02/13/2003 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission
Approved March 17, 2003
ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 13, 2003
A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on February 13,
2003 with the following Commission Members present: Joseph Bari, Phil Belfiori, Margo Danner, Terry Davis, N.
Mark Filipi, Elizabeth Perry, Dorothy Peterson, Richard Pletcher, Ken West and Melvin Williams. Staff present
included Ken Vraa, Director of Parks and Recreation; Jeff Asfahl, Superintendent of Recreation; Paul Olson, Parks
Superintendent; Eric Macbeth, Water Resources Coordinator; Beth Wielde, Research and Special Projects; CJ Lilly,
Parks Planner and Cherryl Mesko, Recording Secretary.
INTRODUCTION OF NEW COMMISSION MEMBER
Director Vraa introduced Commission Members Phil Belfiori, Terry Davis and Dorothy Peterson who had
been recently appointed to three year terms by the City Council. Commission Member Ken West was also
introduced as the newly appointed alternate for a one year term.
COMMISSION ORGANIZATION
ELECTION OF CHAIR, VICE CHAIR AND SECRETARY
Following a brief description of the position, Director Vraa opened nominations for the Chair. Margo
Danner nominated and Joseph Bari seconded the nomination of Terry Davis. Terry Davis nominated and Elizabeth
Perry seconded the nomination of Dorothy Peterson. Joseph Bari moved, N. Mark Filipi seconded with all members
voting in favor to close the nominations. Ballots were completed and counted with Terry Davis elected as Chair.
Following a brief description of the position, Director Vraa opened nominations for the Vice-Chair.
Richard Pletcher nominated and Terry Davis seconded the nomination of Dorothy Peterson. Phil Belfiori nominated
and N Mark Filipi seconded the nomination of Elizabeth Perry. Dorothy Peterson moved, Margo Danner seconded
with all members voting in favor to close the nominations. Ballots were completed and counted with Dorothy
Peterson elected as Vice-Chair.
Following a brief description of the position, Director Vraa opened nominations for the Secretary. Dorothy
Peterson nominated and Terry Davis seconded the nomination of Richard Pletcher. L Mark Filipi nominated and
Margo Danner seconded the nomination of Joseph Bari. Elizabeth Perry moved, N. Mark Filipi seconded with all
members voting in favor to close the nominations. Ballots were completed and counted with Richard Pletcher
elected as Secretary.
Standing subcommittees were established with the following members serving on each:
. Recreation: Richard Pletcher and Melvin Williams
. Natural Resources: N. Mark Filipi, Elizabeth Perry and Ken West
. AcquisitionlDevelopment: Joseph Bari, Phil Belfiori, Margo Danner, Terry Davis and Dorothy
Peterson.
It was noted that various ad-hoc committees may be established depending upon issues that need to be addressed by
the Advisory Commission and members are typically identified at that time. All Commission members are also
invited to attend any subcommittee meeting.
Director Vraa then turned the meeting over to Chairman Davis.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Added under Round Table were 1) Additional funding sources requested by the City Council, 2) Green
Space discussion and 3) Historical Committee update. Dorothy Peterson moved, N. Mark Filipi seconded with all
members voting in favor to accept the agenda as amended.
Advisory Parks Commission
Minutes of Regular Meeting of February 13, 2003
Page 2
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JANUARY 16,2003
Elizabeth Perry moved, Richard Pletcher seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the minutes
of the January 16,2003 meeting as presented.
VISITORS TO BE HEARD
Councilmember Carlson addressed the Commission as the Council liaison to the Advisory Parks
Commission. She asked for Commission feedback on the role the liaison could provide and added that she will be
available for comments from Advisory Commission members. Member Davis expressed his enthusiasm for the
proactive approach the Council is taking to maintain good communication with advisory commissions and looked
forward to talking further with the Council at a joint workshop on how this role would be beneficial.
SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE AND DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS
Superintendents Olson and Asfahl provided an overview of activities in the Parks and Recreation divisions.
CONSENT AGENDA
There were no consent agenda items for the Commission to discuss.
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
There were no development agenda items for the Commission to discuss.
OLD BUSINESS
DISC GOLF SUMMARY FINDINGS
Researcher Wielde presented the results of a municipal survey conducted to determine the success, cost, and
physical development of disc golf in communities throughout Minnesota. Disc golf courses typically were 9, 12, or
18-hole varieties. Courses are typically not revenue generators, but were well liked and moderately to heavily
played. Communities had stated they consider disc golf an asset to their communities. Wielde presented a virtual
tour, showing Commissioners the hole setup in Kaposia Disc Golf Course in South St. Paul, noting the varied terrain
and the way natural elements such as trees, streams, and existing trails were integrated into course design.
After discussion about Eagan's public need and desire, definition of "asset," and other aspects of the survey,
Elizabeth Perry moved, Dorothy Peterson seconded with all members voting in favor to continue the study, pursue a
potential partnership with the school district, have Mr. Ashcroft pursue resident interest and follow-up with cities to
attempt to define the assets they've identified in having a like facility.
NEW BUSINESS
FRIENDS OF PATRICK EAGAN PARK FUNDING REQUEST
Director Vraa provided background of this issue noting that Mr. Jack Conrad, representing Friends of
Patrick Eagan Park (FOPEP) had requested to be placed on the agenda. FOPEP requested the City Council become
actively involved in providing Metro Greenways with information requested to complete the award of a grant for
Anderson parcel acquisition.
Mr. Jack Conrad addressed the Advisory Commission and shared background information on the value of
the Anderson parcel as it relates to the Greenway Corridor in Eagan and the grant application they have submitted.
He discussed the partnerships that have evolved in working toward the preservation of this corridor. He added that
Advisory Parks Commission
Minutes of Regular Meeting of February 13, 2003
Page 3
Al Singer from the DNR had asked FOPEP to partner with other groups to show a united front in acquiring and
preserving properties. It was noted that a vital part of these partnerships would be the involvement of the City of
Eagan.
FOPEP discussed the possibility of applying for the DNR's Natural and Scenic Area grant. They discussed the
potential involvement of the Trust for Public Land, and provided basic guidelines of the grant.
Dakota County Commissioner Nancy Schouwieler addressed the Commission and reiterated the position of
Dakota County regarding the dollars that will be available to Dakota County residents who wish to make their land
available for preservation. Although she did not commit to funding assistance for the Anderson parcel she did note
that the property fell within the preliminary standards drafted by the County for consideration.
Bob McGillivvay from the Trust for Public Lands also addressed the Commission. He shared the various
options their organization could offer to assist in the acquisition of the Anderson parcel as well as others that might
become available for consideration. In response to a question as to why the Anderson parcel was singled out, Mr.
McGillivvary noted that their focus on this parcel is seen as a starting point for grant applications and partnerships to
lay the groundwork for future land preservation; i.e. Caponi Art Park and the McCarthy property.
After several more questions and further discussion, Phil Belfiori moved, Elizabeth Perry seconded with all
members voting in favor to make the following recommendations to the City Council:
1. The APrC recommends that the City Council support the application and direct staff to apply for the
MnDNR Natural and Scenic Area Grant to secure funding for protection of the Anderson parcel;
2. The APrC recommends to the City Council that it direct City staff to work with Trust for Public Land
to conduct a formal appraisal of the Anderson parcel;
3. The APrC recommends to the City Council that it direct City staff to pursue funding from Dakota
County Farmland and Natural Area Land Protection Program, including becoming active in the
upcoming land eligibility criteria definition process.
4. The APrC recommends that the City Council set aside up to 25% of the cost (of the yet to be defined)
appraised value of the Anderson parcel, not to exceed $100,000, if the remaining appraised value of
the parcel can be acquired using revenue from a combination of sources listed below:
a. Other relevant State grant applications
b. Private corporation community grants.
c. Non-profit land management and protection grants
d. Grants and partnership with the Dakota County Farmland and Natural Area Land Protection
program.
CIP
Director Vraa introduced this item noting the annual review process for Capital Improvement Projects for
current and future years. He added that the Advisory Commission has been reviewing this process regularly and
will identify and review items pertaining to 2003 projects for discussion with the City Council at their joint meeting.
Parks Superintendent Olson then reviewed the CIP projects slated for 2003.
Member Danner expressed her displeasure that the playground for Central Park was not included in the
2003 CIP because she felt it was understood to be part of the bond referendum. Member Davis commented that the
playground is shown at Central Park in the 2005 CIP but reminded the Commission that this is a fluid document that
is reviewed regularly and can change. Superintendent Olson reminded the Commission that the funds for CIP
projects are from the Park Site Fund and not from the General Fund account.
Following brief discussion Dorothy Peterson moved, Elizabeth Perry seconded with all members voting in
favor to recommend to the City Council the approval of the 2003 CIP as presented and that the future CIP through
2008 be reviewed at a later date.
Advisory Parks Commission
Minutes of Regular Meeting of February 13,2003
Page 4
REQUEST TO V ACA TE TRAIL EASEMENT - CARLSON LAKE TRAIL
Director Vraa introduced this item stating that the City Council is requesting input from the Advisory
Commission regarding the potential vacation of an easement along Carlson Lake. He noted that the Council held a
public hearing on February 4 and will use the Advisory Commission's input and hearing commentary to determine if
the easement is to be vacated. The location and history of the easement was also reviewed.
Member Davis asked if the applicant was present to address their request. It was noted that they were not
present. Member Pletcher asked for the reason for the request and Director Vraa replied that there was none given.
Member Peterson suggested that if the easement was acquired through parks dedication it may not be able to be
vacated easily. Director Vraa responded that it could pose some future title issues. Member Davis opined that there
did not appear to be any clear reason why the vacation should be granted.
After further discussion, Dorothy Peterson moved, Joseph Bari seconded with all members voting in favor
to not recommend vacation of the trail easement at 1293 Carlson Lake Lane.
INTERIM USE PERMIT - PETER LUND
Following a brief introduction of this item by Director Vraa, Planner Dudziak provided the background of
the interim use permit for the property adjacent to the entrance to the developing North Fields. Following her
presentation she noted that the City Council is looking for feedback from the Advisory Commission given the close
proximity of this site to North Fields.
Parks Superintendent Olson shared photos from Borchert Lane, which provided a visual perspective from
the park. The photos included both the Lund property and the property on the other side of Borchert Lane at the
entrance to North Fields. He also shared information regarding the proposed rain gardens that would take water
away from the hill and pond as well as the grading plan for North Fields. He did note that once you are in the park
you wouldn't be able to see the trailers that are currently stored on the Lund property. Although the park isn't
scheduled to open until 2004, Olson noted that the interim use permit coincides with the opening.
Responding to questions from Commission Members, Planner Dudziak noted that this request follows the
standards of a Conditional Use Permit. She noted that the Advisory Commission is being asked to look at the
impact to the park based on this request.
Member Peterson asked if a provision could be included that if Borchert Lane is improved during the term
of the permit and the trailers are in the way the interim use permit would or could be terminated. Director Vraa
indicated that would not be a concern. Commission Members expressed a desire to have this item brought back to
the Advisory Commission at the end of the 18 month term so that they could re-assess the situation.
Chet Harrison representing Peter Lund responded to questions regarding the swale being used for drainage
of the site. He noted that when the road is brought in the water will then be run through the stormwater system. He
also noted that the 18 month time frame would allow them to plan for a building on the site and they understand that
the trailers will need to be moved.
Following their discussion, Elizabeth Perry moved, Terry Davis seconded with all members voting in favor
to recommend to the City Council approval of the Interim Use Permit for an 18month term at which time the
applicant shall come back to the APrC for review and consideration of options before permit is renewed.
WATER RESOURCES UPDATE
Items highlighted by Water Resources Coordinator Macbeth included an update on Pond JP-47 noting that
the PCA may have a requirement that could preclude the addition of an alum storage basin. It was also noted that
the City was given a verbal approval of a $6,000 grant for lakeshore restoration at Lemay Lake in Moonshine Park.
Installation of aerators has begun at several lakes and there were many ice fishing participants on Blackhawk Lake
for the Don't Break the Ice Fest.
Advisory Parks Commission
Minutes of Regular Meeting of February 13, 2003
Page 5
OTHER BUSINESS AND REPORTS
COMMUNITY CENTER UPDATE
Director Vraa noted that the parking lot lights are almost done, work is progressing on the indoor
playground and carpeting is being completed on much of the interior. Substantial completion is expected in rnid-
March so that the certificate of occupancy can be issued shortly thereafter. Director Vraa also noted that the plan is
to open the building in phases. May 2 will see the opening of The Blast indoor playground followed by the first
wedding on May 10.
Member Peterson asked if the work on the pond was completed. Director Vraa responded that it was.
Member Danner asked when other components of the building would be available. Director Vraa responded that in
addition to the indoor playground and banquet space the meeting rooms and Lone Oak Room would also be brought
on-line in May. It was noted that the specific dates for opening the balance of the building had not been exactly
determined yet.
ROUND TABLE
AL TERNA TIVE FUNDING REQUESTED BY CITY COUNCIL
Member Perry reminded the Commission that the City Council had directed the Advisory Commission to
look at potential alternative funding options in anticipation of limited future parks dedication fees.
GREEN SPACE FOCUS DISCUSSION
Member Perry also noted that although the Greenway Corridor has been acknowledged by the Advisory
Commission there is a need to review options and refine the focus on what this actually entails. She suggested
setting a workshop for the Advisory Commission to set some goals before the joint meeting with the City Council.
After further discussion, March 3, 2003 at 5:30 p.m. was set for a workshop session
HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEETING
Member Peterson noted that a meeting has been scheduled with the Historical Society to discuss their
suggestion to re-name North Fields. She added that an update would be provided to the Advisory Commission at
the March 17 meeting.
Member Danner commented on the times indicated on the agenda and suggested that they not be included
so that the Commission does not feel like they are being rushed through the agenda.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to conduct N. Mark Filipi moved, Elizabeth Perry seconded with all members
voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
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Secretary
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