12/16/1996 - Advisory Parks & Recreation CommissionMINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF
ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
DECEMBER 16, 1996
A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission was called
to order at 7:00 pm on December 16, 1996 with the following Commission Members present: Randall Ahern,
Guy Kohlnhofer, George Kubik, Daryle Petersen, David Szott, Stephen Thompson and Michael Vincent.
Commission Members Tim Callister, Lee Markell and John Rudolph 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 Supervisor; Shannon Tyree, Planner and Cherryl Mesko, Secretary.
~lE1VOA
George Kubik moved, Guy Kohlnhofer seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the
agenda as presented.
MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 18, 199b 1NEETIING
George Kubik moved, David Szott seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the minutes
of the regular meeting of November 18, 1996 as presented.
DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS
Items highlighted by Director Vraa included a request by the new Apple Valley Athletic Association
for baseball field space in Eagan, the hiring of Mark Vaughan as Civic Arena Manager, the resignation of )eff
Perry from Forestry/Parks Maintenance, the planned posting for rental of the Richard Holz house, and a brief
review of the many programs offered at Wescott. Member Kubik asked how the trail clearing experiment was
working. Director Vraa responded that the City is pleased with the compliance by affected residents in
conjunction with the City's trail clearing efforts. The trails affected are primarily near elementary schools.
Member Thompson asked for a clarification as to why Apple Valley is requesting field space from Eagan,
Director Vraa explained that some parents of students who will be attending the new Eastview High School
wish to see an athletic association affiliated with that specific high school to provide a "feeder system" for the
sports programs. Many Eagan students will be attending the new high school.
CONSENT AGENDA
George Kubik moved, Randall Ahern seconded with all members voting in favor to make the
following recommendations to the City Council relative to the following proposed developments:
1. Wessel Addition. Lots 2, 3 and 4 shall be subject to a cash parks dedication and a cash trails
dedication. Individual Lot Tree Preservation Plans shall be submitted with the building permit
application for Lots 1, 2, 3 and 4. No vegetation removal or grading shall be allowed within 30
feet of the edge of the pond at the normal water level.
2. Rask 1st Addition. The newly created lot shall be responsible for a cash parks dedication and a
cash trails dedication. An Individual Lot Tree Preservation Plan shall be submitted for Lot 2 at
the time of building permit application. A cash water quality dedication shall be required for
the vacant lot.
OTHER 1gU~5#Ii1ESS ANID ~t~Dlll?5
DNR - KO BASED MANAGEMENT PROJKT
Forestry Supervisor Hove explained that this is the first of two reports to update Commission
Members on the status of the Ecosystem Based Management Project. In early 1995 the Eagan Forestry
Department was approached by the MnDNR to become involved in this project which is funded by both
federal and state dollars and is being performed in three communities. The three ecosystems and respective
Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
Minutes of December 16, 1996 Regular Meeeting
Page 2
study communities are: The Big Woods, Watertown, MN; Anoka Sand Plain, Robinsdale, MN; and Oak
Savannah, Eagan. This. project is designed to demonstrate the applicability and importance of eco-region
based landscapes and how these can be applied at the community level. They basically ask communities to
look at natural resource considerations beyond their boundaries and to incorporate eco-region based
strategies into their planning efforts.
Jonathan Stiegler, Urban Forester for MnDNR and lan Wolfe, Educational Coordinator for MnDNR
were introduced and presented the Commission with details of this project. Mr. Stiegler stated that when
they come back in January they hope to have a map showing what is developed and undeveloped in Eagan.
They will be looking for feedback from multiple sources including community input. They would like the
cities to think about what they see their community looking like in 10, 20 and 50 years regarding their
natural resources. It is also hoped that this project can be wrapped up in 6 months, however, the January
update will review that in more detail.
Mr. Stiegler also noted that this pilot project is a learning process. They hope to have a workable
long term document that can be used for other communities as well. Member Kubik asked about the futuring
aspect of the project. Mr. Stiegler commented that this is new for the DNR and they are very excited about
this aspect of the project.
The Commission thanked Mr. Stiegler and Ms. Wolfe for their presentation and for their efforts
toward this project.
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
OAK HILLS CHURCH
Director Vraa explained that this is a request by Oak Hills Church for a Comprehensive Guide Plan
Amendment to change the land use designation of approximately 14 acres from D-111 Mixed Residential (6-
12 units per acre) to PF Public Facilities to allow construction of a church on the southeast corner of the
intersection of Yankee Doodle Road and Coachman Road. The concept plan submitted indicates that
development will occur in two phases with the ultimate development to include a 23,000 sf. church and 267
parking spaces.
Vraa continued that this development would not be responsible for a cash parks dedication as long
as it retains the Public Facilities designation. Should that change, however, the property would be subject to
a parks dedication. The development would be subject to a cash trails dedication.
Water Resources Coordinator Brasch noted that since this is a Comprehensive Guide Plan, only a
concept plan was submitted for review. A 4.3 acre water body (Pond CP-1) classified as a nutrient trap, lies
largely within the parcel. This pond is also designated as a state protected water. The pond is composed of
two cells, a smaller one contained wholly within the development and a larger cell that lies both partially
within the proposed development and borders an existing residential development to the south. Brasch
explained that staff recommends that runoff from this proposed development be treated before discharging to
the main body of Pond CP-1. Brasch continued that options like the construction of a basin in an upland
area and excavation of a portion of the smaller northeast cell of Pond CP-1 exist within this development .
He also noted the importance of directing the stormwater from the development to the northeast cell of Pond
CP-1 first.
Coordinator Brasch stated that no formal wetland survey has been received for this parcel but noted
there was at least one jurisdictional wetland within the parcel. This wetland would need to be delineated
prior to submittal of a formal subdivision application and filling/draining of the wetland should be avoided,
Brasch added. it was also noted that a portion of the proposed trail around Pond CP-1 would traverse
probable wetland areas and that deposition of fill to construct a trail would likely require mitigation in the
form of wetland replacement.
Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
Minutes of December 16, 1996 Regular Meeeting
Page 3
Forestry Supervisor Hove stated that staff has compiled tree preservation statistics based upon the
conceptual plan submitted. After reviewing the existing vegetation and proposed tree removal, Hove noted
that the Tree Preservation Ordinance allows for 30% removal for this type of development.
Following a brief discussion and having noted that this issue is a Comprehensive Guide Plan
Amendment and not a development proposal, Michael Vincent moved, George Kubik seconded with all
members voting in favor to make the following recommendations to the Advisory Planning Commission and
City Council relative to the Oak Hills Church request:
1. This development will not be responsible for a parks dedication fee, however, if the use of this
development changes from PF then the new designation will be subject to a cash parks
dedication fee.
2. This development shall be responsible for a cash trails dedication.
3. The developer shall comply with the Tree Preservation Ordinance if and when development
proposals are submitted.
4. The wetland associated with Pond CP-1 will need to be delineated prior to submittal of a formal
subdivision application and filling/draining of the wetland should be avoided. Deposition of fill
to construct a trail around Pond CP-1 will likely require mitigation in the form of wetland
replacement. On-site ponding shall be required prior to discharging to Pond CP-1.
OIi.D:' BUSINESS
TENNIS BACKBOARD REQUEST
Superintendent Peterson reminded the Commission that they had briefly reviewed this issue at their
November 18 meeting and had asked the Recreation Subcommittee to review it further. The Recreation
Subcommittee met on November 25 to assess the information that had been compiled. Superintendent
Peterson continued that several cities had been surveyed to determine if this use was requested in their
communities and if they did have tennis backboards, what type of feedback did they get from their residents
regarding their use. The results of each city were reviewed noting that two did not have any backboards and
the other five had at least one in their community. Inver Grove Heights has two inside the tennis court fence
and one outside; they would not place another inside the fence. Plymouth has backboards at all tennis court
locations that are on the back of the fence and share the hard court surface with basketball. Lakeville has
backboards at most neighborhood park court locations and are located inside the fence. Woodbury designs
tennis backboards as part of all tennis courts that are placed in conjunction with hard court basketball use
adjacent to the tennis courts. Apple Valley had two free standing backboards at the community center site
which they say are never used.
Supervisor Peterson noted that the Recreation Subcommittee had considerable discussion concerning
the retrofitting of existing park features, future tennis court design, the Woodhaven site, conflicts of use and
cost. Their specific concerns relative to the petition were that the homes closest to Woodhaven Park had not
signed the petition and those residents would most likely experience the noise associated with a backboard;
since there were two questions on the petition, it is not known if the signers were in favor of a backboard of
having "no roller blade" signs installed; concern that 20 signatures may not be representative of the
neighborhood. The subcommittee suggested that the Woodhaven site did not lend itself to their preferred
design of a backboard outside of the court, the existing fence posts are not sized for a backboard and the
costs to retrofit may be too high and would compete for resources with other park projects. Superintendent
Peterson concluded that the subcommittee recommended that future tennis court construction projects could
potentially incorporate a backboard into the original design.
Member Thompson asked if other tennis courts are being planned. Superintendent Peterson said no.
Member Kohlnhofer reiterated his concern that the residents adjacent and near the tennis courts had not
signed the petition and felt that if this request is to be considered, their input is important. Member Vincent
added that there are two separate issues in the petition request and they should be handled separately.
Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
Minutes of December 16, 1996 Regular Meeeting
Page 4
After further discussion, Michael Vincent moved, George Kubik seconded with all members voting in
favor to deny the petition request for a tennis backboard at Woodhaven Park. It was suggested that the
petitioners be contacted to see if they wish to submit another request for the backboard only, however this
request should include feedback from residents adjacent to the Woodhaven tennis courts. It was also
suggested that the petitioners be asked if they would be willing to pay for the backboard. The Recreation
Subcommittee was charged with establishing the criteria for determining the backboard location within the
park system should another request surface.
if1+V BUSINESS
There were no items under New Business for the Commission to discuss.
PARKS DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
Parks Planner Lilly reviewed the work planned at Lexington Diffley Athletic Fields. He noted that the
turf is established and that a buffer is being developed between the park and adjacent residential areas.
Landscaping will occur at the entrances to the park and signs are being planned to identify the park
entrances. Landscaping around the pond on the northeast corner of the site as well as around the main
entrance monument is a{so being planned. Planner Lilly went on to explain that the entrance monument
would include flagpoles with the American flag flanked by two other flags. Lilly then shared concept designs
which may also include sculptures or perhaps a fountain in the pond. Lilly concluded that these are only
preliminary plans but is looking for some direction from the Commission.
Member Kubik suggested that some type of movement at the entrance would be a good addition.
Member Thompson asked what the cost would be for the sculpture(s). Lilly responded that maintenance staff
will be building it out of scrap steel. This is experimental so it isn't known yet what the actual sculpture may
be or what it would ultimately cost.
Member Kubik complimented staff for this unique approach. He then made a motion, seconded by
Guy Kohlnhofer with all members voting in favor, for staff to proceed with the monument and entrance
signage as proposed by staff.
WATER RESOURCES UPDATE
Coordinator Brasch noted that aeration equipment had been installed in Thomas Lake. He also
brought the Commission's attention to the most recent Natural Resources Subcommittee meeting which was
an update of the Fish Lake project. Brasch added that the City is in the final throws of the alum dosing and
he will come back to the Commission for direction once this is resolved with the State. The second
discussion by the subcommittee was lake enhancement priorities for LeMay Lake, Brasch concluded.
Member Kubik asked if there would be public access to LeMay Lake. Director Vraa stated that because of
the wetland, it will be very difficult to get near the water to provide access.
OTHER BUSINESS AND REPORTS
DATE OF JANUARY COMMISSION MEETING
Director Vraa noted that because the regular January meeting falls on Martin Luther King Day and
City offices will be closed there is a need to select an alternate meeting date. January 21 was selected as the
date with the meeting to occur in the Community Room since the Council will be meeting in the council
chambers.
MRPA AWARDS -FOLLOW-UP
Director Vraa provided the Commission with follow-up information on the awards ceremony where
Dorothy Peterson received the Dorthea Nelson Award and Ken Vraa received the Clifton French award. Vraa
noted that both are the highest honor in their field as members of the Minnesota Recreation and Parks
Association. He added that there are a lot of people who contributed to this award and he and Dorothy
were both very pleased to have families, department staff, and the City Administrator present during the
awards presentation.
Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
Minutes of December 16, 1996 Regular Meeeting
Page 5
ROUNDTABLE
Director Vraa noted that the Acquisition/Development Sub-committee met prior to the regular
meeting to discuss several items. The first dealt with the parks building for Lexington Diffley Athletic Fields.
The original design was a two story to allow folks to watch games from the upper level, however, after
submitting the plans for review, it was determined that the building did not meet ADA requirements. The
design of the building changed bringing the building down to one level. The building will be similar to other
park buildings and staff will proceed to cost analysis after further refinements. Member Thompson expressed
his concern for the inflexibility of the ADA requirements with this building.
Director Vraa explained that the Council has been provided with a 5 year CFP based on the Parks
System Plan. Typically the CIP exceeds the dollars available which requires the Ciry to prioritize needs for a
given year. Vraa continued that there will be approximately $2 million available in the Park Site Fund in
1997 and the Council would like to see how those dollars will actually be spent over the next 3-5 years. A
framework will need to be developed on how those dollars can and should be spent. This was provided to
the Commission as information only in the hope that some thought will be given as to how to proceed with
this budget process.
Another point of information Director Vraa discussed was the Gardenwood Ponds addition. There
are several residents who are concerned about the tree removal for this development but further oppose the
trail that is being proposed to Bald Lake.
Member Thompson asked about the status of the fertilizer ordinance. Coordinator Brasch stated that
based on Council's direction, staff will meet with chemical applicators some time in January and get
feedback from them . The Commission will be made aware of the public meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to conduct ,George Kubik moved, Guy Kohlnhofer seconded with all
members voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 pm.
Secr ry Date ~_