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2014-01 Experience EaganExperience Eagan • January/February 2014 • 1 January/February 2014 Experience Eagan continued on page 2 Shopping, Parking, Housing and Hotel Moving Ahead in Cedar Grove Participate in Local Government; Help Guide Eagan’s Future Commission Applications Now Being Accepted If you’ve not recently driven near Highway 13 and the Cedar Freeway, you may not recognize it. Construction activity near this intersection, known as the Cedar Grove Redevelopment Area, is boom- ing. Several projects are well underway including a 100-store, upscale outlet center, a 190-unit apart- ment and retail complex and a multi-level parking garage. These could soon be joined by a contempo- rary 123-unit proposed hotel. Here are some of the highlights of the projects: w Paragon Outlet Partners and Ryan Construction continue work on the 409,000 square foot Twin Cities at Eagan outlet center that will anchor the redevelopment area. To date, 37 of the expected 100 tenant names have been released. Both interior and exterior work will continue throughout the winter to meet the expected August 2014 opening. w The City’s Economic Development Authority (EDA) selected PCL Construction as the general contractor for the 1,550 space Cedar Grove Parking Garage. Initial construction began in September 2013 and will continue until comple- tion in conjunction with the Paragon outlet cen- ter opening next summer. w The Flats at Cedar Grove by Stonebridge Development received final development approval to build 190 units of market rate apart- ments and 11,000 square feet of attached retail at the east end of the redevelopment area. The four-story residential building provides a mix of unit types from studio to 3-bedroom. Amenities Do you want to help shape our City, its government and provide input on City decisions? Then you should consider applying to serve on one of Eagan’s four Advisory Commissions. Applications are being accepted now through March 21, from residents interested in serving. Applications will be reviewed and appointments will be made by the Mayor and City Council in April. Serving on a City Advisory Commission is a great way for the public to volunteer and get involved with City government. Commission members pro- vide a direct path to determining the community’s feelings on specific issues and offer a way to gather citizen input and recommend options to the City Council. “The citizens that serve Eagan’s Advisory Commissions provide an invaluable service with the time they provide, the research they conduct and the interactions they have with the community,” says City Administrator, Dave Osberg. “Their work provides a strong foundation of information on which the Council can build its decisions.” include underground parking, a resident fitness center, a community and game room, and an outdoor patio with an in-ground pool and spa. Site construction is anticipated to begin follow- ing the developer’s closing on the property pur- chase from the EDA in January 2014. w On December 3, 2013, the Eagan EDA approved a concept plan for a 123-unit hotel developed by Morrissey Hospitality Group, who is cur- rently working with the Hilton Home2 Suites brand. The hotel will be located within the lot adjacent to the parking garage and is expected to use the parking garage for its guests. The Commission members provide the needed commu- nity perspective on issues such as newly proposed retail or residential developments, park amenities or recreation offerings, residents’ concerns about flight paths or energy saving technologies. The Eagan City Council appoints members of the public to four advisory commissions: w Advisory Planning Commission w Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission w Airport Relations Advisory Commission, w Energy and Environment Advisory Commission The City Council also appoints the Gun Club Lake Watershed Management Organization members. Candidate interviews will be scheduled in mid-April. Commissions meet every one to two months—depending on the commission. Commission descriptions and general meeting schedules as well as applications are available on the City Web site at www.cityofeagan.com/ Commissions. Reminders to Help Weather Snow Season Strategic Clearing Can Reduce the Amount of Snow Piled In Driveway Plows are angled to the right for plowing from the centerline of the street toward the outside edge of the street. A certain amount of snow is bound to be deposited into driveways abutting curb lines. But, this diagram shows how property owners can reduce the snow that piles up at the end of the driveway by clearing a spot ahead of time. Garbage & Recycling Placement Keeping garbage and recycling containers clear of the plow’s path helps us all. By placing them at least 3 feet behind the curb as designated by City code, containers can still be reached by the automated arm of garbage vehicles, but keeps them safe from being struck and leaves room for the plows to clear streets well. Each winter, the City of Eagan’s snowplow fleet is out in force keeping our roadways safe. Allowing more space between the plow and your vehicle can prevent accidents. Stay Back and Stay Alive! To get a first hand view of what a snow plow driver sees watch “A View from a Plow” go to this link on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=uUUEFTV-ay8 Construction of the emerging outlet center at Highway 13 and Cedar Ave. is well underway. The open girders pictured will form the can- opy for one of the outdoor walkways between stores. The 100-store upscale outlet center is scheduled to open in August, 2014. Experience Eagan • January/February 2014 • 2 Weatherization Plus Loan Program Keeps Chill Out 15th Annual Home & Leisure Show The CDA Weatherization Plus Loan pilot program also offers low/moderate-income homeowners in the Eagan an opportunity to receive weatheriza- tion services with a zero percent, forgivable loan. Weatherization services will permanently reduce energy bills by helping to make your home more energy efficient while protecting the health and safety of family members. Each home will have an energy audit conducted to determine the weatherization work needed. Work items may include: w Minor and major air sealing w Attic insulation w Sidewall insulation w High-efficiency heating systems w General repair/health and safety improve- ments needed to allow safe completion of weatherization services Eligible applicants must reside within the City of Eagan or the City of Rosemount; own their own home; demonstrate ability to make mortgage pay- ments; have a gross annual income within the pro- gram income limits; and cannot have assets greater than $60,000. It’s already been a long winter. Does this weather have you visualizing a home improvement project? Perhaps a decked-out family area for your cooped- up crew or a yard project taking root this spring? Maybe new windows or sid- ing are in order to keep out the drafts? If so, you’ll want to save the date for the Eagan Civic Arena’s 15th Annual Home & Leisure Show. The show will be Friday, March 14, from 3 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission into the show and parking are free. Over 80 vendors will be available, showcasing their home and leisure prod- ucts. Free seminars and activities will also be provided by the Dakota County Master Gardeners. Visit the website at www.eagancivicarena.com for updates and schedule of events. Loan Features w Zero percent interest w No monthly payments w Forgivable 15 year loan, with graduated for- giveness that includes 1/5 (20%) of the princi- pal loan amount forgiven every three years w Repayable when ownership changes or you move from the property prior to the end of the forgivable loan period w $4,000 loan minimum; $8,500 loan limit For income limits, additional information and appli- cation forms, visit www.dakotacda.org or contact Lisa Henning at (651) 675-4467. Home Improvement & Weatherization Assistance Available for Homeowners Does your home need some upgrading but you’re not sure how to finance it? The Dakota County Community Development Agency (CDA) may be able to help. The CDA Home Improvement Loan Program is avail- able to assist low- and moderate-income homeown- ers with making repairs and improvements to their homes. Funds are commonly used for insulation, electrical and plumbing repairs, roof replacement, furnace replacement and special needs improve- ments. Minimum loan amount is $15,000 and maxi- mum is $25,000. The loan features zero percent interest and no monthly payments. It is due when the house is sold or when the house is no longer the principal place of residence of the borrower. To qualify, applicants must own their home, have sufficient equity in the property, a satisfactory cred- it history and a gross annual income that does not exceed specific limits as based on household size. The Home Improvement Loan Program is part of the CDA Homeownership Connection services that provide homebuyers and homeowners with resources to be successful. For more information, income limits, or to request an application, contact Mark Hanson, Rehabilitation Loan Coordinator at (651) 675-4469 or visit www.dakotacda.org. Show Your Dog Some Love 2014-15 Dog Licenses Available It’s time again to protect your “best friend” by renewing his/her dog license. City of Eagan dog licenses are good for up to two years, so licenses purchased now will be valid through 12/31/15. The cost for a license is $20. Tags can be purchased online through eConnect, at the Eagan Police Department, at the Eagan Community Center, as well as all Eagan Veterinary Clinics. For further information, please visit www.cityofeagan.com/ DogLicenses. Cedar Grove...from page 1 EDA and Morrissey Group are currently work- ing a purchase agreement, with development application review expected in early 2014. If approved, the hotel is slated to open in the spring of 2015. w The Cedar Grove Parkway Trail connect- ing to trails from Rahn Road to the Cedar Grove Transit Station was opened for use in November. The trail was constructed with assistance from a Dakota County CDA Redevelopment Incentive Grant and will great- ly enhance pedestrian connections within the area. Final site work will be completed in the Spring of 2014. w A study is in process between MnDOT, Dakota County, the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA), and the City of Eagan to determine options for improved bus/rapid transit access to the Cedar Grove Transit Station from the BRT/Red Line along Cedar Avenue. Currently, buses must exit Cedar Avenue at Diffley and use Nicols Road. The study is expected to be on-going through the first part of 2014. Updates on this information and about the area can be found at the City Web site at www. cityofeagan.com/CedarGroveRedevelopment. Realize your dreams at the Home & Leisure Show, showcasing more than 80 vendors, free seminars and activities this March 14 and 15 at the Eagan Civic Arena. Experience Eagan • January/February 2014 • 3 Do you have a fear that keeps you from joining a fitness center? Maybe it is a fear of working out amongst a bunch of already fit people? Maybe you are intimidated by the busy first-of-the-year-fitness- frenzy? Or, you fear you’ll look stupid because you don’t know how the equipment works? Perhaps you’ve been burned before by a fitness center con- tract you didn’t understand and then couldn’t get out of? Good thing there is the Eagan Community Center’s Fitness Center, because the staff here specializes in helping beginners get comfortable, providing a high quality, moderately priced facility, designed for real people, with no long-term contracts. The trainers and staff at the Eagan Community Center know that everybody starts as a beginner and they are passionate about helping people. The Eagan Community Center embodies “community spirit” and encourages people of all ability levels by providing a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. New members get a free orientation to the fitness center when they enroll and have access to Trainer Time – designated periods when personal trainers are available to assist members with learning new exercises and providing guidance with establishing and meeting goals. Having access to personal trainers is a great way to create a connection at the fitness center and can Does Joining a Fitness Center Scare You? New Volunteer Firefighters Sworn In to Serve At the last meeting of 2013, it is fitting that the City Council welcomed 13 newly sworn firefighters. Four of the 13 make up the class of 2012, and have completed Firefighter and Rescue Training and can now begin responding to all fire and rescue calls. These four individuals are: w Anthony D’Agostino, Station 2 w Benjamin Fugere, Station 3 w Awbre Henry, Station 5 w Matthew Specht, Station 4 The remaining nine members make up the class of 2013, who began training in September, and com- pleted a 12-week First Responder training. They can now respond to medical calls in the commu- nity and will begin a 15-week, in-house Firefighter I Training. All will also need to pass the State Certification in each required skill area before becoming volunteer paid-per-call firefighters for Eagan. These nine individuals are: w Princewill Agbara, Station 1 w Cynthia Enfield, Station 1 w Maxwell Hiracheta, Station 2 w Lucas Jarrett, Station 3 w Douglas Lattery, Station 1 w Margaret McConnell, Station 1 w Paul Peel, Station 2 w Francisco Salazar, Station 1 w Steve Turbeville, Station 2 Each year, the Eagan Fire Department recruits vol- unteer, paid-per-call firefighters for training that begins in September. Currently the department is authorized for 150 firefighters but has 102 in service. The department loses about 15 firefighters annu- ally to retirement, relocation or issues related to time commitment required. If you are interested in learning more about becoming an Eagan Volunteer Firefighter, information and applications for the class of 2014 are available at www.cityofeagan.com/ Fire and select “Join the Department.” Did you know that over 90% of cardiac arrest vic- tims do not survive? We can help change that in Eagan. Did you know that most cardiac arrests happen outside a hospital—such as at the park, at work, or at home? You can be the difference in increasing a victim’s chances of survival. Hands-Only Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a simple skill that can help you save a life. Effective bystander CPR, provided immediately after cardiac arrest, can double or triple a victim’s chance of sur- vival. Learn Hands-Only CPR and learn how you can help save the life of a loved one, friend, classmate or coworker. Saturday, February 1, 2014 Eagan Fire Station 2 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Call the Eagan Fire Department at (651) 675-5900 to register for this free, lifesaving training. Two Steps to Stayin’ Alive Hands-Only CPR Training help beginners feel more comfortable knowing they can ask questions and get guidance on a variety of topics. Those who feel comfortable and confident in a fitness center setting are more likely to visit the club on a regular basis, which creates new habits and a lifestyle change to ultimately improve overall health. The Eagan Community Center offers a low enroll- ment fee, a lower-than-average monthly fee and works with many HMOs that pay a portion of the cost for their members who visit regularly. So, if the thought of joining a fitness center is scary, you will be in good hands at the Eagan Community Center and we invite visitors to come look around and learn more. For more information visit www. EaganCommunityCenter.com Recycling More at Home Recycling is an easy way for Eagan residents to help the environment and the economy. By recycling, you are saving energy, conserving natural resources and preventing pollution. Additionally, recycling directly and indirectly supports 37,000 jobs in our state, and adds nearly $8.5 billion to the Minnesota economy. However, a recent study estimates that we throw nearly 1.2 million tons of recyclables into the garbage each year! Nearly $285 million of valuable materials are being thrown away annu- ally. The best way to prevent this is to know what you can recycle at home. Eagan residents can now go online to find out if they could be recycling more. Visit www. DakotaValleyRecycling.org/curbside, and click on your garbage company’s logo. You’ll see an up-to- date list of the things you can and can’t put in your recycling bin at home. New technologies mean that more things are recyclable, so even if you’ve been recycling for years you may learn something new! Are you recycling these often-forgotten items? w Plastic bottles from shampoo, conditioner, lotion or soap (rinse and replace cap) w Empty cardboard tubes from paper towel and toilet paper rolls w Boxes from cases of pop or beer cans w Glass jars that held pasta sauce, jam/jelly, baby food, pickles or mixed nuts w Laundry or dishwasher detergent jugs w Juice boxes and milk cartons Call the recycling department at (651) 675-5011 or visit www.DakotaValleyRecycling.org to learn more. The City Council congratulated the thirteen new firefighters who were sworn into serve Eagan, in December. Four began training in September 2012 and nine in September 2013. Over that same timeframe, 15 volunteers have retired from the department. Prsrt stdU.s. PostagePAIDtWIN CItIes MNPerMIt No. 4902* * * * * ECRWSS * *Residential Postal Customer3830 Pilot Knob RoadEagan, Minnesota 55122Page 1 shopping, Parking, Housing & Hotel Moving ahead in Cedar grove Commissions Help guide and Inform City Council reminders to Help Weather snow season Page 2 show Your dog some Love Home Improvement & Weatherization assistance available for Homeowners 15th annual Home & Leisure show Page 3 two steps to stayin’ alive get the Beat at Hands-only CPr training New Volunteer Firefighters sworn In to serve does Joining a Fitness Center scare You? recycling More at Home Page 4 Blue thumb – Planting for Clean Water Workshop Funfest reel In Fun … take a Kid Ice Fishing Heros Wanted Mayor Mike Maguire Councilmembers Paul Bakken Cyndee Fields Gary Hansen Meg Tilley City Administrator Dave Osberg City Hall (651) 675-5000 • (651) 454-8535 TTY www.cityofeagan.com Experience Eagan Reel In Fun … Take A Kid Ice Fishing Registration is now underway for the very popular Take A Kid Ice Fishing - Try It Clinic, on Saturday, January 18, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Blackhawk Park. In celebration of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Take A Kid Fishing day, no fishing licenses are required for this event. Individuals and families are invit- ed to join experienced City of Eagan Water Resources staff and volunteers from the Minnesota In-Fisherman’s Club and experience one of Minnesota’s most loved out- door winter sports. No supplies? No problem, poles and bait are provided. Ice fishing is a sport for people of any age. Last year, more than 200 people – preschoolers to senior citizens – enjoyed the event. And since ice fishing poles are much shorter than standard poles, they are perfect size for little hands to hold. This clinic requires pre-registration. It is also suggested you bring a chair or bucket to sit on. You may register by phone by calling Parks & Recreation at (651) 675-5500 or register online at www.cityofeagan. com/econnect. Class number for registration is #20969. Blue Thumb – Planting for Clean Water Workshop You’ve likely heard that the population of bees has dropped in the past few years. Butterfly popula- tions are also down. This is partially due to a loss of pollinator-friendly plants that serve as their main food source. Fortunately, many of the plants that these pollinators need to survive are native wild- flowers that are attractive for our yards and land- scapes. You can learn how to create your own bee and butterfly buffet at an upcoming Blue Thumb workshop on March 17, from 6:15 to 8 p.m. at Eagan City Hall. Blue Thumb workshops teach residents how to cre- ate their own rain garden, native plant garden and which plantings can stabilize shoreland and benefit water quality. Over the past several years, more than 200 Eagan residents have attended a Blue Thumb workshop. photo by Al Kiecker Register now for a workshop and you can have plans for your spring project before the snow melts. Pre-registration is required. Introductory workshops are free and are open to all Eagan and Dakota County residents. An optional hands-on project design course, to be held two weeks after the initial workshop, will cost $25. Attendees to the design classes can apply for a $250 grant to help install their Blue Thumb garden project. Register for Blue Thumb classes at www. DakotaCountySWCD.org or call Dakota County Soil & Water Conservation District at (651) 480-7777. The March 17th workshop in Eagan is sponsored by the City of Eagan’s Lakes & Wetlands Program. Heros Wanted Make sure the hydrant near your home is clear of snow so firefighters can access it in an emergency. Firefighters lose valuable minutes trying to locate and clear hydrants rather than fighting a fire. Not only will the bees and butterflies thank you, but your neighbors may too as your garden will help promote clean water, filter stormwater runoff and also provide food and habitat for birds. Join Funfest Do you enjoy watching fire- works, listening to a band, and joining the Eagan 4th of July parade? Why not go one step further and help plan the events? Planning for the 2014 Eagan’s July 4th Funfest celebration is already underway and new committee mem- bers are needed. The planning committee meets the first Thursday of each month at 6:45 p.m. at the Eagan Community Center. For more infor- mation and to receive an agenda, Contact info@eaganfunfest.org. No training required. All ages welcome. A great family activity.