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03/19/2001 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission AGENDA ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION EAGAN, MINNESOTA Monday, March 19, 2001 7:00 PM Eagan Municipal Center City Council Chambers A. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance 7:00 pm B. Approval of Agenda 7:02 pm C. Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting of February 15, 2001 7:04 pm D. Visitors to be Heard 7:09 pm E. Superintendent's Update and Department Happenings Pages 1-3 7:15 pm F. Public Hearing re DNR Grant Pages 4-5 7:30 pm G. Consent Agenda (1) Blue Ridge 4th Addition- CSM Properties Pages 6-8 7:35 pm H. Development Proposals 7:40 pm (1)Thomas Woods- Manley Brothers Construction Pages 9-12 1. Old Business (1) Skateboard Parks Update Page 13 8:05 pm (2) Captain Dodd Park Sediment Mitigation 8:10 pm J. New Business (1) 5-year CIP, 2002-2006 Pages 14-15 8:20 pm (2) Fish Lake Water Quality Project- Reclassification Pages 16-17 8:30 pm of City Pond JP-47 K. Water Resources Update 8:45 pm L. Other Business and Reports (1) Central Park Master Plan 9:00 pm (2) Conversion of Telephones Page 18-19 (3) Moonshine Park Update (4) Attorney Response re Definition of Hardship (5) Recreation Subcommittee Update Page 20 M. Round Table 9:40 pm N. Adjournment 9:50 pm The City of Eagan 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. If a notice of less than 96 hours is received the City will attempt to provide the aids. Next Advisory Parks Commission Meeting: April 16, 2001 ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION 2001 MEMBERS FNAME AND ADDRESS Release TERM TELEPHONE TERM Phone # START EXPIRES JOSEPH BARI Yes 1999 651-454-8442 (H) 1/2002 3033 Timberwood Trail (3 yr. 1999) Eagan, MN 55121 MARGO DANNER Yes 2001 651/454-5688 (H) 1/2004 2037 Flint Lane Eagan,MN55122 TERRY DAVIS Yes 1997 651-452-2635 (H) 1/2003 4895 Safari Pass (3 yr. 1997) 651-310-8941 (W) Eagan, MN 5 5 1 22-2690 (3 yr. 2000) 452-2152 (Home fax) terry.davis@StPaul.com N. MARK FILIPI Yes May, 651-602-1725 (W) 1/2003 836 Overlook Place 1997 mark.filipi@metc.state.mn.us Eagan, MN 55123 (3 yr. 1998) GEORGE KUBIK Yes 1993 651-452-3887 (H) 1/2002 3053 Pine Ridge Drive (3 yr. 1996) 612-713-5315 (W) Eagan, MN 55121 (3 yr. 1999) George_Kubik@mail.fws.gov DOROTHY PETERSON Yes 2000 651-454-6532 (H) 1/2003 4337 Sequoia Drive (3 yr. 2000) Eagan, MN 55122 RICHARD PLETCHER (alternate) Yes 2001 651-687-9177 (H) 1/2004 1074 Northview Park Eagan, MN 55123 JOHN RUDOLPH Yes 1993 952-454-8761 (H) 1/2003 1644 Norwood Court (3 yr. 1998) 952-707-2402 (Fax) Eagan, MN 55122 952-707-2526 (voicemail) I 10/15/00 jrudolph@bumsvllie.k 12.mn.us MELVIN WILLIAMS Yes 2001 651-994-6727.(H) 1/2004 823 Wescott Square Eagan, MN 55123 DAVID WRIGHT Yes 2001 651-687-9336 (H) 1/2004 4671 Parkridge Drive Eagan, MN 55123 Eagan City Staff E-Mail: kvraaQci.eagan.mn.us cmeskoaci.eagan.mn.us polson aci.eagan.mn.us iasfahl ~-ci.eagan.mn.us ghove ci.eagan.mn.us emacbeth@ci.eagan.mn.us bwielde@ci.eagan.mn.us F Phone # 651-681-4661 (Cherryl's # after 4:30 p.m.) 4ko--, city of eagan MEMO TO: Advisory Park Commission FROM: Ken Vraa, Parks & Recreation Director DATE: March 14, 2001 SUBJECT: Cover Memo Briefing: March 19, Commission Meeting The March meeting will convene at 7:00 p.m. in the city council chambers. Item E: Superintendents Olson and Asfahl will provide an update on departmental activities over the last month. Item F: As part of a DNR grant application, the city is required to hold a "public hearing" on the application. A motion to close the public hearing and recommend submission of the application is for consideration.. Superintendent Olson is the project manager for this item. Item G: One item on the consent agenda, and unless there are any question, a motion to approve is in order. Item H: The wetland and water quality submissions relating to the Thomas Woods development by Manley Brothers Construction, was not submitted in a timely manner. Although the submission was late, staff extended itself to complete a review in order that this item could appear on both the commission agenda and the City Council agenda on March 20. Because of the limited time, the submission report may be lacking in some detail as ti is being "rushed" to get the information into the packet. Item I: Staff will provide a brief update on the planning status of the Skate park issue. A brief memo has been provided. Item J: 1) The Acquisition and Development sub committee met in February to review the next five year CIP for Parks from the park site acquisition fund. Their recommendation is enclosed. If approved, this item will be forwarded to the City Council or may be part of a joint Commission/Council agenda. 2) Water resource Coordinator MacBeth will review a proposal to reclassify a water quality pond, which staff believes was initially inappropriately classified. This pond has been used as a treatment basin for the fish lake water quality project. Staff is recommending approval of this reclassification. A complete staff report is included in the packet. Item L Several item appear as updates to the commission. At this time, none of the items require commission action. Respectfully Submitted Ken Vraa ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION 2001 MEETING SCHEDULE NAME Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec )an 15 19 16 21 18 16 20 13 15 19 17 21 Joseph Bari X Margo Danner X Terry Davis X N. Mark Filipi X George Kubik X Dorothy Peterson X Richard Pletcher (alt) X John Rudolph X Melvin Williams X David Wright x X = present 0 = absent 0* = notified staff of absence prior to meeting F-- WINNOW Recreation Sub-Committee Natural Resources Sub-Committee Acquisition/Development Sub-Committee John Rudolph N. Mark Filipi Joseph Bari Melvin Williams George Kubik Dorothy Peterson David Wright Terry Davis Margo Danner Richard Pletcher UPCOMING MEETINGS: OPEN ISSUES 1. Commission Review Workshop 2. Spring Maintenance Demonstration 3. Review revenue sources in lieu of park dedication 4. Review Docks 5. Seasonal easement at top of Trapp Fame tubing hill 6. Wetland and Setback Buffers 7. Workshop to review packet format/content DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS- March Recreation Division • This past weekend, the Parks and Recreation Department participated in this years' Home and Leisure Show at the Arena. Events such as this are a good opportunity to showcase all that we have to offer. • Scheduling of the fields for summer activity continues. Thus far there are 16 different tournament events scheduled over 13 weekends. • Recreation staff are busy developing activities for publication in the next Discover activities brochure. This edition of Discover will be distributed to each Eagan residence during the week of May 8th • Eagan Seniors have enjoyed four weeks of Wednesday morning gatherings, and hopefully will continue to add to the numbers each week. The kick off on February 28th welcomed approximately 50 people to the Community Room. Since that time, there has been a strong 15 to 20 people each week. • The Babysitting/Latchkey Clinic is as popular as ever. The first session, offered March 10, was attended by 35 youth and the second session in April is expected to fill quickly as well. • While all outdoor skating facilities have been closed for the season, the Trapp Farm Park Tubing Hill continues to hang on. With a good base of snow on the ground, the Tubing Hill is open on a limited basis for the public. To date, the site will be open on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 to 8:00 p.m. depending on weather. • Softball registrations are still staggering in. Currently over 170 teams have registered to play this summer. • Registration will take place for tennis, co-rec sand volleyball and co-rec soccer leagues in April and May. • The golf program continues to expand each season. This summer youth golf camps and parent/child golf leagues have been added to the program. The golf camps have been popular with 4 out of 6 currently filled. • Staff is gearing up to open the concession stand and to take delivery of the concessions trailer for the upcoming softball season. This means interviewing staff, training, cleaning, and purchasing product. Parks Division • To meets its long-term objective to have quality fishing opportunities close to every City neighborhood, the Water Resources Division coordinates the aeration of priority waterbodies every winter. This winter, Water Resources and Parks staffs have been kept busy in this work. In recent years, mild winters have minimally depleted oxygen levels, but extended ice and snow cover this winter has forced staff to juggle aerator equipment from lake to lake. Furthermore, we have had several equipment breakdowns and repairs. The City currently owns six aerators: one solar-powered, two pump and baffle, and three air injection units. It recently picked up an additional air injection unit. To support its objective, the Division will propose to acquire additional aerators over the next several years, to put the City in a position of having adequate equipment for its priority waterbodies. • Water Resources, Forestry, Engineering, and Inspections staff will join county and state soil and water conservation experts on March 22 in a City-sponsored all-morning erosion control workshop for contractors, builders, and developers. The theme of the workshop is "Working Together to Protect Our Wetlands and Natural Resources." City Administrator Tom Hedges will welcome the group at 8:00 a_m. Main topics of discussion will be: 1) Economic and Environmental Impacts of Soil Erosion; 2) State and Federal Erosion Control Rules and Regulations; 3) Draft Erosion Control Ordinance; 4) Tree Preservation; and 5) City Policy Review. Over 100 invitations were sent out several weeks ago. • In addition to the City's workshop, two other workshops on water resources-related issues were held over the past several weeks. On February 27 at Hamline University, Water Resources Coordinator Eric Macbeth attended a session on Project NEMO. Project NEMO (NNonpoint (pollution) Education for Municipal Officials) was developed by the University of Connecticut Cooperative Extension Service to focus on local land use decision makers. Its message is that water resources can be protected while accommodating compatible growth. The workshop was sponsored by the Minnesota Erosion Control Association, which is working with other agencies to implement a Minnesota Project NEMO. On March 14 and 15, Macbeth attended a workshop in Eagan entitled "Protecting Water Resources Through Low Impact Development." This workshop covered conservation site design and low impact development concepts and provided a technical review for engineers and designers and an administrative track for planners and local officials. Some commissioners may recall the July 17, 2000 presentation by Jay Riggs on the Dakota County Low Impact Development Initiative. • The Eagan Football Boosters will be holding its annual fertilizer sale Saturday, March 31. From 8 am. to noon, members of the Eagan High School football team will go door to door selling a variety of lawn and garden fertilizers to raise money for the Eagan Wildcats. This is the team's primary fundraiser for the year. Water Resources staff work with the Boosters to help promote its efforts, particularly with fertilizers containing 3 percent or less phosphorus. • All skating rinks were officially closed for the season on February 28th marking the end of one of the longest skating seasons in memory. The Trapp Farm tubing hill will remain open on weekends as long as conditions allow. The grooming of cross-country ski trails has also been discontinued for the season. • Staff has placed an order for SPRING fertilizer. Again this year a high quality, dust free, low phosphorus fertilizer will be used. The use of high quality products has proven to be worth the extra expense as the resulting healthy turf is out-competing many of the unwanted weeds, reducing the reliance on pesticides. This spring staff intends to conduct soil tests at a number of sites to help determine if the composition of the fertilizers is still appropriate for the conditions. • Again this year the Toro Company has expressed an interest in utilizing Eagan park areas as test sites for its new mowers. They appreciate the high quality turf and large expanses of park area. While the program has been beneficial for Toro and the City the recent acquisition of a third high capacity mower will reduce the City's reliance on Toro and ensure more consistent mowing of several critical areas. The City will continue to utilize Toro for the mowing of several remote sites and has also referred them to the school district to aid with the mowing of several of their large sites. • The Dakota County Board will be reviewing the Lebanon Hills Master Plan at their meeting of March 20th. At the meeting, County staff will be seeking authorization to release the plan for a 30 day public review period. It is unknown at this time if they will seek an official response from the surrounding Cities. • During the last several weeks, members of the maintenance have attended training sessions on the maintenance of mowers and the construction of retaining walls. • The 2001 CIP includes funding for the replacement of 2 playgrounds. After reviewing maintenance histories and discussing the issue with the staff members that conduct inspections, Peridot path and Cinnamon Ridge have been selected for replacement. Both are wooden structures over 15 years in age. The new structures will be ordered during April to allow for installation during the summer. Staff will also be installing a playground piece at Glacier Hills Elementary School in early June. School playgrounds are considered to be "community" structures, helping to serve the recreational needs of the surrounding neighborhoods. The School purchased the equipment through a fund raising project. • The Friends of the Farm met recently to discuss Holz Farm improvement projects for this year. The Board decided to refurbish the roof of one of the existing storage buildings and to repair the walls in the lower level of the barn. Funding for the projects will again come from the tower rental revenues that were dedicated for Farm improvements by the City Council. Any major improvements at the Farm will wait until the completion of a master plan scheduled to be completed next year. • Forestry and park staff recently removed a number of the large dead and down trees at the new Central Park site. A large "skidder" was borrowed from the County to help pull logs out of the low areas. Much of the wood will be chipped while some will be used for fire wood at the park pavilions. • The annual tree sale is scheduled to take place April 28th at the maintenance facility. The Arbor Day event is scheduled to take place on May 5th at Lexington-Diffley Park. City Forester, Gregg Hove has visited the City elementary schools to introduce the poster contest. -3 - Date: March 14, 2001 Agenda Item: F. GRANT HEARING Action x 4 City of Eagan Information Parks and Recreation MEMO Attachments x 1. Site Plan AGENDA ITEM: F, CENTRAL PARK GRANT HEARINts TO: ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION PREPARED BY: KEN VRAA, DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION PAUL OLSON, SUPERINTENDENT OF PARKS ITEM OVERVIEW: The City Council has authorized staff to submit a Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Recreation Grant Application to request funding for the development of several trail segments included in the Central Park master plan. The Park Commission has been designated to conduct the public hearing required as part of the application. BACKGROUND/HISTORY: In the spring of 2000, the citizens of the Eagan passed a levy referendum to fund the development of a community center and central park. The City Council subsequently approved the creation of citizen focus groups to provide input to the design consultants. One of the results of the process was the development of an overall master plan for the site. The master plan was recently adopted by the City Council. The master plan is intended to serve as a guide for both immediate and long term improvements to the site. Funding from the levy referendum is sufficient to fund the first phase of the master plan. Alternative funding, such as grants, will be sought to fund additional improvements. ANALYSIS: The trail segments included in the grant request will provide linkage to amenities located throughout the site. The alignments will be appropriate for handicapped accessibility. DISCUSSION/EVALUATION: According to the grant application the following information "should be communicated" at a public hearing; A) Project scope and related activities- The request is for funding to develop :700'x10'of concrete trail 1000'x10'of bituminous trail 3 O' x 10' pedestrian bridge Directional signage and trail benches B) Implementation schedule- Projected time frame : 5/01 to 7/01, Plans, specifications, bids, contracts 7/01 to 11/01, Rough grade and utility installation 3/02 to 11/02, Construction, installation, substantial completion C) Cost and financing- Estimated cost of the improvements included in the grant request; $84,800 _14. Projected financing; Grant =(%50) $42,400 City match =(%50) $42,40 D) Cost to the community- The community has approved a levy referendum for the project. Funding for the City share of the grant project will come from referendum funds. The grant project will have no additional impact on tax-payers. E) Associated costs Staff estimates the average annual cost/value of labor (in-kind) and materials to maintain the grant elements over 20 years to be $8,630. The costs will be included in subsequent maintenance and capital improvement budgets. ALTERNATIVES FOR COMMISSION CONSIDERATION: To affirm the Council directive to submit a Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Recreation grant application to fund improvements consistent with the approved Central Park master plan and to confirm that a public hearing was conducted. - 5- i" 3+ v0.< y W c U L 0.4 IM 1. - U 1-111 A I1i1H Item: FZ*is •p'I qor 2OPd i Attachment # ° p p® I a ~c p p Q p J y °1° ° p ° F m J y F' C tAy `J k.~ / "A g Ev y o 3 0 0 .o f. p p 06 61. (9 O Y g F a F F ~ ' 2 1 A qC O o s m L.9 ,0 O / u N0090 00 o O (n 1 Date: March 14, 2001 Agenda Item: GI Action City of Eagan Information Parks and Recreation MEMO Attachments x 1. Existing Conditions 2. Preliminary Subdivision 3. Grading Plan 4. Landscape Plan 5. Utility Plan AGENDA ITEM: G-1; BLUE RIDGE 4TH ADDITION TO: ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION PREPARED BY: KEN VRAA, DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION I ITEM OVERVIEW: Review the parks dedication, trails dedication, tree preservation, water quality and wetlands issues that pertain to the Blue Ridge 4th Addition development proposal. BACKGROUND/HISTORY: CSM Properties is requesting approval of a Planned Development Amendment and Preliminary Subdivision (Blue Ridge Fourth Addition) to allow the construction of a 54,000 square foot office/warehouse upon a proposed 5.0 acre lot located south of Waters Road and west of Lone Oak Drive (within the southwest 1/4 of Section 1). In August of 2000, the City Council approved a Final Planned Development for Lot 2, Block 2, Blue Ridge Second Addition that called for the construction of a 77,000 square foot office/warehouse building upon the eastern one half of a 20.7 acre site. The applicants are proposing to amend the Blue Ridge Second Planned Development to allow the subdivision of the 20.7 acre site into 15.7 and 5.0 acre parcels and the construction of a 54,000 square foot office/warehouse on the newly created western parcel (Lot 2). The proposed office/warehouse is centrally located on the site and is provided access via two points from Waters Drive. The site was previously graded and excepting some boulevard trees, holds no significant vegetation. This item is scheduled for consideration at the forthcoming 27 March APC Meeting. PARKS AND TRAILS DEDICATION: This development would be responsible for a cash parks dedication and a cash trails dedication. TREE PRESERVATION: A tree inventory submitted with this application indicates that there are nine (9) significant trees on site. Species break down is as follows: Species Avg Diameter Dia. Range Count Percent of Total Spruce 6" 6" 6 67% Pine 7" 7" 2 22% Poplar 12" NA 1 11% _ lr . There are other smaller, scattered deciduous trees, of non-significant size, located in the west portion of this site. These trees do not occur at a density that would require them to be inventoried as a significant woodland. The development as proposed will result in the removal of one (1) significant tree, the poplar, (I 1% of the total). According to the City of Eagan Tree Preservation Ordinance allowable tree removal for this type of development proposal (single-phase, single-lot, commercial) is set at 30.0% of the total significant trees. With a proposed removal less than the allowable amount, there is no required tree mitigation for this proposal. In an effort to reduce tree removal numbers, the applicant has indicated that they will transplant two of the existing spruce trees, currently located in the north portion of this site, just south of Waters Drive, out of construction areas to a "green area" in the west side of this site. WATER QUALITY/WETLANDS: This 5.0-acre subdivision is proposed to be located in the City's F-watershed. All stormwater runoff from the development eventually will enter City Pond FP- 1, a Class V (Nutrient Trap) waterbody in the northeast corner of Eagan. To meet City water quality requirements, the developer proposes to direct runoff from the site to a constructed treatment pond that will drain to City Pond FP-7, which is a natural wetland just south of the site. Runoff from the area being developed just east of the subject site also is proposed to be directed to the constructed treatment pond. This site was not subject to water quality requirements previously because it was approved through the building permit process, not the subdivision process. Within the subdivision request for Blue Ridge IV, however, the City now can require ponding sufficient to treat runoff from both sites. The required volume and area of water quality treatment ponds are based on the impervious proportion of proposed developments (i.e., land covered by buildings, parking lots, driveways, and walks). With a combined impervious proportion of 32 percent, a minimum wet-pond volume of 1.00 acre-feet covering a minimum area of 0.34 acres would be needed to treat the stormwater generated by a combined 12.1 acres of development. The pond would need a minimum depth of six feet and a 10:1 aquatic bench beginning at the normal water level. The outlet structure of the pond would need to be consistent with City of Eagan standards. The nearby natural wetland was last delineated and typed in July 1992. Wetland conservation procedures consider wetland delineation reports to be valid for about 5 years. Therefore, an amended wetland delineation report would need to be filed as soon as appropriate this spring, and the development would be subject to its findings. Presently, it appears there are no proposed direct impacts to the wetland, according to the 1992 wetland boundary shown. To minimize nearby impacts, the development would need to be set back at least 30 feet from the edge of the delineated boundary of the wetland. During and after development, a _7_ minimum 30-foot wide buffer of natural undisturbed vegetation along the wetland would need to be maintained. EROSION Erosion control practices should be properly installed and effectively maintained throughout the development process to prevent and minimize soil loss and negative impacts to down- gradient resources and water quality. ALTERNATIVES FOR COMMISSION CONSIDERATION: 1. Recommend approval of the development proposal subject to conditions including • Require that any park dedication be met in the form of a cash payment. • Require that any trail dedication be met in the form of a cash payment. This development should meet the City's water quality requirements entirely through on- site ponding. • A stormwater pond should be constructed with a minimum wet-pond volume of 1.00 acre-feet and a minimum area of 0.34 acres. The stormwater treatment pond should be constructed according to NURP standards with a minimum depth of 6 feet, a 10:1 aquatic bench, and an outlet skimmer according to City design standards. • To minimize nearby impacts, the development should be set back at least 30 feet from the edge of the delineated boundary of the wetland. During and after construction of the development, a minimum 30-foot wide buffer of natural undisturbed vegetation along the delineated boundary of the wetland should be maintained. • Erosion control practices should be properly installed and effectively maintained throughout the development process to prevent and minimize soil loss and negative impacts to down-gradient resources and water quality. 2. Recommend approval with additional conditions. 3. Recommend denial. Item: (1 -1 BQ;)~-14 } Attachment # 1. ~x ?A-~ A5 iiPy> Y' u E``•tiri: ~c :xi{;i!~~~~-a`% ~~Ii~rr;111t{\r i~ 'I ji '~"Y 1 J I \ --'--J~I ~l ~l/ r v y~, (\si n tt / It 1• ` E W i 7Sd_ - . 71 lit[ q I / i •i t 1~ > w 1! 1, i III I r ~ lid ~ ,'ti l { ~ ri ,~/%"~It~' ' I<~Sr 1 f EXISTING CONDITIONS fill, FOP F.ky... f_.1N K BLUE RIDGE FOURTH ADDITION ML wr ti w-r,... LOT 1 DoT BLOCK 1 .,a RURP. CF ~m~ T.7f..-E C ;jai ~ \ - ~ RPP ' T.S. - ~j~i - . _ i _~,.~y°~~.' I ~ r neoTE +/Y tow Q;Q a to. i , ~i.:'::LTn~.uur _.r I r. •b.... - ^E Il ,aa ~.xTT.• W~p I L• ,«itin a[wn i1°n~P~'~-~ \ '/r/ y/ ••:r~ •,~~`,\I~i'L~,~~ k. J3*ljt aRor « EIeS,IN - 3EAIEMT~ / / , n J4y~~7~~ - I, Q tEpo 1 boy j ( I i . , w : i c ' n a w " 1 ° ` ...,1 a ti ? I l l r XiL - r, 9- Am JIT M. oaul, 40D > t ~ i ~ I ! I ~ /r' . --e•~ =._pt..:t.~r;, I I .11 PONdNC 4 UTILITY EASE«ENT \~I If I .?~P Zf,„f`.. •...•p PEP eOC. 773196 (PAR, TI f .tea FA 1 ' h \ I I ,j~ w..- > ~"^±rati '~z.,~, r ~I _n... 1 G e ~9m+.~o -NUF.i,s- i i \ C/ ~AS 49 7. _ I L 1 CIO col Jj If J 1 ; no water, - law -0.5 0 ?dwW Urvkw,.«. Blll___ ter flat .,.arr.. er Item: (T -1 S3~ve.R; 4 ,~y . s ! ~C s 1 Attachment # 3 . (MM). o,y'(c. 5 !s y a • 16 r ~ r -l ti 1 I eta' H r-o 1;T K ~1't` i ! 1 1 ! ~i' i to 1 .a .¦1¦ ~ L ~ 1 ~ ~ t ~ 1 9 t ss f. S ills QQQQQ QQ Q QrQQ li; ~ d > ~ ill; m d !I' ~3~1~. :i `t.~ ::'Z:1' it r`ij' ir1~i,~il•i It \..T % -r!ilrk ~ It~ll Ttii 1 ~ ,~11 `fit\'~-~'~-•~ ~r i5k -'fit.; _ ~t j; , ` '^~re~ r, It ~ ~ j c 3 ~4+ 'C+.• `e' I ~ .t , I:~ 1) ~ ~ 1~ t ~ZO l 1~^L r Fe I l ) f \ ~ , ' I ~ 4 IIa ~ r i 1r$r~ Q ~~t j' p. 1,! Q r d { cat! ~rr GRADING PLAN Item: Attachment # y. L~ap~ ~la~• f ~!,.~~«5~3333 ! f2 ~ Z f 3 fij ¦ ; fill t! (u~}tj3~ , ~ }i t~;, Z If~ =ra3=. + s IIIUM'IMIII ! t ~lli:r:f~ 1 t t~ ' f~t 1 ~~f , c .t,¦1/eS~r~„ i~f ;it uq! 1 , if :F =i ! U ' ) j ij't + ,.¦ra..tasFrFF! tit t'on¦ s ! ~t {S! t~ > tl t ii .i7 Y - l fl l j \ .s ^ m", ~ m~ti' l,f'li~l j ilia 49 171 Jam. ~ R1 `i 1 11 \ f 1 1! 1 11 111 11 1 l I~I) l i 1 i ! i L c s nil i r* ;1? 'I I - as I } ~IIII s l i p i Ip i, ?;1 . "go j - i X==1 w - ~o . - LANDSCAPE PLAN Item: 6.-I, Blve Attachment # U l~Ia~ I3 fit1' t f r~ I I i t s I E..1t~ b I I I I Ii~~i g ~ 4 s ~ 1• ; i r1 lNA I~ ~ rll all i l d I 3 Jr(/ O gig 91 1 IV, t 1 i \ IIII - ~J r- 0 r I I ~u • _ UTILITY PLAN Date: March 14,2001 Agenda Item: H-1 Action x City of Eagan Information . ` Parks and Recreation MEMO Attachments X 1. Location Map 2. Site Plan 3. Preliminary Subdivision 4. Permit Narrative AGENDA ITEM: 111, THOMAS WOODS TO: ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION PREPARED BY: KEN VRAA, DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION ITEM OVERVIEW : The Park Commission has previously reviewed this development proposal. The proposal is being returned to the Commission for the of review water resource and trail issues that were not addressed at the time of the nriQinal suhmitsicin BACKGROUND/HISTORY: Manley Land Company is requesting Preliminary Subdivision approval to allow the creation of a 30 lot single family residential subdivision entitled "Thomas Woods". The proposed subdivision overlays 13.0 acres of land located south of Cliff Road and west of Dodd Road in the northwest 1/4 of Section 36. In conjunction with the requested preliminary subdivision, the applicant has also requested a Rezoning of the property from an A, Agriculture to an R-1, Residential Single Family zoning designation. The property in question is bordered on the north and south by unsewered single family homes (large lot); on the east by sewered single family homes; and on the west by the Lebanon Hills Regional Park. The site has a topographic difference of approximately 20 feet from the northwest to the southeast. Mature vegetation exists along the site's north, south, and east property lines. A wetland exists in the extreme southeast corner of the site. The property is currently occupied by three single family residences. The subdivision is accessed from the east via two points on Dodd Road. This item was considered by the APC on December 20, 2001 and is scheduled to be considered by the City Council on 20 March. PARKS AND TRAILS DEDICATION: The development includes a dedicated trail easement connection to Lebanon Hills Regional Park. County staff has made accommodation for a trail connection at this location in the new Lebanon Hills master plan. The Developer has asked the City to provide direction regarding the installation of a trail through the easement. -9- Throughout the City there are a number of similar easements allowing access into City and County park land. Staff has found eight foot bituminous trail connections to be the most appropriate for a number of reasons: • The trail easement is defined and readily identifiable-This is especially important in residential areas where the easement passes between homes, and over time. may be "adopted" into the adjoining yards by the home owners. New home buyers will see the trail before they close on a home. • It is more efficient to have the trail installed during development---At some later date it would become the responsibility of the City to coordinate a paving project. (An eight foot wide trail would be adequate for the level of use and is less likely to be confused as a driveway.) TREE PRESERVATION: There are no tree preservation issues at this time WATER QUALITY/WETLANDS: Water Quality Issues This 13-acre development would be located in the City's L-watershed, which is in the southeast corner of Eagan and which is associated with Fitz Lake. Approximately four acres of the parcel is within the shoreland overlay district of Fitz Lake, which is a state-protected waterbody and which is classified as Class II-Indirect Contact Recreation by the City's water quality management plan. The proposed development needs to meet the City's water quality requirement to treat stormwater runoff from the site. The developer proposes to do so by directing stormwater from 10.6 acres to four constructed treatment basins on the site. Stormwater from 1.11 acres of the development is proposed to drain offsite. This area would be subject to a cash dedication in lieu of ponding. The remaining 1.25 acres of the development would be wetland. Minimum requirements for volume and area of water quality treatment ponds are based on the impervious proportion of proposed developments (i.e., land covered by buildings, parking lots, driveways, and walks). With an impervious fraction of 24 percent, a minimum wet-pond volume of 0.80 acre-feet covering a minimum area of 0.33 acres would be needed to treat the stormwater generated by this development. The developer proposes to create four ponds to treat stormwater from three sub-drainage areas within the development. Pond 1 (.43 acre-feet) would be connected to Pond 2 (.06 acre- feet), and both would receive stormwater from 5.54 acres of the site. Pond 3 (0.10 acre-feet) would receive stormwater from 2.07 acres of the site. Pond 4 (.56 acre-feet) would receive stormwater from 2.98 acres of the site. This pond would also have the capacity to treat runoff from a potential section of an upgraded Dodd Road, should that occur in the future. There are two natural wetlands on this parcel. Under the classification system of the Fish and Wildlife Service, one 0.8-acre wetland is classified as Type 3; the other 0.1-acre wetland is classified as Type 4. Type 3 wetlands are inland shallow fresh marshes that are permanently inundated with six or more inches of water during the growing season. Vegetation includes grasses, bulrushes, and various other marsh plants such as cattails, arrowheads, and smartweeds. Type 4 wetlands are inland deep fresh marshes in which the soils are usually covered with six inches to three feet or more of water during the growing season. Vegetation -10- includes cattails, reeds, and bulrushes. In open areas, pondweeds, coontail, and water lilies may occur. Both wetlands are under the jurisdiction of the Wetland Conservation Act of Minnesota (WCA)-administered locally by the City-and Section 404 of the federal Clean Water Act- administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Any proposals to drain, fill, or excavate these wetlands need to meet the provisions of these laws. The developer proposes to impact both wetlands by filling. Wetland A would receive 1,589 square feet of fill, and Wetland B would receive 4,252 square feet of fill, or would be entirely filled. Under WCA provisions, this development is allowed a maximum wetland impact of 400 square feet. Any proposal having wetland impacts beyond what is allowable must document attempts made to avoid, minimize, etc. those impacts and must include, for City consideration, a proposed wetland replacement and monitoring plan. Wetland mitigation (replacement, in this case) is based on a 2:1 ratio: Twice the amount of impacted acres needs to be replaced. Mitigated wetland acres needs to be annually monitored for up to five years to ensure that the wetland replacement is functional and stable. According to the wetland replacement plan received on March 13, 2001, the developer proposes to mitigate for 5,841 square feet of wetland fill by replacing 11,682 square feet of wetland (2 X 5,841). Wetland replacement is proposed as a combination of New Wetland Credit (NWC) and Public Value Credit (PVC). as provided by WCA. According to WCA rules, NWC must be at least 5,841 square feet, in this case. The developer proposes to create 6,016 square feet of new wetland along the eastern edge of Wetland A. PVC is applied to impacted area with a .75 factor, and can be applied to created stormwater treatment pond area. This means the developer must construct at least 7,555 square feet of stormwater treatment pond area to be applied as wetland PVC replacement. A total of 22,492 square feet of stormwater ponding area is proposed. The developer proposes to monitor the success of the proposed wetland replacement area for up to five years by filing annual monitoring reports with the City. Shoreland Zoning Issues The City of Eagan Shoreland Zoning Ordinance (Sec. 11.21 City Code) applies to development of this parcel because it is located within 1,000 feet of the ordinary high water level of state- protected Fitz Lake. Accordingly, average lot areas shall be no less than 15,000 square feet, lot widths shall be no less than 75 feet, structure heights shall be no greater than 35 feet, and total imperviousness shall be no greater than 25 percent. As proposed, this meets all provisions of the shoreland overlay district. Erosion Control In several areas of this development, the topography of the site requires proper installation and effective maintenance of erosion control practices to prevent and minimize soil loss from the site and impacts to down-gradient resources and water quality. ALTERNATIVES FOR COMMISSION CONSIDERATION: 1. Recommend approval of the revisions to the development proposal subject conditions including: • The developer install an eight foot wide bituminous trail through the dedicated trail easement, terminating at the boundary of Lebanon Hills Regional Park. Said trail to be built in accordance with City standards and specifications. • The development should meet the City's water quality requirements primarily by creating a minimum stormwater treatment capacity of 0.80 acre-feet covering a minimum area of 0.33 acres. Stormwater treatment ponds should be constructed according to NURP standards with a maximum depth of 6 feet, a 10:1 aquatic bench from the normal water level, and an outlet skimmer according to City design standards. • A cash dedication of $1,961 should be required in lieu of ponding for untreated stormwater that will runoff of 1.11 acres of the site. • The proposed wetland replacement and monitoring plan should be approved, allowing the developer to fill 5,841 square feet of wetland and create 6,012 square feet of NWA and 7,555 square feet PVC wetland. • With the exception of the area adjacent to the constructed stormwater treatment pond, the area along the proposed roadway, and the area designated as NWA, a minimum 30-foot wide buffer of natural, undisturbed vegetation outside the boundary of the wetland should be maintained before, during, and after construction. • Erosion control practices should be properly installed and effectively maintained throughout the development process to prevent and minimize soil loss and negative impacts to down-gradient resources and water quality. 2. Recommend approval with additional or alternate conditions. 3. Recommend denial. Item: Wk TkoritaS U)ooa. Location Map Attachment # i LOCACA MAP ¦ •pw ~~i p r. a • 1 s ti • r~~ a C• • d ¦ • t ¦f g + I 41b ss aI. . • I - • • tI {t t" E / • i • •t t S 6' s Sub ect Site 6t' ~t LEE t Es t • d 9000 0 1000 2000 Feet Development/Developer. Thomas Woods Application: Preliminary Subdivision and Rezoning Case No.: 36-PS-12-07-00 and 36-RZ-09-07-00 pTO•id.d N by ==L Proy¦.dU.W ~ arln.w at. Pared b¦n m I Norwr6rmOD. endba+r¦ts *City of Eagan / THIS MAP a INTENDED FOR REFERENCE USE ONLY w+E MINNESOTA Tbe City of Eagan and Dakota County do not guarantee the accuracy of this information and are 5 C..re.ay b...wp...l b.oarnw.M not responsible for errors or omissions. 1SJ W tC2C60 IO/CI/CO 6-P?60C lI Item: b 1 \ Attach ment # 2 51 T6 PUS W 5 s b y o E 4:21 \ 1 i 2255 i g 1 i il~ a° a° a° R2!t T , ~Ar- p M' ! p 4 < tj• ~f ' t g LLJ +i7I ~ , ~1,~ ' - o I° R III z 11 a ~ t4 u1 ^ ~b I i it ~ LY• ` tF z is \ \ i I f a IN gig ~fj \ ° } I pf its I ~ j Its ill I V / -i i I I' * a. (v VI•) S IWL 33YAM Kl:TM 4 (71~ S6') !S 9K2~Y3W DrlWK • ON6d d 1/-r' 40' • f 6"9Z6'l!M i i L OW°d ws? Item: N-l „nas lc)ooh s Attachment #3 J ?S i ovt 121,11 1 lit r j TTRT~ 7 'I'IIIIIIi'IIH <N>{ r _ s - <o~< Ham'' egg ~3t;i i' ~ q ; j1 Tr#: l ; m 8 V ~N~ Y:jj sTTs`~ TT II yW170W St oyW~1o T~„ij yo sf• ==E{j~j j~ i TFijTp 32w~2 Wd g < l71r¢~ tai=[ 7 p~>{T~a+iS>iifi s~Ii TFSjsi III Fg~- 01 -J, I X lit F.- 77 Nil LL r FI- 9 2* C4 4:~ C4 ? L--. elm, Ica 'I Nw. 3. PRELIMINARYSUBDIVISION Item: N-ti S 5 Attachmeri Pen,-,+ f , , ve- I PERMIT NARRATIVE t WCA REPLACEMENT PLAN AND SECTION 404 PERMIT THOMAS WOODS EAGAN, MINNESOTA i Applicant: Manley Brothers Construction March 13, 2001 PEC Project No. 2000-015 PROJECT DESCRIPTION The project site consists of a 13 acre site along Dodd Road in Eagan, Minnesota (Figure { 1). The site is located in the Southeast 1/4 of the Northwest 1/4 Section 36, Township 27 ` North, Range 23 West. Manley Brothers Construction is proposing to construct the Thomas Woods development. The development will consist of 30 single-family housing ' units. Plans for the proposed development are contained in the pocket of this permit application package. WETLAND DELINEATION AND CLASSIFICATION Two jurisdictional wetlands, totaling 0.90 acres, lie on the project site (Figure 2). Both wetlands were delineated by Peterson Environmental Consulting, Inc. in 2000 in association with the proposed Thomas Woods development. Wetlands on the project site were field delineated according to the methodology set forth in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual (1987). Wetlands were delineated using the "Routine Determination Method" in accordance with methodology set forth in the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual i (Tech. Report Y-87-1). The identified wetlands were classified according to the methodologies set forth in Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States (FWS/OBS Publication 79/31; Cowardin et al. 1979) and Wetlands of the United States (USFWS Circular 39; Shaw and Fredine 1971). Throughout this narrative, "Cowardin" wetland types are given first with Cowardin abbreviations and "Circular 39" types given in parentheses. Wetlands within the project site are described briefly below: Permit Narrative - Thomas Woods Development March 13, 2001 PEC Project No. 2000-015 Page 2 Wetland A Wetland A is a 0.81 acre seasonally flooded, palustrine emergent wetland (PEMC; Circular 39 Type 3 shallow marsh) surrounded by a wide fringe of temporarily flooded palustrine emergent wetland (PEMA; Circular 39 Type 1 seasonally flooded flat). The predominant vegetation consists of reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea, FACW+), American water plantain (Alisma subcordatum; OBL), swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata; OBL), and broad leaf cattail (T)pha latifolia; OBL) This basin is underlain by an unidentified hydric soil inclusion in the County soil survey (Figure 3). Wetland A appears on the City of Eagan's wetland inventory as A36-06/4. Wetland B M Wetland B is a 0.09 acre excavated, seasonally flooded, palustrine emergent wetland (PEMCx; Circular 39 Type 3 shallow marsh) surrounded by a narrow, temporarily I flooded palustrine emergent wetland (PEMA; Circular 39 Type 1 seasonally flooded flat). The dominant vegetation consists of common duckweed (Lemna minor; OBL) and reed canary grass. This basin is also underlain by an unidentified hydric soil inclusion in the County soil survey (Figure 3).: Wetland B appears on the City of Eagan's wetland inventory as A36-06/4. WETLAND IMPACTS The proposed project would entail the filling of 5,841 square feet of wetland (0.13 acre). Wetland A, which totals 35,085 square feet, would receive 1,589 square feet of fill for the construction of the street serving the plat and construction of one of the stormwater ponds on the site. Wetland B would be completely filled to provide stormwater ponding for the front third of the development.. The proposed wetland impacts represent 14 percent of the 0.90 total wetland acres on the project site. SEQUENCING ANALYSIS Because the proposed impacts are less than 10,000 square feet, the Local Government f Unit (LGU) under the WCA is free to conduct on-site sequencing without written sequencing documentation from the applicant (see Minn. Rules 8420.0520 Subp. 2). However, to facilitate the permitting process, the following narrative has been prepared to document their efforts to avoid and minimize wetland impacts on the site. 1 I Permit Narrative - Thomas Woods Development March 13, 2001 PEC Project No. 2000-015 Page 3 Impact Avoidance As required by the WCA rules, the applicant has considered alternatives that would avoid wetland impacts altogether. These alternatives are: No Action Alternative One alternative is the no action alternative, which would result in the entire project site remaining undeveloped. The applicant considers this alternative infeasible because it is; (1) inconsistent with the City's comprehensive plan guidance for the area (i.e. D-1, single-family residential) and (2) would defeat the reasonable, investment-backed expectations of the applicant. Variation on Proposed Site Plan A second avoidance alternative would be a variation on the site plan currently being ` proposed. Such a variation would require the elimination of four lots. The loss of four lots represents a 14 percent reduction in the size of the development. The applicant submits that the adverse economic impact that would be caused by the loss of four lots is not warranted given the very small amount and poor quality of the wetland acreage affected. The degraded quality of the affected areas is discussed below. Impact Minimization Wetland impacts on the, proposed project have. been minimized to the extent practicable. The proposed project has gone through a number of iterations, each of which has resulted in a-reduction in the amount of wetland impact. During the design process, the applicant has been able two add two additional parcels to his land assemblage, providing him more design flexibility to further minimize wetland impacts. As shown on the project plans, 0.90 acres of the project site consists of jurisdictional wetlands. The applicant has avoided all but 5841 square feet (0.13 acre) of this wetland acreage. The proposed fill impacts to Wetland A are required to 1) provide a safe design for the roadway through the plat and 2) allow construction of the stormwater pond in the southwest corner of the site. Adjustment of the road alignment to avoid this impact would result in poor roadway geometrics and create a possible health and safety concern r for future residents (e.g., both creating a reverse curve and also impeding the movement 1 of fire and safety vehicles through the development). Fill required for this impact will be placed in an area of low-quality Type I fringe dominated by reed canary grass and other nuisance plant species. Mitigation of this fill impact will allow for the replacement of the affected low quality Type 1 wetland with higher quality Type 3 wetland. Creation of the stormwater pond is required to accommodate runoff from the surrounding impervious Permit Narrative - Thomas Woods Development March 13, 2001 i PEC Project No. 2000-015 Page 4 surface created by the development. y The applicant has explored the reconfiguration of this pond to avoid the impact but has found that insufficient space exists to do this and still meet NURP criteria. As with the roadway impact, fill for the stormwater pond will be placed in an area of low-quality Type 1 fringe. Mitigation of this impact will allow the replacement of low-quality Type 1 wetland with higher quality Type 3 wetland. The proposed impact to Wetland B is needed to provide adequate stormwater ponding for the front third of the development. The City's stormwater management plan and water quality guidelines require construction of a stormwater pond to accommodate runoff from this area. The most logical place to locate the pond is in the southeast comer of the development. This results in moving Lots 1 through 3, of Block 2 back to the west, necessitating the filling of Wetland B. Although the impact to wetland B could be avoided (resulting' in the loss of two building lots or seven percent of the development), new wetland constructed to mitigate this impact will result in the replacement of low- quality wetland with higher quality, more ecologically diverse wetland. Wetland B is an excavated stock pond dominated by duckweed (Figure 4). The applicant submits that the proposed project represents the environmentally preferable alternative due to the small quantity and poor quality of the wetland acreage affected versus the quantity and quality of the wetland replacement being provided. Compensatory Mitigation Wetland Conservation Act The proposed project entails 5,841 square feet (0.13 acre) of wetland fill regulable under the WCA. The wetland acreage requiring replacement is 5,841 square feet; at a 2 to 1 ratio, this equates to 11,682 square feet (0.27 acre). Wetland replacement will be provided through a combination of New Wetland Credit (NWC) and Public Value Credit (PVC)- New Wetland Credit: The applicant proposes to create 5,841 square feet new wetland credit (NWC) to be constructed adjacent to Wetland A (see Preliminary Grading Plan, Appendix C) All of the NWC will be applied to the Thomas Woods project. The proposed NWC replacement wetland will be constructed. by excavating to an elevation of 927.5 feet (to be at or below the bottom elevation of the Type 3 portion of existing Wetland A). This will provide a hydrological connection between the mitigation wetland and the existing wetland. Soils in the area of the proposed mitigation are somewhat poorly drained inclusions not recognized in the soil survey. They should provide adequate ponding for creation of the mitigation wetland. To minimize re- Permit Narrative - Thomas Woods Development March 13, 2001 PEC Project No. 2000-015 Page 5 invasion by reed canary grass that may be in the seed bank, Y arY present no backfilling of soils from impacted wetlands is proposed. Backfill will be accomplished using soil from upland areas located away from existing infestations of exotic wetland species such as reed canary grass. Slopes within the replacement wetland will average 5 to 1, with both the bottom contours and margins to be irregular. Slopes have been varied to promote a natural appearance. These measures are consistent with the design standards set forth in the WCA rules (see Minn. Rules 8420.0550). The scarified area around the fringe of the replacement wetland will be re-seeded with a native grass mixture (Appendix B). Areas below the normal water level will be allowed to re-vegetate naturally. Public Value Credit: The remainder of the required wetland replacement would be in the form of public value credit (PVC) from the stormwater ponds being created as part of the project. Minn. Rules 8420.0540 Subpart 2 (E)(3) provides PVC credit for 75 percent of the surface area of water quality treatment ponds that pre-treat stormwater prior to discharge to other wetlands, in City's having approved stormwater management plans. The ponding areas proposed as part of the project total 22,492 square feet in area. Public Value Credit generated from the primary stormwater ponds equals 16,869 square feet (0.39 acres). This represents sufficient PVC credit to provide the second half of the 2 to 1 replacement ratio required for the project. The stormwater ponding being provided on the Thomas Woods project meets the design parameters set forth in Minn. Rules 8420.9=0540 Subp. 2(F). Section 404 of the Clean Water Act For purposes of the. Corps of Engineers regulatory . program, the- total impact from wetland filling will be 5,841 square feet (0.13 acre). Because this fill is more. than 2000 square feet and involves isolated wetlands, it is covered by the existing Letter of Permission-B. An impact of this magnitude requires replacement under the Corps rules. The 1:1 replacement generally required under Corps rules will be met by the first half of the mitigation required by the WCA replacement plan outlined above. Monitoring Plan The applicant will monitor the success of the proposed wetland replacement area for a period of up to five (5) years as required by the WCA. The standard BWSR monitoring report form will be used to report results. All of the required content elements set forth in Minn. Rules 8420.0620 Subp. 2 will be supplied in the monitoring report. The locations of fixed photo reference points have been established to provide photographic documentation of wetland replacement results (see grading plan, Appendix Q. A PEC Permit Narrative - Thomas Woods Development March 13, 2001 PEC Project No. 2000-015 Page 6 wetland scientist will be on-site during the construction of the mitigation wetland. Depending upon field conditions and observations of PEC during construction, minor modifications to the mitigation plan described here may be necessary in order to achieve the stated design goals. As required by the WCA, the replacement wetland will be monitored annually for five years following completion of construction or until the Technical Evaluation Panel is satisfied that the replacement wetland is fully functional. The specific parameters to be evaluated are set forth in the WCA rules and include; 1) the wetland types desired and those achieved, 2) adherence to replacement plans and reasons for any deviations (first annual report only), 3) annual hydrologic measurements, 4) dominant vegetation, and 5) color photographs from each established photo-documentation point as shown on the plan in Appendix C. Annual monitoring reports will be submitted to the City of Eagan for review. P:\PROJECTS\2000\2000-015\Permits\2000015Wcanarative2.doc M WY 6C C60 10/CT/CO 0w2Y0SLa It s 1 RBI O y~ o` N See. w See \ 1 i i o ac a r a a p all i i[t ti L ~ ~I~e i ~ e a I I ! ; I Y I ~ 'Jr % x < Z . I 'rs~ } 1 e 1`~' '•ii J" W ! s LLV ve r ? ell ! Yi I i o Y I fit i 1 f !r / - f i I 6 (7Y R•) t 12WL-Y7a? rnnax ? cav w) A a.z,.ZW DYJ~s -2 1 01ar 1 h?/ s1 ff. -INN $ N • I GNU sCi • 0 s~F*w Date: 3/19/01 Agenda Item: 1-1, SKATEBOARD PARK UPDATE '1 Action t ~City of Eagan Information X Parks and Recreation MEMO Attachments AGENDA ITEM: I-i; SKATEBOARD PARK UPDATE TO: ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION PREPARED BY: BETH A. WIELDE, ADMINSITRATIVE SPECIALIST ITEM DESCRIPTION: Update on Phase II of the Skateboard Park investigation. BACKGROUND/HISTORY: In December of 2000, staff presented an overview of skateboard parks, with an emphasis on Tier I classification (ramps under 3' high). The APrC recommended staff conduct further research into the feasibility of bringing a Tier I park to Eagan. The investigation was to focus on determining public support, cost analysis, and not acquiring any new land for the park. PROGRESS: • Three sites have been investigated for potential locations. At this time, these include Goat Hill, Bridle Ridge, and Quarry Park. These sites were chosen because of the existing rinks and supplemental amenities such as lighting and restroom facilities. Thorough analysis of these sites and others will be presented in the Phase II report • Costs of ramps and other features vary greatly between manufacturers. Design enhancements and materials such as steel can drive up the price of certain ramps. A comparative study is being prepared by staff to demonstrate the range of features, and variables that make prices fluctuate. • Staff decided to proceed with determining public support until after the APrC decides if the project should continue. This decision was made based upon the amount of staff time required for a proper determination. ALTERNATIVES FOR COMMISSION CONSIDERATION: ¦ This item is for informational purposes only. Date: March 12.2001 Agenda Item: J 1; CIP 2002-2006 Action x City of Eagan Information Parks and Recreation MEMO Attachments N. 1. CIP Summary AGENDA ITEM: J-1; CIP 2002-2006 TO: ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION PREPARED BY: KEN VRAA, DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION PAUL OLSON, SUPERINTENDENT OF PARKS I ITEM OVERVIEW: Review and approve the 2002-2006 CIP for the Park Site Acquisition and Development Fund. BACKGROUND/HISTORY: The Park Commission met in a workshop session on February 21St to review the current 5 year (2001-2005) CIP and to add 2006 as the "new" 5th year. At the workshop, the members present reviewed park dedication and interest revenues and agreed that the projected 2002 fund balance of $2.46 million was realistic and could be used as the basis for developing the revised CIP. The members also identified several new projects for inclusion in the CIP including Central Park, Holz Farm and the Cedar Grove (Cedarvale) area improvements. Several other projects that had been identified in the 2001-2005 CIP were moved into different years to better correspond with related issues. ANALYSIS: To remain consistent with City Council directives, all of the available funds, including revenues, were allocated over the 5 years of the CIP. The three new projects added to the CIP are as follows; • Holz Farm Development ($250,000 in 2003)-A master plan for the farm is scheduled to developed in 2002. There have been multiple requests from the City inspection staff to develop restrooms to accommodate special events and tour groups. • Central Park ($300,000) in 2004)-The funding available from the recent referendum is not intended to fund the implementation of the entire master plan for the site. The money would be used to fund the additional site improvements and leverage grant dollars. • Cedar Grove ($150,000) in 2006)-The former Cedarvale area of the City is proposed for a major redevelopment/rehabilitation. Funding may be needed to assist with the implementation of the park elements of a master plan. The North Park infrastructure project ($250,000 in 2001) was moved to 2002 due to delays in the approval process. The section of the CIP entitled "Other Allocations" was left intact other than reducing the "Acquisition" portion by $50,000 to account for the possible acquisition of property adjacent to Patrick Eagan Park that had previously been reviewed by the Commission. Adjustments were also made for inflation. WIA- The CIP is intended to be a guide for planning purposes and is subject to review and adjustment or change. The Park Commission will be asked to review the CIP each spring to reflect current priorities and funding and to add a new 5'h DISCUSSION/EVALUATION: A detailed summary of the 2002-2006 CIP is attached for review. ALTERNATIVES FOR COMMISSION CONSIDERATION: 1) Approve the 2002-2006 CIP as presented 2) Revise the proposed CIP and recommend approval. Item: j t - L i. PARK SITE FUND 2002 - 2006 C.I.P. Attachment # l g~.),%rviw-4R Park Site Fund Balance as of 1/2001 = $2,220,000 (Includes Estimated 2001 Revenues) 2001 ACTIVE PROJECTS Estimated Cost Grant Property Planning (from 2000) $15,000 North Park Mitigation (from 2000) $150,000 Blackhawk Security Lights $35,000 Northview Security Lights $40,000 Lexin on/Diffle Security Lights $40,000 Rahn Rink Light Upgrade $30,000 Playground Replacement (2) $50,000 TOTAL $360,000 -$360,000 Estimated Park Site Fund Balance as of 1/2002 = $1,860,000 Estimated Revenue 2002 - 2005 (4 x $150,000) = $600,000 (Interest and Fees) Total Available 2002 - 2006 = $2,460,000 Estimated 2006 Revenue ($125,000) = $2,585,000 ANNUAL EXPENDITURE SUMMARY 2002 = $665,000 2003 = $425,000 2004 = $485,000 2005 = $225,000 2006 = $180,000 Acquisition = $460,000 Small Projects = $100,000 Unallocated = $ 45,000 Total Expenditures = $2,585,000 1/2007 BALANCE = 0 ANNUAL PROJECT SUMMARY 2002 PROJECTS Estimated Cost Soccer Field Lighting $175,000 Moonshine Park Development $140,000 Holz Farm Master Plan $20,000 Playground Replacement (3) $80,000 North Park Infrastructure $250,000 TOTAL $665,000 2003 PROJECTS Estimated Cost Carnelian Rink Light Upgrade $30,000 Clearwater Rink Light Upgrade $30,000 Captain Dodd Sun Shelter $35,000 Ridgecliff Sun Shelter $35,000 Playground Replacement (2) $55,000 Holz Farm Development $250,000 TOTAL $425,000 2004 PROJECTS Estimated Cost Northview Tennis Court Lights $75,000 Patrick Eagan Master Plan $50,000 Playground Replacement (2) $60,000 Central Park Improvements $300,000 TOTAL $485,000 2005 PROJECTS Estimated Cost As halt Hockey Rink $35,000 Walnut Hill Trail $80,000 Carlson Lake Dock $25,000 Rahn South Master Plan $25,000 Playground Replacement (2) $60,000 TOTAL $225,000 2006 PROJECTS Estimated Cost Cedar Grove Improvements $150,000 Playground Replacement (1) $30,000 TOTAL $180,000 1:/ml/park site fund - 2 -ti Date: February 19, 2000 Agenda Item: j-2; Fish Lake Water Quality Project- Reclassification of City Pond JP-47 City of Eagan Parks and Recreation MEMO Action F Information Attachments AGENDA ITEM: J-2; FISH LAKE WATER QUALITY PROJECT- RECLASSIFICATION OF CITY POND JP-47 TO: ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION PREPARED BY: ERIC MACBETH, WATER RESOURCES COORDINATOR ITEM OVERVIEW: Recommend City Council to reclassify City Pond JP-47 from Class IV-Wildlife Habitat to Class V-Nutrient Trap to provide more opportunity for effective operation and maintenance of the alum-dosing facility for Fish Lake. BACKGROUND/HISTORY: Fish Lake is one of only six of the City's Class I (highest quality) lakes with potential to support direct contact recreation, such as swimming. A diagnostic/feasibility study of the lake was conducted in September 1994 to analyze water quality impairments and to review a set of remedial measures to improve water quality. One such measure was development of an alum- dosing facility. The City entered into agreements with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency in June 1995 and June 1996 to fund a Clean Water Partnership (CWP) Project for Fish Lake. The work plan of the CWP included an alum-dosing facility, which was constructed between Hurley Lake and Fish Lake in 1998. Briefly, the facility adds to stormwater aluminum sulfate, which reacts with the phosphorus in the stormwater before it enters Fish Lake. Aluminum phosphate, a solid that lightly settles in the water column, forms. Phosphorus unbound in this way is the primary culprit that contributes to algal blooms in lakes. The alum-dosing facility is an experimental project, permitted by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, in cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Last year, the City experimentally increased its alum dosage eight-fold, based on the research of a University of Minnesota doctoral student. This increased dosage, however, resulted in the - accumulation of large quantities of aluminum phosphate in City Pond JP-47, the receiving wetland between the facility and Fish Lake. ANALYSIS: City Pond JP-47 is classified Class IV (Wildlife Habitat) by the 1990 Eagan Water Quality Management Plan. However, this classification is inconsistent with what the City is doing to the wetland via aluminum phosphate accumulation. Furthermore, for the City to maintain its highest priority classification of Fish Lake, a long-term strategy is needed regarding the effective operation and maintenance of the alum-dosing facility and its primary receiving waterbody. By downgrading JP-47 to Class V (Nutrient Trap), the City would be deciding to degrade a small wetland on behalf of the prioritization of another waterbody much more valuable to the entire It, - community. This action will also allow the City the flexibility to increase the storage capacity of JP-47, beyond the natural characteristics of the basin. As it is now, to be consistent with its wildlife habitat classification, the City would only remove accumulated aluminum phosphate- something it must do this spring regardless. While this would somewhat restore the natural conditions of the wetland, it would leave the City having to revisit this restoration every several years because aluminum phosphate would continue accumulate, as long as the dosing facility were operating. If the City determined to significantly increase the capacity of the wetland, then less frequent sediment removal would be needed. DISCUSSION/EVALUATION: Under Wetland Conservation Act rules, the City's need to remove accumulated aluminum phosphate from JP-47 can be addressed as a no-net loss-extracting that which naturally did not exist through its local government unit role. Under the same rules, the City would need to mitigate for wetland acres impacted by excavation beyond the natural features of the wetland. To be consistent with its waterbody classification system, the City would be in a better position to increase the storage and water quality treatment capacity of JP-47 by having it be classified a non-recreational Class V (Nutrient Trap). ALTERNATIVES FOR COMMISSION CONSIDERATION: Recommend City Council to reclassify City Pond JP-47 from Class IV-Wildlife Habitat to Class V-Nutrient Trap to provide more opportunity for effective operation and maintenance of the alum-dosing facility for Fish Lake. Date: March.12, 2001 Agenda Item: L-2 Action i City of Eagan Information x 1 Parks and Recreation MEMO Attachments AGENDA ITEM: L-2, PARK TELEPHONE SERVICE TO: ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION PREPARED BY: PAUL OLSON, SUPERINTENDENT OF PARKS ITEM OVERVIEW: The cost of telephone service to park buildings is continuing to increase. Staff has explored several options intended to reduce costs while retaining the same level of service. The option staff has selected will be vresented to the Commission for informational purposes. BACKGROUND/HISTORY: To facilitate efficient communications, "staff' telephones were installed in the maintenance rooms of six park buildings including Thomas Lake, Northview East and West, Lexington- Diffley, Rahn and Ohmann Parks. The telephones are used by staff to contact supervisors, other staff, the police or reservation groups. The telephones have proven to be especially useful for park attendants who are paged by a group using a pavilion or by a supervisor. They are not intended for public use and in most instances are used only seasonally. ANALYSIS: When the telephones were installed the service provider offered the opportunity to disconnect a service at no fee. When the time came to reactivate the service a "reconnection fee" was paid. For a minimal additional fee the telephone number could be retained for the next season. The reconnection fee was less than the cost of putting the telephone on a vacation or standby rate. Last year, when US West became Qwest, the option of disconnecting and reactivating service was discontinued. A business customer now has the option of putting a service on a modified vacation rate or continuing service at the regular monthly rate. Based upon current schedules, the cost of the a full year of service is as follows; Vacation Rate = $29 @ month x 5 months = $145 Regular Service = $59 @ month x 7 months = $413 Annual Cost = $558 x 6 telephones = $3348 In response to the cost increase staff has explored the option of utilizing cellular service for the staff telephones. Because of the large number of seasonal staff members the use of hand held cellular telephones seemed inappropriate and inefficient. Considerable time would be spent coordinating the location and use of the telephones. Instead staff has opted to purchase the larger "bag style" cellular telephones which can be securely mounted to the wall and hardwired or plugged directly into a wall electrical'outlet. The costs of cellular service; One time telephone purchase = (bag telephone) = ($150) x 6 telephones = $900 Basic service (30 min.) = $ 6.95 @ month x 7 months = $48.65 Vacation fee = $ 3.00 @ month x 5 months = $15 (A) Annual Service Cost = $63.65 x 6 telephones = $293 Total First Year Cost (incl.purchase) =$1193 Upgraded service (225 min.) = Additional $18 @ month x 7 months x 6 telephones = $756 (B) Annual Service Cost with Upgraded Service = $1050 Total First Year Cost (incl.purchase) =$1950 DISCUSSION/EVALUATION: Staff will implement the program utilizing the Basic Service package. The use at each site will be monitored to determine the most appropriate rate schedule. Long distance, call return and fee based calls will be blocked. Funding for the purchase of the cell telephones will come from the savings to be realized in the communications portion of the operating budget. ALTERNATIVES FOR COMMISSION CONSIDERATION: This item is presented for informational purposes. No Commission action is necessary at this time. SEVERSON, SHELDON, DOUGHERTY & MOLENDA. P.A. TO: Gregg Hove, City Forester FROM: Sharon K. Hills, City Attorney DATE: February 23, 2001 RE: Tree Preservation Regulations Our File No. 206-04768 In accordance with your request, this memorandum addresses the definition of the terms "practical difficulties" and "practical hardships" as used in the tree preservation regulations, Section 11.10, Subd. 15.1(D)(2). This memorandum also addresses the authority of the City to enact, as a part of the tree preservation regulations, specific preservation regulations for "heritage trees." 1. Definition of "Practical Hardship". Section 11.10, Subd. 15.1(D), of the City Code governs the allowable tree removal. Paragraph D, clause 2, provides an exception which would permit a deviation from the maximum allowable tree removal. Specifically, Paragraph D(2) states that "when practical difficulties or practical hardships result from strict compliance with the provisions of this paragraph, the City may permit significant tree, specimen tree, and significant woodland removal in excess of the allowable limits." In essence, the exception is a variance to the tree preservation ordinance. The City's authority to grant a variance cannot exceed the authority granted by Minnesota Statutes. A variance may only be granted by the city council. The statutory authority authorizing the council to grant a variance is found in Minn. Stat. §462.357, Subd. 6(2), which allows variances only in cases of "undue hardship" where: (1) [T]he property in question cannot be put to a reasonable use if used under conditions allowed by the official controls [i.e. zoning regulations]; (2) the plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to the property not created by the landowner; and (3) the variance, if granted, would not alter the essential character of the locality. Economic considerations alone do not constitute an undue hardship if reasonable use for the property exist under the terms of the ordinance. The next issue to address, therefore, is the application of the "undue hardship" standard. The finding of "undue hardship" is a determination for the council. The first determination is whether the property can be put to reasonable use without the variance from the allowable tree removal. Minnesota courts have held that this first requirement does not mean that a property owner must show that the land cannot be put to any use without a variance, but rather to a reasonable use. Each request for an exception, or variance, must be analyzed as to whether under the facts and circumstances it would be reasonable to require the applicant to abide by the tree removal requirements. The second requirement of the statutory "undue hardship" standard is that the plight of the landowner be due to circumstances unique to the property, not created by the landowner. As to the location of a tree, it would be hard to imagine that it was created by the landowner. With respect to the amount of trees needed to be removed, it is a balance between the location of the trees and the ability to use the property in a reasonable manner. The final requirement of "undue hardship" is that the variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality. The property owner has the burden to establish an "undue hardship". Finally, the granting of a variance should be the exception and not the rule. 2. "Heritage" Tree. The Advisory Park and Recreation Commission is exploring the option of protecting "heritage" trees under the tree preservation regulations of the City Code. The general provisions of a "heritage" tree regulation would protect unique trees, based on species, age, historical significance, ecological value, aesthetics, location or other unique characteristics, within the City. To date, research has found no case law specifically addressing this issue, but our office will continue searching. Generally, the City may enact regulations which protect and preserve trees, including "heritage" trees, provided the City can establish that such regulation promotes the public health, safety and welfare. However, where application of a "heritage" tree regulation makes a property useless or prohibits any meaningful use, such regulation may be deemed as an unlawful "taking." If you have any further questions regarding the foregoing issues, please do not hesitate to contact me. SKH/j It cc: Mike Ridley, Senior Planner APrC - Recreation Sub-committee Summary of March 8, 2001 meeting Agenda: I Review Concession Trailer Physical characteristics: The trailer is a 20x8' Wells Cargo trailer custom made for concessions use. Please see attached photo-copies. II Review schedule for this year: Please see the attached tentative schedule. In addition, Eagan Parks and Rec. intend to test the concession trailers effectiveness at some fall programs. - Review Operations A.Fiscal objective: While staff believes that the concession opertations provide service, staff need to assure that the operational costs are met and that adequate revnue is generated. B. Physical requirements associated with its portable use: While the trailer is portable, the following considerations are associated with its use at any site: - Electric power is required. (A generator can be utilized) - Access to water is important. - Equipment and food items need to be secured. - Loss of power for any long period of time will require alternate storage of product that is refrigerated. - Coordination of transportation of the trailer. Due to the complexities of the trailers physical operation, management of the trailer at all times will be Eagan Parks and Recreation responsibility. C. Event scheduling: Existence of the trailer at Lexington / Diffley and the potential to have it service fields 6-8 at Northview present some change for past arrangements of concession operations associated with several weekend tournaments. Staff suggests that we consider each event on an individual basis and coordinate service with the responsible event organizer. 1. Arrangements to date have consisted of any of the following: - Park and Recreation provides concessions. - The host association provides concessions. - No concessions available. 2. For events that are a routine part of any organizations schedule ( such as, local in-house program year end events ) that are conducive to offering concessions, it is staffs' position that the associations provide their own concession sales. It will be their responsibility to meet concession operation requirements. Concession opportunities at events hosted by outside groups will be considered individually. 3. Some event hosts wish to offer concessions, but are not interested in the operation. From past experience, staff knows that not every event is conducive to meeting our fiscal objective. Staff suggests that the Department be given the flexibility to negotiate the extent of service if requested as part of any event. IV Misc. updates on Recreation programs: Jeff distributed copies of the current Discover activities brochure. There are over 60 pages filled with opportunities for any age group. Paula Nowariak gave a overview of efforts to date to meet the needs of the teenage market in our community. This is a challenging market to serve as interests seem to be ever-changing. Some success has been gained by involving the teens in our planning. Efforts will continue - leading to increased opportunities for teens as part of the Teen Center as planned within the Community Center. Approved March 19, 2001 ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION EAGAN, MINNESOTA PRE-MEETING ORIENTATION A brief introductory session was held for new APrC members in the Community Room prior to the Regular Meeting. Director Ken Vraa had each APrC member introduce themselves, then Parks and Recreation staff introduced themselves and described their role with the department. Director Vraa spoke briefly about their role as an advisory body. Elections were held for chair, vice-chair, and secretary, information release forms and oath of office forms were distributed and returned. Positions: 4 Chair: John Rudolph 4 Vice-Chair: Dorothy Peterson 4 Secretary: Terry Davis Subcommittees: Recreation Acquisition/ Development Natural Resources John Rudolph Joseph Bari N. Mark Fillipi Melvin Williams Dorothy Peterson George Kubik David Wright Terry Davis Margo Danner Richard Pletcher MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF Febraury 15, 2001 A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks Commission was called to order at 7:06 p.m. on February 15, 2001 with all Commission Members present. Staff present include Ken Vraa, Director of Parks and Recreation; Jeff Asfahl, Superintendent of Recreation; Paul Olson, Parks Superintendent; Eric Macbeth Water Resources Coordinator; Loudi Rivamonte, Youth Development Coordinator and Beth Wielde, Administrative Specialist filling in for Recording Secretary Cherryl Mesko. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Member George Kubik moved to approve the agenda, Member Dorothy Peterson seconded, with all voting in favor to approve the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF December 18, 2000, and January 11, 2001 Chair Rudolph noted on page 3, 2nd paragraph of the December 18, 2000 minutes, "After further discussion, Daryle Peterson moved, Terry Davis seconded with all members voting in favor..." should be amended to state, "Chair Rudolph abstained from voting." There we no alterations to the January 11, 2001 minutes. Member Terry Davis moved to approve both minutes with the amendments to the December 18 set. Member Kubik seconded, with all members voting for approval. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of February 15, 2001 Page 2 VISITORS TO BE HEARD There were no visitors who wished to address the Commission under this agenda item. ART HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE KAY GUSTAFSON Superintendent Jeff Asfahl introduced Kay Gustafson, Arts & Humanities Council representative, and Jill Otto, recent addition to the program. Gustafson gave a brief history of the Arts and Humanities Council, which started in 1997 as a group of 5 people who wanted to provide an opportunity for children to explore the arts outside of a school setting. The group worked with Dorothy Peterson, who was on staff at the City at the time, to assist in developing the program. Peterson help the group secure use of the McCarthy House. In the early phases, the program had 40 students. Since this time, the program has grown, renovating the garage to handle the changing needs of the group. The Art House has merged with a group in West St. Paul to form the non-profit Dakota County Center for the Arts. By 1998, there were 120 participants in the programs. These numbers continue to grow, 400 participants in 1999, and over 800 in 2000. Gustafson described the organizational structure, including the 14 member Board of Directors, all community volunteers. Program growth demonstrated the need for a staff person, so Jill Otto was hired to fill that role. Gustafson stated the Arts & Humanities Council works with a $50,000 budget, which is mostly retained from class fees. She stated the mission/vision of the council, which is to develop, promote, and encourage participation in and appreciation for the arts, and encourage art education to all ages. Gustafson gave credit to the Parks and Recreation department for their ability and willingness to work with the Arts and Humanities Council. She described some of the programs that are coming up, including the Council's assuming responsibility for the Yankee Doodle Arts & Crafts Festival, continuing the Friday Night Music programs, and the Multicultural Festival. Gustafson illustrated how art is a catalyst for bringing people together, and noted activities intended for families and seniors. She stated their hopes to continue their current practices. Gustafson introduced Jill Otto, who displayed some of the works produced by art house members, including oil painting, pottery, and collage. Gustafson concluded with an anecdote about an Art House participant who experienced personal growth while attending programs, and how art benefits a broad range of people. Member Peterson congratulated Gustafson on her visions and presentation. Member Davis noted that employers often give tax-deductible matching gift contributions to non-profits such as the Art House. DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS Parks Superintendent Paul Olson discussed a variety of issues happening in the Parks Division, including his attendance at the Lebanon Hills Stakeholders Task Force. He noted that there was some consensus that this would be one of the last general meetings of the task force as a whole. It will soon be released for public comment. He also discussed: 4 Skating rinks, stating that the cold weather has allowed the rinks to stay open later, but after this week, B and C sites will close, although A sites, those with rink lights, will remain open. 4 Staff and County staff working as the "E-team" (stands for Erosion Team) have been meeting to discuss erosion issues. There is a meeting scheduled on March 22 to talk with developers about erosion issues. 4 Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of February 15, 2001 Page 3 The 2001 budget approved a new maintenance position. This employee was hired in-house from the Utility department, and should begin duties in April. Framework for the new Holz Farm shed is up. Forestry staff is planning for Arbor Day Event, Saturday May 5 at Lexington-Diffley, and the tree sale, Saturday, April 8 at the maintenance facility. Member Joe Bari asked what type of trees would be sold this year. Superintendent Olson said they were likely the same type of trees as last year, and that Forester Hove has already ordered them. Specific types will be listed in the spring Discover Us brochure. Chair Rudolph stated he liked the idea of the "E-Team" as a way to bring attention to the erosion issue. Olson noted the growth in attendance by staff members Member Kubik also compliment Olson and the E-Team on their efforts. He said he would like to see a report of the results when the study is complete. Recreation Superintendent Jeff Asfahl discussed the kick-off of regular senior meetings on Monday, February 21, from 9:00 to 1:00. These meetings will discuss recreation and leisure opportunities for Eagan's seniors. Superintendent Asfahl also discussed: 4 Many of the winter leagues are wrapping up, with the exception of basketball and volleyball, which will continue into March. 4 Summer softball packets have been mailed. 4 On Saturday, January 27, the Annual Winter Ice Event was held at Blackhawk Park. 4 EAA has completed Super Sign Up. The programs are growing, particularly soccer. For the next 6 to 8 weeks, staff will be working on field space allocation. 4 The spring Discover Us brochure has been mailed. E Recreation staff is planning for summer and fall events and programs. 4 Preschool programs are flourishing. 4 Winter Youth Development programs began January 15`h at Quarry and Wescott Parks. The preschool program held a field trip to the Children's Museum in St. Paul on Wednesday, January 15. 4 Per the 2001 budget, a portable concession trailer has been ordered. The recreation subcommittee was asked to help staff develop policies regarding the concessions trailer. Member Danner thanked Superintendent Asfahl for mentioning the seniors program, and mentioned the technical trouble in getting seniors activity announcements into the newspapers. Member Peterson asked about field enhancements for travel baseball, and Superintendent Asfahl stated there have been meetings to discuss amenities, turf, and field improvements, although there is more yet to do. Chair Rudolph suggested the week of March 5 for a recreation subcommittee meeting. A recreation subcommittee meeting was established for Thursday, March 8 at 5:30. CONSENT AGENDA ECOLAB ADDITION- PRELIMINARY SUBDIVISION Parks and Recreation Director Ken Vraa gave a brief background on the development, which includes a lot split at the existing Ecolab site. The subdivision will create two lots, one for the existing building and one to be sold. There are no tree preservation issues associated with this site. There are no water quality issues associated with this site. Should future development occur on the site, the plat will need to come back for standard review Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of February 15, 2001 Page 4 practices. Member Dorothy Peterson moved to approve the recommended preliminary subdivision, Chair Rudolph seconded, with all members voting to consent. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS There were no development proposals for the APrC to review. OLD BUSINESS Administrative Specialist Beth Wielde provided an update on progress of Phase II of the Off-Leash Dog Area (OLDA) study. There has been some preliminary investigation into potential sites, public support, and alternative funding sources, but the County has suggested meeting about a potential joint project. Work on the project is on hold until after this meeting, to determine if the County would like to be involved. The County has added a section on OLDAs in their draft Park System Plan, although this does not mean a County commitment. Member Pletcher inquired whether Off-Leash Dog Areas are enclosed. Director Vraa stated there were two primary ways of delineating OLDA boundaries, both natural/vegetative buffers and fencing. Specialist Wielde noted that both types of fencing require the owner to have voice and visual control over their pets. NEW BUSINESS PARK LIGHTING Superintendent Olson described the difference between high-level parking lot lighting and low-level security lighting. Olson stated that Dakota Electric Association was willing to work with the City on supplying and installing security lighting, where parking lot lighting would require a consultant. Dakota Electric Association would allow for perpetual maintenance for a $5 per pole maintenance fee for each pole they install. Although it is common for staff to work with parking lot lighting issues, Dakota Electric would cover a great deal of the cost for security lighting. Olson emphasized that Dakota Electric Associates are not an electrical contractor, but are willing to work with the City on optimal siting of security lights. Olson also discussed light pole options. Three available types include metal, concrete, and fiberglass. Fiberglass and concrete are most commonly used in Eagan parks, about a 50/50 split. Olson indicated that the hope is to install lighting at the ballfields at Lexington-Diffley, and showed the concept plan drawn up by Dakota Electric as an example. Security lighting at the entrance of Northview is desired. Member Bari asked where additional lighting would go at Northview Park, and Olson stated that lighting was only examined at this point at Lexington Diffley to conserve time in case the project did not take this direction. Olson stated that staff would work with Dakota Electric to determine the optimum lighting plans for Blackhawk and Northview. Olson noted that the intended lighting sites are not programmed for use in the off-peak season. Member Peterson asked if it was possible to turn off the security lighting during the off-season. Olson indicated that this would likely not be possible, since the lights operate on photo cells rather than timers. Member Pletcher inquired if the security lighting came on any time it got dark. Olson replied that this is correct, and parking lot lighting, while it would allow for more control, would require more staff time. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of February 15, 2001 Page 5 Member Peterson inquired if the Department were to work with Dakota Electric, would the City still have a choice of lighting fixtures. Olson indicated that this will be dealt with momentarily. Member Wright asked what the priority was for lighting on the Lexington-Diffley ballfields. Olson stated that ballfield lighting in conceptual at this time, that it would be far in the future. Field demand would indicate the need for further study. Olson stated that the fields are primarily used for youth slow-pitch softball/baseball. When the fields were originally created, transformers were installed for future lighting opportunities. Director Vraa expanded on the growth anticipated when the parks and fields were planned. Member Kubik asked who would be responsible if security lights were vandalized. Superintendent Olson said Dakota Electric would be responsible for this. Olson then described the variety of light fixtures and pole types. He also discussed cost implications denoted in the CIP. The CIP projects $50,000 for Blackhawk Park, $50,000 for Northview Park, and $75,000 for Lexington-Diffley lighting systems. If fiberglass security lighting was used, the cost would be around $31,000 for the Lexington Diffley site. He mentioned that concrete posts are $1,400 more per post than fiberglass. Estimated costs of parking lot lights about double the cost of security lights. Olson requested that the APrC consider whether it is appropriate to install security lights at the three sites, recommend the type of pole, and the scope of the project; whether it is to be security lights at all proposed sites, or some combination thereof. Chair Rudolph stated that the proposal identified some partnership potential with Dakota Electric for security lights that would reduce cost to the City tremendously. He stated that it appears to be an easy decision. Member Peterson moved that staff proceed with fiberglass pole security lights at Lexington Diffley and Northview Park, concrete security lights at Blackhawk for continuity, and work with Dakota Electric in all cases. Member Davis seconded. Member Davis also asked whether the $5 per pole per month includes electric fee, and whether the light is on every night every day of the year. He also asked what the typical cost is for lamps on a timer. Olson stated the cost of lamps is about $25 to $50 per lamp, and a consultant would need to be brought in to retrofit existing lights. Member Wright asked about residential concerns with new lighting, and Superintendent Olson said at Lexington- Diffley, light spread would not be noticeable. Light spill is more from nearby commercial buildings. He also noted that Blackhawk Park is heavily wooded, which creates a buffer area to shield light. Member Pletcher inquired if Northview had the worst time with light spill. Olson indicated that most of the lighting occurs in the back of the park, and that light spill is not a significant issue. Member Davis inquired how far south toward residential property the security lights would go, and Superintendent Olson showed the intended light placements, and noted that there was no intent to light the whole park, just the indicated area for security and intersection safety. Member Davis noted that staff may want to get in touch with adjacent homeowners who may be impacted. Member Kubik inquired as to the durability of the fiberglass poles. Olson noted that the durability of fiberglass and concrete is very close. Member Bari inquired from where the monthly fee is funded. Olson replied there is a line item in the operational budget for these things. Chair Rudolph called for the vote, all voting in favor for Member Peterson's motion of staff proceeding with fiberglass security lights at Northview and Lexington Diffley, and concrete at Blackhawk Park, and working with Dakota Electric. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of February 15, 2001 Page 6 WATER RESOURCES UPDATE SCHWANZ LAKE CLEAN WATER PARTNERSHIP PROJECT FINAL REPORT Water Resources Coordinator Eric Macbeth gave background into the Schwan Lake Clean Water Partnership program. The program started as a grant. The project will close by gaining City Council approval for closure. In 1992, the City studied water quality in Schwanz Lake, which was considered a degraded water body. The 1990 Water Plan outlined Schwan as being a potentially swimmable lake. Phosphorus was entering the water body from direct drainage. Macbeth discussed strategies used to alleviate this: Public information/ education, including children's programs about water. Public action Storm drain labeling, which lets people know what lake each grate drains to. Street sweeping study Monitoring water quality Stormwater monitoring Weed harvesting 4 Sub-project fishing pier on Schwanz Lake Herbicide treatment Macbeth showed watershed exhibits, and discussed future trends and piping efforts done as part of the grant. One effort Macbeth wished to address is the reduction of curlyleaf pondweed. He discussed other challenges and successes of the project. There are water quality improvements in the lake, though the level of precipitation has been lower than normal. There is a direct relation between precipitation and phosphorus levels. Member Kubik asked what the flushing rate is. Macbeth stated that he would need to look that up for the definite answer, but it may be within the 30-40 day rate. He would be happy to check. Member Peterson asked if Macbeth used 1999 figures, and Macbeth stated that they had. Member Peterson commented that 2000 figures would have skewed results due to the Superstorm. Chair Rudolph complimented Macbeth on the report. Macbeth offered hard copies of the report if anyone wanted one. Member Danner inquired about the size and depth of the lake, and the fish within the lake. Macbeth stated that the lake is 12 acres and 13 feet deep. He also noted that the DNR stocked channelcatfish in the lake, even if nobody has caught any. Catfish act as a predator to help enhance the fish life in the lake. Chair Rudolph moved to recommend Council accept the project and report, and continue completion of the project. Member Wright seconded. Member Kubik asked if the APrC needed to add a "priority management" section. Chair Rudolph did not see this as necessary. All members voted in favor of the recommendation. LOWER MINNESOTA RIVER WATERSHED DISTRICT PROPOSED JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT Water Resources Coordinator Macbeth provided background on the request from the Lower Minnesota Watershed District, which covers the northwest comer of the City, and encompasses about 10% of the City. They request a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) from all cities within the watershed district for a cooperative arrangement, which basically puts into document form efforts that are currently underway. This would give the district oversight for any new development that would impact the watershed. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of February 15, 2001 Page 7 Member Peterson inquired if this gives the Watershed Management District the right of refusal. Macbeth said that they have ultimate regulatory authority, but it would be a collaborative effort, and that it is already informally part of the City's internal process. Proposals go to the watershed management district as part of the City's review process. Member Bari asked if the City Attorney has reviewed the agreement. Macbeth wasn't certain, but said he would make certain that this is done. Member Bari asked if the District would have to approve each development. Macbeth said that the District wants to provide pre-approval comments. Member Bari asked if this would give them power to deny developments, and Macbeth stated that they could provide comments only. Member Bari inquired if the Water Quality staff had the staff resources to implement this agreement. Macbeth said that they are not considering a new staff position for this, since Eagan already makes this effort. Chair Rudolph asked if staff was aware of any community that has not joined. Macbeth is not aware of the status for any other city in regards to this issue. George Kubik moved to approve the joint powers agreement, with the amendment by Member Bari that the City Attorney review and approve. Member Davis seconded, with all members voting in favor. OTHER UPDATES (WATER QUALITY) Macbeth addressed clarification regarding the Supreme Court decision, a 5-4 vote, to reinforce and expand federal to state devolution of power. Macbeth gave a background on the case in question. He continued to explain state power over created wetlands. The Corps of Engineers is still sorting out the decision. It seems that Minnesota's current regulations, which are very detailed, the ruling will have minimal impact on current City procedure. Macbeth is unaware of any Eagan sites the decision will impact. He also shared a department award, the Wetland Health Evaluation Process, year 2000 Achievement Award. He discussed the solar powered aerator on East Thomas Lake, and showed photographs of the aerator in action. OTHER BUSINESS AND REPORTS COMMUNICATION- ATTORNEY RESPONSE RE HARDSHIP INTERPRETATION This issue has been deferred to the March 19, 2001 meeting. YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM UPDATE Youth Development Coordinator Loudi Rivamonte presented an update on Youth Development efforts. She noted how the program started in the Wescott Area as a program for underserved youth. She noted efforts by School District, Dakota County HRA, the City, and the Wescott Neighborhood to serve this faction. The program has since expanded to Quarry Park. Rivamonte noted the dedicated staff serves over 100 participants per trimester, and the program has expanded. Promotional campaigns include targeting schools and apartment managers to help spread the word. Rivamonte described efforts to partner with EFC programs to combine events. She also described the programs offered, and recent expansion of programs to Rahn and Diffley parks, although these have proven a challenge because there is no centralized place to hold meetings. Some of the barriers faced by Youth Development staff include personnel at the apartments since managers change frequently, and funding. Rivamonte has managed to secure alternative funding, however. She also discussed socioeconomic issues related to Youth Development including transient population and frequent changeover, high crime rates, and a demographic shift. Rivamonte discussed the increase in the Somali population, and the subsequent need for staff education in Somali culture and the Islam religion. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of February 15, 2001 Page 8 Rivamonte discussed the barriers faced by programming at the Quarry Park site, included social isolation, and lack of cooperation in promoting programs. But, she said, numbers had doubled last year. She noted that the demographics in Quarry Park are also changing, and now about 60% of the population is from India or Russia. The program, Rivamonte continued, is focused on reducing risk factors. She also noted that there was going to be a Somali reception on Saturday, February 17. She noted the use of a cultural "broker" rather than interpreter, which, helps interpret the cultural mores rather than just interpreting the language. She expressed interest in having monthly meetings with the Somali groups. Chair Rudolph noted that he has seen similar demographic shifts in the schools. Member Bari complimented Rivamonte, "Mother Theresa has nothing on you!" and member Danner asked what time on Saturday the reception would be held. Rivamonte said it is 11:00 and everyone is welcome. SET CIP MEETING DATE Director Vraa suggested holding the CIP meeting either on the 21s1 of February or the 15` of March, 5:15 or 5:30 in the 2"d floor conference room. The meeting was set for February 21st. ROUND TABLE Member Bari stated the he sensed the APC is frequently credited for preliminary plat review in the Council minutes, that the APrC's participation is overlooked. Director Vraa suggested bringing it up at the March meeting, and he noted that the APC action echoed the APrC action on the Finch Place development. Member Davis noted that there is often no historic record of the APrC's participation in development review in the Council minutes. Chair Rudolph stated that this may change now that there is a former APrC member on the Council. Member Peterson asked about the status of the Conditional Use permit presented during the January meeting. Director Vraa said that this would need to be checked on. Director Vraa noted the two attachments to the packet, the "Morning After" memo produced by Admin Specialist Wielde, and an article about the evolution of playground equipment. ADJOURNMENT Member Peterson moved to adjourn, Chair Rudolph seconded, with all members voting in favor to adjourn at 9:25. Secretary Advisory Parks Commission