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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 1 April 3, 1986 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. 2 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. 3 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. 4 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. 5 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. . r 6 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. 7 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