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• PARKS, RECREATION, AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
Minutes for meeting on: July 16, 2008
ITEM 1 Call to order.
The meeting was called to order in the Council Chambers at 6:00 p.m. Because Chair Miller was not in
attendance, Vice Chair Tom Goodwin ran the meeting.
ITEM 2 Roll call.
Committee members present were: P. Messinger, T. Goodwin, S. Kelly, J. Peterson, and H. Lovelace.
Chair Kevin Miller, Judy Hayes, and Roger Walia were not in attendance. Also present were Parks and
Recreation Director Steve Michaud, Environmental Resources Manager Mac Lafferty, and Recording
Secretary T J. Ruter.
ITEM 3 Approval of June 4 and 18, 2008 meeting minutes.
The minutes of the June 4 and 18, 2008 Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Committee meetings
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.
Steve Michaud reported that the Berres log cabin was moved to Ritter Farm Park in the early hours of
• Wednesday morning. It took about 20 minutes to drive to Ritter, but then about three hours to get it
through the dirt road in the dark. Steve further mentioned that it will be placed in a temporary storage area
while staff waits for the foundation to be poured. The plan is to slowly rehabilitate the building over time
and use it as an additional environmental classroom for Recreation programming.
Steve Michaud also reported that Pan-O-Frog was a success again. Howard Lovelace inquired if the City
received good feedback about changing the parade to Saturday. Steve Michaud replied that the feedback
was very positive. Pat Messinger commented that she really enjoyed having it on Saturday as well; people
tend to be in too much of a hurry on Sundays after church to get to the parade.
Steve Michaud also explained that the Veterans Memorial Committee had a small booth at the VFW on
Cruise Night. The VFW members said they have a bigger crowd on Cruise Night than at the Beer, Brats,
and Bingo event. Howard Lovelace also inquired if the car show was a success. Steve explained that it was
great; he further said that lots of events were scheduled for Saturday. Normally, Saturday would be quieter
in the afternoon, but it was busy because of the jam-packed schedule. He thought the scheduling brought
more people into town during the day and for the parade.
Pat Messinger asked about the Pan-O-Frog Run. Steve Michaud also explained that it went well. T J. Ruter
added that there were 318 participants for the 4-mile and over 120 for the 1-mile run. Pat Messinger
inquired if staff could look into having aPan-O-Frog walk at some point for people, like her, who may not
be able to or want to run any longer. Steve Michaud said he'd discuss it with the Recreation staff.
ITEM 6 Chadwick Farm 4`" Addition final plat.
Steve Michaud gave some historical details of the plat; the developer has dedicated arsine-acre park to
satisfy the majority of the park dedication requirement. However, after a certain number of lots are final
platted park dedication fees would then be required. This threshold has been met, so the 4~' addition will
be required to pay park dedication.
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July 16, 2008
Tom Goodwin inquired about the tree preservation regarding the 2:1 replacement on the 46 save trees as
• well as the developer's request for replacement credit for additional trees already planted. Mac Lafferty
explained that the developer did additional plantings throughout the Chadwick Farm development and he
is still collecting the required security for all the trees until the final count is done and documented. He
further commented that the trees could be eligible as long as they were not part of the approved landscape
plan, stormwater treatment system, or transplants. Tom Goodwin summarized Mac's response by saying
that negotiations are still underway. Mac agreed and replied that staff still needs to go into the field and
identify, tag, and review all replacement tree locations.
Tom Goodwin then inquired if staff has accommodated a request like this one before. Mac Lafferty
explained that other developers have asked for credits in the past and staff has worked with them to make
adjustments, especially when some of the trees are already getting established. Mac then explained the
process by which the required security funds are released. Tom Goodwin asked Mac if staff was setting a
new precedent of any concern. Mac Lafferty replied that staff has not agreed to anything yet and explained
further that the decision needs to be made on each tree individually. Finally, Mac commented that the
wetlands were taken care of in the 15L Addition plat.
(08.19) Motion made by Messinger and seconded by Kelly to recommend City Council consider
approval of Chadwick Farm 4`" Addition final plat. Because the Chadwick Farm plat has exceeded the.
value of the original park dedication requirement land dedication, the remaining final platted lots will be
charged the current park dedication fee. The fee will be $136,615.71. A detailed explanation of the park
dedication formula is included in Jay Rubash's engineering report.
• In addition, staff is recommending the developer be required to extend the trail from its existing terminus
in the park to the east and connect to Wild Meadows Estate plat, which is a continuation of the South
Creek greenway. Connecting the greenway to the Wild Meadows plat will provide safe access to the
Chadwick neighborhood park. The developer was required to rough grade the trail through the original.
boundaries of Chadwick plat The developer will be reimbursed fox trail base and bituminous surface to
construct the trail. Those portions of the trail that leave the original Chadwick plat will be reimbursed
100%. Finally, there will be sidewalks required in the 4t" Addition plat and are explained in detail in the
engineering report.
Finally, the developer is required to follow any other recommendation outlined in the Planning and
Engineering reports as they pertain to this plat. The developer is also requited 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-5 Nays-0
Motion passed.
ITEM 7 First Park Lakeville 2°d Addition final plat.
Steve Michaud explained the details of the plat and that the developer has started grading the first addition.
He then commented that staff is recommending the industrial zone park dedication fee on this plat. Mac
presented the environmental aspects of the plat and explained that the developer is currently working with
the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to resolve a crop damage issue. The crop damage
occurred downstream during the dewatering process, following the specific guidelines set forth by the
DNR. Once they heard about the damage, they stopped immediately. Mac further explained that it is a
sandy site and there are no erosion problems.
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July 16, 2008
Tom Goodwin asked if the final plat conforms to the original preliminary plat that was submitted. Staff
• said that it was consistent with the approved preliminary plat. Tom then inquired about the building uses.
Steve Michaud and Mac Lafferty commented that it will be used for industrial purposes. The first phase
was an office/warehouse spec building. The proposed second phase will likely be for an office/warehouse
as well.
(08.20) Motion by Kelly and seconded by Lovelace to recommend City Council consider approval of
First Park Lakeville 2"d Addition final plat. The Committee recommends a cash contribution in the amount
of $83,001.18 (park dedication fee for industrial areas is $4,558/acre x 18.21 acres= $83,001.18) to satisfy
the park dedication ordinance for this plat.
In addition, the developer will be responsible fox posting escrows for 5/8t" the trail costs along Dodd
Boulevard and 21St" Street when Outlots A and B develop. Typically, trails and/or sidewalks are
constructed along minor collectoxs; however, due to the industrial zoning and rural section roadways, no
public trails or sidewalks are proposed with this phase of development.
Finally, the developer is required to follow any other recommendation 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-5 Nays-0
Motion passed.
ITEM 8 Crossroads Senior Housing preliminary and final plat.
Steve Michaud presented the background information regarding the preliminary and final plat. He then
asked committee members to review the email from Mark Ulfers. Mr. Ulfers was writing to inform City
staff that the Dakota County Community Development Agency (CDA) had developed two prior projects
in Lakeville (Winsor Plaza and Main Street Manor) and did not pay park dedication fees. His email further
requested that the CDA receive the same treatment for this proposed project to ensure that the housing
option for seniors would remain affordable.
Steve Michaud spoke about the Highview Hills project and the research that was done by Dan Licht at
NAC. Regardless of a project's finances, Steve explained that the City will still provide service for these
residents in some capacity. Steve commented that a policy had been set during review of the last senior
housing plat. Steve then further commented that seniors at the other senior housing facilities in Lakeville
use the trails, parks, and the senior center for a variety of programs.
Tom Goodwin inquired whether a policy was created when the Highview Hills plat was reviewed earlier in
the year. Steve Michaud stated a policy was established and a recommendation made by Dan Licht
regarding the independent living, assisting living, as well as memory care units; the recommendations were
approved by the Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Committee and by Council. Tom Goodwin
expressed that the same action should be taken on this plat. Pat Messinger added that the City was flush
with development when past decisions were made, but times have changed and there is a strong need for
park dedication funds right now.
Jeanne Peterson commented that she would like to make sure that the committee sticks to the policy;
otherwise, it is just a recommendation. Tom Goodwin inquired if the Dakota County CDA pays property
taxes. Steve Michaud thought that Dakota County CDA did pay taxes. Pat Messinger asked the other
members to continue with the same recommendation and be consistent. Scott Kelly added his comments
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July 16, 2008
that the committee could also consider suggesting a middle of the road stance with the final outcome to be
• determined by the City Council.
Mac reviewed a few environmental aspects associated with the plat. Tom Goodwin asked why the
developer would have the preliminary and final plats together. Steve Michaud explained that some
developers chose the option because of convenience or timing, especially if it's a straightforward plat
situated on an existing easily developed lot.
(08.21) Motion by Messinger and seconded by Peterson to recommend City Council consider
approval of Crossroads Senior Housing prelnninary and final plat. Review of the Park System Plan
indicates no park land required in this plamm~g district. Trails axe presently in place. Based on staff's
review, the developer will be required to pay a park dedication fee, using the multi-family rate of
$4,153/dwelling unit. The total park dedication fee will be $361,311 (multi-family rate of $4,153/dwelling
unit x 87 units=$361,311.00).
Finally, the developer is required to follow any other recommendation 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-5 Nays-0
Motion passed.
• ITEM 9 Unfinished business.
Steve Michaud presented the survey results from Decision Resources, Inc. Overall the results were positive
and complimentary to the City. Based on the property tax increase questions at the end of the survey, it is
bad timing for a bond referendum for many reasons: it's a big election year, the mortgage crisis, the price
of gas, as well as the overall economic outlook. Steve further commented that in the right economy and
conditions, a bond referendum could have a positive outcome. The committee members then discussed
the need for more connectivity in the City.
Tom Goodwin asked if the City hired Decision Resources to do the survey. Steve Michaud answered that
City Council authorized the research and had budgeted for it within the Parks and Recreation Department.
Tom Goodwin inquired about the outcome of not having the referendum when the City was hoping for
one. Steve Michaud replied that the City's park projects and potential land acquisitions will likely be
delayed. Staff suggested trying again in a couple of years when the economy hopefully rebounds.
Tom Goodwin expressed his thoughts on commuting in other ways, especially with the price of fuel. He
has been biking on the trails and thinks that more and more people should be thinking in this manner. In
his opinion, he explained that it seems reasonable to make fixing the connectivity in the trails the main
priority. Steve Michaud agreed that the trail system is very important. Because staff is just starting the
budget process, he suggested that the committee members wait until the end of the year to see what
happens. At that time, the committee may want to have a meeting with Council about priorities.
Steve Michaud gave a brief update on the BCBC Health Living grant; the multi-city collaborative has
received a grant to continue healthy living lifestyle initiatives. started last year.
• ITEM 10 New business.
Steve Michaud explained the sitting stone inscription form to committee members. The group discussed a
few options, but then asked staff to send them some sample inscriptions for their review.
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July 16, 2008
Steve Michaud presented some of the other materials in the packet. He explained the email from Greg .-
Dahlstrom regarding Lakeville's City Code concerning firearms. Staff is working with City Attorney, Roger
Knutson, to correct the ordinance and make it comply with state law. He then explained the email from
Harley Horsager. Mr. Horsager cares deeply about the environment and is requesting to stencil City trash
cans with regards to dog waste. The committee members discussed his request. Tom Goodwin didn't
think that there was any scientific evidence relating to dog waste containing more e-coh bacteria more than
anything else. The rest of the group agreed and did not recommend the stenciling project.
Steve Michaud explained a recent complaint by two equestrians. Steve ran into the residents while working
with Three Rivers Park District to determine the location of the small parking lot as part of the Murphy
Hanrehan Master Plan. He wanted committee members to be aware of the situation in case they were
contacted directly in some manner. One person has already been in contact with the City Council and the
Three Rivers Park District office.
Finally, Tom Goodwin inquired about the monopole information included in the packet. The committee
then discussed some of the detail regarding the dimensions of the pole. Steve Michaud reiterated that it is
not yet a done deal. Brian Anderson thinks the cell phone company will choose Valley Lake because it is
the furthest away from houses. However, staff will still need to conduct a neighborhood meeting as part of
the planning procedure.
ITEM 11 Announcements.
•
The next meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Committee is scheduled for August 6,
2008 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall (Council Chambers).
ITEM 12 Adjourn.
The meeting adjourned at 7:13 p.m.
Respectfully sub~~tte-d,
~~...i(.,t"L~~
Ta Jo Ruter, Recording Secretary
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