02/24/1987 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission
MINUTES OF A JOINT MEETING OF THE
EAGAN CITY COUNCIL/ADVISORY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
February 24, 1987
A special meeting of the Eagan City Council was held on Tuesday,
February 24, 1987, at 7:00 p.m. at the Trapp Farm Park Shelter Building. The
purpose of the meeting was to meet jointly with the Parks and Recreation.
Advisory Commission to discuss a number of issues that that Advisory Commis-
sion has been working on in the past calendar year and the location was
selected due to the already scheduled public hearings in the council chambers
for the regular Planning Commission Meeting.
Present were Mayor Blomquist and City Councilmembers Egan, Smith,
Ellison and Wachter, who arrived at approximately 8:25 p.m. Also present were
Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission members Carolyn Thurston, Joanne Alt,
Dick Carroll, Anthony Caponi, George Kubik, Bob Porter, Sandy Bertz and Sandra
Mason. Also present were Director of Parks and Recreation Vraa, Parks
Planner/Landscape Architects Sullivan and City Administrator Hedges.
INFORMATIVE UPDATE
Director of Parks and Recreation Vraa provided a status report on
the proposed acquistion of property adjacent to Blackhawk Park. He also
provided an update on the LAWCON/LCMR Grant Application for 1987 that included
improvements to Thomas Lake Park and a 1988 grant application for Blackhawk
Park. Director of Parks and Recreation also provided an update on the joint
park land and elementary school development that will occur with Independent
School District 196 on the former Mueller site located on Wescott Road between
Lexington Avenue and Elrene Road. Copies of a draft agreement between the
City of Eagan and Independent School District 196 pertaining to the long term
ownership and use and maintenance for the elementary school and park land was
reviewed in detail. There were several changes proposed by members of of the
City Council and it was determined that the City Attorney would review the
draft agreement and provide a revised copy for consideration at the March 3
City Council Meeting.
The Director of Parks and Recreation and Park Planner/Landscape
Architect Sullivan provided illustrations and background data for three (3)
shelter buildings including a facility proposed at the Blue Cross/Blue Shield
Park Facility, a replacement building design and a sun shelter designed to be
used in various parks. There were concerns raised by both the City Council
and Parks Advisory Commission regarding the locker room facilities that will
be maintained at the shelter in Blue Cross Park. The Director of Parks and
Recreation stated that the Blue Cross Corporation will be responsible for all
operations of the locker room facility and if the concept is successful it
would be used periodically by the department.
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PARK DEDICATIONS/SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE
Acting Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission Chairperson Thurston
stated that language in the Subdivision Ordinance should be strengthened by
adding a paragraph that would allow for the park dedication policy to be
adopted by reference or resolution of the City Council. Acting Chairperson
Thurston emphasized the importance of referencing that document as a
regulatory provision of the City Code. Members of the City Council and
Parks Advisory Commission concurred with acting Chairperson Thurston and the
city staff was directed to add a paragraph adopting the park dedication
procedure/policy by reference identified as a resolution in the City Code when
it is recodified in 1987.
1987 PARK PROJECTS
Park Planner/Landscape Architect Sullivan stated that the park
projects that were proposed for 1987 have been delayed due to the volume of
new development applications received and processed by the city since late
Fall 1986. He reported specifically on the improvements to Carnelian Park
stating that a neighborhood meeting was held and various remarks from that
meeting will be incorporated into the final design for Carnelian Park. There
were other specific park projects discussed but not in specific detail.
NORTHVIEW PARK/REQUEST FOR SITE GRADING
Director of Parks and Recreation Vraa stated that the Northview Park
Land Expansion/Acquisition has been completed with Jim Curry. He stated that
the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission is recommending that an expanded
parking lot be approved for construction in 1987, complete all grading for
future softball diamonds and provide for turf establishment for the new park
land. Parks and Recreation Director Vraa further stated that the backstops
and other surface improvements could be made in 1988 or future years when the
fields and playing area are needed. Representives of the Advisory Parks
Commissions stated that it was their consensus to add this project in 1987 and
pay for the improvements out of the park site fund. Mayor Blomquist expressed
a concern about the impact lighting is causing on homes in the area during
summer months when the ball fields are heavily used. It was suggested by
Council and Commission Members that signs be installed specifically stating
that fields will be lighted in future years. After further discussion
regarding improvement of the roadway and other expansion considerations to
Northview Park a motion was made by Commission Member Alt, seconded by
Commission Member Kubic with all members voting in favor that the aggregate
surface of parking lot, roadway, grading and establishment of turf for the
Northview Park expansion be authorized in 1987 and that payment for these
improvements occur from the park site fund further stating the aforementioned
action is a recommendation to the City Council for their consideration.
Mayor Blomquist asked for any comments and a motion from the City
Council regarding the recommendation for improvements to Northview Park in
1987. In a motion by Councilmember Smith and seconded by Councilmember Egan
with all members voting in favor of the recommendation of the Advisory Parks
and Recreation Commission to construct both the aggregate surface and parking
lot, improve the roadway and establish turf for the expansion of Northview
Park in 1987 was improved and further that payment would occur from the park
site fund.
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City Councilmember Wachter arrived and participated in the remainder
of the meeting.
FUTURE ATHLETIC SITES
Director of Parks and Recreation Vraa reviewed several locations
that were given previous consideration by the City Council, Parks and
Recreation Advisory Commission and Staff for a future athletic field site.
Park Planner Sullivan specifically reviewed a site owned by Northwestern
Mutual Life Insurance Company located immediately East of Lexington Avenue and
North of Yankee Doodle Road consisting of approximately 20 to 25 acres. He
stated that the topography is such that a different design would be necessary
for the softball fields located on the East side of the property. Parks and
Recreation Vraa reported that a cost has not been negotiated with Northwestern
Mutual Life to date. There is some discussion by both the City Council and
Park Commission that if this site is selected only the West half would be
developed in the near future. The East portion could be designated as a
reserve parcel and developed in future years if the need is identified. The
Director of Parks and Recreation also reviewed a 67 acre site that is located
at the Southwest quadrant of Lexington Avenue and Diffley Road. Members of
the City Council and Park Commission expressed a concern over the lighting
that would be required for ball fields at this location. It was stated that
this area represents one of the high vistas in the community as lighting is
seen from many residential areas throughout South Central Eagan. Members of
the Council and Commission expressed the desire to have the next athletic
field located in an area where lighting would not infringe on any present or
future residential areas. City Councilmember Wachter suggested another site
which is located on the West side of Lexington Avenue generally across from
the Carson Pirie Scott building stating that this land is flat and would save
considerable dollars in site preparation and grading. The Director of Parks
and Recreation stated that he would pursue the total acreage, ownership and
cost for this site. Another location was discussed by Staff, Council and
Commission members which is an area adjacent to the proposed Stonebridge
Addition in the Eagan Hill Farms Addition. There is some discussion regarding
the advantages and disadvantages of locating another athletic field adjacent
to the Northfield Athletic Field. After further review, questions and
discussion by both the Commission and City Council the motion was made by
Commission Member Mason, seconded by Commission Member Caponi with all members
voting in favor that a recommendation be made to the City Council to pursue
the Northwestern Mutual site at the intersection of Lexington Avenue and
Yankee Doodle Road as the primary site and that a site at Lexington and
Diffley be considered a secondary site and further the staff proceed with the
cost determination for the acquisition and development of both sites.
Mayor Blomquist asked for any further discussion and action by the
City Council. In a motion by City Councilmember Egan, seconded by City
Councilmember Smith with all members in favor the recommendation of the Parks
and Recreation Commission to further negotiate and pursue the Northwestern
Mutual site as a primary location for the City's next athletic field which is
described generally as East of the Lexington/Yankee Doodle Road intersection
and that further a second site be considered at the Southwest quadrant of the
intersection of Lexington and Diff ley Road and that a cost analysis be made
for both sites.
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LILLIAN McCARTHY PARCEL
Director of Parks and Recreation Vraa stated that the Advisory
Commission is giving consideration to the acquistion of a three (3) acre site
owned by Lillian McCarthy and located between Lexington Avenue and Patrick
Eagan Park. He stated that the property might be available for acquistion in
1987 and if the City should acquire the property, the house would be sold and
moved. After a review of potential uses for the property and its strategic
location in relationship to Patrick Eagan Park both members of the Advisory
Commission and City Council expressed a strong interest in acquiring the
property as City park land.
CLIFF/PILOT KNOB ROAD PROPERTY ACQUISITION
Director of Parks and Recreation Vraa reported that Dakota County.
has acquired the Burow residence which is located immediately adjacent to the
intersection of Cliff Road and Pilot Knob Road in the Northeast quadrant. The
reason for acquistion is related to the county road improvements that are
cited for 1987/1988. He reported that the county is not planning to destroy
or relocate the building, however the only access to the building is through
Well Site Park. The Director of Parks and Recreation stated that the City has
inspected the building and determined that it could be used as a storage
facility by local athletic associations which are currently storing it in the
old McCarthy house located in Patrick Eagan Park. Advisory Commission and
City Councilmembers asked a number of questions including pliability in the
cost for acquiring the house. The Director of Parks and Recreation stated the
building will be turned over to the City of Eagan at little or no cost and the
building would be added to the list of other community buildings on the City's
insurance policy. After further review and consideration a motion was made by
Commission member Carroll, seconded by Commission member Kubik with all
members voting in favor that a recommendation be made to the City Council to
accept the Burow residence from Dakota County to be used as a storage facility
by local athletic associations and the City of Eagan.
Mayor Blomquist asked for motion by the City Council and in a motion
by City Councilmember Ellison, seconded by Councilmember Wachter with all
members voting in favor the recommendation of the Advisory Parks and
Recreation Commission to accept the Burow property located in the Northeast
quandrant of Cliff Road and Pilot Knob Road to be used for storage by local
athletic associations and the City of Eagan was approved.
EXPLORER PROGRAM/CITY PARKS
Director of Parks and Recreation Vraa stated that explorer scouts
will be used to patrol parks at different times during the year under the
direction of the Eagan Police Department.
COMMUNITY CENTER
Director of Parks and Recreation Vraa reviewed a f low chart
outlining a number of steps that are required for both the Advisory Park
Commission and City Council as the City continues to review and consider the
building of a community center in the future. He specifically reviewed the
tasks, process and product and then outlined four (4) stages which include 1)
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gather information, 2) secure public input, 3) develop preliminary outline of
community center components and 4) determine/proceed with recommendations to
further refine the goals for the community center. Members of the Commission
and City Council both concurred with the schedule however directions given by
members of the Council to proceed in a slow but forward movement given the
workload confronting the Parks and Recreation Department in 1987. The
Director of Parks and Recreation stated that the Study Committee should be
able to complete the process and be ready for presentation to the City Council
in approximately November.
BEVERAGE/BEER ISSUE IN CITY PARKS
The Director of Parks and Recreation stated that the consumption of
beer and other alcoholic beverages is occurring throughout city parks and that
a specific direction should be given as to whether the consumption of liquor
or beer should be allowed in the future. There is some discussion regarding
the limitation of quantity however it was determined that quantity cannot be
accurately defined and therefore the issue is whether there should or should
not be an ordinance allowing or restricting the consumption of alcoholic
beverages in city parks. After considerable input by both Commission and City
Councilmembers it was determined that the following guidelines be applied to
the consumption of beer in all city parks: 1) beer consumption is allowed in
cans or cups that are disposable and non-breakable, 2) large quantities of
beer or beer in the form of a keg can be allowed in park facilities if a
permit is granted by the City, 3) no hard liquor, 4) no disturbances to be
tolerated by consumption and 5) no beer drinking allowed on athletic fields or
at events where minors are performing.
The Director of Parks and Recreation was directed by both Commission
and City Councilmembers to prepare a policy statement for review by the City
Attorney's Office and redistributioned to both Commission and City Council.
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Acting Chairperson Thurston expressed a deep concern of the Parks
and Recreation Commission about the erosion in new sub- divisions and
specifically its impact on ponding areas throughout the community. She stated
that many of the Parks and Recreation activities, facilities, trails and other
active/passive park land uses are adjacent to ponding areas which are quickly
becoming degraded by surrounding erosion. City Councilmember Smith stated
that City Council at their February 17, 1987 meeting hired the Dakota County
Soil and Water Conservation personnel to monitor errosion control for each and
every new sub-division that is to be developed within the City. He further
stated that the City Council and City Staff are confident that this will
provide a vast improvement on the problems the City has experienced with
errosion control during the past active development years.
CULTURAL GARDENS
Parks and Recreation Commission member Caponi excused himself from
the meeting stating that the Cultural Gardens issue is pertaining to his
property and felt he should not be present to interfere with any conversation
and discussion the City Council might have on his proposal for Cultural
Gardens. Acting Chairperson Thurston stated that each and every member of
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the Commission and City Council has received a copy of Mr. Caponi's proposal
for the designation of his twenty (20) acre parcel located North of Diffley
Road and adjacent to Patrick Eagan Park as the future Cultural Gardens to be
owned by the City of Eagan. There was extensive review given by both members
of the Commission and City Council. Several comments were made such as a
funding source, concern about limited staff resources to work on this project
and many other issues. It was generally determined by the Commission and City
Council that the City should act as facilitator. A private corporation should
be given the task of soliciting private funds and to determine the needs and
direction for the Cultural Gardens. It was suggested that the City Staff
contact the Dakota County for the Arts Society and also that a non- profit
group be established to administer the Cultural Gardens Project. Various
members of the Commission and City Council expressed a strong desire and
excitement for the project which in the words of one Commission member
expressed a strong vision for the future of Eagan. Mayor Blomquist stated
that she was excited about the program and felt it was an opportunity to set
aside some property and develop a unique park setting that could offer some
regional significance and positive identity for Eagan. Mayor Blomquist also
stated that a proposal was received from S&B Properties who would act as a
consultant to the project) 1) explore and recommend types of ownership, 2)
explore and recommend initial on-going funding sources and 3) recommend steps
for helping the Cultural Gardens concept become a reality. After a brief
review by both Commission and City Council it was determined that the hiring
of a consultant would be beneficial and that different non-profit
organizations such as the Dakota County for the Arts should be contacted to
-see if funding is available for the consulting service. In a motion by
Commission member Kubik, seconded by Commission member Mason, with all members
voting in favor, specific direction was given to continue exploring the
Cultural Gardens proposal as presented by Mr. Anthony Caponi for the use and
development of his approximate twenty (20) acres located North of Diffley Road
and adjacent to Patrick Eagan Park and further that third party ownership and
methods for financing be researched by retaining S&B Properties as a
consultant to the project.
Mayor Blomquist asked for direction from the City Council. In a
motion by City Councilmember Egan, seconded by Councilmember Wachter, the
recommendation of the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission as to exploring
the Cultural Gardens proposal as presented by Mr. Anthony Caponi and as to
research regarding the third party ownership and methods for creative
financing by retaining of S&B Properties as a consultant to the project, were
approved.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 11:00 p.m.
TLH
,Cy
ity Clerk Secretary A RC
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