2014-03 Experience EaganExperience Eagan • March/April 2014 • 1
March/April 2014
Experience Eagan
Eagan: Stepping Up, Stepping Out
Commission Chair Says All Have Skills to Bring
Deadline Approaching for Eagan Advisory Commission Applications
What’s Developing?
A struggling economy, sluggish development and job layoffs have
impacted many cities and the nation over the past half decade.
Eagan has felt these impacts as well. But with new retail and
business developments that lead the nation, a returning housing
market and continued job growth, exciting things are on Eagan’s
horizon.
Hear directly from Mayor Mike Maguire at his annual State of the
City Address on the morning of Thursday, March 20. Eagan Chamber
members and all interested community members are invited to watch live
at the Eagan Fire Administration Building (meet and greet begins at 7:30 a.m.) or stream live at
www.cityofeagan.com/watchvideo (beginning at 8:00 a.m.).
Tom Heaney says he gets back as much as he gives
as Chair of Eagan’s Advisory Planning Commission.
Heaney, in his fourth term on the Commission,
says “I began serving as a way to satisfy an inter-
est and skill—I have a Masters in Civic Planning,
but I don’t use it directly in my profession [as
Managing Director for an executive search firm].
The Commission is a great outlet and allows me to
give back to a community that has been very, very
good to me.”
Heaney encourages other Eagan residents to get
involved in Commission service. Heaney says,
“as long as they have the time and interest to be
involved, everyone has a skill to bring to the table,
and the rewards are multiple.”
CSM Corporation, the new owner of the former
Lockheed Martin property, continues to work on
plans for the proposed redevelopment at the cor-
ner of Yankee Doodle and Pilot Knob Roads.
A planned development proposal for a project
would combine 405,000 square feet of retail devel-
opment with a 50,000 square foot medical office
building. The proposal was considered by the City’s
Planning Commission in October. The Commission
recommended approval, but offered a number of
Applications are being accepted through March 21
from Eagan residents interested in serving on the
Advisory Planning Commission, Advisory Parks and
Recreation Commission, Airport Relations Advisory
Commission or the Energy and Environment
Advisory Commission. Regular Commission
Meetings are every one to two months, depending
on the Commission. Additional work sessions are
scheduled as needed.
Applications will be reviewed and appointments
made by the City Council in April. For more infor-
mation and application forms call (651) 675-5000
or visit www.cityofeagan.com/Commissions.
comments on the site layout, circulation, pedes-
trian connections and gathering spaces that were
proposed.
Responding to those comments, CSM presented
revised plans at a City Council workshop in
January. Based on the Council feedback, CSM is
refining plans further and they are expected to
return in the future with an updated development
application. Please watch the City Web site and
future newsletters for additional information.
Trail Plowing Questions?
Eagan has 119 miles of trails criss-
crossing the community, providing
a transportation and recreational
option for pedestrians and bikers.
In winter months, the most trav-
eled trail sections near schools,
retail districts and in other designated areas of the
community are cleared to help the public get around
more easily.
All winter trail maintenance is performed by City
personnel after street snow removal operations are
complete. At present, 73.85 miles of boulevard trails
and sidewalks are designated to be cleared.
Each spring, the City Council considers citizen
requests for additional trail sections to be included.
Anyone interested in having a section added can
submit a request, accompanied by a petition con-
taining at least 50 signatures from properties within
the ¼-mile segment adjacent to the trail section
requested for clearing.
Requests must be submitted by April 1 to the City’s
Transportation Operations Division for consideration
by the City Council at a City Council meeting in May.
Requests and petitions can be mailed or brought
to the Eagan Maintenance Facility, 3501 Coachman
Point, 55122. Call (651) 675-5300 with questions.
The former Lockheed Martin site has been purchased for redevelopment by CSM Corporation. Their development proposal includes 405,000
s.f. of retail and a 50,000 s.f. medical office building on the site.
Improvements for
Hwy 55/149 Ahead
Following nearly a decade of planning, involving
multiple cities, county and state agencies, a plan has
been developed to improve traffic flow and capac-
ity for the Hwy 149/Hwy 55 area in Eagan. The $7.5
million project within this major corridor will benefit
the entire region.
The project will begin in mid-summer and be com-
pleted yet this fall. Improvements include:
w A third northbound lane on Hwy 149 between
I-494 and Hwy 55.
w A third lane on both eastbound and west-
bound sides through the shared section of
Hwy 55/149.
w Roadway resurfacing, drainage improve-
ments and trails.
More information regarding this project
will be available at www.cityofeagan.com/
RoadConstruction.
Experience Eagan • March/April 2014 • 2
Fate of Water Tower
What is a water tower when it no longer holds
water? This is a question currently being considered
by the City.
Since 1967 when the Sperry corporation (later
Univac and Lockheed Martin) was the only large
business near Pilot Knob and Yankee Doodle Roads,
the orange and white checked water tower, built
to hold 500,000 gallons of water, has stood at the
center of town. Four years ago, the City deter-
mined it was no longer needed for water storage.
However, the tower does still serve a purpose. It
holds numerous cellular service and emergency
communication antennas on its structure, which
generate substantial lease fees and service for the
City.
The tower is due to be repainted and refurbished,
at a cost of about $600,000. This brings the City
Council to a decision point. Should the tower, which
is something of a landmark in Eagan, be refur-
bished? Or should an alternate structure replace it
to hold the cellular antennas? They decided to ask
the community.
A survey was generated and released to the com-
munity in January 2014. More than 270 responses
were gathered. Survey results, indicated strong
support for replacing the water tower with an
attractive communications tower. 76% of survey
respondents indicated that keeping the water
tower was not important or somewhat not impor-
tant. Nearly 100% said maintaining or improving
cell phone coverage was important. 48% of the
responses suggested making a replacement tower
as attractive as possible and have it blend into the
background.
I&I Program Wraps Up
When clean water such as rain, groundwater or
snowmelt enters the waste water treatment sys-
tem, it is known as Inflow and Infiltration (I&I). In
October 2005, Eagan received five inches of rain in
less than two hours. As a result, too much clean
water entered the sanitary sewers and was treated
by the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services
(MCES). Because of this, the City was fined $1.8 mil-
lion by the MCES for sending more sanitary sewage
to the treatment plant than was allowed.
Fortunately, the City had the option to spend the
fine amount to seek out and repair the sources of
rain-related I&I to avoid higher demand charges in
the future. The task of identifying and correcting
issues in the publicly-owned sanitary sewer system
was recently completed by City staff.
What We Looked For & Corrected
Because the problem was not as simple as just cor-
recting issues with the City’s underground pipes,
manholes, etc., inspections and repairs needed to
be made throughout the community and included
public infrastructure, residential, commercial and
industrial properties to reduce the overall I&I com-
ing from Eagan.
The first step was to repair old clay pipe with new
cured-in-place pipe. This helped seal joints, structur-
ally reinforced weak pipe, and reduced the amount
of I&I resulting from high groundwater levels due
to saturated soil. If a sanitary sewer is located in
such soils, any openings in the pipe may allow clean
groundwater to enter.
Next, manhole inspections and repairs
were made. Manholes were also ret-
rofitted with liners designed to keep
water from entering under the metal
portion of the manhole lids. In the past
two years, 23 manholes have been
repaired and 150 have been fitted with
liners.
The largest (60%) and most difficult part
of the I&I program was the inspection
of private property sanitary sewer con-
nections.
Since January 2010, the City has
inspected nearly all private property for
improper sump pump and foundation
drain connections. For the 845 issues
that were identified, correction plans
were implemented to eliminate poten-
tial sources of I&I. Often residents were not aware
that rainwater and discharge from sump pumps is
clean water and should not go into sanitary drains
or home plumbing systems.
Results
As a result of this work, Eagan did not have to pay
a surcharge to the MCES following a July 2013 rain
storm (2.6 inches), while many other communities
in the metro area were assessed a surcharge. In
addition, the average daily sanitary sewer flow has
been trending downward over the last thirteen
years – in part due to City efforts to reduce the
amount of clean water entering the sanitary sewer
system.
Eagan is now better positioned to avoid surcharges
caused by significant rainfall. The Utility Division of
Public Works will continue to review, rehabilitate
and replace City infrastructure to reduce I&I in the
future.
The success achieved in reducing I&I is a result of
the time and effort of City staff, the commitment
from the City Council, and the help of Eagan resi-
dents.
Find out more at www.cityofeagan.com/inflow.
Demolition of the existing water tower would cost
$40,000 to $60,000. Building a new communications
structure is estimated to cost $100,000 to $300,000,
depending upon aesthetics. The site could continue
to generate revenue for the City and would not
require as much refurbishment in future years as
would the current water tower.
Based on this feedback, the City Council at its
February 11 work session, directed staff to generate
a timeline for the tower’s removal and its replace-
ment options. Factors to incorporate in research
included:
w Ensure capacity for current antennas
w Provide room for future telecommunication
services/antennas
w Potential aesthetics options for the replace-
ment tower
w Minimum down time for current users
Additional information regarding this issue will be
posted on the City Web site at www.cityofeagan.
com/towerviews as it becomes available.
Free Seminars • Free Parking
EaganCivicArena.com
March 14 & 15
School of Fish Camp
Got a kid aged 8 to 13 who is “angling” to learn how
to fish? Then the School of Fish Camp on May 3,
from 9 a.m. to noon, might get them hooked. Kids
will learn how to tie fishing knots, rig their own pole,
identify fish types and more. As a bonus, each partic-
ipant will go home with their own basic fishing gear.
The camp is $22 per participant. Register by April 18.
More information is available at www.cityofeagan.
com/econnect (class #21566) or by calling (651) 675-
5500.
To help keep rainwater and snowmelt out of the sewer system, the City inspected,
repaired and inserted liners into more than 150 manholes.
Experience Eagan • March/April 2014 • 3
Why Should I Care About Easements?
When heavy rains come through Eagan or it’s time
to upgrade a utility service, or when the pond starts
rising near your home, you may discover that there
are areas within your property that are more than
just a part of the lawn you mow. These areas are
typically called easements and are designated for
drainage, utility service placement, water retention
or to protect a natural resource.
What to Know About Drainage, Conservation &
Utility Easements
Although they may simply look like the rest of the
yard, each easement type serves a specific purpose
and must be made available and left unobstructed
for those uses.
For instance, an area designed for stormwater drain-
age can’t be graded so that the elevation is raised
or lowered, or stormwater will no longer drain as
intended. It can’t have structures that could be
washed away or might prevent water from draining
in a storm. It must allow for high water storage lev-
els and remain accessible for maintenance of intakes
and outlets.
Similarly, things like a fence, swimming pool, tree or
shed can’t be placed in an area that is reserved for
utility lines, underground pipes or overland equip-
ment access.
Finally, areas designated as conservation ease-
ments, typically near a lake, pond or wetland must
be left available for protection of wildlife or natural
habitat. Some conservation areas must also remain
unmowed, free of retaining walls and cannot be
used as a yard waste or pet waste disposal area.
To help protect and maintain conservation ease-
ments in your neighborhood, property owners are
encouraged to:
w Clean up debris or waste on pond edges.
w Report any filling, grading or dumping into
the easement areas by calling the City’s Water
Resources Department at (651) 675-5300.
So, How Do I Know Where
Easements Are on My
Property?
The standard easement is ten
feet along the front and five feet
along the side and rear yard, but
this varies in some locations.
If you are unsure about whether
your property has an easement,
refer to your property deed, as
most easements were set when
the property was originally plat-
ted or developed. Deed infor-
mation can be found at www.
co.dakota.mn.us/HomeProperty/
PlatsSurveys/OnlineSearch/Pages, or you may call
the City’s Engineering Division at (651) 675-5646.
Where Can I Find More Specific Information
About Easements?
A more detailed description of the various types of
easements and what can and cannot be done within
Preparing for spring cleaning? Feel like you just
have too much “stuff” in your life? It’s easy to accu-
mulate things, but getting organized seems like a
really big task. Luckily, Dakota Valley Recycling can
help you get rid of your unwanted clutter.
Tips for Clearing the Clutter
Don’t get overwhelmed! Set aside a small amount
of time to declutter rather than trying to do a mara-
thon session. Set a goal: “spend 15 minutes a day
sorting my office desk” or “1 hour a week cleaning
the garage.”
Have three boxes: “Keep” “Donate/Toss” and
“Hold.” The “Hold” box is for things you think
you want to get rid of, but aren’t sure yet. Put
the “Hold” box in a storage space (attic, closet or
garage), and after 30 days, anything you haven’t
removed from the box probably isn’t something
you’re actively using--and can be donated or dis-
posed of.
Go digital: photos and home videos can be trans-
ferred to a digital format to go on your home com-
puter. Even things like play bills, ticket stubs and
letters can be scanned.
Clear Clutter the Right Way
Evaluate if a collection is taking up too much space.
Consider taking a photo of the collection to remem-
ber it by, then donating the items for the next
generation to enjoy. Or, keep one of your favorite
items for display.
What to Do with the Stuff you Don’t Want
w Old TVs, computers, or other electronics can
go to Dakota County recycling center, called
The Recycling Zone, for free.
w Old paint, cleaners or other chemicals from
your basement or garage can’t go in the gar-
bage. Bring them to The Recycling Zone for
free.
w Clothing, furniture, toys and household
goods can be donated to thrift stores or
charities if in good condition.
w Expired or unneeded medication can be dis-
posed of properly at the Eagan Police Station
(3830 Pilot Knob Rd) Mon-Fri., 8am-6pm.
What to do with the Other stuff
Go online to www.DakotaValleyRecycling.org/
declutter or call Eagan’s recycling coordinator at
(651) 675-5011 to learn more about getting rid of
unwanted stuff.
The Recycling Zone
3365 S Hwy 149, Eagan | (651) 905-4520
Hours:
Wed., 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. & Thurs., noon - 8 p.m.
Fri., 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. & Sat., 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
each type can be found on the City Web site at
www.cityofeagan.com/Easements. You may also
call the City’s Engineering staff at (651) 675-5646
for questions regarding drainage and utility ease-
ments and the Water Resources staff regarding
conservation easements at (651) 675-5300.
A variety of public easements may exist on private property. Property owners should be
aware of easement locations as each type serves an important purpose.
Prsrt stdU.s. PostagePAIDtWIN CItIes MNPerMIt No. 4902* * * * * ECRWSS * *Residential Postal Customer3830 Pilot Knob RoadEagan, Minnesota 55122Page 1
state of the City
Commission Chair says all Have skills to Bring
trail Plowing Questions?
What’s developing?
Page 2
I&I Program Wraps Up
Fate of Water tower
school of Fish Camp
Page 3
Why should I Care about easements?
Clear Clutter the right Way
Page 4
Hometown Festival takes Homegrown energy
one-stop Wedding Prep at expo
B.I.N.g.o. spells Murder:
Murder Mystery dinner theater
Connect with Us
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
Connect with Us
The more than 2,700 followers of
the City of Eagan facebook page are
the first to know when a water main
breaks, a pet is lost or found, an event
is upcoming, City jobs are posted and
so much more. The City staff posts
regularly about all City services and events, connects to
helpful information from the City Web site, answers fre-
quently asked questions and specific inquiries from the
public. Like “City of Eagan – Government” on Facebook
today and stay connected with all that is happening in
the City of Eagan.
Eagan Police on
Twitter
Do you have a question about a traffic
law? Want hints on where Eagan
Police are doing extra traffic enforcement? Follow
@EaganPolice on Twitter. Eagan Police staff tweet
safety tips, crime alerts, media releases, fun facts, infor-
mation on major police activity and more. Twitter, in
conjunction with City of Eagan’s Web site and Facebook
page, gives citizens more immediate access to informa-
tion, and provides the public with an additional means of
communicating with the police department. Follow
@EaganPolice and take the opportunity to tweet
a question you’ve always wanted to ask a cop.
B-I-N-G-O Spells Murder
Murder Mystery Dinner Theater
Thursday, March 13
Friday, March 14
At the Eagan Community Center
Presented by the Eagan Theater Company;
Written by Robert Mattson; and produced by special
arrangement with Eldridge Publishing Company
Father O’Sullivan is desperate. The bank is about
to foreclose on his church and orphanage. He’s got
young people struggling with questions of love,
developers struggling to turn the house of God into
condos, a gangster struggling with the English lan-
guage, and a bookkeeper who’s just a struggle for
everyone. Plus, he’s hosting a Bingo night as a last
chance to raise money. So, what happens when his
bookkeeper is killed and the money is stolen? It’s
time for Father O’Sullivan to “forgive-and-forget”
nothing as he and the audience struggle to solve the
crime. Prizes awarded to the audience’s best crime
solver!
Tickets are $40 per person and include dinner,
performance and a complimentary bingo card.
Proceeds benefit the Eagan 55 Plus/Seniors and
the Eagan Theater Company. Purchase tickets on
line at www.etc-mn.org or in person at the Eagan
Community Center.
Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for bingo, cash bar and
socializing. Dinner is served at 6:45 p.m. with perfor-
mance to follow.
Hometown Festival Takes Homegrown Energy
In just over four months, Eagan Central Park will
explode with celebration during the Annual July 4th
Funfest. But, did you know that Eagan’s Funfest
is planned and organized by a committee of local
Eagan residents, not by the City of Eagan? Although
the City is a partner and helps out with issues relat-
ed to the park and fireworks, the Funfest organiza-
tion is a non-profit and its mission is to benefit the
community through sponsorship, organization and
promotion of Eagan’s July 4th Funfest, an annual
community celebration.
Committee members and volunteers are needed
for pre-event planning as well as for specific tasks
during the celebration and after. Does your service
club need a project? Are you looking for a fun way
to get together with neighbors or for a family activ-
ity? Groups, businesses and individuals of all ages
are encouraged to help out at this volunteer-run,
community celebration.
The planning committee meets throughout the
year on the first Thursday of each month at 6:45
p.m. at the Eagan Community Center. To receive
an agenda, email info@eaganfunfest.org. Learn
more at www.eaganfunfest.org, or email inquiries
to volunteer@eaganfunfest.org.
One-Stop Wedding Prep at Expo
Before you walk down the aisle, take a walk through Eagan
Community Center’s Wedding Expo Sunday, March 23, 1 to 4 p.m.
For only $2 admission per person, brides- and grooms-to-be will have
access to a one-stop wedding planning shop. From food to décor,
from dresses to music, the Wedding Expo has the vendors and ser-
vices you’ll need—all in one location. Explore the offerings of more
than 50 local wedding vendors in the intimate setting of the beautiful
Eagan Community Center Oaks Room. All three of ECC’s caterers will
be serving up their tastiest food samples. The facility’s beverage ven-
dor will also provide a cash bar for beer & wine.
Find all of the services you need and don’t forget that the Eagan
Community Center is the perfect location for any size or style wed-
ding celebration. Call (651) 675-5550 to find out more and reserve
your date today.
Register now for the
Blue Thumb Workshop.
March 17, 6:15 to 8 p.m.
call (651) 480-7777 or
visit www.DakotaCountySWCD.org.
Eagan 2013 Annual Report • March/April 2014 • 1
End of an Era for Eagan
As 2013 began, the search was in full swing to find
a new City Administrator to take over where Tom
Hedges was leaving off—his impending retirement
anticipated in February.
Hedges served 37 years as Eagan’s first and only
City Administrator. The enormous accomplishments
of building a top-tier suburban community and the
team that for three decades would guide Eagan to
become one of the strongest cities in America can-
not be diminished.
At his retirement celebration in February it was
noted that so much of what Eagan is today is thanks
to what Tom Hedges has put into it.
City Administrator Selected
On March 25, Dave Osberg began his duties as
Eagan’s second City Administrator. Osberg was
hired by the City Council from a group of four final-
ists narrowed from a national search. Osberg comes
to Eagan after serving as City Administrator for the
City of Hastings, MN since 1989.
“Eagan had four great candidates to select from
who are great assets to their respective communi-
ties,” said Eagan Mayor Mike Maguire.
“Dave Osberg emerged as our unanimous
choice because of his sterling and well-rec-
ognized track record, and his genuine enthu-
siasm for taking our community to the next
level. His desire is to make Eagan the very
best city in America for people to live, work
and play.”
In his first year, Osberg’s approach has been one of
team leader, evaluator and new Eagan resident. His
priorities are getting to know the Council, the com-
munity leaders and staff to understand the factors
that have made Eagan strong while also viewing the
community and the organization with a fresh set of
eyes.
Finance Team Builds Efficiencies
Retirements have also created transitions within the
Finance Department with four of nine staff mem-
bers, including both Director and Assistant Director,
being new to their positions in the last year.
These shifts have resulted in steep learning curves
for new staff, but also provided opportunities for
long-time staff members to help newly evaluate
financial processes and to identify improvements
and efficiencies. Substantial time savings have been
realized when partnering staff members streamlined
the receipting of special assessments, and also rec-
ognized the merit in shifting the management of
contractual meter reading from the utility billing to
the utility maintenance division.
Streets Alive Engages Community & Inspires
Healthy Partnerships
Streets Alive featuring Showcase Eagan, a first-year
event for Eagan attracted over 3,000 attendees and
involved 137 community organizations and City ser-
vice displays. The event focused on connecting the
community and promoting the use of non-motor-
ized transportation.
Eagan Parks & Recreation received $10,000 in grant
funding for the healthy living event, from The
Center for Prevention at Blue Cross and Blue Shield
of Minnesota.
E-TV Youth Programming & Camps
E-TV strengthened its commitment to the youth
this year by expanding high school sports coverage
to 16 sports. The number of sessions for the wildly
popular E-TV Summer Video Camp was increased
from three to four sessions. All sessions were sold
out. More than 100 young people spent a week at
camp learning how to create television programs
and make simple films.
Training Facilities Benefit Multiple
Communities
To replace an aging fire training facility built in 1988,
the cities of Apple Valley, Burnsville, Lakeville and
Eagan (ABLE) partnered to build a new, state-of-
Transition & Teamwork
Year in Review
the-art, Class A live-burn training location. This facil-
ity has 14 rooms that can replicate real life scenari-
os within a variety of housing and commercial style
buildings. The facility will allow firefighter training
throughout the year, unlike the previous structure
that was inaccessible during the colder months.
• In addition, the City’s maintenance staff
assisted in constructing a site at the
Minnesota River bottoms dedicated to
training in vehicle fires and extractions.
• Flint Hills Refinery made a donation that
enabled the Eagan Fire Department,
together with the Dakota County Chiefs
Association to purchase a $30,000 kitchen
fire simulator trailer. The trailer allows
departments throughout the County to
educate the public about the dangers of,
and the various ways to extinguish, kitchen
fires, which remain the leading cause of
home fires in the U. S.
• Eagan Fire staff showcased the depart-
ment’s new HEROS-ET helmets at the
National Fire Department Instructors
Conference. The neon helmets provide
high visibility, optimal head protection
and added safety. By the end of 2013, 90
helmets had been purchased, primarily
through community donations includ-
ing a spaghetti dinner fundraiser at The
Commons on Marice senior living complex
that raised $2,700. The Department hopes
to purchase another 20 helmets in total
through future donations.
was a year of transition,
milestones and reinvestment in Eagan.
Not since Eagan’s evolution from
Township to City has staff acquisition
and changeover been so wide-ranging;
nor has the occasion to evaluate status
quo been so compelling.
As we look back over 2013, it is difficult
not to point to the accomplishments
on a broader scope, celebrate
anniversaries of previous successes
and to take a longer view with a wider
lens toward the future. The Eagan City
Council and staff are pleased to share
the following information with the
public.
2013
3,000 attend Streets Alive
New Administrator signs on
13 newly sworn firefighters
E-TV trains 100 video campers
Eagan 2013 Annual Report • March/April 2014 • 2
Lowest Average Property Tax Rate
In a report published by the League of Minnesota
Cities, Eagan’s 2013 total average property tax rate
was the lowest among Minnesota’s thirty cities with
population of 30,000 or more.
Eagan Job Rate Highest in City’s History
Eagan’s business community continued to add jobs
in 2013 from both new and expanding businesses.
This growth replaced all the jobs lost during the
recession, which saw several high profile business
closures. These gains increased Eagan’s total job
number to over 54,000, the highest level in the
City’s history and the highest employment number
in the entire Twin City region outside Bloomington
and the urban core.
Fire Department Celebrates 50 Years
Founded in 1963 by a group of 70 dedicated vol-
unteers, the Eagan Fire Department celebrated its
Golden Anniversary in 2013. Now led by a full-time
Chief, the department’s 100 committed volun-
teers continue to proudly protect the community.
Also in 2013, Fire Chief Mike Scott was honored
with an appointment to the International Chiefs
Association. The Department finished the year
with record high incident calls of 1,306. The largest
increase was in medical calls.
ECC 10th Anniversary
The Eagan Community Center turned the table for
its 10th birthday by giving gifts to the community.
Promotions and activities were tied to the 10th of
each month and several community partnership
events – back-to-school supply drive, Zumbathon,
cancer-prevention study recruitment and other
events – were designed to give something back.
The year culminated in a free New Year’s Eve party
where over 600 people enjoyed activities through-
out the evening.
In its ten years, the Community Center has become
a highly popular wedding ceremony and reception
site, hosting more than 870 marriages.
Development Milestones
Development activity in 2013 continued at a high
pace in the City of Eagan, with building permits
totaling more than $218 million in project valuation.
16 projects were valued at over $1 million, includ-
ing the seven buildings at the Twin Cities Premium
Outlets center in the Cedar Grove Redevelopment
Area.
Several of these high value developments include:
• MISO – The completion of a new 60,000
s.f. state-of-the art North Operations
Center for electricity grid management
operators and engineers.
• Meadow View Industrial Center – A
78,000 s.f. office/warehouse industrial facil-
ity off of Highway 13.
• Bennerotte and Associates – A new
14,000 s.f. 2-story, multi-tenant office build-
ing at Lone Oak Road and Highway 55.
• Cloverleaf Cold Storage – A reuse of the
300,000+ s.f. former US Food building on
Eagandale Boulevard for an independent
food and cold storage operator.
• Zep Inc. – A new 30,000 s.f. facility in the
Waters Business Park for a division of car
care cleaning products, formerly owned
by Ecolab retained locally by Atlanta-based
Zep.
Other business developments of note:
• Chicago Tube and Iron – A $4.4 million
expansion to existing warehouse facility on
Eagandale Boulevard.
• MVTA Bus Garage – A $6.3 million addi-
tion to the existing Blackhawk Road bus
service garage.
• Diffley Marketplace – A new 9,000 square
foot retail addition on Diffley Road near
Lexington Ave.
• Great Lakes Higher Education – An
expansion of a 31,000 square foot call cen-
ter in the Grand Oak Business Park special-
izing in education financial assistance.
• Ecolab – $1 million invested in interior
improvements to its new laboratory and
training space.
Residential Development
In 2010, the Metropolitan Council reclassified the
City of Eagan as a “developed community,” mean-
ing a high percentage of its available land has had
some form of development activity. However,
Eagan remains a highly desirable location for new
residential development. With a short land supply,
much of the 2013 residential development involved
redevelopment or intensification from previous
uses. New residential growth included 84 new
single family homes, 103 townhome units and an
approved 192-unit apartment building in the Cedar
Grove Redevelopment Area.
Eagan Retains Highest Rating in Bond Issue &
Beyond
As part of the Cedar Grove redevelopment project,
the City is constructing a $19 million two-level public
parking structure that will be completed in time for
the outlet mall opening in August 2014. The City
issued $12 million in bonds to finance the parking
structure. The bonds will be repaid with the incre-
mental increase in property taxes resulting from
all the new construction in the Cedar Grove area.
When the bonds were issued, Moody’s affirmed
Eagan’s Triple-A credit rating, not only for the park-
ing ramp bonds, but for all of Eagan’s outstanding
debt. Eagan is one of 16 Minnesota cities to hold the
highest possible rating from Moody’s.
Milestones &
Markers
continued to add jobs in
2013 from both new and expand-
ing businesses. This growth
replaced all the jobs lost during
the recession,... the highest level
in the City’s history...
Paragon Outlets Construction
Fire Department’s 50th
Eagan Community Center’s 10th
Building permit boom Photo by Al Kiecker
Eagan 2013 Annual Report • March/April 2014 • 3
Budget Connect Open House
In what is believed to be a first of its kind in the
nation, the City of Eagan developed the “Budget
Connect – Virtual Open House” as a way to bet-
ter engage residents and businesses in the City’s
budget process. The Open House used technol-
ogy to better interact with the public. It was held
live on E-TV and featured Mayor Maguire, City
Administrator Osberg and Finance Director Pepper
providing information about the budget and
answering questions from the public via the City’s
Facebook page, text message and email. The event
was also made available via Web stream.
Assessment Involved Community
In November, the City of Eagan invited residents,
community organizations and businesses to partici-
pate in an online survey and focus groups to discuss
what the community needs and expects from any
cable franchise provider. Eagan’s current franchise
with Comcast expires in January of 2015.
A record 1,156 people responded to the survey and
some 115 individuals for 101 organizations attended
the focus groups. The final recommendations are
still being drafted by the national consultant. Once
compiled, detailed results and information will be
available at www.cityofeagan.com/MoreThanCable.
Cyber Security Drill
The City hosted a cyber-security exercise, also
believed to be one of the first in the U.S. conducted
by a city of Eagan’s size. The multiple-agency
exercise was suggested by the City’s Technology
Working Group to better prepare the area in the
event of a major attack by computer hackers or
cyber terrorists. The exercise was coordinated
by the City’s Emergency Services Coordinator
and Dakota County Emergency Management.
Participants included several large local compa-
nies along with representatives from the Eagan
Police, Public Works/Water Utilities, the City and
County IT Departments, the Metropolitan Council’s
Environmental Services Seneca Waste Water
Treatment staff and the U. S. Secret Service.
Data Protection Measures Strengthened
Eagan’s Information Technologies staff coordinated
a significant Payment Card Industry compliance
effort to ensure that credit card transactions and
processing done by the City follows industry stan-
dards for data safety. This process helps to ensure
that credit card payment information remains safe.
Partner Providers
Sign On to Access Eagan Network
The AccessEagan network officially launched in the
fall of 2013. The wholesale fiber network is owned
by the City of Eagan and open to any telecom-
munications carrier wishing to provide services
to Eagan businesses along the more than 16 mile
route. Three providers – Frontier, Arvig & Velocity
– joined the AccessEagan network in 2013 to offer
the Eagan business community additional options
for high speed Internet, phone and data solutions.
The goals of AccessEagan are to provide more
broadband choices and reliable solutions to Eagan’s
businesses and to ensure redundant fiber pathways
in the community.
City Web Site Improves Access
The City of Eagan Web site has 1,000 to 3,000 visi-
tors daily and provides easy access for citizens to
find City information. Although the site was rede-
signed in 2011 to streamline information, provide a
fresh look and a variety of new functions, 2013 saw
the site’s migration to a new operating platform.
Benefits of this platform include:
• A responsive design, which automatically
fits the user’s screen; a desktop, laptop,
tablet, or a smart phone screen
• Quick links to the most popular pages on
the site
• Prominent news and events content
• Annual cost savings of $20,000 over the
previous platform
Social Media Builds Following
Staying connected with residents and providing
information through multiple channels has long
been a priority for the City. More recently, howev-
er, the addition of social media options have helped
improve immediacy and public interaction.
By the end of 2013, the City Facebook page (www.
facebook.com/cityofeagan), which provides daily
posts about City services, programs and events,
had nearly 2,700 followers.
Also in 2013, Police Department launched a Twitter
account to keep residents updated about crime
alerts, public safety tips and time sensitive informa-
tion. @EaganPolice had over 500 followers by year-
end. The City is planning to further expand its social
media presence in the coming year.
Transparency &
Technology
2 public art sculp-
tures were selected
and installed on the
grounds of the Eagan
Art House in Patrick
Eagan Park
7 new buildings with-
in the Cedar Grove
Redevelopment Area
each have a value of
more than $1 million
51 tree mainte-
nance contractor
licenses were
issued
105 football
fields worth of
sealcoat was
applied on streets and parking lots in Eagan in 2013
222 solicitor permits issued
in 2013 compared to a more
typical 76 in 2012.
7,607 pounds of shoes and
480 pumpkins were recycled
at special collection events
24,670 feet of fire hose were tested for proper
performance
2,938,238 pages have been viewed on the
City Web site since the site transition in the first
quarter of 2013
By the numbers...
According to the League
of Minnesota cities, Eagan’s
2013 total average property
tax rate was the lowest among
Minnesota’s thirty cities with
population of 30,000 or more.
Budget Open House
Data security improved
Access Eagan network launched
Eagan 2013 Annual Report • March/April 2014 • 4
12% Decrease in Crime Reported
Once again, the Police Department has seen a
decrease in reported crimes in the City. When com-
paring preliminary data, the number of reported
crimes dropped from 3,274 in 2012 to 2,875 by the
end of 2013, which represents a 12 % decrease.
Although crime statistics have shown favorable
downward trends over the past few years, police
activity has remained constant. In fact, the police
department remains one of the busiest in the region
as it managed 47,837 calls for service in 2013. This
figure equates to 131 instances per day.
Inspections Now Required for Private Hydrants
In Eagan, 529 fire hydrants out of a total of 4,057
are considered ‘private’ and are not maintained
by the City. A new ordinance was adopted in 2013
which will now require annual inspections of all pri-
vate hydrants, similar to the inspections currently
performed by the City on public fire hydrants. The
ordinance change is in response to an investiga-
tion performed by the City’s Fire and Public Works
Departments due to concerns about the inconsisten-
cies that exist in current private fire hydrant mainte-
nance. The new ordinance ensures compliance with
the Minnesota State Fire Code, which requires annu-
al inspections and that all hydrants are maintained in
working order in the event of an emergency.
Fire at 1914 Town Hall Museum Deemed Arson
In the early morning hours on Sunday, September 8,
an Eagan Police officer leaving duty from his over-
night shift, looked west and noticed a fire at Eagan’s
historic Town Hall. Fire crews were called and work
began to save the building and its contents. Portions
of the structure, near the back where it was deter-
mined the fire was set, and the roof and joists were
heavily damaged. The remaining structure, windows
and contents were heavily impacted by the water
needed to extinguish the blaze. With fire suppres-
sion complete, firefighters went to work to remove
all remaining contents from the building. More than
100 items including furnishings, framed items and
exhibits were carried out and have since been dried
and cleaned.
The City Council, staff and the Eagan Historical
Society continue to research and consider potential
options for building salvage and or an alternate loca-
tion for Eagan’s historical collections. The fire was
deemed arson with a reward being offered for infor-
mation. Fire or related suspicious activity informa-
tion should be reported to the state Arson Hotline
at 1-800-723-2020, the Eagan Fire Department, or
the Eagan Police Tip Line at (651) 675-5799.
Pavement Program Completes Busiest Seasons
The City’s ongoing pavement management pro-
gram monitors and replaces City streets and trails in
a regular sequenced manner to ensure all transpor-
tation surfaces are kept in good condition. In 2013,
street overlays were completed on 17.7 miles of
streets. This caps one of the busiest periods in the
25-year lifespan of this program in which nearly 1/4
of the entire city (about 53 miles) were improved
within a three-year span. This now renews nearly
all of the streets built during Eagan’s construction
boom of the late 80s and early 90s.
The City also resurfaced or maintained 16.5 miles of
City trails.
Land Acquired for Parks & Public Safety
When development occurs, the City has the option
of collecting a park dedication fee or requesting a
land dedication for park purposes. In 2013, there
were four land dedications that will have a positive
impact on the Eagan park system.
• Caponi Art Park - The City purchased the
remaining 30 acres of the 60 acre Caponi
Art Park in 2013 through partnership with
Dakota County’s Farmland and Natural
Resource Program. Art Park operations
and programs will continue through the
More Annual Reports
Residents interested in more detailed ver-
sions of department Annual Reports can
access them later this year on the
City’s Web site.
Mayor
Mike Maguire
Councilmembers
Paul Bakken Cyndee Fields
Gary Hansen Meg Tilley
City Hall
Dave Osberg, City Administrator
(651) 675-5000 • (651) 454-8535 TTY
www.cityofeagan.com
Reinvesting &
Protecting
non-profit Caponi Art Park Board. Tony
and Cheryl Caponi will continue to occupy
the house and studio through a life estate
agreement.
• Moonshine Park - Moonshine Park was
expanded by 3.6 acres through the parks
dedication requirements from the devel-
opment of the LeMay Lake Townhomes
by the Dakota County Community
Development Agency. The land addition
allows for the park to surround LeMay
Lake’s southern border.
• Nicols Ridge - Concurrent with the devel-
opment of the new Cedar Grove outlet
mall, several lots to the south were dedi-
cated as park land. During 2013, meetings
and discussions were held with neighbors
to gather input on design.
• George Ohmann Park - With the develop-
ment of the new Dakota Path subdivision,
the City acquired land to expand the foot-
print of George Ohmann Park.
• Future Fire Station - The City Council
authorized the purchase of four acres of
land near the intersection of Blackhawk
and Diffley Roads to be retained for pos-
sible future use as a fire station. This
area has been identified as a central loca-
tion with good transportation access for
enhanced response times.
Hailstorm Recovery
A hail storm in August produced an influx of resi-
dential Building Permit activity, with more than
5,600 permits for storm repairs. A combination
of City and contract inspectors performed close
to 19,000 field inspections in 2013. More solicitor
licenses were issued in the month following the
storm, than are typically issued in a year.
Strengthening park system
Art park acquired
1914 Town Hall fire Police K-9 team
Storm damage