08/19/1996 - Advisory Parks & Recreation CommissionMINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF
ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
AUGUST 19, 1996
A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission was called
to order at 7:00 p.m. on August 19,.1996 with the following Commission Members present: Tim Callister,
Guy Kohlnhofer, George Kubik, Lee Markell, Daryle Petersen, )ohn Rudolph, David Szott, Stephen
Thompson, Randall Ahern and Michael Vincent. Staff present included Ken Vraa, Director of Parks and
Recreation, Dorothy Peterson, Superintendent of Recreation; Paul Olson, Parks Superintendent; C.). Lilly,
Landscape Architect/Parks Planner; Rich Brasch, Water Resources Coordinator; Gregg Hove, Forestry
Supervisor; Mike Ridley, Senior Planner and Cherryl Mesko, Secretary.
AGENDA
Under Development Proposals, Shaw-Lundquist was added as Item #2. )ohn Rudolph moved,
George Kubik seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the agenda as amended.
DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS
Items highlighted by Director Vraa included the upcoming Eagan Lone Oak Days, installation of an
asphalt surface in one of the hockey rinks at Goat Hill Park, successful concession sales at the men's D
region softball tournament, NYSCA coaches clinics, August camps that are underway, fall brochure which i~
being distributed September 4, 5 and 6, corrective work on the Carnelian Park building, nearing completion
of playground installation at Northview Elementary School, excavation assistance provided to Eagan High
School to allow for additional seating, color coating and crack filling of tennis courts and the extensive
installation of plant material at the municipal center..
CONSENT AGENDA
There were no issues to be discussed under this agenda item.
CIEVELflPMENT PRt)POSALS
ROLLING OAKS - PULTE HOMES
Following a brief introduction by Director Vraa, Senior Planner Ridley explained that Pulte Homes
proposing amixed-residential development for the 120 acre Bieter-Franz site located at the northeastern
intersection of I-35E and Diffley Road. The proposal requests rezoning to allow a total of 505 residential
units to be placed on the site; 79 single family and 426 mixed residential units.
Forestry Supervisor Hove noted that the development as proposed will result in the removal of 454
significant trees which is 40% of the total. This does not include an additional 33 significant trees that will
be removed due to the revised layout of Johnny Cake Ridge Road as the City has requested. The Tree
Preservation Ordinance allows 40% removal for this type of multi-lot residential development. Hove added
that the developer is proposing to prepare the entire site at one time. Staff has recommended that field
reviews of the lots be done after the roads are located and staked, prior to any grading, so that significant
tress that could possibly be preserved can be identified.
Water Resources Coordinator Brasch explained that this development will generate runoff that will
reach Blackhawk Lake downstream. Because of the high classification of Blackhawk Lake, staff is
recommending on-site ponding as the primary means of meeting water quality mitigation. A large
constructed ponding area (BP-35) in the southwest area of the site will be used to treat runoff from over half
of the development and staff has directed the developer to construct a detention basin to treat runoff in the
north central and eastern portion prior to discharge off the site. In addition, staff is recommending that the
discharge from Pond BP-3.3 be routed around this constructed basin so that it discharges directly to the stub
underlying Deerwood Drive.
Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
Minutes of August 16, 1996 Meeting
Page 2
Coordinator Brasch noted there are five wetlands on site; four natural wetland basins and one storm
water pond (BP-35) which has been slightly modified. The grading plan shows ungraded buffers around the
four natural wetland basins that range from 30 to 300 feet in width. The exception is an area around the
southern end of wetland basin BP-3.4, where a retaining wall has been proposed to avoid filling of the
wetland but grading would extend to the wetland edge.
Relative to parks and trails dedication, Director Vraa noted that a development had previously been
reviewed on this site and the Advisory Commission had recommended a cash dedication for both parks and
trails. The developer, however, submitted revised plans to City staff on Thursday, August 15 which included
identification of land they would like the Advisory Commission to accept in lieu of a cash parks dedication.
Gary Grant representing Pulte Homes explained that this development attempts to create a
community with five different home styles. The most recent plans submitted to the City included changing
the layout of the site and adding more units to the site. Although he conceded that the plans had been
submitted at a late date to City staff, the developer is hopeful that the Commission wilt agree, in concept, that
the proposed park land dedication would be beneficial to the City.
Dennis Griswald, Landscape Architect representing Pulte Homes concurred that the identification of
proposed parkland on this site was to enhance the entire community. With the restraints provided by the
extension of Johnny Cake Ridge Road, the developer felt that recreational amenities at the identified locations
would be in the best interest of this new community. A warming house with hockey rink, sledding hill,
parking lot and trails were suggested and identified as park amenities on various portions of land identified for
park purposes. It was noted that the total site is 118 acres which would require a land dedication of 12
acres. This proposal, Mr. Griswald continued, provides for 15+ acres of parkland. The developer is hopeful
that they can provide a park dedication, as identified, in lieu of a cash dedication so that the City can
develop the amenities that have been identified for this land by the developer. Mr. Griswald expressed the
developer's agreement with the tree preservation, water quality/wetland issues as well as the trail along
Johnny Cake Ridge Road. It is the developer's hope that the Advisory Commission will agree with the newly
submitted 2nd plan so that the process can continue for this development.
Member Vincent asked how many more units were included with the new 2nd plan. It was noted
that the development would gain 12 units. Member Marken noted that although the proposed parkland
dedication is 15+ acres, that includes wetlands which are typically deleted from the total net parkland.
Member Markel) asked what the developer's time frame was for this proposal. Mr. Griswald responded that
it is scheduled before the Advisory Planning Commission the week of August 26 and then onto a September
City Council meeting.
Member Thompson opined that although the 2nd plan has some merit, the Commission would need
to further review the proposal and look at the development potential of the site. Member Vincent stated that
since this was such a high density site, it would require more review before an informed decision could be
made. Member Markel) asked if staff has had sufficient time to review the proposal. Senior Planner Ridley
noted that although engineering and parks issues are being reviewed, Pulte would like this project to stay on
track. If the Advisory Commission makes a decision on parks, the Advisory Planning Commission can
continue this item or take action as is appropriate, Ridley added.
Member Markel) suggested that this be deferred to the Land Acquisition/Development and Natural
Resources subcommittees for further review. Mr. Griswald expressed their hope that a recommendation
could be made by the Advisory Commission and then passed onto the Advisory Planning Commission,
however, they would appreciate the subcommittee's review of this park issue in a timely manner. It was also
noted that this item could come back to the Advisory Commission on September 16 and a recommendation
could be made prior to this being reviewed by the City Council on September 17. Planner Ridley added that
without direction from the APRNRC the Advisory PlanningCcommission will most likely continue this item.
After further discussion, Michael Vincent moved, George Kubik seconded with all members voting in
favor to recommend that this item. be tabled and that the 2nd plan submitted by Pulte Homes be made
available for the Natural Resources and Land Acquisition/Development subcommittees to review.
SHAW LUNDQUIST
Senior Planner Ridley explained that this is a request for a Conditional Use Permit to allow the
outdoor storage of construction equipment in conjunction with a proposed office/warehouse building to be
located on Lot 2, Block 1, Eagandale Center First Addition.
Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
Minutes of August 16, 1996 Meeting
Page 3
Forestry Supervisor Hove noted that there are 19 existing significant trees on this site with 17
proposed for removal with this development. This is 89% of the total with 30% being the allowable
removable amount.
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 Shaw-Lundquist
Conditional Use Permit:
The Tree Preservation Plan shall be approved as proposed with the following conditions:
The developer shall provide a cash mitigation of $7,800.00
Tree Protective Measures (i.e. 4 foot polyethylene laminate safety netting) shall be installed
at the Drip Line or at the perimeter of the Critical Root Zone, whichever is greater, of
significant trees/woodlands to be preserved.
The developer shall contact the City Forestry Division at least five days prior to the issuance
of the grading permit to ensure compliance with the approved Tree Preservation Plan.
t~LD BUSINESS
SCENIC ENTERPRISES -COMP GUIDE PLAN AMENDMENT
Planner Ridley noted that the Scenic Enterprises proposal was reviewed by the APC on July 23, 1996
and denied because of their concern about the loss of land suitable for major office development;
acknowledgment that the City has ample land for D-II residential development; the Central Area Plan calls for
major office development; the proposed park is not large enough for the central area park and another
neighborhood park is not needed in this area. Since the City Council still remains interested in the "Central
Park" concept within the City, the APRNRC has been asked to readdress this plan. They may choose to look
only at the proposed 20 acre park and make a recommendation about whether the City should pursue
acquisition of this property for a public park and update the City's Park System Plan accordingly. They may
also choose to make a more general recommendation regarding preservation of the natural features of this
site, regardless of the land use and eventual development on the surrounding property.
John Voss, representing the developer acknowledged that this issue had been discussed with the
Land Acquisition subcommittee previously. Mr. Voss suggested that 19-21 acres could be preserved through
parkland dedication and/or acquisition which would allow for an amphitheater, multiple-dwelling use,
assisted housing, 2nd wading pool, area for art shows, 4th of July event and possible shared parking on this
site. The park area would provide a passive area within this dense neighborhood and provide passive/active
use in the center of Eagan. Mr. Voss opined that this park could accommodate some special needs of the
community, not all of them. This issue is scheduled before the City Council on September 3 and the Council
is anxious to hear what the APRNRC feels about this site, Voss concluded.
Member Szott noted that the Land Acquisition subcommittee had reviewed this issue and suggested
that any park land should be preserved for passive use. The subcommittee agreed that the zoning should
remain as R&D and that identifying a central park at any location may be premature. It was felt that the
criteria for a central park should be identified first; then as a potential site is identified, the criteria could be
used to see if it can be incorporated within a particular site. Member Vincent added that a trail connection
to Quarry Park and Pilot Knob Park was seen as the highest priority for this site. Member Thompson added
that it was the subcommittee's opinion that this land was not sufficient for a central park. Thompson also
stated that the subcommittee had looked at this site only using 20 acres for a potential park. Member Markell
opined that this is a beautiful piece of property and the preservation of the 20 wetland acres should be looked
at.
After further discussion Michael Vincent moved, Stephen Thompson seconded a motion that
intensive use of the 20 acres identified for potential park within the Scenic Enterprises parcel would not be
appropriate use. Passive recreational use coupled with connecting trails to Quarry Park and Pilot Knob Park
would be a priority for this site. All members voted in favor.
It was further noted that discussion should occur during the Round Table relative to the establishment
of criteria for a central park, i.e. parking needs, area needs, access, etc.
Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
Minutes of August 16, 1996 Meeting
Page 4
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NATURAL AND SCENIC GRANT
Superintendent Peterson reminded the Commission that the Department had submitted a Natural and
Scenic Grants Program application earlier this year. The application was for funds to assist with acquisition
of approximately 7.5 acres of land directly south of the Patrick Eagan Park access road off Lexington Avenue.
The City's grant request was $92,000 and the City's matching share would be, at a minimum, equal to that
amount. Superintendent Peterson continued that the City has been notified that they have been awarded a
grant in the amount of $26,900. Since this is significantly less than what was requested, the Commission was
asked to consider how they wished to proceed. Some of the options included pursuing purchase of the 7.5
acres using the grant dollars and increased level of City funding; rework the grant focusing on acquisition of
the 4.4 acre piece south of the entrance to Patrick Eagan Park; rework the grant to acquire the 3.1 acre piece
west of the owner's home or reject the grant.
Member Ahern asked if the grant amount would be reduced if a smaller parcel of land was suggested
for acquisition. Superintendent Peterson stated staff would need to re-submit the application to see what the
results would be. This may require splitting the parcel and explaining the criteria for acquisition of a smaller
parcel. Member Thompson stated that this parcel has been identified as a high priority for acquisition and
suggested that the grant be accepted and as much land as possible be acquired. Member Szott agreed stating
that the balance could be funded if the bond referendum is successful. As a point of clarification it was noted
that the 7.5 acre parcel has an asking price of $187,000 with an appraised value of $180,000.
Member Rudolph asked if the grant were denied, would the DNR look unfavorably on future
requests. Member Vincent suggested acquiring the 4.4 acre parcel and attempt to acquire future grant dollars
to acquire the balance. Member Thompson expressed his concern that the value of the land will only
increase and the land will become more difficult to acquire suggesting the need to get a first right of refusal
on the property.
After further discussion, Member Thompson suggested that the focus should be on the 4.4 acre site
with a contingency to secure a first right on the balance of the 7.5 acre parcel. If there is not an option to
secure a first right on the balance of the parcel, then acquisition of the entire parcel should be pursued. The
consensus of the Commission appeared to be the acceptance of the $26,900 grant with the intent that the 7.5
acre parcel be acquired through funding from a successful bond referendum. or from the Park Site Fund.
NEW BUSINESS
There were no items under New Business for the Commission to discuss.
pAtI1~S DEVELOPMENT .UPDATE
Director Vraa noted that staff, led by Superintendent Olson, has been meeting to formulate a design
program for the possible construction of a service building(s) at Lexington-Diffley as part of the 1997 Capital
Improvement Program. Their meetings identified the need for 2 buildings; one as a tournament headquarters
and a restroom building. Each of the buildings would be in the center of field pods. One building would be
similar to that at Northview with a 2nd floor and pass through area that could be secured in the evening. The
second would be a pavilion building with a cupula on the top to provide some vertical elevation to the site.
The preliminary estimates have come in at approximately $250,000 per building, which is more than what
was originally anticipated. Director Vraa suggested the land Acquisition subcommittee work with the design
staff on the proposed buildings so that it can be paced in the C1P.
Member Petersen questioned the lack of a permanent concession. Director Vraa responded that staff
is researching a trailer concession concept to allow some mobility of concessions to other areas of the city.
Member Kohlnhofer asked if there was consideration for contracting out the concession trailer. Director Vraa
stated that would be a consideration for the subcommittee and design staff to consider. Member Markell
recapped that this issue would be placed on the agenda for the Land Acquisition/Development subcommittee
to review at their next meeting.
WATER ~lESOURCE5 t7PL?ATE
Water Resources Coordinator Brasch noted that September 11 had been set up for the Natural
Resources Subcommittee to review the Rolling Oaks development. Brasch also noted that the Eagle Scout
project will begin in mid-September.
Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
Minutes of August 16, 1996 Meeting
Page 5
OTHFR BUSINESS AND RIEPORTS
BOND REFERENDUM UPDATE
Director Vraa noted that residents have received an informational mailing on the bond referendum
with informational meetings set for August 22 and September 5 in the Municipal Center Community Room.
Member Vincent provided a hotline number for residents to call if they have specific questions about
the referendum and require further information. Member Markell solicited resident volunteers and noted that
this was a way for residents to be pro-active in preserving open space.
Itt7UND-7A61E
Member Petersen reiterated the importance of the Commission's involvement in identifying standards
for consideration of a Ncentral park" in the City of Eagan. Member Thompson suggested that the Commission
could focus on criteria after the bond referendum election has concluded.
Member Kubik thanked Director Vraa and Superintendent Peterson for their continued participation
in internships since the research information provided has, and will continue to, provide valuable information
and insight.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to conduct, Michael Vincent moved, George Kubik seconded with all
members voting in favor to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
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Secretary Date