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08/04/1988 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION EAGAN, MINNESOTA AUGUST 4, 1988 A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:50 P.M. on Thursday, August 4, 1988 with the following Commission Members present: Michele Swanson, Wayne Sames, Sandy Masin, JoAnne Alt and Bob Porter. Staff present included Director of Parks and Recreation, Ken Vraa; Landscape Architect/Parks Planner, Steve Sullivan; Parks Superintendent, John VonDeLinde; Recreation Supervisor, Dorothy Peterson; Recreation Supervisor, Paula Nowariak; Parks Secretary, Cherryl Mesko; Recreation Intern, Bonnie Blood and Parks Intern, Mel Bailey. Commission Members not present included Dick Carroll and George Kubik. AGENDA Wayne Sames moved, JoAnne Alt seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the agenda as presented. MINUTES FROM JULY 7, 1988 MEETING JoAnne Alt moved, Bob Porter seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the minutes of the July 7, 1988 meeting as presented. MINUTES FROM MAY 26, 1988 JOINT MEETING Michele Swanson moved, Wayne Sames seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the minutes of the May 26, 1988 Joint Meeting as presented. AWARDS FOR 10 YEARS OF SERVICE Recreation Supervisor Dorothy Peterson recapped for the Commission the past 10 years of Kristy Belew's involvement with the Eagan Parks Department. She began at age 15 working first at Woodhaven Park as an assistant and then moved on to Carnelian as a leader. Her work continued to encompass more Summer in the Park locations and the Tiny Tots program. Kristy is currently a teacher at Deerwood Elementary School and continues to be a welcomed and vital addition to the Parks Department summer staff. Sandy Masin, presented Kristy Belew with a plaque expressing the Park and Recreation Department's appreciation for her 10 years of dedication to the children of Eagan. Prior to the beginning of the Commission meeting, Commission Member JoAnne Alt presented a 10 year award to Kathleen Fletcher, again noting the invaluable assistance she has been to the Eagan Parks Department for all those years. Kathleen has played'a significant role in continuing the excellence in programming that the City provides it's children. Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of August 4, 1988 Meeting Page 2 CONSENT AGENDA The following consent agenda items were presented for approval. On a motion by Wayne Sames, seconded by JoAnne Alt with all members voting in favor, the Commission approved recommendation to the City Council of the following items: 1. YOCUM OIL CO. - Conditional Use Permit. That this plat be subject to a cash parkland dedication. 2. GALAXIE CLIFF PLAZA - That this plat be subject to a cash parkland dedication and that a five (5) foot sidewalk be placed along the west side.of Galaxie Avenue. 3. VINCENT J. KENNEDY - Waiver of Plat. That this plat be subject to a cash parkland dedication. 4. WOODLANDS 2ND ADDITION - That this plat be subject to a cash parkland dedication. 5. SUNCREST ADDITION - That this plat be subject to a cash parkland dedication. 6. SENECA PLANT ADD. - That this plat be subject to a cash parkland dedication. As a note to the record, JoAnne Alt questioned the area shown in the Galaxie Cliff Plaza drawings showing an area identified as park. Ken Vraa noted that this was merely an open space area and not a park as identified by the Parks and Recreation Department. JoAnne Alt expressed her concern that the public may perceive this as a City park and felt this point needed to be clarified. Director Vraa noted that he would get a clarification from the developer on this issue. HIGHVIEW PARK ADDITION Parks Planner. Sullivan reviewed the proposed Highview Park Addition for the Commission stating that the property currently had one home and the owner wanted to subdivide the property into three single family lots. The Advisory Planning Commission has denied the proposal concerned by the proposed lot widths at the setback line which is not consistent with the existing lots within the neighborhood. The issues that the Commission will need to address are, should the preliminary plat providea trail: easement to Highview Park and what are the parkland dedication requirements. :0 C t Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of August 4, 1988 Meeting Page 3 Mr. Sullivan indicated that the distance to the Highview Park and lack of a future north/south connection may warrant the need for a trail easement through the proposed development. The placement of a 20 foot trail easement between proposed lots #1 and #2 would provide a direct connection to Highview Park from the northern residential area. With the implementation of this trailway the furthest walking distance would be approximately 3/4 mile to the park. Wayne Sames noted that in the past the Commission has asked for an access easement for larger developments but questioned if they had required the same for a development this size. Director Vraa responded that this specific request has not come before the Commission in the past. Sandy Masin asked if the trail access was for safety reasons or more for convenience in reaching the park. It was noted that the current access to the park was via the streets in the neighborhood, that safety was not a specific issue but the trail would shorten the distance to the park from the northern residential area. Wayne Sames asked if the easement would negatively affect the proposed lots. Director Vraa responded by stating that the lots were approximately 12,000 feet so the 20 foot access should not impact the lots negatively. After further discussion, Bob Porter moved, Wayne Sames seconded with all members voting in favor to have the developer provide a twenty (20) foot trail easement between Lots #1 and #2 and that a cash parkland dedication be required. WESTCOTT SQUARE ADDITION Steve Sullivan outlined for the Commission the proposed Westcott Square Addition which requests the preliminary plat of seventy-one (71) townhomes on 9.83 acres currently zoned R-3. The proposed plat is located within Neighborhood Park Service Area 14 which is serviced by Woodlands School/Park located 3/4 mile from the proposed Westcott Square Addition. The first issue for Commission review is to determine whether the existing park service area adequately services the park user population. If it is not adequate, Mr. Sullivan suggested that the Commission consider alternatives such as providing a mini-park or requiring the developer to provide on-site amenities to supplement the existing parkland. Mini-parks, by definition, are provided only when a park need in an area cannot be fulfilled in any other way. If the Commission determined, after review, that a mini- park would be appropriate in this case, parkland acquisition would be necessary. Mr. Sullivan noted that the Westcott Square Addition would provide little opportunity for parkland acquisition being encompassed by streets. Another-alternative for the Commission to consider would be-to have the proposed multi-family developments provide on-site amenities to supplement the existing park and to service the residents within the development. This typically occurs in large, high density areas. Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of August 4,1988 Page 4 The second issue for Commission review, would be what type of parkland dedication would be required; land or cash. Sandy Masin asked what the ratio is for people to park service area. Steve Sullivan responded that it is approximately 5,000, and in some cases we exceed that number. In this particular case the numbers would be projected at approximately 6,400± if everything that is planned as multiple is built. Michele Swanson asked if it was known how many 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom, etc. the developer was proposing in this project. JoAnne Alt noted that there is no open space shown and questioned why it wasn't since it should be a requirement of the Land Use Ordinance. Steve Sullivan stated that some times the Land Use Ordinance hasn't been strictly adhered to but it has been used in the past to insure recreation areas. Member Masin asked if the open space can be imposed on the development and if it was known when, or if, the 34 acre parcel to the south of Westcott Square Addition would change from multi-family to single family. Steve Sullivan explained that it is not known at this time when, or if, this parcel will request a change from multi-family to single family; it is currently zoned R-4. Director Vraa noted to the Commission that they could suggest to the Planning Commission that the developer provide recreation space/amenities. If the City were to wait for the 34 acre parcel to be developed and then require a parkland dedication it would only be looking at a maximum park area of 3+ acres which, as has been discovered in the past, would not be sufficient to provide some of the recreational opportunities necessary for this area. JoAnne Alt asked if the Commission would have an opportunity to review this development proposal again before it was approved. Ken Vraa stated that the Commission's recommendations could be passed on to the Advisory Planning Commission on August 23rd and then come back to the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission for it's September 1st meeting. The Commission can then, at that time, recommend a park dedication credit for providing usable recreation facilities if it deems necessary. Wayne Sames moved that the Commission recommend that -the developer provide, at minimum, an open space within the development and the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission would consider a parkland dedication., credit based on what amenities-the developer proposed to include. The motion further stated that the developer should provide plans for -proposed recreational opportunities within the development, that this development be reviewed by the Advisory Planning Commission at it's August 23, 1988 meeting and then come before the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission at it's September 1st meeting to consider a, possible - parkland dedication credit. The motion was seconded by JoAnne Alt with all-members voting in favor. Michele Swanson noted for the record that she --woul d l`i:ke, .staff to determine how many-one bedroom and-.two bedroom homes are being planned in this development. Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of August 4, 1988 Meeting Page 5 MOONEY LAKE/BERRY PATCH PARK Director Vraa provided the Commission with a brief history of the Mooney Lake/Berry Patch Park issues stating that in 1981 the trail was installed as part of the development of Hilltop Estates. In 1982-86 the pond flooded because of no controlled storm outlet. In July of 1986 the installation of the lift station was determined to be necessary. When the project was completed, the pump installed and the water level lowered, the number of trees killed from the flooded waters was apparent. In December of 1987 staff inspected the affected trees and cut as many as possible at that time. On June 24, 1988 a meeting was held with the residents surrounding Mooney Lake to discuss the condition of the park and pond area; specifically the lowered water level exposing stumps from the trees that had been cut and the weeds that were growing in the lake; a situation that was compounded because of the lack of rainfall. The residents suggested that they would like to see the pond elevation raised from the normal level of 859.4 to the flood level of 863 and have the trail abandoned. A subsequent meeting was held with the residents in July to look at alternatives as it relates to raising the water elevation. Several options were suggested such as installing the trail in front of the homes to continue the integrity of the trail link system, raising the trail somewhat to try to to keep it above flood level, and perhaps install a dock at one of the spur locations to access Mooney Lake. With the background provided, Director Vraa introduced the spokesperson who would be representing the neighbors surrounding Mooney Lake. Carla Ingalls, who resides at 1305 Berry Ridge Road South, directly adjacent,, to the park and lake, introduced herself as spokesperson for the neighboring residents. She stated that there are 10 homeowners that overlook Mooneye and those living in the Hilltop Estates area have enjoyed the lake .for-many years. Most of the residents in the surrounding area had heard that the` original developer had constructed a trail along Mooney Lake in 1981 bU-the majority of current homeowners have not been able to use the trail se'it has been under water until just recently. Many of the homeowners did noLT10w a 1rail existed. When the lift station was installed in the fall of 1.98-7~t. watery evel was pumped below the park trail exposing it for the first time in= any -,ears. During the winter, the Park Department informed the to iden hat tfiey would enter the park area and remove/clean out the trees tt.w -pos after the water level changed. The residents viewed this as v eve and were pleased to see it being handled. The spring and summer o 19 8, owever, brought with it a terrible look for Mooney Lake. Ms. Ingalls proceeded to explain that the residents had conferred with outside authorities who noted that the only use for Mooney Lake was for aesthetics and wildlife habitat. She noted that a representative of the DNR had also stated that Mooney Lake was a dieing pond unless something was done to preserve it. - The Public Works Department noted to the residents that in raising .the .,water level, changes would need to be made in the storm sewer drain system.''.Ms.. Ingalls noted, however, that the storm sewer situation was not ,,an issue, The residents' perception of the situation is that the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of August 4, 1988 Meeting Page 6 Parks Department, in order to save the trail link, is defeating the purpose of having the trail adjacent to such a once beautiful natural resource by not preserving that natural resource, i.e. Mooney Lake. Further investigation, noted Ms. Ingalls, predicts that the next few years will provide for a drought rather than above average rainfall, i.e. the 100 year flood. They feel that it doesn't make much sense to plan for a "possible" 100 year flood when the indications are much stronger for a drought. Ms. Ingalls further stated that this was truly an unfortunate incident that had occurred and that the residents wanted very much to see it resolved in a satisfactory manner. They are asking that the Parks Department direct Public Works to proceed with the option of raising the elevation of Mooney Lake to a level that will both correct the visual appearance of the lake as well as increase the water quality. Nancy Creighton, a resident from Chatterton Ponds addressed the Commission by thanking them for taking the time to listen to the concerns of the residents of both Hilltop Estates and Chatterton Ponds. She noted that they were very appreciative of the opportunity to meet with the various departments to help resolve this issue. Director Ken Vraa responded to the residents attending the Commission meeting noting that Tom Colbert, Director of Public Works was not able to be on hand for this particular meeting nor was Tom Hedges, City Administrator. Mr. Vraa introduced John Barton from Dakota County Soils who was present to answer any questions the Commission or residents had regarding water quality. Mr. Vraa stated he was concerned about the comment regarding the storm sewer piping not being an issue. As was described in the past, if the water level is allowed to increase above the normal water level as it is being requested, thus becoming a higher normal water level, the storm sewer line will need to be raised to accommodate the water flow. Storm water backs up into the pipe when the water elevation is high allowing sediment to settle in the pipe which causes maintenance problems in the long run. Another issue Mr. Vraa brought up was that if the new normal water elevation were to become 863.3, then, in the event of a 100 year storm, like the one that occurred in 1987, the water level then bounces to 867.4. Bonestroo, Rosene, Anderlick & Associates was asked to calculate- the time frame for this pond to lower in the event of a 100 year storm. They responded that since Mooney Lake was the overflow of several other ponds, once the rain occurred, and the lift station pump started working, it would take approximately 60 days for the water level of Mooney Lake to reach it's proposed normal of 863.3 because of the lowering of the 3-4 ponds that would overflow into Mooney Lake. With this being the case, the water sitting between the 863.3 and 867.4 level would flood out a new generation of trees. E_ ..r . _ a. . . a a t . . { _ Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of August 4, 1988 Meeting Page 7 Mr. Vraa stated that in looking at the alternative of cleaning up the pond and reinstalling the trail, the cleaning process could begin very soon. One of the City's contractors, Central Landscaping, visited the site with staff yesterday, however they were not very enthusiastic about the prospect of bringing heavy equipment down too near the shoreline for cleanup. It was suggested that some of the seasonal park staff could begin some of the preliminary pick up around the area and then the contractor would bring in a hydraulic backhoe to clean out stumps, debris, etc near the shoreline. The area to be cleaned out would be near the shoreline - approximately 3-5 feet wide. The equipment would gain access to the pond shoreline via the lift station and would proceed with their work in a westerly direction however the equipment may have a difficult time accessing the west side of Mooney Lake so some of the dead trees may be left in part of that area. Steve Sullivan added that some erosion has occurred behind some of the homes and while the workers are in that area they would like to repair that situation. Commission Member Michele Swanson questioned the "dredging" that was addressed in the position paper from the neighborhood. Ken Vraa clarified that the clean-up would include pulling stumps but would not include dredging out the bottom of the pond. After the residents expressed some concern about the work that would be done to the shoreline Steve Sullivan clarified that the work would not alter the shoreline or the lake bed. Member Swanson stated that her concern regarding water level was based on multiple rain days rather than the 100 year rain scenario. Mr. Vraa noted that the calculations for the flood levels were based on other variables also such as the amount the soil is saturated, frequency of rain, etc., in addition to the 100 year storm scenario. Member Masin asked what the difference was in the normal level of the pond versus the current level. Mr. Vraa stated that the normal level is 859.4 but that currently is was approximately one foot below that level. Carla Ingalls was concerned about the emphasis on the "normal level of the lake" indicting that their information from the DNR expressly stated that unless the lake is maintained at a high level and the weeds that have grown in the pond this summer are cut and harvested the lake will die. She also stated that to make a decision on the level of the lake based on a 100 year flood is foolish; especially since the projection for the next few years indicates continued drought conditions. Member Sames asked if there were trees on the pond side of the trail before the trail was installed to determine what the "normal" level of the lake was before the trail was installed. It was noted that the trees were there which would support the normal water level at 859.4, below the trail elevation. Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of August 4, 1988 Meeting Page 8 Bill Dove from Chatterton Ponds explained to the Commission that since he had lived in this area the path had not been usable. Residents who were there at the time the trail existed have indicated to Mr. Dove that that path was not used by the residents, rather by the kids accessing Mooney Lake. He suggested that rather than concentrating on placing the trail in the same location, why not place it across the front of the properties and have access near the pumping station. Once the trail is removed then the level of the lake can be determined. Member Sames stated that there appears to be two separate issues; one being the cleaning up of the lake and restoring the quality of the lake and the other, trail issue, is separate. If the quality of the lake can be restored than the path issue is dealt with at another level, but not as one and the same. The Commission's predecessors felt that this trail was a vital link at the time of the development and the City would loose an amenity if the trail was removed completely. Nancy Creighton from Chatterton Ponds stated that with the area around Mooney Lake continuing to grow there will continue to be more run-off into the lake, thus the lake needs to be deeper to dilute the pollutants running into it. Wayne Sames asked Mr. Barton of Dakota Soils if a greater volume in the lake would handle the problem. Mr. Barton stated that the added volume would not have a significant affect but that the quality of the water going into the pond would have the most affect. Another resident brought up the question of considering docks as had been discussed earlier. She noted that it appeared the only conversation was geared toward installing a trail and no other issue was being considered. She asked if this was not being considered any longer. Mr. Vraa noted that the cost factor of the dock(s) ($2500 each approximately) may be a deterrent. Steve Sullivan noted that even with the placement of dock(s), cleanup needed to be completed as well as the issue of trail needs into the park. The homeowner of Lot 5 addressed the Commission as a resident of 7 years noting that lake front lots were $35,000 based on a lake view, not a view of the trail. This amount was significantly higher than lots that did not front Mooney Lake. During the time she's lived in that area there has been significant damage to the trees and expressed her concern about the erosion control measures mentioned earlier. She didn't want to see dirt pushed up against the trees and run the risk of destroying even more of them. Steve Sullivan explained that the erosion control he was referring to included an area about 15 feet long and 3 feet wide so there would be little chance for disturbance to the trees with this work. Bill Dove shared his assessment of the issues noting that the first was, is the path important; and second, is the path important at the expense of the ecology of the lake. He felt that the lake sems to become the sacrificial lamb so the trail can exist. Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of August 4, 1988 Meeting Page 9 Carla Ingalls again reiterated that by increasing the level of the lake a foot or two from where it exists won't make that great a difference. The DNR had indicated to them that the profuse growth on the lake bed was due to the low water level. She stated she lived in this area when the water was below the path and the lake was still lovely. In order to maintain the integrity of Mooney Lake the level of the lake must be significantly higher than it is now. John Barton stated that if the water level was raised 1-2 feet this may eliminate the growth on the lake bed somewhat but the level of the water will have very little influence on what the water quality of the lake is. That issue can be resolved by controlling the kind of run-off that enters Mooney Lake. Member Michele Swanson asked, for clarification, if the property where the trail exists is park property and if the trail is pulled out, who will maintain the land between homeowners and lake. Mr. Vraa noted that the trail was on park property. Wayne Sames expressed his concern regarding losing the parkland dedication that was originally planned for this development. Member JoAnne Alt stated that the residents' implication that the Commission didn't bother to do anything about this situation and didn't care were very untrue. She has been a member of the Commission for many years and is aware of the many different issues that come before the Commission regarding the good of the City. Ms. Alt noted that she, too, has a lake front lot but felt that homeowners need to be very aware of all the implications before purchasing a lot like this. Vice-Chair Masin thanked the residents for their candid responses and for sharing their opinions with the Commission. She asked the Commission members to share their opinions individually before the vote was taken. Dr. Silas Kung addressed the Commission noting that he was not happy with the way in which this situation has been handled. His assessment was that the question was not to keep the pathway, rather that the lake is dying because of human interference. He felt the environment should be kept in it's natural condition and that the City has the responsibility of keeping the lake in tact. Member Porter noted that his opinion was that the path should be behind the homes but had some concern that there had been no comments from the affected homeowners regarding running the trail in front of their property. He felt that the water level should not be raised, that the normal water level should remain at 859.4 and that he would like to see the path completed to Chatterton Ponds. The dock(s) and trail in front of the homes could also be a consideration based on the financial implication. Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of August 4, 1988 Meeting Page 10 Michele Swanson expressed her concern regarding the water quality of the lake and whether the fish life is going to be maintained. The response was that the fish would not survive over winter without an aeration system. Member Swanson supported cleaning up the area around the lake and putting in the trail. Member Sandy Masin supported cleaning up the pond and then installing the trail but questioned the time frame to do the work. Director Vraa responded that the clean-up work can be accomplished between 8/15/88 and 10/31/88. He also noted that if the trail is going in it needs to be done this fall. Sandy Masin continued that her recommendation would be to keep the water level and trail as planned and approved at the July Commission meeting. She also noted that the Commission was trying, and would continue to work on solutions that best serve the City. Gary Musselwhite addressed the Commission by stating that he felt there wasn't sufficient information for the Commission to make an informed decision at this point. He suggested that more facts be gathered before any decision be made on this issue. Bill Dove stated that an aerator in the pond would definitely improve the quality of the lake. As a riparian property owner he would be open to accepting an assessment for the power necessary to keep the aerator going in the pond. Parks Superintendent VonDeLinde addressed the aeration programs that have been used in the past in the City. He noted that there is a grant program available to help maintain fish life over the winter by using an aeration system. One has been installed in Schwanz Lake at a cost of approximately $15,000. Mooney Lake would not qualify for this grant because it is too small. John Barton suggested looking into a spray aeration system that would operate in the summer only since the DNR would not allow this system over the winter and it is much less expensive. After much discussion, JoAnne Alt moved, Michele Swanson seconded with all members voting in favor to clean up the lake edge, reinstall the trail, investigate raising the lowest level of the trail slightly, and have staff investigate an aeration system for Mooney Lake. Vice-Chair Masin thanked the residents for taking the time to share their concerns with the Commission. POLICY ON WATER MANAGEMENT At the August meeting, the Commission directed Staff to do..a review of the water quality as a result of the Rahn Cliff 2nd Addition development. Parks Planner, Steve Sullivan began his investigation into this issue and has consulted with several people on this issue. John Barton from Dakota County Soils was present to review a portion of the Water Quality Management Plan which is in the process of being implemented in the City of Eagan. Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of August 4, 1988 Meeting Page 11 John Barton explained to the Commission that most water quality issues revolve around the amount of excess nutrients or fertilizer that is emptied into the ponds in the area. The specific problem comes from the amount of phosphorous that enters the water. As the phosphors level increases in the water there is an increase in chlorophyll a. When the phosphors level continues to increase the algae increases cutting out many other life forms that would have been found in the pond. As the percentage of the watershed areas increase so do the percentages of phosphorous found in ponds/lakes. The City of Eagan is taking a long hard look at trying to control the amount of phosphorous that enters the waterways, thus increasing the quality. At the present time all 350 water bodies in Eagan have been inventoried. They will be placed in several categories or classifications for identification purposes. The proposed classifications will be ready shortly after which a hearing will be held for residents to respond to the classification that has been issued. The long term benefit to this program will be that when a development is being proposed surrounding a water body, calculations will be completed taking into consideration the type of development, how many people will be there, etc. so that the developer will be able to be given the approximate size and shape the pond will need to be to accommodate their development. Currently Blackhawk Pond Watershed has pond requirements as does LeMay Lake. Sandy Masin asked if this type of system would have helped a situation similar to the Mooney Lake issue. Mr. Barton noted that if Mooney Lake had been designated as a recreational lake, for example, then the water quality calculations could have been done to determine what changes, if any, needed to be accomplished to accommodate the growth around this water body. Wayne Sames noted that there seems to be confusion between water clarity and water quality and stated that sometimes the water clarity can be poor whereas the quality can be very good. He told Mr. Barton that the Commission recommended the use of a nutrient trap which they felt would be beneficial in the Rahn Cliff situation. Steve Sullivan asked what happens to wetland when it's used as a nutrient trap. Mr. Barton responded by saying that the wetland area would be taken over by cattails and the diversity of other growth will disappear. Michele Swanson asked Mr. Barton if he was aware of a purple strife problem in Eagan. He said the DNR has a purple loosestrife program to try to combat it, but it eventually takes over wetland and does not provide for wildlife habitat. Wayne Sames asked, if the Commission could prev-iew what would be happening at a public hearing before it occurs to which Mr. Barton responded he would provide the Commission with the information when it becomes avail able. Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of August 4, 1988 Meeting Page 12 SUMMER PLAYGROUND REPORT Recreation Supervisor Paula Nowariak was present to update the Commission on the summer programs that have been conducted by the Parks and Recreation Department. She indicated that after the preliminary interviews last spring, 29 summer staff were hired with 18 of them returning from previous years. Bonnie Blood assisted Paula in preparing a handbook for the leaders to use in the various programs which included activities, crafts, songs, rhymes, emergency information, policies and procedures. The initial planning and preparation for the summer programs paid off with each program running smoothly and efficiently by a very supportive and close staff. Each park was supervised each day which helped with the continuity of the program in general. One of the events for the summer was the Tiny Tots 10 year birthday party. The original class and instructors were invited to join the summer '88 Tiny Tots class. Everyone attending had a terrific time. Summer in the Parks encompassed 11 sites this year with over 800 children registered. At 4 parks there were over 100 children registered. Blue Cross/Blue Shield, for example, had 44 registered in 1987 and 96 in 1988. Walnut Hill had 20 registered in 1986, 67 in 1987 and 116 in 1988. Pilot Knob offered a morning session for the first time with 34 registered. All the field trips were very successful with 4 full buses transporting kids to each one. The playwagon locations continued to be a valuable addition to the Summer in the Parks program which culminated with a Summer Finale with over 200 kids participating for an afternoon of fun at Rahn Park. Paula narrated a slide presentation showing the programs in action including, Eaganettes, T-Ball, Tiny Tots birthday party and various activities that the children were able to participate in this summer. Paula thanked Bonnie Blood, Recreation Intern for her ever present helping hand in keeping the summer programs running so smoothly and successfully. Paula brought two issues to the Commission's attention that they may want to give some thought to in the near future. The first issue was the consideration of speeding up the schedule for installing sun shelters at some of the parks where summer programs run. After the intense heat this summer, there were some parksites that had no shade to offer comfort and this should be a consideration if the numbers of participants continues to increase at the rate they have been. The second issue was one of day care. In some cases, parents used Summer in the Parks program as their day-care and some children really did not want to be there, especially when the weather was so hot. Staff sees this as a growing problem and perhaps some policy decisions need to be=made regarding how this should be handled. .In some `cases, Staff stayed after their-defined. hours: because children were-left at the park and the parent.-had not picked them up on time. Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of August 4, 1988 Meeting Page 13 PARK NAMES Ken Vraa explained to the Commission that they had reviewed this issue months ago but that official action had not been taken to date. The Commission discussed the proposed names and on a motion by JoAnne Alt, seconded by Wayne Sames with all members voting in favor the following park names were recommended for approval: 1. SLATER ACRES PARK - Park currently identified as Winkler/Jackson 2. KETTLE LAKE - Park currently identified as Vienna Woods Park 3. GEORGE OHMANN PARK - Park currently identified as Ohmann Park 4. SKYLINE PARK - Park currently identified as Blue Cross/Blue Shield 5. MUELLER FARM PARKPark currently identified as Woodland School/Park 6. BRIDLE RIDGE PARK-18 acre park currently identified as BridleRidge WANDERING WALK PARK - Open space/green belt near Bridle Ridge Park HEINE POND PARK Director Vraa explained that Staff is currently working with the grading contractor for grading, trails, etc. The cost for doing the work will be $11,500 and can proceed with Commission approval. The money for this park improvement would come from the park bond fund. Steve Sullivan indicated that the bituminous work would tie into the contractor's schedule so that we can take advantage of the good price for these improvements. After further discussion, Bob Porter moved, Michele Swanson seconded, with all members voting in favor to accept Staff's recommendation to complete Heine Pond Park.with funds being allocated from the park bond fund. BURR OAKS Director Vraa stated that the park is rough graded and topsoil is resting on the parking lot site. The tennis court will be added on with the Northview tennis court contract but the request is to have the parking lot, trail work done at this time. The work to be completed would cost $45,000 - $55,000 -which, again would be allocated from the park bond fund upon Commission approval. Wayne Sames;;moved, -JoAnne Alt seconded with all members. voting in'favor to ,-proceed with. the work ,at Burr; Oaks Park - as described with funds being allocated from the park bond fund. Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of August 4, 1988 Meeting Page 14 SOUTH OAKS Ken Vraa explained to the Commission that the residents in this area have petitioned the City to install a storm sewer line. The line will go through South Oaks Park and in order to accommodate this disruption to the park, Ken and Steve Sullivan have been working to suggest the least amount of impact on the park. Steve Sullivan noted two alignments that were proposed. The most desired alignment shows the east/west alignment because of shorter pipe links required and the least amount of disturbance to the park. The links are planned to go under a stand of trees and around the beach area. Sandy Masin asked how deep the pipe would go under the trees and would it disturb the roots. Mr. Sullivan noted that they were planning on going 20 feet deep and between the trees. This process is a bit more expensive but much less than running the storm sewer pipe as shown in Alternate A, south along the west side of the park and east across the open play soccer field to the easterly side of the park. Wayne Sames asked when the work would be completed and Mr. Vraa indicated that there would be a public hearing on August 16th to determine that. After further discussion, Wayne Sames moved, Bob Porter seconded with all members voting in favor to approve the alignment of Alternate B for the storm sewer line through South Oaks Park. With the lateness of the hour, JoAnne Alt moved, Michele Swanson seconded, with all members voting in favor to adjourn the Commission meeting, reconvene on Thursday, August 18th at 7:00 P.M., Council Chambers, Municipal Center. The meeting was adjourned at 11:15 P.M. DATE WR~E TA RY