02/02/1984 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission
Subject to Approval
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE
ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
FEBRUARY 2, 1984
A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission
was called to order by Chairman Martin at 7:00 p.m. All members
were present with the exception of Tom Ketcham, who was out of
town. Also present were the Director of Parks and Recreation',
Ken Vraa; Administrative Assistant, Liz Witt; and Parks and
Recreation Intern, Jim Sturm. Park Plan Consultant, Tim Erkkila,
was present to discuss Meadowland Park concept plans & Rahn Park
development.
AGENDA
There were no additions or corrections to the agenda and on a
motion by Commission member Carroll, seconded by Thurston, the
agenda was approved as presented.
MINUTES
Several corrections were noted to the January 5, 1984, minutes.
In regard to the Berkshire Pond proposal, the correction on the
bottom of page one should read "Chairman Martin stated he prefer-
red the tot lot be located elsewhere and the developer just
redraw his lot lines. He did not want the City to accept the
parcel for a park". On page two, Director Vraa noted
approximately 1/3 credit was given for a smaller than usual
parcel in Cinnamon Ridge but it was not a private park site.
In regards to the financing of the Park System on page four,
Commission member Kubik said the goal of the Task Force is
defined as financing. No other comment was necessary so the
second sentence was deleted; he did not want the park systems
plan addressed at all.
In regards to Meadowland Park on page five, Chairman Martin
concluded the "planning" of Meadowlands was a great learning
experience and demonstrated the wide variety of issues which must
be addressed throughout the planning process.
On a motion by Commission member Thurston, seconded by Bertz, the
minutes were approved as corrected.'
JANUARY 11, 1984
MINUTES
Chairman Martin noted that on the park credit for Outlot A,
Kensington Place; the 1.4 acres was credited at a higher rate,
based on the value of commercial property for parks dedication.
Commission member Jackson moved, Kubik seconded, to approve the
January 11, 1984, minutes as corrected. The motion carried.
ORGANIZATION
A. Election of Officers
Director Vraa opened with a call for nominations for a Chairper-
son. Roger Martin was nominated and no other names were
proposed. On a motion by Carroll, seconded by McNeely, the
Commission cast a unanimous ballot for Chairman Martin.
Chairman Martin then called for nominations for Vice-Chairperson.
Carolyn Thurston was nominated. Martin moved, seconded by Bertz,
that the Commission cast a unanimous ballot for Carolyn Thurston.
The motion carried.
Chairman Martin called for nominations for Secretary and Richard
Carroll was named. Commission member Masin moved and McNeely
seconded to cast a unanimous ballot for Carroll. The motion
carried.
B. Meeting Day/Time
After some discussion the Commission felt they would continue to
meet the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. No official
action would take place until 7:15 to accommodate those who could
not make the 7:00 p.m. starting time. Commission member Kubik
made a motion of the above; McNeely seconded and the motion
carried.
C. Standing Committees
The roster of the 1984 Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission
along with its standing committees is as follows:
Recreation Park Names Finance
George Kubik, Chair Dick Carroll, Chair Carolyn Thurston,
Sandy Masin Carolyn Thurston Chair
Sandy Bertz Roger Martin Joanne Alt
Carolyn Thurston Doug McNeely Bill Jackson
Development Special Issues
Dick Carroll, Chair Roger Martin, Chair
All Other Commission Sandy Masin
Members Who Can Attend George Kubik
(Newly appointed Commission member Ketcham will make his committee
choices by the March meeting date.)
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
A. Sunset Fourth and Fifth Additions
Sunset Fourth is within the Lexington South PD and there is no
park dedication requirement. Sunset Fifth is one lot being split
into two so a cash dedication is in order. Commission member
Jackson moved, Bertz seconded, that the Commission recommend a
cash dedication for the lot split. The motion carried
unan imously.
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
B. The Pines
This development is part of Hilltop Addition and the park dedica-
tion has been fulfilled. Director Vraa suggested the Commission
consider the need for a tot-lot. He noted the developers do not
expect family type occupancy because of the price range and the
fact that one/two bedrooms comprise most of the units. Director
Vraa said thought should be given to establishing a policy on the
ratio of tot lots; number of units, as well as a guide on
recreational areas by age groups - small children, older
children, adults, etc. The Commission would then be in a better
position to suggest a recreational area based on character of
development occupants. The Commission members were in agreement
with the Directoi`sassessment. The development of policy would be
an appropriate issue for the Special Issues Committee. The
Director of Parks and Recreation was requested to prepare some
background information for the sub-committee to review.
Commission member Carroll moved, Kubik seconded, that the
Advisory Park and Recreation Commission recommend the developer
include a limited recreational area, perhaps in the NE corner.
The motion carried.
C. Park Service Area 24
Director Vraa noted for the Commission that the Planning Depart-
ment has received an informal proposal for a development within
this service area. The Commission should consider the needs of
the section and
review the merits of the proposed development. The Commission
then reviewed the service area, its proposed land use,
topography, population projection, and other features of the
district.
There was discussion about the service area needs vs. what is
proposed by the developer. Because no formal proposals had been
received, no action was taken.
D. Willmus - Park Service Area 28
Parks and Recreation Director Vraa updated the Commission on park
dedication by Willmus Properties, noting they are behind by
approximately 2.3 acres. The Director stated that Mr. Willmus
had requested that the City review its position on parks, as he
was preparing a development study for his property. Director
Vraa said no formal action was necessary.
The Commission then reviewed the park service area. It was noted
that at one time there had been discussion of obtaining
additional park to the East in the Blackhawk PD - but that there
was no follow up on this. After discussion, members agreed that
it would still want the park from Willmus Properties with
suitable access.
OLD BUSINESS
A. Meadowland Concept Plans
Park Plan consultant, Tim Erkkila, presented three concept plans
to the Commission for Meadowland Park. (This was the park the
Commission worked on at the January meeting.) Scheme #1 showed a
typical neighborhood park in the east half behind the homes. The
west half had an overlapping soccer/ballfield activity area.
This plan kept the high activity area away from the homes but
would have higher grading costs.
Scheme #2 placed the soccer field to the west and ballfield in
the east with other amenities in the middle. A road would have
to be constructed to the center of the park for parking
facilities.
Scheme #3 places neighborhood uses to the west and high activity
to the east behind the homes. The ballfield overlaps somewhat
with the soccer field.
Some Commission members expressed concern with the sliding hills
being placed so that sleds would go directly into the ponding
areas. Director Vraa asked the Commission to think about the
schemes and make a decision at the March meeting.
Commission members asked that preliminary cost information,
grading, roadway construction, parking lot and land use plans for
the area south of the park be provided to aid in the decision
making.
Park Planning
Plan consultant Erkkila briefly outlined a book, Anatomy of a
Park, which provides a useful guide to the planning of parks.
The steps involved are:
1) survey program development - what do you have
2) inventory on-site; off-site
3) analyze what you want where and relationship of activities
4) analyze the site
5) synthesize plans and see how they work in actual site
6) refine
Plan consultant Erkkila suggested commission members refer to the
book for issues which should be included when planning a park.
The book also has requirements necessary for specific type parks.
B. Rahn Park Development
Plan consultant Erkkila said survey work was done to verify the
aerial photo topography of Rahn Park. Soil borings were also
taken to see if the site is buildable and discover possible
problem soils. The top soil varied from 2" to 3' with the
average equal to 15". Mr. Erklkila said the depth is adequate
and the studies were necessary to verify the base data for the
parcel. Detailed plans and specifications can now proceed.
There was brief discussion regarding whether the project
sh,.ould proceed, or wait until the determination of a Bond issue.
Members agreed that no further work should proceed until after a
bond issue is determined.
NEW BUSINESS
A. Rules and Procedures for Community Room
Parks and Recreation Director Vraa provided the Commission with
suggested rules/procedures for community room usage.
Commissioner member Carroll expressed his preference not to
charge non-profit groups such as the boy scouts to use the
community center. Commission member Thurston asked that a log of
requests be kept. Director Vraa noted that Dorothy Peterson has
been maintaining such a record and will continue. Member Kubik
stated he had no problems with the rules and suggested they be
accepted with the idea they be reviewed in a year's time.
On a motion by Carroll, seconded by Thurston, the Commission
voted to accept the rules and procedures (attached) and recommend
their approval to the City Council. The motion passed
unanimously.
B. Fiscal Year 1985 LAWCON Grant
Parks and Recreation Director Vraa stated that more than one
application may be allowed this yearfor LAWCON/LCMR funding; he
suggested Schwanz Lake, Thomas Lake and perhaps Coachman parks.
The maximum allowable for any one park is $200,000. Director
Vraa indicated he will need direction from the Commission by the
March meeting as to the priorities for the City.
OTHER BUSINESS
A. Council Action
The City Council approved the Advisory Park and Recreation
Commission recommendations as to park dedication requirements and
as to the Lexington South PUD. The Council denied Berkshire Pond
Parkland dedication, as had been recommended.
B. Recreation Committee
The Recreation Committee will meet Thursday, February 16, at 7:00
P.M. in the community room.
C. Task Force
The Director stated that the Citizens Task Force on Parks was
organized and would meet on Monday, January 6, at 7:30 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Commission member Masin moved, Chairman Martin seconded, to
adjourn the meeting. Adjournment was at 10:10 p.m.
Dated:
dvisory Parks & Recreation Sec ry