Loading...
12/18/2006 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission'~ , AGENDA ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION EAGAN, MINNESOTA Monday, December 18, 2006 WURKSHUP 7:00 PM 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Eagan Municipal Center Acquisition Criteria Review City Council Chambers Conference Rooms 2A & B I. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance II. Adopt Agenda III. Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting of November 20, 2006 IV. Visitors to be Heard V. Director's Update VL Consent Agenda VII. Development Proposals VIII. .Old Business A. Water Quality Management Plan IX. New Business X. Water Resources Update XI. Other Business and Reports A. Forestry Report B. Subcommittee Reports XII. Communications XIII. Round Table XIV. Adjournment 7:0O.pm 7:O1 pm .7:02 pm 7;03 pm Pages 3-4 7:04,pm 7:10 pm 7a l pm 7:12 pm 7:20 ptn 7:2I pm Pages 5-11 7:2Z pm 7:35 pm ' 7:4Q pm 7c41 pm 7:45 pm The City of Eagan is committed to the policy that all persons have equal access to its programs, services, activities, facil#ies, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, marital status, sexaal orientation, or status with regard to public assistance. Auxiliary aids for disabled persons wishingYo participate are available yportrequeat at least 96 hours in advance of the event. If a notice of less than 96 hours is received the Ciry will attempt to provide the aids. Neact Advisory Parks Commission Me~ti~~ _ Thursday, .January ~~, X007 ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION 2006-07 MEETING SCHEDULE NAME May 15 June 19 July 17 Aug 14 Sept 18 Oct 16 Nov 20 Dec 18 )an 11• Thurs Feb 15• Thurs Mar 19 April 16 Joseph Bari X X X X X X X Phil Belfiori O* X X X X X O Margo Danner X X X X X X X N. Mark Filipi, Secretary X X X X X X X Laurie Halverson (alternate) X X X X X O* X Duane L. Hansen X X X X X X X Muhammed Lodhi X X X X X O* X Dorothy Peterson, chair X X X X X X X Richard Pletcher, V.Chair X X X O* X X X Ryan Zipf X O* X X O* X X X =present O =absent O* =notified staff of absence prior to meeting ~ Recreation Sub-Committee Natural Resources Sub-Committee Acquisition/Development Sub-Committee Ryan Zipf Muhammed Lodhi Dorothy Peterson Richard Pletcher N Mark Filipi Joseph Bari Laurie Halverson Duane Hansen Margo Danner Phil Belfiori UPCOMING MEETINGS: OPEN ISSUES • APrC work plan for 2006/07 Patrick Eagan Park Ad Hoc Committee: Duane Hansen Dorothy Peterson Margo Danner Joseph Bari ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION ~ , 2006-07 MEMBERS )~A~E.}~~iD ADDRESS s TERM S~ T~.~-~~ ~~ r Y t •. ~ , .i ~.~~~ .t ~ y ~ ran..;4.~~'.. Y.'.L. .. .F~. .. ]OSEPH BART 1999 651-454-8442 (H) 5/2008 3033 Timberwood Trail (3 n' t 999) (3 yr. 2002) l~ri1@iuno.com Eagan, MN 55121 (3 yr. 2005) PHIL BELFIORI 2002 651-905-0293 (H) 5/2009 3671 Canary Way (tyr. 2002) 763-287-7167 (W) (3 yr, 2003) p~inlFlori@wsben~com Eagan, MN 55123 (3 yr, 2406) MARGO DANNER 2001 651/454-5688 (H) 5/2007 2037 Flint Lane (3 yr• toot ) (3 yr. 2004) ~„~m~soo@usfamiN.net Eagan, MN 55122 May, 1997 651-602-1.725 (W) 5/2007 N. MARK FILIPI (Secretary) ~ (3yr. t99s> 651-687-9866 (H) 836 Overlook Place (3 yr. 2001) mark fllioi@metcs-~te.mn.us Eagan, MN 55123. (3 yr. 2004) 5/2007 LAURIE HALVERSON (Alternate) May, 2006 651-662-6291 (W) " 680 Brockton Circle (1 yr, 2006) 651-686-0183 (H) Laude L Halverson@bluecrossmn.com Eagan, MN 55123 5/2008 DUANE L. HANSEN May, 2004 952-894-9228 (W) 391 i Denmark Ave (i yr. 2004) 651-687-9566 (H) Eagan, MN 55123 (3 n' 2005) hand~0@comcast.net MOHAMMED LODHI May, 2004 952'278-2629 (W) 5/2007 4361 Bear Path Trail (3 yr• 2004) 651-686-5273 (H) Eagan, MN 55122 ~ ~odhi@ho .com 009 5/ DOROTHY PETERSON (Chair) 2000 651-454-6532 (H) 2 4337 Sequoia Drive (3 yr' 2000) (3 vr. 2003) com rs44337@iuno Eagan, MN 55122 " (3 yr, 2006) . no 5/2008 RICHARD pLETCHER (Vice Chair) 2001 651-687-9177 (H) 1074 Northview Park (t yr. 2001) ~~~rc-emh2 anm mH h l t d Eagan, MN 55123 (3 yr, 2002) (3 yr. 2005) e e < o richar 5/2009 RYAN ZIPF 2005 651-686-2958 (H) , 4721 Pebble Beach Way (i ~'• 2005) 651-281-1275 (W) " Eagan, MN 55123 (3 yr, 2006) rzinf@~, i_y__m _nc,or¢ Ea gan City Staff E-Mail: isiohnson citv~fea~an.com cmesko shove@ciyofeaaan.com gmacbe C~cityofeaaan.com polsonC~cityofeaaan.cc r thCa cityofeaaan com 7-17-06 Phone #651-675-5505 (Cherryl's # after 4:30 p.m.) ~. Eagan Parks and Recreation Phone Number: 65 l -675-550Q Eagan.Parks and Recreation Staff E-Mail Director. Juli Seydell Johnson jsiohnson~cityofeaaan.com Administration: Cherryl Mesko cmeskoC~cityofeaaan.com Paul Olson poison@citzrofeagan.com _ Paula Nowariak pnowariak@cityofeagan.com Sonya Rippe srindeC~ci~ofeagan.com Forestry: Gregg Hove ghove aC~ctyofeagan.com Water Resources: Eric Macbeth emacbethCc~cityofeaaan.com TO: ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION FROM: JULI SEYDELL JOHNSON, DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION DATE: DECEMBER 15, 2006 WORKSHOP 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Acquisition Criteria Review Conference Rooms 2 A & B ITEM I: Call to order ITEM II: Approval of agenda ITEM III: Approval of minutes of November 20, 2006 ITEM IV: Visitors to be Heard StafF is not aware of any visitors who wish to address the Commission at this time. ITEM V: Director's Update Director Johnson will provide a brief overview of activities and events within the department. ITEM VI: Consent Agenda There are no Consent Agenda items for the Commission to review. ITEM VII: Development Proposals There are no development proposals for the Commission to review. ITEM VIII: Old Business There are no items under Old Business for the Commission to review. ITEM IX: New Business There are no items under New Business for the Commission to review. ITEM X: Water. Resources Update There are no formal updates anticipated at this time. ITEM XI: Other Business and Reports Forestry staff will provide a brief overview and update of the 2006 season. Subcommittees that met after November 20 may wish to provide an update. 1 ITEM XII: COMMUNICATIONS Enclosed in the packet is an article pertaining to the December 3 Old Fashioned Holiday at Holz Farm. ITEM XIII: Round Table Any items of concern that might be placed on upcoming agendas or items of interest will be identified. ITEM XIV: Adjournment 2 DECEMBER 2006 DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY • More than 30 Eagan Seniors celebrated Thanksgiving at the no-cook pizza party on November 29~' in the Lone Oak Room. It's a great relief to not have to cook around the Thanksgiving time when so many are host and cook for large family meals. • The Eagan Seniors hosted a Visit with Santa, which is a free family event. Kids tell Santa their holiday wishes and in return get a special little gift from Santa. Apple juice and cookies are also served. • The July 4~' committee has been meeting since September. They now have an official board of directors and are operating as anon-profit group. The Board has officially named the event so that the festival can remain under one name and the same name will match the non-profit filing name and allow letterhead to be printed, which will remain year after year. The official name is "Eagan's July 4~` Funfest". The parade theme will change annually. The theme for 2007 is: "The Best of Eagan". • Watch your summer brochure for our new "Eagan Market Fest". Live Jive music at the Eagan Rotary Band Shell is merging with a farmers and artisan market, food, beverages and live entertainment. • Kids Night Out offered parents a night out for 23 young ones December 9`~. Oasis staff coordinates activities and local teens volunteer to make the night fun and exciting. Nights Out have been filling fast, so mark your calendars and register early. Upcoming dates are January 13 and February 10. • Approximately 500 people braved the cold, cold weather on November 30 to attend the Parks and Recreation Welcome to Winter Open House at the ECC. Lots of activities kept people busy as they learned how to stay active in Eagan this winter. SUPPORT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT • A variety of winter trips and excursions aze planned through Eagan Parks and Recreation. Youth will have four schools out field trips to choose from during winter break and January and February holidays. Bowling, indoor water park, indoor playgrounds, movies and ice skating are all part of the planned fun. • Adults and youth ages 13 and older aze invited to take part in winter excursions to the Boundary Water Ski Area this winter. Two trips are being offered starting in February. • The Eagan Community Center was recently added as an official passport designation location. With the law requiring passports for travel outside the United States in 2007 this will make it much easier for Eagan residents and businesses to obtain a passport. Once training of staff is completed and supplies are in we will be open for more business. • FOSTER HUMAN DEVELOPMENT • Registrations are now being accepted for Winter Preschool session, which begins January 3, 2007. • Over 300 Middle School -High School students chose to spend their Friday night at the Oasis in chemical free environments and activities. • 448 youth spent their November out of school time at the Oasis. This attendance is a drop of 12% over the 2005 records. Cold weather and fewer special events are impacting the attendance. The attendance is sti1150% higher than 2004 records. . INCREASE CULTURAL AWARENESS • The third annual preschool art show was held Thursday, December 14 from 6-7:30pm at the ECC. The Art House was present to offer an opportunity to create art with the families. • The Eagan Garden Club donated 111 hours in 2006 to Holz Farm. The group has donated a total of 1393 hours of work since Holz Farm began! 3 PROTECT NATURAL RESOURCES • The 7`~ annual Holz Farm Old Fashioned Holiday Event was held on the crisp afternoon of Sunday, December 3. 270 people attended the event and had a chance to sip cider, eat cookies, hear wonderful music and visit Santa. • Friends of the Farm held their annual meeting on November 18. The Friends welcomed 3 new members to the Board of Directors. Tim and Michelle Miller and Bob Lane are the new members. Re-elected to the Board are Maynard Ohm and Sharon Boeckman. Other members for 2007 include: Dorothy Peterson, Larry Hendrickson, Don Holz, Kevin Erickson, The board wishes to thank Norm Peterson and Les Boeckman who retired as Board Members. They will still serve as volunteers. • Park and Forestry staff have begun clearing trees and brush in PEP in anticipation of the 2007 construction of the new entrance road, parking lot, trails and an Art House drop off. The location and design are in accordance with the newly completed Master Plan. The existing gravel driveway will be closed upon completion of the project. PROMOTE HEALTH & WELLNESS • After a great start to the rink flooding season, the weather has negated the gains and pushed the program back to square one. An extended period of cold is needed to re-establish the ground frost base before flooding can resume with any regularity. Best case scenario, weather permitting, would be opening some of the paved sites during the holidays, though that becomes more unlikely with each warm day. Grass rinks may not open until after the 1 sc of the year. • Winter Manager's Meetings were held on Tuesday, December 5. All leagues will begin after the first of the year. There are currently 132 teams registered for 4 sports occurring 6 days a week. • Winter Trec is a great way to get out of the house and enjoy what Eagan has to offer. Scheduled for January 27 there are activities starting as early as l0a.m. and running well into the evening. For details visit the web site or stop by the Eagan Community Center or City Hall. Buttons are available for $8.00. • The Welcome to Winter Open House fitness promotion resulted in 150 new fitness members during the hours of 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Everyone is anxious to stay healthy this winter! • The growth in fifiess memberships has resulted in some pretty busy and full classes. As the weather gets colder the most popular classes are at capacity and members have been turned away. Staff will need to look at creative ways to address the growing demand. • Design work is well underway for the new pavilion, plaza, and service building at Thresher Fields. An additional structural analysis of the soils is also being completed for the construction site. Work is expected to begin in the late spring with completion in the fall. The field area and parking lots will remain open during the project. • In the event of a snow fall, City staff will only plow those sites having programs or winter facilities. The School District remains responsible for plowing the NV lot to accommodate their overflow parking from the high school. NOTES: • Ice is never 100% safe, always check carefully before venturing onto any ice surface. City staff does not monitor ice conditions on the 100's of ponds located within the City. Be alert for thin ice signage on those ponds or lakes that have aeration systems. Because most ponds are part of the storm drainage system, water is constantly moving through them. • Again this winter season, should it snow, the City has contracted for the plowing of nearly 50 % of the boulevard trails. Internal park trails other than those in Central Park are not included. The contract is managed and overseen by the Public Works Department. 4 r '~ ~~ u~ ~ ~ ti ~ ~ City of Eagan Pazks and Recreation MEMO Date: December 15, 2006 Agenda Item: XI-A; Forestry Division Update Action Information x Attachments AGENDA ITEM: XI-A; FORESTRY DIVISION REPORT -SHADE TREE DISEASE TO: ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION PREPARED BY: DUSTIN JACOBSON, CITY OF EAGAN TREE INSPECTOR ITEM OVERVIEW: Provide an overview of the 2006 Shade Tree Disease Program. BACKGROUND The Shade Tree Disease Program actively detects, manages, and strives to prevent further spread of shade tree diseases throughout the City of Eagan. The program was implemented by the City Council to minimize the impacts of shade tree diseases with the intent of maintaining public safety, sustaining property values, and guaranteeing a healthy urban forest. The prime responsibilities of the seasonal tree inspector include detection, notification, and management of Oak Wilt and Dutch elm disease on private and public property. Through direct comrliunication with residents in the community, coordinated efforts are made to manage the spread of shade tree diseases. Additional aspects of the position include coordination of the Buckthorn Removal Assistance Program, assistance to residents on general tree questions, education on the negative impacts caused from shade tree diseases, and providing aid to other forestry projects as time permits. During the 2006 season, the Tree Inspector responded to over 400 customer requests, detected over 300 diseased trees, and coordinated over 100 Buckthorn pickups. The 2006 Tree Inspector's Report explains the key components of the Shade Tree Disease Program. OAK WILT There are four main strategies for managing the spread of oak wilt: prevention, root graft disruption, chemical treatment, and sanitation. Prevention The overland spread of oak wilt by sap beetles can be drastically reduced by not pruning or wounding oaks during early April through October. If wounding is unavoidable, cover the wounds immediately to inhibit sap beetles from entering the wound. Remember -the only safe time to prune oaks is from November through March! Root Graft Disruption Root graft disruption is a:successful management tool to help control the spread of oak wilt. It is important to have proper placement of root graft barriers so they should be installed by a professional. Root grafts account for the majority (90%) of the oak wilt that spreads, therefore it is very important to install root graft barriers if possible. Chemical Treatment The fungicide Propiconazole 14.3% is also an effective means of oak wilt management. This fungicide can be used to suppress oak wilt in white oaks and to prevent oak wilt in red oaks. This treatment is effective for up to two yeazs and should be reapplied again 2 yeazs later which greatly decreases the occurrence of oak wilt. Sanitation The removal of infectious red oak trees (Potential Spore Producers) by the following spring will help reduce the overland spread of oak wilt. The wood from the infectious trees either needs to be chipped, debarked, covered, burned or buried to eliminate the risk of spore transmission. 2006 Oak Wilt Data During the 2006 season, 163 trees in Eagan were diagnosed with oak wilt. Number of .Oak Trees Infected with Oak Wilt 250 200 d d ., H '~ 150 w 0 a 100 z 50 0 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Year The number of trees infected with oak wilt this year was lower than last yeaz and continues to follow the naturally expected cycle. Beetle populations will naturally fluctuate, and so the infection rates of oak wilt caused by the beetles rises and falls with the population changes. White and Bur oak infections were also down considerably from 541ast yeaz, to 16 this yeaz. ~• Oak wilt in Eagan ~ 250 - ___._ .._~~.____ :2-20 -~-1 , `S ~ 200 150 -~ 146:: ~-2'~-~1-5~-- ~` ~~ . #63-. , Oak Trees ` „ ~ ~ 100 ~ ~: =- ~ 1- ~ ^ White/Bur 3 50 ~ ~ ~ ~ :F Z 0 ~O ~~ ~~ o~ ~ ~~ o~ ti~ ti~ ti~ ~~ ~~ ti~ ~~ Year Number of Oak Wilt Infection Centers 120 100 a sa w ~ 60 0 a 3 = 40 20 0 Average = 73 ;~ti~. .s ~ - ti~ - n«,A ? k . ~ `o ,, ~ - ~~ h: }" ~,~ .: ~~ 1 81 ~_ ~ . s '~ ~~ - - - - ~ se ~, ~;- LY' ~. '' ~ 1 1~. ;~~. .?' - ~' 1 xv :uG r <i 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Year The number of new infection centers has dropped considerably from last year. This is most likely due to a more isolated and depressed insect population this yeaz. Sanitation Program In 1999, Eagan updated the oak wilt sanitation program which requires the removal of infectious red oak trees to help control the overland spread of oak wilt. In late November, a re-inspection of diseased red oaks occurs to determine if these trees aze able to produce spores (Potential Spore Producers - PSP) the following spring. If the red oaks are PSPs, they are marked with a yellow "X" and are required to be removed by April 1, 2007 according to the City of Eagan's guidelines. Homeowners are notified via mail if they aze required to remove infectious red oaks from their property. ~~ It is common to see the red oaks marked later in the summer become the PSP's because they have not had enough time to dry out since their death. Once the trees have dried out the bark sloughs off and there is no longer a place. for the fungus to reproduce. Generally, about 25% of all marked red oaks are found to be PSP's. All the PSP trees are required to be removed and properly managed by April 1, 2007 to help control the overland spread of oak wilt. Private property owners of PSP's are eligible for financial aid through the Oak Wilt Suppression Cost Share Program. Oak Wilt Suppression Cost Share Prog am The goal of the oak wilt suppression cost share program is not only to offer cost assistance to Eagan homeowners, but also to provide a financial incentive to the homeowner's to properly manage the spread of oak wilt. Every homeowner's private property contributes to Eagan's urban forest and it is our goal to keep Eagan's urban forest healthy and sustained for future generations. To continue homeowner support with managing the spread of oak wilt, the City of Eagan allocates funds every year to the cost share program. This year, the City of Eagan offered 25% reimbursement (a $500.00 maximum) for root graft disruption when applicable, 25% reimbursement (a $500.00 maximum) for fungicide injection when applicable, and 25%-_ reimbursement (a $500.00 maximum) for the removal of PSP red oak trees. Because these funds are limited, residents are paid on a first come first served basis. Applications for cost share reimbursement submitted after current funds are depleted are carried over to the next year. Last year cost sharing for fungicide injections was added to the Oak Wilt Suppression Cost Share Program. The policy reimburses injections of oaks for two different scenarios when it was recommended by our forestry staff or a certified arborist: 1) Preventive injections of healthy reds oaks when there is a nearby red oak infection 2) Therapeutic injections of white and bur oaks that are showing active symptoms of oak wilt with less than 33% of wilt in the canopy. There has been published research into the efficacy of treating oaks with the fungicide propiconazole 14.3%. After reviewing this study, attending several meetings, and discussing injections as a management option, forestry staff felt it would be beneficial to offer a reimbursement to home owners who opted to have this done. This graph depicts how much money was spent by home owners and the city to manage oak wilt and how exactly it was spent. Cost Share Expendatures as of 12/07/06 ^ Plowing Injections ^ PSP Removal ^ Budget Available $1,583.32 $1,492.18 $0.00 $4,424.50 6- Oak Wilt Management in the Parks For the past several years forestry staff has been=performing their own fungicide injections on oak trees in the parks. The chemical that was used, Alamo®, was expensive, and therefore: only the most valuable trees could be injected. Until recently, the generic versions of Alamo® had not been approved for use on trees by the EPA, but Iast year a change was made. The EPA approved several labels containing propiconazole 14.3% with the active ingredient to be used on trees. This brought the price of the fungicide used to do the injections way down and it allowed us to inject many more trees than we previously could have afforded. Park Reds In'ected WhiteBurs In'ected* Ca oni Art Pazk 9 0 Clearwater Park 7 0 Thomas Lake 8 0 Blackhawk Park 6 0 Goat Hill Park 3 0 Walnut Hill Park 3 0 Total I - 36 ~ I 0 *No white oaks were injected this year as priority was given to the more vulnerable red oaks. Studies on fungicide injections to control oak wilt have all shown that in order to get a high rate of success, the injections need to be done again in two years and in some cases again a third time. This is because the fungal spores can stay active in the root systems for 18-24 months. Once the tree outgrows the fungicide in two years, the spores can then start to reproduce if they aze stall present and alive in the root systems. The success of these injections will need to be closely monitored in the years to come. Plow lines act as a physical. barrier to stop the fungus from spreading through connected root system to healthy trees.. There is no way to tell how far the disease has spread underground and if it has moved into the root system of the healthy red oaks near the infected tree. Therefore, it is necessary to install primary and secondary plow lines. The primary line goes on the outside of the healthy "looking" trees while the secondary line goes in front of the healthy trees but behind the infected tree(s). This ensures that the disease does not extend to and kill all of the oaks in the wooded area even if the first row of trees is already infected. DUTCH ELM DISEASE The most effective management strategy for DED today is sanitation. When managing the spread of DED, it is very important to remove infected trees before the larval populations mature into adult bark beetles. After the detection of DED, the City of Eagan requires the tree to be removed and the infected wood disposed of with in 20 days of the notification date. By actively requiring the removal of diseased trees the beetle population can be drastically lowered therefore decreasing the probabilities of healthy trees becoming infected. The removal and disposal of infected elm wood is the most effective in managing the spread of DED. Root graft barriers, therapeutic pruning, chemical injections, and planting resistant cultivazs are also options that can be employed when managing the disease. 9 Chemical injections of elm trees have proven to be highly successful for up to three growing seasons against Dutch elm disease. This macro-infusion. process is done the same way as the oak injection and one of the two fungicides that can be used is also the same as that of oak wilt. Dutch Elm Disease Data Elms in Eagan and in the Midwest continue to struggle against Dutch elm disease. The warm winters are also factors that could be contributing to the high number of infections in elm trees. These warm winters account for a higher survival rate of the bark beetles as they over winter. The rates of infection are relatively lower as the number of mature elms in Eagan continues to gradually decrease DED can attack and kill elm trees of any age and size. Throughout Eagan there are thousands of young elms that grow as volunteers every year in unmanaged areas. There are so many young elm trees that have contracted DED that would take all of the tree inspector's time to locate and mazk these trees. Therefore, a standard was set last yeaz to concentrate on elms with a diameter at breast height of 7 inches or greater. This year the standard was set at 10 inches. Exceptions were made for smaller trees that subsided in a stand where an outbreak of DED had been identified. By marking only the larger concentrations of infected elm trees that have contracted DED, the tree inspector has time to concentrate on some of the more pressing issues surrounding Eagan's urban forest. Number of Elm Trees Infected with Dutch Elm Disease 800 700 600 ~ 500 ~ 400 0 ,~ .300 z 200 100 0 Average = 235 fiBb " r,i ~- ass .. :, ~_ -' ~$,~ -n- 9T T1 125 79[i 199 178;. 198- ,, 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Year /~. BUCKTHORN REMOVAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM The Buckthorn Removal Assistance Program was implemented to provide incentives and education on the importance of removing buckthorn. The program was first initiated in 2001, and has been gaining popularity ever since. It is required to have the tree inspector come out for a site visit before scheduling apick-up. During the site visit, homeowners are taught how to properly identify buckthorn, distinguish it from similar looking plants, and educated them on how to keep buckthorn from coming back. In order to keep the buckthorn gone, an herbicide must be applied to the stump after cutting the tree down. If no herbicides are applied, the buckthorn will send up multiple stump sprouts and make it more difficult to remove in the future. In most cases it is also necessary to go in and remove or spray all of the seedlings that come up from year to year. Mondays are dedicated to picking up and disposing of buckthorn that residents have removed from their property. This year, there were more than 100 participants and approximately 146 cubic yards of buckthorn removed from the community by residents. Although the number of participants is down from 2005 new participants are taking the place of homeowners that have successfully participated in past years. Often-times homeowners have too much buckthorn to get rid of in just one weekend, so they schedule multiple pick-ups. This is good because they do not have to leave large piles of buckthorn stacked on their lawn near the curb for extended periods of time. The popularity of this program indicates that the citizens of Eagan understand the importance of a healthy ecosystem and are willing to take a part in protecting it. All of this is accomplished with very little expense to the city. EMERGING ISSUES Two-lined Chestnut Borer Chestnut borers tunnel into hardwoods in the Chestnut family (this includes oaks}, producing similar symptoms to oak wilt. Generally the trees can survive minor infestations, and should only lose their leaves at the upper part of the canopy. Symptoms are analogous to a "stop light" pattern in the canopy, meaning the upper portion turns red/drops, just bellow will have some yellowing/leaves remain, and the lower canopy will remain healthy and green. Generally the symptoms are said to appear later in the year (August-September), whereas Oak wilts' main symptom appearances are in June, July and early August. The problem that this poses for the Tree Inspector and Forestry Staff is that it makes positive identification of Oak wilt more difficult. Sampling of symptomatic branches becomes even more necessary than in years past, especially towards the middle and end of summer. Emerald Ash Borer Emerald ash borers are not yet confirmed to be in the State of Minnesota, but we remain on the lookout for the symptoms of EAB infestation. An infestation of Emerald ash borers would cause extensive mortality among Eagan's urban forests. We continue to be observant for any of these symptoms, and are working with the Department of Agriculture to proactively investigate suspicious ash death/ decline within the City of Eagan. Properly identifying this pest before large scale infestation occurs may make the difference between an outbreak with limited range, and an epidemic beyond management. ~~~ Have an item for the Calendar? Mail it to Sun-Current Calendar, 10917 Valley Vaew Road, Eden .Prairie, MN 55344, fax it to 952-392-6868 ore-mail it to suncurrentsouth@acnpapers.com. The deadline for submissions for this page is 3 p.m. Wednesday, the week prior to publication:. The newspaper cannot accept items for the Calendar over the phone. 1NTY REGION VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.MNSUN.COM © 2006 S.UN NEWSPAPERS PAGE 31,A Did Fashioned Holiday un the farm op left, Patrick McKinney and his daughter Chloe, 3, from Lakeville oast marshmallows at the Old Fashioned Holiday event Dec. 3 at _agan's Holz Farm. fop ,Alex Irving, 10, of Rosemount sips hat cider during the ;ven.. Lodi Schoenecker and her daughter Lauren, 7, of Farmington enjoy :he hay ride at Holz Farm. (For more photos, visit our online Photo gallery at www.mnSun.com.) PHOTOS BY SCOTT THEISEH • SUN HEWSPAPEIIS WORKSHOP December 18, 2006 6:00 - 7:00 HKGi - 12/12/2006 CITY OF EAGAN PARK AND OPEN SPACE ACQUISITION CRITERIA REPORT INTRODUCTION The City of Eagan is approaching full development and as remaining undeveloped land is proposed for development, questions, requests and opportunities for park and open space acquisition arise. Because of increased demand to acquire remaining open space and limited Fmancial resources, the City wants an objective process for evaluating and prioritizing potential parkland additions based upon how the acquisitions may benefit the overall park system. The City has adhered to a policy of non-aggressive acquisition, opting to review parcels for acquisition as they become available. The Eagan Advisory Park and Recreation (APrC) is charged with the responsibility of making recommendations to the City Council for acquisition of park and open space purposes. In the spring of 2002 the APrC first began an effort to update acquisition priorities and they appointed a subcommittee to develop a process for parcel evaluations. In 2002, the Advisory Parks Subcommittee developed a process and evaluated sites that had been identified and prioritized by the APrC since 1999. The results were used to prioritize the sites for acquisition and to create an "Acquisition Priority" list. Since that time, many of the parcels identified on the "Acquisition Priority" list have been acquired or they are no longer practical for acquisition. The goal of this project is to further in the acquisition decision making process, to raise awareness of specific sites and to create a consistent or systematic approach to review new potential parcels that would both validate and justify future decisions and recommendations. Because of this, the City hired Hoisington Koegler Group, Inc. (HKGi) in 2006 to develop a criteria and process for evaluating and prioritizing potential park land additions based upon how the acquisitions may benefit the overall. park system. SITE ACQUISITION REVIEW PROCESS HKGi began a process for evaluating and prioritizing potential park land additions by researching other communities for similar processes, and reviewing the process developed by the Advisory Parks Subcommittee in 2002, then by working with the Advisory Parks Subcommittee to develop an updated process that is clear in its intent with new criteria that address the changing conditions in Eagan. Other Communities Processes HKGi researched other communities for similar processes and interviewed the City's of Maple Grove, Chanhassen, Eden Prairie and Woodbury. From our research, it was clear that Eagan's situation was relatively unique and there was little to be gained from the experiences of other cities. The City of Eden Prairie, in their process, conducted a natural resources inventory of all undeveloped parcels in the city and ranked them for natural resource quality. The city then held a referendum to acquire the top ranked parcels to add to their open space system. The City referendum was successful in that they were able to purchase the top ranked parcels with the referendum monies, and then due to strong public support, they were able to purchase additional high-ranking sites. The Eden Prairie process was aone-time effort and acquisitions had no direct connection to recreation value. Overview of the 2002 Process & Criteria The system created by the Eagan Advisory Parks Subcommittee utilized nineteen specific criteria that fall into nine general categories. "Positive points" were awarded if a site met a specific criterion. The number of available points for each criterion was based upon the perceived significance of the criteria in determining the inherent natural or useful value of a parcel. "Up to" point values were used for discretionary criterion. HKGi - 12/ 12/2006 The criteria were used to review and test sites that had been identified and prioritized by the APrC in 1999, and for other sites for potential inclusion. Advisory Parks Subcommittee members conducted an independent field review of each site and subsequently awarded scores for each of the evaluation criteria. City staff provided scoring sheets, parcel maps and general descriptions of the sites to aide in the field review. Upon completion of the field reviews for each block of sites, a meeting of the Advisory Parks Subcommittee was held to discuss the Fmdings and address any problems or concerns that came to light. The City Forester and Water Quality Coordinator provided specific input on the natural features for a number of sites. Findings The HKGi review of the 2002 process arrived at the following findings: 1.) The 2002 park land acquisition criteria was a good initial effort to use as an objective system to review potential acquisitions. 2.) The process developed in 2002 did not clearly articulate an overall objective on which the criteria were based. 3.) The criteria developed in 2002 appeared to weigh natural resource value over recreation value or other values. . 4.) The criteria developed in 2002 appeared not to clearly identify particular acquisition issues, such as long term impact to the park and open space system, such as maintenance and development costs. 5.) The evaluation process developed in 2002 allowed reviewers to compare scores of sites, rather than having each site be considered on its own merit. PROCESS OBJECTIVE HKGi worked with the Advisory Parks Subcommittee to identify an overall framework for the parcel acquisition review process. Based on Advisory Parks Subcommittee input, to be considered for evaluation, all potential acquisition sites should meet two basic objectives: 1. The parcel should be identified in or determined to be consistent with City's adopted Parks, Trails and Open Space Plan. The acquisition criteria should not replace or supercede the Plan. 2. The acquisition parcel should meet one of the following objectives: a. Provides new neighborhood park in an identified area of need. b. Provides new recreational facilities in an identified area of need. c. Expand an existing park or recreational facility based on an identified need. d, Provides for needed expansion or linkage of greenway and trail systems. e. Protects areas of historical or natural significance. f. Must not cause an undue burden on City staff or budgets. g, Protects areas of historical or natural significance. Development of Criteria HKGi worked with the Advisory Parks Subcommittee to develop new criteria and modify criteria created in 2002 that weigh each parcel for its ability to meet the broad objectives of the acquisition process. The new and updated criteria were created to clearly articulate their meaning such that site reviews are performed uniformly. The new criteria fall under five broad categories and fourteen specific categories as follows (see Figure 2 -The Eagan Park and Open Space Land Evaluation Ranking Worksheet): 2 HKGi - 12/12/2006 Fvalnatinn ('riteria yBrood ~~ v vNEED NATURAL AESTHETICS Categories: RESOURCES LOCATION QUANTITATIVE AESTHETIC VALUE VALUE/VISUAL BUFFER RELATIONSHIP TO ECOLOGICAL DEMAND- VALUE RECREATION Specfic VALUE Categories: HISTORICAL TRANSITION SIGNIFICANCE EDGE CORRIDOR/TRAIL LINKAGES/ACCESS OPPORTUNITY FEASIBILITY PARK ENVIRONMENTAL DEDICATION ISSUES VALUE IMPROVEMENT COSTS LEVERAGE FUNDS MAINTENANCE COSTS For criteria under NEED, NATURAL RESOURCES and AESTHETICS, a "positive" ranges of points are available for award if sites meet subsequent criteria. For criteria under OPPORTUNITY and FEASIBILITY, "negative" ranges of points are available for award if a site does not meet subsequent criteria. Once a site is reviewed, there will be two review scores that will provide a basis for site eligibility and ranking. The first score will be a positive number based on NEED, NATURAL RESOURCES and AESTHETICS and the second will be a neutral or negative number based on OPPORTUNITY and FEASIBILITY. The two review totals will be weighed against each other when ranking sites (see Figure 2 -Eagan Park and Open Space Land Evaluation Ranking Worksheet) for specific criteria. Evaluation Process To ensure consistent and objective review of potential acquisition sites, each site should be considered on its own merit and not be compared to other sites. Therefore individual evaluations will be conducted using two tools: 1) Eagan Park and Open Space Land Evaluation Worksheet (Figure I) - An evaluation worksheet to be provided by City staff for each potential acquisition site. 2) Eagan Park and Open Space Land Evaluation Ranking Worksheet (Figure 2) -A ranking criteria sheet to be completed by each reviewer. City staff will provide background information about the site on the Eagan Park and Open Space Land Evaluation Worksheet (Figure 1) prior to evaluation, to enable consistent interpretation of site issues and opportunities. Individual Advisory Parks Subcommittee members utilizing the Eagan Park and Open Space Land Evaluation Ranking Worksheet (Figure 2) will conduct field evaluations of potential acquisition sites. After field reviews, the individual scares will be averaged, then added together on the City of Eagan Park Land Acquisition Criteria -Site Evaluation Summary (Figure 3) to determine if the site meets the minimum thresholds for consideration. To be considered for the acquisition prioritization list, under the categories of NEED, NATURAL RESOURCES, and AESTHETICS, a site must receive a score of 30 points or higher and under the categories of OPPORTUNITY and FEASIBILITY a site must receive a positive score. The evaluation and related scoring is a tool to assist with decision-making. Exceeding the minimum threshold does not mandate acquisition. The City is not compelled to acquire property in rank order based on the evaluations. Park Open Space AcquisRion Criteria Report Figure 1 Ea an Park and Open Space Land Evaluation Worksheet g SITE BACKGROUND INFORMATION (to be completed by City staff Name of Site: Descrf on of Site: Site location Address? Adjacent to existing park land? YES NO What Park? Relationship to Demand/Recreation Value: Is a new park identified in System Plan forthe area? YES NO Is the parcel identified in the Eagan Parksand Recreation System Plan? YES NO Is there an identified or anticipated recreation or programatic need thatthis parcel might satisfy YES NO Does this parcel improve access or funtion to an adjacent park? YES NO Natural R+I~ouroe Value: What natural resources are found on the site? of Acqu~on Dedication Easement Purchase 0 Other rated Acqulsftion Cost: fling market value of Funding None required Does the purchase leverege other funds? 0 Park Dedication Fund a Other City Funds Q Grant Other unit of government 0 Bonds Private funds Other Amount Reason for expense Is contamination su F.stlmated Annual Operating and Maintenance Amount? Reason for expense? remediation Page 1 Park Open Space Acquistion Criteria Report - Figure 2 Fa6an park and Onen Sgace Land Evaluation Ranking Worksheet Draft 11/10/06 be idled out by reviewer) nt Scoring -maximum points shall be awarded if criteria are exceeded or maximized; no points shall awarded if criteria cannot be met; scores between maximum and minimum shall be awarded based the degree in which criteria are met. Allowed Points Points Awarded Adjacent to existing City park . Fits identified need for a new park in the adopted city park system plan, or as part of a Comprehensive Plan amendment which increases park needs beyond existing City park service standards for population or area. Potential to satisy an identified or anticipated recreation need or programmatic need for a facility, other than trails. Site with documented historic significance. Site has potentia{ to fulfill planned trail linkage that cannot be obtained by easement. Parcel makes a critical link in a planned or percieved resource corridor where it provides connectivity and access to a natural resources. Parcel has good access on or to City street or through an existing park. TURAL RESOURCES Site contains significant natural resources - Uniquevegetation may include: native grasses or prairie, stands of native hardwoods and/or stands of native conifers. Protects health of ecosystem; may have sensitive areas, habitat for wildlife. Provides transitional edge betweeh cover types or naturalfeatures. Site provides a needed visual buffer or has a visual character that enhances a park site. RANKING TOTA4 POINTS 0-15 0-15 0-10 0-5 0-5 0-5 0-2 o-s 0-5 0-2 0-4 0 Page 1 Park Open Space Acquistion Criteria Report - Figure 2 %FEASIBILITY Allowed Points Points Awarded Site is part of a proposed development project with park land dedication opportunity. 0-5 Affordability -the site is available at a reasonable price. 0-5 Site acquisition will leverage other funding sources -public or private. 0-10 Site is on a PCA or County potential contaminated sites list- contamination is likely <0-5> Site will create significant unplanned additional expenditures for site or facility improvement. <0-5> Site will create an ongoing burden to the City's budget for maintenance or management <0-5> RANKING TOTAL POINTS Page 2 Park Open Spat a Acqutdltlon Crttena Report - FlgUre 3 diY OF EAflAN PARK LAND ACQUISIT~pN (XtffERU--S(TE E1/ALt!/1710N SUMMARY ~ i ~ Draft 11i0?A6 = t l NATURAL RESOURCE VAIUE(as NEED era Na[ural Resource Irnento AESTHETIC VALUE OPPORTUNI TY FEASIBIIJTV PMN IFYEMOE ENVIRONIENTPI NPROYEIENT WYTBIANCE REUTtlNBNIP TO OEWND NItIORICICAI DDyl1RAlNE ELOUIDICM_ 1MYPntlN AEt1METIC WLW111U1 Tyy lblrt• OEOICATtlM NLLAIE iVMDf NBOEB COBTB COSTS T•IY Pyys OEBGRIInON LOCATDN RECREATION VAWE tIDNIi1WICE CORRIDORIIRIULUNIWEEIACCEtt MLLUE WUIE EDDE 60ifER N N d~ "'""""" 81•bpRiy i' Ibsp/yem bm•PCAm Ib Wl w•tb BY WI mN••n N~dFOtb• 1YWE IInE b fbiONbO~W b• PyrWb bWN 8bM Pyeyb• Prot' Ny bmty~R PN•mlwDl RwiOa RO Ypwb~•n~QO MNNI N b N P i•Y WIYMNp pobRy Ieay huMb bb PJYPNY. ~nrpk MNl ybyG yb f1Eb• •C~ OIt N'fI •euNlNn: mitrW btwm w or • •P+ NlyyNe~•N T ym tN0 yl~ CtPt huP~}t tr retlt•i •pi•m Play o INyn•i > a aCry ~~ y1NM ~ •iu ~im b - ~~ NMpNt ~ b .GOtRn~im ~~ '~ CanpMNldY•Pln RNbIM•C t•Yrb IDioD• MN FRim. b ~ rWl •y YNlyc tr lofty trmplYm Jryion Yy dyotlim my vIy RM tr mboiti i•m6wl vlieN I4+^~^r° tM C•N mpeyA•, 6b. frM•. w. am~n.ia.r brw.P+A nre tr• aR a ya yNly "°° bgyyu~DCtiP.t .aN+ v t yyV.a . ' ,miio•y.wNatr •yPn«w. • .Horeb amNN•. P P y os oe oa ~ oz ore of oz <. oa D6 +o- Mlo..e y .t•N. o+a o+t an ~ ~ o f ..._.....___.~. _.... W.W -° - ` t ~ i t q ~ t ~ • i i ( l ~ r 6 ......... ............. . ~ ...........a ....................... .....a... ............. j......... t i .. .. .. .. .............. ........ _.._ _ I I r t ~ ~ t ~ .............:........... ............ .... ... ... .. ............ . ..._.. ... ::. ...... ........ .................... .... .... .......... .......... ..~.. .. .. ' .. __._ 0 .. :. .............................................. ..... ......... ... ~.......... w ............................~...................... ............. .......... ~ ~ 1 ~ .. [ ' 1 t t e I I 10 ~ ` i 11 1 I t 1 -__ 34 13 i ._- ._-.-.__.-.~_.__-__.___..~.___.~..-_ --~- • ~ r 1 t ` I t 0 I t i ~ ~ i ~ ~ 1) • t t a t ........ L ... ...... ...._ ..._.....A ........................ .......... _........ .......... .. ..... ..... ...................... .. ....................... ............._........ . .................................. t t i i .. ........ ... ...... ... _. ........ .................... ... _1... .. ........... .......... .......... ._.._ ro i . ~ m.. ~ i [ t ~ Zr a ~ ~j t k t t zs i N Subject to approval ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION EAGAN, MINNESOTA A'[INUTES fl11 REGULATINGJ~' NO: ~~ n,1~ 21?, A regulaz meeting of the Advisory Pazks Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on November 20, 2006 with the following Commission Members present: Joseph Bari, Mazgo Danner, N. Mark Filipi, Duane Hansen, Laurie Halvorson, Mohammed Lodhi, Dorothy Peterson, Richazd Pletcher and Ryan Zipf. Member Phil Belfori was not present. Staff included Director Juli Seydell Johnson; Superintendent of Operations, Cherryl Mesko; Superintendent of Pazks, Paul Olson and Recording Secretary, Lori Kimball. APRI~V ~L;~EIF AGEND A Member Filipi moved, Member Pletcher seconded, with all present members voting in favor to approve the agenda as presented. ~PROVAL flF 2tINI7T>5 ~ O$ER 16y 2 Member Pletcher moved and Member Zipf seconded, with all present members voting in favor to approve the minutes of October 16, 2006 as presented. ~VISIT{ZS'i'L) BE There were no visitors to be heard. DIRECTOR'S DEP 'DENT t1~DATk Director Johnson provided a brief update of activities and events within the vazious divisions of Parks and Recreation. Johnson informed the audience that due to a change in the partnership the City has with the Art House, the director of the Art House and all teachers will become employees of the City by January. The Art House Boazd will remain non profit and continue to raise money for equipment and other needs of the Art House. Chair Peterson noted that Randy Ragner accepted a job opportunity and is no longer employed with the City. Peterson wished Randy well and said he would be missed. CflNSF,NT AGEND There were no Consent Agenda for the Commission to review. j~E~ELflP~'fNT PI70[}SA~:, There were no Development Proposals for the Commission to review. bLTf BIJ~TNE Patrick Eagan Park Master Plan Update Director Johnson introduced HKGI consultant, Steven Wensman, who provided a final report about Patrick Eagan Pazk Master Plan. Wensman presented information that showed the process of gathering public input, the vision statement, goals and guiding principles, a vegetation quality map, a 1947 aerial map to show history of the vegetation, and some photos. He included maps of the Master Plan, noting changes to the parking lot and entrance neaz the Art House. Wensman showed drawings to highlight the anticipated view from a picnic shelter, lakeside seating and an overlook of McCarthy Lake. He said the house on Deerwood, on the west side of McCarthy Lake, would eventually be removed, creating a col-de-sac that would connect to walking trails. Trails on the Southwest side of the park were shown coming from Berry Ridge Road and more trails on the South side near Caponi Art Park. Wensman discussed the lists of Implementation Priorities for the next 1-5 years, 5-10 years, 10-15 years and ongoing upkeep and maintenance. He concluded with photos. to complement his discussion of the Vegetation Management Plan. Advisory Parks Commission November 20, 2006 Page 2 After a short discussion of the final draft of the Master Plan, Chair Peterson moved, Member Bari seconded, with all present members voted in favor to accept the Patrick Eagan Pazk Master Plan as presented by HKGI and recommend its approval by the City Council. 1JW BITSIN Commercial Park Dedication Fee Modification Superintendent Olson provided background of this item, stating that an alternative method of calculating the park dedication fee for new developments was being considered for new Commercial/Industrial developments. Olson reviewed the City Attorney's example, which was included in the packet, saying it was "tailored for our use". Olson explained the new method was an easier way to look at a building and determine cash or land dedications by using a quantitative calculation versus qualitative. Member Zipf moved and Member Pletcher seconded, with all present members voting in favor to recommend to the City Council the following: 1. Recommend that the method used to calculate a Park Dedication for Commercial/Industrial developments to be modified so as to be based upon the squaze footage and estimated employee occupancy of a building. The calculation shall be described as; • Cash (A x B x C x D) x (total sq footage/1000) =Dedication Description (A) Average number of persons per 1000 square feet x (B) Resident equivalency x (C) A per person land factor x (D) Land value per County assessed values = Rate per 1000 square feet of building x (total sq. footage/ 1000) =Cash Dedication Amount Values (A) = 1 for Industrial development = 3 for CommerciaURetail Office (C) = 0.012 acres (D) = TBD • Land jA x B x C~ = Land Dedication Equivalent in acres OT~~ BUSINESS AND RE R'l Cascade Bay Season Report Superintendent Mesko provided an update and overview of the 2006 season for Cascade Bay in the absence of Mazk V aughn, Campus Facilities Manager. Mesko provided statistics in the form of a Power Point presentation to the audience, reviewing Cascade Bay attendance, revenues, expenses and sales numbers. Daily attendance presents the highest amount of revenue and it is typical that the busy month of August is a less attended month no matter how nice the weather is. Mesko noted that value is being added to the season passes by providing pass holders with perks, such as monthly newsletters and coupons. She said the attendance has hit a plateau as projected; now other activities must be offered to get people to the park. Mesko stated that classes, camps, private rentals and groups are offered and ideas that appeal to other age groups will also be pursued, such as league play at the Captain's Course. Mesko answered questions from the commission, stating the daily admission will increase to $9.00 and Captains Course will be most likely re-open in the month of May. Advisory Parks Commission November 20, 2006 Page 3 ~Q..~.. UNICATI{~ There were no items to review under Communications. ~QUND TASL Chair Peterson asked for results of the silent auction at the Art House. Director Johnson responded that the auction had been well attended and a successful fundraiser. Member Pletcher said there had also been an Art House pottery sale the previous weekend. With no further business to conduct, Member Filipi moved, Member Pletcher seconded with all members voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:07 p.m. Secretary Date