08/03/1989 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF
THE ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
AUGUST 3, 1989
A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission was
called to order at 7:35 P.M. on Thursday, August 3, 1989 with the following
Commission Members present: Ted Billy, George Kubik, Jack Johnson, Michele
Swanson, and Dick Carroll. Staff present included Ken Vraa, Director of Parks
and Recreation; Steve Sullivan, Landscape Architect/Parks Planner; Dorothy
Peterson, Recreation Supervisor; John VonDeLinde, Parks Superintendent, Tom
Schuster, City Forester; Cathy Dybiek, Intern; and Cherryl Mesko, Secretary.
Commission members not present included Shawn Hunter and Sandy Masin.
MINUTES FROM JULY 6, 1989
Page 11, Paragraph 1 was changed to read "George Kubik asked if a porch
swing would be installed.....". Page 8, Paragraph 5, last sentence was changed
to read "....each Commission member maintaining their own book." Ted Billy
moved, Michele Swanson seconded, with all members voting in favor to accept the
minutes of July 6, 1989 as amended.
CONSENT AGENDA
Dick Carroll moved, Ted Billy seconded with all members voting in favor
to recommend to the City Council approval of the following:
1. WEST PUBLISHING 3RD ADDITION. That this parcel has previously
fulfilled its parkland dedication requirement as a condition of the
Gopher Eagan Planned Development. That this proposal be subject to
a cash trailway dedication dependent upon the code requirement at
the time of final plat.
2. PEACEFUL HEIGHTS 2ND ADDITION. That this proposal would not be
subject to a cash parkland dedication, however, any future change
in zoning from the Public Facilities designation would require a cash
parkland dedication. That this proposal be subject to a cash
trailway dedication dependent upon the code requirement at the time
of final plat.
3. KENNEALY ADDITION. That this proposal be subject to a cash parkland
dedication and that it also be subject to a cash trailway dedication
dependent upon the code requirement at the time of final plat.
4. EAGAN EVANGELICAL COVENANT CHURCH. That this parcel would not be
subject to a cash parkland dedication, however, any future change
in zoning from the Public Facilities designation would require a cash
parkland dedication. That this proposal be subject to a cash
trailway dedication dependent upon the code requirement at the time
of final plat.
ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Minutes of August 3, 1989 Meeting
Page 2
5. TRANBY IST ADDITION - MED-IRAN, INC. That this proposal be subject
to a cash parkland dedication and that it also be subject to a cash
trai7way dedication dependent upon the code requirement at the time
of final plat.
6. EAGAN CENTER 4TH ADDITION.
a. That this proposal be subject to a cash parkland dedication
according to the Lexington South Planned Development agreement.
b. That the developer be responsible for the construction of an
8 foot bituminous trail from Daniel Drive along the north/south
highline easement to the east/west highline corridor according
to City Council's action taken for the Daniel Trail issue.
c. The developer install an 8 foot bituminous trail along the
south side of future Lexington Point Parkway, or a cash
trailway dedication dependent upon the code requirement at the
time of final plat.
d. The developer install an 8 foot bituminous trail along the east
side of Lexington Avenue and the south side of Diffley Road
or a cash trailway dedication dependent upon the code
requirement at the time of final plat.
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
Mr. Vraa explained there were no new development proposals for the
Commission to review.
WATER QUALITY
Ken Vraa explained that there was no action required on this item as
detailed on pages 15-19 in the packet.
John VonDeLinde explained that the Water Quality update was provided to
keep the Commission abreast of recent changes and progress related to the
planning effort. It also raises the issue of long-term management of the program
and the role of the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission in that capacity.
The three programs outlined in the water quality testing portion of the memo
include a "Technical Grant" to the city, for in-depth sampling and analysis of
Thomas Lake; a volunteer Secchi Disk sampling program and a Water Quality
management study.
The Storm Water System Plan update is being conducted by Bonestroo and
Associates with the support of the Parks Department and the Engineering
Department. This study will review storm water management within each of the
city's ten subwatershed districts. The majority of the focus is on the transport
and storage of water volumes and there is a close relationship that must be
established with the needs for preserving and enhancing water quality.
ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Minutes of August 3, 1989 Meeting
Page 3
Mr. VonDeLinde explained that at this time the Water Quality Management
Plan has 8 chapters completed with 2 left to be done. One of the major issues
to be resolved is what policy would be set for new developments and how would
past developments provide for equal water quality to pre-development
requirements.
George Kubik commented that there was a great deal of work done recently
on this issue but the question that still remains is what will the role of the
Commission be in regard to the Water Quality Management Policy.
Dick Carroll commented that the ideal setup would be for developers to
provide a holding pond within their own development rather have it run off to
the first available holding pond. Depending upon the size of the development,
there may not be room to accommodate a holding pond and in that case there maybe
a need to collect dollars for a holding pond off the property before it goes into
any of the lakes. These issues may be beyond this Commission's realm because
of the possibility of legal ramifications. He further stated that no other
bodies within the city have taken as strong an interest in this issue as the
Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission. This Commission seems to have the
interest and should share the responsibility if they want to see decent lakes
and water bodies.
George Kubik stated that the study is magnificent but there is a need for
pulling together other areas such as water quality, erosion control and
reforestation. Perhaps a special meeting would be a better vehicle to tie some
of these issues together. Jack Johnson commented that he too felt there were
too many questions that needed to be answered on this issue and that a separate
meeting to discuss them would be appropriate and more beneficial.
George Kubik asked what other cities do regarding a resource management
group. Mr. Vraa responded that some communities have expanded to a Parks,
Recreation and Natural Resource Commission where other areas have done a separate
Natural Resource Commission. He questioned if this belongs within the Advisory
Parks and Recreation Commission but with a cautious step. John VonDeLinde
explained that the original thought was to have the Task Force for approximately
two years and then to turn the results over to a group to facilitate. Mr.
VonDeLinde felt the Commission needed to be cautious in the approach to this
issue. He also felt that it was important to have a compliment of people from
Parks, Engineering, Planning and outside consultants to get a full picture.
Ken Vraa stated that the Council will be very interested in hearing the
Commission's response and feedback on this issue. George Kubik stated that it
would be beneficial for Commission members to attend the Water Quality meeting.
He asked Dick Carroll to act as liaison with the Water Quality group. He also
asked staff to see what other communities are doing on this issue and what the
budget ramifications are. Also to see what county and private concerns should
be contacted for their input.
ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Minutes of August 3, 1989 Meeting
Page 4
CLEAN WATER PARTNERSHIP GRANT
John VonDeLinde explained that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has
a program to identify, research and determine methods by which non-point sources
of pollution can be treated to improve the quality of lakes in Minnesota. They
are also offering technical assistance to grantees to aid with research,
monitoring and capital improvement programs. The program is intended to deal
with three broad categories of water quality issues; ground water, streams and
lakes. The grant applications for lakes can focus on a single water body, a
series of lakes or an entire watershed.
Phase I of the application involves a diagnostic study. Once that study
has been completed, an application can be submitted for Phase II of the grant.
There is presently $1.3 million available for the program in fiscal year 1990.
Based on last year's experience, about 509 of the applicants were successful in
receiving funds for a diagnostic study. Mr. VonDeLinde explained that the
matching funds for the study could be derived from the City's Storm Sewer
Enterprise Fund.
With Phase I grant applications due by August 30th it is appropriate for
the Commission to make a recommendation at this time. Mr. VonDeLinde explained
that Rich Pelletier would like to take this grant writing project on as part of
his undergraduate work. They are looking at Schwanz Lake as the recipient of
this grant because it has been upgraded to a "Direct Contact" lake and has been
given a #4 ranking in the Water Quality Study action program. A17 of these
factors make Schwantz Lake the most appropriate selection.
George Kubik commented that staff has proven their expertise in grant
writing and suggested going ahead with the application.
Dick Carroll moved, George Kubik seconded with all members voting in favor
to recommend to the City Council, support and authorization to proceed with a
diagnostic study of Schwanz Lake through the Minnesota Pollution control Agency's
Clean Water Partnership Grants Program.
PRESENTATION ON PRAIRIES AND MANAGEMENT
John VonDeLinde reminded the Commission that they had requested information
on prairies and management at the July meeting. Cathy Dybiek was introduced to
present a slide presentation and report on prairies.
Cathy began her presentation by defining prairies as extensive rolling
areas of grassland or meadow. She noted that there are three classifications
of prairies; upland, midland (similar to that of Thomas Lake), and lowland.
Cathy shared slides of native prairie flowers such as Butterfly Weed, Goldenrod
and Aster, all of which are existing in Thomas Lake Park.
Management of prairies follows the path of Mother Nature. The controlled
burn of a prairie allows the nutrients to go back to the soil for regeneration
of the prairie. If the growth is not stopped, reforestation begins, thus the
ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Minutes of August 3, 1989 Meeting
Page 5
need for regular controlled burns. Another management option would be to
introduce plants compatible to the prairie. Cathy continued with her visual
presentation describing the slides of the controlled burn that was done at Thomas
Lake Park last year. The regeneration process was very quick and the prairie
continues to thrive.
George Kubik thanked Cathy for the very informative, in-depth report. He
also asked if the local schools are aware of the learning opportunities available
at Thomas Lake Park and if not, they should be notified. Jack Johnson stated
he would like to see signs to identify the various plant life in Thomas Lake
Park to make people more aware of their surroundings.
FORESTRY REPORT ON OAK WILT AND DUTCH ELM DISEASE
John VonDeLinde introduced Tom Schuster, who had been asked to speak to
the Commission about Oak Wilt and Dutch Elm disease in the City of Eagan.
Tom Schuster explained that Dutch Elm disease was first becoming a problem
in the mid-30's and by the 70's it had become such a problem in the city that
it resulted in the shade tree disease program. The program required cities to
identify and order the removal of trees with Dutch Elm disease. In order to
reduce the affects of Dutch Elm disease, the trees needed to be cut down and the
bark removed.
Oak Wilt on the other had is aggravated by development. Red Oaks and Pin
Oaks are most susceptible whereas Bur Oaks are more resilient. The problems that
are being seen now with Oak Wilt will continue to be a problem because of the
large amount of development that has been and will continue to occur within the
city. Oak Wilt is much more difficult to control because the disease is spread
through the root system. There is some progress being made in the area of root
graft barriers so that diseased roots won't spread to new growth and destroy
those trees.
Tom further explained that he spends a large portion of his day diagnosing
tree diseases for residents. Other sources for residents are the DNR, the
Department of Agriculture and the University of Minnesota.
John VonDeLinde asked Tom to comment on the effects of the drought of last
summer. Tom stated that a fair amount of new trees from last year had been lost.
The newest parks had approximately 10% loss where the older parks were at 7-8%.
He further stated that the affects of the drought will be more evident on larger
trees over the next few years. A lot will depend upon the kind of weather we
see over the next few years.
George Kubik thanked Tom for his very informative presentation. Ken Vraa
commented that the department is very fortunate to have people like Cathy Dybiek
and Tom Schuster working for them. Their knowledge and expertise in these areas
continues to be a valuable asset to the Parks Department.
ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Minutes of August 3, 1989 Meeting
Page 6
TRAIL DEDICATION POLICY REVIEW
Ken Vraa explained that the proposed trails dedication has been reviewed
by the Planning Commission and will go on to the Council after it has been
reviewed by developers. The new policy would create a new separate park
trail/city trail dedication. Developers have been required to build trails as
recommended in the past. An inequity that occurs with this procedures is that
one developer may have a corner lot which requires two trails to be installed
whereas on the other side of the street there may not be a need for a trail at
all. In trying to achieve equity for developers and consistency for trails
construction it is felt that this is the best compromise.
The calculated estimated miles of trails remaining to be constructed is
approximately 62 and the estimated cost for construction is approximately $10.50
per lineal foot using today's dollar estimate. Community Development has spread
the costs among the remaining commercial/residential areas which calculates to
$100 per residential unit and $859 per net developable commercial acre. The way
the policy is set up is that the dollar amounts can be changed yearly by a
resolution similar to that of the Parks Dedication Fee.
George Kubik suggested that the review of the trail dedication take place
annually when the parks dedication fees are being reviewed.
After further discussion, George Kubik moved, Dick Carroll seconded with
all members voting in favor to recommend to the City Council adoption of the
Trail Dedication Policy to allow for a separate trails dedication fee.
PARK DEVELOPMENT
Steve Sullivan updated the Commission on the tennis courts and softball
field construction at Northview Park. He noted that the first payment request
of $90,000 had been submitted and that the Highview and Country Home tennis court
color coating was completed. He also noted that the bituminous work on the 11
tennis courts would be done next week if all goes well. There was a need to let
the site dry for 3 weeks because of the wet soils that were discovered on a
portion of the site.
Steve also noted that the contracts for parking lot lighting at Thomas Lake
and Ohmann will be ready soon. The Bridle Ridge neighborhood meeting has been
scheduled for August 17.
HAPPENINGS
George Kubik commented on the impressive happenings this month including
the MRPA Citation Award for park shelter buildings. He also brought attention
to the fact that the flag poles are up and are a welcome addition to the athletic
sites. This is an indication of the great support we are seeing from companies
in the recent past to help embellish the park facilities.
ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Minutes of August 3, 1989 Meeting
Page 7
Mr. Kubik asked Dorothy Peterson to elaborate on some of the fall program
offerings that will be beginning soon. Dorothy explained that calls are already
coming in requesting information on the various programs but that it would be
3-4 weeks before all of the programming is in place for publication. She did
indicate some of the things to look for this fall included a Turkey Tournament,
Timberwolves/takers game, World's Largest Leaf Pile as some possible options for
fall activities.
Ken Vraa brought the Commission's attention to the letter in the packet
from Wayne Sames wherein he tendered his resignation from the Commission. Mr.
Vraa noted that his absence will be a big loss for the Commission and he will
be missed. Mr. Kubik commented that Wayne's resignation speaks very highly of
his integrity in that his resignation is based on his feeling of potential
conflict of interest in working with grants that the City of Eagan is applying
for. Ken Vraa stated that staff would order an appreciation placque to thank
Wayne for his contributions and the Commission could present it to him at the
next meeting.
John VonDeLinde wanted the public to be aware that the grant application
for the Lexington/Diffley site will be submitted to the state shortly. The
application will go before the Council on August 15, 1989 before it is submitted
to the state.
With no further business to conduct Dick Carroll moved, Jack Johnson
seconded with all members voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting
was adjourned at 9:25 P.M.
Secretary D