MarchMARCH, 1978
CITY OF EAGAN
NEWSLETTER
FOR AN INFORMED COMMUNITY
CITIZEN COMMITTEES PROMOTE PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT
ADVISORY BODIES REVIEW
PLANNING AND PARK ISSUES
Advisory Planning Commission
The Eagan Board of Supervisors first ap-
pointed a Planning Commission in 1956, with
its stated purpose being to study "planning
and zoning in Eagan Township and (make)
oqMuendations thereon ". This seven-
body KC was established in accordance
state law so as to allow for the devel-
opment of a "safer, more pleasant, and more
economical environment for residential,
commercial, industrial, and public activities
and promote the safety, morals, and general
welfare." (M.S.A. 462.351)
In 1960, the original zoning ordinance
for the Township was adopted. The intent of
this ordinance is to ensure orderly and con-
sistent development by placing certain re-
strictions on land use and the size, loca-
tion and use of buildings. The following
year, the Town Board adopted a Subdivision
Ordinance, with requirements relating to the
subdividing of land and the provision of
adequate public utilities. (Both of these
ordinances have since been amended and up-
dated to reflect changing conditions within
the community). Then in 1972, a Land Use
Development Guide was prepared. This docu-
ment sets forth plans and policies for the
development of residential, commercial and
industrial land within Eagan.
The role of the Advisory Planning Commis -
#, to review the development proposals and
recommendations to the City Council,
wh 'makes the final decision on such
matters.
(Continued)
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THE LONE OAK TREE
TELEPHONE NUMBERS
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VOLUME 1, NO. 2
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Mayor Leo Murphy
Council Member Mark Parranto
Council Member Tom Egan
Council Member Jim Smith
Council Member Ted Wachter
454 -8100
454 -5220
454 -7802
454 -4055
452 -2996
452 -3957
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City Administrator Tom Hedges 454 -8100
City Hall Office Hours - 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
The Eagan City Council and staff encourages
citizen input in local affairs. Residents
should contact City Hall, the Mayor or
Council Members about issues or concerns they
may have regarding their municipal government.
A special "Thank You" is extended at this
time to the Eagan Volunteer Fire Department
for their assistance in the distribution of
this copy of the City of Eagan Newsletter.
Eagan Park Committee
The Eagan Park Committee was organized in
1965, with direction from the Town Board to
"conceive, plan, and implement a program of
park and recreational development in Eagan
Township."
The early activity of the Park Committee
involved the preparation of a Park Development
Guide. First adopted in 1970, and later up-
dated in 1973, this document sets forth goals,
park classifications, and design criteria
for a community -wide park system.
A major step toward the provision of parks
and open space was taken when Eagan voters
approved a $1,100,000 park bond issue in May,
1971. Most of this money has been used to
acquire land for use as community and neigh-
borhood parks. Part of the amount has also
been used in park development and as matching
funds for federal and state grants.
Another factor in the implementation of
the park system is the dedication requirement,
allowed under state law, which applies to new
development. Residential developers in Eagan
are required to dedicate to the City up to
10% of the area of a proposed subdivision
for use as parks and open space. The Park
Committee recommends the amount and location
of such land, with the City Council making the
final decision. Depending on the individual
circumstances, a cash contribution instead of
land - -or a combination of land and cash - -may
be required, with the cash amount then used
for park land development. This requirement
is an important element in the provision of
adequate neighborhood park land as the City's
population grows.
Along with the acquisition and development
of park facilities, the Park Committee has
also been involved in the programming
of organized recreational activities. A
year round program of outdoor and indoor
activities is now available for both young
people and adults. The Eagan Park Department
is responsible for the maintenance of park
land and the supervision of park activities.
Regular meetings of the Park Committee are
held at the City Hall on the second Thursday
of each month beginning at 7 p.m. The
current members are listed here:
Myrel Lundsten, Chairperson
Neil Coates, Vice - Chairperson
Carolyn Thursten, Secretary
Kathleen Beck Norman Hagen
Thomas Brown Jean Loken
Fay Cooper Roger Martin
Michael Thomas
Organizational Appointments
The following are the results of the
organizational appointments made by the City
Council for 1978:
Official Newspaper: Dakota County Tribune
General Depository for City Funds:
Mid - America National Bank of Eagan
Health Officer: Cedarvale Medical Clinic
Official Posting Places for City Notices:
City Hall, Lone Oak Tree, Cedarvale
bulletin board
Consulting Services:
Legal - Paul Hauge and George Hoey
Engineering - Bonestroo, Rosene, Anderlik Inc.
Auditing - Wilkerson, Guthman, & Johnson
Fiscal - Miller and Schroeder
Individuals appointed to City committees are
listed elsewhere in this newsletter.
FIRST NEWSLETTER RECEIVES FAVORABLE RESPONSE
The first issue of the Eagan Newsletter
which was mailed in January was well received
by City residents. Several positive comment
have been expressed which show the genuine
interest that the citizens of Eagan have in
their local government. Future newsletters
will continue to attempt to keep residents in-
formed on various activities relating to
City government.
Advisory Planning Commission (continued)
Petitions which are subject to APC
consideration include:
1. Rezoning
2. Requests for variances from the
zoning and subdivision regulations.
3. Platting and subdivision of land
4. Applications for conditional use permits
The APC may also deal with additional
issues, ordinances, and special studies
related to local land use and development.
Regular meetings of the APC are held at
City Hall on the fourth Tuesday of each
month beginning at 7 p.m.
Present Planning Commission members are
listed below:
Joe Harrison, Chairman
Beatta Blomquist, Vice- Chairperson
Frank Dembroski, Secretary
Ken Hedtke John Roszak
Charles Hall Roger Sperling
RECOGNITION DINNER IS GREAT SUCCESS CONTINUED GROWTH EXPECTED IN EAGAN
More than 200 people attended the recogni-
dinner at the Lost Spur Country Club on
ztry 21 to honor the individuals who were
retirin g Eagan the Ea an City Council. The
three - -Mayor Herb Polzin and Council Members
Art Rahn and Bill Rydrych - -have a combined
total of 72 years of public service in Eagan.
Present Council Members Ted Wachter and
Jim Smith served as co- masters of ceremony
for the evening program. Certificates of
appreciation were awarded to the guests of
honor from the present City Council on behalf
of the entire community. The Northern Dakota
County Chamber of Commerce presented each
with a commemorative plaque, and former Mayor
Herb Polzin was also honored by the Minnesota
Mayor's Association. Several other gifts
and letters were also received by the re-
tiring Council Members.
It was decided by the three individuals
that the extra money given by the public for
this occasion be used toward the installation
of a flag pole at the new Eagan Police Dept.
building.
The large turnout for this dinner demon-
strated a strong community spirit and ex-
pressed a sincere appreciation of the City
to these gentlemen for their many years of
'cated service.
d .
CITY PARKS TO BE DEVELOPED
Upon the recommendation of the Eagan Park
Committee, the City Council approved a
parkland development project at its February
21 meeting. This is the fourth construction
contract financed by the Park Bond issue
of May 1971.
The main features of this project are
outlined below:
NORTHVIEW PARK - Construction of an
access road, parking area, grading for two
soccer fields, and construction of four
softball fields and one baseball field.
WELL SITE PARK - (at Cliff and Pilot Knob)
Construction of an access road, parking area,
and a lighted hockey rink.
SOUTH OAKS - Grading of the park area
and installation of a play area.
PILOT KNOB PARK - Construction of two
tennis courts and a pathway from the school
into the park.
Project costs total $208,975 with work
to commence this spring.
E ION REMINDER: Residents are encouraged to
Ailk ter to vote prior to the fall elections.
Registration forms can be completed at City
Hall during regular office hours.
Prior to 1970, most of Eagan's residents
lived either in the Cedar Grove area, in cer-
tain smaller developments in the northern part
of the Town, or on scattered farm sites. Since
then, several new subdivisions have been platted,
such as Wilderness Run, Ches Mar, Oak Chase,
Woodgate, and Evergreen Park, as well as new
Cedar Grove Additions.
The platting of land has accompanied the
increasing population of Eagan which is
currently 19,276 and expected to rise to
between 37,000 and 44,000 by 1990. During 1977,
final plat approval was given to eight resi-
dential subdivisions (Wilderness Park 2nd,
Heine 1st, Blackhawk Hills 2nd, Marell 1st,
Ches Mar 3rd, McCrae, Oak Pond Hills 1st, and
Duckwood Estates). Nine other proposals
received preliminary plat approval.
In the first two months of 1978, four more
final plats (Ches Mar 4th and 5th, Mallard
Park 1st and R & R Addition) were approved.
Indications are that this activity will con-
tinue, as additional applications are being
received. At its February meeting, the Advi-
sory Planning Commission considered five new
proposals for residential plats.
MORE SCHOOLS FOR EAGAN?
At its February 7 meeting, the Eagan City
Council expressed its concern that there is no
indication by the Independent School District
196 (Rosemount School District) to locate
additional schools within Eagan in the near
future. In view of Eagan's anticipated growth
in the coming years, most of which will occur
in that part of Eagan included in District 196,
the Council passed a resolution urging the
Rosemount School Board to consider the possible
location in Eagan of any new schools which may
be built.
NEW POLICE FACILITY
Construction of the new Police building is
progressing on schedule, with about half of
the walls in place. A June, 1978 completion
date is anticipated.
The City of Eagan Newsletter is distributed
as a public service by the Eagan City Council.
It is sponsored by the Public Relations
Committee and is prepared through the City
Administrator's Office.
REVENUE
General Property Tax
Licenses & Permits
State Grants
State Shared Taxes
Government Services
Fines & Forfeits
Other
Total
*This results in a City mill rate of 11.603
mills against Eagan's assessed evaluation
Special Auxiliary Funds
$ 703,420*
94,292
419,121
23,046
23,250
20,200
141,688
$1,425,017
1. Special Revenue Funds: Park Site (cash
donation in lieu of land by developers for
park purposes); Special Police Department
(money received from the state for police
pension fund); Federal Revenue Sharing; Road
and Bridge (funds received from the county);
Municipal State Aid (funds received from
the state for road improvements). Expec-
ted revenue in 1978 from these sources
totals $488,300.
2. Debt Service Funds: Payment of principal
and interest on the City's general obligation
bonds. The 1978 installments total
$2,464,856, most of which is paid with the
receipts from special assessments.
3. Trust and Agency Fund: This is the
City's contribution to the Volunteer Fire
Department Relief Association for their pen -
sion fund. The $19,696 which will be paid
in 1978 includes almost $18,000 distributed
by the state for this purpose.
WATER
Metered Sales $305,000
Connection Charges 52,900
Other 59,555
$417,455
SEWER
Metered Charges
Other
TOTAL
$360,251
157,480
$517,480
$934,935
CITY OF EAGAN
1978 BUDGET
GENERAL FUND
PUBLIC UTILITIES
EXPENDITURES
General Government
Mayor and Council
Elections
Financial Administration
Auditing
Engineering
Planning and Zoning
General Gov't Buildings
Public Safety
Police
Fire
Protective Inspections
Animal Control
Civil Defense
Ambulance
Public Works
Highways & Streets
Recreation
Parks & Playgrounds
Tree Conservation
Total
$ 10,363
6,300
231,922
10,500
9,536
14,685
28,600
$ 311,905
$ 547,829
72,581
39,555
7,975
27,766
13,200
$ 708,906
$ 217,326
$ 217,326
$ 160,42
2
186,
$1,425,017
The sewer and water department does not rely upon property taxes, but operates instead from
income received almost entirely from user fees.
(Revenues) (Expenditures)
WATER
Water Utility Expenses $380,955
Capital Outlay 32,000
Services - Other Gov't Units 4,500
$417,455
SEWER
Sewer Utility Expenses $ 62,2
Capital Outlays 54,4'
Services - Other Gov't Units 354,5
Debt Service 46,44CY
$517,480
TOTAL $934,935
Dick Stevenson, Chairman
Mike Gresser Chuck Slocum
Russell Headley Bob Tilsen
John Klein Bob Worthington
Roads
John Klein, Chairman
Gene Abramson
Arnold Carlson
Roger Fredlund
Joe Harrison
Police Tips
AD HOC COMMITTEES STUDY
Energy
The Eagan Energy Committee was organized
in 1976 following notification that Peoples
atural Gas Co. was curtailing new residential
service connections within the City. The
committee has met several times to discuss
the problem and to consider alternatives which
the City Council might pursue.
Upon recommendation of the Energy Committee,
a petition was filed with the Minnesota Public
Service Commission, which conducted several
days of hearings during 1977 in an attempt to
resolve this issue. To date, no final deci-
sion has been made by the PSC.
The Energy Committee continues to meet
periodically to review new developments
with regard to this matter. Membership of
the committee is listed below:
The Roads Committee was appointed in
December 1977, with its main purpose being to
study the effect of an intersection with
I -494 at either Highway #13 or at Pilot Knob
oad. A recommendation will be submitted to
the City Council, which will decide between
the two alternatives and then notify the
state Department of Transportation of
the intersection location which the City
prefers. Committee members are as follows:
Vincent Kennedy
Robert Losinski
Paul Taylor
Dale Vogt
The Eagan Police Department encourages
residents to call them at 454 -3900 to place
their home on a House Check List when they
leave for a vacation. A neighbor should
also be requested to watch the house and
call the police if they see anything unusual.
As spring approaches, bike owners are
reminded to keep bicycles locked and /or
stored inside a building when not in use.
Residents should be aware that recreational
vehicles, including minibikes, can not be
operated on publicly owned land, on private
roperty without prior written permission of
the land owner or tenant, or on a public street
unless they are street licensed and operated
by a person with a valid driver's license.
A VARIETY OF ISSUES
Street Lighting
There has been increasing concern over
residential street lighting in recent months
due to the elimination of outdoor gas lights as
of October 1977. Most areas of Eagan have not
had street lights installed (except at major
intersections) and the City has never had a
comprehensive policy covering the matter.
In August 1977, the City's consulting
Engineer prepared a Street Lighting Report,
which gave cost estimates and recommendations
on certain aspects of a City -wide system. The
Council delayed action on the matter last
fall, pending further investigation.
Then in February, a Street Lighting Committ'iM
was appointed to study this issue and submit re -
commendations to the City Council on such items
as:
*Method of payment of both the initial and
operating costs involved;
*Type and style of lights and poles;
*Responsibility for maintenance.
It is expected that the committee's final
recommendations will be made by early summer
so as to allow time for installation of any
lights which may be authorized. Members of
the committee include:
Richard Victor, Chairman
Svenn Borgersen Dustin Merrick
Ed Brunkhorst (non- voting)
Tom Gits Cathy Robinson
History
An interest has long been expressed by area
residents in the collection of local historical
information and the writing of a history of
Eagan. The City has hired Ken Damlo through
the CETA program to assist in the research
and writing of this history, and in February,
a History Committee was appointed to provide
direction for the completion of this project.
In addition to directing the research for
a written document, committee will also
investigate possible sites of historical
significance within Eagan. Completion of this
project is expected later this summer.
The committee members are:
Herb Polzin, Chairman
Art Rahn Elizabeth Kennealy
Rodger Slater Frank Dembroski
Leotta Schwans Arnold Carlson.
STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Beginning in 1977, four permanent City Council committees were organized to help the full
Council operate more efficiently. In January of each year, the Mayor designates which Council
Members will serve on the particular committees. These committees can not make decisions on
behalf of the City Council. However, they study issues related to certain phases of the City's
operation and make recommendations when Council action is needed. Through use of such committees,
each Council Member gains additional expertise on certain subjects, and thus enhances the
quality of the entire governing body.
The function and present membership of the four standing committees of the Eagan City Council
are outlined below.
Personnel
During 1977, this committee -- working to-
gether with City staff -- prepared a Personnel
Policy which sets forth uniform employment
procedures for City employees. The policy
received Council approval last June. With
a staff of almost 70 presently employed full -
time by the City, such matters as union con-
tract negotiations, job classifications and
organizational structure will be receiving
added attention in the future. (Ted Wacther,
Ch.; Tom Egan)
Finance
The main function of the Finance Committee
is to periodically study the need and prac-
ticality of the City of Eagan to issue bonds.
There are two types of bonds commonly issued
by a municipality.
Equipment Certificates - -These funds are
used for major equipment purchases, and are
repaid from the City's General Fund.
Assessment Bonds - -Used to finance construc-
tion of public utilities, and repaid through
special assessments against benefited property.
The Committee may also review special
expenditures which have not been included
in the budget. At the present time, the
full Council still participates in the pre -
paration of the City's annual operating
budget. (Mark Parranto, Ch.; Jim Smith)
Public Works
Since the City has not had an Engineering
Department, the Public Works Committee was
formed to consider the need and feasibility
of constructing additional municipal facili-
ties. During 1977, they reviewed the proposed
new well and water reservoir, which is cur-
rently under construction, along with depart-
mental requests for major equipment purchases.
The committee also studies certain metro-
politan facilities, such as the International
Airport or the Minnesota Zoological Garden,
with regard to their effect upon the communi-
ty. (Ted Wachter, Ch.; Mark Parranto)
Community Development & Public Relations
The activity of this committee relates to
the development of greater community awareness
and the promotion of a sense of local identity
among Eagan residents. The committee also
investigates ways to publicize Eagan so that a
proper image of the City is projected. Distri-
bution of this newsletter as a means to help
inform area citizens of the activities of
local government has been sponsored by the
Public Relations Committee. It has also
helped to initiate the project to write a
history of Eagan. As the City's population
grows, such activities will help create a co-
hesive community atmosphere among residents of
the City of Eagan. (Jim Smith, Ch.; Ted
Wachter; Leo Murphy)
The meetings of the City Council, all Counci
committees, the Advisory Planning Commission,
Park Committee, and all other citizen committees
associated with local government are always
open to the public..
EAGAN ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE
•
The Assessment Committee, first established
in 1966, acts on matters relating to special
assessments within the City. The committee
considers major policy matters, and also
reviews individual cases where unique circum-
stances may call for special consideration.
Decisions of the Assessment Committee may
be appealed by the petitioner to the City
Council. Assessment Committee meetings are
held intermittently, depending on the questions
which need to be studied.
During 1977, a document was prepared which
is a compilation of existing special assess-
ment policies and procedures. In this way,
these policies can be reviewed periodically to
assure that they remain current and consistent.
Membership on the committee includes two
City Council Members, one Advisory Planning
Commission member, and two private citizens,
along with the City Attorney and City Engineer
who are ex officio members