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Fall '80CITY OF EAGAN 3795 PILOT KNOB ROAD EAGAN, MN 55122 PHONE: 454-8100 SEPTEMBER 1980 A SYMBOL OF STRENGTH AND GROWTH CAR -RT BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID ST. PAUL, MN PERMIT N0.4902 POSTAL CUSTOMER EAGAN, MINNESOTA VOLUME 3 NUMBER 3 EAGAN: GROWING, GROWING, GROWING! The newly released 1980 Census figures show that the population of the City of Eagan has almost doubled during the last ten years. In 1970, Eagan's popu- lation was 10,398; and in 1980, it is estimated to be 20,700 -- an increase of 99%. Census figures also show an even greater increase in housing units and a drop in the vacancy rate. In 1970, there were 2,883 housing units with a vacancy rate of 8.7%. There are now 7,373 units with a vacancy rate of 5.5%. The figures show a 155.8% in- crease in the number of housing units. And Eagan is continuing to grow! During 1979, the plans for a record 3,567 housing units were given prelim- inary approval by the City Council for future construction. Actual building permits issued last year totaled 238. As of September 1, 546 building permits have been issued for 1980. The Mayor, City Councilmembers, Advi- sory Planning Commission Members, Advi- sory Park Committee Members and the City' s Administrator and Department Heads are working closely together to insure that the growth, while rapid, is controlled. Eagan's recently approved Compre- hensive Guide Plan is one method of insuring that the growth of Eagan will be well planned. Copies of the Plan are available for public reference use at City Hall. In addition to the Plan's guidelines, any proposal for rezoning or develop- ment must be thoroughly reviewed by the aforementioned personnel before it can be brought before a City Council meeting to be considered for official approval. The City of Eagan promises to be an exciting place in which to live during the 1980's. Major civic developments include a new central library building to be constructed by the Dakota County Library System which will be located in a proposed civic center complex near the Police Building. Plans are also being considered for a new middle school and a high school to be built in Eagan. INSIDE Storm Damage Page 2 Election Information Page 3 Eagan Park & Recreation Fall Programs Page 4 CITY OF EAGAN ELECTED OFFICIALS Mayor Bea Blomquist Councilmembers Thomas Egan _ James Smith Mark Parranto Ted Wachter STORM DAMAGE When the City of Eagan was hit by the violent storm and high winds of the night of July 15, the City's "Emergency and Disaster Plan" was put into effect for the first time in Eagan's history. The Police, Fire, Civil Defense and Pub- lic Works Departments were immediately mobilized to render emergency assis- tance where necessary. At the time of the storm, the City Coun- cil was holding a regular Council meeting at the City Hall. When the power failed, the meeting was trans- ferred to the Police Building where emer- gency electricity was available and where Councilmembers could receive im- mediate reports on the condition of the City. At the end of the meeting, the Mayor and City Council toured the City to assess the damage caused by the storm. Both the Police Department and Volun- teer Fire Department were extremely busy during the emergency situation. Over double the number of policemen scheduled to be on duty were working. The extra men either voluntarily re- ported for extra duty or were called in. Three dispatchers were handling over four times the normal amount of calls. Volunteer Firemen aided in many downed power lines and lightning calls. The dollar cost of damages was esti- mated to be between $1,500,000 and $2,000,000. Included in these damages were complete or partial losses of homes, churches, garages, businesses and trees. Twenty-one single family garages were completely destroyed as was one house under construction. The roof of the Country Club market was partially blown away, causing damage to the interior of the store. The Stan- dard Oil Station at the intersection of Nicols Road ( Cedar Avenue) and Wild - wood Lane (County Road 30) was almost completely destroyed and the Seneca Building sustained extensive roof and structural damage. Twenty-five other businesses sustained damages. In addition to other extensive minor building damage, a great number of trees were either completely or par- tially destroyed in all parts of the City. 2 To aid in the general clean up re- quired after the storm, residents were encouraged to either bring their downe trees and branches to a special dum site at the Public Works Garage or t put them in the boulevard area wher they were picked up by City employee during special collections. Because th emergency preparedness plan was imple- mented, the City became involved wits the tree cleanup. This is not a norma practice. Maintenance workers in the Public Works and Parks Departments put in 1,308 regular work hours and 412 over- time hours cleaning up the damage caused by the storm. C. E.T.A. summer employees added 300 hours to that total. The City ceased picking up debris from the July 15 storm September 1. Since that date, the City has received numerous calls to remove trees, but it is the homeowner's responsibility to re- move trees and limbs. However, the City is planning to use a stump chipper owned by Dakota County which will be operated by em- ployees of the Park and Public Works Maintenance crews. Only stumps on City boulevards that exist as a result of the July 15 storm will be removed. Stumps to be removed in September will be identified by the City Forester. Dakota County residents are eligible for low-interest loans for uninsured damages from the July 15 storm. The county was recently declared a disaster area, along with Scott and Rice Coun- ties. The loans are for replacement and repair costs incurred as a result of the storm. They cover residential, commercial and rural property and are for uninsured losses only. Applications for the loans should be made to the state Small Business Association by October 20. For questions or appli- cations, the correct number to call is 721-2045. One last note: In spite of the extensive damage to property, there were no serious injuries or deaths caused by the storm and the City of Eagan's Emergency Plan worked successfully. 1980 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION New residents, residents who have recently become 18 years old and resi- dents who have changed their name or moved within the City of Eagan should register to vote at the Eagan City Hall, 3795 Pilot Knob Road, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The last day to register prior to the November 4th election will be October 14, 1980. If necessary, it is possible to register at the polls on Election Day. In order to. register on Election Day, one of the following proofs of residence must be provided as identi- fication: 1. A valid Minnesota Driver's License, Learner's Permit or a receipt there- for with an address in the pre- cinct. 2. A valid Minnesota Identification Card or a receipt therefor with an address in the precinct. 3. A valid registration in the same precinct under a different address. 4. An "ineffective registration notice" miled by the County Auditor. 5. College students may use any of the following which show their address in the precinct: a. b. c. Student Fee Statement Student Identification Card Student Registration Card 6. Signed oath of a person who is a registered voter in the precinct and who knows that the applicant is a resident of the precinct. REMEMBER, THERE WILL BE LESS WAITING IN LINE ON ELECTION DAY IF YOU PRE -REGISTER!! Precinct #1: Precinct #2: Precinct #3: Precinct #4: Precinct #5: C I T Y OF EAG A N Qom_ Q. T. yo S5 • �' tic #1 Lone Oak Road #2 #3 Yankee Doodle Road #4 #5 Tur #6 #7 ise Tr. -0 00 cc #8 County Road 30 C 10 L -d 16 D] #9 Cliff Rd. #10 O r-1 #11 c6 PRECINCTS & POLLING PLACES Eagan Fire Station #2, Lone Oak Cir. Pilot Knob Elem. School, 1436 Lone Oak Rd. Highsite Manor Rec. Bldg., Highsite Dr. Cedar Elem. School, 2140 Co. Rd. 30 Eagan Fire Station #1, 3940 Rahn Rd. Precinct #11: Easter Lutheran Church, Pilot Knob Rd. & Co. Rd. #30 63A Precinct #6: Cedar Grove Baptist Church, Rahn Rd. & #30 Precinct #7: Eagan City Hall, 3795 Pilot Knob Rd. Precinct #8: Northview School, 965 Co. Rd. #30 Precinct #9: Rahn Elem. School, 4424 Sandstone Dr. Precinct #10: Christ Lutheran Church, 1930 Co. Rd. #30 3 FALL RECREATION ACTIVITIES! Eagan Park & Recreation Department 3501 Coachman Road Eagan, Minnesota 55122 454-7802 Registration Procedure: Beginning September 22, 1980 CALL: 454-7802, to reserve class space. Fees: Remit to the Park & Recreation Department at the above address by October 3, 1980. THEATRE RESERVATIONS ARE NOT ACCEPTED BY TELEPHONE. TINY TOTS RECREATION ACTIVITIES Tiny Tots is a program of recreational activities for boys and girls age 3, 4 & 5. Games, singing, stories, simple crafts and outdoor play are included among the planned activities. Group size is limited. WHERE: Rahn Park Building, Sandstone Dr. west of Rahn School DAYS: Sec. I M F F - 10 -Noon Sec. II T & TH- 10 -Noon Sec. III T & TH- 1-3:00 PM DATES: October 6 - November 26 FEE: $15.00 REGISTER: Beginning September 22, 1980 HALLOWEEN PARTY The third annual Halloween Party spon- sored by the Eagan Park & Recreation Department will be held on Saturday, October 25 at 2:00 P.M. at the Rahn Park Building. Children in grades K - 4 are in- vited to attend in costume. Adults and teenagers will conduct activities such as Bob for Apples, Peanut Hunt, and Costume judging. No fee will be charged and pre- registration is not required. 4 DOG OBEDIENCE Beginner level dog obedience classes are offered this fall. Dogs must be 9 months old or older. Proof of rabies vacination must be brought to the first class session. Handler may be an adult or child, how- ever the same individual must attend all class sessions. Handler will need a choker chain and a 6 foot leather leash. WHERE: Basement of Eagan Police Depart- ment Building. WHEN: Thursdays, October 2 through November 20. Section I - 6:30 - 7:30 P.M. Section II - 7:45 - 8:45 P.M. FEES: $12.50 for 8 lessons REGISTER: Beginning September 22, 1980 WOMEN'S OPEN VOLLEYBALL Women's Open Volleyball is scheduled for play on Tuesday evenings from 7 - 9 P.M. beginning October 7 at Northview Elementary School. The school is located on County Road 30, z mile east of Lexington Avenue. No fee will be charged. Register on October 7 at 7:00 P.M. at the school. COUPLES OPEN VOLLEYBALL Couples Open Volleyball will begin on Wednesday, October 1, at Pilot Knob Elementary School. Play is scheduled from 7:00-9:00 P.M. each Wednesday evening throughout the school year. Pilot Knob School is located on Lone Oak Road, west of Pilot Knob Road. No fee is required. Register on October 1, at 7:00 PM at the school. SNOWBIRDS, BEWARE! In the next couple of months, winter will be here. The City asks its citi- zens at this time to assist our em- ployees in improving the speed and quality of its snow removal services. The City of Eagan has an ordinance which states that there will be NO PARKING on streets during and im- mediately after a snowfall of one or more inches. This NO PARKING ban exists for 36 hours or until snow removal has been completed. Vehicles in violation of this ordinance will be towed away without any notice given, with the cost of towing and storage borne by the owner of the vehicle. The City considers the use of this ordinance the least desirable method of obtaining cooperation from its citizens. The time used reporting parked cars and going back to replow a street is wasted time and money. Every citi- zen's cooperation in this effort is needed and appreciated. Our time is your money, please help us in making the best use of it. NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH PROGRAMS The Eagan Police Department would like to encourage residents to arrange for groups in their area to meet for the purpose of organizing Neighborhood Watch Programs. Officers will be avail- able to meet with the groups to explain the program. By doing this, it is felt that residents can make their neighbor- SNOWMOBILING Now that winter is approaching, it is time to remind everyone that the City of Eagan still allows snowmobiling but does control their use. In 1978 we had 55 complaints regarding snowmobilers and last year we had 46. We hope this year to reduce the figure even more in order to insure the continued use of snowmobiles in Eagan. The fol- lowing is a synopsis of Ordinance #31. A copy of this ordinance may be ob- tained at City Hall, Monday through Fri- day, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is unlawful to operate a snowmobile on any public property such as City parks and school property except on designated trails, within 150 feet of any designated play area, on any boule- vard or sidewalk and within the hours of 11:00 p. m. and 8:00 a.m. , Sunday through Thursday, and 2:00 a.m. to 8 a.m., Friday and Saturday. It is also unlawful to chase, drive, run over or kill any animal and for the owner ( parent) to permit the snowmobile to be operated illegally. Snowmobilers may operate on City streets to get to or from their residence only, at speeds not in excess of 5 MPH, on the farthest right-hand side of the road, stopping at all intersections, in single file only, if the driver is at least 14 years of age and in possession of a Snowmobile Safety Certificate. SNOWMOBILE TRAINING CLASS Tti n ..i, _ r..-, +_ + ..,- 11 cr.nncnr a ENERGY CONSERVATION PROGRAM FERTILIZING IN THE FALL Concerned about your home's energy consumption? The City of Eagan is also concerned with the energy consump- tion of its buildings. The City recently applied for and received State and Federal grants (totaling $2000) in order to identify major sources of energy inefficiency in City buildings. The energy audit program is adminis- tered by the Minnesota Energy Agency and is funded 100% by State and Federal grants. The grant recently re- ceived by the City covered phase one of a two phase program of energy con- servation measures. The first phase of the audit program included brief, on-site inspections of City buildings to record energy use sys- tems and conditions. The second phase of the program will consist of detailed engineering analyses performed on City buildings to identify appropriate energy conservation measures. Although energy costs are expected to continue to rise, through participation in the energy conservation program, the City will be able to realize savings from the various energy conservation measures which will be implemented in the near future. GRASS AND WEED REMOVAL The Public Works Department wishes to remind citizens that it is the responsi- bility of the residents to remove the grass and weeds between the bituminous street and face of curb. CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR PARKS? Each year, many of the City's parks are vandalized. Unfortunately, broken picnic tables and benches and cars driving onto parklands, ripping up the turf, are common occurrences. These unnecessary acts of destruction and mis- chief waste the taxpayers' money and City staff time in repair and cleanup. You can help stop this waste. If you see an act of vandalism, notify the Eagan Police Department, 454-3700. Your quick response will save your tax money and make your parks more enjoyable. 7 As fall approaches, many homeowners are considering putting on another application of fertilizer on lawns and gardens. Fertilizers tend to run off into lakes and ponds, encouraging the weed and algae growth and causing needless expense and waste. Too much fertilizer can result in damage to grass and plants. For your information, soil tests can be made to determine the need for fertilizer. The University of Minnesota provides this service for a nominal charge. For information, call 373-1060 or write Soil Testing Laboratory, University of Minne- sota, St. Paul, MN 55108. OFF-STREET PARKING Every citizen can help to improve both the safety and appearance of their neighborhood by parking vehicles in garages and driveways rather than on the streets. Utilization of off-street parking areas provides the following benefits : 1. Better access for emergency vehicles. 2. Easier removal of snow and debris. 3. Better visibility for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists, and last but not least: 4. A better appearing community. HANGOVER? Have you checked your shrubs and trees lately to be sure that they do not overhang street intersections or stop signs? Tree limb foliage can create hazards to pedestrians and motorists. Please help prevent accidents by keeping your shrubbery and trees properly trimmed. PARK EQUIPMENT Several neighborhood associations have made contributions to the City for play equipment and park development in their areas. If your neighborhood as- sociation is interested in attempting to improve your local parks, the City's Parks and Recreation Director, Ken Vraa, would like to meet with you. Please call him at 454-7802 to arrange a meeting. CHANGE OF ADDRESS Effective November 1, 1980, persons residing on Cedar Avenue will have a new address! Cedar Avenue will become Nicols Road, a change that was re- quired by the State of Minnesota due to the fact that the new freeway will be named the Cedar Avenue Freeway. All persons residing on Nicols Road (Old Cedar Avenue) should change the street name on their address as of that date. All house numbers will remain the same. CABLE TV The City of Eagan is pursuing the feasi- bility of Cable Television for its com- munity. The City is being considered by the State of Minnesota Cable Com- munications Board for a service ter- ritory along with five other communities . This is the first step for Eagan to be- come eligible for Cable TV. Assuming that the Cable Communications Board approves Eagan as part of a cable service territory, the City Coun- cil, along with the recently appointed Cable TV Committee, will begin meeting to determine if the City of Eagan should have Cable TV. If the decision is favorable, they will then determine whether Eagan should franchise with other communities or by itself and how and with whom to franchise. There is no definite time frame in which to accomplish these steps. This is a complex issue on which the City Council and Cable TV Committee will be working diligently. Members of the Cable TV Committee are: Jerry L. Ul- rich, Steven J. Mattson, Robert E. Peter- son, Robert Hill, Karen Mathena, Barry Tilley, George J. Fryman, and Ron Johansen. LOCAL GOVERNMENT DAY The City of Eagan will observe Local Government Day, October 21, 1980, with the official dedication of the new Rahn Thomas Lake Highline Trail at 6:00 p.m. at Thomas Lake Elementary School. The purpose of Local Government Day is to recognize the importance of city government in our way of life and to focus on the diversity of services pro- vided for our citizens. 8 CITY CONSTRUCTS STORM SEWER OUTLETS Because the City of Eagan has grown into a community where many of the existing drainage ponds can no longer handle the rate of development, an extensive trunk storm sewer system is currently being constructed through various sections of the City. Outlets have been constructed for the Carlson Lake, Oak Chase Pond, Thomas Lake and Fish Lake drainage basins. Future projects will involve the controlled storm water outlets for Blackhawk Lake, O'Neill Pond and Burr Oak Pond drainage basins. The proposed Blackhawk Lake outlet will require extensive "tunneling" to allow a gravity outlet. This process is also proposed from the O'Neill Pond located adjacent to 1 -494 - These storm sewers were originally con- ceived when the City prepared an over- all master storm sewer plan in 1972. During recent reviews of this plan, the City Council requested that the Public Works Department consult with members of the University of Minnesota Hydrol- ogy and Geology Department as to the feasibility and economics of performing the underground tunneling process. The conclusion reached was that, with the ever increasing cost of energy, main- tenance, development and manpower requirements, it would be in the City's long term economic and maintenance in- terests to proceed with the gravity out- let construction. This is another way of insuring that future expenditures cf the City are minimized wherever and whenever possible. If any resident would like more de- tailed information on the City's overall comprehensive storm sewer plan, please contact the Public Works Department at 454-8100. The Eagan City Newsletter is dis- tributed three times a year as a public service by the Eagan City Council. It is sponsored by the Public Relations Committee and prepared through the office of the City Administrator.