07/11/1985 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE
ADVISORY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
EAGAN MINNESOTA
JULY 11, 1985
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Martin at 7:05 P.M. Commission
members present were: Martin, Masin, Alt, Fedde, Ketcham, Thurston, Carroll
and Kubik. Members Bertz and Caponi had notified the Commission they would
not be able to attend. Staff members present were: Parks & Recreation
Director, Ken Vraa; Landscape Architect/Parks Planner, Steve Sullivan; and
Parks Intern, Scott Morgan.
AGENDA
Members Martin and Thurston requested the discussion of the annual picnic and
the need for a second meeting in July be added under "Other Business."
Member Kubik moved, Thurston seconded, the approval of the agenda as amended.
The motion carried.
MINUTES OF JUNE 6, 1985
Martin indicated the change in the wording regarding the Kehne House under
"Other Business" and a typographical error under "D - Other Business" - the
word "will" should be inserted. Carroll moved, seconded by Ketcham, the
minutes of June 6 be approved as amended. All voted in favor.
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
A. R.J. O'Neil - Rezoning
Parks & Recreation Director Vraa briefly reviewed the proposed rezoning for
R.J. O'Neil which the Commission had first reviewed at its June 6 Commission
meeting. The Director explained the three basic alternatives regarding park
space as well as the potential number of residents in the area based on
current zoning. After presentation, Commission member Masin indicated that
based on the number of people that may live in the area, the park space will
be needed. Commission member Martin indicated that he saw no need for
parkland in the 100 acre parcel if the rezoning is approved. Member Carroll
added that if the 100 acres industrial /commercial is approved, the Commission
should accept a cash dedication. If multiple, then land dedication for a park
should be obtained. This would be most desirable in the northern portion
adjacent to existing R-3 multiple. There was additional discussion by the
Commission concerning trail access, topography of the area, possible location
for a park, and development of the 100 acres. Roger Martin indicated that it
would be best if a cash dedication be accepted according to current plans, but
if plans for rezoning are not adhered to then the issue should be returned to
the Commission regarding land dedication for parks. On a motion by Carroll,
seconded by Fedde, the Advisory Commission recommended that if the 100 acre
P.U.D. rezoning is approved, the Commission will accept a cash dedication. A
land dedication will be sought in the current 20 acre parcel should it develop
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Adv. Parks & Rec. Comm.
July 11, 1985
as multiple residential. Such land dedication shall be adjacent to other
multiple zoning and shall be suitable for active recreation. Second, the
Commission shall review each plat in the PUD for parks dedication requirements
consistent with the policies for parks and recreation dedication requirements
at the time of platting. Third, trailways shall be reviewed with each plat
application for recommendation. All members voted in favor.
B. Lexington Place South Addition
Director of Parks & Recreation Vraa indicated that members Martin and Kubik
had recently visited the parcels in question for a-visual inspection. Roger
then presented a brief slide presentation to show the two outlots and
surrounding vegetation.
Mr. Bob Hoffman, speaking on behalf of U.S. Homes, traced the history of the
platting of U.S. Homes from 1982 in which the original proposal was for R-4
development. He stated at that time the Advisory Commission indicated they
did not wish to have parkland within the development. He went on to say that
the area south of Duckwood was then replatted into single family homes.
He again indicated the Commission did not want parkland. Mr. Hoffman
completed his presentation by saying the current outlots are owned by U.S.
Homes which now wishes to plat them for the purpose of showing ownership of
the outlots. Roger Martin questioned how much fill is currently in place and
how much will go into the various ponds in order to create these lots. He
went on to say that apparently there is a lot of fill encroachment in the
ponding areas and the Commission has a concern and sees the need for wildlife
and maintenance of vegetation and its habitat. He stated this fill would also
increase the pond height with a negative affect on the aesthetic quality which
would not be a benefit to Eagan and these residents. Commission member
Carroll questioned Mr. Hoffman's comments regarding the Parks & Recreation's
previous recommendation not to accept parkland. He stated that the Commission
was reacting to U.S. Homes proposals which in fact provide for open space and
park amenities with the multiple development as well as the single family
platting. Chairman Martin
questioned that if U.S. Homes owned the outlots at
present, why not continue to own the outlots and maintain them for the
association? He said that U.S. Homes had made an agreement with the City and
should be held accountable to that agreement.
Mr. Hoffman stated that the open space amenities were to be under a private
ownership for the amenities that were to be provided. The Commission did not
give park credit for these amenities even though U.S. Homes had requested
such. He went on to say that 90% of the area in question would remain as is,
but that only 10% of the area would be filled in order to create the lots.
Mr. Chuck Winden, Planner for U.S. Homes, was present and responded to a
series of questions regarding fill.
Member Tom Ketcham said that U.S. Homes is bound to an agreement to place the
tennis courts and swimming area or be in default of the development contract.
He questioned what other areas U.S. Homes would not be fulfilling as
previously agreed to. Commission member Carroll stated the reduction in
density and the changing of development approaches by U.S. Homes was a request
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July 11, 1985
to the City and that the City decided to give approvals based on U.S. Homes
request. He questioned how the current proposal differed from previous
requests seen last month. Mr. Hoffman responded that U.S. Homes had made a
reduction of three lots.
In response to a question from the Commission, the Director of Parks &
Recreation explained problems associated with replatting the entire Lexington
South Addition and extension of lot lines through Outlot A. Chairman Martin
again asked why U.S. Homes could not own the outlots. Mr. Hoffman responded
that U.S. Homes would probably not maintain them once the residential lots are
sold, the outlots will be abandoned and fall back to the City. He stated that
it was his impression the City wishes to avoid this type of maintenance
responsibility. Chairman Martin questioned why Outlot A was already partially
filled. U.S. Homes responded that in order to place the roadways and right-
of-way, a portion of this ponding area was filled in. Mr. Windom indicated
that all grades are in accordance with the approved plan for the Lexington
South Addition.
Commission member Fedde questioned what the maintanence cost for the outlots
by area would be per year. Director Vraa responded that no figures are
available, but that such costs would be minimal if the area were properly
graded. Member Fedde questioned why the developer could not be obligated to
put money into an annuity to help offset maintenance cost. There was no
response by U.S. Homes. Chairman Martin recommended that the outlots remain
as open space as was previously agreed to. Member Kubik stated that the
current proposal does provide significant fill and land alteration, loss of
vegetation, wildlife habitat and general desirability of the area. Mr.
Hoffman responded that there would be minimal loss and the current plan
provides for large lots and should, in effect, maintain the open space area
but under ownership of single family homes. This would be a benefit to the
area. Mr. Kubik responded that the benefit to R-4 and to the single family is
not necessarily a benefit to the City as it is to U.S. Homes. Member Kubik
suggested that perhaps the amount of fill could be reduced on Outlot A and
blended into the existing environment if there was reduction in the number of
lots.
Mr. Hoffman questioned the Commission that what if the development did not
fill in the pond at all. Martin said, "Why not create three lots in lieu of
five, therefore, preserving the pond and echo system". A variance may be
required to provide less front yard setback to allow for a building pad. U.S.
Homes indicated this may be a possibility. Mr. Martin indicated that the
Commission had spent a considerable amount of time on this issue and that a
consensus be formed. Member Kubik indicated he liked the concept of platting
Outlot A into fewer lots and giving a setback which would give ownership of
the outlots to single family residents and maintain the pond and echo systems.
Commission member Fedde stated that the outlots could be maintained and that
the City would eventually maintain the property or require the developer to
put money into an annuity for maintenance. Commission member Carroll said
reduction in the number of lots in Outlot A is a reasonable alternative.
Member Ketcham felt that U.S. Homes should revise the entire plan in return.
Member Alt said the entire area should be left as open space. Member Thurston
expressed concern about the loss of open space and fill in the pond under the
existing proposal. After additional discussion by the Commission concerning
fill and open space as well as ownership, Chairman Martin made a motion to
recommend that Outlots A and C stay as previously proposed; the motion was
Adv. Parks & Rec. Comm.
July 11, 1985
seconded by Alt and failed by a 3 to 5 vote. Member Martin then made the
motion that Outlot C remain as proposed and Outlot A have the number of lots
reduced by two and that the City provide a variance for lot frontage on one
lot. The motion was seconded by Fedde who added that the objective would be
to reduce the amount of fill in the pond to increase open space. The motion
passed 8 to 0. -
Immediately following the action of the Commission, Commission member Kubik
suggested that the Commission inform the Council via letter, using the current
situation as an example, regarding the ackwardness of these types of
situations and how the Commission reacts accordingly to the development
proposal. It was suggested that Council understand the Commission's concern
for open space and the maintenance of quality of Eagan's land forms. Mr.
Martin and Mr. Kubik indicated that they would prepare a letter on behalf of
the Commission regarding this issue.
B. Woodhaven Addition
The Director of Parks & Recreation reviewed the Woodhaven Addition and the
history of an earlier preliminary plat. After review by the Advisory
Commission, a motion was made by Carroll, seconded by Thurston, that the
Advisory Commission recommend a cash dedication requirement for this
prelimniary plat. Further, that a trail easement would be provided along Rahn
Road for possible use with an upgrading of this roadway. Motion passed
unanimously. Chairman Martin also stated that it should be made known to the
developer that the Commission would be interested in a trail going through
Outlot A adjacent to existing parkland as this parcel is developed.
C. Rahn Ridge
Director of Parks & Recreation Vraa reviewed the proposed preliminary plat
entitled "Rahn Ridge". He stated that this property was originally part of
the Mission Hills P.U.D. and Vienna Woods development. He stated that the
City was holding an escrow account pending an actual land dedication with this
plat. The Commission had previously indicated a land dedication with the
specific location defined, but not yet dedication.
The Commission inquired about the preliminary plat and development of the
parks. Parks Planner, Steve Sullivan, presented an analysis of the area
indicating the topography of the area, vegetation and probable uses of the
parks. He indicated that major impacts of I-35E could be negated by a
planting program utilizing fast growing poplars and a second planting of
heartier tree stock. He also stated that the proposed preliminary plat show
the storm sewer entering at the main entrance to the park. Commission member
Carroll suggested that this should be moved to avoid conflicts. Parks Planner
Sullivan continued, indicating a number of other areas of concern relative to
the parks development.
Director of Parks & Recreation Vraa in response to a question said staff would
recommend that the City accept the proposed changes in land dedication. He
went on to say that in order to make this park work the City should take
immediate steps to prepare the park for future development including the
development of a parks plan and preliminary grading within the ponding area.
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Adv. Parks & Rec. Comm
July 11, 1985
Members of the Commission agreed, saying that this would make future
development easier and certainly less expensive. After additional discussion
concerning the plat, on a motion by Kubik, seconded by Masin, that the City
accept the proposed parkland dedication with this preliminary plat, an asphalt
trail be developed on Rahn Road through Fieldcrest Drive, that the storm sewer
inlets into the park/pond be relocated and subject to approval of the Parks &
Recreation staff, and that the proposed preliminary grading plan also be
reviewed to complement parks planning, and that a 20' trail be provided
between Lots 1 and 6 as depicted. All voted in favor. Chairman Martin said
he assumed it was the consensus of the Commission to have staff prepare a
preliminary plan for the park and for staff to proceed with the work as
indicated by the Director of Parks & Recreation. Members indicated it was
their intent for staff to proceed in this manner.-
D. Sunset 9th Addition
Director of Parks & Recreation reviewed the proposed Sunset 9th Addition
indicating that a land dedication should be made. He reviewed other issues
concerning the dedication and, in particular, that this dedication would be
primarily water and lakeshore and that negotiations would have to be conducted
to determine exact property lines. After additional review and discussion by
the Commission, on a motion by Ketcham, seconded by Masin, that the City
accept a land dedication and for staff to negotiate said property lines.
Motion carried unanimously.
E. R.L. Johnson
Director Vraa presented the proposed preliminary plat for R.L. Johnson
indicating the development would be for an office warehouse. Member Kubik
questioned the landscaping plan indicating this area would be very important
to ensure it blended in with the surrounding area. On a motion by Fedde,
seconded by Alt, that the Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission accept a cash
dedication requirement consistent with the City's policies or commercial and
industrial development. All voted in favor.
F. Easter Lutheran Church
A proposal for the expansion of the Easter Lutheran Church and the platting of
this property was presented by the Director of Parks & Recreation. A number
of questions were raised by the Advisory Commission concerning access, trail
easement and the Commission's policy regarding cash dedication requirements
for church property. Member Kubik stated that part of the Commission's policy
was to insist upon a cash dedication should the property ever revert to
private ownership. On a motion by Alt, seconded by Ketcham, the Advisory
Commission recommended that the City not acquire a cash dedication with this
preliminary plat but that should the property revert to private ownership, a
cash dedication shall be accepted at that time. Motion carried 8 to 0.
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Adv. Parks & Rec. Comm.
July 11, 1985
OLD BUSINESS
A. Lighting Policy - Northview Athletic Fields
Director of Parks & Recreation Vraa presented the lighting policy for the
Athletic Fields which was reviewed at the. previous Commission meeting.
Commission member Carroll said that he had no.problem with the policy, but
suggested that perhaps the City should begin an intensive planting program
along Northview Park Road. It was suggested that Lombardy poplar, as
suggested with Rahn Ridge development, be planted. Director of Parks &
Recreation Vraa incurred that some planting should be done, but suggested that
when Northview Road is upgraded and goes through to the east boundary, many of
these trees probably would be impacted and lost. Member Ketcham recommended
that the 9:45 starting time be removed from the policy as it was ambiguous and
confusing. Commission member Carroll suggested that the 9:45 time really
provided for an additonal regulation and would reinforce the authority of the
policy. Member Martin agreed with Mr. Carroll. In a motion by Martin,
seconded by Thurston, the motion carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
The Director of Parks & Recreation explained the budget process the City was
now initiating for 1986. He requested that any comments or concerns by the
Commission be addressed within the next several days in order that they may be
evaluated for budget inclusion. Member Kubik suggested that perhaps a meeting
of the Recreation Subcommittee would be appropriate at this time so some of
its concerns could be considered. Martin asked what the time line would be
for the Commission's reactions. Member Kubik commented his concern for
expansion of the recreation person's position in order that programming
opportunities could be met. Martin concurred indicating that he is aware of
the need for additional help in this area to carry out many of the programs
previously suggested. Director of Parks & Recreation Vraa indicated he
concurred with the comments concerning the need for recreational activities
expansion. He stated that due to the availability of staff, expansion of
recreational program offerings is not possible. He stated that activities for
seniors had been added previously as have some winter events, but that this is
the limit because of time constraints and expansion in terms of numbers of
existing programs.
Members expressed other issues concerning the budget and indicated their
willingness to suggest other items to the Director of Parks & Recreation after
the meeting.
B. Parks Development
1. Parks Construction Update.
Landscape Architect/Parks Planner, Steve Sullivan, reviewed several slides
taken of the construction progress of the spring parks contract. In reviewing
the slides, changes were noted which resulted in additional costs. Various
questions from the Commission were answered by Mr. Sullivan. Member Martin
indicated a desire for a tour of these facilities at this stage.
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Adv. Parks & Rec. Comm.
July 11, 1985
2. Athletic Site.
The Director of Parks & Recreation updated the Advisory Commission on the
status of the negotiations for the acquisition-of the preferred athletic site.
He also reviewed with the Advisory Commission an alternative which consisted
of a parcel of 43 acres and a parcel of 22 acres. The Advisory Commission
raised several questions concerning the site located east of Highway 3 and
south of Cliff Road which are to be addressed by staff. Members agreed that
the asking price was acceptable. Staff reported that additional information
was needed concerning this site and was not making a recommendation at this
time, but merely trying to determine Commission's interest. By consensus of
the Commission, staff was directed to provide more detailing and develop
alternative plans and grading concepts to better evaluate the site. It was
also determined that the Director should continue to negotiate with the
Petersons upon their return from an extended vacation.
3. Park Buildings - Architectural Review.
The Director reported that staff would be meeting with the architectural firm
of Schwarz-Weber on Monday, July 15. He indicated that a contract has been
completed which details the scope of services.
4. Other Business and Reports - Blue Cross/Blue Shield Park Property &
Acquisition
Director of Parks & Recreation updated the Commission on the negotiations for
acquisition of the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Park in advance of development. He
indicated that he believes the Board of Directors for Blue Cross/Blue Shield
will be acting on a proposal which would dedicate 10.25 acres to the City by
the end of this year. It was explained that additional acreage which had
originally been requested may be acquired at a later date when this
development occurs. Several questions were asked by the Advisory Commission
with a consensus that the early acquisition of the 10.25 acres was indeed
important and would permit development in 1986.
5. Northview Park Project
Director of Parks & Recreation Vraa, during the slide presentation updated the
Commission on improvements at Northview Athletic Fields as a result of the
utilization of the Tree Trust Program. This area had been cleared and
construction of a foot path trail around the existing pond was noted.
6. City/District 196 Park - School Site
District 196 has made an offer to purchase 30 acres on Wescott Road in Section
14 of the City for a future elementary school. This purchase agreement
contains a contingency clause to allow the City to purchase 10 of the 30 acres
for a neighborhood park. This cost would be at $9,000 per acre. Staff
indicated this was an informational item for the Advisory Commission. Staff
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Adv. Parks & Rec. Comm.
July 11, 1985
will be meeting with the School District's architects and site planners to
best determine which 10 of the 30 acre parcel would be suitable for park
space. This is neither a commitment or an agreement for the City to purchase
10 acres, however, would provide the City with an opportunity to acquire this
parkland because of pending developments in the area. Members expressed an
opinion that the City should proceed with this acquisition and are anxious to
make a recommendation based on fact and desirability of the park space.
6. Annual Picnic
Carolyn Thurston indicated the Commission should discuss its annual picnic for
date, time and location. Chairman Martin indicated that he would like to see
the Commission have a second meeting in July to tour the parks and ask that
the Commission discuss this at that time. Thurston agreed that this would be
appropriate. It was agreed by the Advisory Commission to meet on Thursday,
July 25, 6:30 P.M. at the Eagan Municipal Center for the purpose of visiting
the construction sites and on-going development program. Further, Commission
will discuss the annual picnic at that time.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to conduct, on a motion be Fedde, seconded by
Ketcham, the Advisory Commission was adjourned at 11:25 P.M.
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