Loading...
06/14/1999 - Advisory Parks & Recreation CommissionADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION EAGAN, MINNESOTA MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF JUNE 14, 1999 A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 14, 1999 with the following Commission Members present: Joseph Bari, Terry Davis, N. Mark Filipi, Kevin Gutknecht, Barbara Johnson, George Kubik, Lee Markell, Daryle Petersen, and John Rudolph. Commission Members Robert Kane, Jr, and Bonnie Karson were not present. Staff present include Ken Vraa, Director of Parks and Recreation; Jeff Asfahl, Superintendent of Recreation; Paul Olson, Parks Superintendent; Gregg Hove, Forestry Supervisor; CJ Lilly, Parks Planner; Eric MacBeth, Water Resources Coordinator; Jim Storland, Water Resources Technician; Pam Dudziak, Planner; Bob Kirmis, Planner and Cherryl Mesko, Recording Secretary. Al?PROVAt, (~F~'~UA Director Vraa noted that the Glen Pond Second development under the Consent Agenda and the Open Space Review Update under Old Business have been deferred to a later date. George Kubik moved, John Rudolph seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the agenda as amended. APPROVAL OF ~'III~UTFSOF MAY 17, 1999 Approval of the May 17 minutes was deferred to the July meeting. _.. VISITORS TfJ 13E HEARq There were no visitors that wished to address the Commission under this agenda item. D[;PAKT1V1E1~tT HAPNENINCS Items highlighted by Director Vraa included the Holz Farm Spring Festival, the successful June 3 Community Open House, the use of Ohmann soccer fields by VAA and BAC, planning has begun for the August 1 Harvest Festival at Holz Farm, $10,500 of Community Development Block Grant funds have been designated for the Wescott Junior Program, the Metropolitan Regional Art Grant for $3,000 was awarded to the Youth Development program for camps at Caponi Art Park, and Pazks and Forestry staff have completed a number of projects at Cascade Bay. CONSENT AGENDA Daryle Petersen moved, George Kubik seconded with all members voting in favor to make the following recommendations to the City Council: Cedarview 2"d Addition - Decalla Properties. This development will be responsible for a cash pazks dedication and a cash trails dedication. A cash dedication shall be required for this development in lieu of on-site ponding. The Tree Preservation Plan shall be approved with the following conditions: ^ Tree Protective measures (i.e. orange colored silt fence or 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 applicant 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 and placement of the Tree Protection Fencing. ^ Individual Lot Tree Preservation Plans will be required at the time of building permit application for Lots 3 and 8. Olson-Burger Addition -Carl Olson & Richard Burger. This development will be responsible for a land dedication with part of Outlot A adjacent to Moonshine Park and a cash trails dedication. This development will be responsible for a cash dedication in lieu of on-site ponding for the 3.3 acre portion of the development not treated by on-site ponding and not included in the ponding provided by the Eagan Promenade development. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of June 14, 1999 Page 2 I3EVELOYMENT PROPOSALS There were no development proposals for the Commission to review. OLll BUSINESS COMMUNITY MENS CHORUS Director Vraa introduced this item stating that it was referred to the Recreation sub-committee at the May 17 Commission meeting. Superintendent of Recreation Asfahl provided a brief background of the sub-committee meeting and outlined the recommendations that were considered. He also noted that representatives of the Mens Chorus were present to respond to any questions the Commission may have. The recommendation is that the Chorus will retain its own treasury and that solicitation of funds from area business and civic groups would be discouraged. Funding would be raided via performance fees and/or benefit concerts. The Parks and Recreation Department will have a liaison appointed to the Chorus's organizational body. The Chorus will function as a associate member of the City of Eagan and will positively represent and promote the City and Parks and Recreation Department. Finally, the Parks and Recreation role and assistance will include assistance with acquisition of facility space for rehearsal, program publicity and participation development and support with marketing and public relations material. Roscoe Evavold, representing the Mens Chorus group stated they have been sponsored by Lockheed Martin in the past but are wanting to expand the group to men in the community who may wish to participate but are not employees of Lockheed Martin. Member Bari asked how many members were in the chorus. Mr. Evavold responded there are currently 16 members but they have been as large as 30 members and they perform a wide range of music. Member Mazkell asked if they would leave their name as the Eagan Men Chorus. Mr. Evavold responded yes. Member Johnson asked where the fmancial support would come from. Mr. Evavold stated that if they become a community chorus it would be easier to ask for a fee when performing rather than solicit donations from community organizations. Member Johnson asked what the expectation was for Parks and Recreation assistance. Mr. Evavold stated they would like to have a place were the group could meet regularly to practice and are open to any possibilities. Director Vraa asked if there were plans to "grow" the group to a larger size. Mr. Evavold responded that they will try to do that by contacting church choir directors to get the word out and hopefully after a few concerts there will be additional interest from the public. After further brief discussion, Barbara Johnson moved, Kevin Gutknecht seconded with all members voting in favor to approve the partnership and related operational understanding and recommend approval to the City Council for adoption. YEW BUSINESS FOREVER GREEN -MICHAEL FERBER Katie Munson addressed the Commission explained how she and several friends from Eagan High School became involved in the Forever Green Project. She noted that the goal is to distribute 10,000 trees in the City of Eagan by 2000. She thanked the many corporate donors and the youth that helped plant trees for people unable to do so on their own. Mike Ferber continued by thanking Eagan's youth for their support of this worthwhile project and also recognized the many volunteers who have worked diligently to see this project become a reality. Mr. Ferber added that the Forever Green group will be identifying options for 2000 and beyond. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of June 14, 1999 Page 3 Member Mazkell asked if the group would be interested in setting a brainstorming session with the Natural Resources sub-committee for ideas. Member Davis added that the Commission is currently reviewing open space sites, how to connect trails and how to partner with other groups and organizations. Mr. Ferber stated that although this group was gathered originally as a result of the massive storm damage it has grown faz beyond that to a more aggressive planning process. NORTHWOOD BUSINESS PARK Parks Superintendent Olson explained that at the time the report was written for this proposal, all the information was not available regazding tree preservation issues. It was suggested that a Natural Resources Sub- committee be scheduled to look at the mitigation issue and prepaze a recommendation for the July 19 meeting. Paul continued that this item is scheduled to appeaz before the City Council on July 20 so any remaining issues for the Advisory Commission will need to be addressed on July 19. Member Kubik asked about the magnitude of tree removal. Superintendent Olson responded that it was fairly significant; 70% at the present time. Member Davis asked if all the buildings proposed were single story. Olson responded that the Planning Department suggested that the developer consider multi-level buildings, however the developer wants to move forwazd with this proposal as presented. Member Davis asked why there was such a hurry to get this development reviewed. Director Vraa clazified that the State requires decisions on development within 60 days from the date of application. Forestry Supervisor Hove reviewed the Tree Mitigation Policy noting that developers aze encouraged to remove less than what is allowable but should they go beyond the allowable amount they are required to replace the lazgest trees first. Director Vraa continued that when a cash dedication is made, those dollazs go into a sepazate fund. He added that the Commission started looking at how to spend those dollars but further options still need to be researched. Member Davis asked how Eagan's policy compazed to other communities. Supervisor Hove responded that it is pretty average and reasonable according to developers. He stated that identifying "significant woodlands" is a key feature of the ordinance. Member Davis expressed concern that some developments are inclined to do tree replacement rather than tree preservation SET NATURAL RESOURCES SUBCOMITTEE DATE A meeting date of Tuesday, June 29 at 5:30 p.m. was set. PARKS DEVELOAI4TENT`UPDATE SMALL PROJECTS Pazks Planner Lilly reviewed the Heine Pond Park and Woodhaven Pazk projects that were being proposed as small projects as identified in the C.LP. The projects would allow for assistance from the Tree Trust. It was noted that Heine Pond Park would include a wooden deck for fishing and provide a better location for picnicking. Woodhaven Pazk would provide for a modular block retaining wall, landscaping and a single picnic table near the playground azea. Following further brief discussion, George Kubik moved, Daryle Petersen seconded with all members voting in favor to approve the use of the C.I.P. Small Project Funds for the completion of projects at Heine Pond and Woodhaven Parks. Labor will be provided by the Tree Trust. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of June 14, 1999 Page 4 ~1'ATGR RESOUIiC~S UPDATI; Director Vraa noted that as of December 31, 1999, City Staff can no longer sit in on Watershed Management meetings. It may be appropriate for a member of the Advisory Commission to sit on that committee and attend meetings, Vraa added. ETHER 8CiS1NESS ANIIRIPORTS` BYERLY'S Director Vraa reminded the Commission of the Recreation Scholazship Fundraiser, sponsored by Byerly's, which will be used for youth who could not otherwise participate in activities. Tickets for the June 17 event aze still available or can be purchased at the door. Member Kubik suggested sending a letter of appreciation to Byerley's for their kind support of youth in Eagan. Member Johnson asked who would administer the program. Director Vraa responded that the Eagan Foundation would handle the administration. SUBCOMMITTEE UPDATES Member Rudolph stated that the Cedarvale Task Force will meet on June 15 for afour-hour session. Much information has been compiled to date and the group will be working on a concept plan to eventually forwazd onto the City Council. CASCADE BAY UPDATE Director Vraa stated that Cascade Bay is in it fmal week of construction and it is expected that the Lazy River will be filled shortly but will not be available for use at the Grand Opening. More landscaping need to be completed on the site as well. Director Vraa noted that season pass sales aze continuing at a brisk rate with over 260 passes sold today. Member Mazkell offered a huge thank-you to Director Vraa and his staff for getting this project completed. Member Petersen stated he has heazd great reports about Cascade Bay and noted that several people have expressed an interest in lap swimming options. COMUNICATIONS The Commission was made awaze of complimentary letters received regazding Mark Vaughan and Gregg Hove. Director Vraa also noted that the budget process has begun and if Commission Members have suggestions, they should let staff know as soon as possible. Director Vraa also reminded the Commission of a C.I.P. meting scheduled for June 22. I2QI;J'N'D 'J;r~BLE Member Rudolph discussed a call he had received regarding the expansion of Lebanon Hills RV Park. He stated that residents surrounding the area are concerned about the development and that it appears to contradict the goal of preservation. Rudolph also noted that a June 9 meeting was cancelled with no further public meeting scheduled, yet construction continued. Member Kubik stated that he is interested in heazing about awazds and recognition of the department and staff on a regular basis. In response, Superintendent Olson stated that the Lexington Diffley pavilion has received an MRPA Award of Excellence. Member Markell stated that the Commission needs to continue looking at excess properties for the future. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of June 14,1999 Page 5 ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to conduct, George Kubik moved, Terry Davis seconded with all members voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Secretary Date