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11/16/1978 - Advisory Parks & Recreation CommissionREGULAR MEETING PARK COMMITTEE EAGAN, MINNESOTA CITY HALL NOVEMBER 16, 1978 7:00 P.M. AGENDA IV 8:00 - Park Department A. Report on Thomas Lake Park as potential site for a fire station. L_B. Request to flood Thomas Lake Park to lower Carlson and Thomas Lakes - Bob Rosene. C. Park Construction contract progress report —D. Pilot Knob Bikeway report 1 -'11 Exclusion of horses and snowmobiles from Ft. Snelling State Park. 1 F. Request from Eagan Valley Rangers for snowmobile use on Highline Trail. ti� G. Trail Information. H. Recreation Report. I. Park curfew - tennis lighting. J. Report on installation of play equipment under power lines. K. Park Department budget. V. 8:45 - Special Meetings. A. Set next meeting of Trail Subcommittee. I. 7:00 - Call to Order, Pledge of Allegiance Approval of September 14, 1978 and October 12, 1978 minutes Establishment of Agenda Slide Presentation - Preservation of Natural Vegetation Ft. Snelling State Park, Craig Cox, DNR II. 7:30 - Report from City Council meeting - Tom Hedges. III. 7:45 - Development Proposals - A. Phillip Brandt - 5 acres in Section 29 west of Saddlehorn Addition - staff .B. Ray Ohlmann - 20 acre PUD in Section 33, proposed campground - staff VI. 9:00 - Old Business. &v\ (A. Report on Rosewood Agreement, Slocum Agreement. JTT___- Q..1.5_,.. MiQul Riisinoc_ MEMO TO: MEMBERS OF THE ADVISORY PARK COMMITTEE FROM: PARK AND RECREATION DIRECTOR SCHMIDT DATE: NOVEMBER 15, 1978 SUBJECT: AGENDA INFORMATION In recent discussions with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, staff learned of a short slide presentation regarding the preservation of native vegetation in Ft. Snelling State Park. Ft. Snelling has areas of perched bogs; land which exists at higher elevations which is very wet. Orchids and other unusual vegetation are found on these bogs and through controlled burns their growth is being encouraged. Craig Cox, DNR Resource Management Coordinator, is conducting the burns and will show slides and discuss the results of these efforts. (Note: He is not involved with the rules and regulations governing use of Ft. Snelling State Park). City Administrator Tom Hedges will discuss recent actions of the City Council relative to the Park Department which include acceptance of the Diseased Tree Removal List, authorization to submit a grant application to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for maintenance of Blackhawk and Patrick Eagan Cross Country Ski Trails,and approval of Revision #5 of the Park Department Budget. Development Proposals Dale Runkle will discuss two new development proposals. The 5 acre proposal in Section 29 appears to be part of the Lexington South PUD and therefore will require no action by the committee. The 20 acre campground proposal will be zoned business and will also require no committee action. Both of these proposals are being presented to the Park Committee for information only. Park Department A. Staff was asked to investigate hiring a planner to prepare a development plan for Thomas Lake Park. Preliminary discussion indicates that the cost would be at least $1,000. It also appears that the committee should make recommendations as to suggested uses before such a plan is prepared. The new elementary school adjacent to Evergreen Park will help to satisfy active park needs in this neighborhood. Dale Runkle will present the new site plan to the committee so this can be evaluated. Also prior to spending funds on a development plan, staff is seeking an evaluation of the existing prairie from Professor Morely and Edward Cushing, prairie experts from the University of Minnesota. Agenda Information Page Two November 15, 1978 Thomas Lake Park was purchased for primarily passive use. A canoe landing on the lakeshore was initially proposed. The value of the area as an outdoor classroom has recently been discussed. A walking trail through the native prairie area has also been proposed and the High Line trail will be constructed in this area. Additional development plans should be contingent upon the evaluation of the native prairie area and the value of school site in providing additional facilities such as hockey and free skating rinks. B. Request to flood Thomas Lake Park -- The Park Department has been contacted by Bob Rosene relative to storing excess storm water in Thomas Lake Park. Carlson Lake needs to be lowered 10 feet Water from Carlson Lake will be pumped into Thomas Lake Thomas Lake also needs to be lowered one foot. Bob is suggesting pumping the excess water into Thomas Lake Park as a temporary solution The permanent solution to the problem is a storm sewer connection between Thomas Lake and Blackhawk Lake which could be constructed next summer if the Council orders in the project soon. Bob's initial proposal was to flood Thomas Lake Park to the 908 elevation. Bob, Tom Colbert, Barb Schmidt, Myrel Lundsten and Jean Loken toured the site and discovered that the 908 elevation would flood approximately one - third of the park and would require dikes to be built to keep the water out of Evergreen Park. This would kill a number of trees as well as numerous varieties of prairie plans. The High Line Trail would need to be constructed on the dikes in two locations. (Information was obtained from a plant ecologist at the University of Minnesota regarding the effect of flooding on trees and the prairie plants). Bob Rosene will be present at the Park Committee meeting to present a modified proposal to flood Thomas Lake Park to a lower elevation. Jean Loken is preparing a map of the plant varieties so the effect of the new proposed elevation can be evaluated. In addition Bob is investigating the possibility and cost of running this excess water into the sanitary sewer system. C. Park Construction Contract Progress Report -- Dormant seeding of the parks under construction has now been completed for the most part. There is still access water_ in Northview Park but it is receding. The trees appear to be out of danger at this time. The Pilot Knob Park pathway has been repaired. Gravel still needs to be placed on the Northview Parking lots. A final inspection tour will be scheduled before final payments are approved. D. Pilot Knob Bikeway Report -- The Pilot Knob Bikeway has been completed. Park Committee members are asked to record obseved usage of this facility when possible for future reference. Agenda Information Memo Page Three November 15, 1978 E. Exclusion of horses and snowmobiles from Fort Snelling State Park -- I have contacted the Department of Natural Resources regarding the recent exclusion from Ft. Snelling State Park of both horses and snowmobiles. This problem was brought up by Mike Thomas at a recent trail meeting. He and a group of other riders were ejected from the park in October. I have also heared from the Eagan Valley Rangers Snowmobile Club expressing concern about the posting of this area against snowmobile use. It has been suggested that the Park Committee might wish to write to Don Davison, Director of Park and Recreation DNR, asking that implementation of this policy which was adopted as a part of the development plan for Ft. Snelling State Park be delayed until after the plans are complete for the Minnesota River Valley Trail. If you recall, at the trail meeting held on March 23, 1978 we were told by the DNR that a final ruling on this decision is to be made at that time. (The trail plan should be completed in October, 1979). Jim Dustrude is sending a copy of the Ft. Snelling Development Plan to the Park Department office. In addition, I have contacted Don Jueneman, the manager of Ft. Snelling State Park. He explains that additional cross country ski trails are now being developed in the park for use this winter, that a parking lot will be provided for use by skiers on the former Simones property (between Lone Oak Road and Highview) and that snowmobiles and cross country skiers are not compatible. He further explained that hiking and biking trails will be worked on hopefully next summer. He stated that Ft. Snelling has examples of unique vegetation which should be protected. He also mentioned that he would be taking pictures of severe damage done by horses to trails currently under construction. F. Request from Eagan Valley Rangers Snowmobile Club for Designation of High Line Trail for snowmobile use -- Maynard Ohm, President of the Eagan Valley Rangers, and Rich Jenderny, Vice President, will appear before the Park Committee to request use of the High Line area from Rahn Road to Pilot Knob Road as a snowmobile trail. The club has been obtaining permission from land owners in an effort to designate and sign an official snowmobile trail for use this winter. They have permission from two property owners near Northview School in the north -south power line area also and will show the committee a map of the proposed trails. The High Line Trail has been shown as an all purpose trail in the Eagan Park Development Guide. However, at this time the City has title only to the area which was dedicated in conjunction with the Mallard Park plat. A revised timetable for dedication of the remainder of the trail will be available at the meeting. The snowmobile club is also concerned about the recent closing of Ft. Snelling State Park to use by snowmobiles and will discuss what impact this will have on their member riders. Agenda Information Memo Page Four November 15, 1978 They will also investigate whether the 494 corridor can currently be reached by snowmobiles without trespassing on private property and what value that area currently has to Eagan snowmobilers. The Highway Department is considering posting that area against use by any recreational vehicles. G. Trail Information -- 1. I -494 crossing -- Jim Dustrude, DNR planner, and Nancy Mahle, MnDOT bikeway coordinator, recently looked at 494 in terms of providing a pedestrian and bikeway trail crossing in conjunction with construction of this inter- state highway. MnDOT supports this connection because MnDOT bikeways have been built in both Eagan and Bloomington. This could be similar to the Cedar Avenue bike and pedestrian trail crossing and would begin west of T.H. 13 and end just off the bridge. Expressions of support for this project from affected local municipalities could be helpful. 2. I -35E -- The Hearing Examiner is recommending alternate A -2, the route which goes around Blackhawk Lake, as the appropriate corridor for I -35E. His recommendation will go to Alexander, the DNR Commissioner, for a final decision. The City Council has taken exception to this finding and will be presenting this formally to the DNR. Bob Rosene will discuss the impact on the City Trail system of alternate A2 for the Park Committee. H. Recreation Report -- Warming house attendants are now being hired. Additional applicants are needed throughout Eagan especially in the north end of town. The Department is especially interested in adults and senior citizens to staff the Rahn building. Park Committee members are requested to refer any interested applicants to the Park office as soon as possible. A report on the Halloween party is enclosed for your reference. The third CPR class began this week at Northview School. Winter recreation plans are currently being finalized and will include, couples badmitton at Metcalf Jr. High, figure skating lessons at Rahn Park, men's recreational broomball at Woodhaven and Highview Parks, cross country ski lessons and continuation of couples and women's volleyball at Pilot Knob and Northview Schools. Publicity for these activities will be included in the school district brochures and a park department winter brochure is also in preparation. A copy of the warming house hours and locations is included for your information. Also included is a copy of a report compiled by the Park Department of current and proposed recreational offerings for the City. Suggestions and/ or comments from the committee regarding these programs would be appreciated. I. Park Curfew - Tennis Lighting -- In checking with other communities and reviewing other park ordinances, Park Director Schmidt finds that some communities ignore the conflict between all -night metered tennis court lights and park curfews. Other lighted facilities are shut down in accordance with the park curfews. Agenda Information Memo Page Five November 15, 1978 It is suggested if Eagan does provide all night metered lights at any courts in the future I would suggest a simple ordinance change excepting these facilities from a curfew. I would further suggest that the change not be made until the ordinance is in need of additional revisions. J. Play Equipment under Power Lines -- On the direction of the Park Committee, the safety factors of installing play equipment with moving metal parts under high voltage power lines has been investigated. Metal play equipment can be installed under the 345KV and 115KV electrical transmission lines. There is no danger of severe electrical shock. To avoid even a slight tingle which could surprise a child and cause line to fall the metal equipment should be grounded. NSP suggests running copper from bottom of play equipment along side of concrete base and into ground or copper wire could be installed through concrete base if proper ground is maintained. NSP will supply ground wire and would like to review plans prior to installation. K. Park Department Budget -- A copy of Revision #5 of the Park Department budget is enclosed for your reference. For your information Page Two November 9, 1978 At this same meeting discussion was held concerning the Planning Commission negotiating for land for schools, fire stations, and other public needs as part of 10% park dedication requirement. Ken Hedtke suggested that laws be changed to allow for this. It was mentioned that maybe parks could have first priority. Paul Hauge explained that state law does not allow for using the park dedication requirement for other than open space purposes. W ya► �.N.JQ Fv t, bfr r J t U LTV l! Cti la L C':•• � r a - s v ' a -. • , `{ ` .;,y....- Vim. - �' -- ! . f> c! ar. tr] 4 The following list of activities represents Park Department programs which have been requested by Eagan residents or have been recommended by the Park Committee. The programs are coded in terms of what they would cost the City as follows: Could Provide 1. Pre Schooler *a. Tiny Tots year around b. Storytimes 2. Elementary Age Children a. *b. * *c. * *d. * *e. f. Summer in the Park Tumbling and Dance Skating Lessons Cross Country Ski Lessons Skating Lessons Children's Theatre 3. Junior High Age a. Open gyms b. Teen Center * *c. Group rates for downhill ski d. Access to: * *1. backpacking excursions * *2. Canoeing 4. Senior High Age a. *b. * *c. * *d. Teen Center, year round Special event parties *1. Halloween Party *2. Valentine's Day, etc. Access to canoe trips Access to bicycle trips EAGAN PARK DEPARTMENT 10 -78 * *Programs totally funded by registration fees or run at no cost to the City * Programs partially funded by registration fees 5. Adults * *a. CPR Classes * *b. Cross Country Ski Lessons * *c. Open sports activities * *1) Less competetive than league play * *d. Recreational Leagues; sanction d * *1) Broomball * *2) Volleyball * *3) Basketball * *4) Softball * *5) Badminton Now Provide 1. Pre - Schoolers *a. Tiny Tots, one location, month of July 2. Elementary Age Children a. Summer in the Park *b. Tumbling and Dance c. Halloween Party 3. Junior High Age a. Open gyms b. Teen Center (8th graders are old enough) 4. Senior High Age a. Teen Center, summer and fall 5. Adults * *a. CPR Classes * *b. Cross Country Ski Lessons * *c. Open sports activities * *1) Women * *2) Couples r Could Provide Now Provide 6. Families * *a. Tickets & bus transp. to: * *l. Theatre productions * *2. Tours of historical sites b. Evening entertainment in parks during the summer * *l. Band concerts *2. Touring theatre groups *c. Week -end special events 7. Senior Citizens a. Assist in forming an Eagan Senior Citizens Club b. Assist the club in program planning c. Provide a meeting place 8. Retarded Citizens a. Provide a specific portion of our summer program for the retarded. *b. Offer activities throughout the year specifically to the retarded. 6. Families a. We have done none of these 7. Senior Citizens a. We have done none of these 8. Retarded Citizens a. We have done none of these The Eagan Park Department will be maintaining hockey and skating rinks at the following locations. Opening date for warming houses is approximately December 23. Warming houses will close when the wind chill factor is -30 degrees or colder. When the blue light on the warming house roof is on, warming houses are open. FREE SKATING AND HOCKEY WITH WARMING HOUSES Carnelian Park Highview Park Lexington Park (McKee Pilot Knob School Rahn Park Woodhaven Park Well Site FREE SKATING ONLY WITH WARMING Cedar Pond WARMING HOUSE HOURS Weekdays, During School Vacation Days and Saturdays Sundays Christmas & New Year's Eve's Christmas & New Year's Day's Evergreen Park Bur Oak Pond EAGA1 PAPR. DEPARTMENT ICE SKATING RINK LOCATIONS HOUSE Blackhawk Poad & Carnelian Lane Pilot Knob & Skyline Poad (Rink is not scheduled for hockey practices) Addition) Lexington Avenue, North of Lone Oak Road Lone Oak & Pilot Knob Road Next to Rahn School - 2 hockey rinks and free skating area (East hockey rink is available for free hockey at all times) Gold Trail, East of Beau D' Rue Drive Pilot Knob Road, North of Cliff Road County Road 30 near Cedar School 3:30 P.M. - 10:Q0 P.M. 10:00 A.M. - 10:00 P.M. NOON - 10:00 P.M. 10:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. NOON - 5:00 P.M. FREE SKATING WITHOUT WARMING HOUSES Country Home Heights Beam Lane, East of Pilot Knob, North of Lone Oak Road Pilot Knob Rid & Walfrid, South of County Road 30 Highway 49 & Chapel Lane FOR YOUR INFORMATION The Eagan Park Department has reclaimed approximately 30 logs from diseased trees taken out of Woodhaven Park. Those logs have been taken to the Dakota County sawmill and will be sawn into 10" x 10" for use as landscape /parking lot dividers in the two new parking lots at Northview Park. Since it is impossible to paint parking slots on crushed rock these dividers will offer an excellent means of separating parking lanes as well as provide space for planting trees in the future. The planting beds will be mulched with wood chips also reclaimed from diseased oaks and elms. Dr. French from the University of Minnesota, the foremost expert in our area on Oak Wilt, will inspect the Lone Oak Tree and advise us as to how we can best care for it. At a recent joint meeting of the Planning Commission and City Council interest was again expressed by members of the Planning Commission for a meeting with the Park Committee regarding park dedication. John. Voss mentioned that joint meetings regarding the new comprehensive plan will soon begin and that this subject would be most appropriate as a topic for one: of the early sessions. Ken Hedtke questioned park dedication policies in general and was concerned that the Park Committee is requiring dedication of "regional" parks rather than one acre plus lots. He also questioned the Park Committee voting down a one acre park when a neighborhood association would have taken care of it. Lakeville's 4% industrial park dedication was also mentioned. FROM: Recreation Programmer, Dorothy Peterson DATE: October 30, 1978 RE: City Halloween Party FOR YOUR INFORMATION A City Halloween Party was held on Saturday afternoon October 28 from 2 to 4 P.M. at the Rahn Building. Children in grades 1 -6 from the four elementary schools in Eagan were invited. Publicity: 1. Flyers sent home from schools with children in grades 1 thru 6 2. Notice on the Mid - America Bank Marquee from October 16 -27 3. Posters in Cedarvale Shopping Center F, Yankee Square 4. Article in the October 26 Dakota County Tribune Registration: Telephone registrations totaled 169 children Actual Attendance: 225 children Staff: Recreation Programmer, two teen center coordinators, three leaders from Summer In the Park, one volunteer Activities: 1. One game with the group all together 2. Six game stations to which the children rotated by groups 3. Entire group reconvened to receive a "goodie" bag to take home Costs: 1. For apples and treats $45.47 2. Staff $84.48 3. Total $129.95 Comments: 1. Attendance was in the numbers we had anticipated 2. When this becomes an annual event the numbers of participants will increase 3. A facility larger than the Rahn Building will have to be used 4. A search for assistance from a volunteer organization of some kind would be helpful 5. We feel the party was a resounding success