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01/10/1991 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION EAGAN, MINNESOTA JANUARY 10, 1991 A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, January 10, 1991 with the following Commission Members present: George Kubik, Lee Markell, John Griggs, Michele Swanson and Jack Johnson. Commission Members Dick Carroll, Ted Billy and Shawn Hunter were not present. Staff present included Ken Vraa, Director of Parks and Recreation; Stephen Sullivan, Landscape Architect/Parks Planner; Dorothy Peterson, Superintendent of Recreation; John VonDeLinde, Parks Superintendent; Rich Brasch, Water Quality Coordinator and Cherryl Mesko, Secretary. RECOGNITION OF EXPLORER PROGRAM John VonDeLinde expressed his pleasure in being able to again present the Explorer Program to the Commission. He noted that the program began in 1986 as a joint effort between the Police and Parks & Recreation Department to enhance the visibility of security services in parks. The program offers the opportunity for young adults to explore a career in the law enforcement field. Other programs the Explorers participate in include assisting with the 4th of July events and Meals on Wheels. The program continues through generous contributions from corporations and the recruitment and management by Doug Madison. Currently there are 30 recruits in the program allowing for enhanced customer service in many areas. George Kubik presented the Citation Award and the President's Award to the Eagan Explorers program for their successful and on-going program for providing valuable volunteer services to the City of Eagan. Mr. Kubik continued that the program provides for a great deal of volunteer time by these young adults but also they provide a valuable role model for the youth in the community. George congratulated the Explorers for being chosen to receive the awards and thanked them for their continued help. Doug Madison accepted the awards on behalf of the Explorers and thanked the Commission for their continued support of this program. Doug introduced Explorers Mindy Kaltenhauser and Kevin Lazarchic noting that they will be ending their participation in the program shortly. He noted that their leadership will be missed and that they have made substantial contributions to the program. George Kubik again thanked Doug Madison and all Explorers for their valuable contribution to the City of Eagan. AGENDA Ken Vraa noted that he had three miscellaneous items to add under 'Other Business and Reports'. Michele Swanson moved, Jack Johnson seconded with all members voting In favor to accept the agenda as amended. MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF DECEMBER 6, 1990 Page 4, Paragraph 3, first sentence should read '.:....again responsible for absorbing hydrologic planning mistakes.' Page 6, Paragraph 2, first sentence should read '......enable Commission members to be more knowledgeable........'. John Griggs moved, Jack Johnson seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the minutes as amended. ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF JANUARY 10, 1991 MEETING PAGE 2 CONSENT AGENDA There were no items on the Consent Agenda to be discussed. DIFFLEY COMMONS Director Vraa reminded the Commission that this issue had been brought before them in December and they had requested that it be brought back in January with a revised proposal to Include the required open recreation space. Steve Sullivan noted that staff had been working with Todd Stutz of Rottland Homes so they would have a clear understanding of the open recreational space requirement and to insure that it would be incorporated in their plans. Steve continued that Todd Stutz was present to address the Commission with their proposal to meet this need. Todd Stutz noted that Rottland concurred with the park and trail requirement for this development and wanted to share the planned open space layout they were proposing. Mr. Stutz continued that the project consists of 208 single level atrium homes (4 plex) and 168 units in 8 and 12 unit. building configurations. With this intensity of development they are proposing to provide three open spaces that will meet the City's requirements for recreational open space. Todd noted that the City required a total of approximately 41,000 sq. ft. but the plan being shown will provide for approximately 84,400 square feet of open space. The western site is approximately 26,100 square feet of flat open space; the southern site is approximately 35,200 square feet of relatively flat open space; the eastern site is approximately 23,100 square feet of open space. He further noted that there also.was 108,250 net square feet around the pond area and another 27,400 square feet on the south corner near water. Mr. Stutz stated Rottland Homes felt these three areas would be more than adequate to provide for the open space requirement. Steve Sullivan commented that staff did not consider the ponding area or the eastern site (on Diffley) as open play area. Steve continued that Rottland had purchased additional land so that they would be able to meet the requirements set forth by the City. John Griggs asked what the topography was for the southern site. Mr. Stutz responded that there was a 4 foot difference in grade from one side of the site to the other. George Kubik asked if there were any natural aspects that could be taken advantage of. Steve responded that there was no significant vegetation; the sites were flat to moderate open space areas. Steve also commented that Rottland is providing more open space than is required by City Code. George Kubik thanked Mr. Stutz for appearing before the Commission to provide additional information on this issue. After further discussion, John Griggs moved, Jack Johnson seconded with all members voting in favor to approve the following recommendations for Diffley Commons Addition: 1. The Eagan Hills West Planned Development be responsible for a revised parks dedication obligation based on the formula as presented by Staff. 2. Diffley Commons be responsible for a cash parks dedication based on the revised parks dedication formula for Eagan Hills West Planned Development. 3. Diffley Commons be responsible for a cash trails dedication. 4. The Diffley Commons site plan revision dated 12/26/90 be approved regarding the open recreational space requirement. ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF JANUARY 10, 1991 MEETING PAGE 3 HIGHLINE GRADING Ken Vraa reminded the Commission that this item was continued from the December Commission meeting. The issue deals with grading in the Highline Trail north of the Park Knoll Addition and south of Lexington Pointe Addition in an attempt to control the storm water runoff from the Lexington Pointe Addition. Staff had been working with Brad Swenson of Tri-Land in the past, however after a change in the partnership arrangements, Paul Gross has been the contact for Tri-Land on this Issue. Jim McMurty of Tri-Land was present to address the Commission on behalf of Paul Gross. He noted that principals of Tri-Land had met with Department Heads to determine priorities relating to unresolved issues with some of Tri-Land's properties. Jim noted that Tri-Land is aware of the grading problem and they are taking measures to remedy this situation. Jim requested that they be placed on the February agenda in hopes that they will have a plan ready to share with the Commission so this issue can be remedied in a timely fashion. George Kubik stated he was looking forward to seeing this back on the February agenda since the Commission is anxious to resolve this problem. Mr. McMurty mentioned that the engineer they hire will be in contact with staff in order to get this resolved. John Griggs asked if Mr. McMurty might have an idea of what Tri-Land would recommend. Jim commented that he is not in a position to answer that question yet since information is still being compiled. WELL SITE PARK NAMING Steve Sullivan reminded the Commission of their request to re-evaluate the name selection for.Well Site Park. The names reviewed at the December meeting included Moccasin, Blackstrap and Traverse. Steve had been requested to research other possible names for the Commission to respond to. The names provided included Waterworks Park, Freshwater Park, Aqueduct Park and Aquarius Park. Steve also included several plant materials and land forms common to the site for name consideration. After providing the Commission with an extensive history of the Well Site, John Griggs asked that Clearwater Park be added to the list of names for consideration. Jack Johnson asked why a name change was being considered for this park. It -appeared to him that since this site was already known as Well Site a name change may be more confusing than helpful to the public. Ken Vraa noted that the park had never been officially named and if the Commission so chooses, the name can remain the same. After further discussion John Griggs asked that a water quality theme be adopted with the names Freshwater and Clearwater being considered. He stated these names appeared to be the most appropriate recognizing the function of this piece of property. George Kubik moved, John Griggs seconded the motion that the name of Well Site Park be changed to Clearwater Park. Three members (Griggs, Kubik, Swanson) voted in favor of the motion and two members (Johnson, Markell) voted against. The motion was passed. LAKE ASSESSMENT John VonDeLinde explained that Lake Assessment Program - 1989; Thomas Lake was being distributed for Commission review. Rich Brasch noted that the Lake Assessment Program is designed to assist lake associations or local units of government in the collection of baseline lake water quality data The general work plan for LAP includes cooperative lake sampling by Minnesota Pollution Control Agency staff and local government unit, participation in the Citizen Lake-Monitoring Program by local representatives, examination of land use and drainage patterns in the watershed of the lake and an assessment of the data collected. The document distributed to the Commission represents an assessment of the current trophic status of Thomas Lake based on data collected as part of LAP. ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF JANUARY 10,1991 MEETING PAGE 4 Rich continued that this study focused on Thomas Lake which is approximately 43 acres in size with an average depth of 4-1/2 feet and a maximum depth of 9 feet. This water body was classified as Class 1, direct contact and came out high on the priority list. After the samplings were completed for this water body the phosphorous level was 103 micrograms per liter and the plan's target is for 33-47 micrograms per liter. Some of the reasons cited for the high level of phosphorous include the expanding size of the watershed. The watershed area was originally 114 acres but now encompasses approximately 6200 acres of drainage because of all the drainage connections. The change in development from agricultural, which once surrounded this lake, caused more water run-off into the lake, thus increasing the phosphorous level 6 to 7 times what it had been. Rich explained that the conclusion of the report suggested the need for massive reduction in in-lake phosphorous concentration which may be difficult because of the shallowness of the lake and the large size of its watershed. It is felt that some of the effective ways for dealing with this issue include general information to the public with a special emphasis placed on those residents in the watershed area There is concern for controlling erosion on the sites where development will occur, determining where the nutrients are coming from and investigate what capital improvements can be done to help eliminate the problem. John Griggs asked if it was possible for the new developments to bypass Thomas Lake and Rich responded that this is a question that will need to be evaluated. John VonDeLinde commented that it would be appropriate to allow some time to pass to see what effect flushing will have now that more normal precipitation is occurring. Mr. Griggs continued that he felt an ordinance should be passed to handle erosion problems that occur during the development and marketing of property. Jack Johnson asked what type of education program was being considered. Rich Brasch indicated that the key to phosphorous control is citizen's awareness. The most basic information to get across to citizens is to control the nature in which fertilizer is applied. Another point of education would be controlling the plant debris that goes into the drainage system, i.e. grass clippings, etc, since this debris holds phosphorous. Lee Markell asked if Thomas Lake was a good study. He continued that it may be more beneficial to see improvements in the lake before continuing. Rich noted that this is just an example; even If the phosphorous is cut drastically that may not change the quality of the water. He stated It was important to monitor the water quality before It gets to the lake. Jack Johnson asked if the City had considered banning phosphorous from fertilizers completely. Rich stated that the preference would be for education first rather than mandating by ordinance. John Griggs commented that maybe banning phosphorous isn't a bad idea based on the big picture. He also stated that public education is vital in controlling non-point pollution. George Kubik commented that he was happy to see this type of balanced strategy -being planned. He suggested developing a floating display that could be taken to various schools and special events. John VonDeLinde responded that the plan would be to bring water quality issues into schools during the Arbor Day events with a proposal to work with the 4th graders on this issue. Rich Brash continued that in working with developers emphasis would be placed on ways to not increase phosphorous run-off when a parcel of land is changed from less intensive to more Intensive development. One way of handling this would be to have the developer provide on-site treatment or cash dedication for this purpose. John Griggs asked if these types of things would be added to the development contract. He said currently the City allows developers to sod the front yards for marketing but the back yards often remain unsodded resulting in erosion problems. John continued that he would like to recommend to the City Council that this Item be placed into the development contract. Lee Markell suggested a workshop that would acquaint and educate developers and builders of the issues surrounding water quality, emphasizing the need to be pro-active rather than re-active. George Kubik thanked Rich for the information and reiterated the City's confidence in having him on board to help with this very critical issue. ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF JANUARY 10, 1991 MEETING PAGE 5 BLACKHAWK PARK Director Vraa brought the Commission up to date on the community park planning meeting held on December 17 to discuss and receive public input regarding the future improvement of Blackhawk Park. There were 51 residents in attendance, Park and Recreation Staff, Pat Jostad-Naturalist Consultant and Shawn Hunter and John Griggs from the APRC. Staff reviewed the parks' planning process as well as a history of the land acquisition for this park. After the staff presentation a questionnaire was given to those attending with the following questions, 1) What would you like to see in the park plan? 2) What activities would you like to see provided in the park? 3) What do you think the priority of the park should be? 4) What concerns do you have? 5) What comment(s) do you have? After the meeting, staff compiled the information provided by those attending as well as the information still being received from people not able to attend the meeting. The input received was very diverse with requests for everything from intensive development to no development. Ken commented that it appeared that the main emphasis was for passive facilities rather than active. Some ofthe concerns that came from that meeting included noise, commercialization, etc. The most contrast in opinions came in regard to road access, building and parking. Ken continued that staff will be meeting Wednesday to work on gross planning of the park and after more information is put together another community meeting will be held in February. George Kubik commented that Blackhawk Park is a jewel in the park system and the City wants to have a park which reflects the beauty of the area. John Griggs stated that he had attended the meeting and was very happy with the public turnout. John continued that there was a great deal of public input but was concerned that there may be a misconception about this being a neighborhood park rather than a community park. Mr. Kubik commented that the City needs to be sensitive to the differences of opinion regarding this site; this should not be a cause to divide groups or neighborhoods. Tim Lano, 1632 Hawk Place suggested that the City needs to look at what makes the most sense for this site. He continued that more development is not needed in Eagan; there is a need to keep this natural resource as it is. Mr. Lano said this neighborhood does not want to be perceived as being single focused. They want to be involved in working constructively for a passive park and passive access. He continued that they look forward to working with the Commission and that they intend to be actively involved in this process. George thanked Mr. Lano for his interest on behalf of the neighborhood and stated that the Commission encourages the input from residents when parks are being planned. It is a tremendous benefit to have the encouragement and involvement from concerned citizens. Ted, 1589 Riverton Parkway stated he was concerned for the wildlife and the maintenance of Blackhawk Lake. He wanted to have people polled to see if they wanted development of this park at all. George Kubik reiterated that the City welcomes the input of citizens so that this park can better serve the needs of their requests. Unidentified resident asked to review the time line and requested a copy of the report that the Commission has within their packet regarding the results of the questionnaire. Ken Vraa responded by stating there is no definitive time line for the development of Blackhawk Park as yet. Staff will do a broad base plan and will again have a public hearing for input. After that, a revised plan would go to the Commission and there would be, again, another public hearing after which this issue would appear before the City Council for approval. One approval has been given by the Council, detailed plans are completed in-house. With so many variables in planning the completion of these events, it would be difficult to establish a definitive time line. Mr. Vraa continued that the results of the questionnaire will be provided at the next public meeting since forms continue to be received by the Department. George Kubik commented that everyone will do the best job we can to keep the lines of communication open and provide information when it is available. Ken Vraa added that history shows there is always more than one meeting required during the planning process. ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF JANUARY 10, 1991 MEETING PAGE 6 Dennis Anderson, 1606 Murphy Parkway stated that he wants a passive park and does not want access through Murphy Parkway. George Kubik thanked Mr. Anderson and those attending the meeting for their interest and input and looks forward to several other meetings with the citizens of the City regarding the subject. PARKS UPDATE Steve Sullivan noted that there are three active contracts. Under contract 90-2, the Bridle Ridge building is open and being used, Northview and Ohmann buildings should be done In approximately 30 days but these won't be finaled until spring. Steve continued that Trapp Farm Park and Ohmann Park playground equipment have been ordered and will be installed in spring. The inventory and study of Blackhawk Park has also begun. Ken Vraa commented that County Road 30 is being upgraded and the base Information on the Caponi site needs to be completed. There has been no formal meeting with the County as yet. John Griggs added that if County Road 30 is widened it would bisect Caponi's property and suggested that the base information include pedestrian access right from the planning stages. Ken commented that it appeared that a tunnel would be a likely option but the proposed schedule is unknown at this time; the road will be done in phases. John Griggs suggested that staff look at 85th and Noble (or Regent) since he felt there was a good job done on the tunnel that exists at that site. HAPPENINGS Dorothy Peterson commented that staff has been involved with the Youth Connection Council for over two years. This is a council of youth and adults working on several issues. It appears that transportation is the biggest issue for the youth at this time and it is good to see the concern and involvement of this group. The Teen Tubing party was postponed for one week due to cold weather which resulted in smaller numbers than were originally anticipated. McDonald's is offering a Tuesday coffee club for seniors at their Silver Bell location. John Griggs commented positively about the number of users at the Trapp Farm tubing hill and shared his personal experience with a minor accident while using the hill. John continued that the hill is adequately staffed but felt that more hay bales may need to be installed to direct traffic more effectively. Lee Markell added that his group had, he believed, the long distance record for a run down the hill. Dorothy commented that there were approximately 240 individuals at Trapp Farm tubing hill the past Sunday and that staff works very hard to maintain control of a crowd that size to insure equal access to the tubes and a safe experience for all. John VonDeLinde noted that the baffle system and trailer were at Fish Lake waiting for the final word from the DNR to begin the aeration system. He continued that there have been some good size fish caught in the lake recently. George Kubik commented on the tree pruning that was occurring in December. John responded that this was an excellent time to be doing that type of work and it Is going very well. George also commented on John VonDeUnde being elected to the MRPA Board. WINTER WEEKEND Dorothy Peterson explained that Winter Weekend would be held on the first weekend In February with an emphasis on family fun. She continued that Commission members have, In the past, joined in on the fun and have been the key to the success of the ice fishing event. Scheduled for Friday are cross- country skiing at Northview and.family skate at Bridle Ridge. Saturday will host a snow softball tournament at Northview and a snow volleyball tournament at Rahn with special emphasis placed on inviting youth 15-18 to participate in the volleyball event. Also on Saturday will be the ice fishing event which will be a catch and release program to introduce families to the fun of ice fishing. Sunday will host a tubing party and a boot hockey tournament where youth are again invited to participate. During the week a snow sculpture contest will be held with contestants registering by phone. George Kubik offered to help judge this event. ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF JANUARY 10, 1991 MEETING PAGE 7 Dorothy noted that prior to the February 7th Commission meeting it would be appropriate for the Recreation Sub-committee to meet. This time line would allow for input from both the Commission and the youth representatives before the writing deadline for the spring newsletter. The meeting will be scheduled for 6:00 P.M. prior to the beginning the Commission meeting. PROPOSAL FOR CLASSICAL MUSIC CONCERT John Griggs stated that the City is doing an excellent job in providing programming for pre-school, athletic, senior and family functions, however there is a need to look at other options for the community, i.e. a cultural event. John stated that it was not his intention to debate this issue, rather to look at the option of establishing a committee to see if this was a feasible endeavor. Mr. Griggs noted that he had been in touch with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and they indicated it would be possible to pursue a booking date of September 12, 1991. John continued that he had talked to the Eagan High School also and they indicated they were warm to the idea of this type of function in the building and that fall may work into their schedule as well. George Kubik, agreeing that this would be an innovative Idea suggested a special committee to study this issue and consider it's feasibility. George continued that the committee would probably do some of the work so as not to burden staff. John agreed that the committee should do a good deal of the work rather than delegate. Jack Johnson stated that this is a real opportunity for the community and was a way to lay the groundwork to giving Eagan some identity. George commented that this could be viewed as an experiment as well as an opportunity. Lee Markell asked what the cost was for the orchestra to which Mr. Griggs responded $8,000 - 12,000. After further discussion George Kubik moved, Jack Johnson seconded with all members voting in favor to create a special task committee to evaluate the feasibility of organizing an Eagan performing arts community event, determining what is possible, what is involved and bring that information back to the Commission with a recommendation. ROUND TABLE Ken Vraa stated that the Lions Club had donated $100,000 to the City for park development noting that they would like some consideration for recognition within the park receiving the donation. George Kubik thanked the Lions Club for their more than generous contribution and asked that staff keep them updated on the use of those dollars. Ken'continued that there was a new addition to the Parks Department; Paula Nowariak gave birth to an 8 lb., 8 oz. baby boy (Tony Benjamin). Ken also noted that Dorothy Peterson's title has been recently changed to Superintendent of Recreation. In conclusion, Ken reminded the Commission that February 7th would be their organizational meeting. With no further business to conduct, John Griggs moved, Jack Johnson seconded with all members voting in favor to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 10:10 P.M. Secr ry Date