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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-04 CITY OF LAKEVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING NOVEMBER 4, 1998 ITEM #1. Call to order. The meeting was called to order in the Lakeville Council Chambers by Chairperson Warless-Sobel at 6:00 PM. ITEM #2. Roll call. Present were H. Lovelace, L. Lulf, C. Warless-Sobel, J. Larson, A. Raymond, and P. Messinger. Committee member C. Bonn was absent. Also present were Park Director Steve Michaud and Recording Secretary Judi Ryan. ITEM #3. Approval of Parks and Recreation Advisory. Committee minutes of October. l4, 1998. The minutes of the October 14, 1998 Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting were discussed. There were no additions or corrections and the minutes were approved as printed. . ITEM #4. Citizen comments. There were no citizens present for items not on the agenda. ITEM #6. Public hearing to review proposed ordinance amendment concerning surface water zoning on Lake Marion. Chair Warless-Sobel opened the public hearing to review the proposed ordinance amendment. Parks and Recreation Secretary Judi Ryan attested .that the notice of the public hearing had been published in the Lakeville Life and Times. Approximately seven residents -were in attendance for the discussion. Staff stated that over the past several years, many calls have been received concerning boaters using portions of the lake west of I-35 for recreational, high-speed boating. Because of fluctuations in the water levels over the years, this has been a recurring concern. In recent years, the water levels have risen and remained high. This is most likely due to increased runoff into Lake Marion being created by additional nearby development. A speed zone exists on the main portion of Lake ' Marion east of I-35 with a 200-foot no-wake zone along the entire shoreline. The portion of the lake just east of I-35, known as the "third lake," is entirely a no-wake zone because of its small size. Staff presumes that when the ordinance was originally written, water levels on the portion of the lake west of I-35 were so low that it was not necessary to consider the area for inclusion in the no-wake ordinance. Parks and Retireation Adzrsary Cammittee Minutes of I~Ioz.~nl~r 4, 1998 Page -2- Safety issues with high speed boating also should be considered because of rocks, stumps and other obstacles that exist under water on the west side of the lake. The ordinance amendment would not affect the main lake or restrict people from going to the west side to enjoy no-wake boating. Consideration should also be given to the sensitive bird nesting areas near Ritter Farm Park as well as many varieties of flora and fauna. The second part of the proposed amendment would make an existing temporary emergency ordinance a permanent ordinance. This summer when the water levels rose due to heavy rains, many homeowners needed to sandbag to protect their shorelines. Due to the high water levels, an emergency no-wake zone was declared. The proposed ordinance amendment would provide for an automatic no-wake zone when water levels reach the 983.61eve1. If this ordinance amendment is approved by City Council, once a no-wake zone is declared it will remain in effect until water levels recede and remain below 983.4 for three consecutive days. These figures were established based on the ordinary high water levels and the level of the outlet. The no-wake zone will be established based on the readings on the DNR gage on the fishing bridge. Chair Wanless-Sobel opened the public hearing to comments from the audience. Laon Hammer stated that her family has lived in the area of 185d' Street near Ritter Farm Park for over 20 years. In that time they have observed many types of birds and waterfowl and have watched many people enjoy the lake in canoes and pontoon boats. She stated that they saw one person water-skiing this summer near Ritter Farm Park and were concerned because they would like to see the habitat for ducks, fish and other wildlife protected. Tom Klausler, 10213 - 205' St. W . , questioned how the levels .were determined. Staff stated that the levels were noted at the point where lakeshore owners' property began to be threatened -the point when the problem because a crisis. Mr. Klausler stated that he was in favor of last year's emergency no-wake zone but thought that it was lifted too soon. Wally Potter, 10691 - 202nd Street, asked how the new ordinance could be posted on the lake so boaters would be informed. Mr. Potter stated that the Lake Marion Association installs and removes 23 no-wake buoys each year, and it has gotten to be a very big job. He feels that buoys are not totally effective and suggested permanent markings be considered, possibly in the area near the freeway. Mr. Potter also asked Parks and Rerreatrorc Adziwfy Ca~rimitt~ Minutes o~ 1~a~ 4,1998 Page -3- about enforcement of the new ordinance. Staff stated that the City will work with the Dakota County Sheriff's office on enforcement and will also research methods used for posting the no-wake zone. Additional signage at the boat launch and on the I-35 bridge may also be helpful. It was also suggested that homeowners be notified by letter or flyer if City Council approves the ordinance amendment. Randy Herrild, 18561 Knollwood Circle, stated that he is totally in favor of the .proposed amendment and that staff had answered most of his questions. He stated that during the summer he appreciated seeing some boaters stopped by the Dakota County Recreational Deputy for speeding. He is also concerned about the possible difficulty in ordinance enforcement. He and his family have seen the nesting habitat being impacted by boaters the last few years as water levels have remained high. Staff stated that the lake has stabilized somewhat over the past few years. The impervious surface of the surrounding areas has impacted the regular high water mark by increasing the runoff into Lake Marion. Mr. Herrild thanked staff for recognizing the problem. 8.47 Motion was made by Messinger, seconded by Raymond, to close the public hearing to consider the proposed ordinance amendment concerning surface water zoning on Lake Marion. Motion passed. Committee members discussed various water levels and methods of reading. Mrs. Hammer stated that they will probably attend the City Council on November 16, 1998 in support of the ordinance amendment. 98.48 Motion was made by Larson, seconded by Lulf, to recommend City Council review proposed amendments and make a recommendation to the Department of Natural Resources to consider amending the Lake Marion Surface Water Zoning Ordinance, making permanent Emergency Ordinance No. 605 and adding all areas of Lake Marion west of I-35 to the no-wake zone. Motion passed. ITEM #5. Staff reports and summary of current projects. ? Parks and Recreation Department staff, Steve Michaud, Patty Dexter and Cathy Bolduc, are attending the MRPA State Conference in St. Paul this week. Committee member Jeff Larson is also participating in sessions. Parks and Recreation Adzfsary C arrrmittee Miyustes of.• No~nl~r 4, 1998 Page -4- ? Staff reported that the Flagstaff Avenue trail is nearly complete, as are several other projects being done by the same contractor. ? The Snowmobile Task Force met on October 22, 1998 and discussed the same four issues which have been discussed at previous meetings. The Task Force: ? Approved their 1998-99 goals; ? Looked at alternative routes for the Kenrick Avenue trail in order to improve snowmobile safety in that area; ? Recommended following state statutes restricting metal traction devices on paved trails, with the addition of certain language in a separate Lakeville ordinance which will establish guidelines for enforcement and trail damage repairs; and ? Voted to restrict snowmobiling in the northern tier of Lakeville. Last year was a trial snowmobiling year. Snowmobilers were informed that if connections to major trailheads were lost due to the unavailability of landowner permits, there would also be a possibility that snowmobiling would be restricted in the northern tier of the city. Following approval of the Zweber Woods 5~' Addition, the developer declined to grant permission for a snowmobile trail to . .cross the property, as did the developer of the Andersons Century Farm plat. Because the lack of trail permits would require snowmobilers to ride on residential streets to access trailheads, the Snowmobile Task Force voted to recommend that snowmobiling be restricted in the northern tier of Lakeville. Their recommendation will be considered by City Council on November 16~'. ITEM #7. Review proposed revisions to the Park Dedication Ordinance and make recommendation to City Council. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee has discussed possible changes to the Park and Trail Dedication Ordinance at previous meetings. Issues that have been considered include elimination of the trail dedication fee and adding it to park dedication, and elimination of the City/developer cost split for developer-installed trails. Residential trail construction costs are currently funded 5/8 by the developer and 3/8 by the City. The new ordinance would require the City to fund construction of new trails 100 % . Trails would continue to be constructed and funded by developers in commercial areas as deemed appropriate by City Council. A possible increase in park dedication fees was suggested. Committee member Larson stated he was in favor of an increase. Committee member Messinger pointed out that the fees have not increased since February 1995, a period of four years. The Parks and Recreation Adzisrny Cwn Minutes of Nauml~r 4, 1998 Page -S- update of the Park and Open Space System Plan to be done next year will address future needs in the park system and it would be prudent to have an increase in effect. Also, even though the construction cost index has not increased significantly, land values have increased considerably the last several years. Committee member Larson also suggested that the formula for commercial and industrial park dedication fees be based on the sale price of the property. The fee would be more equitable if it was set at a small percentage of the commercial/ industrial property's sale price. Committee members stated they would like to see this revised policy in place for future development. 98.49 Motion was made by Messinger, seconded by Larson to recommend Ciry Council approve the amendment to the Park Dedication Ordinance which would combine the park and trail dedication fees into a single fee, to be known as the Park Dedication Fee. In addition, it is recommended to eliminate the share cost to developers to construct trails in residential areas and for the Ciry to fund 100 % of the cost using Park Dedication Funds. Trails would continue to be constructed and funded by developers in commercial areas as deemed appropriate by Ciry Council. In addition, it is recommended that the City Council approve a park dedication fee increase of $200.00 for a total fee of $1, 325.00 per residential dwelling unit. Motion passed. ITEM #8. Park ID signage update. Staff showed committee members the park ID sign prototypes, which had been prepared by Benjamin Signs of Lakeville. The signs are designed to be sandblasted redwood painted signs with the park name on a Lakeville emblem background. Park ID signs are anticipated to last between eight and ten years as opposed to the present signs, which need refurbishing every two to three years. Staff is hopeful that signs can be ready for installation by spring. Committee members endorsed the designs. ITEM #9. Unfinished business. Committee members asked when the proposed new park names would be considered by Council. Staff stated that the item would be put on the next work session when agenda time allows. Committee members also received a report from Mike Guzy, ornithologist, who is studying the bird population at Ritter Farm Park. In addition to his regular activities, Mr. Guzy will be working with an Eagle Scout to install 14 new bluebird houses. Parks and R~reatirna Adzisofy Ca~rnnittee Minutes of Nar.~rtl~r 4, 1998 Page -6- ITEM #10. New business. Committee members received a copy of a proposal from Joanne Wahl to purchase and remove the Christian home from its site. Staff has spoken to Ms. Wahl and set up some guidelines for restoration of the site and receipt of a security deposit. Staff will keep committee members informed if the transaction occurs. (Postscript: Staff has since spoken to Mrs. Wahl, who is no longer interested in purchase of the house.) Chair Wanless-Sobel suggested an equestrian crossing sign be installed on 185' Street so that horseback riders could more safely enter Murphy-Hanrehan Park. Staff stated that the sign decision would be made by Scott and Dakota Counties and suggested a petition from neighbors might be helpful in getting that accomplished. ITEM #11. Announcements. The next meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee is scheduled for November 18, 1998. ITEM #12. Adjournment. The meeting adjourned at 7:30 PM. Respectfully submitted, u i A. Ryan, Recor ng Secretary ATTEST: c~~_~ lt~b~~~~al Colette Warless-Sobel, Chairperson Parks and ReC?ration Adzisosy ~n Minutes of Na~ml~r 4, 1998 1'~ Don and Laon Hammer 11950 W. 185d' Street Lakeville, MN 55044 Tom Klausler 10213 - 205d' Street W. Lakeville, MN 55044 Wally and Ardyce Potter 10691- 202nd Street Lakeville, MN 55044 ~.andy and Kathryn Herrild 8561 Knollwod Circle Lakeville, MN 55044