01/17/1985 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission
MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
ADVISORY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
JANUARY 17, 1985
A special meeting of the Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission was called to
order by Chairman Martin at 7:10 P.M.. Members present were Alt, Bertz,
Carroll, Kubik, Martin, Masin and Thurston. Mike Fedde was absent due to
illness and Tom Ketcham arrived near the meeting's conclusion. Parks &
Recreation Director, Ken Vraa; Landscape Architect, Steve Sullivan; and
Administrative Assistant, Liz Witt, were present. Parks Consultant, Tim
Erkkila; and Public Works Director, Tom Colbert, made special presentations.
1) BLACKHAWK PARK - CONCEPT PLAN REVIEW - TIM ERKKILA
Steve Sullivan and Ken Vraa showed slides of Blackhawk Lake and adjacent
areas. Director Vraa noted that Mrs. Waldron has 4.5 acres of property on the
north shore of Blackhawk Lake which is available for acquisition. Ed Dunn
owns lakefront acreage, some of which the City might acquire through park
dedication with the City purchasing additional acreage. Access via the south
route into the park will require acquisition from Leo Murphy. Director Vraa
said he may be seeking an Acquisition and Development Grant which will have a
greater chance of being funded than just acquisition. He continued,
indicating that a, concept plan had been worked on by Mr. Erkkila. for
Commission review and comment.
Parks Consultant, Tim Erkkila, presented the concept plan for Blackhawk Park
which would incorporate an internal trail, a picnic area, canoe/fishing
access, an open area for hiking and skiing and benches for seating to
comfortably see different scenic views. He suggested that a bridge over the
narrow passage of water might be feasible and provide an extension to the
trail system. A floating bridge at the east end of the lake might allow for
looping of the trail. There were numerous questions and comments regarding
grading, access, views and program uses.
Commission members generally liked the concept plan and recommended that the
City and staff proceed with the acquisition and development planning. In
response to a question, Director Vraa said a L.A.W.C.O.N. grant is a
possibility with the federal government paying 50%, the state and local 25%
each. Commission recommended the City obtain "First Right Of Refusal" for the
Waldron property pending the L.A.W.C.O.N. application outcome.
2. PROPOSAL FOR BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD PARK - EARLY ACQUISITION
Parks & Recreation Director Vraa reviewed the twelve acre park site which will
be created through 7.78 acres of park dedication and 4.22 acres through park
acquisition. Blue Cross/Blue Shield is not ready to develop their property
for a-couple of years and staff is recommending the City consider acquisition
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Adv Parks & Rec Comm
January 17, 1985
of the entire twelve acre site at this time. The Director reviewed the
priority for development of the park and an outline of the proposal seeking
early acquisition by dedication and purchase. Members asked if Blue
Cross/Blue Shield was willing to commit themselves to this. Mr. Vraa
responded that informal discussions have been very productive and believes a
successful acquisition is likely. He went on to explain, indicating that they
have an interest in seeing the park under construction. After additional
discussion Thurston moved, Carroll, seconded, that Director Vraa proceed with
formal negotiations and proposal to Blue Cross/Blue Shield for early
acquisition of 10.25 acres and 1.75 acres by purchase as outlined.
All voted in favor.
3. PROPOSED LANDSCAPE POLICY - DRAFT REVIEW
Included in the packet was a proposed landscape policy. The policy covered
the following issues:
A. Minimum quantity of landscape material requirements._
B. Loss of existing vegetation to development.
C. Lack of landscaped area requirements for parking lots.
D. Standards for screening parking lots, utility areas.$'loading docks and
outside storage from public roads and adjacent differing land uses.
E. Lack of plant specifications thus allowing any type and size to be
planted.
F. Maintenance requirements.
G. Minimum green space requirements.
Park Planner, Steve Sullivan, reviewed policies of other communities and
proposed recommendations for Eagan. The Commission then discussed the policy
issues.' Members were pleased with the report and supported the
recommendations. Staff asked the Commission for direction on minimum green
space requirement. Commission consensus for minimum percentage green space
was 15%. Commission member Kubik suggested that a minimum amount of green
space be a requirement. He noted that the more green space, the less runoff
and the less environmental impact on our City lakes. There was discussion if
the report shall be incorporated into an ordinance rather than a policy.
Chairman Martin and Director Vraa suggested the possibility of a joint meeting
with the City Council to discuss the draft landscape proposal and to receive
further direction from the Council.
Commission member Kubik moved, Bertz seconded, that Director Vraa submit the
draft of the proposed landscape policy to the City Council. All voted in
favor.
4. EROSION CONTROL/WATER QUALITY PRESERVATION
Parks & Recreation Director,Vraa, introduced the Director of Public Works,
Tom Colbert, who the Commission invited to learn more about what measure the
City take to control erosion and maintain water quality. Mr. Colbert
addressed the Commission, citing how erosion control is presently handled.
City staff reviews the erosion control plan before construction. The grading
plan must be approved by the City and bonding is required to insure
compliance. Restoration of site after construction is completed is also
Adv Parks & Rec Comm
January 17, 1985
bonded to insure that the job is done right. Tom said it is difficult to
police compliance with erosion control requirements due to the vast amount of
construction going on in Eagan and the shortage of staff.
When asked about the feasibility of sedimentation ponds, Mr. Colbert said such
ponds are being utilized more and more to control and filter runoff. The
water is filtered through the sedimentation pond before emptying into another
body of water. There were numerous questions by the Commission. Chairman
Martin thanked Mr. Colbert for his time and information and indicated
Commission support for his efforts.
5. P.U.D. AGREEMENT - EAGAN HEIGHTS COMMERCIAL
Director Vraa informally reviewed the P.U.D. noting that originally the
Commission recommended a cash dedication, but reserved the right to review
each phase of development as it came before the City. However, the
Commission's current position is to obtain a land dedication. Federal Land
Company is reluctant to give land. Ken asked that two or three Commission
members meet with staff to review the many complex issues. Richard Carroll
and Carolyn Thurston agreed to meet on Monday, January 21.
6. MURR PROPERTY -INFORMATION ONLY
The Murr property is north of Schwanz Lake, a portion of which is desirable to
be acquired for that park. Most of the Murr property is under water. Mr. Vraa
has talked informally with Mr. Murr to see if he is interested in selling the
land and for what price. A sketch plan has been prepared showing about 8,000
square feet of land and 50,000 square feet of water. Staff intends to proceed
with additional discussion.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Martin adjourned the meeting at 10: P.M..
Dated:
dvisory arks & Recreation Se ary