04/02/1992 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF
THE ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
APRIL 2, 1992
A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission was called
to order at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 2, 1992 with the following Commission Members present: Erin
Ipsen, Jonathan Widem, Lee Markell, Jack Johnson, Ted Billy, Dan Mooradian, and Kevin Knight.
Commission Member Deborah Johnson was 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 Resources
Coordinator; Jon Oyanagi, Recreation Supervisor and Cherryl Mesko, Secretary.
AGENDA
Jack Johnson asked that "Phosphorous Containing Fertilizer" be added as Item #3 under Water
Quality. Ted Billy moved, Erin lpsen seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the agenda as
amended.
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF MARCH 5, 1992
Dan Mooradian moved, Lee Markell seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the
minutes as presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
It was noted that there were no consent agenda items for the Commission to review.
GREAT OAKS ADDITION - ROBERT ENGSTROM COMPANIES
This item was introduced by Director Vraa as an application requesting a Comprehensive Guide
Plan change from D-3 multiple family to D-1 single family. The proposal also requests the rezoning from
R-4 to R-1 and the preliminary platting of 29 lots on approximately 20 acres.
Rich Brasch reviewed the water quality issues regarding this proposal. He continued that this
residential development lies in the upper reach of Drainage Basin J and while there are no recreational-
classed water bodies immediately down drainage, Fish Lake lies on the lower end of this drainage. On-site
ponding to meet water quality standards is both desirable and feasible for this site. The larger of the two
depressions lies in the west central portion of the site and could be excavated to provide a pond with a
surface acreage of about .3 acres and a wet pond volume of .8 acre-feet and would serve about 10.6 acres
of the site. The other depression lies in the east central portion of the site and could be excavated to
provide a pond with a surface area of about .13 acres at normal water level and a wet pond volume of
about .31 acre-feet which will serve an additional four acres of the site. Rich had indicated that In
discussions with the developer they were agreeable to the water quality requirements.
Stephen Sullivan reviewed the parks and trails issues for this site which included determining what
the parks dedication requirements, trails dedication requirements and impact to the woodland resource
would be. Steve continued that the Great Oaks Addition is within Neighborhood Park Service Area #14 and
is served by Mueller Farm Park. The Woodlands Planned Development agreement provides for a cash
parks dedication based on the rate schedule at the time of final plat. The proposal, Steve continued, should
be subject to a cash trails dedication. Steve stated that he had just recently been made aware of a request
by the developer for a credit of trails dedication fees in lieu of installing an internal trail system.
ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
MINUTES OF APRIL 2, 1992 MEETING
PAGE 2
After further discussion Ted Billy moved, Dan Mooradian seconded with all members voting in favor
to make the following recommendation to the City Council regarding Great Oaks Addition:
1. The proposal be subject to a cash parkland dedication.
2. The proposal be subject to a cash trails dedication. Should staff feel that a change should
be made in the costs of the trail dedication this issue should be brought back to the
Commission for review.
3. The developer revise the easterly cul-de-sac to preserve additional woodland area.
4. The developer provide a schematic layout/grading plan for Lots 6 & 7, Block #1, for City
review and approval prior to final plat.
5. The proponent revise the layout of the west cul-de-sac roads to minimize Impact to the
adjacent woodland. The revision shall be reviewed and approved by City staff prior to final
plat.
6. The proponent revise the landscape plan to include tree protection fencing. The revised
plan shall be submitted and approved by City staff prior to final plat.
7. The developer provides tree protection fencing for each lot to be reviewed and approved
by City staff at the time of building permit application.
8. The development meet its water quality treatment requirements by creating two treatment
ponds on-site. The larger of the two depressions to be excavated to provide a pond with
a surface area of about .3 acres and a wet pond volume of .8 acre-feet, serving about 10.6
acres of the site. The second depression to be excavated to provide a pond with a surface
area of about .13 acres at normal water level and a wet pond volume of about.31 acre-feet
serving an additional four acres of the site.
BOULEVARD PLANTING STUDY - WESCOTT ROAD
Parks Superintendent VonDeLinde noted that at the November and February Commission meetings
a report was presented to the Commission evaluating the feasibility of implementing a master street tree
planting program in the City of Eagan. The results of that study concluded that of the 84 miles of boulevard
included in the evaluation, approximately 4 miles met the minimum geometric standards for boulevard
landscaping and did not take into consideration the presence of underground utilities, further restricting the
viability of such a program.
John continued that the Commission directed staff to examine in greater detail the feasibility of
developing a "streetscaping" program along Wescott Road between Pilot Knob Road and Lexington Avenue.
John then introduced City Forester Tom Schuster.
Mr. Schuster explained that appropriate utility companies had been contacted in March to request
utility locations along Wescott Road. Additionally, the city's Engineering Department revealed that the road
right-of-way extends from the center line of the road to a point approximately 12" beyond the back of the
curb. Mr. Schuster then reviewed a very extensive slide presentation showing where each utility was
located within the boulevard on Wescott Road and the impact that planting would have on the boulevard.
Some of the items reviewed by Mr. Schuster included the fact that the boulevard width on the south
side of Wescott from Pilot Knob Road to the library is 10 feet. The boulevard width from the east entrance
of the library to Denmark is 12 feet and it then widens to 14 feet. The north side of Wescott Road provides
more boulevard room. There are 14 feet for planting from the gas line to the trail.
ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
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Tom stated that it would be difficult, if not impossible, to place plantings on the south side of
Wescott Road because of the location of utilities. On the north side of Wescott Road the only obstacle to
deal with would be the overhead utility lines which can be addressed. Yet another option would be to
provide for no plantings at all on this boulevard area.
Lee Markell suggested considering oak savannah or prairie on the north side of Wescott Road and
then have concentrated plantings near the library and City Hall on the south side. John VonDeUnde stated
staff will look at concepts for the northern side slopes as well as shared opportunities with residents on the
north side.
After further discussion the Commission suggested that staff consider some of the options
presented and do a pilot area that can be expanded upon. John VonDeUnde suggested that staff look at
some alternatives and get back to the Commission in 1-2 months with costs and options so that the
Commission will have something more definite to react to.
ARBOR DAY RESOLUTION
Director Vraa introduced this item to the Commission noting that Arbor Day would be April 25 and
the celebration would be held at Wescott Station Park. Superintendent of Parks VonDeUnde read the
proposed Arbor Day Resolution to the Commission. Jack Johnson commented that this program has been
embraced whole-heartedly in the past and would like to see the support continued.
After further discussion Kevin Knight moved, Erin Ipsen seconded with all members voting in favor
to recommend to the City Council the adoption of the Arbor Day Resolution.
B-BOP TO WORK - MAY 19
Director Vraa introduced this item explaining that the Minnesota Department of Transportation
sponsors a B-BOP to Work Day in Minnesota which encourages Minnesotans to bicycle, walk, car pool or
bus to work on a specific day. Recreation Supervisor Oyanagi explained that May 19, 1992 has been
scheduled as the date for this activity and asked the Commission to consider adopting a Resolution
supporting B-BOP to Work in Eagan.
After further discussion, Ted Billy moved, Dan Mooradian seconded with all members voting in favor
to recommend to the City Council the adoption of the B-BOP Day in Eagan Resolution.
DEERWOOD PONDS UPDATE
Water Quality Coordinator Brash reminded the Commission of a discussion in March regarding
prospective water quality treatment requirements for the Deerwood Ponds development. This single family
development is located along the south side of Diffley Road, west of Pilot Knob Road. Initial staff
recommendation was to require raising the normal water level of pond BP-27 by one foot and increasing
to .75 acre/feet the storage volume of a smaller wetland to the north. Subsequent investigation by the
developer's engineer, along with city staff review, indicated that raising the normal water level in pond BP-27
was not possible without further submerging the storm sewer system that ties into the pond, causing
probable maintenance problems.
Mr. Brasch continued that final analysis showed that increasing the wet pond volume of pond BP-
27.2 to .4 acre-feet of an acre/foot, and increasing the wet pond volume of pond BP-27.1 to .7 acre-feet
will meet treatment standards for the development. The developer would also install a skimmer on the
outlet of pond BP-27.
ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
MINUTES OF APRIL 2, 1992 MEETING
PAGE 4
After further discussion Erin Ipsen moved, Dan Mooradian seconded with all members voting in
favor to recommend that the development comply with city water quality treatment requirements by
increasing the wet pond volumes of ponds BP-27.1 to .7 acre-feet and BP-27.2 to .4 acre-feet of an
acre/foot along with installing a skimmer on the outlet to pond BP-27.
STREET SWEEPING/SANDING UPDATE
Water Quality Coordinator Brasch introduced this item as a response to an inquiry by the
Commission in March. Some of the questions the Commission had asked included 1) Who conducts
sanding and salting operations and street sweeping activities within the city? 2) Are records kept of the
amount of sand and salt spread on city streets as well as for the amount of debris picked up through street
sweeping operations? 3) What do those figures show? 4) Is sand and salt used at a heavier rate in Eagan
than in other communities? 5) What is the chemical makeup of street sweepings and how are they disposed
of?
In response to Question 1, Rich explained that the Street Division within the Department of Public
Works conducts these operations on all city streets excluding those that are also county highways. Dakota
County Department of Highways generally conducts these operations for county highways such as
Lexington, Yankee Doodle, Pilot Knob, Diffley, Cliff and Lone Oak Roads. Also Minnesota Department of
Transportation sands, salts and sweeps state and inter-state highways within the city.
In response to Question 2, it was noted that Public Works keeps records of the volume of sand and
salt applied for snow and ice removal as well as the volume of debris picked up through sweeping
operations, however there are no similar numbers from Dakota County.
In response to Question 3, Rich reviewed a chart showing the units of measure for snow and ice
control and the sweeping operation from 1985 through 1991. The information revealed that approximately
60-70% of the sand/salt is picked up for disposal.
In response to Question 4, the information revealed that other cities surveyed use approximately
6-8 tons of sand and salt per mile whereas Eagan uses approximately 4 tons per mile. Rich noted that
there have been some instances of over application at times, however the Streets Department has been
sensitive to the environmental impact and will continue to be.
John VonDeLinde added that there appears to be an increased level of sand on the boulevards on
county roads resulting in additional labor to sweep the boulevards. In addition, the salt that remains on the
turf causes a maintenance problem.
Jack Johnson thanked staff for their prompt response to this Issue and for the thorough report
presented.
PHOSPHOROUS CONTAINING FERTILIZER
Jack Johnson introduced this item as an addition to the agenda. He suggested that the city take
a pro-active approach to the level of phosphorous allowed for turf applications. Jack suggested that an
ordinance be considered which would limit the phosphorous level in fertilizer to less than 3%. He asked
that staff investigate what is occurring in other communities and asked other Commission members for their
feedback.
ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
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PAGE 5
Ted Billy asked how lawns would suffer by lowering the phosphorous level of fertilizer. Rich Brasch
stated that phosperous stimulates root growth, however, in testing done on residential lawns, 80-85% had
adequate phosphorous in the soil. Mr. Billy asked if soil has sufficient phosphorous would it need to be
supplemented at a later date, i.e. 6-8 months. John VonDeLinde responded that 90% of test results
indicated no need for additional phosphorous, however, he noted that starter fertilizer has a larger
percentage of phosphorous but that level doesn't need to be maintained long term.
Mr. Billy asked if banning phosphorous would cause a legal problem and suggested that the
emphasis be placed on education rather than establishing an ordinance. Mr. VonDeLinde noted that this
would tie in very well with a new brochure. John did add that the City of Shoreview had a ban on
phosphorous over 3% and found it very difficult to enforce. Ted Billy added that he felt folks in the area
would willingly cooperate once they were aware of the facts.
Dan Mooradian stated that a large percentage of homeowners and companies use a commercial
service to fertilize their lawns and very few commercial firms provide the composition of their fertilizer. In
discussing testing of phosphorous levels for homeowners, Kevin Knight suggested that the city do some
spot testing near water bodies. Dan Mooradian asked if the University of Minnesota might do a "testing
day" where they set up at a specific location and homeowners can stop in with a soil sample for testing.
Jack Johnson asked if it was feasible to make a recommendation to the City Council that
phosphorous level be maintained at 3%. Director Vraa suggested that staff look at the Shoreview
ordinance, do some additional research and get back to the Commission at a later date.
DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS
Superintendent of Recreation Dorothy Peterson reviewed some of the Department Happenings
which included pre-school program registrations reaching their capacity at registration, children's egg hunt
on April 18, and 200 teams registered for 1992 adult softball.
City Forester Tom Schuster explained that the City had received their 5th Annual Tree City Award
and National Arbor Day Foundation Growth Award at the University of Minnesota. Tom outlined the
requirements for each award and then presented to Jack Johnson, on behalf of the Advisory Parks,
Recreation and Natural Resources Commission, both awards. Mr. Johnson accepted the awards and
thanked department staff for their continued good work on behalf of the City of Eagan.
Mr. Schuster added that the most fun with these projects is the interaction in the schools with the
kids. The poster contest continues to be the highlight of the Arbor Day activities. He continued that the
Department of Agriculture and DNR currently pick out Arbor Day posters as well and Tom has suggested
that a child's poster be used as the state poster. They are giving that some consideration.
ICE ARENA/SWIMMING POOL UPDATE
Director Vraa shared the video done by Carl First of Leisure Concepts and Ken Vraa which will be
airing on cable TV over the next several weeks. This was done to provide additional information to the
public regarding this proposed facility. Ken continued that the City Council will meet in one week to adopt
a dollar amount for the referendum.
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JOINT MEETING WITH COUNCIL - MARCH 31, 1992
Director Vraa asked Commission members if they had any comments from the joint meeting. Ted
Billy stated that he was impressed with the knowledge of the City Council relative to parks issues. Jack
Johnson added that some of the discussion included fees and charges for organizations such as EAA,
YMCA, etc.; the construction and improvements to Blackhawk Park and the need to update the Park Plan
by 1993.
REVIEW OF TWO NEW FORESTRY BROCHURES
John VonDeLinde introduced the 3rd and 4th brochures which are scheduled to be published by
Arbor Day. These brochures include dealing with home landscaping problems and planning the residential
landscape.
WINTER PROGRAM REPORT
Recreation Supervisor Jon Oyanagi outlined the winter program activities for 1991-92 commenting
on the unusual winter that necessitated some changes to scheduled activities. Due to the early snowfall
the tubing hill opened three week-ends early and stayed open one extra week-end.
Jon continued that staff did a better job of helping park users enjoy the winter through Increased
interaction, leading activities, enforcing rules and keeping a presentable warming shelter. The hot chocolate
sales were very successful again and the sites at Clearwater and Trapp Farm Park were heavily used sites.
Jack Johnson noted that he had observed several skating facilities that were empty; one of which
was Pilot Knob. He continued that the numbers of participants seemed to be higher where there are shelter
buildings and supervisors. Jon added that the Pilot Knob site has a trailer for shelter but attendance has
been steadily dropping over the last several years.
ROUND TABLE
Lee Markell asked if the packet information could be received by Commission members earlier than
the Tuesday before the meeting. He expressed the need to review the information more thoroughly and
also wanted to visit the sites where development issues would be considered. Director Vraa stated that
based on the time frame the department has to work with, it is difficult to get packet information out any
earlier. It was felt that if, at some point in the future, the Advisory Planning Commission and Advisory
Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission could switch their meetings there would be more
time to respond to issues in a timely fashion.
Lee Markell suggested a vehicle whereby Commission Members could have a preview of
development issues that will be on the next agenda and perhaps visit the sites at their leisure before the
meeting. Steve Sullivan stated he would be happy to meet with any of the Commission Members on site
to review the site and answer questions before the meetings.
Ken Vraa reminded the Commission of the change in schedule for the May meeting. The meeting
will be preceded by a tour of parks beginning at 6:30 PM with the regular meeting beginning at 7:30 PM.
With no further business to conduct Erin Ipsen moved, Lee Markell seconded with all members
voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 PM.
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