12/01/1988 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF
THE ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
DECEMBER 1, 1988
A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission was
called to order at 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, December 1, 1988 with the
following Commission Members present: Dick Carroll, Ted Billy, Sandy
Masin, JoAnne Alt, Wayne Sames, Michele Swanson, Bob Porter and George
Kubik. Staff present included Director of Parks and Recreation, Ken Vraa;
Landscape Architect/Parks Planner, Steve Sullivan; Parks Superintendent,
John VonDeLinde; Recreation Supervisor, Dorothy Peterson; Parks Secretary,
Cherryl Mesko; Recreation Intern, Beth Mundy; Parks Intern, Mel Bailey.
AGENDA
Michele Swanson requested that School District 196 Liaison report be
added under New Business. Also requested for addition to the agenda was
update of MnDot turnback and the Santa Calling program. JoAnne Alt moved,
Michele Swanson seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the
agenda as amended.
MINUTES FROM NOVEMBER 3,1988 MEETING
JoAnne Alt moved, Dick Carroll seconded with all members voting in
favor to accept the minutes as presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
The following consent agenda item was presented for approval. On a
motion by George Kubik, seconded by Bob Porter with all members voting in
favor, the Commission approved recommendation to the City Council of the
following:
1. EPISCOPAL CHURCH ADDITION - SAINTS MARTHA AND MARY - That this
proposal be subject to an 8 foot bituminous trail along Lexington
Avenue and Diffley Road. That this proposal be subject to a cash
parkland dedication with any change in land use other than a
church facility.
PARK CENTER ADDITION - FEDERAL LAND COMPANY
Steve Sullivan reviewed this parcel which is located south of the
undeveloped portion of Rahn Park at the intersection of Cliff Road and
Cliff Lake Road. Mr. Sullivan reminded the Commission that they had
reviewed this proposal in April of 1988 and at that time had expressed some
concerns for the loss of oak trees adjacent to Rahn Park as well as the
compatibility of R3 zoning versus commercial as has been planned for this
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Minutes of December 1, 1988 Meeting
Page 2
parcel. The current proposal under review by the Commission was brought
before the Advisory Planning Commission at the November meeting and was
denied due primarily to the omission of an elderly housing site on this
parcel as well as the traffic impact of the plan as presented. Mr.
Sullivan stated that there are six issues that the Commission needs to
review which include:
1. Is the proposed land use change from R3 to Commercial PD
compatible with Rahn Park?
2. Does the proposal make every effort to preserve the existing
significant vegetation?
3. Does the proposal provide adequate screening to provide a
reasonable buffer to Rahn Park?
4. What are the pedestrian transportation needs?
5. What impact does the additional run-off have on Rahn Park?
6. What is the parkland dedication requirement?
Sandy Masin asked if the Commission could request that trees be
preserved along the northern side of the project to buffer Rahn Park from
whatever the development was on this parcel. Steve Sullivan responded that
if the large trees could be preserved,this would provide a good buffer for
the park. Jim Sturm of the Planning Department has requested the developer
to do a tree survey so the City has a better idea of what impact
development will have on the existing vegetation. Dick Carroll noted that
the site plan on page 44 of the packet showed that the addition of a
parking lot in the northern area of the development would eliminate most,
if not all the trees that exist.
Dick Carroll questioned the status of Dakota County HRA's proposal for
considering a senior housing project on this parcel. Mr. Sullivan noted
that the County is taking appraisals of property for a senior housing
facility and has met with the City of Eagan. Federal Land has given Dakota
County a price for purchasing a portion of this parcel so it is being
considered at this time. Federal Land is proceeding with this current
plan, however. Wayne Sames noted that in an early concept plan this parcel
showed senior housing as part of the plan.
Bob Porter asked if a land dedication could be requested if this
parcel remains as R-3 zoning to which Mr.Vraa responded affirmatively. Mr
Porter then noted that in requesting a land dedication the City could then
establish it's own buffer for the park. Dick Carroll commented that it
should be the responsibility of the developer to provide for this type of
buffer to a park area.
Sandy Masin asked if the water run-off could be filtered before
entering the park. Mr. Sullivan stated that that was the intention of
Pond AP-50 which will provides for water entering this retention pond
before entering the park pond. JoAnne Alt noted that this plan was by far
the worst presented for this parcel to date. She felt elderly housing
would be a much more compatible use of this parcel.
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Minutes of December 1, 1988 Meeting
Page 3
George Kubik expressed concern for the water quality due to the amount
of oil that will be running off from the parking lot area. Steve Sullivan
noted that in talking to the engineering department they would like to see
a filter eliminate this type of runoff however they have not seen one to
date. Further concern regarding the parking lot was the lack of green
islands to break up the parking lot. Mr. Carroll also noted that because
of the steep embankment on the north side of the parking lot it would be
very difficult to berm this area to eliminate views directly to the loading
docks from the park if the parking lot is developed to its full potential
which is shown as a possibility. Mr. Sames noted that this plan was not
compatible with the project across Rahn Cliff Road.
After further discussion JoAnne Alt moved that the Advisory Parks and
Recreation Commission recommend to the Advisory Planning Commission that
the Comprehensive Guide Plan not be amended because of the impact on Rahn
Park. The motion further stated that the following recommendations be made
before approval
1. The developer provide staff with a tree inventory and revise the
grading/layout plan to preserve additional significant vegetation
2. The developer resubmit a landscape plan which increases the
density and size of plant material adjacent to Rahn Park
providing the required screening/buffering according to the
Landscape Policy.
3. A 5 foot wide sidewalk be placed along Cliff Road and the
existing sidewalk adjacent to old Rahn Road be extended to the
proposed 8 foot trail along Cliff Lake Road.
4. That a catch basin be placed for run-off before entering Rahn
Park.
5. That this parcel be subject to a cash parkland dedication
Sandy Masin added that relative to the run-off issue, the details of this
issue should be worked out between the engineering department and staff to
insure the least amount of impact on Rahn Park. Dick Carroll seconded the
motion and all members voted in favor.
WATER QUALITY UPDATE
Mr. VonDeLinde noted that the Sub-Committee on Water Quality has been
meeting since October 17, 1988 to review the draft management plan and
classification program to recommend the reclassification of 15 lakes and
wetlands and develop a "position statement" outlining eight points related
to the management plan findings relative to the recommended revisions to
the Water Quality Management Plan. The sub-committee has continued to
meet to try to work through the rankings of lakes and ponds associated with
the City's parks. The memorandum attached in the packet outlined the
recommendations of the sub-committee.
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Minutes of December 1, 1988 Meeting
Page 4
The Commission has assisted the sub-committee by helping to define the
priorities for water quality management on recreation related lakes. The
main emphasis for the sub-committee was focused on the level I, II and III
lakes and ponds classified for management as "recreational waterbodies".
To date the Soil and Water Conservation Department has looked at the
recommendations the sub-committee and Citizen's Task Force have prioritized
and have agreed that the changes they have recommended are feasible. The
prioritization process was handled by a point system by the sub-committee
which is presented to the Commission for review. The sub-committee is
asking at this point for direction from the Commission as to the
credibility of these point priorities to determine if the priorities need
to be changed.
In response to questions regarding the future use of the water bodies
within park property Wayne Sames noted that this issue has been given a
great deal of consideration to date. It is not something that will be
overlooked. Mr. VonDelinde indicated that water quality trends will be
watched as time progresses, i.e. when Fish Lake meets the quality
parameters, it will then move into the next priority stage. Mr. VonDeLinde
noted that the information is based on old data that has been obtained and
that more new data would need to be obtained by way of additional samplings
to insure the accuracy of classifications.
Dick Carroll commented that he was very impressed with the work done
on this project and the results of the work that have been completed. He
felt comfortable with the point system that had been determined in
prioritizing lake and pond classifications. Sandy Masin mentioned that
because of the visibility of Cedar Pond perhaps this should have a higher
priority. Wayne Sames noted that the ranking by points doesn't mean that
the lowest numbers will be the last water bodies worked on. Sandy stated
that we should be as safe as possible, that the high visibility of Cedar
Pond would warrant high quality and safety. Bob Porter suggested that the
level of Cedar Pond is the biggest concern; if the level is brought up that
will help with the overall quality problem. Mr. VonDelinde noted that the
level should rise on it's own and that the healing process for this water
body will occur with time.
George Kubik commented that the ranking as presented is excellent and
looks very sound. Ted Billy , noting that the surface use criteria maximum
is 35 and none of the waterbodies are ranked at that level now, asked if
water bodies could be brought to that level. John VonDeLinde responded
that it is very difficult to obtain that level.
George Kubik moved, Wayne Sames seconded with all members voting in
favor to ratify the lakes and ponds classification priority ranking in the
order in which it was presented. George Kubik thanked John VonDeLinde for
all the work and follow through involved in taking this project to this
point. Wayne Sames also noted that the involvement of the Commission was
very beneficial and had a big impact on the results.
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Minutes of December 1, 1988 Meeting
Page 5
HUD
Director Vraa stated that Mr. Mike Doeherty is in contact with HUD and
working on the particulars for the agreement to purchase the 65 acre site.
At this point HUD is not certain if all the property will be included
because of some unresolved title issues. Part of the agreement would
provide that any judgments against the bank would go back to HUD and the
City of Eagan would not be involved in any way with them. At this time the
attorneys are waiting for the Washington office of HUD to sign off on the
agreement. We are hopeful a closing can occur yet this month. A redesign
of the site was at the meeting for Commission members to review if they
chose.
MURPHY PROPERTY
Director Vraa explained that the City will get title to MnDot property
adjacent to the Murphy property near Blackhawk Park to help with the
negotiation of an access road into the park. The surveying crew will be
establishing the legal description of the parcel so that the negotiations
with Mr. Murphy can begin soon.
PROGRAM EVALUATIONS - BETH MUNDY
Beth Mundy, interning in the Recreation Department for the past 12
weeks addressed the Commission and introduced the project she had been
assigned by the department relating to evaluating programs provided by the
City of Eagan. The activity that Beth planned and supervised as part of
her assignment from the University of Minnesota was the annual Halloween
Spook Trail. This was a very positive and educational experience for her.
Beth began by stating that 51 letters had been sent to various Parks
and Recreation Departments requesting information on their evaluation
procedures. Of the letters sent out, 27 responses were received and 3
stated they had no formal evaluations at this point.
Beth's research found that 67% of the evaluations received were
specific in nature. The general evaluations reviewed were too generic in
their content and would probably not be beneficial to programs currently
operating in the Parks and Recreation Department.
In reviewing the specific evaluations, Beth concluded that the
ultimate evaluation should be completed by the participant. In the case of
children's programs, this evaluation would need to be done by the parent
provided they had an opportunity to observe the class in action. One day
events, however, being difficult to evaluate, should be handled by an after
action report. Beth noted that it would have been helpful to have after
action reports for each special event to enable the subsequent program to
operate in an efficient and informed manner.
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Minutes of December 1, 1988 Meeting
Page 6
Chairman Carroll thanked Beth for her in-depth report and noted that
this process for evaluating programs would be invaluable to the department.
Wayne Sames suggested that a suggestion box be installed at the shelter
buildings for people to respond to the drop-in kinds of use the buildings
provide.
PARKS DEVELOPMENT
Parks Planner, Steve Sullivan updated the Commission on pending parks
development and parks projects. Thomas Lake pavilion is almost completed
with site restoration to occur in the spring. Ohmann Park was not seeded
this year, however the irrigation system was installed and the trenches
compacted, Slater Acres Park's seeding was completed, the bituminous Rahn
Road Trail was completed with the rejected 60 feet of trail to be
completed in spring. Pilot Knob hockey light poles are up and the lights
will be on soon. Heine Pond park has been graded, seeded, and the trail
bed is down. The sand blanket and bituminous work will be done in the
spring. Mooney Lake has been cleaned up but the bituminous trail is not
down as yet and the Well Site skating oval is nearing completion.
COMMUNITY CENTER UPDATE
Director Vraa stated that work is progressing very well on the
Community Center to date. Most of the Commission members were present at
the joint meeting and were given the latest details outlining the costs and
changes. A proposed philosophy statement was provided for the Commission
members for their review and recommendations. Mr.Kubik suggested that the
members take the statement with them, review it and get back together later
to review and revise as necessary. Mr. Kubik also complimented staff for
the excellent presentation they gave at the joint Council/Commission
meeting .
UNISYS TRAIL MEETING
Steve Sullivan stated that a meeting was held for the neighbors north
of the Unisys property to review the proposed trail linking Pilot Knob Park
and Quarry Park. The meeting was attended by 5 people. At this meeting it
was apparent that the residents are unclear of what the impact would be to
their properties. Some felt it would be beneficial whereas some felt this
was a negative. It appears that once the 15 foot offset is staked the
neighbors will be able to see what the actual impact of the trail would be
to their property. A second meeting will occur once the staking has been
completed so the placement of the trail is easier to visualize.
George Kubik noted that there was indeed some confusion on this issue
and once the staking is completed the residents can better assess the
situation.
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Minutes of December 1, 1988 Meeting
Page 7
WINTER PROGRAM UPDATE
Recreation Supervisor Dorothy Peterson updated the Commission on the
activities for the winter programs. Currently staff is preparing for the
winter skating/sliding season with many of the seasonal staff returning
from last year. An advertisement was run four times but the best response
to date has been word of mouth for new seasonal workers.
Flyers are being prepared for each shelter showing the scheduled
hours, rules, etc. A meeting has occurred with Eagan Hockey Association
which will have 20 teams participating this year compared with 12 from last
year. Dorothy also indicated that the space at Goat Hill is being planned
more for pleasure skaters and neighborhood hockey games.
DANIEL DRIVE TRAIL
Steve Sullivan explained that residents adjacent to a trail planned on
Daniel Drive are wanting to have the location of the trail changed from the
west side to the east side. As background, Steve noted that the idea for
the trail is for a transportation network between Diffley and Lexington to
provide access to Schwanz Lake. People north of Trapp Farm Park would be
able to go south to Trapp Farm Park on this trail. On the west side of
Daniel Trail the development provides for 2 side yards, 10-11 front yards,
3 street crossings. On the east side the development provides for 7 side
yards, 5 backyards and 4 street crossings. It is unknown what the impact
is for property on the north side of Daniel Drive, west of the 7, 5, 4
configuration.
The residents are requesting that the Advisory Parks and Recreation
Commission make a recommendation to change the development contract so that
the trail can be moved from the west side of Daniel Trail to the east side
of Daniel Trail.
Sandy Masin asked if the reason for the change of location was for
safety. Steve responded that residents are concerned about backing out
onto the trail. Wayne Sames noted that if there was going to be a
neighborhood meeting on this issue that residents on both the west and east
side should be included not only the residents petitioning for the change.
Director Vraa noted that there are 10 homesites on the west site with
7 homes already built. The Parks Department position is that the agreement
that exists is between the owners of that property and the developer and
should be settled between them without bringing the City back into the
process. Steve Sullivan stated that the first call came when the trail was
being installed; that the residents felt the bituminous trail wasn't
compatible with their homes and would prefer a sidewalk. Bob Porter stated
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Minutes of December 1, 1988 Meeting
Page 8
that the homeowners should be negotiating with Tri-Land to do a sidewalk
versus. a trail. Member Billy stated that this is a regrettable situation
but felt the City should not be caught up in the middle of a negotiation
that should take place between homeowners and developer.
Member Kubik stated that the Commission makes a good faith effort to
keep the public informed about the total trail system and felt that the
trail should be built as planned. Dick Carroll noted that the developer
had ample opportunity to request a change before this time and felt this
was a little late in the game to be making changes in the development
contract. He also stated he had no preference for this being a trail or a
sidewalk.
Bob Porter asked if there were any other sidewalks in this area to
which Steve Sullivan responded affirmatively. The sidewalk seemed to be
more compatible with the surrounding area.
After further discussion Bob Porter moved, Wayne Sames seconded with
all members voting in favor to recommend that the contract be completed per
the development agreement with the only option of choice being that of a
sidewalk or a bituminous trail for the reasons discussed above.
HAPPENINGS
Ken Vraa noted that the Santa Calling program is scheduled for
December 13, 14 and 15 and the department is still looking for volunteers.
He passed out a sampling of letters received to date from the parents.
Mr. Vraa also noted that staff has been working for some time on the
development of brochures that will be used for marketing purposes and to
date the brochure cover has been completed and was shared with Commission
members. The brochures themselves are still being worked on.
The first 6-month calendar has been delivered for distribution to
homes in Eagan. This year apartments will be covered for the first time.
SCHOOL DISTRICT 196 LIAISON
Michele Swanson brought the Commission up to date on the meetings she
has attended as liaison to School District 196. They are in the process
of goal setting with youth development set as the number one priority. The
existing and expanding latch key program would result in the school
district asking other groups that generally use the schools' facilities
after hours to no longer use them due to lack of space.
Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission
Minutes of December 1, 1988 Meeting
Page 9
With no further business to conduct, Sandy Masin moved, JoAnne Alt
seconded with all members voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The
meeting was adjourned at 9:30 P.M.
DATE 4CRETARY