09/16/1996 - Advisory Parks & Recreation CommissionMINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF
ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
SEPTEMBER 16, 1996
A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission was called
to order at 7:00 p.m. on September 16, 1996 with the following Commission Members present: Lee
Markell, Daryle Petersen, John Rudolph, David Szott, Stephen Thompson, Randall Ahern and Michael
Vincent. Members Tim Callister, George Kubik and Guy Kohlnhofer were not present. Staff present
included Ken Vraa, Director of Parks and Recreation, Dorothy Peterson, Superintendent of Recreation; Paul
Olson, Parks Superintendent; C.1. Lilly, Landscape Architect/Parks Planner; Rich Brasch, Water Resources
Coordinator; Gregg Hove, Forestry Supervisor; Mike Ridley, Senior Planner; Recreation Supervisors Paula
Nowariak, jon Oyanagi and Loudi Rivamonte and Cherryl Mesko, Secretary.
AGENDA
Natural Scenic Grant was added as Item 2 under New Business and Task Force/Central Park was
added under New Business. Michael Vincent moved, John Rudolph seconded with all members voting in
favor to accept the agenda as amended.
MINUTES OF AUGUST 19, 1996
Michael Vincent moved, John Rudolph seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the
minutes of August 19, 1996 as presented.
DEPA1ttMENT HAPPENINGS
Items highlighted in the Department Happenings included the beginning of EAA's fall programs,
grant application for the "Mighty Ducks", family skating events at the Civic Arena, closure of the wading
pool, observation deck at Blackhawk completed by Twin Cities Tree Trust, paving of a hockey rink at Goat
Hill, color coating of tennis courts, top dressing and seeding of Lexington Diffley fields and new method of
marking storm drains to increase public awareness.
CONSENT AGENDA
Michael Vincent moved, John Rudolph seconded with all members voting in favor to make the
following recommendations to the City Council relative to Norwest Third Addition -ESA Development, Inc.:
1. This development shall be responsible for a cash parks dedication.
2. This development shall be responsible for a cash trails dedication.
3. Staff is recommending the applicant explore the possibility of shifting the service entrance road
far enough to the west to reduce significant tree removal to limits below those allowed by the
Tree Preservation Ordinance. If the recommended revision dealing with the location of the
service entrance road can not be incorporated, the following conditions will apply to the
development:
a. The developer shall be required to submit a cash mitigation for significant tree\woodland
removal in excess of allowable limits in the amount of $12,000.00.
b. The developer shall be required to provide Tree Protective Measures (i.e. 4 foot polyethylene
laminate safety netting} to 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 on adjacent
property.
c. The developer shall be required to 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.
4. This development shall be responsible for a cash water quality dedication.
Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
Minutes of September 16, 1996 Meeting
Page 2
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
ROLLING OAKS - PULTE HOMES
Following a brief introduction by Director Vraa, Senior Planner Ridley noted that this item was
addressed at the August Advisory Commission meeting at which time it was deferred to the Natural Resources
and Land Acquisition Subcommittees. The primary change since the Commission's last review was the
exclusion of a five acre parcel in the northeast portion of the site where a home is currently located. The
developer has not been able to acquire the property at this time, thus the development has been reduced to
116 acres. This results in a decrease of units from 523 to 502, Ridley added.
Director Vraa provided the Commission with the background and history of this site noting that the
existing Deerwood Elementary School was once the identified location for a park in Service District #21
which is bounded by 35E, Pilot Knob Road and Diffley Road. Having the district split by Deerwood and now
Johnny Cake Ridge Road, creates limited population thresholds in each of these smaller areas. When
Deerwood Elementary was sited, the City was stilt hopeful of developing a neighborhood park adjacent to the
school as has been done with other school/park sites. When the middle school was sited next to the
elementary school, interest in a neighborhood park all but disappeared since most recreation amenities were
being provided by the two schools. The uncertainty of a park in this service district continued even to the
extent that the most recent Park System Plan update mentions the possibility of only a neighborhood
commons or neighborhood park of 4-6 acres in size. Director Vraa added that a development at this site had
been reviewed several months earlier at which time the Commission recommended a cash parks dedication
and cash trails dedication.
The developer presented two proposed parcels for parkland consideration. A 4.32 acre site located
in the east central region of the site. Although scenic, the majority of the proposed dedication site contains
steep topography and wetlands which would be difficult to provide trail access. The second is a 11.91 acre
parcel that abuts 35E to the west and the water tower just south of Deerwood. This heavily wooded parcel
also has steep slopes up to 33%. Two wetlands are located on the west and north sides of this proposed park
dedication. Vraa continued that the subcommittees looked at all the options proposed by the developer for
proposed park dedication and felt that even if a portion of the land could be used for park purposes, there
was concern about placing a park in an area where there are several existing parks with amenities that could
support this neighborhood. Director Vraa concluded stating that the Commission could look at a cash parks
and trails dedication, look at a land dedication and consider what options should be considered for that site,
or suggest another parcel of land within the site for parks dedication.
Coordinator Brasch noted that the construction of a basin in the north central location of the site
would be impacted based on parks dedication. The north-central and eastern portion of the site will drain to
the north and staff has directed the developer to construct a detention basin to treat this runoff prior to
discharge off the site. In the most recent set of plans, the detention basin is too small to provide the high
level of treatment required to meet non-degradation standards for Blackhawk Lake. Whether the pond can be
expanded will depend on whether the proposed park area to the west of this pond remains a part of the
development. If the area is not needed for a developed par facility, staff recommends that this detention
basin be increased in size and volume to improve the pollutant removal efficiency of the pond. Rather than
require the significant increase in on-site ponding that would be necessary to fully meet the non-degradation
standard for Blackhawk Lake, staff recommends a supplemental cash dedication to meet mitigation
requirements. The cash dedication would be higher if pond BP-3 cannot be expanded over that proposed.
This dedication would be used to off-set costs of in-lake treatment measures to protect water quality in
Blackhawk Lake.
Forestry Supervisory Hove noted the tree preservation changes with the revised plan resulted from the
realignment of )ohnny Cake Ridge Road, alteration of grading limits, introduction of proposed parkland
within the development, shifting of cul-de-sac locations, alteration of building pad locations and recount of
existing trees on site (trees within )ohnny Cake Ridge Road right-of-way not included, and the exclusion of
storm damage trees). With the developers proposed significant tree removal for the entire site not exceeding
the allowable limit, there is not tree mitigation, Hove concluded.
Member Szott asked about the 5 acre exception to this plat. Director Vraa stated that the property is
privately owned and has been withdrawn from the original proposed site, however it was left in the plan to
show what the potential development could be on the exception were it to be developed later.
Member Rudolph asked how many units were expected to be built with and without the exception
parcel. Senior Planner Ridley responded there were 502 proposed without the exception and 523 with the
exception.
Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
Minutes of September 16, 1996 Meeting
Page 3
Member Petersen asked what kind of slopes were on the 4.32 acre proposed park. Director Vraa
explained that it was very steep on the north end of the site and also on the south side which would make it
difficult to place a trail around the wetland. Consideration may be given to bringing a trail from the south,
however. Member Petersen clarified that a trail would be one of the only options on the 4.32 acre parcel.
Gary Grant, Pulte Homes addressed the Commission stating they were looking forward to providing
a good project in this area. He noted that the density is lower than what this property is zoned for and they
have worked very hard to adjust the plan to preserve trees on site. It is anticipated that this neighborhood
will have approximately 140 children living in it and Pulte feels that is a large enough number to warrant
recreational amenities. Mr. Grant shared the breakdown of the multiple family "pods" noting that the
architecture, color and finishes will be different in each of the 17 "pods". The single family homes will be
custom graded lots and Pulte is committed to saving as many trees as possible. In closing, Mr. Grant
reiterated that there are enough occupants in this neighborhood to substantiate a park.
Dennis Griswold, Landscape Architect representing Pulte Homes identified several key points from
Pulte's perspective. This is one of the largest sites left in the City and they feel it's important to provide
varied products on this parcel to create a diverse community. With that they want to provide parkland for
the residents of this community which would accent the existing active space at the school. Pulte feels that
facilities for younger children are needed along with walking paths and a connection to the school. They feel
that these amenities will also benefit the residents to the east of the elementary and middle school as well.
Mr. Griswold also noted that the playground at the school may not be available during the school year day
and felt that the City may be relying too heavily on school facilities used primarily for organized play. The
developer is hopeful that recreational amenities can be incorporated within this neighborhood because it will
be bounded by busy roads.
Member Markel) asked about the accessibility from the street on the southeast portion of the site.
Mr. Griswold stated they would look at the high water level to see what options may be possible.
Member Vincent opined that the proposed land to be dedicated for park on this site is not closer for
many of the residents than the school facilities. Mr. Griswold responded that although location may be an
issue, having facilities within the development that would accent existing facilities would be of great benefit
to the users. Member Vincent opined that open space would be more appealing and would prefer seeing
passive use in this area since active space already exists close by. Vincent added that the question is whether
there is a need for a park at this site since many other parks currently exist. Mr. Grant responded that many
children cannot go to a park without their parents and they want to provide amenities that are within walking
distance. Member Vincent stated that he was not motivated to accept land for park dedication and preferred
a cash dedication to be used in an area where the need may be greater.
Member Petersen noted that with the larger tract of proposed park land it could be left open to allow
for natural trails at a later date. The small parcel, however, did not appear to have much usable value for
parkland. Member Rudolph noted that there are several parks nearby with existing amenities. He expressed
his concern for developing facilities on the larger parcel as proposed by Pulte because of the future need for
parking which may change the "cozy playground" amenity the developer is hoping to create. Rudolph
concluded that a park dedication on this site was not desirable and preferred a cash dedication.
Mr. Grant asked if the Commission would consider a partial park dedication for 4 acres for a
potential skating area/parking lot off Johnny Cake Ridge Road. This could be a fairly flat parcel that would
allow for some park amenities.
Member Vincent felt that the slopes may prohibit a parking lot in the area being designated and
opined that this would be shoehorning the site. Vincent added that the developer may want to consider
providing a play area on the site if they feel there is a need.
Member Szott opined that the four acre site was essentially a private park for the lots that surround it.
With respect to the larger parcel proposed for winter amenities, Szott stated that although the intention is
good, it may be cost prohibitive to provide some of the amenities proposed given there are many of the same
facilities within the'/s mile radius of this site.
Director Vraa responded to the question relative to accepting a portion of the larger parcel for parks
dedication by stating that although staff has not assessed that option, a recreational amenity such as frisbee
golf may be something to consider. This would provide an opportunity for a facility not found in any of the
other parks. The question was raised by some Commission Members as to the amount of interest this might
generate within the community and could result in an adverse situation for the neighborhood.
Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
Minutes of September 16, 1996 Meeting
Page 4
Member Petersen and Markell suggested looking at the option of different park dedication layouts or
consider other options to provide preservation of some of the land. Member Thompson opined that the City
needs to get the most bang for their buck and supported a cash dedication.
Mr. Grant noted that if the Advisory Commission was sincerely interested in accepting a parkland
dedication in lieu of cash, they would look at some type of reconfiguration, however, if that is not the
direction the Commission is headed, they would not expend any more time or resources to re-design the site.
Member Markell asked what would happen to the land should it not be used for parks dedication. Mr. Grant
responded that units may be placed on the area that is relatively flat, however, the steeper slopes would most
likely be left as is.
After further discussion. Michael Vincent moved and David Szott seconded a motion to make the
following recommendations to the City Council relative to Rolling Hills - Pulte Homes:
1. This development shall be responsible for a cash parks and trails dedication.
2. The Tree Preservation Plan be approved as proposed with the following conditions:
a. Tree Protective Measures (i.e. 4 foot polyethylene laminate safetyry netting) shall be installed at
the Drip Line or at the perimeter of the Critical Root Zone, whicf~ever is greater, of significant
trees/woodlands to be preserved.
b. The developer shall contact the City Forestry Division at least five day prior to the issuance of
the grading permit to ensure compliance with the approved Tree Preservation Plan.
c. The developer shall work with City Staff in an attempt to preserve additional significant trees
located in areas within construction limits. Field reviews are recommended after roads are
located and staked and prior to any grading or tree removal to identify any significant trees
which could be preserved.
3. The developer shah raise and redirect the storm water drainage system (which is proposed to
flow from the low area in the north vicinity of the single family development area to drainage
Pond BP-3) to a new location running between single family lots 5 and 6 and between clubhouse
lots 25 and 26.
4. Acknowledge that a performance guarantee will be required for this development. The amount
of the performance guarantee will be calculated by City Staff following installation of the tree
protection fence. (The amount of the performance guarantee will be calculated utilizing the total
diameter inches of significant trees intended to be preserved within fifteen feet of the grading
limits). The performance guarantee will be collected as part of the Development Contract at the
time of final plat approval.
5. An Individual Lot Tree Preservation Plan will be required for all single family residential lots with
significant trees or woodlands remaining on them at the time of building permit application.
6. On-site ponding shall be the principle means of meeting water quality mitigation requirements.
7. Bond BP-3 shall be enlarged and constructed as a two-cell system, if possible.
Those voting Aye: Randall Ahern, Michael Vincent, David Szott, Steve Thompson, and John
Rudolph. Those voting Nay: Lee Markell and Daryle Petersen. The motion passed.
OLD BUSINESS
MOSQUITO CONTROL UPDATE
Dave French and Jim Stark of the Metropolitan Mosquito Control Agency were present to provide the
Commission with a yearly update of their program in Eagan.
Dave French began by stating that there was a 26% budget decrease from 1995 which resulted in the
loss of 1.5 regular full time staff members. Also as a result of the budget cuts, the MMCA is moving away
from methoprene briquets and using pellets and liquid.
Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
Minutes of September 16, 1996 Meeting
Page 5
Overall, 1996 was a very dry year with only 3 broods of mosquitos identified. One on May 24, one
on June 7 and one on June 17. Adult mosquito control was done based on the evening collections that were
done. Measures were taken at Sky Hill Park, and during the Yankee Arts and Crafts Festival. The MMCA
responded to 15 calls from Eagan which was an increase from 1995 even though it was a dry year
Jim Stark highlighted several ways the MMCA has been attempting to improve their communication
in Eagan in 1996. Those included several articles in the local papers, television and radio coverage,
information panels at the library, informational brochures placed in several public buildings, 4000 visitors to
the Dakota County Fair booth and awareness programs directed to 6th graders through the schools. Goals for
1997 include being more aggressive in the schools, soliciting adult service groups and associations for
presentations and providing more local and regional media coverage.
Commission Chair Markel) thanked Mr. French and Mr. Stark for the update and expressed the
Commission's interest in the annual update by the MMCA.
NATURAL AND SCENIC GRANT
Superintendent Peterson noted that at the August 19 Commission meeting, staff reported a grant
award in the amount of $26,900 of a $92,000 request toward acquisition of 7.5 acres adjacent to Patrick
Eagan Park.
Brief discussion occurred followed by a motion by Michael Vincent, seconded by Stephen
Thompson, with all members voting in favor to rework the grant with DNR staff, focusing on acquisition of
the 4.4 acre piece and attempt to acquire an option on the 3.1 acre piece . The Commission reiterated their
commitment to open space preservation.
NEW 'Bl)~1NESS
TASK FORCE/CENTRAL PARK
Director Vraa explained that the City Council is looking for a member of the APRNRC to be
appointed to a task force which will look at options for a central park on the Scenic Enterprises site. The task
force will consist of members of the APRNRC, Advisory Planning Commission and 2 staff members.
Member Vincent volunteered to serve on the task force.
PARKS QEVELOPMENT UPDATE
Landscape Architect.lilly noted that the landscaping at the Municipal Center and Blackhawk Park is
95% completed. Blackhawk Park is open for reservations and the observation deck is completed.
tt+VATER RESQIJR~S~UPDATE
Coordinator Brasch noted that the Commission had taken a few minutes to review the site proposed
for a landing at Blackhawk Lake. He requested that the Commission make a recommendation to the City
Council to re-program funds to provide for this landing.
After a brief discussion, Stephen Thompson moved, John Rudolph seconded with all members voting
in favor to recommend to the City Council a re-programming of $14,000 of the $73,000 in available funds
previously allocated for the JP-5 bypass and the Hay Lake landing in the FY 1996 CIP for the storm water
management plan.
UTHER ftUS1NESS AND=111;EPDRTS
SUMMER PROGRAM REPORTS
Recreation Supervisor Oyanagi provided the Commission with an overview of the many programs he
supervises during the summer months including the large adult softball program. Recreation Supervisor Loudi
Rivamonte followed with her presentation of the programs and activities that she has been supervising at
Wescott Commons over the summer as well. The final report was presented by Recreation Supervisor Paula
Nowariak relative the thousands of participants in the summer activities that are planned for Eagan youth.
Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
Minutes of September 16, 1996 Meeting
Page 6
ROUND TABLE
Member Markel) thanked those that worked on the recent Bond Referendum. Although it was
not successful, it is hoped that the Commission continues its support of open space preservation.
i~1D)OURNMENT
With no further business to conduct, Michael Vincent moved, John Rudolph seconded with all
members voting in favor to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 10:10 p.m.
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Secre ar Date