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01/21/1997 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission AGENDA ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION EAGAN, MINNESOTA J Tuesday, January 21, 1997 7:00 PM Eagan Municipal Center Municipal Center Community Room A. 7:00 PM Regular Meeting B. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance 7:02 pm C. Award of Appreciation - Ken Tyler and Steve Thompson 7:05 pm D. Approval of Agenda 7:10 pm E. Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting of December 16, 1996 7:12 pm F. Visitors to be Heard 7:15 pm G. Department Happenings Pages 3-4 7:17 pm H. Consent Agenda 7:30 pm 1. Development Proposals (1) Evergreen - Royal Oaks Realty, Inc. Pages 5-7 7:31 pm J. Old Business 8:00 pm (1) Inver Grove Heights - Joint Powers Agreement (2) Working Draft School/City Ballfield Maintenance Agreement 8:15 pm K. New Business 8:30 pm L. Parks Development Update 8:31 pm M. Water Resources Update (1) Letter to Eagan Football Booster Club-Fertilizer Sale Page 9 8:40 pm N. Other Business and Reports (1) ejeet Postponed to February, 1997 meeting (2) Dart Transit Company - Conditional Use Permit Page 11-12 8:50 pm (3) Sub-committee Reports 9:00 pm (4) New Commission Orientation 9:15 pm (5) Set February Commission Meeting Date 9:25 pm 0. Round Table 9:30 pm P. Adjournment 9:45 pm The City of Eagan is committed to the policy that all persons have equal access to its programs, services, activities, facilities and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, marital status , sexual orientation, or status with regard to public assistance. Auxiliary aids for disabled persons wishing to participate are available upon request at least 96 hours in advance of the events. If a notice of less than 96 hours is received, the City will attempt to provide the aids. 1996 ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MEETING SCHEDULE NAME Feb Mar April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan 20 18 15 20 17 15 19 16 14 18 16 20* Comm. Cantu. Comm Cantu Rm Rm Rm Am x X X 0* X O* X X O* X X RANDALL AHERN X X X X X X X O* X O O* TIM CALLISTER X X X X X X X O* X X X GUY KOHLNHOFER (Alternate) X X X X 0* X X O* X O* X GEORGE KUBIK X X X 0* X X X X O* X 0* LEE MARKELL CHAIR X X X X O* X X X X X X DARYLE PETERSEN X X X X O* X X X O* X O* JOHN RUDOLPH SECRETARY X X X 0* X X X X O* X X DAVID SZOTT X X X X X X X X X X X STEPHEN THOMPSON VICE CHAIR X X 0* 0* O* RESIGNED -JULY, 1996 KEN TYLER X 0* X X X X X X X X X MICHAEL VINCENT Recreation Sub-Committee Natural Resources Sub-Committee Land Acquisition Sub-Committee John Rudolph Daryle Petersen Lee Markell George Kubik Tim Callister Michael Vincent Randall Ahern Steve Thompson Ken -Tyler David Szott* Guy Kohlnhofer UPCOMING MEETINGS: Holz Farm Task Force March 7, 1996.....5:00-7:00 PM - Land Acq.Sub-committee - Bond Referendum Lee Markell March 14, 1996--5:00-7:00 PM - Land Acq. Sub. committee - Bond Referendum Guy Kohlnhofer March 18, 1996...7:00 pm - Regular Commission Meeting April 18, 1996 - 4:30 pm Parks Bond Task Force tour April 25, May 9, May 23, 1996--7:00 pm Parks Bond Task Force May 2, May16, May 30, 1996 - Land Acquisition/Development Subcommittee )uly.....Recreation Subcommittee Meeting and Natural Resources Subcomm4ee Meeting November 19, 1996...5:30 PM - Joint Council/Commission Meeting OPEN ISSUES Jan. 8, 1997.... 5:00 pm - Acquisition/Development Subcommittee Meeting 1. Tour of Community Centers in other cities Jan. 27, 1997.. 7:00 pm - Recreation Subcommittee Meeting 2. Commission Review Workshop MEMO city of eagan TO: ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION FROM: KEN VRAA, DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION DATE: JANUARY 13, 1997 RE: JANUARY 21 COMMISSION MEETING Remember that this month's meeting is on TUESDAY because of Martin Luther King holiday. The' meeting will begin at 7:00 pm In the Municipal Center community room. We will again try to present the thank you plaques to former member Ken Tyler and "retiring" member Steve Thompson who resigned (or attempted to) from the Commission several months ago. Following approval of the Agenda and December minutes, the next Commission action item Is the Evergreen development. This proposed development is located south of Red Pine School/Hidden Corner Park on property that has been used as a tree farm. As you will see In the report, staff has done a tree preservation review as If the property were "natural." When the tree preservation plan was developed, there were no preservation standards set which would apply to a situation such as this. When Red Pine school was constructed on a portion of the tree farm, some relaxation of the tree mitigation standards were applied. (The owner was given opportunities to sell/move the trees from the site.) You will note that staff Is suggesting a departure from the tree preservation policy In this Instance. Several months ago staff informed the Commission of an agreement that was being developed between the Cities of Eagan and Inver Grove Heights relative to development in Inver Grove Heights that would receive utilities service from Eagan. Staff has met with Inver Grove Heights staff to review a proposed plat (Southern Lakes) that has a potential Impact on athletic field needs In Eagan as a result of students within the development attending Red Pine Elementary and participating in Eagan Athletic Association activities. Staff will review what Is being discussed and the direction being followed. Staff Is seeking general approval of the direction and policies being followed although no official motion Is necessary. Superintendent of Parks Olson has been working on the first draft of a potential agreement with Dakota Hills Middle School for the maintenance of their outdoor athletic fields. The Commission may recall that staff mentioned this emerging Issue some time ago. The Idea is that the City would provide "contract" field maintenance to the middle school fields. In addition to payment for these services, the community would benefit from better maintained fields available to them during non- school hours. While this is still a formulating issue, staff would like to give a brief presentation to gain additional input as to the important elements to be discussed or contained within any future agreement, should that ultimately occur. There are no items under New Business or Parks Development. You will also note that the DNR's Ecological Based Management Project update has been postponed to the February meeting. Water Resources Coordinator Rich Brasch once again has drafted a letter to the Eagan High School Football Boosters regarding their fertilizer sale. It would be appropriate for the Commission to authorize the Chairman to send this letter to the booster organization. Under Other Business and Reports, staff will update the Commission on a proposal from Dart Transport seeking approval through the conditional use permit process to park tractor trailers on property located west of highway 149 and east of the railroad tracks In Section 12 (northeast of the Borchert Ingersol site). Updates by the various sub-committees of the Commission will also be provided. 'Commission Member Vincent has asked that the Commission discuss the orientation of new Commission Members (the Council will be filling vacancies at their meeting also scheduled for the 21 st. Newly appointed members begin serving their terms in February.) Staff has provided Member Vincent with the materials that normally go out to the new members. He would like to discuss with the commission the need to expand this to include member protocol. Following Round Table, It would be appropriate to adjourn the meeting. As always, if you are not able to make the meeting, please let us know by calling 681-4661. Respectfully submitted, Ken Vraa Director of Parks and Recreation KV:cm DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS DECEMBER, 19961JANUARY 1997 1. The Department has submitted two Innovations in American Government award applications. Sponsors of the awards are The Fond Foundation and the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Programs submitted are the Wescott Center/School District 196 Collaborative and the Water Quality Program. The two submittals are in separate categories and will not compete against each other. 2. The City council has authorized newsletter distribution by mail beginning with the March issue. Wider and more effective distribution is anticipated. The bulk mail status of the mailing will affect planning time lines as the post office portion of the entire process is longer than what occurred when a distribution agency was used. 3. Eagan Hockey Association is using 57 hours of outdoor ice time each week this winter. The number of hours are similar to last season, however, to maintain this level, bantams and peewees (11 teams) have reduced each practice session from 1 % hours to one hour. 4. After a slow response a year ago, the Department's cross country ski lessons are full this winter. Dorothy Aho continues as the instructor, as she has since the early 1980's. 5. The new Eastview Athletic Association has called an informational meeting. Staff will attend to monitor potential impact on the areas of Eagan serviced by the new Eastview High School. 6. Progress is being made on the child protection policy that will be proposed shortly. One more review by the Recreation Sub-committee will be held prior to submission to the Commission, City Administration and the City Council. 7. On January 2, the first day for pavilion reservations for 1997, over the counter and telephone activity was hectic. The new Blackhawk pavilion will help residents secure preferred dates. 8. The Ohmann Park sun shelter receives numerous picnic requests. Heavy use of the park for youth athletic association activity necessitates creative scheduling to ensure a successful picnic. 9. Application is again being made for Community Development Block Grant funds to benefit the Youth Development Program. In addition tot he junior program, the application identifies equipment for the Wescott Center and a join project with complex management for an ADA accessible deck/ramp entry and an asphalt trail to the privately owned but City programmed basketball court. 10. Bandy has had to be canceled this winter. The activity, begun 5 years ago, had experienced declining enrollment since development of the Lexington Diffley Athletic fields removed the bandy rink from that site. Visibility created interest. 11. Staff is in the process of developing an agreement with Dakota County for the grooming of cross country ski trails in the city parks as an 'as needed' basis. Trails are currently groomed by the City of Lakeville, however, other commitments have prevented them from providing consistent service. 12. The application deadline for the vacant Park Maintenance/Forestry position is January 31. The position will hopefully be filled by mid-March. 13. Low oxygen levels in several lakes including Fish and Thomas has necessitated the installation of aerators. 14. After being severely damaged by the heavy wet snows of recent weeks the outdoor skating rinks are again in great shape. Thanks to the efforts of the park maintenance staff. The recent cold weather has limited flooding. 15. Staff from the park maintenance division has been called upon to aid with snow plowing after the recent storms. Many evening, weekend and holiday hours were requested. J 16. The City has received the first of what may be many reports of a boulevard tree creating a visual obstruction for drivers. Staff is aiding in the development of a notification procedure. According to current City code the adjacent landowner is responsible for rectifying the situation. The most common variety of boulevard tree in Eagan is Spruce. r7AWWW R ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION JANUARY 21, 1997 MEETING DEVELOPMENT AGENDA EVERGREEN ROYAL OAKS REALTY, INC. 1. This development shall be responsible for a cash parks dedication. 2. This development shall be responsible for a cash trails dedication. 3. This development shall be required to arrange for and bear the cost of transplanting 431 trees as idendfled below: a. 150 12'-15' trees to Hidden Corner Park b. 50 12-25' trees to Red Pine Elementary School c. 231 12'- l S' trees within the Evergreen development site 4. Tree Protective Measures (i.e. 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 signiflcant trees/woodlands to be preserved. 5. The developer shall contact the City Forestry Division at least five days prior to the Issuance of the grading permit to ensure compliance with the approved Tree Preservation Plan. 6. This development shall meet Its water quality mitigation requirements through construction of a detention pond. The design of the pond must be approved by the water resources coordinator. 7. An ungraded buffer at least 15 feet In width shall bel maintained around the wetland on the western parcel. 8. Filling or draining of wetlands shall be prohibited. MEMO city of eagan TO: ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION FROM: KEN VRAA, DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION DATE: JANUARY 13, 1997 RE: EVERGREEN - ROYAL OAKS REALTY BACKGROUND Royal Oaks Realty, Inc. Is requesting approval of a Preliminary Subdivision of 40 acres and a Rezoning of 20 acres from Agricultural to R-1, Single Family Residential. The 40 acres site is located east of Gun Club Road, north of 120th Street, and south of the Pines Edge subdivision and Red Pine Elementary School. The 40 acre site Is currently zoned Agricultural, and designated in the Comprehensive Guided Plan as D-1, single-family residential up to 3 units per acre. The proposed subdivision would create two lots of approximately 9.5 acres on the west half of the site, and 53 lots and one oudot on the east half of the site. The rezoning applies to the east half of the site only, the west half will retain the current Agricultural zoning classification. There are existing residences located at the northwest and southwest comers of the site. Gun Club Road to the west and 120th Street to the south are both unimproved gravel roads. Access to the proposed development on the east half of the site would be provided by Sycamore Lane from the north and 120th Street from the south. PARKS/TRAILS DEDICATION This development would be subject to a cash parks dedication and a cash trails dedication. TREE PRESERVATION For the last 30 years this site, fonnerly Marotzke Nursery Operation, has been used for growing and selling tree nursery stock, mostly conifers (pine trees). Up until this last year trees were being transplanted off of this tree farm. This site, which can be described as having a gently rolling landscape, Is completely covered with a variety of nursery stock trees planted in rows, some of them over 50 feet in height. Significant Vegetation A tree inventory and a tree preservation plan has been prepared for this application. The applicant and their consultants have had several meetings with staff dealing with tree preservation issues of this site, some of the meetings taking place before plans were submitted, with the purpose of determining appropriate methods needed to perform a tree Inventory. Because of the high amount of trees located on this site, and because of the geometric pattern that the trees are located In, a method of forest sampling was developed and performed by a forestry consultant Mr. Lance Anderson, hired by the applicant. Six randomly located, fixed sized sample plots were placed on site within the different forest stands. Tree amounts from these plots were then expanded Into a total site tree count. This sampling procedure resulted In she following tabulation: Species and Size Number of Trees Coniferous 12'-24' hgt 1789 Coniferous 24'-50' hgt 60 Coniferous > 50' (Specimen) 891 Hardwood Deciduous 6"-20" 222 From aerial photo .U Total number of trees 3055 Allowable removal for this development proposal Is calculated as follows. According to the Eagan Tree Preservation Ordinance, during initial development (roads, utilities, etc.) 25% of the existing vegetation is allowed to be removed. During the second phase of development (preparation of individual lots) 20% of the remaining vegetation on each lot Is allowed to be removed. The developer Is proposing to grade 15 of the 53 lots during initial development in order to create overland drainage patterns, therefore an additional allowable removal percentage of 5.6% has been calculated and added to the initial allowable removal (15 lots/53 lots=28.3%, 28.3% of 20%=5.6%). Therefore, a final initial development phase allowable removal Is set at 30.6%. This translates to an allowable removal of 934 significant trees. The development as proposed will result in the removal (or displacement) of 1,365 trees. As proposed the development proposal exceeds allowable removal limits by 431 trees. According to the Tree Preservation Ordinance mitigation for this removal, in excess of allowable limits, calculates to 1,255 Category A trees or a cash mitigation of $602,400.00. Realizing the uniqueness of this site and for the reasons outlined below staff has prepared a alternative proposal to resolve tree preservation Issues of this development: a. the development site is a "created woodland" where as a tree nursery trees have been planted, sold, and removed for many years, b. many, possibly 800 of the tree are conifers about 12' to 15' In height which can be easily transplanted to areas on and near this site, c. because of existing site conditions, resulting mitigation amounts are probably unrealistic. Staff is proposine the followine Tree Preservation Plan. Allowable removal for initial development be set at 30.6% of the existing significant trees. The applicant will mitigate, on a 1:1 basis all trees removed in excess of the allowable limit (431 trees). This mitigation will occur through the transplanting of 431 trees to areas near and on this development site. The preliminary transplant plan will be as follows: Transplant Location Approximate Number of Trees Hidden Corner Park 150 121-15' trees Red Pine Elementary* 50 12'-15' trees Evergreen development site 231 12'-15' trees Total number of transplants 431 12'-15' trees *Staff has contacted Red Pine Elementary concerning the possible availability of trees and they are very receptive to the concept of placing trees on school grounds. The applicant will be responsible for the cost of transplanting all 431 trees. Eagan staff will be responsible for determining the location and the subsequent maintenance of trees placed at Hidden Corner Park. Red Plne Elementary staff will be responsible for placement and maintenance of trees placed on school grounds. The actual transplanting operation will occur by outside contractor, hired by the applicant and be performed during spring before seasonal tree growth begins, and before development operation begin. Staff will monitor transplanting to insure compliance with accepted Industry standards. The applicant will not be held responsible for tree survival following tree transplant operations. Recommendation Staff Is recommending approval of the Tree Preservation Plan as proposed with the following conditions: 1. To require that 431 trees be transplanted to Hidden Corner Park, Red Pine Elementary School, and to within the Evergreen development site In the distribution as outlined above. The applicant will arrange for and bear the cost of all transplant operations. 2. To require that Tree Protective Measures (I.e. 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. 3. To require that the developer contact the City Forestry Division at least five days prior to the issuance of the grading permit to ensure compliance with the approved Tree Preservation Plan. WATER QUALITY/WETLANDS This development will generate runoff that will eventually reach several recreation classified water bodies within Lebanon Hills Park. This proposal Involves the development of the eastern most of two 20 acre parcels for single family residential. Because of the size of the total development and the fact that runoff from the development will reach high priority recreational water bodies in Lebanon Hills Park, on-site ponding Is recommended. There are no wetlands within the eastem most parcel but there Is a 1.6 acre shallow fresh marsh centered in the western parcel. The developer has proposed to locate a treatment pond just east of this wetland to fully satisfy runoff treatment requirements for the proposed development and partially satisfy future treatment requirements for the westem parcel. The proposed pond location Is on a slope above the wetland. To minimize erosion-related filling of the wetland, intensive erosion control (to be detailed In the grading plan) will be required and a 15' ungraded buffer between the wetland edge and the limit of grading will be maintained. The proposed pond Is somewhat larger than would be required to fully satisfy treatment requirements for the proposed 20 acre development. This pond would also be used to pre-treat runoff from the western 20 acre parcel when It develops In the future, and the remaining wet volume to fully meet treatment requirements for this parcel would be created by excavation of a portion of the wetland to which the constructed pond discharges. Staff recommendations 1. The development meet its water quality mitigation requirements through construction of a detention pond. The design of the pond must be approved by the water resources coordinator. 2. An ungraded buffer at least 15 feet in width shall be maintained around the wetland on the westem parcel. 3. Filling or draining of wetlands shall be prohibited. APRNRCJevergrn.jan JANUARY 10, 1997 MR. RICH GLYNN, PRESIDENT EAGAN WILDCAT FOOTBALL BOOSTER CLUB 728 CASTLETON CT. EAGAN, MN 55123 Dear Mr. Glynn: I am writing to you on behalf of the Advisory Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Commission to express our appreciation for the past cooperation of the Booster Club in limiting the phosphorus content of fertilizer sold through the annual fertilizer sale fund-raiser and to request your continued cooperation for the coming sale this spring. As you may know, phosphorus in runoff is degrading the quality of lakes and wetlands in Eagan. Fertilizers containing phosphorus can be a major source of this pollutant in urban environments. Further, over 400 residential lawn soils in Eagan have been analyzed by the University of Minnesota to determine soil nutrient needs for healthy turf.. The results of those tests have shown that over 50% of the lawns tested need ng additional phosphorus and virtually none of the lawns in Eagan require fertilizer with a phosphorus content over 3%. The City has devoted considerable resources to trying to reduce the amount of phosphorus in the urban environment in order to protect the quality of the lakes and wetlands that help make this community special. We have made significant progress, but we have not reached our goals for all lakes yet. We need the Booster Club's continuing cooperation in reaching these goals. We enthusiastically applaud the Booster Club's efforts last year to not only provide a source of high quality no-phosphorus granular fertilizer but to give "top billing" to the no-phosphorus blend as well as two other low phosphorus blends during your promotional effort. We would ask your cooperation in just two other areas. First, we ask that you consider limiting the phosphorus content of all Im nv fertilizers (W garden or shrub fertilizers) to 3% or less. The technical data simply does not indicate a need for higher levels of phosphorus in the fertilizers applied to turf in Eagan, and the "if some is good, more is better" philosophy is a public perception that we're trying to combat because of its environmental costs. Second, it would be helpful to get sales volume figures for each of the blends of fertilizer sold through the sale for both this year and past years. There is a lot of interest on the part of the City as well as organizations across the nation in determining to what degree purchasing patterns of fertilizer have changed over time as it relates to product phosphorus content. If you have these figures and are amenable to their release, we would be interested. Please contact Rich Brasch at 681-4300 regarding whether the Booster Club is willing to accommodate these requests. Thanks very much for your excellent cooperation and good luck with your fund raiser! Sincerely, Lee Markell, Chairman Advisory Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Commission ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION JANUARY 21, 1997 MEETING OTHER BUSINESS AND REPORTS DART TRANSIT COMPANY - CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 1. Parks dedication and tralls dedication will be reviewed when an application for development is submitted. 2. A tree Inventory and tree preservation plan will be required when an application for development Is submitted. 3. Runoff from impervious surfaces within the site will be treated with on-site ponding prior to discharge off the site. The ponding configuration must be approved by the City's Water Resources Coordinator. 4. A wetland inventory must be conducted to identify, delineate and determine the jurisdictional status of any wetlands within the parcel. S. Wetland fill or drain Impacts should be avoided. If avoidance Is not possible, mitigation which complies with the Wetland Conservation Act standards shall be required. 6. If the Commission is not satisfied with the level of detail presented, it could also recommend that It be given the opportunity to review supplemental infbr matIon for' future recommendations. MEMO city of eagan TO: ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION FROM: KEN VRAA, DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION DATE: JANUARY 13, 1997 RE: DART TRANSIT - CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT BACKGROUND This is a request for a Conditional Use Permit to allow outdoor storage on two sites located west of Hwy 149, east of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad and just south of Stark's restaurant in the east half of Section 12. A development proposal has not been submitted for this property. Normally, the Commission does not take action on Conditional Use Permits, however, given the size ofthe parcel(s) Involved and the extent of impact of this permitted use, staffhas prpared some preliminary conditions for Commission consideration. TREE PRESERVATION Neither a tree inventory nor a tree preservation plan have yet been submitted with this application. From a preliminary staff review of the site, there appears to be some significant vegetation within the proposed area. A tree inventory and a tree preservation plan will be required when an application for development is submitted. WATER QUALITY/WETLANDS This Conditional Use Permit will affect use on a 20 acre industrial zoned area that will be used largely for truck trailer storage. As such, the impervious coverage of the site will likely be extremely high 90%). The parcel Is located within drainage basin E and will generate runoff that will discharge to Pond EP-1, a designated nutrient trap. Pond EP-2 has been changed from nutrient trap to indirect contact recreation. Since impervious coverage will be high, the parcel is relatively large, and runoff could affect the quality of a significant downstream recreational water body, staff recommends that on-site ponding be the primary method of meeting water quality mitigation requirements. No wetland information has been submitted with this application. There appears to be several wetland areas within the affected parcels of unknown jurisdictional status. A wetland inventory and field delineation of jurisdictional wetlands within the parcel should be included as a condition of this permit. As with all developments, wetland filling or draining impacts should be avoided. If unavoidable impacts are encountered, mitigation which meets all requirements of the Wetland Conservation Act will be required. Staff recommends that the following conditions be included in the conditional use permit: 1. Runoff from Impervious surfaces within the site will be treated with on-site ponding prior to discharge off the site. The ponding configuration must be approved by the City's water resources coordinator. 2. A wetland inventory must be conducted to Identify, delineate and determine the jurisdictional status of any wetlands within the parcel. 3. Wetland fill or drain impacts should be avoided. If avoidance is not possible, mitigation which complies with the Wetland Conservation Act standards shall be required. OTHER CONDITIONS If the Commission is not satisfied with the level of detail presented, it could also recommend to the Council that It be given the opportunity to review supplemental information for future recommendations. ~a 1997 ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MEETING SCHEDULE NAME Feb Mar April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec )an 24 17 14 19** 16 14 18 15 20 17 15 19** Randall Ahern Tim Callister Te Davis Jerry Fadee Alternate Barbara Johnson Guy Kohinhofer George Kubik Lee Markell Da le Petersen John Rudolph Michael Vincent Recreation Sub-Committee Natural Resources Sub-Committee Land Acquisition Sub-Committee UPCOMING MEETINGS: Holz Farm Task Force OPEN ISSUES 1. Tour of Community Centers in other cities 2. Commission Review Workshop Subject to aQproval MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION EAGAN, MINNESOTA DECEMBER 16,19% A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission was called to order at 7:00 pm on December 16, 1996 with the following Commission Members present: Randall,Ahem, Guy Kohlnhofer, George Kubik, Daryle Petersen, David Szott, Stephen Thompson and Michael Vincent. Commission Members Tim Callister, Lee Markell and John Rudolph were not present. Staff present,inckxW Ken Vraa, Director of Parks and Recreation; Dorothy Peterson, Superintendent of Recreation; Paul Olson, Parks Superintendent; Q. Lilly, Landscape Architect/Parks Planner; Rich Branch, Water Resources Coordinator; Gregg Hove, Forestry Supervisor, Shannon Tyree, Planner and Cherryl Mesko, Secretary. George Kubik moved, Guy Kohlnhofer seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the agenda as presented. George Kubik moved, David Szott seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the minutes of the regular meeting of November 18, 1996 as presented. A"T .._,P.. Items highlighted by Director Vraa included a request by the new Apple Valley Athletic Association for baseball field space in Eagan, the hiring of Mark Vaughan as Civic Arena Manager, the resignation of Jeff Perry from Forestry/Parks Maintenance, the planned posting for rental of the Richard Holz house, and a brief review of the many programs offered at Wescott. Member Kubik asked how the trail clearing experiment was working. Director Vraa responded that the City is pleased with the compliance by affected residents in conjunction with the City's trail clearing efforts. The trails affected are primarily near elementary schools. Member Thompson asked for a clarification as to why Apple Valley is requesting field space from Eagan, Director Vraa explained that some parents of students who will be attending the new Eastview High SScchool wish to see an athletic association affiliated with that specific high school to provide a "feeder system' for the sports programs. Many Eagan students will be attending the new high school i OMFR©A George Kubik moved, Randall Ahern seconded with all members voting in favor to make the following recommendations to the City Council relative to the following proposed developments: 1. Wessel Addition. Lots 2, 3 and 4 shall be subject to a cash parks dedication and a cash trails dedication. Individual Lot Tree Preservation Plans shall be submitted with the building permit application for Lots 1, 2, 3 and 4. No vegetation removal or grading shall be allowed within 30 feet of the edge of the pond at the normal water level. 2. Rask 1 st Addition. The newly created lot shall be responsible for a cash parks dedication and a cash trails dedication. An Individual Lot Tree Preservation Plan shall be submitted for Lot 2 at the time of building permit application. A cash water quality dedication shalt be required for the vacant lot. DNR - KO BASED MANAGEMENT PROJECT Forestry Supervisor Hove explained that this is the first of two reports to update Commission Members on the status of the Ecosystem Based Management Project. In early 1995 the Eagan Forestry Department was approached by the MnDNR to become involved in this project which is funded by both federal and state dollars and is being performed in three communities. The three ecosystems and respective Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of December 16, 1996 Regular Meeeting Page 2 study communities are: The Big Woods, Watertown, MN; Anoka Sand Plain, Robinsdale, MN; and Oak Savannah, Eagan. This project is designed to demonstrate the applicability and importance of eco-region based landscapes and how these can be applied at the community level. They basically ask communities to look at natural resource considerations beyond their boundaries and to incorporate eco-region based strategies into their planning efforts. Jonathan Stiegler, Urban Forester for MnDNR and Jan Wolfe, Educational. Coordinator for MnDNR were introduced and presented the Commission with details of this pro1'ect. Mr. Stiegler stated that when they come back in January they hope to have a map showing what is developed and undeveloped in Eagan. They will be looking for feedback from multiple sources including community input. They would like the cities to think about what they see their community looking like in 10, 20 and 50 years regarding their natural resources. It is also hoped that this project can be wrapped up in 6 months, however, the January update will review that in more detail. Mr. Stiegler also noted that this pilot project is a learning process. They hope to have a workable long term document that can be used for other communities as well. Member Kubik asked about the futuring aspect of the project. Mr. Stiegler commented that this is new for the DNR and they are very excited about this aspect of the project. The Commission thanked Mr. Stiegler and Ms. Wolfe for their presentation and for their efforts toward this project. OAK HILLS CHURCH Director Vraa explained that this is a request by Oak Hills Church for a Comprehensive Guide Plan Amendment to change the land use designation of approximately 14 acres from D-111 Mixed Residential (6- 12 units per acre) to PF Public Facilities to allow construction of a church on the southeast corner of the intersection of Yankee Doodle Road and Coachman Road. The concept plan submitted indicates that development will occur in two phases with the ultimate development to include a 23,000 sf. church and 267 parking spaces. Vraa continued that this development would not be responsible for a cash parks dedication as long as it retains the Public Facilities designation. Should that change, however, the property would be subject to a parks dedication. The development would be subject to a cash trails dedication. Water Resources Coordinator Brasch noted that since this is a Comprehensive Guide Plan, only a concept plan was submitted for review. A 4.3 acre water body (Pond CP-1) classified as a nutrient trap, lies largely within the parcel. This pond is also designated as a state protected water. The pond is composed of two cells, a smaller one contained wholly within the development and a larger cell that lies both partially within the proposed development and borders an existing residential development to the south. Brasch explained that staff recommends that runoff from this proposed development be treated before discharging to the main body of Pond CP-1. Brasch continued that options like the construction of a basin In an upland area and excavation of a portion of the smaller northeast cell of Pond CP-1 exist within this development. He also noted the importance of directing the stormwater from the development to the northeast cell of Pond CP-1 first. Coordinator Brasch stated that no formal wetland survey has been received for this parcel but noted there was at least one jurisdictional wetland within the parcel. This wetland would need to be delineated prior to submittal of a formal subdivision application and filling/draining of the wetland should be avoided, Brasch added. It was also noted that a portion of the proposed trail around Pond CP-1 would traverse probable wetland areas and that deposition of fill to construct a trail would likely require mitigation in the form of wetland replacement. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of December 16, 1996 Regular Meeeting Page 3 Forestry Supervisor Hove stated that staff has compiled tree preservation statistic based upon the conceptual plan submitted. After reviewing the existing vegetation and proposed tree al, Have noted that the Tree Preservation Ordinance, allows for 30% removal for this type of devekmpme it. Following a brief discussion and having noted that this issue is a Comprehensi Guide Plan Amendment and not a development proposal, Michael Vincent moved, George Kubik nded with all members voting in favor to make the following recommendations to the Advisory Planni g Commission and City Council relative to the Oak Hills Church request: 1. This development will not be responsible fora parks dedication fee, howev r, if the use of this development changes from PF then the new designation will be subject to cash parks dedication fee. 2. This development shall be responsible for a cash trails dedication. 3. The developer shall comply with the Tree Preservation Ordinance if and wt en development proposals are submitted. 4. The wetland associated with Pond CP-1 will need to be delineated prior to ubmittal of a formal subdivision application and filling/draining of the wetland should be avoided. Deposition of fill to construct a trail around Pond CP-1 will likely require mitigation in the fa in of wetland replacement. On-site ponding shall be required prior to discharging to Pond CP-1. TENNIS BACKBOARD REQUEST Superintendent Peterson reminded the Commission that they had briefly revievmd this issue at their November 18 meeting and had asked the Recreation Subcommittee to review it further. Recreation Subcommittee met on November 25 to assess the information that had been compiled. uperintendent Peterson continued that several cities had been surveyed to determine if this use was req in their communities and if they did have tennis backboards, what type of feedback did they get rom their residents regarding their use. The results of each city were reviewed noting that two did not have ny backboards and the other five had at least one in their community. Inver Grove Heights has two inside tennis court fence and one outside; they would not place another inside the fence. Plymouth has backboa at all tennis court locations that are on the back of the fence and share the hard court surface with bask 11. Lakeville has backboards at most neighborhood park court locations and are located inside the fence. Woodbury designs tennis backboards as part of all tennis courts that are placed in conjunction with hard rt basketball use adjacent to the tennis courts. Apple Valley had two freestanding backboards at the community center site which they say are never used. Supervisor Peterson noted that the Recreation Subcommittee had considerable d union conceming the retrofitting of existing park features, future tennis court design, the Woodhaven site, flicts-of use and cost. Their specific concerns relative to the petition were that the homes closest to W haven Park had not signed the petition and those residents would most likely experience the noise associa with a backboard; since there were two questions on the petition, it is not known if the signers were In fa of a backboard of having "no roller blade" signs installed; concern that 20 signatures may not be reprewn 've of the neighborhood. The subcommittee suggested that the Woodhaven site did not lend itself their preferred design of a backboard outside of the court, the existing fence posts are not sized for a ba kboard and the costs to retrofit may be too high and would compete for resources with other park projec . Superintendent Peterson concluded that the subcommittee recommended that future tennis court constru 'on projects Gould potentially incorporate a backboard into the original design. Member Thompson asked if other tennis courts are being planned. Superintend nt Peterson said no. Member Kohlnhofer reiterated his concern that the residents adjacent and near the tenni courts had not signed the petition and felt that if this request is to be considered, their input is importan Member Vincent added that there are two separate issues in the petition request and they should be handl separately. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of December 16, 1996 Regular Meeeting Page 4 After further discussion, Michael Vincent moved, George Kubik seconded with all members voting in favor to deny the petition request for a tennis backboard at Woodhaven Park. It was suggested that the petitioners be contacted to see if they wish to submit another request for the backboard only, however this request should include feedback from residents adjacent to the Woodhaven tennis courts. It was also suggested that the petitioners be asked if they would be willing to pay for the backboard. The Recreation Subcommittee was charged with establishing the criteria for determining the backboard location within the park system should another request surface. There were no items under New Business for the Commission to discuss. Parks Planner Lilly reviewed the work planned at Lexington Diffley Athletic Fields. He noted that the turf is established and that a buffer is being developed between the park and adjacent residential areas. Landscaping will occur at the entrances to the park and signs are being planned to identify the park entrances. Landscaping around the pond on the northeast corner of the site as well as around the main entrance monument is also being planned. Planner Lilly went on to explain that the entrance monument would include flagpoles with the American flag flanked by two other flags. Lilly then shared concept designs which may also include sculptures or perhaps a fountain in the pond. Lilly concluded that these are only preliminary plans but is looking for some direction from the Commission. Member Kubik suggested that some type of movement at the entrance would be a good addition. Member Thompson asked what the cost would be for the sculpture(s). Lilly responded that maintenance staff will be building it out of scrap steel. This is experimental so it isn't known yet what the actual sculpture may be or what it would ultimately cost. Member Kubik complimented staff for this unique approach. He then made a motion, seconded by Guy Kohlnhofer with all members voting in favor, for staff to proceed with the monument and entrance signage as proposed by staff. VMWAM. - Coordinator Brasch noted that aeration equipment had been installed in Thomas Lake. He also brought the Commission's attention to the most recent Natural Resources Subcommittee meeting which was an update of the Fish Lake project. Brasch added that the City is in the final throws of the alum dosing and he will come back to the Commission for direction once this is resolved with the State. The second discussion by the subcommittee was lake enhancement priorities for LeMay Lake, Brasch concluded. Member Kubik asked if there would be public access to LeMay Lake. Director Vraa stated that because of the wetland, it will be very difficult to get near the water to provide access. DATE OF JANUARY COMMISSION MEETING Director Vraa noted that because the regular January meeting falls on Martin Luther King Day and City offices will be closed there is a need to select an alternate meeting date. January 21 was selected as the date with the meeting to occur in the Community Room since the Council will be meeting in the council chambers. MRPA AWARDS - FOLLOW-UP Director Vraa provided the Commission with follow-up information on the awards ceremony where Dorothy Peterson received the Dorthea Nelson Award and Ken Vraa received the Clifton French award. Vraa noted that both are the highest honor in their field as members of the Minnesota Recreation and Parks Association. He added that there are a lot of people who contributed to this award and he and Dorothy were both very pleased to have families, department staff, and the City Administrator present during the awards presentation. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of December 16, 1996 Regular Meeeting Page 5 Director Vraa noted that the Acquisition/Development Sub-committee met prior to the regular meeting to discuss several items. The first dealt with the parks building for Lexington Diffley Athletic Fields. The original design was a two story to allow folks to watch games from the upper level, however, after submitting the plans for review, it was determined that the building did not meet ADA requirements. The design of the building changed bringing the building down to one level. The building will be similar to other park buildings and staff will proceed to cost analysis after further refinements. Member Thompson expressed his concern for the inflexibility of the ADA requirements with this building. Director Vraa explained that the Council has been provided with a 5 year CIP based on the Parks' System Plan. Typically the CIP exceeds the dollars available which requires the City to prioritize needs fora given year. Vraa continued that there will be approximately $2 million available in the Park Site Fund in 1997 and the Council would like to see how those dollars will actually be spent over the next 3-5 years. A framework will need to be developed on how those dollars can and should be spent. This was provided to the Commission as information only in the hope that some thought will be given as to how to proceed with this budget process. Another point of information Director Vraa discussed was the Gardenwood Ponds addition. There are several residents who are concerned about the tree removal for this development but further oppose the trail that is being proposed to Bald Lake. Member Thompson asked about the status of the fertilizer ordinance. Coordinator Brasch stated that based on Council's direction, staff will meet with chemical applicators some time in January and get feedback from them . The Commission will be made aware of the public meeting. With no further business to conduct, George Kubik moved, Guy Kohlnhoferseconded with all members voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 pm. Secretary Date