05/03/1983 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission
SUBJECT TO APPROVAL
MINITTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF TIIE ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COP-MISSION
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
MAY 5, 1983
The regular meeting of the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission was
called to order by Chairman Martin. Members present were Alt, Fedde,
Martin, Kubik, Carroll and McNeely. Commission member Masin had notified
the commission that she would be late. Absent were members Thurston,
Schumaker and Gustafson. Also present were Ken Vraa, Parks and Recreation
Director and Administrative Intern, Liz Witt.
AGENDA
Park Director Vraa added one item to the Other Business/Reports section of
the agenda. On a motion by Fedde, seconded by Carroll, the agenda was
approved as amended.
MINUTES
Chairman Martin noted that as part of the recommendation for the Woodhaven
Addition that number 5 should read, "There shall be a landscaping bond
which can be released after the test of two growing seasons for the
plantings." And, regarding the Schwanz Lake area, the amount of park land
will be decreased by an amount of 33,000} square feet. Doug McNeely moved
and JoAnn Alt seconded that the minutes of April 7, 1983, he approved as
corrected. The motion carried.
On a motion by Carroll, seconded by McNeely, the minutes of February 8, 1983,
were approved.
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
A) Crossroads Apartments Park dedication for this development has already
been covered by a planned development agreement for Pilot Knob Heights 1st
Addition. There is no trail connection needed as there already is a sidewalk.
No action was necessary reference this development.
B) Hillcrest Addition Park dedication has already been addressed for this
development which is adjacent to and part of proposed Walden Heights. The
Advisory Parks Commission did not have to take action on this proposal.
C) Cedar Hills is a 56 acre proposal which is part of the Winkler/Jackson
planned development. Included in the planned development is the stipulation
that 8 acres, will be dedicated as park when the first plat is filed. The
acreage includes some highway turnback. In addition, the developers are
responsible for grading. The project will be on hold until platting occurs.
Commission member Carroll asked if there was to be a pond in the middle of
the planned development which would he a part of the park dedication.
Director Vraa said there will he a pond easement only. It was not necessary
for the Advisory Parks Commission to take any further action at this time.
Advisory ('arks Commission Minutes
May S. 1983
Page 2
D) Surrey Gardens Two apartment buildings are to be constructed on this
site at Yankee Poodle Road and Surrey Heights Road. Director Vraa noted
that the developer was under the impression that park dedication for the
entire parcel was made when previous additions were constructed. Director
Vraa researched the files and minutes and found no indication that the
cash dedication paid would cover development of Surrey Gardens. Director
Vraa feels Eagan should receive cash dedication and that it is up to the
developer to prove that it has already been paid. Commission member
Carroll moved and Fedde seconded, to request cash dedication for the 88
apartment units and an extension of the trail along the south side of
Yankee Doodle. The motion passed unanimously.
E) Eagandale Office Park Replat for a new roadway and transportation plan.
Because this is a replat the City can request commercial/industrial park
dedication. Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company has asked a waiver
of the dedication and the Advisory Planning Commission recommended the
waiver to the City Council. The Advisory Parks Commission discussed the
Advisory Planning Commission's recommendation and decided that the issue
should have been referred to the Parks Commission as should all park matters.
Commission member Carroll moved and McNeely seconded to have the commission
chairman send a letter to the Planning Commission Chairman expressing
concern about this matter. The motion passed unanimously.
Parks Director Vraa mentioned that there are already six development
proposals coming before the Planning Commission in May.
OLD BUSINESS
Park Names: The park names sub-committee set a meeting. date for Monday,
May 9 at 7:00 p.m. to reach agreement on park name recommendations. Members
of the sub-committee are: Carolyn Thurston, Roger Martin, Richard Carroll
and Doug McNeely.
Commission Objectives: The Parks and Recreation Commission discussed several
goals and objectives they would like to accomplish. One ongoing goal will
be to continually update park dedication fees The commission would also
like to visit other park facilities outside Fagan as they have done in the
past. Perhaps there could be a joint meeting of neighboring commissions to
view park equipment and/or to discuss joint purchase of maintenance equipment.
Commission members would also like to visit special use facilities such as
the Edina golf dome, tennis dome, ice arenas and the like but not until fall.
They said they enjoy the visits to Eagan parks and wondered if slides were
available of all City parks. Director Vraa said he does have some slides
and will schedule them for review at one of the fall meetings. The entire
commission expressed enthusiasm at viewing park maintenance equipment and to
see some pieces in operation. Parks Director Vraa will arrange to have a
display ready for the June meeting.
System Plan Study - Schwanz Lake Director Vraa noted that SchwanzLake Park
was now part of the Trapp family farm land. He commented that it might be
appropriate to consider historical families and events of Eagan's history
when naming parks. Director Vraa showed a concept plan for the lake area
which primarily involves summer use. There will be a shelter, open field,
picnic areas, a beach, central parking, a trail system and a boat launch.
Advisory Parks Commission Minutes
May 5, 1983
Page 3
He commented on other concept plans which had been put together for the site
but were not in the portfolio. Other plans called for the acquisition of
additional land some of which could be used for special facilities. He
also wants to give winter recreation some consideration.
Commission member Alt said we should acquire those parcels around the shore-
line. Director Vraa said they would have to be purchased. Commission
member Carroll stated that homeowners involved should be alerted to the
Parks Commission's intent to buy. Director Vraanoted that there are
slightly more than two acres and three homeowners involved. Members
provided other direction and preference for the plan shown.
NEW BUSINESS
Easement Request Oak Chase Park Mr.&Mrs. O'Brien wished to have a 30' x
240' easement to facilitate access to the lot immediately east of their
property. Director Vraa stated that the commission could 9o along with the
request, deny it, or suggest a change in the access point. The latter would
mean the roadway would come into the park land for 40-50' before moving
back on the existing easement private property. Commission member Carroll
noted that the suggested alternative would bring the roadway in at an
angle, a potentially hazardous condition with the obstructed view to the
south. It was noted that the utilities were already there when the home
was purchased so their relocation should not be a factor in the decision.
Commission member Masin arrived at 8:35 p.m.
Commission member Fedde felt there was no justification for the request -
that the commission would be a "nice guy." Commission member Masin
commented that the park is long, narrow and small and would hate to lose
any of it. All commission members agreed that the park size should not
be reduced. Commission member Carroll noted that the relocation of access
would bring the driveway to within 50' of the tot lot, and he felt the
City should not give up park land which was so difficult to obtain in the
first place. Commission member Tlasin wanted to know why the City has had
so much trouble with this park area. Parks and Recreation Director Vraa
said the area was platted before the park dedication was made. More
discussion about the merits or deficiencies in the alternate access followed.
On a motion by Kuhik, seconded by McNeely to notify the O'Briens that the
request does not have merit but if there is more information to be shared
the Parks and Recreation Commission would listen and consider the request.
The motion passed with Chairman Martin abstaining.
Leaf Composting Parks and Recreation Director Vraa reviewed the composting
information and requirements needed for the program. He then asked for
direction from the commission. Chairman Martin stated he was in favor of
having a composting site with a volunteer group supervising. Commission
member Kubik was concerned with the supervising . . . He said there had to
be control, perhaps a locked gate, scheduled hours of operation and limited
access. When asked if there was a site selected, Director Vraa suggested
that a place by the reservoir off Cliff Road was a possibility, or Patrick
Eagan Park or Northview Park. Other sites should he reviewed, however,
and indicated a vacated industrial site might also be suitable. Chairman
Martin felt the commission should pursue a composting program but not one
of such a magnitude that includes a pick-up program as depicted in other
communities. It was noted that the cost to treat the leaves is not high
Advisory Parks Commission Hi_nutus
May 5, 1983
Page 4
but manpower is needed to haul and turn the leaves. Director Vraa was
directed to find out how other communities control the program, determine
potential sites, find volunteer groups and come back with a program out-
line for final review and commission action.
OTHER BUSINESS/REPORTS
The Rosemount Athletic Association requested use of Eagan athletic facilities.
Chairman Martin suggested the letter be kept on file as justification for
ball field needs in Eagan as we are having trouble meeting City requests
at this time.
Teen Program - 1983: Commission member McNeely reviewed last year's "work"
program for teens sighting program difficulties. He thought the commission
should look at a different program in 1983. Director Vraa stated there will
be special activities scheduled for several Fridays such as Valley Fair,
horseback riding, water sliding and tubing The commission approved these
activities.
Parks and Recreation Director Vraa had provided some additional informational
pieces in the packet. He commented that playground equipment will be in-
stalled in Lakeside Park this summer, something the neighborhood has wanted
for three years.
Unauthorized garden plots were then discussed by the commission. Director
Vraa said there are 48 authorized plots available in Pilot Knob Park. He
commented that he noted two garden plots by residents adjacent to the high-
line trail east of Rahn Road. Director Vraa stated that homeowners had
removed an old barbed wire fence and threw it near the bike trail. They
also threw many large rocks in the same vicinity. There was discussion by
the commission regarding the unauthorized use of park land with problems
cited. Chairman Martin said the parks commission should direct Parks and
Recreation Director Vraa to notify the homeowners that they were misusing
public land, that they must discontinue usage of the area and that there
is designated area for garden plots available. Director Vraaplanned to
write a letter to the homeowners immediately and draft a policy on park
usage by residents for the June meeting.-
ADJOURNMENT
The business was concluded and the meeting adjourned at 9:40 P.M.
Dated:
Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission
Secretary