06/02/1983 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission
SUBJECT TO APPROVAL
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE ADVISORY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
June 2, 1983
The regular meeting of the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission was
called to order by Chairman Martin. Members present were Martin, Masin,
Fedde, Thurston, Kubik, Alt and Carroll. Absent were members McNeely
and Gustafson. Also present were Ken Vraa, Parks & Recreation Director
and Administrative Intern, Liz Witt. City Planner, Dale Runkle, was
present to comment on development proposals.
Prior to the start of the formal meeting, the commission attended a
demonstration of the parks maintenance equipment. Department personnel
assembled the various pieces of equipment at Northview Park and each man
spoke about the particular uses. Members commented that the demonstration
was excellent and most helpful in expanding commission members knowledge
of park department responsibilities and accomplishments.
AGENDA
Additions to the agenda included Park Names under Old Business; Revised
Oakwood Heights, to Development Proposals and `kudos" to Park Department
Personnel under Other Business. On a motion by Masin, seconded by Kubik,
the agenda was approved as amended.
MINUTES
Chairman Martin noted that in the minutes of May 5th under New Business -
Oak Chase Park, the commission said that the park "should not be reduced
to the extent requested." On a motion by Fedde, seconded by Thurston,
the minutes of May 5, 1983 were approved as corrected.
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
A) Duckwood Trails 2nd Addition
Parks and Recreation Vraa commented that this P.U.D. was originally to
consist of two buildings and townhouse units but that it has been modified
to two 81 unit structures which have been relocated on the site. Director
Vraa noted that parks land dedication has already been satisfied but the
developer is proposing to donate approximately 8 acres. The acreage could
be combined with DeBoer Park directly to the north of the development. The
8± acres would serve as a buffer area between Duckwood Estates and the pro-
posed multiple units. Park Director Vraa said that some of the proposed land
donation was high and dry and some was wet and marshy. Staff would suggest
additional grading but specific usage for the park land was yet to be determined.
Planning Consultant Erkkila has been directed to study the area and develop
concept plans. Director Vraa also noted the possibility of getting an
additional 3- acres from the Eagan Heights Commercial Park Development which
could result in a good size neighborhood park. He commented that this is
one of the areas in the community which is in need of a park.
A visitor, Pam Wold, asked how much area was needed for a ball field as she
Advisory Parks Commission-Minutes
June 2, 1983
Page 2
would like to see a ball field in that site. Director Vraa showed the
system plan concept for that area and stated a small ball field would be
possible. The usable area is very tight because of the lake. Visitor,
Holly Bystedt asked if the City were to take cash, and not take the land
could the developer do whatever he wished with the 8 acres?* Director
Vraa said the developer would probably incorporate the acreage into the
homeowners association's common area and not develop additional units
on there. Mrs. Wold asked where and when'~a park would be located if
this site was not accepted? Director Vraa explained the City has looked
at two sites one near Hurley Lake, the other with a proposed elementary
school location, but the timing would depend upon financing.
Planner Runkle arrived at 7:30. He said he has noticed Eagan Heights
Commercial that the City might be interested in the three acres
mentioned earlier. Planner Runkle observed that the proposal received
approval from the Planning Commission and would be on'the June 21 agenda
of the City Council. There were additional questions from visitors and
commission members concerning trail access, size of park, park items and
timing of development. Planner Runkle, in response to a question regarding
grading of the proposed donation by Commission Member Alt, stated the
developer can move fill into the area and grade. He commented that the
developer has indicated he would also provide grading to site.
On a motion by Kubik, seconded by Thurston, the Parks Commission recommended
that the City accept the 8± acreage with the condition that grading and seed-
ing be worked out to staff specification if the developer uses the site for
additional material.
The motion carried unanimously.
B) Park Cliff Addition
City Planner Runkle explained the rezoning involved with the development,
which would allow for a deviation from, the R-1 zoning. He stated that the
remaining issue to be resolved is the trail dedication. Parks Director Vraa
had discussed the trail link with Dakota County Parks. They indicated that
the main trail system had been moved but it would be a good opportunity to
provide a trail dedication to hook up to the trail system. Commission
member Thurston said the City retain the opportunity to have the trail.
In response to a question, Director Vraa said the only disadvantage in
having the trail would be any additional maintenance. He stated there
would be an additional cash dedication for the increased number of lots
in the development.
On a motion by Thurston and seconded by Fedde, the commission recommended
the trail connection to Lebanon Hills Reional Park and that the City re-
0
ceive cash dedication for the single family lots. The motion passed unani-
mously.
C) Sunset Second Addition
City Planner Runkle reviewed the proposed Sunset Second Addition consist-
ing of 12 lots directly south of Sunset First. The area will be served by
Advisory Parks Commission-Minutes
June 2, 1983
Page 3
Schwanz Lake Park and Wedgewood Park which is nearby. Dick Carroll moved
and commission member Kubik seconded that the City accept cash dedication
for the development. The motion passed unanimously.
D) Robin Lane 1st Addition
Planner Runkle explained that the development would consist of two
apartment buildings with 112 units plus ten townhouse units on approxi-
mately9.6 acres of land. Blue Cross/Blue Shield is the proposed park
within this service area. The developer will provide a tot lot if the
Advisory Commission recommends one. On a motion by Kubik, seconded by
Carroll, the recommendation to accept a cash dedication for the develop-
ment and for the developer to provide a tot lot. Motion was approved
unanimously.
E) Blackhawk Acres
City Planner Runkle noted that the development is approximately 5.5
acres in size and will consist of 25 townhouse units. Planner Runkle said
the Planning Commission had continued the application pending more infor-
mation on topography and design and input from neighbors. Commission
member Carroll moved and member Alt seconded that the City accept a cash
dedication for this development. The motion passed unanimously.
F) Mallard Park 4th Addition - a Replat of Mallard 2nd
City Planner Runkle explained that in keeping with the new Planning
Commission,-City Council guidelines on smaller-lot sizes, the applicant
was advised to obtain an R-2 zoning. As for park dedication, Director
Vraa said he has been working with Willmus Family Properties to get the
previous shortage in park dedication resolved. He further said that
Mr. Willmus has agreed that he owes the City 2.3 acres, and has sent a
letter stating that. Commission member Thurston asked if the City can
negotiate a specific parcel of land to be dedicated and Director Vraa
said that would he the case. The Parks Commission did not have to take
any action regarding this proposal as the Planner and Parks Director were
merely updating the members.
G) Oakwood Heights 2nd Addition
Parks and Recreation Director Vraa reviewed the development and noted
that there has been a revision to the plan from what the commission had
seen in May. He reviewed the trails revision as proposed. Director Vraa
said he did wnat the Parks Commission to review the trail question for
recommendation. He suggested there be a trail across park land plus some
easement on private property to connect to the trail system. There is a
problem with the high water mark - just exactly what will it be. Chairman
Martin wondered if the City could-acquire a portion of the lots rather
than an easement. The Director responded that the developer needed the
land to meet the square footage requirements/or minimum lot size. Member
Alt commented that the public will probably use the shoreline anyway unless
Advisory Parks Commission-Minutes
June 2, 1983
Page 4
the homeowner puts up a fence. Director Vraa suggested that the trail be
built or graded in so that owners know at the time of purchase that a trail
is there. Director Vraa said the trail easement will be shown within the
ponding easement according to the developer. He said Sienna Corporation
will give trail easement throughout the area even though further park
dedication is not due at this time.
Chairman Martin questioned the status of the large oak tree previously at
waters edge. Director Vraa said the tree was now in the water and there
is not a control on the lake level at this time. Members expressed concern
for the water elevation and the N.O.H.N. the impact to the park. On
a motion by Kubik,' seconded by Alt, the commission recoimended the option
of obtaining easements in lots 13 and 14 for a trail connection and for
the trail to be benched in. In addition, there would be a street trail
along Wilderness Run. The motion passed unanimously.
.OLD BUSINESS
A) Easement - Oak Chase Park
Director Vraa stated there had been a further exchange of letters with
Mr. & Mrs. O'Brien in response to commission action at the May meeting.
Mrs. O'Brien provided cost involved to relocate utilities and to construct
a retaining wall. Commission member Thurston observed that as long as the
homeowners knew of the easement when they bought the property, the City
should not become involved. Member Masin felt the commission was not
justified in losing park land when it was so hard to come by.
Commission member Carroll moved and Masin seconded the recommendation that
the cost of utility relocation should be handled by the utility company
and the homeowner. It was further recommended that fill could be placed
on park land subject to staff supervision. Commission member Kubik amended
the motion to include the proviso that the parks commission will adhere
to the policy that park land will not he released unless extreme hardship
is demonstrated. The amended motion passed with Chairman Martin abstaining.
B) Systems Plan Study -Pilot Knob Park
The Parks Commission discussed in detail the concept plans A, B, C, and
D for Pilot Knob Park. Commission member Kubik liked the parking provided
with plan D as it could be used for softball. He did not like the thought
of permanent hockey facilities in this location as too much open space would
be lost. He wanted to know if the City could get dual use in the hockey rink
area by putting in volleyball in the warmer months. Commission members agreed
they liked a sliding area and that feature should be retained as part of any
plan adopted. Director Vraa stated that the present hockey site near the
school sits too high - it gets too much sun and is windy. He felt the
School District would favor Plan p if a trail were put in to get to the
rink. Director Vraa said the commission could combine elements of B and
D so there would be a sliding hill, a tot lot and play equipment next to
the open field and tennis courts, an observation deck, hockey rinks, a ball
field near the school and parking. Member Kubik wanted to get input from
the school district. Director Vraa will put together the preferred plan
Advisory Parks Commission-Minutes
June 2, 1983
Page 5
and present it to the school. Mr. Kubik offered to go along to meet with
school officials. Members agreed upon the recommended plan.
The Director also reviewed Capricorn Park plan, indicating that one major
remaining deficiency in the system is for minor league baseball fields. He
continued to explain that an alternative would be to acquire additional
park land to accommodate two additional fields. There was general dis-
cussion and questions by the commission.
One of the amenities to the ball field area might include a practice area
where the kids could practice hitting, sliding, fielding, and pitching.
Member Thurston commented this was a excellent concept and indicated agree-
ment. Director Vraa said he will add both the Pilot Knob Park plan and
the revised Capricorn to the capital costs involved in implementing the
master park plan. A meeting will tentatively be held between the June
and July meeting to review the draft of the C.I.P.
C) Park Names
Member Carroll reported-on a meeting of the Park Names Sub-Committee.
He concluded his report saying the Director will mail to each commission
member, historical information and Indian names to be considered when making
suggested names for parks. Each member should give two names for each
listed park and return the list within one week of receipt of mailed infor-
mation. The park names could be discussed at the special upcoming commission
meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
Unauthorized Usage of Park Land
Parks Director Vraa drafted a policy statement regarding park land usage.
The statement reads as follows:. "The usage of City park property by adjacent
or other residential property owners for garden plots, storage sheds, wood
piles, dog kennels are unauthorized activities for which public parks are
not to be used. These usages are outside the intent and purpose for which
City parks exist, and constitutes an appropriation of park land for the
private benefit of the individual. Usage of parks for individual purposes
is counter to public policy and park practice. Therefore, the usage of
parks in this manner is opposed by the Commission.
The Director of Parks and Recreation shall prohibit further usage of City
parks in this manner with the appropriate individuals."
On a motion by Fedde, seconded by Kubik, the commission adopted the policy
statement with revision. The motion passed unanimously.
OTHER BUSINESS
a) Department Intern. A student in landscaping will be interning in the
parks department. He will develop additional graphics for the trails
system, bicycle ways and assist with basic department research in-
cluding the fish stocking of the lakes.
Advisory Parks Commission-Minutes
June 2, 1983
Page 6
b) Budget - Parks Director Vraa noted that staff is starting to prepare
the 1984 budget. Commission members were asked to offer comments and
address concerns.
c) Director Vraa commented that the next round ofLAWCON grants was
approaching with applications to be made in July. The director
suggested three possible park sites; Fish Lake Park to develop access
to the lake; Capricorn Park and Thomas Lake. Director Vraa hoped to
purchase the Thomas Lake land out of the P.U.D. and when the cash
dedication actually is made the money will be given back via the grant
process. Members agreed that all three park 'sites shoul'dbe considered.
d) Commission member Kubik wondered if more garden plots could be made
available. Director Vraa will look into the matter.
e) Chairman Martin indicated he would write letters of appreciation to
the parks department personnel who participated in the equipment
demonstration on behalf of the commission.
f) The park gift brochures are ready and the commission discussed the
appropriateness of manning a booth at the Fourth of July festival
to distribute the brochure. Director Vraa will contact the July
Fourth Association to inquire about booth locations and members are
to contact Ken regarding their availability.
Concern over excessive drinking at the festival was voiced. Director
Vraa said the police department did crack down last year and the situation
was much improved. The motion was made by Kubik and seconded by Martin
to send a letter to the police departmentrequesting their continued
regulation of drinking. The motion passed.
g) Applications for the vacancy on the Advisory Parks Commission will be
taken through early June. The City Council will probably name the new
appointee at the June 21 meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 10:15 P.M.
L.V.
Dated:
Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission
Secretary
/bp