06/04/1992 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF
ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
JUNE 4, 1992
A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks, recreation and Natural Resources Commission was called
to order at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday June 4, 1992 with the following Commission Members present: Kevin
Knight, Dan Mooradian, Ted Billy, Jack Johnson, Deborah Johnson and Jonathan Widem. Commission
Member Erin Ipsen was not present. Staff present included Ken Vraa, Director of Parks and Recreation;
Stephen Sullivan, Landscape Architect/Park Planner; Dorothy Peterson, Superintendent of Recreation; John
VonDeLinde, Parks Superintendent; Rich Brasch, Water Resources Coordinator and Cherryl Mesko,
Secretary.
AGENDA
Director Vraa added "naming of a pond" under New Business. Kevin Knight moved, Deborah
Johnson seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the agenda as amended.
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF MAY 7, 1992
Dan Mooradian moved, Kevin Knight seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the
minutes as presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Stephen Sullivan introduced Rohlfs 1st Addition as a preliminary plat consisting of one lot on
approximately .49 previously zoned R-1 (Single Family) acres located along the west side of Wuthering
Heights Road, north of Silver Bell Road in the SE 1/4 of Section 18. He then reviewed both the parks and
trails dedication issues. Water Resources Coordinator Brasch followed with a review of the water quality
issues that impact this site.
After some discussion, Kevin Knight moved, Deborah Johnson seconded with all members voting
in favor to make the following recommendations to the City Council regarding Rolfs 1st Addition.
1. The plat be subject to a cash parks dedication.
2. The plat be subject to a cash trails dedication.
3. The development meet its water quality requirement through a cash dedication.
HAWTHORNE WOODS NORTH - LYMAN DEVELOPMENT CO.
Landscape Architect/Park Planner Sullivan introduced this item as an application requesting the
rezoning of 8.8 acres from agriculture to R-1, Single Family and the preliminary plat of 12 lots. The parcel
is located south of County Road #30, north of Hawthorne Woods Addition, east of Dodd Road and west
of State Highway #3. He continued that this site is within Park Service Area 25W served by Lakeside and
South Oaks Neighborhood Parks. Steve stated that since there are adequate recreation facilities within the
Park Service Area, staff is recommending a cash parks dedication.
ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
MINUTES OF JUNE 4, 1992 MEETING
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With respect to the trails dedication, Mr. Sullivan explained that the Autumn Ridge Subdivision was
responsible for the construction of a 6 foot concrete sidewalk along Hackmore Drive and Hawthorne Woods
Addition was responsible for grading a sidewalk corridor along Hawthorne Woods Drive connecting to the
Autumn Ridge sidewalk. Steve continued that this neighborhood pedestrian system will provide safe and
efficient pedestrian circulation to Pinewwood Elementary School, to Dodd Road and to the future detached
trail along County Road #30 as well as providing linkage to Lakeside Park. Staff is recommending that the
sidewalk corridor along the east side of Hawthorne Woods Drive be graded from the Hawthorne Addition
to County Road #30.
Water Resources Coordinator Rich Brasch reviewed the water quality requirements for this
development explaining that it lies in the upper reaches of stormwater management drainage basin J which
includes Fish Lake at the lower end of the basin. He continued that the ponding area in this development
is proposed to be .8 acres in surface area at the normal water level and would have a wet pond volume
of approximately 3.7 acre feet. This pond would be of sufficient size to adequately treat stormwater run-off
from approximately 41 acres of single-family residential development and would be located in an area that
would catch run-off from parts of the Hawthorne Woods North, Hawthorne Woods and Autumn Ridge
developments, as well as run-off from undeveloped property to the east of the proposed pond. The
developer has requested a decrease in the cash dedication obligation in exchange for the treatment
capacity of this pond.
Jack Johnson asked what type of trees would be lost in this development. Steve Sullivan
responded that the majority of tree loss would be soft woods although there will be some hard woods lost
as well. Steve continued that the developer has made an honest effort to save as many trees as possible
on this site. Jack Johnson expressed the Commission's appreciation for the effort by the developer to save
as many trees as possible. Kevin Knight asked if this would be an opportunity to have the developer
provide a lot by lot survey in order to preserve as many trees as possible. Steve Sullivan added that this
worked with the Hawthorne Woods development and could certainly be considered for the Hawthorne
Woods North Addition.
After further discussion Kevin Knight moved, Jonathan Widem seconded with all members voting
in favor to make the following recommendation to the City Council regarding Hawthorne Woods North
Addition.
1. The plat be subject to a cash parks dedication.
2. The plat be subject to a cash trails dedication.
3. The developer grade a 10 foot wide sidewalk pad along the east side of Hawthorne Woods
Drive. The developer be responsible for providing no encumbrances with the sidewalk
corridor.
4. The developer provide a tree survey identifying significant individual trees adjacent to the
proposed pond area. The pond should be designed to preserve these significant trees.
The tree survey and pond layout should be completed and approved by staff prior to final
platting. Staff will do a site by site review to recommend preservation of additional trees.
5. The developer shall provide for staff approval a tree protection plan prior to final plat. This
plan shall identify significant trees and tree masses. The plan should also show the
proposed location of tree protection fencing.
ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
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Relative to the water quality issues, Deborah Johnson moved, Dan Mooradian seconded with all
members voting in favor to make the following recommendations to the City Council regarding Hawthorne
Woods North Addition.
1. The developer be allowed to use ponding on the Hawthorne Woods North site to meet
water quality dedication requirements for both the Hawthorne Woods North and Hawthorne
Woods developments to the extent possible. Any shortfall for either development would
be met with a cash dedication. The pond design must be approved by City staff.
RIVER BLUFF ADDITION - HERITAGE DEVELOPMENT OF MN INC.
Stephen Sullivan introduced this item to the Commission noting that the application was for the
platting of three lots for 36 units on 4.1 acres. This multiple development is within PSA #20, served by
Blackhawk park and staff is recommending a cash parks and trails dedication.
Rich Brasch reviewed the water quality issues for this development. He noted that the runoff from
this site will first reach Pond AP-2, a designated storm water basing which then discharges to Pond AP-1
in Woodhaven Park which is designated as a Class 3-Scenic Recreational Water Body. Rich continued that
because the existing storm water system receiving runoff from this development is of insufficient capacity,
the Public Works Department will likely require the developer to provide ponding to substantially reduce the
peak flood flow from the site after development. The developer would be responsible for purchasing a
drainage easement for this wetland and for constructing an inlet and an outlet.
After further discussion Dan Mooradian moved that the developer meet it's water quality treatment
requirements by excavating a portion of the wetland to the north of the, proposed development. The
excavation should be done to minimize disturbance to riparian vegetation as much as possible and the pond
should meet the minimum depth, volume and area requirements which would provide a pond with a depth
of 3 feet with a surface area of .37 acres and a volume of 1.1 acre feet, according to the city water quality
model. The excavation work would be subject to approval by city staff and any deficiency in wetpond
treatment volume can be made up thorough a cash dedication.
Kevin Knight amended the motion by expressing a preference for ponding with the balance to be
cash but the flexibility of allowing for a cash dedication if ponding is not a viable option.
Jonathan Widem seconded the amended motion and all members voted in favor.
YMCA 1ST ADDITION - OPUS CORPORATION
Director Vraa introduced this item as an application for the platting of one (1) lot and three (3)
outlots on 41.6 acres. The property is currently owned by West Publishing. West purchased this 41 acre
parcel for the specific purpose of donating a portion of it to the Y.M.C.A. for the construction of a facility.
At the time of plat application, West Publishing chose to plat the entire 41 acre parcel providing all grading
and meeting all water quality requirements for the entire site. Mr. Vraa noted that West is requesting that
the dedication fees for Outlots A and B be waived or recalculated in consideration for their land donation
to the Y.M.C.A.
ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
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Water Resources Coordinator Brasch reviewed the water quality issues for this parcel. He noted
that the preliminary plat application is for one lot of approximately 20.2 acres for the YMCA facility along
with three outlots totaling 21.4 acres for future industrial development. Rich continued that the runoff from
this development would be located in drainage basin G about .8 miles south of Bur Oak Park and will
eventually reach Bur Oak Pond, a 10 acre lake with a Class II indirect contact recreation classification. It
was noted that without on-site ponding to treat runoff from the fully developed site, significant degradation
of water quality in Bur Oak Pond would result. Rich's recommendation was that the minimum pond size
for water quality treatment for the entire site is .192 acres in surface area, 4.6 acre-feet in volume and 5 feet
in mean depth at the normal water level.
Steve Bryant of West Publishing addressed the Commission explaining that they had originally
donated both land and cash to the YMCA for their facility but encountered some problems with that
donation. West then purchased 40 acres nearby with the intention of donating a portion of that 40 acres
to the YMCA and platting the two remaining outlots for future use. Mr. Bryant continued that since the land
was being donated to the YMCA, the parks and trails dedication fees should be waived.
Mr. Shannon, representing the YMCA, addressed the Commission and expressed their pleasure
in being able to bring their programming opportunities to Eagan. He continued that facilities and programs
will be planned similar to those offered at existing YMCA facilities. The YMCA hopes to enhance recreation
programming opportunities in the city and will continue their philosophy of providing services to everyone
regardless of income.
Jack Johnson asked what kinds of facilities will be provided. Mr. Shannon responded that the
facilities will depend upon what funds can be solicited by Eagan residents. Some of the planned facilities
include pool, gymnasium, meeting rooms and day care to begin with. Mr. Johnson asked if these facilities
would be open for the City's use if needed. Mr. Shannon responded that frequently the YMCA has had
options available for this type of use and suggested that the meeting rooms could be one of those options.
Kevin Knight asked what type of fee schedule the YMCA was anticipating for the use of their
facilities. Mr. Shannon responded that the fees at this point are approximately $500 per year per family and
they would offer financial assistance when appropriate.
Ted Billy asked how the costs for financial assistance are offset. Mr. Shannon responded that
funding comes from the United Way, the YMCA annual fund raiser and special fees.
Kevin Knight asked if there were programs currently not offered through Parks and Recreation that
the YMCA would facilitate. Superintendent of Recreation Peterson responded that day camp and the latch-
key program are two existing YMCA programs that the City does not offer. Other than that, programming
for youth are have been handled through Parks and Recreation along with the Eagan Athletic Association
which offers athletic programs for the youth of Eagan so the need for athletic programs for youth at this time
is not necessary.
Jonathan Widem questioned whether any of the Y's facilities would be available to alleviate some
of the stress to existing park facilities. Kevin Knight asked what the cash parks dedication would be on the
land where the YMCA is scheduled to be built. Mr. Shannon responded that the parks dedication fee would
be approximately $48,000 and the trails dedication fee would be approximately $17,500. Ken Vraa
responded that the actual costs are calculated at the time of final plat.
Ted Billy complimented West Publishing for their generous contribution of land to the YMCA and
expressed his support for eliminating a cash parks dedication but consider a cash trails dedication. Mr. Billy
continued that relative to the outlots that West Publishing shows on the preliminary plat, the cash dedication
issue should be considered at the time when these outlots are replatted and the fees would be based on
the use at that time.
ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
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Kevin Knight stated he concurred with the trails dedication fees but suggested that the city look at
a compromise regarding the parks dedication fees. He continued that since the YMCA is a public, fee-
based operation the Commission should consider a partial parks dedication fee in combination with
consideration of facilities use or some other combination that could benefit both the YMCA and the City of
Eagan in lessening the stress of existing facilities.
Jack Johnson added that he felt the YMCA would be a great addition to the City of Eagan and also
wanted to comment West Publishing for their generous donation. He continued that the outlots are a
separate issue and wished to see them addressed separately at time of final plat. He also stated that the
trails dedication fee should be paid and shared some of the same ideas Kevin Knight expressed regarding
the parks dedication fees. Jack explained that since the YMCA is a fee-based organization he didn't get
a sense of complete access to its facilities by residents. He suggested that the Commission may want to
look at some type of compromise to help meet the need for continued use of existing City facilities and how
the YMCA facilities can be incorporated to offset that need.
Mr. Shannon expressed his concern that there would be the perception that the YMCA would be
compared to an athletic club environment because a fee is charged. He continued that the Y exists. to
enhance the community and help build a value system. He stated that schools tie in with the YMCA to help
with special programming and to help develop leadership for youth. Although it is true that some people join
the YMCA for it's athletic facilities, most people belong because of the philosophy of the organization and
what it offers to families in a community.
Ted Billy again expressed his support of the services provided by the YMCA and pointed out that
according to the documentation provided in the packet it suggests that for each $3 spent by the
organization, participants pay approximately $1. He continued that this organization has the ability to offset
families financial needs far more than smaller organizations.
Kevin Knight reiterated that he has no question that the YMCA is a charitable organization,
however, he felt that because of the fees charged there may be a large group of people who may not meet
the criteria to receive financial aid from the YMCA, but would find it unaffordable to participate as a family.
Mr. Galleger addressed the Commission and, as a point of clarification, explained how the YMCA
is similar in classification to a church and as such should have the same guidelines provided those
organizations relative to parks and trails dedication fees. He continued that churches typically have the
parks dedication fees waived but in the event the land use ever changes then parks dedication fees can
be required based on the newly defined land use for that property.
After further discussion, Ted Billy moved and Dan Mooradian seconded the motion to waive parks
dedication fees until/or if such time the parcel is used for any other purpose other than a YMCA. The parcel
would then be reviewed for parks dedication fees depending upon it's intended use. Those voting in favor
of the motion included Jonathan Widem, Jack Johnson, Ted Billy and Dan Mooradian. Those against
included Deborah Johnson and Kevin Knight The motion passed.
Ted Billy moved, Jonathan Widem seconded the motion with all members voting in favor to assess
a trails dedication fee for the YMCA parcel.
Ted Billy moved, Deborah Johnson seconded the motion with all members voting in favor to review
the dedication fees for the remaining outlots at the time the outlots are platted as lots.
Deborah Johnson moved, Kevin Knight seconded the motion with all members voting in favor to
recommend that the developer meet it's water quality treatment requirements by excavating a portion of the
wetland to the north of the proposed development. The excavation should be done to minimize disturbance
ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
MINUTES OF JUNE 4, 1992 MEETING
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to riparian vegetation as much as possible and the pond should have a depth of 3 feet with a surface area
of .37 acres and a volume of 1.1 acre feet, according to the city water quality model. The excavation work
shall be subject to approval by city staff and any deficiency in wetpond treatment volume can be made up
through a cash dedication.
ADA - PROGRAM AND DESIGN IMPACTS
Stephen Sullivan introduced this informational item as the Americans with Disabilities Act which
guarantees disabled people access to employment, public accommodations, transportation, public services
and telecommunications. As of January 26, 1992, the City of Eagan is required to comply with this new
law. The ADA has five titles which cover employment, public services and transportation, public
accommodations, telecommunications and miscellaneous provisions. The two titles which effect cities are
primarily Title I and II. Title I covers employment to protect against discriminating against qualified job
applicants and workers who are or become disabled. A qualified disabled person is someone who, with
or without a reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of the job in question. An
employer must provide reasonable accommodations for disabled workers, unless that would impose an
undue hardship on the employer.
Another area that impacts the Parks and Recreation Department significantly relates to public
services and transportation. This involves evaluating structural and non-structural elements of the parks
to provide program accessibility. The time frames set by ADA in which cities are required to comply include
self-evaluation of programs and activities by 1/26/93; a transition plan outlining necessary structural changes
to be completed by 7/26/92 and that structural changes identified in the transition plan must be completed
by 1/26/95. Steve continued that ADA is using a design guide for certain facilities requirements. One of
the primary guidelines that will be used is a publication on barrier free boating and fishing facilities. This
particular publication has been beneficial in the planning stages for both Blackhawk and Wescott Station
Park improvements.
Dorothy Peterson added that the department's policy has always been to provide equal opportunity.
One of the items that has been added in the recent past to recreation programming registration is the
provision to provide assistance for special requests with notification of 96 hours to the department. These
special requests may include things like an interpreter for someone who is hearing impaired. Dorothy
continued that staff has taken a pro-active stand in providing these services even before the ADA
requirements became law.
Jack Johnson asked if the city will need to prioritize what work will need to be done over the next
several years. Director Vraa responded that it is difficult to determine what the priorities are until an
inventory analysis is done. Mr. Vraa added that Steve Sullivan has been consistently sensitive to these
needs during the planning process for parks development.
NAMING OF POND
Director Vraa stated that the area south of Manor Lake Park has a pond currently identified as JP-
26. It has been requested that a name be selected for this water body therefore the Commission's input
is being solicited. Ken added that if the Commission members had any suggestions for names they should
contact him within the next week.
ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
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FERTILIZER SURVEY
Rich Brasch, in response to a request by the Commission at their April meeting, followed up on
survey results as they related to regulating the use of fertilizers in Eagan. The request by the Commission
was the issue of the availability of low and no-phosphorus fertilizer and the usefulness of an ordinance that
would regulate the level of phosphorus in fertilizer used within the city limits.
Rich explained that the survey, done in April, of seven retail outlets in Eagan that sel lawn and
garden supplies, including fertilizer, resulted in the following findings; 1) No-phosphorus fertilizer is not sold
by any of the retailers surveyed; 2) Just over 75% of the fertilizer stocked at surveyed retail outlets contains
between 3% and 4% phosphorus, while 15% of the stock contained more than 4% phosphorus. Only 10%
of the fertilizer stocked contains 2% or less of phosphorus. 3) Six of the seven retailers found acceptable
the possible city ordinance limiting phosphorus in lawn fertilizers to 3% - 4%. They did feel that starter
fertilizers should be exempt from the regulation.
In addition to the retail outlets surveyed, commercial applicators were also surveyed. The results
of that survey found that 1) Just under 40% of the fertilizer sold is phosphorus-free; another 40% contains
between 1%- 2% phosphorus and only about 20% contains 3% or more phosphorus. 2) Commercial
applicators claimed that precautions were routinely used to keep fertilizers off hard surfaces and 3) Four
of the five companies surveyed said they did not routinely conduct soil nutrient test as a precursor to
fertilizer application.
Rich then reviewed the survey results of existing regulatory programs in other communities. Those
communities surveyed included Bloomington, Shoreview and Roseville. It was noted that Shoreview has
the best known regulation at this time which limits the allowable phosphorus content of granular fertilizer
to 3% or less, limits total application to no more than .5 pounds per thousand square feet per year, prohibits
deposition of fertilizer on impervious surface or within 10 feet of a waterbody, limits application of fertilizer
during the year to between April 15th and November 15th, and requires licensure of commercial applicators
by the city as well as posting of a performance bond and testing of fertilizer formulations to be used.
Ted Billy stated that since the survey results reflect that no-phosphorus fertilizer is not made
available in the retail outlets that they be encouraged to carry no-phosphorus fertilizer rather than regulate
by ordinance. Dan Mooradian added that he agreed with Ted's comments and would prefer seeing this
issue handled through education rather than regulation.
Jack Johnson added that a voluntary program would be nice if it worked, however, he didn't think
it would be very effective since there would be no incentive to change behavior. His preference is to pursue
the issue through an ordinance. He also continued that he liked the idea of limiting application to 10 feet
of a water body. He felt an ordinance would let the community know the Commission and Council are
aware of these issues and are working toward the preservation of the city's water bodies.
Kevin Knight stated he shared the objectives of the ordinance however, he felt that public education
would be the best option to begin with and, if need be, an ordinance can be added at a later time. Ted Billy
agreed with Kevin's comments reiterating his opinion that education should be done before looking at
regulating through an ordinance. Deborah Johnson also agreed with this opinion adding that an ordinance
would not change people's habits and behaviors. Jonathan Widen added that having an ordinance that
would be difficult to enforce would not be an effective ordinance and also supported education first.
ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
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LAKEVIEW ADDITION UPDATE
Rich Brasch updated the Commission on the water quality mitigation for Lakeview Trails Addition.
The proposed mitigation involved the construction of two nutrient detention basins on-site to treat run-off
from the development in order to protect water quality in Pond LP-26, a Class II 13 acre lake. Under the
original site plan, drainage from this 200 feet of street would have discharged to a ditch along Dodd Road,
eventually reaching Pond LP-26 via overland drainage. With the proposed change, all runoff from hard
surfaces which drain from the development to LP-26 will be treated by the two NURP basins that will be
constructed as part of this subdivision.
DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS
Some of the items discussed included the May 16 Public Works Celebration and Open House of
the Water Treatment facility with approximately 600 people in attendance; 12 new athletic benches were
installed at Dakota Hill Middle School and Northview Elementary School; the successful tree sale on May
2nd; tree and shrub installation at the Municipal Center, Wescott Station Park and Northview Tennis Courts;.
delivery of three major pieces of equipment; registration for summer programs began on May 16; sand
volleyball leagues are up and running with 21 teams registered this year compared to 10 teams in 1991;
and the very well attended and successful Kids Fishing Derby which was held on June 6 at Fish Lake Park.
1993 BUDGET
Director Vraa explained that staff is in the process of preparing the 1993 budget and each year the
Commission's input is solicited regarding this issue. Ken asked if there was any feedback from Commission
members they should let him know within the next two to three weeks.
Mr. Vraa also noted the memo in the packet relative to shelter restroom hours. With the increased
use of the park facilities throughout the city, restrooms have been opened at all locations where there are
shelter buildings to accommodate extended use.
CAPONI ART PARK UPDATE
Director Vraa stated that two members of the City Council have been appointed to work with Tony
Caponi on this issue. At this point the plans are to proceed with the tunnel concept under County Road
30, however the retaining wall issue has not yet been resolved since the County and the City do not plan
to expend any dollars toward its construction.
With no further business to conduct, Deborah Johnson moved, Ted Billy seconded with all members
voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 10:15 PM.
3gz
Secretary Date