07/12/1990 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING GO
THE ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
JULY 12, 1990
A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission was called
to order at 7:40 P.M. on Thursday, July 12, 1990 with the following Commission Members
present: Dick Carroll, Shawn Hunter, Michele Swanson, John Griggs, George Kubik, and
Ted Billy. Staff present included Ken Vraa, Director of Parks and Recreation; Stephen
Sullivan, Landscape Architect/Parks Planner; Dorothy Peterson, Recreation Supervisor II;
John VonDeLinde, Parks Superintendent; Walter Landgrebe, Recreation Intern and
Cherryl Mesko, Secretary. Commission Member Jack Johnson was not present.
AGENDA
Ken Vraa stated that there would be residents from Shale Lane adjacent to Rahn
Athletic Fields present to address the Commission regarding their concerns with adult
softball. George Kubik noted that the residents would be slotted into the agenda when
they arrived.
Michele Swanson moved, Dick Carroll seconded with all members voting in favor
to accept the agenda as amended.
MINUTES FROM JUNE 7, 1990
Ted Billy moved, Dick Carroll seconded with all members voting in favor to accept
the minutes as presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
George Kubik moved, Ted Billy seconded with all members voting in favor to
make the following recommendations to the City Council.
TRINITY LONE OAK CHURCH ADDITION. That this proposal be subject to
a cash trail dedication and would not be subject to a cash parkland dedication. Any
future change in zoning from the Public Facilities designation would require a cash
parkland dedication.
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John Griggs moved, Michele Swanson seconded with all members voting in favor
to make the following recommendations to the City Council.
GALAXIE CLIFF PLAZA 2ND ADDITION. That this proposal be subject to a
cash parkland dedication and that the Galaxie Cliff Planned Development is
responsible for installing an 8 foot bituminous trail on the west side of Galaxy
Avenue. This previously approved and pending trails obligation will fulfill the trails
dedication requirement for the proposal.
COVENTRY PASS 3RD ADDITION
Stephen Sullivan explained that the Commission had previously reviewed this
proposal in January of 1989 as Coventry Pass Addition for the preliminary plat of 227
lots on 122 acres. The parks dedication included parkland, pond credit, slope credit, and
a cash balance with the platting of the 142nd and all additional lots. The current proposal
before the Commission is for the preliminary plat of 50 lots on 19.8 acres.
After further discussion Shawn Hunter moved to accept staff's recommendation for
parkland dedication. John Griggs amended the motion to state that the parkland
dedication would include Exhibit D. George Kubik further amended the motion to
recommend that the proposal be subject to a cash trail dedication. Dick Carroll seconded
the amended motion with all members voting in favor.
A clarification of "Exhibit E - Conditions of Parkland Dedication" included: 1) The
developer shall be responsible for paying a cash parks dedication at the final platting of
the 142nd lot and all future lots within the Coventry Pass subdivision. 2) The developer
provide a parkland dedication according to the parcel configuration depicted on the park
development plan provided by the City dated 6/7/89 and reflected by the Coventry Pas 1st
Addition plat. The 15.726 acre parcel is equivalent to 5.1 acres of parkland dedication.
3) The developer shall be responsible for the common excavation, clear grubbing
subgrade correction, topsoil placement and fine grading of the entire park according to the
park development plan provided by the City dated 6/7/89. 4) The City of Eagan will pay
the developer $8,720.45 for the grading of the park according to the park development
plan provided by the City dated 6/7/89. 5) The developer shall receive a cash parkland
credit at 50% for ponding equivalent to 1.53 parkland acres. The developer shall receive
a cash parkland credit at 20% for steep slopes equivalent to 1.10 parkland acres. 6) The
developer shall install an 8 foot bituminous trail within the outlot located between Country
View Drive and Prairie Ridge Road. 7) The developer shall be responsible for any
correction of the buried debris providing a quality parkland condition approved and
deemed appropriate by the City. 8) An 8 foot bituminous trail be placed along Dodd
Road (This is proposed to occur with the upgrading of Dodd Road.)
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BURRVIEW PONDS ADDITION
Stephen Sullivan explained that this proposal is for a preliminary plat for two
apartment buildings located north of Chapel Lane and south of Hwy #55. Based on the
standard parkland dedication fees this development would be responsible for $71,280 in
park dedication fees and $13,200 for trails dedication fees. The developer would like to
fulfill its dedication through a parkland contribution including facility development of a vita
par course, trail and public parking area. The parcel is within PSA #12S which is served
by Bur Oaks Park however, as a result of the parcel's location, there is not direct
pedestrian access to Bur Oaks Park. Steve stated that the two primary issues for the
Commission to review include how this parcel would be served as well as how to deal with
the developer's request for parkland dedication rather than cash dedication.
Steve stated that Bur Oaks Park does have some pending facilities to be developed
such as playground and trails. With the development of Bur Oaks South, the playground
may be place in the next year or two.
George Kubik asked where the vita par course would be located to which Ken Vraa
responded to the east and south of the buildings. Dick Carroll commented that direct
access to a park needs to be provided to the people living within this tract. Shawn Hunter
asked who owned the land between Burrview Ponds Addition and Bur Oaks Park to which
Ken Vraa responded it was a developed single family area and in order to gain access to
the park permission would need to be received from two property owners to provide
access from the southeast. Dick Carroll reiterated the necessity to try to provide access
for these residents. Shawn Hunter noting that the park dedication area was .6 acres asked
where this park area would go within the development. Steve Sullivan stated the
interpretation is that it needs to go in as flat an open space as possible with access. Ken
Vraa added that by not providing access to the public this would then become a private
park for this development only. The consensus of the Commission was that there be a
preference for cash dedication, that a trail access be identified and that this development
include a tot lot with review of the entire proposal at a later date.
OAKS OF BRIDGEWATER
Stephen Sullivan explained that an application had been submitted requesting the
preliminary plat of 59 single family lots and three outlots on 37.4 acres.located south of
Wescott Road, west of Elrene Road, east of Bald Lake, north of Bridle Ridge 1st
Addition. This parcel fulfilled its parks dedication with the land contribution of Bridle
Ridge Park, several green spaces and a cash contribution for parkland development. The
developer has requested that storm water be conveyed away from Bald Lake and into a
proposed pond on parkland property and that the parkland dedication occur with the
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of the project and not the final plat. The Commission was asked to review what the parks
dedication requirement should be, what the trails dedication requirement should be and
what the impact would be to the parkland with the proposed pond.
Steve noted that after the City Attorney had reviewed this proposal relative to trails
dedication requirement no trails dedication is necessary. The developer is required to
place an 8' bituminous trail within Outlot A, Bridle Ridge 1st Addition to provide
maintenance access to a sanitary sewer manhole within Lot 12. At the last Commission
review of this issue the developer proposed to convey 50% of the storm water into Bald
Lake and provide a cash contribution to the Water Quality Fund. Since that time the
developer has been working with City staff to convey all storm water away from Bald Lake
to a pond area south of the development within adjacent parkland. This conveyance
minimizes negative water quality impact from the proposed development. Developer has
agreed to grade a trail pad around the proposed pond assuring an alignment above the
high water level. Steve explained that staff does not typically promote conveyance of
storm water to parkland, however in this case Bald Lake water quality is protected,
therefore enhancing future use and parkland facility development.
After further discussion Dick Carroll moved, John Griggs seconded with all
members voting in favor to approve the following three recommendations:
1. The developer dedicates to the City of Eagan a land contribution of Outlot
C with the second phase of development. This dedication shall occur no
later than September 1, 1991.
2. The developer shall install a storm water pond within Outlot E, Bridle Ridge
2nd Addition. The developer shall grade a 10 foot wide trail pad from
Outlot A, Bridle Ridge 1st Addition around and along the south side of the
proposed pond. The developer shall restore the disturbed area within the
park with the mixed height mesic prairie mix according to Parks and
Recreation Department standard specifications. The Parks and Recreation
Department shall review and approve all construction plans prior to
implementation.
3. No credit shall be given to the developer for the installation of the
bituminous utility access.
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WEATHER RELATED REFUND POLICIES
Director Vraa explained that the report is based on concern regarding events being
weathered out and the necessity of issuing a refund in that instance. Currently the policy
is to charge a $35 half-day or $50 full-day fee plus a $100 damage deposit for all shelter
and pavilion buildings. The fee is minimal and comparable to other communities. The
question that arises is "What is inclement weather and who sets the standard for that
decision.
George Kubik asked what other communities do on this issue. Mr. Vraa responded
that some do offer an alternate date in the event of inclement weather but very few offer
a refund. Ted Billy questioned how many times this issue has been raised to which Mr.
Vraa responded very few. Ted Billy stated it appears the refund policy is not an issue and
George Kubik suggested recommending the continuance of the existing policy. John
Griggs suggested considering offering another date as an option if a reservation is
weathered out and Mr. Kubik responded it would be administratively difficult considering
how extensively the shelters and pavilions are reserved during the summer months.
After further discussion, Ted Billy moved, Michele Swanson seconded with all
members voting in favor to continue with the current refund policy involving park shelter
and pavilion buildings.
George Kubik added that if this issue becomes more of a concern it would be
appropriate to re-evaluate at that time.
SHALE LANE RESIDENTS REGARDING RAHN ATHLETIC FIELDS
Residents living at 2108, 2104 and 2112 Shale Lane were present to address the
Commission regarding an incident at Rahn Athletic Park, Field 4. The issue involves the
location of Field 4 which is within 40-50 feet of some of these homes and the difficulty
that has occurred due to softball players practicing in the outfield and hitting balls over
the fences into the residential area. The resident living at 2108 Shale Lane noted that his
grandchildren were playing in his yard when a ball was hit into the yard. When the
softball players responsible for hitting the ball approached the homeowner to retrieve same
the adults became confrontational. Homeowner went into his home at which time the
softball player(s) entered his yard over his fence to retrieve their ball. The police were
called to help resolve the dispute. Homeowner indicated to the Commission that this was
not an uncommon occurrence and felt that Field 4 should be taken out of play completely
and not be used during the 1991 season. He suggested another option would be to allow
only little league to play on that field rather than adults since they most likely would not
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be able to hit the ball over the fenced yards. This poses an additional problem to the
homeowners because they are not able to see the field from their yard therefore they are
not aware when ball is hit in their direction. Homeowner felt it was imperative this issue
be addressed before someone get hurt seriously.
Ken Vraa stated that Jon Oyanagi was made aware of this situation immediately
after it happened and he has made contact with the team involved in this incident.
Basically the players went out to 3rd base and starting playing toward the outfield after
having been given specific direction not to do this. The team manager has talked to Jon
and admitted his players were out of line with their behavior. Ted Billy asked if the
softballs generally come into the yard when games are being held. The residents
responded that this does not normally happen during a regular game. It has been
common, however because of the practice in the outfield.
Tom Madison of 2104 Shale Lane reiterated that the problem exists generally when
players are practicing in the outfield David Doyle, 2112 Shale Lane noted that his yard
was not fenced therefore more balls end up in his yard. They are baseballs rather than
softballs, however.
George Kubik suggested writing a letter to the team in question reminding them
to observe the rules in the future. Mr. Vraa suggested also sending letters to all teams
using those field to remind them that hitting can occur only from home plate. George
Kubik stated that Parks and Recreation wants to be a good neighbor to those residents
surrounding park facilities and do whatever is needed to resolve this issue. John
VonDeLinde suggested placing a sign within the park reminding players that batting
practice can take place only at home plate.
George Kubik thanked the Shale Lane residents for bringing their concerns forward
and stated the department will work at making this a workable situation.
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
Steve Sullivan explained that 17 sets of plans and specifications were distributed for
Improvement Contract 90-1 and 5 bids were received. A preconstruction meeting has
will be held within the next two weeks with work to begin the last week in July. Steve
also brought the Commission's attention to the Improvement Contract Summary enclosed
in the packet stating he would be happy to answer any questions they may have.
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HAPPENINGS
George Kubik thanked the anonymous donor of $150 which is to be used to help
defray the cost for a child to attend camp this summer. He also commented on how well
the tennis format was working and complimented staff on the addition of the kiosk at
Northview Park tennis courts. It was noted that Eagan High School will co-host the 1990
high school softball tournament at Northview. It was also noted that the Eaganettes won
2nd place in the 4th of July Parade. George Kubik stated that he continues to be
impressed with the quality of work performed by the maintenance staff; particularly the
kiosk that was constructed at Northview Park, and asked that that compliment get passed
on to the appropriate staff members.
Jon Oyanagi prepared a video for the Commission's review showing excerpts of
activities that have occurred during the summer. Some on the activities included Camp
Creative, Summer in the Park, Torch Run, 4th of July Parade and adult softball games.
ICE ARENA FACILITIES TASK FORCE UPDATE
Ken Vraa explained that the group has become very organized and is meeting every
2 weeks. They have looked at videos and slides of other facilities and are concerned over
issues such as seating, square footage costs, etc. Site selection will be discussed shortly
with the site south of City Hall and the Lexington/Diffley site both being considered. The
group will go back and review the sites at a later date.
MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT MEETING
Ken Vraa reminded the Commission that they had talked about providing for a
maintenance management plan to establish standards for facilities. John VonDeLinde has
put together a very comprehensive maintenance management plan and Mr. Vraa asked
to have Commission members these issues with staff. In determining a meeting date it
was suggested that September would be an appropriate time frame to schedule this
meeting with all Commission members participating. Ken Vraa stated he would place this
item on the September agenda so that a definite date could be determined.
WATER RESOURCES COORDINATOR
Ken Vraa stated that July 22 was the closing date for applications for this position.
At this time five applications have been received. The City will be re-advertising for this
position and extending the deadline by two weeks. John VonDeLinde is checking on trade
journals to see if it would be viable to advertise in these publications. If the August 3rd
deadline does not produce more applications, there may be a need to readvertise. The
individual they are looking for must possess a strong background with water quality and
water quality standards.
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John Griggs explained that the MWCC has water quality video tapes available for
the public to review. They have also offered their expertise if help is needed to advertise
these programs going. John offered his time to help get this program of public awareness
up and running.
Dorothy Peterson introduced Walter Landgrebe, recreation intern, to the
Commission stating he is completing his last 15 credits of course work at the University
of Minnesota. He has been helping Jon Oyanagi with some of his programs and will be
presenting a report to the Commission in the very near future.
Michele Swanson asked if anyone had received feedback from the lions regarding
the 4th of July activities. Her feeling is that it seemed to have run smoother with the
parade route running on Nicols rather than Rahn. Michele also asked if any Commission
members had seen Skyland Park in Burnsville which was built by 700 volunteers in 4 days.
She noted that this park has a series of activities for families to participate in and perhaps
it would be a good idea for staff to visit and comment. George Kubik commented that
this may be an appropriate time to again tour park facilities in other communities which
has always been helpful in looking at the facility needs for Eagan parks.
With no further business to conduct, Dick Carroll moved, Shawn Hunter seconded
with all members voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at
9:30 P.M.
SECRETARY DATE