02/14/1974 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission
EAC'AN PArcK CUP1,1t1T2EE
February 14, 1974 Eagan City Hall
Members Absent: Chuck Hall, Jim Maloney
Also Present: Ted Wac~,ter, Bob Rosene, Bill Branch, Jim McGuffir~e, John Voss
The meeting was chaired by Barbara Schmidt. The January minutes were
corrected to read "ore of four N.S.P. easement blocks..." in the first
paragraph. Neil Coates moved and Gerber Hatteberg seconded a motion that
the minutes be approved as amended.
Bob Rosene gave a brief report on the cost of operating lights in the
park. For average length of use, the cost of operating hockey lights is three
cents per killowatt hour. Security lights with an electric eye cost approx-
imately $130 per light per year. Mr. Rosene did not recommend security lights
with a manual switch because of the problem of turning them on and off and
the increased possibility of vandalism. He also reported that the cost of a
hockey rink with lighting was $$16,000; the cost of an unlighted tennis court
was $17,000.
Mr, Rosene also reported on the proposed schedule for spring construction.
If the frost is out by May 1st, it would probably take two weeks for the ball
fields to dry up and the grading and seeding could begin about six weeks after
the ground is dried up. If Rahn and McKee ball diamonds are used this season
they would have to be re-seeded for next season. Bob Rosene will shoot the
grades on the proposed Highview ball park and get an estimate on the possibility
of adding grading of the field as a change order on the present contract.
Chuck Linke of Autumn Development Company appeared with a revi*ion of the
proposed dedication for Canterbury Acres. (The development has been reduced
from 67 to 57 single family dwellings.) The proposed dedication of 7+ acres
would include an easement on the Western edge of the property for development
of a hiking and biking trail. The planner suggested that a 50 foot wide
dedication in conjunction with Arne Carlson, an adjacent property owner would
allow for a meandering trail. Additional parts of the trail could be developed
on existing sewer easement as well as through dedication of land around the
edges of the ponds. This dedication of trails for hiking and 'Diking would
become part of the minor trail system and would help to connect Patrick Eagan
and Holland Jensen Park. John Voss will meet with Mr. Dunn, ano-'-,her adjaccnt
property owner, to see if these plans would be compatible with his proposed
development. A meeting of theCity Engineer and Planner, the Development
committee, Mr. Carlson ahd representatives of the Autu-m Development Company
was scheduled for Thursday, February 21st at 6:30 P.M. 'o discus further
Arne Carlson c.ppearee to discuss the proposed dedicat-..cn of. Wilderness
Run located on Pilot Knob Road and Countj Road 30. He ind:icat--d that he
planned to build a parking lot near the already proposed park about- 10-11.
feet below the adjacent property line and that he p13,infQ::4o screen it
further thru the use of a hedge. Mr. Carlson proposed donation of cash for
the addition to his development. (16 acres of park land have already been
donated for earlier additions to his development.) He did indicate that he
may develop a common green space for the use of residents in his area.. He
also agreed to consider dedication of land for a trail connection.
John Voss gave a report of the status of the application .for bike trail
funds from the state. He proposed approximately 4 miles of trails in four
park areas wita an estimated construction cost of $30,000. The proposed date
of completi,,.n on the application would be 1974. John will obtain a legal
description and a notarized affidavit from Paul Hauge stating that vie own the
property. Myrel Lundsten moved and Jan Callenius seconded a motion that we
approve John Voss's work on the bicycle application and that we recommend that
he be appointed as trail administrator. The motion was approved,
John indicated that our park guide will have a hearing on April 3, 1974
before the Physical Development Committee of the Metropolitan Council and
rc_°ore the full Metropolitan Council on April 11, 197+. The City Council haz
set a price to the guide of five dollars per copy for Eagan residents and
ten dolla.°•s fcr non-residents.
A motion was made by Myrel Lundsten and seconded by Dale Everson that
Jahn Voss be authorized to prepare a concept plan for Evergreen Park. All
members except Jan Callenius voted in favor.
A motion was also made by Myrel Lundsten and seconded by Jan Callenius
that John Voss recommend a formula for giving credit for trail and easement
dedications. All members voted in favor.
Mr. Voss also recommended that either this year or Aext we consider
the hiring of a full or part time Park Director.
Patel Hauge stated that he had written two letters regardiag appraisals
of Bur Oak park to H.U.D. officals and that we still had not heard definitely
when our grant money would be sent.
A. discussion of the possibility of additional hockey facilities was
-niti.%ated by Bob Waldowski, president of C.A.A. He stated that their
orgeaiization had 200 boys in the hockey program and they had found it expensive
ei,.J diff:ic-alt to purchase ice time when necessary outsirIa the community.
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He suggested that wo consider 1) a roof installed over an existing rink 2)
an additional rin.1-, with roof, s-f.des and natural ice j) a heat d :ice arena with
artifical ice making equipment He indicated that he wog-.?.d like to start
with a metal building and add on in three or four stages. A 1973 estimated
cost $100,00. There was a brief discussion of neighboring facilities
and their design and Dale Everson indicated that he felt a metal building; had
limitations. Barb Schmidt indicated that the park program was now in the
process of a five year improvement program and questioned whether a bond issue
could be passed at this time. It was also suggested that Mi. Olson, our fis^al
consultant,':would have to be consulted,onc--'more specific .cost.infor;ation
was aaailable.
A poll surveying the interest of Eagan citizens in a proposWd arena with
or urithout swimming facilities was suggested and will be considered by the
committee. Dale Everson will continue to investigate alternatives and develop
a cost proposal for further consideration.
An evaluation of the ice maintenance program with Ken Kersten, Jim McGuffee
a:zd Bill Branch will be held Tuesday, February 19th at 7:00 P.M.
Ted Wachter stated that he had attended a Jaycee's meeting and that they
were looking for commmity projects, Ted had suggested signs identifying the
names of the parks and he will check further with the Jaycee's to see if
their are interested. The •Jaycee's would also like to reserve Rahn Park for the
Fourth of July celebration and the committee indicated that that would be
acceptable if the construction of the park was completed by that time,
Carol Rahn, a Cedar Grove resident, appeared to indicate that two
horses had been seen in Carnelian Park. She was encouraged to call the
police if she saw them again and an effort will be made to track doom the
oTh"ners.
Ted Wachter also gave each committee member a copy of an Edina ordinance
regulating motor bicycles and asked for members react-ions.
An annual park committee report will be prepared for the council with
each committee responsible for preparation of its own section.
The problem cf parking adjacent to parks was discussed next and it was
suggested that streets adjacent to Carnelian, Rahn and Woodhaven be signed to
prohibit parking. Next winter all lots will be kept cleared to facilitate
parking.
Jim McGuffee gave a maintenance report and it tras suggested that volur,i,eers
be used to help take down the portable rinks. Jim indicated that he and Bill
Branch had discussed the need for a small one ton dump truck for park use and
the committee requested that Jim get estimates on several brands of trucks for
next month's meeting.
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The hockey season will be complete in one more week. Dale Everson will
make the decision as to when the rinks should be closed.
In discussing the coming ball season, Jan Callenius recommended that the
field at McKee be completed first because of the need for a field in that area.
C.A.A. has also requested storage facilities for their off season equipment.
The Recreation Committee will obtain more information on the need for an adult
softball field.
Carolyn Thurston will contact School District 191 to see if school
facilities will be available for "junior high recreation night."
Barbara Schmidt will answer letters from Timberline Residents requesting
speed in developing a park in their area..
The meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted,
Myrel Lundsten
March Council Meetings
Gerber Hatteberg
Next Park Committee Meeting
Thursday, March 7, 197+ 7:30 P.M.
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