05/11/1995 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF
ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
May 11, 1995
A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission was called
to order at 7:00 pm on April 17, 1995 with the following Commission Members present: Michael Vincent,
Ken Tyler, David Szott, Stephen Thompson, John Rudolph, Jonathan Widem, Sherie Wallace, and Cindy
Lynch. Commission Members Lee Markell, George Kubik and Tom Walkington were not present. Staff
present included Ken Vraa, Director of Parks and Recreation; Dorothy Peterson, Superintendent of
Recreation; C.J. Lilly, Landscape Architect/Parks Planner; Rich Brasch, Water Resources Coordinator; Gregg
Hove, Forestry Supervisor; Jon Oyanagi, Recreation Supervisor; Walker Lee Ashley, Youth Development
Coordinator and Cherryl Mesko, Secretary.
AGENDA
Jonathan Widem moved, Stephen Thompson seconded with all members voting in favor to accept
the agenda as presented.
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF APRIL 17, 1995
Stephen Thompson moved, Michael Vincent seconded with all members voting in favor to accept
the minutes of the April 17, 1995 meeting as presented.
DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS
Some items highlighted included the struggle to locate seasonal staff, preparation has begun for the
30 pages of summer programs ready to begin; construction of the Civic Arena is on schedule; Eagan Fun
Run, baseball clinic, Arbor Day and girls softball clinic all were occurring on May 6; the City Council is
looking for a site for the July 4th fireworks and there was discussion about the significant increasing
vandalism occurring in City parks.
CONSENT AGENDA
Jonathan Widem moved, Stephen Thompson seconded with all members voting in favor to make
the following recommendations to the City Council relative to the following proposals:
1. Keneca Development - Ebert Construction. This proposal would be subject to a cash parks
dedication, cash trails dedication and cash dedication for water quality based on the area of
Lot 1.
2. Hayes Addition - Hayes Companies, Inc. This development would be responsible for a cash
parks dedication and a cash trails dedication. Individual lot Tree Preservation Plans will be
required at the time of building/grading permit application. This development will be
responsible for a cash water quality dedication. A no-loss determination will be made for the
wetland for the purposes of this development.
Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
Minutes of May 11, 1995 Meeting
Page 2
3. Seneca Hills - LGA Investment Group. This development would be subject to a cash parks
dedication and a cash trails dedication with the developer constructing an 8 foot trail on the
south side of the public street. Credit to the cash trails dedication will be provided. The Tree
Preservation Plan will be approved with the following conditions: a) Preserve a 22' Douglas Fir
and a 22" Spruce west of building 11-12 using an underground aeration system. b) Preserve
four bur oaks along the proposed road/trail in front of building 17-18. c) Place retaining walls
around trees to be preserved at drip-line or one-foot away from the tree for each inch diameter
of tree trunk. d)Require tree Protective Measures be installed at the Drip Line or at the
perimeter of the Critical Root Zone, whichever is greater, of the significant trees/woodlands to
be preserved. e)The developer shall contact the Cit Forestry Division at least five days prior to
the issuance of a grading permit to ensure compliance with the approved Tree Preservation
Plan. f) A revised Tree Preservation/Tree Mitigation Plan must be submitted indicating the
species, size and location of all replacement trees. This development would also be subject to
a cash water quality dedication credited for any wet pond volume created on the site that
meets city standards for detention basin design. A no-loss determination is to be made for
wetland impacts under the Wetland Conservation Act.
4. Mosquito Control. A June meeting date will be established to review the mosquito control
issues in a public hearing format.
PETITION TO RECLASSIFY POND JP-23
Water Resources Coordinator Brasch explained that the City received a petition in April requesting
the City consider changing the classification of Pond JP-23 from a nutrient trap to a recreational
classification. This pond is 6.2 acres in size located east of Dodd Road and north of Captain Dodd Park in
the Coventry Pass subdivision. The drainage area, in 1965, was approximately 43 acres with the land use
primarily open/undeveloped with some agricultural use. Since 1989, the entire watershed has been
developed for single family residential purposes. Brasch continued that although the residents are anxious
to see the City proceed with their re-classification request, their primary interest at this meeting was to
discuss directly with the Commission their concerns about the deterioration of the quality of the pond and
what they hope can be done.
John Korth, 585 Coventry Parkway, explained the residents would like to have this pond re-
classified to a wildlife habitat to help preserve the existing wildlife. Mr. Korth stated that erosion from the
site has created tree distress and loss of wildlife. The residents wanted the Commission to know that they
care about this natural spring fed pond and that they are open to sharing the costs for dredging part of the
pond or whatever means will need to be undertaken to upgrade the quality of Pond JP-23. They also
would like some of the water quality funds that have been allocated to the City to date to be used for these
improvements.
Resident, 581 Coventry Parkway, commented that up to 20 trees have been lost on his property
due to uncontrolled water levels. He also commented that the street cleaner should have been running
regularly during the construction process of this development to mitigate the impact of dirt being washed
into this pond.
Dale Hanson, 617 Coventry Parkway stated that there was a large area near his property that 'slid'
into the pond, creating soil erosion problems. He asked that the Commission upgrade the classification of
the pond and initiate some erosion control at this site.
Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
Minutes of May 11, 1995 Meeting
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Resident, 3903 Mercy Point, stated the culvert near is property is nearly filled. Fourteen trees were
lost last fall and he doesn't want to see this beautiful site destroyed. He asked that the classification of the
pond be upgraded from nutrient trap.
Member Rudolph stated the Commission has been reviewing what can be done in conjunction with
residents to help with this neighborhood pond. There are many requests each year from residents soliciting
support from the City to upgrade the quality of water in their neighborhood ponds. The Commission
continues to be sensitive to these requests and tries to come to a workable compromise with residents,
Rudolph added.
Coordinator Brash clarified that the pond level issue appears to be a problem with the storm water
outlet. Staff will follow up with Public Works to see how this can be remedied. This is an issue that can
be reviewed for a potentially quick resolution. Stenciling kits are also available for the neighbors to help
mitigate run-off problems into the pond. Education can occur within this neighborhood also to provide a
more collaborative effort to mitigate impact to this pond. If, after the education process, staff determines
that an alum treatment may be beneficial to this water body, that process may be instituted as early as the
summer of 1996.
In response to a question as to whether the re-classification of the pond would upgrade the water
quality of this pond, Brasch responded that because this neighborhood is built up, and it would be cost
prohibitive to re-direct water flow, simply changing the re-classification would not be sufficient. The best
options, Brasch continued, would be to decrease input into the pond through education and then through
some type of in-pond treatment.
An unidentified resident stated that education is fine, however, the more pressing issue is to correct
the drainage issue. He suggested that the water level should be monitored on a daily basis. Coordinator
Brasch concurred that the issue of the outlet needs to be addressed, however, that will not resolve the
water quality issue. These are two distinct and separate issues.
Member Rudolph asked if mitigation had been provided to residents in the past who had
experienced tree loss under similar situations. Brasch responded that this Commission has not dealt with
property damage. Member Rudolph asked for clarification on where the majority of water quality fees are
used. Brasch stated that less than 1/2 actually goes to water quality. The majority of the dollars are used
to cost share grants being funded by higher rated water bodies throughout the City.
John Korth asked to be kept updated on this issue. He also noted that another 150 homes are
going to be built in Inver Grove Heights next to Coventry Pass and asked if the City could somehow
prevent construction trucks from driving through their neighborhood which can again, impact the runoff
into this pond. John suggested the City be pro-active in making builders responsible for clean up of their
properties.
Member Widem suggested that the first step should be to address this issue with the Natural
Resources Sub-committee which will then report back to the Commission and residents. The Commission
appreciates the interest residents have taken in this pond and will have staff communicate with Mr.Korth
any updates regarding this pond. As a point of clarification, Coordinator Brasch clarified that Public Works
will be dealing with the water level issue whereas Parks and Recreation will b dealing with the water
quality issue. Brasch also noted that staff will work with Public Works to clarify where the water level
problem may be. Member Thompson also suggested that the Natural Resources Sub-Committee re-visit
monitoring erosion control during construction.
Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
Minutes of May 11, 1995 Meeting
Page 4
Member Rudolph thanked the residents for their input and interest in improving the quality of their
neighborhood pond and for their cooperation in working toward that end.
1995 COMMISSION WORK PROGRAM
Director Vraa explained that the Commission has previously identified prioritized projects to be
undertaken by the Commission. The work program provided in the packet reviewed priorities for each of
the sub-committees as well as the whole Commission for 1995.
Michael Vincent moved, Jonathan Widem seconded with all members voting in favor to approve
the project priorities list having each sub-committee develop it's own timeline and re-visit the project list in
September.
HOLZ FARM TASK FORCE
Recreation Supervisor Oyanagi explained the Steering Committee met May 8, 1995 to review a list
of individuals who have expressed an interest in serving on a task force to recommend how the City of
Eagan can best utilize the Holz Farm property. Four candidates from the community have responded,
along with two Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission members and one City
Council member. Oyanagi continued that staff is actively seeking other members with backgrounds in the
business community, from the local school district and with foundation experience.
After a brief discussion, Jonathan Widem moved, Stephen Thompson seconded with all members
voting in favor to recommend that the following individuals be appointed to the Holz Farm Task Force:
1. Ted Wachter, City Council
2. Lee Markell, Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
3. Tom Walkington, Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
4. Joan Biasing, Friend of the Family
5. Karl Drutowski,Neighborhood Resident
6. Don Holz,Relative
7. Gordon Taylor, Interested Resident
8. Sandra Bohn, Dodge Nature Center
Ex-Officio Members:
1. Jon Oyanagi, Recreation Supervisor
2. C.J. Lilly, Parks Planner
3. Dorothy Peterson, Superintendent of Recreation
PARKS DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
Parks Planner Lilly updated the Commission on several pending projects including design work for
playground equipment at Red Pine Elementary School; turf establishment and erosion control at
Lexington/Diffley site; ballfield fencing to be installed at Lexington/Diffley during June, July and August;
landscaping at Lexington/Diffley following fencing project; bituminous work and installation of benches has
been completed at Bur Oaks Park; landscaping will be completed at both Wescott Commons and Sky Hill
Parks. Three parking concepts for Holz Farm Park were presented to the Commission by Planner Lilly so
that direction could be given for priority use. Concept 1 extended the parking from 8 to 14 spaces. This
would provide controlled access to Holz Farm and would be the lowest cost. Concept 2 provided 27
spaces and direct access from Manor Drive but negatively intrudes into the farm property. Concept 3
shows parking for 38 spaces but eliminates the trees planted last year. This concept plan is the highest
cost, Lilly concluded.
Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
Minutes of May 11, 1995 Meeting
Page 5
Member Vincent asked if there was consideration given to providing parking for busses. Lilly
responded that controlled access to the farm could allow busses to enter or they could use the parking lot.
Director Vraa clarified that staff is looking for a preference for a parking lot prior to the placement of the
playground scheduled for installation this year. Member Wallace appreciated the sensitivity shown in
Concept 2. Member Thompson questioned if the playground stays where initially planned, how intrusive
should the parking lot be. Member Vincent asked if the playground was necessary now since he would
hate to see it installed now only to be relocated later. Member Widem suggested this item be brought
before the Parks Development Sub-committee and the back to the Commission. Member Rudolph
suggested the Task Force be a critical part of this decision as well.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM REPORT
Youth Development Coordinator Ashley explained that since programming has been occurring for
one full year, an update of programs to the Commission would be timely. Coordinator Ashley reviewed the
preschool program, cooking program, girls group, young mens group, boys basketball, girls basketball,
tutoring, junior program, and fun streets programs. Some of the successful programs will continue
throughout the year and each program is reviewed regularly and fine tuned or changed as appropriate.
Ashley continued that he continues to stay connected to the communities these programs serve in an
attempt to fill voids as they are identified. It was noted that a difficult challenge has been to locate
leadership within the community and establish a pattern of consistency. Growth in other areas of the
community continues to be a challenge.
Members Rudolph, Thompson and Wallace congratulated staff for providing such positive
programming to various areas of the City. They concurred that the efforts expended were very worthwhile.
RECREATION SUB-COMMITTEE MEETING
A Recreation Sub-committee meeting was scheduled for May 25 at 6:30 pm.
NATURAL RESOURCES SUB-COMMITTEE MEETING
A Natural Resources Sub-Committee meeting was scheduled for May 31 at the Central Maintenance
facility.
ROUND TABLE
Director Vraa explained that staff does not have, as yet, a copy of the Borchert Ingersoll/Gopher
Smelting agreement for the Commission to respond to. The bill to acquire and trade this property has
passed both the House and Senate, however, there is still a pending issue of assessments to be resolved.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to conduct, Widem moved, Thompson seconded with all members voting
in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 pm.
Secretary Date