01/05/1989 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF
THE ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
JANUARY 5, 1989
A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission was
called to order at 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, January 5, 1989 with the
following Commission Members present: Dick Carroll, George Kubik, JoAnne
Alt, Sandy Masin, Theodore Billy, Michele Swanson and Wayne Sames. Staff
present included Director of Parks and Recreation, Ken Vraa; Landscape
Architect/Parks Planner, Steve Sullivan; Parks Superintendent, John
VonDeLinde and Parks Secretary, Cherryl Mesko. Commission Member Bob
Porter and Recreation Supervisor, Dorothy Peterson were not present.
AGENDA
JoAnne Alt moved, Dick Carroll seconded with all Members voting in
favor to accept the agenda as presented.
MINUTES FROM DECEMBER 1, 1988 MEETING
With the omission of the Water Quality Update from the December 1
minutes, Dick Carroll moved, George Kubik seconded with all Members voting
in favor to delay approval of the December 1, 1988 minutes until the
February 2, 1989 Commission meeting.
PARK RANGER EXPLORERS PRESENTATION
John VonDeLinde recognized Chief of Police Pat Geagan and Doug Madison
for their contributions toward the successful organization of the Park
Ranger Explorers program. This month marks the second anniversary of the
Ranger program with 1988 being the first full year to reflect back on.
In January, 1987 the police department found it difficult to keep up
with all the coverage needed for the parks and found it necessary to expand
patrols in this area. The Explorer program was designed to help alleviate
some of the hours originally needed by the police department and also to
expand upon the idea of helping the youth in the community who wanted to
see first hand what a career in law enforcement could be like. In March of
1987 the idea came before the Commission and was approved resulting in
coordination between the police and park departments to set up some intense
training sessions for the Explorer volunteer wanting to participate. June,
1987 was the beginning of "on-duty" chores for the group of volunteers who
have since logged several thousand miles on the ranger cars and have been
very successful in providing good-will to the community.
The program is open to young people 14-21 years of age who are
interested in a career of crime prevention and is an extension of the Boy
Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission
Minutes of January 5, 1989 Meeting
Page 2
Scout Explorer Program. Mr. VonDeLinde noted that the young people who
have participated have provided a strong example for their peers and the
City appreciates all the efforts that have been expended in helping the
police and park department. Mr. VonDeLinde then noted that as a token of
appreciation for all their work, Chairman Dick Carroll would like to
present a plaque from the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission as a
token of their appreciation for all the work the Ranger Explorers have
accomplished.
Mr. Carroll presented the plaques to both Mr. Geagan and Mr. Madison
noting that he has had the opportunity of visiting several parks over the
last several months and has been impressed with both the maturity and level
of interpersonal communication shown by these young volunteers. He has
also received many compliments from residents surrounding the parks
expressing their appreciation for the way the parks are monitored.
Pat Geagan thanked the Commission and Parks Department staff for the
plaque noting that he didn't envision this program growing to the extent
it has. Considering the work is completely voluntary and the uniforms
donated by Northwest Airlines and Unisys the growth and dedication of this
group of young people has been far above what was expected.
Doug Madison, an advisor to the group noted that the Explorers are a
young adult division of Boy Scouts that meet twice a month to cover law
enforcement issues. Their goal is to let youth know more about a career in
law enforcement. They also participate in competitions throughout the
United States. In July of 1988 they entered a contest at Boston University
with 3300 Explorers and brought home the first place trophy in the country.
Mr. Madison introduced the four officers of the group with Gary Rutherford
acting as spokesperson. Mr. Rutherford shared some statistics with the
Commission regarding the work that has been done over the last year
including the fact that they had donated 1,873-1/2 hours to patrolling
parks. Mr. Rutherford thanked the Commission for giving them an
opportunity to explore this career opportunity.
Mr. VonDeLinde and Mr. Carroll presented each of the 18 Explorers
present with a lapel pin in appreciation for all their efforts.
COVENTRY PASS
Director Vraa explained that this project is being brought before the
Commission having had some recent changes made in the original plan. Wayne
Tower of Pioneer Engineering is now in charge of this project. The
Planning Commission has put this item on a 30 day delay pending the
determination of the location for a park on the site.
Jim Sturm, City Planner was present to outline the background of this
parcel and to bring the Commission up to date on the progress with the
Planning Commission. He reiterated the Planning Commission's decision to
delay review of this parcel because they wanted this plan to appear before
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Minutes of January 5,1989 Meeting
Page 3
the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission in order to determine the best
site for a proposed park. With United Mortgage becoming involved in this
project a new site plan was developed and both Steve Sullivan and Jim Sturm
met to review this plan with Wayne Tower. The plan is a very informal one
and Jim noted that he has only seen the preliminary plan to date. The
schedule for this project after appearing before the Advisory Parks and
Recreation Commission for consensus recommendation of a park site is that
it will then appear before the Planning Commission. Once they have
reviewed the plan it will come back to the Parks and Recreation Commission
before proceeding to the Council.
Parks Planner Steve Sullivan described the parcel as being located
east of Dodd Road approximately one-half mile north of County Road 30
within Park Service District 24 which currently has no neighborhood park.
The Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Parks System Plan has designated a
neighborhood park within this parcel. One issue for the Commission to
consider includes the acquisition of a park site within Park Service
District 24, to be within 1/2 mile of all users within the service area,
that adequate acreage be available for a neighborhood park, that the parcel
provide topography which is developmentally compatible for a neighborhood
park, that the proximity to Dodd Road and the proposed trails provide
effective pedestrian and vehicular transportation to the park and that the
parkland is adjacent to mature trees and a significant pond. Mr. Sullivan
noted that the population at buildout would be approximately 1,340 which
lies between the definition of mini-park and neighborhood park.
Issue #2 focused on the parkland site alternatives which would meet
the criteria needed for a park in this area. There were three alternatives
presented for the Commission to review. Parcel A located west of JP-23
consists of 10 acres (6.8 acres of which are developable/usable) with
slopes less than 12% and above the pond's high water level. 25% of the
users exist to the north and 75% to the south. The facility program meets
the Park Systems standards for a typical neighborhood park. This site is
close to Dodd Road so the positives and negatives need to be considered in
this site. This site does not have a lot of flexibility in grading design.
Two park supportive natural sources are the pond and the significant trees
along the steep slopes.
Parcel B located north of JP-23 consists of 10 acres (6.8 acres of
which are developable/usable) with slopes less than 12% and above the
pond's high water level. 18% of the user population exists north of the
park and 82% to the south. This alternative provides for 1500 lineal feet
of frontage along three internal streets. The facility program meets the
Park System standards for a typical neighborhood park. The park
alternative provides a strong facility layout with orderly transition to
complimentary facilities. Two park supportive natural sources are the pond
and the significant trees along the steep slopes. A looped trail around
the pond is feasible but the steep slopes would result in high development
costs. Staff recommends that a trail easement be placed around pond JP-23
to allow for future trailway considerations.
Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission
Minutes of January 5, 1989 Meeting
Page 4
Parcel C located in the southeast corner of the parcel, adjacent to
pond JP-24 consists of 14.3 acres (5.1 acres of which are
developable/usable) contains slopes less than 12% and above JP-23's high
water level. 53% of the population lies north of the park and 47% to the
south. This alternative provides 500 feet of street frontage along an
internal residential road. The facility program falls short of a
neighborhood park but exceeds the standards for a typical mini-park. Mr.
Sullivan noted that the original plan shows no soccer field on this site,
however, Wayne Tower shows a 200 x 300 soccer field on this parcel as being
possible. In this alternative, the pond becomes visually and functionally
connected to the adjacent facilities. The pond becomes a hub to an easily
assessable loop trail system and mature oaks and the south facing slope
enhances the trail and picnic area experience.
Mr. Sullivan explained that Issue #3 concerns the parkland dedication
need. Based on a total land dedication, park alternatives A and B would be
responsible for 9.76 acres of parkland dedication and park alternative C
would be responsible for 12.2 acres. Since both alternatives A and B have
approximately 6.8 acres above the high water elevation and with slopes less
than 12%, the developer would be responsible for contributing a cash
dedication balance of $29,140.23, providing no credit is given for the
pond/steep slopes. Alternative C has approximately 5.1 acres above the
high water elevation with slopes less than 12%, thus the developer would be
responsible for a cash dedication contribution of $58,932.91 providing no
credit is given for the pond/steep slopes.
Steve stated that the Commission did not have to take action on the
current proposal at this meeting because a revised proposal will be brought
before the Commission at the February meeting. The Commission should
consider (1) the parkland needs within Neighborhood Park Service Area #24
(2) the preferred park alternative and (3) park dedication conditions.
Since the Commission Members had not had an opportunity to walk this site
and look at the various park site alternatives, Mr. Sullivan shared a video
presentation of the sites in question for the Commission to review and
respond to.
Wayne Tower of Pioneer Engineering was introduced to the Commission
to make a brief presentation of the proposed plat which was shown on page
57A of the packet. Mr. Tower explained that the developer is proposing the
acceptance of Alternate C as this has the least amount of impact on
development costs, is centrally located, and the new design being presented
would show all the components for a neighborhood park as required. Mr.
Tower noted that this plan shows a total acreage of 15-1/2 acres rather
than the original acreage of 14.3 acres. Also, the road moves further west
of the boot of the lake allowing for a full soccer overlay.
Wayne Sames asked where the picnic area would be located. Mr. Tower
responded that it would be close to the play area near the boot of the lake
and perhaps also across the lake. Ted Billy asked if there would be a
Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission
Minutes of January 5, 1989 Meeting
Page 5
walking trail around the pond to which both Mr. Tower and Steve Sullivan
responded affirmatively. George Kubik asked about the debris that was left
on the site of Alternative C. Mr. Sullivan responded that this appeared to
be a drop-off for some people's farm equipment, appliances, etc. Mr. Tower
noted that the developer would take care of the clean up of this area.
George Kubik noted his concern about the cut and fill amounts and
costs to develop this park site. Perhaps the costs could be mitigated by
asking the developer to do the rough grading. Mr. Sullivan stated that if
the balance is low the City has had developers do the grading for balance
in the past and this is something that can be looked at. The grading
analysis has not been done as yet so it is difficult to say how this issue
will be resolved. Mr. Kubik reiterated that his primary concern would be
for the grading before making a recommendation on any site. His second
concern was the potential of rehabilitation of the pond; we need to be
careful to insure that this becomes a resource rather than a detriment.
Sandy Masin expressed her concern for the stability of the water in the
pond to which Steve Sullivan responded that a watershed study can be done
if the Commission desires.
• Mr. Tower responded to the grading issue by stating that once the City
provides them with a typical number for park grading, the developer would
be willing to pay for whatever the overage would be or perhaps put together
a package to do the total grading. The developer does not want formal
approval at this time but is only seeking input from the Commission. Mr.
Tower's question was if the grading and water issue can be resolved to
everyone's satisfaction is this a workable plan and location. Sandy Masin
and JoAnne Alt both indicated they were comfortable with Alternative C.
Dick Carroll stated that although being comfortable with Alternative C at
this point more information needs to be provided.
Mr. Leonard Perron, a neighboring resident asked Steve Sullivan if the
dump area or debris area was on the east side of the park. Mr. Sullivan
stated that the items he found would not negatively impact the site because
they could be removed leaving an open park area. After further
clarification of the location of some of the items that had been dumped in
this location, Mr. Perron explained that there are many buried items on the
site that is designated as a proposed park site. He further stated that
this was a dump site for many different companies and individuals. The
police department had ordered that this area be covered over to discourage
further dumping. Mr. Carroll responded that this needs to be checked
immediately since the possibility exists of toxic waste being buried. Mr.
Tower asked how extensive the dump area was and Mr. Perron wasn't sure;
again, he suggested that the police department be contacted to find out
when the area was covered over.
Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission
Minutes of January 5, 1989 Meeting
Page 6
After further discussion, Mr. Carroll noted that the location was fine
as long as the grading, pond and dump area issues are resolved. Mr. Tower
noted that the only issue the developer is looking for is a consensus
decision from the Commission that Alternative C is workable. The consensus
was given by the Commission.
TOWN CENTRE 100 7TH - FEDERAL LAND
City Planner Jim Sturm explained that this proposal has been continued
by the Planning Commission and has been rescheduled for the January 24th
meeting. Mr. Sturm noted that the issue of trails is outlined in detail in
the report by Steve Sullivan and that there are no problems anticipated.
Dick Carroll noted that the trail on the south side of the proposed
building seems steep and asked if it could be closer to the park. Mr.
Sturm responded that the trail should be field staked and Steve Sullivan
would review it once that has been completed and can make a determination
at that point.
Mr. Carroll also noted that moving the sidewalk to the west side on
the eastern property line makes sense. Mr. Vraa suggested waiting until
this proposal goes before the Planning Commission and respond to it when it
comes back before the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission in February.
George Kubik stated that the storm sewer run-off issue was one of the most
important and Mr. Sturm responded that this is an issue that will be
reviewed by the DNR.
WATER QUALITY UPDATE
John VonDeLinde brought the Commission up to date on the water quality
meeting on December 12, 1988. The formulated rankings that the Commission
recommended at their December meeting were accepted for recommendation by
the Task Force. A decision was made to have samplings done internally to
save money. The possibility exists for using the already designated Park
Representatives for the sampling process which could be a very positive
experience as well as saving approximately $16,000. The purpose of the
sampling is to create some baseline data from which to evaluate the current
conditions of these waterbodies in relation to the prescribed management
objectives.
Mr. VonDeLinde noted that a new Level 3 designation for ponds and
lakes within parks had been approved. "Wildlife ponds", formerly Level 3,
will now be shifted to Level 4. Some of the other Commission
recommendations adopted by the Task Force include upgrading Schwanz Lake
from a Level 2 to a Level 1, "Direct Contact". Burrview Pond was
downgraded from Level 1 to Level 2 and 15 former Class 6 "Stormwater
Detention" ponds were upgraded to the new Class 3 "Scenic Recreation
Wetlands".
Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission
Minutes of January 5, 1989 Meeting
Page 7
The planning process as included in the packet indicates that there
will be an opportunity in March for input from the Commission if it is
appropriate. There will be a meeting again on January 9th at 4:30 P.M.
Wayne Sames also reminded the Commission of the Joint Council/Commission
meeting that will take place on February 16th at 7:00 P.M.
George Kubik asked if there will be a finer resolution map available
like the one shown in section 2.8 once the project is completed or will
there be any aerial photography used since that scale of photography would
be beneficial to the Department in other areas. Mr. Von0eLinde wasn't sure
if aerial photography was going to be used. Wayne Sames stated that the
amount of progress made in the last two months was outstanding. The
involvement of the Commission, and specifically John VonDelinde, has
gotten this project off dead center and it is now moving in the right
direction.
PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT FOR COMMUNITY CENTER
Director Vraa presented the issue of a philosophy statement for the
Community Center. The Commission had previously requested that this be
drafted for Commission review. After positive comments regarding the
statement as it was presented, Dick Carroll moved, Ted Billy seconded with
all members voting in favor to accept the Community Center Philosophy
Statement as written.
EVERGREEN PARK
Director Vraa explained that a structure will be put over the well
being built at Evergreen Park that will create an attractive facility which
will tie into existing park buildings. This particular building will be
modeled after the Rahn Park building. The only difference will be the area
in the Rahn Building where the restrooms exist will be used for equipment
in the Evergreen Park building. This building will be block construction
with rough sawn cedar for the exterior and a skylight. There will be a
meeting with the residents to let them know about the well house location.
The roadway currently cuts across the softball field and there is some
thought to moving the backstop so that this doesn't become a problem. Dick
Carroll asked if engineering would bear the responsibility for paying for
the road and shelter and Mr. Vraa responded that it was indeed their cost
responsibility.
George Kubik commented that this was an example of good coordination
between Engineering and Parks and Recreation. He also asked if Engineering
would be putting in any trees. Ted Billy asked if there would be an area
flooded for ice skating and Ken Vraa noted that that will be considered.
Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission
Minutes of January 5, 1989 Meeting
Page 8
PARKS DEVELOPMENT
Steve Sullivan explained that the processing for the final payment of
Contract 87-1 is occurring at this time and Thomas Lake Pavilion is nearing
completion. The contractor will be requesting payment for substantial
completion, the first walk-through has been completed and the punch list
will be completed shortly.
COMMUNITY CENTER UPDATE
Director Vraa noted that everything is progressing very well with the
community center. A slide show of the building renderings has been
prepared showing the front elevation, site plan, level one, lower level
and an artist's conception of the pool. The large renderings are being
displayed at the library and will then move back to City. Hall. Smaller
copies of the drawings are bound in 3-ring notebooks for distribution to
audiences during presentations.
Rick Bertz and Tim Pawlenty are heading up the "Vote Yes" committee.
They had a good turnout at their first organizational meeting on January
4th. The City will be sending out an informational newsletter with a target
delivery of January 13th which will have floorplans, costs and background
information. Public informational meetings will be held on January 25, 26
and 28th at the Eagan Municipal Center and Commission members are
encouraged to attend.
The architects are still doing some detail work so that they can be
prepared for the possible passage of the bond referendum in order to have
architectural contracts ready to be signed in anticipation of moving on to
Phase II.
Sandy Masin asked if there have been many inquiries from the public to
date. Ken Vraa responded that he had heard from a gentleman regarding the
fitness area who suggested that the City contact a coach in Apple Valley
who has been involved in the planning and design of several fitness areas
across the country who might lend his expertise. Ken also mentioned that
it is very important that the plan get out to the public as soon as
possible so that they will be able to review and respond to the proposal.
Ted Billy asked if there had been any negatives and Mr. Vraa responded
that he had not received any, as yet, but had received a lot of very good
questions from residents. It was also mentioned that the cable coverage
would continue on Mondays at 7:00 P.M. and Wednesdays at 8:30 P.M. The
third show will cover some of the residents questions and there will be
people available to answer those questions. It was also noted that
absentee ballots are available.
Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission
Minutes of January 5, 1989 Meeting
Page 9
OTHER BUSINESS AND REPORTS
Ken Vraa reported that the Pilot Knob Park lights are up and that
there has been a problem with glare for some of the neighboring residents
which has been corrected. Six glare shields have been installed at Goat
Hill Park and there have been favorable comments from the residents
surrounding the park. It appears as though this is a successful
possibility for handling the glare at athletic sites and may become a
standard fixture on future sites.
Interviews for a Recreation Supervisor are set for January 13th and
interviews will begin shortly thereafter for the Park Operations
Supervisor.
John VonDeLinde was recently advised that he was the recipient of a
grant for continuing education. Dick Carroll congratulated John on behalf
of the Commission and noted it was a much deserved opportunity.
Wayne Sames asked what the attendance has been at the new rink at Well
Site. Mr. Vraa noted that the registration for the speed skating program
has increased to 19 this year and had just begun on Tuesday. Typically
attendance is low at a new site but steadily continues to grow, which is
what is anticipated at Well Site.
George Kubik reminded the Commission Members of the Winter Weekend
coming up in February and suggested they volunteer for some of the
activities that are planned. He will be helping with the ice drilling and
indicated it is a good time for all those that attend.
Mr. Kubik, for the record, wanted to thank and commend John VonDeLinde
for all his work and involvement in the Park Ranger Explorer program.
With no further business to conduct, Sandy Masin moved, George Kubik
seconded with all Members voting in favor to adjourn. The meeting was
adjourned at 10:00 P.M.
SECRETARY DATE