08/15/1994 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF
ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
August 15, 1994
A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission was called
to order at 7:00 p.m. on August 15, 1994 with the following Commission Members present: Sherie Wallace,
John Rudolph, Jonathan Widem, Lee Markell, Stephen Thompson, Ken Tyler, David Szott, Michael Vincent and
Ted Billy. Commission Member George Kubik was not present. Staff present included Ken Vraa, Director of
Parks and Recreation; Dorothy Peterson, Superintendent of Recreation; John VonDeLinde, Parks Superintendent;
Rich Brasch, Water Resources Coordinator; C.J. Lilly, Landscape Architect/Parks Planner; Shannon Tyree,
Project Planner and Cherryl Mesko, Secretary.
AGENDA
John Rudolph moved, Jonathan Widem seconded with all members voting in favor to approve the
agenda as presented.
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF JULY 18, 1994
Ted Billy moved, Jonathan Widem seconded with all members voting in favor to approve the minutes
of the July 18, 1994 meeting as presented.
ELECTION OF VICE CHAIR AND SECRETARY
Director Vraa explained that with the resignation of two Commission Members, the positions of Vice
Chair and Secretary are currently vacant. After describing the duties of those two positions, Director Vraa
opened nominations for the Vice Chair position. Commission Member Billy recalled that during the initial
election of officers, George Kubik was tied for the position of Vice Chair but because he had served on the
Commission in other elected positions, Kubik withdrew his name for consideration. Ted Billy moved, Stephen
Thompson seconded the nomination for George Kubik as Vice Chair. Ted Billy moved to close the nominations
and cast a unanimous ballot for George Kubik. Stephen Thompson seconded the motion with all members
voting in favor.
Ted Billy moved to cast a unanimous ballot for Jonathan Widem as Secretary. John Rudolph seconded
the motion with all members voting in favor.
DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS
Director Vraa reviewed several items including the fall registrations numbers for EAA youth sports and
the City's efforts at continuing to provide facilities for those programs. Black Hawk Middle School has
requested use of city facilities until their fields are completed; bids were received for trails and parking lot
sealcoating and Recreation Supervisor Oyanagi hosted a very successful Region D softball tournament with over
140 games being played.
Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resouces Commission
Minutes of August 15, 1994 Meeting
Page 2
CONSENT AGENDA
Ted Billy moved, John Rudolph seconded with all members voting in favor to make the following
recommendations to the Advisory Planning Commission and City Council relative to the following proposals:
1. Town Centre 100 Fourteenth Addition This plat would be subject to a cash dedication in lieu
of on-site ponding for water quality.
2. Best Brands Second Addition This plat would be subject to a cash parks dedication and a
cash trails dedication. This plat would be responsible for a cash dedication in lieu of on-site
ponding. A cash dedication will be calculated each time a building permit application for the
site is being considered by the City and the cash dedication fee will be collected at the time
of building permit issuance.
EDGEWATER ADDITION
Director Vraa introduced this item noting that it had been previously reviewed by the Commission at
their July meeting. Because there were two issues that required further evaluation, the Commission deferred
action on this proposal pending the Acquisition/Development sub-committee review. The issues the sub-
committee were to consider included additional plant material and the proposed inclusion of a trail around a
pond. Director Vraa continued that the sub-committee met with the developer who agreed to provide 50
additional tree plantings with the majority being planted along Cliff Road. It was determined that if there was
not sufficient space within the development to accommodate the additional trees,those trees would be planted
within public space most likely near the new elementary school #18/park site. At the sub-committee meeting
on August 9, alternatives for a trailway around at least a portion of the pond were reviewed including doing
nothing, having the developer provide a conservation easement with a trailway easement or acquire a parkland
dedication adjacent to the pond.
Mike Black of Royal Oaks Realty commented that the developer has not changed their position on the
trails/parks dedication. They prefer to make a cash dedication in both cases and feel it would best serve the
community as a whole. The installation of a trail around the pond, Mr. Black continued would result in the
loss of lots which the developer cannot afford. The trail would serve only the 19 lot owners within this
proposed development whereas a cash dedication would be more beneficial to the overall park system, Mr.
Black opined. In addition, it is unknown what Inver Grove Heights would do with this proposal and the
railroad bed is not anticipated to be abandoned in the foreseeable future. Mr. Black concluded they would
like to see the plat approved as presented.
David Szott opined that this could be an interesting opportunity in that the City could take a more
aggressive stand to put land in trust for future opportunities in conjunction with working jointly with the City
of Inver Grove Heights in an attempt to preserve natural resources. Member Szott felt that Option 2 or 3 would
provide the best long term option.
In response to the intent of a trail around this water body in the Park System Plan, Chairman Markell
responded that the plan shows a potential loop trail around this basin. Member Markell suggested that there
is a need to preserve the land around the wetlands and although it appears that this trail could only serve 19
lot owners, there will be further development in this area with residents who may use this trail. Member
Wallace asked what Inver Grove Height's interest was in this endeavor. Director Vraa responded they are not
interested in a joint venture. Member Vincent opined that every piece of land acquired today is a better value
in the long run and supported land dedication. Member Tyler indicated he was looking at Options 2 and 3
and asked Mr. Black which one the developer would prefer. Mr. Black responded that neither is acceptable.
Member Thompson asked if this acquisition would be consistent with the intent and language in the Park
System Plan for conservation of trailways. Chairman Markell responded that the plan identifies a loop trail
around this pond and felt the land dedication/trail easement would be consistent with the Park System Plan's
intent. Member Billy asked if Options 2 or 3 would diminish the number of lots. Mike Black responded that
Option 3 would most likely decrease the number of lots, but that may also be a possibility with Option 2.
Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resouces Commission
Minutes of August 15, 1994 Meeting
Page 3
After further discussion, Michael Vincent moved, Stephen Thompson seconded a motion to make the
following recommendations to the Advisory Planning Commission and the City Council relative to Edgewater
Addition:
1. On-site ponding would be used to satisfy water quality requirements. The pond should be a
two-cell design with a minimum wet volume of .75 acre-feet and minimum average depth of
2.6 feet.
2. The pond design would be approved by City water resources staff.
3. No filling or draining of wetlands on the site would be allowed.
4. A buffer of natural vegetation extending 30 feet back from the OH of Pond LP-30 would be
maintained. Where this is not possible due to construction of the detention basin, the
maximum possible natural buffer should be maintained between the detention basin and Pond
LP-30.
5. The developer would be responsible for fulling the Tree Preservation Policy conditions as
follows:
The Tree Preservation Plan dated July 1994 would be accepted with 50 additional
trees being included along Cliff Road. Those not planted on site would be planted
elsewhere on public property.
6. Acknowledge that because of the presence of replacement and/or transplanted trees on every
lot within the development, future builders of these lots will be required to submit tree
preservation plans for each lot, ensuring the protection and survival of all trees on each lot.
7. Acquire a parks land dedication adjacent to other pond. This alternative would require
approximately 10% of the area of the plat to be dedicated for parks purposes. This plat is
approximately 13 acres in size, hence 1.3 acres of dedication. A portion of this dedication
could be a portion of the pond by current dedication requirements. Approximately 3/4 to 1
acre of the 1.3 acre dedication would be land above the N.O.H.W. of the pond while the
remainder could be "pond".
Those voting Aye included Sherie Wallace, John Rudolph, Lee Markell, Stephen Thompson, Ken Tyler,
David Szott, and Michael Vincent. Those voting Nay included Jonathan Widem and Ted Billy. The motion
passed.
PARK SYSTEM PLAN UPDATE
Director Vraa thanked Commission Members for their thorough review and input of the Park System
Plan Update document. Ken continued that a joint meeting has been scheduled between the Advisory Parks,
Recreation and Natural Resources Commission and the Advisory Planning Commission for September 8. The
focus of this meeting will be to review the Park System Plan and talk about it's impact to land use issues. After
the next draft of the Plan is completed, the APRNR Commission would review it with the City Council on
September 20. Director Vraa explained that the consultant is waiting for comments from the Commission and
Council in order to prepare the final document.
BORCHERT/INGERSOLL PROPERTY
Director Vraa introduced this item which the Commission has reviewed previously but stated the issue
of consideration is whether the City should proceed with the necessary legislation to gain control of this tax
forfeited property.
Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resouces Commission
Minutes of August 15, 1994 Meeting
Page 4
Park Superintendent VonDeLinde continued that the land referenced is a 70.59 acre tax forfeited parcel
previously owned by Borchert Ingersoll Company located north of Yankee Doodle Road and east of Mike
Collins Drive which contains a 14 acre DNR protected wetland as a central feature of the site. After providing
a thorough site analysis, Superintendent VonDeLinde added that the Park System Plan identified the need for
a community park in the northern portion of the City and the Natural Resources sub-committee has looked at
this site for that potential use. The DNR has completed an internal review and support the use of this site as
a City park. There had been some concern for potential environmental impacts since there is surface waste
on the site, VonDeLinde continued, however after further investigation by the EPA and PCA, it appears there
has been no known disposal on site and the City would not be responsible for further sub-soil testing, etc.
Landscape Architect/Parks Planner Lilly reviewed the site further and presented a conceptual plan for
the development of this site as a community park. The plan showed access to the site, parking, open play
space, picnic pavilion and 12 acres for athletic facilities along with areas for informal picnicking within the
wooded area to the south.
Chairman Markell complimented staff on their review of this site and added that this parcel of land
offers some excellent opportunities for the City's long term park needs. Member MarkelI asked if the wooded
area south of this parcel could be maintained as a buffer to Yankee Doodle Road. It was thought that this
could be considered.
Superintendent VonDeLinde explained that the reviews and approvals would need to be done at the
City, County and State levels so staff is looking for direction from the Commission in order to make
recommendations to the Advisory Planning Commission and City Council.
Member Billy commented that this parcel is as close to a gift as the City may ever see and suggested
moving forward. After several other positive comments from Commission Members regarding acquisition,
Michael Vincent moved, Jonathan Widem seconded with all members voting in favor to recommend to the City
Council the acquisition of the tax forfeited Borchert Ingersoll site as a future component of the Eagan Park and
Open Space System; and to request that the City Council adopt a resolution requesting the Dakota County
Board of Commissioners to authorize the introduction of special legislation during the 1995 legislative session
transferring the tax forfeited property to the City of Eagan for parks and recreation purposes.
CIVIC ARENA PROJECT UPDATE
Director Vraa updated the Commission on the status of the Civic Arena project since several phone
calls have been received now that the police facility is under construction. Ken shared the site plan layout for
the municipal campus showing the existing Municipal Center and police facility along with the road through
the campus from Pilot Knob to Wescott and connecting to the library which will have a new parking lot
expansion. Director Vraa then identified the area south of the Municipal Center where the proposed Civic
Arena would be located.
It was noted that the Civic Arena Fund Raising Committee had met with the City Council and stated
they had in excess of $400,000 in cash and pledges and have in-kind dollars to bring the total contributions
to date to $500,00+. The committee is anticipating they will achieve their $600,000 goal by the December
31 deadline. If everything falls into place, Director Vraa continued, it is anticipated the contract can be
awarded in March, 1995 with an anticipated opening of fall, 1995.
Commission Member Rudolph questioned if the intersection at Pilot Knob and Wescott will be
controlled before the arena would be built. Director Vraa responded that the City is hopeful that signalization
will be completed within the next 60-90 days.
Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resouces Commission
Minutes of August 15, 1994 Meeting
Page 5
Commission Member Thompson asked if a wading pool is still a part of the proposed plan since the
Commission had expressed their concerns that it wouldn't be prudent or cost effective to have one. Director
Vraa responded that the City Council has allocated $100,000 for a wading pool, however, the issue is still
being researched at the direction of the Council. Commission Member Markel) asked if the Council is still
anticipating providing a wading pool as part of this project after the Commission suggested that it not be
included. Director Vraa explained that the wading pool has been a component of the Civic Arena proposal
from the beginning and reiterated that the Council is still researching this option. Member Markell suggested
that nothing be done on a pool until a full size pool can be provided. Member Vincent commented that a
separate wading pool would not be a cost effective project. Commission Member Tyler commented that since
he was not part of previous discussions held by the Commission relative to this issue, he did not have a clear
understanding of what had gone into all of the decisions relating to it. Member Widem noted that the
Commission had very clearly communicated to the City Council previously that a wading pool not be included
in this proposal. Director Vraa clarified that the Council had received the comments from the APRNRC,
however,they felt there was merit in proceeding with the inclusion of a wading pool in the Civic Arena
proposal.
After significant discussion relative to this item, Stephen Thompson moved, Jonathan Widem seconded
a motion to send a message to the City Council that a wading pool not associated with a full scale pool would
not be appropriate for the City to consider at this time. Those voting Aye were Sherie Wallace, John Rudolph,
Ted Billy, Jonathan Widem, Lee Markell, Stephen Thompson, David Szott and Michael Vincent. Ken Tyler
voted Nay. The motion passed.
PARKS DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
Parks Planner/Landscape Architect Lilly reviewed the status of the Blackhawk Park playground stating
that it is anticipated the playground equipment will be received mid to late September. Parks Superintendent
VonDeLinde highlighted the observation deck installed at Sky Hill Park which was completed by the Tree Trust.
The observation deck is located north of the Sky Hill shelter building, is handicapped accessible and provides
some beautiful views.
WATER QUALITY UPDATE
Water Resources Coordinator Brasch reviewed some of the proposed capitol improvement projects for
1995 which include the JP-5 bypass between Blackhawk and Fish Lake, Pond JP-14 where it is hoped to raise
the level of the pond to get more acre feet of volume and excavation of the south bay of Schwanz Lake to
better treat run-off. Rich continued that there are no final costs as yet but will come back to the Commission
in October with those numbers.
Residents Request for Assistance
Coordinator Brasch explained that staff receives numerous calls every year from residents requesting
assistance from the City in resolving water quality problems in backyard stormwater ponds. There were two
requests submitted by residents recently who are willing to devote theirown time and energy to a neighborhood
project to improve the subject ponds. The request from Sharon Holbeck was included in the packet for
Commission review.
Commission Member Rudolph indicated that he had visited with Sharon Holbeck on site and noted
that the pond she was talking about was almost completely covered with vegetation and asked if grading had
affected water run-off into this pond. Member Rudolph indicated that Ms. Holbeck was merely looking for
guidance on this issue and thought that the Natural Resources Sub-committee could address this issue. John
suggested that a partnership program be looked into whereby residents fund a certain portion of the costs and
the City would provide guidance or education to help the residents improve "their" water body.
Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resouces Commission
Minutes of August 15, 1994 Meeting
Page 6
Coordinator Brash noted that he had met with Ms. Holbeck last spring and suggested that the Natural
Resources Sub-committee give careful consideration to the degree the City will get involved with these specific
requests from residents. Rich continued that the sub-committee and the Commission will need to establish
parameters for this type of assistance. It was the consensus of the Commission that this matter be deferred to
the Natural Resources sub-committee for policy review and then be brought back to the Commission for
recommendation.
Fish Lake Implementation Plan
Coordinator Brasch noted that this issue has been reviewed several times by the Commission and
Natural Resources sub-committee; two public information meetings have been held and the Commission had
the opportunity to tour the site earlier in the evening. Rich concluded that the cost of the project is
approximately $308,000 and staff is requesting that the Commission endorse this implementation plan.
Commission Member Widem applauded staff's efforts toward this implementation plan stating that it
will provide great benefits. Member Widem moved, Stephen Thompson seconded with all members voting
in favor to endorse the implementation plan elements as recommended by the Fish Lake Steering Committee.
JOINT COMMISSION MEETING WITH ADVISORY PLANNING COMMISSION
Director Vraa reminded the Commission that a joint meeting between the APRNRC and the Advisory
Planning Commission has been scheduled for September 8, 1994 at 7:00 pm. The purpose of this meeting is
to review some of the highlights of the Parks System Plan Update and any other issues the Commission has as
time permits. Stephen Thompson suggested that parking stall size be one of the items for discussion.
ROUND TABLE
Director Vraa stated that Councilmember Hunter was asking for the Commission's perspective on how
effective the implementation of the Tree Preservation Policy has been and Councilmember Masin would like
to know the number of trees lost/saved as a result of the Tree Preservation Policy. Member Tyler asked if the
Tree Preservation Policy is being followed as it was intended; he specifically asked about the Cliff Lake
townhouse project. Director Vraa explained that there have been some occasions when Forestry Supervisor
Hove has not had the opportunity to review the site plan before grading to ensure tree preservation has
occurred, however, that issue has been resolved so that future reviews can be made in a timely fashion.
John Rudolph commented that developers are being held responsible forfollowing the Tree Preservation
Policy and it has and will continue to benefit the City greatly. Director Vraa thanked Commission Members
for their input and stated he would follow up with City Councilmembers Hunter and Masin.
With no further business to conduct,John Rudolph moved, Jonathan Widem seconded with all members
voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 10:15 p.m.
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