03/07/1985 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE
ADVISORY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
MARCH 7, 1985
Chairman Martin called the meeting to order at 7:08 P.M. Present were members
Masin, Bertz, Fedde, Martin, Ketcham, Caponi & Kubik. Members Alt, Thurston &
Carroll had notified the Commission they'd be unable to attend. Also present
were Parks & Recreation Director, Ken Vraa; Landscape Architect, Steve
Sullivan; Department Intern, Scott Morgan; and Administrative Assistant, Liz
Witt.
AGENDA
Three items were added to "Other Business & Reports". Commission member Fedde
moved,- Bertz seconded, to approve the agenda as amended. All voted in favor.
MINUTES
FEBRUARY 7, 1985
A typo on page two was noted - Item A should read "2 1/2 acres". Chairman
Martin noted that Parks & Recreation Director Vraa•was also present at the
Joint Community Commission Meeting. Commission member Bertz moved, Fedde
seconded, to approve the minutes as corrected. All voted in favor.
FEBRUARY 21, 1985
Commission member Bertz moved, Masin seconded, to approve the minutes as
presented. All voted in favor.
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
A. Frontier-Midwest - Hampton Heights - Residential
Director Vraa noted there are 192 single family units proposed with 60-65' lot
widths. He said the Advisory Planning Commission voted 4-3 to approve the
development with a recommendation to increase the lots to 65'. Director Vraa.
noted that there was a land swap negotiated with the owner to the south who
will be coming in with a proposal next month. In response to a question
regarding the possibility of obtaining a land dedication, the Director
indicated the City could only expect 3+ acres for Hampton Heights. He
recommended the City require a trail along Coachman Road all through the
development and a cash dedication for the number of units.
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ADV PARKS & REC COMM
MARCH 7,1985
Commission member Kubik noted that this is a densely populated area of the
City and needs more park area than other park service areas. He also stated
that there is a heavy population turnover at Pilot Knob School, indicating
that many residents move in and out of the area at a fast clip. Member Fedde
stated he felt a land dedication would be appropriate because of the small
lots and obvious density.
When asked about the possibility of obtaining more parkland in the area, Parks
Director Vraa said the most that could be acquired would be eight acres.
There was a general discussion by the Commission of this idea. The Director
responded to a request for information, indicating there was apparently 32
acres combined in the nearest neighborhood parks, which shall meet projected
population needs. He reminded the Commission that the land is zoned R-2 and
is being used at that density, but with single family homes at smaller lots.
After further discussion, it was the consensus of the Commission that the
heavy density, small lots and limited green space places a great deal of
pressure on the park services in the area. Members expressed concern with the
quality of life in Eagan and were generally opposed to developments like
Hampton Heights in the community. They did not.-like such a"'heavy
concentration of people in one small area of the City.
George Kubik moved, Caponi seconded, that if the City Council approves the
proposed project, then the Commission recommends cash dedication and a trail
along Coachman Road throughout the plat. All voted in favor of the motion
with the exception of Commission member Masin. She was opposed to the
proposed development and felt the land should be used to a lesser intensity.
B. Northwest Airlines - Northwest Airlines 1st Addition - Commercial
Northwest Airlines is proposing to build a 267,000 square foot building at the
present time and outlot 84 acres for future development. Parks & Recreation
Director Vraa said that cash dedication is the consideration here. He noted
the developer plans some trailways and cross-country skiing on-site.
Commission members were pleased with the landscaping efforts of Northwest
Airlines. Commission member Kubik moved, Masin seconded, to accept cash
dedication for the site to be constructed. Cash dedication requirement for
the outlot will be determined at the time it is platted. The motion carried.
C. UPS - UPS 1st Addition - Commercial
UPS is proposing to construct a 324,000 square foot distribution center..
Included in their plans is a large ponding area for water run-off. Chairman
Martin commented that new E.P.A. regulations call for provisions for run-off
from parking lot for this size development. This would cover oil leaks from
cars. Director Vraa said there are internal code requirements which address
spill prevention and control measures. In response to a question regarding
landscaping, he said he expects the developer to have a good landscaping plan.
Sandy Bertz moved, Fedde seconded, to recommend cash dedication. The motion
carried.
ADV PKS & REC COMM
MARCH 7, 1985
D. Opus Corporation - Eagandale Office Center - Commercial
Director Vraa stated that Opus is replatting this parcel to accommodate four
office buildings and a restaurant; by doing so they have reduced the intensity
of development from that originally platted. Commission member Kubik moved,
Bertz seconded, to recommend cash dedication for the replat. The motion
carried.
E. M.G. Astleford - Galaxie Court'- Commercial
This proposal calls for mini-storage in the vicinity of Galaxie, Cliff and
35E. It has been continued by the Planning Commission. The Commission
members agreed they did not like the vast amount of impervious surface shown
on the plan and felt there should be provision for green space. The
Commission discussed cash dedication if the proposal is approved by the City
Council.
Discussion ensued regarding the status of the landscaping policy and the
appropriateness of this type of commercial use.in a neighborhood area.
Commission member Caponi also expressed the desire to'have more communication
with the Planning Commission so that each body knows where the other is coming
from. He continued saying that from the brief time he has been on the Parks
Commission, there is a real sensitivity for sites and how they are developed.
He questioned what the Planning Commission evaluates and whether or not there
is a strong guide to be followed. It was suggested a.;Commission member attend
Planning Commission meetings on a rotating basis to express Parks Commission
concerns. No action was taken. Staff was asked to review the issue to see
what alternatives might be available. Parks Director Vraa said the
landscaping plan is being finalized.
F. M.G.* Astleford - Lind Addition - Commercial
This proposal calls for 11 warehouse/storage buildings near Federal Drive and
Yankee Doodle. The Planning Commission continued this item. After a brief
review, Commission member Fedde moved, Martin seconded, to defer action on
both Astleford proposals until the Planning Commission has made their
recommendation. The motion carried.
G. Overhill Properties - Overhill Farm - 2nd Addition
This is a revised plat calling for 17 single family lots. The Director
explained there was an excess land dedication made with Overhill Farm 1st.
Addition, therefore there is a "credit" available. A cash dedication of
$3,819.00 shall be made for the balance of the parks dedication. Chairman
Martin moved, Fedde seconded, to recommend cash dedication in the amount of
$3,819.00 for Overhill Farm 2nd Addition. All voted in favor.
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ADV PKS & REC COMM
MARCH 7, 1985
OLD BUSINESS
A. Oak Chase Park - Play Equipment Plan
Staff has made several changes in the Oak Chase Park plan based on comments at
the February 21 meeting. An 8' trail was brought in from the Wilderness Run/
Oak Chase Road intersection. A low berm was sloped towards the playground and
a bench was placed to block possible movement from the play area to the
street. The play equipment was placed so the focus was internal and not
towards the street; both of the modifications should improve the safety factor
that has been of concern. Provision was made for one security light in the
park and staff is checking on the status of a light at the intersection. The
Commission recommended that the trail be brought through the park and onto Oak
Chase Road to provide the park access from the south. Chairman Martin moved,
Caponi seconded, to accept the plan as amended. The motion carried
unanimously.
PARK DEVELOPMENT
A. Fish Lake Park Plan Review
Steve Sullivan, Landscape Architect, made the presentation on Fish Lake Park.
He said it will be a part of the 1985 spring grading contract. He explained
the modifications from the original plan, indicating that the size of the
parking lot has been reduced. Of major concern is to reduce the impact on the
adjacent properties to as little as possible. It was noted that the City will
have to obtain a trail easement so the trail can go around the edge of the
lake to the peninsula which has oak trees and is planned as a pleasant, quiet
area. Mr. Sullivan indicated that if an easement couldn't be obtained, it
might be possible to have the trail go over a boardwalk to reach the
peninsula. Commission member Caponi did not like the idea of a boardwalk so
close to the shoreline. It would appear to be an illogical move on the City's
part. He was in favor of seeking an easement from the landowner as the first
alternative.
Steve Sullivan recommended a pathway through the woods which could be a
picnicing area. He completed his comments by stating a resident had contacted
him about an island in Fish Lake which presents possible recreational uses.
He said the area between the mainland and the island is filled with trees
which are decayed and would have to be removed. Chairman Martin said he too
had been contacted and asked that staff research as to whom the island
belongs. It was speculated that the "island" was a result of an increase in
the water elevation. Commission member Kubik said the City would have to
closely police an island so it wouldn't become a haven for beer parties. He
suggested the launching area be specifically a canoe launch or small boat
launch and it be posted that no gas motors are allowed, however, electric
motors are permissible.
Commission member Kubik moved, Masin seconded, to accept the Fish Lake Park
plan as presented; that staff try to obtain the trail easement to allow access
to the peninsula and research the ownership of the island and possible
benefits of its use. The motion carried.
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ADV PKS & REC COMM
MARCH 7, 1985
B. Cost Estimate Review - Spring Park Projects
The Director of Parks and Recreation explained the cost estimating procedure
for the four parks in the spring project. In addition to the cost estimate
for spring work, a re-estimating of future work was also made. These figures
are refinements of previous figures and not necessarily unit costs. After
additional explanation on how costs were obtained, the Director explained each
park cost in detail.
1. Fish Lake Park - The spring estimate figure of $29,753 is somewhat over
budget, but the future items estimate is lower so the total costs are
approximately $9000 less than projected.
2. Goat Hill Park - Costs were increased for landscaping, play structure,
lighting and the lower parking area added. Total costs are $37,000 under
original projections.
3. Walnut Hill Park - Cost estimates were increased for the play structure,
lighting and archery targets, but the overall costs are down $20,000 from
original projections.
4. Schwanz Lake Park - A picnic pavilion was added, increasing costs by
$100,000. However, a grant in the amount of $165,000 was awarded Eagan so
the overall estimates are about the same as projected. After discussion,
on a motion by Chairman Martin, seconded by Fedde, the Commission
recommended that the City Council proceed with bids on the four parks.
All voted in favor.
There was some discussion about a water facility at Schwanz Lake. Director
Vraa said the architectural landscaping class from the University will be
presenting their projects in an all-day session in late March. All Commission
members were invited to attend. Commission member Caponi indicated he would
be interested in the presentations.
C. Athletic Site Acquisition - Update
The Director explained he has had recent contact and discussion on all three
search sites. The Ohman property is not available. The Peterson property on
Dodd Road has an interested seller and the price is $10,000 an acre. However,
there are other considerations. Site 10E appears to be too costly and
irregular in shape. Staff will continue to negotiate on the Peterson site and
an analysis of the site prepared. Commission members decided to look at the
site at 6:15 P.M. on April 4.
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ADV PKS & REC COMM
MARCH 7, 1985
OTHER BUSINESS & REPORTS
A. Commission Objectives
Director Vraa reviewed the 1983 and 1984 Commission objectives. He noted the
only goal not realized either year was a tour of special use facilities.
Commission members outlined 1985 objectives:
1. Tour new construction at four parks (July or August).
2. Meeting with other City commissions (set for April 24, 1985).
3. Have a joint meeting with the Planning Commission - possible agenda items:
a liaison person who attends both meetings and communicates Commission
concerns.
4. Equipment demonstration (spring or fall).
5. View potential new park areas.
6. Tour various park buildings (decide after viewing slide show).
7. Tour special use facilities (not a high priority objective).
8. Park dedication fees: review in October and have more support material
available.
B. District 196 Elementary Site Acquisition
Director Vraa explained the school district is interested in acquiring a
centrally located site for an elementary school. They are looking at a 35
acre site near Lexington/Deerwood. The school would take approximately 15
acres with the remainder available for parkland. This is the general search
site for a neighborhood park. Director Vraa will keep the Commission apprised
as negotiations proceed.
C. Budget
Director Vraa distributed copies of the 1985 City Budget. He noted that
$17,000 shown for towing charges should be "Other Contractual Services". He
stated that the Park Site Acquisition & Development Fund started with a
$302,000 balance in 1984. Interest and park dedication fees contributed
$321,000. A $31,175 grant was received for Fish Lake Park for total available
revenues of $639,600. The Park Systems Plan study and other expenditures
totaled $35,100, leaving a starting fund balance for 1985 of $604,500. He
anticipates that $1,069,000 will be available in 1985 minus $436,480 in
expenditures, primarily park improvements which are committed funds.
D. Next Meeting Date
Because a special party is planned for departing Public Works Director, Tom
Colbert on March 21, the next meeting date will be March 28.
E. Blue Cross/Blue Shield Parkland
Parks & Recreation Director Vraa noted that Blue Cross/Blue Shield is
preparing a response to the City's request for early park dedication. A cost
figure is yet to be agreed to.
ADV PARKS & REC COMM
MARCH 7, 1985
F. Winter Fun Weekend
The Commission commended Dorothy Peterson on her efforts to make the Feb. 9-10
outdoor recreation event so enjoyable. Members felt the weekend was highly
successful and should be an annual event.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Fedde, seconded by Ketcham, the meeting was adjourned at 10:17
P.M.
Dated: A isory Parks & Recreation Secretary
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