2017-05 Experience EaganExperience Eagan • May/June 2017 • 1
May/June 2017
Experience EaganExperience EaganExperience EaganExperience EaganExperience Eagan
Make a Date to Hang Out with your Neighbors
Now is the time to plan your summer neighborhood celebra-
tions! Schedule a time to reconnect with your neighbors for a
barbeque, ice cream social, or a neighborhood potluck.
The 34th annual celebration of National Night Out is Tuesday,
August 1. Register online at www.cityofeagan.com/nno begin-
ning Thursday, June 1.
The first 124 neighborhoods registered will receive a 4-pack of
Twins tickets, donated by the Eagan Citizen’s Crime Prevention
Association. Tickets are to be used in a drawing for neighbors
who attend National Night Out. Registered neighborhoods are
also in line for a visit from Police or Fire personnel.
For more information, contact Crime Prevention Specialist Jill
Ondrey at (651) 675-5727 or jondrey@cityofeagan.com.
The Real Eagan CSI
Do the Eagan Police have the same types of equip-
ment and skills we see our favorite actors encounter
on the TV crime shows? Do they encounter similar
twists, turns and legal hurdles when investigating
complicated crimes? Learn more about the depart-
ment’s process and delve into the details of how the
Eagan Police solved a major crime, and it’s a case
you’ve likely heard about.
Attend a captivating evening of CSI Eagan on
Wednesday, May 10, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Eagan Police Department staff will help you learn
about the investigation process in the Old Town
Hall arson case that occurred on September 8, 2013.
You’ll get an overview of the whole case – from the
suspects, to evidence collected, and the many com-
plexities of investigating serious crimes.
The event will be held in the Eagan High School
Theater. Space is limited to 650 people so if you plan
to attend or would like more information on this
event, please visit www.cityofeagan.com/csi.
Wednesday, May 10
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Eagan High School Theater - 4185 Braddock Trail
Visit the 1914 Town Hall
From 1914 and even into the 1960s, the people of
Eagan Township would gather at the little white
Town Hall on Pilot Knob Road to determine the pri-
orities and set the budget for the community.
Now, more than a century after it was built, you
can visit Eagan’s 1914 Historic Town Hall Museum
and learn about your community’s past. The Eagan
Historical Society will have open hours at the Town
Hall on:
◗ Thursday, May 4 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
◗ Thursday, May 18 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
◗ Sunday, June 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Watch for information about additional open hours,
special events and the dedication of a new plaza
being installed later this spring to honor Eagan’s first
City Administrator, Tom Hedges. Information will be
posted at www.EaganHistoricalSociety.com.
Photo by Mick Richards Photo from Michelle M. via Twitter
Did you know that one of Minnesota’s best water
parks is right in your backyard? Plan to spend your
summer floating in the lazy river, zipping down
the water slides, or playing a round of mini golf at
Cascade Bay Waterpark (1360 Civic Center Drive).
And don’t forget about Cardio Bay, which offers
water fitness activities (such as Aqua Zumba and
water walking in the lazy river) most days before
and after our regular admission hours.
Make sure you are ready for fun in the sun when
the gates open for the season on June 9. As an
Eagan resident, you qualify for special pricing on
season passes – there is no better way to enjoy all
Cascade Bay has to offer.
Visit www.cascadebay.com for the complete listing
of ticket prices, hours and attractions.
Spend the Summer at Cascade Bay
Central Maintenance Facility
3501 Coachman Point
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Fire Station #1
4200 Blackhawk Road
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Do your kids jump for joy when they spot a snow plow, “digger” or fire truck? Then bring them to our first
ever Big Rig Rally on Thursday, June 8, where they can get up close and climb inside our City equipment.
This unique open house will spotlight two locations – the recently renovated Central Maintenance Facility
from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and the brand new Fire Station #1 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Each location will include lots of trucks and equipment to climb on, face painting, refreshments and an art
activity. Big kids will love these events too, as everyone gets a behind-the-scenes look at our new buildings
and the machinery that travels the streets and parks of Eagan.
This event encompasses the much anticipated grand opening for Eagan’s newest fire station and is the first
public look inside the Maintenance Facility in nearly 25-years. Make a plan to visit one site or both. Events
will take place rain or shine. Parking availability is different for each location, so visit www.cityofeagan.com/
BigRig for maps, directions and additional details. Bring your phone or camera to capture the Big Rig Rally
excitement and be sure to post your favorite photos to social media using #BigRigRally.
Join the Fun on
Thursday, June 8
Experience Eagan • May/June 2017 • 2
Stay on top of all the development projects in Eagan
with our newly launched Current Development Map.
City Geographic Information System (GIS) staff have
built this easy-to-navigate tool to help you answer
the question “what’s going on over there?”.
The map gives you access to information you may
want to know about the developments happen-
ing in Eagan. From the basic facts to links to more
detailed planning documents to photos and render-
ings of the final project, you can now stay informed
about what’s developing in Eagan. Check out www.
cityofeagan.com/development from your computer,
tablet or phone to explore the map.
Ever Wonder What’s Going On Over There...
You pull up to the intersection to make a left turn.
Rather than a simple green, yellow or red light, a
yellow turn arrow is flashing. Don’t panic. Flashing
yellow arrows are intentional and have been
installed at many intersections throughout Dakota
County to help keep traffic moving while maintain-
ing safety. These arrows allow drivers to turn left
when there is no oncoming traffic – without wait-
ing for the green arrow.
So, when you see a flashing yellow arrow and are
intending to make a left turn, you no longer have
to sit and wait for a green light or arrow. You must
yield. Wait for a break in oncoming traffic. Check
to make sure there are no pedestrians in the cross-
walk (they have the right-of way so you must let
Still Confused by Flashing Yellow Arrows?
People Say
The Nicest Things
Every so often, we like to take the time to share
some of the comments we receive from residents
about how much they enjoy living in Eagan and the
services provided by the City. Here’s what some of
you had to say:Quarry Road Addition
The proposed development is on 24 acres located
on Yankee Doodle Road, west of Central Parkway.
Intended uses include senior housing, market rate
apartments, a hotel and retail space.
Prestige Preschool Academy
This 10,400 sf. facility will provide educational and
childcare services including infant care and private
kindergarten, as well as before/after and half day
programs for school-age children.
CityVue Commons Phase II
The 4-story apartment facility is currently under
construction and will feature 122 market rate
apartments, a connected parking ramp and a roof-
top pool and patio area.
A solid red arrow means STOP.
Drivers turning left must stop.
A solid yellow arrow indicates the lights
will be turning red.
A flashing yellow arrow means driv-
ers must yield to oncoming traffic and
pedestrians before turning.
A solid green arrow means turn left.
Oncoming traffic must stop.
them cross before making your turn). When the
intersection is clear and safe to turn you may do so.
View a map of flashing yellow arrow locations in
Eagan at www.cityofeagan.com/traffic.
This is why @CityofEagan is the best city in the
country! Great schools, great neighborhoods,
close to rural and urban areas. Eagan! Eagan!
A huge thank you to Jill Ondrey for helping our
family once again check that all our car seats are
installed correctly for our two little ones! I think
today was the 4th time I’ve been in to visit her.
She always takes her time to be very thorough
and we always have a great time talking too!
Thanks to Jill and the City of Eagan for this free
service!
The Art House makes me incredibly happy! I
started doing ceramics there this past fall and
I don’t think I will ever look back! I have felt so
encouraged and welcomed in everything I do and
try there! It has allowed me to try new things and
to improve the things that I want to work on. The
encouragement that I get there is truly a beautiful
thing! I am very grateful for it!
@CityofEagan Your Public Works Director, Russ
Matthys, is awesome. Responsive and respectful,
a problem solver, and genuinely nice.
I have been using the indoor track at the Eagan
Community Center and I really enjoy the services.
Thank you for your kind attention and Thank YOU,
City of Eagan.
My wife and I moved to Eagan in 2006. Best deci-
sion we made for us and our family! Great com-
munity to be a part of!
Did You Order a Tree?
As a reminder, the tree pick-up for those who have
pre-purchased trees is Saturday, May 6 from 8:00
a.m. - 1:00 p.m. No alternative times are available
and unclaimed trees will be donated to the City’s
park system. The deadline to order trees has passed
and no additional trees will be available the day of
pick-up. Our Tree Sale is held every two years and
will return in 2019.
No Interest Home Improvement Loans Available
Does your home need repairs that you can’t
afford to make? The Dakota County Community
Development Agency (CDA) may be able to help!
The CDA’s Home Improvement Loan is an interest
free loan program for low and moderate income
homeowners in Dakota County. The loan is repay-
able when your home is sold or you no longer live
there – there are no monthly payments! Loans
range from $15,000 to $25,000.
The loan is commonly used for replacing roofs, sid-
ing, windows, furnaces, doors, and driveways.
To qualify, you must be a homeowner, have suffi-
cient equity, a satisfactory credit history and a gross
annual income under the limits shown below:
- Emory on Twitter
- Jill T. on Facebook
thing! I am very grateful for it!
- Brittany K. on Google
- Penny E. on Twitter
- Api S. via email
- Jake D. on Twitter
Learn more or apply at www.dakotacda.org or call
the Housing Rehab Coordinator at (651) 675-4469.
HH Size Max Income
1 $46,000
2 $52,600
3 $59,150
4 $65,700
HH Size Max Income
5 $71,000
6 $76,500
7 $81,500
8 $86,750
Experience Eagan • May/June 2017 • 3
Ten Tips to Save Water
and Lower Utility Bill
We’ve gathered the best tips from our Utilities,
Water Resources, Inspections, and Utility Billing
staff to create an easy list of ways you can save
water and lower your utility bill:
Identify toilet leaks by placing a dye tablet
or a few drops of food coloring in the toilet
tank. If any color shows up in the bowl within
15 minutes, you have a leak. A worn flapper
is the most common cause by far, and can be
easily replaced.
Consider installing a new toilet that uses 1.6
gallons per flush or less. Older toilets use 3.5
gallons per flush or more. Even better, con-
sider installing a toilet that has two flushing
options.
Find and fix any leaky faucets. One drip per
second can add up to 5 gallons of lost water
per day.
Install water saving shower heads. Older
shower heads use 5 gallons or more per min-
ute. The new heads use less than half of that.
Consider replacing your clothes washer with
a high efficiency model. The City of Eagan is
participating in a program which provides
$100 rebates to residents who buy a new
Energy Star certified washing machine before
June 30, 2017. More info is available at www.
cityofeagan.com/washerrebate.
Watch your water softener’s regeneration
cycle. The normal regeneration time is 2
hours and takes place during the night. If not
set correctly, your softener can be a major
source of water usage.
Water your lawn in the morning because
when it’s hot and sunny, most of the water
evaporates before the plants have time to
drink it.
Follow the City’s odd/even watering require-
ments. Visit www.cityofeagan.com/oddeven
for details.This requirement also applies to
irrigation systems.
Look at your water meter when all your
water outlets are off. If it’s still registering
water usage you have a leak somewhere.
Monitor your water bill closely and call Utility
Billing at (651) 675-5030 if you notice any
spikes in usage.
In Minnesota in the summertime, there is always a
potential for severe weather and June is historically
the month with the most tornadoes. Make sure
you and your family are prepared as we enter peak
severe weather season.
Before severe weather strikes
◗ Have access to multiple warning sources.
Options include mobile apps, weather radio or
local TV & radio stations
◗ Identify where you will take shelter. An interior
room on the lowest level is generally the safest.
◗ Make a plan for staying in contact with family.
◗ Create a disaster supply kit for your home.
Include the items your family will need if you
are on your own for 48-72 hours. Visit www.
ready.gov for a checklist.
When severe weather is in the forecast
◗ Check updated forecast prior to outdoor activi-
ties.
◗ Secure loose items outside your home or busi-
ness.
...Use Eagan’s Mapping Tools to Find Out
Be clear on warning sirens in Dakota County
◗ Sirens are sounded for tornados and severe
thunderstorms with wind speeds over 70 miles
per hour.
◗ Sirens are to warn people who are outdoors.
They may not be heard inside homes or busi-
nesses.
“Watches” versus “Warnings”
◗ Tornado Watch: conditions favorable for
severe thunderstorms capable of producing
tornadoes
◗ Severe Thunderstorm Watch: conditions favor-
able for severe thunderstorms, producing at
least 1 inch diameter hail and/or 58 mph or
greater winds
◗ Tornado Warning: A severe thunderstorm has
developed and has either produced a tornado
or radar has indicated intense low level rota-
tion
◗ Severe Thunderstorm Warning: A severe thun-
derstorm has developed, capable of producing
hail greater than 1 inch in diameter and/or 58
mph wind speeds
Another useful tool on our website is the
Construction Finder. This interactive map is your
source for the most up-to-date information on
all the construction projects going on across
town.
The map includes City, County and State proj-
ects as well as private developments. Be sure to
bookmark www.cityofeagan.com/construction
for quick access to the map or sign up to receive
project updates and construction alerts directly
in your inbox by subscribing at www.cityofea-
gan.com/subscribe.
In addition to the Current Development and
Construction map, the Eagan GIS staff built addi-
tional map-based tools, which are available in
the map library on the City website. Download
the city map, see how Eagan precincts voted in
the 2016 election or learn about what trails are
plowed in the winter. The GIS team will be add-
ing more maps and tools in the future, so be
sure to visit www.cityofeagan.com/maps often.
Be Prepared for Severe Weather
Drinking Water Report Online Soon
Each year, the City of Eagan provides a report on its drinking water
quality with information about water source, treatment, demand, hard-
ness and contaminants. The report will be available mid-June at www.
cityofeagan.com/drinkingwater.
Some of the summer projects in Eagan include:
City of Eagan Projects
◗ Vikings Parkway – street & utility
improvements (June)
◗ Quarry Road – street & utility improvements
(timing TBD)
Dakota County Projects
◗ Pilot Knob Road/Diffley Road – traffic signal
replacement (June/July)
◗ Diffley Road/Nicols Road and Diffley Road/
Highway 77 – intersection improvements/
traffic signal replacement (June/July)
◗ Pilot Knob Road (Cliff Road to I-35E) –
pavement rehabilitation (June/July)
◗ Lexington Avenue (Lone Oak Road to Highway
55) – pavement rehabilitation (June/July)
MnDOT Projects
◗ Diffley Road/Highway 77 – bridge deck and
ramp rehabilitation (April/May)
Cross-Connection Safety
Recently, the
City revised a
local ordinance
prohibiting any
unsafe plumb-
ing connections
within buildings connected to the public water sup-
ply. Homeowners with irrigation systems likely have
connections that may require attention. Some irri-
gation companies have been telling residents that
the service is “required.” A test may be a good idea,
but if your device was installed before January 23,
2016, it is not a requirement. Visit www.cityofeagan.
com/backflow for more information, or call (800)
690-6651 with questions.
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PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGEPAIDTWIN CITIES MNPERMIT NO. 4902* * * * * ECRWSS * *Residential Postal Customer3830 Pilot Knob RoadEagan, Minnesota 55122Page 1
Big Rig Rally
Spend the Summer at Cascade Bay
Make a Date to Hang Out with your Neighbors
The Real Eagan CSI
Visit the 1914 Town Hall
Page 2
People Say The Nicest Things
Did You Order a Tree?
What’s Going On Over There
Flashing Yellow Arrows
Home Improvement Loans Available
Page 3
Eagan’s Mapping Tools
Drinking Water Report Online Soon
Be Prepared for Severe Weather
Ten Tips to Save Water and Lower Utility Bill
Cross-Connection Safety
Page 4
Summer Market Fest
Eagan Funfest is Back
Spring Ice Show
Arbor Day Celebration
Eagan Art Festival
Share in Local Art
Experience Eagan
Mayor
Mike Maguire
Councilmembers
Paul Bakken Cyndee Fields
Gary Hansen Meg Tilley
City Administrator Dave Osberg
(651) 675-5000 • (651) 454-8535 TTY
www.cityofeagan.com
facebook.com/CityofEagan
@CityofEagan
Summer Market Fest Season Kicks Off on June 7
Eagan Market Fest –
part farmers market,
part weekly commu-
nity festival – opens
for the 2017 season
on Wednesday,
June 7. The summer
market features
fresh produce, fresh
music and events,
and fresh ideas
each Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. June
through the end of August. Events are held on the
Festival Grounds of Eagan Central Park, 1501 Central
Parkway.
New this year is the Art Experience at Market Fest!
Experience art outdoors on select Market Fest
nights – the first Art Experience is June 21. Explore
your own creativity through unique art opportuni-
ties for all market attendees. Each on-site project is
designed by Eagan Art House staff to create a last-
ing experience.
Schedule of Music and Activities
June 7 Season Opening Giveaway
Music by The Northside Dukes
June 14 Music by The Castaways
June 21 Family Night, Art Experience, Red Cross
Blood Drive, Entertainment by The Big
Epic Show and The Bazillions
June 28 Music by Gus Sent Me
July 5 Art Experience, Red Cross Blood Drive
Music by Pair of 7 and 451st Army Band
July 12 Classic Car Show & Oldies Music Night
Music by The Elvis Experience and The
Rockin’ Hollywoods
Find a complete list of dates, music, theme nights
and activities at www.cityofeagan.com/marketfest.Arbor Day Celebration
Join us for our 31st annual Arbor Day celebration.
Wednesday, May 17, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Trapp Farm Park (841 Wilderness Run Road)
Arbor Day has been celebrated in Eagan since 1987,
and was established nationally to emphasize the
importance of trees and community reforestation.
Festivities will include an informational booth, tree
planting and the announcement of the 3rd grade
poster contest winner, plus free seedlings will be
available to all participants!
Use Your “Imagination”
at the Eagan Art Festival
For the 23rd year, a broad range of artists and top-
notch entertainers will descend on Eagan Central
Park on the fourth weekend of June for the Eagan
Art Festival. This free event offers something for
everyone – shop for one-of-a-kind art pieces, watch
artist demos, enjoy music, or participate in interac-
tive arts activities for all ages, like a the community
art project or Kids’ Art Tent.
For a list of the more than 100 participating art-
ists and a full entertainment schedule, visit www.
eaganartfestival.org.
Saturday, June 24 - 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 25 - 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Eagan Festival Grounds - 1501 Central Parkway
This activity is made possible by the voters of
Minnesota through a grant from the Metropolitan
Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appro-
priation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Eagan Funfest is Back with a Bang!
Last year, the outlook for a 51st year of Eagan Funfest looked bleak. But a com-
mitted group of returning volunteers, joined by several new members of a
revamped Funfest Board of Directors are bringing new life to the event.
Plan to stay in town July 3 and 4 to celebrate in Eagan Central Park. The fun
begins on Monday afternoon and continues with a full day of festivities on July 4
with the parade, car show, kid’s bike parade, dance bands and a grand fireworks finale.
Event sponsors, planners, parade participants and volunteers are all needed and welcomed. Visit www.
eaganfunfest.org to get involved and join this community tradition.
Spring Ice Show
This year’s theme is Saturday Ice Live and will
feature skaters of all ages from the Eagan Skate
School. Advanced tickets are available starting
Monday, April 24 at the Eagan Civic Arena and are
$6 for adults (ages 18-59) and $4 for child/senior
(ages 3-17 or 60+). Day of show tickets are $8 for
adults and $6 for child/senior.
Saturday, May 6
Show Times: 2:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.
Eagan Civic Arena - 3870 Pilot Knob RoadPhoto by Al Kiecker
Share in Local Art
Be an exclusive Community
Supported Art (CSA) shareholder.
Support your local emerging and
mid-career artists by purchasing
a share of the Eagan Art House’s
Community Support Art. Each share
includes six pieces of artwork of var-
ied media created just for the CSA.
Shares cost $175/basket and only 25 will be avail-
able. Reserve yours starting June 1. To order, go to
www.cityofeagan.com/register and search for
#13028001-U1.
Photo by Al Kiecker