Loading...
06/19/1995 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION EAGAN, MINNESOTA JUNE 19, 1995 A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on June 19, 1995 with the following Commission Members present: Ken Tyler, Stephen Thompson, Lee Markell, John Rudolph, Tom Walkington, Michael Vincent, Sherie Wallace and Jonathan Widem. Commission Members David Szott, Cindy Lynch and George Kubik were not present. Staff present included Ken Vraa, Director of Parks and Recreation; Dorothy Peterson, Superintendent of Recreation, Paul Olson, Parks Superintendent; C.J. Lilly, Landscape Architect/Parks Planner; Rich Brasch, Water Resources Coordinator; Gregg Hove, Forestry Supervisory; Paula Nowariak, Recreation Supervisor; Amy Seivers, Recreation Intern and Cherryl Mesko, Secretary. AGENDA Director Vraa noted that the Borchert Ingersoll/Gopher Smelting Agreement listed under Old Business should be deferred to the July agenda. Mosquito Control Update was also added as item 3 under Other Business and Reports. John Rudolph moved, Michael Vincent seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the agenda as amended. MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF MAY 11, 1995 Stephen Thompson moved, Michael Vincent seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the minutes of the May 11, 1995 meeting as presented. DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS Items highlighted by Director Vraa included 200 participants for the June 3 softball clinic; growth of the sand volleyball league to 22 teams from 14 in 1995; summer program registrations exceeded the 4,000 mark; the clean up of the Holz Farm property was a successful neighborhood project; volunteer for various park projects were identified and recognized for their contributions and over 200 soil tests had been requested from residents in the Fish and Schwanz Lake watersheds. CONSENT AGENDA Jonathan Widem moved, Michael Vincent seconded with all members voting in favor to make the following recommendations to the City Council relative to the following proposal: 1. Park Cliff Fifth Addition - TCF Bank. This proposal would be responsible for a cash parks dedication and a cash trails dedication. Water quality requirements were previously met for this site and the entire Park Center PD with the construction of a detention basin (Pond AP-50). There are no significant trees located on this site. EAGAN PROMENADE Director Vraa introduced this item as a Preliminary Development Plan for Eagan Promenade Development and a Preliminary Subdivision of 13 lots and 5 outlots on approximately 120 acres located in the northeast quadrant of Yankee Doodle Road and 1-35E int he S 1/2 of Section 10. Director Vraa noted that the developer is proposing to provide a 14.62 acre park land dedication and although the quantity of land generally meets the commercial park land dedication standards, the quality (i.e. usability) of this land is an issue for the Commission to consider. Vraa continued that the Commission reviewed this proposal at a special workshop to determine how parks dedication, trails dedication, water quality and tree preservation would impact this development. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of June 19, 1995 Meeting Page 2 After the June 13 workshop review Vraa continued, the Commission made several recommendations to the Central Area Task Force as they reviewed this site as a "city center". Director Vraa also noted that staff had provided several options for parks dedication as well as reviewing the tree preservation, water quality and wetland issues. The June 13th workshop focused primarily on what park dedication requirements would be for this development. The four options provided for Commission review included accepting the 14.62 acres of parkland dedication as shown in the Opus Promenade proposal; to remove and/or relocate the community retail shops and accept a parkland dedication of approximately 18 acres; accept a cash parks dedication or another option that the Commission may want to consider. Discussion occurred during the workshop relative to the proposed 35,000 sq.ft. proposed community center footprint provided within the proposed parkland for this development. As a point of comparison, it was noted that the current Civic Arena is 36,000 square feet and there was concern expressed by Commission members that a 35,000 square foot facility may not meet the needs that the public has requested need to be incorporated within a community center. Director Vraa concluded that the Central Area Task Force will soon be formulating their criteria and recommendations for this site with all comments going to the June 27 Advisory Planning Commission and on to the July 11 City Council meeting. Michele Foster, Senior Director of Real Estate for Opus Corporation addressed the Commission indicating that she was heading up the Eagan Promenade project. Ms Foster explained that Opus has been working on this project with the Central Area Task Force of over one year to help this development reflect the City's vision for this development. It was anticipated that the plan being proposed reflected the City's interests regarding tree preservation, water quality/wetlands and parks/trails dedication. Opus specifically was interested in obtaining feedback from various factions of the City to provide a development that will fit the needs of the City. Ms. Foster continued that the easterly 25-30 acres encompassed large treed areas and the developer approached the whole site when considering the tree preservation, wetland and park dedication issues. They have worked to preserve specimen trees as much as possible but visibility of the development has remained an important aspect. Tom Healy of Healy,Ramme Developers indicated they are developing the residential area to the northeast of this proposed development and want to continue working cooperatively with the City staff to create a viable residential development as part of this overall development. Mr. Healy commented that the buildings have been designed with front/back grading to reduce grading limits. They will continue looking at the development to see how they can continue to best preserve trees maintaining the feasibility of the project. Member Markell commented that the Commission has been wrestling with the scale of the project since they have not, in the past, reviewed a proposal as extensive as the Eagan Promenade. Mr. Markell expressed his concern with the development as it is being proposed, indicating the scope of the development is very extensive for the site. Member Markell asked if this parks development, as proposed, would be a development the City would be proud of in the near-term and long term. Member Vincent, who participated in the Central Area Task Force discussions, explained that the Task Force is interested in hearing what recommendations the APRNRC makes for the development of a community park within this development. It was noted that the Task Force had considered multiple items on the "wish list" for a community park, however they were aware that not all of the options could be incorporated within a park as is being proposed. Vincent added that another option may be to acquire the entire eastern portion of this development,and if the City decides not to develop it as a park, it could be sold for future commercial or residential development. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of June 19, 1995 Meeting Page 3 Member Tyler expressed his desire to have the Council provide a clear direction for the Commission to pursue. He suggested that if the Council envisions this proposed parkland as a potential 'city center park", direction as to the facilities that could/should be incorporated along with an indication of initial funding and funding to maintain those facilities, should be provided by the Council. Tyler also commented that the facilities, as shown in the development plan, do not appear to fit into the site. Member Vincent suggested a bond referendum might provide the funding if a decision is made to acquire all or a portion of the Promenade site for future park development. Again, asking if it would be feasible to sell the property if development for park purposes was not to occur, Vincent asked if this was an option for the Commission to consider. Director Vraa responded that this option has not been discussed in any detail so he did not know what all of the options may be. Michele Foster commented that Opus currently has a buyer for the residential property on the northeastern portion of the site and would be concerned about any delay in moving forward with the proposed development. Member Tyler expressed concern for placing a community park adjacent to the six-lane Yankee Doodle Road and to a large commercial site. Tyler continued that if the City is looking for an urban park to host a 4th of July event, this site is not large enough given the net developable area of approximately 4 acres. He opined that it would be in the best interest of the City to take a cash dedication for this development and attempt to find a larger site for future park development. Member Markell reminded the Commission that in their review of open space needs this site was looked at for natural space preservation and again opined that it would be in the best interest of the City to acquire the entire eastern portion of the site, at a minimum, for natural space preservation and/or future development. Member Widem opined that since the Commission had reviewed this proposal previously, there should be no reason to further delay this process. If there is an option to acquire the eastern portion of the site, Widem agreed that more land would provide additional park opportunities for the city. Member Vincent reiterated his opinion that as much of the land as feasibly possible should be acquired so as to preserve as many options as possible. Again, Vincent stated, if the land is not developed, the City could sell it. Member Tyler didn't feel this would be a viable option for the City and expressed concern for tying the developer's hands in proceeding with their plans for development. Member Vincent concurred that since Opus had a potential buyer/developer for the residential site, they may not want to speculate on the possibility of the City acquiring the property at a later date. Michelle Foster commented that Opus has been working on this project well over one year. She stated that the development proposal, as presented, has a limited window of opportunity to be successful. There has been significant input from the Central Area Task Force as well as City staff relative to this development and Opus feels it is a good proposal with significant commercial tenants ready to begin construction in early 1996. It is hoped that the stores will be ready for delivery to the tenants late 1996. Opus would, Michelle continued, reluctantly look at the option for the City to purchase the residential property if there was the means and interest to pursue that option in a timely manner. Opus is interested in moving ahead with this entire development as quickly as possible. Member Wallace stated that a lot of dreams and ideas have been invested into this development, identifying this as a "city center' site. The eastern portion (residential site) provides quite a challenge for development and Wallace questioned whether the site could be developable as park land if it were acquired by the City. If the City was to purchase the entire parcel of land it may not provide the recreational opportunities perceived by the Central Area Task Force for a "city center". Not only would the acquisition costs be extensive, the development of this site could be cost prohibitive, Wallace concluded. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of June 19, 1995 Meeting Page 4 After further discussion, Jonathan Widem moved, Tom Walkington seconded the motion to make the following recommendations to the Advisory Planning Commission and City Council relative to the parks and trails dedication requirement for the Eagan Promenade development: 1. Acquisition of the entire property east of Promenade Avenue should be pursued by the City with staff researching funding options and various development options for the site. 2. This development would be responsible for sidewalks on both sides of streets. Those voting Aye included, Michael Vincent, Stephen Thompson, Lee Markell, John Rudolph, Jonathan Widem, and Tom Walkington. Those voting Nay included Ken Tyler and Sherie Wallace. The motion passed. Member Thompson asked if staff research determines it is not feasible to acquire the parkland will the recommendation then be for a cash parks dedication. Member Widem opined that if the City Council chooses not to acquire the land, they will then make a decision relative to parks dedication. Director Vraa, as a point of clarification, asked if the Commission consensus was that the land east of Promenade Avenue be acquired as a first option and if that was not feasible that a cash dedication be required for the development. The Commission members concurred. Lee Markell moved, Stephen Thompson seconded with all members voting in favor to make the following recommendations relative to the Eagan Promenade development: 1. This development will be responsible for on-site ponding as the primary measure to mitigate water quality impacts to the development. 2. Any change in the two-cell replacement pond proposed for Pond DP-4 in the revised site plan dated 5/19/95 be re-evaluated by staff and the APRNRC. 3. Proposed Pond DP-4.3 shall be constructed using a two-cell design having a similar total wet volume as shown on the revised site plan dated 5/19/95 and the configuration of the pond is to be more irregular to create the appearance of a more natural pond. 4. Ponds DP-6 and D5.1 shall be excavated per water resources staff direction to fully meet water quality treatment requirements for the residential portion of the site. 5. The APRNRC and staff shall review and develop a recommendation on whether to recommend to the City Council approval of the wetland replacement plan once a complete plan has been submitted and the 30 day public comment period is over. 6. The total tree removal of 43.7% is less than allowable removal for total site development, however, the proposed Tree Preservation Plan should be reconsidered with some re-design of building location for the following reasons: a. Commercial development (west side) has greatly exceeded the City of Eagan adopted Tree Preservation Policy allowable tree removal limit, proposing to remove over 94% of the existing tree resource. A consideration may be given to incorporating some of the existing tree mass into the parking lot area. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of June 19 Meeting Page 5 OAKPOINT OF EAGAN - OCP HOMES, INC. Director Vraa introduced this item as a Comprehensive Guide Plan Amendment, a Preliminary Planned Development Amendment for 35 zero lot line single family homes and a Preliminary Subdivision for 35 lots and four outlots on 10.30 acres located west of Galaxie Avenue and east of Plaza Drive south of Cliff Road in the NW 1/4 of Section 32. Vraa continued that this development would be subject to a cash parks dedication and a cash trails dedication. Forestry Supervisor Hove explained that the tree preservation plan as submitted is acceptable. The plan shows the existence of 206 significant trees with the proposed development resulting in the removal of 47 significant trees (22.8% of the total) during the initial phase of development. Allowable removal for this phase is 25%. Hove also described tree preservation related management activities which will take place on site throughout the development. Resources Coordinator Brasch explained that runoff from over 90% of the developed site will be discharged to Pond AP-14, a designated sediment trap, with the remaining 10% draining to a storm sewer that discharges to Pond AP-1 5, another designated sediment trap. Because there appears to be more cost- effective alternatives to improve water quality in Cliff Lake, a cash dedication is being recommended for this development. Director Vraa quickly addressed parks dedication and trails dedication indicated that a cash dedication would be required for both. After a brief discussion, Stephen Thompson moved, Michael Vincent seconded with all members voting in favor to make the following recommendations to the City Council relative to Oakpointe of Eagan: 1. This development shall be responsible for a cash parks dedication based on single family development. 2. This development shall be responsible for a cash trail dedication based on single family development. 3. The Tree Preservation Plan as submitted is acceptable. 4. The only jurisdictional wetland identified within the development site is the wetland complex associated with Pond AP-14. No encroachment into, or drainage of this wetland is proposed for this development. 5. This development shall be responsible for a cash water quality dedication. CLIFF LAKE SHORES - HOFFMAN HOMES, INC. Director Vraa introduced this item explaining this is a request for a Preliminary Planned Development Amendment to allow a residential development and a Preliminary Subdivision consisting of 73 lots and one outlot on approximately 24 acres identified as Outlot E, Cliff Lake Centre, south of Cliff Lake Road, west of 1-35E and northeast of Cliff Lake in the SW 1/4 of Section 29. Forestry Supervisor Hove explained that the developer is proposing a single phase development that is allowed a significant tree removal of 47.5%. There are a total of 156 significant trees on site and the developer is proposing to remove 42, or 26.7%, therefore no mitigation is required. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of June 19, 1995 Meeting Page 6 Relative to wetlands, Coordinator Brasch explained that the developer is proposing to maintain a 50' wide buffer of existing vegetation measured back from the ordinary high water mark. This buffer should be identified and designated as a permanently protected area on the Grading Plan and the limits of this area should be marked in the field prior to any site grading. Brasch explained that stormwater generated from this site will be directed off-site to an existing storm water basin (AP-23) located on the south side of Cliff Lake Road. Because of the off-site location, a cash dedication is being requested. Care should be taken during grading and construction to prevent erosion from occurring from the steep slope on the west side of the site on to the shopping center property. Director Vraa added that the outlot would be subject to a cash parks dedication and a cash trails dedication. Pat Hoffman, Hoffman Homes, Inc. explained that the development for this site proposes a move- up townhouse product. The development is proposing three unit types with a base price starting at $100,000 for the quad units and $140-180,000 for the two duplex unit types. The developer opined that this will be a high amenity development. Member Rudolph noted that the road dead ends near the parking lot of Cub Foods and asked if any thought had been given to providing a trail to connect to the commercial property. Mr. Hoffman responded there was no plan to connect the townhouse development to the adjacent commercial development primarily to reduce public nuisance to the lake and into the development. Hoffman concluded that it is the intention that the land will be owned by the association and private property. Member Wallace asked if the road within the complex could incorporate a path to encourage walking to the adjacent commercial properties. Mr. Hoffman reiterated that that was not the intention of the developer and that the existing topography may preclude providing a trail linkage to the commercial property. Tim Erkkila, consultant for Hoffman Development, explained that the residential property was approximately 25 feet higher than the parking lot area of Cub Foods. The developer also did not feel that integrating a residential area with the loading area of a commercial property was a good mix. After further brief discussion, Lee Markell moved, Ken Tyler seconded with all members voting in favor to make the following recommendations to the City Council relative to Cliff Lake Shores: 1. This plat is within Park Service District 30 which is served by Meadowlands and Rahn Park. Meadowlands Park was the dedication park from this P.U.D. Consequently, there is no park dedication with this subdivision. However, the exception shown for future development will be required to make a cash dedication at the time of development. The proposal appears t meet the requirement for providing open space for informal recreation opportunities. The trails dedication has also been fulfilled for this development under the P.U.D. 2. Pond AP-23 is located on the other side of Cliff Lake Road and because it is off site, a cash water quality dedication shall be required. 3. The 50 foot wide buffer of existing vegetation , measured back from the ordinary high water mark. shall be identified and designated as a permanently protected area on the Grading Plan. The limits of this area shall also be marked in the field prior to any site grading. 4. The Tree Preservation Plan is acceptable as presented. 5. The developer shall provide tree protective measures (i.e. 4 foot polyethylene laminate safety netting) 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. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of June 19, 1995 Meeting Page 7 6. The developer shall contact the City Forester at least five days prior to any site grading to ensure compliance with the approved Tree Preservation Plan. APOLLO ADDITION - R.L. JOHNSON CO. Director Vraa introduced this item as a Preliminary Subdivision in order to split the 39.4 acre part of Lot 7, Block 4, Eagandale Center Industrial Park No. 3 in two parcels and a Conditional Use Permit to allow outdoor storage of semi trailers on proposed Lot 1. The site, Vraa continued is located south of the Apollo Road/Lunar Lane intersection and west of Mike Collins Drive in the NE 1/4 of Section 11. It was also noted that the closed park is North Park. Relative to tree preservation, Supervisor Hove explained that the site contains approximately 125,000 sq. ft. of significant woodlands and ten significant trees. The developer is proposing to remove 73% of the significant woodlands and 100% of the significant trees resulting in tree mitigation of 229 Category B trees in addition to standard landscaping required. The developer is proposing to plant the mitigation trees around the new building site and along the railroad tracks south and east of the existing building. Hove continued that although over 100 mitigation trees proposed to be planted along the south property line will serve no tangible purpose other than meeting mitigation requirements, staff is suggesting off-site mitigation for these approximate 100 trees. Commission members Vincent and Markell opined that the trees should be planted at various park sites, as appropriate. Coordinator Brasch explained that there are existing culverts that drain a large portion of Lot 1 to Pond DP-1 which has caused erosion problems on the banks of EP-1 at the point of discharge. The developer should provide a larger on-site storm water pond or route all of the run-off to EP-1 and mitigate the erosion problems by extending the culvert pipes from the present location to a point at the normal water level of EP-1. Because there are no recreational water bodies downstream from EP-1, a cash water quality dedication is being requested. Brash also noted there were no wetlands on site. After a brief discussion, Michael Vincent moved, Stephen Thompson seconded with all members voting in favor to make the following recommendations to the City Council relative to Appollo Addition: 1. This development will be subject to a cash parks dedication. 2. This development will be subject to a cash trails dedication. 3. This development is responsible for providing 229 Category B trees in addition to the standard landscaping required. Off site mitigation will be required for approximately 100 of the mitigation trees to be planted. These trees should be placed on public property. 4. The developer shall provide tree protective measures (i.e. 4 foot polyethylene laminate safety netting) installed at the Drip Line or at the perimeter of the Critical Root Zone, whichever is greater, of the significant treestwoodlands to be preserved. 5. The developer shall contact the City Forester at least five days prior to any site grading to ensure compliance with the approved Tree Preservation Plan. 6. This development shall be responsible for a cash water quality dedication. 7. There are no wetlands on this site. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of June 19, 1995 Meeting Page 8 PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALK POLICY Director Vraa introduced this item explaining that the City Council has requested that the APRNRC review the draft Pedestrian Crosswalk Policy and provide any recommendations regarding modifications and that they review the existing pedestrian crosswalk on Wilderness Run Road at Wedgewood Drive connecting the Wedgewood Addition to Walnut Hill Park to determine if a higher level of pedestrian crossing should be provided beyond existing pavement markings and signage. Public Works Director Colbert explained that a petition has been submitted asking for a 4-way stop at Wilderness Run Road and Wedgewood. In reviewing this request speed, traffic count, accident history and site distance were taken into consideration. Based on information obtained and using the uniform manual for control, Director Colbert stated there were not sufficient warrants to provide a 4-way stop at this intersection. The residents near this area have indicated that if stop signs are not an option, they would like to see a higher level of pedestrian crossing through flashing lights, or other methods. It was noted that there have been 18 pedestrian accidents in the past 4 years with only 2 location where more than 1 accident occurred. Six of the accidents were at signalized intersections and 8 of the 18 were along Diffley Road. It was noted that there is concern for a false sense of security with crosswalks and traffic engineers caution that these should be used sparingly. If a flashing beacon is to be recommended, the question would be whether it should be pedestrian activated of operational 24 hours a day. There is some concern, Colbert continued that a pedestrian activated flasher creates an even greater sense of false security. Member Vincent asked if a pedestrian activated stop had been considered. Colbert responded that that option had not been pursued. Vincent added that the City needs to be very selective in their use of crossings to avoid a false sense of security. Stephen Thompson commented that the crossing at Pilot Knob Road and Wilderness Run Road is also another very difficult one. Colbert responded that that intersection, along with Highline Trail/Lexington Avenue and Johnny Cake/Covington, may warrant further investigation as well. Member Wallace opined that we are in the business of getting people out and walking but expressed concern for the costs involved in stop signs and signalization for pedestrian crossings. Wallace suggested an option such as 'rumble strips' in the roadway to alert drivers to a slower speed of impending pedestrian crosswalk. Director Colbert responded that staff will pursue this option as well, however, the City Council is looking for direction and input from the APRNRC so the issue can return to the City Council on July 18. Member Wallace suggested that this issue be reviewed at greater length at the sub-committee level and provide input to the APRNRC on July 17 for a recommendation to the City Council for their July 18 meeting. Patty Schilling stated she had started this process in May, 1993 to try to provide a safer access to Walnut Hill Park from the Wedgewood neighborhood given the high speed of motorists in this area and the restricted view those motorists have, She opined that the reports being referenced that establish criteria for signalization are based on a straight road for a safe stopping distance. She stated that the restrictive view on this street provide a difficult issue to resolve. Schilling explained that the residents are attempting to cross into Walnut Hill Park and find it extremely difficult and dangerous because of the speed of the traffic, and restricted view. She stated that most people crossing to the park are children or parents and their small children in strollers or on bikes requiring more time than adults alone may need. Director Colbert responded that all groups are taken into account when analyzing crosswalk criteria with the exception of physically challenged individuals. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of June 19, 1995 Meeting Page 9 After further discussion, Sherie Wallace moved, Michael Vincent seconded with all members voting in favor to defer this item to the Recreation Sub-committee meeting on Thursday, June 21 and that a recommendation be brought back to the full Commission at their July 17 meeting for review and recommendation to the City Council. This review will be relative to crosswalks as they apply to access to parks. DRAFT OF BEHAVIOR POLICY Recreation Supervisor Nowariak explained that after the 1994 summer programs, staff had recommended that the Commission consider adopting a uniform behavior policy for program participants. The Recreation Subcommittee has reviewed this draft policy that has been compiled following research from several other cities and public agencies. Staff is asking that the Commission make a recommendation relative to this policy so that it can be incorporated in the summer programs currently underway. Member Wallace thanked Supervisor Nowariak for her report and the research and analysis that has gone into this behavior policy. Wallace moved, Rudolph seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the Behavior Policy as presented and have it distributed to parents and participants currently enrolled in summer programs. BORCHERT/INGERSOLL PROPERTY ACQUISITION UPDATE Director Vraa explained that the owner of property east of Mike Collins Drive, north or Yankee Doodle Road and west of the Borchert/Ingersoll property will be developing. The owner has approached the City to see if there was interest in acquiring any or several of the lots to incorporate into North Park. Staff has reviewed the proposal and feels that Lot 7 has the opportunity to continue the trail around the wetland within North Park. After a brief discussion, Stephen Thompson moved, Jonathan Widem seconded with all members voting in favor to direct staff to pursue discussions with the land owner to attempt to acquire lot(s) and easements to provide a trail around the wetland within North Park. PARKS DEVELOPMENT UPDATE Parks Planner/Landscape Architect Lilly reviewed several park projects currently underway including, trail alignment on the south side of the Borchert/Ingersoll property, landscaping and playground for Holz Farm Park, irrigation and fencing at Lexington Diffley Athletic site, refined landscaping plan for the Municipal Center/Civic Arena site and playground for Red Pine Elementary School. WATER RESOURCES UPDATE Water Resources Coordinator Brasch explained that the Natural Resources Subcommittee met May 31 relative to Pond JP-23. The issues that arose during a meeting with the residents included whether the NWL could be raised or lowered, what measures the City and residents could take to protect water quality in the pond, and the process for addressing a change in the classification of the pond. Rich explained that a written evaluation for the reclassification of Pond JP-23 will be provided at the July 17 Commission meeting. Another issue for the Commission to address is the review of the water quality management plan. Brasch suggested setting a date for a Natural Resources Sub-committee meeting to review this issue further. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of July 19,1995 Meeting Page 10 Relative to the Fish Lake dosing project, the City is working cooperatives with the University of Minnesota for a pilot dosing system. The grant application approved by the Met Council was for $40,000 and it is expected that the field portion of the work will be done by mid-August. ECOSYSTEM BASED MANAGEMENT REPORT/CHALLENGE GRANT Forestry Supervisor Hove explained that the Forestry division has recently been approached by MnDNR as a possible location for an "Ecosystem Based Management Project'. This project is funded by both federal and state dollars and will be performed in only 3 communities in the 'metro region'. The eco system to be analyzed in Eagan is Oak Savannah with the general goals of the EMBP to be: 1) identify available natural resources, 2) provide direction to maintain a healthy ecosystem, 3) maintain networks of natural resources and interconnecting habitats to maximize healthy ecological functions, 4) provide information needed to protect, restore and manage existing natural resources, 5) not only examine Eagan's natural resources on a local city scale, but also to place and study our resources on a regional scale, and 6) determine a methodology and 'standard operating procedure' for future planning efforts and share the information with other communities, states and interested parties. Hove concluded that time and staff commitments from within the city will be minimal with the majority of the project, as well as follow-up plan preparation and presentation, being performed by MnDNR staff. CITY OF EAGAN BOULEVARD TREE INVENTORY Supervisor Hove stated the Forestry division has applied for and recently received matching grant funding through MnDNR and Urban and Community Challenge Grant Program to perform a thorough inventory of the city's boulevard trees. This is a cooperative project between the city's Forestry and Street departments with desired benefits being derived from both. The actual field inventory will be performed by a summer/fall intern. The inventory process will provide specific tree data and location to be imported into the city's GIS to further enhance future management tasks. Supervisor Hove concluded that data will be collected June, July and August; initial report summary will occur during August/September ; GIS scheduled during September with final reports and presentation of derived management plans to be completed by October, 1995. MOSQUITO CONTROL UPDATE Superintendent Olson explained that the City Council had directed the APRNRC to conduct a public hearing and make a recommendation to the City Council relative to mosquito control practices within the City of Eagan. A public hearing was held on June 15 to gather information and ask questions. Six people attended the public hearing; 4 from the Minnesota Mosquito Control District, 1 resident/Counc i I member and an individual representing a group of chemically sensitive people. This item, Olson continued, will come back to the APRNRC on July 17 for review and recommendation to the City Council for their July 18 meeting. It was noted that the City would be accepting written comments until July 1, 1995. S Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of June 19, 1995 Meeting Page 11 ADJOURNMENT 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 10:50 p.m. 10 Secretary Date S