10/01/1992 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF
ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
OCTOBER 1, 1992
A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission was called
to order at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 1, 1992 with the following Commission Members present: Ted
Billy, Jonathan Widem, Kevin Knight, Dan Mooradian and Lee Markell. Commission Members Erin Ipsen,
Deborah Johnson and Jack Johnson were not present. Staff present included Ken Vraa, Director of Parks and
Recreation; Stephen Sullivan, Landscape Arch itect/Park Planer; Dorothy Peterson Superintendentof Recreation;
John VonDeLinde, Parks Superintendent; Tom Schuster, City Forester; Dave Running, Intern and Cherryl Mesko,
Secretary.
AGENDA
Kevin Knight moved, Dan Mooradian seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the agenda
as presented.
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 3, 1992
Page 5, Paragraph 7, last sentence should read, ......achieve the goals as set forth 4. Ted Billy
moved, Kevin Knight seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the minutes as amended.
CONSENT AGENDA
After review of the park and trail dedication issues by Park Planer Stephen Sullivan and review of the
water quality issues by Water Resources Coordinator Rich Brasch, Ted Billy moved, Dan Mooradian seconded
the motion to make the following recommendations to the City Council. All members voted in favor.
1. Waiver of Plat - Leo Mogel. Existing residential units involved in platting are not subject to
Parks or Trails Dedication. This development should be subject to a cash dedicate to meet
water quality requirements.
2. Preliminary Plat - Toby Stevens. This proposal be subject to a cash parks dedication and cash
trails dedication. This proposal should be subject to a cash dedication to meet water quality
requirements.
3. Town Ctr 70 14th Add. - Eagan Tower Office Bldg Ptnrshp. This proposal be subject to a
cash parks dedication and cash trails dedication. This proposal should be subject to a cash
dedication to meet water quality requirements. That portion of the proposed development
contained within Lot 1, Block 1 should be subject to a cash dedication requirement to meet
water quality standards. The cash dedication associated with Outlot A will be charged when
it is replatted for development at a future date. In addition, filling or draining of the existing
wetland on-site should be exempt from regulation under the Wetlands Conservation Act.
4. Town Ctr 100 11th Add. - Eagan Heights Commercial. This parcel is responsible for the
construction of a 6 foot wide concrete sidewalk along O'Leary Lane. This parcel shall meet
its water quality treatment requirement by payment of a cash dedication for the .57 acre parcel
designated as Lot 1,Block 1. Outlot A will be charged when it is replatted for future
development at a later date.
Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
Minutes of October 1, 1992 Meeting
Page 2
WENZEL ADDITION - WENSMANN REALTY
Parks Planner Sullivan introduced this item reminding the Commission that they had reviewed this
parcel as a component of a Park Service Area X21 study and had also reviewed a site plan at the September
3,1992 meeting. At the September meeting it was noted that the developer was proposing significant site plan
changes to those previously submitted and it was agreed that the revised site plan would be brought before the
Commission at the October 1 meeting. Three recommendations the Commission made in September included
the developer providing a revised site plan showing the preservation of the oak stand at the northwest edge of
the pond, the provision for required recreational open space and the potential for providing a trail encircling
the pond.
Steve continued that new revisions to the development were brought to the attention of Parks and
Recreation staff at 4 p.. m. today (October 1). One of the major changes proposed is the downzoning from 161
to 126 units consisting of single family, quads and townhomes. The new site plan shows single family lots on
the north and northwest side of the pond, quads on the west side and townhomes on the southeast side of the
site. The pond is located south and east of the single family lots. Steve noted that this site plan shows that
oaks at the northwest edge of the pond will be saved as the Commission had requested. Steve noted that the
recommendations being made are based on the premise that staff will have the opportunity of reviewing this
plat during the platting and grading phase.
Mr. Sullivan added that the Commission reviewed the parks dedication for this park service area
previously and had determined that it would be appropriate to wait until it has been determined what will be
developed on the Bieter property west of this site. The development of that site will determine if parkland is
needed to service this PSA and, if so, what size it will need to be.
Regarding the pedestrian circulation to the school the developer is providing a 25 foot easement within
the northeast corridor. Steve suggested the City install the trail but that it be benched in by the developer.
Steve continued that the woodland resources circling the pond, on the north property line and in the southeast
corner of the site will all be preserved. The issue of open recreational space changes due to the downsizing
of the development. The idea of a common space or open play area is one that the developer has indicated
he will comply with. Again, this is an issue that can be addressed once more information is made available
to staff.
Water Resources Coordinator Brasch reviewed the water quality issues for this site noting that this
development lies in drainage basin B, a short distance up drainage from Blackhawk Lake. Runoff from the
proposed development will eventually reach Blackhawk Lake and, if not treated, would degrade it's quality.
Pond BP-4, which is contained on this site, had changes made to reduce nutrient loading associated with storm
water runoff to Heine Pond. In 1979 an outlet was installed at an elevation that caused water to back up far
into the relative flat inlet pipe between BP-4 and Heine Pond contributing to excessive nutrient loading and
water quality degradation in Heine Pond. After review by the City's engineering consultant and City staff the
best option appears to be to lower the elevation of the control structure in Pond BP-4 and drop the normal
water elevation by about 3.2 feet in BP-4. The cost for this change is anticipated at approximately $30,000
with an annual operating cost of approximately $3-4,000.
Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
Minutes of October 1, 1992 Meeting
Page 3
Mr. Brasch continued that the larger issue appears to be the wetland impact on this site. There are
three wetlands which encompass a total of about 4.72 acres. The largest is a Type 5 open water wetland with
a Type 1 bottomland wooded fringe and is associated with Pond BP-4 with a size of approximately 4.45 acres
in surface area and is in a significantly degraded condition. The second wetland is a .02 acre Type 2 wet
meadow near the northeastern edge of the first wetland. The third wetland is in the north central portion of
the site, northwest of the Deerwood Elementary parking lot that encompasses approximately .25 acres of Type
1 bottomland forest and is severely impacted by the school. Rich continued that staff has recommended that
Pond BP-4 be excavated to create an additional 2.4 acre-feet of storage. This excavation plan would need to
be approved by City Staff. Staff is also recommending approval of the proposed wetland replacement plan,
contingent on submission of a final wetlands impact and mitigation report and compliance with the
requirements of the Wetland Conservation Act.
Mr. Rob Bater of Westwood Professional Services addressed the Commission noting that the wetlands
have been staked in the field. Lee Markell noted that limits are placed on the developer not to infringe into
the wetland but wondered if the same type of limitations existed for homeowners. Mr. Bater responded that
perhaps restrictive covenants could be established restricting building pads within the wetland area. Another
suggestion was to place monuments to identify the limits of a building pad so as not to disrupt the wetland.
Mr. Wensmann noted that this would be acceptable to him.
Lee Markell asked if there could be an easement around the pond to provide for a trail. Mr.
Wensmann explained that that area was anticipated to be common area but questioned the appropriateness of
having a trail along the back lots of the single family homes and he wasn't quite sure how title would be
handled if this option was pursued. Steve Sullivan explained some of the options may be showing this as an
outlot, by providing an easement or have this part of the property as association owned. Mr. Wensmann
continued that he was supportive of providing a trail along a portion of the pond, however, he was
apprehensive of placing the trail along the back lots of the single family lots. Mr. Wensmann also shared his
concern for the maintenance of this trail.
Lee Markell explained that the trail around the pond would be an excellent amenity for the
neighborhood and asked that this issue be considered. He also commended Mr. Wensmann for the change
made in the downzoning of this site. In response to a question regarding timing for development, Mr.
Wensmann stated that it appears marketing won't begin until January, 1993 with construction beginning some
time in the spring of 1993. Mr. Markell stated that he finds it difficult to respond to this development until he
has an opportunity to see the grading and landscaping plan to better determine what the actual development
will look like and what it's impact will be on park needs and water quality. Lee suggested that no decisions
be made until the Commission have an opportunity to better review the changes that have only recently come
to the attention of Parks and Recreation staff.
Mr. Wensmann indicated his understanding of the Commission's need to review the changes being
proposed. He did ask for direction regarding trail access to the school noting that in a review of this
development with Planning staff it had been recommended that there be two access trails provided from the
development to the school. Steve Sullivan responded that staff would review this issue with Planning.
Lee Markell noted that wetland replacement was not cheap and asked if the developer had looked at
retaining walls as an option. Mr. Barter explained that in a previous plat retaining walls were shown and there
is a possibility of bringing that option back into the current proposal. Kevin Knight asked if there would be any
value in asking the developer to provide a site by site plan to provide for tree preservation. Steve Sullivan
explained that there is always a benefit to providing lot specific information and that could be looked at once
the grading plan is done. Mr. Wensmann indicated his approval of providing lot specific information if the
Commission so desires.
Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
Minutes of October 1, 1992 Meeting
Page 4
After further discussion, Lee Markell moved, Ted Billy seconded with all members voting in favor to
table this issue until the Commission sees a rough grading plan and a woodland resource preservation plan.
WEST PUBLISHING 6TH ADDITION - WEST PUBLISHING
Stephen Sullivan introduced this item noting that separate applications had been submitted requesting
the rezoning of approximately 2.2 acres from Light Industrial to Planned Development and a preliminary
platting of 4.7 acres. Steve continued that the preliminary plat incorporates a 2.2 acre Lembke 1st Addition
parcel with an existing 2.5 acre parcel which is within West Publishing Planned Development. It was noted
that the site is currently being graded for a future office/warehouse. Mr. Sullivan concluded that the
Commission would need to review and make recommendations regarding parks and trails dedication
obligations along with reviewing the impact to the woodland resource. Steve added that the 2.5 acre parcel
within the West Publishing Planned Development has fulfilled its parks dedication but the 2.2 Lembke parcel
is obligated to a cash parks dedication. Both sites have been assessed for the existing trail along Wescott Road
and are not obligated to a cash trails dedication.
Water Resources Coordinator Brasch explained that this light industrial development consists of future
offices and a warehouse on 4.7 acres located in the southeast one quarter of Section 13 on Wescott Road.
Rich continued that the development is located on drainage basin G with run-off from the site eventually
reaching Bur Oak Pond (Class II indirect contact recreation water body) after traveling along several intervening
storm water basins. Rich noted that Bur Oak Pond is the highest valued lake in the drainage.
Mr. Brasch continued that the developer has expressed a desire to meet the site's water quality
requirement by excavating in Pond GP-4 to create sufficient wet pond volume to meet treatment standards for
the development. Pond GP-4 is 1.3 acres in area and is currently a dry extended detention basin located just
east of the proposed plat on property owned by West Publishing. Based on an impervious coverage figure of
75% for the site, Rich explained that a wet pond with approximately 1 acre-foot in volume and a minimum
depth of 3 feet would be necessary to meet these treatment requirements.
The developer has indicated that this site will contain no impervious area in the immediate future and
is requesting that the plat approval be conditioned to allow a reconsideration of wet pond size requirements
when a building permit is requested to authorize those improvements. Rich explained that the wet volume of
the pond would then be revised to reflect the actual impervious coverage of the site and the pond constructed
when improvements are made to the site. The land will still be zoned to allow light industrial use and will
likely be used for an office and/or warehouse complex and possibly loading/parking facilities at some time in
the future.
Mr. Steve Bryant addressed the Commission stating that he had met with staff and concurs with their
recommendations regarding this proposed development.
After further discussion, Ted Billy moved, Kevin Knight seconded with all members voting in favor to
make the following recommendations to the City Council regarding West Publishing 6th Addition:
1. That the 2.2 acre Lembke 1st Addition parcel be subject to a cash parks dedication.
2. That the developer meet water quality requirements for the proposed development by creating
wet volume in Pond GP-4. The wet pond will be 1 acre-foot in volume and a minimum of
3 feet in average depth. These figures should be reviewed and revised based on actual
impervious figures for the site at the time any building permit is issued for the site. Excavation
of the pond must be completed prior to construction of any impervious surfaces on the site.
Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
Minutes of October 1, 1992 Meeting
Page 5
UPDATE ON OAK WILT WORKSHOP
Director Vraa introduced this item and asked Commission Members if they had any questions from the
special workshop held on September 17th. If there were no questions Mr. Vraa asked if the Commission would
like to pursue a joint meeting with the City Council to further evaluate the situation and look at steps that could
be made in implementing a program of oak wilt suppression and abatement within the City.
Kevin Knight thanked staff for the follow-up memo and indicated it very clearly reviewed the issues
discussed and recommended that the next step would be to set up a joint meeting with the City Council. Mr.
Billy concurred with Mr. Knight's suggestion and noted his concern with the magnitude of the problem and felt
this issue should be addressed as soon as possible. He suggested that by hiring a part-time tree inspector in
1993 and conducting an aerial survey to better understand the location and extent of oak wilt disease the City
will be better prepared to identify specific areas where suppression and abatement can occur. Lee Markell
agreed with the importance of aerial photography showing the hot spots of the disease but suggested that this
be done on an annual basis. Dan Mooradian suggested that by hiring a part-time tree inspector in 1993 this
may be beneficial in obtaining grant dollars in subsequent years. John VonDeLinde added that it may be
possible to fund the part-time position by the City in 1993 with the anticipation that state grant dollars may be
available in 1994.
Mr. Vraa indicated that he would contact City Administrator Hedges and attempt to set up a joint
workshop with the City Council to review this issue.
POND JP-69 - STORM WATER RETENTION - DIFFLEY/DANIEL PARCEL
Director Vraa introduced this item and reviewed the background for the Commission. He noted that
this parcel of land was acquired by the City as part of the HUD acquisition when the city needed to acquire
the Lexington/Diffley land parcel. HUD required that the city also acquire this particular parcel in addition to
Lexington/Diffley site, as one purchase. With development of the property west of Daniel drive now underway,
storm water will be directed towards this parcel. Storm sewer and pending easement had already been
obtained by the city prior to its acquisition, but no final design was completed for the ponding area. Ken
continued that with the plans completed for County Road 30 and its impact on this land, staff has now begun
the process of designing the pond limits for storm water on this parcel. It was also noted that when this parcel
was acquired it was the intention of the City Council to downzone it to single family so that the property could
be re-sold to recoup the investment made in the parcel.
Mr. Vraa outlined four criteria that staff felt were important during this design portion which included
retaining as many trees as reasonably possible along the east property, providing the necessary volumetric water
retention and improve water quality, preservation of trees on the entire parcel and, finally, configuration for
eventual resale of the property for lot development to re-capture the investment. Ken noted that this issue was
being brought before the Commission to make them familiar with the project and to solicit additional
information/concerns from them.
In response to a question from Mr. Billy, Mr. Vraa responded that there are 8 lots on the site that front
on Daniel Drive. The City paid $18-19,000 per acre plus assessments for this land and would be looking at
selling for approximately $20-27,000 per acre. Mr. Vraa noted that adjacent homeowners have shown an
interest in acquiring some of the property primarily for the purpose of tree preservation. Ken continued that
although the sale of the property to the neighbors could be done, it may be difficult. The sale of the property
may have an injurious effect on the eventual development and platting of the property for residential
development. Mr. Vraa also indicated that after visiting the site it is clear that some of the homes have
encroached into this parcel with the development of their back yards and garden.
Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
Minutes of October 1, 1992 Meeting
Page 6
Ted Billy asked if the parcel of land needed to be sold at all; he suggested leaving the property as
parkland indicating it would be a nice amenity to the neighborhood. Mr. Vraa responded that using this
property as parkland would be very limited based on the size of the pond on the site. Mr. Billy suggested
leaving the area natural as it is now and if, at a later date, there is a need to develop this parcel for park use
then it can be done.
Jim Johnson, representing City Engineering Consultant OSM, reviewed the site as it pertains to the
design of the storm water pond. He reviewed the treed areas noting which areas will be left as shown, i.e.
the softwoods area that backs up to Northview Meadows 2nd Addition and the mature oaks to the north and
west of the site. Jim continued that the normal water elevation is calculated at 946 with the high water level
calculated at 952. He also noted that 250 cu.ft./second would drain into the pond during a 100 year storm.
Kevin Knight asked if building pads were placed on these lots under this proposal, would the trees need
to be removed. It was noted that most likely the trees would need to be removed in order to develop the 8
lots. There was discussion regarding a trail around the pond and Mr. Vraa noted that a trail could be placed
at the higher elevation near the top of the lots, however it would not be a pleasurable walk on the east side
of the pond since the trail would be too near the pond.
Mr. Knight asked where the nearest park was to this neighborhood. Mr. Vraa responded that
Northview Elementary School was the closest but the nearest neighborhood park would be Walnut Hill and
Trapp Farm Park, the closest community park. Mr. Billy commented that there appeared to be few places for
children to go and play and reiterated his preference for leaving the property as is.
Homeowner of Lot 3, Northview Meadows 2nd Addition addressed the Commission explaining his
initial intent was to purchase a portion of the land the City owns in order to preserve trees. He commented
that he was pleased to see that tree preservation was such a big consideration for this project and he liked the
idea of the ponding area being increased. The consensus of the neighborhood seems to be that they would
like to see the property remain as it is and perhaps at a later time add a few amenities for the children in the
neighborhood. He commented that there is no play area close to this neighborhood and is concerned because
there is no trail or sidewalk that can safely carry children to the nearby parks.
Homeowner of Lot 2, Northview Meadows 2nd Addition added that he wanted to see the property left
as it is and would prefer that the lots not be developed. His preference was to preserve the wooded areas and
have no bike trail or sidewalk.
Jonathan Widem asked what the intent was for this property at the time it was acquired by the City.
Mr. Vraa responded that because the land purchase was required as part of the acquisition of the
Lexington/Diff ley site it has always been the City Council's intention to sell the land to recoup some of the costs
expended for it's purchase. The question for the Commission, Mr. Vraa continued, seems to be whether or
not they would spend $140,000 to acquire this property as a park site today.
Mr. Billy reiterated his position that the property be kept as is and if there is a need to sell at a later
date then that option should be considered. He felt that selling the lots now and running into a possible use
for this property at a later date would be short-sighted. Mr. Knight suggested looking at potential public use
along with developing the site. He wanted to see more information regarding these options before
recommending any options.
Dan Mooradian identified three separate issues for consideration. Looking at a trail on the northern
wooded area, saving the trees behind Lots 1 and 2 and the possibility of excluding the development of the land
that abuts Lots 1 and 2.
Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
Minutes of October 1, 1992 Meeting
Page 7
The residents present thanked the Commission for hearing their opinions and concerns and expressed
their appreciation for their input. Lee Markell thanked the neighbors for their input as well as their interest in
this project.
LAND USE REQUEST - LEXINGTON/DIFFLEY SITE
Director Vraa introduced this item as a request to allow the use of the Lexington/Diffley park land
parcel for a golf driving range for a period of 3 to 5 years. Ken continued that Mike King, owner and operator
of the Tee Time Golf Driving Range east of Lexington Avenue, is requesting that the City consider a portion
of the Lexington/Diffley site to be used for a golf driving range. The area Mr. King is targeting is south of the
water reservoir and west of the old gravel road previously known as Lexington Avenue. Ken continued that
the driving range would be approximately 300 yards long and approximately 350 feet wide at the tee area.
In addition there would be a small building to accommodate equipment as well as a miniature golf area. It was
noted that the timeline for development of the site as an athletic facility is undetermined at this time, however
in conjunction with the construction of County Road 30, Commission and Council has previously given
approval for potential development of all or a portion of the site to be used as a "balance" area for County Road
30. It is estimated that thq construction of County Road 30 will require approximately 80,000 cu. yds of
common borrow and soil borings have indicated that the Lexington/Diffley site has an enormous amount of
granular material which is ideal for roadway construction. Another concern expressed to Mr. King is an access
to the site considering County Road 30 will be under construction in 1993. Another issue Mr. Vraa reminded
the Commission to consider is that Mr. King has asked for a five year lease period but would be willing to
consider three years.
Mike King addressed the Commission providing them some further background along with a
presentation of how a golf driving range could be facilitated on the Lexington/Diffley site. Mr. King continued
that his preference would be to have a five to seven year lease so that the lease time will cover the costs of
development. He added that it was important to him that if the Commission and Council gave permission for
the golf range to be facilitated on this site that he provide a good working relationship with the City in
anticipation that this would be a positive experience for everyone.
Ted Billy asked if soil would be removed from the entire site during the upgrading of Diffley Road by
the County. Mr. Vraa responded that the developer typically likes to use an area as small as possible when
doing this type of excavation. Lee MarkelI suggested that this would be a good area to incorporate and make
visible the water quality efforts the City has been implementing. Lee continued that it would be nice if the site
could be graded in exchange for fill needed by the County and if there is an opportunity for the driving range
to fit within these parameters he would be supportive.
Mr. Billy noting the crunch the City is experiencing for athletic facilities expressed his concern for the
site being tied up for 5-7 years. He suggested that the Commission stay focused on facilitating the need for
athletic facilities first before looking at expanding to a new venture. Dan Mooradian asked if it would be
incompatible to have a driving range developed at this site before softball fields are in. If it is not compatible
with the City's proposed use of this site, or if it is not feasible for the driving range to remain for a period of
time to make Mr. King's investment worthwhile then it should not be considered for development at this time.
Mr. Vraa responded that a five-year lease would be difficult to speculate about since the timing for the balance
of the site is currently unknown because of the funds necessary for development.
Mr. King added that he has been negotiating with another landowner regarding the feasibility of
locating the driving range on another site. He reiterated his interest in remaining within Eagan and would hope
the Commission would recommend pursuing this issue further so that a driving range could be made available
to residents.
Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
Minutes of October 1,1992
Page 8
After further discussion Lee Markel) moved that staff work with Mr. King to see if a golf driving range
could be a viable option on the Lexington/Diffley site as part of the Master Plan. Kevin Knight amended the
motion to include the first priority of the site to be the development of an athletic facility as soon as possible;
that staff work with the County to see if the grading can be accomplished as part of the Diffley Road upgrade;
that there be a clear understanding with Mr. King that staff will try to work with him to see if a driving range
is a viable option and if it is, the lease for such a facility would be limited to a maximum of 3 years with the
understanding that the lease may be terminated sooner if dollars are available for the development of the site
and that Mr. King assume the financial risk for this venture if it is approved. Dan Mooradian seconded the
motion with all members voting in favor.
Mr. King responded that a three year lease would not be long enough but if the Commission would
consider a longer lease there may be the option of turning the equipment over to the City once the five year
period has passed. Mr. King reiterated that a lease less than five years would not be realistic in order to recover
his costs of development and operation. Mr. King thanked the Commission for their consideration and stated
his interest in continuing to work with Mr. Vraa and staff to see if some options may still be available since he
did not want to close the doors on this idea.
CAPITAL FUNDS SOURCE COMPARISON SURVEY - DAVE RUNNING
Superintendent of Recreation Peterson introduced Dave Running who has been an intern in the Parks
and Recreation Department for the past 12 weeks. She explained that at the end of their internship with the
City, students are required to prepare a report and present it to the Advisory Commission. Mr. Running has
done his research on parks and recreation departments capital expenditures during the last three years.
Dave Running explained that the study he researched was in response to interest expressed in finding
out where other parks and recreation departments are receiving their capital outlay money in an effort to
generate new ideas on gaining new funds in the future. Dave continued that he collected data from 10 parks
and recreation departments in the Twin Cities area; first through a cover letter and followed by an interview
with the 10 departments. Dave then reviewed the interview questions and hypothesis that were constructed
to help in the research.
Hypothesis # 1 was that larger parks and recreation departments, those having over 20 employees, will
spend more money on capital expenditures than smaller parks and recreation department, those having less
than 20 employees. Hypothesis #2 was that thirty percent f the parks and recreation departments questioned
would have received a grant within the last three fiscal years. Hypothesis #3 was that fifty percent of the parks
and recreation departments questioned have received parks and/or trails dedications monies from developers.
Mr. Running then reviewed the statement of funds and sources noting that many of the funds sources
are relatively the same but with a little difference in their name. Some of the more unique funds sources
included West St. Paul who receives $85,000/year from their interest income fund, Eden Prairie is paying for
a new ice arena by way of a lease/purchase program and Inver Grove Heights receives money from their Land
Fill Abaitment Fund at a rate of $1.00 per dump into the local land fill.
Ted Billy thanked Dave for an excellent report and commented on the value of this information forthe
future.
Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
Minutes of October 1, 1992 Meeting
Page 9
PARK NAMING
Director Vraa introduced this item bringing the Commission's attention to the letterfrom Shawn Hunter
regarding the possible naming of the Lexington/Diffley park site. Ken suggested that the Commission's Park
Naming sub-committee plan to meet to recommend names for Lexington/Diffley and Manor Lake park sites.
Ted Billy reminded the Commission they had agreed that all members would serve on this sub-committee and
suggested that they meet prior to the November commission meeting. It was suggested that Dick Carroll be
contacted to see if he would be willing to do some research into the history of these sites to help with the park
naming process. Mr. Vraa indicated he would get in touch with Mr. Carroll and set a date for the park naming
sub-committee.
BLACKHAWK PARK UPDATE
Park Planner Sullivan explained that the construction work for Blackhawk Park began on September
8 and at this time 80% of the trails and parking lot area has been cleared and grubbed. Steve added that earth
moving work began on September 21 with staff doing the construction staking and inspections. It is hoped that
the preliminary work will be completed this fall.
PHASE II - SCHWANZ LAKE GRANT PROPOSAL/FISH LAKE GRANT PROPOSALS
Water Resources Coordinator Brasch introduced this item as grant proposals for submission to the
Pollution Control Agency's Clean Water Partnership Program. The deadline for the grant submission is October
29, 1992 and a recommendation by the Commission is being sought before proceeding for approval by the City
Council. The first grant is for the implementation phase of the Schwanz Lake project in which staff has
reviewed with the Commission the diagnostic/ feasibility and implementation plan components (Phase I). Rich
continued that an Executive Summary for Phase 1 and a budget summary for Phase 2 are attached. The PCA
has not completed its technical review of the project report, but periodic communication with the reviewers
indicates no major problems at this time. The funding for the Schwanz Lake project will be a combination of
grant, in-kind, and local cash. The dollars anticipated from MPCA would be $139,018.
The second grant application is for a Phase 1 assessment of Fish Lake that will involve a modification
of last year's application for Fish and Blackhawk Lakes. Mr. Brasch stated that the study will begin this fall and
if the City if fortunate enough to receive the grant for studies that will be a plus; if not, staff will proceed to
the Phase II, 1994 implementation. It is anticipated that the total project costs will be $96,500.
After further discussion, Ted Billy moved, Dan Mooradian seconded with all members voting in favor
to recommend the approval of Clean Water Partnership Grant Applications for Schwanz Lake and Fish Lake.
WETLANDS TASK FORCE MEETING
Mr. Brasch reviewed the summary of the Wetlands Task Force Meeting held on September 23
highlighting the main points of the presentation by Paul Krauss on Chanhassen's wetlands protection efforts.
Rich also reviewed the results of the meeting and the input by Commission members present.
Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
Minutes of October 1, 1992
Page 10
DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS - PARKS MAINTENANCE/RECREATION UPDATE
Recreation Happenings were incorporated in a video presentation which was shared with the
Commission outlining some of the activities at various parks as well as recreation highlights. Superintendent
of Parks VonDeLinde reviewed some of the work projects completed and procedures underway by the
maintenance staff including Northview tennis courts, Captain Dodd playground construction, Rahn athletic
dugouts, monthly playground inspections, aerification of parks and repair of a watermain break on the south
side of Northview soccer fields. John also commented on the busy September for the Forestry Division with
the replacement of trees and replacement of wood mulch in various parks.
Superintendent of Recreation Peterson reviewed the active use of Northview soccer fields with the
extensive use by Dakota Middle School and EAA; the extensive use of Northview tennis courts by both Dakota
Hills Middle and Eagan High Schools; adult volleyball, football and fall softball; introduction of in-line skating
and a visit to the Tiny Tots program.
ROUND TABLE
Kevin Knight asked if a date could be set to begin the review process for the Parks Master Plan. After
checking schedules, October 28, 5:30 p.m. at the Central Maintenance Facility was determined to be the
meeting date and time. A notice will be sent to all members prior to the meeting and the length of the meeting
will be planned for 1.5 - 2 hours.
With no further business to conduct, Lee Markell moved, Jonathan Widem seconded with all members
voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 p.m.
4
Secretary Date