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`
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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.
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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