04/03/1986 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE
ADVISORY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
CITY OF EAGAN
APRIL 3, 1986
Chairman Martin called the meeting to order at 7:05 P.M. Members present
were: Porter, Alt, Masin, Ketcham, Martin, Thurston, Bertz and Carroll.
Commission member Caponi was ill and George Kubik arrived late (9:30). Staff
present were: Parks & Recreation Director, Ken Vraa; Landscape
Architect/Parks Planner, Steve Sullivan; Planner, Jim Sturm; Parks
Superintendent, John VonDeLinde; and Administrative Assistant, Liz Witt.
Director Vraa introduced John VonDeLinde to the Commission. John had
previously been employed in park/recreation related positions with the State
of Minnesota, Wright County and the Hennepin County Park Preserve.
AGENDA
Parks & Recreation Director Vraa added several items to other business.
Commission member Bertz moved, Ketcham seconded, that the agenda be approved
as amended. The motion carried.
MINUTES
March 6, 1986
Typographical errors were noted on pages 2, 3 and 5. On a motion by
Commission member Carroll, seconded by Thurston, the minutes.were approved as
corrected. The motion carried.
March 13, 1986
A correction was noted on the Park Dedication section. Commission member
Carroll suggested that "....before the ordinance is completed, staff should
conduct a comparative analysis with other similar sized communities". On a
motion by Masin, seconded by Bertz, the minutes were approved as corrected.
NEW BUSINESS
LCMR/LAWCON, Preliminary Application, 1987
John VonDeLinde, Parks Superintendent distributed a memo on grant
applications. He noted that there are three active grants - Rahn Park, Fish
Lake Park and Trapp Farm Park. They should all be completed this spring or
early summer. Mr. VonDeLinde thinks there may be monies available for 1987
grants. He noted that Blackhawk Lake Park 1986 application was originally
ranked fifth and did not qualify for funding. Because of a withdrawal of
another application, if there are no cutbacks, the City may receive an
estimated $30,000 from L.C.M.R. of the $315,000 application for Blackhawk
Park. Mr. VonDeLinde suggested there are four alternatives to consider: Alt.
#1 - The City would not receive 1986 funding but would be eligible for 1987
LCMR and LAWCON funds. Alt. #2 - The City could turn back the $30,000 and
apply for a LCMR grant in 1987. Alt. #3 - The City could accept the $30,000
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Adv. Parks & Rec. Com.
and use City funds to acquire the desired property. Alt. #4 - The City could
accept the $30,000 and scale back the proposed project. Mr. VonDeLinde
recommends Alt. #4.
Commission member Masin asked if the funds are accepted, could the City
reapply for Blackhawk Park in a future year. Mr. VonDeLinde said that the
maximum LCMR grant for any one project is $200,000. He thought the City could
always come back with a development. request. In response to a question about
length of time a grant could be outstanding, Mr. VondeLinde said the time
frame is usually three years but can range from one to six years.
Commission member Ketcham„ asked if the City had to pickup the remainder of
the $315,000 total 'cost if 'it' accepts the $30,000. .John VondeLinde thought
the State would probably be agreeable to scaling back the project. The City
could ask for a time extension'to reevaluate the situation. Commission member
Carroll moved, Bertz seconded, to recommend Alternative #4. The City would be
open to accepting grant monies for Blackhawk Park and- renegotiate the scope of
the project. If the City determines a scaled down project is not workable,
the money could be returned. The consensus of the Commission was not to
return the grant monies as such a move could harm the grant program as a
whole. The motion carried.-." -
The commission then discussed 1987 applications. John VondeLinde noted the
federal and state governments are scrutinizing grant expenditures and what
amounts would-be available, if any, was unknown. He did suggest that the City
apply for a LCMR grant to light the fifth ballfield at Northfield Park. He
also suggested the City apply for a LAWCON grant for Thomas Lake Park,
emphasizing boat access, fishing pier and a beach. The amount of the
application might be in the $250,000 range. Mr. VondeLinde thinks the City
should pursue '87 funding even though the availability of monies is
questionable at this time. Commission member Carroll moved, Masin seconded,
the recommendation to apply for 1987 funding for Northview Park and Thomas
Lake Park. The motion carried.
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
1. Deerfield Addition - 324 unit apartments
Planner Jim Sturm noted the proposal is for nine 36 unit buildings of higher
quality. The density is nine units per acre. Each unit would have a
fireplace and the size would range from 800 to 1200 square feet. Rents would
be in the $600 - $700 range. Planner Sturm noted the Planning Commission
continued the item pending resolution of the viability of the Planned
Development. He also noted there is a wetland area which could be used as a
pond or filled in to provide open space. Commission member Thurston moved,'
seconded by Alt, to recommend cash dedication and trail along the south side
of Diffley Road. All voted in favor.
2. Ronald & Donna Rosa - Lot split/waiver of plat
This development is west of Dodd Road near Lebanon Hills Park. The request is
for a simple lot split, both- of which will have a common access. The Planning
Commission approved the request. Commission member Porter moved, Bertz
seconded, to recommend cash dedication for the newly created lot. The motion
carried.
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Adv. Parks & Rec.. Coma.
April 3, 1986
3. Northview Meadows 2nd - 38 single family units -
The site consists of 22 acres just west of Northview Meadows 1st Addition.
The lot size will average 12,000 square feet. Planner Sturm stated the park
dedication was fulfilled as part of the Lexington South P.U.D. The Planning
Commission has approved. On a motion by Alt, seconded by Ketcham, the
recommendation for a trail on County Road 30 (Diff ley Road) was approved. All
voted in favor. =
4. Fairway Hills - 145 single family homes -
The development proposal consists of 60 acres of the Ohman. property - for 145
single family homes. Planner Sturm stated the Planning Commission_ denied the
application due to three access locations off-Pilot Knob Road and a review by
the Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission. The Planning Commission was also
concerned with how the surrounding area would develop.
Dave Sellergren and Bill Mauer, representing Derrick Land Co. and Probe
Engineering commented on the status of Pilot Knob Road access. There will be
two access points to the development off Pilot Knob Road. The third access is
temporary until the completion of the Pilot Knob upgrading. Both the County,
and the City Engineering Department are satisfied with access to the
development. Mr. Sellergren stated that Derrick Land-Co. is ready to proceed
and needs to know what the City wants for park dedication. Parks & Recreation
Director Vraa said that the City had not yet acquired Parcel "F", therefore
the City must proceed cautiously in its recommendation with this plat.
Director Vraa presented concept plans which Park Consultant, Tim Erkkila, had
prepared. The first plan called for a seven acre park on the north part of
the 15 acre parcel the City is negotiating to buy from Mrs. Lehmann and sell
off the rest. The second plan uses all of the 15 acre site plus approximately
7 -acres from Fairway Hills, to put in a small athletic site. The second plan
would not provide utilities to the private parcel directly to the south. A
third plan would have a seven acre park in the north, using some Derrick Land
property. The remainder of the 15 acres would be sold to expand Fairway
Hills. This plan would allow access to the private parcel and would allow for
expansion of the park into the Parkview Golf Course should that be sold off
sometime in the future. .
Commission members expressed their concerns. Carolyn Thurston stated an
athletic site is still needed and the City should not forego the opportunity
of this as a possible site. Tom-Ketcham felt the City would be buying-an
inadequate athletic site at a sizeable cost. He -thought we- should get-a
better site elsewhere. Chairman Martin was still concerned about "buying" a.
park when the City could get land via dedication. "If we accept six acres,
then we get the neighborhood park we need." He noted that'the City still does
not have a firm commitment from Mrs. Lehmann. Director Vraa said that a
purchase agreement is to be delivered to Mrs. Lehmann for acceptance or
rejection. He thought she was more agreeable to sign at this time. There was
considerable discussion by the Commission.
Mr. Sellergren suggested the City keep their options open. He said that the
.development is in for preliminary plat now and the park dedication needn't be
resolved until the time of final plat. Mr. Mauer said the project could be
phased, leaving the possible park site area until last. He suggested the park
abut the County Park.
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Adv. Parks & Rec. Com.
April 3, 1986
'It was the consensus of the commission to keep the options open. Chairman
Martin moved, Alt seconded, to recommend that the possible park site be placed.
in an' outlot, that cash dedication be escrowed with the first phase to be
returned if land is taken, erosion control be observed and that there be-trall
dedication on Pilot Knob and Cliff Roads. All voted in favor.
5. -Planning Update
Planner Sturm said there is a proposed 25 townhome development for Blackhawk
Acres. There is a proposal for 78 more single family homes in Windtree 7th
and 8th and there are three small lot splits.
OLD BUSINESS
1. Bur Oak Hills - Harstad Development Director Vraa said there had been two meetings with the developers and that
some progress had been made regarding park layout. The developer agreed to
shift the ball and soccer fields, raise the level of the trail and shift the
access to the park on the east. The developer had proposed to screen the
access from.the adjacent lots. The screening would be a six foot high opaque
fence. They :would install a small retaining wall by the tot lot area and
dredge the pond to-enlarge the open water-area. The Harstad Co. did not
propose to provide additional frontage on Rolling Hills Drive for park access.
Chairman Martin was pleased to see the improvements, particularly getting the
trail above the high water elevation. He expressed continuing concern with
the narrow access and felt the developers allegations of a potential three
quarter's million dollar loss to be greatly exaggerated. He objected to the
6 foot screening the access as, he felt, park entries should be open.
Chairman Martin felt he could support- the developer's improvements but would
prefer to add two adjacent lots to the access lot. Commission member Thurston
agreed and stated that a larger access would negate the reason for fencing.
Ken Briggs, Harstad Co. representative, stated that the potential loss
resulting from a larger access includes the lots and the stuctures. He
informedcthe Commission-that Brauer & Associates drew up the new concept plans-
for the park.
Chairman Martin made' a motion, seconded by Thurston, to recommend the
following: -
1. Accept land-.dedication for the Bur Oak proposal.
2. The acceptance would-be subject to the following conditions: -
a. A proposed sewer outlet from Rolling Hills Drive be relocated and
extended directly into the pond.
b. That the fill material to be placed in the tennis court receive
compaction with density tests to be taken, and that only suitable,
granular material is used.
c. A detailed landscaping plan be prepared and approved for the lots
adjacent to the entrance way to the park-to insure adequate screening.
d. The developer provide protection for trees from grading activities.
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Adv. Parks & Rec. Com.
April 3, 1986
e. Suitable ground cover be established in those areas affected by'
grading.
f. The developer follow and enforce the most stringent adherence to
erosion control measures,
3. Two adjacent lots on Rolling Hills Drive should be added to the park's
access and there should be no fencing.
4. The acceptance of improvements as provided by the developer, including:
a. Shortening up the lots on Rolling Hills Drive to-provide for a
full-size soccer field.
b. Bringing in more fill' to raise the trail above the high water
elevation mark.
e. Grading of the site.
d. Correction of some drainage problems.
e. Grading, fill and a retaining wall by the tennis courts.
The motion carried unanimously.-
One resident asked why it was necessary to have a large access when it was
essentially a park for the neighborhood. Commission member Carroll responded
that all residents have a right to use any City park. Many residents drive to
a park even if they live close by. He pointed out that the entrance to
Blackhawk Park is not liked by the neighboring residents as it is on a stub
street and there is no place to park cars. He emphasized strongly that the
City must have more distance between the access and the neighbors in order to
mitigate the nuisance.
2. Lexington Place - 3rd Addition.
Director Vraa indicated he had reviewed the P.U.D. agreement and that Outlot B
was to provide for a trail. He said the Planning Commission and the City
Council approved the Preliminary Plat subject to three conditions: The
developer provide a trail on Outlot B, that the developer be responsible for
bituminous trailway along Lexington Avenue and the plat pay a cash park
dedication fee. Mr. Vraa said that the Parks & Recreation Commission can
recommend otherwise before the final plat is approved.
Commission member Ketcham did not favor the switch from open 'space to platted
lots. He didn't think it fair to those who-thought they were purchasing
property by open space and it placed a heavier burden on the City's park
system. He noted that it was dangerous for children to cross a major roadway
to get to the nearest park. Commission member Ketcham moved, seconded by.
Kubik, to recommend that Outlot C not be approved for platting; that the
surrounding lots were sold as. being located by an open recreational space and
there is now no recreational open space available for them. All voted in
favor.
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Adv. Parks & Rec. Com.
April 3, 1986
3~. Four Oaks Court - request to eliminate tot lot
Director Vraa indicated he did not receive the required information from Four
Oaks Association. The item will be deferred to such time as the information
is provided. No action was taken.
4. Parks Dedication
Director Vraa and Chairman Martin presented various fee calculations they
produced by changing- various factors. Comparisons were made between the
current dedication, adding a population factor and then adding an increasing
land value factor. Both Mr.,Vraa and Mr. Martin thought the commission should
seek a joint meeting with the City Council to discuss park dedication at a
later date. It was the consensus of the commission that Director Vraa should
prepare a park dedication report which would include: graphics, other
communities' dedication, changing fee schedules as affected by increases in
the population and an increasing land value factor. The commercial-industrial
dedication is not to be considered at this time. It was the consensus that
staff should proceed with the drafting of the ordinance for further review.
PARS DEVELOPMENT
1. Summation of Bond Fund Account, Status Report
Director Vraa reported that approximately $1.3 million has been paid out so
far from the bond fund, and that the spending is generally on target. He
presented a matrix which shows what has been done, what remains to be done and
three projects which were added after the bond was approved.
2. Report and update - Construction projects
Parks Planner, Steve Sullivan reported there are three active contracts at the
present time. There are blacktop trails going in at Rahn and Ridgecliff
Parks. Lighting will be provided at Goat Hill and Ridgecliff Parks. Seeding
and top soil finishing is going on at Cinnamon Ridge and O'Leary Parks. Play
structures.. are to go in at Evergreen and Cinnamon.Ridge Parks. He-did note a
sub soil problem with Blue Cross-Blue Shield Park. -Deep cuts will have to.be
made and good fill material brought in. Obviously, expenses for this park
will be greater than anticipated..
OTHER BUSINESS
1. E.A.A. Meeting
Director Vraa met with the President of the Eagan Athletic Association who
wishes to coordinate the programming and scheduling of the ball fields with
the City. Unfortunately, the two programs start at the same time. The E.A.A.
President asked if someone from the City would sit at their Board meetings.
2.. Fun Run
Eagan, Apple Valley, Rosemount and Burnsville are sponsoring the fun run.
Chairman Martin delivered 1200 posters advertising the fun run which were
printed by the Sperry Corp. Mr. Martin asked that the City acknowledge Lee
Sperl and Mike Leahy of Sperry for the posters. .
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Adv. Parks & Rec. Com.
April 3, 1986
Commission member Kubik asked if the concerts in the park would be on the
recreation program this year. He felt they are a well attended, enjoyable
event. Director Vraa said there probably will not be garden plots,
available for the residents. this. year. This item will be discussed on the.-May
agenda.
3. Bike Trails -
The County has set the meeting on bike trails for May 15 at the Eagan library
or the Apple Valley City Hall. The letter which was prepared by the
commission will be sent to the newspaper by:mid or-late April.:.
4.; Cedar Pond Park - -
Director Vraa announced that side slopes to the pond are crumbling at Cedar
Pond park-due to erosion. Staff is suggesting that a 2-3 foot retaining wall
be constructed. -Material--costs are about $5,000. Labor could come from the
Youth Employment Program. Commission Members approved the project with
funding from the park site fund.
5. Scoping meeting - Fish & Wildlife Service
An environmental impact statement is being prepared on management of the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife properties. Federal officials want to know what areas of
concern the City of Eagan might have. Commission members are asked to share
any concerns they have with Ken Vraa so he can send a letter to the Fish &
Wildlife Service.
6. Baseball batting cage
Director Vraa. said there is a portable batting cage available for $965 which
includes a frame and netting. Chairman Martin thought the commission should
consider -putting one in.at Northview Park. The City could charge for its use.
Commission member.Kubik agreed. He thought the:City should: try one or two new
projects each year. On a motion by Kubik, seconded by Masin, the commission
recommended the purchase of a portable batting cage, to work with the athletic
associations-in the use of the-cage and to revt- w possible :fees to be charged.:
The motion carried.
7. Park tours
Commission member Thurston suggested'the monthly park tours resume now that
the weather is warmer. Other members agreed and the first tour will be at
6:15 p.m. May 1st.
8 Athletic site:
Director Vraa suggested that the May tour be of passible athletic site(s).
There was interest in obtaining the first right of 'refusal if Parkview Golf
Course closes. Parkview would be an excellent athletic field site.
9. Personnel update 0
Director Vraa said-'over 300 applications had been received for park
maintenance workers. He is hopeful to have two workers hired at the April 18
council meeting. Mr. Vraa noted that applications are also being taken for
summer maintenance workers and for recreational help.
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Adv. Parks & Rec. Commission
April 3, 1986
ADJOURNMENT
Commission member Kubik moved, Masin seconded the meeting be adjourned.
Time of adjournment was 11:20 P.M.
Dated:
April 3- 1986
Advisory Parks & creation Secretary