06/19/2000 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission
Approved July 17, 2000
ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF JUNE 19, 2000
A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on June 19,2000
with the following Commission Members present: Joseph Bari, Terry Davis, Cyndee Fields, N. Mark Filipi, Floyd
Hiar, Barbara Johnson, George Kubik, Daryle Petersen, Dorothy Peterson and John Rudolph. Staff present included
Jeff Asfahl, Superintendent of Recreation; Paul Olson, Parks Superintendent; CJ Lilly, Parks Planner; Eric Macbeth,
Water Resources Coordinator; Paula Nowariak, Recreation Supervisor; Cathy Bolduc, Recreation Supervisor; and
Cherryl Mesko, Recording Secretary.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Chairman Rudolph asked that the item M-l, Teen Report, be moved up on the agenda to follow
Development Proposals. Joseph Bari moved, George Kubik seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the
agenda as amended.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF APRIL 17,2000
Terry Davis moved, George Kubik seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the minutes of
April 17, 2000 as presented.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MAY 15, 2000
Barbara Johnson moved, George Kubik seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the minutes of
May 15,2000 as presented.
VISITORS TO BE HEARD
There were no visitors that wished to address the Commission under this agenda item.
DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS
Superintendent Olson touched on several of the Department Happenings included within the packet.
CONSENT AGENDA
Dorothy Peterson moved, Daryle Petersen seconded with all members voting in favor to recommend that
the City Council authorize execution of a joint powers agreement with Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation
District that provides for Eagan's deposit of 3.5 acres of the wetland banking credits into the State of Minnesota
wetland bank.
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
There were no development proposals for the Commission to review.
TEEN REPORT
Recreation Supervisor Nowariak provided a brief background of the cooperative effort underway to work
with teens in the community. Several meetings have been held with teens to determine what type of programming
they would like to see provided. Supervisor Nowariak then introduced Amber Stevenson, one of the teens
participating in the meetings.
Advisory Parks Commission
Minutes of Regular Meeting of June 19, 2000
Page 2
Amber stated that four meetings had occurred with 10-18 year olds attending. During the meetings, the
participants brainstormed ideas for events and trips that included camping, tour of the state capital and shopping
trips. Because there was such a large age range, it was decided to break the group into 4-5 grade, 6-8 grade and 9-12
grade. Once the groups were divided, they came up with ideas for events they each could participate in. The 4-5
graders decided to put on a talent show for Summer in the Park kids and take a trip to the Mall of America. The 6-8
graders decided to participate in the talent show and plan a trip to Valley Fair. The 9-12 graders decided to plan
trips to Valley Fair and Galactic Bowling.
Member Rudolph asked Amber where the group had been meeting. Amber responded that they have been
meeting with Paula in the municipal center lunchroom. Members Rudolph and Davis thanked Amber for her
informative report commenting that this is a good start for teen involvement.
OLD BUSINESS
SENIOR QUESTIONNAIRE RESULTS
Following a brief introduction by Superintendent Olson, Recreation Supervisor Bolduc explained that a
questionnaire was sent to approximately 875 seniors in April to acquire information and data regarding current
participation and future program needs for this population. Cathy noted that 336 questionnaires were returned. One
thing that was discovered was that the majority of the respondents do not participate in programs in Eagan. The
results did seem to indicate that a great number of seniors would be interested in more special events, day trips,
health and wellness classes, lunch or dinner activities and special entertainment, like music. Supervisor Bolduc
opined that identifying a core group of 8-12 people within this population to assist with program development and
an overall plan of action for future senior programming needs would be an asset to the department. Cathy concluded
her presentation by asking for direction from the Commission on how to proceed with this issue.
Member Rudolph commented on the interest shown for a senior center noting that it appears this group is
looking for a common meeting place.
Member Peterson asked if this group would participate in on-going programming or focus more on interim
programming. She suggested that an advisory group may be able to help with the plans for the senior center. In the
meantime staff may look at interim programming while moving forward with establishing an advisory committee.
Member Johnson stated the importance of working toward an advisory committee.
Member Rudolph stated he admired Supervisor Bolduc's patience in compiling all the data submitted. He
noted there was a concern expressed for cliques and asked if that was a reality. Bolduc responded that that feeling
has been expressed at existing facilities. Member Bari asked if there were ways to break up these cliques.
Supervisor Bolduc suggested the need to find more common ground given the diverse interests of this population.
Supervisor Bolduc then asked the Commission for direction regarding moving forward with an
informational session to work toward an advisory committee. Member Peterson asked if the Recreation
Subcommittee would help with the advisory committee. Member Davis asked what the group's status would be. He
saw the need for a mission statement to be established to help direct the advisory committee. Member Kubik
suggested that this issue be referred to the Recreation Subcommittee and then be brought back to the Commission.
Following further brief discussion, John Rudolph moved, George Kubik seconded with all members voting
in favor to set up a Recreation Subcommittee meeting to develop a proposal to bring back to the Advisory
Commission.
Advisory Parks Commission
Minutes of Regular Meeting of June 19, 2000
Page 3
FISH LAKE CIP
Following a brief background introduction by Superintendent Olson, Water Resources Coordinator
Macbeth noted that a bid opening occurred on June 1. The engineered cost of the project was projected at $76,370,
however both bids came in significantly over that amount and were subsequently rejected by the City Council.
Macbeth added that city consultants Bonestroo, Rosene, Anderlik and Associates have been asked to conceptualize
additional options to enable the city to lower the level of Fish Lake.
Member Kubik asked why there was such a wide discrepancy in the bidding. Superintendent Olson
responded that bidding is not very competitive at this time, which tends to drive up the price.
LEXINGTON POINT 14TH TRAIL ACCESS CHANGE REQUEST
Superintendent Olson introduced this item stating that the developer approached the Advisory Commission
in August of 1999 requesting a trail realignment. The Commission granted the request for the trail alignment, which
placed the new trail between Lots 12 and 13. It was noted that at the time this trail location was moved, the
Commission emphasized the importance of installing the trail before any homes were built. The development
agreement specifically stated that the trail would be constructed prior to the issuance of building permits within the
plat.
Superintendent Olson continued that a letter was received from Richard and Cynthia McNary, who have a
home under construction on Lot 12, requesting that the trail be moved to a different location. It was noted that if the
Commission agrees to move the trail to another location, the City Council would need to amend the development
agreement.
Brad Swenson addressed the Commission noting that he has been involved with the development of this
property since the project began. He shared a graphic indicating that the trail was originally planned for placement
along the back of Lots 6 through 13. Because of the increased pond level, Swenson said that a trail could not be
placed at this location. He then shared the second location of the trail between Lots 12 and 13. The developer is
now requesting that because of the steep slopes and close proximity to driveways and utilities between Lots 12 and
13 that the trail be moved between lots 14 and 15. He stated that this move does not save the developer any money
since the City pays for the construction of the trail. He suggested that the new location would provide a better
access for trail users in this area and would not have the slope issues as with Lots 12 and 13.
Member Johnson reminded Mr. Swenson that it was his suggestion in August of 1999 that the trail be
located between Lots 12 and 13. Mr. Swanson responded that with the condition of the site, the grade works better
between lots 14 and 15. Member Peterson reminded Mr. Swenson that the development agreement clearly stated that
the trail was supposed to have been installed before any homes were built.
Richard and Cynthia McNary addressed the Commission and stated that when they were first looking at
this area to build a home they were told that there was a possibility that a trail may be placed between Lots 12 and
13. They stated they were informed approximately three weeks ago that the City had decided to put a trail in but
that the developer was working with the City to move it between Lots 14 and 15. The McNarys stated that if a trail
is placed between Lots 12 and 13, their garage would be 3 feet from the trail and expressed concern for trail traffic
so close to their home. They opined that there is no other trail that they're aware of that is placed within a 10 foot
easement and cited other trails in the city placed within much larger easements that buffered residents from trail
traffic. They also expressed concern for the slopes and change in elevation if a trail is located next to their property
citing the Highline Trail as a difficult trail to maneuver given its topography. They opined that a trail between Lots
12 and 13 would not provide a safe trail experience for users.
Advisory Parks Commission
Minutes of Regular Meeting of June 19, 2000
Page 4
Mrs. McNary added that they have walked both of the proposed trails noting that people who live in the
area are currently cutting between Lots 14 and 15. She expressed their concern for vandalism to their property with
a trail so near and opined that a bad trail is worse than no trail. She also questioned where this trail was going; that
it would be nice to get to Walnut Hill Park but the slopes would be too steep.
Member Rudolph stated that both Mr. Swenson and Mr. Thorsen entered into an agreement to change the
original location of this trail and that the agreement specifically stated that no building permits were to be issued
until the trail was installed. Rudolph continued that this is a disturbing precedent to set given that both parties
entered into a legally binding agreement. He added that this is a problem that should be between the homeowner
and the builder/developer; not the City. Member Rudolph concluded that there was no evidence brought forward
that would lead him to believe that moving a trail to another location would be better.
Member Petersen asked if it was the McNary's understanding that the trail would be located between Lots
12 and 13. He clarified that the agreement clearly stated that the trail would be placed completely within Lot 13 and
reminded everyone that both Mr. Thorsen and Mr. Swenson agreed with that requirement.
Member Kubik asked the McNary's who informed them that a trail adjacent to their property was only a
possibility. They responded that a salesperson in Mr. Thorsen's sales office had advised them of that information.
Member Peterson reiterated that this is an issue that is between the developer and potential homeowner.
Mrs. McNary stated that since the original trail had already been moved, the Commission should give them
an opportunity to make the same request to place the trail in a different location.
Member Kubik stated that the aesthetic value of a trail between Lots 12 and 13 is far better than the
proposed location between Lots 14 and 15. He also expressed some concerns for the need for a retaining wall
should a trail be moved between Lots 14 and 15.
Member Rudolph asked the McNarys if they had known there was going to be a trail adjacent to their
property would they have purchased their lot. The McNarys responded they would not. Member Davis clarified
that the McNarys are eight feet from their property line and that the trail is to be contained completely within Lot 13.
Brian Thorsen addressed the Commission stating that the exhibit contained within the development
agreement shows the trail located between Lots 12 and 13. He also stated that a retaining wall would not be
required for a trail located between Lots 14 and 15 and that there would be no drainage issues with this trail location.
Member Bari reiterated that the trail was to be located completely within Lot 13 and did not see any
information presented that convinced him that this agreement should be changed.
Mr. Swenson and Mr. Thorsen began explaining that Parks Planner CJ Lilly had asked them when the trail
would go in and that there were several reasons why they had not proceeded. Member Rudolph asked them
specifically why they had not notified the McNarys that a trail was going to be placed adjacent to their property.
Mr. Thorsen responded that they were told it was a possibility. Member Kubik firmly stated that the leagally
binding agreement that Mr. Thorsen and Mr. Swenson signed very clearly stated that not only would a trail be
installed but that no building was to occur within the plat until it was completed.
Following further brief discussion, John Rudolph moved, George Kubik seconded with all members voting
in favor to deny the request for trail relocation. It was noted that the city had not received any previous request from
the builder or developer to move the trail from Lot 12/13 prior to the letter received from the McNarys.
Advisory Parks Commission
Minutes of Regular Meeting of June 19,2000
Page 5
Chairman Rudolph empathized with the McNarys and their situation and explained that the Commission is
an advisory body and that if they wished to pursue the issue further they could request to be placed on the City
Council's agenda.
Member Kubik concluded by stating that while walking the site he saw severe erosion running under the
erosion fences and asked that a city inspector visit the site to ensure the situation is remedied.
NEW BUSINESS
There were no items under this agenda item for the Commission to review.
PARKS AND RECREATION UPDATE
Superintendent Asfahl commented on the excellent training that occurs for the summer programming staff.
He added that youth sports are well underway but will start to wind down shortly and that several softball
tournaments have been hosted at the athletic complexes. It was also noted that a recent teen concert, or "battle of the
bands" was held at the civic arena. It started from a request by several teens wanting to play for their friends and
peers at one of the local pavilions. Given the nature of what they envisioned, it was felt that their request could be
facilitated and monitored better in the Civic Arena. Member Peterson asked how the word got out about the event.
Superintendent Asfahl stated that it was mostly word-of-mouth but that several hundred flyers were distributed.
Member Kubik asked for additional information regarding the Holz Farm mini camps. Superintendent
Asfahl identified some of the upcoming camps and how people could register for them.
Superintendent Olson talked about the mitigation of North Park and how the city would deal with the fill
slope that has been of concern to Dakota County. Olson also updated the Commission on a structural issue at
Thomas Lake pavilion. It appears the hill where the building is located has a large amount of swamp fill that was
covered with sand and is now creating some issues for the building. Member Rudolph asked if there were any
restrictions for the building. Superintendent Olson clarified that there is no potential problem but that it is an issue
that will need to be addressed fairly soon.
WATER RESOURCES UPDATE
Items highlighted by Water Resources Coordinator Macbeth included the recent fishing clinic held for 50,
9-12 year olds. He shared several pictures of the event and noted that there will be another session on July 13 for
kids who live near Wescott Center.
Coordinator Macbeth continued that the alum dosing station at fish lake is showing positive results and that
the weed harvester would be ready to begin within the week. Member Kubik asked how the harvested weeds are
disposed of. Macbeth stated he wasn't sure where they were taken. Responding to a question from Member
Johnson, Macbeth described how the portable harvester worked.
OTHER BUSINESS AND REPORTS
SET MOONSHINE PARK WORKSHOP DATE
Superintendent Olson introduced this item explaining that the Commission chose to defer the next
Moonshine Park workshop pending the results of the Community Center bond referendum. Now that the referendum
has passed, Olson suggested that the Commission schedule that meeting.
Advisory Parks Commission
Minutes of Regular Meeting of June 19, 2000
Page 6
Member Peterson asked if the vision previously done for Moonshine Park should be reviewed or re-done.
Member Johnson added that since there would be a community center built, perhaps the Commission should
concentrate on areas that may not be included in the community center plan and suggested that a questionnaire be
more site specific.
After further discussion, it was decided that a questionnaire would be sent to Commission Members so that
they could fill it out and return to CJ Lilly for compilation prior to a meeting. It was suggested that a meeting be set
at the July meeting.
SUBCOMMITTEE UPDATES
A recreation subcommittee meeting was scheduled for 5:00 p.m. July 6, pending the availability of
Recreation Supervisor Bolduc, to discuss the potential establishment of a senior advisory committee for senior
programming.
Member Davis commented that he had not heard as yet heard about a joint meeting with the City Council to
review parking space size and impervious surfaces.
COMUNICA TIONS
Chairman Rudolph commented on the letter of resignation from Kevin Gutknecht and thanked him for his
service to the commission.
ROUND TABLE
Member Kubik complimented Chairman Rudolph for running a very efficient and streamlined meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to conduct George Kubik moved, Joseph Bari seconded with all members voting
in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:47 p.m.
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