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12/19/1994 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION EAGAN, MINNESOTA December 19, 1994 A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission was called to order at 7:00 pm on December 19, 1994 with the following Commission Members present: Michael Vincent, David Szott, Stephen Thompson, Lee Markell, Ted Billy, Jonathan Widem, John Rudolph, Sherie Wallace, George Kubik and Ken Tyler. 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 and Cheryl Mesko, Secretary. AGENDA Lee Markell moved, John Rudolph seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the agenda as presented. MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF NOVEMBER 14, 1994 George Kubik moved, Jonathan Widem seconded with all members voting in favor to approve the minutes of the November 14, 1994 meeting as presented. PRESENTATION - GEORGE KUBIK Superintendent VonDeLinde explained that Commission Member Kubik had been asked to do a presentation at a recent MRPA workshop entitled 'Plans and Prognostications'. VonDeLinde explained that George's presentation, along with the whole workshop, received excellent reviews. On behalf of the MRPA, Superintendent VonDeLinde presented Member Kubik with a plaque of appreciation for his involvement in the workshop. DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS Some of the items highlighted by Director Vraa under Department Happenings included a recap of the recreation program registration change, the MRPA Parks, Natural Resource, Open Space Futures Workshop, meeting between staff and representatives of the Y to review 1994 programming and review options for 1995, pending opening of Trapp Farm Park tubing hill, final negations between the City and Steven Scott Company for the lease of Wescott Service Center, efforts being made to reach out to the Quarry neighborhood for the Youth Development Program, and update on the clean up operation of the Borchert Ingersoll site. Chairman Markell also commented on Director Vraa serving as president of the Minnesota Recreation and Parks Association for 1995 adding that this is just another example of staff's willingness to take on additional responsibilities even with their heavy workload. 1995 PARKS/TRAILS DEDICATION Director Vraa reminded the Commission that this item had been deferred to the Land Acquisition Sub- Committee for review and recommendation to the Commission. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of December 19, 1994 Meeting Page 2 After a brief discussion, Stephen Thompson moved, Jonathan Widem seconded with all members voting in favor to make the following recommendations to the City Council regarding 1995 Parks and Trails dedication: Single Family $20,400 $875.00 Duplex $23,070 $791.00 Townhouse/Quad $28,317 $723.00 Apartment/Multiple $31,460 $726.00 Trails $105.00/Unit Industrial/Commercial $.065/sq ft /$2,831 per acre Trails $880.00/Acre PARK SYSTEM PLAN UPDATE Director Vraa explained that staff has met with Barry Warner of Barton Aschman Associates regarding the final draft of the Parks System Plan Update. It is expected that the Plan will be printed and ready for Commission/Council review and approval in early 1995. WALDEN HEIGHTS PARK UPDATE Director Vraa explained that staff has been reviewing the Walden Heights Park to determine the feasibility of moving ahead with "minor improvements" to allow for some use of the parkland by 1996. One of the options considered was to incorporate soil obtained from pond excavation projects during the winter of 1994 to be used as topsoil at the Walden Heights Park site. Director Vraa noted that bids were opened recently for the pond excavation projects and it was discovered that the bids were significantly higher than what was anticipated. The result of these high bids was that the option of placing soil from the pond projects may not be a viable option this winter. Since there is no inexpensive source for topsoil at this point, the improvements to Walden Heights Park may now be cost prohibitive. It was noted that to purchase topsoil for this park could cost in excess of $25,000. Director Vraa added that access to the park from the north is very difficult. In addition, a recent survey indicates that access from the south would come within the tree line making it difficult, if not impossible to grade. Member Wallace stated that the residents had asked if the grass could be mowed to provide an open play area for children and asked if this was possible. Superintendent VonDeLinde responded that the park has been flail cut in the past because there are many rocks and holes that could prove to be a problem with mowing equipment. This could also prove to be an unsafe situation for children to play in. Member Markell asked if, since access from the south is difficult,would the owner of the Brown property be willing to provide access to the park from the west. Director Vraa stated that staff could pursue that option. Member Markell commented that this issue may be revisited if more favorable bids are received at a later date for the pond improvement projects. Member Widem reiterated his concern for liability in providing a play area that may not be adequate for what the neighbors are requesting. After further discussion, Jonathan Widem moved that because of access constraints,the substantial cost of pond improvement projects which may not allow for pond excavation material to be used as topsoil at this park location,and the unknown development status of the entire park parcel, that any development of Walden Heights Park be dropped from consideration at this time pending further investigation of alternatives. Stephen Thompson seconded the motion with all members voting in favor. The Commission directed staff to draft a letter to the residents reviewing the issues discussed. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of December 19, 1994 Meeting Page 3 WATER RESOURCES UPDATE Monitoring Results for Carlson Lake/Heine Pond Coordinator Brasch provided the Commission with an update of two separate projects to improve water quality in Carlson Lake and Heine Pond. He noted that a small capital improvements project was completed at the outlet of Heine Pond that essentially reduced the watershed area contributing runoff to the pond from over 2,000 acres to about 10 acres to eliminate pollutant loadings to Heine Pond. The second project was the application of alum to Carlson Lake in an attempt to prevent the formation of filamentous algae mats later in the summer season to tie up potential internal loads of phosphorus and to provide incentive for watershed residents to decrease their pollutant contributions to the lake. After review of the pre and post project monitoring data for both projects, Brasch commented that the experiments have been successful to date and it is anticipated that continued success will be based on education of the public. He also indicated there are many communities as well as the state, who are interested in the results of these projects. Member Wallace encouraged staff to continue an aggressive approach in providing information and updates to the public relative to these projects. Coordinator Brasch responded that this information will generate beneficial press, however, the City does not want to give the message that these particular water body improvements can be done in lieu of education and participation. Update on Resident Requests Coordinator Brasch reminded the Commission that of the many requests from residents looking for City help in dealing with pond water quality concerns, two were noteworthy because of the type of assistance the residents requested as well as the parties volunteering considerable time in working with the City to monitor and/or reduce overall pollutant loadings from the watershed through public education. The two projects were then reviewed more extensively by the Natural Resources sub-committee to determine which of the two would be used as a pilot program with the City. Member Widem explained that the sub-committee concluded that Pond JP-55 was the best initial project to be included in the two-year pilot program. The consenses of the sub-committee was to provide assistance to these residents in working with Pond JP-55. Member Rudolph opined that because a resident working on this project has a strong background in chemistry and water quality, the 'average' neighborhood perception for these projects may be somewhat skewed. Regarding Pond LP-7.2, Rudolph wondered if the Diamond T Ranch could be approached to see if they could work cooperatively with their neighbors to mitigate some of the water quality degradation problems. Coordinator Brasch responded that the owners of that particular property feel that the City is responsible for the grade change in the pasture which results in the problem of water quality degradation. Sharon Holbeck, a resident near Pond LP-7.2 commented that Diamond T is a major polluter and this issue needs to be addressed. She added that the State is in the process of conducting a study of their own relative to this establishment/land and the issue of pollution. Member Widem suggested that while the pilot program is continuing with Pond JP-55, work should continue to see how a cooperative effort can be achieved in working with Diamond T Ranch and Pond LP-7.2. After further discussion, George Kubik moved, Jonathan Widem seconded with all members voting in favor to endorse the following guidelines for handling pond improvement requests: 1. The City shall provide some basic level of technical assistance to all residents who express an interest in improving the quality of their ponds. This assistance should emphasize education of the watershed residents in reducing pollutant loadings to the water body in question at the source, and would be to some extent be customized to the situation. In general, the City role should be one of support and encouragement of resident-led, on the ground efforts. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of December 19, 1994 Meeting Page 4 2. Dredging of a water body by the City should not be carried out unless it is part of a high priority and current City effort aimed at reducing watershed pollutant loadings to one of the water bodies identified on the list of 30 long term enhancement projects in the Eagan Water Quality Management Plan. The expense of dredging is simply too great, given the resources available to support capital projects for water quality management program and the number of high priority lake improvement projects to which the City is already committed. 3. The City should pursue one intensive neighborhood pond improvement project during the next two years. The main purpose of the project would be to couple limited City staff resources and vigorous resident support in a watershed, combined with close monitoring of the resource, to determine whether a multi-year effort can result in an observable improvement in the quality of a small pond. A commitment of support from the majority of watershed residents would be needed as a prerequisite. A petition signed by at least 75% of the residents in the direct watershed indicating their willingness to cooperate with a pollution control effortwould be appropriate. In addition, the City could consider an in-pond treatment other than dredging to encourage neighborhood participation. Monitoring of performance/participation and periodic reporting back to the Commission by the residents was suggested as a possibility. 4. Until the issue receives closer attention, staff should continue to handle resident inquiries regarding the use of aquatic herbicides the same as in the past. SKATING RINK - SOUTH OAKS PARK Director Vraa explained that residents near South Oaks Park have requested a skating surface in their area because of the lack of this type of facility close to them. With the bandy rink no longer in existence at the Lexington/Diffley site, staff is looking for some direction as to what opportunities exist in providing this type of facility in this part of the City. The South Oaks site would be workable for a skating surface, however, there would be no warming shelter and there may be some turf problems in the spring. After a brief discussion, Lee Markell moved, Ted Billy seconded with all members voting in favor to add a pleasure rink at South Oaks Park on a trial basis for the 1994/95 skating season. SNOWMOBILE TRAILS IN LEBANON HILLS PARK Chairman Markell explained that Dakota County is reviewing the issue of continuing or eliminating snowmobile trails within Lebanon Hills Regional Park. He added that currently the County is looking at providing more extensive ski trails and eliminating the existing snowmobile trails. This item was presented for information only, Markel] concluded. RESIGNATION OF JOHN VONDELINDE Superintendent VonDeLinde addressed the Commission and stated that his tenurewith the Cityof Eagan has provided an outstanding opportunity for him to grow professionally. The growth of the parks has doubled in size and the opportunities and experiences gained have been fulfilling and exceeded expectations, VonDeLinde continued. John thanked Director Vraa for being such an excellent mentor over the past 8-1/2 years and thanked all the Parks and Recreation staff for their support. VonDeLinde thanked the Commission for their active involvement, dedication and hard work in continuing to advance the cause of the park system in all aspects. In conclusion, John expressed his excitement in beginning a new career and thanked everyone for their continued support. Chairman Markell congratulated John on his new endeavor and thanked Ken for his ability to train so purposefully and then to let go. This, Markell, concluded is a difficult task to accomplish. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of december 19, 1994 Meeting Page 5 ROUND TABLE Member Thompson reviewed briefly the content of the Commission's informal meeting in which they talked about the vision for the City in an attempt to optimize staff's and Commission's skills. Those present at the meeting were Lee Markell, Michael Vincent, Stephen Thompson, George Kubik and Sherie Wallace. Member Wallace commented that members identified some gray areas/frustrations and took a broader look at how to be more consistent in their decision making process. The information was provided for the Commission to review and discuss at a later date. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to conduct, Lee Markell moved, Ted Billy seconded with all members voting in favor to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 pm. (2 (2-1 199 Se tary Date