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12/03/1987 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION EAGAN, MINNESOTA DECEMBER 3, 1987 A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairman Roger Martin at 7:00 p.m. with all members of the Advisory Commission in attendance. Staff present were the Director of Parks and Recreation Ken Vraa, Parks Planner/Landscape Architect Steve Sullivan, Parks Superintendent John VonDeLinde and Recreation Supervisor Dorothy Peterson. AWARDS PRESENTATION Recreation Supervisor Dorothy Peterson gave special presentations to thank Girl Scout Troop 954 and Lynn Prazak for volunteer service to the Parks and Recreation Department over the last year. Also recognized was the Eagan J.C.'s for their volunteer assistance with the Eagan Fun Run, Santa Claus calls and egg hunt. Ellen Franz, of the Eagan Stagedoor Performers was recognized for volunteer service in her initial efforts in starting the community performing group. Chairman Roger Martin presented the awards thanking each for their volunteer efforts and their contributions to the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Eagan. AGENDA A motion by Thurston, seconded by Bertz, with all members voting in favor, the agenda for December 3 was approved. MINUTES FOR NOVEMBER 5 On a motion by Carroll, seconded by Caponi, with all members voting in favor, the minutes of November 5 were approved as received. MINUTES OF THE-OCTOBER 22 SPECIAL MEETING Roger Martin noted that on page three, paragraph 2, that the comment from Mr. Martin should be changed to read that the Sandy Masin motion was appropriate. A motion by Porter, seconded Kubik, with all members voting in favor, the minutes of October 22 were approved as amended. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS Planner Jim Sturm was present and provided an overview of the recent actions of the Advisory Planning Commission and City Council regarding Cliff Lake Galleria and Towers. After his update on the actions taken by the two groups and the changes proposed in the Cliff Lake Center, Mr. Caponi questioned if the revision was not new to the Commission and was curious if past recommendations still apply. Director of Parks and Recreation Vraa stated that he felt the recommendations of the Commission still applied and should be incorporated into the development agreement. 1 BUFFER HILLS 2ND ADDITION Planner Sturm reviewed the proposed Buffer Hill 2nd Addition which is south of Fish Lake. Mr. Carroll questioned if the storm sewer from the proposed cul-de-sac goes directly into the lake and what the impact would be. Mr. Sturm stated that the Soil Conservation District will monitor this as well as the Department of Natural Resources. A motion by Mr. Carroll, seconded by Mr. Kubik, with all members voting in favor, the Advisory Commission recommended that a cash dedication requirement be a condition of plat approval. COMMUNITY CENTER STUDY Director Vraa thanked the Advisory Commission for responding to the mailed out questionnaire. He also noted that the City Council has reviewed and approved the document at the last Council meeting. After additional explanation 'regarding the timing of the questionnaire, Mr. Caponi stated that he felt that the survey was too long and tested the endurance of the persons. He felt that there was not enough focus on the community center and the survey seemed jumbled. Director Vraa responded that Decisions Resources has indicated to him that a longer survey was performed in the City of Shorewood with only a 2% rejection rate. The survey itself should take from 12 - 15 minutes, when done by phone and administered by professional people. He went on to explain that the scrambling of the questionnaire is intended to maintain the interest of the listener, and is done by design and not by happenstance. Mr. Kubik questioned whether there will be another test group involved with the questionnaire. Mr. Vraa responded that a test group would be administered too. It is the intent to try to refine the questions for readability and understandability of the listener. WILLIAM'S PIPELINE - Director Ken Vraa reviewed the history of the issue involving the Williams Pipeline Company and the desire to donate to the City three lots located in the Westbury Addition. Mr. Vraa stated that an oil spill had occurred on the property at one time but that the Minnesota Environmental Protection Agency.had cleared the property for dev-elopment. He stated that Williams Brothers Pipeline was now willing to donate the lots to the City for parks purposes under certain conditions. These conditions included that no permanent structure would be located on the property, that no deep rooted trees would be planted, that Williams Brothers would retain the option to take soil samples and the easement on the property for access to the pipeline, should there be another disruption. Relative to assessments, Williams Brothers Pipeline indicated that they felt it would be the City's responsibility to clear the assessments in an amount exceeding $17,000. Mr. Caponi would like to recommend that the City take the gift and meet those conditions. Director Vraa stated that the $17,000 in assessments was a result of street and utility. improvements. Therefore, the amount had to come from Parks or General Funds in order to pay back bonding. Mr. Caponi then clarified that if the City had to provide $17,000 rather than clear the assessments, additional consideration should be given. Mr. Kubik questioned what would happen to the property if the City refused the offer. Director Vraa responded that Williams Brothers had a couple of options which included 9 selling the lots for building purposes or to hold it. Mr. Kubik stated that perhaps the City could out wait Williams Brothers and obtain the property through tax forfeiture if that is the case and the City wants the property. Chairman Martin stated that $17,000 seems to be too much for less than one acre of land particularly when you consider the constraints on the parcel. Sandy Bertz stated that she felt this would be bad for the City to buy the property, create a precedence for other situations and neighborhoods who have a vacant lot and would like playground equipment installed. Mr. Sames questioned the safety, noting its location on two busy roads. The Advisory Commission then revised possible uses for the lots noting that the City had already acquired a lot in the Westbury Addition for park playground equipment. On a motion by Kubik, seconded by Carroll, with all members voting in favor, it is the recommendation of the Advisory Commission to thank Williams Brothers Pipeline for the offer and to notify them that the property does not fit into Park's plans. WINKLER JACKSON PARK Director Vraa noted that the PUD agreement provided for the site grading of the park now identified as Winkler/Jackson Parcel in Park Service Section 31W. Mr. Vraa stated that it would be appropriate to determine if a neighborhood meeting was necessary. A meeting was set for January 21 for the neighborhood giving staff time to mail out letters. Members Thurston, Sames, Carroll and Kubik stated interest in attending that meeting. WINTER PROGRAMS Director Vraa introduced Dorothy Peterson and John VonDeLinde for reviewing the 1987/1988 Winter Programs including the program offerings and the revised maintenance program. Mr. Vraa noted that the City now has 29 ice surfaces of which 15 are hockey and 14 free skating. Superintendent VonDeLinde stated that the planning process for the skating season was a year round process and that base flooding would begin within a week. Two crews, each with a tank trunk, would be split into two shifts per day or 16 hours of coverage. It is staff's intent to have the rinks available for skating by December 19. Mr. VonDeLinde then reviewed the routine maintenance program once the skating rinks are available, the four levels of rink maintenance and staff's intent to provide crews on Saturdays. He noted that this would be a change in procedures resulting in less manpower on Mondays with a half crew on.Saturdays in order to clean and clear the rinks. Reviewing the maintenance plan, Mr. VonDeLinde alluded to the fact that weather conditions played a significant role in the Parks maintenance program with the _thawing..temperatures, frost heaving, extreme cold, forecast, illness, equipment malfunctions and obligations to the Street Department for backup for snow removal and sanding. Mr. VonDeLinde then reviewed the cross country ski trails operation and other maintenance responsibilities during the winter time. Commission member Masin questioned if the lights at Trapp Farm were for safety or for the pleasure of the sledders. Mr. Kubik questioned if Cedar Pond, classified as a_Class D, had any warming house facility. Staff responded to these questions. Dorothy Peterson explained that the department head met with the youth hockey associations in trying to provide sufficient time and. places for their hockey practices. She noted that staff had increased the number of hours available from the previous season and but that four new teams had been formed in the Eagan Hockey Association, therefore, even more hours would have 3 to be found. She stated that in the distribution of the ice time the neighborhood would have first priority but that all of the association's needs would be met. She stated that interviews for warming house staff is nearly completed and it does appear that there will be enough attendants to staff the facilities. She reviewed the attendants' responsibilities noting that emphasis will no longer be placed on the attendant's for cleaning the skating rinks. The Recreation Supervisor then reviewed the dates of closing of the rinks based on the classification system, the hours, and the ice practice times made available to associations. Chairman Martin questioned what hours of use were at Goat Hill last year noting that there were significant hours being programmed for this facility. Commission member Masin questioned if there was any complaints from people who couldn't skate at Goat Hill. Dorothy Peterson responded to both questions, indicating that the City had received a few complaints regarding the amount of hockey at this facility. Director Vraa responded that staff to is concerned-about the concentration at this park. He stated that the existing free skate at Goat Hill provides some opportunity. He stated that the City is trying to keep up with the needs of the association. It is obvious that demographic changes based on the population have resulted in a greater concentration of youth in this area. Mr. Porter questioned if the Eagan Hockey Association has more than one practice time per night or one team per hour. He also questioned if the schedule was posted. Mrs. Peterson responded that the Mini Mights do include more than one team on the ice at one time and that the schedule is posted in the warming house for people who visit. Bertz questioned why hockey was not scheduled at the Well Site, particularly in light of the fact that Goat Hill was used so heavily? Mrs. Peterson stated that the Well Site is a highly used skating facility and that perhaps consideration should be given to moving some hours from Goat Hill to Well Site. Mr. Martin questioned, since some facilities have no phones, what the procedures are in case of injury or need. Mr. Porter questioned the policy for hockey on the open skating areas. After additional questions and responses by the Commission and staff, Mr. Martin thanked staff for a good presentation and preparations for the upcoming season. DAKOTA COUNTY RIGHT-OF-WAY REPORT Director of Parks and Recreation and the Landscape Architect stated that the City has received a request from Dakota County to provide both temporary and permanent road right-of-way easements with the proposed construction of Pilot Knob Road. These easements affect several City owned parcels of which two directly impact parks. Mr. Vraa indicated that upon return of the easements, the County would be willing to enter into an agreement for a 99 year lease of the Burow house on Cliff and Pilot Knob Roads. This house would then revert to use by the Athletic Association. Mr. Sullivan then reviewed each of the parcels and responded to questions. He provided specific information regarding grades, distances and impact upon the parks. Mr. Martin questioned the point of access for Well Site Park and its proximity to the open skating area. Mr. Sullivan indicated that the Countyi_s not showing a roadway, only an access apron to the park. The access location is north of the current access point. This is of concern, bearing review by the staff and the Commission, because of its impact upon the park. The Commission then asked several questions regarding the grades, impact on the skating rink, impact on the well location, the possibility of a future water treatment plant located on this site. Poor soil problems and poor conditions of both the hockey rink and present warming house need to be reviewed. 4 Member Bertz stated that with all the concerns mentioned, safety of the rink users must be considered too, particularly because of the grades and access to the park off of Pilot Knob Road. Mr. Caponi stated that there may be an opportunity to review and make significant changes in the park, noting that the Director's past indications of the substandard quality of the warming house and hockey rink should be taken into consideration. Mr. Sames questioned the amount of flat space beyond the trail near Cliff Road. Mr. Sullivan stated he will review this as the layout plan does not indicate proposed grades relative to the road and pathway. In regards to parcel #42, the former township city hall building, it will have to be moved. Mr. Caponi questioned the value of the building and if it indeed had not already lost its historical value as a result of it being changed and remodeled previously. The Commission had a brief discussion regarding the township/city hall building, and it was noted that the City Council has not made a determination of what specifically needed to be done. It was suggested that a subcommittee of the advisory commission be formed to follow up on this. Mr. Kubik questioned with the tree removal being proposed at the former township city hall site and along the roadway, that if this wasn't an opportunity to transplant and bring into use some new planting material to upgrade the visual qualities of this roadway. Mr. Carroll added that the City will be giving up nearly seven acres and that the addition of trees on a sharing basis is appropriate. Mr. Caponi also stated his agreement. There was additional discussion and review of the proposed right- of-way. Upon a motion by Carroll, seconded by Caponi, the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission made the following recommendations to the City Council: 1. Place a 3:1 slope adjacent to Thomas Lake Park, north of the park access road, provide a connection from the Highline Trail to the Boulevard Trail across from the Wilderness Run Road/Pilot Knob Road intersection, remove and replace the driveway apron to Thomas Lake access road to accommodate proposed road grades. 2. Parcel 12 - provide a park access road from the proposed apron to the existing parking lot, grade and revise the free skate areas as a result of the road improvements influencing the existing free skate area, subject to review by staff and the Advisory Commission. 3. Parcel 14 - that the County revise the legal description for permanent easement removing the northerly 120 feet of parcel 14. 4. Parcel 42 - the Advisory Commission and City Council create a committee to review, and make alternative recommendations regarding the historical value and suitabiity of the old township/city hall building to accommodate the right-of-way road realignment. 5. Parcel 48 - the City Forester reviewed the possibility of transplanting trees north of the Fire Administration Building. Further, the City and the County_deve1Q-p,,--a,- landscaping plan for the roadway which would provide for additional and significant tree plantings. On a vote on a motion, all members indicated in favor. 5 SNOWMOBILES Mr. Vraa reviewed the history of snowmobile use along the Highline and Johnny Cake Ridge Road. Member Alt stated that she was against the use of the Highline Trail because of the added population, lack of enforcement and the fact that they do not stay on the designated trails, cutting through private property and over park land. Mr. Martin noted that Burnsville doesn't allow snowmobiles and believes that Apple Valley has limited snowmobile access. Sandy Masin stated that there is an obvious traffic increase on Rahn Road that could affect snowmobile access. Mr. Porter questioned access into Lebanon Hills and if there was now a lack of interest by the snowmobile club. Mr. Kubik stated that his response from the public has been negative and that Eagan has outgrown this opportunity. Mr. Martin stated that population has grown to a point where there is more at issue here then providing snowmobile trails. Discontinuing snowmobiling in the City does not mean that access to the county park cannot be had. Mr. Caponi stated that he felt snowmobiling should be discontinued due to the protection of others not because of snowmobiles itself. Commission member Porter feels we should discontinue the two links only at this time because of the growth, and liability taken on by the City. On a motion by Kubik, seconded by Alt, with all members voting in favor, it was a recommendation of the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission that the Highline Trail and Johnny Cake Ridge Road be discontinued as snowmobile trails. Mr. Martin stated that it appeared there is a consensus of the Advisory Commission to review further recommendations to discontinue snowmobiles within the City of Eagan proper. He suggested that the Police Department be contacted regarding their concerns, if any, on snowmobiles. PARKS DEVELOPMENT 1988 Director Vraa verbally reviewed the staff report for the 1988 proposed parks development projects list. Mr. Vraa noted that a portion of the funding for this project list would have to come from the park site fund although no specific numbers have been put together at this time. Mr. Kubik stated that he has received a significant number of favorable comments from the public on Eagan's parks development this year. He stated that he would like to take this time to commend staff for their past work on the parks system, not only on quantity ~ut on quality_- achieved. In response to a question regarding the work load, Mr. Vraa stated that plans include an individual to assist with the inspection of construction activities. After additional discussions and questions, and a motion by Kubik, seconded by Bertz, with all members voting in favor, the 1988 program for parks development was recommended for approval. CONSTRUCTION UPDATE AND EXPENDITURES Landscape Architect Steve Sullivan updated the Advisory Commission on parks development noting that the building contractor was now concluded his work. Lights have been installed at Quarry and Blue Cross Parks. Mr. Sullivan reviewed other aspects of park development. It was noted that the November financial report was included in the packet. 6 OTHER BUSINESS AND REPORTS Director Vraa then reviewed four items under Other Business and Reports noting that the Eagan Stage Door Performers were soliciting business contributions for its program. It was noted that the Santa Calling program had already solicited 260 responses and the closing deadline is approaching. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, with a motion by Bertz, seconded by Kubik, with all members voting in favor, the regular meeting of the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission was adjourned at 10:10 p.m. KV Date e7