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12/21/1978 - Advisory Parks & Recreation CommissionREGULAR MEETING PARK 'COMMITTEE EAGAN, MINNESOTA CITY HALL DECEMBER 21, 1978 7 :00 P.M. . 7:00 - Call to Order, Pledge of Allegiance Approval of October 12 and November 16, 1978 minutes Establishment of agenda II. 7:05 - Report from City Council Meeting - Tom Hedges A. Resignation of Fay Cooper and other terms expiring B. Direction from City Council on abstentions C. Other III. 7:15 - Development Proposals A. Ray Ohlmann - KOA Campground - Section 33 B. Lakeside Shores (Rasmussen Addition) replat - Mark Parranto C. Other - staff IV. 8:00 - Park Department AGENDA A. Report on Native prairie vegetation in Thomas Lake Park. B. Report on effect of raising Thomas Lake C. Preliminary approval of 1979 Trail Grant D. Recreation Report E. Additional information on exclusion of horses and snowmobiles from Ft. Snelling State Park F. Additional information on request for snowmobile use of High Line Trail. G. Other trail information - DNR Grant - 494 bridge H. Park Department budget I. Possible rescheduling of January & February meetings J. Park Dedication V. 8:45 - Special Meetings A. Set next meeting of Trail Subcommittee. VI. 9:00 - Old Business A. Cameron Development Proposal B. Drexel Heights C. Rosewood and Slocum Agreement D. Other VII. 9:30 - New Business A. Request for Outdoor pool - Dave Wallace VIII. 10:00- Visitors to be heard (Persons not on agenda) IX. 10:15 - For your information X. 10:30 - Adjournment ACTIVITIES RESUMING IN JANUARY Couples Volleyball Location and Time: Pilot Knob School Gymansium, Wednesday, 7 -9 p.m., resumes January 10. Fee: None Registration: Couples new to the program are to call the Eagan Park Department, 454 -7802 beginning December 26. Women's Volleyball Location and Time: f'orthview School Gymnasium, Tuesday, 7 -9 p.m., resumes January 2. Fee: None Registration: Individuals new to the program are to call the Eagan Park Department, 454 -7802 beginning December 26. FOR YOUR INFORMATION A chaperoned bus to Snowcrest Ski Area is available to Eagan youth at Mendota Plaza, Highway 110 and Dodd Rd., each weekend this skiing season. On Saturdays, the bus leaves at approximately 8:00 a.m., on Sundays at 11:30 a.m. Return on both days is 5:30 Cost is $3.00 per round trip. For bus reservations and further information call 479 -1832. The bus is also available for ladies on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Space must be reserved by calling 479 -1832. Youths and adults wishing information on group rates for lessons and lift tickets may pick up a brochure at the Eagan Park Department, 3501 Coachman Road. EAGAN PARK AND RECREATION WINTER PROGRAM cheduled Hours of eekdays acation Weekdays aturdays undays hristmas & NY's Eve hristmas & NY's Day EAGAN PARK DEPARTMENT 3501 Coachman Road Eagan, Minnesota 55122 454 -7802 SKATING RINKS Warming Houses: 3:30 -10:00 PM 10:00 AM -10:00 PM 10:00 AM -10:00 PM Noon -10:00 PM 10:00 AM -5:00 PM Noon -5:00 PM ree Skating and Hockey are Offered at: arnelian Park - Blackhawk Rd. & Carnelian Ln. :ighview Park - Pilot Knob & Skyline Rds. , exington Park - (McKee Addition ) Lexington Ave. north of Lone Oak Road pilot Knob Elementary School - Lone Oak & Pilot Knob Rds. Zahn Park - Sandstone Dr., west of Rahn School dell Site - Pilot Knob Rd., north of Cliff Rd. u�e haven 1 Gold Trei1 j Seams b` lak -- ?ree Skating. With Warming House: ;edar Pond - on County Rd. 30 near Diamond D ?ree Skating Without Warming Houses: Dountry Home Heights- Pilot Knob north of Lone Oak Rd. Evergreen Park - Pilot Knob and Walfrid, south of County Rd. 30 Bur Oak Pond - Highway 49 & Chapel Lane Warming houses will close when the wind chill factor is -30 A blue signal light on each warming house roof will enable parents to verify from a distance that a warming house is open. WINTER RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES The following activities require registration with the Eagan Park Department. Procedure: 1. Beginning December 26, call the Eagan Park office, 454 -7802 2. Send fee payment to the Eagan Park Department at the above Coachman Rd. address. Men's Recreational Broomball Locations and Times: Woodhaven Park, Mon., 7 -9 PM, begins Jan. 8 Highview Park, Wed., 7 -9 PM, begins Jan. 10 Fee: None Registration: Follow above procedure Individuals are to provide their own brooms. Couples Badminton Location and Times: Metcalf Junior High School, Monday, begins January 8 Session one: 8 -9 PM Session two: 9 -10 PM Fee: None Registration.: Follow registration procedure Couples are to provide their own racquets. Shuttlecocks will be provided. Cross Country Ski Lessons Location and Times: Orientation: Wednesday, January 10 7:00 PM, City Hall, 3795 Pilot Knob Rd. Outdoor Lessons: Saturday, January 13 & 20, adjacent to Park Department office, 3501 Coachman Rd. Saturday, January 30, Patrick Eagan Park, Lexington Ave. 1/4 mile north of County Rd. 30. Fee: $7.50 with owh equipment $15.00 with rental equipment Rental equipment will be brought to the lesson sites. Registration: Follow registration procedure. Classes: Saturday Adults Families Adults Teens Maximum class as 6 years may times 9:00 -10:15 AM 10:30 -11:45 AM Noon -1:15 PM 1:30 -2:45 size is 12. Children as young register with families. Figure Skating Lessons Location and Times: Rahn Park, east rink, Saturday, begins January 13. Classes: Ages 5 -7 Ages 8 -11 Ages 5 -7 Ages 8 -11 Fee: $2.00 Registration: Follow registration procedure Classes will run for 5 consecutive Saturdays. Skills taught will be for beginners. 10:15 -10:45 AM 10:45 -11:15 AM 11:30 -Noon Noon -12:30 PM MEMO TO: MEMBERS OF THE PARK COMMITTEE FROM: PARK DIRECTOR SCHMIDT DATE: DECEMBER 19, 1978 SUBJECT: AGENDA BACKGROUND INFORMATION II. Report from City Council Meetings City Administrator Tom Hedges will report on recent actions of the City Council which include acceptance of the resignation of Fay Cooper from .the Park Committee. Since new appointments are normally made at the January organizational meeting the Council will undoubtedly wish to consider her replacement at that time along with replacements for Kathy Beck, whose term expires as of 1 -1 -79, and the unexpired portion of Tom Brown's term which runs until 1 -1 -80 and Mike Thomas, who was appointed to the remainder of a term which expires 1 -1 -79. The City Council has requested that members of advisory committees who abstain from voting on issues that are recommended to the City Council state reasons for their abstention for inclusion in the committee minutes. III. Development Proposals A. KOA Campground -- Included in the packet is the planning report on the proposed KOA campground which was briefly reviewed by staff at the last Park Committee meeting. Please note that Item I in the planning report recommends a park dedication to be paid in conjunction with final approval for this plat. It is suggested that this proposal be treated as a PUD. It provides temporary residential living quarters for its occupants. If approved, it will have a heavy impact on Holland Jensen Park and its clients will undoubtedly look to the Eagan Park Department for other recreation facilities. If the Park Committee wishes to recommend that park dedication be required of this developer, a judgement should be made as to what the amount should be. Staff has discussed the possibility of recommending that 1/2 the multiple dedication of $75 per unit be required to be paid in phases as the campground is developed. B. Rasmussen Replat -- City staff has met with Mark Parranto, Realtor, regarding the proposed replatting of 14 of the 16 existing lots in the Rasmussen Addition into 22 lots. Mr. Parranto has discussed the purchase of the portion of the peninsula on Thomas Lake which extends into the proposed park dedication for Blackhawk Park PUD to be included as a portion of this new plat. Agenda Information Page Two December 19, 1978 City staff recommends that if the Park Committee is in agreement with this suggestion; a. That the cash value of the land, approximately one quarter of an acre, be set at $2,000 using-$8,000 an acre as a current land value. b. That the City prepare a quit claim deed to Mr. Dunn for the property in exchange for a cash dedication of $2,000 to be paid to the Park Site Fund. c. That the quarter of an acre be subtracted from the overall commitment for land dedication for the Blackhawk Park PUD. • The peninsula in question is not contiguous to other park land on Thomas. Lake and appears to be more suitable for inclusion in the plat than for dedication to the City park system. Mr. Parranto, on behalf of the developers, has suggested dedication of outlot A to the City Park system. This outlot contains the last privately owned portion of the island part of which was previously committed for dedication to the City by Byron Watschke as a part of the Thomas Lake Addition plat. If the Park Committee wishes to recommend cash dedication for this replat, then in accordance with City policy, the 8 additional lots or 9 additional units would be subject to the cash per unit fee. ``‘s IV. Park Department Business -- A. Thomas Lake Park -- Vegetation. A preliminary report on the native prairie vegetation of Thomas Lake Park has been prepared by Robert Dana, a member of the Evaluation Committee of the Nature Conservatory. Mr. Dana will do a more thorough report this coming summer if the Park Committee would like him to do so. The report is enclosed for your review and Mr. Dana is planning to be present at the meeting to answer any questions committee members may have regarding his study of the area. Mr. Dana has also provided us with copies of USG photos of the area for 1940, 1951, and 1957. Unfortunately they do not copy well but will be available for review at the meeting. B. Thomas Lake Park -- Impact of proposed flooding -- Park Department crews are in the process of surveying the shore of Thomas Lake to determine how many trees would be lost if the lake level was raised one or two feet. Preliminary results show that hundreds of trees on private property would be impacted. City Consulting Engineer Bob Rosene has reviewed the work done by the Park Department and feels that pumping more than the three inches of water previously authorized by the Council should not be considered at this time. Additional information relative to effects of flooding or deciduous trees is being obtained by the Park Department. Mr. Rosene has requested permission from the Metro Agenda Information Page Three December 19, 1978 Sewer Board to pump excess water into the sanitary sewer, however, it appears that no rebate, due to the fact that the water will not need treatment, will be considered by the board. In another matter related to Thomas Lake Park, the Public Works Committee plans to meet with representatives of the Park Committee relative to a site for Fire Station #3 early in January. See enclosed notes from Public Works Committee meeting held on December 13, 1978. C. State Planning Agency Grant -- Preliminary approval has been received from the State Planning Agency for a grant in the amount of $24,500 for Phase II of the construction of Rahn Thomas Trail. This represents 40% •funding with 60% to come from City funds. The City Council will need to make a determination as to how matching funds can be provided for this project if the final application, which is due January 12, 1978, is approved. See enclosed memo to City Council and report on current status of park grant proposals. The City Council will be considering approval for the final application at their December 19, 1978 meeting. In the Lawcon grant proposals Eagan is now ranked number 9 with the funding cut off at #8 for the grant for acquisition of park land in Section 9. If additional monies are made available, or any approved projects are found ineligible, the. application could still be considered for funding but the chances for this year are probably not good. D. Recreation Report -- Warming houses are scheduled to open Saturday, December 23. Enclosed is a list of attendants recommended for hiring and a copy of the winter program listing locations and other available programs. Please note that 4 attendants are assigned to the Rahn building so that 2 can work each shift to handle the large number of skaters and to supervise the inside facilities. E. Status of Horses in Ft. Snelling State Park -- Park Director Schmidt has had further conversation with William Weir from the Department of Natural Resources regarding the recent action taken to exclude horses from Ft. Snelling State Park. Mr. Weir stated that the DNR was probably premature in eliminating horses from Ft. Snelling State Park at this time. Mr. Weir would like to work with us to designate trails for horses within the park. He believes that if trails are established and if he also establishes a season for horses, that the same general area can be used both by horses and by cross country skiers. The season would be dependent upon the snowfall each year and when adequate snow had accumulated for cross country skiing, the park would be closed to horses and become a ski area. Mr. Weir also discussed the fact that he has resolved the problem which he had in his own mind about the fact that the horse trails would be available chiefly to those people who live adjacent to the park. He still has some concern about the fact that there are no parking areas for horse trailers to serve those people who would be coming from a greater distance. He is still bothered by the fact that people parking horse trailers could create a problem for the Sibley House. Park Director Schmidt suggested that perhaps the overlook could be used as an area to park horse trailers and that there used to be a trail for horses going from that area down into the park. Page Four December 19, 1978 Mr. Weir requested that our horse people attempt to help them locate the old trail areas. He also mentioned that if 494 was used as an access, that a bridge could be built at the end of the berm to connect with the horse trail. He mentioned that he would like to work with the City of Eagan in providing better access points for the adjacent riders. Arrangements will be made for Mike Thomas to contact Mr. Weir and hopefully answer some of his questions and look at alternate areas where trails could be provided. Mr. Weir also requested assistance from Mr. Thomas in getting the word to horse people at this time that the park is off limits to horses for the remainder of the winter. In addition, Mr. Weir stated that the park is off limits to snowmobilers this winter but that perhaps some limited provision could be made for snowmobilers •in the Dakota County portion of Ft. Snelling State Park in the future. Copies of letters to the Department of Natural Resources regarding the above will be available for Park Committee review at the meeting. A copy of a letter from the Eagan Valley Rangers to the DNR is enclosed. F. The Eagan Valley Rangers have been unsuccessful to date in their efforts to obtain permission from private property owners for a snowmobile trail to connect with portions of the High Line Trail. According to Bob Gilligan, their trail coordinator, they are dropping their request for use of the High Line Trail this season and hope to work with the Park Department prior to next winter to establish a connection from the Cedar Grove area to Holland Jensen Park. An opinion from City Attorney Paul Hauge regarding Eagan's liabilities and responsibilities is enclosed. G. Trail information -- approval has been received from the Minnesota DNR for a grant in the amount of $1,248 for maintenance of the cross country ski trails in Patrick Eagan and Blackhawk Park for the 1978 and 1979 season. This grant reimburses Eagan for 65% of our cost of all work done on the trails by our crews, of the cost of renting portable toilet facilities and of contracting with Dakota County for trail grooming. An item continued from the last meeting regarding plans for a trail crossing on the 494 bridge should be discussed II. Old Business Staff will review a number of pending items relative to park dedication. Enclosed is a copy of a memo relative to the Council's request to pursue early dedication of the 2 -1/2 acre park adjacent to Vienna Woods. The Council will be considering the staff recommendations to delay this dedication at their 12 -19 -78 meeting. Page Five December 19, 1978 V. Dave Wallace, a resident of the Cedar Grove area, wishes to discuss the need for .swimming pools in Eagan with the Park Committee. He has talked to a number of people in his area regarding this need and feels that a bond proposal for a modest outdoor pool or pools would receive community support at this time. Mr. Wallace requested information on what other swimming facilities might be built in Eagan. According to the Dakota County Park Director, Chuck Lowery, there are plans for development of a swimming lake in Holland Jensen Park to be located near Dodd and Cliff Roads. Regional funding is available for improvements to this park and the swimming lake has high priority with construction planned .to begin in 1979 and the lake to be available for public use in 1980. For Your Information 1. Planning meetings -- John Voss has asked that the Park Committee be informed that meetings to work on the comprehensive plan will be held on the second Tuesday of each month beginning in January of 1979. There are a number of items that will be of interest to the Park Committee and he will keep us informed as to what the agenda will be in advance. 2. Enclosed is a copy of the revised site plan for the Thomas Lake Elementary School. SUBJECT: ° Planned Development :TITIONER: Roy Ohlmann - Twin Cities South L OCA TION: West of Pilot Knob Road KO ' 1/2 mile south of Cliff Road EXISTING ZONING: Agricultural CASE NO: DATE OF PUBLIC HEARING: November 28, 1978 DATE OF PLANNING REPORT: November 21, 1978 PREPARED BY: John S. Voss PETITION - -- The petition is for approval of a Planned Development District in order to develop a campground - "Twin Cities South Kampground of America" (KOA). This would be developed on a 20 acre site with frontage on Pilot Knob Road and it would be adjacent to the Dakota County. Park - Lebanon Hills. The camp would have a total of 219 sites for both motorhomes and tents. The camp would be served with municipal sani- tary sewer and water. PLANNER'S COMMENTS • 1. Review by Other Agencies: It has been assumed that a privately operated camp ground would eventually be developed in the vicinity of the Zoological Garden. The details, however, have never been discussed. As such, it is recommended that this matter be tabled for thirty (30) days after discussion, "o allow the various interested agencies adequate time to consider and react to the proposal nd the "Environmental Assessment Worksheet" that has been submitted. The City of Eagan is obligated to notify Dakota County, the Metropolitan Council and the Environmental Quality Board under the provisions of the "Zoo Area Development Guide ". 2. City Staff Review: Review by the City Staff resulted in the following recommendations: A. If the Planned Development is approved, a detailed agreement should be drafted speci- fying provisions under which approval is granted and the camp site is to be developed and operated. B. Approval would only be granted for a campground which has municipal sewer and water services as required by the Minnesota Department of Health. C. Detailed grading, site, drainage and utility plans shall be submitted and approved by the Director of Public Works before final approval of a Planned Development is granted including the granting of drainage and utility easements as required. . The entrance road and parking area adjacent to the main building shall be surfaced with a bituminous surface. The perimeter road shall be dust controlled in a manner approved by the City and gravel surfacing shall be permitted on internal roadways. E. Individual campsites and roadways shall be set back a minimum of 50' from adjacent properties and 100' from Pilot Knob Road and screening by use of a fence or solid plantings shall be provided where camp sites or roadways are directly (visually) exposed to adjacent properties or Pilot Knob Road. Pedestrian access to the adjacent Dakota County Park to the south shall be controlle in a 'manner specified by Dakota County. There shall be no pedestrian access to other adjacent properties. G. An adult supervisor shall be on the premises during all hours of operation. • Driveway access to Pilot Knob Road shall be as approved by Dakota County and turn lanes shall be constructed by the petitioner if required. . This property shall be platted prior to construction and a park dedication fee shall be granted to the City in an amount specified by the Park Committee and approved by the City Council. A minimum 75' half right -of -way shall be dedicated for Pilot Knob Road on the plat. J. A11 signs related to this use within the City - on and off -site "shall be specifically approved by the City Council as to number, location, height, size, illumination and setback. K. Burning at campsites shall only be in a container and in a manner approved by the Eagan Fire Department and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (PCA). L. The Environmental Assessment Worksheet requirement shall be satisfied prior to final approval of the Planned Development. F. ADDITIONAL STAFF COMMENTS - DECEMBER 14, 1978 1. Procedures and Additional Detailed information The petitionohas not submitted any new information except the "Environmental Worksheet" in response to staff comments reviewed at the November 28th'meeting. If this petition is approved by the Planning Commission, it should only be for preliminary approval subject to submission of more detailed plans and a Planned Development Agreement to be reviewed by the Planning Commission and approved by the City Council before final approval. 2. Agency Approval In accordance with the provisions of the "Zoo Area Development Guide" various State Agencies and local governmental agencies were notified. Responses re- ceived to date (December 14, 1978) are as follows: -- Minnesota Zoological Garden - attached letter received from Zoo Director MOM Dakota County - attached letter received from Director of County Parks Department City of Apple Valley - letter will be received on December 15, 1978 after review by the Planning Commission and anticipated action by the City Council on December 14, 1978 Metropolitan Council - No response Minnesota State Planning Agency - No response Minnesota State Environmental Quality Board - No response Comments received, thus far, from other agencies (see above) related to concerns over traffic, drainage, impact on the County Park, erosion control, preserva- tion of natural terrain, density, routing to the Zoological Garden and directional signs. These appear to be details that can be addressed in a planned development agree- ment if preliminary approval is given by the City. Under a planned development a specific time period (number of years) also should be specified. This nor - mall"ould be for a period of 10 to 15 years with the possibility of further time extensions to be granted by the City if the development is not adversely affecting adjacent land uses at that time. SUBJECT: Rezoning and Preliminary Plat PETITIONER: Donald Rasmussen LOCATION: North of Cliff Road - 1/4 miles west of Pilot Knob Road EXISTING ZONING: Residential R -1 DATE OF PUBLIC HEARING: December 20, 1978 DATE OF PLANNING REPORT: December 13, 1978 PREPARDD BY: John S. Voss, Planning Consultant PETITIONS Petitions have been submitted for: -- A rezoning of proposed Lot 1 of Lakeside Park Addition (29,400 sq.ft. lot) from Residential R -1 to Residential R -2. The remainder of the proposed area to be replatted (see below), would remain Residential R -1. -- A preliminary plat - Lake Park Addition - in order to replat Rasmussen Addi- tion (except for two (2) lots) and create a total of 21 single family lots and 1 two - family lot leaving two existing lots as expections to the plat. Ras- mussen Addition now has a total of 16 single - family lots; two of which have have been developed. Therefore, through the replatting process, eight new lots ( 7 single - family and 1 two - family) would be created. PLANNER'S COMMENTS 1. Rezoning The proposed lot to be rezoned is at the northwest quadrant of Cedarcrest Lane & Cliff Road. The lot would be 145' wide and 202' deep and 29,400 sq.ft. in area where a mini- mum of 15,000 sq.ft. is required in a Residential R -2 District. 2. Preliminary Plat - General Design A. The proposed preliminary plat utilizes the existing alignment of Cedarcrest Lane and adds an additional cul -de -sac - Cedarcrest Circle - which would provide access to a lot which is now landlocked (Lot 13 - Rasmussen Addition). B. The prel iinary plat appears to be well- designed and the petitioner also is attempting to resolve additional problems which exist with Rasmussen Addition, namely; (1) The petitioner is attempting to acquire the land between proposed lots 8 and 9 and Thomas Lake and add it to these lots. (2) The petitioner is attempting to acquire similar land adjacent to lots 11 and 12. C. The boundary between proposed lots 11 and 12 should be realigned in order to expand the buildable area of lot 11. 3.Park Dedication This preliminary plat has not been reviewed by the Park Committee, however, it is ex- pected that park dedication will be satisfied by the dedication of Outlot A for park purposes and a cash donation for the eight (8) additional lots being created by this repl at. 4. Conditions If the preliminary plat is approved it should be subject to the following conditions: A. Building permits shall not be issued by the City until a contract to extend public utilities into this area has been approved by the City Council. There shall be no new development with private septic systems. C. Park dedication shall be satisfied as recommended by the Park Committee and approved by the City Council. D. The preliminary plat shall be approved by the Dakota County Plat Committee since it abutts a County Road (75' half right -of -way proposed for Cliff Road - Co. Rd. #32). B. A grading and drainage plan shall be submitted and approved by the Director of Public Works prior to final approval of the preliminary plat. MEMO TO: DALE RUNKLE, CITY PLANNER /ZONING ADMINISTRATOR FROM: THOMAS A. COLBERT, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS DATE: DECEMBER 14, 1978 SUBJECT: LAKE PARK ADDITION -- PRELIMINARY PLAT CONSIDERATION •• The above referenced preliminary plat to be considered by the Planning Commission was discussed with City staff at a meeting on Tuesday, December 13, 1978. This particular property is a replat,'the existing Rasmussen Addition, located north of Cliff Road just west of Pilot Knob Road. UTILITIES Utilities to service this plat will be handled by the existing 27 inch sanitary sewer main which is of sufficient depth and size located along the north and east property line of the William Scherer property located immediately adjacent to the west side of this proposed plat. Six inch water main service has been stubbed underneath Cliff Road under Project No. during 1978. Storm sewer to handle the drainage of this plat will be handled by an interior system which will discharge into the existing Thomas Lake located to the west and north of this plat. Appropriate permits from the Department of Natural Resources will be required to be obtained prior to its con- struction. STREETS Because this is a replat of an existing plat, the street pattern has not changed except with the addition of Cedarcrest Circle. The right -of -way dedicated with these streets meets the standards as established by the City with the exception that the south easterly corner of Lot 15 should incorporate a 35 foot radius reverse curve for the offset cul -de -sac. Appropriate entrance and access permits must be obtained from the County prior to the street improvement is initiated. EASEMENTS Five foot drainage and utility easements will be required adjacent to all common property lines. Ten foot drainage and utility easements will be required across the front of each lot adjacent to public right -of -way. Additional utility easements will be required, the determination of which will be made upon review of the utility plan layout. This will insure that the sanitary sewer will be extended to the adjacent property to the east (Thomas Lake Addition). Respectfully Submitted, MAC` • al It AXO a u. ,'' 1i in 1 1r� o Al , • p oil 'tOt\ + . '' _. ' _ alt _ _ • * . ' . 4 7 OA �• Q ti w • b �\ 1 . Ohl ■ . 01 moo• • i N.\. p. tk 1 f • ? ". I0'0OL ;al! 1 tjI s �o` . �� `' 1 I t o``' r �o•� o • 011 - — •• — — 10 K — .i', i •X • r 1000= - - - ; . • / r • 1 ■:•• IL '. ?tt. . �• 1 • 1 ' 9r '. v fp 1 • I lL 802 - aft . 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Nt N • !� Co ACC • o.20 pa, L1- 57 ° 29' $. r 'D -v, CV 18 x' 130' • t C. S. A. V - i a maw �� ' mow 36 .BS A °� A l . 0d IOC �� pia$ tiffg ®9��•:. _ • 75: M gam , AliRMIP‘4 !A ag ar as a rs' m aw mg "Pr }�• 1 ' 1 • c i'►.. . � ✓. ',, - • 'i.�': :.. }' iY �.. >lr • i .J .= • Preliminary Report on the Vegetation of Thomas Lake Park Prepared by Robert Dana* November 27, 1978 Based on examination of a number of color slides of the vegetation of the park made in the last two years by Jean Loken and on the list of species Ms. Loken has prepared, I believe that this park may represent a remnant example of a type of native plant community which has now almost totally vanished from this part of the state. The variety of prairie/ oak savanna species present in my opinion strongly suggests that this was the original character of this piece of land. This character would then have survived the various uses to which the tract has been put since white settlement of the region. I have examined the 1940, 1951, 1957 and 1964 ASCS aerial photos which show the park (scale 1:20,000) and can find no clear evidence that any of this tract has ever been cultivated. Some obscure features on the 1940 photo may be traces of earlier cultivation of a part of the land now in the park; a better print of this photograph at a larger scale, or even better, of the appropriate frame from the 1937 photography, would probably resolve the question, but neither is available locally. Generally, any cultivation of prairie is visible on aerial photos for many years after. The 1951 photo shows a vehicle trail crossing the tract, and the 1957 photo shows some disturbance along the route of the powerline associated with the first phase of its construction. Determining with any certainty the precise character of the vegetation of this land prior to white settlement will require more time than I have available now, but as I've already noted what I've seen of the present vegetation indicates a prairie /oak savanna type covered this area. Based • on my experience I don't believe the amount and variety of prairie /oak savanna natives which appears to characterize the park could otherwise be possible. The usual character of old pastures and fields in cleared forest land is tame grass meadow, dominated by quackgrass, timothy, smooth brome, and Kentucky bluegrass, all exotics. (The same is true of old fields and overgrazed pasture where the original vegetation was prairie.) • For a variety of reasons, I believe this part of Dakota County was a mosaic of deciduous forest and oak openings or savanna, depending on site characteristics. The woods probably varied from mixed deciduous on moister sites to oak - dominated ones on intermediate sites, with savanna in the direst and /or most fire - prone areas. Thomas Lake Park is situated in what was apparently one of the latter. The degree of tree cover in a savanna can vary considerably, with significant areas completely open, of course, but I suspect that originally there was a good deal more oak on the tract than there is now, and that this was cleared faily early to improve the land's quality as pasture. I note that the plans for storm water storage in the park which I've seen will probably result in the death of all the remaining oaks. This park cannot be called a pristine natural area, certainly. A degree of degradation resulting from its use as pasture is evident in the color slides I saw from the amount of Kentucky bluegrass present. However, it appears on the basis of this preliminary viewing to have enough natural or native character to merit the concern shown by the Eagan Park Committee. I believe the City of Eagan should make a serious effort to avoid causing further damage to this park until a more thorough analysis can be made. 2 A park of this kind would provide a valuable metropolitan area resource for environmental and biological education as well as for general interest in natural history. There has been a sharp increase in interest in and appreciation of native plant and animal communities in recent years, and considerable effort and expenditures (both private and public) is being devoted to saving examples of them, with none getting more attention than prairie and savanna. Because so little of this remains a lot of additional effort is going into what is called "prairie restoration ", the planting of prairie species in an attempt to recreate some semblance of the original. The evidence I've reviewed indicates that the Eagan Park Department has in Thomas Lake something which could be approximated by a prairie restoration project only at a prohibitively large cost. In my opinion, the City of Eagan should allow the Park Department at least until the end of July, 1979 (preferably until mid - September) to conduct a more thorough analysis of the character and quality of the park's vege- tation and of the likely effects on it the proposed storm water storage will have. The mid to late summer date is necessary because most prairie species are "warm- season" plants which are difficult or impossible to detect during, spring and early summer. Only after this study can the probably irreversible effect of the plan be adequately weighed against its benefits. *Member, since 1977, of the Evaluation Committee, Minnesota Chapter. (This committee evaluates all determine the degree to which they weed the TNC's preservation.) Graduate student in Department of and wildlife, University of Minnesota, St. Paul. the Nature Conservatory, potential acquisitions to criteria for natural area Entomology, Fisheries, • /Lra oa R le.ns, 4 ,gc TYSdacialed, Ate. 335 7 `14.d.th 4. 36 St pam4 Mimneaata 55113 'Mama: 636 -4600 November 17, 1978 Mr. Tom Hedges, Administrator City of Eagan 3795 Pilot Knob Rd. Eagan, Mn. 55122 Re: Thomas Lake - Carlson Lake High Water Eagan, Minnesota File No. 49111 Dear Sir: Page 1. Otto G Bonestroo, P.E. Robert W Rosen. P.E. Joseph C. Anderltk. P.E. Bradford A. Lemberg. P.E. Robert D. Frtgaard. P.E. Richard E. Turner, P E. James C. Olson, P.E. t;O ' ' 0 19 • Lawrence F. Feaster,. P.E. Glenn R. Cook, P.E. Leith A. Gordon. P E. Thomas E. Noyes. P.E. Richard W Foster. P.E Robert G. Sekunu:kt. P E Marvin L. Sonala. P E. Donald C. Burgardt P Kenneth R..Neister. P E Charles A. Enckson Leo M. Pawelsky Harlan M. Olson During this past year both Carlson Lake and Thomas Lake have risen to their known historical high levels. Flooding of the Dave Peterson home occurred on Carlson Lake. Thomas Lake's high water was above the elevation of the basement of one home, causing water to flow up through cracks in the floor and across the floor to the floor drain. Further rise in water level threatens to flood walkout homes on the east shore of East Thomas Lake. A number of oak trees in this area were under water and some still are. Efforts to provide an acceptable plan for lowering this water have not been successful to date. A summary of these are as follows: A. SEEPAGE WELL Attempts to obtain approval for a well extended approximately 70' below Carlson Lake to be used to infiltrate water from the lake into the porous gravel below the lake was encouraged by DNR but denied by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Minnesota Dept. of Health. It is conceivable that a variance could be obtained from existing regulations but this would take an estimated 18 months and probably would not be granted. B. SEEPAGE BEDS Attempts were made to locate porous stratas of gravel in the vicinity of Carlson or Thomas Lakes so that an open excavation could be made into which water could be pumped to soak away into the gravel. Borings indicate both areas are underlain with 40' to 60' of sandy clay or sandy loam, both very impervious. C. PONDING IN THOMAS LAKE PARK Natural ponds exist in Thomas Lake Park with existing water levels at approximately 895. Current level of Thomas Lake is at 905 +. It was estimated that approximately 1' of Thomas Lake could be stored in the park ponds by raising them to 908 and flooding adjacent land to that elevation. Discussions with the City of Eagan November 17, 1978 Eagan, Mn. 55112 Re: File No. 49111 Park Committee have indicated that this flooding would be very detrimental to trees and unusual natural prairie vegetation present in the park. Flooding to elevation 904 would take from 4" to 6" off of Thomas Lake. Further considera- tion is being given by the Park Committee to determine what damage this would do to the vegetation in the park. D. CONTROLLED DISCHARGE TO SANITARY SEWER Discussions have been held with the MWCC relative to our pumping excess storm water into the Zoo Trunk sewer. If done, it would be at a small rate of flow which would not cause capacity problems in the sewer system or at the treatment plant. It would require special permission from the MWCC and may cost the full treatment cost of 47c per thousand gallons. One foot removed from Thomas Lake is approximately 12,000,000 gallons which would cost $5,640.00. As storm water would not cause a problem with either solids disposal or B.O.D. removal, there should be a reduction in rate for handling this water. However, it is strictly against the rules to discharge storm water into the sanitary sewer system and, be- cause special permission is required, they may not favorably consider a reduction in rate for treatment. E. PONDING IN WEST THOMAS LAKE It is possible to keep East Thomas Lake at a lower elevation than West Thomas Lake. The homes that are currently threatened are all on East Thomas Lake. By sealing off the pipe between the two lakes, East Thomas could be pumped into West Thomas which could be held at a higher elevation. They are at the same level now. Removing 1' form East Thomas will raise West Thomas by 3" due to their relative sizes. The higher elevation may adversely affect some trees around it but would threaten no houses. At this time, it appears that Method E is the most practical for present water conditions. If a large amount of snow is received in the winter, it may be neces- sary to use Method D but the cost will be greater. It is apparent that Method C will not have the capacity to solve the problem for more than 1/2 of the water which we must remove and may have to be restricted to less than that pending a further evaluation of the vegetation affected. It is recommended that we be authorized to do the following 1. Proceed with Method E to the extent of lowering East Thomas Lake by 1'. Evaluate the system at that time and make a further decision after this is accomplished. 2. Negotiate permission and the most favorable rate from the MWCC for con- trolled disposal down the sanitary sewer. Keep this method as an alternate in the event that heavy snows this winter makes Method E infeasible. Page 2. City of Eagan Eagan, Mn. 55122 Re: File No. 49111 3. Evaluate the vegetation in Thomas Lake Park and consider flooding to an appropriate level only in an emergency in the spring if other methods are not sufficient. Please advise of your wishes on this matter. Yours very truly, BONESTROO, ROSENE, ANDERLIK & ASSOCIATES, INC. aag.04-CJcA4' Robert W. Rosene RWR:li cc: Tom Colbert Alyce Bolke Paul Hauge Bill Branch Barbara Schmidt Page 3. November 17, 1978 PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING A meeting of the Public Works Committee was held on December 13, 1978 in the office of the City Administrator. Those present were Public Works Committee Members Wachter and Parranto, City Administrator Hedges, Public Works Director Colbert, and Eagan Volunteer Fire Department representatives John Flood, Ken Southorn, Doug Reid, and Fire Chief Childers. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the proposed Fire Station #3. DISCUSSION: -- Insurance for the construction of the building - -no hose tower for Station #3 - -Type of construction 1. Wood blends into neighborhood 2. pre -cast wall slabs 3. concrete block 4. maintenance discussion between wood & concrete -- Selection of an Architect 1. Insurance for construction 2. Preparation of plans & specifications 3. Utilize the services of Svenn Borgersen, discuss the potential of an architect for a review process. -- Equipment needs -- pursue the equipment necessary to complete Fire Station #3 1. Fire Station #3 2. Monitors, personnel equipment, pumpers, etc. 3. Station 1 Addition 4. Land acquisition, additional sites je Two Jblic Works Committee 12 -13 -78 -- Location of Fire Station #3 (Sites) 1. Thomas Lake Park a. Access from Fire Dept. for response b. response of volunteers from area residents to the location c. street access for response time d. Dakota County - stay 600' from major intersections 2. Well Site (north of Hockey rink on Pilot Knob Rd.) a. Concern of water table 3. Site west of Pilot Knob on Cliff Road 4. Transformer site on Pilot Knob Road & Wilderness Run Rd. CRITERIA -- Locate station close to potential firemen General feeling was the well site for Station #3. Also explore Thomas Lake possibility. MEMO TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: CITY ADMINISTRATOR TOM HEDGES PARK DIRECTOR SCHMIDT DECEMBER 14, 1978 ITEM FOR DECEMBER 19, 1978 CITY COUNCIL MEETING ~ "Fiscal Year 1979 Preliminary Grant Approval from State Planning Agency" The City of Eagan has beslnotified by the State Planning Agency that our preliminary application for the extension of the Rahn Thomas Trail has been ranked high enough for further consideration for state funding. The amount of the project is estimated at $61,250. $24,500,which represents 40% funding, has been programmed for this project with the City's share being $36,750. A resolution from the City Council authorizing submission of the full application is required. The full application is due January 12, 1979. This grant award will allow the initial construction project for the High Line bike and pedestrian trail to be expanded. The City previously was awarded 90% funding,or $72,000, for construction of the first portion of this trail. School District 196 is counting on this facility to reduce the number of school buses required and to shorten the bus routes to serve the new school because it would provide a safe walkway for children who live within one mile of the school. Mayor Murphy has also requested a review of the current status of our pending park grants which I will have available for inclusion in the packet. •>, N U 0 0 0 ON w4 0 0 0 .14 al roa 04 E o 4) w co 0) V 3 0 +- a , o w 'd 14 01 .0 0 u) .l U 4J 4-1 0 1.1 • 0 0 0 U 0 O • N E v4 0 a) 1( 0 N 41 A N >4 a U 4 M N r1 /0 M O M ■D M V} V) 0 0001-- 0 0 in u1 O co 0 O t� N 0 /0 0 U1 '.0 M 0 M CO M ep tf10.I ,-i t? 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V1• 0 a) U 41 al ro cn a7 V1 0 O O O co 0 0 0 0 0 u1 0 0 N U1 •M N M N V> 0 0 0) U +) 3 ro � 4) rn 0 0 0 0 0 to 0 0 N O O .-1 V' N tp .-1 V) V1 (? N 41) 14 O (1) N 0 0) a) U H 11 N ro 0 •4 /4 0 ro U 0 0 0 14 4 M N a) E- 0 E+ ill 01 (1) 0 0 4-1 40 ri + Cr .-1 .--1 id 0 � . a O E w 0 1.4 N 'J N 0 E O O N E A •.i A -41 .-1 •.1 0 �"� 14 I . > 4)w A q Z 4 Z 4 A ro w A w 4.1 10 N N N N CO N N N N N N rn 0) 0) Cr 0) 01 .•1 .-1 '-a .-4 .-1 d' .-1 Vf CO N 0) a 0 U 0 0 .i 0 ro U 4-I >r w 4) •.1 -'4 U U a) 04 N ro vi u b t' . - 1 a a 0' 44 . •. 0 .� 0 VI it b - 04 4/1- it N a'0 0a) 1 A 4-1 N 0 41 > " • U - A N A O .-1 U ro 4- 0 N 14 •n •.1 row 1n 0) v O 14 a 0 ro ro 0 0 V) N (/f cn ro 0 u1 N .•1 O V) Woodhaven *Greg Luedke 1762 Serpentine Dr. Eagan, Mn. 55122 454 -8624 Karen Rudolph 4115 Diamond Dr. Eagan, Mn. 55122 454 -3241 Cedar Pond *Mark Swanson 2098 Marble Ln. .• Eagan, Mn. 55122 Renee Olejnicak 2065 Shale Ln. Eagan, Mn. 55122 454 -4737 Rahn Building *Todd Swanson 3872 Ballantrae Eagan, Mn. 55122 454 -2382 Michael Schultz 1370 Rocky Ln. Eagan, Mn. 55123 454 -5276 Michelle Villelli 4765 Pilot Knob Rd. Eagan, Mn. 55122 454 -4504 Janeen Schlotfelt 1370 Rocky Ln. Eagan, Mn. 55123 454 -5276 Well Site Christopher Netz 1280 Dunberry Ln. Eagan, Mn. 55123 454 -3286 Sherri Willman 1655 Walnut Ln. Eagan, Mn. 55123 452 -3776 PROPOSED WARMING HOUSE ATTENDANTS 1978 -79 Carnelian Melissa Picket 1776 Meadowlark Rd. Eagan, Mn. 55122 452 -4092 Debra Thelen 3900 Valley View Village Eagan, Mn. 55122 454 -5312 Highview Guy Griffiths 3765 Blackhawk Pt. Eagan, Mn. 55122 Scott Pavlak 1476 Highview Eagan, Mn. 55121 454 -8851 Lexington *Dan Spohn 1050 Beatrice Eagan, Mn. 55121 454 -5175 Gerard Rainford 1065 Beatrice Eagan, Mn. 55121 454 -2959 Pilot Knob Mark Helmken 3255 Highway 55 Eagan, Mn. 55121 454 -1695 Donald Palmateer 2987 Pilot Knob Rd. Eagan, Mn. 55121 454 -4474 Substitutes *Paul Grund 454 -3117 *Ron Hobot 451 -9951 *Michael Myser 454 -2213 Charles Carter 452 -1589 Mr. Donald Davison Director State Parks Centennial Office Building St. Paul, Minnesota 55155 Mr. Richard H. Jenderny Vice President Eagan Valley Rangers 4566 Lenore Lane Eagan, Minnesota 55122 Mr. Davison, NOVei::Ue G/, 17:0 I was informed approximately three weeks ago by a club member that Fort Snelling State Park had been closed to snowmobiles. Signs have been posted and the rules are being enforced. ' Neither our club nor our community of Eagan were made aware of the deci- sion to close the park to snowmobiles even though public hearings were held to determine the management plan for Fort Snelling State Park. In behalf of my organization, I have been in contact with cis. Barbara Schmidt, Eagan Parks and Recreation Director, Mr. Donald Jueneman, Manager Fort Snelling State Park, and Mr. William Weir, Regional Park Supervisor, Metro Region. I have expressed my concern that a major decision was made without an input from a community directly adjacent to the park boundary. The Eagan Valley Rangers Snowmobile Club, consisting of approximately 47 families and representing (in mind) all the snowmobilers within our com- munity, is a very important facet of the city of Eagan. We work very closely with our Police Department promoting safety instruction to young adults, responsible sno, within the community and a contingent plan for search and rescue during the winter months when foul weather can be very serious. We also answer complaints from area residents on misuse of snow- mobiles and property damage. During January of each year we participate with the Dakota County Trails Association in a Fund Ride for a worthwhile non- profit charity. This year we will be riding for a children's honi. 'We are a very active organization and have received many compliments from both the public and community organizations. Providing a public service is only one of our clubs basic objectives. We are also a group of responsible adults who have joined together to snow- mobile. I feel I can speak for each member in saying what better way is there to explore the hidden secrets of nature than snowmobiling. It offers relax- ation and a perfect opportunity for family participation from the ages of 1 to 100. To be able to travel where one can't walk or drive invites the chance to learn more about our natural environment. Up until recently our club had two primary areas to snowmobile on other than roadside ditches. One area is now used for cross - country skiing - the other is Fort Snelling State Park which is now closed. Our club is working very hard to gain some trails or at least locations where we can go and enjoy the outdoors. • • Our community doesn't have state or even county trails entering or leaving our community. We must go 5 -10 miles in order to use funded trails. Our club is a member of the County Trails Association and as such we do help in maintaining county trails that do not enter our community. Our club auuld like to see snowmobiling allowed again in Fort Snelling State Park. We feel it is important to us, our community, and to all snowmobilers. A great number of snowmobilers including club members have used the park area in the past and would like to do so now and in the future. We offer you our services to ensure safe and responsible snowmobiling within the park and our time in marking trails and making the public aware of park rules regarding snowmobiling. I thank you for your time and consideration of this situation. We feel all the public can enjoy and benefit from the beauty of Fort Snelling State Park. CC: Ms. Barbara Schmidt - Eagan Parks Mr. Donald Jueneman - DNR Mr. William Weir - DNR Honorable Ray Kempe - State Representative (Dist. 53A) / 117r J con r.s /y� /a -- Z7 i- Respectfull R. H. Jenderny Phone: 612 -452 -2637 PAUL H. HAUGE BRADLEY SMITH Mrs. Barbara Schmidt Eagan Park Director CITY OF EAGAN 3795 Pilot Knob Road Eagan, MN 55122 PAUL H. HAUGE & ASSOCIATES, P.A. ATTORNEYS AT LAW 3908 SIBLEY MEMORIAL HIGHWAY EAGAN 1ST. PAULI, MINNESOTA 55122 December 18, 1978 RE: Snowmobile, Horse and Hiking Trail Routes Dear Barb: You have asked several questions relating to trails within the City for horses, hikers or snowmobilers, etc. They include the following: AREA CODE 612 TELEPHONE 454 -4224 1) Does the specific trail corridor for each use need to be approved by the City or can the clubs do the actual physical layout of the trails? Does designation of a trail require the City to maintain the trail, for ex- ample: to provide grooming for snowmobiles and cross - country ski trails, to clear a path for horses, to plow an asphalt walkway? One suggestion is that the City not specify trail corridors, but allow in- terested clubs to do the actual physical layout of the trails. The City Park Department may not have the manpower to assist in such designation. Secondly, if private property is involved, designation by the City of a trail over such private property would be ineffective unless prior appro- val or prior easement rights were obtained from the owner. It should be the task of the individual club to obtain this prior approval. If publicly owned property is sought to be used as a trail, it can be so used only after the designation, by the City, of the land for a trail pursuant to Eagan Ordinance Section 31.03, Subd. 2. Minnesota Statute Section 84.87, Subd. 3 also gives the City the power to regulate the use of snowmobiles on public land. Such designation should be sought by the individual clubs from the City and should be approved by the City Council or at least the Advisory Park Committee. Should a trail over public property be approved and designation of public land made for that purpose, the question of whether the City must maintain, inspect, or supervise the trail arises. Your major concern appears to be whether Eagan may be liable for a failure to adequately perform one of these functions. Minnesota Statutes Section 466.02 states that a municipality will be liable for its negligent actions unless the liability falls under one of several exceptions. Two exceptions would appear to apply in the case of an injury on parkland. First, the allowing of the use of public land as a trail is a discretionary act by the City and Minnesota Statute Section 466.03, Subd. 6 precludes liability for such an act. Secondly, Minnesota Statute 466.04 limits the liability of municipality to claims of $300,000 or less in one transaction and $100,000 for each claimant. The first ex- ception's application to injuries on parkland has been disputed. There are cases in other states in which the court has held that the management of a public park, owned and in exclusive control of the municipality, is regarded as a corporate duty of the municipality and liability on the City should be imposed. Mrs. Barbara Schmidt December 18, 1978 Page 2. If the City could be held liable for injuries to private parties using the park, it would only be for failure on the part of the City and Park Board to exercise reasonable care and supervision of the park's use by the public. Even if a private club were to design its own trail, it would probably be appropriate for the City or Park Board to inspect the trail initially to determine whether there are any hazards to the proposed users, especially hazards that are not apparent to those users such as drop -offs covered by snow. Maintenance and supervision would probably be necessary to the ex- tent that hazards to the users, especially those which are not apparent to the users, are prevented. Grooming of snowmobile trails and plowing of asphalt walkways would likely be necessary only to this extent. Finally, the City would probably not be liable to the extent that the user of the public land was negligent and his negligence resulted in his own injuries. Even if Eagan were not found to be liable for the injury to a user of park land, the threat of suit, and the cost of defense by the City, is always present when public land is being used in a manner similar to what you have proposed. A hold harmless agreement signed by the club wishing to use pub- lic land might deter future action against the City, and might also further insulate the City from liability, but it is questionable whether the City could actually avoid liability for its own negligence with such an agreement. 2) Where trail intersects with a City street, does a safe crossing need to be provided? This could include stop signs and might possibly require lights. With regard to snowmobiles specifically, their use on a City public street is governed by Minnesota Statutes Section 84.87 and Eagan City Ordinance No. 31, Subd. 4. Therefore, the operator of a snowmobile is already under a duty to exercise care and certain precautions in crossing a public street. The Minnesota State Traffic Engineers Department has informed us that they do have a uniform sign which can be used at snowmobile crossings. However, they suggest that this sign only be used on a designated trail and where there are sight restrictions or other hazards to crossing. Their intent for limiting the use of the sign is to prevent the public disregard for traffic signs generally which occurs when such signs are placed in areas where they are very seldom required. Because the duty of careful operation is already on the snowmobile driver, it should be unnecessary to place signs at crossings unless there is either a sight restriction or other hazard to the crossing. It would appear that pedestrians, skiers or horseback riders also have a duty of care in crossing streets and a stop sign or warning sign would be necessary only where there is a special hazard to the crossing of a street. 3) What responsibility would the City have if the trail crossing was blocked by a disabled vehicle or if any other portion of the trail was blocked by unauthorized users or by vandals? As was mentioned above, the City would not be an insurer of the safety of the users of its park land, but that it is only required to exercise rea- sonable care in the maintenance of its parks and in the supervision of their use by the public. As long as the City were to exercise this care, unfor- seen difficulties would not create liability. If vandalism is anticipated v Mrs. Barbara Schmidt December 18, 1978 Page 3. the time during which the trail could be used might be restricted to time periods when vandalism is not expected. Similarly, a trail crossing should not be allowed where stalled vehicles might be anticipated, such as the bottom of a sometimes slippery hill. City? 4) What level of inspection or supervision could be required of the We have tried to answer this question in conjunction with the first ques- tion you posed. Hopefully these answers to your questions are satisfactory and somewhat helpful to you. If we can be of further assistance, please let me know. PHH:me cc: Thomas Hedges Myrel Lundsten Very truly yours, PAUL H. HAUGE & ASSOCI ES, P.A. e ,i L.` \ Paul H. Hauge MEMO TO: CITY ADMINISTRATOR HEDGES FROM: PARK DIRECTOR SCHMIDT DATE: NOVEMBER 21, 1978 SUBJECT: VIENNA WOODS - SUGGESTED EARLY DEDICATION OF PARK LAND At the October 18, 1978 City Council meeting it was recommended •• that I meet with Mr. Charles Slocum of Unisource to pursue immediate dedication of the 2 -1/2 acre park which was committed in conjunction with the Vienna Woods plat approval. I have researched the pros and cons of accepting this park dedication at this time and would like to make you aware of a number of concerns City staff has regarding early dedication in this area. I have asked Paul Hauge for an opinion regarding the City's position if MnDOT attempted to obtain City park land for highway purposes and it appears that our situation would not be as firm as we had hoped. Since the land would be dedicated rather than purchased with federal funds there would be no prohibition against the highway department requiring a portion of it. (See enclosed opinion from Paul Hauge.) In addition, the City could find itself causing a delay of the construction of I -35E if we were to get into a dispute with MnDOT regarding park land. If we were to take the dedication early and lose some of the land to the Highway Department we would be left with an area too small to serve the needs of the neighborhood but we would not be entitled to require more dedication from the developer. Other points to consider include: Taking the dedication early will eliminate the property from the tax rolls before we need it. Mr. Slocum could raise an objection if land which was dedicated for park purposes was later converted to Highway right -of -way. Delaying the dedication until firm plans exist for develop- ment in this neighborhood will give the City flexibility to design a park with good access which fits well within the neighborhood. Some of the area now zoned as business could be converted to residential and additional dedication could be required. Flexibility as to final location could be of value if this occurs. In view of the above, the Park Department recommends that dedication of the 2 -1/2 acre park for Vienna Woods be delayed as per the original proposal. II !I '� � ,,;? ��� \` MEMO TO: MEMBERS OF THE EAGAN ADVISORY PARK COMMITTEE FROM: PARK DIRECTOR SCHMIDT DATE: DECEMBER 21, 1978 SUBJECT: STAFF REPORT ON PENDING PARK DEDICATION Cameron Addition Cameron appears on the agenda because of a question from City Hall regarding park committee action on this proposal, however, staff has researched the matter and informed the Hall that the Park Committee recommended a cash dedication at the April 13, 1978 meeting prior to the park question being raised by neighboring residents and that this recommendation remained unchanged. Drexel Heights City staff is working on finalizing park dedication for the Drexel Heights Addition. More information may be available prior to the Park Committee meeting and if so will be pre- sented at that time. Coachman Oaks Park Dedication Agreement The agreement for park dedication relative to the Coachman Oaks plat has been approved by the City Council and signed by Ted Yoch of Rosewood Corporation. It still needs to be signed by DGM Corporation, the fee owners of the property. City staff will define the locations for the future seven acres park dedication and the proposed eight acres park purchase in order to define the appropriate location for the 1.4 acre dedication which is to be made at this time. These locations will be reviewed with the Park Committee at the next regular meeting. Slocum Agreement Charles Slocum has not signed the agreement for future dedica- tion of approximately 2 -1/2 acres of park land in conjunction with the plat for Vienna Woods. He is asking for some changes including the right to make the dedication within 30 days after submission of a letter to the City. City staff feels that this is not acceptable and the Eagan City Council at their December 18, 1978 meeting agreed with the staff recommendation. Mr. Slocum will be informed of this action and the City Attorney will continue to attempt to get this agreement signed. Final plat approval for Vienna Woods is conditional on the signed agreement. See Chart In Development Guide persons (Thf units ion ner acre , • Single Family 2. Town Tiouse 5. 2.9 Aot. 15. 20'3 mobile 6. 2.5 1 SUGGESTIONS FOE rI(''017:17CATON PARK DEnTCi=c1 FC2 DISCUSSION PTE_POSE Single family $225 ToTJu House CA 2 Mobile HoTae $1 7:: 41 oer unit cost i(or 1 ac. at 7,000 = 225 oer unit cost ():: 3 ac. at 10,000 = oer unit cost 1 ac. at 12,000 = 279 nn: unit cost :Tor 1 ac. at 10,000 = 250 1. Current park standards call for apprir7imate1y 1 acre of park land to be provided at the local lcurel n ferre each 100 persons of population. 2. Therefore, to determine the r;Ftygentr ri dedication fee, tlio nurabr of uuits per 100 popti i into the cost (1;f one :l:e (7)2 land. 3. It would also be possible to 7=nd cff the above figures% and recoDmend a dedication of $250 :Jo:: ail o cil7c7 fo7cmu1 r;cts a 11 p7!7-0: ( foes based on one laud value. If that approach ;aas rsaay the now figures the reults would h(..72