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Document - Historical information/data - Information on city government. Results of business and resident surveys. Planned city projects. - 1/1/1987/0�'GI N S Eagan prepares to e. char g area codes By Sue Hegarty Minnesota Sun Publications When the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) di- vided the metro area into two area codes, Eagan, Mendota Heights and points east were as- signed a new code — 651. Apple Valley, Burnsville and Lakeville will keep the 612 area code for now, as will Hennepin, Scott, Carver and western Anoka counties. When implemented Jan. 1, 1999, callers will have to dial 10 digits —area code plus the seven - digit number —to contact people in the other area code. Starting in July, customers can use the new area code but it won't be required for the call to go through. Calls between Minneapolis and • St. Paul and their suburbs will pot - cost more than they coo now. Consumer demand for pagers, fax lines, cellular phones and second lines are rapidly ex- hausting the 612 area code's phone numbers. At the current pace, the 612 code could run out of phone numbers by July. To keep from running out of numbers before 1999, the com- mission will implement mea- sures to conserve phone num- bers, said Diane Wells, utilities analyst for the PUC. Even with the two-way split, the 612 code may run out of numbers again in two or three years, Wells said. AREA: To Page 15A Area: Public Utilities Commission offers grace period From Page 1A The commission reserved the right to carve out a third area code in 2001 if demand for phone numbers continues to tap the 612 code. If a third area code is added, it will be assigned to Richfield, Minneapolis, Fort Snelling and the Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport. The effects of Eagan's new area code may be felt as far as Japan. Ann Carlon, executive director of the Eagan Convention and Visi- tors Bureau, said overseas adver- tising is secured six months in ad- vance. Eagan markets itself to tourists in Japan, Germany and Canada. Overseas callers must dial area codes because 800 num- bers won't work, she said. The new American Automobile Association's tour books scheduled for release in March 1998 have al- ready gone to the printer. Changes may still be made until August for the 1999 tour books, said Kathy Carter, AAA auto travel adminis- trator. If the wrong area code is printed in tour books, tourists try- ing to call for hotel reservations could become frustrated, said Car- lon. "That's what we try to avoid." National businesses in Eagan say the major impact on them will be to communicate the new area code to clients and employees in offices elsewhere. West Group, which has offices in California, Colorado, Illinois, Georgia, New York and North Carolina, hopes the transition goes smoothly, said spokesperson Andy Schriner "We recognize technology is requiring US West to do this," Schriner said. Blue Cross & Blue Shield (BCBS) plans to put a commit- tee together so the transition is "seamless," said spokesperson Karl Oestreich. "Your telephone number is equal to your identity," Oestre- ich said. BCBS has several offices in Eagan, all of which will assume the new area code. However, still unanswered is whether all of the company's telephone prefixes will be transferable to the new area code, he added. The insurance provider has several options for notifying its 1.7 million customers about the change, such as its quar- terly newsletter or a mailed insert with the explanation of benefits that follows an insurance claim. While the PUC split area codes along city boundaries, it didn't draw the same line be- tween counties. Having Dakota County split into two area codes will be more of a nuisance than anything, said Dakota County Communi- cations Director Marie Coutu. Work has already begun on as- sessing data bases, telephones and computers for changes to accommodate the new numbers. Stationery and phone book list- ings also will have to be evalu- ated for the necessary changes. "I think there's a likelihood of confusion that will never go away, but for the most part, once people get used to dialing 10 digit numbers, it won't be any different than for any other or- ganization," Coutu said. She added that it would have been nice if all Dakota County were within one area code. Work still would have been required to accommodate the new code, but the confusion would have been lessened, she said. Instead, resi- dents will need to know what city the office they are calling is in be- fore picking up the phone and di- aling the area code, she said. The same thing applies to school districts that straddle dif- ferent cities within the county. Dis- trict 191's Eagan schools, for ex- ample, will be in a different area code than the rest of the schools. But because all the district's phone calls are routed through Burnsville High School, Rahn Ele- mentary, John Metcalf Junior High and Cedar School could re- tain the 612 area code even though they are in Eagan, said Technical Assistant Kate Hurrle. Failing to change those facilities with the rest of the city, however, may make things even more confusing for residents trying to get used to the new area code, Hurrle said. "We haven't discussed how we will resolve it yet," Hurrle said. Knowing the city area code also will become more impor- tant for District 196 residents. The Rosemount -Apple Val- ley -Eagan school district has 14 schools in either Apple Valley or Burnsville (612), and 16 schools in Eagan or Rosemount (651). . "Right now the district is aware of the change and we're working to accommodate it," Communications Specialist Tony Taschner said. District officials have meet- ings scheduled with vendors. to see what the district needs to do. The largest problem the district may face is re -programming phone switches and publicizing the new codes at schools. Taschner said itis too early to know what costs the district may incur as a result of two area codes. If there is a bright spot in the change, it would be the timing of the new area code implementa- tion. Taschner said when district brochures are sent to residents in the summer, they will contain the new 10-digit numbers giving peo- ple more time_ to get accustomed to the new numbers, if necessary. US West Communications, a local telephone service provider, had asked that the new code be di- vided along its geographical ser- vice boundaries. The cost ofchang- ing its computer system to accom- modate the area code switch along city lines will cost US West $8 mil- lion to $9 million, according to company officials. That's in addi- tion to the $4 million to $5 million to implement the area code split. Community editors Any Barnett, Mike Cook and Mike Westholder contributed to this article. , MG C4li . -RI I-c \Omm/to ry I I, IoqV Change in area code will split county and District 196 By BRENDA HAUGEN A change of heart by the Minneapolis Public Utilities Commission (PUC) regarding a new area code splits not only Dakota County but its largest school district as well. Originally, in October, the PUC determined the 612 area code should be split into two regions to address the pro- jected number shortage. Ac- cording to the PUC, available prefixes — the first three num- bers in a seven -digit telephone number — in the 612 area code are expected to be ex- hausted by July 1998 if the present rate of growth in tele- phone use continues.. Under the October plan, (See Code, p.10A) Code (Continued from front page) Minneapolis and its suburbs to the north, west and south would retain the 612 area code, while St. Paul and its suburbs to the north, east and south would be assigned a new one. All of Dakota County was to be part of the area getting a new code under this plan. But on Dec. 30, PUC Chair Edward Garvey made a motion to keep Burnsville, Apple Val- ley and Lakeville in the 612 area code while the rest of Da- kota County would get a new area code — 651: The motion passed on a 3-2 vote, accord- ing to Diane Wells, telecom- munications analyst for the PUC. The change came in part be- cause of calls from some in the area who feel more aligned with Minneapolis and wished to stay in the 612 area, Wells said. "There were some com- ments, especially from Burns- ville," she said. There weren't as many calls, though, as when the 320 area code was added in the state in 1996, Wells said. The split of Dakota County under the new plan also means the splitting of School District 196, which includes students from Rosemount, Eagan and other outlying areas which will have the new 651 area code, as well as students from Burnsville, Apple Valley and Lakeville, which will keep the 612 code. While District 196 officials are aware of the situa- tion, they have yet to discover what ramifications it will have for the district. Wells said she expects the change will just take time. "It's still a local call," she said. "I think people will get used to that.". Under the plan, local calls made within the same area code will remain unaffected. Customers will dial the seven - digit number like they do now. But for local calls from one region to another — : from Rosemount to Apple Valley, for instance — customers will have to use the area code as well as the regular seven -digit number. Calls considered local now will continue to be local re- gardless of the need to use an area code. According to Wells, only calls requiring a 1 at the beginning will be toll calls. The formal order on the PUC's most recent decision is expected to come out later this month, according to Wells. Af- ter that, she said, the PUC will review an implementation plan. She said she expects a permissive dialing period to begin in July. From then until sometime early in 1999, cus- tomers will be able to use the seven -digit or 10-digit numbers and still complete their calls. The time will serve as a transi- tion for customers to get used to using the new numbers. But while Burnsville, Apple Valley and Lakeville may con- tinue to be part of the 612 area code for now, that doesn't mean that won't change in the future. According to Wells, an- other new code in the remain- ing 612 area is expected to be needed in 1999. Already Min- neapolis, Richfield and Fort Snelling have been carved out, Wells said. Whether this area keeps the 612 area code in 1999 while the remaining sub- urbs in the same area code are assigned the new one — 952 — has yet to be decided, she said. �Gti�n gAn Cvvcoi kitYlutavy 11-1-, CITY BRIEFS Rabies clinic offered to Eagan pet owners Eagan residents are invited to bring their cats and dogs to a Rabies Clinic be- tween 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Jan. 24 on the mezzanine level of the Civic Arena, 3870 Pilot Knob Road in Eagan. Local veteri- narians will be available to give rabies shots for $11 each. City pet licenses, good for two years, will be sold for $14. Information: 681-4700. City Council to request more liquor licenses With 23 of the available 26 liquor licens- es already issued by the city of Eagan, the City Council voted 4-1 to ask the Minnesota Legislature for four additional licenses. If approved, it is hoped that the 30 licenses will carry the city into the year 2000, when the next census will determine how many li- censes are appropriate for a city Eagan's size. The latest business to receive a license is Joe Senser's of Eagan, which plans to open a grill and bar in the former Cracker Barrel at Lone Oak Road and Interstate 35E. One of the remaining licenses is re- served in case a full -service hotel devel- oper wants to build in Eagan: As Eagan continues to issue available licenses, there could be more pressure to grant the license reserved for a hotel to a restau- rant owner, said Mayor Tom Egan. Business owner Al Baker, owner of a restaurant by the same name, was on record opposing the increase in liquor li- censes. Councilmember Bea Blomquist voted against the increase, preferring to wait until the census is taken to decide whether Eagan needs more licenses. Eagan calls Won town meeting Stfri to strengthen Co lMflulllty Fc tor va Zb Night to include panel lc/v-4 • • discussion, survey results By Sue Hegarty -. Minnesota Sun Publications Everyone who lives or works in Eagan is invited to celebrate the positive things happening in the community and to learn how to build upon those assets during a March 5 Town Meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to draw people of all ages togeth- er to discuss how to ensure that Eagan is a healthy community. It is sponsored by the Healthy Community Initiative Planning Group. Similar town meetings have taken place in Apple Valley and Rosemount. "Every community is differ- ent. What's going on in Rose- mount may be different than the issues going on in Eagan," said Doreen Ulrich, a planning group ' member and a community fami- ly support worker for Eagan Neighborhood Services. Plans for the evening include a free dinner, door prizes, a re- source fair, entertainment pro- vided by community members, a review of the School District 196 student survey conducted by Search Institute and a panel dis- cussion. Families are invited to browse the resource tables and to eat a light dinner between 5:15 and 6 p.m. Several community busi- nesses have donated the food and beverages. Mayor Torn Egan and Eagan High School student Ann Wheel- er will serve as masters of cere- monies. Beginning at 6:05 p.m., Dale Blyth, a Search Institute speak- er, will explain the results of a survey taken Oct. 30 by students in grades 8-12 at Eagan High School, Dakota Hills and Black Hawk middle schools. TOWN: To Page 5A Town From Page lA The survey, "Profiles of Student Life: Attitudes and Behaviors" asked a series of questions that were scored by researchers as either an internal or ex- ternal asset. Internal assets are measured by commitment to learning, positive val- ues, social competency and positive identity. External assets include such things as support structures, empowerment, boundaries and expectations, and con- structive use of time. S`.. Traditionally, the number of assets:de= creases as youth get older. The Search Institute, a Minneapolis based consulting firm, has identified 40 building blocks for healthy develop- ment that can help young people grow • to be healthy, caring and responsible adults. Students in School District 197 also recently took the survey but results have not been tabulated and will not be given at the town meeting. At 7:05 p.m., Pilot Knob Elementary students will sing and at 7:10 p.m. pan- elists will take questions and com- ments from the audience. Panelists will include four high school youths, a se- nior citizen, Eagan Police Chief Pat Geagan, and representatives from the faith community and the Eagan Foun- dation. "We kind of pulled people from all dif- ferent areas just to have their immediate responses to the survey results and where we're going to go from here with it," Ulrich said. The evening will conclude with a five- minute video entitled, "It's in Every One of Us." But organizers don't intend for the town meeting to be an end all, rather it's designed to be a starting point for com- munity involvement. "We don't want this to be the only thing that we do. We're going to have commitment cards that people can sign if they want to get involved further. A lot of times things get dropped and we're not planning on doing that. Whatever hap- pens is really going to be based on the people that join up and want to do some- thing," Ulrich said. The meeting is at the Southwest Area YMCA, 550 Opperman Drive in Eagan. Transportation and child care are available, as is an American Sign Lan- guage interpreter. To arrange transportation or for more information about the town meeting, call 399-1779. Timeline June 2.2, June September April May November A6out the Project 1994 Official Ground Breaking 1994 Police Facility Construction. Begins 1994 General Site Work Begins 1995 Police Facility Occupation 1995 Municipal Center Expansion Begins 1995 Municipal Center Occupation • • • • • • • • • Pro ject Design The buildings have been designed to accommodate the projected Community, Council and Staff needs through the year 2010. Customer service, accessibility, convenience and functionalism are the primary design goals. Project Funding This pro ject's capital expenses are being funded through the use of the Community Investment Fund, which has been specifically allocated for the construction of public facilities. This type of funding will create no impact on current or future property taxes. Site pCaus The Municipal Center Campus has been designed to work within the natural aspects of the site's terrain, providing easy access via walking paths, bike trails and an internal road system. Landscaping will compliment the features of the land, the buildings and the many possible public uses of the area. ♦ •;• ••:•• Please Join us for t(ie Eagan Municipal Center Police Facility Gram Opening & Dedication tion • Saturday, December.9, 1995 9:00 a.m. untiC Noon • e • • A Ribbon Cutting & Dedication Ceremony wif 6e held at the new South Entrance.6eginning at 9:oo a.m. Tours of the remodeled City Half and the new Police Facility wiff follow with refreshments • in the new Community Room Please Join the Eagan Police Department and Pofice:Cfuipfain at 8:30 a.m. in the Police Facility Lobby for the De&ation of a Memorial Wall to honor those Eagan Officers, past, present and future, - whose fives were given in the fine of duty. City of Eagan, 3830 Pilot Kno6 Rc Eagan, MN 55122 Awada gives State of the CItY address Progress, change �hasized by Dan Gearino Staff Writer Eagan- Mayor Pat Awada emphasized change and progress in her' State of the City address - Thursday morning, at City Hall. While highlighting the need. for continued change and progress, she also made' repeat-, ed references to those_who may not like these things. , "Change is not welcome by `everyone," ,Awada said.. "Some are uncomfortable with the dis- ruption of long established Speech/Continued ments- from the previous year, Awada mentioned the new Cascade Bay Water Park, the addition of a second sheet of ice at the Eagan Civic,Arena and the new fire 'administration building on Pilot Knob Road. Awada highlighted two ongoing projects; the Cedarvale redevelopment and the newly- purchased- central park (see related story). • About Cedarvale, Awada said, "We envision creating an exciting focal point for our corn- munity, with business, hospitali- .• ty, residential and recreational aspects. The Cedar/Highway 13 area is.a gateway to our commu- nity. It was, and should be again, o,� wa s o doing things" The idea of progress is close- ly tied to a realistic appraisal of what Eagan is, Awada said. "The days.,of Eagan as a - :rural or semi -rural community. are long over," she said. . Eagan is not sa rural commu- nity and it also isn't purely a bedroom . community, Awada said, citing figures that tliere are more workers- coming to Eagan • to .work each day as there are Eagan residents who Mork in othercommunities: Among the accomplish See Speech, 11A • a focal point for our city and a reflection of the excellence that Eagan is, coming to represent" About the • central park, Awada said, "Our intent is to create a central park that can be used for community_celebra- tions and an array of recreation- al purposes. I am thrilled that we have found the missing link, the gem in our tiara of parks." Awada closed her speech' with a returh to the themes change and progress. . "The old era, is past," she said. "A new day is upon us and we will meet ;it with vigor and optimism. I believe we can achieve. new heights that will make our city the envy, not just of the metro area; but of the entire state." Due at Start M.S.R.P. 122,735 Inc. 1st Pymt. Discount & Rebate - 3.436 $249 M° /$1849 Due at S Inc.1st tart I9,299 •.9% APR O.A.0 2000 STRATUS 51250 REBATE PROGRAM 48 MO. LEASE — Indudes TPer Year CD ialkw Air, Auto., Power (Wind.,Locks), , ` Power Driver's Seat, Keyless. PlAvER IMEEMMIEM on IMIEMID 249/249 Z19P1219 M.S.R.P. S17,89S Due at Start Discount Is Rebate ,, - 2.536 Inc. 1st Pymt. Due at Start Inc. 1st Pymt 15,359 •Due at start plus 1st pay., lic., dep., tax on cash payment + tax. O.A.C. fAAtA CDAWI isI MCP I*AQ PE M 279° Lease due at $10 SH 36 MO. Air, Auto., (Wind., Lo Tilt, Cruise, Heat Ducts 2B9� $lS9� •Due at s onn DARE/Continued alcohol by saying `yes' to the DARE program and together we can make a difference in the lives of our children." In letters and in person, board members even heard the opinions of the students who would be affected by the DARE program. "I would miss the DARE program because I wouldn't learn about drugs and I might take some, and others and I would have a horrible life," said Alicia Miller, a fourth -grader at Echo Park Elementary School. "Think about how many kids would be hurt if we didn't have DARE to arm them. I don't want to be one of them" District administrators have found the $50,000 needed to jobs. The finance position is expected to be filled in the next couple of months and Taschner's spot will be filled sometime this summer, said Ellen Rogalin, administrative assistant to the superintendent. The DARE program for fifth - graders was one casualty of the district's $6 million worth of spending reductions in next year's budget. The cuts were made to cover the costs due to the failed levy referendum in November. The move to keep DARE was opposed by only one board member, Judy Lindsay, who had voted against reinstating the program in December. She said the cost was not an issue for her, but instead she feels DARE takes time away from academics Community Dakota/Scott Star Tribune Thursday March 10/1988 1Y3 Srceyyuefinds residents satisfied with Eagan living CG - By Rosalind Bentley When Eagan officials wanted to know if residents were ready to spend tax money for a community center, they also saw an opportunity to find out just how satisfied residents were with everything else in the city. The result: A survey that shows 75 percent of the people support the idea of a recreation center — and a host of information about who lives in one of the state's fastest -growing cities, and what they want. Overall, they found that people like the open, rural setting and its prox- imity to St. Paul and Minneapolis, and that residents want a say in shap- ing the city's future. "The depth and breadth of satisfac- Advisory Park and Tree Commis- tion was surprising," said Eagan sion. Mayor Vic Ellison. The typical person who lives in Ea - Decision Resources Ltd. of Minne- gan is young, well educated and apolis conducted the survey of 404 working in a white-collar job. Forty - people in January. The marketing four percent are between ages 25 and firm was paid $6,200 by the city's 34, with the median age 32. Sixty percent have attended college and the median household income is $39,200. When it comes to married house- holds, 58 percent of the husbands and wives work outside the house, 27 percent have preschoolers or elemen- tary school students and 10 percent have junior and senior high school students. Mayor Ellison himself fits the mold. He's 33, married, has three children under age 10 and is vice president of a trade association for hospitals in the seven -county metro area. His family has lived in Eagan nearly five years. About a year and a half ago, the City Council told the park commission to start studying whether to build a community center. Instead of using the survey only to gauge support for a center, officials decided to take it a step further and look at quality of life. "We'd seen other cities that did it and we took note of that," said Elli- son. "So when the opportunity came up we wanted to piggyback that with information on the recreation cen- ter." Survey results have a margin of error of plus or minus 5 percent. Eagan continued on page 24Y 2Y S3 Peopl Tei •- 3 By John W Staff Writer He sparks d variety of o to think out reality. Those comr describe La; Ond philoso etropolita Paul. 7 t Crockett wa Teacher of t recent comr Graduating the honor. "I was amaz about the Bi Susan Robb religious stu incredibly Tim Bailey, student, was Crockett pre the class. "H well and put interesting w tra >fS :s and Recreation !piing mmer jobs. include , lifeguards, ors, parking lot ;ion stand 1is instructors. tructors for hool programs )bbies and crafts. )ntact Lakeville Dn at 469-4431. yes entries from olumn. Please is/ S. nn. 55488. 24Y S3 ' Thursday/March 10/1988/Star Tribune aganContinued from page o,Eagan's rural setting and open spaces iwere major.attractions for 40 percent _llofithe respondents. And its proximity } fton downtown Minneapolis and St. ',Paul, coupled with the lack of "city ,problems," was a plus in' the eyes of +'34 percent. _ r-�}B t those attitudes collide when it C„comes to development, Ellison and r �tth" survey indicated. • t- R They want to have their cake• and -: newt it too," said- Ellison: "They like the rural life style but they want city •I conveniences." ti t '.;!Almost 30 percent •of the residents :'say they'd like more retail or mall t'., development, while 19 percent said ;'more commercial and industrial de- ,,velopment should come to the city. 1 AAlmost 25 percent said, however, •,that there should be more residential . r1development. r •i � igger commercial developments �4dwill spring up in Eagan in coming 4years "so we don't -have to keep driv- /ing to Burnsville and Apple Valley to ` is end commercial dollars," he said. ta•Residents who prefer growth don't _',; ywant it at all costs, choosing quality r .i o er quantity, said Bill Morris, who .. conducted the survey for the compa- lY ny. That's surprising in a city with so many new residents, and probably has occurred because residents gener- ally are a lot a like, he said. Moms also said Eagan residents gen- erally are more content with their city than are people in other cities the firm has surveyed. Last week the Park Commission rec- ommended that the City Council hire an architect to do a cost -and -space analysis for the proposed community center. Construction probably would be funded through a .bond referen- dum; said Ken Vraa, director of the Park Commission. The survey showed that a bond referendum to increase property taxes would be sup- ported by a majority of voters, al- though officials won't know how much taxes would increase until they know how much the building would cost. The community center would be built near the city government center on Pilot Knob Rd. and could include an indoor swimming pool, gymnasi- um and ice skating/hockey rink. It could open in 2 to 2'/2 years, Ellison said. HOME FURNISHINGS' 11—%i91 11 are inw1M4 40a. IWL FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jon Hohenstein, 454-8100 GOODWILL DROP BOX REMOVED The City of Eagan reminds residents that the Goodwill Industries drop box has been removed from the Eagan Fire Administration Building parking lot at 3795 Pilot Knob Road. This is no longer a donation site and those found using it to dispose of household items will be prosecuted for illegal dumping. Eagan residents wishing to donate items may still do so by contacting Robert Ramsted of Goodwill at 646-2591. Other wastes should be taken to one of the area recyclers or landfills. Goodwill Industries has indicated to City officials that a corporate decision to suspend the use of drop boxes was based on the high waste factor associated with them. Goodwill has chosen to focus instead on attended donation centers located throughout the area. Such centers accept household goods and recyclables with a minimum of waste. The City will post "No Dumping" signs at the old site to prevent continued illegal disposal. Dumping wastes anywhere in the City or failing to properly dispose of wastes with recyclers, landfills or waste haulers constitutes illegal dumping. Illegal dumping may carry a sentence up to ninety days, a fine up to $700.00 or both. For more information, call Jon Hohenstein at the Eagan Municipal Center, 454-8100. - 30 - February 9, 1987 1--ULAZIt (k- wAA***"."4"#%•/4 lersA. AA . 00 ,o a°D D °OD ��� city of eagan 3830 PILOT KNOB ROAD, P.O. BOX 21199 EAGAN, MINNESOTA 55121 PHONE: (612) 454-8100 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: BEA BLOMQUIST Mayor THOMAS EGAN JAMES A. SMITH JERRY THOMAS THEODORE WACHTER Council Members THOMAS HEDGES City Administrator EUGENE VAN OVERBEKE City Clerk EAGAN JOB SERVICE ASSISTS 282 PEOPLE IN ENTERING EMPLOYMENT The Mayor and City Council of the City of Eagan have announced that, in August, Eagan Job Service assisted 282 people in entering employment. Ronald Krepela, Supervisor, said the office matches job seekers with employer openings at No Fee to job applicants or employers. The office assisted area employers in filling 282 job openings during the month of August. Since some jobs are temporary in nature, the office may help one person find more than one job during the month and some people are placed in jobs outside of Dakota County. Job Service offers employers the largest single source of job -ready workers in the state. Job Service screens job applicants, tests their abilities and refers qualified candidates. Employers who hire designated kinds of people may earn federal income tax credits. Job seekers receive placement services, vocational counseling and aptitude and occupational testings. "Job Bank" computer terminals list the state's largest pool of job openings which are available in Minnesota and throughout the United States. The Eagan Job Service office serves Eagan, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Farmington, Rosemount and surrounding areas. THE LONE OAK TREE THE SYMBOL OF STRENGTH AND GROWTH IN OUR COMMUNITY (More) NEWS RELEASE PAGE TWO The Eagan Job Service office is located at Yankee Square Office' III, 3460 Washington Dr., Suite 106, Eagan, MN 55122. Employers can list job openings by calling 297-2626. The office is part of the Minnesota Department of Economic Security and is open to the public 8:00 to 4:30, Monday through Friday. -30- 10/10/8(4 Ltd/ 7f People's Poll' results in; mayorpleased with return c t6 0�By BRENDA GUDERI Eagan Mayor Vic Ellison is happy with the return from his "People's Poll" delivered in April. The results of the poll, which was answered by nearly 700 resi- dents, were compiled and releas- ed recently. Ellison mailed re- sults of the poll to 627 residents — those who included their names and addresses on their responses. Ellison received twice as many responses as he expected, he said. Many of the respondents said they were happy to be asked their opinions. The results list not only resi- dents' reactions to the questions, but also Ellison's views. He said that he did it to provide some background to the questions. It was also because he wanted the poll to be a "give and take." "I wanted to share my opi- nions," Ellison said. "I'm not go- ing to agree with everybody all the time — and I wanted the resi dents to understand why 1 feel the way I do." Questions included topics such as zoning, city spending, retail needs and the mix of residential property. A majority, 94 percent, said Eagan should attempt to "down - zone" property currently planned for apartments and guide that toward single-family home devel- opment. Ellison agreed and said the city should talk with develop- ers and persuade them to build homes and also the city could try down -zoning in the comprehen- sive guide plan as a test case. The city would down -zone on a parcel currently zoned for multi- ple housing that is next to a less - intensive use to see if the owner would object and then use it as a test case in court, Ellison said. To the question, "Should Eagan encourage more retail shopping development within the city, even if it means rezoning selected pieces of property?" 33 percent said yes, while 67 percent said no. While Ellison agrees with some who say Eagan has plenty of commercial zoning, he is con- cerned that some of it will never be developed because of its loca- tion. Other land may be in areas more conducive to retail, he add- ed. Ellison said the question was not specifically directed toward any developer in Eagan. Related to that topic was the finding that 55 percent said Eagan needs neither "strip" con- venience centers nor larger shop- ping centers. Ellison, however, feels that Eagan will need addi- tional retail areas and would like, to see three or four major shopp- ing areas, rather than one large retail area. Among other results of the poll were: •Police and fire protection were a top priority for city spend- ing, residents said. Following in importance were street construc- tion and maintenance; parks and recreation programming; sewer and water services; and planning and inspection. • 70 percent said Eagan has too many apartments. Ellison also would like to see more single- family housing. •90 percent felt Eagan should strictly enforce the city's mini- mum construction requirements. Ellison said he will be sharing the results of his poll with council members and advisory commis- sion members. Ellison's poll was criticized by city council member Tom Egan for what he said was simplistic handling of sensitive issues. He also objected to the questionnaires being returned to city hall. Ellison's poll was paid for by his campaign committee, as was the cost of compiling and mailing the results. Ellison plans a simi- lar poll next year, with topical questions relating to city busi- ness at the time, he said. 44. • , . - ,:4•-•"•i-. - •. ,::"''.-- - • ,f7,A,„ •••• • ...., }7,7,:rglit_, PageWhieli'Prohibiteef. the use ofbri. hinted that pf future zi cif•: the quets totreat larvaesitebutM1VICl-.:1;k19ealk ...,•z.:$pia}i ' . ng.:;:feirlafi , it '171_, o4(:i.'- itoes..,--,!- ,:that-nbillil,.6.iled3-:-.7•iiit-•:•74,-, ... "•7114:"Legiftlitt:tii:e.•.tnny,half of _.. , s; -,5,•-'-:], .4.-4:-,,-,,:;1_,.•,..-, •-,y1.,•••;:!•-c.cea,,,e al.-publIce-.1.,ucatxu.n ' • '-'.0fie:niii:f6tis'sUe:thal."-11',..fify:e7".11-, ;theirt40491abaite--thepttkidket. ',•-• prograny,a4rninii4red-byii.th':.4tin61-7iii nhers. supported iiva, '•',It's;:al• inatier;:61.4melliefiirh!,-; '''''''•MMCD:;:promotinealteri*tiVez .,. having the option to o,,pt iul;;4:4-. rest';s,,,ig:fakell,-7.-..Ek-an•Sa-felf'!-,V,Zi. --.-.•;:?: • - &-ilrols rifethodin•-•circir:0 i--':::,•-:•the:M„.,1g..C,D'.-PrOgam; botkphys,; ..i., -.,A-w.ad-,ia ke,C1,:!tat.:4•.ltiter,;. be duce rith-„iv.-er of.c• liethi.e.af ifse.:;;,:i.:L-T,,,-4011y and:•fin_ancially.. ,!1'77;•.:.---••—."-,,..,-ft: zsent-tni;state lgislatpr,,urging: ,1-714MCD':-sliaUprovi'd, e•an an-. :24..:-;.Curr en,tly,c_ities F. an Oitout of.:- suppoit for--Citiesi:":ii3tinTryq,17. ith; •?;"•': ' na11-rpo--rt...lpf!_thel.amnUnt,-.'..cfi4,th!.. treatment,programs ut.they .. •Jraw-fmanclalEsupport:-.7.4,.,:e,......„2„?. -f::;Chn emiCala:US41--,...:$7,ipw„,16.7.:,,,w,it,n,s.,-•.;,- af.e.l•stilkreq1.4red,:' to suPport,..itz...I. : •: ' 7c.ir.."'ciliwAtp.;4-§ticjiikm, 4j....,;..i. • : -.-- ..,.,...:th---e,:cty.,,limi • tg.,..,,,,Tr; ,,....:•;=•.,,c,,.,.-,-,:: wjtti.-:413cirolr : Fagan resident - isageiY),...te:CeilsIaflir,d..and .4.631)1-•:.1 I1Tii, ihncil'VOtea"-:3='2,:in favOrY1 pay: the'? MIVIC,..n;ii cumulative •:: this,process.-outl:1,t'S...xe7,;eas:y.•tf-,.-:: .2.:. i.il---, .kt....L.Z,...;Jun.....u...,......rs...-,............,..-r,4,.,,,u,yx- p•y .....,:, i... ea',c,-• ,.... . 1-,,: :!.. ...0....„.,,,.....:1_,... •EL:..4-, .- - 01 nn.nrir4.--..i.;-,-,..— ---1-,„z,:: „„,..---,,o.,..... ,• 42.6l..,V.L11,.. ,.: , . -'..1 '.:":-.•'''''' r'...-". - --' — - - -- - — metit progranii.uut.- -. A".---w'sa il'at,ai-ictfandia.Masin•.,Votedr.- - froVainivallY;;Or.a1;1(TutA4j..379.:--Per :-; :it's- $10difficultA .: to stop, it ....,., .4.' -. - ' • •.• 11 (.1-:. : 0;000.:Pro'Pertaluet;;;;;:74.4•- ,r.•- saifle agaiiisf!tlie-•imotibn. Both, a „,,,.._,.... d. r:./no: ii-:•-:p_ai g„e„..,(1,.runani, isupporteag,,'AnNailie'. r: mOtii-r. -' • --: Awada-: and Mayor Tom Egan mouslv • , - --,,,:.•,--,7:1, •.•,- • , z,•,,,-;z1,.-;a:,,-,,,,•:-,.-fpp-ks..*-.;-,•-;-4-•••••,4•::-.;..,---w.-.„ • .: ....,.',....r:4'.:c.:,...,'",.-.....:-.1i: L..A,...?..t....-....,"41W,.. `P.::-...:.. -2 :-.1i.%.',.... i'-';',-: ..) ;7_ :,_, . ,... ':., :'....t,, _--- ... Apple Valley/Rosemount, Eagan Surrcurrent/Wednesday, Dec. 29, 1999 City of Eagan. Y2K Reminder 1 The City of Eagan has inventoried and tested all of its systems for Y2K readi- ness and has found no failures. 1 We have worked closely with other agencies which provide service ',to the community and they too state that they are ready and able to provide service through the change into the new year and beyond. 1 • The. City is committed to protecting the public health, safety and welfare above all else and has therefore created a Y2K contingency plan,, based on the City's Emergency Preparedness Plan which hasserved success- fully through several severe storms and other community emergencies. 1 We encourage residents to prepare their homes and families as they would for a storm or other temporarily disruptive situation. 1 :. High volumes of telephone usage can overload phone systems. We discourage "testing" phoneservice and encourage limiting phone usage during the change -over into the new year. 1 We ask that the public use 9-1-1 only for police, fire or medical emer- gencies throughout this period. Non emergency assistance will be available throughout the day and evening on Friday, December 31, until approximately 12:30 a.m. (or as needed) on January 1, by calling the Municipal Center at 651-681-4600 (TDD for the hearing impaired, 651-454- 8535).. The Maintenance Facility can be reached for non -police emer; gency; City related maintenance needs at 651-681-4300 and will be staffed from 11:30 p.m. on December 31, to 12:30 a.m. (or as needed) on January 1. 1. " If during this time you require emergency assistance and are unable to access 9-1-1 emergency assistance through usual means, staff will be'. located at the following locations to access emergency assistance: Eagan Fire Station #1 3940 Rahn Rd. Eagan Fire Station #2 2980 Lone Oak Cr. Eagan Fire Station #3 4290 Pilot Knob Rd. Eagan Fire Station .#4....,,.•-.-4200:Dodd-Rd}N--x Eagan Fire Station #5 4701 Galaxie Ave. Police Station 3830. Pilot Knob Rd. Maintenance Facility 3501 Coachman Rd. 1 In the event of a power failure, the City is able to manually operateall of its water and sewer utility operations and does not anticipate a disruption of these services. 1 If traffic signals are disrupted due to loss of power or system failure, they should be treated as 4-way stops and general right-of-way rules applied. 1 Street Maintenance operations should not be affected by Y2K. If neces- sary, staff will perform snow and, ice control operations. 1 .Again, the City and its supporting utility suppliers do not anticipate an inability to 'supply.;products and services, but contingency plans must be Made to anticipate any system failures which could potentially impact residents. This, plan relies in part on the services of the Red Cross and the SalvationArmy to provide emergency shelters if necessary. 1 :7o the. best of:ourlknowledgethe City's systems are Year 2000 ready. Although we'are Pike any other business and cannot make guarantees, we: are confident that we will be able to continue to provide uninterrupted public: services to .our citizens and interested parties through the change to the new millennium. What we can assure you is that the City will remain committed tothe public health, safety and welfare. Have'a. Safe & Happy New Year! Mayor Patricia Awada Councilmember Paul Bakken Councilmember Bea Blomquist Councilmember Peggy Carlson Councilmember Sandra Masin -By Sue-Hegarty Staff Writer -. - 7--Former Eagan: Councilmem- ber_Mark:Parranto toldabout;80 •people who ;attendedthe:organi- zational• meeting; of the' Eagan - Sinallusiness-Association:that the association washorne.out of ;., frustration- and concerntithatthe City Council no longer listens to - the business community. Bea Blomquist,.former Eagan mayor, also attended the- meet- ing. Parrantowas the meeting moderator. • "I'-ve,sat-on:the :opposite side of the table.. They won't listen unless: we're: & forceful group who will make our case in a con- structive manner," Parranto said: en cct1/44( ac de- er -•serves- as moderator :s_1gn standaassessments ds pomp is and • land. use and zoning_ _ . • ,changes. Business -owners were asked • the potential inipact of"a to serve on one of"the; subcom- proposed Central Area Ring,- mittees.or to organize&subcom Road and its assessments. mittee.of their-:choice::These are • business property tax ap=_ some -of the issues the associa- tion..wants to address: ' ^-BUSINESS: To -Page 12A. sm.e •:" woets76(ineerned about. roads :,-;',';'PziZ'',3);;.:. .1i.:il*,-;.:;.‘::•: ,,.. riiiisPiite0.1A.;;T:.• . .. .'''-'•: south ofYankee Doodle Roa. A Central Are i Task•force, ., _, , • . , , . ,,,, . • i C Pe saleeiiehange group : ; ., :'' ' - '''`,.--• following day,City Adthinietra;• owners from liesitOiSfand Li .. ' In a telephone intefriieW the ,consisting of §riali-hii6ihe§A review the indristnal etehiL.- tot Tom Hedge ti said the ring on s Club; is ?Eimining ii ring .._ teefrital etandatdkoidinaike.. 'f•-, ' - toad was propoeed to lessen traf toad stridjifirefiered by staff: • PrOpok'sit written city pro-. fie congestion in the C4's cen- "That's been a fitett3;effeectiire cednte manuSl. ': .i,,.,''-, ,.... . ,, .': tiS1 Inn -di -less iiii!rict Knob process," Itedke''S aid .-'' 8elieral business . owners The intetOeCtiiiiri 9f P.il9t6 icbijoi..:t. • At hilt Week'S' etgliiiiiritieriiii Camif,,to.thri meeting COrieerned •• I.. and Yankee Doodleroaa a 1 imeeting, Patiaritci said the time liboiii;::ki)foiiii*ecirririkfl:Oiici Yli;'sitAn.,":1y.4,4,t,',..b., 6; jilt) ,C,7e,114..F,it,:,::..,....t9 !I d d reOe .theOt i04010jgiArrst e rinetiOhi-WithltheCehtiali:: Hedges id g ,......,,,,i#•! they teach the Cit".tohhC11 fel* -4 Atee'.6OnetfuotiOn'PrhieeVif:te'l:IN-{,t,Thetpiite)iiiI:i.":1114 il 700,009,,,l'tt final vote r liminarye..,...,-- It"? plans include the con'y ), square feet of ret,!1_d_eii,eitiPiiherit'il,...:;."YOri.::ii,,.t,9,getyour Jripatii_t struction of two. bridges ovet Iii. ':. - -jit th Town Cent:v melee' ttaiiiP.i.:',9h theeeprdmances now," f -=teistate' 35E just. north ' and 1 portationirilejel:r:ip5ri,e.,!tti„.,.:',. i:iiiito 'kid. • , :, ,,, ,,,,.,. ,,,. . • ..... . .„, .. The function Of, the Small il. :ik, i • ., ' 1 i Bii§frie§S.Asspcition, , differs •:...;, -al, 1,_ : train the tiiinfibei ef denrierce, ,. '.. Parreht8 iaid. . . ,,... ,., iviCUSTO VERTICAL BLI1s1DS•t'.,':::•'----,•:' "The biiiiniii4 firOnlOie bithi7 - -4.i.......,.,. ii Fabrics are color fastivill not fade under normal iise , 4iii in Eagan, but titiyo, iiti. .7 . „ , • • Fabrics are treated with a dust repellent formula to, ', ' designed -ib take On individual • ,,•,.. 1 .epinieate 90% of dust Setilenlerit.'? ? .1:: '_: ---, '5-:.. -',.. city Oriiiiiiiiqe iiiiblenii. We're , t:-..., , .• - • symplloNy.— . , 70 % •',* '-..' here to f4O-SiCie a forumwtief-e !... DOUBLE HoNEVeOMB .:' Oppi!: !:...rOn an mike' your voice heetd,".. CELLULAR SHADE' . " :,,!..'. .% Parranto said: ' • About six members financed the.ekecietiblee. ergehiiitional '..ijneeting.. '. •: . : , . , , • -:‘,.... The next meting of the Edwin Smell Business Aesoeia= Orin ii set for Sept. 14. For more ... '. intetinatien; write to Eagan Small giiSiii'eSS, ASSiielation, 3432 lieriinark AV'el Apt. 111, .:Eagan; MINI 55123. .. . ' • Solids & Prints with Sriecial Peartj Jtns � Bloag 9% of Harmful UV Rays I Superior Insulation � 11666i icining Available • Less Heat Pas i; Thru in Summer • OCFura fit am Evrao:Y s *Piocis _ 15% OFF LS DES CUSTOM 75 .INI BLINDS OFF sroRej-o. YOUR DOOR". 'OP -AT-HOME SERVICE MI.:- • ESTIMATES! • I Apple Valley/Rosemount, Eagan Sun"CurrenVWednesday, Nov. 15, 1995 Eagan joins Livable Communities Act By Sue Hegarty Staff Writer Eagan's City Council voted 4-1 last week to participate in the Local Housing Incentives Ac- count program under the Metro- politan Livable Communities Act. The Livable Communities Act was passed by the Minnesota Legislature last session to estab- lish an aid fund to communities that provide affordable and a va- riety of housing. Councilmember Pat Awada cast the dissenting vote Nov. 6. Awada said she was not comfort- able adopting the act until the Legislature determines what it expects of communities. Each participating communi- ty must adopt principles and goals in the form of a housing agreement by Dec. 15 and an ac- tion plan by June 30, 1996. Eagan City Council expects to adopt the principles and goals at its Nov. 21 and Dec. 5 meetings. A formula has been estab- lished to determine an Afford- able and Life Cycle Housing Op- portunities Amount (ALOHA) that each city must spend to cre- ate affordable and life -cycle housing or to maintain existing stock. An ALOHA amount is not re- quired next year, but the esti- mated amount required by Eagan for 1997 is $97,000. Cities can obtain funding through any available source, such as property taxes or Com- munity Development Block Grants. Council members agreed to participate in the program even though they said Eagan is al- ready doing a good job of provid- ing affordable housing. Some feared transportation and other funding from the state would be tied to whether or not a city par- ticipates in the program. "Our goals are to hold the line. It's mostly to keep what we've got," said Peggy Reichert, community development direc- tor. "You can start out here in an apartment, buy a starter house, move up to a bigger house and then into senior housing or a one -level townhome. The only thing we need is a larger ceme- tery," Reichert said. Each city must develop its own action plan. Mayor Tom Egan was satisfied that the process has been given back to ,the communities for local deci- sion -making. "I, for one, plan to take full ad- vantage of that," Egan said. Participation in the program will not obligate the city to pro- vide additional affordable hous- ing, said Councilmember Shawn Hunter. "This shows good faith if nothing else." The Livable Communities Act expires in the year 2010. Arc offers help to parents By Deb Schewe Staff Writer Jana Magnusson beams when she talks about her 10- year-old daughter's school performance. "Last year she had a 94 percent in spelling," the Apple Valley woman said. Quite an accomplishment for any child, but even more so for Magnus- son's daughter, who has Down syndrome and was taking the same tests as her peers. "She's doing very well." When Magnusson moved to the area almost 10 years ago, her attitude may not have been so positive. She talks openly about looking for someone to turn to for advice while dealing with a 9-month- old child with Down syn- drome. It was during that search that she found Arc Suburban, an organization that provide advocacy, information and sup port for developmentally dis abled people and their families She joined a support grout and shortly found hersel leading the group. This year the Arc Suburbai fund-raiser is 6:30 p.m. Satur day, Nov 18, at Dakota Coun ty Western Service Centel atrium, at the intersection o County Road 42 and Galaxii Avenue in Apple Valley. Pro ceeds from the event are uses to help run Arc programs. The services offered by Aro come in a variety of forms said Joan Fawcett, Arc execu tive director. People are able to find Dakota County infor mation by using an Internee connection in the Arc Subur ban office, 1526 E. 122nd St. Burnsville. For more informs tion about the fund-raiser o: about Arc, call 890-3057. or 18 wheels o City Council unanimously ap- proved the CUP subject to seven minor Conditions. - .Next, the council voted to deny a CUP for. Hoovestol; a 24- hour/ seven-day per week thick' and trailer operation. Hoovestol sought to install underground fuel tanks, build parking for �out- .a capital city in the trucking in- • The first.applicaritwas S.J: door truck grid trailer afar -age - ; dustry. - --. - - - : Knight, --who proposes .to .build a --and operate a"truck-mainte='-- Since 1991, 11 truck and . 20,000 square foot,'building at nance and sales shop for.up to 90 freight terminals have moved to 1335 Eagandale Center in the trucks on the edge. of Eagandale _ ' Eagan. The city tries to stay industrial park 'research Center Industrial.Park across. • Trucking industry raises . issues of safety, economic security in Eagan. _y By Sue Hegarty' Staff Writer. The word is out that Eagan is. • only stretch these roadways so far," Colbert said during a Nov. 6 work session of the City Council: About two hours later during the regular council meeting;. three transportation/manufac`: turing firms requested. Condi- tional Use Permits•(CUP) to run trucking related businesses.. • ahead of the game by widening-- ' and development office:. Jeff from the Wescott Square Town- -. A truck drives on,Lone'Oak Road in Eagan, outside of D. and improving roadways but the Knight and Scott Knight (not ref homes , -; Transit (Mike Howell/Staff Photographer) • : added trucks quickly eat up in lated), owners of Pro -fit Intema,.-.,,.."-= Before. the: council voted, 1 ` creases in vehicle capacity, said Public Works Director Tom Col- bert - "We are being recognized as ~.: one of the major truck terminals in the Twin Cities area. We can tional, plan to design i d Bevel Op custom'mounting brackets for cellular phones; in vehicles. The :. Knights needed a CUP to build a loading dock within 300 feet of a" residential neighliorhood. The .4w-nrunnesota Coaches out- door storage of 22 buses and re- pair service at the ProStop build- ing on the south side of Highway 55, west of Highway 149. Mayor Tom Egan said business-- T es on the fringe ofindustrial cen hours of the operation ?'� , . -. position to the Hoovestol project:' ters should taper off as they near Elizabeth Larson, president • Homeowners 'objected' to under - residential areas..Councilmem-,of the Wescott Homeowners As ground fuel tanks and above bers Ted Wachter and Shawn sociation, presented a petition Hunter' objected to the size and signed by 77 homeowners iri op-'• - '' TRUCK. To Page 8A r- .._,�. .� .r '» s ,. te' „ roads, residents fear the truck. traffic is spilling over into resi- dential neighborhoods: Karen Flood lives on the west end of Lone Oak, a two-lane road . .�-� o.cis:v^ i^ limit allowed on the road. - Flood has asked for the city's help in conducting a study of traf- fic in her neighborhood in order to solve problems she has identified: 8A Apple Valley/Rosemount, Eagan Sun•Current/Wednesday, Nov. 15, 1995 Truck: 11 terminals opened since '91 From Front Page ground storage. They also were concerned about decreased prop- erty values and an increase in truck -related traffic at the non - signalized intersection. John Houston, president of the Wescott Townhomes south- west of the denied project, said he did not sign the petition be- cause he supports economic de- velopment. However, he did want to see a landscaping plan that would offer a visual buffer to separate the commercial land from the industrial park. Jan Mitchell spoke against Hoovestol operating 24- hours/day. She also asked to see alighting plan. Next on the agenda, the coun- cil was asked to approve a CUP to allow Minnesota Coaches out- door storage of 22 buses and re- pair service at the ProStop build- ing on the south side of Highway= 55; west of Highway 149. Minnesota Coaches, which runs buses for the Minneapolis School District and to Hastings, Farmington and Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport, is looking to move its Roseville op- eration to Eagan. Pat Regan, president of Minnesota Coaches, said his request "triggers an op- portunity for the city to control what happens to this site." DART Transit, which owns the site; has spent $600,000 to im- prove the property since purchas- ing it last year, according to Daniel Oren of DART Transit. The buses "would fuel at the main DART ter- minal on Lone Oak Road. The City Council unanimous- ly approved the project, subject to incremental improvements to the site. As more trucks take to Eagan roads, residents fear the truck traffic is spilling over into resi- dential neighborhoods. Karen Flood lives on the west end of Lone Oak, a two-lane road without curb, walkways or im- proved shoulder between Pilot Knob Road and Highway 13. She is concerned that Lone Oak Road has become an unsafe alterna- tive to Yankee Doodle, Pilot Knoh and Lexington. "If there are enough roads to carry trucks and if there's snarling traffic on well-built roads, then the city should have the right to examine that," Flood said. She suspects many truck dri- vers don't realize that stretch of Lone Oak Road is two lanes until it's too late. The hill, combined with a school and park nearby, make the area non -compatible with trucks,- she said: "I'm not advocating the county make us a super highway." Instead, she wants -Dakota County to -reduce the weight -limit allowed on the road. Flood has asked for the city's help in conducting a study of traf- fic in her neighborhood in order to solve problems she has identified. Park bond issue to appear on ballot By Sue Hegarty Staff Writer Purchasing land in Eagan to preserve for city parks is the focus of a $3.8 million bond referendum on the primary ballot Sept. 10. A yes vote will allow the city of Eagan to raise property taxes to fund land purchases. For example, a resident with property valued at $120,000 would pay an•estimated $17 per year more in taxes for a 15 years. To figure individual increase esti- mates, residents can multiply their property's market value by .00143. The owner of a business in Eagan valued at $1 million would pay an annual increase of $143. When the city's master plan for parks was updated in 1995, the City Council and its park advisory council considered land acquisi- tion for parks as a priority. In the last five years, for example, 1,525 &+nCuyuC7/Agi4b What's next What Informational meet- ing on park bond referendum. When: 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5. Where: Eagan Municipal Center, 3830 Pilot Knob Road. Information: 681-4660. acres of open space was converted to residential, commercial or in- dustrial uses. An Open Space Task Force was created to exam- ine the need for a referendum and to choose candidate parcels for purchase. Originally, there were 41 acquisition sites identified by the task force, who with the coun- cil's help, narrowed the list to 20. Community support for land preservation was demonstrated last year when residents abutting Carriage Hills Golf Course urged the city to deny a developer's re- quest to rezone the golf course from public facility to single-fami- ly houses and townhomes. The golf course was sold to Ray and Rosie Rahn of Rosemount, owners of Rich Valley Golf Course. It remains open as a golf course. On the Open Space Task Force list of 20 property candidates, there is a portion of a 200-acre par- cel owned by Dart Transit. The site is just east of Eagan Promenade, a residential commercial project currently under construction. At the same time that the city explored the idea of buying the golf course, they also considered buying all 200 acres, then owned by Northwestern Mutual Life In- surance Co. (NWML). The city prepared an option agreement to buy the NWML land for $1 million ($700,000 in cash BOND: To Page SA - On 15 or more 777 3563 SILHOUETTE St& CentuiyA e36 windows! COMPARE PRICES "I've•been installing • hitches for 27 years ° AND SAVE Most Class I Standard :...$69.95 Installed Most Class I Receiver ... ;$89.95 Installed, includes insert Class II Receiverstan at$139.95 Installed, includes insert Class I I IReceiverstan ats139.95 Installed • Most Class I, II, III & IV in stock : • Hitches installed while you wait • We install equalizers and electric brakes for large trailers • We install Rigid Hitch, Draw Tite, Da'Ian & Reese • We wire for trailer lights BURNSVILLE TRAILER HITCH NEW LOCATION[ 3550 W. HWY. 13 BURNSVILLE (2 blocks W. of Menards North side of HWY 13) 894-8895 Full Si 8A Apple Valley/Rosemount,•Eagen Sun•Current/Wednesday, Aug. 28, 1996 . EAGAN PARK. OND REFERENDUM Bond: Land acquisition faces vote From Page 1A and $300,000 through special as- sessment). Ray Connelly, hired by the city to do an appraisal, valued the 200 acres at $2 million. NWML Insurance Co. wanted to sell the land in 1995 and was unwilling to wait until 1996 when, the city intended to sched- ule public hearings regarding the purchase and they later sold the land to Dart Transit owners..Cur- rently, Dart is offering the land for.sale in subdivisions. Approxi- mately 80 acres of the parcel re- mains a candidate site for pur- chase. if the referendum passes. Task force members have said that they expect 120, acres of open • space could be purchased, .de- pending upon land prices. Including the 80-acre Dart property, the list totals nearly 300 _ acres. Should the referendum pass, that list will again be nar- rowed.based upon land appraisals and attempts to • solicit purchase agreements. Three of the 20 prop- erty owners have expressed a will-, • ingness to sell their property, said Ken Vraa, parks director. Another parcel on the list that has received more than 10 years of Public attention is a 30-acre site • south of Diffley Road, adjacent. to• Art Park. Prior to the ing, the Caponis explained the terms of their proposal. The intent of the purchase, if agreed upon, would be to preserve the land as an extension of the Caponi Art Park and for connec- tions to public trails. The Caponis said they can't afford to pay taxes on the property and have an offer from -a residential builder. They would prefer to sell to the city so that the' land would'remain-as open space, Capon said.. The Caponis are asking for $25,000 per acre and are asking the city to purchase 25 of the 30 available acres. Caponi :would own the other five and agree to develop the_smaller•lot for park- ing and an education center. A majority of the council de- clined making an Intent to pur- chase, saying it would jeopar- dize their credibility prior to the referendum. Of the other sites listed by the task force, most are intend- ed to remain open space. The. Eagan Athletic Associa- tion (EAA), representing about 5,000 households, has not taken an official position -on the refer-. endum, according to Bob Feder- er, vice president of EAA. . At an EAA meeting. Aug: 15, the 18-member board discussed the' issus tiF✓Jf.,.y:y 0 up to 20 acres foropen space up to 15 acres for access to Lemay Lake © up to 100 acres for open space or community park 0 up to 10 acres adjacent to -North Park/trail connection . 0 up to 80 acres for open space and trail development 0 adjacent to parcel #5 • 0 up to 20 acres for open space or community/ • neighborhood park 0 up to 10 acres for open space with wetland viewing 0-up to 20 acres for neig_h- . borhood park • ..4 ®up to 10 acres as link to Windcrest and Patrick • • Eagan Parks ® up to 10 acres as link to &- Curry and Patrick Eagan , Parks ® up to 10 acres for open space and addition to Patrick Eagan Park up to 7 acres for trail con- nection to Lakeside Park up to 15 acres for open space and resource preservation' ® up to 30 acres for open space and trail connec- tions up to 5 acres for open space and to maximize shoreline up to 40 acres.as open space and addition to 'Linear Park t up to 2 acres for trail con- nection up to 8 acres for expan- sion of HolzFarm Park • �1 up to 5 acres•for open ' space youth, there would be more incli- • Blue Shield in Eagan. nation to favor it. That's not the "Spring soccer hinges on the case," Federer said. - private market," said Peggy EAA has added soccer and Carlson, EAA publicity chair. softball programming, during But EAA projections made for the past five years. • • the city's Parks Master Plan show The_ city and SchoolDistrict the level of participation in 1995 is upluaini:; - __ CARYN ELDER/EDITORIAL ARTIST erendum included funds for • park development. City Council members ultimately reduced the amount' of the referendum and. narrowed its purpose to only land acquisition. The referendum question Apple Valley/Rosemount,;Eagan Sun•Current/Wednesday, Aug. 28, 1996 7A 2 hoteiprojccts OK'd for Cedar Avenue corridor By Sue Hegarty Staff Writer Two foul -story hotels will be built side by side along the Cedar Avenue corridor. a 108-room Comfort Suites and Con- ference Center and a 104-room Sleep Inn. Both hotels will be accessible from Cliff Road via Nicols-Road in Eagan; be- hind the- Holiday Store and fast food restaurants. The Comfort Suites hotel will feature a walk -out basement meeting room, with a convertible 100-seat. staged meeting. room/theater for tele-conferencing. A liquor license will be requested by the Comfort Suite developers, Honey Tree Limited of Burnsville. Both hotels will have pools and overlook an existing pond. Trails, four gardens and a picnic overlook will be added around the pond area.. 12 year warranty . .. ".. Ray Anderson, Honey Tree vice presi- daycare center, -funeral home or auto. dent, said both hotels will be moderately, mall occupy the site. The land is desig- • priced and hopefully attract the business nated as a commercial shopping center • traveler or the.Mall of America.tourist., site: - • The Eagan City Council voted unani- Gary Tankenhoff, owner of the proper: mously to approve the development pro- ty for the past 28 said he hasn't had • ject, despite objections,.from residents, purchase offers from such businesses. who said it would be too intense for their "This. is the best thing I have come neighborhood. The plan falls 36 parking stalls, short of what the city requires. Council mem- bers approved a parking variance be-. cause Honey. Tree arranged foroverflow parking at neighboring businesses. When the project was•first presented, the hotels were five stories tall and a•' Country Kitchen -restaurant was includ- ed. Honey Tree planners dropped the . restaurant, but. added ,about 20 rooms onto the site. - - Residents said. they'd prefer to see a across," Tankenhoff said. He urged ,the council to approve the hotel proposal, as did neighboring prop- erty owners and managerP: . "It's a great use for this site," said Brad Schaefer, manager of Cliff Place Commercial Center, a nearby strip• mall. ."It means less traffic, less competition • -. and more clients:-' • Ann Carlon, president of the Eagan Convention -and Visitors Bureau; said.the Comfort Suites conference center will be a nice addition to the city's hotel listings. AUGUST/SEPTEMBER Not all stores open on Sunday or Monday. • BALLET " ~ ACADEMY Official School of Ballet Minnesota CBA Children have the opportunity to : perform in Ballet Minnesota's NUTCRACKER . at O'Shaughnessy:Auditorium Dec. 17-22 with the Kenwood Chamber Orchestra `splendid use of Children." Star Tribune Classes Begin:- September •9 Open House: Aug: 27 & Sept. 7 -Directors: Cheryl & Andrew Rist 249 E. 4th St., St. Paul • 290-0513 • Developers disagree on rezoning issue By CHRISTY CLAPP • , Commercial land — those who don't have it want it, and those who have it don't want others to _get it. The Eagan City Council and the Advisory. Planning Commission held a joint meeting Sept. 25 to listen to the pleas of developers, landowners and residents concert ning the revamping of the com- prehensive. guide plan. The plan offers suggested uses of land in the city and guidelines for development. The council has made_it clear • that it .feels there is plenty of commercially zoned land in the city and that .developers should look at land already zoned com- mercial before requesting re- zoning. One of the developers attempt- ing an uphill battle for rezoning is" • Thorson Cornwell Klohs Co. The company presented a plan for a. multi -use commercial center called 35E-Diffley Center. The company, made up of Roland Cornwell, . Hugh Thorson* and Dennis Klohs;: has .a site plan • drawn up for the northeast corner . of Diffley Road and Interstate. 35E. The 94.8-acre site is —zoned single-family and multi -family" residential. The 735,000 .square' feet would contain retail space, a recreational facility, professional space and a '. public dedication parcel. The developers have sign- ed commitments from Dayton - Hudson for -a 102,000-square-foot Target store and from Northwest Racquet and Swim Club for a'. 170,000-square-foot facility, ac- cording to Klohs. • • Peter Jarvis, the developer's representative, .made a presenta- tion to the -council and commis- sion. He said the location was ideal for commercial use. "I'm +not here to knock down 20 years of planning, but there have been. some changes in Eagan. The . ' larger issue is -- considering the evolution of Eagan -- does. this • concept make sense at the site? Zoning does not make commer- cial . development happen, but it can preclude it from happening," . Jarvis said. - - Don Carol from; Target said, "Diffley. Center puts us in the center of the population trade area. If we move it we would be stealing business from another (Target) store.!' He said the.com- pany estimated that 70 percent of.• • its sales would come from the surrounding residential areas, such as the Cedar Grove and Thomas L_ ake.neighborhoods. Target had. considered other sites, in Eagan, but found the Dif- fley location to be superior.for its . use, Carol said: "Is Target's maximum profit a city goal?" developer Jim Curry • asked. He opposed rezoning for the project. "Target wants the spot more than Eagan needs Target. All the major' companies want stores here..If they can't get one spot, they'll get another: -I .believe Target will be here; it's just a matter 'of where. • • "Everyone of -every conse- quence wants to be here. • Don't think you're going to be.left out in the shuffle," Curry said to the council. "I don't think* we're .in some kind of race to see who can getXYZ company first. The ques- tion is -- Do we have enough com- mercial? And I think we do." Curry owns a 194-acre commer= -cial parcel, what he called the largest piece of commercial land in the city:. Curry is developing Eagan Conveiuence Center at the southeast corner of Lexington' Avenue and Diffley Road. "Peo- ple have asked, 'Why haven't we got major shopping areas here?' Well, • we're just reaching that point now." ` - ` • - Martin Colon of Federal. Land Co., the, developer of Town Cen- . tre,_ also objects to- zoning changes. "It's unfair to owners of commercial land, who've paid commercial " taxes, to rezone from residential to commercial. Changes in Toning can break down the highway system; violate -state 'guidelines and create other problems for the. city. The design and planning of the roads is consistent with the -comprehensive guide•plan." . Harold Sheff, an attorney for Robert and - Grace O'Neil, re- quested rezoning for the 102-acre' O'Neil parcel, to commercial at Yankee Doodle Road and I-35E. A 1985 rezoning denial by the coun- cil resulted in the filing of an $8.7 million lawsuit against the city. The council and commission also had reservations- about rezoning the 35E-Diffley_ Center parcel. Among .them was the ability of Diffley Road to handle the traffic that such " a center would create. . "Diffley is maximized and it's a - substandard road. It- cannot carry more traffic that it does now," Mayor, Bea Blomquist said. Council Member Vic Ellison had concerns about traffic travel- ing through the Cedar Grove area to get to the center. . Another joint council and com- mission meeting to discuss the comprehensive guide plan is set for.7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27 at the Municipal Center. A public hear- ing on theplan will be in Novem- ber. • - f cot %flanntivetWil etitio",try E O 5 �ti�s �c7e�'Goat5 � a 40,4,40,4,61 k011- A"- #krA011"te REGISTER TO WIN AM -FM CASSETTE TAPE COMPONENT SYSTEM s 12500 VALUE DRAWING OCT. 15th Aft Air Need Not Be Present To Win IINfintike 914140044frii_ DreSS S • for I ""rwiti piwaw6 *of COMPLETE DRY CLEANING AND LAUNDRY SERVICE CURRENT COUPON SPECIALS AND DISCOUNTS DO NOT APPLY TO THESE SPECIALS Monday -Friday 7:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. Saturday 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. 1288 TOWN CENTRE DRIVE 452-3294 82A ' SEPTENI$E N,-1986 • THISWEEK Perpich calls Latimer, Jenning too extreme to be elected l Lori Sturdevant Staff Writer Gov. Rudy Perpich characterized both St. Paul Mayor George Latimer and` House Speaker David Jennings as too extreme. for Minnesota, in a weekend statement that might be a preview of punches he'll throw in his campaign. Perpich said in the statement, pre- pared for- DFL county and legislative district. conventions, that neither Latimer, his' DFL primary rival, nor. Jennings, an undeclared candidate whoi, could be his IR opponent, is• electable. That's contrary to the conclusion of a statewide poll conducted for Lati- mer -in the closing weeks of March, which tiad the St. Paul mayor best - in _ Per'.ich, 45 percent to 43 per - 'very hard. to forge; and which have made us one of the most successful states in,the nation," " Perpidf .predicted that he "will win reelection "because I believe gov- ernment .must be both efficient. and compassionate, lean but not mean, and because I'm neither. to `the ' left northe right, but forward." ' ` , ".The Latimer, poll "also found that . most Minnesotans see their governor as one who "talks a good game,:but doesn't follow through": (59. percent said that at least• partly' describes Perpich);' and "is too inconsistent,_ keeps changing his mind" (57 per- cent itsaid that at least partly de, - scribes Perpich)., It found that while Latimer• is still largely an unknown . political figure to about a quarter "of those ,:polled, are likelier to vote for the endorsed candidate, while 52 percent said it made no difference to them who.was endorsed, and 3 percent said the party's backing made them less like- ly- to vote for that candidate. in the:. primary. , Latimer has• said he is not a candi-. date for DFL endorsement.. Richard. Broeker, .his campaign manager,. said .the poll. shows that, Latimer has "a very solid •foundation statewide" for. his effort to defeat Perpich. Charles dole • St. Louis Park Hwy. 100 at 36th Street 929-1351 . Minneapolis Star and Tribune Tues., Aprll 15,1986 on our unsurpassed collection of indoor and. outdoor casual furniture: Mon. -Fri. 9-9 Sat. 9=5:30 Sun. Noon-5 FURNITURE AS GRACIOUS AS YOUR LIFESTYLE • __ ,: riasts Arden Hills 1160 W. Cty. Rd. E. at Lex. 484-8555 "1. " • ' / ' • 1'/ V.t':••iV .",le • • 1 ' eve o er BY:Diana Ettel Gonzalez Staff Writer, ,, • , 010- • •! „ " , • t t. Souttileast, of ElOoniiiiiton;;Yhere: GlierVleiiahtllirotlier§‘ announced!. thlir Welt:last year to mall complete with kwater7park and "- another:,,,,4veloper has ben making relatively quiet plans to buildniT* major. water amusement Pat* INPf4ga0. Thp Eagan City Councilrenewed its approval this month of the 33-acre Sp lfrand iWater f i'ark,- which when : • 4;1%4% • •• •-Q rnmunit ' .• • •.1.1 IVIinneapolis•Stat and Tributie,-, • ,.•• La • . : • „ 7'4 Tuesday • April 15/1986: 's 6B an may'make..waves for Ghermeziansi. • rni , fully developed would be three times larger than the triega-mall'p water yeN, ,,•••• Splashlana to be built atCedar •-kv. ape, Diffley received prelfmi- nar& approval'last year. Developer Toni -Webster, Whogia's been arrang- ing financingVOrerthe ;Project; •!: re- ceived an extension of that approval this spring. , , • • •*:' - • ' Webster said his project will feature A 24,000-square-foot pool that creates oceanlike waves' where people cnn bOdy-surf, swim and' float, in rafts:, The pool will,bes partot the $6 mil- lion initial phase of the development; which may open as early as next .• spring. When completed four years from its opening date, the park. will have cost $12 to $15 million.and will accommodate about 6,000 visitors. When fully developed, Splashland; will include 15 to 20 types of slides;; large heated whirlpools each holding up .to 75 ,,people, • severalartificial; rivers with mock .rapids where visiri •tors cane ride . inner • tubes, wateri rides,' an- adult pool that will. offer drop-off slides, lily • pad walks and other amusement activities, an. out- door :Amphitheater = that will; seat 1,800, people, gift shops and restau- rants. , - • ' • , • • ,. • , "I tried to take the best ideas out of the bigger ones in the country," said Webster. "Our operations man was Weil:ea' manager -at, Disney World: Number, one on the list was safety. I want everybody to have a very en- joyable stay, and know they're going . to)be safe." • . • ' Webster, a Bloomington business- man,' said he is not worriedabout competition from the mega-mall'be- cause. its, water park and huge sub-.. .marine -lake are to be indoors. • • "The Ghermezians' -water park idea , is kind of -like the'rest of their proj- ect: 'it's so grandiose that -it doesn't make money," he,said. "Ours will be more successful because it's outside. ' "They say (an indoor park), gives them year -around opportunity," said Webster. "(But) one of a water park's biggest attributes is the sun.,?; All over the world, water parks work; so darn much better outside during az, short season' than enclosed. -You'reA really hard pressed for people::: think of swimming suits in D.ecem-.?, ber." He said he chose. Eagan becausert "It's on the side of town that llas Valleyfair, the racetrack, the zoo — it's called, the entertainment quarP., ter?! - •• • • • :J r • • • • • u City to appeal court order to OIL townhouses By CHRISTY CLAPP . The Eagan City Council will ap- peal a court order requiring the city to,grant preliminary plat ap- proval for a townhouse develop- ment. - • Dakota County, District Court Judge. John Goggins ordered : a . peremptory_ writ, of, mandamus .,March:2, that called for. the ap- proval of Johnny Cake Ridge,fifth. • addition for Good Value. Homes. Whilelegal counsel Paul Hauge acknowledged that the chances of having the ruling overturned are . "probably not very good," the council decided March 17 to make an appeal. -The .city .will_be making a.mo-. tion in district court on March 31 for a stay of the order until the ci- ty has a chance to make a full ap- peal, which is about six months. • The order now' calls for .the.City to. t..'.°.�r''. .. :•'.tip ]111ii};F.1�+iiioy�i1,... comply and submit written evidence of compliance on orby March 31. . The city denied the application .last September after the Ad- visory Planning .Commissidn recommended denial. The'parcel in question was sold -to .Good-- ,.. Value a couple'' of. years., ago by Orrin •Thompson: Homes; Orrin Thompson was granted, approval- in 1984 . of Johnny • Cake Ridge fourth addition. The proposed fifth addition is located on' an outlot of the fourth addition. Thee plat in question consists.of three four -unit buildings. The reasons cited by ,the city. for denial are as follows: -*The planning commission re- commended denial. -Appeal See p. 8A bAL '% IUAL NTAGE ATE SANDS THAN HE ) RTS! r i= r am on i COUPON wiz m i t imd 1 1 1 FREE 1 1 1 SECURITY SYSTEM 1 1 WITH ANY 1 I NEW CAR, TRUCK or 1 1 VAN PURCHASE 1 1 1 ONLY WITH THIS COUPON! 1 EXPIRES 44187 1 1 1 In ow gm non- mo oum••R --a asw• artu • f C.n. s� WILROY VALLEY FORD ay. RA 42 ter u N W-+- E I *zoo s (Owh 4 mi. west of the too) FULL SERVICE DEALER FORD Appeal ........ o... o......... (continued from front) •The density of the entire pro: ject would increase. •Soil conditions affect the drainage and building suitability. •Aesthetics. •No utility services were . available. •Representations by Orrin -Thompson indicated that the area would not be developed in that manner and would remain an association common area. The judge's order states that because the council cited no in- stances of non-compliance with city zoning or platting • or- dinances, and since the plat com- plies with city ordinances and state laws, approval must be granted. • "In denying. approval of the preliminary plat of Johnny Cake Ridge fifth addition, • the city of Eagan has acted in -an ,arbitrary, and capricious manner, contrary to its own.. ordinances and the' laws of the state of Minnesota," the mandamus read. • Hauge reported to the council that he tried to argue in court that the development contract in 1979 with Orrin Thompson reflected 150 townhouse. units, not in- cluding the 12 new Good Value_ Homeunits. • • Good Value Homes, one of:the largest builders in the metropolitan area, has its main office in Blaine. According to Richard Beens, an attorney for Good Value, this is the first time the company has entered into a lawsuit against a city. He stated he is "very confident" that the appeal will not be successful. "The issue is whether or not the city is going to follow the laws. that it writes itself. I'm astound- ed at what they're doing," Beens said. At the council meeting, the city council asked John Peterson, who represented Good Value, if .the company would consider reduc- ing the number of units from 12 to eight. Peterson indicated it would not. • "When a developer comes in and makes an agreement it ought to.be abided by. I'm very, much appalled by your arrogant at- titude. .We made an agreement with the other developer," Mayor Bea_Blomquist said. Council Member Tom Egan said the issue was a question of reliance. "We have a right, if not a duty, to uphold this (150-unit development contract)." Council Member Jim Smith said the appeal was "worth a shot." Council Member Ted Wachter agreed and made the motion for an.appeal. at the library April events y planned. at the Eagan Library* The Eagan :Library, 1340 Wescott Rd., is; the site for a -.- number of activities 'scheduled in. April. . The 80-minute color film "Reading Aloud: " Motivating Children to Make Books into Friends, Not Enemies" 'will be shown 1 and 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 6. The film is'by Jim Trelease, author "of the "Read - Aloud Handbook." The film is for. adults only, and Continuing Education. Units are available. Registration is required. • Three films, recommended for children 3-6 years old, will be shown 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Wednesday, April,8. There is no admission fee, and the films are "Robin Redbreast," "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" and "Chicken Little." The entire' family is invited to Bedtime Storytime 7 p.m. Thurs- day, . April 9 at the Library. Stories of interest to children 2 years old and up will be read. Tiny Tots Storytime for 2- and 3-year-olds will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 16 and 11:15 a:m. Frvlav Anril 17 A narent_must National. Library Dakota County libraries will celebrating , National Libre Week, April , 5-11. -This ye `theme is "Take Time to Re and was chosen by'the Ameri Library' Association: Special programs •and.displ are planned for libraries Burnsville, Eagan, Farming Hastings and West St. P Library visitors will hav chance to cast their votes - favorite reading materials in Reader "of the Year poll. L results will be forwarded to American Library Associa and will be included in nati election results. , `l'lome buyers seminar" schedul The Friends of the Ea Library' will sponsor Home B ers Information Night at p.m. Tuesday, April 14 'at Eagan Library, 1340 Wescott Questions about buying a ho will be answered, and ;;refr ments will be served. seminar will be hosted by Me Lynch Realty/Burnet of, Da County. Wenzel wins Dakota Award by S. Maus Bettenga Every year, the Northern Dakota County Chambers of Commerce present its Dakota Award to the person it believes has contributed most to the quality of life in the county. The chamber was not able to select a single winner -this year. It chose two: • Larry Wenzel, president of Wenzel Mechanical of Eagan, and John: LeMay, corporate - counsel and'mortgage represen- tative for Signal Bank in West St. - Paul, were' honored Thursday for their civic and personal con- tributions to life in Dakota Coun- ..ty. Each received 'the Dakota Award.:. Larry Wenzel and Doneene, his wife, -celebrated the Dakota Award. "This award can't be achieved by one individual," Wenzel told Wenzel: To Page 2 /-/'3/7.. 1 dicating .it will Iobby the Legislature to change the law on tax increments. The county's•objection is not to the original intent -of the law, to help cities redevelop . blighted areas and to provide housing for low income families, . said Keri - Harrington, program manager .for the county's planning depart- ment. _ ",The concern is of • overuse, . especially for economiCdevelop- ment purposes," be said. "The `cities say that without .it, development would not occur at . a certain Location. We say it's a public subsidy to private businesses." ' -" - Cities should have-. to . prove that .development would' not oc- cur, -.their . interpretations have been' much too liberal,` -he said.. Tlie, long. term advantages of . hnvino. hllsinP.ssP.S. 10catehere • but recently we've been com- Maybe McStop would ,not have plaining and commenting." gone into Lakeville, but it would Last week the County Board , have gone into the metro area. It issued a position paper in- -was not a- choice between Lakeville and South Dakota." Burnsville is using tax-- increment•financing in a grading project for an industrial park* south • of County Road' 42 and west of County Road 5. "They're readying "it for .in- dustrial and commercial development, and I don't think it's appropriate," Streefland said. "That land will. develop through private enterprise." • The project is furthering the city's goal to get industrial development,' said Greg Konat, Burnsville `community develop ment;director., _ "We.believe if it were not for this incentive program, the pro- ject would be delayed to .the ex tent where' it is hard, to say if it would .even` occur," .he/ said. photo by S. Maus Bettenga Larry Wenzel, left, accepted congratulations from Norm Storbakken, Northern Dakota County Chamber president. Wenzel: One of two winners From Page 1 chamber members gathered at Mendakota Country Club. He said having his wife and family at his side helped him become a successful businessman and be involved in many civic ac- tivities. Wenzel has been a long-time member of the Northern Dakota County and Burnsville Chambers of Commerce; presi- dent of the Northern Dakota County Chambers in 1983; charter member of the Eagan Development Commission and chairman of that commission; charter member of the Eagan Lions, club: president of the Eagan Lions Club in 1976; secretary -treasurer Lions District 5M1; and president Twin City Piping Association in 1987. He has also received the District Governor's Award for Outstanding Service and Unselfish Dedication and receiv- ed the Outstanding Leadership Award from the Twin City Pip- ing Association in 1985. The other award winner, John LeMay, was not able to attend the presentation because he was out of town. However, a transmission of the phone con- versation between him and Norm Storbakken, chamber president, was broadcast to the gathering at Mendakota. LeMay was honored for his in- volvement in services for the mentally disabled. "He has a long history of encouraging Dakota County communities to share a commitment to quality services for people with disabilities," said Dan Aberg, chamber executive director. He has been associated with the St. Paul Rehabilitation Center, the Phoenix Benefit Association, ARC/Minnesota, ARC/Suburban, Dakota's Children Inc., DIALOG and the National Symposium on Quality Assurance. In 1986, LeMay received the Lifetime Achieve- ment Award from the Associa- tion of Residential Resources in Minnesota. The Dakota Award recognizes an individual who either lives or works in Dakota County who has made a contribution to the bet- terment of the quality of life in the county by personal efforts not related to his or her vocation. EAGAN l MINNESOTA SUBURBAN NEWSPAPERS Wednesday. December 23. 1'387 TWO SECTIONS School boundaries Change cc by S. Maus Bettenga g Construction of three D. trict t. 196 schools in Eagan has sent v tremors throughout the d' trict. f The next shock wave to wash y over residents will be bou dary c changes for many of the el: men- y tary, middle and high sch. els. A step toward makin : the s public aware of proposed boun- tl dary changes was taken Pec. 15 r with a meeting of inte ested V residents at Northview El men- d tary School. Tom Wilson prin- cipal on special assignme t and s future principal of Eaga High b School, outlined planand k answered questions from about 100 parents and students. p "We're going to be loo ing at n crowded schools throuph the f, year 2000," Wilson to d the s School earir Nine alternative biundary options have been de eloped three for elementa , three for middle and three or high schools) for the o s tiling of three District 196 sc ools in the next two years. Maps and descri • 'ons of the options will ap . r in the January edition of the district newsletter "Spotlight" which will be mailed to all district residents the last week in December. Extra copies of y.al4il lal Ul Vl IUe . I JStudy finils most Eagan residents contented By Richard Chin CG Staff Writer GL A—C' (t 7 You might call them the young and the contented. According to a recent survey of Eagan households, the suburb's residents are dominated by baby boomers who really like life in their town. They should be happy. According to the survey, they're young, with a median age of those over 18 at a mere 32. Half the adults in the city are between 25 and 34 years old. They're also making pretty good money: median household income is $39,200. Nearly half of the residents have "up -scale white collar jobs," and 60 percent have attended college. "They're young suburban profes- sionals," said Diane Traxler, vice president of Decision Resources Ltd., a Minneapolis market re- search firm that conducted the sur- vey for Eagan. The $6,200 poll was commis- sioned by the city primarily to measure residents' attitudes on a community center project the city is considering. City officials found that 75 percent of the 404 people surveyed supported the proposal, with a swimming pool listed as the most desired feature. "We're very enthusiastic that the public is warming to the idea of a community center," Mayor Vic El- lison said. But Ellison said, "What was the most illuminating to me was the positive feeling that most people have to the city." The poll, with a margin of error of plus or minus 5 percent, found that 50 percent of the residents think the quality of life in Eagan is good and another 43 percent think it is excellent, one of the highest ratings Decision Resources has found in the metro area. The most popular features cited about the city are its location and its rural and suburban qualities. Residents also gave good marks to the city's parks, police, fire protec- tion and neighborhoods, but were a Al little less enthusiastic about snow of plowing, drainage, flood control and street repairs. The specific problems that resi- dents most often noted were too much growth, no shops and airport B. noise. st The survey also found division between residents who have a sub- to urban vision of the city and those loi who would prefer a less developed sti rural version. nit Ellison said he believes most bo residents would support quality de- th velopments for the city. Please see Survey/2B �r LV al ILL uuQULl utson t their chosen charity. W Housing construction has remained healthy in Eagan, despite the Eagan's housing opportunities have helped the city grow to near - recession that has plummeted housing starts in other areas. ly 50,000 people. (Photo by Terrance Mencel) Eagan looks ahead to 21st century By Terrance Mencel Progress has been said to be judged by the eye of the beholder. To look at the Eagan of today com- pared to 10 years ago is testimony enough to see progress has been made. Brimming with nearly 50,000 people, Eagan has achieved the threshold of a significant community, said Mayor Tom Egan. "Eagan is beyond adolescence, and we are now in the young adult stage of our existence," Egan said. Judging eyes need only to look at the 35-square-mile city and through the spat- tering of majestic oaks. They will see one of the most advanced high schools in the country, beautiful parks connected by a maze of trails, shopping centers, and a healthy housing market against a backdrop of leading world corporations. And there's more to come as the city develops the remaining third of its land. As a young adult, Eagan has the poten- tial to achieve great success, he said. To meet the city's needs, city officials will look to a 21st Century Task Force which will identify Eagan's "missing elements." What visions the task force outlines will help Eagan prepare for the 80,000 residents expected by the year 2010. "As a resident, it's been difficult to be patient ... Not to have a high school, not to have those things you can rally around," Hedges said. "Now, having a high school in our community, just see- ing the name, `Eagan football team, Groundbreakings have become a familiar occurence during Eagan's growth years. Eagan basketball team,' is providing a sense of community — a sense of recognition." Indeed, Eagan High has brought together future leaders who were once divided by schools outside the city. But residents in Eagan's other two school districts don't have to feel Left out of this growing sense of community. The newly established Eagan Foundation will unite people and groups while it meets their needs. West Publishing Company's land donation to the Eagan YMCA steps up the timeline for establishing such a center in Eagan. The City Council also has moved along plans for the city's own ice arena and outdoor swimming pool. "As Eagan continues to add more population in the '90s and into the 21st century, we're going to look at other kinds of facilities perhaps such as a hospital," Hedges said. The city needs a strategic outline. A YMCA and ice arena will help fill the needs a community of 50,000 people perceive to have, Egan said. Such centers increase the marketability of homes. Adults and children will have a place where they meet, relax, work out and play. The community has to determine when an ice arena -outdoor swimming pool is built, Egan said. "This community center will come, but it should not come until the community is ready for it," he said. Hedges agreed the challenge goes out to the community. But an ice arena doesn't complete the community. Other group activities contribute as well, such as the Eagan Stagedoor Performers, Chamber of Commerce and a wide variety of service organizations. To move along with those efforts, city officials will become more aggressive to capture quality development. City needs include movie theaters, upscale shops and more first-class restaurants. OUTLOOK: To Page 3 Page 2—Eagan Outlook —Wed., Oct. 16, 1991 BUSINESS Chamber focuses on services for members By Daniel Aberg The Chamber of Commerce has been described as a "business doing business for business." That definition is certainly succinct and probably is as accurate a definition as any I have ever heard. That is why so much of our planning time is spent trying to come up with more and new services for our members and constituents. Besides the traditional subjects, such as: government action, economic develop- ment and community action, a lot of time has been devoted to presenting issues that affect our members. Those issues include light rail transit, airport, en- vironmental concerns, and particular seminars to help business people keep up with the ever changing world we live in. With that in mind, the Chamber was proud to be designated as a public access site for Minnesota Project Outreach (MPO). MPO is a public/private enter- prise developed as a comprehensive in- formation system to aid in the success of our state's entrepreneurs and small businesses. The system's power comes from its ability to provide rapid, authoritative answers to technical and business questions. The partnership is made up of the system's designer, Teltech Corporation; the University of Offers business information system Daniel Aberg Minnesota's Carlson School of Business; the Minnesota Department of Trade and Economic Development; and Minnesota Technology (formerly the Greater Min- nesota Corporation). The system is open for all businesses, whether you're a Chamber member or 686-0632 EAGAN • 1380 Duckwood Drive • Dairy Queen of Eagan Bldg. HOURS: M-F 10:30a.m.-10:30 p.m. • Sat & Sun. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. not. As a system user, you can tap into this resource at no charge (within prescribed limits) . You can: • Consult with thousands of the na- tion's leading experts in science and technology. • Search libraries of the world for needed technical and business information. • Pursue licensable technologies available form the University of Minnesota. • Explore joint research and manufac- turing process development opportunities. • Receive business assistance in areas ranging from finance, to planning, to start-up operations and more. The technical and business assistance services of Project Outreach are generally available to Minnesota en- trepreneurs or companies with annual revenues of les.s than $10 million. Use of the system must be business related. In addition, you'll be required to share limited information about your enter- prise as an aid to measure the system's benefits. Most system use is free. For instance, the licensable technologies, research projects and business assistance infor mation data base services can be used without limit and at tio charge. The science and literature stiarching services are also available at j no cost (limits applied) . You can easily begin = pplying Project Outreach to the need of your small business today. Just c i e over to the Chamber of Commerce office, 1301 Cor- porate Center Drive, S to 116, or call us at 452-9872. Daniel Aberg is execu e director for the Northern Dakota C i ty Chambers of Commerce which inc des Eagan. Eagan targets recycling goal With more than 9 Eagan residents doing recycling, the city ex its 1991 recycling goal Residents recycled 1,500 tons of recyc through the first six m year. By year's end, E hope residents will h; 3,200 tons of material. For more inform recycling, call the Eag Program at 454-8100. percent of ome form of ts to reach more than able waste onths of this tgan officials the recycled tion about n Recycling Beautiful Parkview Golf 1 lub A Public Golf Course For The Entire Fa ily Reasonable Rates Power Carts Available Pull Carts, Club Rental Executive 18 - Par 63 Snacks, Beverages & Beer in Clubhouse. ram am interested in receiving information about season ticket rates for indi Ifamilies, juniors, or seniors at Parkview for the 1992 season. (No obligatio ticket holders will be limited.) IName Address I City Phone 1 L als, ) (Season 1 50% OFF GREEN FEES Fill out coupon & bring in this ad, for 50% off your green fees this fall, Good only in 1991 lip Return to: Parkview 1310 Cliff Eagan, M 454-9884 off Club oad 55123 J Eagan Outlook —Wed., Oct. 16, 1991—Page 3 CITY ROTTLUND HOMES Numerous visitors passed through the 47 new single family homes in Eagan as part of the Parade of Homes tour in September. Each year Eagan shows its share of homes on the popular home tour. (Photo by Terrance Mencel) Eagan stays atop development ways Again, Eagan has issued the most single family and multi -family housing permits of any metropolitan city this year, according to the Metropolitan Council. Through August, the city issued 448 single family permits which is up 52 per- mits from last year. The breakdown for multi -family permits is 20 units for townhomes, four duplexes and four apartment complexes. It's been a healthy year for home construction despite a tighter financial market for new construction, said Dale Runkle, communty development director. Although Eagan hasn't platted new single family lots, it still has a solid two- year single family lot inventory that ap- proaches 1,200 lots. Eagan has more than 1,845 housing units, of which 65 percent are owner occupied. The median value of owner occupied homes in Eagan is $104,300, according to 1990 census figures. Changes in state property tax for- mulas and an increase in Eagan's fiscal Outlook From Page 1 "We have got to be able to provide our residents with these kinds of services," Egan said. The council will tap into corporate citizens to help build the Eagan com- munity. West Publishing's donation to the YMCA is one such example. Cor- porate, group and individual donations also are considered to help lower costs of the proposed ice arena. Public -private partnerships are bound to grow, along with more collaborative projects with other government entities. As for attracting quality development, disparity contribution has dropped the city's net tax capacity for 1992 from $50 million to $45.4 million. Eagan's fiscal disparities contribution is a mixed bag of good news and bad news. Going from $9 million to $12 million means Eagan's commercial - industrial values have risen, which is good news for taxpayers. However, the extra value also raises the city's con- tribution, which lowered its overal tax rate. Still, officials say they perfer the commercial -industrial values grow. And when Eagan's infrastructure grows that means its population has grown as well. According to the 1990 cen- sus figures, Eagan's population is 47,409 people. The number is more likely closer to 50,000 people today. Imagine, Eagan had only 7,000 people in 1974 when it was incorporated as a ci- ty. More than half of Eagan's residents are younger than 29 years old. The me- dian age has climbed from 25.6 years to 28.9 years. "It's going to be a regular, constant action ... We have reached the point where the easy development in Eagan has occurred," Egan said. Having a cor- porate mix with West, Northwest Airlines, Cray Research helps. Discussion also will focus on establishing a Convention and Visitors Bureau. City officials have begun study- ing ways to entice visitors of Bloom- ington's Mall of America. "It would be a plus if nothing more for the region Eagan is located in. We are a very historical, very dynamic part of the metropolitan area," Egan said. Imagine they're both checking accounts. Ours is the one on top. Introducing the Norwest Advantage Account:" A checking account with plenty of extras. And lots of advantages. You see, when you have virtually any combination of loans or deposits totaling $2,500 or more, you're entitled to all sorts of great services and privileges. Like free checking, free checks, loan discounts, free instant cash machine use, free first year credit card and more. You even have van T Ad the opportunity to earn interst on your checking balance. Just compare our Advantage Account to other bank's checking accounts. We think you'll agree, everything else seems rather plain by comparison. Get the Norwest Advantage Ac- count. One more reason when you come to Norwest, come to expect the best. Norwest Advantage Account Come to expect the best. MOWN NOAWEST BANKS MIN II MII Cedarvale Office 3880 Sibley Memorial Hwy. Eagan, MN 55121 454-7575 Eagan Office 3390 Pilot Knob Road Eagan, MN 55121 452-8470 © 1991 Norwest Bank Minnesota, N.A. Equal Opportunity Lender Member FDIC Page 4—Eagan Outlook —Wed., Oct. 16, 1991 COMMUNITY Eagan Foundation Newly formed, foundation scouts for community benefi By Terrance Mencel Foundations require more than the average variety of bricks and mortar in Eagan. An Eagan Foundation needs the work of volunteers and financial backing of contributors. So far, the two ingredients have come together as expected for the newly formed non-profit corporation. "We met our 1991 goals," said Mike Butala, one of four civic leaders who pro- vided the impetus to start the foundation early this year. Four Eagan High School students each received $500 scholarships from the foun- dation. A late summer Benefit Golf Tour- nament netted $8,300 for the foundation. "The tournament is one way of spreading the word of the foundation,' said Butala, vice president of First American Bank Metro in Eagan. Foun- dation organizers say the challenge is to make the community aware such a charitable organization exists. "We didn't expect to get it up to $100,000 the first year and $200,000 the next year, although ti would be nice to," he said. The foundation provides a place for benefactors to donate their money, Butala said. Being non-profit provides a tax incentive for contributors. They can also specify where they want their donated money to go. All contributors can be assured money donated to the foundation remains in Eagan for Eagan groups and residents. A board of directors will govern the foundation and determine how to distribute its grants. Fifteen trustees have been selected from the community at large, representing business, parents, clergy, schools, public officials and NS SS\i -cRP •OV `%KEN" LPN SPv G r � Mo S\oN R r,M\S t r IC Transmission work doesn't have to be a budget -buster, not at KENNEDY TRANSMISSION. That's because KENNEDY specialists can do the job quicker because they've seen the same problem many times. That means lower labor costs. And KENNEDY'S huge volume spreads overhead to help keep prices down. When you consider KENNEDY QUALITY, you'll say KENNEDY prices are the lowest in town. Check us out. • Free diagnostic test drive and estimate. • Free towing in metro area with major service. • Same -day service for most cars. • Nation-wide Warranty. KENNEDY r TRANSMISSION TRANSMISSION SERVICE SPECIAL I $29.88 (reg. $3988) Service Transmission & Inspect. 'Adjust to Factory Specifications. Clean Filter. I Refill with Fresh Transmission Fluid. Fool valid with other coupons or discounts. Must be presented I at Iime of purchase. 55 more for trucks 8 vans. Fitter extra d needed. Expires 11-30-91 J • Specialists — TRANSMISSIONS. Automatic, standard, computer - controlled, 4-wheel drives, front - wheel drives, transaxles and clutch, differential, U-joints and shafts. ca" IV KENNEDY TRANSMISSION 146th & Cedar, Apple Valley 432-6600 35E & Pilot Knob, Eagan 688-6994 All Major Credit Cards Accepted others. "We tried to draw from what is Eagan," said Mary Vujovich, an Eagan attorney. Trustees were expected to plan next year's goals at their first meeting in Oc- tober. Those goals will include raising $5,000 in scholarships for 10 Eagan High students. By 1993, Butala hopes the foun- dation will grow to $53,000. "It's a growing community, a younger community. It's going to take some time to grow and hopefully we can grow along with the community," he said. iaries What's in it for t e community? Groups and individua can request grants. Each grant r est must meet the board's criteria bef re being filled. For instance, a senior citizen's group could request $5,000 for+ new furniture. The larger the foundation grows, the more groups and individuals will benefit. For more information, or to contribute to the Eagan Foundation, call Mike Butala at 452-2265; Mary Vujovich at 452-7100; Tom Wilson, E HS principal, at 683-6900; or Tom Hedges, city ad- ministrator, at 454-8100. Council, commission meeting times listed The Eagan City Council meets the first and third Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. in the Eagan Municipal Center, 3830 Pilot Knob Road. Eagan also has several advisory committees which meet monthly: Advisory Planning Commission meets 7 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Eagan Municipal Center. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resource Commission meets 7 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at the Eagan Municipal Center. For the meeting times of Eagan's other advisory committees on air- port noise, economic d elopment and solid waste, call 454- 00. WENZEL PLUMBING & HEATING #1445M 452-1565 Serving the Metro Area Since 1960 PLUMBING • NEW CONSTRUCTION REMODELING • HOT WATER HEAT WATER SOFTENERS • BACKFLOW-TESTING COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL SEWER & WATER 24 hour Emergency Service FREE ESTIMATES 1959 Shawnee Rd. Eagan, MN 55122 C 77.14.&„ DELTA FAUCET COMPANY 55E. ill th Street • Indianapolis, Indiana 46280 Eagan Outlook —Wed., Oct. 16, 1991—Page 5 SCHOOLS Schools that serve Eagan Nearly two-thirds of Eagan's children attend School District 196, with the re- maining children attending school in districts 191 or 197. District 196, which also serves Apple Valley and Rosemount, encompasses students from roughly the southern, central and eastern quarters of Eagan. District 191 serves western Eagan along with Burnsville and Savage. District 197 serves northern Eagan, West St. Paul and Mendota Heights. is addition to public schools, Eagan has one parochial and one private school. The following schools serving Eagan are: District 196 — • Eagan High School, 4185 Braddock Trail, Eagan: 683-6900 • Dakota Hills Middle School, 4183 Braddock Trail: 683-6800 • Deerwood Elementary School, 1480 Deerwood Drive, Eagan: 683-6801 • Northview Elementary School, 965 Diffley Road: 683-6820 • Oak Ridge Elementary School, 4350 Johnny Cake Ridge Road: 683-6970 • Pinewood Elementary School, 4300 Dodd Road: 683-6980 • Thomas Lake Elementary School, 4350 Thomas Lake Road: 683-6890 • Woodland Elementary School: 945 Wescott Road: 683-6990 District 191 — • Burnsville High School, 600 E. Highway 13, Burnsville: 895-7338 • Metcalf Junior High School, 2250 Diffley Road, Burnsville: 895-7273 • Rahn Elementary School, 4424 Sandstone Drive, Eagan: 895-7305 • Sioux Trail Elementary School, 2801 River Hills Drive, Burnsville: 895-7321 District 197 — • Henry Sibley High School, 1897 Delaware Ave., West St. Paul: 681-2351 • Grass Junior High School, 181 Butler Ave., West St. Paul: 681-2307 • Pilot Knob Elementary School, 1436 Lone Oak Road, Eagan: 681-2339 Other schools — • Trinity Lone Oak Lutheran School, 2950 Dodd Road: 454-1139 • Tesseract School (private), 3800 Tesseract Place: 454-0604. Signal Bank... Creatively Responding To The Needs of The Eagan Community Signal Bank has Developed a Full Line of Products with You in Mind. ❑ Checking ❑ Savings ❑ Loans ❑ Certificates of Deposit ❑ Children's Savings Club ❑ Safe Deposit Boxes ❑ Senior Travel Group ❑ Discount Brokerage* ❑ Plus Much More! Stop In and Talk to an Account Executive Today! S3SIGNAL BANK 1270 Yankee Doodle Rd. Eagan, MN 55121 452-9200 * Discount Brokerage Available through Collateral Financial Brokerage, Inc. a registered Broker/Dealer. Member NASD and SIPC. Not FDIC Insured. Member FDIC I .I( •h' Equal Opportunity, Lender Page 6—Eagan Outlook —Wed., Oct. 16, 1991 Housing project targets needs of Eagan's senior citizens By Terrance Mencel When Florence Mullen's husband suf- fered a stroke, the household chores he once performed she now does. And at age 70, Mullen's house maintenance isn't as easy as it once was. Mullen isn't alone in wanting out of house work. She is one of more than 275 senior citizens on an interest list for Eagan's first senior housing project. Mullen hopes she and her husband are two of the lucky ones to move into the 65-unit complex expected to be com- pleted by July. "It's really quite remarkable from our point of view," said Mark Ulfers of the seniors who are on the interest list. And more seniors continue to sign the list each week. The Eagan Senior Housing project is one of three comlexes being built in the county by the Dakota County Housing and Redevelopment Authority. A 40-unit complex in Burnsville has experienced the same high amount of interest as Eagan, and is expected to be 100 percent occupied when it opens early next year. Another senior complex is under con- struction in West St. Paul. Six more com- plexes are planned throughout the county. It's a positive indicator to the need for "It says the communities are interested in having housing available for all segments of the population. Even for segments that are a small percentage of the population." Mark Ulfers Dakota County HRA director low to moderate income senior housing in the county, said Ulfers, executive director for the county HRA. "It says the communities are interested in having housing available for all segments of the population. Even for segments that are a small percentage of the population," Ulfers said. People ages 55 and older make up about 6 percent of Eagan's population according to 1990 census figures that show the city's population at 47,409 peo- ple. There are more than 1,300 Eagan residents 62 years old and older. Even though senior citizens make up a small percentage of Eagan's population where the median age is 28.9 years, the city will Town Centre, Eagan 35E & Yankee Doodle Rd. An architectural rendering of Fagan's senior housing complex under co mature and age. Senior citizens' needs must be met, said Mayor Tom Egan, during ground- breaking ceremonies for the Eagan com- plex Sept. 27. The project is made possi- ble not only through the HRA's efforts, but by the city's. Eagan contributed funds to acquire the senior housing site on Park Center Drive, north of Cliff Road and west of Cliff Lake Road. Eagan donated another $1 million us- ing bond money left over from a 1980 first-time homeowner's program to in- crease the comlex size fro units. The senior housin, offer low to moderate inco people ages 55 and older. ty increased the size, 25 of likely be reserved for Eag Eagan residents' parents. The complex will have one -bedroom apartments and 21 two- oom apart- ments. Underground pa king will be available along with laundry rooms, a SENIOR: To Page 9 ruction. 40 units to 65 complex will e housing for ecause the ci- ose units will n residents or USINESS AT ITS • Short -Term Training to prepare you for a promotion or a new job • Hands -On Instruction with the latest equipment • Day or Evening Scheduling to fit your needs • Job Placement Assistance throughout your career • Financial Aid and Scholarships available to those who quail • Career Choices: Accounting. Secretarial, Business Management Travel, Hotel/Motel Management and Court Reporting For Financial Assistance and Specific Information CaII Today! ASMUSSEN BUSINE`.SS COLLEGE 3500 Federal Drive, Eagan • 687-900) Eagan Outlook —Wed., Oct. 16, 1991—Page 7 By Terrance Mencel Just how hard the recession has hit depends on who you ask and where. Although development has fallen off, Eagan officials say this past year has generally been a good one. "There's been a definite slowdown in development activity," said Tom Hedges, city administrator. Helping Eagan through the slowdown has been a healthy single family lot inventory. In fact, Eagan has led the metropolitan area in single family hous- ing permits issued through August of this year, with 448 single family permits. Solid housing activity continues as developers whittle away at about 1,200 undeveloped single family lots remaining. "The market conditions the way they are, I don't think we can be disappointed. It's been a good year," said Dale Runkle, community development director. The number of single family lots remaining represents a two year supply. Numerous development milestones mark Eagan's progress this past year. West Publishing Company is months ahead of schedule in moving its head- quarters from downtown St. Paul to Eagan. "West Publishing is incredibly ahead CITY Eagan development makes prosperity statement Proves city weathered recession West Pulishing Company's six -story headquartes is near completion. of schedule with its new headquarters," said Mayor Tom Egan. "I never dreamt they would complete that as quickly as it was." West will move into the six -story, 750,000 square foot headquarters this month, along Highway 149 between Yankee Doodle and Wescott roads. West makes an economic development statement for the city, Hedges said. West's community activism also is seen in its 10-acre land and cash donation to establish an Eagan YMCA center. Other development highlights include the construction of a 65-unit senior hous- ing complex on Cliff Road and Park Center Drive. This project has been long in waiting as the city and Dakota County A FREE EYE SCREENING COULD PUT THE SMILE BACK INTO YOUR CHILD'S EYES. 41% of students in the lower third of a normal class and 68% of students in special ed programs have vision problems that can be corrected. Could your child be among them? It costs nothing to find out. Call us at 452-0344 for a FREE SCREENING! Does Your Child Display Any of the Following: • lacks concentration • fails to complete a task • reverses words and letters • is disorganized • makes careless errors The Free Screening Evaluates: • concentration • reversal frequency • visual memory • visualization • plus fourteen additional tests The Free Screening takes approximately one hour and is open to children aged 6 to 15 The Time to Act is Now Any unexplained learning problem is a potential vision -related learning problem. When diagnosed early, therapy significantly improves and alleviates the problem. E CLINIC 1340 Duckwood Dr. Dr. Russell Osnes, Optometrist Phone 452-0344 HRA combined resources to make the project possible for a July open date. Wal-Mart has begun constructing a 114,000-square-foot store in Eagan, the first in the metropolitan area. Expected to open in late winter, the store on Duckwood and Town Centre drives of- fers yet another shopping opportunity for Eagan. The City Council approved zoning changes for the Dakota County Western Court services building, abandoned when the county opened its new facility in Ap- ple Valley. The changes allows Semper Holdings to advance its plans to con- struct two first-class restaurants, a medical center and Walgreen's store on the site south of Cliff Road on Rahncliff Road. Even with fewer new development's proposed, redevelopment and expansion opportunities continue to grow in Eagan. Kraft Foods has undergone a multi- million dollar expansion project that will add 150,000 square feet to double its building size. An expanded tax - increment financing project on the Unisys campus has been described as a win -win -win deal. The project provides a financial incen- tive for Northwest Airlines to operate a new data center in what was Unisys' semiconductor building left vacant four years. The deal benefits Eagan because it retains 400 jobs with the potential of gaining another 600 jobs. Eagan has created accomplishments of its own, too. Earlier this year, the council approved a revised development plan for Blackhawk Community Park, with an emphasis on nature. The city's water quality management plan receiv- ed the Metropolitan Council's 1991 Regional Policy Implementation Award. The Caponi Art Park has gained momentum to become a regional park. Sculptor Toni Caponi has worked for years to fashion and mold his Eagan pro - DEVELOPMENT: To Page 10 New Reasons To Visit Cedarvale Mali: 1. Oct. 5th - 1st Annual Public Safety Awareness Day, Spectacular Event! 2. Oct. 24, 25 & 26 - HUGE Fall Craft Show! 3. Attend the Gala Grand Opening of New Grand Slam East in November! 4. Nov. 2nd & 3rd - Baseball Card Show and Swap Tables! 5. Exercise, Shop, Service Businesses, and Great Family Fun!! Cedarvale Mall is located at Hwy. 77 (Cedar Ave.) and Hwy. 13 in Eagan. Come see us!! Page 8—Eagan Outlook —Wed., Oct. 16, 1991 Water quality program becomes state model By Terrance Mencel Awards serve as an affirmation for do- ing an outstanding job, offering due recognition to individuals and groups. Recently, Eagan's water quality management plan received such recognition when the Metropolitan Coun- cil awarded the city with the "1991 Regional Policy Implementation Award." The award represents Eagan's outstanding achievement in tackling water quality problems in its 350 wetlands. Eagan has become a leader and model for other cities wishing to improve their water quality. Adopted in 1990, the plan is regarded as the first such comprehen- sive water plan developed by a Min- nesota city. "Other communities learn from what we've done. There's not many com- munities of this size that hired a profes- sional to oversee a program like this," said Rich Brasch, Eagan's water quality management coordinator. The plan seeks to improve the city's water quality for recreation, fishing, swimming, boating and scenic value. Improved water quality is vital for a healthy game fish population and other wildlife. Through the plan, city officials hope to create a better public apprecia- tion of the environment. Everyone has contributed to the ero- sion of water quality, from developers to individual homeowners. Without in- tervention, Brasch said, society's ac- tivities threaten serveral wetlands in Eagan. About 80 percent of Eagan's wetlands are interconnected through its storm sewer system. Pollutants that begin at one end of the city eventually travel through several water bodies before set- tling, or discharging into the Minnesota River. Brasch works with developers to in- clude features to treat water runoff from new developments before the water enters the storm sewer. This includes on - site ponding, or a cash donation for off - site water quality controls. The pond off Denmark Avenue and Duckwood Drive was the first such basin designed using a new utility fee to remove sediment and nutrients before they enter Fish Lake. About 9 percent of the phosphorus in Fish Lake will be eliminated as a result. Phosphorus is the leading pollutant in lakes and wetlands. Other efforts include educating developers, homeowners and groups about how to eliminate pollutants at their Rich Brasch looks forward to the challenge of cleaning up and protecting F.agan's 350 wetlands. Jim Storland, water resource technician, background, paddles his way on Le PROGRAM: To next page May Lake for bi-weekly water samplings. (Photo by Terrance Mencel) ULTIMATE UPDATE Amoco Car Care Center Intersection of Pilot Knob & Yankee Doodle Rds. Across from Al Bakers. 454-5522 ''a < vi sit y.... g g titian and• rar care ris. Cher it be for gasollrn '• i or just a carwasits'l1li help you in whatever wait vie jai Enjoy this great fail soa40,o Camping, BBQ LP Gas Cylinder Exchange Avail . bl Yankee Square Amoco Car Amoco Care Cente 1424 Yankee Doodle Road, Eagan 454-5522 erticare Casual Dining in a Classjc, Nostalgic Atmosphere moderately priced full menu Thank you for 6 great years! Open Daily 11 am Sunday Brunch 9:30 am One block west of 35E at Pilot Kno and Yankee Doodle Rd. For more information and reservations call Certified Repair Center 454-9000 J COMMUNITY Eagan Outlook —Wed., Oct. 16, 1991—Page 9 Program to protect wetlands relies on public education From previous page source. A joint project with School District 196 will teach third -graders how developments impact land and water. In the plan's first full year, the city has begun to monitor 14 priority lakes on a bi-weekly basis. Water samplings will provide a record of each lake to help determine what outside sources affect water quality. The city also stepped up its street sweeping near priorty wetlands to remove pollutants. Grass clippings and other organic material blown onto streets are sources of phosphorus. Eagan also switched to non -phosphorus fer- tilizer on park land. Weed harvesting began on lakes as well. "I'm always disappointed to some ex- tent ... It always seems things should move faster than they are," he said. Cleaning Eagan's 350 lakes will take time and money. A state grant has been used to do a diagnostic study of Schwanz Lake to determine how the lake responds to water runoff. More studies are planned for Fish, Blackhawk and Carlson lakes once grants are secured. "It takes a while to figure out what the weak link in the chain is. There's always this front-end data collecting effort before you're sure what the problem is," Brasch said. "All water systems respond to different methods." Volunteers also are needed to help the water quality management plan suc- ceed. Already 15 volunteers have signed up to monitor wetlands. "That's great Senior From Page 6 community room and kitchen. DARTS transportation services will have two parking stalls to serve the senior citizens. The HRA especially welcomed Eagan's financial support to add another 25 units. "Senior citizens want to live in the community that they raised their Development From Page 9 perty into a park off Diffley Road. City officials successfully negotiated a 60-day test period that kept airplanes within the designated air corridor. This noise abatement strategy not only restricted aircraft to the corridor, it re - Foundation COPY CENTElk Duckwood Square Shopping Center 1340 Duckwood Drive • Eagan, Minnesota 55123 681-C1179 FAX (612) 681-1929 (Send or Receive) HOURS: MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM FULL COLOR COPYING - Xerox Copying - Printing 3 Self Serve Machines Yankee Doodle Road 4 Foundation COPY CENTER • Hardees Duckwood Square N o -aShopping Center o ¢ - Between - Franks Nursery and a Goodyear Tire & Auto Business Cards Letterheads Envelopes Carbonless Forms Wedding Invitations Phototypesetting Office Supplies Transparencies Flyers Manuals Screens/Stats GBC Binding Cutting/Folding Laminating Labels Collating Blueprint/ Engineering Drawing Reproduction because it gets people out and involved," he said. Controlling pollutants and other nutrients from entering Eagn's wetlands will ultimately benefit the Minnesota River. But education will be critical. Brasch is available to speak with families in and lived most of their lives. Or they'removing to cities where their children live," Ulfers said. Dakota Coun- ty residents and Dakota County residents' parents will receive first preference. Ulfers urged people not to become discouraged from the large interest list. Seniors are asked to plan ahead and app- ly for senior housing before a move is quired off-peak hour flights to stay within runway center lines. If determined suc- cessful, the noise reduction test could become permanent by summer. Odor control problems also were cleaned up at the Seneca Waste Water Treatment under a negotiated agree- ment with the city. A patented N-Viro neighborhood groups and other clubs. "The key to the future is going to be public education, but also having the resolve and being able to take advantage of outside resources to focus in on specific problems," he said. needed. Eagan has joined the county and HRA in taking the lead in providing low in- come housing for senior citizens. The project has become a model program surrounding counties have begun to study. For more information about Eagan's senior housing project, call the Dakota County HRA at 423-4800. process will reduce the reliance on sludge incineration. Another council action aimed at revitalizing the Cedarvale area off Cedar Avenue and Highway 13. Once con- sidered Eagan's downtown, a consultant will study the area to recommend the best uses to revitalize Cedarvale. SAVE '16SAV NUTS&'NOVELTIES .r, • • now available to the public at wholesale prices! Decorator Tin Baskets filled with your choice Nuts/Candy •Decorator Gift Tins & Baskets •Assorted Nuts •Quality Bulk Candies •Bulk Baking Ingredients r_i_ H r,PAY Early Bird Coupon • Frozen Precut Cookies -Muffin Batters •Decorating Supplies - Specialty Baking Pans AIL>n $5 CUFF 1 FREE IHoliday Orders, 0 rator Tins de 0 Baskets. I Wicker Beakat vllone pond purahaee. Lw/min. $50 purchase. F frea 11 / 1515I kxPtres 1 5/91 HORIZON NUTS BE NOVELTIES 1767 Yankee Doodle Road Eagan, MN 55121 (612) 454-0933 FAX (612) 454-6952 •Phone orders accepted. M-F 7-5PM SAT. 9AM - 3PM co > Q ‘..kW Terminal Dr. EaganU Yan e ood� l e Rd Rd. 42 Co. Bt, rnsville 35E Apple Valley Page 10—Eagan Outlook —Wed., Oct. 16, 1991 COMMUNITY YMCA gains By Terrance Mencel Two months ago, YMCA officials were still searching for donated land to build their facility in Eagan. Today, with site in hand, YMCA of- ficials are gearing up for their fundrais- ing drive in January. West Publishing Company's 10-acre land donation has made this all passible. Site grading, also donated by West and Opus Architects & Engineers, could begin this month after securing city staff's go ahead. "It's an exciting time," said Pendy Eliou, extension director for the Eagan YMCA. Conceptual plans for the Eagan YMCA include a fitness building with communi- ty meeting rooms, ball fields and an out- door swimming pool. YMCA officials have said receiving donated land would be critical for such a facility to be built in Eagan. If fundraising goes according to plan, Eliou expects the fitness and meeting room center will open in 1993, on the southeast corner of Yankee Doodle and Elrene roads. The ball fields and outdoor swimming pool would follow within the next few years. The building will house an indoor pool and children's wading pool, racquetball courts, running track, weight room and an aerobics floor. land, readies for fundraising campaign The Greater St. Paul Area YMCA will match building funds on a 4-to-1 basis for the nearly $4 million complex. The com- munity will be asked to raise $600,000 to $1 million to complete the project. An advisory council for the YMCA, made up of residents and business people from the Eagan area, has helped pro- mote and plan for the center. "This is a good and positive thing that is happening to the city," Eliou said. The YMCA's ser- vice area will include Rosemount, Men- dota Heights and part of Inver Grove Heights. Even without its own building, the Eagan YMCA has offered classes and child care to area residents the past few years. The number of children attending the YMCA's 10-week day camp this sum- mer nearly tripled to 300 children, Eliou said. And more programs are expected. Fitness programs and low impact aerobics classes have started this fall in area schools. A pre -natal fitness class called, "That's my Baby," is offered to women who are in their second to eighth month of pregnancy. Along with fitness programs are the Y-Guides and Parent - Child programs. The non-profit organization serves peo- ple of all beliefs and backgrounds, Eliou said. It's a health, fitness and family enrichment organization aimed at im- Kathleen Giguere, M.A., LICSW Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Licensed and Clinical Social Worker HORIZONS Individual, Couple & Family Counseling • School problems • Relationship issues • Step parenting • Separation. divorce & transition • "Thirty Something" issues EAGAN 1260 Yankee Doodle Rd., Suite 103 (612) 688-8371 • Parent education & counseling • Mid-life issues • Grief & loss • Chemical dependency counseling & assessments MENDOTA HEIGHTS 2341 Rogers Ave. (612) 454-3894 3808 Sibley Memorial Hwy. (Highway 13 & Silver Bell Road) Near Cedarvale Shopping Center Eagan 454-4382 3 FREE DONUTS When You Purchase 3 Donuts At Regular Price. Fancies Not Included. Limit 1 Coupon Per Customer Per D. Not Good With Other Offers L Expires 10/31/91 EXPRESS 6 FREE DONUTS When You Purchase 6 Donuts At Regular Price. Fancies Not Included. Limit 1 Coupon Per Customer Per Day. Not Good With Other Offers. Expires 10.31/91 in.ol cO o C t� 0 zee ' SERVICE PROPOSED BUILDING FLOOR ELEV. 915.0 TENNIS t COURTS MAIN ENTRY KT!, Q a AU. PARKNG STALLS 911. BY 20R.— 44. 201 PARKING STALLS'. o i a YANKEE OOOOLE ROAD e1, SOCCER FIELD /80 ALL FIEL Conceptual plans that show the general layout for the Fagan YMCA complex on the southeast corner of Yankee Doodle and Elrene roads. proving people's mind, body and spirit. The YMCA also has eight school sites for its SACC program (school -age child care), a before and after school program that serves more than 500 children. All these programs will help establish the YMCA as a community leader, especially once its first building is con- structed. With its own facility, YMCA of- ferings will expand to youth development, sport tional programs, he said. cover such topics as cooki camping and internationa "We're excited about th everyone will jump on the achieve this goal," Eliou include more s and educa- Programs will ng and arts to I education. Is and we hope band wagon to aid. EAGAN OUTLO�K Brought to you annually by your community newspaper, the EaganSUfl'CUrre t For more information, call 890-4456 For information on placing an ad, call 896-470 WILL THEM EDUCATION FUNDS BE RE WHEN THEY Planning for the expense of your child's education may be one of the most important financi you face. And if you are planning for more than one child, the challenge is even greater. Call TODAY to lean about saving and investment options wich are available to you and wich the most sense for your situation. You will be glad you did. Or, write for our informative free brochure on this important subject. Waddell & Reed FINANCIAL SERVICES Brad Moir, CFI' Registered Representative 452 3470 Washington Dr. *122 Eagan, MN 55122 9 challenges ones make 050 CITY Eagan Outlook —Wed., Oct. 16, 1991—Page 11 Tap water Eagan's population requires second water treatment plant By Terrance Mencel "We want water treatment to be part of the community instead of being just a plant," Tom Colbert said. With those words, Eagan officials set out to build the city's second water treat- ment plant with public image in mind. The near complete plant looks more like an office building than a place where 16 million gallons of water will flow through each day. A plaza will beckon passersby and trail blazers for a cozy rest on its wrought iron benches. "Because it's so visible, it's going to present an image of Eagan. We feel it's important to feel comfortable looking at the building," said Colbert, public works director. The two -toned, blue striped brick building is on the northest corner of Pilot Knob and Cliff roads. The treatment plant marks the latest effort in providing quality drinking water to all of Eagan. Building the new treat- ment plant completes the second phase of Eagan's water plan designed to serve the ultimate development of the city. It will treat water from the city's south well field, while the first plant built in 1984 "We're very fortunate where we live. We have a good supply of water if we learn to use it wisely." Tom Colbert Public Works director treats the north well field. The plaza sits atop water reserve wells and a maze of canals where water is treated. The new plant has the latest technology to prevent chlorine leaks and treat water should it become contaminated. When the south treatment plant comes on line next spring, the city will shut down the north plant for another expan- sion project. Quarterly water utility fees and development fees will pay for the $8 million project. At 90 cents per 1,000 gallons of water, Eagan's water utility rate is among the lowest in the area. Rates will slowly climb to $1.01 by the year 2001 to pay for the treatment plan improvements. Even Eagan's Newest Bar and Grill! SHUFFLEBOARD r - �•- �_� Plus, many other games including Darts, Pool, Video Games, Pull EXPRESS LUNCHES Join Us for Express Lunches featuring Soup & Sandwiches. Also, try our Char -Broiled Chicken Breast Sandwiches, Burgers, Salads, Appetizers and more. SPORTS ON MSC Catch all the action on our 7 large satellite TV's. Watch for our -Monday Night Football Specials! 3883 Beau D'Rue Drive Adjoining Cedarvale Lanes Eagan 452-7520 FOOTBALL FANS Take advantage of these great Happy Hours: •Sat. & Sun. 11am-6pm •Mon Nights 8-11pm FREE Pizza during all Viking games CEDARVALE LANES 32 lanes with Automatic Scoring 9 am - midnight, 7 days. <11 Construction is near complete for Eagan's second water treatment plant. so, the rates will be low especially when compared to the $14 per 1,000 gallons ex- pected in Boston. "We're very fortunate where we live. We have a good supply of water if we learn to use it wisely," Colbert said. Eagan pulls its water from the Jordan and Hinkley aquifers. Today, Eagan has 18 wells and more than 2,500 fire hydrants. The community consumes 2.3 billion gallons of water a year compared to a mere 300 million gallons in the early 1970s. In 1982, the city had 163 miles of water mains and now has 260 miles of water mains. "We couldn't push water out through the mains fast enough," said Joe Connol- ly, water utility superintendent. Until 1984, the city could only chlorinate and fluoridate its water. "As we were growing through the 1970s (and 1980s) we were having more problems and complaints from people about rusty water and stained clothes," Colbert said. Iron and manganese were the main culprits that lowered the water quality. The treatment plant all but eliminated those problems. Colbert expects the few water com- plaints the city receives from residents in the southern section will disappear once the new treatment plant is finished. Zkit EAGAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATES Comprehensive Family Care Family Practice Medicine Obstetrical and Pediatric Care Sports Medicine Physical Therapy Orthopedics Appointments Accepted Monday -Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday: 8 a.m.-Noon Providers for most area health plans, including Blue Cross/Blue Shield Aware and Aware Gold, Medica (formerly PHP and Share), Blue Plus, Group Health, Preferred One, Family Health Plan, Medicare/Medicaid and all traditional insurance. Phones Answered 24 Hours A Day 688-7860 1440 Duckwood Drive Corner Pilot Knob Road, across from Town Centre Page 12—Eagan Outlook —Wed., Oct. 16, 1991 M�F'1 COMMUNITY Service groups meet needs American Legion — Post 594 is a start-up post with monthly meetings every second Thursday. With a larger group, the Post will increase its community par- ticipation. For more information, call Jim Kolar at 452-2002. Jaycees — provides leadership training for young adults through community service. Members participate in a number of community events from the Eagan Fun Run to athletic leagues to raising money to fight leukemia. League of Women Voters of Northern Dakota County — pro- vides voter information and conducts candidate forums for northern Dakota County. For more information, call 454-3817. Lions Club of Eagan — contributes to a variety of charities. The 17-year- old club is sponsor of Eagan's Fourth of July Celebration complete with parade and carnival. For more information, call 452-3786. Lioness Club of Eagan — shares the same endeavors as the Lions Club, but is not limited to wives of Lions' members. The club raises money for charity through a fashion show and afghan raffle and golf tournament. Ca11 423-3469. Rotary Club of Eagan — is dedicated to raising business standards and advancing community interests. The four -year -old club is sponsor of the annual art auction benefiting community development programs. Optimists Club of Eagan/Burnsville — supports Girl Scout, Boy Scout and Cub Scout troops; the B. Robert Lewis House; Kids 'n Kinship; and Special Olympics. Membership will eventually go county -wide. For a complete listing of community groups, consult the 1991 Eagan Directory available at the Eagan City Hall, 3830 Pilot Knob Road. Eagan readies for city elections Nov. 5 Polling sites for Eagan elections are: • Precinct 1: City of Eagan Fire Station Two, 2980 Lone Oak Circle. • Precinct 2: Pilot Knob Elemen- tary School, 1436 Lone Oak Road. • Precinct 3: Highsite Manor Recreation Building, 1364 Highsite Drive. • Precinct 4: Cedar Elementary School, 2140 Diffley Road. • Precinct 5: City of Eagan Fire Station One, 3940 Rahn Road. • Precinct 6: Cedar Grove Baptist Church, 4200 Rahn Road. • Precinct 7: Fire Administration Building, 3795 Pilot Knob Road. • Precinct 8: Eagan Municipal Center, 3830 Pilot Knob Road. • Precinct 9: Rahn Elementary School, 4424 Sandstone Drive. • Precinct 10: Christ Lutheran Church, 1930 Diffley Road. • Precinct 11: Thomas Lake Elementary School, 4350 Thomas O CLIFF ROAO l t)IINNY CAI(f_� 0 0 0 0 VAN LONE OAK ROAD CEE 0000LE ....,ESCO,7 ROA RIFF EV L.CUNTV PARK CITY OF EAGAN PRECINCT b1AP Lake Road. • Precinct 12: Easter Lutheran Church, 4200 Pilot Knob Road. • Precinct 13: Northview Elemen- tary School, 965 Diffley Road. • Precinct 14: Cedar Ridge Chris- tian Church, 2024 Rahn Way. Celebrate LAVANS Grand Opening October 2.13 30% OFF 60% OFF Entire selection of wallcovering books (not including commercial wallcovering) Louver Drape Pleated Shades - Free Privacy Liner with each purchas 60% OFF 50°%o OFF Versosal Pleated Shades Selected Vertical Blinds OPEN HOUSE Sat. Oct. 12th 10 am - 3 pm Sun. Oct. 13 12 noon - 4 pm M-F 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Tuesday open til 7:00 p.m. Evenings & Weekends by Appointment 60% OFF 50% OFF Hunter Douglas Mini Blinds Duettes *Free top -down shade with purchase of a regular shade ■ 2 FREE Carpet Samples (great for car mats) for each person who comes in. • Register to win a beautiful 4 x 6 rug • Register for a beautiful wood briefcase • Register to win 60 sq. ft. of wood flooring by Plantation Plank LAVAN FLOORING & DESIGN 452-2535 3771 Hwy. 13 & Seneca • Eagan FLOORING WALLS • WIND NWS INTERIOR DESIGN ;;ERVICE THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS introduces 3 • e the new Classified Ad Section THIS WEEK NEWSPAPERS Volume 7, No. 47 Three Sections Jan. 27, 1986 Section A EAGAN Your Community Newspaper Consultant bidding issue divides council By CHRISTY DeJOY The normally routine annual city council organizational meet- ing proved to be anything but on Jan. 21 when the subject of the ci- ty's professional consultants arose. The council divided itself and each side carried strong convic- tions about whether Eagan should take bids for consultants. Each year, the city hires a legal, fiscal, engineering, planning and park planning consultant. In the last five or six years, the city has accepted bids for audit- ing, park planning and legal con- sultants, according to City Ad- ministrator Tom Hedges. Bids for auditing went out a couple of years ago when the city thought it could be getting a better price. Park planning consultant bids went out after the bond referen- dum passed three years ago. And when another attorney showed in- terest in legal consultation a few years back, the city accepted a number of bids. Eagan has not taken bids for engineering or planning consultants since they were first hired, Hedges said. New Council Member Vic Elli- son moved that the city continue working with consultants on their 1985 fees for the next 60 days, while taking bids from com- petitors in the meantime. He later amended his motion to put out bids next fall for considera- tion for 1987. Council Member Ted Wachter seconded the mo- tion, which failed. Council Mem- bers Tom Egan and Jim Smith and Mayor Bea Blomquist were opposed to such a practice. Ellison said taking bids would "sharpen the pencils" of the con- sultants currently employed and would give the council a feel for going rates. Egan said such a motion could be "dangerous." He said that as an attorney he knows the legal consultant fees are reasonable and the services are predictable. City Attorney Paul Hauge charges $60 per hour or $50 for work by one of his associates at Hauge, Smith, Eide & Corey. Egan cited an American Bar Roll 'em ... "THE EAGAN Report" was the first show filmed in the Cable. Group W moved Jan. 17 from 1448 E. Cliff Rd. in way 13 in Eagan. Pictured above appearing on the city's Pam Wold and City Administrator Tom Hedges (far right) Council Members Ted Wachter (second from left) and Ji Association journal article that reported the average consulting fee for a senior attorney is up to $140 an hour and $130 for middle partners. "And if a consultant is inferior, you haven't saved any money. Maybe Vic hasn't been around to see the fine tuning (of consult- ants). In the eight years I've been on the board, I've seen a phenom- enal amount of fine tuning," Egan said. "Well, I've been in favor of ( taking bids) for some time," Wachter said. "The council has ( the power to do so) at its discre- tion and it's a good thing once in a while. But I don't think it's ap- propriate at this time (in the next 60 days). I would support some- thing like that for next year." "This is one of those ideas that sounds great on paper, but the risk vs. reward isn't worth it," Smith said. "The other (com- peting) consultants out there do a great job of keeping prices down." Blomquist said she believed if consultants thought their position Photo by Christy DeJoy new studios of Group W Burnsville to 4155 High - cable show are co -hosts with this month's guests. m Smith. was in jeopardy each year, they may not do as good a job. "If I were a consultant," Elli- son added, "and I thought my contract may not be approved, I would work twice as hard. I would let my track record speak for itself." "It bothers me that right now this is being brought up ... now when we need them the most," Blomquist said, referring to the O'Neil lawsuit against the city. "These consultants are work- ing the hardest for us. It would take up so much staff time fo (train new consultants) . I'm not a bargain shopper, but the taxpay- ers do deserve to get the best buy. We should take cost into account and weigh it against expertise and experience," Blomquist said. Ellison said he didn't make the proposal with the intention of changing consultants. He said he just wanted to check others' fees. "How can you equate quality with economy? You will get a piece of paper that tells you vir- tually nothing. It's false econ- omy," Egan said. He added that the difficulty in comparative shopping is that consultants base their work on hourly fees and it would be impossible to predict services and final costs. • "What's the harm in asking to see what others are charging? I'm not saying we (should) make a_ change," Ellison said. "lt you're not doing it for cost then we're wasting our time. It's subjective. We've got no yard- stick with which to measure bids," Smith said. After the motion failed to re- quest proposals for 1987, the council voted on appointing con- sultants. The appointments are as follows: Paul Hauge as legal counsel; Miller & Schroeder Municipals Inc. as fiscal consul- tant; Bonestroo, Rosene, Ander- lik & Associates Inc. as the con- sulting engineering firm and Urban Planning and Design as the city's planning consultant. The council continued until Feb. 4 the approval of the city's park consultant, Tim Erkkila & Associates because of questions concerning their merge with Westwood Company and a sub- stantial increase in fees. Thisweek expands to three sections With this edition, fhisweek Newspapers introduces a new expanded format. During the past year, our classified adver- tising section has tripled in size. It is now the largest section south of the river. To accommodate this unprecedented growth, we have created a special, third sec- tion just for classified advertising. "We feel our classified customers deserve the added visibility and prestige this section will provide," said Diane Henningsen, classified manager for the six -newspaper group. Rates and circulation will remain the same with the new section. It is believed Thisweek Newspapers is one of the first weekly newspapers in the country to make this innovation. The chain also pioneered "easy -to -read" classified adver- tisements, which provide larger column and type sizes for better customer response. A • Free tax help available for low income, elderly, disabled Income tax assistance will be offerd 9 a.m.-1 p.m. every Friday at the Community Room of the Fire Administration Building, 3795 Pilot Knob Rd. No appoint- ment is necessary. The assistance is available to those who cannot afford profes- sional tax help, particularly to lower income, elderly and disabl- ed taxpayers. Taxpayers with relatively sim- ple tax returns can get help in preparing their forms through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs. Taxpayers can also receive in- formation on tax benefits, such as credit for the elderly, earned in- come credit and child care credit. Those seeking assistance should bring pertinent tax documents, including W-2 forms, interest statements from banks, copies of 1984 income tax returns and the tax package received in the mail. Tax assistance available at CAC Free tax preparation assist- ance will be available through TCE, a volunteer program, at Community Action Council, Burnsville, Feb. 1-April 15. Volunteers help low-income, elderly and handicapped tax- payers fill out state and federal tax forms. Appointments may be made by calling t1;e Dakota Help Line at 431-2424. TCE is sponsored by the Amer- ican Association of Retired Per- sons in conjunction with the In- ternal Revenue Service. YMCA names citizen of the year Dave Marshall, 1807 Carnelian Ln., was named 1985 Youth Citizen of the Year by the Min- nesota Valley Branch YMCA. The Burnsville High School junior was selected for his three years of service with the Min- nesota Valley YMCA Day Camp Streefland. Marshall was selected by leaders and professional staff based on his citizenship, leader- ship and service to others demonstrated in the home. school, community and YMCA branch. 1111111111IIIIII1101 1111 11110IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII111111111111111IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII1110111111 IIIIIIll MIII1111IIIIIilllll1111111111111111111 ANNUAL PERCENTAGE RATE FINANCING OVER 350 NEW CARS AND TRUCKS IN STOCK 1986 CAVALIER CPE. Fuel injected, automatic transmission, power steer- ing and brakes, radio, and more. Front wheel drive. Stk. u86740. Sale Price $7749 $141.60 lo [WV 1986 NOVA SEDAN 5 spd. transmission, radio, cloth interior, front wheel drive, and much more. Stk. 086593. Sale Price $7525 $137.51 Pe r' IMMEDIATE FINANCING and DELIVERY AVAILABLE To Qualified Buyers 1985 S-10 PICKUP power steering, heavy duty battery. custom cloth seat, and radio. Stk. a83t5o8. • Sale price $6160 $112.57 per n,u 1986 CHEV. 12 TON PICKUP Economical 6 cyl. engine. 4 sal. transmission. power steering. radio. sport cloth interior. and more. Stk. .84i652. Sale Price $7995 $146.10 1986 CELEBRITY SEDAN Front wheel drive, air cond.. auto. trans.. power steering and brakes, cloth Interior, stereuu, and more. Great family car. Stk. 0,8632 Sale Price $9995 $182.65 *Above payments based on 25% down payment or equivalent trade plus sales tax and license. 48 months GMAC financing at 7.9% annual percentage rate. Cars Available • DAILY Rental• MONTHLY Your Exclusive Gold Medal Chevy Dealer 2 lights west of 35W on County Road 42 435-8501 (across from the Burnsville Center)kJ 11111111111111111111IIIIIIIi111111111UilIillUlllllllillllllllillllllllt1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111II11U111111111111I1111111n1111111IIi1111111111lllllilllllilllllllllllllllilllllllli - 2A JANUARY 27,1906 TMISWEEK Loans available for single parents Community Action Council's single parent loan program has grant money availabl on an on- going basis. The purpose of the ogram is to provide small loa so that low-income single rents in Dakota County can obt in and re- tain employment, an deal with critical situations affecting economic and family tability. Repayment terms vary for eligible applicants, bu cannot ex- ceed 24 months. For information cal Commun- ity Action Council at 4 1-2112. Host families needed for exchange stu The Rosemount American Field Servi taking applications families for the 1 year. Families have tunity to open their students from Costa Venezuela, Spain and pines. Anyone who lives in 196 attendance area like more informatio program may call Ca 452-4036, or Judy Fing evenings. t Home econo to meet Feb. The Dakota Cou Economists will mec Feb. 3, at 7:30 p.m. a Ave., Burnsville, to facilities of Nature'.. Harvest, Recipes Unlimited and Micro- wave Times. For information c 1 Beth at 894-3440 or Karen at 443-2492. ents apter of (AFS) is for host 7 school an oppor- home to ca, Italy, e Philip- e District nd would about the �1 Arnold, ,432-7311, ists 3 ty Home Monday, 12125 16th tour the IS W. We give up. Our malts are so th ck that regula straws just c Ilapse. So if y u can't get o r triple dip alts to pass t rough these straws you'll jut have to use ai spoon. R GRILL Bumsville: 8943350. : 535-8777, Richfield: 869-6263, CoonRapids: 755-4480, St. Paul: 451-901P, Fridley: 574-0035, North St. Paul: 777-1463, Riverside:338-7143. c fi Food companies Byerly's plans home shopping service accelerates chain says it will focus As expansion Stcw —47--431A4,=-- 3)10 on 'home Meal replacement' for time -starved public By Terry Fiedler and Lee Svltak Dean . Star Tribune Staff Writers Byerly's will Open- a 60,000- square-foot supermarket in gan in the fall as part of an , accelerated expansion that in- cludes two new locations in sub- urban Chicago scheduled, to open this'spring...,..:. 1 . . Jack Morrison, ,chairman of, Byerly's and a pyiriCipal- in the Minneapolis:invesiMent : • Goldner, HaWn:joliniiiii&'Mor-- ''''''' rison Inc., which controls ,30,, • percent oVinershiplin the 'super7 market chain, said the three - store openings contrast with the opening of one every year or two in the 1980s. Goldner, Hawn led a linyoui of the rn iff1990. With the openings, Byerly's • will own 13 supermarkets, 11 of • them in Minnesota. Together; the stores could generate 1997 annual sales of $325 million to ack n' • $350 million, Morrison said..44.-: He put Byerly's 1995 sales at about $250 million, with an op- erating profit in the double, dig- its, excluding start-up expenses related to its Chanhassen store. id WednesdaY Byerly's also sa that it is putting a new ernpha- Os on ready -to -eat meals in an effort to attract time -starved shoppers. Next month, the chain also will begin taking phone and • Internet orders for home grocery delivery service. In Eagan, Byerly's said, it initially will invest $3 million to . $4 million in equipment and in- entory. 'The store will have about 250 einployees, 200 of whom will be new hires. Con- isruction will begin this, month in the northeast quadrant of Yankee Doodle and Pilot Knob Rds. ' • ' ' Byerly's. will lease the space from Opus.Northwest L.L.C., an k based affiliate of. Minn Opils Corp:,..which is developing a 120-site known as the Eagan Promenade. The development combines 400,000 square feet of shopping space with a 294-unit apartment complex. • Retail development will occur Star Tribune map '-' • • ; 1 . in three stages, with the phase of 205,000 square feet, in- cluding Byerly's, to be done in October. Barnes & Noble, Home - place and Office Max also have .committed to 'space. • In April, Byerly's will open its first out-of-state store in High- land Park, Ill:, followed in May by one in Schaumburg, Ill. Mor- rison said the company will con- tinue to focus its attention on the Twin Cities and the Chicago ar- eas, where it is interested in an- other seven to 1p iocations: ▪ ; ; • Turn to BYERLY'S on D2-, first e r PAGE D2 • STAR TRIBUNE 3f7 /4� BYERLY'S from DI Byerly's adding Eagan store, prepared meals, home shopping As expansion continues, Byer- ly's will push what it calls "home meal replacement." "=tome meal . replacement is becoming an increasingly signiG- cnntelement of our service offer- ing i," said Dale Riley, president aria. chief ,operating officer. "We w'iht to •answerthe• question, 'What's for dinner?' better than anyone else for our customers." Consumers increasingly are at- tracted to prepared foods that can be reheated at home. "How- ever a retailer can helpget dinner on the table in 15 minutes or less is:a,trend because families and consumers are terribly pressed for:dime," said Nancy C_hristen- sen, executive director of the Minnesota Grocers Association.• Chefs on board •-;As part of its strategy, Byerly's x5.i1l:feature chef -inspired food. Lucia Watson, executive chef and owner of Lucia's restaurant in up- town Minneapolis, will be the first chef -in -residence for Byer- ly's;:Riley said. 'A:Later this summer, Wolfgang Pitak, Los Angeles -based chef and restaurateur, will put his Express - to -Go units 'into the Edina and Ridgedale Byerly's, as well as the two Chicago -area stores. On Monday, Byerly's will open a home shopping and delivery service for metro -area customers. Catalogs with 8,000 items will be "Horne meal replacement is becoming an increas- ingly significant element of our service offerings. We want to answer the. question, `What's for din- ner?' better than anyone else for our customers." — Dale Riley, Byerly's available in the stores, or can be accessed on the Internet from Byerly's Web site, http: / /www.byerlys.com. Orders can be processed by fax, modem or telephone. The Web page also will provide recipes and direc- tions to individual Byerly's stores. Delivery charge for home shopping is $9.95, and customers must be present to accept the food. Home shopping has been tried before in the Twin Cities, but has never succeeded. "Why are we doing this when it's a pain in the rear for stores?" asked Morrison. "Because up to 10 percent of the customers in a store can be home shoppers. If half of thern are new enctmmPrc MARCH 6, 1975 DAKOTA COUNTY Chamber Hears Stadium Plan OFFICERS OF the Dakota County Development Association view the proposed $100 million plan for domed stadium, shopping complex, hotel, office building, and bus terminal at I-35E and 1-494 extended in Eagan. They are John Borchert, next to map, Borchert - Ingersoll, Inc., Eagan, association president; and Richard Stevenson, Mid America National Bank of Eagan, treasurer. By DONNIE CARR Staff Writer 4A plan calling for a $100 million domed stadium, shopping com- plex. hotel, office building and bus terminal .is expected to be pre- sented to the Eagan Planning Commission at its March meet- ing. (March 25), the developer told a luncheon gathering of Dakota County Development As- sociation February 20 in the Men- dakota Country Club in Mendota Heights. E.E. (Pete) Parranto, St. Paul real estate developer, said the plan, which was completed only recently, would include an 80,000-seat domed stadium, a shopping complex three times the size of Southdale. a bus terminal, an office building and a hotel. Plans call for the proposal to be financed by industrial revenue bonds issued by Eagan. The city council would have to approve this first. The bonds are to be paid through stadium revenues and rent paid by shopping center te- nants and other businesses in the complex, which is situated on I-35E and I-494 extended. Dayton Hudson Properties owns 560 acres and another group has 260 acres there. Parranto said Dayton Hudson is a "willing seller" of the site and potential shopping center lessee. He added that merchants would be willing to pay an extra $1.50 al square foot for rent to have such huge crowds coming through their stores and businesses. The pro- posal calls for the Minnesota Vik- ings, Minnesota Twins and University of Minnesota to play their games in the stadium. "Dayton's in their wildest dreams 'couldn't attract 80,000 persons to their store for a sale," said Parranto. Questioned why he had not pre- sented the plan to Eagan officials, Parranto said he was awaiting a legal opinion on financing ar- rangements. which was just ob- tained. While not specific on a timeta- ble, Parranto said if it was not re- ady by 1980. he felt the area wouldn't have major league teams. The only intangible factor is getting the freeway completed, he noted. However, he felt ap- proval of such a plan would facilitate getting the freeways. Dakota County Commissioner Leo Murphy got a big laugh when he commented, "We're looking for a place to put some judges." The reference apparently was to the reluctance of the judges to move into the new government center. Metro Council Agendas The following meetings and/or hearings are among those scheduled by the Metropolitan Council and its committees: ENVIRONMENTAL - TRANSPORTATION Committee - - Wednesday, March 5, 7:30 p.m., Waste Control Commission Board Room. The agenda included an application submitted by the Metropolitan Transit Com- mission for a bus distribution and maintenance center, and dis- cussion of a draft of the transportation policy plan. HUMAN RESOURCES Com- mittee - - Wednesday, March 5, 7:30 p.m., Conference Room A. The agenda includes an applica- tion for a grant for Dakota Area Transportation Project, based at Inver Hills, and new cable com- munications technology and re- gional approaches to cable TV. PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT Committee - - Thursday, March 6, 1:30 p.m., council chambers. They will discuss the proposed Development Framework Guide chapter. METROPOLITAN COUNCIL - - Thursday, MarcIi 6, 4 p.m., coun- cil chambers. Topics will include a grant application for chemical waste land disposal facility, the MTC bus distribution and main- tenance center application, amendments to the Certificate of Need law, and cable TV. METROPOLITAN SIGNIFICANCE Hearing - - Mon- day, March 10, 7:30 p.m., council chambers. This is on a draft of proposed regulations for de- termining matters of "metropolitan significance." Copies are available. Contact the council if wishing to make a pre- sentation at the hearing. CRITERIA TO EVALUATE LOCAL PARK GRANT AP- PLICATIONS 4-tearing - - Tues- day, March 18, 7:30 p.m., council offices. This is being held by the Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission on proposed criteria to review local park grant applications. WASTE MANAGEMENT mor C tha co me me fror Ri Bo He Ce fic R ne sp m b c 0 p 'OUNTY TRIBUNE Gopher Smelting's Project Tabled By Eagan's Council By MARILEE MOERSCHEL Staff Writer EAGAN - - The application of Gopher Smelting and Refining Co. for final plat approval of Gopher - Eagan First Addition, a 425 acre PUD (Planned Unit Develop- ment) at Yankee Doodle Rd. and Highway 49, was tabled by the Eagan City Council at its March 3 meeting. The action was taken after ex- tensive questioning and dis- cussion by council members and various individuals concerned in the proposed project. Bea Blom- quist from the Eagan Planning Committee, acting as the chairman coordinating informa- tion, introduced the represen- tative from Minnesota Pollution Control, E. I. Crowley. He was asked to inspect the Gopher facility in September to determine if it was operating within limits set by the agency. Crowley reported that he was not able to satisfactorily test the emissions from the stack because of the winter weather and the fact that the plant had not been operat- ing throughout the entire winter. He felt that it might not be in compliance, however. because of the visible emissions from the stack. The possible presence of toxic lead in the emissions were Crowley's concern. It was noted that private individuals as well as the city of Eagan had made com- plaints concerning the emissions. Crowley added that the Pollu- tion Control Agency had not been able to issue a permit to Gopher Smelting and Refining Co. and that it now was operating without one. When asked if the plant was now operating illegally, Crowley stated that it was. - Councilman William Drydych asked how the plant could operate without a permit; wasn't the law enforced? Irving Kutoff from the Gopher facility interjected that he had never heard from Crowley's agency and didn't know anything about operating illegally. Councilman Theodore Wachter stated that he would like to see all reports concerning the Gopher facility, including a soil sample report of the area to be taken by the University of Minnesota, before making a decision regard- ing the plat. Mayor Herbert Polzin ex- pressed the opinion that he felt no problem existed as far as the layout was concerned. Bill Price, of Suburban Engineering. addressed the coun- cil as a representative of the Gopher facility. He felt that the plant and the plat were not related except that they were both owned by the same people. He expressed the opinion that the operation of the plant shouldn't be considered until the area was ready to be de- veloped. He emphasized that getting the plat filed should be the first con- cern. Price also said that he knew of no problem with illegal opera- tion. Following the motion to table the application, Mrs. Blomquist told the council that smelters are usually built in the country because of the emissions from them. She added that there are new controls for plants being built but none for those already in ex- istence. It was brought out that a 200 acre buffer has been suggested for smelters. Kutoff pointed out that there are many smelters in urban areas. City Attorney Paul Hauge asked Crowley if the results of the test could be available in six weeks and Crowley felt they could. Kutoff asked that the pollution agency send a letter concerning the operating violation and Crowley assured him that one would be sent. NOT LIKE THE FLOOD An American died and went to Heaven, and promptly started to boast about his native land. "Do you know," he told a group of spirits, "that at Niagara Falls eight billion cubic feet of water flow over the cliffs every second!" "Poof ! " said Noah, scornfully, "Dew -drops." MARCH 6, 1975 , Bill Would Let Married Woman Retain Name A woman would not have to take the name of her husband after marriage, according to a bill in- troduced by Rep. Phyllis Kahn, DFL, Minneapolis. The bill, H.F. 51, also permits a party whose name was changed at the time of marriage, upon re- quest of the court, to return to the use of his/her name before mar- riage. The court would be re- quired to grant the name -change request. Women as well as men would be permitted to change their names without regard to marital status through certain procedures if there is no intent to defraud. The court now has discretion in grant- ing name changes. The bill was heard by the House Judiciary Committee February 19. SERVICE APPLE VALLEY - - Navy Airman Recruit Harold M. An- derson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred D. Anderson of 7275 W. 142nd St., Apple Valley, graduated from recruit training at the Naval Training Center, San Diego. He is scheduled to report to Aviation Electrician's Mate A School, Memphis, Tenn. The training included instruc- tion in seamanship, military re- gulations, fire fighting, close or- der drill, first aid and Navy his- tory. 0 40O 111 Go October 19, 1987 Minnesota Real Estate Journal 3B r Eagan is planning on commercial development to take off, thanks to the city's close proximity to the airport. Eagan: Development explodes, land values escalate FREEWAY ACCESS CREDITED; CITY WORKS TO KEEP UP WITH DEMAND by Catherine Shipman Eagan is "probably approaching our teenage years," says City Administrator Thomas Hedges, com- paring the lifespan of the city to that of a human. With Eagan's maturation has come a growth spurt that has increased the city's population over 100 percent in the last 10 years. In 1960 Fagan's population was around 3,000; and from there zoomed to 10,000 in 1970. Today city officials esti- mate the population at around 42,000. That figure far exceeds Metropolitan Council estimates of a population of 39,225 for 1987; 43,000 for 1990 and 52,500 for 2000. Likewise the State Demographer's 1986 estimate for Eagan's population was 35,311. The city had a special census conducted in 1985, because of its rapid growth. Hedges says that the govern- ment agency's estimates are lowballed because Eagan traditionally has more people per house- hold (3.9) than used for the population projec- tion formula's (approximately 1.8). Additionally he says, the city's figures are probably con- servative compared to the actual population. Eagan is not yet swelling its boundaries, it is only 50 per- cent developed. The opening of Interstate 35E in 1985, and I-494 in 1986 linked Fagan to the metro area north of the Minnesota River. Commercial and residential developers have been flocking to the city ever since. The freeway openings served to escalate land prices to the point where Hedges says quotes are now being made by the square foot, instead of the acre. City officials say that a ballpark estimate for commercial land prices is $2 to $6 per square foot. Residential prices have zoomed too. Donna Kenny, sales manager for the Dakota County Merrill Lynch Real Estate offices says homebuyers need to spend $40,000 or more, for a lot that's 85 feet wide and 125 or 150 feet deep. Overall lot prices range from $25,000 to $4000. Most Eagan families are two income families with a median age of 28-years-old. "It was unheard of three years, or even two years ago to see a lot for more than $60,000," she says. The population in Eagan is growing to the point where the city recently passed a $47.5 million bond referen- dum to build a 1,200 student high school, a middle school and a grade school. Changing from a rural to urban community has been Eagan's challenge. Northwest Airlines headquarters is in the background. Additionally, the city has a strong industrial base. There is enough land that a corporation who wants to come in and build a large campus, can still "make a big presence in a short time," says Hedges. One example of a large piece of land that has had more lives than a cat is the city's northwest corner. When Dayton Hudson was still in the "dales" business, there were plans for a large shopping center, Eagandale. There were proposals to put the domed stadium on the site, and it was EAGAN to page 4B Betting on I the come EAGAN INDUSTRIAL GROWTH S I RONG by Eric Wieffering Lilce most outer -ring suburbs, Eagan's first spurt of growth came in the late 1960s and early 1970s, when companies flee- ing the city and first -ring suburbs came knocking in search of cheap land for their manufacturing, warehouse and/or shipping facilities. Eagan offered refuge as the closer in suburbs, particularly Bloomington and the southwest corridor, replaced industrial and warehouse uses with office development. Opus Corp. was perhaps the first to recognize Eagan's potential and put a ham- merlock on much of the city's industrial land. In the early 1960s Gerald Rauenhorst bought 1,400 acres between Highway 55, County Road 42 and Pilot Knob Road (he sold the land in 1968 to Northwestern Mutual Life and worked out a joint venture agreement with the firm). Eventually, Interstate 35E, with an inter- change at Lone Oak Road, would cut through a third of the park, and I-494 would border the northeast quadrant. But until that occur- red just a few years ago, the bulk of develop- ment within Eagandale Industrial Park was industrial. More than 3.8 million square feet of industrial space in 66 buildings has been constructed. Major tenants in the park in- clude Coca Cola, Ecolab, Carson Pirie Scott and the United States Postal Service. Only about half of Eagandale has been developed. In the last several years much of the new development in the park has been of- fice/showroom space within the northeast quadrant, close to I-494. But Opus still believes there's more de- mand for warehouse and distribution space in Eagan, and a new project, the 83,155 square foot Lone Oak Business Center, is designed for such tenants. "There's nothing fancy about this building," says David Bruce, an industrial specialist with Thorpe Bros. who has the Lone Oak listing. Basic landscaping and a no - frills design allow Opus to offer space in the building at $3.75 a square foot for warehouse use and $7.50 a square foot for office space. Bruce says the Eagan industrial market has a number of things going for it, not the least of which are a lot of land and some very large businesses, including Unisys and Northwest Airlines. The latter recently announced an expansion to its 150-acre campus. "Air cargo and airport -related businesses have a strong presence in Eagan and a strong demand for space," Bruce says. The coming of the freeways in the mid280s convinced many developers that it was time to begin building Class A office and/or of- fice/showroom space in Eagan. Trammell Crow Co., R.L. Johnson, Opus and United Properties (across the border, in Mendota Heights) have plunged into the market, with mixed results at best. Vacancy rates for that kind of space hover between 30 and 36 per- cent for the Burnsville, Apple Valley and Eagan area, according to Towle Real Estate and Coldwell Banker. Bruce says Eagan's potential is great, but notes that "Eagan has never been a very deep market." A lot of office and industrial developers have bet on the come, but it hasn't arrived quite yet, leaving many developers with large land positions and/or lots of vacant space. "Eagan's a spotty little market,- adds Mike Lewis, a broker with Edina Realty Business Properties. Until recently, he says, the typical industrial or warehouse space user has been a small manufacturing company with the principal living nearby. The big firms have been coming, but not as fast as the developers would like them to, Lewis says. Bruce says Eagan is experiencing now the INDUSTRIAL to page 9B 4B Eagan from page 3B also a contender for the state's horse racing track. Today that corner is home to Northwest Airlines new 300,000 square foot head- quarters and the company has announced plans for expansion on its 150 acre site. Cray Research will build a new facility that could be up to one million square feet and Wachovia Bank and Trust with L.A. Laukka and Associates is building a 94,000 square foot of- fice/warehouse project. Other large employers, with large facilities in the city include Unisys, West Publishing, the U.S. Postal Service's bulk mail facility and Coca Cola's bottling plant. City officials estimate that there are 18,000 jobs in Eagan. 401, Minnesota Real Estate Journal la um d MARKET Focus Industrial expansion, plus a massive amount of residential building will boost Eagan's total assessed valuation by over $60 million between 1987 and 1988, says Hedges. That growth will drive the mill rate down, lowering taxes a bit, says Hedges. All this growth gives credence to the claim that Eaganites call their city the fastest grow- ing in the state and metro area. Along with this rapid growth has come the usual amount of growing pains. Like a rebellious teenager, the development process has often left many developers frustrated, city officials on the defensive and citizens concerned. Mayor Beatta Blomquist is running for re- election to her fifth two-year term against city council member Victor Ellison. The election has become heated to a point that last month one of Eagan's weekly newspapers ran an editorial admonishing citizens to watch themselves when writing letters to the editor. Letters coming into the paper were bordering on libelous. . "There's a lot more questions than answers with the political situation," says John Breitinger a broker with Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services. Breitinger is working with the Hoffman Group Inc., developers of the proposed Cliff Lake Galleria, a project that has residents concerned because although the site is zoned commercial/retail, it is close to a neighborhood and an elemen- tary school. The project is going through the city reviewal process and should be heard by the planning commission in October. The city of Eagan has a reputation for stick- ing like glue to the guidelines established in its comprehensive land use plan, which is a source of pride to those in power in city hall, but an equal source of frustration by some developers. The Beiter Corp. a subsidiary of Thorsen-Cornwell-Klohs (t(), is suing the YOUR TITLE COMPANY SHOULDN'T BE IN THE HABIT OF MAKING MISTAKES. and your customer will think in choosing you. How do you erase doubts? Search for a company with a long-standing reputation for accuracy. And while you're at it, make sure that reputation also extends to speed, personal service and financial strength. That search ends with Chicago Title. Especially now that we've joined forces with another of the industry's most respected names, SAFECO Title. Together, we boast the largest national Choose one of those title companies that tend toward making errors he made an error network in the industry. We also operate under a policy of decentralization which empowers our local experts to act flexibly, quickly and decisively. What's more, Chicago Title boasts a pool of statutory premium reserves and liquid assets that's the envy of our competitors. So, select the title company you and your customers can have confidence in, and whose professionalism matches yours. National resources. Local resourcefulness. Tony Winczewski, Commercial Sales Officer (Pronounced Wm -Chess -Key) 6121829-4422 8000 Town Line Avenue, Bloomington, Minnesota 55438 October 19, 1987 city for failing to rezone a piece of property at I-35E and Diffley Road where the com- pany wanted to built a $50 retail project. TCK's project was one of 25 rezoning pro- posals the city considered in 1986. Of those 25, three were denied. Depositions have been taken and a ruling has yet to be ruling has yet to be handed down by Dakota County court. Hedges says the development process is fairly smooth. A rezoning proposal with the developer having all his ducks in order would take about two months to go through the review process up to the council vote, he says. The volume of proposals coming in to the city is huge, enough Hedges says to have the staff working 18 hour days. Though he doesn't feel they're overworked to the point of slowing development down. He points to cities in New York where it can take up to five months to get a proposal turned through the government wheels. The city's development REAL ESTATE JOURNAL L.�'I The Minnesota Real Estate Journal will be producing Market Focus special sec- tions each month to bring our readers infor- mation on real estate markets throughout the state. Suggestions for future Market Focus sections are welcome. Call or write to: Editor: Minnesota Real Estate Journal, PO. Box 24570 Minneapolis. MN 55424, (612) 893-1816. PUBLISHER Mary T. Carlson EDITOR Eric Wieffering SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR Catherine Shipman STAFF WRITERS Murray Wolf Anthony Neely Andris Straumanis Karen Padley Geisler ADVERTISING MANAGER Mari Adamson -Bray ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES J. J. Bowar Carol Atkins -Gottlieb Mary Schreck Sheila Galligan Bob Martin MARKETING ASSISTANT Jacqueline DuFault CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Katherine Gimmestad CIRCULATION DIRECTOR William H. Monn CIRCULATION MANAGER Jill Geske Rooney CIRCULATION SALES Susan Moy Juanita Bauer ART DIRECTOR Mary Houghton GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jeff Donovan PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Teresa Wolfe PRODUCTION Creative Characters Joe O'Connor OFFICE STAFF Laurie Lorence Ann Middag Karen Youmans Shelter Tech Media Company 7701 York Avenue South Suite 390, Edina, MN 55435 Phone: (612)893-1816 Classified Phone: (612)893-1830 The Minnesota Real Estate Journal is pub- lished weekly by Shelter Tech Media Company, 7701 York Avenue South, Suite 390, Edina, MN 55435; Paul D. Hagstrum. Jr., president; Christo- pher R. Barlow, vice president; Michael B. Kramer, managing director. Annual subscription rate is $39 for 52 editions per year. Single copies $1.50. Back issues $2.50. Single Market Focus copies $1.00. Subscriptions are nonrefundable. News releases and Letters to the Editor should be addressed to: Editor, Minnesota Real Estate Journal, P.O. Box 24570, Minneapolis, MN 55424. ©Copyright 1987 Shelter Tech Media Company. No part of this publication may be repro- duced without the written per- mission of the publisher. ~C D tr LL PRESS i ,Bbi October 19, 1987 Minnesota Real Estate Journal 5B process is under consideration to be written up by the National Land Use Institute as a "model community," says Hedges. "We have more volume than 15 suburbs combined. We encourage our developers to give us lead time. Some are much better than others," says Hedges. Ralph Linvill of Linvill Properties Inc. is developing the Thomas Lake Shopping Center. The center is now under construc- tion, but Linvill says that they're about a month behind schedule because it took their proposal so long to get through the city. "Eagan's a tough place to build. It's not a piece of cake by any means. You just can't get things through. Eagan's hard. You've just got to allow an awful lot of time," says Linvill. The time factor may be due to the scrutiny Hedges feels the city staff gives proposals. "We could let development run over us and not cross the t's and dot the i's. We treat each development project as if it's our only project for the year," he says. We could let development run over us and not cross the t's and dot the i's. We treat each development project as if it's our only project for the year." — Thomas Hedges city administrator Mayor Blomquist's view is that there is nothing wrong with the city and it has not been treated fairly in the press. She says that negative criticism of the city is a result of "developer wars. "Eagan is the fastest growing city available. We are very proud of that," she says. Com- plaints against the city, she adds, are "sour grapes from developers who did not get what they want" Hedges admits suprise that some developers may be less than happy and cites Opus Corp. and Sienna Corp. as two major developers that have worked well with the ci- ty. Opus has owned land in Eagan since the '60s and in 1969 went into partnership with Northwestern Mutual Life (NML) to develop the Eagandale Business Park. "Our thinking was that the freeways would be there shortly," says Marc Anderson, direc- tor of real estate development. The initial development was largely industrial and in- cludes some of Eagan's larger employers. Today the 1,300 acre park has about five million square feet in office and industrial development that includes about 7,000 employees. Opus also developed a highly visible building for Unisys on the corner of Pilot Knob Road and I-494 and newly -opened Compri Hotel. A Residence Inn is under construction. "We plan to make it a full -service business park and we're very close to that right now," says Anderson. In addition, Opus has several other projects in Eagan. "The city is pretty easy to get along with if you have a good history of working with them. If you've kept your word," says Ander- son. Opus has been developing long enough in Eagan that Anderson says they've built a trust level with the city. "We're able to do thing because of our rela- tionship with the city," he says. Sienna Corp. has been operating in Eagan since 1977 and now has four active housing projects that it is selling off lots to home builders. The homes range from starter Continued on next page Northwest Airlines' newly -opened headquarters may be expanding. « mcon listened to our needs and gave us what we needed... they were thorough, creative and offered a quality approach to designing and building our dealership.» Ernie von Schledorn President Amcon has constructed over 100,000 sq. ft. for Ernie von Schledorn since 1979. The largest auto sales and service dealership in Wisconsin. "I have tremendous confidence in Amcon's people... top notch... there were no surprises, no conflicts... a real team effort. They were dollar efficient, time efficient and dealt honestly up front... everything was executed as promised." "I have recommended Amcon to others and will again be a customer!" Full -service capabilities from feasibility study and site selection through design and construction. Call or write for our brochure MA AMCDN 612-890-1217 200 E. Hwy. 13, Minneapolis, MN 55337 414-774-2490 11933 W. Burleigh St. Milwaukee, WI 53222 6B Continued from previous page homes to the upper end of the scale. Rodney Hardy, Sienna vice president says that he thinks the city is not moving to attract the upscale housing market. The city, "has not put together a real orchestrated package to attract that market. They're starting to do it now," he says. "I think the real key is to be producing the upscale neighborhoods." And sometimes getting new ideas through can be tough. "Their perception is that they've done a lot of different things. My argument is that other communities are do- ing it all the time," says Hardy. As far as the city accepting those ideas, Hardy says, "They want to be. I don't know if they know how to Eagan has "accomplished location," he says, and the city has the labor force and typography to attract new development. "It stands on this threshold. Instead of the Twin Cities, it could be the three cities, one of which could be Eagan," says Hardy. He realizes that dream is still a long way down the road, but adds, "the way you get there is that you look at a very dynamic (city) leadership. You encourage creative ideas in terms of land use. You need exceedingly strong leadership. "They have verbalized a concept of wan- ting to do it. My fear is that the window of op- portunity is closing each time a plat is filed." Hardy would like to see developments along the line of the Edina Country Club neighborhood, or Chaska's Jonathan where lots can be smaller, neighborhoods linked by a trail system and different price ranges of homes are in each neighborhood. "There's an awful lot of pressure to grow on that city today. My concern is their capaci- ty to handle it. We see the city as a good market. We're going to try to stay there," he says. As far as the city's comprehensive plan, Hardy says he doesn't think very many peo- ple understand the process of comprehensive planning. "They did it because the state told EAOAN to page 8 Minnesota Real Estate Journal MARKET Focus View from Eagan to Bloomington across 1-494. October 19, 1987 Not Just Your Bank. Your Neighbors. At Shelard National Bank, we know more than your account number. We know your name. For financial services from people who haven't forgotten the value of personal attention, see Shelard for all your banking needs. Checking • Savings • Money market accounts • IRAs • Loans • Commercial banking Shelard National Bank 400 South County Road 18, St. Louis Park, Minnesota 55426 (612) 546-6811 17600 Highway 7. Minnetonka, Minnesota 55345 (612) 474-3281 2310 West 7th Street, St Paul. Minnesota 55116 (612) 698-0787 Shelard National Bank Of Eagan Proud to be a member ofthe Eagan Area business community RAMSTEAD, THEISEN & KENNEDY, chartered ATTORNEYS AT LAW 3918 Beau-D-Rue Drive Eagan, Minnesota 55122 612-452-4252 PHOTO BY CATHERINE SHIPMAN 3900 Sibley Memorial Highway. Eagan, Minnesota 55122 (612) 454-3300 1420 Yankee Doodle Road. Eagan. Minnesota 55121 MEMBER F D.I.C. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY LENDER October 19, 1987 Minnesota Real Estate Journal 7B YANKEE PLACE Where you locate your business makes a strong statement about your corporate achievements and goals. 3500 Yankee Place • 1750 Yankee Doodle Road Quality Features Exterior gray brick finish Tinted glass, full height and 1 inch thick for energy efficiency Protective Alucobond over -hang with burgandy accent Corporate identity located near your entrance Individual entrances placed to accommodate tenants of all sizes Modem energy efficient building with that "high-tech" look Generous tenant allowance to customize your space as you desire for maximum efficiency RIVER CROSSING Site Amenities • VISIBLE LOCATION: Surrounded by State Highway 13, Yankee Doodle Road, and Yankee Place in popular Eagan ■ CONVENIENTLY PLACED: Near the Cedar Avenue river bridge and minutes from the air- port, Bloomington, Minneapolis and St. Paul IN TWO IDENTICAL BUILDINGS: A total of 221,840 square feet of dividable office/service area ■ FLOOR SIZES: lb accommodate your needs offering 1700 square feet and up • FULLY LANDSCAPED AND SPRINKLED: For a professional look ■ CONCEALED TRUCK LODGING AREA: Plus overhead doors for drive in ■ AMPLE PARKING: With at your door convenience flaw NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INDUSTRIAL AND OFFICE PARKS 8B Minnesota Real Estate Journal October 19, 1987 MARKET Focus Population City of Fagan SOURCE CITY OF EAGAN 1,185 1950 3,382 1960 10,398 1970 City staff projection Metropolitan Council projection 35,500 20,700 1980 1986 50,300 43,000 1990 Th-Star Development Corp. Announces Lexington Center Phase II ■ Eagan: Now Leasing Phase II Lexington Center: Phase I and II 30,200 Sq. Ft. Immediate Occupancy Available Lexington Avenue Near Diffley Road ■ Maplewood Rice Street Village 50,000 Sq. Ft. Now Leasing for Summer 1988 Opening Rice Street and County Road B (Near Hwy. 36) located adjacent to the Rice Street Cub Foods Store. ■ Crystal Winnetka Village Shopping Center 12,000 Sq. Ft. To Open Early 1988 Winnetka Avenue Near 36th Avenue North • Brooklyn Park (Opening November, 1987) Edinburgh Plaza Shopping Center 45,000 Sq. Ft. Phase I Opening Fall 1987 85th Avenue North and New T.H. 252 • Minnetonka Cedar Hills Shopping Center Phase II 20,000 Sq. Ft. Immediate Occupancy Available Cedar Lake Road Near County Road #73 • Blaine Northgate Square Shopping Center 20,000 Sq. Ft. Immediate Occupancy Available Main Street Near Central Avenue Small Shops Also Available in Northgate Mall Near Rainbow Foods For Leasing Information Contact: Kitty Englar Tri-Star Management Inc, (612) 542-9423 Broker Participation Invited EAGAN from page 6 them to do it. A comprehensive plan is a futuristic roadmap. It's got to change. Don't say I've got to freeze it. Politically six months later its going to come along and sidewind you. Not changing the zoning has historically caused headaches for the Eagan city council which has ended up in court more than once, fighting developers who felt the city was unreasonable in not granting zoning chang- ing requests for proposed development. "Politically it's a lot tougher to get things done. The staff, they really try to help," says Hardy. Indeed the staff has had its hands full. A total of 1,028 building permits have been issued through August, 1987. The total for 1986 was 1,661, although the total for August, 1986 was 1,130. "'think we're one of the most reasonable communities. People need zoning. They're dependent on what's going to happen." — Mayor Beatta Blomquist Mayor Blomquist thinks that oftentimes developers come to the city unprepared. "If they don't listen and they don't try to follow the staffs lead ... and they're pouting." She says that complaints should be con- sidered in proportion to the amount of growth in the city. "In a city that's not growing it would be next to nothing." She says that there's always going to be someone who's disgruntled. "I think we're one of the most reasonable communities," and she says she wants to pre- vent her city from becoming like Houston where there was rapid growth and no zoning. "People need zoning. They're dependent on what's going to happen." As Eagan wrestles with its troublesome teen years, the city is forging ahead with plans to provide its residents with even stronger city services and park systems. It looks to the future as capitalizing on its proximity to the Minneapolis -St. Paul International Airport and hopes to develop its 14-miles of freeway frontage. And no doubt developers will keep corning to the city. "It's so exciting the growth and the growth potential that Eagan has to offer," says Nor- thern Dakota County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Daniel Aberg. He says Dakota County is one of the 10 fastest grow- ing counties in the country, but says of Eagan, "I think they're having the usual amount of growing pains. They seem to cope with it because of the foresight that they've had" October 19, 1987 Minnesota Real Estate Journal 9B Industrial from page 3B boom in amenities and support services — residential, retail and hospitality projects — that should help fill that empty space and stimulate demand for new product. "There are not many good restaurants in Eagan to go to for a business lunch," Bruce notes. "There's no businessmen's clubs, like a Decathalon Club or a Minneapolis Club. The Compri (hotel) just opened, and that should help, and you're beginning to see some ex- pensive homes being built." "The Compri tel just opened, and that should help, and you're beginning to see some expensive homes being built." — David Bruce, Thorpe Bros. With a surfeit of office and warehouse space out there, demand for tenants has become incredibly intense. The interiors of some office buildings have been left unfinish- ed so that the space can be used for temporary warehouse space. Edina Realty's Lewis knows first hand how soft the Eagan market is. Lewis has spent the last six months trying to find a buyer for the 91-acre Borchert -Ingersoll site on the west side of the city. between Dodd and Lone Oak Carson Pirie Scott is one of several large companies with an Eagan address. Roads. Borchert -Ingersoll, a heavy equipment company, had its 58,000 square foot building constructed in 1972. A combination of depressed business and the realization of the subsequent appreciation in its land value has prompted the company to list the building and site, Lewis says. Borchert -Ingersoll wants $50,000 an acre, RESPONSIVE SIGNAL BANK Signal Hills Office 100 Signal Hills West St. Paul 457-1776 Eagan Office and Financial Resource Center 1480 Yankee Doodle Road Eagan 452-9200 Southview Office 2060 South Robert West St. Paul 450-1735 or $1.15 a square foot, for the industrially zon- ed site. It's willing to subdivide large parcels and would like to do a sale/leaseback of its building. "We've had a number of developers come out, sniff, and do some tire -kicking," Lewis says. "But not a lot of heavy equipment users are looking for new sites these days, and a lot of developers already have large, unprofitable land positions right now." Nevertheless, Bruce and Lewis agree that the developers who've bet on the come in Eagan won't be disappointed. Northwest Airlines will continue to generate spin-off uses, and Bruce even thinks Bloomington's mega -mall could help drive some industrial users across the river to Eagan. "The city really is beginning to come alive," Bruce says. •Edina Realty•Edina Realty 'Edina Realty •Edina Realty • HOT EAGAN FACILITY AND LAND FOR SALE IDEAL FOR PRODUCTION/SERVICE The Borchert -Ingersoll build- ing; a 12 year -old facility in stra- tegic Eagan, has come onto the market. Built in 1975, the 58,000 sq. ft. structure measures 150 x 220 ft. Presently used as a heavy equipment service and repair center, the building should prove ideal for a service/ Edina Really Business Properties production facility. Location is unique. Half mile from Hwy. 494 and five minutes to Mpls./St. Paul International airport. An adja- cent 91 acre site can be sub- divided for expansion. Eagan is hot and growing. This might be just the place for your corporate growth. Call Ernie Peacock or Mike Lewis at 896-3636. 3800 West 80th Street Minneapolis, MN 55431 612-896-3636 PHOTO BY CATHERINE SHIPMAN MEMBER FDIC •Edina Realty•Edina Realty • Edina Reaity•Edina Realty • 10B Lots of lots TREND TOWARD MOVE -UP HOUSING by Karen Padley Geisler n the late 'Ts and early '80s, Eagan ex- ploded as a program to aid first-time homebuyers led to an abundance of entry- level housing. But times, and Eagan, have changed. More than 500 recently platted lots are being developed for what Eagan city officials call "high quality" housing, homes selling for at least $150,000. Already, the average valuation of a new single-family home has risen from $80,095 in December 1986 to $95,081 in August 1987. Some of the sudden surge is due to the general trend toward move -up housing in the Twin Cities area. Lower interest rates, last year's tax reform and the aging of the Baby Boom generation are all contributing factors. But the trend toward move -up homes has been apparent in the Twin Cities for some time and high -end housing has only recent- ly come to Eagan. City officials have iden- tified areas where they want larger -size lots, but otherwise have not implemented most of the items put in the city's comprehensive plan this January to encourage upper -end housing. Why? Transportation. Area developers, builders and real estate agents all say the opening of Interstate 35E last fall gave a big boost to high -quality housing in Eagan. "(Interstate) 35E made it accessible to downtown St. Paul. (Interstate) 494 made it accessible to Minneapolis, Richfield and Minnesota Real Estate Journal MARKET Focus Single family starter homes are making way for bigger and better models. Bloomington," says Steve Holm, head of executives who make frequent business trips. United Mortgage Corp.'s builder division. Nearby corporate facilities, including Nor - The company has recently added thwest Airlines's headquarters, Unisys and Stonebridge, a 222-lot subdivision aimed at Cray Research, also are making Fagan attrac- the higher -end buyers to its Fagan Hill Farms tive to transferees, developers say. They say development. Fagan's industrial base is large enough to sup - Others point to the new Cedar Avenue port a city about three times its current size, bridge and easy access to the Minneapolis -St. including a sizable amount of high -quality Paul International Airport, a major factor for housing. October 19, 1987 To some extent, the trend toward high -end housing in Eagan may have been inevitable given the growth in nearby cities. Rodney Hardy of Sienna Corp. notes that desirable lots for upscale housing have become much harder to find recently in Ap- ple Valley, Burnsville and parts of west Bloomington. As a result, many people are RESIDENTIAL to page 12B DESIGN CONSTRUCTION DEVELOPMENT Full Service Commercial and Industrial Contractors Pioneer Rim & Wheel Co., 2500 Kennedy Street NE, Minneapolis This build -to -suit office/distribution center totals over 100,000 square feet. The project includes demolition of the former freight terminal and refurbishing existing offices into an integrated office, city desk, and distribution center on this Minneapolis site. For concept planning and site selection through final design and construction. Contact Larry White. L. L. White & Sons Company 8282 Grand Avenue South / Bloomington, MN 55420 (612) 888-4888 We'!! help you get in on the ground floor. Commercial & Industrial Sales & Leasing Site Selection • Buyer Representation Multi -Family, Institutional & Agricultural Investment Properties Eagan — Twin Cities Metro — Outstate, Minn. Timing. Knowing when to invest in the right commercial property is only part of what CENTURY 21' Professionals do best. Marketing Clout. We can also find the right investment for you by putting the resources of the world's largest real estate sales organization to work. Service. Besides analyzing and evaluating each property, we also analyze and evaluate the lease arrangements. And after you've invested in a prop- erty, our Property Management Professionals will help you maximize your income while minimizing your expenses. Do it now! If you're inter- ested in an investment that can grow with you, call our CENTURY 21 office. We'll show you how you can break new ground with your investment portfolio. South Country Realty 1570 Century Point Eagan, MN 55121 (612) 454-3410 MN (800) 328-2821 Out of State Put Number 1 to work for you. E. 1966 Century 21 Real Estate Lurporanon as trustee for the NAF ® and TM— trademarks of Century 21 Real Estate Corporetwn Pnntd to U.S.A. Equal Housing Opportu,u, EACH OFFICE IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED October 19, 1987 Minnesota Real Estate Journal 11B pus CREATIVE SOLUTIONS THAT WORK PRESENTS... EAGANDALE CENTER 1300-acre office and industrial park ...close to all that matters. • BUILD TO SUIT • INDUSTRIAL LAND ■ RETAIL LAND ■ MULTI TENANT SPACE ■ CORPORATE CAMPUS SITES • FREEWAY VISIBILITY For more information call: Marc Anderson (612) 936-4570 OPUS Designers • Builders • Developers 800 OPUS Center • 9900 Bren Road East • Minneapolis, MN 55343.4512/936-4444 12B RESIDENTIAL from page JOB looking at areas usually not associated with high -end housing, including Eagan. The 42-lot Bridle Ridge subdivision cur- rently being developed by Sienna will have homes starting at $175,000. Larry Frank with Meritor Development, developers of Eagan Royale, agrees that upper -end housing may partially be due to "spillover." The 72-lot subdivision, where homes will start at $250,000, has lots selling for about $60,000. Similar lots in Bloom- ington are going for $100,000 to $110,000, he says. Meritor previously had been building on- ly entry-level homes in Eagan. Frank says the company decided to try an upper -end development after it found several people in- terested in its Briar Oaks development near the Eagan -Apple Valley border wanted larger lots and a more exclusive subdivision. The land ner.essary for such larger lots was available, just across the line in Eagan. The success of Chatterton Ponds subdivi- sion, a 28-lot development by Robert Engstrom and Associates that opened in February, also has encouraged some developers. Howard Kyllo, a sales associate with Engstrom, notes it was the first subdivision in Eagan to set a minimum price, $190,000, when it opened in February. The project is sold out and Engstrom is working on two other subdivisions where homes will start at $150,000. The Woodlands, 123 lots, and Deerwood, 83 lots, are both near elementary schools that will be in the Rosemount School District, a major factor to families with children, Kyllo says. Other subdivisions slated for upper -end housing in Eagan include Burr Oaks, 68 lots being developed near the Eagan -Inver Grove Heights border by Harstad Companies; Lex- ington Point, 61 lots being developed by Tri- Land; Brittany 10, 31 lots by Tollefson Builders Inc.; and Stoney Points, 77 lots by Meritor. 11411114, Minnesota Real Estate Journal ■ MARKET r I Focus October 19, 1987 A special program for first time homebuyers is causing a glut of starter homes in the market. First, the ho1 rooni, Then the ho1 sui, Finally; ComprL (Four -sir [.uxuty Rooms) 'Evening Cocktail Reception) �OtSnacks) (CkedOrcer Breakfast) (Coinplete Recrealional Fadi) (E1� Use of the Comp Chu) All Inclusive. (Compri). Hotel MPLS./ST. PAUL INT'L AIRPORT 494 and Pilot Knob Road • Eagan. MN 55121 • (612) 454-3434 Five Minutes East of the Mpls./St. Paul Int'I Airport • Meeting Rooms Available raise your standard of living. The developers had some wild ideas about creating a magnificent residence. And when they put them all to- gether, the ideas evolved into a naturally better lifestyle. You owe it to yourself to live like this. Treat yourself to nature's finest. Treat yourself to Thomas Lake Pointe. 13 4 1 77t YANKEE DOODLE RD. s s OOOS u © w Y u 4 LTNAOKMEAS POINT E / POOTE POINTE rHoMAS DIFFLEY RD. RD. APTS APTSE LAKE CLIFF RD. 'I oMas IME Pamir A P AR T MEN T S Treat Yourself to Nature's Finest Rental Information Office 1500 Thomas Lake Pointe Road Eagan, Minnesota 55122 (612) 688-0991 Developed and Managed by Dominium Group - HOio BY GATHERINE SHIPMAN October 19, 1987 Minnesota Real Estate Journal 13B New freeway frontage NEW ACCESS OPENS EAGAN DEVELOPMENT by Catherine Shipman Freeways have been very good to Eagan. The opening of the Cedar Avenue bridge, Interstate 35E and the river crossing on Interstate 494 touched off a com- mercial and residential building boom that has yet to subside. Everybody knew the freeways were destin- ed to reach Eagan, and as construction got closer development picked up and land got more expensive. No longer was land priced by the acre, but by the square foot. While the fieeways have meant opportunity for Eagan, they've also presented the city with development challenges. Today, Eagan is looking at not only the best route for developing its freeway frontage, but making sure that the city's internal road system can handle the load placed on it by development as well. The city has entered into an agreement with Dakota County and Inver Grove Heights to commission a traffic study. The study is being done, according to City Administrator Thomas Hedges, because up to now the city has not had a master plan for a transportation. Since both Eagan and Inver Grove Heights have a lot of county roads, it seemed a natural to go in with the county's study. The study should be completed early in 1988, according to Pete Sorenson of the Dakota County Highway Department. Tom Colbert, Eagan public works director. says the study will produce a computer soft- ware program for each of the three govern- ment entities to share information. For exam- ple, if Eagan approves a major development an immediate update will be available for everyone to see the traffic impact. The program will also help project road- way improvements and budgets, Colbert says. Eagan is now 50 percent developed with over 127 miles of city streets in place. The city is already feeling a crunch at some intersec- tions, or "hot spots," as Colbert calls them. One is the junction of Yankee Doodle and Pilot Knob roads, where a lot of develop- ment. including Town Centre, a retail and of- fice project, and the Unisys plant expansion, has taken place. Yankee Doodle Road was recently widen- ed to four lanes, but a^ additional two lanes may be needed soon `It's busy for Eagan right now," Hedges says. Another potential hot spot is near Cliff Road and I-35E where the Cliff Lake Galleria shopping center has been proposed. A third troublesome area is the city's Lone Oak ad- dition in the extreme northwest quadrant, close to I-494 and Dodd Road. That area in- cludes Northwest Airlines, which has an- nounced expansion plans, the site of a pro- posed 1.2 million square foot Cray Research facility and future development by Wachovia Bank and Trust. Wachovia is currently building a 94,500 square foot of- fice/warehouse on Highway 55 and Lone Oak Road. Traffic in this area already backs up on the freeway entrance ramps, Colbert says, so ad- ditional freeway access may be needed. Making additions to an interstate can take years. "You can't start anything until you have a comprehensive traffic plan," says Colbert. The study will also help the city look at other alternatives such as flexible work hours or carpooling. The city is served by MTC com- muter service to downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, although there is no internal bus TRANSPORTATION to page 16B A Unisys buildings sits on one of Eagan's most visible corners, 1-494 and Pilot Knob Road. PHOTO BY CATHERINE SHIPMAN Thinking About Eagan'r Projects Recently Completed In Eagan • NWA World Headquarters 7,600 tons • I-35E Lone Oak Rd. to Mendota Rd. 150,000 tons • UPS 17,000 tons • 1-494 Hwy. 149 to Hwy. 3 and 52 90,000 tons • Nichols Rd. 9,400 tons MINNEAPOLIS EAGAN ST. PAU L INVER GROVE HEIGHTS With production facilities in bordering cities of Inver Grove Heights, Minneapolis, and St. Paul, we're geared exclusively towards serving Eagan. If you're moving your business into the Eagan area hot -spot, you'll want your builder to get a bid on your parking lot from Bituminous Roadways. There's no obligation, just ask him to call 721-2451 today. IIlfe've specialized in parking lot construction in the Metro Area since 1946." BITUMINOUS 2825 Cedar Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55407 721-2451 11201 Rich Valley Boulevard Inver Grove Heights, MN 55075 457-3797 14B Minnesota Real Estate Journal October 19, 1987 FAGAN FAGAN 101 NOW AND Fi GROWING WITH THE COMMUNITY Eagan Town Centre 170 Acre Retail and Business Development Currently Constructed 360,000 sq. ft. Planned for 1988 Construction 350,000 sq. ft. Planned for 1989-91 790,000 sq. ft. Total Building Area 1,500,000 sq. ft. Commercial Land 7b Accommodate Future Development 100 acres WHAT'S HAPPENING NOW? — At Eagan Town Centre, the second stage of development is already underway. Zoned for commercial development in 1971, this 170 acre project was planned in 1981 and approved by the City in 1982. In 1985, constrcution began on Waterview Office Tower and 2'/: miles of roads, 31/2 miles of walking trails and utilities to serve the entire development. Today. the development includes the Rainbow Foods Store, Walgreens and the Learning Tree Day Care Center and 42 other Waterview Office Tower retail businesses — a total of 36 acres already developed and serving the community. COMING — In the spring of 1988, construction will begin for yet another group of retail businesses in a new and innovative 350,000 square foot, enclosed shopping mall. The finest possible freeway locations are available for a number of anchor tenants such as Target, Kmart, Herbergers, Marshalls and Mainstreet. Another exciting major addition planned for Town Centre is the 12 story, 1.5 MILLION SQUARE FEET 1 Projected 12-story tower 145,000 square foot glass office tower, adding a new dimension to the Eagan skyline. Signal Bank is also scheduled to begin construction in April 1988 on a two story, 18,000 square foot banking facility and also Edina Realty with a new 2 story, 16,000 square foot main office. RESTAURANTS— Whether it's a quick stop lunching or a leisurely elegant lunch with clients or friends, the development has many new and varied restaurants including Arby's, Pizza Hut, Kentucky October 19, 1987 Minnesota Real Estate Journal 15B VN CENTRE )R THE FUTURE )F RETAIL, RECREATION, HOTEL, OFFICES AND RELATED SERVICES. Edina Realty Office Bldg. Town Centre Professional Bldg. Fried Chicken, Taco Bell and Burger King along with elegant dining at Dougherty's and Hunan Gardens. SERVICES — To make driving more convenient while working or shopping the Car Care Center is a new concept in automotive services now open at Pilot Knob and Duckwood Drive which includes Firestone, Midas Muffler. Jiffy Lube, Auto Parts, Glass Repair, Car Cleaning, Transmission Service, SuperAmerica and more! Signal Bank B. Elegant Barber Plus & Sun Plus Nails Benson Optical Big lbp Wine & Spirits Celebration! Party & Paper Goods The Collection by Margery Fay DiCresce Gallery and Frame Dougherty's Restaurant Eagan Floral H & R Block Hunan Gardens Kakos Kids Pernella's Car Care Center • SuperAmerica • Car Wash • Jiffy Lube • Firestone • Midas • Auto Parts • Glass Repair • Car Cleaning • Transmission Shopping Center Phase II Space for retail anchors such as Target Kmart Herbergers Marshalls Mainstreet Pizza Hut Burger King Taco Bell Kentucky Chicken Arby's RAINBOW FOODS WALGREENS Premier Cleaners and Launderers Prestige Travel Sears Paint & Hardware Plus Catalog Store Son Rise Books & Gifts Starkman Hallmark T. Rose Country Gifts Town Centre Pets Video Hollywood Style & One Hour Photo Waldeland Jewelry Coming Soon Eagan Furniture & Galleria SportsAmerica A RARE OPPORTUNITY — With the approval of this plan in 1982. the City of Eagan created the rare opportunity of a large, concentrated business area which would include retailing, recreation, offices, hotel accomodations and related services. Following the existing Master Plan will insure the development will be built to the highest quality and standards available. Developed by Federal Land Company Yankee Square Office III • Suite 102 3470 Washington Drive • Eagan, Minnesota 55122 Office: 452-3303 16B 11111111111111111111, Minnesota Real Estate Journal 111111111211111, r!1: MARKET FOCUS I-494 and I.35E link Eagan to cities both north and south. TRANSPORTATION from page 13B service. Kirk Duholm, incoming president of the Eagan division of the Northern Dakota Chamber of Commerce, has noticed the dif- ference development makes. When he drives home from work these days he encounters six or seven stop lights, where before there was only one stop sign. Development along the freeway frontage provides Eagan with the opportunity to create its own I-494 strip from scratch, and Hedges says that contact has been made with Bloom - Albert Lea St Paul (Pi af# MILE IP ington city officials to find out what they would do if they could do it all over again. Another traffic pattern that Duholm's chamber and Eagan city officials are monitoring is air traffic. The city is pinning a lot of its development hopes on easy ac- cessibility to the Twin Cities International Airport. "The whole community is very dependent on the airport," says Duholm. A study on airport use is being done by the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), and the city wants to make sure that things — meaning air traffic routes and noise levels — October 19, 1987 don't change too much. Eagan's comprehensive plan has been aligned to have industrial development fit under the flight paths. Mayor Beatta Blom- quist calls the airport a "very positive factor" and says the city has been watching the pro- gress of the study with a very careful eye. "We do not want to be taken advantage of, we want the air corridors to remain the same. We've planned for that airport," she says. Jon Hohenstein, administrative assistant, says the air corridors were established before airline deregulation. Eagan and Mendota Heights were relatively undeveloped at the time and were able to plan their industrial areas to lie beneath the flight paths, sparing neighborhoods from noise problems like those found in Richfield or south Min- neapolis. Buildings like Trammell Crow's Eagan Woods were designed with special materials to absorb noise from the airplanes and keep sound out of the buildings. With deregulation the amount of air traffic increased and planes have a tendancy to "bounce off either side" of the flight corridor over residential areas, Hohenstein says. Eagan and Mendota Heights approached the MAC to see what could be done. "The ci- ty is interested in maintaining an operational standard that concentrates the worst of the im- pact down the middle where it was supposed to go," says Hohenstein. The process has been slow, because the cities are dealing with several levels of government but it "will be a wonderful mar- riage if it works," he says. MAC Director of Operations Walter L. Hellman says that the study results will be completed by October 27 and should deter- mine the exact north and south boundaries for the Eagan -Mendota corridor. He says MAC will be looking for a way to keep planes within the boundaries of the corridor so they continue to fly over industrial areas. "If we can keep the airplanes in the cor- ridor, that's what we want to do." says Hellman. Possibilities might be additional navigational aides or ways the control tower can work to keep the planes on course. "A perfect world would have all the planes fly right over Northwest's headquarters," says Hohenstein. Aside from the air access, the city has rail access to its industrial areas, but river access would be purely for the recreational user. Although the city has extensive frontage along the Minnesota River, the land is all part of Fort Snelling State Park. Fig Lone Oak BUSINESS CENTER OFFICE/ WAREHOUSE • 83,155 square feet of rentable area • Near I-35E on Lone Oak Road in Eagan • Lease modules available from 2,560 square feet • Custom interior space planning and design • Insulated, precast panel construction with double glazed windows for energy efficiency • Unique architectural entry design providing individualized identity for tenants • Interior clear height of 16 feet • Truck -height or optional ground -level loading docks for maximum service flexibility • Electricity and gas metered separately • Available Now A CONTACT OPUS DAVE BRUCE, SIOR 545-1111 BROS. INC. COMMERCIAL R. INDUSTRIAL I FWELLS Total concrete building systems O'Malley Buick, Waite Park. Architects: Pauley, Olsen, Bettendorf, Eastwood, Ltd., St. Cloud. General Contractor: Conlon Construction, St. Cloud. Dependable fast track coordination of design, manufacturing, shipping, and erection from one source. Fast Quality Prestressed Concrete Institute Certified Plant for Confirmed Capability. C Ost Total precast building shells from $6.50 per sq. ft. Call 1-800-722-2229 MN TOLL FREE 1-800-722-2229 (507) 553-3138 I October 19, 1987 Minnesota Real Estate Journal 17B Tri-Land is Proud to be Part of Eagan's Growth N n W / ,yn �nD "Zi •,- : E31.ACKHAWN RK • *ItA,..k DiHley Road i , Ct a Center C 'NUR LAKE i" iHOMA$ PARK Y .. p PARK ^ 11- Cliff Road EAGAN CENTER • 100,000 square foot community service center High visibility Located in the heart of the residential community at the intersection of Diffley Road and Lexington Avenue LEXINGTON PARKVIEW LEXINGTON POINTE Lexington Parkview and Lexington Pointe. Located in the heart of Eagan, one of the fastest growing cities in the seven county metropolitan area. Nestled among natural wooded terrain and gently rolling hills, Lexington Parkview's and Iexington Pointe's home sites will enhance the natural beauty of the picturesque surroundings. Lexington Parkview and Iexington Pointe. Offering a secluded residential intimacy close to an array of amenities only available near the city. Minutes from everyday shopping conveniences. A new elementary school, middle school and Eagan High School will be located within blocks of both Lexington Parkview and Lexington Pointe. Immediate access to the major freeway systems: 35E, Cedar Avenue and Highway 13. Downtown Minneapolis, St. Paul and the International Airport are a quick drive away. Nearby... for recreation ... discover the beauty and sporting opportunities offered by Eagan's community parks. Joseph M. Miller nitiehaim Construction uttner omes 2OLLEGE ITY ONSTRUCTION 01 ButlerlH�ousing Corporation Al SonS to CORPORATE CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED For further information regarding our projects, contact: TRI-LAND COMPANIES Town Centre Professional Bldg., Suite 202 AL 1260 Yankee Doodle Road Eagan, Minnesota 55123 (612) 452-7850 18B ��11WMinnesota Real Estate Journal hind rMARKET FOCUS Retail potential realized FREEWAYS, GROWTH PROMPT PROJEC 1 S by Murray Wolf In 1985, Eagan had only six retail cen- ters with a grand total of about 262,000 square feet of space. Today, there are more than half a dozen additional centers open, under construction or proposed in the southeastern suburb that could add more than 1 million square feet of retail space. •'In 1986, Eagan -based Federal Land Co. Thomas Lake Center is a joint venture of Linvill Properties and Towle Real Estate. opened the 155,000 square foot first phase of Town Centre southeast of the intersection of Yankee Doodle and Pilot Knob roads. Town Centre is anchored by a Rainbow Foods store and a Walgreen's drug store. In January, com- pany officials presented plans to add 275,000 square feet of shops and common areas, a 105,000 square foot anchor and a 25,000 square foot theater. • The Eagan Advisory Planning Commis- sion is scheduled to consider plans Oct. 27 for the first phase of the $100 million Cliff Lake Galleria and Towers mixed -use project nor- thwest of Interstate 35E and Cliff Lake Road. Co -developers Ryan Construction Inc. and The Hoffman Group want preliminary plat approval for a 325,000 retail center anchored 3600 Kennebec Drive Eagan, Minnesota 55122 452.1565 October 19, 1987 by Target and Cub Foods stores. • Cedarvale Shopping Center, Eagan's first retail center, is celebrating its 20th anniver- sary this year with a $2.2 million remodeling and tenant repositioning. The 135,000 square foot enclosed mall at Cedar Avenue and Min- nesota Highway 13 will get an all new interior, new storefronts and new tenants, according to David Brown, commercial properties manager for Upper Midwest Management Corp. Completion is scheduled for October 1988. • Thomas Lake Center, a 43,000 communi- ty strip center with a Snyder Drug anchor, is under construction northwest of the intersec- tion of Cliff and Thomas Lake roads. A joint venture of Linvill Properties and Towle Real Years of Continuous Service in the Eagan Area • PLUMBING • HEATING • ELECTRICAL • SHEET METAL • VENTILATING • AIR CONDITIONING • SEWER AND WATER October 19, 1987 Minnesota Real Estate Journal 19B Estate, the single -story center designed by Heise Vanney & Associates is scheduled to open Jan. 1. The roughly ll-acre site also has four outlots intended for a service station, a bank, a fast-food restaurant or similar uses. • Eagan Auto Mall, anchored by a Firestone automotive service center, opened earlier this year at the northeast corner of Pilot Knob Road and Duckwood Drive, just south of Town Centre. The retail strip center has roughly 27,000 square feet of space for auto accessories and service shops. It was developed by Midwest Auto Malls, Minneapolis. • Fox Ridge Shoppes, a 14,000 square foot, nine -tenant neighborhood convenience center, was scheduled to open last week at the northeast corner of Yankee Doodle and Coachman roads. Fox Ridge Shoppes, developed by BBD Investments Inc., is part of a 4.77-acre parcel that will also have a freestanding car wash and a 13,500 square foot office project. The factors that have attracted other types of development to Eagan — a rapidly grow- ing population and the extensions of In- terstates 494 and 35E, in 1985 and 1986, respectively — are also receiving credit for the current retail boom. "The controlling factor was the road system," says Michael Kelly, president of The Center Cos. (TCC), a major retail real estate firm based in Minneapolis. With the freeways in place, Kelly predicts, "(Eagan) is going to be well served by shopping facilities" But while Eagan may ultimately support several community and neighborhood shop- ping centers, Kelly says the city lost its chance to be a regional retail draw. (Eagan never reall y became that regional center focus we thought it would become 15 years ago. — Michael Kelly president, The Center Cos. Dayton Hudson Properties (the forerunner of TCC), bought about 400 acres of land in the northwest corner of Eagan about 15 years ago — about the time they bought regional mall sites in Minnetonka and Roseville. While the Minnetonka site became Ridgedale and the Roseville site became Roseville, the Fagan site was never used for a regional mall. "Eagan never really became that regional center focus we thought it would become 15 years ago," Kelly says. Dayton Hudson of- ficials were forced to wait for freeway work and population growth in Eagan, and threw in the towel when the 1.267 million square foot Burnsville Center was built in neighbor- ing Burnsville in 1977. The Eagan land was sold and is being used for office projects, in- cluding Northwest Airlines' headquarters. But for retail developers with less gran- diose plans, Eagan is proving fertile ground. "I've become pretty bullish on the market," says John Breitinger, a retail broker with Col - dwell Banker Commercial Real Estate Ser- vices, broker for Ryan/Hoffman's Cliff Lake project. "We've had just a real positive response right across the board" "The only drawback (to Eagan) has been that the density has not been great," says Continued on next page Town Centre shopping center has Rainbow Foods as an anchor. Edinborough — Edina, Minnesota MINNEAPOLIS DENVER ■ Designers of Quality Environments For Living and Working • Bennett, Ringrose, Wolsteld, Jarvis, Gardner, Inc. Thresher Square 700 Thud Strect South 7 Minneapolis, MN 554t5 612 370 0700 PHOENIX PLANNING TRANSPORTATiJN ENGINEERING ARCHITECTURE 20B Continued from previous page Breitinger, whose first property as a broker was tiny Silver Bell Shopping Center in Eagan. But he says, "The demographics are strong enough today to support development — and it's only going to get better." "It's got all the earmarks of a very suc- cessful, dynamic community and we want to be there," says William J. McHale, vice presi- dent of development for Ryan Properties Inc., co -developer of Cliff Lake Galleria. With residential additions outpacing com- mercial development in most areas, retail developers are convinced many parts of Eagan are severely under -retailed. "There are a tremendous number of peo- ple there and they can't buy an asprin," developer Ralph Linvill says of the south- central part of Fagan, where he and Towle are developing Thomas Lake Center. "There's no shopping clear down to Apple Valley," Linvill continues. "This is why, I think, we've been getting a good response." He says Thomas Lake Center is nearly 40 percent pre -leased. But not every project has been successful. The expansion of Federal Land's Town Cen- tre was proposed in January, but there has been little progress since. Sources say that might be because Federal Land officials are finding it difficult to land another anchor. While they expect Town Centre to eventual- ly succeed, sources say the project has dif- ficult access and that it may have been "premature" Telephone calls to Federal Land officials were not returned. Scott Ericson, executive vice president of American Redevelopers Inc., admits a lack of anchors killed his firm's plan for 70,000 to 80,000 square foot Cliff Road Shoppes retail center. The firm had been negotiating with a 30,000 square foot food store and an 8,000 square foot drug store, but, "Those deals just never went anywhere." Cliff Lake Galleria has encountered troubles of a different sort. Nearby residents 111111111111M1 Minnesota Real Estate Journal 1111141111, .►�i� MARKET •Focus are concerned about the impact the project will have on the neighborhood, and city staff has pushed for more details. "I think a lot of it's misunderstanding," McHale says. As might be expected, Eagan's elected and appointed officials and city staff are struggl- ing to balance the push for progress with their desire to retain control of development. The Eagan City Council — described by one developer as "tough" — has historically refused to waiver from its comprehensive land -use guide plan, and that has raised the ire of those seeking zoning changes for retail projects. Consequently, the Eagan retail market has generated nearly as much business for at- tc,rneys as it has for developers. At least three lawsuits involving retail projects have been filed in recent years. Separate suits against the city by developers R.J. O'Neil (filed in Oc- tober 1985) and Thorsen-Cornwell-Klohs Co. (filed in March 1987) are pending in Dakota County District Court. In each case, the suits were filed after the council rejected rezoning applications. Disgruntled developers have also leveled conflict of interest charges against Mayor Beatta Blomquist, whose family businesses have been Federal Land retail tenants. Blom- quist denies the allegations, but development is shaping up as the pivotal issue in this fall's city election. That is prompting developers to tread softly. "The toughest part about Eagan is figuring out the political situation," says one real estate professional with Eagan interests. "It's a real hot potato" Still, that is unlikely to deter retail developers who seek to profit from the Eagan market. As Coldwell Banker's Breitinger says: "The more I've gotten to know that market, the better I've liked it." 111 October 19, 1987 The next 1-494 strip? SPECULATIVE OFFICE VACANCIES IMPROVE AS FREEWAYS IMPROVE ACCESS by Anthony Neely Large organizations such as Unisys, Northwest Airlines, Control Data, Honeywell and Blue Cross/Blue Shield long ago picked Eagan as a good place for com- pany offices, and continue to occupy substan- tial office space today. But Eagan also has a good speculative of- fice market that will get better, especially if the city's residential and retail developments continue to boom, according to agents and brokers who work the territory. "The office market for Eagan has picked up substantially," says Bruce Nordin, a broker for Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services. Nick Conzemius, also a Coldwell Banker broker, agrees. In the past, Conzemius says, potential tenants "had a perception that Eagan Opus is adding offices to its already large industrial development. Eagan For sale or lease 22,400 square feet of contemporary office space located in Eagan, the fastest - growing suburb in the Twin Cities. Excellent accessibility to I-35E, airport and downtown Minneapolis and downtown St. Paul. Ample, well -lighted parking adjacent to the building. Immediate Occupancy Call Mary L. Murphy • (612) 854-7967 or Coldwell Banker • (612) 924-4626 Yankee Square I IV Nooney Management Company 2626 East 82nd Street • Bloomington, Minnesota 55420 PHOTO BY CATHERINE SHIPMAN October 19, 1987 Minnesota Real Estate Journal 21B was too far out in the suburbs, too far removed from the business community." Conzemius and other brokers say the fact that large corporations such as Northwest and Unisys are expanding in the area, and the re- cent completion of Interstate 494 across the Minnesota River are convincing tenants that Eagan isn't really in the sticks. Michael B. Smith, a Towle Real Estate Co. broker who works in the Twin Cities' southwest quadrant, says Eagan is "still, in my estimation, a softer market than the (I-494) strip." (The strip essentially stretches from Eden Prairie to the Minneapolis -St. Paul International Airport in Bloomington). "'think that's slowly changing. (In Eagan) you've got all the advantages of the strip without the congestion." — Michael B. Smith Towle Real Estate Co. Smith says, "However, I think that's slow- ly changing. (In Eagan) you've got all the ad- vantages of the strip without the congestion." Smith notes that from the intersection of I-494 and Pilot Knob Road, the airport is only five to seven minutes away. "People looking for airport locations are becoming more favorable to it (Eagan)," he says. "The psychological barrier of crossing the river has eased somewhat" Trammell Crow's Eaganwoods is one of a new breed of office projects. Other factors contributing to the growing attractiveness of Eagan to the airport are its competitive prices for office space, plus the fact that more decision -makers are moving to Eagan and other nearby suburbs and want to work near their homes, sources say. Brokers and agents say corporations, or branches of corporations — usually sales of- fices — have frequently expressed interest in taking 20,000 to 30,000 square feet of office space in Eagan. On the other hand, the ex- perience of Collin Barr, leasing agent for Trammell Crow Co., seems more typical: 80 percent to 90 percent of inquiries are for 1,000 to 5,000 square feet, he reports. While many potential tenants currently have offices in Bloomington, inquiries come from all over the metropolitan area, sources say. According to Towle Real Estate's 1987 Of- fice Study Update, completed in May and published in July, Fagan's seven largest multi - tenant office buildings comprise 341,425 ren- table square feet. The market is currently absorbing three speculative office buildings completed in Continued on next page The New Real Estate Market Demands New Real Estate Insurance • Specifications Designed by Experts • Nationwide Distribution Network • Representing ALL the Top Insurance Companies • Computerized "By Location" Billing • Local Sales & Service THE GREENWICH GROUP The Hendrickson Agency — 18 Offices Countrywide — Dakota County State Bank takes pride in serving the growing needs of the real estate community Single Family Construction Loans Refinancing Loans FHA, VA and Conventional Home Loans ❑ Home Equity Loans Member FDIC ElDAKOTA COUNTY STATE BANK -- 01.1.0.1110111, PHOTO BY CATHERINE SHIPMAN 7600 Parklawn, Suite 444, Edina, MN 55435 (612) 835 - 3071 MAIN OFFICE 750 South Plaza Drive Mendota Heights, Minnesota 55120 (612) 452-1320 OFFICE 70th 6t Cahill Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota 55075 (612)455-2900 OFFICE 2109 Cliff Road Eagan, Minnesota 55122 (612) 454-4840 22B WA" Minnesota Real Estate Journal IF IP ►,�ii S1: ri Waterview Office Tower, at 10 stories, is Eagan's skyscraper. MARKET Focus Continued from previous page 1986. Eagandale Office Center, a three-story, 69,218 square foot building, is located at the intersection of I-494 and Pilot Knob Road. Eagandale, a joint venture of Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co. and Opus Corp., opened in January 1986. The building was only 19 percent leased in May, according to Towle's office survey. However, Coldwell Banker's Nordin, the building's leasing agent, says 16,000 square feet leased since late August brings the occupancy level to 37 percent. Right across the street, the first of six office buildings planned for Trammell Crow's 42-acre Eagan Woods development opened in May 1986. The five -story, 81,220 square foot building, is currently 35 percent leased, ac- cording to Collin Barr, Trammell Crow leas- ing agent for the project. The Waterview Office Tower opened in Federal Land Co.'s Town Centre development (near the intersection of Yankee Doodle and Pilot Knob roads) in March 1986. At 10 stories and 98,000 square feet, it's the tallest in town. Towle's spring study placed oc- cupancy at about 80 percent, and about 15,000 square feet has reportedly been leas- ed since late August. Federal Land officials could not be reached for comment. Those three buildings constitute Eagan's Class A office market in the eyes of brokers and agents; several of them place Eagan Woods at the top of the heap in terms of quali- ty. The Eagan Woods net leasing rates are tops, anyway: $14.50 per square foot, in a market where new office space generally starts at $10 net, and older space can go as low as $7.50 per square foot net. Taxes and ex- penses are between $4 and $5 per square foot, sources say. Other competitive office space includes Yankee Square, a four -building, 97,200 square foot complex at Federal Street and Washington Drive. Federal Land and Nooney Management Co. each own two of the October 19, 1987 buildings. And each hold one building that is full or nearly full and one that is nearly or completely empty, according to Towle. Each building is the same size: two stories, 24,300 square feet. Unisys (formerly Sperry) occupied space in all four of the buildings until it moved out of three of them in November 1986. It had fill- ed at least two of the buildings, and remains the sole tenant in one of them. Nooney Management has gutted one of the Yankee Square buildings, renovated part of it, and is prepared to complete offices to tenants' specifications. Eagan also has several other multi -tenant office buildings, both new and old, that are each less than 20,000 square feet, and therefore not counted in Towle and Coldwell Banker surveys. What is popularly known as the Comsery building is for sale and may become a multi - tenant building if sold. The four-story, 191,000 square foot structure, located near the intersection of Highway 13 and Yankee Doo- dle Road, is occupied by Management Science America (MSA) Advanced Manufacturing Inc. MSA bought Comsery Corp., a software firm, in February. Jerry Faehn, MSA manager of facilities administration, says the firm would have no problem relocating in Eagan if the building is sold. About 55,000 square feet is currently available for lease to another tenant. The general vacancy rate for Eagan office buildings was 52.8 percent in May, according to Towle. Coldwell Banker listed a 36 percent rate for 10 office buildings in Eagan, Apple Valley and Burnsville. The study included the Eagandale, Eagan Woods and Waterview buildings. Between May 1986 and May 1987, 56,334 square feet was absorbed at the major office buildings in Eagan, according to the recent Towle study. However, because Unisys vacated about 44,000 square feet, the net ab- sorption for the study year was 12,334 square The Estate lots of "Eagan Royale" Woods. . . Ponds...Privacy We are pleased to. present these fine, new homesites for your inspection, and will be proud to build your custom home on any of the 71 lots you select from. z L) CLIFF RD. • GALAXIE AVE. DevPirmerS Construction, Inc. 4580 Scott Trail Eagan, Minnesota 55123 (612) 688-6467 FINALLY. A BAR PHONE PACKAGE THAT GIVES YOU SECURITY PLUS PRODUCTIVITY.` $29.95/MO. Get the productivity of a Cellular One mobile phone plus the protec- tion of AAA -Plus membership when you join the Automobile Security Plan. Just lease or purchase a Cellular One Model 400 hands -free mobile phone. You'll get a special car phone package and automatic membership in AAA -Plus, too. Car phone savings: free installa- tion and antenna; free airtime ($80 credit); free insurance and warranty and more. :•i Cellular MEMBERSHIP N One ,q.PLUS-D0E 11 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,•,.,-tea, OHN W TravelCar AAA -Plus benefits: free access to AAA's 24-hour road service hot- line; towing; locksmith service; AAA's famous maps and TourBooks' and more. For details on the Automobile Security Plan, call your Cellular One Authorized Agent 1st COMMUNICATIONS, INC. Showroom • Sales • Service ONE STOP SHOPPING AND SERVICE Burnsville%Eagan Hours. Mon -Fri 8-5. Saturday 10-4 454-4922 Available only with the AAA -Cellular One All -In -One Plus Airtime Plan. Nominal down payment additional. October 19, 1987 Minnesota Real Estate Journal 23B Unisys has several thousand square feet of space in Eagan. feet. The rate at which the new buildings are leased will determine how quickly future of- fice development proceeds. Construction of second phases of Eagandale and Eagan Woods is likely if leasing at the first buildings approaches 70 percent by early 1988. A se- cond office building in the Town Centre com- plex has been discussed by Federal Land, but is apparently on hold for now. Conzemius, for one, thinks leasing in Fagan is "on the upside. Vacancy rates are go- ing to drop." he says. Yet, he adds, new development may proceed slowly. "They're going to be cautious," especial- ly in view of the effect of last year's tax law changes on real estate development, says Conzemius. "I don't think you're going to see a ton of speculative buildings until vacancy rates get lower. And location is going to be a big factor as to when the new buildings go up," Conzemius adds. Fill LARGEST EMPLOYERS Unisys — 3333 Pilot Knob Rd., (612) 456-2222, computer services, 4,800 employees. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota — 3535 Blue Cross Rd., (612) 456-5070, insurance, 1,600 employees. Northwest Airlines — 2700 Lone Oak Parkway, (612) 726-2111, airline, 1,283 employees. West Publishing Co. — 3773 Highway 49, (612) 681-3700, books warehouse, 870 employees. Coca-Cola Bottling Corp. — 2750 Eagandale Blvd., (612) 454-5460, bev- erage distributor, 800 employees. U.S. Postal Service — 3165 Lexington, (612) 293-3099, bulk mail service, 750 employees. UPS — 555 Becker Rd., (612) 379-6643, distribution center, 500 employees. American Fruit & Produce — 2864 Eagandale Blvd., (612) 454-6580, fresh/ frozen produce, 300 employees. Hoovestol Inc. — 3110 Mike Collins Dr., (612) 452-6262, trucking, 204 employees. MSA — 3400 Comsery Dr., (612) 681-7000, computer software, 200 employees. Lull Engineering Co. Inc. — 3045 High- way 13, (612) 454-4300, manufacturing, 190 employees. 3M — 3130 Lexington Ave., (612) 733- 3300, sales division, 163 employees. Gresser Inc. — 1971 Seneca Rd., (612) 454-5976, construction, 160 employees. Cedarvale is Changing to Better Serve the Eagan Area Currently a 135,000 sq. ft. enclosed mall. Many new stores will be added to this fully leased center. Construction to begin January, 1988 with completion October, 1988. Cedarvale is 20 years old and still changing to serve the area's needs. P.Jatt:' CedalVale David Brown Upper Midwest Management 1106 South Broadway New Ulm, Minnesota 56073 (507) 359-2004 / 452-9056 Metro umm c 24B Milli Minnesota Real Estate Journal A• MARKET . Focus The Yankee Square Inn, an 109-room mid -price hotel, is one of the city's "oldest." October 19, 1987 EAGANDALE CENTER Presenting a Setting of Significance — An Opportunity for the Business User Eagandale Center is a 1,300 acre multiple -use business park in Eagan, Minnesota conveniently located within the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. Situated near the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers, Eagandale Center is within 10 minutes driving time of the international airport, 15 minutes of downtown Saint Paul and 20 minutes driving time from downtown Minneapolis. Mature trees, ponds and wildlife contribute to the beautiful natural setting. This combination of convenient location and attractive setting makes Eagandale Center ideal for the business user. Eagandale Center is zoned for office, industrial, and commercial use. An Unparalleled Location for Today and Tomorrow THE OFFICE PARK 60 acres of wooded and rolling ridge land overlooking the Minnesota River Valley provide an ideal campus -like setting for offices and a planned hospitality facility. • High visibility sites next to the Interstate 494 freeway. • Quality sites for multi -tenant office buildings and for corporate headquarters. THE RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY PARK The Research Park offers an attractive setting for high technology firms requiring a mix of office, laboratory, light assembly and warehouse facilities. Two large ponds will become the focal point for low rise, campus -like buildings. The master plan enhances the natural features of the available sites to create an atmosphere conducive to creative thinking and innovation. • Landscaped collector streets discourage through traffic. • Long views of open space from the naturally high terrain. • Freedom from road noise yet within 3 minute accessibility to both major freeways. THE MULTI -USE AREA Situated on high -rolling land, this area provides a full range of uses. The common theme is the immediate accessibility to the interstate and visibility to freeway users. • Corporate headquarters sites. • Multi -tenant office building sites. • Office -warehouse and office -showroom sites. • High bulk warehouse and manufacturing sites. • Office and retail sites for professional service firms, medical/dental offices, convenience stores and daycare. • Automobile service center and related retail services site. EAGANDALE CENTER DEVELOPER The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company DEVELOPMENT AGENT Opus Corporation LEASING Coldwell Banker Commercial Real Eastate Services For Leasing Information: Bruce Nordin Wally Wilbur (612) 338-4700 For Land Information Marc Anderson (612) 936-4570 Motels in their infancy EAGAN, EXPERTS SAY, NEEDS MORE VARIETY by Andris Straumanis When it comes to hotels, Eagan is a relatively new market. And, local industry watchers say, the hotels of Eagan have a way to go before they make a mark. The presence of several major industrial employers who need temporary space for guests and employees, however, has fueled development of at least three new hotels. Add to that Eagan's proximity to the Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport and it's a sure bet that this community will see more lodg- ing development. But the character of the development will determine Fagan's success as a hotel market. "What I'm watching is the lack of variety and how deep the market wants to go," says Stephen Sherf, a partner in the Minneapolis office of Laventhol & Horwath, an accoun- ting firm that tracks the hotel industry. Eagan's market currently is geared to mid - priced rooms, analysts say. Budget hotels, as such, haven't made a presence yet, unless a proposed Hampton Inn is considered, Sherf says. On the other end of the price spectrum, he adds, Eagan still doesn't have a full -service franchise represented. Outside competition makes it difficult for the handful of hotels in Eagan, notes Kirby Payne, a manager in the Minneapolis office of Pannell Kerr Forster, another accounting firm watching hotels. Lodging facilities along the Interstate-494 strip in Bloomington already serve the Eagan market, Payne says, just as they tend to serve Eden Prairie. "It's still real easy to run over to Bloom- ington," Sherf echoes. One thing Eagan's hotels could do, Payne suggests, is to capitalize on the airport market. "The Eagan hotels," he says, "are closer to the airport than some of the hotels that purport to be airport hotels." The newest hotel in Eagan may hope to draw from the market, as well as from business travelers. The 190-room Compri Hotel at 2700 Pilot Knob Road overlooks I-494 and is just across the highway from a new Courtyard by Marriott in Mendota Heights. 1 WHO'S WHO IN EAGAN Mayor — Beatta Blomquist. City Council — Thomas Egan, James A. Smith, Vic Ellison, Theodore Wachter. City Administrator — Thomas Hedges. City Treasurer/Finance Director — Eugene VanOverbeke. Building Inspector — Dale Peterson. City Planner — Dale Runkle. Public Works Director — Thomas Colbert. Fire Marshall — Douglas Reid. Police Chief — Jay Berthe. Further information may be obtained by contacting Eagan City Hall, 3830 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan, Minn. 55122, (612) 454-8100; or by contacting the North- ern Dakota County Chamber of Com- merce,1301 Corporate Center Dr. #116, Eagan, Minn., 55121, (612) 452.9872. October 19, 1987 Minnesota Real Estate Journal 2511 The Compri, the first Minnesota hotel by Prism Hotel Management Co. Dallas, Texas, opened Sept. 8. One person can stay one night in the Compri for $75. Geared toward in- dividual business travelers, the Compri boasts that its "distinguishing feature" is a 5,000 square foot Compri Club, a lounge and work area aimed at letting those travelers socialize. The Compri also includes a limited service restaurant. Across the highway at the Courtyard by Marriott, a Marriott -owned development that opened June 13, there are 146 rooms, in- cluding 12 suites, waiting for business travelers. Rates begin at $55 for a single room and $78 for a suite. Perhaps the "oldest" hotel in the Eagan market that's battling for the business travelers is the 109-room Best Western - Yankee Square Inn, 3540 Washington Dr. Owned by an Eagan -based group, the Yankee Square Partnership, it's a mid -priced facility that includes a 250-seat conference space, says Tim Dunn, general manager. The basic rate is $44 a night for a single -bed room. Known perhaps most for its airplane out front, the 48-room Airliner Motel, 2788 Highway 55, apparently doesn't figure much in the Eagan market. Owner of the motel is Siokfung Psing. Under construction off I-35E is a 120-unit all -suites Residence Inn by Marriott on Lone Oak Road near Lemay Lake. The develop- ment broke ground in June and is expected to open in late December, according to John McCarthy, assistant director of operations for the developer, Pennsylvania -based Arteam. "We feel it's going to be a very good growth area," McCarthy says of Arteam's decision to locate in Eagan. Because it will be geared to extended stays of a week or more, the Residence Inn will cater to training groups that visit the various Eagan -based corporations like Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Unisys and Cray Research McCarthy says. For the 550 square foot, one - bedroom studio units, rates will range from The Compri Hotel, Eagan's latest addition to the market, opened this month. $78 a night for up to six days, to $58 a night for stays of 30 or more days. At least one other hotel is proposed in Eagan. The city planning commission is due to hear Oct. 27 about a 121-room Hampton Inn planned for the southeast corner of the I-35E and Lone Oak Road interchange. Minnetonka -based Opus Corp. would develop the hotel for Morris Properties of Memphis, Tenn. Construction on the project, which would include a family -style restaurant, could begin next spring. Other hotel developers no doubt are sniff- ing around Eagan. There's been talk, says Payne, that Super 8 Motels also are looking for a site. One project that hasn't happened yet, and probably won't for at least a year, is develop- ment of a hotel in Trammell Crow Company's Fagan Woods office park. The company, says Stewart R. Stender, a partner, has approval for a 150- to 200-room hotel, but "we've got to watch what happens with the other two hotels" If Trammell Crow does decide to build a hotel, it's probable that it would be a Wyndham Hotel, a corporate subsidiary. Fit Al\ SURVEYING ENGINEERING LAND PLANNING Professional services provided to the Twin Cities and surrounding communities TRI-LAND SURVEYING CO., INC. Brad Swenson Town Centre Professional Bldg., Suite 202 1260 Yankee Doodle Road Eagan, Minnesota 55123 (612) 452-7850 •04111 moo f3Aws' soirosr gpr%i JMME RC IA L REAL. ESTATE W&reOpenToDeal. HelpYou QoseThe For commercial real estate loans, the key words at Norwest Bank Eagan are fast and flexible. We offer fixed or variable rates and flexible terms. And an attitude Cr Members FDIC that'll bring you back next time, too. Call Corey Cleveland at 452-8472 for the latest terms and details. WeKnow The Way.. We Are Norwest. ..... 1761.111 NORWEST BANKS Pilot Knob Road and Yankee Doodle Road Eagan © 1987 Norwest Banks 26B lir Minnesota Real Estate Journal 11 a MARKET r "11 Focus October 19, 1987 City of Eagan ZONING )I}IVd 1VIbILSlaNI bHaiNDO 31VONVOV sasn Ieloaawwoo pue `Ie!a1snpu! `ao!j4o a01 pauoZ • o!JEoae i(lunoQ pue aannod Se e g uaagpoN `see saldoad Aq pap!Aoad sawn punoabaepua • eoiaewb 10 IIet pue bu!ddoys Ieuo!Oaa `saalueo siaods `iaoda!b IUuoRewalul 6u!pnlou! sa!I!I!oei. aofew asolo • D5£ pue i617 uopasaalu! auk 1.12 sIo!a1s!p ssau!snq red pue sllod1auu!W to sa!!w 01. u!g1iM !Demo' /Woaa • 1:131N33 31VaNVOV JO S31:If1iV d 1HOd):1lV 1VNOIIVNH31NI iflVd 1IS IlOdd3NNIW 1nVd IS NMOINMOCI lifteb The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company 612-921-2100 The Quiet Company 's066 auf Jo ea le inmalf salw!a u!nnl Jofaw auf to laeeq an IB s! D1VONVOV `wa1sAs Aemaaa)t ay1. Aq papunoq pue aalueo ueqin ay1. (N. asop `u16123 jo iva u!pM paieni!S .asn aoiljo pue Ie!alsnpu! a01 pauoz >ped WOE 000` l 12 s! dIalNDO 1baNbova 50661 3H1 JO V31:IV H1MO1:IO /IOrmW NI YIEIVd -1VI1:I1SnaN1/33IddO 2I�.LI�i�J aivcivva EAGANDALE CENTER The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company tin }/ 494 1 HOLIDAY INN EAGAN CORP. CENTER 7.61 AC TER DRIVE CORPORATE CENTER CURVE EAGANDALE OFFICE CENTER 4.67 AC 5.82 AC UNPLATTED 6.47 AC N26 TRAPP ROAD 145 ROSEMOUNT ENGINEERING EAGAN INDUSTRIAL ROAD AVALON AVENUE EXCEPTION (RESIDENTIAL) BURNSIDE DALE COURT A&G_, VENDING NATIONAL COMUTER SYSTEMS YANKEE DOODLE • ELLIOT WAREHOUSE' 6.67 AC KRAFT-AMERICAN FRUIT & PRODUCE `1 WEST SERVICE ROAD 0 co 0 w 330 2.13 AC N8 5.15 AC COCA COLA BOTTLING CO - 3.998 AC N36 LOT 2 BLK 1 1.90 AC ONE OAK ROAD LONE m OAK ` 1 PLAZA LEMAY LAKE APARTMENTS LEMAY LAKE HAMPTON INN CRACKER BARREL RESIDENCE INN HOTEL OUTLOT 7.99 AC EXCEPTION KNOX LUMBER 14.29 AC EXCEP. NORTHWEST RACQUET SWIM & HEALTH CLUB 3.CB AC A88 3.80 AC A89 3.25 AC CLUBVIEW DRIVE U.S, POSTAL SERVICE BULK MAIL. CENTER KEY TO OTHER OCCUPANTS 1. Transilwrap Co., Inc. 2. Bank Systems Marketing 3. Sales Marketing, Inc. 4. Applied Power Products 5. Travel Tags 6. Turf Supply Company 7. Avalon Center 8. Don Stevens, Inc. 9. Barlow/Salm 10. US West 11. PBBS Equipment Corporation 12. Eagan Fire Station 13. Custom Desk Inc. 14. Glewwe Doors 15. Continental Safety Equipment 16. OMC Distributors 17. National Mineral Corp. 18. Northstar Transfer 19. John Henry Foster Company 20. Domino's Pizza National Commisary 21. Machine Tool Supply Company 22. Borchert Ingersoll, Inc. 23. R.L. Bodeker & Son Welding 24. The Heinen Company 25. Barrell Reconditioning, Inc. 26. Unitog Rental Services, Inc. 27. Cronstroms Manufacturing/CMI 28. Grate Prospects 29. U.S. Post Office 30. Phoenix International 31. A&H Cartage 32. Huebsch Laundry 33. Blanda, Inc. 34. Field Maintenance 35. Manna EXCEPTION TRANS X CARSON WAREHOUSE SHELARD "0 WAREHOUSE .82 AC N44 4.26 AC MARTIN TRUCKING 7.84 AC 0.57 AC 05 2 1.03 AC 02 1 1.03 AC 01 EXCEPTION LONE OAK BUSINESS CENTER PHASE PHASE n I 2.43 AC N57 14 1.82 AC N58 15 3M COMPANY 1.82 AC 1.82 AC N60 17 1.23 AC N61 18 1.23 AC 1.23 AC 1.23 AC GEMINI ROAD N79 19 N80 20 VILLAUME BOX & LUMBER ROADWAY EXPRESS 11.55 AC LONE OAK ROAD ARMSTRONG BUSINESS CENTER PHASE II ARMSTRONG BUSINESS CENTER PHASE II OUTLOT B \/ .89 AC ,\\ E125,AC 11 7sAl Ac EXCEP. APOLLO ROAD CORPORATE SQUARE UNPLATTED 166 AC JOHNSON WAREHOUSE 5.62 AC F,18 r � 0 °,A Oc1 7 .5C 78 A1916 .78 IBAc15 A 111213 7,VC 14 ALDRIN AVENUE 53 AC N83 .53 AC N87 53 AC N88 _.78 a C 34 A3« .78 AC 18 A35 5.78 1C 1 1 o A38, SNYDER DRUG 4.15 AC 1.71 AC 69 AC A6 69 AC A7 I A8 1 .69 AC A9 0.s9A 12.69 AC 0 .69 AC A 300 20 .69 AC Al2 21 .69AC A13 22 .69 AC A14 23 .69 AC A15 24.69AC A,s EAGANDALE CENTER DOWNTOWN -1NEINNEAPO LIS 149 MINNEAPOLI • , ST. PAUL INTERNAL NAL AIRPORT SCALE 1 "=600' O DOWNTOWN ST. PAUL EAGANDALE CENTER m Real Estate Investment Office 8400 Normandale Lake Boulevard, Suite 1490 Bloomington, Minnesota 55437 Office: (612) 921-2100 Fax: (612) 921-2094 BROKERS INVITED THIS SITE PLAN IS SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE FUTURE CHANGES YANKEE DOODLE ROAD YANKEE DOODLE ROAD -1( �i� 4 I''l (aim C t� iv rc kit � i l Z 1, K'1 1/4i Without pending litigation, appraisals are public data By Sue Hegarty Minnesota Sun Publications Pre -project appraisals of homes in Eagan which are designed to protect the city in case homeowners object to street assessments are considered public data unless a lawsuit is pending, according to the opinion of a state policy commission- er. City attorneys asked for pre -project appraisals in preparation of street im- provement Project 725 and then refused to let the property owners, as well as council members, see the finished ap- praisals. "If the Eagan city attorneys have de- termined that a civil legal action is pend- ing, the appraisals prepared for the Oak Chase Addition relative to Public Im- provement Project 725 are not public while the investigation is active. "If, however, the city attorneys have not made such a determination, the data are public and the individual's rights under Chapter 13 were violated," wrote Elaine Hansen in her advisory opinion. The opinion came from the Informa- tion Policy Analysis Division of the Min- nesota Department of Administration. Residents of the Oak Chase neighbor- hood, upset that property appraisals per- formed on their homes were deemedpri- vate data by the city attorney, consider the commissioner's opinion a win for them. "I'm personally very glad to see that the information is going to be available as part of the process," said Rick Arbour, who lives on Oak Chase Lane. His home was one of the properties appraised for Project 725. Councilmember Bea Blomquist also lives in the Oak Chase neighborhood. She had asked state officials to review the policy issue after her request to see the Oak Chase appraisals was denied by City Attorney James Sheldon. Sheldon and Attorney Mike Dougher- ty maintained that the appraisals are not government data because they are not given to the city with any report or inde- pendent information. The appraisals are the "work product stemming from an at- torney/client privilege; they are propri- etary; and they are civil investigative data, pursuant to Section 13," Dougherty wrote to the commissioner. The commissioner disagreed, saying that Section 13 defines government data as data "collected, created, received, maintained or disseminated by a govern- ment entity." Although the appraisals are physical- ly kept in the attorney's office, the attor- neys collected and kept the data as agents of the city. Dougherty also suggested that the ap- praisals were proprietary information between the attorney and appraiser with the understanding that they would not be copied or distributed unless it was used for testimony. The commissioner said she was not aware of any statutory provision that classifies proprietary data as not public once it becomes government data. In a Feb. 5 letter, Sheldon wrote to the commissioner stating, "We no longer will ask the appraisers to produce written ap- praisals for our office unless and until such time as the levied special assess- ments are legitimately challenged in court." This raised another issue with the commissioner, who stated in her opinion that government has an obligation to pre- serve records used to conduct public busi- ness so that those records will be avail- able for public inspection. City officials said they will meet in a worksession at 5 p.m. May 5 to interpret the commissioner's opinion. "Clearly the ruling lets us know that we can give out appraisals that have been completed when the final assessment has been completed and the appeal time has been exhausted," said City Administra- tor Tom Hedges. aCia 5tAll CiArrc h k MotVCk II, 1ogq Town meeting evaluates youth Children surveyed in Eagan leave room for improvement By Sue Hegarty Minnesota Sun Publications What would happen if senior citizens in Eagan smiled and said "hello" as they pass a teenager. What if teachers stood in the doorway and said something to each child as the child entered or left the classroom? What if churches blended their adult and youth choirs into one inter -generational choir? These are "what ifs" that other communities have done to give children developmental nutri- ents to help them grow into successful caring adults. The ideas stem from community meetings designed to create a more positive environ- ment for youth. Eagan has taken its first step in this process. A student survey called "Profiles of Stu- dent Life: Attitudes and Behaviors" was con- ducted in October at Eagan High School and among eighth -graders at Blackhawk and Dakota Hills middle schools. Dale Blyth, director of research and evaluation at the Search Institute, provided the survey results at the March 5 Eagan Town Meeting, attended by fewer than 100 people. MEETING: To Page 11A ,� �a V7 GL1 n Mc vcfri ► ►, I��� From Page 1A The survey asked students to rate 20 external assets, such as their use of time, family support, how the communi- ty values youth and about their expec- tations and boundaries given at home, school and in the community. It also asked them to rate 20 internal assets, which included their commitment to learning, personal values, social skills and self-identity. Ideally, all youth would experience 31 to 40 of the assets. Overall, 57 per- cent of Eagan youth surveyed had 20 or less: Twelfth -graders had 18.5 of the 40 as- sets researchers say children need to suc- ceed. The national average for seniors is 17. One in every four youth admit to using alcohol in a problematic way. One in five said they are involved in drug use and about one in seven are sexually active, ac- cording to the survey results. ""It's a real eye opener to sit and listen to. Dr. Blyth talk to us about our own com- munity," said Mayor Tom Egan who served as master of ceremonies with Ann Wheeler, a student at Eagan High School. So what can community members do to improve? "This is not rocket science. These are basic things. They don't' need them bought for them," said Blyth. Eagan youth surveyed delay getting into serious at -risk behaviors longer than youth in other cities surveyed, but they begin to catch up by the time they reach their senior year of high school, Blyth said. "Delaying the onset of risk behaviors is good," Blyth said, "but remember you still have six of every 10 with fewer than half the assets. Celebrate your successes, then focus on where to improve," Blyth said. Compared to the national average, more Eagan 12th-graders say they have adequate family support, a car- ing school, know their family and school boundaries, have positive peer influences and high expectations from others. But Eagan students surveyed were below the national average when it came to experiencing other adult relationships besides their parents, living in a caring neighborhood, providing service to others or becoming involved in their religious community. "Service to others helps them to see themselves as a resource in the commu- nity rather than as a problem," Blyth said. High school juniors and seniors re- ported a higher level of anti -social be- havior (boredom) that could result in in- creased incidents of shoplifting and van- dalism, Blyth said. Student panelists at the town meeting say that's one reason they would like a teen center in Eagan, so youth have a place to meet others and engage in fun activities. Eagan Police Chief Pat Geagan said students often ask the question: "What is there to do after school?" "It's obviously a gap we're not filling," Geagan said. Sophomores and juniors at Eagan High School placed less value on diversi- ty than their peers from other communi- ties. Blyth and panelists said that may be because children this age are getting their driver's licenses and become more mobile, experiencing more diversity out- side their community. At the opposite end of the survey, Eagan eighth -graders were considered to have four more assets than the na- tional average. That number drops sig- nificantly when they get to ninth grade. A panel of students and city leaders were asked to answer why that occurs. "You're going into a whole new situ- ation. You're the youngest in school again and your self-esteem drops," said Karen Luchka, a student at East - view High School and an Eagan resi- dent. EHS student Katie Tilley said high school presents the opportunity to have older friends who may have more access to illegal substances. Tilley, a panelist at last week's town meeting, also attended the recent Dako- ta County Youth Summit. One thing that surprised her from the survey and from talking to peers at the summit was the number of students who feel depressed or suicidal. The youth talked about ways the schools are trying to ease students' tran- PiTh CHI() Cav vrfit. f- Mcvch [►) sition from middle school to high school. Outside of school, panelists talked about ways residents can create a sense of community. Neighborhood Watch groups and block parties can draw neigh- bors together, said the mayor. Michael Proebstle of Eagan has helped organize his neighborhood block party. "We have to be able to call.one anoth- er. We always look to the schools and po- lice. I think we need to look in the mir- ror," Proebstle said. Geagan said the city has 80 Neighbor- hood Watch groups. Others interested in starting a group can call Officer Mike Schrader at 681-4700. Future events and meetings are antic- ipated as a follow up to last week's town meeting. Eagan Police have begun plan- ning the Aug. 5 National Night Out. Also, Eagan students will soon be taking the Minnesota Student Survey. Panelist Inez Bergquist, a member of the Eagan Foundation, agreed with a town meeting participant who suggest- ed that results between that survey and the Search Institute should be compared. Town meeting attendees were en- tertained by the Pilot Knob Elemen- tary third -grade select choir and by Chris Hoffman, . a juggler and Eagan student. Jaxo-Fa, ctoritk05 —,WOO - .., ii..c \.u1C1 Eagan recovers from 'love bug' by Dan Gearino Staff Writer The "love bug" computer virus assaulted computers around the world May 4. Eagan businesses, schools and city government were all victims. The virus was dubbed the "love bug" because it appears in the form of an e-mail message with the intriguing subject line "I love you." It spreads by e- mailing duplicates of itself to all of the addresses in the local workstation's address book, so the message appears to come from somebody the recipient knows. Recipients of the mes- sage can access a "love letter" by clicking on an attachment program in the e-mail, which then continues the vicious cycle of duplication and mass mail- ing. Kristi Peterson, information technology coordinator for the city of Eagan, discovered the virus shortly after 8 a.m. May 4. A co-worker had arrived at the office earlier in the morning and opened a contaminated e- mail. As soon as Peterson arrived, she was told of the virus and began working to contain it. Within minutes, a voice page rang out in the administration building' and police station telling all employees to log out of e-mail immediately. Soon after, the city's e-mail system was taken off line. Information technology staff worked on implementing antivirus software until mid- night. City staff had to make due without e-mail, so the fax machines and phones saw more use than usual. A total of seven worksta- tions opened the virus. Some graphics files were contaminat- ed and had to be erased. Backup copies were available for all deleted files, Peterson said. Peterson said she originally thought that the city of Eagan's network was the only one affected by the virus. Within hours, she discovered that the virus was a world epidemic. Companies that make antivirus software were so inundated with requests that their Web sites were nearly inaccessible. Now Eagan's e-mail system is back on line and the virus has been removed from the net- work. After a week of working on the virus, Peterson can put it in perspective. "It was an inconvenience, not a life and death situation," See Bug, 8A .c 0 0 0 D 0 s severe prob- 0 U 0 C 0 c 0 U .r 0 ao c 0 C� •L 0 c 0 0 c 0 T 0 0 cn 0 0 cn 0 Lo E ° •C 0 0 > .ccs c 0 0 0 .c E- 0 - rn C G• 0 0 S U G7 Q) '0 0 U 0 N a) 0 0 c '0 C at the district .0 U x w 0 0 0 C 9 C i a) • T7 0. Q` 0 U 0 co 0 cat 00 c a) -. O c 0 0 U C C 0 U to use e-mail: 6) 0 E 0 co .0 t 2 0 0 U c 0 U 00 c 0 c c 0 o'c E 0 C 0 7.0 E a) and external cn U „ E -a '> a) nn line May 9. Noise/Continued runway will be, handling a sig- nificant portion of the, airport's. departures. Like Verbrugge, Awada . is concerned the .residents are not aware of how the runway will impact them, and will be angry when the increased air, traffic arrives. "I think this is going to be a huge issue in, Eagan in the • future," Awada said. • . Sen. Deanna Wiener and Rep. Tim Wilkin, both of Eagan,. co-authored a bill that would provide noise mitigation to south metro communities affect- ed by the new runway.,The bill died in conference committee early this week, lost in the shuf- fle of higher profile issues. Noise mitigation means that buildings in qualifying areas • could get noise -reduction mea- sures retrofitted, and city gov- ernments in qualifying areas could get funding for redevelop- ment of noise -affected areas. Airplanes will be a more familiar sight to many Eagan residents when a new runway opens at Minneapolis -St. Paul International Airport in December 2003. Photo by Rick Orndorf "It's disappointing, but fortu- alternatives," Wilkin said about ment measures in place before nately we have time to work on the bill. "We want to get abate- the planes start flying." MinnesotaS unem t a , lis toweS oyme t an Suva CuVrCX w wcV 2) I6K UNEMPLOYMENT AREA JAN.1998* RATES 1997 1996 1987 U.S. 5.2 4.9 5.4 6.2 Minnesota 3.5 3.3 4.0 5.4 Dakota County 2.1 2.0 2.7 4.4 Eagan 1.2 1.5 2.0 4.3 Source: Department of Economic Security 'January 1998 Rates Are Seasonally Unadjusted "Numbers were not available for West St. Paul, South St. Paul, Inver Grove Heights, Mendota Heights & Rosemount Employers struggle to fill their positions in what has become a workers' market By Amy Barnett Minnesota Sun Publications it with all-time unemployment lows, businesses are struggling to fill jobs that once were so saturated with applicants, employers had the pick of the lot. Help wanted signs plastered to front doors and employment pleas filling several classified columns are among the evidence that employers no longer are in the driver's seat. Today, it's a workers' market where requests for training, benefits and higher wages are more likely to be met than resisted. And just as people were rec- ognizing that company loyalty had little clout, busi- nesses are returning to their old courting ways in order to woo people to stay on. It's a situation which businesses have been forced into, as Minnesota's unemployment rates have repeat- edly dropped — draining businesses of qualified appli- cant pools from which to hire workers. Businesses seem to be trying everything from job fairs to signing bonuses to overcome a state unemployment rate that in January was 2.7 percent. The national rate was 4.7 percent. In 1997, the average Minnesota rate was 3.3 percent, while U.S. unemployment was at 4.9 percent. Unemployment rates reflect the percentage of peo- ple who are 16 years and older who are not employed but are looking for a job. In Dakota and Hennepin counties, the rates for January were even more as- tounding: 2.1 percent and 2.0 percent, respectively. "This is just a lot lower than people expected," said state economist Tom Stinson. And as time goes on, the rates continue to drop. Ten years ago, the statewide average unemployment rate was more than 1 1/2 times what it is today. "It's building and it's certainly an issue we're hearing a lot about," said Tom Hesse, director of fis- cal and labor management policy for the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. Hesse expects to hear more from businesses in 1998, as the labor shortage be- comes more severe. The reason for the low rates is due to a strong economy, as well as a decline in the number of eligi- ble workers, Stinson said. In Minnesota, the economy is bolstered by a rep- utation for good, reliable workers. Employees here tend to produce more than in other states, giving companies more output for their money. Businesses locate here because of that factor, even if it means paying higher wages than if the company was some- where else, Stinson said. no Sum Cuhrcnt Additionally, businesses are suffering because the population of people ages 16 and older is down from prior years. A few years back there was a lull in the birth rate, and now employers are feeling the effects. Stinson suggests that the trend will continue for sev- eral more years. "It's not something that's a one-time phenomenon, it's a demographic fact of life," Stinson said. While the situation is good for employees, low un- employment rates clearly pose challenges for busi- nesses. To help ease the headaches, a number of ef- forts have been developed on a variety of fronts. The state Job Service department, soon to be the Minnesota Workforce Center, hears much of the need for qualified applicants — particularly for those with high technological skills. The department tries to assist by developing programs that list worker's applications and resumes on a computer that is available to a num- ber of different businesses, said Donna Lutz, field oper- ations manager for the Midway Job Service branch. The Minnesota Chamber Foundation awarded grants last year to organizations that train people for school to work transition. More efforts are needed to ensure that high school students are graduating with skills essential for entering the workforce, Hesse said. "If we could make sure high school graduates can, if they want, step into employment and have the skills' required, then we've solved the problem or a whole por- tion of the problem," Hesse said. Additionally, the Chamber's president, David Olson, serves as chair of the governor's Workforce Development Council, which addresses issues centered on unemployment. But the responsibility of training no longer rests entirely on schools, technical colleges and universi- ties. Businesses, more so than ever before, are offer- ing in-house training to transform people with inad- equate skills into qualified employees. "It seems more people are entering the workforce who don't have as many skills as in the past," said Judy Bearth, vice president of sales and marketing for Jeane Thorne, a Twin Cities staffing service. Through Jeane Thorne's training centers, for example, a person with mediocre typing skills can improve the speed to obtain a job in data entry or customer service, rather than a lower income job of filing or answering phones. With the Welfare to Work initiative, training becomes even more critical for businesses as people who have few skills enter the workforce, said Hesse. Transportation and daycare also will be an issue for those affected by the Welfare to Work reform, he said. The Minneapolis -based Citizen's League also is taking steps to find an answer to the labor shortage. A new study entitled "Getting the Jobs Done: Mobi- lizing public leadership to cope with Minnesota's labor shortage" focuses on creating and acting on a strategy to solve the unemployment problem. Businesses can bet that the problem won't disap- pear on its own, Stinson said. Forecasting into the next century, Stinson predicts that the number of workers entering the labor force will dwindle with every decade. As a result, the work week will likely continue to ex- pand beyond 40 hours, part-timers will work more than they have in the past, and businesses will con- tinue to "bid" people away from other employers. And even though businesses might not .think the picture is all that rosy, Stinson said times really aren't all that bad. • "As economic problems go, this is one of the ones you'd rather have," Stinson said. 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Eagan mayor blasts domed stadium plan Plans for a $100 million domed stadium complex in Eagan, financed with in- dustrial revenue bonds, have been described by Eagan's Mayor Herb Polzin as "wishful thinking" on the part of E. E. "Pete" Par- ranto. Polzin said early this week that Parranto has not brought the plan before the city council. First an- nouncement of his proposal came at a meeting of the Northern Dakota County Development Association Feb. 20. PARRANTO said at that meeting that he had discus- sed the proposal with Dayton -Hudson Properties and the Metropolitan Transit Commission and that he intended to seek support from Minnesota legislators. Dayton -Hudson owns the 560-acre site a mile south of 7r T HAUGE E HOEY 3908 SIBLEY MEM HWY ST PAUL MN 5512? proposed I-494 at the inter- section of Lone Oak Road and Highway 49, where pre- liminary plans have been made to construct a major shopping center. Under Parranto's plan, the city of Eagan would lease the shopping center to Dayton Hudson Properties and the stadium to the Min- nesota Vikings, the Min- nesota Twins, and the Uni- versity of Minnesota athle- tic department. MAYOR POLZIN denied this week that the city of Eagan would ever consider selling $100 million in re- venue bonds to finance a sports complex. "We did sell some bonds to finance industry last fall," he admitted, "but that kind of bonding author- ity isn't supposed to be abused." POLZIN COMPARED Parranto's proposal to one which was introduced in mid-1974, but pointed out that Eagan's highway sys- tem is inadequate to handle the kind of traffic a major sports complex would gen- erate. Interstate 494 would have to be completed before anything that size could ever be considered," he said. Several weeks ago. Polzin expressed concern over the heavy truck traffic on Eagan's secondary streets going to and from the new bulk mail facility just open- ing there. INCREASING TRAFFIC to the zoo construction site in Lebanon Hills will also become a problem in com- ing months. Parranto told members of the Northern Dakota De- velopment Association that once legislators are con- vinced the stadium prop- MINNESOTA VALLEY SERVING BURNSVILLE, APPLE VALLEY, EAGAN AND SAVAGE TWO SECTIONS osal is feasible they will press for completion of I-494. He announced a target date of 1980 for open- ing of the new highway and the new sports complex. ALONG WITH a domed, multipurpose sports arena, Parranto included plans for a hotel and business dis- trict. "Anything like that won't happen out here for a long time, if ever." Polzin pre- dicted. NEWS CIRCULATION WANT ADS DISPLAY ADS 941-4800 941-4811 941-4822 941-4800 Thursday, March 13, 1975 Second Class Postage Void At Minneapolis and St. Paul Minn 25 CENTS ' Program 'goals cited Program for veterans starts at Inver HiuIIs1``- Veterans with 'questions about educational benefits can receive information and :assistance through an "Outreach" program at *Inver Hills Community Col- lege. •The goal of "Outreach," according to program door- , dinator Larry Hertzell, is to make sure area veterans know what educational be- nefits are available.• "WE TRY TO contact veterans by letterand tele- phone," Hertzell said. "With the new vets — those separated from the service after 1969 — it's not much of a problem since the Ameri- can Legion supplies us with •lists of names. "One of our real goals, however, is to reach those separated between 1955-69. Many of these veterans have educational benefits •. that they are not even aware of." . HERTZ1 LL •said ,that many of these veterans. in their late. 20s,•and 30s are anxious to attend . college once they are made aware that VA assistance is avail- able. He -noted that last week two vets in their late 30s enrolledthanks to con: tacts•with his office. He added that the recent 23 percent increase in vete- rans educational benefits. has also increased interest in the. program. "DESPITE THE monet- aryy increase and publicity, • however, :we ,still: have a. problem even with some re-.• cently , separated . vets,"'. Hertzell said. • . "While all military. per- sonnel being discharged must gothrough a session in which these benefits ,are explained; many are so anx- ious to just, get out of the service much of what is said • goes in one ear' and out the other. "That's where we play such an important role. We try to follow up and remind vets that they do have these benefits." THE "OUTREACH program. at Inver Hills is funded by a grant ,from ' HEW. .While it is designed • ' as a means of,helping•vete- rans with educationally re • - lated questions or prob- lems, Hertzell said they are • _Beta Sigma Phi group to meet in Burnsville Members of Xi Alpha Xi chapter of Beta Sigma Phi .willmeet.Monday evening - at, -the home of Mrs. Haviland of Burnsville to hear a discussion on the Homestead •Trail. by Mrs: Alice Tucker and Mrs. Dar- lene Skare of Burnsville. Mrs. Nancy Bickford of Burnsville hosted the Feb. 11 meeting of the sororityat which Mrs. Helen Case of Valley. Park and Mrs. Anita Hager of Prior Lake pre- sented a program 'on the wilderness areas of Superior National Forest in northern Minnesota. . A'January Blues fashion show and .• the Valentine. ball sponsored by the South Suburban Council were club highlights during January. Xi Alpha Xi's Valentine Queen for 1974-75 is Mrs. Gail' . Haviland '' of Biirnsville, who rep- resented the chapter at the Valentine Ball. • Xi Alpha Xi is a chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, an interna- Training session held for phone volunteers Twenty' IF -A -LONE tele-. phone. volunteers heard a, discussion on "Speaking and Listening" recently by Dr. Dana Lehman Olson, Ph.D., of the Burnsville Family Consultation Center. • • • • The evening began with a game of "concentration" . involving identification by individuals of five people sitting next to them, and drawing up a list of the most difficult, moderate, and easiest calls they would ex • pect to receive. - • A DISCUSSION followed . on such areas as suicide, Local students` • on .Montana "honor roll o,: Among,the1,467 students at'.`the.tUNIVERSITY OF MONTANA in Missoula 'WHO made the school's re - drug use, welfare, loneli- ness,and referral. calls. "A phone volunteer must. know his or her resources, even if it means going out and visiting other centers,". Dr. Olson told the group. She identified the seven phases of a phone call as (.1 ) answering the phone, (2) finding.out what the caller is seeking, (3) restructur- ing the request, (4) analyz- ing.the'information availa- ble, (5) deciding what in- formation to give the caller, (6) finding out if this infor- mation is clear to the caller, and (7) ending the conver- sation. .THE COMMUNICATION process includes "getting the caller to tell you what he wants, Dr. Olson told her listeners. "As a listener you •must remain calm, ask open-ended questions, and summarize• the caller's re- quest so he can respond." A second training session PROPER burning USE OF A FACE MASK while entering 'a building was demonstrated by Firema fo L-DER ANDS I m • SMEAR KEEPING YOU ORGANIZED No. 10334 2-1531 0 SUSTAJNAILE ilk REcyako FORBTRY iN AIVE CaiTBir 10% cassaMer iamb* POST A6t wmadigimniump .. fe MADE NUM GET ORGANIZED AT 81EAD.COM •.1": ru:, • eitYddi)isorj;i:.bOolietlets teens take cthiive, role- irtprogrammi c THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS : ..',.. ,.by.:Eritijohnson - , orderiheotou t htoavtel7a programs257? hilx,,,,,j.:,,,,,,4,pCieo:not..tRgiyw,,:.,,i_v:e,76:el.:..11.dee4,s1g1piUt.;i-ergs"nt;x...i..:!!.::..gth..):,12-W:o, U11d-•lil:e; t.,,o:nialk:piibli :-: -...,....• ----.., successful,prQ ' ' ' officials :• aware ofA.,-:that...ar6: . gaUll',.y04'ri-$0'!,...,g441462;7.'nlgFirlkt-szhibantadgheurttmes-:iliiiirvgrn,evels" rnpo. rt ant to teens Callahan ....'-'---.44:aienoion99Ay., diffi - teens in the program p anm .7::,..,' :::::•71.---,1 commued_1,--Jh'_n.r. 1='• ''*!.-said.';'",". This will -hokefply, pro,1 2:t..3,taty,,wojects.,:.,1 .,:-• -cult to program for said Colleeii_..,.._ :7-•,-.;t11cityis-loOiiteo-•1have:,1 ,--_,-,-::.-- ;wide them with a formal venue Callahan, :..Yotith,1-dOieldpmeht.•;,.:,-,to 15,-"Wei"s'on41pb,r:iai.:iitiv;t'fi,:!.,we,,II so had aniinte;e4'.-Jr;:.-:;for,b iipging those issues to light. coordinator for the. city- of elected positions of chairpersOn, tying it back to school."::She,-Ft'.-,S•an&presenting therif;-Whether it .. 44-i*.r.-g )1ii"Y'1*- :0-ig7gi.vifg j.i:,-,04600ii140-1-ke.#1-W::,!:.::::Aitt:-.41;:.V-EVg4.1;eZi*.a4_bKAtfi6•Aio-p750”q1Y- 6i- etts21kte';',,Ch40.e.....ialti4ve.::a4.....-.--.59; -,far,tOnlSfl4ahijiitfl.74vem I4ds :,',4,4.; capalla:iisfa!kstiff is work ,-4 "ml-le 'City 'cotincilp.1,;1'!f :'..eaetiVerole:iii:Zteating programs have ith l''ithikpeS64h616-•, •::,..--,ing.4iti-cfki-of-iiiSiijotS---4-1feiii0'1.-',"C-hy;,,,•Staff:.-WilhalWaySi'db.-On for-, th6hiselves. ,-..i. a , :, ''',: ''''''''' '.`.J .-is 'Still,4-oom for more Callahan.- - ' kidS--PeihkiS1e8eiv&:ciagaiit,„, fiaha:,,,e6146ficPediaii6-eiiicr'siip - • The ' city recently announced .; • • said:, ..,• '.:. • '.,-;',:;-,i,•-'• , ' - :` ''- . or extra credit for projects -Sliclv-,..'!'-,-,• port she Said; but they eventual aL.-4- , - • ''',:, ' ' , - ., • 1 - ' , • .; =,. , . - -• , ''''.--, --,,' ' •=1,',' ' H;, '„..i'.4',P ' - • ' f • .1, the formation of the Eagan Teen ' ••-'0riet•:ofahe.:key,.,4i,inponhts,, , as produbing.:_the,;neWSreftei::or•44,111Y;W„ant the'' teens to takecharge , • - , i. .- :.---,,,&6,•.. -',., - - - — - - - • ..i •-t ,. .t.i•-,......,-*/ •T,0,,..,,,,.,..- :,, '• t:,-; .., - -Advisory„EOard.SETAB), which ...,'Of.:::ETAI3will, be having the •-,:-: • running the meetings he saiii.4';,r --lof:TAB and set the agendas •'. wiltie,inade:up.of_yoUng Peo- • teens identify areaS of-•_needi'and---:',v,A,,...,-.:The. board will giVe:feelisa--7,-.,,;;:"Youi,-builciAsomethiniliinOr0:' ..i.,,i3.1e.ageg,11,2',,t608:73 ,': • . provide some :direquon-ffdr-,-;pro,..4k;formaVvoice :in- the city and a ,,. getting "Eagan- hasbeen involved in grams they'd 'like to see ,Other-- I way to identify what's important - . . involved and hyfOitializ-ilig that .. ----1 -- N. =N. § • trying to-engageAeens for many cdinponents Anclude inyolyez,- ,/cildiehi.- 1 . &:, 2 , • - , %%:! • process and41, think;ihlhelping years she saich:,``TeenS, are hard , ment in .the.,-neW, teen)-benter',Tri,-•,i4 tog- ,illouqesi,' whether ,•,.,them in • that,processs,7' she said:', to program for,...,.j.•Cshard-to;get --; -:_located - '' in the . COinittiiiitys:T1-.,--;`,iiieke-:ai'issit-8,.ha§ba:)thitig-s that 7-See Teens,-74T,7,-:,----:-l-r.. • 4:--',4A.Iilti&P 41.-3:4;',=:•;--4.A.-,' • f7t *•2,, .,' • Teens%from 1A = ' youth' mapping Youth mapping ' ; ' entails' finding out everything 'Wehave`other agencies already that's available for teens'todo in comuig to us saying We've got Eagan ` which j{helps identify 'thus project we'd.1ik to -involve•_ areas of need them in ",°So we'll help facilitate One of'the biggest obstacles" that we'll help- their come up.; to teen_ programming is getting with`�things and•well help them: theword out to kids Callahan accomplish them." ' said'; Keviii'`Finley, teen: coordina It sactually gettingfthe infor- tor: and staff' liaison for ETAB, . mation to.the kids' in a way that set up a booth in Eagan High theyre going•to`see it grid read it School to recruit kids; for the and know what's going on," she board..... said. ;Finley said adults often won- - •But the importance of= teen der why certain teen: programs input to -;cities . 'shou1dn't be don t work' r u r, �z r��rA i 7 We we had struggles before l underestimated slie' ssaid rr d with lack of cotmmunication•with "Just look at` theideriiograph=: the kids'andFprograms we might ics` of our c'ommuiuty.' they re; 'think are'cool :and they're •look-- • a large percentage'-• she said r`' iig at us like `That's so.dorky"' Involvement in the board hwill_ e said` It just makes so much not only'give kidsexperience and sense I think togo to'tlem and .. leadership skills but `will" also. ask rtherni ,what they want to do look great_ on a college resume; It'slike duh they (teens) would know better thari`anyone`else -`A lot of them are interested Being: in charge of ;projects because of college `you know, `I important to teens' willalso foster can put that on myYappheation R a':'sense of accomphshm�nt he she said. °ofSo a lot_them ar` said ,• looking as fo forward — how tlu; If they do sornething for the can,help them Itli kit exposes;. r f them to thusg>s like runnin .opening of the teen center and all I heir friends are there; --•they .can\ - -' eting`and their local city gov ernment=at a young age.. But some: ETAB- members, like Abby Morrison,m are , ore concerned'with life for; teens in the present.: r �' � , "I think'there 'should be more I wanted it to be something offered in ns our city, for teeto-do substantial that -'after walking instead of just, to the me look back and' say; This is really. `' cool I did thus 'Adults helped us ;,1 but it was our` idea :I� think ihiere's a lot of personal gratifica. tion that:will:come out of that Finley'said " .Callahian'agre away from it you could say; `. movies or to someone s liouse ;. Yeah I was on the teen-=adviso' she;said `,I':think there needs to;r ry. board and we didx y and z ' fleitnore options, and we can help she said `So I wanted to give• ttie: do that kids a venue for `accomphshuig :. Ben Eng said�he ,7joined the some of ,those thongs that they' r g?oup to.help anake teensamore" aught it:at home'.talking about ; _aware of what's available:•in the` `;The.;:"first =.'two`` meetings focused'mannly on organizational: . issues "and brain_storrmng;for fun social .`events ! such as ;movies in the park and ai Eagaii�`version of American Idol - The ,teens' are. al r so m ztheprocess of pici rig; an issue, ba'sed..•,project„�suc community ;'eMemberW �Noo'.` Zoben said It s7nice to`help:ou . our community knowing that wct can'do something ' * Teens who join ETAB serve- one-year terms and meet :once:a month from 5 to 7 p„m The<n_ezt` ETAB " meeting ' is' Tuesday'" Mazch 11 at 5:p m' For oreF4information '- ETAS; cFinley at (65; Erin Johnson is at: , .. eaganahtsweek@ecm inc coin' National Night Out remains popular in Eagan City likely to again reach capacity for celebrations GRANT BOELTER • SUN NEWSPAPERS Like any other night, Eagan Police are encouraging residents to lock their doors Tuesday, Aug. 4. But on this night, they want residents on the, outs de, noof mits ills That's when Eagan National Night Out Celebration. expect cial with the police department as capac- ity crowdfor the second stra ghtcapacityyear, is the .department only has t evisit 150 parties. As of this writing, 137 parties had registered with the city. "It's a good problem and a bad prob- lem," said Officer Jill Ondrey, who organizes the event for the department. "You hate to turn people away." Residents should note let t formalities nt rthavees get in the way if they party though and registration is full. "The most important thing is getting out to meet your neighbors," police nd and OndreY. "Just because can't come doesn't mean youme can't prevt have a party. The biggest tion tool is aware neighbbor hasd grown to be National Night one of the year's most anticipated events in the neighborhoods off Beaver Dam and Sunrise roads, said Faye Walston, whoos been organizing the party le "Come May, there's already people NIGHT OUT: TO PAGE 16 GRANT BOELTER • SUN NEWSPAPERS The city of Eagan recently turns I of the once mowed lawn at the Eagan Art House near Patrick Eagan Park into rain gardens and a natural prairie. d arge portions ■ mowingalternatives ■ looking at City,businesses runoff something that's City wants to accommodate sustainable lawn practices GRANT BOELTER • SUN NEWSPAPERS The sound of prairie grass drone og in the wind is replacing blades swirling in some places in Eagan. mowed is s Development As businesses andlethe city itself looksaid Community Director Jon Hohenstein. parcels of regu- at more sustainable lawn practices, the larly," city is checking to make sure its ordi- City codeJhas allowed large p os for it. The crpo is home to aWhat's not eais how city good number of large corporate campus- land that have always been wild to stay es, a few of which are looking to convert that way what was a manicured lawn to some- code deals with areas that have been reg- thing that needs to be maintained less ularlY mowed, as the general rule is "One thing LAWN: TO PAGE 16 and benefits the thatrcnment creates themost 'Wait akt- _ • ' 0, - r 0. ;grass heeds to;be kept at eight inches or shorter. "Whats beginning to happen is com- mercial property owner's are beginning to apply, those. -[alternative]; techniques to properties that have been mowed before, said Hohenstein:: "We don't• want the code to get in the way of doing good things. "What we want to do is, go toschool a little bit ori'hovv our parks department deals, with obnoxious . weeds and inva- sive "species control.":• The city has recehtly restored parts of Patrick' Eagan Park and Wescott Station Park that used to be mowed to a natural prairie.. The .. city has been recently working with representatives at Lockheed Martin on Yankee Doodle Road on a plan that. would put some of the same practices into place on their campus. Delta Air Lines has also expressed interest in doing some of the same things at its data center campus near the Eagan Community Center. "We've partneredwith the city in looking at a storm, water management plan and a low -impact site plan," said Erik Perry, facilities manager at the ockheed Martin Eagan campus A-nic hushgreat but�fhere s a Flot o fertilizer and a,lot of`mamfenance.. Through :rain gardens and' adding; pervious surfaces toits parking lots, the goal::at Lockheed.MartuT itao keep.9(' percent of 'rainwater on the campusint any stormlthat dumps less than an inch. Perry saidhe started meeting -With city officials last fall and the plan is part of a seven-year.program; • Eagan -Parks. and'Recreation'Director Juli SeydellJohnson said it;has been her department's practice for ;a few years now to match lawn practices with uses for parks. "We're taking some areas of parkland that aren't used in 'active recreation" and coming up with other options than a mowed lawn, she said; pointing to the natural prairie lands. The prairie lands require a good amount of attention in the first year to make sure native species take hold, said Johnson. "It's not like we say we're just going to let the grass grow and walk away," she said. In the short term, the projects require about the same staff resources as mow- ing would, she said, but the saving comes after the prairies take root after two or three years. "It's a long term project," said V.sad.eyourH9!iUsB�hZ,g i eydellJohnson With ;the current Budget situation we re looking at=lots of;.. options ' ' A. _ erry agreek.thathe new site plan ould savenioney iiilong run A soft benefitsisthe cost ' he said Hohenstein said the city is:looking"at what other cities aredoing to see if the city in fact does need to change its code. For the, time being, the city is dealing with .businesses.` and. residents.:who, would like to implement the plans on a case -by -case basis. "We -want to know whetherr we are doing :as well or better than anyone else," he said.. Eventually, the..city may come up with a resource guide for residents for such lawn care practices with help from the parks department and other businesses. "There might be some self-service approaches down the line," said Hohenstein. For now, Hohenstein said its best to contact the city if you're interested in exploring options other than traditional mowing. "It's much better to do that ahead of time," he said, in order not to run afoul of city code. Residents can visit the city website at www.cityofeagan.com or call the general information line at 651-675-5000. /.meal / ra Jen uos Aq peAl/uns ,as uewn -Sepuene eeyepeo -sn el 'M WeMP3 Pueq -01 of eumu plue !3 q q weepu -s�ele.o die p o uO euu 4 1 peps* H ► Ireo 4s, -mod '6661. It AInr Awes •.d�ey iol uwnr of eJeyM MOum passedtee p olwPeeu n0.($ IT9 : eptiro gne• ne, .•.e ! •-••••limed, pie PM OELeaae _ +.... ! SleNow=' -eW •spuaL4 q seeneleJ jeLpo !Aeupoa 'uospueJ8 -dais .:Jepuexely Jegd ::;`, -o4su49 'ue11V 'uesp qo O al T 1 2B s 7 -1 -_ --Gcl SOUTH SUBURBAN SAINT PAUL PIONEER SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF DAKOTA COUNTY Eagan comprehensive plan predicts new growth to slow to 3 _percent • After 200% rise, population to hold over next 20 years AMY SHERMAN STAFF WRITER During the next 20 years, Eagan will focus on redevelop- ment and on developing some of the city's few remaining vacant parcels, according to a new com- prehensive plan. Eagan currently is 90 percent developed. There are about 760 acres of vacant residential land and 900 acres of underutilized residential land, which means there is potential for those areas to be further developed. The majority of the residential parcels will be zoned for single-family development. The city has about 1,380 acres of vacant commer- cial, industrial and office land and about 480 acres of underuti- lized property. The plan lists the city's top pri- orities between the years 2000 and 2020, which include promot- ing upscale housing and redevel- oping Cedarvale. The community is invited to an open house tonight to learn more Sicoli rejoins Sibley High, about the plan, which covers topics such as hous- ing, trans- portation and parks. The s.t a t e requires metro -area municipali- ties to create such compre- hensive plans, which are used as guides for future development decisions. The last time the city wrote a com- prehensive plan was 1983. The plan was due at the end of 1998, but Eagan received an extension -from the Metropolitan Council, which reviews the plans. The city recently applied for. a second extension and plans to submit the document to the coun- cil this fall after the City Council reviews it. The city needed the extra time to inventory every parcel in the city to identify current use com- pared to zoning and proposed future use. Staff members met with about 90 owners in cases MEETING Eagan's proposed comprehensive plan will be dis- cussed at an open house from 6:30to8p.m. today at the Fire Administration Building, Pilot Knob and Wescott roads. A copyof the plan Is available at the Wescott Library. where those categories were inconsistent, planner Julie Farn- ham said. The city also held an extensive public review process, with about 75 people attending each of three open houses the city held this winter. More than half of the Twin Cities area's 186 municipali- ties have applied for or plan to seek extensions, according to Dick Thompson, the Metropolitan Coun- cil's comprehensive plans supervi- sor. The plan shows that the city's population has mostly leveled off after growing 200 percent between 1980 and 2000. Projected growth will amount to only 3 per- cent between 2000 and 2020, with population expected to reach 65,700. But the faces of Eagan resi- dents will change as the popula- tion becomes more racially diverse and includes more empty- nesters and seniors. The city expects to add more than 11,000 jobs during the next 20 years, to reach 50,900 jobs. Amy Sherman, who covers Eagan, Inver Grove Heights and Rosemount, can be reached at asherman@ploneerpress. corn or (651) 228-2174. TRAIL • CONTINUED FROM 18 .rime. by muting trail users with - Iowa. Between nine and 12 trains take that route every day at 50 mph. The trail also follows an industrial loop, where slower-mov- - ing and parked trains could block rail crossings for hours at a time. Profes off of t Tf ■ u hi UNDA unl P dent tionec report for. th John 7th Ave. have its ie sale .m. to 451- ion. Dakota estra 13 and nal ille 5 f640 Eagan :5 PPP i Z///z 3 In survey, residents give city high marks But resistance to tax increase high By Frederick Melo fmelo@pioneerpress.com Eagan residents are pretty happy with city services, but many cringe at the prospect of raising taxes to maintain them, according to the results of a new citywide survey. They'd also like a few more places to eat. Decision Resources, an independent research firm contracted by the city, found that 54 percent of residents polled consider their quality of life excellent and 44 percent called life good. Combined, =''p that's up 3 percentage points fre((ifrom 2005. New residents and those liv- i. r..-pmg in apartments, however, ge, Vhite were more likely to rate the city less favorably. Overall, more than 90 per- cent of residents said the city was heading in the right direction, that existing recreational facilities met their household needs and that police protection and other city services were strong. Respondents called taxes and growth the most serious issues, and the percentage of residents who would oppose or favor a tax increase if it were necessary to maintain city services was about even. The City Council received an 88 percent approval rating, a 5-point increase from 2005. Respondents also expressed interest in presery ing land for business expan sion and environmental preservation and in adding more family, fine -dining and ethnic restaurants. The phone survey of 400 ran- domly selected residents was conducted in September. The firm's presentation during Monday's City Council meet- ing is viewable online at cityofeagan.com. Frederick Melo con be reached at 651-228-2172. IN THE KNOW ON THE GO? SIGN UP FOR THE MOBILE EDITION TwinCities.com MMD5 OA 177%a Take an a�ra�t►onai io'OFF VERYTHIN a nterest FREE Financing with NO Payments for 1 Yearr *Financing requires a $500.00 minimum purchase on approved b credit. See stores for details. All• items subject to prior sales. I. tntlei 101 Well 11v1 a ' Forest Lake woman save( By Elizabeth Mohr ' receive emohr@pioneerpress.com Service woman The heroes and heroine of from ar, Washington County received . A sp an array of honors Wednesday. been Most recipients are sheriff's Ian office deputies and sergeants, by do but one Forest Lake woman's Pat 0 quick lifesaving actions Elli earned her a spot on the list as ted th we1L could Ann Nicklason, 47, received holdin the citizen Life Saving Award had t for helping revive an unre- aroun sponsive man in April Nickla- to th son was at work at Crabtree's pulled Country Store in Scandia on a safety. Monday afternoon when her 59-year-old boss collapsed on`' without warning. to'cral The man's heart had stopped . and t beating, and he turned blue, power almost immediately, Nicklason :"She's said. „ "So we rolled him over and Thai just started ... parts of it I can't appea even remember," she said. "I ;thank didn't have official training in whoa CP&" cers." www.mnSun.com g 7-mar s • • '• '- . highest in the metro area. City ‘Councifis ,cloing. That rating is the • ' "To. a degree seen in only three other •, , metro communities (Minnetonka, Shore - From Page lA • view and Woodbury), Eagan residents are pleased where they are and confident , - , Another main finding in the survey • about where they are moving," Morris • was that 81 percent of the residents'polled• - said. • . • - ' • . - - . •said Eagan is moving in the right direc- • The survey did highlight concerns tion. That's tops in the metro area, said re- among Eagan residents as well. Growth, search consultant Bill Morris: , • traffic and airport noise were seen as the ' "Scoring well across the charts for most:serious issues facing the city, al- Ea- gan residents were location, their though 24- percent of respondents could neighborhoods, and the parks and trails," find no serious issues. • •• Morris said. "Eagan residents have shown Forty-eight percent of respondents -said they like the way things are going in the Eagan does not have enough affordable city " - , • , housing and 46 percent said the city has Among other findings in the survey: too few starter homes for young families. - • Eagan residents like their open space Eaganresidents also made their voices and want to see the city work to preserve clear on what else they felt is missing from more of it. The survey showed that 86 per- ' the city. Popular choices were it -down cent of residents polled said it is somewhat or very important to purchase additional open space areas even if it involved the use of tax dollars. • In addition, nearly 60 percent of the re- spondents said they would be willing to pay something more per month in taxes to fund • land acquisition. However, at least two out of 10 residents polled are unwill- • ing to pay any additional property taxes and nearly 20-percent indicated that it would depend on the specific site being ac- quired... • • • • At least seven out of 10 Eagan resi- dents rated all city services as excellent or • good with park maintenance, police and • fire protection all regarded highly by more than 90 percent of respondents. • • • The respondents also gave high ranks to their city workers, with 94 percent rank- ing the courtesy of city staff as excellent or good, 92 percent saying that the staff' is prompt in responding and 91 percent say- - ing they got their question. or inquiry an- swered when they contacted city staff. The high marks weren't limited to city employees though. Morris said that 83 per- cent of the respondents said they approve or strongly approve of the job the Eagan family restaurants as well as additional upscale fine dining choices and ethnic • restaurants. • . . When it comes to shopping options, a popular choice in past surveys, returned again strong in the 2005 survey Seventy- seven percent of the respondents said they would be somewhat or very likely to shop at a consumer electronics store in Eagan. • Those residents will soon have their wish granted. The poll was conducted in August, before it was widely known that Eagan would see a new Best Buy store next year. Best Buy wilt °pencil the spring 2006 . On the site of the former Eagan 9 Mann. Theater and Red Robin Restaurant in the Town Centre area. • Other shopping options Eagan rek- - dents wanted to see included a women's clothing chain store (60 percent) and an or- ganic or natural foods grodery store (59 percent.) • The survey is accurate to plus or minus 5 percentage points. The presentation of the survey results at the council's work- shop will be replayed several .times on Cable Channel 16. For more information, visit the city's Web site at wwwcityofea- gan.com. Two LV women's trip to Dallas h On a mission BY ANNA CRONK Sun Newspapers Although her daughter, Paige, was safe and healthy in Lakeville, the way Kathi Huglen explained it, her hurri- cane relief effort was as much for Paige as it was for the evacuees down South. A particular image on the network news - a man stranded on a roof top in New Orleans with a spray painted sign that read "Diabetic - need help!" - stayed on Huglen's mind following the destruc- tion of Hurricane Katrina. "I thought `I can help you. I just need to figure out how,' " she said. Seven -year -old Paige has Type I in- sulin -dependent diabetes. With the extra supplies in their home, Huglen knew she could help sustain at least one life for a month. She also knew that the lives that were in double danger, from the hurri- cane and then from a lack of insulin, needed immediate help to survive. Turned down Huglen wanted to donate the supplies, and know they would get to the people who needed them. She had an unsuc- cessful day on the phone with the Red Cross, the Salvation Army and the Na- tional Guard. "The Red Cross said they didn't need it. They said to send money," she said. "That's all well and good, but for Type I diabetes, by the time the money's allo- cated, the people would be dead." Huglen contacted dLife, a Connecti- cut -based non-profit organization that collects and disperses diabetes supplies to those in need. dLife, however, requires all donations to go to Connecticut before they end up in the hands of diabetes patients, and Huglen, again, thought with the crucial factor of time, shipping the insulin and supplies out East before sending them to evacuees was not efficient. As the news developed, Huglen saw large numbers of evacuees heading to- ward Dallas. With family near the city, Huglen said she was in the position to go there herself. "At first I thought I would do it as a last resort," she said. "But, then I thought that if nobody else is doing it, I'm doing it. I'm going to Dallas." Through the Twin Cities branch of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund (JDRF), Huglen asked local diabetic fam- ilies for insulin and diabetes supplies, s tw ti p Eagan residents have something in common with a certain pig -tailed, ruby -slipper wearing character: _ They all believe there's no place like home.. • About 95 percent of Eagan residents rated the quality of life in the city as either excellent or good Eagan residentsgive citY hi h-marks • ., City Of Eagan 2005 survey finds residents .. o•n the 2005 City of Eagan survey. The Eagan City happy with direction City going _ Council heard the results•of the survey -at its Oct. 11 workshop meeting. "While we must always strive to BY JosanA NICHOLS improve and find new ways to serve the public, these Sun Newspapers numbers are a credit to the excellent city, staff and all they do each day," said Eagan Mayor Pat'Geagan The random survey polled 400 residents under the guidance of Decision Resources Ltd. The city con- ducts the survey every few years, with the last time being in 2002. HIGH MARKS: To Page 14A Re -Roofs Townhomes Condos I Experienced Crew Up & Magnetic Sweep OWER YOUR-- :ATING COSTS. [NNESOTA •W & SIDING CO: BEAUTi f U 1 • GAS • E1ECTRIC • MARI* ANd MU FREE WITI-I IN of Fi 6J SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2004 ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS WWW.TWINCITIES.COM + 1 __. Airport Bloomington sotaQ� Mi nOe Burnsville ♦ Apple N Valley PIONEER PRESS Eagan (continued) interest. Closer to home, Eagan offers Town Centre, with restau- rants and stores. In 2003, Eagan opened a new community center that includes an indoor playground, teen activ- ities, a fitness center and a ban - CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1J quet facility. Other gathering places in Eagan include ice skat- ing at the Eagan Civic Arena and cheering on the Eastview Light- ning or Eagan Wildcat football teams on Friday nights. Eagan is no longer consid- ered an outer -ring suburb, and development has moved farther out hto former farmland. Since its rapd growth in the 1980s and early 990s, Eagan has stabi- lized a: a community. And with new options like the new com- munity center and the civic ice arena, residents believe it's a nice place to live. EAGAN Population in 2000: 63,557 Incorporated as a city: 1974 Did you know? While drilling a new well in 2002, workers dis- covered wood chips dating backing 130,000 years beneath the ground. The wood chips, identified as Tundra Spruce, represent some of the oldest tree remains in the state. Recreation: During the sum- mer, residents can travel to Cas- cade Bay water park or take a walk through one of the city's 54 parks. Active residents can go ice skating at the Eagan Civic Arena or play golf at the Parkview Golf Course. Teenagers can participate in "Dance Dance Revolution" con- tests, play dodgeball or listen to local garage bands at the Teen Center in the Eagan Community Center. Shopping: The Mall of America is popular with Eagan shoppers because it's nearby, but those who prefer a quieter shopping experience visit Eagan Town Centre. Local buzz: The Eagan Histori- cal Society recently released 52 cards containing brief snippets of the city's history. The cards are a hot -selling item. Where to find the locals: Seniors and teens can be found frequenting the new Eagan Community Center. On Friday nights, many residents gather to watch football at Eagan and Eastview high schools. Among the younger set, Frisbee golf at Eagan's Northview Park has become popular. Schools: Rosemount -Apple Val- ley -Eagan school district; Burnsville -Eagan -Savage school district; Living Word Academy elementary; Tesseract Elemen- tary; Trinity Lone Oaks School elementary; Faithful Shepherd Elementary Racial breakdown: 88.0 per- cent white; 5.3 percent Asian; 3.4 percent black; 0.3 percent American Indian; 1.0 percent some other race; 1.9 percent two or more races. Median age: 32.8 Average family size: 3.23 Families below poverty level: 1.9 percent Median family income: $80,062 Owner -occupied housing units: 70.4 percent Median home sale price: $164, 500 Homes built between 9R0 and 1989: 40.1 percent Homes built between 1990 and 1994: 17.8 per- cent Monthly mortgage costs: $1,284 (median) Population older than 25 with a bachelor's degree: 47.7 percent For more information: Go to www.ci.eagan.mn.us/ or call 651-675-5000. ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS WWW.TWINCITIES.COM HOME STORAGE SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2004 5J People spending big bucks to organize their stuff BY DANIELA DEANE Washington Post new and existing homes organ- ize themselves. Kitchen -cabinet manufacturers are also starting Imagine being in your new to branch out into closet-organi- house looking for your favorite zation systems, Kuhl said. pink sweater in a rincet the ci7e Mike Carenn nrecident of the ofaci`- big, ye Bul becau: not su even t dreds a new spendi dollars organ: Fan "Pe their I Jim Gi Builder Washii spend Gon humblk its sini satisfie owner. take ur any ho sized g Americ homebt wake ill "Eve more Ahluwa at the Home B they get more al them or Amer amount: Kuhl, ec magazin launches home c overwhe And have bee money 1 over till steadily i "They their ki already went cer a sudden closets, now, it's c Comp; national have spru try, ready Closets, the biggest closet com- pany in the country with more than 100 franchises nationwide. "They want their closets to look more like the furniture in their rnnmc — cn darker wnnrlc onhi "A closet can definitely sell a home," said Shawn Evans of Pulte Homes Inc., the country's largest builder. "We have one floor plan that comes with a clos- at thnt'n Eagan ge s I "g marks Survey shows quality of life among highest in the metro by Erin Johnson THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS A communitywide sur- vey commissioned by the city shows Eagan residents consider their the quality of life to be among the highest in the metro area. The survey, conducted by Minneapolis firm Decision Resources Ltd., polled 400 randomly selected residents over the phone in Septem- ber. Previous surveys con- ducted in 2002 and 2005 gave Eagan high marks, but the 2008 survey gave the city its highest ratings yet. "Things in 2005 were im- pressive. In 2008, the results are even more impressive," said Dr. Bill Morris of De- cision Resources Ltd. Ninety-eight percent of residents polled rated the quality of life here as excel- lent or good. The 54 percent who rated the quality of life as excel - Community Direction 2008 City of Eagan Study U2002 e32005 CJ2008 Right Direction Wrong Track Unsure Deeisloutesotuaas, Ltd. According to an independent survey commissioned by the city, an increasing number of residents believe Eagan is headed in the right direction. For complete results, visit the city's Web site at www.cityofeagan.com. lent put Eagan in the top four highest -rated com- munities in the metro area, alongside Minnetonka, Woodbury and Shoreview. That's an 11-point in- crease from 2005, when 43 percent of residents rated their quality of life as excel- lent. The percentage of resi- See Survey, 9A a collective $1.5 billion annually, causing a'devastating ripple effect throughout our economy. Yet, greenhouse gas emissions will continue to rise nationally. The good news is it's not too late to protect the envi- ronment and keep electricity affordable for Minnesotans. �s L3 .$)1z. i 1/5 / Survey/from IA dents who believe the city is going.in'the right direction also increased: 93 percent believe the city is on the right track, compared with 81 percent in 2005. The .city also received top scores from residents for its recreational facilities, with 97 percent saying they• meet their household needs. Ninety-eight percent said current recreational pro- grams meet their needs, the highest figure in the metro area. Other notable ratings in- clude a 93 percent positive ranking for, the Police De- partment, and an 88 percent approval rating for the City Council, the •highest any- where in the metro area. Four out of five residents surveyed ranked all . city services positively, placing Eagan in the top quartile in the metro area. The more citizens had interactions with city staff, the higher the rankings were. Residents cited taxes and growth as the most serious issues facing the city, and Morris said Eagan's tax cli- mate is becoming increas• - ingly hostile. For instance, in 2005, 54 percent of residents said they would favor a tax in- crease to maintaintheir city services, compared with just 44 percent in 2008. Forty percent said city property taxes were some- what . or very highs while 43 percent said taxes. were about average or somewhat low. ' The current economy prompted a First -ever sur-. vey question about whether residents are aware of any foreclosures in their neigh- borhood. "Sixteen percent indicat- ed yes," Morris said. `;That's one in six households aware of a foreclosure somewhere in their neighborhood." Eagan was the pioneer city for' that survey ques- tion, Morris said, so there is .no real way to judge wheth- er that number is. compara- tively high or low. "But let's just say that based on a couple of other surveys we've done at the statewide level, it's certainly higher than we'd expect to see," Morris said. Despite economic wor- ries, residents said ' they. would be happy to see a Super Target and a clothing store come to Eagan, as well as a' family sit-down restau- rant. And even though the Carriage Hills referendum was defeated Nov. 4, . 81 percent of residents said it is very or somewhat impor- tant to purchase additional land for preservation. THISWEEK December 5, 2008 9A Eagan Mayor Mike Ma - said the city is proud of the positive ratings resi- dents gave to city services and personnel, but it's clear there is anxiety over the economy and taxes: "That's why we've made budget cuts this year and Eagan ''spending remains the lowest per'capita of any Minnesota city with more than 50,000 residents," he •said. City Administrator Tom Hedges said the data from the survey will help the city set priorities, measure prog- ress and target areas for im- provement. ' • For instance, after • the 2005 survey, the city took a • closer look' at the 5 percent of residents who didn't rate their quality of life as excel- lent or good. It found that new residents and ' those who lived in apartments rated the city less favorably. Eagan then instituted the Showcase Eagan event, which targets new residents and connects them with community groups and -city services. This year's .survey showed a three-point . in- crease infavorable ratings. The • survey results are available at the city's Web site, www.cityofeagan.com. Erin Johnson is at eagan. thisweek@ecm-inc.com. OA. December 5, 2008 THISWEEK Scoreboard Bolls Hockey Team Conference Overall WLTWLT B. Jefferson . 2 0 0 2 0 0 Eden Prairie 1 0 0 I 0 0 Apple Valley I 0 0 I 0 0 • Eagan 1 1 0 1 I 0 B. Kennedy 0 0 0 2 0 0 Lakeville South 0 0 0 0 0 0 Chaska 0 0 0 0 1 0 Lakeville North 0 0 0 0 1 '0 Eastvicw 0 1 0 0. 1 0 Burnsville 0 1 0 0 2 0 Rosemount . 0 2 0 0 2 0 Saturday. Dec 6. Blaze hockey brings in 13 new faces Burnsville boys hockey falters against defending AA champs, Hill Murray, in high profile home opener by Jason Olson THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS - How will Burnsville deal with Posing so much of its power from last season? 'The Blaze boys hockey team returns five letter win- ners. (graduated 13) from last season's Lake Confer-: It was the first time since Feb. 18, 2006, that the Jags skated away with a win over the black and gold. Burnsville. swept the sea- • son series last winter, high- lighted by a4-3 win in the Section 2AA semifinals • in late February. • AT A GLANCE I EAGAN BY KATHRYN BAILEY Pioneer Press Eagan is a nice place to live; just ask the residents. Ninety-five percent of them gave the city a livability rat- ing of good or excellent in a 2002 residential survey. Populated in 1740 by a small settlement of Dakota Indians, Eagan was an attractive location due to its proximity to nearby French trading posts. In 1851, the Dakota were moved west, and the area was opened to white settlement. Many of the area's resi- dents were farmers, and in 1885, Eagan unofficially became the onion capital of the world with an average yield of 10 tons per acre. Texas usurped that title in 1922, but Eagan remains proud of that small piece of cultural heritage. In 1974, the village with a population of 7,000 officially became a city and entered a period of explosive growth. Today, the city boasts a popu- lation of 66,000. Eagan is crisscrossed by major highways — Interstate 35E, Interstate 494 and Min- nesota 77 — giving residents easy access to Minneapolis/ St. Paul Internaional Airport, the Mall of America, Fort Snelling and other points of EAGAN, 6J 111ciuU.1.15 LAJI1G5G G111.1 CLL11....G ',ACUll scores. You can also purchase - comparative "report cards" on schools through an online data. service, such as SchoolMatch (www.schoolmatch.com). But if you're new .to an area,- you might also consider hiring a professional school consultant for advice. • Many specialists. affiliated with the Independent Educational Consultants Asso- ciation offer guidance on K-12 school placements, along with their work assisting college applicants. To find a consultant in the region where you're plan- ning to move, you can visit the group's Web site at www.' educationalconsulting.org. ■ Don't rule out the possibili- ty of a private school education.' If you don't have a big bank account or family trust funds, you may believe that sending your child to a private school is out of your reach. But independ- ent schools with deep pockets are often willing to provide tuition assistance to those who lack the financial wherewithal, including noddle -income fami- lies. It never ' hurts to ask; whether your student would be' : a likely candidate for a scholar-. ship. To identify private high schools in your new area, a , good starting point - is through the National Associ-. ' ation of Independent School's , (www.nais.org). • Make sure your teenager, visits any high school you're:: considering. A school that looks • terrific to parents could' leave, - their teenager with an entirely.: different impression. Altman urges parents to take their chil,; dren along when they visit ' schools. Besides looking in oh - classes and talking to teachers. , and students, she encourages, visitors to drop by the guidance ; office to learn about its college: , application services. ' - "Different high schools have, different vibes. It's just like vis- iting colleges. Students have a. , �feF` i hPn they know the fit is I1 a By ERINHEMME FROSLI An informational survey co.. ducted by the-Econorriic De -velopment •,Commission, shows that ,,, businesses are. pleased overall -with the business cli- ate rn Eagan ?, During;;>'the spring of 1997, the EDC and•.Chamber of Com- merce ` :volunteers made site visits:' to 37 businesses7in the ,city, ,,.Participants in the survey represented manufacturing, .:transportation,, communication and. wholesale firms,= insurance "Most said they 'had "potential usiness es eased overall 4 percent,.predicted 'they; wr1l expand or relocate rin : the fu- ture. When `-asked'•what -could lead their business to relocate out of -the city;cost and avail- _ ability of land topped the _list: "Many businesses are look- rng `to 'expand, rbut we don't have" the..speculative space," said EDGrtommissioner•Julie Staekhous�re While - growing!""busrness ''is. good, those surveyed said their number brie challenge • was finding -,qualified, workers. companies . and .construction for growth, :but lacked - the companies Those - surveyed were not statrstrcally represen- tatrve of a11_ Eagan:bu_ sinesses. "We wanted • to get a pulse of thebusiness community,".said =EDC Chaii' GaryMorgan, "and to make :sure we're serving •' their needs." Of those, surveyed,'90 percent anticipated : growth and nearly workers," said John .. Hohen- stein, assistant to the city ad- ministrator. Transportation issues, espe- cially a Lone Oak` Road up- grade between Highway 55 and Lexington_ Avenue; were also `. listed high as concerns,.; Mor- (See Survey, "p.7A) 3, Survey (Continued from front page) gan said. Some businesses said there wasn't enough adequate hotel and meeting space in the city. "1 guess the Megamall has caused a shortage of hotel rooms 'for businesses here," Morgan said. According to _ the survey re- sults, businesses rated their interaction with city staff high. Seventy-six percent of those who had interaction with staff rated it excellent or good. Five of the 29 respondents felt staff performance was either fair or poor. City services _received good or excellent ratings, but busi- nesses differed on whether or not the city provides adequate road infrastructure, capacity and economic development efforts, the survey results stated. "Overall, Eagan has been good at providing services that keep businesses here," Morgan said. EDC commissioners weren't surprised by any of the survey results, but said it was good for businesses to know someone at city hall cared about them. "Keeping in touch with busi- nesses is a good idea," Stack - house said. "We need some method of following trends." Hohenstein also said the sur- vey opened communication between the business commu- nity and the EDC. "Now when issues are dis- cussed, EDC members pull out what they heard on their -site visits," he said. The survey questions were taken from surveys the city has previously used. Other ques- tions were added. The last business survey conducted in Eagan was in 1991, Hohenstein said. According to Hohenstein, the information from the survey may be used as the EDC up- dates the Economic Develop - Ask About our 30 Day Low Price Guarantee! ment Master Plan and the business/economy sections of the Comprehensive Guide Plan. The EDC plans on surveying businesses annually. Next year, Stackhouse said, the EDC hopes to focus on retail busi- nesses. '97 Bianchi Bobcat $240 '97 Schwinn Frontier Blk $240 '97 Trek Black 820 $340 SALE $199.99 $199.99 $219.99 $40 $60 1,4A Decernber 16, 2011 THISWEEK Survev says businesses thriving, happy with city services by Jessica Harper THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS Eagan businesses are thriving and pleased with city services, according to a recent survey. The online survey con- ducted by city officials was sent to 1,900 busi- nesses and asked them to rate a number of factors in Eagan. Most of the 10 percent of businesses that responded have been in the community for more than 10 years. "This highlights some of the areas that we could improve and other areas where we are headed in the right direction," May- or Mike Maguire said at a Dec. 13 workshop. Of those who respond- ed, 80 percent said they believe the overall busi- ness climate in Eagan is excellent or good. Re- spondents went on to say that the business climate in Eagan is better than the Twin Cities and national climates. Another 37 percent of business owners said they plan to increase jobs in the next 24 months, while 54 percent said they plan to keep jobs at the same level. Of those who re- sponded, 22 percent said they plan to expand their operations in the next year, while 64 percent said they plan to keep the same size of operations. The survey also showed some recent growth in the business community. Of those who responded, 36 percent said they have added new employees in the last two years, while 14 percent have added to their space. Most business own- ers, 60 percent, said their greatest challenge today is the economy. Only a little more than 20 percent of business owners pointed to taxes as a serious issue. The survey did not distin- guish among local, state and federal taxes. However, 51 percent of respondents said they believe the city can help solve some of the issues they face. Specifically, business owners said they would like to see city officials lower property taxes, im- prove Internet options and speed, and develop more partnerships be- tween the city and busi- nesses. Additionally, business- es said they would need faster connections to al- low employees to work from home. Those who already work from home said they, too, would like to see higher Internet speeds in Eagan. City spokesman Tom Garrison noted that the city's plans to expand fiber-optic systems in Eagan should improve some of the concerns about Internet service. An overwhelming ma- jority (80 percent) of busi- ness owners rated city ser- vices as excellent or good and city staff as helpful or extremely helpful. Of those who needed city permits in the last three years, 80 percent said they believed the pro- cess was fast and reason- able. When asked what ser- vices or businesses they would like to see in the fu- ture, several respondents said they would like to see a larger variety of cloth- ing stores, restaurants and alternative energy busi- nesses as well as another major employer. Jessica Harper is at jessica. harper@ecru-inc. com. MNSUN - News cl newspapers Select a Town: 'Select a Town GO) Local News Po Local News Community Education Calendar Opinion Public Safety Seniors Obituaries Legals Election News Local. Sports Sports News Sports Briefs Events/Scores MNSun Home Page Archive Business News Classifieds Finance Calc Horoscope Market Place Net Directory Nutrition Calc Weather Contact Us How to Advertise Jobs At Sun Sun Slots �Sl1R�IPiO�C�£+R EAGAN Local News Page 1 of 3 Local Forecast Wednesday, Ju � y7 Click Here Eagan business survey results aim to keep firms in city By Joshua Nichols Sun Newspapers (Created 6/13/01 9:04:46 AM) Eagan business and community representatives hope to strengthen the city's attraction for its existing businesses by building a three -pronged strategy on the back of the newly released results of a business survey. "Our goal was to find what things businesses like about Eagan and what things they found not favorable about the community," said Julie Stackhouse, the chair of the Eagan Economic Development Commission. "If we found things that were not favorable in the course of the survey, we wanted to hear about it before those issues became larger than they should be." The results of the Eagan Business Survey were announced during a June 6 meeting of members of the task force that developed the survey. The three strategies outlined in the survey were: • improving labor availability • improving the quality of the business environment provided by the city •developing commercial and housing areas. Always on; Click 1 http://mnsun.com/story.asp?city=Eagan&story=69653 6/13/01 By Joshua NichoIS- Sun Newspapers. Eagan --business and comma= nityrepresentatives; hope --;to :! ,strengthen the city's attraction for its existing businesses by.. building a three -pronged strate- gy on the:back of the newly re leased results of a: business s ir.x¢ 123-01) Survey From Page lA have said is finding workers is a top prob- lem." In general, the businesses surveyed ranked Eagan highly regarding the busi- ness factors that were most important to them. The businesses gave Eagan a "good" "If we found things that were not fa- rating or above on all areas, including vorable in the course of the survey, we physical appearance, city services, ameni- wanted to hear about it before those issues ties and education. became larger than they should be." However, some open-ended questions The results of the Eagan Business Sur- showed businesses didn't see Eagan as a vey were announced during a June 6 particularly relevant -factor in their busi- meeting of members of the task force that ness. This was disappointing because developed the survey. The three strategies community members want businesses to outlined in the survey were: feel the city is both relevant and valuable •improving labor availability to it so they are more inclined to stay in •improving the quality of the business Eagan, Awada said. environment provided by the city To address this concern, the task force • developing commercial and housing . is aiming for a comprehensive business areas. communications campaign to improve Michael Darger, director of the Univer- marketing of the city to businesses. sity of Minnesota Business Retention and The campaign will include a business Expansion Strategies Program which hotline for the city, an Internet bulletin helped conduct the study, said the results board or chat room for business people to were generally positive forthe.city.; post concerns and a regular "breakfast "It amounts to a good report card from with the mayor" event. the 52 firms," Darger said. "Of course, The third strategy in the survey results Eagan has more than 2,00Q businesses, is a plan to build more homes for CEOs but I think this is a good representation to and continue to seek a championship golf show that generally businesses 'are satis course for the city. That strategy comes out fied with the commumty" of survey resultsthat shows one reason The. survey beg4iiri thespring of 1999 businesses chose the community tiiy'are with a meeting between.the Economic De in is because of amenities velopment Commission and members . of Ridley said the city has been looking for chances to build a championshipgolf h d 1 ` d course for several years and that the issue is one many Eagan residents often ask about. While land is becoming scarce in Eagan, the city is looking at open land south of Wescott Road behind Glacier Hills Elementary School as a possibility, he said. "It's a quality of life issue," Ridley said. "People in Eagan believe the community should have its own championship -style golf course -and it adds to the community's image." Awada said the presence of more -up- scale housing that CEOs would be'inter- ested in living inplays a vital role attract - Eagan, St Paul or Minneapolis. -Firms re- mg and retaining businesses =; livz that-27'Percrent red their employees '1 ?:, "We=have a' r9t of upper middle class e,more than 10 miles away, Darger said. houses, but not enough of:the::kind=CEOs address`those'labor shortages; the ' want to live in," Awada said: ‘:"What we surye out gmm ty-wi J . in this study is that one of the ,�y hned;a c s z 6um� de 'ob fair , found out to recruit more workers. 'helot air is ten issues taken into consideration when lo- tatively set for Aug. 23 at the.Eagan:Civic.....,eating corporations is locating them Arena and will focus on the entire metro where the CEOs live." area. Although the University program has "This is a way of connecting local busi- : done similar surveys with "first -ring sub nesses with local workers," said Mike Rid- orbs," it has never done a survey on busi- ley, Eagan's senior planner. "The idea be- nesses in a suburb farther removed from hind this is one of the things businesses a major city, Darger said. Darger's University program; :F%om' that ., point on, the survey eve ope over sever- al meetings with city officials and an Eagan Business Survey Task Force was formed. A leadership team consisting of Mayor: Pat Awada, city staff and business corn: munity representatives prepared the sur- vey in the spring of 2000. Task force Mem- bers administered the survey from August to November 2000 to 52 Eagan business- es. - The study showsua "critical `shortage" of production labor; high tech specialists arid skilled labor. The study also revealed that the majority : of employees do not live in Igalatiatam <ADVERTISEMENT> ONFEkPLAN T STORY OPTIONS E-mail to a friend Print this article Toclav's Pioneer Press P i onee r P l anet::._front N..e..s. t Columnists Business Sports Entertainment Summer Guide Travel Living Tech Health Water Cooler Special Reports Classified Ads Site index FJND,,A,:CAR j ®F.IND::4 C, REER4.FIta, 4H OlE 1 ; TwinCities, coni* Published: Wednesday, September 5, 2001 Life's good here, residents say BY DAVID HAWLEY Pioneer Press Twin Cities metro -area residents have managed to improve the overall civic health of their communities during the past decade, and they're confident that they can make things even better. That's the rosy part of "Metro Trend Watch 2001," a study that will be released today by the Wilder Research Center. But don't applaud too loudly. The report, which combines statistics from the past decade and a survey of public perceptions, also notes sobering exceptions to a positive trend -- including a major problem with affordable housing and sharp disparities that involve race, income and residential location. The combined report and survey take a broad look at issues that have been examined many times. But they also contain some findings that researchers said were surprising but don't have enough data to explain. For example, when asked in the survey whether they thought they could have a "big impact" on improving their community, those who answered yes were more likely to be people of color and people with higher incomes. Moreover, optimism appears to be in big supply. More than 90 percent of those surveyed said the quality of life in the metro area is good or excellent and 79 percent predicted that the metro area will be about the same or better in the next five years. The 73-page report is the fourth study published by the St. Paul- based center since 1996, though it is the first one to evaluate the entire seven -county metropolitan area. Previous reports limited the focus to Ramsey, Dakota and Washington counties. "We're recognizing that we are a region and that our issues are regional and interrelated," said Annette Toews, project coordinator. The study focuses on five topics: education, economic opportunity, crime, children's health and affordable housing. In most of those categories, the report notes steady improvement. School test scores and graduation rates have risen, employment and wages are up, crime has declined, immunization programs for children have improved and fewer babies are being born to unmarried teen-agers. But affordable housing remains a looming problem. "Housing is an area where we didn't see one iota of improvement," Toews said. The report uses the standard definition of "affordable" as housing that costs no more than 30 percent of household income. A significant number of low-income families in the metro area spend more than half of their income for housing, Toews said. "It's a question of the public and private sectors making headway against what is a very heavy set of market pressures," said Rip Rapson, president of the McKnight Foundation, which has a major housing initiative. "It's a huge simplification, but fundamentally, the cost of housing is rising faster than the public's income." But another foundation representative said he sees a small, positive side to the report on metro housing. "While the statistics for a number of years have shown our community has a serious affordable -housing crisis, the survey (in the report) shows the public is starting to realize and recognize it as a problem," said John Couchman, vice president for grants and programs at the St. Paul Foundation. "That's very important if we want to make some headway." Though it singles out housing problems, the report also notes that positive trends in all of the other areas include major gaps. "Overall, there's a significant difference between the two core cities (Minneapolis and St. Paul) and other metro communities," said Dan Mueller, research director for the project. "Disparity still exists -- and in some cases, it is not only quite large, but also defined by income, race and location." For example, the report notes that the proportion of public - school children living in poverty rose during the 1990s from 17 to 25 percent, but that poverty was generally confined to central cities. In Minneapolis and St. Paul, nearly two-thirds of all school -age children are from low-income families, the report noted. As another example, on -time graduation rates in the suburbs are as high as 96 percent, while the rate in Minneapolis is only 47 percent. The report's findings, for the most part, did not come as a Search Recent Articles surprise to the five foundations that sponsored the study. More Search Options Contact Us Newspaper Subscriptions Terms and Conditions Newspapers In Education Help News Archives Feedback Advertising Information Internship Information Back to Top "We know a lot of this information that pertains to our programs," said Terri Barreiro, vice president of community services for the Greater Twin Cities United Way, which sponsored the study along with the St. Paul and McKnight foundations, plus the Minneapolis Foundation and the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation. "This report is valuable because it forces us to look at trends rather than snapshots," Barreiro said. "You can get distracted by an event or an incident. This lets us see if we're making improvement over time." Minneapolis reporter David Hawley can be reached at dhawley(4ioneerpress.com or (612) 338-6516. s 2001 PioneerPlanet / St. Paul (Minnesota) Pioneer Press / TwinCities.comi All Rights Reserved copyright information VVI V VVI' V V Ulf' I G Life is good in Eagan, survey says A total of 95-percent in survey rated quality of life in city either excellent or good BY JOSHUA NICHOLS Sun Newspapers Reality exceeded city officials' expectations when it came to ana- lyzing Eagan residents' feelings about their community. Eagan officials hoped that their constituents were happy with the way things were going in Eagan. Recent community survey responses exceeded those hopes. The, survey, which was con- ducted by Minneapolis firm Deci- sion Resources, sought out opin- ions on Eagan from 400 randomly selected Eagan households this past summer. The residents were surveyed via phone between July 10 and Aug. 2. The results that jump out at first sight were the number of. residents- who said they were happy with the quality of life in the city. A total of 95 percent labeled - the quality of life in Eagan as ei- ther excellent (49percent) or good (46 percent), said William Morris, president of Decision Re- sources. "Based on the surveys we have in our system, and we now have 52 community rsurveys in our data- base, that would rank Eagan in. the top 10 percent [compared to 2002 City_ Of: Eagan Study... 5°/ Knows A Great Deal 1% Don't Know/ Refused 10% Disapprove 7% Strongly Approve 3% Strongly Disapprove How rnuchdo.you feel you know aboutthe work.of;the City Council'- a great deal, a fair amount., very little, or'none;at all? From what you know, do you approve or disapprove of the job the City'Council is doing? (Wait for response) And do you feel, strongly that way? other Twin Cities'. commune ties]," Morris told the Eagan City Council while presenting the sur- vey results last month. "That would put you on par with a developed city like Ro- seville and a growing community like Woodbury." What's even more amazing is `that none of the residents Awho !, took part in the survey., rated' the ' quality of life in Eagan as "poor,'` Morris said. The survey results as a whole;; have an error margin of. +/- 5 per, cent. - SURVEY: To'Page',16 tjnusQ-et, Oet ts-'Lae2. Community survey finds Eaganites are generally pleased with their city by Erin. Johnson Staff Writer You like it. You really like it. Eagan, that is. At least according to a recent communi- ty -wide survey commissioned by the city, which finds that res- idents are pretty happy here. The survey, conducted by the Minneapolis firm Decision Resources, Ltd., polled 400 ran- domly selected Eagan residents over the phone between July 10 and Aug. 2. The results show that the overwhelming majority of resi- dents are pleased with the qual- E..celknl 49% The pie chart above shows how residents rated their quality of life in Eagan. ity of life in Eagan. Nearly half of those surveyed (49 percent) find the quality, of life; in: Eagan to be excellent, while 46percent consider it good. Those polled said the thing they like best about Eagan is.its location (36 percent), followed by neighborhoods (16`percent) and the city's open Spaces and lakes (13 percent). Ninety-eight percent said they, feel safe in their homes. According to the survey, 60, 1 percent of residents are between the ages of 35 and 54; the typi- cal resident has lived in Eagan for 12.2 years. Twenty-seven percent moved to Eagan from See Survey, 16A 1 Eagan police awned federal grant for new techno ogy by Erin Johnson Staff Writer The Eagan Police Department recently was -award- ed a federal grant to help pur- chase new information technol- ogy that will enhance communi- ty policing. The $27,975 grant is from the U.S. Department of Justice's crime -fighting COPS program. COPS (Community Oriented Policing Services) grants increase the amount of time law enforcement officers can spend on community policing by fund- ing technology that enables them to work more efficiently. The grants cover up to 75 percent of the total cost of crime -fighting technologies, such as mobile computing sys- tems, personal computers, crime -analysis hardware and software and automated finger- print -identification systems. Sen. Mark Dayton, who announced the award, said that COPS has awarded more than Grant/From IA people have information. It /takes information to solve prob- lems," Therkelsen said. "The theory is that you use technolo- gy to make the existing work processes more efficient." Making existing processes ore efficient allows officers to rocess more information in $835 million to more than 3,500 law enforcement agencies across the nation to fund the deployment of crime -fighting technologies. "As criminals use more sophisticated means to circum- vent the law, law enforcement agencies must .be able to respond with the best technolo- gy available," he said. "This funding will enable the city of Eagan to get. that technology and keep the community safe". The - . Eagan Police less time, as.well as spend more' time in the community, he said. "It creates less of a need .for-: them to come in to the station and do some of that research," he said. The Eagan Department received a COPS grant once before in 1998 for a digital dictation system, .which Police Department will use the money for wireless palm computer devices, said Eagan Police Chief Kent Therkelsen. The devices will serve the same function as mobile computers in police vehicles, such as allowing offi- cers to perform information checks, communicate with other people in the department and retrieve •images such as mug shots or fingerprints. "Community policing is predicated on the concept that. See Grant, 5A allows officers to dictate reports over the phone- rather than typ- mg them up in the office The. current grant :money should be available._ to .the department next year, Therkelsen said. . Erin Johnson is at eagon.thisweek@ectinc.com. Va.N. DPP - OBI - 2- - ?c 2 6A September 28, 2002 THISWEEK EG Survey/From 1 A Hennepin County while 21 percent came from another state. The typical household in Eagan contains two adults and two children, and the median value of residential property is $223,000. Seventy-five per- cent of residents own their homes, while 19 percent rent. Almost half of those polled (47 percent) said they do not work in Eagan and commute an average of 23 minutes. Most are heading to work in Minneapolis (19 percent), St. Paul (16 percent) and Bloomington (15 percent). Residents said that growth is the biggest problem facing the city (22 percent), followed by lack of affordable housing (13 percent) and school fund- ing (8 percent). When questioned further on affordable housing, 62 percent said that Eagan has too few single-family homes under $170,000, and 61 percent said there are not enough starter homes for young families. Eagan's recreational facili- ties are a big hit among resi- dents — 90 percent said that the existing facilities offered by the city meet the needs of their household. Seventy-six Unsure Traffic Growth Taxes Crime School Funding Lack Affordable Housing City Government Flooding/Run-Off Orphanage Scattered 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 Above, Eagan residents listed rated what they consider to be the most serious problems facing the city. percent feel they get a good bang for their buck at Cascade Bay. Only 8 percent said they'd like to see the city pro- vide an additional golf course. The current City Council scored relatively well in the survey, with more than half of survey responders (61 percent) saying they approve of the job the current City Council is doing. However, only 46 per- cent said they know a great deal or a fair amount about the work of the City Council. What they do know, they said, they get primarily from local newspapers (45 percent) and other people (17 percent). Acquiring and preserving open space is an important issue to Eagan residents. Sixty-one percent said they would, support Dakota County's open spaces referen- dum in November, and 56 per- cent said they would still sup- port it even if it didn't include any land in Eagan. Decision Resources, Ltd. also compared the answers of Eagan residents with the answers of residents of 51 other metro -area communities. "In comparison with other communities, Eagan ranks among the top in terms of services provided," said Dr. William D. Morris, president of Decision Resources, Ltd. Eighty-eight percent of res- idents said they view city services as an excellent or good value for the property taxes they pay. More than 90 percent rate police protection, fire protection, recycling, park maintenance and city -spon- sored recreation programs as excellent or good. In all but one case (storm drainage), city services were rated above the suburban norm with an overall approval rating of 85 percent, making Eagan one of only four metro -area cities to achieve that distinc- tion. Eagan also ranked above the norm for metro -area com- munities in terms of neighbor- liness — 68 percent rate the general sense of neighborli- ness as excellent or good. For more information about the survey, check out the dity's Web site at www.cityofea- gan.com. Erin Johnson is at eagan.thisweek@ecm-inc.com. 1J1; Ili-D3— t) From Page 1A When asked about what -they liked nios't'about -Eagan; .the'majority'of re- - spondents (36 percent),said its. location. Coming in second was- neighborhoods with 15percent•and parks and trails with 9 percent:- . . On the:flip:side, most_of those sur- . veyed said they were. "unsure of what ! would be considered the most serious • issue facing the city. Those who gave that response amounted to 25. percent, :_with growth:(22 percent)-and:lack'of afford- . able housing (13 percent) coming innext. Morris _ said it is:.very;common: to see - such a high'number of people reporting. they are unsure .what:the:most serious . issue facing -the -city. .• • "It means .that nothing really stuck out in anybody's minds," Morris said. "We didn't give them a list, they. just re- ally couldn't think of any thingthey find • particularly bothersome." When questioned further ,on afford- able housing, 62 percent said that Eagan has too few single-family homes under - $170,000, and 61 percent. said there are not enough starter homes for young fam- ilies. Morris said that the majority of those who took part in the survey gave city ser- vices a very high ranking: More than 90 percent rated police protection; fire pro- tection, recycling, park maintenance • and recreationprograms as:either excel- lent er good. In egerycase ekcept for one, Eagan's cityservices: were. rankedw ell above:the suburbanhhorm with anover- aliapproval rating of 85 percent. Eagan's recreational facilities: are a big hit among .residents. — 90 percent ▪ said-that.the existing facilities offeredhby the city -meet the needs of their:>lioiise- hold.: Seventy-six percent said theyget a good bang for :their, -buck ato.Cascade Bay's • ;water park: ,Eight- ..percent. said they'd like to see the city provide an ad- ditional golf course. ' : - , .• .. Despite $8:5 million worth:.ofAm- provements. following -the `July 2000 super storm, storm drainage -was :the • only city service to -have a rating:.ofless than 70 percent. A total of 62 percent :of - Eagan ;residents,2polled . rateth.storm drainage positively. Many areas where there=was a signif- icant number of people who.:had;con- cerns about public services often over- lapped with those who are the newest members of the community, Morris said. "We found that many of the signifi- cant differences in opinioncould:be:ex- plained by residential longevity,'' Morris said. "There was a difference in opinions and attitudes of newcomers, those who have lived in Eagan less than five years, and what we call the settlers, those who have lived in the community more than 20 years.". An equal percentage of those Eagan residents taking part in the survey fell into either the "newcomer" or. the "set- tler" category, with each drawing 26 per- cent. Another 30 percent said they had lived in Eagan for between10 and 20 years with 18 percent responding be- tween five and 10 years. Eagan Communications Coordinator Tom Garrison said he would like to see the city work on offering more services and events to those residents new to the city to help improve that image. City Administrator Tom Hedges said that, while the community survey isn't' an annual .thing, .it is something that.. cities :usually have, doneabout once every five years. The last such survey in Eagan was also done. by Decision Re- sources and was conducted in 1995. Other information that -came out of: the survey included: • 60ipercent:of L residents are between -. the ages of 35' and- 54. • The :typical .resident has lived in Eagan for 12.2 years. • 27 percent moved to Eagan from Hen- nepin County while -21..percent came from another state. • The typical: household in Eagan con- tains two adults and two children, and the median value of residential property is $223,000. - - • 75 percent of residents;. own their homes, while 19 percent rent. Other re- sponses included "Don'tknow": or.."Re- fused to answer." • 47 percent said they do not:work:in Eagan and commute an average of 23 minutes. • 61 percent said they approve of the job the current City .Council is doing. Forty-six percent said they know a great deal or a fair amount aboutthe:council's.. work. The informatiOffibeineSiptiinarilV: from local weekly newspapers445, cent) and other people`inthe community-' (17 percent). For more information about the sur- vey check out the city's Web; site, :at wwwcityofeagan.com. Eagan church -slates, iscussion series A new series will begin Monday, Oct.. , for separatedand divorced Catholics. egistration begins at 6:45 p.m. with a peaker presentation at 7 p:m: Small roup sessions follow the presentation. Those interested are invited to the hurch of St. Thomas. Becket,.4455 S. obert Trail, Eagan. Information: 651-423-3131 (Mary lien) or 651-454-2079 (Sandie). Cedar Valley Church ill show 'The Climb' 1 The new film by the Billy Graham As- !':sociation, The Climb, will be shown at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10, at the Eagan Cam - us of Cedar Valley Church, 2024 Rahn Way. The event is free of charge. Pop and opcorn will be available. Information/directions: 952-854-1100. Thiswek Because the news never stops www.thisweek-online.com You like it; you really like it Eagan by Erin Johnson THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS Eagan residents love their location and quality of life, and most believe that the city is headed in the right direction, according to a new community survey. "It was one of the most sol- id reports I've given in a long time," said Bill Morris of Deci- sion Resources Ltd., which con- ducted the survey. "It's rare to see results this good" The first community survey was conducted in 2002. Moms said the city made gains from the last survey, "which is im- pressive given that it started out at such high levels." While Eagan has often been ranked among the top 10 to 20 percent of cities in • the metro area, this time it went to the top of the charts, he said. "We've worked with over 100 suburban and exurban com- munities," he said. "Eagan is certainly among the top four communities in the suburbs" Morris presented results of residents give high marks in city survey percent have lived in Eagan be- tween 20 and 30 years. Seventy-seven percent con- sider Eagan their home, not just a place •to live, and 83 percent rated the city's neighborliness 4a as excellent or good. Respondents said that loca- tion is the thing they like best about Eagan, followed by their specific neighborhood and the city's parks and trails. The most serious issue fac- s ing the city is growth, they said, followed by airplane noise. Residents show a very high regard for city services, and city government got exceptional rat- ings, Morris said. Seventy-nine percent of resi- o dents rated Eagan city staff per- formance as excellent or good,. and 83 percent said they ap- prove of the job the City Coun- cil is doing, up from 61 percent in 2002. "There's a large reservoir of trust in the community for city government," he said. It's no surprise that most See Survey, 5A Excellent Good Only Fair Poor Unsure Quality of Life Rating 11 2005 City of Eagan Study 499 46 52 .2002 Maces 20 30 40 50 1 60 Graphic by Tawnya Chinn Residents are very pleased with the overall quality of life in Ea- gan, according to a recent city survey. the random sampling of 400 residents to the City Council at its Oct. 11 workshop. Thirty-seven percent of those surveyed have lived in Eagan for 10 to 20 years, while 21 percent have lived in Eagan be- tween five and 10 years. Fifteen 2A October 22, 2005 THISWEEK ice`' PRICES OP 1101E saw Mwse.IPe Orr van STM40-711F-4 GO 3.8L, PW, PL, PS, Power Doors, CD, Quad Seats, Rear Heat & Air, 7/70,000 Mile Powertrain Warranty : '269 g Months MSRP $27,830 Rebate -$2,500 Discount -$3 831 alines owner 4300 Air, Auto, CD Player, Power (Seat, Windows, Locks, Mirrors), Sport Appearance, Fog Lamps MSRP $30,310 Discount -$3,921 %74e0 Auto, Air, Sunscreen, PW, PL, CD Player SLT Hem! Package, Auto, Air, Player, PW, PL, Cruise, Tilt MSRP $34,370 Discount -$5,471 Ir74930 PW, PL, PS, Power Doors, CD Player, Quad Seats, Aluminum Wheels U DUYL� 79 DURANG Rear Heat & Air, 7 Passenger, Power (Seat, Windows, Locks), 0verheai Console, CD Player rJ, Jry� Photo by Rick Orndo,f Seventy-three percent of Eagan residents surveyed said the quality of water in the city's lakes, like Blackhawk Lake above, is very important. Survey/from 1A Eaganites love their green space and would like the city to purchase more land for pres- ervation. But the majority said they are willing to pay for it, at a rate of roughly $3.54 per resident per month. "This is a key issue, par- ticularly in a growth suburb," Morris said. "Clearly the Da- kota County referendum didn't satisfy the need for more open space in Eagan." Seventy-three percent said the city's lake water quality is very important, and 64 percent believe the city is doing the right amount of work to pro= tect it. Although half of those sur- veyed bring their friends and relatives to Eagan for fine dining, they would like to see more family sit-down restau- rants, upscale dining establish- ments and ethnic restaurants. Most residents prefer to shop at chain stores and would like the city to attract more chain stores in the future, in- cluding a consumer electronics store (the city approved a Best Buy development in August), and a women's clothing chain store. Fifty-eight percent of resi- dents are so pleased with their quality of life in Eagan that they would be willing to have their taxes increased to main- tain its current level. Decision Resources will now analyze the results and compare them to other cities. A full report will be forwarded to the city within the next month and will be available for public viewing. For more survey results, visit the city's Web site at www.cityofeagan.com. Erin Johnson is at eagan. thisweek@ecm-inc.com. ile High dark school's anniversary council decided that parking -lot islands, plantings and green space • were looking a little ragged. ; "We all came together because we wanted the campus to look better," said BHS parent Nancy Huddleston," who co-chairs the committee with Becky Kritz. "It just didn't reflect .what we knew were •the good things happening there." The -group has held four cam- pus cleanup days, the most recent on Oct: 1, when some 30 students and adults showed up to plant shrubs, spread mulch, install edg- ing, pull weeds, pickup trash and edge sidewalks. "I was there for a few hours," Joyce said. "They had been there all morning: It's incredible." Since : the campaign began .volunteers have planted perennial flowers and shrubs, - established new planting areas and main- tained landscaping at the front of the building. Residents have do- nated perennials from their own gardens, and volunteers have do- nated money for landscape mate- - rials. "We had tons,of ideas but only., so many people," • Huddleston • requested as our new Atrium • _ Photo by John Gesmer Joyce and Jens Bohn commissioned the commemorative blanket. aid. "We kept at it and kept com- ing back to that sign." Com mittee members , got a reality check on the project from the principal: "Kay. always asks the tough questions," Huddleston said. "That has helped us".. -. - With donations of money and labor at the halfway point, project backers are optimistic. "I think we have it," Joyce said. "We'll get it." - Selling blankets is the next step. Committee members sold 7 home - • who's owned a downtown Sav- age barber shop for 45 years. "All we're getting out of this is just re- couping the money we had to put up to have them made" . The blanket has something for everyone, Joyce -•said,- from the school song to pictorial represen- tations of athletics, arts aiid--aca- demics. All three school mascots are included — the original. Bulldog, the Brave that was dropped in the •- 1990s and the Blaze that replaced it. • "My important thing was Yr .4.. jfirAA• „ . 4.. 4, FOLDER 13.1 S sigleade 1111 UPC 10330 No. 153L HASTINGS, MN From: Aaron To: Joanna Foote Date: 5113/97 lime: 09:24:38 Page 2 of 4 City of Eagan FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For further information contact - Joanna Foote, City of Eagan, 612-681-4604 Aaron Hustcddc, Wallace Group, 612-341-2100 EAGAN'S CIVIC ARENA SCORES IN ITS FIRST FULL YEAR OF OPERATION, POSTING A PROFIT ON 1996 ACTIVITIES The red lights go on with regularity in hockey competition, but the City of Eagan's management avoids red ink on operations at the new civic arena. While it was clear early on that the new Eagan Civic Arena was a big hit with the community, city officials now report that the arena has been a financial success, as well. The results have justified the confidence of city leaders that the new facility would be self supporting and not require tax dollars to cover operating costs. "The results of operations were good, exceeding the expectations that we had for the first two years," said Gene VanOverbeke, Eagan's director of finance. The civic arena had a net operating gain of $42,770 for the 1996 fiscal year, the outcome of careful monitoring of expenditures and excellent ice utilization. Ice rental by the community, school teams and youth leagues as well as learn to skate programs were the key to bringing in over $200,000 in revenue. Program and admission revenue for 1996 totaled $93,307, while merchandise sales came in at $57,411. 2=93% 05-13-97 09:25AM P002 #48 From: Aaron To: Joanna Foote Date: 5113197 Time: 09:25:27 Page 3 of 4 Civic Arena/page two Among its offerings, open skating and skating instruction programs have wrought opportunities to sharpen skills and to keep skates sharpened, as well. Arena manager Mark Vaughan notes that revenues from skate sharpening are far greater than those for skate rentals, explaining that in Minnesota "most people grow up skating and have their own equipment." In the eastern U.S., he says, rentals would outweigh sharpening and other equipment maintenance. With summer sports on the horizon, arena officials are encouraging members of the public to remember that they can step inside for recreation of a cooler kind. The peak season for the arena is from October to mid -March, but open skating and hockey continue through much of the summer. "We all know Minnesotans want to get outside when it's warm, but we hope the cooler environment at the civic arena will appeal to people, as well," Vaughan said. "It gives families another entertainment option." While most arena goers are from the Eagan area, the facility has drawn skating enthusiasts from far beyond the Twin Cities. One example is a recent short track speed skating event that brought participants from a number of other states and Canada. The Olympic sized rink caught the speed skaters' interest, Vaughan said. It's 15 feet wider than a standard NHL rink. "I tell people that's 3,000 more square feet of ice for the same price," he said. R=93% 05-13-97 09:25AM P003 #48 From: Aaron To: Joanna Foote Date: 5/13/97 lime: 09:26:16 Page 4 of 4 Civic Arena/page three Vaughan also hopes to make figure skating a summer attraction. Open figure skating and hockey sessions are offered weekly. Figure skating professionals are available for lessons, in conjunction with the arena's "Learn to Skate" program, a weekly class that runs half-hour lessons and practice times. "We want to get people involved in skating of all types - recreation, or figure or hockey," Vaughan said. Staying true to its name, the civic arena holds events on its dry floor as well. From May 5 to June 16, the arena hosts craft show groups, job fairs, and an upcoming sports card show. Utilizing a one -floor layout, the building can be supervised by one person. Concessions, locker rooms, the lobby and an office are all located at the front of the building. With a seating capacity of 600, the $2 million facility is run by two full-time staff with seasonal and part-time employees. # # # R=93% 05-13-97 09:25AM P004 #48 a From The Wallace Group phone- 341-2100 fax-452-3504 FAX COVER SHEET DATE: April 6, 1997 TO: Joanna Foote City of Eagan FROM: Roy Wallace The Wallace Group TIME: PHONE: FAX: PHONE: FAX: RE: Revised Star Tribune letter Number of pages: 3 Dear Tom: 11:20 PM 612-681-4604 612-681-4612 612-341-2100 612-452-3504 Late Friday I spoke with the letters editor of the Star Tribune about the piece we submitted earlier in the week and she indicated she was leaning against running it, but the decision was not final. She noted that a correction had run on the refunds aspect and found the letter overly long, detailed and a bit dry. They try to hold letters to about 300 words and run longer letters, about 750 words, as commentaries. I said that I knew it fell between the two, but thought it might go as a commentary. She agreed, but said there had already been a commentary from the mayor of Eagan earlier in the week and that would probably be too much for one community, at least in the eyes of some of our neighbors. I said I thought she was mistaken, that the mayor's commentary had been considerably earlier, but she checked and said it ran on April 1. That was the day of the Kaszuba piece and I missed Tom Egan's commentary on airport issues completely. She will be away for several weeks, with substitutes covering for her, so I want to follow up with her stand-in early in the week, Monday if possible, with a shorter version. Following is a cut down letter that is still a little over their preferred length but more than a hundred words shorter than the original. Please look it over and let me know whether it is still acceptable. Regards, Roy R=93% 04-07-97 12:22AM P001 #42 From The Wallace Group phone- 341-2100 fax-452-3504 The Editor Star Tribune 425 Portland Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55488 To the Editor: April 4, 1997 The recent article on "impact fees" as a means of financing some municipal activities and Eagan's road connection charge highlighted some important issues, but misstated some facts and created unneeded confusion. While the Minnesota Supreme Court recently ruled that the City of Eagan lacked the legal authority to impose its road connection charge in 1978, the court did not require that the city "refund all money collected during the past six years," as the Star Tribune reported. Instead, the matter of potential retimds and who might receive them now goes back to the District Court. The Country Joe suit was brought by a group of construction finns that challenged the city's right to impose the fee and sought refunds for past charges. The District Court ruled in favor of the city, finding several legal bases for such authority, but that decision was challenged in the Court of Appeals, which reversed the finding, and the appeals court ruling has now been upheld. Since most firms would consider such fees a cost of doing business, they would be built into the price of a home. Thus, the home buyer would have borne the cost. Whether the construction firms should receive a windfall for passing along these costs is an open question. Further, contrary to the impression given in the article, the I .eague of Minnesota Cities has always supported road connection charges and impact fees in general. The key question for the public and legislators is whether it is fair to ask those most responsible for needed infrastructure expansion, in this case roadways, to bear part of the costs that growth imposes. Eagan used a one-time road connection charge on new development to partially finance these improvements, with properly taxes used for the remainder. R=93% 04-07-97 12:22AM P002 #42 From The Wallace Group phone- 341.2100 fax-452-3504 Letter to the Editor/page two The City of Eagan accepts the Minnesota Supreme Court's judgment on procedure, but believes the system itself was fair and equitable. We hope legislators will agree such measures are in the public interest and vital to growing and fiscally well - managed communities. Thomas L. Hedges City Administrator City of Eagan R=93% 04-07-97 12:22AM P003 #42 a W 0 Will they be too busy to baby-sit? In California. the swallows are back in Capistrano. In Minnesota. the grandparents are back in Willmar — and Detroit Lakes, Fairmont and Min- neapolis. The snowbirds are swooping back to their northern nests just in time to watch a hard winter's last snow mounds disappear. Minnesota welcomes its aging exiles home with a mixture of envy, admira- tion and appreciation. This was a win- ter many younger Minnesotans would have preferred to spend golfing with Grandma in Arizona or deep-sea fish- ing with Grandpa in Texas. The homebound set may be a bit jealous of their elders' tans and im- proved golf handicaps. But they also delight in the prosperity and good health enjoyed by so many of the World War II generation. The 20th century's strides in standard of living and health care have produced the largest and most active population of those older than 60 that the world has ever known. A prime example fell from the sky over Yuma. Ariz.. last week Former President George Bush became the poster boy for active elder -living when he leaped from a plane 12.500 feet over the Yuma Army Proving Ground and sailed via parachute to the ground. As Bush's lellow World War II veteran Milton Clarke of San Diego said. the former president's skydive "reminds people of what we did, and what we can still do." Minnesota has a lot for the snow- birds to do. They're in demand to lead service clubs. do volunteer work, fill pan -time jobs and spend money to stimulate hometown economies. If asked nicely, they might even baby-sit now and then. Flynn's teaching opportunity The question ought not to be whether Archbishop Harry Flynn should or should not speak with a certain group of people because it holds damnable opinions ;Star Trib- une. March 27 ).The question ought to be what he might say to these people to teach them a different way. Let those who have ears hear. — Mike Hazard, St. Pant Rushed into print A March 23 letter writer ma -de the fotlo Bing statement: `I wish our legislators would con- sider the following: Lott is the recipi- ent oi the John M. Olin Fellowship at the U niversity of Chicago. The Olin Co. is one of the largest ammunition_ man- ufacturers in the United States. " To answer this. I direct the writer and your letters editor to a statement from William Simon. p resident of the Olin Foundation. made in September 19e6 in response to similar allegations made by U.S. Rep. Charles Schumer. D-New York: worthy. If you haven't been there. then you cant judge. — James C Goodall, Eden Prairie. Ragging on the refs Granted. the Gophers losing in the NCAA Final Four Saturday night is a disappointment. but what was a great- er disappointment was the coverage of this loss in the sports section of Star Tribune. Blaming the referees for the loss of an event is usually the domain of ado- lescents and immature college ath- letes. many of whom had parents who never taught these kids to take respon- sibility for their actions. It has no place in the sports section of a newspaper as opinion masquerading as fact. I suggest that the main offender. that being one Pa trick Reusse. be given a leave of absence so that he can go back to journalism school and be taught how to properly construct a column. But knowing Reusse. he will blame any bad grades that he obtains on the professors. — Randi L Dennis, Bloomington. P003 #47 r b • nTax breaks for the airport -affected stabillze Their neigl 0 a 11 0 z 0 E N ' ce 0. ¢ In an article airing criticisms by local assessors and the gover- nor's office concerning the appli- cation of the urban homesteading program to airport noise -impact- ed neighborhoods (`Program gives tax break to urban home buyers." March 9), the Star Trib- une failed 10 consider the poten- tial benefits the program offers to residents of communities that will be affected by the continued growth of the airport at its cur- rent location Eagan and many of the cities around the Minneapolis -St. Paul international Airport support the provisions of this program as one way to provide stability in neigh - Counterpoint borhoods that are affected by sig- nificant amounts of aircraft noise. Admittedly the urban home- steading program is not perfect. It attempts to implement a con- troversial public policy — name- ly, that the state, having conclud- ed that the public costs of airport relocation are too great, should reimburse ordinary citizens who are required to absorb the costs of continued and expanding air- port noise impacts from the cur- rent location. It is also important to note that the program is only one part of what should be a comprehen- sive approach to the stability of communities and the well-being of residents who are affected by airport traffic growth. including those who have lived with such growth for many years. The criticisms of the mechan- ics of the system may be valid. It does place additional responsibil- ities for an income tax program on local assessors who are pri- marily responsible for valuations .associated with property taxes. This additional burden does not qualify these individuals to be ex- perts on the economics of noise impacts. how -eye r. Homes near airports do sell but the pool of interested buyers is reduced and by extension. so is the liken value of the property to those buyers. If the paperwork burdens for a state income tax program have been wrongly placed on local property tax officials. that does not detract from the merits of the program. Nor should the fact that fairly defining the boundaries of the program results in the inclu- sion of some higher -value homes. The program itself is limited on the basis of income. meaning that regardless of the value of the real estate. the program benefits are restricted to middle-class and poorer participants. What was overlooked in ti article was that the urban hom steading program was extend to airport impact areas not as isolated action. but as a pan the political process resulting the early conclusion of the du track airport planning process. The participants in the proce demanded and should have r ceived consideration on behalf their various constituents. Part the consideration for expandit the airport at its current sire w to provide an incentive for pi, spective residents to consider tl area in spite of the environment impacts. Perhaps the greatest shoe l a ce W U J 3 ,t Z 0 E h Ot N able health insurance is available through MinnesoraCate Cutting the MinnesotaCare tax nat- urally appeals ro doctors. dentists and other health care providers who mast tack it onto their bills. But cutting the provider tax makes nosense. Granted health care. h has increased the num- ber of Minnesotans wtio can buy into the health insurance market. while -de- creasing the number wwho depend on charity care. Lawmakers should speed it along its course rather than retreat- ing from its noble goals. Snowbirds return Will they be too busy to baby-sit? in California. the swallows are back in Capistrano. In Minnesota. the grandparenrs are hack in Willmar and Detroit Lakes. Fairmont and Min- neapolis. The snowbirds are swooping back to their northern nests just in time to watch a hard winter's last snow mounds disappear_ Minnesota welcomes its agingeiles home with a mixture of envy. admira- do-n and appreciation This was a win- ter manyyounger Minnesotans would have preferred to spend golfing with Grandma in Arizona or deep-sea fish- ing with Grandpa in Texas. The homebound set may be a bit jealous of their elders' tans and im- proved golf handicaps. But they also delight in the prosperity and good health enjoyed by so many of the World War U generadon. The 20th century's strides in standard of living and health rare have produced the largest and mast active population of those older than 60 that the world has ever known_ A prime example fell from the sly over Yuma. Ariz. last week. Fortner President George Bush became the poster boy for active eider -living when he leaped from a plane 12.500 feet over the Yuma. Army Proving Ground and sailed via parachute to the ground. As Bush's fellow World War 1l veteran Milton Clarke of San Diego said, the former president's skydive 'reminds people of what we did. and what we can still do. - Minnesota has a lot for the snow- birds to do. "they're in demand to lea d service clubs. do volunteer work, fill pan -time jobs and spend money to stimulate horn etown economies. If asked nicely, they might even baby-sit now and then • of religion. or both? C d rather they do neither. Don't protect me from myself_ If f want ro 'shed my container- so I ran meet up with the Greys. that is my choice_ If I want to read about the crazies on the great -gook Zoo- (the Internet, that is also my choice. I don't need the government to protect me from the ideas of goofs. save for those goofs who go be the namepolhidaa — MichaelE Reilly Minneapolis Flynn's teaching opportunity The question ought not to be whether Archbishop Ham Flynn should or should not speak with a cenain group of people because it holds damnable opinions :Star Trib- une. March 2:. _ The quest ion ought to be what he mi 1u say to these people to teach them a different was. Lei those who have ears hear. — Mike llarard; St. PauL Rustled into print A Starch 28 letter writer made the following statement: 1 wish our Legislators would con- sider the following Lon is [he recipi- ent of the John M. Olin Fel lowship at the University orChicago. The Olin Co. is one of the largest anununlfion man- ufa cutters in the United States.' To answer this. I direct the writer and your letters editor to a statement from William Simon. president of the Olin Foundation. made in September 1996 in response to similar aftegations made by U.S. Rep. Charles Schomer. D-; levy York ters as a way getting even or making news :Star Tribune. March 28:. No hospital or doctors in Minnesota or anywhere else would just let a baby die. Prince and his wife should be shielded from the -do gooders' a1 Hennepin County. The death of a son or daughter is a private matter and it is time to lease it at that. If Prince were a regular working stiff. this would never have been news- worthy. if you haven't been there. then you can't ;edge. — looses C. Goodall, Eden Prairie Ragging on the refs Granted. the Gophers losing in the NCAA Final Four Sattudax nigh( is a disappointment. but what was a great- er disappointment %w as the coverage of this loss in ;he spots section. of Star Tribune. Blaming the referees for the loss of an event is usually the domain of ado- lescents and immanere college ath- letes. many of whom had parents who never taught these kids to take respon- sibility for then actions- It has no place in the sports section of a newspaper as opinion masquerading as fact. 1 suggest that the main offender. that being one Patrick Reusse. be given a leave of absence so that he can go back to journalism school and be taught how to property construct a column But knowing Reusse. he will blame any bad grades that be obtains on the — Randi L. Dennis. Bfaomirgtotz near -old adolescents donee know that There are rapes and child abuse in the wor Id so they are banningher autobio- graphical book. I Know- Why the Caged Bird Sings.' How ironic that literature. the very tool that released Angelou from her cage of muteness- is being denied to children who could learn from her experience. Please explain how silencing Ange- loti s song will help Richfield children understand life. the soul and poetry. — Mary Joan Meagher. Bloomington: president, National League ofAmeri- can Pen Women, Minnesota bvnnah f graduated from Richfield High Sebooi in 1981. The thoughtful selec- non and patient presentation by the English faculty was excellent prepara- don for college and the cast world beyond Minnesota suburbia my ap- precrauon and respect for them sin and judgment has grows to-er time. Richfield's teachers took enra care to help students comprehend the difficult and controversial issues in every book assigned Choosing literature to pre- pare young adults for a world of peo- ple whose background may be vasdv different requires sensitivity to what they will face in she future and should never be deliberately -dumbed dorm or sanitized. Students in the Richfield district deserve the rich and chaileng- ingciurictdum these teachers can pro- vide. Richfield parents and the school board should have the wisdom and courage to let the m do their job- - Walstroto, Minneapolis Tax breaks for the airport -affected stabilize their neighborhoods In an article airing criticisms by local assessors and the gover- nor's office concerning the appli- cation of the urban homesteading program to airport noise -impact- ed neighborhoods ('Program gates tax break to urban horse buyers.- March 9). the Star Trib- unefailed to amide/ the poten- tial benefits the program offers to residents of communities that will be affected by the continued growth of the airport at its cur- rent location. • Eagan and many of the cities around the Minneapolis -Sr- Paul InremaIlonal;irpon support the ptosisions of this. program as one way t o provide stability in neigh - Counterpoint borboods that are affected by sig- nificant amounts of aircraft tooise Admittedly the urban home- steading program is not perfect_ It attempts ro implement a con- troversial public police— name- ly, that the state. having conclud- ed that the public costs of airport relocation are too great. should reimburse ordinary ciuzena: who are required to absorb the costs of continued and expanding air- port noise impacts from the cur- rent location. tt Is also important to note that the program is only one pan airports do sell but the pool of ghat was overlooked in the of what should be a comprtehen- interested buyers is reduced and article was that the urban home - awe approach to the stability of by extension. so is the likely value sreadiag program was extended communities and the well-being of the propene to those buyers to airport impact areas not as an of residents who are affected by If the papenrork burdens for a isolated action. but as a pan of airport traffic growth. including stare income tax program have the political process resulting in those who have Bred with such been wrongly placed on local the early conclusion of the dual growth formanyyears. property tax officials. that does track airPart planning Pax The criticisms of the mectran- tint detract from the merits -of the The participants in the process iax of the system may be valid_ II program. Not should the fact that demanded and shouid have re- does place a d oualresponvbii- faidgde1ningthe boundaries of ceivedconsideration onbehanof ities for an income tax program the program results in the inclu- their various constituents. Part of on local assessors who are pri- sionofsame higher -value homes. the consideration forexpanding marih-responsible for valuations The program itself is iimired the airport at its currenite was associated with property taxes. on the basis of income. meaning to provide ao incentive for' pro - This additional burden does not that regardless of the value of the spec -dive residents to consider the qualify these individuals to bees- real estate. the program b eneftts area in spite of the environmental pens on the economics of noise am restricted to middle-class and impacts. •- impacts. however. Homes near poorer participants. Perhaps the greatest short- coming of the urban homestead- ing program as it pertains to air- port noise is that it only pertains to people who have bought their homes since June 1.1995. The Metropolitan Airports fommiccion and the state should implement a comprehensive pro- gram that provides not only for the stability of noise -impacted neighborhoods but also for con- sideration for those who have al- ready experienced years of air- port impacts growing around — Thomas F.grma Fame:- Mayor. CO r CO CO ca a. too busy to baby-sit? I are back xa, the llmar _ 0. tnd Min - moping just in er's last rig exiles admira- as a wan - as would ing with sea fish - be a bit and im- hey�also atd good - of the the 20th Caf living aced the largest and most active population of those older than 60 that the world has ever known. A prime example fell from the sky over Yuma. Ariz., last week. Former President George Bush became the poster boy for active elder -living when he leaped from a plane 12,500 feet over the Yuma Army Proving Ground and sailed via parachute to the ground. As Bush's fellow World War II veteran Milton Clarke of San Diego said, the former president's skydive "reminds people of what we did. and what we can still do." Minnesota has a lot for the snow- birds to do. They're in demand to lead service clubs. do volunteer work. fill part-time jobs and spend money to stimulate hometown economies. If asked nicely. they might even baby-sit now and then. Flynn's teaching opportunity The question ought not to be whether Archbishop Harry Flynn should or should not speak with a certain group of people because it holds damnable opinions (Star Trib- une.March 27). The question ought to be what he might say to these people to teach them a different sway. Let those who have ears hear. Mike Hazard, St PauL Rushed into print A March 28 letter writer made the following statement: "I wish our legislators would con- sider the following. Lott is the recipi- ent of the John M. Olin Fellowship at the University of Chicago. The Olin Co. is one of the largest ammunition man- ufacturers in the United States." To answer this. l direct the writer and your letters editor to a statement from William Simon. president of The Olin Foundation. made in September 1996 in response to similar allegations made by U.S. Rep. Charles Schumer, D-New York: worthy. If you haven't been there, then you can't judge. — James C. Goodall, Eden Prairie. Ragging on the refs Granted. the Gophers losing in the NCAA Final Four Saturday night is a disappointment. but what was a great- er disappointment was the coverage of this loss in the sports section of Star Tribune_ Blaming the referees for the loss of an event is usually the domain of ado- lescents and immature college ath- letes. many of whore had parents who never taught these kids to rake respon- sibility for their actions_ It has no place in the sports section of a newspaper as. opinion masquerading as fact. 1 suggest that the main offender. that being one Patrick Reusse, be given a leave of absence so that he can go back to journalism school and be taught how to properly construct a column. But knowing Reusse, he will blame any bad grades that he obtains on the professors. — Ratuli L. Dennis, Bloomingtom understand life, the soul and poetry. — Mary Joan Meagher,. Bloomington; president; National League of Ameri- can Pen Women, Minnesota branch. I graduated from Richfield High School in 1981. The thoughtful selec- tion and patient presentation by the English faculty was excellent prepara- tion for college and the vast world beyond Minnesota suburbia; my ap- preciation and respect for their skill and judgment has grown over time. Richfield's teachers took extra care to help students comprehend the difficult and controversial issues in every book assigned. Choosing literature to pre- pare young adults for a world of peo- ple whose background may be vastly different requires sensitivity to what they will face in the future and should never be deliberately "dumbed down" or sanitized. Students In the Richfield district deserve the rich and challeng- ing curriculum these teachers can pro- vide. Richfield parents and the school board should have the wisdom and courage ro let them do their job. — Mike Walstrom, Minneapolis d for the airport -affected stabilize their neighborhoods Counterpoint borhoods that are affected by sig- • nificant amounts of aircraft noise. Admittedly- the urbaa home- steading program is not perfect. It attempts to implement a con- troversial public policy— name- ° ly, that the state, having condud- E ed that the public costs of airport relocation are too great. should I- reimburse ordinary citizens who are required to absorb the costs of continued and expanding air- N port noise impacts from the cur- rent location. It is also important to note that the program is only one pan of what should be a comprehen- sive approach to the stability of communities and the well-being of residents who are affected by airport traffic growth, including those who have lived with such growth for many years.. The criticisms of the mechan- ics of the system may be valid. It does place additional responsibil- ities for an income tax program on local assessors who are pri- marily responsible for valuations associated with propertc taxes_ This additional burden does nor qualify these individuals to be ex- perts on the economics of noise impacts. however. Homes near airports do sell but the pool of interested buyers is reduced and by extension. so is the likely value of the property to those buyers. If the paperwork burdens for a state income tax program have been wrongly placed on local property tax officials, that does nor detract from the merits of the program. Nor should the fact that fairly defining the boundaries of the program results in the inclu- sion of some higher -value homes. The program itself is limited on the basis. of income, meaning that regardless of the value of the real estate. the program benefits are restricted to middle-class and poorer participants. What was overlooked in the article was that the urban home- steading program was extended to airport impact areas not as an isolated action. but as a part of the political process resulting in the early conclusion of the dual track airport planning process. The participants in the process demanded and should have re- ceived consideration on behalf of their various constituents. Part of the consideration for -expanding the airport at its current site was to provide an incentive for pro- spective residents to consider the area in spire of the environmental impacts. Perhaps the greatest short- coming of the urban homestead- ing program as it pertains to air- port noise is that it only pertains to people who have bought their homes since June 1, 1996. The Metropolitan Airports Commission and the state should implement a comprehensive pro- gram that provides not only for the stability of noise -impacted neighborhoods but also for con- sideration for those who have al- ready experienced years of air- port impacts growing around them. —Thomas Egan, Eagan. Mayor. P004 1447 N 0 0 0 l City. Council .member offers Twins stadium. plan By Sue Hegarty Staff Writer An Eagan City Council mem- ber says he has a plan that would help finance a new Twins baseball stadium using a contro- versial pool of money. Councilmember Ted Wachter is suggesting that a portion of Eagan's contribution to the' state's fiscal disparities pro- gram be donated toward the con- struction of a new stadium.. Wachter and the rest. of the - council recently told City Ad- ministrator Tom Hedges to float the idea past Bob Renner, of the Metropolitan Legislative Com- mission. Wachter said he has al- ready talked to state Sen. Dean- na Wiener and state Rep. Tim Pawlenty about his plan. Begun in 1971, fiscal dispari- ties is a tax relief program for communities that have lower • TWINS: To Page 10A Ted Wachter S t-1 J /c 1_Q97 • 65%.OFF 65%•OFF 55% OFF Douglas • II Aft dab balb (arri '% SALE! CUSTOM MADE INDOOR•WEATHERs"' Minnegasco and NSP high efficiency rebates still available ! NATURAL GAS: JJ YOUR BEST ENERGY VALUE No Payments _or Interest for 6.months with Carrier credit or use Zlr71= Offer ends soon. apple valley FREE ESTIMATES CALL TODAY heating. & air 452-1060 0A A'pplerVaHey/Rosemount, Eagan Sun•CurrenUWednesday; June 18, 1991 euffice,ht, ,-uinzAi; [997 TwinWachter tries to raise awareness of fiscal disparity issue From Page 1A _ tax capacities than other cities.•'It re- quires 40- percent of a city's annual com- mercial and industrial tax growth to be contributed to a state pool -of money. Using a formula, the money is then re- distributed, in the form of general aid, to cities with low tax capacities. "It is a general funding source of money for cities used to offset the local portion of property taxes," said Gary Carlson, director of intergovernmental relations for the League of Minnesota Cities. "If we help share the tax wealth, we lessen the competition among local governments for the same tax base. It's gone a long way to get rid of disparity." Some cities are considered winners who receive more than they pay in to fiscal dis- parities. Eagan is considered a loser. - According to Assistant Finance Direc- tor Tom Pepper, Eagan contributed $2.3 million toward' the program in 1996. In return, the city received $1 million, re- sulting in a net loss of $1.3 million in tax revenue. -If Eagan didn't have to contribute to- ward fiscal disparities, the city's tax -levy could be reduced by 10 percent and the city budget would remain the same, ac- cording to an auditor's annual financial report. That's what makes fiscal dispari- ties unpopular in Wachter's eyes. Occasionally, the money may be used for special projects, -Carlson said. For example, when the Mall of Ameri ca was built, the city of Bloomington.was given a contribution for highway con- struction around .the mall. The thinking was that the mall is used by and benefits everyone in Minnesota. Wachter said since Eagan never sees the fiscal disparities money anyway, why not use it for something that would bene- fit everyone in Minnesota, such as keep- ing the Twins here. • "I'm not totally enamored with saving the Twins," Wachter said. "I'm just trying to create interest in the citizens' minds of what we are contributing to fiscal dispar- ities. I want them to know why our taxes are higher:" Then again, there are those in Eagan who either can't afford to go to a Twins game or are physically unable to attend. Keeping the team here may ensure that those fans can continue to watch their beloved baseball team on television or lis- ten to the gameson the radio, said Wachter. For some, it may be their only source of pleasure, he said: Carlson said Wachter's plan could be achieved through legislative action. How- ever, he said by doing so, it.would reduce - the amount of tax.relief cities are receiv- ing through fiscal disparities, including Eagan's share. It also means the stadium would be financed through local property _tax revenue rather than a funding source that draws out-of-state money, such as a sales tax. • Apple Valley/Rosemount, Eagan Sun•Current/Wednesday, June 18, °1997 - 9A- From Page SA Flood relief collection set at Burnsville Center As part of the Salvation Army's "Oper- ation We Care" program, items that- are urgently needed by flood victims in North Dakota and Minnesota are being collected at Burnsville Center's', Customer Service Center during mall hours through the end of June. Needed items include cleaning supplies and accessories, baby care items, pre -pack- aged; non-perishable food and beverage,. swimming only at designated beaches, and provisions, designed to protect the health. Park in Eagan for a multi -cultural event items such as canned goods, coffee, snack items, soft drinks, and peanut butter; as well as miscellaneous items such as power wash - sources-(DNR). As a result, swimming and In addition, the 'revised ordinance in- -.- Byllesby Regional Park, Lebanon Hills Re - flotation devices are not allowed on Holland cludes the following changes: - gional Park, Miesville Ravine Park Reserve, Lake.. Park of Lebanon Hills Regional Park • Closing time for general use areas is' Spring Lake Park Reserve,- Thompson in Apple Valley- and: Eagan, 'the lake has ' changed from 11 p.m. to 10 p.m., in keep- County Park, and Big Rivers Regional Trail. drawn visitors from throughout the metro- ing with city park hours and the Dakota - Information on. Dakota County Parks is politan area who wanted to use flotation de- County Juvenile Curfew Ordinance. . • available at httpl/www.co.dakota. vices, though it wasnot a designated swim-- • Limited quantities-ofbeer and wine 'mn.us/parks/index.html on the Dakota ming area and there were no lifeguards. are allowed in park picnic areas, in -re- County Web site. County Park •Ordinance 107 already.= sponse to public requests. - ' prohibited non -Coast Guard approved . • Pets must be kept on a leash no more ` Multi -cultural event .flotation devices on park lakes. -The recent-.- than six feet long, and are not allowed in . approval of therevised ordinance by the beaches, picnic areas, playgrounds, youth to celebrate. heritage DNR means -the ordinance provisions now camps, or park buildings. Anyone bringing - apply to all public waters within County -a pet:into county parks must pick up and Park :boundaries. The ordinance allows -properly dispose of the pet's feces. These - _prohibits air mattresses, -innertubes,-and other flotation devices that are not Coast Guard approved. Coast Guard approved {1..4af;.nn rlo<.;rne ran hn „anrl nnh, and well-being of all park visitors, do not . apply to certified animals providing assis- tance to persons with disabilities: Thn nrrl;flan ra nnniinc to inn nni;rn i'nirn Join the B. Robert Lewis House from 6:30 to 8 p.m. June 26 at Thomas -Lake.. celebrating your heritage. There will be food and .games. Thomas Lake -Park is one block north of Pilot Knob . and Cliff Rnarl nn the west. title of Pilnt Knnh a 1 PROPOSED 1-494 A RI ETAIL/OFFICE 85,000 S. F. RETAIL `80,000 S. F. OFFICE 12.8ACRES RETAIL/OFFICE 220,000 S. F. RETAIL 130,000 S. F. OFFICE 28.8 ACRES OFFICE/RETAIL 356,000 S. F. OFFICE 114,000 S. F. RETAIL 41.7 ACRES LONE��`.� •__ ENTIAN OFFICE/OFFICE SHOWROOM 3101Q00 8. F. OFFICE :11000 S. F. OFFICE SHOWROOM 47,7 ACRES. OAK _ ROAD ADrMlSTRATIOR & CAFETERIA finninnem ROAD OFFICE SHOWROOM 580,000 S. F. OFFICE SHOWROOM 66.8 ACRES l l MOAB flEXCI _PRo„o 8 .o f 49 4 Laukka-Beck Minnesota Jockey Club 111 seas ; 1.01.11 A u„aelro,., Inc. Figure 4 Conceptual Land Use Plan Total Site Area Race Track Mixed Use Retail Office 419,000 S. F. 876,000 S. F. Office Showroom_ 746,000 S. F. Public Roadways 449.0 A. 233.8 A. 197.6 A. 17.6 A. PUBLIC HEARING FOR A PROPOSED SECTION OF HIGHWAY MINNESOTA 36 (ZOO. ROAD) (From the proposed junction of I-35E to .Johnny Cake Ridge Road near the Zoo entrance.) DECEMBER 14, 1977 7= 3O P. M. AT APPLE VALLEY SR. HIGH* MI NNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 00(so, (10 3485ct 9 48ri Hadley Avenue North DoF Box 2050 North St. Paul, Minn. 55109 OPEN HOUSE held prior to public hearing from 4:00p.m. to 7: 3 0 p. m. Everyone is encouraged to come and discuss the proposed project. S.H.A. 4/ 14 450 HAYES RD. APPLE VALLEY, MINNESOTA Community Development Department Planning Division City of Eagan 3830 Pilot Knob Road Eagan, MN 55122 (612) 681-4685 Fax: 681-4694 MEMORANDUM TO: EAGAN HISTORY COMMITTEE FROM: JULIE FARNHAM, PLANNER DATE: SEPTEMBER 14, 1998 RE: COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE — HISTORY SECTION Attached is a copy of the draft History Section to be included in the City's updated Comprehensive Guide Plan. The History Section is one of several chapters that make up the Comp Plan. The Comp Plan embodies the vision for how the City should develop over the next 10-20 years. The Comp Plan has not been completely updated since the "1980" Plan was adopted in 1983. The City is currently in the process of updating the entire plan. The History Section provides background information and historical context to the plan. The attached draft is based on the History Section from the 1980 Comp Plan with information updated to the present. That information was slightly reorganized and augmented with information gleaned from "Lone Oak Years". Please review the draft and let me know if you have any comments. I can be reached at 681- 4698. miNNESOTA 1474 Yankee Doodle Road Fagan, Minnesota 55121-1801 t-800-EAGAN-20 U'F Comp 004 — %E!5Tory 5& y . 08/07/98 CITY HISTORY — COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE Physical Setting The City of Eagan is a second tier suburb in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Geographically, Eagan is located approximately 10 miles south of both downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul. It is located south of the Mississippi River and east of the Minnesota River. Eagan is a relatively large community, encompassing approximately 34 square miles or 21,000 acres. The landscape of this area shows the effects of the glaciers that covered much of Minnesota thousands of years ago. Most of Eagan was originally overgrown by brush, along with an occasional stand of larger trees, particularly oak. An exception to this was the low-lying meadowland of the Minnesota River Valley plus an adjacent strip of prairie land which extended across the northwest corner of Eagan. Settlement Archeological records indicate the Eagan area was occupied by humans as far back as the Paleo-Indian culture. Other pre -European inhabitants included the Woodland culture, the Mississippean culture, and various bands of Native Americans, most notably, the Dakota, or Sioux Indians. Around 1740, a small settlement, known as Black Dog's Village, was formed along the Minnesota River, near the present Burnsville -Eagan border. The Sioux had been driven from their traditional homeland near Mille Lacs Lake in north central Minnesota and were attracted to this location by the nearby trading posts. European interest in this region began with the French explorers and fur traders during the 1600s. Although the British gained control of Canada and the Northwest Territory east of the Mississippi in 1763, the land which is now Eagan remained under French domain and was obtained by the United States in 1803 as part of the Louisiana Purchase. After early military exploration of the new territory, the United States established a fort at the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers. Completed in 1824, Fort Snelling served as a stabilizing influence and focal point for trade and settlement. The original area of the fort included a parcel of land approximately one mile wide, extending through Eagan, adjacent to the Minnesota River. It wasn't until 1851, when treaties were signed that relocated the Sioux further west, that Eagan and the rest of southern Minnesota west of the Mississippi River were opened to westward expansion of the United States. The majority of the first white inhabitants of Eagan were from Ireland and Germany, along with people from the eastern United States. These settlers established farms in the area, and agriculture remained the predominant activity of Eagan residents for the next one hundred years. 1 08/07/98 Demographics Over the years the population of Eagan grew at a relatively slow pace, increasing from 567 persons in 1860 to 1,185 persons in 1950. During the 1950s, with the initiation of the Interstate Highway system and the growth of the entire metropolitan area, Eagan slowly began to change from farmland into a developing suburban community. The number of Eagan residents rapidly increased from 3,360 persons in 1960 to 20,700 in 1980. Growth during the 1980s and 90s was even more rapid with the 1998 population estimated to be about 60,000. Development Development of transportation systems was essential to the City's growth. The first roads consisted of Indian trails. In 1853, military roads were constructed in the county as part of a system for the entire territory. One of these, Black Dog Road (TH 13?), passed through Eagan, extending from Mendota to southem Minnesota. Dodd Road, named after the Army captain who surveyed the route, was another military road extending between Fort Snelling and St. Peter, MN. Railroads were also important to the development of the area, and during the 1860s, two lines were constructed through Eagan. The Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railroad crossed the eastern part of the town. Wescott Station, in Section 13, was established in 1866 as a flag station for this rail line. The other railroad through Eagan was the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha, running through the northwestern part of town. Nicols Station, in Section 17, served as a flag station for this line and was opened in 1867. Small settlements soon grew up around these railway stations. For the early settlers, the closest source of supplies was in Mendota. As the population increased, local trading centers were developed. Between 1854 and 1863, Wescott Inn operated as one of the few rest stops for travelers. Eagan's first blacksmith shop opened in 1860 and by 1876 there were four blacksmiths operating in the township. In 1881, both a post office and a general store were opened at the Wescott Station. Then in 1898, the first industry in Eagan began operation; this was a sorphum-processing mill owned by Michael Shields. The City's major industry and employment centers developed in north -central and western Eagan, and now include Eagandale Industrial Park, Blue -Cross, Northwest Airlines, Lockheed Martin, and West Publishing. The first major retaillcommercial development, Cedarvale Shopping Center, was constructed in 1964. As residential development spread through the central and eastern portions of the City, other commercial nodes developed. With the completion of I-35E in the mid 1980s(?) a major commercial concentration formed near the center of the City at the intersection of Yankee Doodle Road, Pilot Knob Road, and I-35E. Until 1948 there was little platted land in Eagan. Most of the early residential developments platted in Eagan occurred in the north -central and west portions of the 2 08/07/98 City. Some of the first single family subdivisions included: Post Additions (1949), Country Home Heights (1949), McKee Additions (1954-56), and Cedar Grove which was one of the first large-scale residential developments in the City (12 Additions, begun in 1959). The first apartment buildings were constructed in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Development of townhomes, condominiums, and single family homes boomed during 1980s and early 1990s. As the senior population living in Eagan has increased, residential development geared toward "empty nesters" and seniors has become more common. Political Organization and Governance The political organization of Eagan began with the admission of Minnesota as a state in 1858. In April of that year, the County Commissioners drew up the township boundaries. What is now Eagan was initially included as part of Mendota. In 1860, through a special act of the State Legislature, the Township of Eagan was established and defined by its current boundaries. Members of Eagan's first Board of Supervisors were Patrick Eagan, James Collar and Robert O'Neill. Patrick Eagan, for whom the City was named, served as the Board's first chairman. The elected offices of the township included three supervisors who served three-year terms. In addition, a Treasurer -Clerk, Assessor, two Justices of the Peace and two constables were elected for two-year terms. An important feature of township government was the annual town meeting, generally held in March of each year. A typical agenda for the meeting included election of township officials, reading of the minutes of meetings held during the past year, levying the tax for the current expenses and the road and bridge fund, and any other business that needed to be discussed. For several decades, much of the activity of the Town Board involved the development of roads within Eagan. The township days ended in 1972 when authorization was granted allowing Eagan to incorporate as a village. One year later, the State Legislature revised the laws affecting villages and Eagan officially became a City on January 1, 1974. As a City, Eagan has a five -member City Council. The Mayor is elected for a two-year term and the four Council members each serve four-year terms. The duties of the Clerk and Treasurer were combined into one appointed position. The first City Administrator was hired in 1976. Employees Until the need for services grew during the 1960s, Eagan elected officials conducted day- to-day business without any hired staff. The first City employees were hired to cover such areas as police protection and public works. Early police duties were handled by two elected Town Constables. The Police Department did not have any hired staff until 1965, with the first Police Chief hired in 1966. Prior to 1960, Eagan contracted fire- 3 08/07/98 fighting services from Mendota and Rosemount. The Eagan Volunteer Fire Department was established in 1963. The first full-time building inspector was hired in 1970 and a full-time city engineer was hired in 1978. The size of the City's staff has now increased to over 570 full, part-time, and seasonal employees (including firefighters). Town Hall/City Offices Meetings of the Town Board were initially held in the old school house No. 14 located near the present Northview School on Diffley Road (CR 30). In 1893 the first Eagan Town Hall was built near the intersection of Lone Oak Road and Pilot Knob Road. When this later burned, the "Old Town Hall" was constructed in 1914 near the center of town on Pilot Knob Road at Wescott. This served as the meeting hall until 1965 when a new City Hall was built just to the north of the "Old Town Hall". That building housed all City offices, including Police and Fire, until 1979 when a new Police facility was built across the street on the east side of Pilot Knob Road. In 1981 City Hall offices were added to that building. The 1965 City Hall continued to be used by Fire Administration. In 1969 a public works garage was built on Coachman south of Yankee Doodle Road. This facility was remodeled and enlarged in 1994. Also in 1994 work began on a remodeling/addition project at the City Hall/Police building and the Civic Ice Arena, two key components of a planned Civic Center complex. An Aquatics Facility will be added to the Civic Center complex and should be ready to open in early summer 1999. A new Fire Administration building is also currently under construction on the site of the 1965 City Hall. SOURCES: 1980 Eagan Comprehensive Guide Plan Lone Oak Years: A History of Eagan, Minnesota, Lisa Fleming, Editor 4 Ceatet 32 o 1; L `Road Ea@an, 77,22-1697 a ac: (651) 6S1-4600 _5a.x: (651) 657-4612 1-71\' : (651) 454-8535 September 28,1998 TO: Mayor Tom Egan and City Administrator Tom Hedges RE: Ted Wachter portrait and memorabilia Several years ago the Eagan Historical Society established a Mayor's portrait gallery in the City Council Chambers. At the dedication, the Council directed that Ted Wachter's portrait be part of the Mayors gallery. Deputy Clerk, Liz Witt, had Ted's portrait framed and then suggested to Tom Hedges that Ted's portrait should be placed by the name plate for the Council conference room and that the room be named for Ted. This placement of Ted's portrait would be a few feet away from the mayors but maintain the integrity of a mayors' gallery and honor the council direction. The Historical Society feels that this is the appropriate time to take this action in view of Ted's pending retirement. The Society is also requesting that a display of Ted Wachter memorabilia be placed in the case by the Council Chamber entry. Currently a display of city merchandise is there. Because merchandise is also displayed in a case on the second level, we hope you will honor our request for the lower level case. The Eagan Historical Society will hold its next meeting on October 20, 3:30 p.m., second floor conference room. We hope you will respond to our request by that time. Sincerely, Ray Wade, Chair Eagan Historical Society DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS: 1974-1999 Schools: public & private Eagan Businesss Commons Hotels g 2 movie theater complexes Delta Dental Home Depot —Eagan -- -Eagan Promenade Penn Cycle Target -Cub Shopping malls -Town Centre,Yankee Square,Cliff-Lake,mini-malls Kindercare & other child care facilities Trucking businesses West Publishing YMCA --Cray Research Northwest Airlines Eagandale Industrial Park Senior Housing -4r/, Skyline display Wispark-Grand Oak Pinetree Pass,Pinetree Forest Murphy farm Prairie Oaks Oak Cliff 7th Cliff -Lake townhomes-Pulte Mallard Park 4th-Willmus Blarkhawk Forest Cliff -Lake Shores -Hoffman Deerwood Townhomes Oakridge Family Housing Wenzel Addition Lexington Pointe Diffley Commons Woodlands Gardenwood Ponds Hills of Stonebridge Brittany PARKS DEVELOPMENT Trapp Farm Thomas Lake Blackhawk Park Northview Athletic complex Lexington-Diffley Civic Arena multiple playgrounds J U N— 4— 9 7 W E D 1 6: 3 4 W A L L A C E G R O U P P - 02 MAYOR SPEAK Three influential East Metro mayors -- St. Pull's Norm Coleman, Eagan's Tom Egan, and Wt odbury's 13ill Hargis ---- sound off on their respective city's consid- erable success stories, and why their half of the 'Twin Cities metropolitan area will be the place to watch in the coming years. Eagan. The city of Eagan is, and will continue to be, an integral player in the eco- nomic development of Metro East. The construction of Minnesota River valley transportation corridors such as 1-35E, I-494, and Highway 77 during the early .1980s tapped the potential for residential, commercial, and industrial development within the city, and explosive growth fol- lowed suit; during (he 1980s, Eagan's pop- ulation mushroomed 129 percent, from 20,000 in 1980 to 47,409 in 1990, The city's population continues to grow, and is currently estimated at 60,000 residents. Employment opportunities within the city have kept pace with residential develop- ment, West Publishing Company, now known as West Information Publishng Group, relocated its corporate headquarters to Eagan in 1992. West has continued to expand at its Eagan facility, and currently employs more than 7,000 people. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, Mth nearly 3,000 employees, has also received approval for major expansion plans in the city. Eagan is extremely proud of its numerous other corporate residents, including Lockheed Martin, United Parcel Service, Northwest Airlines, Cray Research, and Mycogen Seeds, which recently relocated to the city. With a current estimated employment base of 30,000, the city projects that it will ultimately employ more than 40,000 people. Eagan Is committed to providing die kinds of services required of a high -quality community. To that end, the city has established a task force to undertake a strate- gic plan for central -area development to guarantee that all Eagan residents and workers have access to appropriate commercial, shopping, and recreational oppor- tunities. For that purpose, the city has created a "central area" in the heart of Eagan. Located at the intersection of Pilot Kiob Road, Yankee Doodle Road, and I-35E, this area is being designed with the objective of providing all Uie commercial, shopping, and recreational opportunities its residents expect These successes have been achieved, In part, because of the city's abundant resources and its proximity to the many major attractions of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Eagan antic"• pates that it will continue to shine as a bright star in the Metro East for many years. Thomas Egan Mayor MEIO METRO EAST SPONSORED REGIONAL SECTION R=95% 6123413703 06-04-97 04:36PM P002 #17 JUL-15-96 MON 13:56 P. 01 s inion Editorials oFthe Sweatshop! NEEDLESITIAREAD 4ES & SCISSORS EAT 1NEQ irs and government t week in a sur,' 't of turbing pheno - on: Itshop. Let's hope eyond finger-pointin ;teps to remove this of the equation that . not in doubt. Earlier took the effervescent he labor practices of a vas that made some . There, according to girls worked 20-hour eiving about 31 cents Last August. federal in El Monte, Calif., a eid some 70 undocu- Ired in slave -like con - Target, Mervyn' Field's has app ing to Susan Multiply that li dors work wi t web that cide companies El Monte Whether srop, tha link is pro from the si : tion is now in a judge den'ed Dayton Hudson's r ry judgme much resp sure that An o ing on ba greater on top of the chain of command in these relationships, they're relatively few in number, and they dictate the JIM aleENt 2c199b , Dayton's, Hudson's and Marshall el vendors in the thousands, accord- ich, director of public relations. by all of the subcontractors the ven- , and you get a quick picture of the s clothing on the retail shelves. tally, Dayton Hudson was one of the sed of carrying clothing made in the ething the company denies. — a civil case stemming scovery phase after est for summa- - a larger question remains: Just how risibility must retailers assume in making oods aren't made in sweatshops? ial with the Department of Labor, speak - ground, suggested this week that a much hould fall on retailers. Theyre at the Forum Development warrants the increased scrunity By Thomas Egan Not too long ago, well -consid- ered development proposals were unveiled with much fanfare and generally greeted with enthusiasm by the general public, the business community and government offi- cials. Such proposed projects, be they business parks or major resi- dential developments, were viewed as symbols of growth. and growth was an affirmation of suc- cess. Today, for a multi- tude .of reasons, public reaction is not nearly as predictable. Though most find growth to be a positive sign, growth per se does not begin to answer the range of questions that arise. Developers today are forced to address issues such as environ- mental impacts, financ- ing pressures, advance sale or tenant commit- ments, effects on neigh- boring businesses and residential neighbor- hoods, and the costs of needed public improve- ments. More than ever, citizens try to assess the overall benefits and dis- advantages of a proposed project to determine whether it will be an asset to the community and the extent to which it will affect them favorably. Key aspects of the equation applied to development proposals by local governments are the costs, both direct and indirect, that may be borne by the public. Public offi- cials increasingly recognize that residents are skeptical about the claims and promises made fre- quently on behalf of costly devel- opments. The use of tax increment financing (TIF) has been reduced in Minnesota in recent years, largely as a result of this shifting perspective. The city of Eagan has been blessed with a strategically favor- able location in the Twin Cities, easily accessible to downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, the airport and a network of arterial highways that places most metro communities within easy reach. Since "location, location, location" continues to be the key reality in com- mercial real estate, Eagan has been able to avoid major financial commit- ments to develop- ment proposals, using . TIF only sparingly. For • example, with Opus Corp.'s new Promenade retail center, now under construc- tion on Yankee Doodle Road, by Interstate 35-E. the developer con- tributed much of the cost of need- ed roadway improvements with the city financing the portion attributed to normal traffic increas- es. FORUM to page 9 CityBusineSS The Business Journal PUBLISHER' Stuart A. Chamblin 111 288-2135 EDITORIAL Volume 14, Number 6 July 12, 1996 A•DV'ERTISING Advertising Director: David Jost 288-2123 Senior Account Executive K ureen Tubbs L,hnw,. JUL-15-96 MON 13:57 FORUM from page 8 The concept of having new development pay its own way is not new to Eagan, but a philosophy Eagan has sought to maintain since it shifted from township to city status in 1974. This policy, based on fairness and applied in a consistent manner, gives resi- dents assurance that their tax dollars will be used to support needed city services and advance public interests, not promote pri- vate projects. This approach has served residents and businesses well, since Eagan has one of the lowest tax rates in the Twin Cities area..One pivotal element of this "pay your own way" approach to municipal finance is presently being challenged by a group of developers whO have been active builders in Eagan. Eagan's road connection fee was established in the '70s, to help provide funding for new roadway improvements necessitated by pri- vate development in the city. There would be a fair one-time charge applied for new construction or developments so that they would stand on their own two feet and not burden other residents. New residents would pay for the road improvements once and only once. ironically, this fee system replaced an earlier financing program that some builders had found to be inequitable. The builder's suit, which seeks to invalidate the charge and obtain refunds of payments made in the preceding six years, was rejected in District Court but that decision was overturned by the Court of Appeals. Some residents have voiced concern about the possibility that the city might have to make payments to a group of developers and that is understand- able. After all, experienced business people make certain that their costs are built into the sales price of a product, in this case pri- marily single family homes. Home buyers, not the builders, actually bore the cost of the road connection charge. It is expected that the Minnesota Supreme Court will make the final judgment, since the city has filed an appeal. As a city that has seen its population grow from 14,000 in 1974 to about 58,000 today, Eagan can hardly be called anti - development. The major corporate head- quarters and numerous businesses that have located in Eagan attest to that. The city does, however, work to ensure that its infrastruc- ture can accommodate the needs of residents now and in the future. Eagan's community development staff works with developers to help guide projects through the approval process and explain the city's policies. New proposals are subjected to much greater public scrutiny than in the past, for a num- ber of reasons. One key factor is that the majority of Eagan's land has been devel- oped, so that most projects are now in -fill development. New construction has a greater impact on neighboring businesses and residences and both groups want, and need, an opportunity to express their opin- ions and concerns. We now use signage to indicate sites that are the subject of develop- ment proposals, giving those in the area an opportunity to obtain detailed information on what is planned. Eagan's rolling hills and wooded areas are among its major attractions and the city's development policies, reflecting the wishes of residents, seek to ensure that qual- ity of life features are maintained. Our tree preservation policy, among the first to be adopted in the metro area, calls for the replacement of trees, above certain levels, that are removed to accommodate new con- struction. Developers have come to know that the public is prepared to pay more for wooded lots, more than offsetting any addi- tional construction costs. While the Metropolitan Council contin- ues to work on regional blueprints, the appropriate rate of growth and adjusttnents to the Metropolitan Urban Service Area to guide overall development, the changing face of development can be seen most graphically in individual communities, neighborhoods if you will. That is where the CityBusiness:' : July 12,1996 9 theoretical approaches of the professional planners meet the wishes of the people. The public increasingly wants a greater voice in the decisions that affect them. Successful communities will recognize this and bring more and more concerned citizens into the planning process. The result will be a greater sense of community and more informed development decisions. Thomas Egan has been mayor of Eagan since 1990 and is o partner with the law firm of Egon, Stewart & Lauer, Apple Volley. He served on the Eagan City Council from 1978 to 1989. Letters General fund should bear MCIIA deficit costs To the editor: (Thi letter is in response to. Lynn Gruber's lein the June 7 issue.) If you were a islator and could create a program availab - o all Minnesotans without having to pay for ' out of the state budget, it would be an appea '' ' propos tion, right? Furthermore, if you were a benefact this program, it would be great to ri ' g up bills all year and then have a neat p ment mechanists that miraculously bala ced the budget, right? The Minnesota Comprehen ' e Health Association was created by sta law to be available to any Minnesotans a nied private health insurance. The defici ran close to $50 million last year. It was •'d, after the fact, through assessments 0. insurers who pass it on to all their pre um holders. Emplo rs making insurance plans avail- able . employees then pay for the deficit, as we as all individuals paying all or part of it premium. This is a classic example of public policy gone awry. The Minnesota Chamber recog- nizes the need for and supports the continu- ation of MCIIA, but burying its costs in pre- miums and penalizing those purchasing urance is wrong. will work to correct this problem next sessi•' by proposing that the MCI -IA deficit be fu • • , through the state's general fund. That's the , t responsible way to fund this vitally impo •• it program. Pat Papenfuss Program director, Result Radio Group Member, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Health Policy Committee Shandwick USA is one of the wor•Id'slead- Public transit is important to employers and employees 2 ��y n yers em tn y By Audrey Swartz Assistant administrator, Minnesota Valley Transit Authority With unemployment levels at an all-time low and welfare -to - work programs, the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority feels it is important to remind em- ployers and job -placement specialists about the impor- tance of public transportation. It is in the best interest of both the employer and the pro- spective employee to remem- ber that transportation does not always have to be a limiting factor to accepting a position. All too often both the pro- spective employee as well as the employer are unfamiliar with bus schedules that, at times, may bring an employee right to their doorstep. If a hu- man -resource person became familiar with public transporta- tion, handing a new employee a bus schedule may be a factor in keeping an employee on the job and reducing expensive turnover. Being able to tell an applicant over the phone which route to take to an interview may make the difference in being able to hire a qualified candidate. Historically, I believe em- ployers have wanted to leave transportation up to their em- ployees, and with good reason. However, to offer a bus sched- ule could simply be viewed as a nice perk. Many of the suburban transit systems offer bus service from the city areas to employment sites in the suburbs. Suburb -to - suburb and suburb -to -city tran- sit exists as well. The Metro- politan Council quite literally has hundreds of buses on the road traveling throughout the metro area during rush hour. Metro Mobility provides serv- ice for the disabled. Metro Commuter Services offers car- pool matching. There are a host of options to choose from. The Minnesota Valley Tran- sit Authority is the public transportation provider for the cities of Apple Valley, Burns- ville, Eagan, Prior lake, Rosemount and Savage. Cur- rently, the MVTA has several routes serving employment sites in our six member cities, providing hundreds of rides to employees every day. Call 882-7500, #2, 24 hours a day. Schedules and maps will be mailed free of charge within one business day. tion by the attorney general's office, the county's Environ- mental Management Depart- ment and the state Department of Revenue. "This is . one _of the largest and most complex :criminal fraud cases ever undertaken in Dakota County," said. County Attorney James Backstrom. ' Miller and Ristow are ac-' cused of underreporting fees owed by the landfill but not of profiting from the alleged fraud. The county investigated a possible kickback scheme but 'douldn't prove one, said Assistant County' Attorney Jay Stassen. ' • "That is something we have not beenable to demonstrate in this case, that either of these people were receiving kickbacks," he said. Miller pleaded ,guilty in fed- eral court last year to .tax eva- by law for environmental pro- tection purposes — $3.33 per .cubic yard to the county, $2 to the state and $1 to the city. . Prosecutors allege .that the -landfill used improper proce- dures'to calculate the amount of 'waste received. Once _ prac- tice allegedly involved charg- ing .haulers of demolition and construction waste a flat . rate per load, regardless of the load's actual cubic yards or weight. And for part of the two-year period, ,the landfill- allegedly - an improper conversion chart to convert the ;weight of, garbage received, -into cubic yards, from which fees are cal- culated. "A conversion rate of • 1.8 cu- bic- yards per ton of waste was allegedly used by the landfill. State law requiresthe weight of 'waste received by sanitary GARY FIR • i, City of Eag;iri FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE , For further information contact Rich Brasch, City of Egan. ol:L681-4601 Aaron 1-lustedde, Wal lace Group, 61?-111 -? 1 00 FIRST PLACE p'..'-vVARD FROM EPA PLACES EACAN, MINNESOTA AT THE TOP OF THI!: NATION FOR .LOCAL MANAGEMENT OF STORM WATER RUNOFF i Iiiin', fc.,r future development said to be key to the success of the water quality program 1...cading, the rc!,,ion, and I ikc:v ii)c nation, thc. City of Eagan, a southeast -suburb of recently took first place in the National Storm Water Excellence Awards raril, headed thc, 1..1.3. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Eagan, a city \vith alinn.st 60„000•residents„nnd 1.000 wetlands and small lakes, was one of two cot :Ain unities si....:1c,:-ted-lor 1,110 'fhe other was Portland, Ore. • lisrol 10 ell ies, Eagan was nominated by an awards review i;1 lee COMDFiSCC! Of c:ight EP..4`, experts four from its headquarters in Washington, D.C.„ and four is regional offices around the country. To pick die winning cities, the experts examined tlirce key areas: inriovations, cost-effectiveness and benefits to the envimnment. according to tine EPA, excelled in all three. • 'Whatever we do to land use in the watershed ailleets lakes aiid -wetlands, that's why quality mana.12:ement h;s to be at the local level," said P..ich Eirasch, Eagan Water R.v.!!:,(•,ttrcifs (12.0t.wdinator and. heac.1 of thc storm -i,v:Iter progroll. Eagan water/page two One goal of the Eagan plan is to minimize the additional phosphorus and sediment loading to Eagan's water bodies that results from new development. It is achieved in three ways: erosion and sediment control plans, treatment basins for on -site ponding at newly developed sites and cash dedications from developers to fund water quality related projects. The last is required only when the city decides that on -site ponding is inappropriate for a particular development. Developments increase run-off by adding to the amount of "impervious," or impenetrable surfaces where the water "runs -off." A typical residential neighborhood is about 25 percent impervious, according to Brasch. When run-off is decreased, the resulting benefits to nearby water bodies can be dramatic. One example is Eagan's Schwanz.Lake, where water clarity improved from a pre-program level of just over three feet to a first year figure of 6.5 feet. Other Eagan lakes are showing water clarities of 8-10 feet in depth, according to area water management groups. Eagan water/page three Before the mid-1970s, storm water plans were primarily designed to control iaooding, according to Steven McComas, a Twin Cities aquatic scientist. But increases in development brought about new concerns, namely the quality of run-off water. "Eagan said that was important, and that's what started the whole ball game," McComas said. That early start put Eagan ahead of its neighbors, a key factor in Eagan's selection for the award, according to Brasch. Plans like Eagan's take years to develop, and additional time to implement. Eagan got the ball rolling in 1986, and had its plan in place by 1991 The need for a plan quickly surfaced in the mid-1980s, a time when Eagan was undergoing a population explosion. From 1980 to 1990, Eagan was transformed from a small town suburb to a key metropolitan player. It's 1980 population of 20,000 more than doubled to 43,500. The landscape had changed, and increased demands on local infrastructure were sure to follow. Faced with the choice of either "acting or reacting," city officials feared that local lakes, wetlands and the Minnesota River itself could be permanently damaged if a storm water management plan was not implemented. Eagan water/page four "The key to programs like this is getting into the game early," said Brasch. The damaging impact of run-off on lakes is lessened when developers carry out required mitigation measures that divert run-off waters to on -site ponds or catch basins, according to Brasch. These preventative measures are far less costly than making changes to already developed areas. "The earlier a preventative program is in place, the easier protecting water quality is," he said. Brasch took on his current post in 1990, when the city was about 50 percent developed. Today, that figure stands at 80 percent. Brasch was a key player in getting the program up and running. "It was a community -wide effort, involving people at every level, both governmentally and through volunteers," he said. In 1992, the city started the first storm drain stenciling program in the state. Countless volunteer hours were spent testing lawns for phosphorus and distributing informational door hangers. More than 200 people have volunteered time for this project over the course of five years, Brasch said. Much of the work was done by the local Boy Scouts, who tackled soil testing and catch basin stenciling projects as part of a number of Eagle Scout projects. . Eagan water/page .five Jeff Bergh was one of the Eagan Boy Scouts that headed up the soil sampling. He recalled some of the residents that he met during the project, "The people that came out were really happy to see someone out there helping, they seemed really happy that there were a lot of kids doing it," he said. At the core of the plannilg process was a task force created by Eagan's City Council. The group involved individuals and agencies with a wide variety of expertise. The task force had members from the Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District, City staffers, people from the Minces to Department of Natural Resources, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the City's Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission, the Gun Club Lake Watershed Management Organization and local residents. Laving the initial groundwork, the task force created a six step process for the storm water plan. 3t began with an inventory of the city's water bodies. Each water body was classified, and water quality management criteria were developed. From that criteria, policies and recommendations \.\'ere made. A capital improvements program Was then developed, followed by a public education and involvement program. Eagan water/page six Other activities that backed the plan included brochures, articles in the city's newsletter, a fishing guide for city lakes, fertilizer sales, lake information kiosks and a children's play. All were designed with an aim to help residents and businesses reduce the amount of pollution entering the community's lakes and wetlands. The initial budget for the development of the plan was $46,000 in 1986. The final cost for plan development in 1990 was $110,000. Both of these amounts were drawn from Eagan's general fund. Today, funding for the program flows from a variety of sources, including a storm water utility fee assessed to residents, cash dedications from developers, and federal and state grants. The quarterly fee assessed to residents brought revenues of $577,000 in 1995, $230,000 of which were dedicated to the storm water quality management program. The City has received about $250,000 from the Minnesota • Cleanwater Partnership Program, with an additional $94,000 granted through the EPA's 319 Program. Cash dedications from developers have brought revenues of $32,000 to $98,000 each year. Eagan water/page seven Additional help, not measured in dollars, came from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and the state's Department of Natural Resources. The agencies worked with Eagan, ensuring its compliance with regulations. On the positive side, the state allowed Eagan a certain degree of freedom. "There was a willingness to trust us to carry out the projects in an environmentally responsible manner," Brasch said. Part of that responsibility involves city efforts to monitor key lakes and wetlands. Kee -ping a close eye on these water bodies helps the city achieve its goals, namely the protection and improvement of water quality. Volunteers from the Citizen's Lake Monitoring group have consistently performed tests on area lakes, while the city carries out a rotating system of chemical, biological and physical monitoring of the various water bodies during the summer. Other city efforts include street sweeping every spring and fall, turf maintenance with no -phosphorus fertilizer,.preservation of un-maintained "buffer strips" around water areas in city parks and a unique method of removing floating algae mats from lakes using the City's vactor truck. ### staff opinion, Sometimes it takes a Ifinally met my neighbors. My husband and I have lived in our apartment since November. Until July 7, we couldn't have narned five peo- ple that lived in our building. . Now we know who lives in 301... 232 ... 127... - I wish we could've met under better circumstances. Around 4:45 p.m: Monday July.7 the fire alarms in my building rang. Having survived numerous drills. and false alarms, T wasn't concerned. I even thought twice before set- ting my book on the floor -and walking out into an empty. hallway. I was somewhat an- noyed. At the front entrance of my building -I joined a small group ' of neighbors that had already • formed. We mumbled among ourselves, trying -to figure out what was going on, when ' somebody affirmed there really was a fire at the backside of - the building. Stepping away from the building, I saw light gray smoke blending into the gray sky behind it. It began to sprin- kle. I still wasn't worried until I overheard -somebody say;` "They think it started in '229 or 329." Our apartment is next door, number. 227 — just like the TV'show; we tell friends. It -was here that division among neighbors began. As flames began to skip through the rooftop, the group who watched was divided into the "Oh, we're fine"s and the ' "O000h, I hope you'll be OK"s. . Everybody I talked to seemed to live -on the "other" side of the building, hallways away from the blaze.- I was torn. The personal side of me began to whisper thank- ful prayers that we.had renter's • insurance. I mentally checked. through the things we would lose: stereo, table, cedar chest, my favorite flannel, my hus- band's R.E.M. collection... things we'd miss, but things were replaceable. Meanwhile, the reporter side of me :waslbasking in the glow_ of breaking news. For a mo- ment,'I mentally kicked myself for not bringing a notebook and pen with me. But the personal "side won out. This news was too close to home for comfort. As the -firefighters fought the flames, rumors spread faster. than the fire. Only one apart- ment was. damaged. No, 229 _ and the apartments on both . sides of it had received sub - ire Erin Hemme Froslie stantial damage. No, the whole hallway was burning. No word • was 'comforting: Amidst this conversation, many of us were ushered • _ across the street where our • neighbors at Alden Pond Townhomes had cookies, cof- fee and hot chocolate waiting. The: manager even offered me her jacket as I stood ,there in a. wet T-shirt and skirt, shaking more. from nerves than cold. After what seemed like - hours, the fire was extin- guished. My husband, Dean, and I ventured back as close we could. I•couldn't tell which apart- ments were burned. All I saw was a charred section, and my heart sunk. It was Dean who pointed out the wheel of his '. 'discarded Huffy bike on' our intact, char -free deck just to' the other side of the burned apartments. 'There was a lot of reliefarid a twinge of guilt felt when I knew we wouldn't have to re- place wedding photos. We - were thankful everything we owned was fine and sickened that three of our neighbors lost so much. • Things are somewhat back to normal. They took down the . • yellow,fire tape today. The hallways still smell like a bar- • becue gone bad, but it's get- ting better..• But some things have changed. I now know the woman who lives below us — • the one who still remembers we -were loud when the Go- phers defeated Temple during' the NCAA tournament. I now know our neighbors across the hall. They are the ones 'who , began securing donations for, the people who lived in the destroyed apartments: I know the couple from Norway on third floor who offered to let us stay with. them:if our apartment sustained smoke damage. It's nice to know.we live with ,friendly, caring people. I- just - wish it hadn't taken someone else's misfortune 'to reveal that. as :E 1 The first of three open houses on the County Road 42 corridor study will be held .Thursday, July.24 from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at the Dakota - County Western Service ..Center,, located at County Road 42 and Galaxie Avenue in Apple Valley. - Presentations on the study' will' be given at 5:15, 6:15 and 7:15. City and Dakota. County staff will -be available to an- swer questions.' Maps of the corridor will be displayed so people can pinpoint areas of. concern. The study was initiated in June by Dakota ,,and Scott counties to evaluate traffic mobility, access and safety concerns on 42 between Rosemount and 'Shakopee. According to the - Dakota County Highway Department, the road must function better as a regional highway while accommodating access to ex- .-isting and.. planned develop- ments. Other participating agencies are the cities of Apple Valley, Burnsville, Lakeville, - Prior Lake, Rosemount, Savage and Shakopee; the Minnesota De- partment of Transportation; the Metropolitan Council and the Minnesota Valley - Transit Authority. .Factors behind the study in- clude rapid growth in traffic volume in the two counties, a LjDarks& rea Day i . Complete Meal Eagan Parks and Recreation is sponsoring :an all day nature camp for youth ages . 7 and older.' - Venture into the rain forest - July21-23 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.in: each day at Blackhawk Park, 1629 Murphy Parkway. Dakota County survey showing that 60 percent- of -respondents use the road frequently and have experienced traffic con- . gestion, a travel -time . study documenting delays between County Road 18 and Highway 52, the fact that 14 of the 40 intersections with the highest accident -rates in Dakota County are on County Road 42,- and 'the county's denial of three access requests that didn't meet county spacing guidelines. .With. local 'comprehensive plan updates. due to the Metro- politan Council 'by the end .of- 1998, the study is on a "fast track" to allow time for the counties and cities to incorpo-, rate the study's transportation and land -use recommendations into their local planning. The study is seheduled for comple- tion in January. Comments on the study: -can be directed to' Lezlie Vermil- lion; project manager, Dakota County Highway.- Department, -14955 Galaxie Ave., Third Floor, Apple - Valley, 55124. ' 'Phone: 891-7100. . Fax: 891r - 7127. E-nail: laby9@wsc.co.dakota.mn.us • Two .committees, one of business representatives and residents and one of engineer- ing and .planning staff from each of the agencies, are help- ing guide the study. Campers -will build an actual -: rain forest and explore the var- iedvegetation and wildlife. Registration deadline,. is July •17. Space is limited. For more information, call 681-4660 (TDD 454-8535). - ®gvirvs.p. t4ERE CQMES SOMM• Celebrating. With . This- - 4 0 Fantastic Dinner Special! . O " ISteak ► 10 oz. New York Two 3 oz. Lobster Tails $ 1595 my 1J lima 4 :,,-- Opening ceremonies for the new Cedar Avenue Bridge will be Oct. 30. The bridge v c F• Photo by John Walker - Modern ^ easier at:otect your teeth 5r to the Twin Cities. *mile for the Bridge means boorii for Eagan The magnificent New Cedar Avenue Bridge —magnificent at least to those who have had to crawl morning and night over the two rickety spans it replaces —stands as an apt symbol of the era now beginning for Eagan. Like an embracing arm, the bridge seems to pull the new kid on the urban block into the fold. And that is precise- ly what Eagan is, the new kid, hurrying in its metamorphosis from bucilic country town to full-fledged metropolitan suburb, with all the at- tendant pluses and minuses. The metamorphosis is plain to see in the figures. In August Eagan granted building permits worth a record $9.8 million. In the same month a year ago, permits totaled les than a quarter that figure—$2.05 million. The August 1980 figures translates into 106 single- family units, 162 apartment units and some warehouse space. By way of con- trast, neighboring Apple Valley award- ed only 120 single-family dwelling per- mits in the entire first nine months of this year. A 15-minute drive through southeast Eagan will clearly reveal what has hap- pened. Developments have sprouted everywhere. Thomas Lake will soon be surrounded. There's Ridge Cliff and Eagan Hills, Brittany and Cedar Cliff. The country -chic anmes go on and on. The question is why? Why jut now, with interest rates so high and the economy so mushy? Several reasons converged, according to Eagan city of- ficials. First, by all accounts, is the Cedar Avenue Bridge itself, which will pro- vide much better, quicker access to the metropolitan area north of Eagan. However, the bridge is just the first aspect of a vastly improved transporta- tion system. Plans include upgrading to freeway status Cedar Avenue South to its intersection with I-35E, which is now . under construction to that in- tersection; a proposed extension of 1-35E'northeast through the heart of Eagan to St. Paul; and the extension of I-494 east along the northern edge of ministratoi . That advantage is the city's close proximity to both downtown Minneapolis and downtown . BRIDGE: to p. 7A Eagan. Improved transportation highlights another important advantage that is just now being fully recognized, ac- cording to Tom Hedges, Eagan city ad - Taco feast marks school lunch week, Oct. 13-17 See page 2A. 7A Bridge opens new era for Eagan BRIDGE: from p. 1A St. Paul, as well as the metropolitan airport. Hedges assertion comes as somewhat of a surprise to many metropolitan residents, confirmed as they are in the belief that Eagan lies at the very outer- most fringe of civilization. But a quick look at a map substantiates the fact. Eagan lies tucked into the fold be- tween Minneapolis and St. Paul created by a northward bend in the Mississippi River. Parts of Eagan lie much closer to downtown Minneapolis than do sections of Bloomington, for example. In days of rapidly escalating transportation costs, such a location recommends itself quite highly to both potential home purchasers and businesses seeking suburban locations. Eagan has abundant undeveloped land to accommodate those home buyers and businesses —more than many other suburban areas. Eagan's undeveloped character is partly ar- tificial. It was brought about by a moratorium on natural gas hookups during the mid-1970s for areas served by People's Natural Gas. Now, with the moratorium lifted and much other close -in, developable land already taken, the spotlight has shifted, in LIVI'&a=mtdorr fashion, to Eagan. Eagan was also blessed by nature with a topography much in demand to- day, according to Dale Runkle, plan- ning director for Eagan. He calls it "terminal moraine." In layman's terms, this means a glacier gave up on its southward journey where Eagan stands today. The result is a pleasant expanse of tree -covered rolling hills and water -filled vales, which are a marked contrast to the ground -down areas to the north. With homebuyers today wanting to be close to both nature and the city, Eagan offers ex- citing possibilities. The city also has a ready market to take advantage of those possibilities. Sperry Univac and Blue Cross -Blue Shield have already built large facilities in Eagan. Sperry Univac employes more than 3,000 people, and Blue Cross -Blue Shield employs more than 1,200. Sperry Univac soon will break ground for a new building on their Pilot Knob Road campus which will add an additional 400 jobs over the next 18 months. Still, all the factors listed above would not normally elicit such a strong response in the face of the current tight money market. Eagan has escaped the tight hand of the Federal Reserve to some extent because of something call- ed a "tax-exempt single-family mort- gage revenue bond." The Eagan City Council floated a $20.4 million issue of these bonds this spring. Because the interest on such bonds is tax-exempt, they attract in- vestors at a lower rate of interest, which means that participating lending institutions in Eagan have had mort- gage money available at 11-3/8 percent interest. Right now that is more than one and a half percent lower than prevailing mortgage interest rates around the Twin Cities. On a $60,000 home, that difference reduces a monthly mortgage payment by about $75, giving Eagan a substantial edge in attracting home - buyers. The foregoing sounds like a promo- tional ad for an Eagan chamber of commerce, which it well could be. Nevertheless, it's all true. The access is improving, the freeways are planned, the landscape is lovely. All those factors will mean more growth for Eagan. The question is: GLEASON'S GYMNASTICS SCHOOL Quality Instruction for boys and girls of all ages from pre-school programs to advanced competitors. Trained and U.S.G.S.A certified instructors. All Olympic gymnastic eouipment for both girls and boys. Special Programi for •High School Gymnasts •Pre-Schoolers •Boys' and Girls' USGF Teams. •Adults •Elite Program for International Competition FOR REGISTRATIONS What will Eagan do with the growth? Plan for it as best as possible, Hedges replies. "The city is quite concerned with its destiny," he said. "We've just spent 14 months working on a comprehensive guide plan. We've worked hard and we think it is an effective, controlled plan to guide Eagan's growth." The comprehensive plan now is ready, for submission to the Metro Council. After review by the council, it will be adopted by the Eagan City Council. The plan, Hedges said, re- quires that development be coor- dinated with roads, utilities and other services so that growth does not outstrip the city's ability to handle it. In developing the plan, Hedges said, the city council attempted to combine the desires of those residents who en- courage continued urbanization, and those who desire to retain at least some of Eagan's rural quality. "We want to make certain," Hedges said, "that developers don't come in, buy up land and create development that the city can't live with. The city council has been quite careful. It's picking and choosing. We've had peo- ple coming in here with grandiose ideas, wanting to level hills, put up apartments and get federal money. We've told them 'no way —that's not right for Eagan."' The conflict facing Eagan as it works to cope with the growth is best ex- emplified by maps of the city. The large one on the wall outside 1-ledges' office shows the proposed I-35E run- ning straight across Blackhawk_Lake in central Eagan. The new, small map that Hedges hands to a visitor shows a new route. The interstate is now proposed to curve east of Blackhawk rather than go over it. That change was achieved only after great effort by a handful of Blackhawk Lake residents who refused to see their lifestyle ruined for the sake of a concrete corridor. They took on the state, refused to give up despite numerous setbacks, and, finally, won. How many more such battles are in Eagan's future? Who will win and who will lose? Only time will tell. Virtually certain, however, is that the Eagan of 1990 will be a far cry from the Eagan its residents know today. just back from London • w r - • . by 'Patrice Vick "How sweet it is!" John Klein_ ex- claimed as he looked from.Eagan down • new Cedar Avenue stretching .across the Minnesota River into Bloom- ington. "This is a big day. for the people in Dakota County and Hennepin County, that's for sure;" Bill*Merritt, assistant commissioner of the Minnesota, —Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) said earlier. "A heck of a '- Jot of blood has spilled from a lot -of • ,people who brought this project where 'it is .today." Merritt and Klein .were among hun- ,._ • dreds of dignitaries,:interstate highway-•-; .Promoters, business people -and in- terested residents who 'turned out --Triday for ceremonies 'marking the . opening of the 'mile -long, Cedar: Avenue- Bridge: Following its-. Cedar- bridge. . Speakers at the dedication ceremony gave the public two clear_messages: financing future road and bildge. im- • provements is going to be tough; and the new Cedar Avenue Bridge is. only one link in a total transportation system for northern Dakota County that will, when completed, alleviate traffic problems and foster more com- mercialand industrial development south of the river. Klein, who as a project director of the Urban Council on Mobility, has been pushing.six years for the comple- tionof new Cedar Avenue, stressed that;that group's work is mot done. '"We still need I-35E and 1-494," he - said,likening the relationship of those -roads :to Cedar Avenue to the circula- syster6 in the body "Onl b • • y y dedication, the bridge was opened to - ..comPleting•all of them will we find the _ 3f,‘, -;.--..traffiC alleviating the.: rush-hour beauty Of .the design, how its going to be said.-"Weire'lerY'ril4sed:;tif;i • - 'burden on 'Interstate 35W!and the thee6 • ••• -,41 • • " • . •• •.• • •-•'*.-al 41.41,•• • • • . p • ; takenionger-thah-weAotight.,:,,,, iety• :Of drivers- who'previously : sat: Like Klein, Ray Connelly, stressed.- Klein said:theUrban biimper4olbumper on -the oldtwo-lane,.z-c',-the-importance Of comPletion 6f 1=35E Mobility. - - „ •• r ••• ••• .4 • • • • . - , • and 1-494, which, he said, willpromote "educational" group, - demonstrating greater industrial and .-cominerCial the - need for completion of the in - development than-new:Cedar Avenue.' terstate.:system -to resident' in - -: '."'•••• .-:,-. ... ... , Connelly belongs to the'.Urban'Cotincil .turn;. put pressure on:their. legislators. on .Mobility and also -is Burns.v.. iifets' "StrOrig .constituent support" was. representative to the Northern .Dakota - critical, he said, ..iii...irifitiencing: :-:'', . County Interstate Committee,''..which . legiSlators.who, beforeiheri, were wary has regularly met with Mn/DOT'•Of-... .of being perceived - as people who - ficials for over two years.: 1:-. - .2,';::.. were going to concrete the world:':::',;..--e. There are "minor"Aesign.detaiIS-..i6.„ To expedite completion of new be worked out for :I-35E through ..: Cedar Avenue,•theTs.UrbatiCounCiI.::OriV:;' Eagan and some questions :are being Mobility convinced re'sidein-althgihe,'-: raised about the 1-494corridor thrOughl.. alignment that the-4,,thOrotIghfai0---;. Eagan, Mendota 'Heights., 'Sun Fish .,. -wouldn'i -"fracture theiray:16flif....,-:. Lake and Inver Grove Heights; Klein', -.:, or .harm the -wetlands:'ilotig-ifiek;COrl' said. But he was optimistic that those ,,ridor. , . - -_ ed. ' - r. - .'..i.-'..';:Tf:.''?:'-it:,4.-2-'5::11t:-tAii;,:'1-''"1-11., on't think we s :6".;h;;;;e::;v:ir-611' -• . • •• ..,.• ...._. .•. ••,..,,,:‘,.qiiy- ,,;•,.. roads would be completed as --the .cereinolitesiAcleini.-:sai "If the good Lord keeps srriilirigorf,„ .. ment that it's -going•_;t6rhale .i.lOt .6V--, us, we'll cut the the ribbon -16)-::-,35E_Atlifference..4,:think'N'104114PC...40e:ti this time next yeaf. anill*Yea.ilfiiiri4fiii:',',::irnoririi-entf,'-';--'; we'll have the ribbon -cutting-4)i 4194-:-.! ' ' Warning 6f coming difficulties- ,,...„, .., . . . A.. -,,,I fin arit i n g—.!-, road and-7,---1-''.'"' 'bridge -...,.., - replacements,....-.• :;:1.2.—.;19.-o-,r..i,4 Rep Tom ageiliii;driii:aiiVif - - the ' - 'h-. BRIDGE top r ci,,vt--y, - 4-7t1;44.45raR4 TV. „ elt4.0;44F4i7 , • -4JD .. • • - • r�Uw to,eaar avenue csrrage opens with tantare rr-• BRIDGE: from p. 1A opening of the bridge as an opportuni- ty to encourage a "yes" vote on Amendment 3 to the state Constitution in the general election. That amendment would remove the present $150 million par value limit on the amount of trunk highway bonds that are issued and unpaid at any time. It also would remove the present 5 per- cent per annum ceiling on interest rates of trunk highway bonds. Mn 'DOT Commissioner Richard Braun has claimed that, if the amendment passes, bonds could become "a major means of financing needed bridge replacements or other highway im- provements." The total cost of reconstructing Cedar Avenue and building the new bridge was about $56 million, in- cluding several million spent to reduce the effect of the bridge on the environ- ment, Mn/DOT said. Braun said the bridge was designed to span the entire width of the river valley and not directly encroach on Long Meadow Lake. The bridge also includes design features to protect the environment, including a system that collects accidental spills and other pollutants from the bridge's surface and deposits them in a series of sedimentation ponds. In addition to the new bridge, the project included the widening of Cedar Avenue to six lanes from Interstate 494 to Highway 13 and widening it to four lanes from Highway 13 south to new Interstate 35E, now under construc- tion. 1-35E between 1-35W and Cedar Avenue is scheduled to be open by the fall of 1981; Corridor studies for the new highway began in 1958 and.continued into the 1960s. The first public location hearing was held in June 1962. A draft r A drill squad from Bloomington Jefferson High School joined in a parade from Eagan to Bloomington to mark the opening of the new Cedar Avenue Bridge Environmental Impact Statement was prepared during 1973 and 1974 and in December 1974 a location/design hear- ing was held. The final EIS was finish- ed and approved in 1976. Construction plans were begun in 1976 and the first stage of construction (river bridge piers) was started in December of that year. - Construction is scheduled to begin soon on a separate pedestrian bridge with bike trails over the main river channel. That bridge is expected to be opened late in the summer of 1981. The old river bridge, built in 1890, is scheduled for dismantling and removal starting in mid -November. The removal is expected to be completed by April 1981. last Friday. More photos of the opening t rernof appear in the B section of The Current this tlriaek:' According to Braun, the new bridge and Highway 77 will benefit the metropolitan area by: • Relieving rush-hour congestion on the 1-35W bridge between Bloom- ington and Burnsville, and on the Men- dota Bridge. • Enabling semi -trailer trucks to cross the river on new Highway 77. Previously trucks were limited to a gross weight of 10,000 pounds. • Allowing Metropolitan Transit Commission buses to cross the bridge. Because of the previous width and weight restrictions, MTC buses could not use the old bridge. MTC now will be able to provide more direct and effi- cient bus service between Dakota County and Minneapolis, to other • Easing the flow of barge traffic on::: the Minnesota River. Barges frequently struck the old bridge because of the narrow passage between its• piers. • • Facilitating the development.. of Dakota County -by_improving access for commuters, shospers and 'persons who use the area'* recreational an cultural resource Mn/DOT is esttng 1y wiitir opening of the new bridge, traffic - volumes on Cedar Avenue will increase from the 14,000 tp 39.popsverage trips. By the year�- 20 expected to dou Mn/DOT also r' —6-aititierreenr- energygy reduction due to less congestion and shorter travel distances and travel times. The new road is expected to save ! � Li_t i 1 ',�J))j DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS: 1974-1999 Schools: public & private Eagan Businesss Commons Hotels 2 movie theater complexes Delta Dental Home Depot Eagan Promenade Penn Cycle Target -Cub Shopping malls -Town Centre,Yankee Square,Cliff-Lake,mini-malls Kindercare & other child care facilities Trucking businesses West Publishing YMCA Cray Research Northwest Airlines Eagandale Industrial Park Senior Housing Skyline display Wispark-Grand Oak Pinetree Pass,Pinetree Forest Murphy farm Prairie Oaks Oak Cliff 7th Cliff -Lake townhomes-Pulte Mallard Park 4th-Willmus Blarkhawk Forest Cliff -Lake Shores -Hoffman Deerwood Townhomes Oakridge Family Housing Wenzel Addition Lexington Pointe Diffley Commons Woodlands Gardenwood Ponds Hills of Stonebridge Brittany PARKS DEVELOPMENT Trapp Farm Thomas Lake Blackhawk Park Northview Athletic complex Lexington-Diffley Civic Arena Swimming Pool multiple playgrounds INDEX Dakota County Historical Society EAGAN Activities Airport Banks Bridges Business Census Chamber of Commerce Churches Community Service Farming Fire Department History Housing Indians Industry Lakes (see Parks) Library Maps Municipal Newspapers Organizations & clubs Parks and Lakes Police Post Office Railroad - Nicols & Wescott Recycling Roads, streets and highways Schools Social services - Warren Eustis Center, Lewis Home (shelter) Voting Water & sewer Fo ANDS "ead® llll ° UPC 10330 No. 153L HASTINGS, MN DEPARTMENT HEADS/ INDEX OF CITY ACTIVITIES - RESPONSIBLE PERSONS FOR EACH ABSENTEE BALLOTS - Liz Witt , Tina Zink ACCOUNTS PAYABLE - Lorene Lee ADMINISTRATION - Diane Palmersheim Karen Hangebrauck ADULT ATHLETICS - Jon Oyanagi, Cherryl Mesko, Nancy Hammel, Liz Korbein AIR POLLUTION COMPLAINTS - Jon Hohenstein AIRPORT ISSUES - Jon Hohenstein AMUSEMENT DEVICE LICENSE - Tina Zink, Liz Witt ANIMAL WARDEN - Kathleen Gilbertson AS-BUILTS (SEWER) - Engineering Technicians ASSESSMENTS - Deanna Kivi, Tina Zink ASSESSMENT IMPROVEMENTS - ASSISSTANT CITY ENGINEER - Deanna Kivi, Mike Foertsch Mike Foertsch ATHLETIC FACILITY RESERVATION - Dorothy Peterson BEER LICENSE - Liz Witt BENEFIT INFORMATION - Holly Duffy BLOCK PARTY - Bette, Sheri, Cris BOND INFORMATION - Gene VanOverbeke BOULEVARD/TRAILS MAINTENANCE - John Vondelinde, Jim McGuffee BUILDING INSPECTION SCHEDULING - Nancy Severson,Marlynn Greenwood BUILDING MAINTENANCE - Tom Weber, Kim Hazel, Doug Reid BUILDING PERMITS - Marlynn Greenwood, Nancy Severson, Bill B, Dale S BUILDING INFORMATION (GENERAL)- Doug Reid, Nancy S., Marlynn G. BUSINESS LICENSE - Liz Witt, Tina Zink CABLE - Mike Reardon, Jon Hohenstein, Joanna Foote CASH RECEIPTS - Carolyn Krech, Sue Sheridan, Tina Zink, Front Counter CENSUS DATA - Kristy Marnin CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY - BUILDING - Nancy Severson, Marlynn Greenwood CIGARETTE LICENSE - Tina Zink, Liz Witt CITY ADMINISTRATOR - Diane Palmersheim CITY CLERK - Gene VanOverbeke, Liz Witt CITY CODE UPDATES - Gene V., Liz W., Tina Z. CITY RECORDS - Liz Witt, Tina Zink, Diane Palmersheim COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR - Jan Severson, Marlynn Greenwood, Nancy S. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (GENERAL QUESTIONS) - Jan Severson, Marlynn G., Nancy COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT) - Marilyn W., Jan S. COMMUNITY ROOM RESERVATIONS - Cherryl M., Nancy H., Liz K. COMPOST - Joanna Foote, Jon Hohenstein, Zoning COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE PLAN - Kristy Marnin COMPUTER - Kristi Peterson CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT - Marilyn W., Shannon T., Mike R., Kristy M. CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVE - Liz W., Tina Z., Diane P., Jane H., Virginia CONTRACTS (ENGINEERING) - Judy Jenkins CONTRACTUAL SECURITY - Carolyn COUNCIL MEMBERS - Diane Palmersheim DEMOGRAPHICS - Kristy Marnin, Joanna Foote DEVELOPMENTS (ENGINEERING) - John Wingard, Mike Foertsch, Ed Kirscht DEVELOPMENT (PLANNING) - Jim Sturm DEVELOPMENT ESCROW ACCOUNTING - Sue Sheridan DISABILITY INSURANCE - Holly Duffy DOG LICENSEING - Denice, Karen, Julie, Tina EASEMENTS - Ed Kirscht, Bruce Allen, Dale Ronning ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION - Jon Hohenstein, Peggy Reichert, Jan S. ELECTIONS - Liz Witt, Tina Zink ELECTION FILING - Gene VanOverbeke, Liz Witt, Diane Palmersheim ELECTRICAL PERMITS - Nancy S., Marlynn G., Jan S. ELECTRICAL INSPECTIONS - Bill Akins EMPLOYEE VERIFICATION - Carolyn Krech, Holly Duffy, Jane Hovind ENGINEERING QUESTIONS (GENERAL) - Judy Jenkins, Jill Eberlein EROSION PROBLEMS - Craig Knudsen EXCAVATIONS - Craig Knudsen FENCES - Shannon T., Mike R., Kristy M., Dale S. FIRE ADMINISTRATION - Karen Kelly, Trisha Peterson FIRE INSPECTOR - Dave Childers, Dale Wegleitner FIRE MARSHAL - Dale Wegleitner, Dave Childers FINAL PLAT APPLICATIONS - Marilyn Wucherpfennig FINANACE DIRECTOR - Gene VanOverbeke FINANCE QUESTIONS - Gene VanOverbeke FINANCIAL GUARANTEES FOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS - Ed Kirscht, Craig Knudsen, Mike Ridley, Shannon Tyree FIXED ASSETS - Barb Hand, Sue Sheridan FLOOD PLAINS - Mike Ridley, Shannon Tyree FOOTING INSPECTION - Nancy Severson FORESTER - Gregg Hove, Jeff Perry, Bette Parks FOURTH OF JULY - Eagan's Lions Club FRAMING INSPECTION - Nancy Severson GAMBLING LICENSE - Liz Witt, Gene VanOverbeke GARBAGE COMPLAINTS - Joanna Foote, Shannon Tyree, Mike Ridley GEAGAN, PATRICK (POLICE CHIEF) - PD Receptionist, Linda Bendt GRADING QUESTIONS - Craig Knudsen GUN PERMITS TO ACQUIRE/CARRY - Linda Bendt HAZARDOUS WASTE - Dale Wegleitner, Dave Childers, Joanna Foote HEALTH INSURANCE - Holly Duffy HEDGES, TOM (CITY ADMINISTRATOR) - Diane P., Jane H., Virginia D. HISTORICAL SOCIETY - Joanna Foote HOUSING - Kristy Marnin INSPECTION SCHEDULES - Nancy S., Marlynn G., Jan S. INTEROFFICE PHONE LIST - Tina Zink INVESTMENTS - Gene VanOverbeke JOB OPENINGS - Holly Duffy, Jane Hovind, Diane P., Virginia D. LABOR/UNIONS - Holly Duffy, Tom Hedges, Carolyn Krech LAKE MANAGEMENT - Rich Brasch LAKES & PONDS SAMPLING - Bette, Sheri, Cris LEGALS - Deanna Kivi, Tina Zink, Gene VanOverbeke LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATIVES - Liz W., Tina Z, Diane P., Jane H., Virginia D. LICENSING - Liz Witt, Tina Zink LIFE INSURANCE - Holly Duffy LIQUOR LICENSE - Liz Witt MAYOR - Diane P., Jon H., Holly D. MECHANICAL INSPECTIONS - Nancy Severson MECHANICAL INSPECTOR - Bill Adams, Dirk House MECHANICAL PERMITS - Nancy S., Bill A., Dirk House MINNESOTA VALLEY TRANSIT - Kristy Marnin NEWSLETTER - Joanna F., Dorothy P., Cherryl M., Holly D. NOTARY PUBLIC - Julie K-B., Marilyn W., Liz W., Jill E., Judy J., Lorene L., Nancy S., Gene V. OAKWILT - Gregg Hove, Jeff Perry, Bette Parks OFFICIAL CITY RECORDS Liz Witt, Tina Zink, Diane Palmersheim OFF -SALE LIQUOR LICENSE - Liz Witt ON -SALE LIQUOR LICENSE - Liz Witt PARADE PERMIT - Liz Witt PARK & RECREATION DIRECTOR - Ken Vraa, Cherryl, Nancy, Liz PARK & RECREATION INFORMATION - Cherryl M., Nancy H., Liz K. PARK DEVELOPMENT - Ken Vraa, C.J. Lilly, Cherryl Mesko PARK MAINTENANCE - John Vondelinde, Jim McGuffee, Bette Parks PARKING COMPLAINTS - Police PAVILION/PICNIC RESERVATIONS - Cherryl, Nancy, Liz PAY RATES - Holly Duffy, Carolyn Krech PAYROLL - Carolyn Krech PERSONNEL - Holly Duffy, Jane Hovind, Virginia Discenza, Diane Palmersheim PLAN CHECKS - Dale Schoeppner, Bill Bruestle PLANNING PLANNING PLUMBING PLUMBING PLUMBING PLUMBING (GENERAL QUESTIONS) - Marilyn Wucherpfennig REPORTS - Marilyn Wucherpfennig INSPECTIONS - Nancy S., Marlynn G., Jan S. INSPECTORS - Dirk House, Bill Adams LICENSE - Jan S., Nancy S., Marlynn G. PERMITS - Nancy Severson, Marlynn Greenwood POLICE DEPARTMENT - Ext 700, PD Receptionist Ext. 739 POPULATION INFORMATION - Kristy Marnin PRELIMINARY PLATS - Marilyn Wucherpfennig PRELIMINARY PLATS/WATER QUALITY/WETLANDS - Rich Brasch PROJECT (ENGINEERING)- Stan Lexvold, John Wingard PROJECT STATUS (PLANNING)- Shannon Tyree, Mike Ridley PROPERTY DESCRIPTIONS - Deanna Kivi, Tina Zink PROPERTY TAX - Gene VanOverbeke, Dakota County 438-4576 PUBLIC RELATIONS - Joanna Foote, Holly Duffy, Front Counter PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR - Tom Colbert PUBLIC WORKS (GENERAL INFORMATION)- Judy Jenkins, Jill Eberlein PURCHASING - Liz Witt, Tina Zink, Julie Kaufman -Boom RECREATION (ADMIN PROGRAMS)- Cherryl M., Nancy H., Liz K., Dorothy P. RECREATION PROGRAMS/REGISTRATION - Cherryl, Nancy H., Liz RECYCLING - Joanna Foote, Jon Hohenstein REFERENCE CHECKS - Carolyn Krech, Holly Duffy SALARIES - Holly Duffy, Carolyn Krech SENIORS RECREATION PROGRAMS - Dorothy P., Cherryl, Nancy, Liz SERVICE STATION LICENSE - Tina Zink, Liz Witt SETBACK REQUIREMENTS - Shannon, Mike, Kristy SEWER DEPT. - Bette, Sheri, Cris SEWER MAINTENANCE - Bette, Sheri, Cris SEWER PERMITS - Marlynn Greenwood SEWER/WATER INSPECTION - Bette, Sheri, Cris SEXUAL HARASSMENT - Holly Duffy SHOWS LICENSE - Liz Witt, Tina Zink SIGNS - Donna Rollins SOLICITORS LICENSE - Liz Witt, Tina Zink SOLID WASTE ABATEMENT - Joanna Foote SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS - Deanna Kivi, Tina Zink SPECIAL PERMIT APPLICATION - Marilyn W. SPECIAL RECREATION EVENTS - Cherryl M., Nancy H., Liz K. STREET CONSTRUCTION - Stan Lexvold STREET DESIGN - John Wingard STREET LIGHTING - Ed Kirscht STREET MAINTENANCE - Bette, Sheri, Cris STREETS (NEW) - Deanna Kivi, Dale Ronning STREETSIGNS - Bette, Sheri, Cris SNOW PLOWING - Bette, Sheri, Cris STRUCTURAL INSPECTOR - Bill Bruestle, Dale Schoeppner TAXES - Gene VanOverbeke, Dakota County TELEPHONE MAINTENANCE - Kristi Peterson, Lynn Vasquez TRAILER LICENSE - Tina Zink, Liz Witt TRANSIT - Kristy Marnin TREE CONTRACTOR LICENSE - Liz Witt TREE INSPECTIONS - Bette, Sheri, Cris TREE MAINTENANCE/PARKS - Gregg Hove TREE PLANTING (BOULEVARD) - Bette, Sheri, Cris, Gregg H. TREE PRESERVATION POLICY - Gregg H., John V., Bette, Sheri, Cris UNIONS - Holly Duffy UTILITY CONSTRUCTION - Stan Lexvold UTILITY BILLING - Diane Downs, Mary Ann Olson UTILITY DEPT./CUSTOMER SERVICE - Bette, Sheri, Cris VANDALISM/PARKS - John Vondelinde, Jim McGuffee VARIANCE - Marilyn Wucherpfennig VEHICLE MAINTENANCE - Tom Streefland, Bette, Sheri, Cris VOICE MAIL - Kristi Peterson VOLUNTEERS/PARKS - John Vondelinde VOTER INFORMATION - Liz Witt, Tina Zink,.Karen H., Denice MG, Julie K-B WASTE MANAGEMENT - Joanna Foote WATER DEPARTMENT - Bette, Sheri, Cris WATER HOOK-UP - Marlynn Greenwood WATER METER/RESIDENTIAL - Bette, Sheri, Cris WATER METER/COMMERCIAL - Diane, Mary Ann WATER PERMITS - Marlynn Greenwood WATER QUALITY - Rich Brasch, Jim Storland, Bette, Cris, Sheri WATER SHUT-OFF - Diane Downs, Mary Ann Olson WATER TREATMENT PLANT - Wayne Schwanz, Paul Heuer WATER TURN -ON (FINAL) - Bette, Sheri, Cris WEED COMPLAINTS - Jim McGuffee, Bette, Sheri, Cris WEED INSPECTOR - Jim McGuffee, Leroy Berg, Bette, Sheri, Cris WETLANDS REGULATION - Rich Brasch, Bette, Cris, Sheri WINE LICENSE - Liz Witt YOUTH RECREATION - Walker Lee, Paula, Dorothy, Cherryl, Nancy, Liz ZONIN G QUESTIONS - Shannon, Mike, Kristy 1989 Mayor Vic Ellison City Councilmembers: 1988 Mayor Vic Ellison City Councilmembers: 1987 Mayor Bea Blomquist City Councilmembers: 1986 Mayor Bea Blomquist City Councilmembers: 1985 Mayor Bea Blomquist City Councilmembers: 1984 Mayor Bea Blomquist City Councilmembers: 1983 Mayor Bea Blomquist City Councilmembers: 1982 Mayor Bea Blomquist City Councilmembers: Tom Egan Pam McCrea Dave Gustafson Ted Wachter Dave Gustafson Ted Wachter Tom Egan Pam McCrea Tom Egan Vic Ellison Ted Wachter James Smith Tom Egan Vic Ellison Ted Wachter James Smith Tom Egan Ted Wachter James Smith Jerry Thomas James Smith Ted Wachter Tom Egan Jerry Thomas Tom Egan Ted Wachter James Smith Jerry Thomas Tom Egan Ted Wachter James Smith Jerry Thomas 1980 & 1981 Mayor Bea Blomquist CC Members: Egan Smith Wachter Parranto 1978 & 1979 Mayor Murphy CC Members: 1975 - 1979 Mayor Polzin CC Members: Parranto Wachter Smith Egan Rahn Wachter Smith Rydrich ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION 1984 MARK PARRANTO EDNA STREET ROGER LEE LARRY KRANING R E STEVENSON JOHN MCCALL DAVID KLEIMOLA LARRY WENZEL 1985 LARRY WENZEL LARRY KRANING ROGER LEE DICK STEVENSON DAVE KLEIMOLA MARK PARRANTO EDNA STREET JOHN MCCALL 1986 ROGER LEE LARRY KRANING DICK STEVENSON DAVE KLEIMOLA LARRY WENZEL GEORGE TRAYNOR BOB SHIELDS JOHN KING 1987 MICHELLE DOROSHOW ROGER LEE TOM ELLINGSON JOHN KING DAVE KLEIMOLA GEORGE TRAYNOR LARRY KRANING LARRY WENZEL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION 1988 LARRY WENZEL COREY CLEVELAND TOM ELLINGSON GEORGE TRAYNOR MICHELLE SEWALD BILL DUGGAN ELDON JOHNSON CANDACE GARRY ROGER HUGHES 1989 LARRY WENZEL GEORGE TRAYNOR ROGER HUGHES COREY CLEVELAND PATRICK GRINDE BILL DUGGAN CANDACE GARRY MICHELLE SEWALD ELDON JOHNSON PARRS COMMITTEE MEMBERS FROM 1975 - 1989 1975 Dale Everson Myrel Lundsten Neil Coates Fay Cooper Roger Martin Carolyn Thurston Charles Hall David Erb Gerber Hatteberg 1977 John Roszak Myrel Lundsten Neil Coates Tom Brown Kathleen Beck Roger Martin Fay Cooper Carolyn Thurston Dale Everson Norman Hagen 1979 Myrel Lundsten Mike Thomas Roger Martin Jean Loken Carolyn Thurston Neil Coates Dick Carroll Arnold Lucke Norman Hagen Sharon Radl 1981 Dick Pettit Margaret Tilley Dick Carroll Steve Johnson Douglas McNeely Carolyn Thurston Jean Loken Roger Martin Sharon Radl Mike Thomas Mike Fedde 1976 Neil Coates Myrel Lundsten Carolyn Thurston Kathleen Beck Roger Martin Dale Everson Tom Brown John Roszak Fay Cooper 1978 Mike Thomas Jean Loken Myrel Lundsten Tom Brown Neil Coates Carolyn Thurston Kathleen Beck Fay Cooper Norman Hagen Roger Martin 1980 Carolyn Thurston Jean Loken Mike Thomas Dick Carroll Roger Martin Steve Johnson Margaret Tilley Sharon Radl Douglas McNeely ? Dandurand 1982 Roger Martin Douglas McNeely Mike Thomas Steve Johnson Dick Carroll Mike Fedde Carolyn Thurston Margaret Tilley Donn Schumaker Tom Gustafson Sandy Masin 1983 1984 Carolyn Thurston Roger Martin Joanne Alt Sandy Masin George Kubik Douglas McNeely Dick Carroll Mike Fedde Donn Schumaker Tom Gustafson 1985 Joanne Alt Sandy Bertz Dick Carroll George Kubik Roger Martin Sandy Masin Carolyn Thurston Mike Fedde Tom Ketcham Anthony Caponi 1987 Robert Porter Wayne Sames Sandy Bertz Carolyn Thurston Anthony Caponi Dick Carroll George Kubik Sandy Masin Joanne Alt Roger Martin 1989 Dick Carroll Ted Billy Sandy Masin Wayne Sames Michele Swanson George Kubik Sharon Hunter Jack Johnson Roger Martin Sandy Bertz Carolyn Thurston Douglas McNeely Joanne Alt George Kubik Mike Fedde ? Jackson Sandy Masin Dick Carroll 1986 Sandy Bertz Dick Carroll Roger Martin George Kubik Anthony Caponi Joanne Alt Sandy Masin Tom Ketcham Carolyn Thurston Robert Porter 1988 Dick Carroll Michele Swanson Sandy Masin Robert Porter George Kubik Joanne Alt Wayne Sames David Hennes 5,0/ -ham _y_r;� it 19Eg-Z-- Aqii` l ,Te ff ,J, �z ll�i7�t�(i•e_ _may / 2/J l- c /f2 -- D r/ci 0 Lie-tn,er 'e rr,' a Z-eft;lee'r .1e// /-6-3-y1 JO hp) Lstn 198 //p h7tV ZdfS rae..ezn, .7y G. / 1), Z./ h ,J; 4,7 --1,(Ls717).? / Ja e 4cri Sant- gchmidt- Ro�' Yor/ fiuez7,cet t ecc_e_ a rr I qg? r). c>[1-ele-- c_ro_s )ricli)t) L-Ce, r hair- _ I S Cr kor e- /261- J-6 ///v) kid( _ /98 ,C-1 • 3-_-6b_a_o_ile_c_o2.0__._ - _Doc,c.cf Li, L.) Cab 44A__ __agY /ha c-/( /,7 j ("e/(:) Ezed4.) ak-k 1117z.,27740 fo t--JfR -ENDS 11111 SMEAD1 KEEPING YOU ORGANIZED No. 10334 2-153L 0 SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY kik RECYaED INITIATIVE CONTENT 10% Grefl.d Rb.r Sourcing POST -CONSUMER rrNw.aflgrogr.m,arg MADE IN USA GET ORGANIZED AT SMEAD.COY - 2 <- 0.4302 Eagan/From 1 A clock. Plans also include a com- munity center that would house a K-12 private school, a teen center, recreational facilities, a chapel and a gymnasium. Championship golf course February saw a holdover controversy from 2001 being put to rest. On Feb. 5, the Golf Course Exploratory Committee told the Eagan City Council that a championship golf course would not be feasible in the area encompassing Patrick Eagan Park, the Anderson and the McCarthy properties. In 2001, the council appoint- ed 64 residents to a Golf Course Exploratory Committee and directed them to research the feasibility of a championship golf course in terms of location and cost. The council directed the committee to explore three -- different options, using all, some or none of Patrick Eagan Park. The possibility of natural In February 2002, the Golf Course Exploratory Committee said that the course was not fea- sible for several reasons, includ- ing cost of land and operations, topography of the land and issues with the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LAWCON) grants the city used to purchase portions of Patrick Eagan Park. The construction cost esti- mate came in around $10 mil- lion, putting the cost of land and construction at $20 million. The 'committee determined that rev- enues from the course wouldn't be 'enough to cover the initial costs, much less on -going oper- ational costs. Efforts to protect Patrick Eagan Park from future devel- opment continue on. The effort got a boost from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) this fall when it awarded the city of Eagan $8,000 through its Metro Greenways Program to help develop an Eagan Core Greenway. The Eagan Core Greenway initiative aims to rec- ognize and preserve more than 400 acres of mrscfi., Eagaf/From 5A TIF (Tax Increment Finance) district. The development, called Nicols Ridge, will be located along Cedar Grove Parkway just west of Nicols Road. Delta Development will buildthe units in three phases, with 88 of the units projected to be ready by fall of 2003..... Community survey The city of Eagan commis- sioned a survey that polled 400 randomly selected Eagan resi- dents over the phone in July. The results show that the over- whelming majority of residents are pleased with the quality of life in Eagan. The survey found that sixty percent of Eagan residents are between the ages of 35 and 54 and the typical resident has lived in Eagan for 12.2 years. The typical household in Eagan contains two adults and two children, and the median value of residential property is $223,000. Nearly half of those surveyed said the quality of life in Eagan is excellent, while 46 percent. consider it good. Eighty-eight percent of residents said they view city services as an excel- lent or good value for the prop- erty taxes they pay. Over 90 per- cent rated police protection; fire protection, recycling, park maintenance and city -sponsored recreation programs as excellent or good. 'Elections The 2002 election seasor shook things up in Eagan a! much as across the nation. The primaries saw a Minnesota first, a husband and wife run ning against each other for seat in the state house. Eagan City Council '"`Member Pau Bakken and his wife, Alison both sought election to tht District 38B seat in tht Minnesota House o Representatives, one as al Independent and one as Republican, respectively Republican Lynn Wardlow ulti mately won the seat. Eagan got a new mayor, for mer police chief Pat Geagar and a new city council member Mike Maguire. Eagan Ser Deanna Wiener, DFL, wa defeated in the election b Republican Mike McGinr while Rep. Tim Wilkin wo reelection to House Seat 38P Rep. Tom Pugh was reelected t House Seat 39A. Two Eagan politicians, Rel Tim Pawlenty and Mayor Ph Awada, were elected t statewide office. Pawlenty wi be Minnesota's next governo while Awada will act as star auditor. w,grin Johnson is at eagan. thisweek@ ecm-inc. corn. 1 it)Ll7 &lam 12 -Zg 2 EG THISWEEK December 28, 2002 5A Eagan/From 1 A clock. Plans also include a com- munity center that would house a K-12 private school, a teen center, recreational facilities, a chapel and a gymnasium. Championship golf course February saw a holdover controversy from 2001 being put to rest. On Feb. 5, the Golf Course Exploratory Committee told the Eagan City Council that a championship golf course would not be feasible in the area encompassing Patrick Eagan Park, the Anderson and the McCarthy properties. In 2001, the council appoint- ed 64 residents to a Golf Course Exploratory Committee and directed them to research the feasibility of a championship golf course in terms of location and cost. The council directed the committee to explore three different options, using all, some or none of Patrick Eagan Park. The possibility of natural parkland being developed as a golf course created a great deal of controversy among residents, and groups such as the Save Patrick Eagan Park Organization, the Patrick Eagan Park Preservation Committee (PEPPC), the Sierra Club and the local chapter of the National Audubon Society took a stand against the use of the park. In February 2002, the Golf Course Exploratory Committee said that the course was not fea- sible for several reasons, includ- ing cost of land and operations, topography of the land and issues with the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LAWCON) grants the city used to purchase portions of Patrick Eagan Park. The construction cost esti- mate came in around $10 mil- lion, putting the cost of land and construction at $20 million. The 'committee determined that rev- enues from the course wouldn't be 'enough to cover the initial costs, much less on -going oper- ational costs. Efforts to protect Patrick Eagan Park from future devel- opment continue on. The effort got a boost from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) this fall when it awarded the city of Eagan $8,000 through its Metro Greenways Program to help develop an Eagan Core Greenway. The Eagan Core Greenway initiative aims to rec- ognize and preserve more than 400 acres of mostly undevel- oped land, including the 102- acre Patrick Eagan Park. Olympic gold Eagan was the proud parent of two Olympic champions in 2002. Residents Natalie Darwitz and Jenny Potter both competed on the U.S. women's hockey team and brought home the sil- ver medal from the Salt Lake Olympic Games. A "hometown heroes" parade was held in their honor. Affordable housing Affordable housing, which has long been a hot -button issue in Eagan, scored what some might call a minor victory in 2001 with the approval of a housing development with some affordable units. But in 2002, three groups that advocate for affordable housing decided that more needed to be done. In August they filed a lawsuit against Eagan and the Metropolitan Council for what they call a failure to adequately address the growing affordable housing crisis. The Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing (MICAH), the Community Stabilization Project (CSP) and the Alliance for Metropolitan Stability filed the lawsuit in August, alleging that Eagan has intentionally created exclusion- ary housing and resisted using tools that would set aside land for affordable housing. It also states that the Met Council has failed to meet its legal responsibility under the Metropolitan Land Use Planning Act (LUPA) to keep cities informed and give them direction on the affordable housing shortage. The city filed a request for dismissal of the lawsuit in October, claiming the suit has no legal merit. A decision on the dismissal is expected after the first of the year. Development Two major development projects saw great progress this year. The Community Center and the Cedar Grove redevelop- ment area both moved forward in a big way in 2002. Design plans for the Community Center were approved 18 months ago and now construction of the building is nearing completion. The two-story structure is designed to have an open feel, incorporating glass to provide ample views of surrounding Central Park from every angle. The main entrance of the two -level building is accessible from an upper -level parking lot, which will hold 262 cars and feature a decorative fountain. The two-story main entrance area is constructed of glass. The upper level will house a play - space for smaller children, and the Chamber of Commerce and the Conventions and Visitors Bureau will be leasing space on that level as well. One side of the building will be_ used for athletic and fitness activities, including high-school sized gymnasiums, a workout and weight room, an aerobics and performancestudio and locker rooms. The other wing of the build- ing will provide space for com- munity activities, such as a sen- ior center, a teen center, an indoor playground, a banquet hall and breakout meeting spaces. The center of the build- ing will act as a general gather- ing space with a concession stand and views of the park. The building is tentatively scheduled to open spring of 2003. The Cedar Grove redevelop- ment area saw progress with the widening of Silver Bell Road and the addition of new traffic signals where it intersects with Highway 13 and Cedar Grove Parkway. - '^ The new construction creates a four-way intersection with traffic signals and increases traf- fic capacity for the Highway 13 and Silver Bell Road signal, which the city said is one of the most congested intersections in Eagan during peak traffic peri- ods. Beau d' Rue Drive was also renamed Cedar Grove Parkway in July and will be reconstruct- ed into a boulevard -type road. Final resurfacing for the project is expected to be completed by June 2003. The first major development within the Cedar Grove area was approved by the city coun- cil in December. The council unanimously approved an agreement with Delta Development, Inc. to cre- ate 230 townhomes and village home units in the Cedar Grove See Eagan, 6A CREDIT r ss r/ c.dAuut-- 11-14 - 2oo z www.mnSun.com Rave From Page lA "A lot of the promoters and a lot of the pro -ravers want you to believe that," he said. "They are not just friendly all-night, dance until you drop events for children to have fun at." The most popular drug used at raves is ecstasy. While most parents may have heard of the drug, they often do not know much about the drug or how many of the items seen at rave parties are connected to use of the drug. The drug causes the body to create an excess amount of serotonin, a naturally occurring chemical in the brain that speeds up body functions and enhances the senses. When a person takes ecstasy, they will fmd their senses enhanced 10- fold, Dau said. That experience explains the bright lights and other brightly colored neck- laces, clothes and light sticks often seen at raves, he said. Since all the colors look brighter and more vibrant to someone using ecstasy, the colors jump out more and it is very common to see people doing "light shows" for other people by spin- ning and rolling the glowing light sticks in their hands in front of the other per- son's eyes. Another side effect of using ecstasy is that the person's jaw will keep moving with nervous energy, leading many rave - goers to suck on pacifiers to keep from grinding their teeth. Often times they will. also put a tab of ecstasy in the pacifier's nipple to keep getting high. Other common sights at a rave party, including loose clothing, surgical masks, ,. --fhP school. Ann Lindberg, School District 197's chemical health coordinator, said the more recent presentation is part of a se- ries of parent programs the school is planning this year. The school is planning a presentation on bullying later this month and will have another one in Jan- uary on communication issues. While the spring presentation drew about 200 people, the presentation drew only about 25 people this time around. "It's a shame that more parents didn't turn out," Lindberg said. "We try to reach out to -the parents so they have this infor- mation, but the problem is that a lot of the parents who need to come out don't often show up." As he has traveled around the state and around the country giving his presenta- tions, Dau said the one constant he finds is that most parents don't think the issue is a problem with their children or in their area. "One thing you fmd today is that prob- lems with these drugs are major no mat- ter where you go," he said. When it comes to inhalant drugs, times have changed, Dau said. In the past those who sought highs by inhaling, known as "huffers," would often use things they found around the house, including aerosol cans, whipped cream cans and quick bonding glue. However, today those who seek the same kind of high seek out nitrous oxide, the same chemical used by dentists and commonly known as "laughing gas." • The problem is that while dentists are trained to administer just enough of the drug, it is dangerous to those using it to get high. "It will cause irreparable brain dam- age," Dau said. "The thing is with using this kind of drug, you may die or you may ' + will are likely going to have brain www.mnSun coi Joshua Nichols; Newspapers The Eagan Healthy Community* Ini dative hopes to begin; building a path to- ward a better community by bringing to- /gether,the five: living -generations. ;.The five living generations are defined as :the CivicGeneration,born between • 1901.and..1928;"-the: Silent Generation, berm between 1929. and 1944; Baby Boomers, born between 1945 and 1963; Generation X, 1964. to-1981; and the Mil- lennials, born since 1982. "Each,of these generations have expe- riences and perceptions that ,differ from the others," said. Sue Gehrz, president of .St. Paul -based Intergenerating . Re-. :sources. "The intergenerational process `:helps us to understand those viewpoints ',and motivations." -'The group is having an Intergenera- ;tional Dialogue Saturday, April 8, at GDm/.0 - OS -tea Back Hawk' Middle' School, 1540: Deer - wood: ;Drive, .:Eagan. Thedialogue: runs. from 9: a:m. to 2 p.m. Reservations were • requested _by: March 31.. There is no charge to attend the event. "People who cane to this dialogue will be part of an intergenerational process that they will be able to useiri manyas.. pects of: their lives," said Gehrz. "Our focus here will be on building neighbor- hoods, but the. skills they will learn are going to . help them communicate with people of all ages." • Gehrz, an intergenerational expert, has conducted similar community dia- logues in .Apple. Valley,' Rosemount and several other Minnesota communities. Eagan's Intergenerational Dialogue will involve both large group discussions and small group interaction. Partici- pants will create a Circle of Generations, . listen to intergenerational panels re- spond to a typical community scenario and work together to develop specific ac- tion plans for the future. Cheryl Caponi, the chair of the Eagan Healthy Community Initiative, said the '0 : 1 I ?I .( '# Ii111 '1.7•i#1 .lfl E[ I R..a. j' 115. 411 �i 6 / 4 a e.�..-.t .a. e,a 'Apple Valley/Rosemount, Eagan Sun•Currerit/Wednes"day APfll 5 2000` 7A dialogue -is, only the first:step .toward' making •better, more closely -knit: neigh- borhoods- in Eagan,. "This is'not .aone-shot event," Caponi said. "This is onlythe beginning of a process that the:Eagan Healthy Commu nity Initiative hopes will starta commu- nity movement. We have goals for the di- alogue that we hope will'translate-into a: stronger community" That the event is important to many. different groups in the community is clear from the various organizations that are lending a handto make the dialogue possible, Caponi said: Thedialogue is a joint community ef- fort funded with the assistance of;contri- butions from the Eagan Convention & Visitors Bureau, Eagan Foundation, Dakota Electric Association, Lutheran Brotherhood, United. Way, Dakota Coun- ty and the city of Eagan. Al Baker's Restaurant issupplying box lunches and breakfast for the event. The Initiative is spearheading Ea- gan's commitment to be a Community of Promise, Minnesota's version of the America's Promise organization headed by .Gen: Colin Powell. The Community of Promise pledge en- sures that young people in the communi- ty -have. access .to fivefundamental re- sources. Those resources are an ongoing relationship with a caring adult; safe places and structured activities during non -school hours; a healthy start.:for. a healthy future; marketable and career skills through effective education; and an opportunity to give back through service. It's' because of that commitment to youth that Caponi hopes.members of the younger generations will: decide to take part in the dialogue. • "We hope everyone sees the value of attending: the dialogue,." Caponi said. "Most of all, we want to see a lot of young people attending. They are the future of this community and we need to reach out to them and actually ask them what they think is best for their community." For more information on the dialogue, call 651-681-4603. Su wife tt 0Z-Io-1oo Z group addresses racial issues Minnesotans for improved Juvenile Justice has 2002 conference in Eagan ,By Joshua Nichols ;SO Newspapers Professionals working with youth spent Valentine's Day putting their hearts into finding ways to address racial disparities in the state's juvenile justice system. The 18th annual Minnesotans for Im • proved Juvenile Justice (MIJJ) Confer- ence took. place Feb. 14 at The Royal Cliff in Eagan. MIJJ is dedicated to providing better services to children in the juvenile justice system. The theme of the conference was "Committed to Change: A Day of Facts, Thought and Action Plans to Address the Underlying Issues for the Overrepresen- tation of Children of Color in the Juvenile Justice System." The Minnesota Depart- ment of Human Services and Minnesota Department of Corrections co -sponsored the conference. - Samuel L. Myers Jr., was the keynote speaker at the event and addressed the issue of reasons behind the racial dispar- ity found in the juvenile justice system. Myers is the Roy Wilkins Professor of Human Relations and Social Justice at the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota. "Everyone assumes that there is a bias in the juvenile justice system," Myers said. "Everybody believes they know the answer why it's that way too." Myers has pioneered the use of ap- plied economic techniques to examine racial disparities in crime, to detect ille- gal discrimination in credit markets and to assess the impacts of welfare on fami- ly stability. Myers said one of the biggest miscon- ceptions about the juvenile justice sys- tem locally is that the overrepresentation of juvenile minorities has been increas- ing. However, a study of arrest data shows only a slight increase from 1980 to 2000 in the ratio of juvenile minorities arrested' to the number of juvenile mi- norities in society in general. Too often the fact that there is a higher percentage of minorities in the juvenile justice system than there are in the juve- nile population is blamed blindly on racism, Myers said. Myers said he is hesi- tant to use the word "racism" as he defines it as a seeing an entire race of people as in- herently sharing the same qualities: Rather, much of the "suspect dispari- ty," as he termed it, in the juvenile justice system comes from discrimination or the "differential treatment of otherwise equally qualified individuals." One reason that minorities are more highly represented in the juvenile justice system has to do with that discrimina- tion and a bias in the way the system often works, he said. Myers used the example of all black male drivers driving 35 mph in a 30 mph zone getting arrested while white male drivers doing the same are not arrested. He said that minorities are often more likely to be pulled over for minor infrac- tions that most other drivers get by doing. JUSTICE: To Page 16A Justice From Page 5A "It's not a question of what they `are doing is illegal, but that they are more likely to be arrested for that illegal ac- tion," Myers said. "The problems with the juvenile justice disparity has to do more • with differences in police contact than anything else." Another likely issue thataffects the number of juvenile minorities in the sys- tem is the fact that African Americans represent a larger portion of the juvenile population than they do of the adult pop- ulation. Much of that statistic has to do with shorter life expectancies for African Americans, Myers said. Myers also said that minorities are more likely to be reported to police, more likely to be investigated and more likely to have the charges against them sub- stantiated, leading to a higher percent- age of juvenile minorities finding their way into the system. Any look at the juvenile justice system must begin with the assumption that the "racism explanation" should be kept as a maintained hypothetical, meaning that it cannot be proved or disproved. Instead, efforts to correct the system should concentrate on the measures and policies the system uses and then sharing that information with the community so that it can be addressed and revised. "There are various factors that could have played a part in a kid making it into the system," Myers said. "There are • neighborhood factors, family factors and other factors, but not necessarily racism. You have the perspective of individuals who think it's the kid's fault and those who think it's racism. We need to con- stantly be on the look out between those two extremes for other possibilities." Minnesotans for Improved Juvenile Justice was created in 1985 to address concerns and give input regarding the legislative initiative to recodify the Juve- nile Code. After the Juvenile Recodification Bill was defeated, the members decided to continue meeting to provide a forum for information, education and discussion of juvenile justice issues. .DPI 1 -c* CgoULb Lrt9. `Oq — 2O4D D Effects of a national tragedy are felt in Eagan by Erin Johnson Staff Writer The tragic events of Tuesday, Sept. 11 sent shockwaves through the nation, and Eagan was no exception. The city was forced to cancel the dedication of a C-130 planned at the airport Tuesday afternoon. Mayor Pat Awada and . members of the City Council were to join Col. Dean Despinoy, 934th Air Wing com- mander, to unveil special nose art naming a C-130E Hercules .transport aircraft "City of Eagan." The dedication will be rescheduled in the coming months, said Eagan Communications Coordinator Joanna Foote. The Airport Relations Committee cancelled its Tuesday meeting and the agenda for the City Council's special meeting was abbreviated. Schools also reacted to the day's events. According to ISD 197 Superintendent John Longtin, the district always likes to maintain safe and secure schools, but things were "proba- bly a little tighter today." Schools throughout the dis- trict had only one entry and one exit available in each building, and staff monitored the comings and goings of students. Principals in each school were asked to remain highly visible throughout the day. Students were kept informed of events either over the PA system or by classroom televisions. Eagan/From 6A . cerns was the number of police officers and firefighters. that would be lost in the rescue efforts._ "This could be the single biggest day of loss of life of police and fire workers, he said. "Police and fire are asked to run toward these things while the rest of the world is running away from them. That's really the essence of public safety work" Residents around the city were gathered around the TV for much of the day. Patrons at Al Bakers were glued to the screen, watching in horror. "It's been stressful," Longtin said. "It's been a shock to our staff as well as our kids. There's been an awful lot of reflection going on among them." Longtin said that while secu- rity was tightened, things remained unusually quiet in the schools. "We wanted to remain calm, but it's also important that peo- ple know the facts and the truth," he said. All District 197 adult evening classes were cancelled, and athletic practices were optional. ISD 196 cancelled all after -school athletics and activi- ties on Tuesday. Eagan Police Chief Kent Therkelsen said the depart- ment only received a few calls with concerns about the safety "I'm extremely saddened and shocked," said Craig Dalton as. he watched the news unfold. "I'm, trying to cope with the reality of the situa- tion." Stephanie Ruppert said What really scares her is what comes. next. "What's scary is obviously the events of today are horrible enough, but what happens tomorrow? What happens six months from now? That's what's really scary," she said. One couple at Al Baker's were counting their blessings as they watched the news, hav- ing left on a flight from Boston to Los Angeles 30 minutes before the flight that was hijacked. The couplehave no idea when they will be able to leave; they said they wanted to take a car, but no rental cars were available; they .said. "Just as we landed they evacuated us -and told us, 'Take your -luggage and get out of here,' ," said Mr. Amir, who declined to share his first name. "So we took the shuttle and came here to the hotel." The Amirs had no idea of the events until their plane was grounded at the Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport. "When we landed we didn't know, they just told us take your things and leave the air - Residents watch the horror unfold at Al Tuesday afternoon. Photo by Erin Johnson of their children at school, and most citizens used the depart- ment's seven -digit number instead of flooding the 911 lines. Therkelcen said the depart Baker's in Eagan ment did not advise taking children out of school. "We believe they're very safe at school," he said. One of Therkelsen's con - Soo Eagan, 7A port," Amir:said .,"That's what we did, and when , we arrived here and turned on CNN we,` saw everythingAll our rela- tives were going crazy:because they knew we were flying from Boston to L.A. and_ nobody could call us." The Aniirs-;said ,they: have since' been m touch With their relatives and are feeling very lucky. : Very, 'very lucky. It's amazing," - 1-877-707-7119 INCREASE YOUR INCOME! PT or FT positions available with Home And Garden Party. We are one of the newest and fastest growing party plan companies in America. Ground floor opportunity. Highest commissions in the,industry! Be one of the first in your area- to offer our wonderful products! Call today for more details. Ask for Crystal • crystals@uslink.net 920•8090•TRIR •agan4 residents to takeaxmoment e precise time aI - o;remember these;Am riX hijacked♦Arnerican Airlines - cans and mdividual�s from There. W111,1be no speech plane Flight I1, crashed more than 70�other,coun es or formal presentation, S H# t j�t,- 1 ,t C r� rt 3 p"`'j r ,>�.i �c » +tt'.-4{, : -4„ into the World TradeCen tries d who pensfied, said abut ,Taps'- will be'played4. fi. ter s s4north tower in New . Eagan.4'City Adman st rator ` honors of�?t e innocent who. York City ';,� ;join Hedges A. •lost their byes; ;the valiant''.. 'Another hijacked plane �:°At • City Hall; an Eagan first responders who died;` bitthe'south tower 17 min Police squad car nand Fire „and ,thep'brave yAmericans• utes later, American Air vehicle will beparked'be w1io'foughttherrhijackers hnesFlight 7,7;was crashed neath, a banner: djacent ,rather r,than ,allow a plane;. irno�the,Pentagon'34 min tb�PilotICnob'Road which +to- hi l e nations capitol x `KL r.,cs' r Lt 1 .. r ,' ^j{a''�'7_� +i '1 ,�gz'�2,3.3.�" t p'��,. � zk � f �'"'7`{+`�,��Yr'i rakrah 0c{- u'- -011 -Thursday Sept. 8, 2011 www.minnlocat.com COMMUNITY BRIEFS Eagan asks for moment of silence on 9/11 anniversary To honor the memory of the nearly 3,000 people who died in America ten years ago in the 9/11 attacks, the city of Eagan is asking residents to observe a moment of silence at 7:46 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 11. That is the precise time a hijacked American Airlines plane, Flight 11, crashed into the World Trade •e Every Day Counts! advance training in pain ays/week er care needs eling care are at Center's north tower in New York City. Another hijacked plane hit the south tower 17 minutes later, an American Airlines Flight 77 was crashed into the Pentagon 34 minutes later, and just after 9 a.m:, a fourth hijacked flight - targeted for Washington, D.C. - was forced down into a field in Pennsylvania by passen- gers who fought off the hijackers." "We're asking Eagan residents to take a moment to remember these Americans and individuals from more than seventy other countries who per- ished," said City Administrator Tom Hedges in a release. At City Hall, an Eagan police squad car and fire vehicle will be parked beneath a banner adjacent to Pilot Knob Road, _ which reads, "Eagan Remembers." At 11 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 11, repre- sentatives of Eagan Police, Fire, and American military will present a memorial wreath at the Tribute and Memorial plaza at Eagan's Central Park. There willbe no speeches or for- mal presentation, but taps will be playedin honor of the innocent who lost their lives, the valiant first respon- ders who died, and the brave Americans who fought the hijackers rather than allow a plane to hit the nation's capitol. Info: 651-675-5008. Cirl Remits new Eagan Apple Valley Rosemount URRENT March 31, 2011 • V36.13 In the Community, With the Community, For the Community ST. JOHN'S CEMETERY Lawrence Linkert, a 72-year-old resident of Eagan, has donated his time, effort and resources to maintain St. John's Cemetery for nearly 53 years. He was recently recognized during this year's State of the City address in Eagan. (Jeff Barthel • Sun Newspapers) It's quiet where he works Linkert a legend at St. John's Cemetery in Eagan BY JEFF BARTHEL SUN NEWSPAPERS He's not paid to do it and wasn't asked to do it, but Lawrence Linkert has cared for and main- tained St. John's Cemetery in Eagan for more than half a century. "Nobody else wanted to do it. It was sitting there and the grass was growing, it looked terri- ble ... and I've got rela- tives in there," said the 72-year-old Eagan resi- dent. His volunteer efforts were recently recognized during Eagan Mayor Mike Maguire's State of the City address. Every year, along with the help of family and friends, Linkert has his own time and energy caring for the near one -and -a -quarter century old cemetery. Why? "I don't know," he said, pausing for a few moments. "I was com- pelled ... I was compelled CEMETERY: TO PAGE 13 .uocal.com In the Community, With the Community. For the Community udents give back through SkiIIsUSA it. SkillsUSA prepares students for in trade, technical and skilled occupations. or Carlos Alvarez joined the A program last year after seeing smates return from an annual training weekend. e pictures and what they did uch fun they were having," id. "I went to state last year and in the service project with a and a promotional bulletin then I went to nationals with ment. - gs! R* s 7_ Dr refinance ty metro area! ,) na • St. Paul 1gs Financial checking account and 11 and are subject to change al any time. 4 NCUA. Cassandra, and that was just an amazing experience. It's been so much fun and I met so many people." Twenty-one registered juniors and seniors make up the Dakota Ridge SkillsUSA team. The national organiza- tion has 13,000 school chapters in 54 state and territorial associations. Students in the Dakota Ridge SkillsUSA program complete 500 hours of community service every year by visiting homeless shelters, having a Meals On Wheels route and par- ticipating in mentoring programs. "We do a lot of stuff together as a group, and we go out in the community and do things with other people," said junior Hannah Solinger-Hillenbrand. "One of SkillsUSAs themes is giving back to the community," said SkillsUSA program advisor Carrie Wilson -Smith. "It does a great deal of self-esteem build- ing and gives a sense of accomplish- ment." The students participating in SkillsUSA must complete a service proj- ect each year. For this year's project "For the Love of Reading," students collected more than 2,000 donated books, and also built bookshelves given to the Rosemount Family Resource Center Tuesday, March 22. Families can take home the books, and the SkillsUSA team will replenish the bookshelf for the whole year. "The community service team did everything," Wilson -Smith said. "They voted on it, planned it and executed it." Diamond Path School of International Studies, Rosemount High School, Valley Middle School and Shannon Park Elementary School hosted book drives to help the Dakota Ridge SkillsUSA pro- gram reach their goal of 1,000 books. In the end, 2,322 were collected. "The kids are devoted to doing this project and devoted to doing a lot of other things, and it's just great to see them involved in something that's valuable," Wilson -Smith said. "I wanted to do something nice for the families who actually really need books and bookshelves," Ersfeld said. "Last year we did a bike drive, and I cried when we gave away a bike to a little boy." As a part of the SkillsUSA program, students can compete in local, state and national competitions to demonstrate occupational and leadership skills. Approximately 2,000 high school stu- dents competed in this year's Minnesota State Skills Conference March 25-27 at the Bloomington Sheraton Hotel. The Dakota Ridge team presented their "For the Love of Reading" service project in front of a committee judging them on planning and execution. The students also competed in other leadership areas, including demonstrat- ing a career in technical skills, giving a prepared speech, presenting the out- standing chapter book, participating in the opening and closing ceremonies and presenting a promotional bulletin board demonstrating the theme of "Respecting all Perspectives." Although Dakota Ridge School' is for students with emotional and behavioral disorders, students still compete against general education students in the service project competition. The team also partic- ipates in leadership training with the general education students each year. "Last year at nationals we went to Kansas City, Mo., and I met different peo- ple from all over the state," Ersfeld said. "It's exciting to see different people. My mom even said that she wishes that she would have had this in high school because she's seen it change me." Cemetery FROM PAGE 1 to do -it, and it doesn't bother me because I've been blessed. So it costs me a little money every year, it isn't that much." Linkert, who has lived in a house less than a mile . south of the cemetery (at the intersection of Blackhawk and Diffley Roads) since 1968 with his wife, Janet, said several of his family mem- bers have been buried there - including his parents and grandparents, as well as aunts and uncles. "I've worked on it (since) before they died," Linkert said. "They had plots there already." He has been retired for 13 year now, but has been doing this long before his 40 years working for West Publishing, a. company based in St. Paul whenLinkert began working there, which later moved to Eagan. He also worked in energy management where he said he did sev- eral fix -up types of jobs, such as heating and air conditioning, electrical work, snow removal, hazardous waste removal and operating,a forklift: f ' "I'm a mechanical guy," Linkert said. "I can see it in my head when I do stuff." He said he learned to be that way from growing up on his grandma's farm in the Eagan area near Johnny Cake Ridge Road. He worked there and at his uncle's farm across the street. Linkert's handyman, fix -up nature is part of what" makes him good at maintaining the cemetery, where he does a- variety of tasks to make sure the cemetery is pre- sentable. "I want to make it -look good:for every - "Taking care of a cemetery is a lot of work. The ground is often lumpy and uneven, the gravestones do not line up well, and there are often a number of overgrown shrubs and bushes to contend with. I am- thankful that we have people like Mr. Linkert." - Debbie Boe, owner and operator of Debbie's Historical and Genealogical Services body," Linkert said. "Keeping it clean and trimmed, trim the trees and bushes, raise the [head]stones when they' sink down, fill in holes; stuff like that." "He does an. excellent job," Janet Linkert said of her husband. "He keeps it nice and trim, and relatives help out whenever he needs it. I think it's great." . "No one's . quite sure who actually owns the cemetery, but Lawrence does- n't really worry about that," Maguire said during his State of the City address. "Lawrence, thank you. We're honored by you and your'family's spirit and determination." The acknowledgement was a special moment for both Linkert and his family. He was accompanied to the event by his wife, and surprised with the presence of other family members, including his sister Carolyn, daughter Rebecca and grandchildren Ashley and Devin. "It was nice [they] could make it there," Janet Linkert said. "[The mayor] had a really, really nice talk about him." Linkert said he was flattered 'and grateful for the presentation. - "I want to say a special thanks to Mayor Maguire for noticing want I've done with the cemetery," he said. Linkert had a large, engraved stone built for the cemetery in 2002, He and his cousin, Gail Dahlberg, designed the stone together. The two .worked with Melgard Monuments in River Fall's, Wis., to construct it. The stone facing the Blackhawk-Diffley intersection was made to replace the cemetery's old wrought iron sign that was rusted and falling apart, Lawrence said. Through the years, Linkert has spent a lot of his own money on the grave- yard, such as his purchase of a lawn tractor in 1965. He also said his efforts, have been aided by the nonprofit St. John's Cemetery Association. The group, which consists of Lawrence and Janet, collects donations from people such as families who have had loved ones buried at St. John's. The two officially took charge of St. John's after Linkert said the cemetery's records were put in his car one day in 1996 while he was visiting relatives in Mora. Lawrence has taken great pride in maintaining the cemetery, but in con • - sidering his age, he 'said he's recently_ been looking for someone to pass -the duties on to. "In eight more years, I'll be ' in my 80s," he said. "I've got to get somebody who wants to take pride in it. I. don't want to just give it to anybody.if they're not going to have their soul and heart in *it. I want to see it kept up." He and Janet said they believe to have found the heirs to these responsibilities within their own family. The two will meet these potential trustees - two of Lawrence's cousins and his daughter, Rebecca - within the next couple of weeks. Beyond the duties Lawrence con- ducts to maintain the physical condi- tion of the graveyard, he also charts --out the plots for incoming bodies to be buried and assisting with funerals, where he helps people find spaces to park their cars. Professional researcher Debbie Boe said what Linkert does is laborious and admirable. "Mr. Linkert, and others like him, are unsung heroes," said .Boe, owner and operator of Debbie's Historical _ and Genealogical Services in Chaska. "They quietly provide their services (to the rest of us), often with little or no com- pensation or thanks from anyone. Taking care of a • cemetery is a lot of work. The ground is often lumpy and uneven, the gravestones do not line up well, and there are often a number of overgrown shrubs and bushes to con- tend with. I am thankful that we have - people like Mr. Linkert." -Not looking for money or credit, Lawrence said simply, "I want to do the best I can for the families that are buried there." FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY llam-9pm 9am-6pm l0am-5pm AN ARTS & CRAFTS AFFAIR Hundreds of the Finest Artists & Craftspeople from Across the Country! APRIL 8, 9, 10 Canterbury Park - Shakopee, MN ( Highway 169 to County Road 83 North ) America's Finest Handcrafts ...All for Sale! Handcrafted, One -Of -A -Kind Home Decor & Gifts An Incredible Shopping Experience at a Premium Facility $30 Gift Certificates Awarded Hourly Stage Entertainment, Food, Drink and Family Fun Voted *1 Show in the Country By SUNSHINE ARTIST MAGAZINE Fashion show benefits Kids `n Kinship Chicks For A Cause partners with local mentorship program Kinship offers that." "We weren't aware of other programs doing a fashion show as a fundraiser in Dakota County, so we thought that would be a nice, novel idea to go with," said Kids `n Kinship Executive Director Jan Belmore. "Chicks For A Cause thought it BY JENNIE OLSON • SUN NEWSPAPERS would be a good fit for the people they work with to have their products avail - Fashion Week may be wrapping up in able at a fashion show as well." New York, London, Milan and Paris, but Vendors scheduled to be at the show spring fashion activities are just getting include Lillian's of Farmington, started for Dakota County residents. Mainstream Boutique in Apple Valley, The Fashionista Favorites charity La Belle Boutique in Burnsville, fashion show will be 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Houndstooth in Savage, Funky Monkey April 14, at GrandStay's La Grand Event in Lakeville, Salon Onyx in Lakeville, Center in Apple Valley. Chicks For A Indulge Boutique in Eagan and Divine Cause, an organization working with Salon in Eagan. local businesses and vendors for month- Models for the fashion show are vol- ly charity events, is hosting the event to unteers and current mentors. Several benefit Kids `n Kinship, an organization mentors will also speak at the event matching mentors to youth in need of a about their mentoring experiences. Kids caring adult influence. `n Kinship matches children ages 5-16 in "We decided to partner with Kids `n Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Kinship because every child deserves a Farmington, Lakeville and Rosemount healthy and positive role model, and with adult volunteers who spend 1-4 that's what they help these children hours per week with the child. obtain," said Chicks For A Cause "Head Volunteers make a one-year commit - Chick" Sarah Gutierrez. "If they're in a ment to the program and serve as a pos- single family home, they need that extra itive adult role model to the protege support system, and I think Kids `n . while having fun and building a rela- tionship. "Chicks for a Cause focuses on aware- ness and education, so they're providing a vehicle for us to get the word out to the community," Belmore said. "We have almost 70 children on a waiting list who are in need of mentors. Through this event and our mentors speaking people will become aware of the fact that we not only need funding for the program, but we also need actual volunteers to come forward and spend time with the children." A collection drop-off will be available at the event for gently used purses, hand- bags, wallets and other items to donate to Clutch for Cause, an organization working with single parents. Although the event is geared toward women, it's open to everyone and appe- tizers and a cash bar will be available. Tickets for the Fashionista Favorites charity fashion show can be purchased at chicksforacause.com. More informa- tion about Kids `n Kinship is available at kidsnkinship.org. Visit us online at www.mnSun.com for extended news and advertising A & J Painting/Remodeling I Specialize in "Knock Down Ceiling," Textured/Flat Ceilings & Drywall Repair. Full Service Painting Contractor.' 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