04/14/2003 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission
Approved May 19, 2003
ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF APRIL 14,2003
A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on April 14,2003
with the following Commission Members present: Joseph Bari, Phil Belfiori, Margo Danner, Terry Davis, N. Mark
Filipi, Elizabeth Perry, Dorothy Peterson, Richard Pletcher and Melvin Williams. Commission Member West was
not present. Staff present included Ken Vraa, Director of Parks and Recreation; Jeff Asfahl, Superintendent of
Recreation; Paul Olson, Parks Superintendent; Gregg Hove, Forestry Supervisor; Eric Macbeth, Water Resources
Coordinator; Beth Wielde, Research and Special Projects; Colleen Callahan, Youth Development Coordinator; CJ
Lilly, Parks Planner; Jim Storland, Water Resources Technician; John Sealey, Intern and Cherryl Mesko, Recording
Secretary.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
N Mark Filipi moved, Margo Danner seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the agenda as
presented.
ARBOR DAY POSTER RECOGNITION
After a brief review of the annual Arbor Day poster contest Forestry Supervisor Hove introduced the
winner of the 2002 poster contest, Heather Goff. He noted that Heather is a 3rd grade student and that she and her
family had the opportunity to tour the West Group facility. West Group prints the posters that are distributed to the
community and has been a partner of this contest for many years. The original framed 2002 poster was then
presented to Heather by Coordinator Hove and Commission Chair Davis.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MARCH 17,2003
Dorothy Peterson moved, N Mark Filipi seconded with all members voting in favor to defer
recommendation of the March 17, 2003 minutes to the May 19 Advisory Commission meeting.
VISITORS TO BE HEARD
WHEP ANNUAL PROGRAM REPORT
Tom Goodwin and Jane Tunseth were present to provide an annual program update of the wetland health
evaluation program. A series of volunteers work each summer testing various wetlands. During the summer of
2002 study areas in Eagan included wetlands at Cedar Pond, in a residential neighborhood at Diffley and Johnny
Cake Ridge Road, near Glacier Hills Elementary school and behind Faithful Shephard school. Mr. Goodwin and Ms
Tunseth provided an in-depth review of the vegetation and invertebrate species identified in each wetland in the
study. At the conclusion of the report, the Advisory Commission thanked Mr. Goodwin and Ms Tunseth for their
efforts and suggested that people interested in volunteering to help with the study next year should contact the City
of Eagan Water Resources Division.
SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE AND DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS
Superintendents Asfahl and Olson highlighted several items of interest pertaining to the Recreation and
Parks Division respectively.
Advisory Parks Commission
Minutes of Regular Meeting of April 14, 2003
Page 2
RECREATION UPDATE - COLLEEN CALLAHAN
Youth Development Coordinator Colleen Callahan presented the Advisory Commission with a background
of Youth Development from 2001 to the present, specifically highlighting the change in programming priorities that
have evolved during that time. She focused attention on the cooperative programming opportunities with ISD 196
and 197. In addition she reviewed the growth of the teen programming which now includes the involvement of a
Teen Advisory Board to look at methods to reach other teens and to provide a means to share programming ideas.
Coordinator Callahan also shared the vision and goals for the Teen Advisory Board (E- TAB) and the enthusiasm
this group shares for this project.
INTERN REPORT - JOHN SEALEY
Director Vraa introduced Intern John Sealey and noted that as a part of an internship with Parks and
Recreation, interns are given an issue to research and are required to make a presentation to the Advisory
Commission with their findings.
Intern Sealey noted that the project he was assigned was to survey the users at Trapp Farm Park Tubing
Hill following the implementation of a $2.00 charge for tube users. Sealey indicated that 32 surveys were answered
and reported on the demographics of those surveyed. He then reported on the responses to the user fee; 65% felt it
was a reasonable price and 18 of the 32 responses indicated they would purchase a season pass if one became
available.
Responding to what he might do differently, Intern Sealey suggested that starting the survey earlier to get a
larger sampling would be a priority. He also suggested that breaking the survey down further by age might also be
useful information.
CONSENT AGENDA
Dorothy Peterson moved, Elizabeth Perry seconded with all members voting in favor to make the following
recommendations to the City Council:
1. Arbor Day Proclamation.
. To acknowledge the resolution setting May 3 as Arbor Day and Mayas Arbor Month in the
City of Eagan.
2. Centennial Ridge 2nd Addition - Manley Land Development.
. The applicant shall fulfill required tree preservation mitigation through the installation of
twelve (12) category B trees (or an equivalent combination of category A and/or category C
trees and/or cash payment).
. Tree Protective measures (i.e. orange colored silt fence or 4 foot polyethylene laminate safety
netting) shall be installed at the Drip Line or at the perimeter of the Critical Root Zone,
whichever is greater, of significant trees/woodlands to be preserved on-site.
. The applicant shall contact the City Forestry Division and set up a pre-construction site
inspection at least five days prior to the issuance of the grading permit to ensure compliance
with the approved Tree Preservation Plan and placement of the Tree Protection Fencing.
. A storm water treatment ponds shall be constructed with a minimum treatment volume of 0.41
acre-feet covering a minimum surface area of 0.21 acres. The pond should have a minimum
depth of 6 feet, a 10: 1 aquatic bench from the normal water level, and an outlet structure that
meets City design standards.
. A dedication of cash in lieu of ponding should be required for storm water that is proposed to
drain off 0.34 acres of the site.
3. Zehnder Acres - River Run Properties
. This development shall be responsible for a cash trails dedication.
. This development shall be responsible for meeting tree preservation issues identified at the
time of building permit application.
. This development shall be responsible for a cash dedication in lieu of storm water treatment
ponding.
Advisory Parks Commission
Minutes of Regular Meeting of April 14, 2003
Page 3
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
PINEY WOODS - MANLEY LAND DEVELOPMENT
Planner Dudziak provided a background of this development noting that Manley Land Development is
requesting approval of a rezoning from Agriculture to Single-family residential and a Preliminary Subdivision of
approximately 4.9 acres to create 10 single family lots on property at 4650 Dodd Road, east of Dodd Road and south
of Cliff Road in the NW Y4 of Section 36.
Forestry Supervisory Hove reviewed tree preservation and mitigation issues with this development noting
that this is a revised plan with much less tree removal than what was originally proposed. The applicant is
proposing to transplant 322 conifer trees from this site to a "safe site" and then back onto this and other Manley
development sites in Eagan. When asked where the "safe site" would be, Hove responded that although it was not
clearly identified it will need to be close to the site. Member Peterson added that neighbors ofHolz Farm are
concerned about the trees around the perimeter of the property being removed because they feel it will negatively
affect the visual view from Holz Farm.
Water Resources Coordinator Macbeth reviewed the water quality, wetland, shoreland zoning and erosion
control issues that pertain to the site. Parks Superintendent Olson then reviewed the parks and trails dedication
issues. He outlined the surrounding properties and how this residential development will gain access to Holz Farm
Park as well as Lebanon Hills Regional Park. Olson reviewed a trail option that would require the developer to
provide a 6 foot concrete sidewalk extending from the Dodd Road intersection with Rosa Court along the length of
the yet un-named roadway through the development to its north terminus and that the trail would be located on the
south and east side. Superintendent Olson shared photos of the area adjacent to Holz Farm, which clearly showed
the buffer of trees that currently exists between the properties and identified the area where trees would be removed.
There was discussion by the Commission regarding the benefit of providing a restrictive covenant or
easement within this development to maintain a buffer between this development and Holz Farm. Member Perry
opined that a conservation easement would be more effective than a restrictive covenant. Several Commission
Members agreed that some type of restriction should be placed on the property border to provide the buffer to Holz
Farm. Director Vraa noted that in order to best preserve the visual impact to Holz Farm it might be in the City's best
interest to consult with the City Attorney to determine how best to proceed.
After further brief discussion, Dorothy Peterson moved, Elizabeth Perry seconded with all members voting
in favor to make the following recommendations to the City Council relative to the Piney Woods development:
1. This development shall be responsible for a cash parks dedication
2. This development shall fulfill the trail dedication requirements by providing a minimum 6'
concrete sidewalk along the length of the yet un-named collector street extending through the
development, built in accordance with applicable City design standards.
3. The City Attorney shall be asked to provide language that, in the best interest of the City of Eagan,
would restrict the construction of sheds, fences, dog kennels, etc within 15 feet of the easterly
property line of Piney Woods to preserve the visual integrity of the adjacent park property.
4. Tree Protective measures (i.e. orange colored silt fence or 4 foot polyethylene laminate safety
netting) shall be installed at the Drip Line or at the perimeter of the Critical Root Zone, whichever
is greater, of significant trees/woodlands to be preserved on-site.
5. The applicant shall be required to transplant three-hundred twenty-two (322) trees per the
following specifications. Transplant trees shall:
a. Be moved with a 90" tree space
b. Be watered as needed per specs
c. Be mulched with wood chips out to a radius extending 12" beyond the 90" tree spade
area
d. Be moved before grading takes place
e. Not be moved during period of new growth
f. Not be moved after mid-September
Advisory Parks Commission
Minutes of Regular Meeting of April 14,2003
Page 4
6. The applicant shall be required to contact the City Forestry Division and set up a pre-construction
site inspection at least five days prior to the issuance of the grading permit to ensure compliance
with the approved Tree Preservation Plan and placement of the Tree Protection Fencing.
7. This development should meet the City's water quality requirements by expanding stormwater
treatment capacity of at least an additional wet-pond volume of 0.30 acre-feet and at least an
additional surface area of 0.19 acres. The modifications to the existing stormwater treatment pond
should be consistent with NURP standards of a maximum depth of 6 feet and a 10: 1 aquatic bench
beginning at the normal water level.
SIENNA WOODS - MANLEY LAND DEVELOPMENT
Planner Dudziak provided a background of this proposal, which was followed by review of tree
preservation, water quality and parks/trails dedications issues by Forestry Supervisor Hove, Water Resources
Coordinator Macbeth and Superintendent Olson.
Member Perry questioned how the water from Lots 1 and 2 would get to the holding pond because it
appeared that it would create some erosion problems. As the discussion progressed it was suggested that a retaining
wall might be considered to protect the integrity of the most affected lot. Coordinator Macbeth agreed that a
recommendation to pay special attention to this particular lot during construction might be worthwhile.
After further brief discussion, Dorothy Peterson move, Melvin Williams seconded with all members voting
in favor to make the following recommendations to the City Council regarding the Sienna Woods development:
1. This development shall be responsible for a cash parks dedication.
2. This development shall be responsible for a cash trails dedication.
3. This applicant shall fulfill required tree preservation mitigation through the installation of one
hundred sixty (160) category B trees (or an equivalent combination of category A and/or category
C trees and/or cash payment).
4. Tree Protective measures (i.e. orange colored silt fence or 4 foot polyethylene laminate safety
netting) shall be installed at the Drip Line or at the perimeter of the Critical Root Zone, whichever
is greater, of significant trees/woodlands to be preserved on-site.
5. The applicant shall contact the City Forestry Division and set up a pre-construction site inspection
at least five days prior to the issuance of the grading permit to ensure compliance with the
approved Tree Preservation Plan and placement of the Tree Protection Fencing.
6. The applicant shall contact the City Forestry Division as to the timing of tree replacement
activities.
7. This development shall meet the City's water quality requirements by constructing stormwater
treatment capacity of at least 0.28 acre-feet of wet-pond volume within at least 0.17 acres of
surface area. The stormwater treatment pond should have a maximum depth of 6 feet and a 10: 1
aquatic bench beginning at the normal water level.
8. No draining, filling, or excavation of the delineated wetland shall be permitted unless the
developer allows the appropriate process and meets the requirements of the Minnesota Wetland
Conservation Act, which may allow said impacts. Special attention shall be paid to the lot to
protect the wetland, which may include a retaining wall in conjunction with grading the site.
9. A 30-foot buffer of undisturbed land shall be maintained before, during, and after construction to
protect the wetland from unauthorized impacts.
OLD BUSINESS
DISC GOLF UPDATE
Researcher Wielde noted that staff responded to three questions requested by the Advisory Commission at
their last review of this issue. Those questions included looking at a potential collaboration with ISD 196,
determining public opinion and try to quantify other communities' description that disc golf was as asset to their
community. Wielde reviewed the comments from each community that had indicated this was an asset, shared
Advisory Parks Commission
Minutes of Regular Meeting of April 14,2003
Page 5
correspondence from the public expressing their support for this amenity and shared the discussion with ISD 196
regarding a potential partnership on the wooded property behind Dakota Hills Middle School and Eagan High
School that abuts Northview Park. The Advisory Commission was then asked how they wished to proceed.
Member Bari commented that the information appeared to be positive and opined that the best option
would be to partner with the school district. Member Williams stated that he did not see the demand that would
warrant this amenity at this time. Members Bari, Perry and Filipi opined that this would generate a great deal of
interest if it was in place, that it provided a positive intergenerational opportunity and that although there were not
dozens of requests for this amenity it should still be a consideration.
After further discussion, Dorothy Peterson moved, Terry Davis seconded a motion to continue the disc golf
study with the following parameters:
1. Continue dialogue with the School District regarding land sharing for a 9 or 18 hole course.
2. Determine possible costs for construction based on a 9 or 18 hole course.
3. Obtain LMCIT input regarding insurance coverage in a land-sharing situation.
4. Work with School District to consider assistance with the construction through volunteers and
staff.
5. Place this item on the CIP parking lot for future funding consideration.
The motion was called. Those voting Aye included Joseph Bari, Phil Belfiori, Margo Danner, Terry Davis,
N. Mark Filipi, Elizabeth Perry, Dorothy Peterson, and Richard Pletcher. Melvin Williams voted Nay. The motion
passed.
NEW BUSINESS
BUR OAKS PARK TRAIL PLAN
Following a brief introduction by Director Vraa, Superintendent Olson noted that the City Council had
directed staff to conduct a trail study for Bur Oaks Park following the public meetings conducted for the proposed
Chapel Lane street improvement project. Following Council's direction, a neighborhood informational meeting was
held on March 13 with approximately 35 of the 300 noticed residents in attendance. Based on the input from those
residents and following an Acquisition-Development Subcommittee meeting on April 3, the general consensus of
the APrC members present was to 1) provide a loop trail, possibly including a bridge 2) a foot trail was adequate for
an access from the east, through the woods 3) wet soils, grades and the need for an easement were deterrents to a
northerly trail 4) implementation of the short term improvements was advisable 5) a variety of trail surfaces could be
considered 6) the project should remain in the CIP. Superintendent Olson pointed out the existing trail, the proposed
bituminous loop trail, access from the east through an outlot and shared photos of the areas identified. He noted that
signage and some small replacement items can be accommodated this year and that there was approximately
$50,000 in the 2004 CIP for improvements to the park. Olson did note that soil borings will be needed if a bridge is
considered.
Parks Planner Lilly then reviewed the cost estimates for the various trail sections noting that the total
proposed project cost is $112,214. Director Vraa added that the Advisory Commission is being asked to make a
recommendation that can be brought back to the City Council.
Julie Pint noted that she was one of the residents on the northern side of the park off Chapel Lane and they
have a concern for lighting that might be placed within the park. She opined that it is not necessary and expressed
her concern for light pollution. She also asked the Commission to consider keeping the multiple surfaces that exist
rather than placing a bituminous surface on the trail. She also spoke against providing a bridge, opining that it
would merely be a gathering place and may create more misbehavior than currently exists. She suggested that the
dollars allocated for the CIP could be better used to provide a fishing pier near the tennis courts or for the removal of
buckthorn or for water quality education for surrounding neighbors. She also noted that several residents on the
north side of the park prefer multi surface trails rather than bituminous.
Advisory Parks Commission
Minutes of Regular Meeting of April 14,2003
Page 6
To clarify, Member Danner asked Julie if she supported a loop trail. She responded that she did not want a
loop trail. Member Perry commented that at the neighborhood meeting several residents expressed the need for a
safe access to park amenities without walking on Chapel Lane. Julie responded that perhaps education of the speed
limit along Chapel Lane would do more to help that issue instead of creating a bituminous trail link/loop to the
north.
Addressing the concern for lighting in the park, Member Peterson asked where the security lights would be
located. Superintendent Olson responded that they are common in neighborhood parks but that staff could review
location further once the overall trail is determined.
Member Pletcher suggested that the Commission visit the site. Member Davis noted that there were some
very good issues that had been raised regarding overdevelopment of a trail within this park and wanted to make sure
the Commission considers all of the concerns. Davis suggested that the Commission might consider proceeding
with the plan to the City Council with the caveat that it can change specifically as it pertains to the bridge, lighting
and costs. Member Perry added that although a loop trail would be nice to have she doesn't know that it's worth
$112,000. Perry's concern was that this residential area is not accessible to any other park and the residents are very
interested in improving this park.
Member Williams asked if this plan was based on feedback from the residents at the neighborhood
meeting. Director Vraa responded that it was with the exception for the bridge. The bridge was a design option that
was added to provide safe loop access and a good experience for users. Director Vraa noted that the plan before the
Commission was a concept only.
Following further brief discussion, N. Mark Filipi moved, Richard Pletcher seconded with all members
voting in favor to proceed with the short term improvements identified and that further study of the lights, bridge,
and trail surface be reviewed after the Commission has had the opportunity to visit the site. The motion further
accepted the concept as presented to allow the plan to proceed with further review.
NAME RECOGNITION FOR DONATIONS
Director Vraa provided a brief background noting that the City Council had asked the Advisory
Commission to review what others are doing in regards to naming rights and to help craft a policy/guideline for the
future. Vraa added that although there is a policy for naming parks, there is no policy currently in place for
partnership projects were funds are donated to the City of Eagan.
WATER RESOURCES UPDATE
Water Resources Coordinator Macbeth updated the Advisory Commission on several issues including
notification from the MnDNR that the City of Eagan will receive full funding for their Moonshine Park Lakeshore
Grant.
OTHER BUSINESS AND REPORTS
COMMUNITY CENTER UPDATE
Director Vraa noted that the ECVB moved into the building on April 1, which is 2 weeks earlier than they
had originally planned. He added that the Building Maintenance Supervisor, Rental Coordinator and one of the
clerical staff will move into the building the week of April 21 followed by Sandy Breuer the week of April 28. All
of the moves are in preparation for the opening of the indoor playground and the beginning of reservations in the
building. Director Vraa added that the work outside the building has not begun yet but is expected to shortly.
COUNCIL/COMMISSION JOINT MEETING
Commission Members Perry, Bari, Davis and Danner commented on the positive and productive meeting
and that they felt the City Council had devoted a great deal of time to park issues. They added that they are looking
forward to continued positive communication.
Advisory Parks Commission
Minutes of Regular Meeting of April 14, 2003
Page 7
ROUND TABLE
Dorothy Peterson updated the Commission on the Holz Farm Master Plan project. She noted that at a
meeting with the consultants on April 10 they had the opportunity to review 3 concept plans for the park to unify the
site. It appears that the critical issues are points of access and parking. Other items discussed were the buildings on
the site and the potential to have animals. The level of programming has not been discussed to date. It was noted
that neighbors focused on the playground they feel they have outgrown and the desire to have a shelter building in
the park.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to conduct Joseph Bari moved, Richard Pletcher seconded with all members
voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 10:20 p.m.
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Secretary Date