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06/17/2002 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission Approved July 17.2002 ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION EAGAN, MINNESOTA MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF JUNE 17,2002 A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks Commission was called to order at 7 :00 p.m. on June 17, 2002 with the following Commission Members present: Joseph Bari, Phil Belfiori, Margo Danner, Terry Davis, N. Mark Filipi, Elizabeth Perry, Dorothy Peterson, and John Rudolph. Commission 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; CJ Lilly, Parks Planner; Beth Wielde, Research and Special Projects; Holly Champlin, Preschool Program Coordinator; Sonya Rippe, Sports Program Supervisor and Cherryl Mesko, Recording Secretary. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Terry Davis moved, Joseph Bari seconded with all members voting in favor t accept the agenda as presented. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MAY 20, 2002 Dorothy Peterson moved, John Rudolph seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the minutes of the May 20,2002 meeting as presented. VISITORS TO BE HEARD Jack Conrad addressed the Commission on behalf of the Friends of Patrick Eagan Park. He noted that the group is a non-profit citizens' organization dedicated to the preservation of Eagan's expansive and environmentally sensitive green space. Mr. Conrad distributed and reviewed the group's mission statement and focused on their goal of educating and encouraging citizens of the importance of establishing the Eagan Core Greenway. Specific areas were identified that might make up this greenway connecting to the northern border of Lebanon Hills Regional Park. Mr. Conrad suggested that Eagan has the opportunity to be a model to other communities for preserving valuable green space. He also noted that the properties provide an opportunity for public/private partnerships and identified several potential partners that might be interested in helping to preserve this greenway. Mr. Conrad noted that the group wanted a more dedicated focus to preserving property. They have asked the City Council to conduct a local open space survey and consider holding the first option to buy Patrick McCarthy's property so that it can be incorporated into the greenway. They hope to work cooperatively with the City and other partners to preserve the properties identified in the Eagan Core Greenway. Commission Members thanked Mr. Conrad for the passion the group has shown to preserve some of the remaining open space that still exists in the city. As a point of clarification, Mr. Conrad was asked if this group was separate from the PEPCE group or if they are the same. Mr. Conrad responded that although they share very similar ideas the groups are quite separate. Commission Members asked Mr. Conrad to keep them updated on the status of the survey and their efforts to preserve open space. SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE AND DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS Items highlighted by Superintendent of Recreation Asfahl included updates on summer softball and fall adult sports, Evenings in the Park, Golden Gaitors Walking Club, preview weekend for Cascade Bay, youth sports tournaments, the joint development of a teen booklet, summer staff training, the beginning of summer park programs, an open house for summer program participants and the circus recently held in the Civic Arena.. Items highlighted by Superintendent of Parks Olson included the status of the DNR Metro Greenways program grant application, the establishment of a BMX bike area in Pilot Knob Park, the one-year anniversary of the grandfather oak, the first phase of installing the new skate park at Lexington Diffley, remodeling of the Moonshine Park house, resolution of environmental impacts at North Park, and storm mitigation work within parks. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of June 17,2002 Page 2 PROGRAM UPDATE - SONY A RIPPE, SPORTS PROGRAM SUPERVISOR Sports Program Supervisor Rippe provided a very in-depth presentation of the adult sports and concessions programs from September, 2001 through June 2002. She included a review of programs offered during the fall, winter and summer and included programs being offered in the fall of2002. Her presentation touched on the numbers of participants over the past year as well as the inclusion of the concessions trailer into the already existing concessions operation at athletic facilities. PROGRAM UPDATE - HOLLY CHAMPLIN, PRESCHOOL PROGRAM COORDINATOR Preschool Program Coordinator Champlin shared the extensive pre-school program offerings by providing a background of programs, how they've grown and the specific programs that are available for participants. She reviewed several highlights covering fall 2001, winter, spring and summer 2002 and shared fall program offerings. The planning and implementation of the mobile puppet wagon, which has become the responsibility of Champlin's position was also described. Coordinator Champlin concluded her presentation with an overview of growth and changes for the future. . CONSENT AGENDA Dorothy Peterson moved, N. Mark Filipi seconded with all members voting in favor to make the following recommendations to the City Council: 1. Anchor Bank ~ This proposal will be responsible for a cash dedication in lieu ofponding. 2. Thorpe Woodland Gardens 2nd Add - Tilsen Homes, Inc. ~ This proposal will be responsible for a cash parks dedication. ~ This proposal will be responsible for a cash trails dedication. ~ This proposal will be responsible for a cash dedication in lieu of 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/woodlands 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. 3. Waters Edge - McDonald Construction ~ This proposal will be responsible for a cash parks dedication. ~ This proposal will be responsible for a cash trails dedication. ~ This proposal will be responsible for a cash dedication in lieu ofponding. ~ An Individual Lot Tree Preservation Plan will be required for Lot 11 at the time of building permit application. ~ 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. ~ 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. 4. Eagan Heights Townhomes 3rd Addition - Diedrich Builders, Inc. ~ This proposal will be responsible for a cash parks dedication. ~ This proposal will be responsible for a cash trails dedication. ~ This proposal will be responsible for a cash dedication in lieu ofponding. ~ The applicant will fulfill tree preservation mitigation through the installation of eighteen (18) Category B trees. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of June 17, 2002 Page 3 ~ Tree Protective measures (i.e. orange colored silt fence or 4 foot polyethylene laminate safety netting) saIl 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. ~ 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. 5. Grayhawk Townhomes - Mark Gergen & Assoc. ~ This proposal will be responsible for a cash parks dedication. ~ This proposal will be responsible for a cash trails dedication. ~ This proposal will be responsible for a cash dedication in lieu of ponding. ~ The applicant will fulfill tree preservation mitigation through the installation of twenty-one (21) Category A trees. ~ A revised Tree Mitigation Plan will need to be submitted addressing the following recommendations: 1. Place tree mitigation trees in more "natural" areas, (around ponds or along external property lines) while reserving "plantable" areas along roads and between buildings for landscape requirement trees. 2. Don't use coniferous trees (spruce or pine) near buildings, vehicle intersections, and trails. These trees will grow to a mature width, at the base, resulting in sight line and/or physical space problems. 3. Indicate on the Tree Mitigation Plan (and the Landscape Plan) which tree species, and their caliper, will be utilized. The submitted plan indicates only that coniferous trees and deciduous trees will be installed. ~ Acknowledge that the applicant will preserve tree #45 by transplanting it to an area near the west pond. ~ Tree Protective measures (i.e. orange colored silt fence or 4 foot polyethylene laminate safety netting) saIl 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. ~ 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 GIFT OF MARY WATER QUALITYIWETLANDS UPDATE Water Resources Coordinator Macbeth explained that during the May Advisory Commission's review of the Gift of Mary's Children proposal, a question arose regarding the public comment period for Wetland Conservation Act administration when it coincides with the plat review process. The main issue was whether the City could go forward with the plat review process before the WCA public comment period is complete. Macbeth reviewed the information provided by the City Attorneys, whose opinion is that they are independent processes and can run separately. Macbeth followed up by reviewing the timeline anticipated for the concurrent review of this project. It was noted that there have been some changes to the plan reviewed in May. The plan initially did not include a frontage road on the southern portion of the site. The change in the plan requires the school location to move to allow for the road, will impact the wetlands to the southwest and will not be able to be mitigated on site. Macbeth then reviewed the circumstances under which a new application would need to be submitted. Coordinator Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of June 17, 2002 Page 4 Macbeth discussed the value of the TEP (Technical Evaluation Panel) review on June 3 in providing an analytical review of the complex water quality/wetland issues pertaining to this development. Macbeth continued that once all the information is compiled, the City will be required to review the TEP recommendations as part of their final development review. It was noted that there may be changes in the plan submitted prior to the Council's next review, however, staff has not seen anything to date. Member Peterson asked if the applicant would need to start the review process over if changes are made to the plat. Macbeth responded that was an option although they might simply consider a different footprint that would not impact the wetlands to the southwest. COVINGTON TOWN OFFICE PARK Commission Member Rudolph reminded the Commission that they had deferred the review of this development proposal pending receipt offurther tree mitigation information. Director Vraa noted that the developer has indicated that they intend to withdraw this item from the June 18 City Council meeting, however written notification has not been received. Director Vraa explained that the Advisory Commission should make a formal recommendation for this development should the developer choose to continue through the process with the City Council on June 18. Following a brief discussion, John Rudolph moved, Joseph Bari seconded a motion to deny this proposal until further information on tree mitigation is received. NEW BUSINESS CANOE RENTAL SURVEY REPORT Director Vraa introduced this item noting that that during the master planning process for Moonshine Park, an area was identified for canoe racks. This led to several questions about whether or not programming canoe- related activities should be pursued. Vraa noted that a brief survey was sent statewide to determine which municipalities offer such services. Researcher Wielde provided an overview of the survey that was conducted including the cities that responded to the survey and how many of them offered canoe rental and/or storage. It was noted that the vast majority (91 %) did not offer canoe services. Wielde then reviewed the communities offering canoe services and shared their fee structures and operation. Following her presentation, she provided several alternatives for the Commission to consider. Member Rudolph reminded the Commission that they have moved forward with new park amenities on a trial basis to see how the public responds to them and suggested the same approach for canoes at Moonshine Park. Member Filipi suggested checking with the State park system for their rates and also to see what liability issues there might be with this venture. Researcher Wielde noted that she would follow-up with the LMCIT regarding insurance. Several options were suggested by Commission Members including providing a rack for storage and/or work with a private vendor to supply rental canoes, offer canoeing when there in a reservation at Moonshine Park, or discontinue the study but add this to alternative funding discussion, . Following further brief discussion, Dorothy Peterson moved, Terry Davis seconded with all members voting in favor to continue the study on canoe rentallstorage/lifejacketlliability to be incorporated into later discussions. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of June 17, 2002 Page 5 WATER RESOURCES UPDATE Water Resources Coordinator Macbeth invited anyone interested to a brown bag lunch and presentation by the University of Minnesota on June 20. He added that the 2002 fishing guide is being distributed and that weed harvesting is currently underway at Fish Lake. Member Rudolph asked if any of the area lakes had been stocked. Macbeth responded that neighbors near Holz Lake had recently stocked it with 6 inch and 12 inch bass. Member Danner asked the status of the rainwater garden at Cedar Pond Park. Macbeth responded that work will continue on that site with supplemental plantings. He noted also that there had been some vandalism at this site. OTHER BUSINESS AND REPORTS SUBCOMMITTEE UPDATES The Recreation Subcommittee met to explore ideas to discourage the use of tobacco in recreational settings. Superintendent Asfahl provided a meeting summary indicating that the subcommittee felt they should send a strong message to support a tobacco and alcohol free environment for youth participating in recreational activities. Member Perry added that this would simply bring awareness to the public through signage. Member Rudolph reiterated that the subcommittee wanted to be an advocate for a healthy environment for youth. Member Peterson asked if the Advisory Commission has the authority to set this policy or does the City Council need to make that decision. Director Vraa responded that if this were to be an enforceable policy it would need to be part of an ordinance, which the City Council would have to authorize. Member Perry opined that the subcommittee was simply asking for awareness and voluntary compliance. Member Filipi agreed with the idea but suggested the inclusion of tobacco, alcohol and drug free in the signage. Member Belfiori suggested staying away from the designation of "free zone" as it might imply a tie to an ordinance and/or a specific area. He suggested that the general verbiage should remain educational only. The recommendation of the Recreation Subcommittee was to continue looking at verbiage options for tobacco free/alcohol free/drug free signs, to get a sample of signs offered by CAFE and bring information back to the Advisory Commission in July. Member Peterson noted that the Natural Resources Subcommittee recently visited 8 parcels of land and used the predeternlined criteria to help evaluate their ranked priority for potential acquisition. Peterson added that there are 10 parcels left to review and that the subcommittee will report back to the Advisory Commission with the results of their review. COMMUNITY CENTER UPDATE Director Vraa stated that work has slowed down because of the recent rain. He added that the bandshell footings and foundation have been poured and that work should progress quickly. Vraa added that storm sewer, curb and gutter and other Central Parkway construction will begin shortly making this an extremely busy construction site. SET WORKSHOP TO DISCUSS ALTERNATIVE FUNDING A workshop to discuss alternative funding was scheduled for Thursday, June 27, 2002 at 5:00 p.m. at the Eagan Municipal Center. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of June 17,2002 Page 6 ROUND TABLE Member Danner asked if the CIP could be revisited. Member Rudolph suggested that there be an update at a subsequent meeting. Member Rudolph suggested that all members provide staff with their e-mail address. Member Danner reminded Commission Members and the public that donor bricks to be placed in Central Park are still available for purchase from the Lioness group. 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 9:25 p.m. b~~4.. V;X:,<+- Secretary 10 {t4/b"t- Date f'