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08/18/2003 - Advisory Parks & Recreation CommissionAGENDA ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION EAGAN, NDNNESOTA Monday, August 18, 2003 7:00 PM Eagan Municipal Center City Council Chambers A. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance B. Approval of Agenda C. Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting of July 14, 2003 D. Visitors to be Heard E. Superintendent's Update and Department Happenings (1) Recreation Program Update - Cathy Bolduc F. Consent Agenda G. Development Agenda H. Old Business (1) Funding for Caponi Art Park re: Metro Greenway Grant (2) Lexington Ridge Development Update I. New Business J. Water Resources Update K Other Business and Reports (1) Satellite Imaging Report (2) C.I.P. Project Update (3) Subcommittee Updates (4) Community Center Update • Grand Opening-September 27, 2003 L. Round Table M. Adjournment Tour Of- Thresher Fields • O'Leary Playground • Community Center ...................•...... Meet at City Hall, upper level parking lot at 6:00 pm Pages 2-3 Pages 4-9 Page 10 Pages 11-12 7:00 pm 7:02 pm 7:03 pm 7:04 pm 7:05 pm 7:25 pm 7:35 pm 7:36 pm 7:37 pm 7:45pm 7:46 pm 7:47 pm 7:50 pm 8:10 pm 8:15 pm 8:16 pm 8:20 pm 8:25 pm The City ofEagan is committed to the policy that all persons have equal access to its programs, services, activities, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or status with regard to public assistance. Auxiliary aids for disabled persons wishing to participate are available upon request at least 96 hours in advance of the event. I fa notice of less than 96 hours is received, the City will attempt to provide the aids. Next Advisory Parks Commission Meeting: September 15, 2003 ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION 2003 MEETING SCHEDULE NAME Feb 13 Mar 17 Apr 14 May 19 Jun 16 Jul 14 Aug 18 Sep 15 Oct 20 Nov 17 Dec 15 Jan Joseph Ban x X X X X X Phil Belfiori x X x x O* X Margo Danner x X X X X X Terry Davis x X X X X X N. Mark Filipi x 0* X X X 0 Elizabeth Perry x X x x X O Dorothy Peterson x X X X X X Richard Pletcher x 0* X X 0* X Ken West (alternate) X 0 0* 0 0 X Melvin Williams x O* X X 0 0 X =present O = absent 0* = notified staff of absence prior to meeting Recreation Sub-Committee Natural Resources Sub-Committee AcauisitionlDeveloprnent Sub-Committee Richard Pletcher N. Mark Filipi Joseph Bari Melvin Williams Elizabeth Perry Phil Belfiori Ken West Margo Danner Liaison to Holz Farm Study Terry Davis Dorothy Peterson Dorothy Peterson UPCOMING MEETINGS: 5-21-03: Capon Art Park Study Committee 6-9-03: Workshop - Caponi Art Park Study 6-24-03: Joint Meeting with City Council - Capon! Art Park and Holz Farm 7-7-03: 5:30 pm - Alternative Funding - Continued Discussion OPEN ISSUES 1. Donor Naming Policy Discussion- Slated for subcommittee in Sept. 03 (R. Pletcher) 2. September- Alternative Funding Discussion 3. Novemiber- Subcommittee meet with Friends of the Farm to discuss National Register of Historic Places- D. Peterson ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION 20A3 MEMBERS NAME AND ADDRESS TERM TELEPHONE TERM START EXPIRES JOSEPH BARI 1999 651-454-8442 (H) 1/2005 3033 Timberwood Trail (3 yr. 1999) Eagan, MN 55121 (3 yr. 2002) ibaril@juno.com PHIL BELFIORI 2002 651-905-0293 (H) 1/2006 3671 Canary Way (1 yr. 2002) 651-297-8026 (W) Eagan, MN 55123 (3 yr. 2003) Phi1.Be1fiori@BWSR.state.mn.us MARGO DANNER 2001 651/454-5688 (H) 1/2004 2037 Flint Lane (3 yr. 2001) Eagan, MN 55122 mrsmagoo@usfamily.net TERRY DAVIS Chair 1997 651-452-2635 (H) 1/2006 4895 Safari Pass (3 yr. 1997) 651-310-8941 (VV) Eagan, MN 55122-2690 (3 yr. 2000) (3yr.2003) 452-2152 (Home fax) teffy.davis@stpaul.com N. MARK FILIPI May, 1997 651-602-1725 (VV) 1/2004 (3 yr- 1998) 836 Overlook Place (3 yr. 2001) mark.filipi@metc.state.mn.us Eagan, MN 55123 ELIZABETH PERRY (LIZA) 2002 612-414-6056 (cell) 1/2005 3298 Rolling Hills Drive (3 yr• 2002) 651-452-5200 x138 (W) Eagan, MN 55121 651-452-3201 (H) elizabeh.peffy@pufte.com DOROTHY PETERSON Vice Chair 2000 651-454-6532 (H) 1/2006 4337 Sequoia Drive (3 yr. 2000) Eagan, MN 55122 (3 N• 2003) norsk4337@juno.com RICHARD PLETCHER Secretary 2001 651-687-9177 (H) 1/2005 1074 Northview Park (1 yr. 2001) Eagan, MN 55123 (3 yr• 2002) richard.pletcher@usarc-emh2.army.mii KEN WEST 2003 651-687-9152 (H) 1/2004 600 Lone Oak Road (1 yr. 2003) 651-303-3316 (W) Eagan, MN 55121 (alternate) MELVIN WILLIAMS 2001 651-994-6727 (H) 1/2004 823 Wescott Square (3 yr. 2001) tuboj@msn.com Eagan, MN 55123 Eagan City Staff E-Mail: kvraa@ci.eaaan.mn.us cmesko@ci.eagan.mn.us poison@ci.eagan.mn.us jasfahl@ci.eaaan.mn.us shove@ci.eacian.mn.us emacbeth@ci.eacian.mn.us bwielde@ci.eaaan.mn.us Phone #651-675-5505 (Cherryl's # after 4:30 p.m.) Eagan Parks and Recreation Phone Number: 651-675-5500 Eagan Parks and Recreation Staff E-Mail Administration: Ken Vraa Cherryl Mesko Paul Olson Jeff Asfahl Beth Wielde Forestry: Gregg Hove kvraa@ci.eagan.mn.us cmesko@ci. eagan. mn. us poison@ci. eagan. mn. us Aqsfahl @ci. eagan. mn. us bwielde@ci.eagan.mn.us ghove@ci. eagan. mn. us Water Resources: Eric Macbeth emacbeth@ci. eagan. mn. us Parks Planner/Landscape Architect CJ Lilly cililly@ci. eagan. mn. us Recreation Staff: Paula Nowariak pnowariak@ci. eagan. mn. us Sonya Rippe srippe@ci eagan.mn.us Cathy Bolduc cbolduc@ci.eagan.mn.us Holly Champlin hchamplin@ci.eagan.mn.us Colleen Callahan ccalahan@ci.eagan.mn.us Cascade Bay: Aaron Hunter ahunter@ci. eagan. mn. us Civic Arena: Mark Vaughan mvaughan@ci.eagan.mn.us Community Center: Sandy Breuer sbreuer@ci.eagan.mn.us Alblw- TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: MEMO city of eagan ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION KEN VRAA, PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR AUGUST 15, 2003 AUGUST 18, 2003 COMMISSION MEETING This month the tour will take participating APrC members to Thresher Fields, O'Leary playground and the community center. Please meet at the east entrance at 6:00 p.m. The regular meeting will begin at 7:00 pm and the agenda includes: Item E: Following Department Happenings by Superintendents Olson and Asfahl, Recreation Supervisor Bolduc will present an update of programs she supervises. Items F-G: There are no consent or development items to review. Item H: If information is available prior to the meeting, further discussion may occur regarding the Metro Greenway Grant as it pertains to the Caponi Art Park. Staff would also like to provide a brief update of the APC recommendations pertaining to the Lexington Ridge development (Remo Capoi property). Item I: There are no New Business items for the Commission to review. Item J: Water Resources Coordinator Macbeth will provide a brief overview of water resources issues. Item K: Forestry Supervisor Hove will provide a brief overview and introduce consultants who will review a satellite imaging project recently completed in Eagan Superintendent Olson will provide a brief overview of the status of the Park Site Fund. Subcommittees who have met since the June meeting may want to update the Commission on their work efforts. A monthly update on the community center construction will also be provided. I. Department Happenings August 18, 2003 RECREATION DIVISION • Summer softball leagues have finished the season and fall ball starts August 11-14 at Northview Athletic Fields. There are 32 teams participating in post-season play. Northview and Lexington-Diffley Athletic Fields held 1,753 softball games this summer. • The Men's D Region N Recreational Softball Tournament was held at Northview Athletic Fields August 8- 10. There were 56 teams that competed in this tournament. • Teams are currently registering for fall basketball, touch football and volleyball. These leagues will begin in September at various locations. • The fall edition of "Discover" will be delivered to all Eagan residences during the week of August 11-15. • Friends of the Farm are again playing a key role with the delivery of the Holz Farm camps offered for ages 4- 10. The camps are quite popular. Planning is well underway for this years Lone Oak Days annual celebration at Holz Farm. It is scheduled for Fri. Sept. 19th 4 - 8 pm and Sat. Sept. 20th from 11- 4 pm. Free admission - Great family event! • Strong participation continues with the Eagan Art House programs. • Staff have worked hard at determining the inaugural season allocation of Gymnasium hours to be shared to benefit the whole community at he Community Center. • Planning is well underway for the Grand Opening of the Commuity Central / Central Park Bandshell & other site amenities. The event is scheduled for Saturday Sept. 27, noon - 4 pm. It is shaping up to be a "grand event". The community is encouraged to take part - you won't want to miss it! ! • Fall Preschool begins September 8; registrations are still being accepted. • Many new and exciting preschool classes are being offered at the Community Center this Fall. Please see the discover brochure for more details. • The last preschool camp wrapped up this week. Over 400 children participated in this summer's preschool program! • Tennis lessons, camps, teams, leagues and other programs for 2003 are finished. For the second consecutive year program totals reached over 800 for the summer. Program success is attributed to the wonderful instruction skills of the seven staff, leadership skills of the program assistant and all the participants that continue to get involved in tennis. • Adapted programs continue to prove successful. The adapted soccer program finished in mid-June and the adapted track program begins in mid-August. An adapted floor hockey program is scheduled to begin in the fall at the Community Center. • So far this summer seniors have been entertained by the Pops Orchestra in Nicollet Island, the Lazy River at Cascade Bay, the blooming plants at the Landscape Arboretum and have also gone to St. Cloud for the Munsinger Gardens and other site seeing adventures. • In addition to trips, seniors have been working to develop programs and activities for everyone in the Lone Oak Room. Although volunteer help is always in demand, quite a number of successful activities and programs have been established by the dedicated group. • The week of August 11 was the last week for many summer camps. Over 600 participants were involved in summer camps. • The Eagan Youth Safety Camp was held for the 13th year. There were 116 participants this year, which was the most ever! The camp was moved to Trapp Farm Park this year due to construction at Thomas Lake Park. Trapp Farm Park worked very well for this camp. The State Patrol Helicopter was still able to land. PARKS DIVISION • Planting and seeding of the lakeshore restoration project at Moonshine Park was essentially completed August 6, thanks to a very intensive final week of effort by City staff and Sentence to Serve crews. A few trays of emergent (in-water) plants remain to be installed, but staff is first dealing with some predation by muskrat and/or geese of already installed plants. A relatively minor amount of maintenance will be required through the rest of the summer and into the fall to ensure the project has the best chance of making it through this winter. • The City's aquatic plant harvesting program is now completed. This year, staff operated the equipment on Fish, Blackhawk, and Thomas lakes, where over 100 truckloads of plants were removed. • Other ongoing efforts of the Water Resources Division include water quality monitoring of priority lakes and ponds and purple loosestrife control. Off, A Dakota County Sentence to Service crew recently completed another two week stint working for the Park Division. Projects included mulching, planting, trash and debris removal and the painting of hockey rinks. Progress has been made on all of the 2003 CIP projects being funded through the Park Site Fund. Projects include; Thresher Field construction Clearwater Rink Lighting upgrade Playground replacements (3) Thomas Lake Pavilion renovation Hockey rink paving Tennis court renovation Central park gazebo A project update will be provided during the "Other Business and Reports" portion of the meeting. • The continuing dry weather has necessitated running the irrigation systems at the athletic site at 100% of capacity. The systems continue to be operated in a manner consistent with the odd/even water restrictions ie; though water will run at a site on consecutive days, due to the size of the site, the same turf is not watered two days in a row. Should the dry weather continue it may be necessary to reseed those neighborhood park areas that are more susceptible due to the underlying soils. • In accordance with the Site Action Plan approved by Dakota County and the MPCA a contractor has removed a small quantity of materials containing asbestos (primarily old shingles) from the fill slope at Thresher Fields Park. No materials containing asbestos were found elsewhere on the site. The few washouts found on the slope have since been filled by the STS crews. These activities, combined with the design features of the new site intended to reduce run o$ mark the final phase of the site mitigation process. Regular ground water testing will be done to monitor the condition of the underlying fill that is now "capped" by the parking lot. • Staffhas completed several projects at the Community Center including retiling a portion of a locker room and installing the Lioness statue. Staff has also begun work on the installation of retaining walls in the area of new Central Park pavilion. • The mid-year application of fertilizer on the irrigated sites has beep completed Once again a high quality low phosphorus material was used in a manner consistent with recent spit tests. Due to the continual watering made necessary by the dry conditions there is an increased potential for the nutrients to leach into the soil more quickly than usual. Staff will continue to monitor the conditions and adjust the fall application as needed. • With the end of summer fast approaching the annual exodus of seasonal maintenance employees has begun. The greatest impact is generally felt in the turf maintenance program where mowing and trimming of low priority sites and boulevards may become more irregular. Programmed sites and facilities will remain a as priority for the remaining staff. • Staff recently completed the installation of the new playground structure at Pilot Knob Elementary school. The project was completed as a cooperative effort of the School district, parents and students, and the City. The playground is available for community use during non-school hours. • The trail connection to Lebanon Hills through Manley's Natures Edge development on Dodd Road has been graded and paved to the park boundary. County Park staff have been notified of its completion and will be developing a time line for making an internal connection into the park system. 3 City of Eagan MEMO Parks and Recreation Date: August 18, 2003 Agenda Item: &1; Recreation Program Update Action Information AGENDA ITEM: E-1; RECREATION PROGRAM UPDATE TO: ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION PREPARED BY: CATHY BOLDUC, PROGRAM AND EVENTS SUPERVISOR ITEM OVERVIEW: Program review and highlights. MEOW BACKGROUND/HISTORY: Spring and summer are very busy seasons in Eagan. Spring programs are reminders that summer will soon be on the way. Staff begin to hire and train seasonal employees for a variety of programs including instructional and skill development, special interest, special events and activities for seniors. Even before school lets out, the phones begin to ring as the community plans for the summer. Shortly after, summer is in full swing. Families, youth, adults, seniors and others are actively participating in the variety of programs offered by Eagan Parks and Recreation. The spring and summer of 2003 were very eventful. Significant additions to the 2003 recreation program were successful due to the new amenities available in Eagan. Both the summer entertainment series (Evenings in Central Park) and the senior program expanded as a direct result of the opening of the new Eagan Community Center and Central Park. The community has also positively responded to the adapted program encouraging additional adapted opportunities to be planned. Eagan has also responded well to the variety of other programs that are offered in the spring and summer months. A brief summary of participation follows. PROGRAM REVIEW: INSTRUCTIONAL AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT Including both traditional and non-traditional programs are important to the success and strength of a recreational garden. Adapted programs, one of the newer programs to be planted is showing signs of hardiness in the Eagan area. An adapted soccer program that began last fall and was repeated this spring has received a strong, favorable response from the community and continues into the late summer with a track opportunity. Other programs that continue to provide wonderful color in the recreation program include in-line skating, softball camps, summer tennis and golf. A brief overview of these programs follow. f Adapted Programs - 59 participants Everyone involved in this program area make it successful. Adapted physical education professionals help provide expertise and insight into adapting programs for youth with special needs. Volunteers provide an effective way to attend to the personal needs of the participants while keeping program costs affordable. And without the strong showing of youth and parents that sign them up, the program would not have survived. In fact, the encouragement has prompted the expansion into a track program and a floor hockey program planned for fall. ¦ Spring Soccer - 31 participants Summer Track- 28 participants In-line skating - 98 participants In-line offerings for youth to adults continue to be popular. Both spring and summer in- line lessons saw a rise in participation this year, from 43 participants in 2002 to 64 in 2003. Possible reasons may include a changed focus towards the individual benefits of in- line skating, the potential for family activity, the desire to do participate at the permanent skate park, and positive word of mouth about John Glynn, the long-timer dedicated instructor. ¦ Youth and adult lessons - 64 participants ¦ Street & ramp skating - 34 participants Softball Camp - 32 participants New coaches took charge of the softball camp this past summer and provided a different look and feel to the long-time successful program. The four-day camp provides youth an opportunity to work with high school softball coaches on hitting and skills. The program benefits all involved; it's an opportunity for interested youth to get advanced training and attention by high school staff and coaches have the opportunity to share their knowledge with youth that may one day be the stars of their teams. Tennis - 851 participants and 4 teams Seven staff, a Recreation Program Assistant and the Program and Events Supervisor worked together this year to put on a spectacular summer of tennis for youth and adults. Lessons continue to be the backbone of the program, but camp and team tennis popularity are on a steady rise. Success is attributed to the talents and observations of the summer tennis instructors as well as the feedback from participants and their families. Improvements and finishing touches are already being addressed for the 2004 summer tennis program. Program offerings are listed below. ¦ Youth Lessons for ages 6 - 14, 377 participants ¦ Private and Semi-Private Instruction for all ages, 46 participants ¦ Camp Programs for ages 5 -14,184 participants ¦ Team Tennis for ages 11 - 18, 52 participants ¦ Tennis Tournament, 41 participants ¦ Family Challenge, 22 participants ¦ Adult Club, 39 participants ¦ Adult Co-Rec Team Tennis, 4 teams ¦ Men's and Women's Singles Tennis, 31 participants -5- Golf - 665 participants Two new varieties were introduced to the golf program this past summer. In addition to offerings at Mendota Heights Par Three Golf Course, programs were also offered through Lost Spur and Parkview Golf Courses. The collaboration celebrated the unique opportunities at each golf course. Beginner lessons, camps and youth leagues were held at Mendota Heights, while experienced players enjoyed more advanced opportunities at Lost Spur and Parkview courses. ¦ Youth, Adult, and Parent/Child Lessons, ages 6 to adult - 151 participants • Camps, ages 6 to 16 - 178 participants • Junior Leagues, ages 6 to 16 - 336 participants SPECIAL INTEREST PROGRAMS A variety of special interest programs are available through Eagan Parks and Recreation geared toward those interested in babysitting, stars, landscape plants, bugs and crafts. Indoor and outdoor classroom settings offer interesting activities and great instruction relating to a topic of choice. Babysitting/Latchkey Clinics - 35 participants This program continues to be popular for youth ages 10 and older wanting to be prepared for the responsibilities of babysitting and being at home alone. This program is organized and conducted by the Eagan Fire Auxiliary volunteers and is offered four times each year. Nature/Environmental Programs - 182 participants With the expertise and assistance of Eagan Parks and Recreation staff as well as community volunteers, participants have several opportunities to experience outdoor activities that may be new to them. Activities included searching for clues of spring's arrival, looking at the evening stars, casting for fish, planting a garden site, and using natural materials to make a variety of crafts. • Signs of Spring - 16 participants ¦ Evening with the Stars - 56 participants - canceled due to poor weather ¦ Fishing Clinic - 40 participants ¦ Adventures in Gardening -14 participants ¦ Nature creations - 16 participants SPECIAL EVENTS Eagan residents and others are attracted to a variety of special events offered through Eagan Parks and Recreation. Special events are short lived activities that reach a large number of participants. They are great opportunities to get the community together with common interests. Eagan Fun Run - 272 participants The Eagan Fun Run is the kick off for the South of the River Recreators (S.O.R.R.) Ground Pounders Grand Prix Running Series, held in May. This year the race was held two weeks later than in the past to attract additional runners as well as increase the chances of better weather. Race length includes a 2-mile race, 5-mile race and a half mile Ducky Dash for youth. Door prizes, awards and organized stretching add to the entertaining atmosphere as well as the collaborative efforts with the other SORR communities provide staffing assistance and sponsorship opportunities. (o- Evenings in the Park - 600 participants (to date) Families, couples, youth, seniors and all others are attracted to the new Central Park pavilion and band shell several times throughout the summer to listen and watch various musicians and talented performers at no cost. Six family fun nights were held on Wednesday evenings beginning with pre-performance entertainment at 6:30 p.m. and main performances at 7:00 p.m. Pre-performance entertainment was a very successful addition to the 2003 series. Activities such as a kids fear factor, family game show and Imagination Station provided a new twist and lots of laughs for people that arrived early. Two additional performances were added on a Sunday and Tuesday evening to maximize entertainment options for the community. Rain was a major factor again in 2003. More than half of the scheduled performances experienced light rain before or during the performances, but none were cancelled entirely because of rain. 2003 Performances and Attendance: Kids Fear Factor & Ronald McDonald, June 11 - audience of 150 Will Hale and the Tadpole Parade, June 25 - audience of 35 Hungry Horse, June 26 - Cancelled Puppet Wagon & The Grace Notes, July 9 - audience of 45 John Filipczak & the Classics, July 20 - audience of 65 Family Matters Game & Alphabits, July 23 - audience of 100 Imagination Station & the Splatter Sisters, August 6 - audience of 130 Lehto & Wright, August 12 - audience of 75 Underwater Adventures, August 20 SENIORS Eagan seniors are very fortunate to have a new space for gathering and enjoying each other's company, while still acting as a visible part of the community. The Lone Oak Room in the Eagan Community Center has provided a site for seniors of all ages to experience a variety of games, crafts, discussion groups and other interests throughout the week. The addition of the new space has also presented the interested participants with the unique opportunity to design, create and plan for the already growing future senior program in Eagan. Volunteers have spent many hours planning and preparing for this new venture and look forward to the development of the Eagan Senior Program Board, which will be in place by January of 2004. Much of the success listed below can be attributed to collaborative efforts. Eagan works closely with Apple Valley Parks and Recreation on many of the trips and a group of southern metro senior program coordinators have joined forces to offer quarterly dances and will begin a wellness wisdom program in the fall. Trips - 134 participants ¦ Victorian Brunch & Tour, March - 27 participants ¦ Landmark Lunch & Schubert Club Performance, April - 21 participants ¦ Spam Town USA, June - 8 participants ¦ Pops Orchestra Performance at Nicollet Island, July - 47 participants ¦ St. Cloud Trip, July -13 participants ¦ Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, August -18 participants ¦ Padelford and Showboat, August - people Classes, Clubs and Special Days - 438 participants ¦ AARP 55 Alive, March through August - 208 participants ¦ Housing Class, March - 2 participants ¦ Spring Fling Dinner & Dance -129 Eagan participants, 180 total participants ¦ Summer picnic, June - 44 participants ¦ Cascade Bay Programs, June through August - 55 participants 7. Year-Round Gatherings- 47 -115 participants ¦ City Hall Community Room/Lone Oak Room, 15 - 45 participants weekly ¦ McDonald's, 30 - 60 participants monthly ¦ Golden Gaitors Walking Club, 8 participants PROGRAM PREVIEW: Too quickly, the summer passes and the community begins to focus their attention on fall. During the upcoming fall season interested participants have a variety of programs available to them. With the addition of the Eagan Community Center, an encouraging number of new programs are available and existing programs are able to expand upon previous success satisfying a great number of participants. UPCOMING PROGRAMS Golf- Stretching the outdoor season as long as possible, a fall golf session provides lessons for youth and adults, a parent/child golf league and the completion of the seniors golf league. Who Done It Hike - September 13 at Ritter Farm Park in Lakeville Each year, this mystery walk for families is planned and sponsored by the South of the River Recreators (S.O.R.R) and held in Lakeville. Evening with the Stars - September 25 at Thomas Lake Park Clouds won't put a damper on the program this year! If weather isn't great for viewing stars, a naturalist will entertain participants with an evening hike, mythical stories by a bonfire and more. Babysitting/Latchkey Clinic -October 4 and November 1 Clouds won't put a damper on the program this year! If weather isn't great for viewing stars, a naturalist will entertain participants with an evening hike, mythical stories by a bonfire and more. Adapted Floor Hockey - October 5 - November 23 at the Eagan Community Center Youth ages six to ten with specialneeds can participate in an introductory floor hockey program geared towards skill development and social interaction. Going Batty - October 9 at Moonshine Park Youth ages six to twelve will visit with a live African Fruit bat, learn about their habitat, and enjoy a variety of bat activities and stories. Halloween Hodgepodge - October 26 at Northview Park Athletic Complex This is a Halloween celebration of great magnitude for everyone. Families with younger kids enjoy late afternoon activities of games, crafts and puppet shows. As the sun sets, older kids and adults muster their bravery for the Terror Trail and Tales in the Graveyard. Seniors Efforts continue to strengthen the programs in the Lone Oak Room as well as introduce more health and wellness activities. Regular activities include daily activities in the Lone Oak Room and activities twice a month at McDonald's of Eagan. Additional details on all senior 6". programs are available in the News From the Front Porch, a bimonthly newsletter sent out free of charge. ¦ Indoor Walking Class - September 8 - October 31, Eagan Community Center ¦ Senior Operation Safety (S.O.S.) - September 10 - 11, Lone Oak Room ¦ Senior Seated Strength - September 12 - October 31, Lone Oak Room ¦ Afton House Inn and Boat Cruise trip - September 12 ¦ Gentle Yoga - September 16 -- November 6, Eagan Community Center ¦ Fall Nature Celebration trip - September 30 ¦ Fall Harvest Dance with Apple Valley, Farmington, and Rosemount ¦ Flu Shot Clinic - October 17, Lone Oak Room ¦ Wellness Wisdom, "Am-Aging Grace" - November 5, Rosemount Community Center s „h. City of Eagan Parks and Recreation MEMO AGENDA ITEM: K-i; SATELLITE IMAGING REPORT TO: ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION Date: August 18, 2003 Agenda Item: K-1; Satellite Imaging Report Action Information X Attachments PREPARED BY: BETH A. WIELDE, RESEARCH AND SPECIAL PROJECTS ITEM DESCRIPTION: Overview of city-scale applications of satellite remote sensing in Eagan. BACKGROUND Kali Sawaya, Xiaoting Sun, Marvin Bauer will present to the APrC an overview of city-scale applications of satellite remote sensing in Eagan. For the past two years, University of Minnesota researchers from the Remote Sensing and Geospatial Analysis Laboratory (College of Natural Resources) have been working with City of Eagan natural resource managers on several pilot projects designed to evaluate the potential of high-resolution satellite imagery for the mapping and analysis of city-scale resources. Although high-resolution imagery in the form of aerial photography has been available for many years, the launch of the IKONOS-2 by Space Imaging, Inc. in September 1999 signaled a new era in satellite remote sensing. With multispectral digital imagery approaching that of small to medium scale photography, there is a new period of applications development. The presentation will provide a review of the satellite technology employed, a brief description of ongoing projects, and a featured presentation on high-resolution land cover classification mapping in Eagan. ALTERNATIVES FOR COMMISSION CONSIDERATION This item is for informational purposes only. to. rc- City of Eagan Parks and Recreation MEMO Date: August 12,2003 Agenda Item: K-2, Park Site Fund Project Update Action Information x Attachments AGENDA ITEM: K-2, PARK SITE FUND PROJECT UPDATE TO: ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION PREPARED BY: PAUL OLSON, SUPERINTENDENT OF PARKS ITEM OVERVIEW: A status report on 2003 CIP projects approved for funding from the Park Site Fund. BACKGROUND/HISTORY: The Park Commission has requested that staff provide a regular update of the financial status of the Park Site Fund and the field status of specific projects. The Park Site Fund is currently the primary source of funding for the park improvement and development projects included in the CIP prepared by the APrC for submission to the City Council. ANALYSIS: Because of the number of on-going projects it is not possible to provide a detailed financial status report at this time. The focus shall instead be on the status of the projects and estimates of the associated costs. The cost estimates are based upon current contracts, contractor quotations and staff projections and represent a "snap shot" of each project. Project Status/Remaining Budgeted Estimated Co sts Thresher Fields 75% $630,000 Bid $440,000 seeding , final paying, fencing Soil correction 30,000 Clearwater Lighting 60% 30,000 To date 13,500 fixture installation, adjustment Contractual labor 6,500 Rahn Playground 100% - completed 8,000 Equipment 8,000 O'Leary Playground 40% 30,000 Equipment 28,000 installation on-S" Perimeter wall 5,500 Walnut Hill Playground 40% 30,000 Equipment 28,000 installation Perimeter wall 4,000 Thomas Lake Building 25% 225,000 Demo/soils 23,900 concrete and carpentry Add. soil correction 8,600 Bldg design, soil testing 26,000 Construction estimate 165,000 Central Park Gazebo 90% 50,000 Structure 29,000 Bldg complete, electrical Electrical 6,000 Rink Paving (Rahn) 5% 40,000 Current estimate 40,000 Planning, excavate, pave, rink Tennis Court Renovation 5% 45,000 Current estimate 40,000 Selecting materials /1. DISCUSSION/EVALUATION: Based upon current estimates, it appears that in total the total cost for the 2003 projects will be within the original estimate though much work remains. It is important to be mindful that the original CIP estimates are truly estimates. They are made well in advance of the actual expenditure utilizing resources that may be from a previous construction season. There are a wide variety of variables including fluctuations in the economy and unexpected field conditions that will influence the final cost of a project, some positively, others negatively. Staff makes every effort to achieve an overall budgetary balance through research, negotiations and creativity. ALTERNATIVES FOR COMMISSION CONSIDERATION: No action is requested at this time. A more detailed financial summary will be presented at a later date. / Z. city of Began PAT GEAGAN July 25, 2003 Mayor Mr. Anthony Caponi PEGGY CARLSON 1215 County Road 30 Eagan, MN 55123 CYNDEE FIELDS MIKE MAGUIRE MEG TILLEY Dear Mr. Capon: Council Members As you are aware, the City Council has been in discussion regarding the opportunities available to the City to acquire and preserve the Capon property. THOMAS HEDGES At the March 25 City Council workshop, per the discussions that the City Council held City Administrator with your and your wife, Cheryl, the City Council directed the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission (APrC) to begin research on the City's potential funding and acquisition of a portion of the Capon parcel. Since that time, the APrC has been working diligently to research and respond to the City Council's inquiries and directives regarding Municipal Center. the partial acquisition of the Caponi property. 3830 Pilot Knob Road Eagan, MN 55122-1897 Upon the APrC's completion of significant research on the City Council's requests, a ld on June 24 to allow an opportunity for the h i Phone: 651.675.5000 e ng was joint City Council/APrC meet APrC to give an update to the City Council on their findings, and also allow the Council Fax: 651.675.5012 to provide further feedback to the Commission. At the June 24 workshop, after having a TDD: 651.454.8535 valuable discussion with the APrC regarding the Capon parcel, the Council provided the APrC with the following additional directives: Maintenance Facility 1.) Explore the options of a referendum for the acquisition of the Capons property. 3501 Coachman Point 2.) Discuss funding options for the 50 percent of the funding that would not be covered Eagan, MN 55122 by the Parks Site Fund. Phone: 651.675.5300 3.) Provide further detail into "Option 2" (two phased approach with no purchase . Fax: 651.675.5360 obligation) 4.) Prepare suggested nominees for the Capon Art Park Board and the timefiame for TDD: 651.454.8535 completion. Per the Council's direction at the June 24 workshop, members of the APrC continued to www.ci"feagan.com meet to further research and discuss the City Council's directives. Enclosed are the minutes of the July 14 APrC workshop, which was convened specifically to discuss the Council's June 24 directives regarding the Caponi land acquisition. The APrC workshop minutes were also distributed to the City Council in advance of their July 22 workshop to serve as a discussion guide between the City Council and APrC. THE LONE OAK TREE The symbol of strength and growth in our community Terry Davis, Chair of the APrC, and the members of the APrC were present at the most recent Council workshop on July 22 to provide a summary of their findings, discussions, and recommendations to the City Council. Mr. Davis noted that if it was the desire of the Council to hold a referendum, the APrC recommended that the referendum be held in 2004. Furthermore, Chair Davis added that it was the Commission's consensus that if a referendum were to be held in 2004, it would make sense to include other park opportunities in addition to the Caponi acquisition. In response to the Council's inquiry regarding funding options to acquire a portion of the Caponi property, the Commission suggested that the City work with the Trust for Public Land (TPL) to obtain an 18-month option for the northern 10 acres and a separate 18- month option on the southern 20 acres with both options reflecting a best effort to obtain alternative financing sources during the term of the option, with no guaranteed purchase. Additionally the Commission suggested that the City allocate $200,000 from the CIP Parks Site Acquisition Fund towards the purchase of as much acreage as possible of the northern Caponi parcel in hopes that the acreage purchased would be adjacent to Patrick Eagan Park and connect to Diffley Road. If the City was to purchase land adjacent to the park, the APrC recommended that the City could then annex the parcel to Patrick Eagan Park, which would be in accordance with LAWCON requirements. As an alternative, the Commission suggested that the acquired land could simply be incorporated into the park system. Upon hearing the recommendations of the APrC at the workshop, Parks and Recreation Director Vraa updated about the most recent proposal that you are suggesting to the City. It is the City Council's understanding that the latest proposal would include an agreement with the City and TPL for the purchase of the southern 20 acres of your property, as well as the purchase of 20 acres by the Caponi Board, the purchase of 10 acres by Macalester College, and the donation of 10 acres to Macalester College. The City Council, having received this new proposal for the first time at the July 22 workshop, took action to table the item until such time as the City receives confirmation of a purchase agreement from Macalester College to acquire the 10 acres of the Caponi parcel. The City Council emphasized their sincere hope to continue discussions with you about the acquisition of the Caponi property, however, the Council also noted that should Macalester College choose not to accept the offer to purchase the 10 acres, the City will find itself in the exact situation that currently exists. For that reason, the Council is requesting confirmation of a purchase agreement from Macalester College. Upon receiving such confirmation, the City looks forward to continued discussions with you about how, together, we can proceed to ensure that the Caponi property is preserved. Furthermore, in action taken at the conclusion of the July 22 meeting, the City Council voiced their suggestion that a committee, which would include two City Councilmembers, be formed to specifically address the future of the Caponi property. The City Council will further discuss the make-up and charge of the committee at their August 4 City Council meeting. I do hope that this correspondence helps clarify the action taken by the City Council, as well as the events that led to the Council's decision. If you have any questions about the City's Council's action, please free to contact me or City Administrator Hedges. Sincerely, Pat Ge g Mayor cc: Eagan City Council Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission Tom Hedges, City Administrator Ken Vraa, Parks and Recreation Director Subject to approval ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION EAGAN, MINNESOTA MINUTES OF WORKSHOP JULY 14, 2003 The Advisory Parks Commission was called to order by Chairman Terry Davis at 6:00 p.m. on July 14, 2003 with the following Commission Members present: Terry Davis, Margo Danner, Joseph Bari, Dorothy Peterson, Elizabeth Perry, Phil Belfiori, Richard Pletcher and Ken West. Commission Members N Mark Filipi and Melvin Williams were not present. Staff present included Ken Vraa, Director of Parks and Recreation; Paul Olson, Parks Superintendent; Jeff Asfahl; Superintendent of Recreation; CJ Lilly, Parks Planner; Eric Macbeth, Water Resources Coordinator and Cherryl Mesko, Recording Secretary Member Davis recapped the Council's direction to the Advisory Commission at their June 24th joint meeting. The Commission was directed to: 1. Explore the option of a referendum and attach a monetary value to it, 2. Brainstorm where the City would find the 50% of the funding not covered by the Park Site Fund, 3. Provide further detail into Funding Option 2: two phased approach with no purchase obligation and 4. Be prepared to suggest nominees for the Caponi Art Park Board and the timeframe for completion. It was the consensus of the Commission to focus this workshop on directives 2 and 3 first. Member Davis noted that Member Perry had prepared some considerations for the Option 2 Funding and Member Bari had prepared a recap of existing City funding after he had met with Director VanOverbeke. Member Perry presented three scenarios for consideration within the Option 2 financing. Those scenarios included: A. Work with Trust for Public Land to obtain a 12 month option on the 10 acres and a separate 36 month option on the southern 20 acres with both options reflecting a best effort attempt to obtain alternative financing sources during the term of the option, with no guarantee to purchase. B. Work with Trust for Public Land to obtain an 18 month option for the northern 10 acres and a separate 18 month option on the southern 20 acres with both options reflecting a best effort attempt to obtain alternative financing sources during the term of the option, with no guaranteed purchase. C. Work with Trust for Public Land to obtain a single 18 month option to purchase on both the 10 and 20 acre parcels for 18 months with the option reflecting a best effort attempt to obtain alternative financing sources during the term of the option, with no guaranteed purchase. Understanding that the Trust for Public Land would look for a partner to front the dollars to obtain any of the options, several commission members expressed concern that $5,000 - 10,000 was not significant enough for Mr. Caponi to tie up his property for 12 - 18 months waiting to see if additional funds could be acquired to purchase his property. Several members thought that a larger "up-front" monetary amount should be considered. Member Perry responded that the Trust for Public Land would help broker some of the funding options and reiterated that the City Council direction had been that there is no obligation for the City to purchase the property using internal funds. Member Peterson opined that the 18 month option (B) allows for the preparation of a referendum in 2004 with the advantage of it occurring at a larger election and that perhaps other park considerations could be included in the referendum. Member Belfiori opined that the referendum should be the last option after all other financing means have been exhausted. Member Davis noted that that is the approach the Commission is taking. Several concerns were expressed for the funding source for the matching funds. Member Bari recapped his research and conversation with Director VanOverbeke regarding potential City funding resources. Bari reviewed the status of several funds including the Park Site Fund and the Investment (reserve) fund. He noted that it is difficult to pass a referendum for a single issue and added that it will be very difficult to get the City Council to allocate dollars from the investment fund because many of those dollars are already earmarked or in reserve to offset the elimination of state aid. An area of interest to some Commission Members was how the interest earnings in the Park Site Fund might be used and Member Davis threw out the idea of using these dollars for this purpose. Director Vraa clarified that although that is an option; projected interest earnings are currently being used in the calculation of available CIP dollars and projected expenditures. Member Peterson asked if Mr. Caponi is even interested in an 18 month deal. Director Vraa stated that although he can't speak for Mr. Caponi, based on previous conversations Mr. Caponi had with Trust for Public Land, he was not interested in tying up a large piece of property for a long period of time for such a small amount of money. Further discussion by the Commission revealed that members were interested in pursuing an idea whereby Mr. Caponi could be compensated at a higher dollar amount for an 18 month option. As the discussion evolved the idea of using $200,000 from the acquisition fund of the CIP to acquire however much property as possible from Mr. Caponi sparked interest. The $200,000 would be used to secure the option, in addition to funds that would come from the Trust for Public Land. If the referendum was successful, the balance of the park could then be purchased. This option, Belfiori opined, would not preclude the Trust for Public Land from soliciting additional funding. If the referendum and/or funding options failed at the end of 18 months, the City would then own the property originally purchased with the $200,000 acquisition funds. Member Pletcher suggested that in identifying the property that is being considered it would be important to make sure that it is contiguous to Patrick Eagan Park and that it be purchased as an extension to the park. His suggestion was that it be a parcel south of Patrick Eagan Park connecting to Diffley Road. Elizabeth Perry asked the Commission to consider what they were looking for long-term; an art park or a 3-4 acre addition to Patrick Eagan Park. After further brief discussion, Terry Davis moved, Ken West seconded with all members voting in favor to present all three scenarios for the Option Two financing as directed by the City Council but to recommend scenario B as the preferred option: Work with TPL to obtain an 18 month option for the northern 10 acres and a separate 18 month option on the southern 20 acres with both options reflecting a best effort attempt to obtain alternative financing sources during the term of the option, with no guaranteed purchase. In addition, $200,000 from the CIP acquisition funds would be allocated to purchase as much acreage from the northern parcel as possible to connect Patrick Eagan Park to Diffley Road. The funds would be incorporated into the full purchase of the land if additional funding is successful. However if that does not occur, the land purchased as an expansion to Patrick Eagan Park would be incorporated into the park system. Advisory Commission discussion continued regarding the potential for a bond referendum and what the appropriate timing might be. It was the consensus of the Commission that there would not be enough time for a referendum ballot in 2003 but that 2004 would be an option, and the preferred time frame, if necessary. It was also determined that placing the Caponi Art Park as a single item on the referendum would be short sighted. It was the general consensus that other park opportunities should be incorporated into a referendum if one was going to be proposed. Discussion also occurred regarding nominees to the Caponi Art Park Board and the time frame for completion. Because of the lack of time, a subsequent work session was scheduled for Wednesday, July 16 at 5:30 p.m. Members Perry, West, Pletcher and Belfiori agreed to meet to further discuss how best to recruit and recommend nominees to the Art Park Board. Member Belfiori was appointed to chair this work session. The workshop was adjourned at 7:03 p.m. in order for the regular Advisory Commission meeting to convene. Secretary Date Subject to approval ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION EAGAN, MINNESOTA MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF JULY 14, 2003 A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on July 14, 2003 with the following Commission Members present: Joseph Bari, Phil Belfiori, Margo Danner, Terry Davis, Dorothy Peterson, Richard Pletcher, and Ken West. Members Filipi, Perry and Williams were not present. Staff present included Ken Vraa, Director of Parks and Recreation; Jeff Asfahl, Superintendent of Recreation; Paul Olson, Parks Superintendent; Eric Macbeth, Water Resources Coordinator; Holly Champlin, Preschool Program Coordinator; Sheila O'Bryan, Planner and Cherryl Mesko, Recording Secretary. APPROVAL OF AGENDA N Mark Filipi moved, Elizabeth Perry seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the agenda as presented. RECOGNITION JUDY FORDE; 20 YEARS OF SERVICE Preschool Program Coordinator Champlin introduced Judy Forde who has been working with the preschool program for Parks and Recreation for the past 20 years. Coordinator Champlin reviewed several accomplishments by Ms. Forde during that time and presented her with a certificate of appreciation for her many years of service. Ms. Forde thanked the Commission for their recognition and shared some highlights of her experiences working with preschoolers. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF 1\IAY" 19 .&N1) JUNE 16, 2003 Dorothy Peterson moved, Terry Davis seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the minutes of the May 19, 2003 meeting as presented. Terry Davis moved, Joseph Bari seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the minutes of June 16, 2003 as amended on Page 4 by Commission Member Peterson. VISIT(RS TO BE HEARD There were no visitors who wished to address the Commission under this agenda item. SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE AND DEPARTMENT IIAPI'ENINGS Superintendents Olson and Asfahl provided a brief overview of issues and activites from the Parks and Recreation divisions. CONSENT AGENDA Dorothy Peterson moved, Margo Danner seconded with all members voting in favor to make the following recommendations to the City Council: 1. Gardenwood Ponds 6th Addtion - Brand Engineering • This development shall be responsible for a cash parks dedication. • This development shall be responsible for a cash trails dedication. • This development shall be responsible for dedication of cash in lieu of storm water treatment ponding. 2. Wentworth Park - Generation 2 Inc • This development shall be subject to a cash parks dedication. • This development shall be subject to a cash trails dedication. • The applicant shall fulfill required tree preservation mitigation through the installation of 32 category B trees (or an equivalent combination of category A and/or category C trees and/or cash payment) Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of July 14, 2003 Page 2 • To ensure survival of these preserved trees, staff is recommending that a long-term tree survival plan be prepared by a certified arborist and implemented on all trees with encroachment into the CRZ. • To require that Tree Protective measures (i.e. orange colored silt fence or 4 foot polyethylene laminate safety netting) be installed at the Drip Line or at the perimeter of the Critical Root Zone, whichever is greater, of significant trees/woodlands to be preserved on site. • To require that the applicant contact the City Forestry Division and set up a pre-construction site inspection at least five days prior to the issuance of the grading permit to ensure compliance with the approved Tree Preservation Plan and placement of the Tree Protection Fencing. • This development should meet the City's water quality requirements by creating stormwater treatment capacity through a minimum wet-pond volume of 0.23 acre-feet covering an area of 0.15 acres. The stormwater treatment pond should be constructed according to NURP standards with a maximum depth of 6 feet, a 10:1 aquatic bench, and an outlet structure acceptable to City standards. • A de minimus exemption for wetland fill less than 2,000 should be granted by the City to allow construction of the access road from Slater Road to the development. • To the extent practicable, a buffer of natural vegetation outside the boundary of the wetland should be maintained before, during and after construction. DEVELOPT?NT PjtOPOS.AL LEXINGTON RIDGE - MILLERVILLE, INC. Following a brief introduction by Director Vraa, Planner O'Bryan reviewed the background of this development noting that in 1994 an application to rezone this property to single family residential for an 11 lot subdivision was proposed for this lot. Planner O'Bryan reviewed the location and layout of the existing site, noting that although the rezoning was approved to single family residential the 1994 request for an 11 lot subdivision was denied in large part because of the proposed access through the park. Forestry Supervisor Hove and Water Resources Coordinator Macbeth reviewed the tree preservation and water quality issues relative to the site. Supervisor Hove noted that there are very steep slopes from the building site to Diffley Road but that the applicant had done a good job of tree preservation. Coordinator Macbeth noted that water will be collected in a pond that appears to be partially located on park property adjacent to Diffley Road. Commission members expressed concern for the excavation that would be required to carry water down the slope to the proposed ponding area. Member Belfiori specifically addressed concerns for erosion control given the significant slope changes. Coordinator Macbeth emphasized that erosion control would be a very big issue with this site. Several Commission members expressed their primary concern for the access shown through the park when this was the largest contributing factor for denial for the 1994 project. Ray Miller, representing the developer, acknowledged that access to this proposed development would be an issue and noted that access from Diffley Road would involve navigating very steep slopes, which would be difficult. He added that although the plan has not been presented to Dakota County with access off Diffley he opined that the County would not approve that access point. Mr. Miller stated he was hopeful that by changing the number of lots from 11 to 8 that it would be a more palatable project for the Advisory Commission and City Council to consider. Member Pletcher asked if access off Diffley Road would preclude placing 8 lots on the site. Mr. Miller said that it could be done but it would result in much more tree removal from the site. Member Peterson shared her appreciation for the work staff and the developer have done on this proposal to date but felt the need to focus the Commission's review of the access to the site. She noted that in order for the entrance road to change from an existing 16 foot easement to a 25 foot roadland would need to be taken from Lexington Diffley Athletic Fields. Member Davis also opined that the water flow will increase the ponding that may encroach onto park property as well as the Diffley Road right-of-way. A consultant for the developer noted the depression that currently exists for water retention will be sufficient to handle the treatment of water from this site. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of July 14, 2003 Page 3 Members West and Davis again spoke of the concern for access through park property. Member Davis concurred with the findings and recommendation of the previous Commission in denying this access and asked the developer to go back to Dakota County to work on access off Diffley Road. Davis added that he is aware that a change in access to Diffley Road would result in additional tree loss. Member Danner opined that it would have been helpful if the developer had gone to Dakota County first to request access from Diffley Road rather than propose the same access that was previously denied. Mr. Miller responded that Dakota County had indicated that they would not allow access from Diffley and that the access would need to go through the park. Member Peterson commented that the County has no authority to lead a developer to plan access through city park property. After further brief discussion, Dorothy Peterson moved, Terry Davis seconded with all members voting in favor to recommend to the City Council that this development, as proposed, not move forward and suggested that the developer work with Dakota County to provide access to the development from Diffley Road. OLD BUSINESS HOLZ FARM CONSULTANT PRESENTATION Following a brief introduction and background by Director Vraa, Advisory Chairman Davis reminded the Commission and viewing public that the presentation would represent a conception master plan for the Holz Farm. A representative from Brauer and Associates presented a very in-depth review of the Holz Farm site and discussed how they had approached bringing together a cohesive land unit to include residential, historic farm and park. The main idea was to keep the farm as a 1940's vintage farmstead. It was noted that access off Dodd Road would provide a right-in, right-out access. They also suggested ways to upgrade buildings and allow pedestrian access only to the farm. Expansion of the play area and landscaping was also highlighted Following brief discussion, Dorothy Peterson moved, Richard Pletcher seconded with all members voting in favor to recommend that the City Council accept the master plan for Holz Farm and work to prioritize how it will be completed. As a follow-up, Director Vraa pointed to National Register of Historic Places information that the Commission might want to start thinking about. Member Davis asked the Commission what the thought process should be for this discussion. Member Peterson opined that a subcommittee and Friends of the Farm might want to look at the advantages and disadvantages of a program like this. She suggested beginning this review in November. Member Davis asked Commission members to think about 2-3 people who might want to serve on this subcommittee and also who might chair it. NEW BUSINESS EAGAN GREENWAY TECHNICAL REPORT Following a brief introduction by Director Vraa, Dave Holmen provided an in-depth presentation of the Eagan Greenway technical report. Members Davis and Belfiori thanked Mr. Holmen for the helpful information noting that this was the type of information that would have helped in the review of the Anderson parcel but will certainly aid in the review of future potential acquisitions. Member Davis added that it was hard to identify specific parcels that are publicly owned and also wanted to know where parcels are in relation to address or landmarks. Director Vraa noted that staff has a larger map to view if that would be helpful. Member Belfiori asked if this information will be shared with the City Council as part of future discussions. Member Davis stated that the Commission will use whatever resources they have at their disposal and again thanked W. Holmen for all the hard work in getting this information to the Commission. WATER RESOURCES UPDATE Coordinator Macbeth shared several items of interest for the Commission and public regarding the Water Resources division. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of July 14, 2003 Page 4 OTHER BUSINESS AND RE-P6_079 SUBCOMITTEE UPDATES Member Peterson commented on the potential grant opportunities through the Dakota County Open Space referendum and noted that criteria appears to include property zoned agricultural that is outside the musi line. Member Davis noted that the Advisory Commission met in a workshop session prior to this meeting regarding the Caponi Art Park. There will be a follow-up meeting scheduled. It was also noted that the Alternative Funding sub-committee met on July 9 to narrow down the information needed bystaff. This sub-committee is expected to meet again in September. COMMUNITY CENTER UPDATE Director Vraa updated the Commission on several exterior projects that are nearing completion. He noted that sales have begun for fitness memberships with 80+ membership sold to date. Activities and reservations for the interior of the building have been very strong and steady and staff is gearing up for full operation of the building by October. Member Bari asked if the pavilion has been getting much use. Director Vraa responded that it has several dates reserved this summer and fall. Member Danner asked about bandshell bookings. Director Vraa responded that because of the well and trailway, use of the bandshell has been postponed. Evening in the Parks events may be occurring in August, he added. Member Peterson asked if parks maintenance staff had constructed the gazebo building on site. Director Vraa acknowledged that the concrete slab was contracted out but the actual construction of the building was done by staff. Vraa added that it turned out very well and has received many positive comments. NATURAL AND SCENIC GRANT NOTIFICATION Director Vraa verified that staff has received notification from the DNR that a natural and scenic grant has been given to the City of Eagan. Vraa noted that the contract is forthcoming. ROUND TX-11L1 Member Peterson asked if the Commission would hear a report on the Civic Arena skating school much like it heard about Cascade Bay. Director Vraa suggested placing it on the September agenda. Member Danner asked how the Cascade Bay season is going. Director Vraa said that although the weather has been cooler than normal there is a great staff that keeps everything running very smoothly. ADJOUHNMEN' With no further business to conduct Richard Pletcher moved, Ken West seconded with all members voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m. Secretary Date