12/07/1989 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF
THE ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
DECEMBER 7, 1989
A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission was called
to order at 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, December 7, 1989 with the following Commission
Members present: Ted Billy, Sandy Masin, George Kubik, Dick Carroll, Jack Johnson and
Shawn Hunter. Staff present included Ken Vraa, Director of Parks and Recreation; Steve
Sullivan, Landscape Architect/Parks Planner; Dorothy Peterson, Recreation Supervisor;
John VonDeLinde, Parks Superintendent; Mike Ridley, Zoning Administrator/Planner I
and Cherryl Mesko, Secretary. Commission Member Michele Swanson was not present.
AGENDA
Director Vraa asked that a recommendation to the Council regarding
Commercial/Industrial Parks Dedication fees for 1990 be added to Trails Dedication Policy
under Old Business. Sandy Masin moved, Ted Billy seconded with all members voting in
favor to accept the agenda as amended.
MINUTES FROM NOVEMBER 2, 1989
Sandy Masin moved, Dick Carroll seconded with all members voting in favor to
accept the minutes as presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Dick Carroll moved, Jack Johnson seconded with all members voting in favor to
recommend to the City Council approval of the following:
BOULDER RIDGE 2ND ADDITION - NEW HORIZON HOMES. That this
parcel be subject to a cash parkland dedication and that this proposal be
responsible for an 8 foot bituminous trail along Thomas Lake and Diffley Road or,
dependent upon the policy enacted at the time of final plat, the proposal may be
subject to a cash trailway dedication.
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Ted Billy moved, Jack Johnson seconded with all members voting in favor to
recommend to the City Council approval of the following:
FRANKS NURSERY & CRAFTS ADD.- FRANKS NURSERY & CRAFT, INC.
That this proposal be subject to a cash parkland dedication and that this proposal
be responsible for the construction of a 6 foot wide concrete sidewalk along
Duckwood Drive or, dependent upon the policy enacted at the time of final plat,
the proposal may be subject to a cash trailway dedication.
Dick Carroll moved, Ted Billy seconded with all members voting in favor to
recommend to the City Council approval of the following:
DUCKWOOD SQUARE - METRO CENTER DEVELOPERS. That this proposal
be subject to a cash parkland dedication. That this proposal be responsible for the
construction of a 6 foot wide concrete sidewalk along Duckwood Drive or,
dependent upon the policy enacted at the time of final plat, the proposal may be
subject to a trailway dedication. The recommendations are made subject to the
satisfactory resolution of compliance to City landscape policy and assurance that
storm water run-off will meet the water quality requirements so as to protect Fish
Lake.
DIFFLEY/CEDAR PLANNED DEVELOPMENT
Ken Vraa explained that this item has been pulled from the Planning Commission
but because of the magnitude of the project felt it appropriate to bring it to the attention
of the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission at this time. Mr. Vraa explained that
there was not action required from the Commission at this time. He further noted that
the Commission had previously reviewed this parcel as the Splashland Planned
Development which never received final plat. The property of 44 acres is located north
of Diffley Road and west of Cedar Avenue.
The proposal requests a Comprehensive Guide Plan Amendment and rezoning from
PD to a mixed multi-family/retail land use. This will include a total of 496 units with a
combination of apartment buildings and townhomes in addition to a 100,000 sq. ft.
service/retail building. The proposed layout would utilize internal pedestrian links
providing connections between adjacent facilities, land uses and the City's trail systems.
It was noted that this proposal will come back to the Commission at a later date to
evaluate the pedestrian linkages,support recreation facilities and the park dedication
requirements.
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George Kubik asked if there were ponds on the site. Mr. Vraa's response was
positive to which Mr. Kubik suggested a possible trail around the green belt area as a
consideration.
SAND VOLLEYBALL REPORT
Director Vraa reminded the Commission of their request to research the issue of
sand volleyball courts in community and/or neighborhood parks. The issue was raised
when a resident near Kettle Park requested that one be installed in that park. Mr. Vraa
explained that some of the issues that were considered included the appropriateness of
sand volleyball courts in parks; where the courts could go; cost of installation and
maintenance; and what other communities are doing regarding this sport.
George Kubik stated that the Commission members should be aware that the
number on the bottom of page 37 which gives the cost of a quad volleyball court should
read $9,696.00 instead of $3,296.00.
Dorothy Peterson explained that staff had surveyed six communities; Burnsville,
Apple Valley, Maple Grove, Plymouth, Eden Prairie and Roseville. The information in
the packet outlines that all have courts in community parks and Apple Valley has 4 in
neighborhood parks. They do not know exactly how much they are being used however
they feel they get a lot of casual use. Four of the six communities have sand volleyball
leagues that are very active. Roseville takes reservations and charges fees for the use of
courts ($6.00/hr. in 1990).
Steve Sullivan explained what was involved in the actual construction of the courts
and the costs for doing single, double and quad courts.
George Kubik commented that it appears as though the current facilities lean
toward community parks for their location. He then asked if the City has received
requests for a sand volleyball league. Dorothy Peterson responded that each spring
sufficient requests are received to offer this as a program but in order to do so there
would be a need for two courts to begin. Mr. Kubik stated that neighborhood parks have
been very carefully and sometimes tightly planned so they may not be a viable option for
a program such as this.
Shawn Hunter asked where the original request had come from. It was noted that
Mr. Dan Smith, 2024 Vienna Lane had originated the request. Shawn asked Mr. Smith
what he was asking to be provided in Kettle Park. Mr. Smith responded that he felt
double courts for both recreation and leagues could be accommodated in this park. Steve
Sullivan commented that the parking at this site could not support recreation program use,
however it could support casual use.
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George Kubik asked which existing community parks could support this type of
programming. Mr. Sullivan responded that Blackhawk could support both parking and
use. Mr. Kubik commented that in developing a prototype for this new type of
recreational activity Blackhawk Park looks like a good possibility and reiterated his concern
for putting too much activity in existing parks. Dick Carroll commented that the
department must be careful not to infringe upon other park uses. Ken Vraa stated that
Rahn Athletic may be another option to consider. Sandy Masin suggested looking at a
double court at one or two alternative sites. Ted Billy commented that single courts may
also need to be considered.
Mr. Smith suggested that since Kettle Park has one softball, one soccer and one
hardcourt area why not also add one volleyball court Mr. Kubik indicated that it was
important to look at the impact of adding this facility to an existing park vs. placing it in
a park that can support the parking and use, i.e. a community park. He further suggested
that staff look at options for the location of this facility keeping the continuity of the
parks in mind but also understand users requests.
After further discussion George Kubik moved, Dick Carroll seconded with all
members voting in favor to recommend that staff develop four or five alternatives for
single and double sand volleyball courts making sure these alternatives are consistent with
each park's integrity; i.e. parking, traffic flow, etc.
Jack Johnson asked if this is something that could be up and running for spring,
1990. Mr. Vraa explained that this could be possible since the Commission is beginning
to review alternatives.
In discussing the issue of a skating area at Kettle Park George Kubik asked staff
to do a feasibility study on providing an ice surface which the residents would maintain.
Mr. Smith indicated he would stay in contact with staff and talk to residents to see if they
were open to this idea.
HIGHVIEW PARK ADDITION
Ken Vraa explained that Highview Park Addition is a 3 lot subdivision located
north of Highview Park. The Commission's recommendation for a cash parkland
dedication and trail easement from Highview Avenue to Highview Park betweens Lots 1
and 2 of Block 1 was inadvertently not included in the Council's approval of this plat.
Since the final plat was not received within the allotted time frame this issue came back
before the Council for an extension. The proponent, who did not attend the initial
Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, was informed of the trail easement
at the City Council meeting for the extension.
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Staff received a letter from the owner of the subject parcel expressing opposition
to the recommendation for a trail easement within the property to Highview Park. After
re-evaluation of the future road alignment from Highview Terrace to Skyline Road,
Engineering determined that this would be a viable option. The Highview Terrace Road
improvement would be recommended at the time of subdivision of the adjacent Delosh
property. Therefore, the northern portion of the Park Service Area would have both
pedestrian and vehicular access to Highview Park thus eliminating the need for a trail
easement through Highview Park Addition.
Gloria Fritz was present at the meeting representing the owners of the affected lots
outlining the objections that were covered in a letter dated November 20, 1989 to Jim
Sturm. George Kubik thanked Ms. Fritz for attending and making the position of the lot
owners clear. He also noted that it appears that the 20 foot easement is of little use at
this time.
After further discussion George Kubik moved, Shawn Hunter seconded with all
members voting in favor to omit the Commission's previous recommendation for a trail
easement for Highview Park Addition.
WATER QUALITY/CLEAN WATER PARTNERSHIP GRANT
John VonDeLinde explained that the water quality update in the packet covered
three areas; Water Quality Planning, Comprehensive Storm Sewer Plan and Clean Water
Partnership Grant. This is the culmination of many months of work. It is anticipated that
the final review of the Comprehensive Water Quality Plan will be completed in early
January, 1990 followed by a meeting with the Developers Task Force and then back to
the Commission before being scheduled for the City Council's review.
One of the pending issues yet to be resolved deals with the formulation of a policy
requiring developers to mitigate negative impacts to water quality as a result of land use
changes and increased runoff. A second issue was the establishment of market values in
connection with various land-use classifications. The Task Force has decided to adopt the
land use values currently being used by the Park and Recreation Commission for park
dedication fees. The third issue deals with the design of mitigation formulas and the
method by which they should be presented to the developers. Lastly, the establishment
of a long-range capital improvements program as part of the water quality plan is seen
as an important need. The subcommittee on Water Quality will need to reconvene again
in late January to discuss this last item more in detail.
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John commented that the Comprehensive Storm Sewer Plan is being worked on by
Bonestroo, Rosene, Anderlik and Associates and a draft revision has been provided to the
city for review. John VonDeLinde and Steve Sullivan will be involved in this portion
looking at future ponding, high water level issues, park facilities and trees that will need
to be considered.
Recently the city was informed that it has been programmed to receive a grant
under the Clean Water Partnership Grants Program in the amount of $26,000 which will
begin in fiscal year 1990. The city will need to contribute $26,000 in matching funds all
of which (except for $3,600) will be made up through in-kind contributions from the
Dakota Soil and Water District Gun Club Lake WMO, Hennepin Parks Water Quality
Planner and through force account labor via the city's water sampling program. In
addition, Eagan will be securing approximately $10,000 worth of monitoring equipment
which can be used in future diagnostic studies elsewhere in the city.
George Kubik congratulated John on a job well done. He asked to have another
volunteer for the Water Quality Subcommittee which will meet to review the Storm Water
Plan and may become more involved in the whole issue of water quality. Jack Johnson
and Shawn Hunter volunteered to serve on the subcommittee until appointments are made
at the February organizational meeting. George Kubik offered to serve as an alternate.
TRAILS DEDICATION POLICY
Ken Vraa explained that the packet contained information pertaining to this issue.
As background he noted that at the direction of the City's Assessment Committee City
Staff had prepared a draft proposal for the establishment of a separate Trails Dedication
Ordinance. This proposal would separate the existing Parks Dedication Ordinance into
two separate and different ordinances; one for trails and one for parks. The Advisory
Planning Commission, after a public hearing, approved the proposed ordinance after which
the Council directed this item be reviewed by the Developer's Task Force. This item is
now back to the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission for review and possible
resolution of differences between what is proposed and the comments of the Developers
Task Force.
The Developer Task Force was not necessarily opposed to a trails dedication fee
but felt it should be part of the total dedication fee rather than a separate fee which
appears as an "impact" fee to them. Another concern the DTF expressed was inequity
of having undeveloped property pay for the construction of trails where development had
already occurred. It is estimated that between 16.5 and 20 miles of trails are proposed
along property already platted or developed. Still another concern was the increase of
$100 per unit for apartments.
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Mr. Vraa noted that the Assessment Committee was in favor of a separate trails
dedication fee and fund which would provide for trails to be built in a timely and
appropriate sequence. Several alternatives for the Commission to consider include
recommending the implementation of a separate park and trail dedication; leave the
dedication policy as is; modify the existing ordinance requiring a cash dedication for trails.
Developers would no longer be required to install trails themselves, unless the trails are
along privately constructed street in which case a cash dedication would be required but
a reimbursement by the City to the developer would be made for the construction of the
trail based on a lineal foot measurement; recommend a combination of these policies or
propose a alternative not yet reviewed. Mr. Vraa reminded the Commission that a copy
of the draft dedication policy was included in their packet for their review.
Shawn Hunter commented that it is clear that this is an impact fee but felt it was
appropriate to spread the costs among developers. The DTF may feel an inequity in the
$100 increase between single family and apartments but trails are used equally by
apartment dwellers and single home dwellers, therefore the costs should be split equally.
George Kubik commented that in looking at the overall picture of trails construction
it makes sense to collect the trails fees up front in order to set priorities for construction
as well as taking advantage of some cost savings in doing a larger section of trail(s) at one
time. George asked if this ordinance would be able to be reviewed annually feeling that
this would be a very important component to monitor the cost increases inherent with trail
construction. Mr. Vraa stated that these fees would be reviewed annually just as the park
dedication fees are reviewed with any increase recommended to the Council.
After further discussion Shawn Hunter moved, George Kubik seconded with all
members voting in favor to recommend the adoption of the Trails Dedication Policy
Ordinance which would require a cash donation of $100 per dwelling unit for residential
dwelling units and $859 per acre for commercial/industrial/public facility designation.
COMMERCIAL /INDUSTRIAL PARK DEDICATION FEES
Ken Vraa reminded the Commission that it reviewed the park dedication issue last
month and made recommendations for all fees except commercial/industrial. He noted
that currently we charge $.05/sq. ft. or $2178/acre.
Sandy Masin expressed some concern for the large increases that have been
approved for parks dedication fees. One concern was the increase in single family fees plus
the trails fee in addition to that. Ken Vraa explained that single family dedication fee
with both the parks and trails dedication fees of $784/unit reflects a $17,500/acre land
value.
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After comparing fees charged by other communities in the Twin Cities area Dick
Carroll commented that with the addition of $859/acre for trails dedication the per acre
cost increased to $3,037/acre. He suggested that if the commercial/industrial rate was
increased to $.055/sq. ft an additional cost of $215-220/acre would put the total
commercial/industrial rate at approximately $3252-3257/acre. Shawn Hunter stated he felt
this was too high a fee and suggested keeping the commercial/industrial rate the same as
1989. George Kubik and Dick Carroll expressed their concern for the large amount of
impervious surface inherent with commercial/industrial development and felt the cost
increase was appropriate.
After further discussion, Dick Carroll moved to recommend the increase in
commercial//industrial park dedication fee for 1990 to $.055/square foot. George Kubik
seconded the motion and the motion passed on a vote of 5 to 1.
1990 PARK GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Director Vraa explained that pages 62 through 65 in the packet outlined the
priorities for 1990. He stated that staff usually bites off more than they can chew but it
was important to provide many options and possibilities. The list is prioritized by letter
and number. He also noted that the primary task goals are not necessarily in priority
order, merely a recap of what is anticipated for the year. Shawn Hunter asked how the
priorities change. George Kubik commented that typically this list is used as a guide, a
very ambitious one, with priorities changing as the year progresses. George suggested
placing a high priority on Blackhawk Park
Ken Vraa explained that the acquisition of access to Blackhawk Park with Leo
Murphy is close to being resolved. He also stated that a grant extension for Blackhawk
would need to be accomplished but should not pose a problem.
Shawn Hunter suggested adding sand volleyball courts as item #38 and putting a
high priority on item #13, comprehensive boulevard planting master plan.
LANDSCAPE POLICY - PART II
Ken Vraa explained that John Voss has been recovering from a heart attack and
will be meeting with Dale Runkle soon to get back on track with this issue.
PARKS DEVELOPMENT
Steve Sullivan updated the Commission of pending contracts. Under Contract 89-
23 the trail is cleared at Thomas Lake. Under Contract 89-20 Bridle Ridge hockey rinks
are completed with Dakota Electric to hook up service shortly. Parking lot lighting at
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Ohmann and Thomas Lake Park are waiting for the completion of wiring. The Well Site
building is completed and contracts have been let for the architectural work for Ohmann,
Northview, Bridle Ridge and Blackhawk shelter buildings.
HAPPENINGS
Dorothy Peterson stated that volunteers are still needed for North Pole Calling.
Notices were sent to kindergarten and first grade parents so Santa could call their children
at home. To date the department has received approximately 360 letters.
Dorothy also commented that the Kids Day Out event after Thanksgiving worked
out very well giving parents an opportunity to do some shopping while their children
participate in some fun activities.
Interviews for rink staff have been completed and Jon Oyanagi feels he is in good
shape with staff this season. Training will be December 15th with rinks planned to open
on December 16. Also broomball teams are registered with 10 teams on the Sunday
men's league and 7 teams on the Monday men's league. Co-Rec Friday league is full.
MAINTENANCE REPORT
John VonDeLinde explained that a detailed report on maintenance and the winter
maintenance plan was included in the packet for Commission review. As an overview he
stated that base flooding started this week with Well Site to have a good skating surface
soon. Once the sites are open, regular maintenance will commence and Saturday morning
maintenance will continue.
WINTER PROGRAM ACTIVITIES
Dorothy Peterson brought the Commission's attention to the winter edition of
"Eagan News" outlining the winter recreation offerings. Dorothy stated that judge is
needed for the Decorate Eagan Contest offered by the Chronicle and City of Eagan.
Shawn Hunter volunteered to help judge. Judges are also needed for the Snow Sculpture
Contest which will be held during the Winter Weekend activities. February 4th is when
the actual judging will occur.
Dorothy also indicated that Winter Recreation Leaders are offered $4.50 per hour
plus a bonus of $.50 per hour for people successfully finishing the season. Staff anticipates
large numbers at Trapp Farm tubing hill (provided there is sufficient snow) and are
encouraging large groups to call prior to showing up so that adequate staff will be
available and prepared. Other offerings include school vacation week activities, speed
skating meet during the Winter Weekend and boot hockey tournament during Winter
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Weekend, and a new Kindermusik program. Staff is also very pleased to be able to use
Dakota Hills Elementary gym for programs this winter.
TRAPP FARM PARK UPDATE
Ken Vraa explained that the Council has suggested that staff do a land swap using
excess property (6 lots) near Daniel Drive and Diffley, 1/4 mile east of Lexington and
Diffley for the lots adjacent to Trapp Farm Park. He also noted that a petition had been
given to the City Council supporting the purchase of lots to maintain the integrity of
Trapp Farm Park. Mr. Vraa stated that no action is necessary at this time. Staff is
waiting for information from the developer but the lots in question are being withheld
from the market.
WESCOTT STATION PARK/WEST PUBLISHING
Ken Vraa stated that this issue continues to be reviewed by staff with approximately
95% of the department's concerns having been addressed. Staff indicates that West
Publishing has been very cooperative in working out any concerns that have been raised.
With no further business to conduct, Sandy Masin moved, Dick Carroll seconded
with all members voting in favor to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 10:25 P.M.
SECRETARY DATE