02/07/1985 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE
ADVISORY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
FEBRUARY 7, 1985
A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission was called to
order by Chairman Martin at 7:10 P.M.. Present were members Fedde, Alt,
Bertz, Carroll, Martin, Thurston, Ketcham, Masin, Kubik and Caponi. Also
present were Parks & Recreation Director, Ken Vraa; Landscape Architect, Steve
Sullivan; Planning Assistant, Greg Ingraham; Administrative Assistant, Liz
Witt; and Parks Intern, Scott Morgan. Charlie Bartholdi and Jack Safar were
present to address their company's proposed developments. Chairman Martin
introduced newly appointed Commission member, Anthony Caponi.
AGENDA
Parks & Recreation Director Vraa added several items to Section 6 - New
Business, Section 7 - Parks Development Program and Section 8 - Other
Business. On a motion by Thurston, seconded by Masin, the Commission approved
the agenda as amended.
MINUTES OF JANUARY 3, 1985
Commission member Alt moved, Fedde seconded, the minutes of January 3, 1985 be
approved as presented. All voted in favor.
MINUTES OF JANUARY 17, 1985
Commission member Carroll moved, Bertz seconded, the minutes of January 17,
1985 be approved as presented. All voted in favor.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS/COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
A. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Director Vraa opened with a call for nominations for a chairperson. Roger
Martin was nominated and no other names were proposed. The Commission cast a
unanimous ballot for Chairman Martin.
Chairman Martin then called for nominations for vice-chair. Members Thurston
and Carroll were nominated. Carolyn Thurston was selected to be the vice-
chair and Richard Carroll was selected to be secretary of the Commission for
1985.
Adv Parks & Rec Comm.
February 7, 1985
B. COMMITTEES
Commission members selected the following Committee assignments:
RECREATION DEVELOP/FINANCE SPECIAL ISSUES
G. Kubik, Chair R. Carroll, Chair R. Martin, Chair
M. Fedde J. Alt T. Ketcham
T. Ketcham R. Martin A. Caponi
S. Bertz C. Thurston S. Masin
A. Caponi G. Kubik G. Kubik
C. Thurston
S. Masin
PARK NAMES
R. Carroll, Chair
C. Thurston
S. Masin
T. Ketcham
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
A. PRELIMINARY PLAT - TOWN CENTER 100 - FEDERAL LAND CO
Greg Ingraham commented that in 1982 this development was proposed as Eagan
Heights Commercial Park P.U.D.. Federal Land Company is now proposing to
develop Lot 1, Block 1, with a ten-story office tower and outlot the remainder
of the site. Parks & Recreation Director Vraa noted that the original
proposal was prior to the Systems Plan Study and the City did not have plans
for a developed park by O'Leary Lake. The developer was intending to give a
cash dedication and some trail easement. Now, however, with all of the
residential development in the area and the gift of eight acres with the
Aspenwoods Apartments, the City would like to have three acres from the P.U.D.
to develop a neighborhood park. A connecting trail to the single family
residents south and west of the P.U.D. would also be desirable. He continued,
indicating that staff and Mr. Bartholdi had met to try and resolve the issue
of parks dedication which would include the entire site, both residential and
commercial. Mr. Vraa then outlined the parks dedication. Mr. Charlie
Bartholdi, Federal Land Company, said his company would plan to utilize the
central 2 1/2 acre pond as a recreational amenity by constructing a trail
around it and having it connect to the City's trail under the proposal.
Members Carolyn Thurston and Richard Carroll had met twice with the Director
to review the compromises worked out. Instead of a three-acre piece by the
lake, the City would receive a three-acre strip along the northerly edge of
the park. The City would have to relocate its proposed amenities, but none of
them would be deleted. Member Carroll stated that he and Carolyn Thurston had
reviewed the proposed compromise, indicating the combination of the three
acres of land, trails and cash was a fair and equitable solution.
Charlie Bartholdi stated that land dedication normally takes place at the time
of platting based on the amount owed. He said that Federal Land Company would
be agreeable to an early dedication so park development could be started in
Adv. Parks & Rec. Comm
February 7, 1985
the summer of 1986. He said the developers still intend that there be trail
dedication along O'Leary Lake. In response to a question, he stated the pond
located near the office tower would have a controlled water level and water
quality maintained.
Chairman Martin noted that the original DeBoer Park was too small, but with
the addition of other land parcels it becomes a desirable park. He voiced
agreement with the proposed dedication.
Commission member Caponi was concerned with the taking of a rectangular strip
rather than a configuration dictated by topography. Richard Carroll stated
there was discussion regarding these concerns. He noted the City's original
proposal follows this logic, but necessitated a longer driveway to get to the
tennis courts. The new layout will mean the City will reduce the size of the
parking lot, resulting in a savings of approximately $7,000. He said the
three-acre strip gives the City more parkland in the westerly area where it is
needed. He concluded by stating there was compromise on the part of both the
City and Federal Land Company in the dedication and acceptance of the strip.
In response to a question, Charlie Bartholdi said the buildings will be placed
in the site with aesthetics of the area uppermost in mind.
Steve Sullivan said the park will blend with the topography. He felt the
trails and the park itself will be very unique in Eagan.
In response to a question about water run-off, Charlie Bartholdi said that
some run-off will go into the pond, but that the entire drainage area has not
yet been fully laid out. Director Vraa noted there are three drainage
districts on the 100-acre site.
Commission member Bertz asked what material would be used to construct the
trails and when would they be built. Mr. Bartholdi said a final determination
has not yet been made, but is agreeable to an asphalt trail if that is what is
desired. The developer wants something aesthetically pleasing, yet
appropriate for trail users. He thought it would be desirable to have the
trail ready when the park is developed.
Mr. Bartholdi said Federal Land Company hopes to start construction of the
office tower as soon as next month. The trail would be developed as the
property is developed.
Commission member Thurston moved, Kubik seconded, the following motion:
1. The new three-acre parkland dedication be approved.
2. A timetable for dedication be agreed to by staff and the developer, with
dedication within the next year.
3. Trail easement be given for the internal and connecting trails.
4. Trails along Lexington and Denmark Avenues be a condition of plat
approval:
5. Trail dedication be part of the agreement worked out by staff and
developer.
6. There must be landscaping around the pond, creating a park-like amenity.
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Adv. Parks & Rec. Comm
February 7, 1985
7. The developer must observe erosion control during construction. The lake
and pond must be protected from construction and petroleum pollutants once
construction is complete.
8. A small triangular piece near the NW corner of the park should be included
in the parkland dedication.
9. That a cash dedication be given for parcel #8, approximately 16.1 acres,
as depicted on the P.U.D. exhibit.
The motion carried unanimously.
B. TOWN CENTER 70 - FEDERAL LAND COMPANY
Mr. Ingraham explained Federal Land Company had acquired an additional 70
acres west of and adjacent to their 100 acre commercial park. A site plan has
not yet been prepared, but the developers are proposing a 150,000 sq. ft.
shopping center. Director Vraa recommended cash and trail requirement for the
development. Commission member Carroll moved, Kubik seconded, the
recommendation to accept a cash dedication and trailways to connect to the
City system, consistent with the City's plan and dedication requirement.
All voted in favor.
C. REZONING - CLIFF SQUARE P.U.D. - FEDERAL LAND COMPANY
Planning Assistant Ingraham explained the proposal for rezoning, indicating
the Planning Commission continued it to their- March meeting for the purpose of
obtaining additional information. Director Vraa invited comments regarding
the placement of commercial development right next to a City park. Chairman
Martin said he would like to see a buffer. Commission member Fedde agreed
that the uses of land in such close proximity are incompatible. Commission
member Thurston felt that an R3 zoning was a more appropriate use of the land.
There was no action on this item pending the report from City staff.
D. WILLIAMS DIVISION - GEORGE WILLIAMS
On a motion by Fedde, seconded by Ketcham, the Commission recommended a cash
dedication on the lot split. All voted in favor.
E. HAMPTON HEIGHTS - FRONTIER MIDWEST - MARSHALL OAKS
Planning Assistant Ingraham explained the developers proposed 195 single
family lots and three outlots on a 52-acre site. The Planning Commission
continued the item to the February meeting because the lot sizes are half the
City's minimum lot size. The developers will return with a new plat
containing lesser density. Commission member Caponi said the design is
totally inappropriate to the topography. There were additional questions and
comments concerning the proposed plat. Commission member Kubik said he sensed
a consensus of the Commission that the project, as proposed, was totally out
of sync with Eagan's overall development plans. No action was taken as the
developers will return with a revised proposal.
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Adv Parks & Rec Comm
February 7, 1985
F. PREVIEW OF COMING PROPOSALS - GREG INGRAHAM
Planning Assistant Greg Ingraham commented briefly on proposals coming into
the Planning Department which will come before the Parks & Recreation
Commission in the coming months. The Commission appreciated the information
and look forward to such a briefing at all their regular meetings.
OLD BUSINESS
A. PARK SYSTEMS PLAN - REVIEW OF UPDATED MATERIAL
Parks and Recreation Director Vraa distributed handouts of updated Systems
Plan material dated 1983 through January 1985. He asked Commission members to
review the content and get back to him with any comments they might have.
Chairman Martin said Commission members should review the specific sections
they were responsible for previously and discussion will take place at the
February 21st meeting.
B. MURR PROPERTY
Director Vraa announced the City had reached agreement with Mr. Murr and a
purchase action was approved by the City Council. The purchase price is
$2,000. Commission member Carroll moved, Thurston seconded, the authorization
of the purchase with the City Attorney to draw up the purchasing agreement.
The Commission also agreed to a lot split(s) on the remaining Murr property,
if appropriate. The motion carried unanimously.
C. THOMAS LAKE HEIGHTS - MR. JACK SAFAR
The Parks & Recreation Commission previously reviewed a preliminary plat which
reconfigured the park boundaries. Mr. Jack Safar again asked for modification
to these' park boundaries based on a new design. He was present to review the
process which led up to his request. He said the developer conducted a tree
census by size over the entire parcel and studied the topography extensively.
The trees dictated building placement and the developer is now proposing four
buildings. They wish to place a swimming pool and adjunct building closer to
the lake causing a need for relocation of the park boundary line. The tennis
courts would be relocated elsewhere and could be available to the public.
Chairman Martin asked how the public would be kept out of the pool. Mr. Safar
responded that there would-not be direct access to the property from the
public trail. In addition, the internal-public trail connection would be
circuitous. Mr. Safar anticipated there would not be a great deal of use by
the public of the development trail under this proposal. Chairman Martin said
he did not have a problem with the proposed trade of land, assuming the
developer was meeting other conditions previously discussed.
In response to a question, Mr. Safar indicated that the trail and boat launch
would be part of his responsibility to develop.
Chairman Martin moved, Bertz seconded, the recommendation to accept the
revised boundary as presented, that all other previously agreed upon
conditions would be retained and the relocation of the tennis courts must be
reviewed by staff. The new location will be brought to the Commission. All
approved.
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Adv. Parks & Rec. Comm
February 7, 1985
Commission member Caponi thought the Parks & Recreation Commission should go
on record as appreciating the sensitivity to environment on the part of the
developer and the length to which he went to analyze the site. He felt other
developers should be encouraged to do likewise. Commission member Kubik
agreed and then moved, Bertz seconded, to acknowledge the Thomas Lake proposal
as the finest effort made to save trees and work with a site, which the
Commission has ever reviewed. The motion carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
A. THOMAS LAKE HEIGHTS TOT LOT
The original agreement done in 1979 required a tot lot, but the topography
makes it difficult to find an appropriate location. Mr. Ed Dunn proposes to
locate the tot lot on the Thomas Lake School property. The new owners of the
site do not anticipate that their tenants would use tot lots. Commission
member Carroll stated that the developer managed to find spots to place the
buildings and should be able to find some flat open space to provide for adult
recreation if tot lots are not needed. He felt the developer could eliminate
one quad and make it a recreation space. Commission member Thurston moved,
Kubik seconded, the following motion:
1. A recreation area is a necessity. The City code specifically states that
a specific amount is to be provided.
2. The recreation area should be centrally, located on a flat, accessible
site. All voted in favor.
PARKS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
A. FINAL PLAN REVIEW - GOAT HILL PARK
Director Vraa said that the ball field and hockey rinks have been flip-flopped
to minimize the amount of cut and fill needed, reducing the amount by nearly
three times that in the preliminary plan. The road access will be at a lesser
grade, 4 to 6%, and will be safer. The hockey rinks will be separate by 45'
with the boards along the adjacent sides to be portable. Their removal in the
warmer months will allow soccer or horse show uses. Director Vraa said there
will be lighting for the internal area. Grading will start in the spring with
the hockey rinks to be usable next winter. He noted that Goat Hill Park is
still within budget. The Commission liked the changes proposed.
B. FINAL PLAN REVIEW - WALNUT HILL PARK
This will be a neighborhood park with an open play field and a full-size
soccer field. There will also be an archery range. The trail has been
relocated so that it will come into the park sooner. There will be tennis
courts, a tot lot, picnic and shelter areas. Some fill will be needed and the
pond will be enhanced to make it an amenity to the park. There was some
discussion about the need for security light(s) in the park and the parking
lot. Some Commission members felt there should be no lights as they would
Adv. Parks & Rec. Comm.
February 7, 1985
just encourage people to come into the parking lot after hours. Others said
security lights assist with exiting from the park. Director Vraa said many
parks have security lights at the request of local police departments. The
Commission directed staff to get comments regarding security lighting from the
Police Department and from other communities.
C. PLAN AND PROGRAM - SCHWANZ LAKE PARK
The parking lot for 130 spots was shifted to save trees. There will be an
open play field, a pavilion, picnic area, shelter, beach, amphitheater and
trails. Schwanz Lake Park will be a four-season facility. There were
questions regarding the location of restrooms in either part of the main
shelter or a separate structure more centrally located to the entire park.
Director Vraa reviewed the various issues, indicating a more central location
would service the park user better, in both summer and winter. There would be
a significant cost saving in sanitary pipeline, but this may be somewhat
offset by construction cost associated by a second building.
There was additional discussion by the Commission regarding the park, with
agreement that the park was acceptable. Additional discussion on the•restroom
is to be held at the February 21st meeting.
D. ATHLETIC FIELD EXPANSION - SITE LOCATION
The acquisition of a 30-acre site in northern Eagan -does not appear likely to
happen as the price may be too high. (Total cost for acquisition alone could
reach $900,000.) Director Vraa says staff is now looking at other sites and
finds there isn't much available. He singled out one site near Dodd and
Wescott and one near Cliff and Dodd. The latter site is for sale and probably
could be purchased for considerably less than the northerly site. There would
not be much grading involved with the Cliff-Dodd site either. After
discussion regarding alternatives and location to service users, Commission
member Caponi moved, Carroll seconded, that the staff enter into negotiations
to acquire the SE site at Cliff and Dodd, but keep the purchase of the
northern site as an alternative. The motion carried. Chairman Martin voted
"Nay."
OTHER BUSINESS & REPORTS
Item A - 1984 housing, item C - Park Site Acquisition & Development Fund, item
F - 1985 Commission objectives, Item H - Parks System Plan submitted for
award, and item I - Robert Lewis house, were held over for a future meeting.
ITEM B - CITY CELEBRATION COMMITTEE - S. MASIN
Sandra Masin said that a couple of meetings of the Celebration Committee have
been held. The Committee has not yet agreed on a date to hold the
celebration. Some want it held in conjunction with the Fourth of July and
other's feel it should be held separately so residents can more closely
identify with the City and its history. The Committee does plan to have the
"History of Eagan" available for sale and also pieces of carvings from the
Lone Oak Tree.
Adv. Parks & Rec. Comm
February 7, 1985
ITEM D - JOINT MEETING - CITY COUNCIL
A joint meeting of the Eagan City Council and the Advisory Parks & Recreation
Commission will be held on February 12, 1985 at 7:00 P.M.. Agenda items
include the Landscape Policy, leaf composting, Blackhawk Lake Park plan and an
update on park acquisition.
ITEM E - JOINT MEETING - OTHER PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSIONS - R. MARTIN
Parks Director Vraa and
Chairman Martin met with representatives of neighboring communities Parks &
Recreation Commissions to discuss-the possibility of a joint meeting and to
identify topics of mutual concern and interest. A tentative date of April 24
was set for such a meeting to last from 7:00 to 10:30 P.M.. Representatives
from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Department, the Department of Natural
Resources, Hennepin and Dakota Counties, and the Metropolitan Council, are to
be invited.
ITEM G - WINTER SPECIAL EVENTS - GEORGE KUBIK
George Kubik reminded Commission members of the special events coming up this
weekend (February 8 and 9) at Schwanz Lake and-Carlson Lake Parks.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Ketcham, seconded by Bertz, the meeting was adjourned. Time of
adjournment was 11:40 P.M..
Dated:
i';•' dvisory Parks & Recreation Secr ary
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ADVISORY PARKS & RECREATION MEMBERS - 1985
NAME & ADDRESS TELEPHONE TERM EXPIRES
ROGER MARTIN 454-8921 (H) 12/86
4435 OAK CHASE RD 456-4654 (W)
EAGAN, MN 55123
CAROLYN THURSTON 454-5843 (H) 12/85
4454 OAK CHASE WAY
EAGAN, MN 55123
RICHARD CARROLL 452-7597 (H) 12/87
4485 OAK CHASE LN 437-0345 (W)
EAGAN, MN 55123
GEORGE KUBIK 452-3887 (H) 12/85
3053 PINE RIDGE DR 725-3592 (W)
EAGAN, MN 55121 OR 725-3516 (W)
MIKE FEDDE 452-2966 (H) 12/85
1661 NORWOOD DR
EAGAN, MN 55122
SANDRA MASIN 452-3411 (H) 12/86
1795 CARNELIAN LN 296-2739 (W)
EAGAN, MN 55122
JOANNE ALT 452-6745 (H) 12/85
4543 LAKE PARK DR 370-1769 (W)
EAGAN, MN 55122
SANDY BERTZ 452-5062 (H) 12/87
550 ATLANTIC HILLS DR
EAGAN, MN 55123
MR ANTHONY CAPONI 454-4338 (H) 12/87
1215 DIFFLEY RD
EAGAN, MN 55122
TOM KETCHAM 452-4783 (H) 12/86
4353 BEAR PATH TR
EAGAN, MN 55122
RECREATION PARK NAMES DEVELOPMENT/FINANCE
GEORGE KUBIK, CHAIR DICK CARROLL, CHAIR DICK CARROLL, CHAIR
SANDY MASIN CAROLYN THURSTON JOANNE ALT
SANDY BERTZ SANDY MASIN GEORGE KUBIK
CAROLYN THURSTON TOM KETCHAM ROGER MARTIN
MIKE FEDDE CAROLYN THURSTON
ANTHONY CAPONI
TOM KETCHAM
SPECIAL ISSUES
R. MARTIN, CHAIR, S. MASIN, G. KUBIK, T. KETCHAM, A. CAPONI