12/15/2003 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission
Approved January 15.2004
ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF DECEMBER 15, 2003
A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on December 15,
2003 with the following Commission Members present: Joseph Bari, Margo Danner, Terry Davis, Dorothy
Peterson, Richard Pletcher, Phil Belfiori, and Ken West. Members Filipi, Williams, and Perry were not present.
Staff present included Ken Vraa, Director of Parks and Recreation; Jeff Asfahl, Superintendent of Recreation; Paul
Olson, Parks Superintendent; Eric Macbeth, Water Resources Coordinator; Beth Wielde, Research and Special
Projects; Sheila Cartney, Planner and Cherryl Mesko, Recording Secretary.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Member Danner moved, Member Bari seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the agenda as
presented.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 17, 2003
Minutes from the November 17,2003 omitted a "second' for a motion regarding the 2004 Park and Trail
Dedication Fees. Member Bari agreed to document himself as the "second." Member Bari moved, Member
Peterson seconded, with all present members voting to approve the minutes as amended.
VISITORS TO BE HEARD
TRAVEL BASEBALL
Dave Swenson of Travel Baseball provided an overview of the travel baseball organization. He explained
travel baseball is part of EAA, 18 or 19 teams of 10 to 15 year olds participate. In 2003, 16 to 18 year old teams
were added. Travel baseball uses fields at the high school, Rahn Park, Goat Hill Park, and Lexington Diffley
Athletic Fields.
Travel Baseball is part of the Metro Baseball League, which plays primarily from mid-May to the end of
July. During this time, they host 2 tournaments, AA and AAA. Swanson commented on the great cooperation they
have received from Parks and Recreation. They have hosted tournaments for 14 and 15 year old age groups in
Eagan. Travel Baseball operates concessions during tournaments and gives some of the profits to Parks and
Recreation. Some of the funds raised by Travel Baseball have been used for a new scoreboard at Little Goat and a
new batting cage for younger athletes.
Chair Davis asked if, during their travels, the Travel Baseball organization has seen things in other
communities that might be beneficial to bring to Eagan. Swanson said perhaps some amenities or maintenance
ideas. Member Davis inquired if there were any requests Travel Baseball had as the APrC looks at its CIP for
upcoming years. Swanson said lights at Lexington Diffley would be useful, particularly during tournament play.
Swanson said he has been in contact with staff about ideas. Director Vraa commented on the success of travel
baseball and its broad economic benefit in the community. Chair Davis stated appreciation for partnerships with
groups like travel baseball. Swenson said the efforts of Parks and Recreation staff are excellent.
Advisory Parks Commission
Minutes of Regular Meeting of December 15,2003
Page 2
EAGAN GARDEN CLUB
Pam Behnke provided an overview of the Eagan Garden Club. The Garden Club, active in Eagan for 51
years, holds monthly meetings to discuss business and occasionally welcome an outside speaker. The Garden Club
has 35 members, including 4 Master Gardeners. The only source of income for the group is a plant sale held at Holz
Farm. The group sells their own perennials at this event. Behnke noted that their project at Holz Farm focuses on
plantings that had been done in the past at the Farm, trying to bring the garden back to its original form. Behnke
described other activities the group has participated in, including their march in the Fourth of July parade, which
they say will become an annual occurrence, and participation in the Eagan Community Center Grand Opening.
Behnke stated that the group needs more members. She said the group meets the second Wednesday every
month at 7:30 pm. Member Peterson commented on an advertisement in the newspaper for the Garden Club
meeting. Member Pletcher suggested creating a video of the Garden Club tours to broadcast on cable television or
display on the City web site. When asked when the May Plant Sale would take place, Behnke responded it would
occur on Mother's Day Weekend.
SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE AND DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS
Superintendent of Recreation Jeff Asfahl provided the APrC with an overview of current events in the
recreation division. These include:
. Ongoing preschool registration
. Senior Advisory Board will officially begin in January '04.
. 90 seniors have contributed funds to become "sustaining members."
. On January 15, the seniors will be holding a free event from 6pm to 7pm.
. Writing has begun for the Spring/Summer 'Discover Us' brochure
. Outdoor festival is being worked on for the Eagan Community Center site.
. Plans are in place for bandshell performances.
. The Teen Center programs are going well, good ideas are brewing.
. Winter staff training is completed, there are 51 staff members.
. Outdoor recreation sites are scheduled to open on December 20.
. Home School classes are being offered.
Member Danner commented that she met with Superintendent Asfahl and Communications Director Tom
Garrison regarding the new Web Site and how the senior center can be made more visible on it. She noted how
quickly changes were made to accommodate ideas.
Superintendent Olson provided the APrC with an overview of current events in the parks division. These
include:
. The ground must have a certain amount offrost in it to retain rink flooding. , and flooding is only occurring
at night right now. Paved rinks at Rahn and Goat Hill will freeze faster than the unpaved rinks. Olson
noted that a video clip of flooding would be aired on local cable television.
. Staff met with Police Explorer Scouts about winter procedures and schedules.
. Snowmobiles are not allowed on City park property.
. Olson reviewed winter plowing procedure and policy.
. A box culvert will be installed between pond BP-2 and Blackhawk Lake.
. Dakota Hills Middle School has given the "go ahead" for the disc golf project. Staff will meet with school
officials in January.
. Proposals for new trail segments to plow in the winter are reviewed in April of each year, and require
submission of a petition.
Advisory Parks Commission
Minutes of Regular Meeting of December 15,2003
Page 3
CONSENT AGENDA
PROPOSED GUN CLUB LAKE WMO MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
Chair Davis commented on the three new Board members, including those from Mendota Heights and
Inver Grove Heights, and Eagan's revised role now that staff is unable to serve as Board members. Chair Davis
asked what the sources ofrevenue are for the WMO. Director Vraa said revenue sources were from each City. All
expenses are billed to the City of Eagan on behalf of the GCL WMO,. Which helps keep the status of the WMO
independent.
It was suggested that the Memorandum of Understanding have some semantic alterations. Member
Peterson moved, Member Pletcher seconded, with 6 members voting to recommend Council approve the
Memorandum of Understanding as amended. Member Belfiori abstained from voting.
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
WOODLAND PLACE
Planner Cartney provided a brief overview of the proposed development for Woodland Place, a preliminary
plat to create 14 residential lots on 6.3 acres in the NW 1/4 of Section 36. Member Peterson inquired if the plat had
gone to the APC yet. Cartney said it had, and had been denied initially, but the applicant has re-submitted.
Member Peterson expressed concern about the pipe that would drain water runoff to Holz Lake. She
indicated that it was not reflected in the plans provided to the APrC. She inquired where the pipe would be entering
the lake, and whether it was compatible with the Master Plan, especially the location of the weed harvester entrance
ramp, nor was it indicated how deep the pipe would be buried. A representative from Epic Development, LLC
replied that the pipe would run from a 926 elevation to a 918 elevation, and buried approximately 2' below the
ground. Member Peterson reiterated the question about where the pipe would go in relation to the weed harvester
ramp. Water Resources Coordinator Eric Macbeth said the ramp looks to be about 200::!: feet to the north of the
proposed location. The developer said they have worked to preserve trees and water quality, and opined that this
was a good submittal.
Member Peterson said she can't support the development with the information at hand, especially regarding
the pipe location. Member Belfiori asked whether there were any alternatives investigated that might retain more
stormwater on-site, perhaps to eliminate need for the pipe. Macbeth showed the area that would drain to Holz Lake
via pipe, and reviewed the engineers plan. He said that it meets water treatment requirements. Member Belfiori
said he is looking for a compromise to mitigate the concern about the pipe, but this could move forward.
Member Peterson said the land to the northwest is also proposed to drain into the lake, and expressed
concern about impacts to the park. Chair Davis asked for an estimate as to how often water would be channeled to
Holz Lake via pipe. Macbeth said it would typically be wet storage plus bounce, but didn't know for sure. Member
Belfiori noted there was probably more concern for the lake if it were allowed to flow in without treatment. He
suggested a swale might help with mitigation.
Superintendent Olson said the development conformed to City and MnDOT standards, and such
developments often accounted for a 100-year flood event. He noted City Engineering staff has reviewed the plat,
and has concluded the proposal will meet the City's needs for ponding. Member Belfiori asked if an alternative
could be added, requesting that consideration be made for backyard infiltration systems in lots 1-7.
Member West moved to approve the plat as amended, Chair Davis seconded, with Members West, Belfiori,
Davis, Pletcher, Bari, and Danner voted to recommend approval, Member Peterson voting to recommend denial.
Advisory Parks Commission
Minutes of Regular Meeting of December 15,2003
Page 4
LONG ACRES
Planner Cartney provided an overview of the Long Acres proposal, a preliminary subdivision to create 51
residential lots on 29.62 acres in the southeast quarter of section 36. City Forester Hove reviewed the tree
preservation plan, showing exhibits that illustrated the dense woodland, with 877 identified significant trees on the
site. The developer proposes to remove 621 significant trees, or 70.8% of the total. City Ordinance allows for
40% tree removal. Hove discussed issues with the tree farm site to the east that had been proposed for development
in the past. He noted shared mitigation plan at Hidden Corner Park to the north of the site.
Member Danner asked about the size of the trees. Hove said the Class A trees were about a 4" caliper, or
12" circumference, and the class B trees were about 2.5" caliper, or 6" circumference. He said the developer was
proposing to mitigate with a variety of class B trees. Member Danner asked if some of the larger trees could be
saved. Hove said they were planted pretty tight, but were not overly mature. Chair Davis noted that Hove did a
good job getting the number of trees to be cleared down. Hove said he has been working with the developer to
continue mitigation efforts.
Water Resources Coordinator Macbeth described water flow on the 3D-acre development, and shared
drainage on the site. Macbeth noted that the City has not yet received an application for wetland replacement. He
detailed a three-fold increase of runoff from the site as proposed, but the ponds on the site meet the proposed runoff
requirements. Concern was expressed about 2 specific lots being close to the wetland buffer and edge. Member
Peterson noted the proximity to Lebanon Hills Regional Park.
Superintendent of Parks Olson addressed the park and trail dedication issues associated with this
development, including its access to Hidden Corner Park and Red Pine Elementary School. He showed a trail
connection to the park between lots 7 and 8.
The applicant was not present to address questions from the APrC. Member Pletcher noted the proximity
to the gun range in section 36, noting there may be issues pertaining to the shooting range. Member Peterson asked
if the City was comfortable with the tree mitigation proposed by the developer based on past experience. City
Forester Hove noted a cooperative effort with Pioneer in the past. Member Davis noted his concern with the
wetland application still being in the air, and whether the plat could come back when that piece is in place, or
whether the plat is subject to the state timeframe requirements. Macbeth noted it can come back on the agenda.
Member Davis reiterated concern about recommending approval based on the information provided.
Member Belfiori expressed concern about the impact on Lebanon Hills at the proposed runoff capacity, and whether
it will become a burden. Member Davis said he was unsure to what degree the County is aware of the project and
that there are many unanswered questions about the proposal. Member Peterson asked if the matter could come
back in January. Member Belfiori concurred with Member Davis' concern about the wetland application being
incomplete.
Member West moved to defer the matter to the January 15,2004 meeting. Member Peterson seconded,
with all present members voting to approve deferral.
OLD BUSINESS
There was no old business for the APrC to review.
NEW BUSINESS
2004 WATER QUALITY DEDICA nON FEES
Water Resources Coordinator Eric Macbeth provided a brief background of the 2004 Water Quality
Dedication Fee program, noting it has been several years since they have increased. Member Belfiori asked whether
Advisory Parks Commission
Minutes of Regular Meeting of December 15,2003
Page 5
there was flexibility to decide whether fees are charged or water quality requirements are met another way. Macbeth
noted that the decision to charge or have the standards met another way is at the City's discretion, not the developer.
Noting that ponds cannot be built on wetlands, but on upland property, Member Belfiori inquired about
certain ponding situations and wanted to know about the land being taken into account for fee purposes. Member
Davis commented on the proposed increase of 17.5%, which is similar to the proposed increase for park and trail
dedication fees proposed in November. He asked whether a comparative analysis had been done to see where Eagan
falls in the Metro market. Macbeth said that the policies and systems in Eagan were different from other cities, that
very few cities use a cash mitigation system. He did note an attempt to contact several cities, but had not been
successful.
Member Peterson asked if he was using the same land values used to calculate the increases in parks and
trail dedication fees. Director Vraa noted that the calculations are done separately, and are not done the same way.
Member Peterson moved, Member Danner seconded with all present members voting to recommend the
proposed water quality dedication fee increase for 2004. Member Davis commented that he would like to see a
comparative analysis from other communities for a 2005 review.
WATER RESOURCES UPDATE
Water Resources Coordinator Eric Macbeth noted that on January 20, 2004, stormwater pollution
prevention programs will be presented. He also discussed the box culvert being constructed, and a shoreline fishing
access.
OTHER BUSINESS AND REPORTS
SHADE TREE DISEASE PROGRAM UPDATE
City Forester Hove presented information about some of the forestry projects undertaken in 2003, with a
highlight of progress of the Grandfather Tree, and an overview of forestry progress in the last decade.
Tree Inspector Mile Sombrio gave a presentation about shade tree disease, prevention, and treatment
methods, focusing on Oak Wilt, Dutch Elm disease, and Buckthorn. He noted removal effort percentages, 31 % Oak
Wilt, 25% Dutch Elm Disease, 27% Buckthorn, and 17% "Other." Sombrio discussed how the diseases are spread,
and how this might be prevented. He stated in 2003, 146 trees were infected with Oak Wilt, with around 70
infection sites identified, and 200 trees were marked for Dutch Elm disease. and that other cities who have left the
forestry issues unchecked have experienced significantly high amounts of infection and removal.
Alex Kreirtch of 3653 Windtree Court said he just found out the City had a cost share program for
vibratory plowing, but now some of his trees won't benefit from vibratory plow, and would like the City to consider
injection as part of a cost share program for larger trees.
Pat Foss supported the cost share of injection as well, noting several residents have inadvertently been
involved in the spread of tree diseases and it should be everyone's responsibility to preserve forested areas.
City Forester Hove said that since 1993, the City has taken advantage of any opportunity to mitigate, noting
the first year was funded by a federal grant. Currently the budget is $7,500 per annum for cost share however the
cost share does not include the consideration of ALAMO injections.
Advisory Parks Commission
Minutes of Regular Meeting of December 15, 2003
Page 6
SCHEDULE JANUARY, FEBRUARY, AND MARCH 2004 APRC MEETING DATES
The APrC set the following dates for the first quarter APrC meetings:
. Thursday, January 15
. Thursday, February 12
. Thursday, March 15
PARK SITE FUND UPDATE/ CIP TIMELINE
Superintendent of Parks Olson provided a brief background of the CIP process and a description of projects
undertaken in 2003. He showed photographs of projects at Clearwater Park, Evergreen tennis courts, paved rinks at
Rahn Park, O'Leary park, Thresher Fields, and Thomas Lake Park. He reviewed the list of meeting dates the APrC
has set in January to develop the 2004 CIP.
HOLZ FARM UPDATE
Member Peterson said staff had recently met with a group from Friends of the Farm to prioritize the list of
farmstead projects recommended in the Miller-Dunwiddie report. The group assigned a numeric ranking to each
project, 1 (highest priority) to 5 (lowest), and determined which projects had already been completed. The group
plans to provide the APrC with a list of priorities and funding estimate. They hope to complete the projects over the
next 5 to 10 years.
Chair Davis noted that the estimates provided by the consultants were considered to be in the high range by
the Friends of the Farm. He said further investigation will determine how projects can be done more cost
effectively.
SUBCOMMITTEE UPDATES
Member Pletcher noted that the Donor Naming subcommittee had met on November 24 to finalize the draft
of the Donor Naming policy. The draft will be presented in January. The group will meet again on January 21 to
discuss the Gift Book.
ROUND TABLE
There were no items brought up for discussion under the Round Table.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to conduct, Member Peterson moved, Chair Davis seconded with all members
voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m.
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Secretary Date