected to move forward with an anticipated completion of November. Director Vraa added that construction of Central Parkway is also underway. The final contract for the project, park site improvements, has been awarded and staff is anticipating work to begin shortly. Member Bari asked how the site could be accessed with all the construction projects underway. Director Vraa explained that access to the site is from Central Parkway off Pilot Knob Road. He cautioned that anyone visiting the site must first check in at the construction trailer. ROUNDTABLE Member Danner asked if there was any updated information about the Copeland proposed development. Staff responded that there was no new information at this time to bring to the Commission. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to conduct Dorothy Peterson moved, John Rudolph seconded with all members voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m. ~~ Q,~~~~ Secretary , iU! .d iJz Date I f