01/08/1987 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF
THE ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
- JANUARY 8, 1987
A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission
was called to order by Chairman Martin at 7:00 p.m. Members present were
Porter, Masin, Alt, Martin, Thurston, Bertz, Carroll, Kubik and Ketcham.
Absent was Commission member Caponi who was ill. Staff present were the
Director of Parks & Recreation Ken Vraa and Parks Planner/Landscape Architect
Steve Sullivan. Other visitors were present for specific agenda items.
AGENDA
A motion by Carroll, seconded by Bertz, all members voted in favor,
the agenda was approved.
MINUTES OF DECEMBER 4, 1986
A typographical error was noted on page four, the word topography.
Also on page four the word plan should be struck in the second paragraph under
City Code. It was noted that on page two under Diffley Center, a comment
attributed to member Kubik appeared to endorse the ponding area on proposed
public use space as a positive statement. This sentence should be eliminated.
On a motion by Kubik, seconded by Thurston, with all members in favor, the
minutes of December 4, 1986 were approved as amended.
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS - BOULDER RIDGE
The Director of Parks and Recreation, Ken Vraa, provided 'a history
of the Boulder Ridge preliminary plat, indicating that this parcel had at one
time been entitled Pheasant Knoll. The Pheasant Knoll development had
received preliminary plat approval and this development was similar, although
significantly different -in terms of parks. A letter had been sent to the
developer outlining staff's concerns regarding the proposed park and staff's
recommendation to the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission to reject this
proposal. The Director continued, saying that staff has subsequently met with
the developer to review staff's concerns. The developer is willing to work
with the City to address these concerns and is seeking direction from the
Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission concerning specifics.
Steve Sullivan, Landscape Architect, reviewed the site plan for
Boulder Ridge. He stated that the original site plan, while similar to
Pheasant Knoll, had been changed as a result of the road widening of County
Road 30. This widening, resulted in steeper grades into the park for the
proposed amenities. It was noted that this site plan was being rejected
because of the difficult grades, it required a switch back in order to
facilitate a boat launch and a notable lack of open space within the park.
Further, that the park would be severed into two distinct parcels as a result
of proposed grading of a cul-de-sac. Mr. Sullivan then went on to explain
that the developer has agreed to shorten the length of the cul-de-sac and
eliminate several units which would eliminate grading/filling into the lake
area and connect the two park areas. However, grades still remain a problem
in order to facilitate a boat launch.
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Gary Erickson, Project Engineer, provided additional detail and
explanation to the Advisory Commission. He asked if the Commission would
accept a canoe access rather than a boat launch, which could be accommodated
with less grading.
George Kubik stated that he felt a boat launch could be eliminated
but there still needed to be provisions for access to the lake because of the
good fishing and remarkably clear water. Chairman Martin agreed, indicating
that the pond was a unique resource and should be made accessible to area
residents. Commission member Masin questioned the necessity of grading and
the impact of the shortened cul-de-sac. Mr. Erickson explained that the
second site plan being reviewed by the Commission at this time could be
shortened even further. Several members noted that this site is subject to
severe erosion and a further reduction of the cul-de-sac would be appropriate.
Commission member Bob Porter stated that indeed, the cul-de-sac should be
shortened and a canoe launch be workable. Member Kubic reiterated that in
addition to the canoe launch that perhaps a fishing dock could be worked into
the site plan.
There was additional discussion by Commission members and the
developer concerning the site, grading, protection for erosion controls, as
well as loss of trees.
The Director of Parks and Recreation stated that he hoped to clarify
the discussion of the Commission, suggesting that the Landscape Architect work
with the developer to devise the park site plan, which would then be reviewed
by the Development Committee. This could then go to the Advisory Parks and
Recreation Commission in February. He also understood that the Commission had
requested a canoe rather than a boat launch, a shorter cul-de-sac to provide
for additional green space and trees and parking for between four and six
cars. Further, that there may The the removal of the end unit on the south
end of the cul-de-sac and that a trail from Thomas Lake Road to the park be
provided. Also, that the trail would not be of asphalt design because of the
steep topography. And finally, that erosion control has a high priority
during construction.
Upon further clarification, on a motion by Kubik, seconded by Alt,
with all members voting in favor, staff was directed to prepare an alternate
site plan according to the seven recommendations previously listed by the
Director.
TOWN CENTRE 70 - 7TH ADDITION
Landscape Architect Steve Sullivan reviewed the proposed 7th
Addition to Town Centre 70. After review, and a motion by Kubik, seconded by
Carroll, with all members voting in favor, a cash dedication requirement
consistent with the City's commercial /industrial policy be a condition of plat
approval.
EAGAN HILLS FARM
Director of Parks and Recreation Vraa stated that since the last
Commission meeting, staff has met with John Uban, Landscape Architect for the
project. He stated that the meeting was productive, because it allowed
department staff to share with Mr. Uban the City's facility standards. Mr.
Vraa went on to explain that a change in the road alignment to widen the
center park areas was discussed. Staff has since received layouts which have
done just that, increasing the width of the park to approximately 400 feet:
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Mr. Vraa went on to explain that staff would be meeting with Mr.
Uban the following week for additional discussions and, following these
discussions, review by the Development Committee on January 28, seemed
appropriate. Commission members agreed. Carolyn Thurston questioned whether
Mr. Uban understood the City's position relative to quality of land and not
quantity of land being dedicated. The Director stated that the green belt
concept as previously explained is certainly appropriate, however, it was
certainly not similar to the Minneapolis parkway green belt system as was
represented by the developer. He explained that the difference is that in
Minneapolis the homes face the green belt and that its use is certainly more
public, than represented by the back yard situation of the Eagan Hills
proposal. After additional discussion by the Advisory Commission regarding
the project, Chairman Martin said the Development Committee would meet on
January 28 at 6:30 p.m. He requested that staff send reminders to the
Commission members. On that agenda would be the Boulder Ridge Development,
Eagan Hills Farm Development, and possibly a discussion with Mr. Colbert
regarding the City storm sewer plan.
PARK NAMING
Commission member Dick Carroll reported on the progress of park
naming. Mr. Carroll had done an extensive amount of research into County land
records and the ownership of parcels prior to the time of City acquisition.
He noted that the property owned by the City/School District was
initially acquired in 1919 by Herman Mueller. It had remained in his
possession until 1986 or a period of approximately 67 years. Four possible
names were suggested for this parcel. After a review of the names, motion by
Bertz, seconded by Alt, that Mueller Farm Park be the recommended name for
this parcel.
Mr. Carroll went on to describe the property to be acquired by the
City from Willmus. Because of the steep knoll and south facing slope that
perhaps Crocus Hill Park might be suitable. There was additional discussion
regarding other possible names, representing the topography and existing
vegetation. It was a consensus that Crocus Hill Park was a suitable name.
After additional discussion, Commission members agreed to postpone the naming
of this property until further acquistion had been completed.
Mr. Carroll next reviewed the property that was to be acquired from
Eagan Hills Farm, noting that a Martin Brosnahan was the predominant owner for
a number of years. Several names were suggested, including Meandering Swales
Park, Wandering Walk Park and Edge Overlook Park. It was consensus of the
Commission that the naming of this area should also be held until a future
time.
Mr. Carroll next identified the parcel in Section 31E, now referred
to as Vienna Woods Park. The longest property owner was that of the Trapp
family for approximately 61 years and he noted that the City already had a
park by the name of Trapp Farm Park. It was suggested that the City consider
Pin Oak or Kettle Park, the former being after the name of the street
adjacent to the park and the latter suggesting that the topography was
undoubtedly created by glacial action. After discussion, it was consensus of
six of the Commission members that Kettle Park be recommended as the name for
this parcel.
Mr. Carroll then reviewed Section 31W or the Winkler/Jackson parcel.
This area was orignally owned by the Slater family for a period of 82 years
and often identified as Slater's Acres and further, that the roadway is Slater
Road. Commission members recommended that Slater's Acres in respect to the
family and the road be the selected name. There was consensus by the
Commission to name this Slater's Acres Park.
Mr. Carroll found that the Walden parcel at one time had been the
property of Oxford Female College but since this time had changed ownership
quite frequently with the longest ownership of approximately 26 years. He
suggested that it either be called Oxford College Park or Walden Woods Park.
After discussion, Commission members agreed the naming of this park could be
held until a future time.
Mr. Carroll then discussed the property recently acquired from the
Ohmann family estate. He stated that this property had been in the Ohmann
family for a period of 89 years. Further, that the City had already consented
to the naming of this park after George Ohmann Sr. The Commission members
suggest the name of the park could be Ohmann Farm Park. The consensus was
that the property be identified as George Ohmann Park.
STATE OF THE PARKS
Director of Parks and Recreation gave the Advisory Parks and
Recreation Commission a brief overview and status of the parks system and the
issues the Commission would face in the ensuing year.
In his state of the parks address to the Advisory Commission, he
stated that continued rapid growth of the community had literally outgrown the
City's park system plan. He stated that over 950 single family units were
constructed in 1986 and over 2,000 living units. The parks system plan had
envisioned approximately 550-600 living units each year. Thus, in terms of
growth projections within the systems plan, the City had grown three years.
He drew further comparisons between the amount of developed property provided
for the residents in 1980, 1984 and 1986 and that after nearly $3 million
worth of park expenditures over the last three years, the City was providing
only 1 1/2 acres more of developed parks than it did in 1980. Further, while
the additional acreage would be added in the next year, the City would begin
to fall behind in providing developed park space.
The Director then explained to the Commission what he felt were the
major issues for the Advisory Commission in the ensuing year, that being the
sculpture garden or cultural center, the community center study and obviously
the athletic site acquisition. Certainly, the development issues such as the
Eagan Hills Farm and current parks development projects would also play a
major role.
He indicated that the City had acquired approximately 80-85% of
parks acquisition at build out. He stated that as it appears there would be
only 6 or 7 more parcels to be acquired by purchase and the remainder through
dedication. The Director continued, stating that the program development has
expanded and continues to diversify to meet the broad range of public
interest. The recreational program will have to continue to expand as the
diverse and multi-option society continues to impact Eagan. Relative to parks
maintenance, it was noted that there were tremendous gains and a formal,
structured approach was being taken. Equipment maintenance, playgrounds and
tennis courts were all placed on a systematic maintenance program which
assures high quality facilities at the lowest possible cost. Continued
improvement was cited with better cost accounting and the establishment of
maintenance standards in the years ahead. Relative to staffing, there is no
doubt that the current staff is doing a credible job. The challenge will be
to continue training and reeducation to meet evolving issues. Concern was
expressed for part-time, seasonal and winter employees, because of competition
with other employers. This too will take additional training to insure that
the quality of programming will not suffer.
The Director then cited several issues for the Parks and Recreation
Department staff and Commission, these included:
1. Marketing and promotion of the Department, utilizing cable TV, its role
and value.
2. Revenue producing facilities for both programs and entities.
3. Staff training and communications.
4. Enlargement and diversity of recreation programming.
5. Closer and better relationships with athletic associations and private
groups.
6. Flexibility in both programming and departmental administration to meet
the multi-option society.
7. Employee and volunteer recognition.
8. Insurance liability and risk management in the department.
9. Natural resource management.
10. Developing a closer relationship with commercial and business enterprises
for co-sponsorship of programs.
11. Workload and priority in parks planning and development projects.
The Director expanded on each of these issues to provide additional
insight and explanation.
Chairman Martin thanked the Director for his comments with the
recognition that there is no shortage of issues and work to be addressed.
SECTION 14 - CITY/SCHOOL PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT
The Director of Parks and Recreation briefly reviewed the memorandum
concerning the joint development of the Mueller site jointly acquired by the
City and school district. A third meeting was scheduled between the staff of
the school district and department concerning specifies of the site and the
completion of an agreement concerning the parcel.
Roger Martin stated that he approved of the joint school park
development approach being taken and stated that he was enthusiastically
endorsing this. Dick Carroll questioned loop road access and access to the
park. Chairman Martin questioned the road frontage as being minimal, the City
requiring places for parking and a sign along the street noting the park's
access. There were additional comments and questions regarding the
development by the Advisory Commission. No action was taken. Staff is to
present this again in February if additional information is available.
ASSESSMENTS
The Director of Parks and Recreation responded that City staff had
done an assessment search on parks property. However, additional work by
Finance would be required before the issue could be reviewed by the Advisory
Commission. The Director then stated that the assessment guide, used to
determine assessments was generally clear as to how assessments should be
handled although there had been some errors in levying assessments on parks
property which should not have been made. There was no action taken by the
Advisory Commission.
BLACKHAWK PARK
The Commission was informed that the parcel owned by Kathy Waldren
had been acquired by the City. The closing had taken place on December 31,
1986.
The Director noted that the property to be acquired from Mr. Ed
Dunn, had not yet been closed. Further, that all of Mr. Dunn's property in
Eagan had apparently been sold or was about to be sold to another developer.
Therefore, the status of the property the City requested to purchase was in
question. There were numerous questions by the Advisory Commission concerning
the status of the ownership and who the new owners might be and their
willingness to sell. The Director responded that he had only had preliminary
conversations and that the whole issue still was yet to be resolved. In
response to questions, he indicated that it did not appear that there would be
clarification in at least 30-45 days. Members expressed their disappointment
and their desire for the City to proceed with acquisition if at all possible.
PARKS DEVELOPMENT
Director of Parks and Recreation Ken Vraa suggested that the
Advisory Commission set a meeting date for neighborhood residents adjacent to
Carnelian Park. The purpose of the meeting would be to review the design of
the park and wishes of the residents. The Director suggested that at least
two members of the Advisory Commission be at that meeting. Sandy Masin
indicated that she would be willing to be at that meeting because of her
proximity to the park. Carolyn Thurston stated that she would also attend
that meeting. The meeting date was set for February 10 at the Municipal
Center.
OTHER BUSINESS AND REPORTS
The Director of Parks and Recreation reminded the Commission of its
Saturday Community Center Study Tour. The tour will leave City Hall at 9:00
a.m. for Eden Prairie, St. Louis Park and Brooklyn Park.
Also on the February agenda would be an organizational meeting to
elect the Commission's Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary. It was also noted
that there will be a number of development proposals for Commission review.
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The Director of Parks and Recreation then stated the City had
accepted a $10,000 contribution to the community's sports and recreation
program to the Parks and Recreation Department from Eagan Town Centre. The
money has been placed in the fund that will be overseen by a review committee,
made up of Eagan citizens. Members of the Committee would be Director of
Parks and Recreation and Michele Doroshow, promotion director for Eagan Town
Centre and three area residents. The Director also indicated that there were
additional contributions made to the department which included a computer
terminal and a lithographic print.
Roger Martin noted that this was Tom Ketcham's last meeting as he
had chosen not to seek reappointment for another three year term. Roger and
the Advisory Commission thanked Tom for his three years of service. George
Kubik wished to extend his thanks to the staff for a successful 1986 year and
a job well done.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no other additional items or business, the Advisory
Commission adjourned at 10:40 p.m.
KV
Date cretary/Trea urer
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