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2015-09 Experience EaganExperience Eagan • September/October 2015 • 1 September/October 2015 Experience EaganExperience EaganExperience EaganExperience EaganExperience Eagan Two years ago, the City held a street party like no other in the central part of town, called Streets Alive. This year, the Streets Alive party is back, but it’s moving to the west side near the new outlet mall in the Cedar Grove area on Saturday, September 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Anyone who likes music, food (both local restauran- teurs and food trucks), meeting neighbors, learning about community organizations, climbing into City vehicles or snagging a good shopping deal will want to make a date to be at Streets Alive: The Cedar Grove Experience. Getting To Streets Alive This event is designed to attract the entire commu- nity, and there are lots of ways to access the event: ◗ Walk or bike, bike racks available ◗ Carpool, allow extra time for travel/parking ◗ Parking is available near the outlet mall on sur- face lots and in the Cedar Grove parking garage, but people are also encouraged to beat the crowds and take a shuttle from Cedar School at the corner of Nicols Ave. and Diffley Rd. or Christ Lutheran Church at Diffley Ave. west of Blackhawk Rd. ◗ Shuttles, provided by MVTA, will run continually between 10:45 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. from both locations and will arrive and drop off about every 15-20 minutes. ◗ Take MVTA bus route 445 from Eagan Transit Station (Yankee Doodle & Pilot Knob) to Cedar Grove Transit Station (regular bus fare applies). Bus runs hourly at 34 minutes past the hour. Streets Alive: The Cedar Grove Experience What’s New on Eagan’s Development Front Telecomm Update Take even a short drive around Eagan and you’re bound to see at least one of the new developments that are underway. Much of the buzz surrounds the CityVue apartments, the Central Park Commons and projects surrounding the outlet mall. A new senior living community is also move-in ready. While none are City-owned, staff certainly fields numerous ques- tions about “what’s happening at [insert location here]...” so here are a few of the highlights and facts we know: CityVue Commons - Transforming Vacant Business Site to Residential & Retail The tallest building south of “the downtowns” is currently being converted by Interstate Partners, from a vacant 10-story office building to 113 apart- ment units in the heart of Eagan at Yankee Doodle Road and Promenade Avenue. The development, called CityVue Commons, also includes a new retail building with a Caribou Coffee/Einstein Bagel hybrid shop, bordered by a patio and a drive through as part of the highly visible project’s first phase. The first residents will likely be moving in this Fall. Additional buildings are planned by the developer for this site, but have not yet been through an approval process with the City. In preparation for these new residential and retail uses, the City and Dakota County are mak- ing improvements to the Yankee Doodle Road and Promenade Avenue intersection for better traffic flow and safety. A traffic signal, extended turn lanes, and pedestrian enhancements will be installed this fall, along with the closure of the concrete center median at Yankee Doodle Road and O’Leary Lane. Work began mid-August and is expected to be complete by the end of November, 2015. Updates on the progress of this construction “The more things change, the more they remain the same,” is the old saying. Where technology is con- cerned, however, change appears to be a constant. Here are a few updates on the rapidly changing landscape in Eagan regarding cable, internet provid- ers and franchise negotiations. Potential New Cable Franchise In July, the Eagan City Council gave the go ahead for staff to begin negotiating a competitive cable fran- chise with a new entrant into the Twin Cities market. A franchise is the 10+ year non-exclusive contract that defines the types, and the quality of services provided by a cable provider. CenturyLink is well known as a telephone provider, but the company also has a cable offering known as Prism, which they would like to deploy in Eagan. Currently in use in nine other states, the company says Prism delivers more channels in High Definition than any other video program distributor. This would include distributing local public access pro- graming in HD. The service is dependent on a cable franchise. A negotiated agreement could come back to the City Council for review later this fall. Needs Assessment Update Residents may also remember that in late 2013, the City asked residents and local institutions to par- ticipate in an extensive assessment of community needs to determine local expectations regarding Comcast’s request to renew its cable franchise here. More than 1,100 surveys were returned and that, along with feedback from six community focus groups provided the basis for standards contained in an updated draft franchise that was sent to Comcast last October and to CenturyLink this spring. While Eagan has no regulatory authority on pricing, the City Council has made a high priority on fran- chise language that improves customer service stan- dards as was made clear during the needs assess- ment. Franchise negotiations with Comcast stalled in April of 2014 while the company anticipated merger plans that required review by the FCC. After a year, how- ever, Comcast dropped those plans. Negotiations between Eagan and Comcast have now resumed on standards for a possible new franchise. Continued on page 2 Continued on page 3 Event Highlights ◗ Over 100 interactive community & City service booths ◗ 15+ food trucks ◗ Cedar Grove eateries ◗ Face painting & kid friendly activities ◗ Live music, dancing and DJ ◗ City vehicle displays ◗ Giveaways, contests & prize drawings ◗ Pickleball & lawn games ◗ Inflatable jumpers ◗ Sport, fitness & dance demos ◗ Twin Cities Premium Outlet store deals The event Web site at www.cityofeagan.com/Alive will be updated as event details are finalized. Music & Food Galore Music and food are great community connectors. Check the Web site for a list of food trucks and par- ticipating local eateries. Live Music by: ◗ Armadillo Jump (blues/rock) - 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. ◗ LaValle Jazz Cats - 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. ◗ 7 Cats Swing - 1:30 - 4 p.m. Over 100 interactive Experience Eagan • September/October 2015 • 2 As Eagan celebrates its Police Department’s 50th year, in 2015, Experience Eagan has taken a look back at some of the people and events that have shaped the force and the community it serves. The mid-1990s arrived with Eagan being spotlighted on a State and National stage. Police Chief Pat Geagan had taken the lead of the department in 1988, upon the retirement of Chief Jay Berthe. Geagan was already a 20-year veteran of the Department and Berthe’s second in command. Eagan’s population was exploding. In the five years during which Berthe guided the Police force Eagan’s population surged from 20,000 to over 45,000. By the mid-90s, the Eagan Police Department was becom- ing known as a more profes- sional force—not that its staff was not always professional— but Eagan was no longer a quaint small town, and Police Officer training and hiring stan- dards in Minnesota, and Eagan, were among the highest in the country. Eagan’s was now becoming a police department that other communities looked to as a model and a leader.On March 6, 1997 the eyes of the entire state were on Eagan as it held the first-in-Min- nesota “Sex Offender Notification Meeting” about an individual who would be moving to Eagan. A change in State Law allowing for notification was tested here first, when more than 1,400 people gathered in an Eagan church to learn about the process, the offender, and the Police Department’s plans to keep the Community safe. Police Chief Geagan and his department were lauded for their professional plan- ning of the event. It has become the model that other departments follow to this day. Eagan Police Gain State and National Recognition in the 1990sGig City In June the Eagan City Council approved a Memo of Understanding with CenturyLink allowing a unique deployment of one gigabit broadband. Beginning in late August, CenturyLink began installing the back- bone that will allow it to deliver fiber to the home in various parts of the City. Eagan becomes only the second City in the country to have CenturyLink deploy via fiber optic cables placed directly into slots in the roadway. Residents in initial deployment areas will be notified prior to construction. Door hangers or other notices will include a company number to call with questions. What does it mean to have gigabit broadband? Currently, most of Eagan has between 10-50 mega- bits per second (Mbps) maximum available upload speeds and between 50-100 Mbps download speeds, but some areas receive less than six Mbps, accord- ing to the February, 2015 State of Minnesota broad- band speed maps. (1 gig is equal to 1,000 megabits.) The competition continues, however. Calling the Twin Cities “one of the most sophisticated technol- ogy markets in the country,” Comcast announced in May that it intends to roll out a two gigabit offering and a 250 megabit service in the metro area, but testing continues. No details are yet available con- cerning exactly where Comcast will deploy higher speed services. Consumers are urged to do their own price compari- sons, with any provider, and inquire about both the promised upload and download speeds, any addi- tional fees or surcharges, and the cost of the service once any special pricing expires. AccessEagan Since 2012 the City has also deployed a 17-mile wholesale fiber optic network to many busy areas of the city to increase competition and choice for Eagan businesses. Information about this network, known as AccessEagan, and additional technology updates can be found at www.cityofeagan.com/ technology. Telecomm...from page 1 New Recreation Registration System The Eagan Parks and Recreation Department will be unveiling a new online registration software system beginning with the November 9 registration cycle. This system will replace the e-connect online registration and allow an easier, more streamlined registration process for program participants. More information will be provided to partici- pants soon via e-mail and social media and at www.cityofeagan.com/Discover, about how to create a new account and instructions for the new system. Diminish Winter’s Toll on your Mailbox Winter can be hard on mailboxes with the snow and ice piling up against posts and flying off of plow blades. Will your mailbox be ready to withstand whatever this winter may bring? Take time now to make sure your mailbox and post are up to City standards now. Mailboxes must have a 48-inch CLEAR ZONE between the bottom front corner of the mail- box structure (including paper boxes) and the valley of the curb. Structures and support posts must also be located 10-inches BEHIND the back of the con- crete curbing. Newspaper boxes or any other attachment cannot extend beyond the front face of the post. Check to be sure the post is not worn, cracked or unstable. Fortify the post or stand if needed. An aging or deteriorating mailbox post or structure may not withstand the winter. A detailed diagram of City mailbox maintenance requirements called “Standard Plate 610” can be found on the City Web site at www.cityofeagan.com/ MailboxCheck. You may also contact Transportation Operations at (651) 675-5300 with questions or visit a local home improvement/hardware store for a mail- box kit and information. Better tuck in your chin so it doesn’t get clipped!I think I’m gonna need another band aid Vice President Al Gore, flanked by Sen. Paul Wellstone (left) and Eagan Police Chief Pat Geagan, (right) had a conversation about the Community Oriented Policing program during a stop at the newly remodeled Eagan City Hall in 1996. Representatives of nearly 50 other Minnesota Law Enforcement agencies also took part in the event. Dakota County Tribune, March 13, 1997 Sun Current, October 30, 1996 Experience Eagan • September/October 2015 • 3 Interested in becoming a firefighter someday, 17-year-old Eagan resident Mitch Williams, heard that a friend’s brother had been a Fire Explorer in Eagan and wanted to know more about the pro- gram. Fast forward two years, and now 19-year-old Williams not only helped restart the Fire Explorer Program that had dwindled, but has also helped recruit a class of 14 young people and is Captain of Eagan’s Fire Explorer Post. The program is designed to give young men and women a chance to learn about the career of firefighting. “I knew there were others like me that wanted to learn firefighting skills and what it’s like to walk in their [firefighter’s] shoes,” says Williams. “The Explorer program gives us that opportunity to work hand in hand with the department and learn fire- fighting skills.” Fire Explorers ages 14 – 20, meet and train every Tuesday in firefighting, search and rescue, CPR, first aid and other aspects of a fire and emergency ser- vice profession. This is a youth driven organization with emphasis in career opportunities, leadership experience, life skills, citizenship, character and education. The Explorer program is sponsored by the Eagan Fire Department and the Boy Scouts of America / Learning for Life Council. Explorers have the opportunity to participate in live fire training, fire prevention, community outreach activities and the annual Explorers Competition held at the Minnesota State Fair. Explorer trainings are structured around the Minnesota State Fair explorer competition, Minnesota State Firefighter 1 Certification and other State firefighter training standards. The Explorers work and learn from actual firefighters in the department gaining firsthand knowledge and expe- rience. In fact, Eagan’s Explorers are competing at the State Fair on August 28, likely the week this news- letter is arriving in homes. Calling All Future Firefighters Eagan Fire Explorer Post #3572 is looking for membership Recruiting is ongoing, but an Open House will be held September 15 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Fire Safety Center, 1001 Station Trail. To be eligible, can- didates must be at least age 14 and have completed 8th grade and less than age 21. Preference is given to Eagan residents but is not required. GPA and other standards are required. See the full list of qualifications at www.cityofeagan.com/fireex- plorers. As for Williams, in addition to training for and leading the Explorers at the State Fair com- petition, he’s just finished his firefighter skills training and will begin as an apprentice for the Department this fall. “I think that is really the hope for most of the Explorers,” says Williams, “is to have a chance to learn about firefighting as a career, get a jump-start toward that goal and give back to their community.” If you or someone you know may be interested in exploring a career in the fire service, contact (651) 675-5906 for information and applications or attend the Open House September 15. Celebrate Fire Prevention Week at a Fire Station Open House Smoke alarms that are properly installed and main- tained play a vital role in saving lives. Each year, too many people die in home fires that could have been detected by working smoke alarms. Learn about properly installed smoke alarms, fire technologies and how you can prevent fires in your home at one of the fun and interactive Fire Prevention Week Open Houses, hosted by the Eagan Fire Department. ◗ Monday, Oct. 5th, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Station 1, 3940 Rahn Rd. ◗ Tuesday, Oct. 6th, 6:00-8:00 p.m at Station 2, 1001 Station Trl. ◗ Wednesday, Oct. 7th, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Station 3, 4390 Pilot Knob Rd. Development...from page 1 can be found at www.cityofeagan.com/construc- tionprojects. Central Park Commons - Site being Prepped for Retail, Restaurants & Office The former Lockheed Martin building is no longer a part of Eagan’s landscape after nearly 50-years as a fixture in the center of the community. CSM Corporation, the new owner of the site at the cor- ner of Pilot Knob and Yankee Doodle Roads, metic- ulously dismantled the mammoth office building and recycled or reclaimed a vast majority of mate- rials from the structure. In fact, and impressive 125,000 pounds — that’s over 60 tons — of alumi- num has been removed for recycling. With the site cleared, grading has begun and underground utilities, footings and foundation work will soon get underway. As has been reported, the new retail and office development will be anchored by a large grocery retailer, yet-to-be-named. The project also includes a number of mid-sized retail stores flanking the site perimeter and a variety of restaurant and smaller and “boutique-style” service and retail spaces clustered throughout the site. To the south- east, along Central Parkway near Yankee Doodle Road, a two-story medical office building will be sited, along with a bank. The overall development has been designed as a pedestrian-friendly space with gathering spots. The project is expected to be opening to shoppers by this time next year. Cedar Grove Development Continues New residents have begun moving into the Flats apartments in the Cedar Grove area. Half of the 190 apartment units are move-in-ready while the other units and the on-site restaurant are being complet- ed. Across Cedar Grove Parkway, Ryland Homes is adding 50 townhome units clustered on two sites. These are expected to be completed next year. More Housing Available for Seniors Those 55 and older in Eagan have an additional housing option at Blackhawk and Diffley Roads. Eagan Pointe Senior Living community was approved to begin accepting residents at its newly built facility in August. The property adjacent to this facility has been purchased by the City for a poten- tial future fire station location. If you like to be in the know about other proj- ects being developed in Eagan, take a look at the Current Development Projects map that is regularly updated by City staff. This map and several others can be found at www.cityofeagan.com/maps. 8th grade and less than age 21. Preference is given The Eagan Fire Department received this letter after a visit by Fire Core Volunteers : Marie, On behalf of my wife and I, we wanted t o s a y t h a n k you to you and Denny and Craig for gi v i n g u s t h e information we need to make sure our h o m e i s u p t o code in case of fire. We also want to tha n k y o u f o r all the information that was provided a n d t h e p e a c e of mind that was restored after their vi s i t . A f i r e c a n happen at any time without warning; h o w e v e r , w e feel prepared in case such an event sho u l d o c c u r . I hope other residents of Eagan take adv a n t a g e o f t h i s program and also acknowledge the men a n d w o m e n o f the Eagan Fire Department who risk th e i r l i v e s t o k e e p us safe every day. Thank you again for your time, patienc e a n d commitment. Dennis S. PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGEPAIDTWIN CITIES MNPERMIT NO. 4902* * * * * ECRWSS * *Residential Postal Customer3830 Pilot Knob RoadEagan, Minnesota 55122Page 1 Streets Alive: The Cedar Grove Experience Telecomm Update What’s New on Eagan’s Development Front Page 2 Police Department Adapts for the Times New Recreation Registration System Diminish Winter’s Toll on your Mailbox Page 3 Calling All Future Firefighters Your Junker Could Help Save Lives Page 4 Spooktacular Fun at Halloween Hodgepodge Fitness Center Open House Living Well at Any Age Fall Preschool Preview 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 Spooktacular Fun at Halloween Hodgepodge The Eagan Community Center will be bustling with little ghosts, goblins, princesses, minions and little ones in the other trendy costumes of the season at the annual Halloween Hodgepodge on Sunday, October 25 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. This Eagan tradi- tion provides a safe, indoor environment for families to celebrate and trick-or-treat. The event features 20 carnival-style games with treats and toy prizes, inflatable jumpers, a trick-or- treat room, face painting, seasonal art project and one of the most popular activities—the Monster Mash glow-in-the-dark family dance. Genisys Credit Union, a five-year event partner provides trick-or- treat bags so kids can visit more than 20 local busi- ness booths for treats. They also offer a prize wheel and drawing for a big giveaway item each year. Advance Halloween Hodgepodge Tickets Save time on event day by purchasing tickets in advance. Tickets are $5/child (18 months and up) in advance with a food donation. Adult admission is free with a food donation. Food donations should be brought to the Community Center with advance tickets. Each year Halloween attendees fill The Open Door food bank’s mobile pantry van, giving back to residents in need. Find more at www.cityofeagan.com/halloween Fitness Center Open House Living Well at Any Age South Metro 55+/Senior Expo Fall Preschool Preview Not a member of the Eagan Community Center Fitness Center but would like to try it out? You’re in luck. Visit the Fitness Center at the Eagan Community Center (ECC) and work out for free from October 5 through October 11, during the Fitness Center Open House. Enjoy the indoor walking track, cardio equipment, free-weights and a wide variety of group fitness classes. Transitioning back to indoor workouts will be much more enjoyable when looking out the floor to ceiling windows at panoramic views of Central Park. Already a member? Be sure to bring a friend, coworker, family member or neighbor. You’ll not only generate a potential workout buddy, but you’ll also receive a reward. Whether you are exploring senior housing options, wanting tips to stay safer at home, looking for insurance, Medicare or financial advice, free health screenings, chair massages, orthopedic footwear and devices, all of this and so much more can be found at the annual 55+/Senior Expo. The event will take place at the Eagan Community Center on Tuesday, October 13 from 1 to 4 p.m. This year’s theme of “Living Well at Any Age” will be conveyed by businesses and organizations shar- ing their ideas, goods and services and focused on healthy, active aging. This free event welcomes those 55+ and their families but is open to everyone. Door prizes will be awarded and snacks provided at the healthy refreshment bar. All vendors will have great tips and services to help sustain optimal wellness. For more information or to become a vendor, call (651) 675-5500. The Eagan Community Center is located at 1501 Central Parkway. Got a preschooler? Want to learn about the classes and programs offered through Eagan Parks & Recreation? Get a sneak peek at Fall programs and activities on Wednesday, September 9 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Eagan Community Center, 1501 Central Parkway. The event will showcase: ◗ Preschool Open Gym ◗ Kids Kare area ◗ Let’s Play! Music Together program ◗ The Blast Indoor Playground ◗ Eagan Art House classes ◗ Preschool Dance classes ◗ Eagan Parks & Recreation Preschool classes Special treats will be available for participants and their parents. The Let’s Play! Music Together class demos are scheduled at 9:45 a.m., 10:15 a.m., & 10:45 a.m. Scholarship information and registration for Fall programs will be available on site during the preview morning. For more information visit www.cityofeagan.com/Preschool. Pumpkin Recycling Saturday, November 7, 2015 Eagan Community Center Parking Lot 1501 Central Parkway 9:00 a.m. - Noon What do you do with your pumpkin after Halloween? Recycle it of course! Stop by the drive-through drop- off site at the Eagan Community Center from 9:00 a.m. to noon on November 8, to recycle your pumpkins and receive a free treat. More information will be available on www.dakotavalleyrecycling.org closer to the event.