03/16/1998 - Advisory Parks & Recreation CommissionADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF MARCH 16,1998
A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m, on March
16,1998 with the following Commission Members present: Jerry Farlee, Barbara Johnson, Bonnie Karson,
George Kubik, Lee Markell, Daryle Petersen, John Rudolph and Michael Vincent. Commission Members
Terry Davis, N. Mark Filipi and Steven Knutson were not present. Staff present included Ken Vraa,
Director of Parks and Recreation; Dorothy Peterson, Superintendent of Recreation; Paul Olson, Parks
Superintendent; CJ Lilly, Landscape Architect/Parks Planner; Gregg Hove, Forestry Supervisor; Rich
Brasch, Water Resources Coordinator; Julie Farnham, Planner and Cherryl Mesko, Secretary.
A motion was made, seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the agenda as
presented.
APPIZOVAIOF'MIN1.I'lt"ES OT{ REGULAR MEIiTiNG C3F EpBRU~tY);, ~ . ,
A motion was made, seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the minutes of the
regular meeting of February 12,1998 as presented.
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There were no visitors that wished to be heard under this agenda item.
DPAR _ "I'kIAP~~NIN ~~
Items highlighted by Director Vraa included a meeting at Oak Woods of Eagan concerning
congregate dining for senior citizens, Yankee Doodle Arts and Crafts Festival scheduled for June 20 and
21 at Blue Cross Blue Shield, request for field space for cricket, planning has begun for the Summer/Fall
Discover Us! brochure, Loren Ranson was hired to fill the Forestry/Park Maintenance position,
applications are being accepted for seasonal park and forestry maintenance and several off-road
bituminous trails will be seal coated as part of a multi-city project being coordinated by the City of
Burnsville.
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There were no items under the Consent Agenda for the Commission to review.
7EVELfQPMENT AGENBA
ROYAL OAKS -ROYAL OAKS REALTY
Planner Farnham provided background for this project noting it is a request for a Preliminary
Subdivision and Rezoning to allow development of 38 single family homes on 21.4 acres on the east side
of Wescott Hills Drive, south of Yankee Doodle Road. Currently 3.4 acres are zoned R-1 Single Family
with the remaining 18 acres zoned Agricultural.
Advisory Parks Commission
Minutes of March 16, 1998 Meeting
Page 2
Water Resources Coordinator Brasch reviewed water quality issues noting that most of the
impervious areas will drain to a constructed detention basin along the northern border with most of the
balance draining to a proposed sedimentation pond in the north central portion of the site and then on to
Pond EP-2.2. Approximately 2.2 acres of the western portion of the site will discharge off-site to the west
untreated, however opportunities to treat this runoff will be evaluated when Wescott Hills Drive is
upgraded.
Relative to wetlands, Brasch noted that the developer is proposing to fill a total of approximately
1700 square feet in two wetland basins. This is less than the 2,000 squaze foot de minimus exception
allowed by the WCA and will require no mitigation. Brasch then reviewed staff recommendations for
both water quality and wetlands.
Forestry Supervisor Hove explained that the site has a large number of significant trees and
many lots that have steep or rolling terrain or natural ponds on them. Initial development will see the
removal of 199 trees (21.7% of the total) The allowable removal for this type of development is set at 25%
of the existing significant vegetation during initial development phase and 20% for each individual lot.
Staff has recommended that custom grading on 28 of the 381ots be recommended. Hove noted it is
imperative that tree protection measures be well communicated and followed through from initial
construction to site completion. He added that tree protection requirements would be strictly enforced
on this site. Hove then reviewed staff recommendations for approval of the Tree Preservation Plan.
Mike Black, representing Royal Oaks Realty expressed his concern for the recommendation that
individual lot tree preservation plans would be required for Lots 1 through 9 and Lots 19 through 38. He
felt that Lots 3, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29 and 32 should not be included since they will be totally prepared
during the initial development phase. Member Petersen asked if it would be appropriate for staff to
review the revised list to ensure appropriate tree mitigation. Mr. Black responded that the original list
shows the exact trees to be removed on the excluded lots.
Following a brief discussion, Michael Vincent moved, Barbaza Johnson seconded with all
members voting in favor to make the following recommendations to the City Council regarding Royal
Oaks:
1. This development shall be responsible for a cash parks dedication.
2. This development shall be responsible for a cash trails dedication.
3. The Tree Preservation PIan as proposed shall be approved with the following conditions:
• 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. No grade change, construction
activity, or storage of materials shall occur within this fenced. area.
• The applicant 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.
• Individual lot tree preservation plans shall be required at the time of building permit
application for Lots 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,19, 20, 21, 22, 28, 30, 31, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37 and 38.
Lots excluded include 3, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29 and 32.
4. This development shall meet water quality treatment requirements with on-site ponding to
the maximum degree practicable. A supplemental cash dedication should be required for
that portion of the site draining to the west that will not be routed to an on-site detention
basin.
5. All detention basins shall be constructed according to the City's Standazds for Detention
Basin Design, and have skimmers of acceptable design to the City installed on the pond
outlets.
Advisory Parks Commission
Minutes of March 16, 1998 Meeting
Page 3
6. Total wetland fill on the site shall be limited to 2,000 square feet or less in the wetlands
designated as Ponds 4 and 5 on the grading plan. As per the de minimus provisions of the
Wetland Conservation Act, no mitigation will be required provided wetland fill impacts do
not exceed this figure.
7. A buffer within which no grading or vegetation clearing is allowed shall be established 30
feet back from the delineated edge of wetlands associated with Pond 3 and Pond EP-2.2 as
designated on the grading plan. The only exception to this provision should be the
disturbance related to installation of the discharge pipe from Pond 2 to Pond EP-2.2.
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SKYLINE DISPLAY UPDATE
Director Vraa introduced this item noting that Skyline Displays Inc. has proposed plans to
develop a park on the northeast corner of Lexington Avenue and Yankee Doodle Road as part of the
development of their corporate offices. Skyline has asked that the pazks and trails dedication dollars that
would be required for this development be dedicated to the development of this park. Because pazks
dedication fees are due at the time a building permit is pulled, and the developer is hoping to do that
soon, the Commission is being asked to review this proposal and make a determination relative to pazks
dedication fees. The cash parks dedication for the proposed development is projected at approximately
$102,235 based on 32 acres of land and the cash trails dedication is proposed to be $27,920. Because this is
a valuable piece of commercial property, staff would recommend that a provision be made that should
the property ever be sold that a cash parks and trails dedication would be immediately required. The
Commission is being asked to review and recommend whether the cash dedications should be used for
the development of a park at this site.
Mr. Beaulieu addressed the Commission explaining that Skyline Displays had built a playground
structure in Burnsville using their employees and several community volunteers. They would like to
attempt a similar project at this site.
David Anderson from The Anderson Group Architects, Ltd.reviewed the concept plan for
Discovery Park. He pointed out the significance of the historic Schmidt farm and the plan to preserve a
small grove of oaks. The master plan is proposed to divide the park into 3 zones; a natural area, an area
for community events and a discovery play zone. This project is intended as a community building
project. The plan was further reviewed pointing out connecting trails, nature trails, pazking, special
events area, comfort station, upper plaza, symbolic oak tree plaza, maze with observation tower,
community garden plots, retainage pond, picnic azea, sheltered picnic site, Discover Trail and other
miscellaneous components.
Member Markell asked what the developer's time line was for the development of this park. Mr.
Beaulieu responded that they would like to do the central plaza area surrounding the symbolic oak tree
with their employees some time in July. They are hopeful that the grading and planting will be
completed by the end of July.
Member Markell suggested that the Recreation Sub-committee become involved in the review of
this proposal. Member Rudolph commented that he was slightly familiar with the proposal but
identified some of the issues that the Commission would need to address. Those included identifying if
this was the best way to spend these parks dedication dollars and addressing liability issues should the
property remain private but be open to the public. He opined that this was a great project and was
excited about the potential it provided. Rudolph asked if the cash parks dedication fees were waived,
and the land use changed in the future, could the City collect parks and trails dedication fees at that time.
Director Vraa responded that that option could be incorporated into an agreement with Skyline Displays.
Advisory Parks Commission
Minutes of March 16,1998 Meeting
Page 4
Member Vincent opined that based on the amount of the cash parks dedication this seems to be a
small investment in providing the community with this type of amenity. He viewed it as a great asset
and entreauprenural opportunity.
Following further brief discussion, Michael Vincent moved, Barbara Johnson seconded with all
members voting in favor to delay the collection of parks and trails dedication fees for Skyline Displays,
Inc. It was further recommended that this issue be deferred to sub-committee for further review and then
brought back to the Commission for subsequent parks/trails recommendations.
Member Petersen asked what type of signage would be placed on the corner of Lexington and
Yankee Doodle Road. Mr. Beaulieu responded that they expect the corner sign to identify the park
whereas the corporate signage will be placed nearer to the entrance of the building on the interior of the
site.
REVISIONS TO DRAFT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE
Director Vraa introduced this item noting that a letter had been written to Chair Markell from
Commission Member Davis. The letter expressed concern for the revision that affects Goal #2 in the
Natural Resources section of the 1/30/98 CC/APC Subcommittee Final Draft of the Comprehensive Plan
Update. Member Markell stated that the issue was well laid out and would like to see the changes
recommended by Member Davis incorporated into the Update.
Planner Farnham stated that the plan was still in a draft form and that she would pass the
Commission's comments on to the City Council. The Council will review the update later this summer or
fall. She stated there would also be further public review.
Michael Vincent moved, Barbara Johnson seconded with all members voting in favor to forward
Member Davis' letter to the City Council for their review.
RANKING CRITERIA FOR OPPORTUNITY FUNDS
Director Vraa explained that a request to use Opportunity Funds had been received, however, no
criteria was in place to review that request. The Acquisition/Development Sub-committee met in a
workshop session to review those criteria.
Superintendent Peterson reviewed the criteria identified as well as changes that occurred during
the discussion. Member Rudolph added that the goal is to determine whether a request meets the
criteria, not to assess the request being made.
Michael Vincent moved, John Rudolph seconded with all members voting in favor to make the
following recommendations for criteria to evaluate projects proposed for CIP opportunity set aside
funds:
1. Is the project identified on the 1997 overall Parks CIP Evaluation Summary, but was not
funded?
2. Is the project in conflict with any project on the CIP Recommended for Funding List?
3. Does the proposed project enhance both public and private recreational programming
options?
Advisory Parks Commission
Minutes of March 16,1998 Meeting
Page 5
4. Are the benefits of the proposed improvement enduring over an extended period of time?
5. Is the proposed project inconsistent with the suggested park's Master Plan?
6. Is the project appropriate for the park suggested or is another park appropriate?
7. Does the proposed project fit the Department's facility design standards? (MANDATORY)
8. Is the proposed project's time frame flexible to allow incorporation into the Department's
annual work plan within one to three years?
9. Is the proposed budget benefiting a wide segment of the community? What % of participants
are Eagan residents?
10. Is the proposed cost pazticipation contribution representative of the groups' ability to pay?
(MANDATORY)
11. Is the cost participation pay back received in no more than three annual installments?
12. Are there any other unique or special features?
~~W BU57N~SS
FAITHFUL SHEPHERD SCHOOL
Director Vraa introduced this item noting that the proposed development is east of the Skyline
Displays proposal reviewed earlier in the meeting. The Commission is being asked to work out an
agreement with Faithful Shepherd Catholic Elementary School to provide for the use of their playfields in
lieu of park dedication fees. Vraa explained that the school proposed to develop the fields and that the
City would be allowed to use and schedule them during off-school hours for team use. It was noted that
the park dedication fees for this development would be approximately $84,000 and the trail dedication
fees, approximately $21,000. It is anticipated that grading would begin this year with the fields being
ready for the 2000-2001 school year. Extensive trails aze planned not only on school property but also
connecting to areas surrounding the development.
Chuck Hall, representing the developer, reviewed the plan further pointing out the primary
access from Yankee Doodle Road and the secondary access off Discovery Road. He added that the
athletic fields are planned to be full sized so that they can be used by a lazger number of participants.
They are hoping to share the use of the fields with the City of Eagan, similar to the azrangements that
exist with some of the elementary and secondary public schools in Eagan. He wanted to know if the City
would be agreeable to this so the school could plan before the project continued.
Mr. Hall added that they anticipate the trail surface from Yankee Doodle may be a hard surface,
however they may consider a soft surface trail to bring folks through the wooded azea. If they anticipate
opening in September 2000 they will need to accelerate the work that needs to be done on the front end of
this project. That means the rough grading will need to be done this summer, fine grading this fall
followed by seeding so that the fields can have a full year of rest before being used. In response to a
question, Mr. Hall noted there would be one softball field, one baseball field and one soccer field.
Member Vincent asked what the Commission's options were. Director Vraa responded that they
could recommend consideration of an agreement that would be similar to that done with several public
schools in Eagan. The agreement typically states that when the school is not using the fields the City
would schedule them for use by other groups. There would also be discussion relative to the type and
amount of maintenance to be done by the school and the city.
Member Vincent asked if the parking near the athletic fields would be sufficient. Mr. Hall
responded that parking would most likely occur in the bus parking area. Vincent expressed concern for
parking when there may be activities scheduled at all three fields. Mr. Hall opined that the bus parking
area could accommodate approximately 1120 parking spaces.
Advisory Parks Commission
Minutes of March 16, 1998 Meeting
Page 6
Member Petersen asked if the developer is requesting that the parks and trails dedication fees be
waived. Director Vraa stated that cash and land are only 2 ways of dealing with pazk dedication. The
developer is looking for input on the concept plan from the Commission to see if they are amenable to
discussing the waiver of parks/trails dedication. Vraa noted that if it is the desire of the Commission to
move ahead, staff will meet with the school to see what type of agreement could be drawn up. This
would then come back to the Commission for approval and recommendation to the City Council.
After further brief discussion, Michael Vincent moved, Jerry Farlee seconded with all members
voting in favor to direct staff to treat this development the same as a public school using the same types
of standards to draft an agreement for shared field use in lieu of dedication fees. Members Markell and
Petersen identified themselves as members of one of the three parishes supporting this school. Director
Vraa stated that staff would continue to meet with Mr. Hall to work out an agreement
RECLAMATION OF WOOD BEAMS -FIRE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
Director Vraa introduced this item explaining that since the Fire Administration building is being
demolished for the construction of a new building, staff looked at what could be salvaged from the
existing building. It was determined that the 211aminated arched beams could be used in the
construction of a new park shelter. The cost to salvage the beams was set at $4,500 whereas the
replacement cost for beams such as these would be a minimum of $34,650. Photos were shazed with
Commission Members not familiar with the building so they could see the beams.
Vraa continued that in looking for a location to construct a park shelter it was thought that the
area central to parking soccer fields and the ballfields at the Lexington-Diffley Athletic Complex would
be an option. In looking at constructing a 70' x 40' open sheltered area it was estimated that the cost
would be approximately $35,000 - 40,000. Funding for the beams would be from the Pazk Site Fund.
Member Johnson asked if the purchase of the beams or construction of an additional shelter
building was in the CIP or Master Pazk Plan. Director Vraa said no.
Member Vincent asked how this shelter building would look compared to other pazk shelter
buildings. Director Vraa explained it would be very different in that it would simply be an open covered
space. Member Markell asked if the beams could be stored for use at a later date. It was noted that an
appropriate location would need to be identified for the storage of these beams.
Following further discussion George Kubik moved and John Rudolph seconded a motion to take
advantage of the opportunity to recycle building materials and recommend the expenditure of $4,500
from the Parks Site Acquisition and Development Fund to salvage the wooden azch beams from the
existing Fire Administration Building; approve the expenditure of funds to secure the services of a
consulting engineer to prepare plans and specifications for the construction of a shelter building; and
approve the expenditure of funds (estimated at $35,000-40,000) for construction of the shelter. Those
voting Aye included Jerry Farlee, Barbara Johnson, Bonnie Kazson, George Kubik, Lee Markell, Daryle
Petersen and John Rudolph. Michael Vincent voted Nay. The motion passed.
AQUATIC FACILITY UPDATE
Director Vraa explained that two informational meetings had been held to provide information
and answer questions from the public about the proposed aquatic facility. Commission Members were
also provided with the second report from Water Technology along with a reduction of the plan
presented to the public. This item will appear before the City Council on March 17 when all comments
received will be provided for Council review. Vraa provided an overview of the meetings, adding that
considerable feedback had been received from the community on the preliminary plan.
Advisory Parks Commission
Minutes of March 16,1998 Meeting
Page 7
Member Markell asked if the hours of operation had been set yet. Director Vraa responded no.
Member Markell asked if the concept plan was for two separate pools. Member Petersen asked if the
flumes and/or slides would be part of the proposed first phase or second phase. Director Vraa clarified
that in order to accommodate the needed 2,000 bather load for this community, the entire proposal,
including both the zero depth entry pool and lazy river would need to be built. Should the Council
decide to proceed with only the first phase, or zero depth pool only, that portion would include a
waterslide(s) as part of it's construction.
Member Petersen opined that the 16 foot berm on the east side of the site should mitigate some of
the impact to the residents to the east. He suggested that residents provide their comments and support
for the facility. Member Karson commented positively on the plan noting that it will be attractive to
children, teens and adults.
Member Kubik asked if there was an option for residents to get nearer to the pond on the
southern portion of the site to use as a more passive area. Director Vraa opined that the steep slopes may
preclude the ponding area from further use.
Member Markell asked if there were plans to use solar energy. Director Vraa stated it was
premature to address that issue specifically. Member Karson asked if there were areas to get away from
the sun. Director Vraa responded that Water Technologies has incorporated both natural and artificial
shading areas in the design.
After further brief discussion Michael Vincent moved, Daryle Petersen seconded with all
members voting in favor to suggest to the City Council that the entire pool facility be built at one time.
PARKS I~EVEL~PMENT UPDA:
PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Parks Planner/Landscape Architect Lilly reminded the Commission that playgrounds at
Evergreen, Highview, River Hills and Woodhaven had been scheduled for replacement in 1998. Several
issues were considered relative to meeting ADA and CPSC requirements during the planning and
bidding of these replacement components. Each playground was not to exceed $25,000 and, given the
parameters, 20 concept plans were received. Lilly then noted that the plans were reviewed and
replacement structures selected for construction during 1998.
PARK SHELTER BUILDING -LEXINGTON DIFFLEY
Relative to the Lexington Diffley service buildings, it was noted that Jon Miller of Dimension
Architecture is completing architectural plans and construction management will be handled through
Greystone Construction. The original cost estimates exceeded the $350,000 allocated for the two
buildings, therefore, changes needed to be made to reduce the cost. The 40' height of the building was
brought down to 32' , a "floating slab" foundation will be used in lieu of the traditional concrete footings
and a spray glaze or epoxy paint will be used on the restroom walls rather than burnished block to help
reduce the costs. It is hoped that bids can be opened on Apri11 so that construction can begin shortly
thereafter.
Advisory Parks Commission
Minutes of March 16,1998 Meeting
Page 8
WATER KESOURCES TJPf7ATE
1997 SAMPLING RESULTS
Water Resource Coordinator Brasch reviewed a graphical summary of summertime water clarity
monitoring records for all seven Class I direct contact recreation lakes as well as for selected Class II
indirect contact recreation lakes. He noted that the information was compiled from data collected by
resident volunteers under the Citizen Lake Monitoring Program. Brasch noted that of the Class I lakes,
four of the seven monitored were above the 6' target mean. Fish Lake and Thomas Lake, however, were
consistently below the 6' mean. Brasch noted that it would be difficult for Thomas Lake to meet the goal
because it's maximum depth is 5'/z - 6'. Of the Class II lakes, Bald Lake was the only one consistently
below the target mean.
POST EDUCATION SURVEY RESULTS
Coordinator Brasch explained that since 1994 the City has been involved in a cooperative water
resource education project to raise general awareness of non-point pollution control issues with residents
of the northern urbanized portion of Dakota County. In 1994 a phone survey was conducted to establish
a baseline for level of knowledge and behavior profiles prior to initiation of a county-wide program. In
1997 a second survey was conducted to provide data to compare with the 1994 survey. Brasch noted that
the survey results were included for commission review and then responded to questions Commission
Members asked.
QTHER BUSIN>~SS ANI.~ REPQR'I,'S'
FIELD ALLOCATION -EAA TRAVEL BASEBALL
Director Vraa introduced this item indicating that an issue had been raised by EAA Travel
Baseball relative to the South Suburban League and EAA's request to add a second team to the league.
Dave Jarvis, representing EAA travel baseball stated that an Eagan team (16 year olds) is
currently registered with the South Suburban league. The league recognizes the current coach's
recommendation that another Eagan team is not to be registered into the league even though there
appears to be sufficient indication that the numbers support another team. Mr. Jarvis noted that since the
league has room for another team there have been conversations with the current coach to ask permission
to have them included, however, he has refused. The representative of the South Suburban League
suggested that EAA contact the coach again to ask permission for a second team and if he still refuses
they suggested that field space be refused them.
Member Johnson asked what reason was given for denying youth to play? Mr. Jarvis responded
that the coach had indicated there was "bad blood" between him and EAA travel baseball. Member
Johnson stated this should have nothing to do with kids playing ball.
Several members suggested sending a letter to the coach encouraging him to allow the second
team into the league and emphasizing the priority of allowing kids to participate in sports. Member
Petersen opined that the South Suburban League needs to step up also and assume some responsibility in
how teams are allowed in their league rather than allowing an individual coach to make that decision and
create further friction. Member Kubik cautioned the Commission to be careful not to enter into the
politics of local leagues. Member Rudolph added that it can be intimidating and insulting to get involved
in internal politics.
Advisory Parks Commission
Minutes of March 16,1998 Meeting
Page 9
After further discussion, the Commission directed that a letter be initiated to the coach
encouraging him to re-consider the issue and allow a second team (or more, if applicable) into the league.
TRAIL CLEARING
Director Vraa introduced this item noting that Commission Member Petersen had requested it be
added to the agenda. Vraa added that trail clearing has been a responsibility of the Public Works/Streets
Department and that the City Council will be re-visiting this issue at a follow-up meeting.
Member Petersen suggested that the Commission send a message to the City Council to continue
the evaluation process for trail clearing so that a public meeting is scheduled for input. He added that 16
out of 181arge metro areas currently clear trails; Eagan and Maple Grove are the only ones that do not.
Member Markell opined that trails should be cleared. He saw it as another measure of health for
its citizens. Member Karson stated she too would like to see an open forum but felt that connecting
arterial trails, rather than interior -trails would be enough. She also expressed concern for residents
picking up after their dogs once they had additional cleared trails to walk them in the winter.
After further brief discussion, Daryle Petersen moved, Michael Vincent seconded with all
members voting in favor to let the City Council know that the Advisory Parks Commission supports
moving forward to a public forum for trail clearing options.
KIOSK UPDATE
Superintendent Peterson stated that a letter had been sent to MnDOT to see if permits were
required for right-of-way placement of kiosks. Staff is currently working with Earl F. Anderson for the
sign design and will be working on updating the map to be placed in the kiosk. It is expected that the
kiosks will be completed sometime this spring.
UNG T :.~_
There was no discussion under this agenda item.
A)JC#'U1i ~1
With no further business to conduct, John Rudolph moved, Barbara Johnson seconded with all
members voting. in favor to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 10:25 p.m.
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Secretary Da
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