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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-20Lukevi((e • PARKS, RECREATION, AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE Minutes for meeting on: February 20, 2008 ITEM 1 Call to order. The meeting was called to order in the Council Chambers at 6:00 p.m. ITEM 2 Roll call. Committee members present were: P. Messinger, T. Goodwin, J. Hayes, K. Miller, S. Kelly, J. Peterson, and H. Lovelace. Roger Walia was absent due to a personal conflict. Also present were Park Maintenance and Operations Manager John Hennen, Environmental Resources Manager Mac Lafferty, and Recording Secretary T J. Ruter. Robert Erickson, Senior Development Associate, for Welsh Companies along with Greg Oppegard, Executive Director of Development, representing Walker Elder Care Services were also in attendance for item 6 on the agenda. ITEM 3 Approval of February 6, 2008 meeting minutes. The minutes of the February 6, 2008 Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Committee meeting were presented. They were approved as written. ITEM 4 Citizen comments. There were no citizens present at the meeting for items other than those scheduled on the agenda. ITEM 5 Staff reports and summary of current projects. ® John Hennen inquired if committee members had any questions regarding Steve Michaud's narrative. Tom Goodwin asked for a quick status report on East Community Park and the bridge bids. John responded that the developer is still reviewing the bids at this time. Staff is still targeting to build it in the spring and into the summer months. Tom also asked John for a clarification regarding one of the trails in the report. John clarified it for him. ITEM 6 Highview Hills preliminary plat. Mac Lafferty presented the Highview Hills prelimuiary plat to committee members. He spoke about the environmental aspects of the plan, including the developer's use of rain gardens and .extensive landscaping throughout the site. In addition, Mac discussed the removal of the diseased trees on the site and gave committee members some of the statistics on the new planting of trees, shrubs, and perennials. Finally, Mac commented on the willingness of the developer to accommodate and incorporate staff's recommendations concerning drainage and grading. Tom Goodwin inquired as to how much runoff will be absorbed by the rain gardens. Mac Lafferty responded that about 1.5 inches can be absorbed. As a follow-up to this question, Mac showed a map and explained the various rainwater runoff patterns to committee members. He also explained that the rain gardens will have drain tile, so the plantings don't get flooded the first year. Mac further indicated that staff is using best management practices as is typical with every plat. Tom Goodwin paraphrased Mac's statements. Unless the rainwater is greater than 1.5 inches, it won't enter the regional stormwater basin. If it is greater than 1.5 inches, Tom asked if there is plenty of room in the stormwater basin to accommodate it. Mac answered yes. Tom then inquired about the subsoil. Mac explained the details of the requirements for the plat with regard to soil corrections and preparation. Finally, Tom asked if the developer is building the three smaller rain gardens in the same manner as the larger one. Mac explained that staff had that requirement and Tom thought it was a good idea. Mac Lafferty then announced that the developer was present to share some color renderings of the project as well as present other details about the plat. Mr. Robert Erickson greeted the members of the Parks, Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commmittee February 20, 2008 Page 2 • Recreation, and Natural Resources Committee and explained that they have been working on this project since May 2007. They have had a good experience working with staff and he asked to add a couple of items to Mac's presentation. He commented that Welsh has been sensitive to the townhome development and are planting trees to provide an additional buffer for them. He further commented that their goal is to become a "signature site" for the community in terms of the landscaping elements they are providing for the future residents of this facility. He spoke briefly about the enclosed garden space for the memory care residents. Additionally, Mr. Erickson communicated the proposed "service area" of the facility: Northfield being the southern boundary, Lakeville's northern boundary, Credit River Township to the west, and Highway 52 to the east. He mentioned that the company looked at five other sites, but the attributes of the Lakeville site were very positive. In interviewing seniors and other city officials, it is the current standard to have a senior center built in areas with close proximity to a grocery store and pharmacy. In Lakeville's case, there is also access to churches, banks, Downtown Lakeville, and the existing senior living facilities like Winsor. Mr. Erickson also made reference to a couple of people at Winsor who now need assisted living, but are reluctant to leave Lakeville; they want to continue living close to family and friends. Mr. Erickson discussed the costs associated with the project and the statistics about the jobs to be created. The construction costs will be $22 million, with a total of $32 million after its full completion, including fixtures and everything. They will pay property taxes in excess of $200,000 annually. Finally, he explained their current estimated timeline: Groundbreaking is to occur in August 2008 with completion by fall of 2009. They plan to start occupancy with just a couple of standard rooms that will serves as "model" • rooms. Mr. Erickson then briefly introduced Greg Oppegard, representing Walker Elder Care Services. Mr. Oppegard distributed a marketing flyer to all committee members. Mr. Oppegard commented that Walker has been providing senior housing for over 100 years and approximately 50 years locally. He has been working with Walker for 20 years. Mr. Oppegard then explained that Walker tries to mix service into senior center living with the exceptional list of amenities they provide (as listed on the flyer). In addition, he commented that he was present at the meeting to address the assisted living and memory care units, explaining that those residents aren't using parks, trails, or other City systems. Mr. Oppegard then provided committee members with information about the two guest suites included in this project. He said that Walker typically provides them like hotel rooms. In some locations, guests must make reservations in advance, just like they would at a hotel. He further reported that they have low impact on the facility itself and that people stay on a short-term basis. He provided usage data, saying that they are often used 2-6 days/month. Usage can be higher in the surruner months with kids out of school and families wanting their children to visit grandparents. Walker markets the guest suites as a nice selling point to prospective families. Again, Mr. Oppegard reiterated that he wanted to provide information and educate the group on the details of these suites and their usage. Mr. Erickson returned to the podium to address the committee members. He spoke about the developer's choice to match the brick to the rest of Heritage Commons. He also communicated that this development will be one of the first to have screened porches for each independent living unit. Additionally, he reported that Derrick Williams is doing afull-blown story on the development that will be in Saturday's paper. Mr. Erickson mentioned that he talked the church into having the six-foot sidewalk, as required by staff, on their property; he explained that it is highly usual for the City to impose. an improvement on private property, but after a seven hour discussion with the pastor and the board, the church is all right with it. Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Conunittee February 20, 2008 Page 3 • Mr. Erickson then explained that the developer has agreed to build a trail per Steve Michaud's recommendation, but he wanted to alert the committee members to a potential liability issue. There is a potential safety issue if a senior resident were to walk the edge of the county road when 202°d Street is extended. He further explained that this concern was also shared by the Dakota County Plat Commission and Derrick Williams had asked him this question today for the interview regarding the newspaper article. Mr. Erickson reported that he declined to comment on it for the newspaper. He then said that his company will encourage residents to enjoy the landscaping on the site. However, independent living residents might enjoy a nice walk during the summer months. Mr. Erickson explained the developer's excitement about the project and the completion of what he called, the "life cycle of housing." He then discussed two additional care "pods" or suites that are another amenity. They would be used on a short-term basis fox a broken hip or hospice care, etc. It would nice for seniors to stay close to loved ones in the suburb as opposed to having to go to Minneapolis or St. Paul for care. Mr. Erickson opened the discussion for questions and communicated that their goal was to share this project. with everyone and give a general overview. Mr. Erickson then began discussing how the City of Lakeville had to get information about the project in regards to park dedication fees because the project is the first one and would set a precedent for future projects. He then gave background information on the many compromises made by Welsh Companies. He spoke about their desire to have no fees for the assisted living and memory care units, but they compromised per Dan Licht's recommendations. He then commented that they were surprised by the park dedication fees assessed for the two units designated as the guest suites and don't agree with it. Mr. Erickson ended by stating how excited they are to bring this project to Lakeville and to the seniors in the • community. Chair Miller extended a thank you to both Mr. Erickson and Mr. Oppegard on behalf of the committee members for their presentation and helpful information. Chair Miller opened the discussion for the committee. Tom Goodwin inquired if there is an affiliation to a church. Mr. Erickson explained that there is an ecumenical chapel on site, but there is no direct affiliation. Tom then asked if the facility will be privately owned once it is up and running. Mr. Erickson replied that this project will not be subsidized, no deposits are required, and that it will be funded by rents paid. Tom asked Mr. Erickson and Mr. Oppegard about the median age of the residents. Mr. Oppegard replied that the median age is 73. However, the units are available to people over 55. Also, he noted that most of the residents are 80 plus years of age. There are one or two bedroom units available and most of the occupants are female. Judy Hayes complimented and thanked the two gentlemen for presenting the information and doing this project for the community. Mr. Erickson then explained that Hosanna Church plans to develop a senior care facility on its site at some point in the future; he volunteers his time for the development of this project. He then reiterated that the Lakeville facility will come on-line in the fall of 2009, but it typically takes centers about 24 months to fill. Thus, they are looking to be at full capacity by 2011 or early 2012. Chair Miller asked if committee members had any other questions or comments. Because there was no more discussion, he called for a motion. • (08.05) Motion made by Goodwin and seconded by Messinger to recommend Ciry Council consider approval of Highview Hills preliminary plat. The City's Park and Open Space System Plan does not identify a need for public open space within planning district #7. Therefore, the Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Committee is recommending a cash contribution be required of the Highview Hills Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commmittee February 20, 2008 Page 4 • project to meet the park dedication requirements. The Committee further recommends the cash contribution based on the formula developed on page 9 of Dan Licht's memorandum dated February 15, 2008. In addition, the developer will be required to construct an eight-foot bituminous trail on the east side of Highview Avenue between 202"d Street and Holister Lane. The developer will be required to pay 5/8`"S the cost of the trail which includes the base materials and bituminous surface. Grading will be part of the original site grading plan. The City will pay the remaining 3/8th5 cost of the base materials and bituminous surface. The developer will also be required to construct asix-foot-wide concrete sidewalk along the south side of the private drive extending from Highview Avenue to west of the St. John's Church parking lot. The developer will pay 100% of the cost of the sidewalks and associated restoration with. sod. There is an exiting sidewalk adjacent the St. John's Church which the developer will be required to connect, making a linear connection between Highview Avenue and the Church facility. Finally, the developer is required to follow other recommendations outlined in the Planning and Engineering reports as they pertain to this plat. The developer is also required to follow the natural resources requirement detailed in the Planning and Engineering reports associated with tree preservation, grading, drainage, and erosion control and further recommendations by the Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District, if applicable. Ayes-7 Nays-0 Motion passed. • ITEM 7 Unfinished business. Chair Miller briefly explained the various maps that were in members' packets. The group agreed to bring these maps back to the next meeting, so that Steve Michaud could explain them more thoroughly. Tom Goodwin commented on the trail map that one of the greenway corridors is a railroad bed; he heard that there is a possibility to convert it to light rail which would link Northfield to Minneapolis. Chair Miller had seen a transportation map in a conference room at City Hall the night before. He said it looks like there might be a new Park and Ride facility at the McStop interchange at some point. He asked that this item be placed on the next agenda as well. John Hennen presented the details of his memo dated February 13, 2008. Staff had contacted the Cities of Savage and Eagan to get information and the Cities were generous in sharing it with them. He explained the proposed date of Apri126 which is between the Roadside Clean up Day (April 19) and the Household Hazardous Waste Drop Off Day/Arbor Day (May 3). John covered each of the bullets on the memo and elaborated on a few of them. He reminded members that the next step would be for Steve Michaud to take their recommendation on the tree sale to City Council. Chair Miller inquired about the cost associated with the tree sale. John Hennen directed everyone to the last page of the memo with the detailed cost information. He noted that the City is looking to cover its expenses for this first year. He also explained that staff spoke to one local nursery so far and the owner is willing to take trees back if they do not sell. John thought this option would be a good one. Chair Miller commented on the need to send a confirmation as well as communicating for people to have the hole in the ground ready for planting. Because there is no warranty, John Hennen also agreed that it • would be a good idea. Chair Miller asked if there is any potential risk for the City. John Hennen replied that it is minimized greatly if the supplier will take the trees back. Judy Hayes also said it will help limit the liability if people pay in advance as well. John Hennen quickly explained that orders could be taken through the existing Recreation software system. Tom Goodwin suggested that people should be able to Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Coirunittee February 20, 2008 Page 5 • pay online as well. Chair Miller suggested to make sure there are photos on the web site for people and asked Mac Lafferty if his staff had any available. Mac said he could get them to the Parks Department. Judy Hayes announced her intention to volunteer for the event. Jeanne Peterson asked John Hennen for clarification on whether he looked at the tree types with the City Forester. John said that he did. The members unanimously agreed that a tree sale would be a great event for the City. Chair Miller called for a motion. (08.06) Motion made by Hayes and seconded by Lovelace to recommend City Council consider approval of a tree sale in the City of Lakeville and authorizing staff to continue planning for this community event. Ayes-7 Nays-0 Motion passed. ITEM 8 New business. Chair Miller announced that the Gardens at the Veterans Memorial had been approved by City Council last night. He asked T J. Ruter to mail each committee members a marketing packet. He asked committee members to review the material and help identify any potential donors, if possible. Tom Goodwin asked Mac Lafferty for an update of the tree preservation policy. Mac Lafferty gave an update and explained the importance of creating policy that actually works when applied. Some other cities have strong percentages and tough guidelines, but the numbers and policies are difficult to enforce. • ITEM 9 Announcements. The next meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Committee is scheduled for March 5, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall (Council Chambers). Kevin: Miller asked if this meeting might be cancelled. T J. Ruter replied that there are currently no planning items on the agenda for March 5 and Steve Michaud has not officially cancelled the meeting at this time. Kevin Miller will not be able to attend the March 5 meeting if it occurs. ITEM 10 Adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 7:09 p.m. Respect y sub ~ ted, i Tar~fny o Ruter, Recording Secretary •