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03/20/2000 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission Approved April 17. 2000 ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION EAGAN, MINNESOTA MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF MARCH 20, 2000 A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks Commission was called to order on March 20, 2000 at 7:00 p.m. with the following Commission Members present: Joseph Bari, Terry Davis, Cyndee Fields, N. Mark Filipi, Floyd Hiar, Barbara Johnson, Daryle Petersen, Dorothy Peterson and John Rudolph. Members not present included Kevin Gutknecht and George Kubik. Staff present included Ken Vraa, Director of Parks and Recreation; Paul Olson, Superintendent of Parks; Gregg Hove, Forestry Supervisor; Pam Dudziak, Project Planer and Cherryl Mesko, Recording Secretary. AGENDA Barbara Johnson moved, Joseph Bari seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the agenda as presented. MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETINGS OF JANUARY 10 AND FEBRUARY 14,2000 Relative to the January 10 minutes, Member Peterson asked for clarification relative to the Murphy Farm 3rd Addition land acquisition action that was taken. She understood that Member Kubik stated that the purchase of a portion of this development was not intended to set a precedent for future development proposals. Since Member Kubik was not in attendance to clarify his comments, the minutes from the January 10 meeting were deferred to a time when the question could be clarified. Terry Davis moved, Dorothy Peterson seconded a motion to accept the minutes of the regular meeting of February 14 as presented. All members voted in favor with the exception of Member Petersen who abstained from voting, noting that he was not in attendance at that meeting. VISITORS TO BE HEARD There were no visitors wishing to address the Commission under this agenda item. DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS Items highlighted by Director Vraa included CONSENT AGENDA Member Petersen asked that the Slumberland Addition proposal be pulled from the Consent Agenda for further discussion. Daryle Petersen moved, Barbara Johnson seconded with all members voting in favor to recommend approval to the City Council of the following proposals subject to the following conditions: 1. Pfeifer Addition - Gene and Brenda Pfeifer. . This proposal would be subject to a cash parks dedication and a cash trails dedication. . Acknowledge that an individual lot tree preservation plan will be required for Lot 2, Block 1 at the time of building permit application. . Require that Tree Protective measures (i.e. orange colored silt fence or 4 foot polyethylene laminate safety netting) be installed at t he Drip Line or at the perimeter of the Critical Root Zone, whichever is greater, of significant trees/woodlands to be preserved. This tree protection fencing shall be installed on Lots 5, 6 and 8. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of March 20, 2000 Page 2 . Require that the applicant 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 cash dedication in lieu of on-site water quality ponding would be required for this development. 2. 1999 Metroenvironment Partnership Grant . Recommend that the City Council accept the $33,070 grant from the Metropolitan Council to study the effectiveness of street sweeping to improve water quality in 2000 and 2001. 3. Orchard Heights Addition-Gonyea Development . This proposal would be subject to a cash parks dedication and a cash trails dedication. . Acknowledge that an individual lot tree preservation plan will be required for lots 5, 6, and 8 at the time of building permit application. . Require that Tree Protective measures (i.e. orange colored silt fence or 4 foot polyethylene laminate safety netting) 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. This tree protection fencing shall be installed on lots 5, 6 and 8. . Require that the applicant 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 cash dedication in lieu of on-site water quality ponding would be required for this development. Member Petersen noted that the Commission would be discussing how the City can reduce impervious surfaces during a later agenda item. He suggested that the Slumberland development look at the potential of increasing the green space within their development. Member Davis asked if this could be a consideration in the Commission's review of the proposal. Director Vraa clarified that the Slumberland building is currently under construction but that they wanted to subdivide the lot to make room for further development potential. Member Davis asked if the Commission had had an opportunity to review this item previously. Planner Dudziak responded that this development received preliminary plan approval last year. The original plan showed two separate buildings for a total of 60,000 square feet and they were given approval for 2 buildings. The new plan with this subdivision provided for two, 35,000 square feet buildings. Member Rudolph asked if the two buildings increased the overall parking requirements. Dudziak responded that the increase in square footage results in additional parking needs. Member Davis asked if proof of parking was discussed. Planner Dudziak responded that that was not done and reiterated that there are no specific plans for the additional lot being created; they are planning to sell that property. Member Davis opined that there has been a tremendous amount of time spent on trying to reduce impervious surfaces in developments, noting that developers typically prefer smaller parking spaces. He asked if there was an opportunity to pursue reduced parking for this development. Planner Dudziak stated that Slumberland is pretty well underway but that could be an option for the easterly lot. Member Davis asked if the seed could be planted to reduce parking at the Slumberland site via proof of parking. Dudziak responded that perhaps a recommendation could be structured to have staff discuss this option with the developer. Daryle Petersen, expressing his hope that the Green Space recommendation would be approved by the Commission, made a motion that staff pursue with the developer a modification to the parking requirements to incorporate the opportunity for more green space for the Slumberland Addition. Terry Davis seconded the motion with all members voting in favor. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of March 20, 2000 Page 3 Dorothy Peterson moved, John Rudolph seconded with all members voting in favor to recommend that this proposal be responsible for a cash parks dedication and a cash trails dedication. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS GLEN POND - LARRY WENZEL Following an introduction by Director Vraa, Planner Dudziak explained that this is a Planned Unit Development and development proposal for a four building apartment complex, and expansion of the current Glen Pond Apartments. This proposal provides for land exchange with the City to accommodate the future "ring road" through this area. The Commission will need to consider a park and trail dedication as well as the adequacy of the open space provided within the development. Planner Dudziak continued that this is a 228 unit extension of an existing apartment complex. She concluded that all parties appear to have worked to resolve the acquisitions require to pursue this development. Forestry Supervisor Hove reviewed tree preservation issues noting that there would be significant woodland removal (82.2%) in excess of allowable limits (47.5%). As the development is currently proposed, tree mitigation calculates to the installation of 131 category A trees or 262 Category B trees of 524 Category C trees. The submitted Tree Mitigation Plan indicates that 321 Category B trees will be installed on the total site. It was noted that the severed parcel to the south has been excluded from the mitigation plan and will be reviewed when development of this parcel is applied for. Hove continued that the proposed grading plan shows encroachment/grading extending approximately 30 feet into the preserved tree area in the northeast portion of the site. If the grade limits stay as presented, a revised tree mitigation plan would need to be submitted, adding 20 more Category B trees. Water Resources Coordinator Macbeth reviewed the water quality/wetland issues pertinent to this development. He addressed them as two separate parcels; north of the proposed Northwood Parkway and south of the proposed Northwood Parkway. The 1O.64-acre portion to the north shows 38% as impervious and the 3.27 acres to the south shows an estimated 30% as impervious. Based on these assumptions, Macbeth continued, a minimum wet-pond volume of 1.25 acre-feet covering an area of .50 acres is required to treat stormwater generated by the entire 13.91 acre development Director Vraa reviewed the parks and trails issue noting that Moonshine Park is in this fairly fully developed park district. The master planning for Moonshine Park is just beginning, Vraa added. The closest parks to this proposed development are Pilot Knob and Country Home along with the future central park site, however each park requires the crossing of a major road. A cash parks dedication and cash trails dedication was recommended. In addition, Vraa noted that multi-residential developments are required to provide 300 square feet of open space for each unit. This proposal shows two areas; one small centrally located 4,800 square foot space planned to include a tot lot. The second area is 42,800 square feet to the northeast with significant slopes down to a pond. The slopes do limit the use of this space for most uses typical of play and the pond divides the open space, further reducing its usefulness, Vraa concluded. Dick Krom, architect for the project stated that this has been a very lengthy process to date. He noted the developer is satisfied with the water quality/wetland issues raised but takes exception to the designation of significant woodlands and the mitigation required. He added that they view this area as second growth trees and that the mitigation equates to approximately $100,000. It was noted that most mature trees are around the wetlands to the south and the developer will be working to preserve more of these when it is time. He expressed concern by the developer in general for the tree mitigation. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of March 20, 2000 Page 4 Mr. Krom added that they did not define the specifics of the recreational area, they simply identified the 42,000 square foot area. Their preference would be to see how the residents want to use the space rather than throw dollars into facilities that may not be used or fit the residents' needs. Member Rudolph noted that the Tree Preservation Plan specifically identifies significant woodlands and to change that designation in this case would be setting a dangerous precedent. He added that he walked the parcel and the proposed recreation area is a low-land slough and can't see this being used as a recreational space. Member Peterson added that she, too, had walked the site and has some concerns for the pond separating the recreational area, leaving it relatively unusable. Member Rudolph asked what the timeline was for construction. Mr. Krom responded that they are hoping to begin in late spring/early summer. Member Johnson asked if the tot lot is surrounded by a parking lot. Mr. Krom responded that it was placed in this location because of the visibility from the buildings to the play structures. Director Vraa added that the location does have good visibility from all buildings and is centrally located, however it is close to traffic. Member Rudolph asked if the proposal was approved as presented would there be an updated landscape plan brought back to the Commission. Director Vraa stated that staff typically handles the landscape plan review. Member Davis expressed concern for the lack of flat recreational space and asked how much there would be. Mr. Krom stated that if the Commission is looking for a flat area for an athletic field, that would not happen on this site. Rather, the recreational space is provided as more of an open play area. Mr. Krom also noted that there would be other recreational areas available on this site. Following further discussion, Barbara Johnson moved, Joseph Bari seconded with all members voting in favor to recommend that the City Council approve the preliminary plat and PUD for Glen Pond subject to the following conditions: . Require that a cash parks dedication and a cash trails dedication be met. . Require that the developer provide sufficient flat, grass space to provide for informal recreation opportunities. . Require that the applicant install 131 Category A trees or 262 Category B trees of 524 Category C trees, or an equivalent combination of these trees as mitigation for tree removal in excess of allowable limits. Mitigation shall be in addition to any City required landscaping. . Require that a revised Tree Mitigation Plan be submitted that shows the correct amount and species of mitigation trees. . Require that the grading plan be revised to eliminate encroachment into tree preservation areas. . Require that Tree Protective measures (i.e. orange colored silt fence of 4 foot polyethylene laminate safety netting) 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. . Require that the applicant 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. . Require that a maximum 40 percent of the 10.64 acre portion of the proposed development, located north of the future Northwood Parkway, will be impervious. . Require that a maximum 30 percent of the remaining 3.27 acres of the development (the "severed parcel" south of the future Northwood Parkway) will be impervious. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of March 20, 2000 Page 5 . Require that water quality requirements will be met through creation of a treatment pond (using NURP standards) with a minimum wet-pond volume of 1.25 acre-feet covering an area of 0.50 acres. The pond will have a 10: 1 slope for the first foot of depth below normal water level and a 3; 1 slope for the remainder to a maximum depth of 4 feet. . Require that there will be no activities or impacts within the delineated boundary of wetland "A". . Require that no excavation or grading associated with creation of the treatment pond will occur before the easements of wetlands "A" and "B", as defined in Exhibit A of the wetland delineation report, are clearly marked in the field and before authorization by the Corps of Engineers through Section 404 authority. . Require that the maximum grading impact associated with the easement of wetland "A" will be 1 ,500 square feet. . Require that the maximum grading impact associated with the easement of wetland "B" will be 5,500 square feet. . Requires that any significant changes to these conditions should warrant an additional review of this development, . Final tree mitigation issues are to be worked out with staff. OLD BUSINESS CEDARV ALE UPDATE Member Rudolph provided a brief update of the Village Plaza redevelopment concept reviewed by the City Council. He noted that the priority for redevelopment is to locate the road(s) with the building(s) to follow. He added that the Commission is a great ally to the City Council regarding the green space on the site. Although the planning for this project is moving along, Rudolph added that the greatest issue will be how it is financed. Rudolph added that staff has done an exceptional amount of work with this project. Member Bari asked what the proposed timetable was for road construction. Member Rudolph responded that the first phase proposal was expected within the next 1-6 years. Member Davis added that there will be a special meeting on Tuesday, April 11 at 5:00 p.m. with the City Council regarding this issue. GREENSPACE TASK FORCE REPORT Member Davis noted that the Green Space Committee, comprised of various members of the Advisory Parks Commission, Advisory Planning Commission, City Staff and Eagan citizens, have met 3 times as a joint committee. Their recommendations suggest that the following Code amendments be considered in the interest of preserving green space within the City: . Establish a minimum green area requirement for commercial and industrial users. Reduce parking stall dimensional requirements for retail commercial users. Revise parking supply requirements for retail commercial and office uses. . . In addition to reviewing the issues, the committee created models of existing sites and how implementation of the above requirements could have changed them. Member Petersen added that the recommendations by the Green Space Committee are pretty typical with other communities in the metro area and nationwide. He opined that this is a win/win situation for developers as well. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of March 20, 2000 Page 6 With further brief discussion, John Rudolph moved, Dorothy Peterson seconded a motion that the pro- active recommendations made by the Green Space Committee be forwarded to the City Council for consideration and approval. Member Filipi asked if reducing the parking stall size would be mandatory rather than voluntary. Member Davis responded that the attempt was to allow flexibility in meeting the green space requirement. It was felt that this would allow staff to work with developers to maintain the 30% green space requirement. Member Peterson asked how long it would take to have this ordinance put in place. Director Vraa responded that the City Council would need to have a workshop to review this issue and that it typically takes 60-90 days from the time the Council chooses to proceed. Member Hiar expressed concern for shrinking the parking stall size given the size of many vehicles used today. He opined that perhaps too many parking stalls are being required for developments and suggested looking at their uses. Member Davis responded that the recommendations are not only tied to the size of the stalls but to the usage. Member Petersen added that the key to the success of the recommendations is to increase the green space by offering several options for developers/staff to consider. Member Rudolph opined that the requirement for green space will bring about a more aggressive use of proof of parking. Following further brief discussion, the motion was called. All members voted in favor. NEW BUSINESS SENIORS SURVEY Director Vraa provided a brief background noting that considering the expected growth of seniors and the current offerings by the Department, it was decided there needed to be some type of information collection to determine the future needs and interests of this population. The Recreation Subcommittee reviewed the draft survey in February for changes. The intent of the survey was to seek ideas from seniors for recreational opportunities. Recreation Supervisor Bolduc stated that the final draft of the questionnaire would be sent to approximately 900+ seniors currently on the Department's mailing list. She reviewed the questionnaire briefly and solicited input from the Commission. Member Johnson suggested that the final results of the survey be placed on cable TV and asked if another font could be considered for the questionnaire. Member Davis commented that the size of the font seemed appropriate, however. Member Peterson asked if there would be a question regarding the proposed community center. Director Vraa noted that the questionnaire will be returned after the City Council's review of a potential building and suggested that input from seniors would be more effective at a later date when a community center becomes more of a reality. Member Rudolph opined that the data base will be helpful given the potential of a community center. Member Davis concurred with Member Johnson's comment that the results should be shared with the community once they're completed. Member Filipi asked if the questionnaire could reach a broader audience. Member Petersen suggested placing an announcement in the paper making forms available to seniors not on the mailing list. Member Davis asked if there would be a way to determine where seniors are currently going for activities. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of March 20, 2000 Page 7 Member Peterson asked Supervisor Bolduc what information she was trying to glean from this group. Supervisor Bolduc responded that she was attempting to focus on what services are currently offered and what interests they have that should be pursued. Director Vraa added that based on the community survey for the central park, people will take the opportunity to express their opinions and interests even if they are not specifically listed on the survey form. Following further brief discussion, Barbara Johnson moved and Terry Davis seconded a motion to approve the Senior Survey as written and forward it to the current seniors list. Member Davis amended the motion to include a question clarifying where seniors are currently attending activities geared for their population, if staff determines that to be appropriate. All members voted in favor of the motion. PLA YW AGON RECOMMENDATION Director Vraa introduced this item and provided a brief background. Recreation Supervisor Nowariak noted that the Recreation staff and Recreation subcommittee met to review this item. The proposal is to consider alternative uses and modification to the existing Playwagon to increase its versatility for expanded program opportunities. Supervisor Nowariak identified multiple potential uses for the vehicle if the modifications were completed including use by the Arts and Humanities Council to bring art programs and experiences to the community via an "artmobile". It was noted that the Arts and Humanities Council has submitted a grant to provide funding to carry out their vision and use of the trailer. Member Peterson noted that the Playwagon was built in 1980 with the original intended use to be for a puppet theater. Member Rudolph noted that it was a great application for a "mobile park". John Rudolph moved, Barbara Johnson seconded with all members voting in favor to recommend the allocation of $4,200 for renovation to the Playwagon to be funded through the "small project" category of the Park Site Fund. LAND ACQUISITION PROPOSAL - PATRICK EAGAN PARK Director Vraa introduced this item noting that the Goetzs have offered to sell a 1.2-acre parcel of land adjacent to Patrick Eagan Park for $25,000. Mr. Goetz recently sought to split his lot for construction of another home site and in doing so, various area wide assessments typically associated with development will be incurred. As a means to reduce assessments, he is offering to sell a portion of his property to the City of Eagan. Director Vraa shared the location of the site in relation to Patrick Eagan Park and Berry Patch Park, noting the location of a potential trail connection between the two. The photos of the site showed the mature trees and wetland. A topography map was also shared with the Commission. Director Vraa concluded that if the Commission chooses to proceed with the acquisition of this property they will also need to identify where the funds will come from. Mr. Goetz addressed the Commission and thanked them for the opportunity of hearing their proposal. He then shared the layout of the site and plans to build another home on the newly created lot while selling the existing home and lot. During their meeting with the City Council, Mr. Goetz stated that the Council suggested they look at the option of swapping land in lieu of some of the assessment fees that would be due. He added that the asking price of the land is approximately the same as the fees being charged. The Goetzs felt that this would be a great opportunity for the City to preserve this beautiful wooded area adjacent to Patrick Eagan Park. Mr. Goetz then shared photos they had taken of the parcel. He also noted that in order to connect a trail between Berry Patch Park and Patrick Eagan Park easements would need to be acquired from the property owners. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of March 20, 2000 Page 8 Member Rudolph noted that he visited the site and could understand why the Goetzs want to preserve it; it is a beautiful site. Member Petersen asked if the City were to acquire the parcel, couldn't the fees be waived in exchange for the property in lieu of purchase. Director Vraa clarified that if the City were to acquire property the funds would need to come from somewhere. Member Peterson concurred with the beauty of the site and recognized the value of preserving woodlands. She added that if this parcel were on the north side of Deerwood Drive she would agree that it would be an important acquisition and link to Patrick Eagan Park. Member Petersen stated that the Commission sometimes struggles with what to do with dollars from the Tree Mitigation Fund and suggested that this could be an option. Member Davis referenced the parks Master Plan noting that this parcel was not a part of the overall plan for acquisition. Member Bari added that since there is no master plan for Patrick Eagan Park, this 1.2 acre parcel would simply be added to the existing 105 acre site. Bari added that the additional acre would not have as significant an impact as it may adjacent to another park property. Mr. Goetz responded that it would provide a great opportunity too preserve the parcel of land in the long run. Member Filipi asked about easement requirements from property owners to the west. Director Vraa stated that staff has not approached those homeowners to see what their interest may be. Member asked what the timing for this proposal was. Mr. Goetz responded that they are trying to take this back to the City Council on April 4 and that the Council directed them to go before the Advisory Parks Commission for consideration of acquisition. Member Petersen asked if the acquisition would be more amenable if a trail way connection could be made between Berry Patch Park and Patrick Eagan Park. Member Rudolph stated that would require easements from two other property owners. Mr. Goetz suggested that the connection could be made with an easement from only one adjacent property owner. Member Petersen empathized with the situation but expressed the need for theCommission to fully review this issue before passing a recommendation to the City Council. Mr. Goetz suggested that the Commission look beyond the trail issue and consider this parcel for preservation purposes. Member Davis concurred with Member Petersen's comments to ensure the understanding of all the information before making a recommendation. Joseph Bari moved, Terry Davis seconded a motion to defer this item to the Acquisition/Development subcommittee for further review and recommendation. Noting that this item will be appearing at the April 4 City Council meeting, it was suggested that there might not be sufficient time for the sub-committee to review this issue, bring it back to the Commission for action prior to the City Council review. The motion was withdrawn. A special Commission meeting was set for April 3, 5:00 p.m. for the whole Commission to meet, visit the site and then take action prior to this item appearing on the April 4 City Council agenda. The special Commission meeting would include notification to the newspapers and posting of the agenda for the public. RAHN PARK CELL TOWER Following a brief introduction by Director Vraa, Superintendent Olson noted that U.S. West is requesting permission to install six antennas and a ground based power cabinet on an existing NSP transmission tower in Rahn Park. Olson shared the site plan and photos identifying the location of the existing tower and proposed ground equipment. It was noted that the Lexington Diffley site has a ground equipment setup and there have been no issues with its installation. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of March 20, 2000 Page 9 Member Peterson asked if there were any other park sites that were being considered for antenna installation. Superintendent Olson stated this was the only proposal he was aware of. Olson then responded to a question regarding the type of fencing that would be provided around the ground equipment noting that staff would work with NSP relative to the fencing and landscaping around the area. Member Davis asked why a fence was needed. Superintendent Olson responded that since this tower is close to the Highline Trail, there might be the need to prevent children from getting into the area. Member Davis opined that if there isn't a concern for children climbing on the towers there may not be a need for a fence. Member Rudolph asked who determines the need for fencing. Superintendent Olson stated that the City would make the request for a fence and U.S. West would supply a plan for review. Member Davis opined that if the purpose for fencing is to prevent damage to the equipment, that is not the City's issue; it is U.S. West's. Following further brief discussion, John Rudolph moved, Dorothy Peterson seconded with all members voting in favor to recommend approval of the lease request made by US West to use City park property for the installation of cellular antennas and a ground level power cabinet, subject to the terms and conditions of the standard City of Eagan telecommunications lease. In addition the Leasee shall be required to install a City approved security fence and landscape screen compatible with park surroundings. Dorothy Peterson moved, John Rudolph seconded with all members voting in favor to recommend to the City Council that the rental fees collected in 2000 for antennas that are installed in park settings be dedicated to the purchase of properties not previously approved for acquisition in the Park Site Fund. PARKS AND RECREATION UPDATE Superintendent Olson noted that April 4 is the only time when requests to add/delete snow plowing routes. Residents interested in identifying trails for inclusion in the 2000-2001 season would need to make application through Tom Struve in the Engineering Division. Olson added that a job fair would be held on March 23 to recruit seasonal staff and concluded that street sweeping has begun throughout the City. WATER RESOURCES UPDATE Water Resources Coordinator Macbeth updated the Commission on the Eagan Football Boosters fertilizer sale throughout the community. He added that there would be a workshop on May 6 relative to naturalizing shorelines to help people manage their yards and be sensitive to adjacent water bodies. He also noted that April 3 marks the loth anniversary of the Water Quality Management Plan. The Plan calls for a review this year and the Commission should set a date and time when this review process can begin. OTHER BUSINESS AND REPORTS HEALTHY COMMUNITIES INITIATIVE Director Vraa noted that an intergenerational community dialogue was scheduled for Saturday, April 8 and invited Commission Members to attend. Member Peterson noted that she has attended similar events and found them to be informative and fun. COMMISSION GOALS Director Vraa provided a brief background noting that the Commission reviewed its last 12 month work program in March of 1999. The list generated by the Commission and Council was also referenced. Director Vraa asked the Commission for direction on how they would like to proceed with the next 12 month work program given the impact of the reduced Park Site Fund. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of March 20, 2000 Page 10 Member Rudolph suggested that the Commission tackle this project during a workshop session. Member Johnson asked if a golf course is stilI being considered by the City. Director Vraa responded that that is currently on the back burner for consideration. Member Davis asked if the CIP could be discussed before the next Commission meeting. Considering everyone's schedules, the workshop session was scheduled for 5;00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 19. SUBCOMMITTEE UPDATES There were no further subcommittee reports. COMMUNITY FACILITY TASK FORCE UPDATE Director Vraa stated that the Task Force would provide information at a public open house on March 21 and make a formal recommendation to the City Council on April 4. A 20-25 minute presentation followed by questions from the community is planned. It was noted that over 700 survey responses were received from Eagan residents and businesses. The Task Force will meet at 6:00 p.m. and the public presentation will begin at 7:00 p.m. COMMUNICATIONS Member Rudolph commented on the new look for the packet and thanked staff for their work. Director Vraa stated that staff will continue to revise packet information to increase the quality of communication to the Commission and Council. ROUND TABLE Member Rudolph suggested including all parks and locations on the web site. Member Davis suggested that Commission Members bring suggestions and ideas on how to continue to improve the web site. Member Davis talked about a two year research project to preserve farmland in Dakota County. Commission Members will be sent a reminder of the meeting on April 4 if they choose to attend. Member Rudolph stated that Dakota County is developing a master plan for their park system and will be establishing a task force to review the plan. Director Vraa added that the County is looking for a staff representative for that task force and Paul Olson's name has been submitted. Member Peterson stated that the Friends of the Farm were active in the recent Leisure and Home Show at the Civic Arena. Director Vraa, noting that park tours typically start in April, stated that Commission meetings will begin at 6:00 p.m. to accommodate the tours prior to the regularly scheduled meetings. ADJOURNMENT John Rudolph moved, Barbara Johnson seconded with all members voting in favor to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 10:05 p.m. (~.~ ~'\ ~t~~"~>-,.,, Secretary \ I/.r/t);> , I Date