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.
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