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.
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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.
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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