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02/14/1994 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION EAGAN, MINNESOTA FEBRUARY 14, 1994 A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m.on February 14, 1994 with the following Commission Members present: Lee Markell, Stephen Thompson, Erin Ipsen-Borgersen, David Szott, Ted Billy, Jonathan Widem, Ken Tyler and George Kubik. Commission Members Dan Mooradian, John Rudolph and Michael Vincent were not present. Staff present included Ken Vraa,Director of Parks and Recreation; Dorothy Peterson, Superintendent of Recreation; John VonDeLinde, Parks Superintendent; C.J. Lilly, Landscape Architect/Parks Planner; Rich Brasch, Water Resources Coordinator; Mike Ridley, Project Planner and Cherryl Mesko, Secretary. INTRODUCTION OF NEW COMMISSION MEMBERS Director Vraa introduced and welcomed Ken Tyler, David Szott and Lee Markell, having been appointed to three year terms. Michael Vincent was appointed as the new one year alternate. COMMISSION ORGANIZATION After describing the responsibilities for each office and explaining the voting procedure which included initialing ballots, Director Vraa opened nominations for the Chairperson. Lee Markell nominated and Stephen Thompson seconded the nomination of George Kubik. George Kubik nominated and Ted Billy seconded the nomination for Lee Markell. Jonathan Widem nominated and Erin Ipsen-Borgersen seconded the nomination of Dan Mooradian. Ted Billy moved, George Kubik seconded the motion to close the nominations for Chairperson. Written ballots were submitted and counted naming Lee Markell as Chairperson. Director Vraa opened nominations for Vice-Chair. Lee Markell nominated and Erin lpsen-Borgersen seconded the nomination of Stephen Thompson. Ted Billy nominated and Jonathan Widem seconded the nomination of Dan Mooradian. Stephen Thompson nominated and Lee Markell seconded the nomination of George Kubik. Ted Billy moved, Erin Ipsen-Borgersen seconded the motion to close the nominations for Vice- Chair. Written ballots were submitted and counted resulting in a tie between Dan Mooradian and George Kubik. A second set of written ballots were submitted and counted, again resulting in a tie between Mr. Mooradian and Mr. Kubik. After further discussion, George Kubik moved, Jonathan Widem seconded with all members voting in favor to appoint Dan Mooradian as Vice-Chair. Director Vraa opened nominations for Secretary. George Kubik nominated and Jonathan Widem seconded the nomination of Erin Ipsen-Borgersen. Lee Markell nominated and Ted Billy seconded the nomination of John Rudolph. Ted Billy moved, Stephen Thompson seconded the motion to close the nominations for Secretary. Written ballots were submitted and counted naming Erin Ipsen-Borgersen as Secretary. Director Vraa then turned the meeting over to Chairman Lee Markell for the appointment of members to the various sub-committees. Chairman Markell suggested that all Commission Members could attend the sub-committee meetings but asked for specific volunteers for both the Recreation and Natural Resources Sub- Committees. Those volunteering to serve on the Recreation Sub-committee included Ted Billy, John Rudolph and David Szott as Chair. Those volunteering to serve on the Natural Resources Sub-committee included Lee Markell, George Kubik, Ken Tyler, John Rudolph, David Szott and Stephen Thompson as Chair. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resouces Commission Minutes of February 14, 1994 Meeting Page 2 AGENDA Erin Ipsen-Borgersen moved, Jonathan Widem seconded with all members voting in favor to approve the agenda as presented. MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF JANUARY 6, 1994 Ted Billy moved, George Kubik seconded with alI members voting in favor to approve the minutes of January 6, 1994 as presented. CONSENT AGENDA Director Vraa noted that there were no items under the Consent Agenda. GALAXIE HILL OAKS Director Vraa introduced this item as a request to rezone from R-3 townhouse to R-1 single family and a preliminary plat consisting of four single family lots on 1.4 acres of land. The site, Mr. Vraa continued, is located on the east side of Galaxy Avenue, south of Cliff Road and north of Karis Way within Park Service Area 32 serviced by Ridgecliff Park. Project Planner Mike Ridley added that this area was platted in 1980 and under the current Comprehensive Guide Plan is designated as D-1. Mike continued that this proposal of 4 lots results in 2.8 units per acre and will appear before the Advisory Planning Commission on February 22, 1994. After the parks and trails dedications issues and the water quality and wetland issues were reviewed by Director Vraa and Water Resources Coordinator Brasch, Park Superintendent VonDeLinde reviewed the tree preservation issues. John noted that a Tree Preservation Plan was submitted for this development showing the loss of 36 significant trees which is within the percentage allowable under the tree preservation guidelines. After further discussion, Ted Billy moved, Stephen Thompson seconded with all members voting in favor to make the following recommendations to the Advisory Planning Commission and City Council: 1. This proposal be subject to a cash parks dedication for the three newly created lots. 2. This proposal be subject to a cash trails dedication. 3. The developer pay a cash dedication in lieu of on-site ponding to meet water quality protection requirements for this development. 4. To acknowledge that the Galaxy Hills Oak tree preservation plan complies with the City'stree preservation guidelines. The developer will not be responsible for tree replacement provided that no more than 6 significant trees are removed or damaged as a result of the grading and utility installation. 5. The presence of significant trees on all four lots require future builders to prepare individual lot tree preservation plans at the time of building permit. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resouces Commission Minutes of FEbruary 14, 1994 Meeting Page 3 SIDEWALK REQUEST - BENT TREE LANE Director Vraa explained that this item has been reviewed previously as a result of a letterfrom Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Fink relative to a request for sidewalk installation on the west side of Bent Tree Lane. The request from the Finks was based on their desire to facilitate a continuous network of sidewalks through the neighborhood and to Pinewood Elementary School for their wheelchair bound child. Ken continued that the Finks had recently distributed a survey to neighbors asking for their input. Staff has received two of the written survey responses along with one phone response. Ken concluded that the issue for the Advisory Commission is to approve or disapprove this request and if approved, to determine the appropriate policy to deal with other similar requests which may be forthcoming from other sections of the community. Cheri Fink explained that they had received three survey responses but felt the surveys could have been distributed to the neighbors in a more timely fashion so as to provide a better representation. Cheri noted that along with the survey that was distributed they attached a copy of the study done by Staff relative to other communities' sidewalk policies. Cheri concluded that nine of the homes on the west side of Bent Tree Lane and four homes on the east side of Bent Tree Lane are occupied and of the three responses she received, all three were supportive of the sidewalk installation. Director Vraa explained that the phone response he received to the survey did not support a sidewalk, however one written response supported it and the third written response was supportive of a sidewalk but wanted it placed on the east side of Bent Tree Lane. Stephen Thompson asked if staff has received other sidewalk requests from residents. Director Vraa responded that recent controversy regarding the sidewalk along Clemson would be familiarto the Commission. Typically, Ken continued, sidewalks are not placed on residential streets other than as an access to schools. There have also been some occasions where developers will request a tie to another neighborhood via sidewalks. Mr. Thompson asked where the funding for sidewalks and trails come from. Director Vraa responded that they are constructed using dollars from the trails dedication fund. As background Ken explained that the scope of the city trail system was identified in 1991, the land left to be developed was identified and the cost for developing the "trail system" was split proportionately between the undeveloped parcels. The Commission has the ability to recommend to the City Council an increased trails dedication if the Commission deems necessary. Stephen Thompson asked if the Bent Tree Lane neighborhood would be willing to pay forthe sidewalk. Cheri Fink explained that the survey sent to residents was based on the neighbors being assessed for the sidewalk. They would also want to look at grants and special funding. Lee Markell asked if the cost was known at this time. Parks Superintendent VonDeLinde explained that sidewalks would typically be assessed at $1,000 - 1,500 per lot. Ted Billy asked if the neighbors were assessed for the sidewalk would they then be responsible for maintaining it. Ms. Fink responded that they would not be interested in clearing it during the winter since they did not envision Matthew would be using the sidewalk in the winter. David Szott asked if the decision regarding funding would need to be made first. Director Vraa noted that it would be difficult to put the City in the position of soliciting funds for a request such as this but suggested that citizens could solicit funding alternatives. Ken Tyler asked if the City would need to negotiate an easement with each homeowner in order to install a sidewalk. Superintendent VonDeLinde responded they would since the sidewalk would need to be placed on private property. Director Vraa explained that a cost feasibility study has not been done to date which would better clarify some of the Commission's questions. Ken continued that that is the procedure followed by residents who are soliciting the installation of street lights, for example. After a cost feasibility study is conducted, the Council then holds public meetings to see if the majority of the affected residents support assessment of the improvement. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resouces Commission Minutes of February 14, 1994 Meeting Page 4 Lee Markell asked if there were any national studies regarding the safety of sidewalks on low volume streets. Director Vraa was not familiar with any. Other items of consideration brought out included not only the initial installation cost of the sidewalk but the maintenance and replacement costs. In some areas where lots are custom graded it may not be beneficial to install a sidewalk prior to development. Ted Billy expressed his concern over this issue because of it's potential to be precedent setting resulting in increased requests for sidewalk sections throughout the City. Stephen Thompson stated that philosophically he would like a sidewalk on his street but felt that the cost for installing such as improvement should be borne by the homeowners directly affected. He continued that there is a compelling need to link neighborhoods in the community and felt that there should be some flexibility to allow sidewalk installation. Ken Tyler asked if there was not cost to the City and 100% of the affected land owners agreed, would this still be a precedent setting issue. Stephen Thompson thought it would be more a policy change. Director Vraa encouraged the Commission to look at this as a policy change and think about under what circumstances a sidewalk would be approved for installation. Issues such as maintenance and replacement would also need to be identified. Superintendent VonDeLinde, responding to a question, stated that sidewalk maintenance has been minimal to date. John suggested that the issue of reviewing developer's responsibilities in new developments should also be addressed. Ted Billy reiterated his concern for a precedent setting policy change. Erin Ipsen-Borgersen reminded the Commission of the animosity that was created within the neighborhood when the Crimson Leaf sidewalk issue was before them. Cheri Fink opined that if the Commission was concerned about setting a precedent with this type of request they may want to consider that in the future people with disabilities will be out in the community in larger numbers which may require the need for more accessibility. Andrew Fink asked what the current policy was regarding sidewalks. Director Vraa responded that there is no policy against sidewalks per se, however, they have not been installed in residential areas in the past. Mr. Fink responded that majority of the neighbors they had visited with overwhelmingly prefer a sidewalk. The negatives they heard were primarily based on the fact that underground sprinkling systems were installed. Lee Markell asked if there was sufficient information for the Commission to take action. Jonathan Widem asked what other information staff or Commission was looking for. Director Vraa suggested that a separate meeting be held to establish policy guidelines for this issue and then bring those recommendations back to the Commission for discussion and/or action. Ken continued that staff could start to initiate some policy issues and practices based on how other utility improvements are handled. Stephen Thompson stated that no matter what direction this issue takes, clear policy decision will need to be made. George Kubik suggested that if staff is going to initiate some policy issues and practices for the Commission to respond to then clear guidelines should be provided to them. After further discussion Stephen Thompson moved, Ken Tyler seconded with all members voting in favor to authorize staff to do a preliminary study of a residential sidewalk policy that embodies options and discussion to include assessment policy, optional residential sidewalk policy covering existing homes, platted lots and undeveloped lots as well maintenance, liability and easement requirements. Jonathan Widem suggested meeting prior to the next Commission meeting to discuss this issue more informally. George Kubik suggested that this would be an appropriate item for a Special Issues Subcommittee to review thinking that it would be more effective working with 2-3 people to outline some parameters before bringing it back to the Commission. When Chairman Markell asked for volunteers Erin Ipsen-Borgersen, Jonathan Widem, and Stephen Thompson expressed their interest. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resouces Commission Minutes of February 14, 1994 Meeting Page 5 Director Vraa explained that this item may not be back to the Commission until April or later. Mr. Fink expressed their interest in resolving this request as soon as possible. The Finks thanked the Commission and staff for their efforts in time in reviewing this request. PINES EDGE ADDITION As background, Director Vraa explained that the Commission and City Council have previously determined a general location for a park within the northeast quadrant of the City in Park Service Area 36E. The City had planned to acquire a neighborhood park from 5-7 acres in size south of the Weston Hills Addition and east of Highway 3. During the Commission's previous review of this issue, the potential acquisition of approximately 6 acres from Mr. Carroll was deemed unsuitable for parks because of wetlands and existing vegetation. Since the Commission's review, Mr. Carroll's parcel, along with 19 acres from Mr. Neary were acquired by Shamrock Development and the plat will be reviewed by the Commission at its March meeting. City staff has also met with School District 196 staff relative to the location of a new elementary school. If the school is located in this general area,the opportunity for a potential school/neighborhood park exists. Director Vraa added that the sketch shown to the Commission represents one possible park dedication which could be added to a future acquisition to the west (owned by Mr. Mrotzke). The acquisition of the 5 acre Mrotzke parcel along with the dedication of up to 2.5 acres from Pines Edge could provide a suitable park size. If the School District acquires land in this area for a school and a joint District/City park was planned, a land dedication from Pines Edge could be an option with the land deeded as an outlot. If the School District follows through with a school, the land could be used for park purposes; if the District does not proceed with acquisition in this location, then the outlot could be returned to the developer, in exchange for a cash dedication. The developer, Shamrock Corporation, is asking that the Advisory Commission review the proposed parks dedication at this time to see if it is suitable. Although a park dedication recommendation is not required of the Commission at this time, Director Vraa continued, the developer only seeks conceptual approval of the park area location. Rick Packer, representing Shamrock Corporation, explained that the potential exists to do a cooperative endeavor with the school district which would place a school west of the proposed development, closer to Hiway 3. Rick continued that if the bond referendum passes the School District hopes to have a new school under construction in June or July. Mr. Packer felt that a school near this location would be beneficial to the surrounding residential area and expressed the developer's support of incorporating a park or joint school/park near the Pines Edge Addition. Lee Markell asked if a motion for direction to staff would be required. Director Vraa indicated that the developer and staff is looking for the Commission's comments, concerns and direction relative to the location of the proposed park shown by Shamrock Corporation and also any input regarding pursuing a joint school/city park proposal if the opportunity presents itself. Ted Billy responded that the best approach would be to keep all options open pending ISD196's decision for school location and the upcoming bond referendum. After further discussion, Director Vraa recapped the consensus of the Commission to be that the City would take a park land dedication, have it platted as an outlot and proceed as appropriate based on the decision by ISD 196 and parks needs. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resouces Commission Minutes of February 14, 1994 Meeting Page 6 COMMUNITY FESTIVALS Director Vraa reminded the Commission of their request to do a community festival survey to see what the overall interest in the community was for such an event. Superintendent of Recreation Peterson continued that a survey questionnaire was developed, a random sample was requested and the survey was mailed on December 30, 1993. A second survey was placed in the warming shelters the weekend of January 7 and 8, 1994 but the results of that survey have not been calculated as yet. The analysis of the random sample survey results in the median importance of 6 or less for a community festival. Within the subgroups a wide variety of information emerged. For example, residents who have lived in Eagan less than 5 years expressed a median importance of 7 for a community festival, their preference was for a one day festival in the summer with the Chamber of Commerce and Parks and Recreation as primary planners. They felt the festival should include celebrating the establishment of the Town of Eagan and bring families to have fun, attend fireworks, parades, arts and crafts booths, sample food and attend entertainment. Of the sub-group that have lived in Eagan 6-10 years, their median importance was 5 but this group expressed the most interest in serving on planning committees and organizing their club or work at an event. Households of two adults with no children placed a median importance of 6 with a two day festival preferred which includes fireworks, arts & crafts booths, sampling food, attending performances and having fun. Households with two adults and two children show a median importance of 6 with their preference to have Parks and Recreation primarily plan and conduct a festival. Dorothy concluded that the warming shelter survey results would be forthcoming and another survey was proposed to be distributed to service groups. Stephen Thompson thanked Dorothy for providing such an objective way to get information on this issue. Director Vraa expressed his surprise that the carnival element was not as important to those responding. Lee Markell again thanked Dorothy for the great job in providing this insight to the Commission and community. LOCAL OUTDOOR RECREATION GRANTS PROGRAM - PROJECT APPLICATIONS Parks Superintendent VonDeLinde explained this program was originally established in 1965 for the purpose of disbursing Federal Land and Water Conservation Funds to local units of government. In 19990 the State removed the LCMR from the recreation grants program and now provides matching dollars through state biennial bonding appropriations through legislative appropriation. Since the 1970's, the City of Eagan has been an active participant in the grants program with funded projects that include acquisition and/or development of Blackhawk Park, Thomas Lake Park, Trapp farm Park, Rahn and Northview Athletic fields, Fish Lake Park and the Highline Trail corridor and total $1,080,200 in LAWCON and $740,440 in LCMR funds. Superintendent VonDeLinde continued projects eligible for grant assistance from the Outdoor Recreation Grants for the 1995/96 biennium include park acquisition and/or the development/redevelopment of trails, picnic shelters, playgrounds, athletic facilities, boat accesses, fishing piers, swimming beaches, campgrounds, site preparation and support facilities such as restroom buildings, park roads, parking areas and utilities. John continued by indicating the available funding in 1995 would be approximately $250,000 from LAWCON with the DNR seeking $1 million appropriation for the 1995/96 biennium. After reviewing the ranking criteria and funding process for the Commission, John explained staff's recommendation to submit applications for the development of Patrick Eagan Park and the development of LeMay Lake (Moonshine Park) feeling that these two projects will be looked at favorably by the Local Outdoor Recreation Grants Program for funding. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resouces Commission Minutes of February 14, 1994 Meeting Page 7 After further discussion, George Kubik moved, Stephen Thompson seconded with all members voting in favor to approve the request to submit an application to the Local Outdoor Recreation Grants Program for the development of Patrick Eagan and LeMay Lake (Moonshine Park). Lee Markell thanked staff for the past efforts in obtaining grant dollars for the City of Eagan. Superintendent VonDeLinde explained there is a significant amount of money in a fund but Congress has not been overly willing to release those funds to states. George Kubik suggested that a letter, signed by all willing Commission Members, be drafted and sent to appropriate Representatives requesting these dollars be released to individual states. It was the consensus of the Commission that such a letter should be drafted for Commission Members signatures. MOSQUITO CONTROL Director Vraa explained that the City Council and City Administrator are requesting a joint effort with the Advisory Commission and city staff to develop a formal position relative to Metropolitan Mosquito Control District mosquito control practices in the City of Eagan. The Council is asking that the Advisory Commission to develop a formal position and recommend to the City Council the optimal long-term policy for the city in relation to environmental, economic and social considerations. Part of the Commission's role, Ken continued, would include the development of a formal report and alternatives discussion by department staff, followed by Commission review and the opportunity for public input on the study's findings and alternatives. It is anticipated that a final study will be available for Commission review by early fall. George Kubik suggested that since this could have far reaching impacts, it might be best to first start the review by a special issues group. Lee Markell, Erin Ipsen-Borgersen and Stephen Thompson volunteered to serve on this special issues group. Director Vraa stated there would be approximately 2-3 group meetings but the time frame has not been determined as yet. PARKS DEVELOPMENT UPDATE Landscape Architect/Parks Planner Lilly reviewed several projects that are proposed for completion in 1994. Mr. Lilly reminded the Commission that a park contract for Wescott Commons was bid last fall but due to the high bids the project was postponed until this spring. The Wescott Commons project will be joined with the contract for the Lexington/Diffley Athletic Site grading which will be ready for bid in March. The overall layout of the Lexington/Diffley site consisting of 6 softball fields, restroom facilities, 3 soccer fields, informal games area, 2 volleyball areas, 5.4 acre feet of water storage and 445 parking spaces was then reviewed for the Commission. C) added that this contract will encompass all grading, utilities (minus electric and irrigation), access road rough-in and parking lots, pond construction, turf establishment, retaining walls and field rough-in. Director Vraa explained that the first phase construction budget was approximately $500,000 and consideration has been given to requesting $100,000 from the City Council to help with irrigation. Another concern expressed by Mr. Vraa was the potential development of the Caponi property immediately to the west. Issues of concern to the Caponis include access to their property, which will go through park property and the impact of the lights on the Art Park. Another concern that has surfaced is relative to the golf driving range. Director Vraa explained that staff met with the City's risk management company regarding the athletic site and they expressed concerns for the location and visibility of the playground, as well as having a golf driving range on this site. They felt the site was too small for this type of facility and that the berm and trees buffering the residents to the west and south is not sufficient to diminish liability to the City. Ken concluded that he wanted the Commission aware of all concerns relative to this site. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resouces Commission Minutes of February 14, 1994 Meeting Page 8 SCHWANZ LAKE GRANT Water Resources Coordinator Brasch reminded the Commission that the City completed a diagnostic/feasibility study and implementation plan for Schwanz Lake in July, 1992 to identify the causes of poor water quality in Schwanz Lake. In December, 1993, Rich continued, staff was notified that the City should be awarded a grant of nearly $94,000 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to finance up to 50% of the cost of implementing lake and watershed improvements for this water body. Rich reviewed the elements that would be carried out under the work plan from May, 1994 through April, 1995 which included public education activities, intensive street sweeping in direct drainage of Schwanz Lake, deepening and construction of a dike on the south bay of the lake, and extension of the inlet to Hay Lake. CARLSON LAKE UPDATE Mr. Brasch explained that although Carlson Lake is classified as a Class II indirect contact recreation water body the lake has long been affected by floating mats of filamentous algae that rise to the surface during the early summer making recreational use of the lake, especially along the shoreline, difficult during much of the summer. After water and algae samples were collected the dominant forms of both the filamentous and planktonic algae species start as a mat near the sediment/water interface at depths in the lake between 4 and 8 feet. Rich continued that it appears as if these species lie relatively dormant along this interface until water temperatures, light and other environmental conditions are suitable after which the algae colonies, fed by high levels of phosphorus at the sediment/water interface proliferate and float either to the surface or off the bottom and higher into the water column where they remain dormant for most of the recreational season. Rich reviewed several control options for the Commission to consider including using herbicides, mechanical harvesting, aeration,and alum treatment. Rich continued that he is looking for direction from the Commission and then will proceed with a public meeting to advise the surrounding residents of proposed treatment options. George Kubik and Lee Markell agreed that treatment should be handled as soon as possible along with providing long term education. Lee added that it may give the surrounding neighbors a false sense of security if the lake is clean right away without their understanding of the role they will need to play in maintaining the low phosphorous level in the lake. Other comments from Commission Members supported trying the alum treatment but that all options should be considered and presented. Afterfurther discussion, Stephen Thompson moved, Jonathan Widem seconded with all members voting in favor to pursue the alternatives for control of filamentous algae in Carlson Lake. The option favored by the Commission was the alum treatment and the direction was for staff to make plans for a public meeting to review the options and benefits with the residents and bring back to the Commission, for approval, the option that is most favored by them. DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS Recreation Superintendent Peterson played a video of winter recreational activities for the Commission to review which included four-man hockey, pleasure skating at several rinks, casual pick-up hockeygame, Tiny Tots, cleaning of the hockey rinks, 5-man basketball, volleyball and Trapp Farm Park tubing hill. Park Superintendent VonDeLinde highlighted the receipt of an America's Treeways Program grant by the Forestry Department and the consideration of minor revisions to the Tree Preservation Guideline enforcement. MISSION STATEMENT The Mission Statement was deferred to the March meeting. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resouces Commission Minutes of February 14, 1994 Meeting Page 9 SET MEETING WITH DAKOTA COUNTY PARKS A meeting will be determined at a later date with Dakota County Parks. Mr. Kubik suggested that it could perhaps occur prior to a regular meeting. ROUND TABLE Director Vraa indicated that the City Council has approved the design for the Civic Arena. The City Council has also approved the construction of a new police facility after which the re-design of the City Hall facility will occur. As part of that re-design, the need for a community room will be facilitated in the existing Council Chambers and a new Council Chambers will be built on the south side of the lower level which will become the main entrance to the Municipal Center. With no further business to conduct, Jonathan Widem moved, George Kubik seconded with all members voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 10:40 p.m. 199V S retary Date