07/16/2001 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission
Approved as Amended Aug 20, 2001
ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF JULY 16,2001
A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks Commission was called to order at 7:02 p.m. on July 16,2001
with the following Commission Members present: Margo Danner, Joseph Bari, N. Mark Filipi, Terry Davis, Chair
John Rudolph, Dorothy Peterson, George Kubik, and Richard Pletcher. Members Melvin Williams and David
Wright were absent. Staff present include Ken Vraa, Director of Parks and Recreation; Jeff Asfahl, Superintendent
of Recreation; Paul Olson, Parks Superintendent; Jim Storland, Water Resources Technician; C.J. Lilly, Parks
Planner, Cathy Bolduc, Programs and Events Supervisor, and Beth Wielde, Research and Special Project serving as
Acting Recording Secretary.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion to approve the agenda was made by Member George Kubik, seconded by Member Davis, with all
present Commission members voting to approve.
APPROV AL OF MINUTES OF JUNE 18, 2001
Minutes were approved with one correction- include the recognition of Walt Fletcher for 500 hours of
volunteer service to the Friends of the Farm! Holz Farm. Motion to approve was made by Dorothy Peterson,
seconded by George Kubik, with all present members voting for approval. Minutes were amended on July 24,
2001.
VISITORS TO BE HEARD
There were no visitors who wished to address the Commission under this agenda item.
DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS! SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE
Superintendent of Recreation Jeff Asfahl presented department happenings in the Recreation division since
the last Commission meeting. An inventory of these items can be seen in the July 2001 packet, available at the
Parks and Recreation Department.
Superintendent Paul Olson discussed happenings in the Parks Division, including:
. Eagan does not have a watering ban. Residents are asked to comply with the odd-even guidelines. Parks
comply, even if it doesn't appear to be so. Parks are divided into zones, so there may be watering within
the park every day, but it is only in zones that comply with the odd-even guidelines.
. Parks crews have completed the installation of new playground equipment on the Glacier Hills school
property. Crews are now installing new equipment at Cinnamon Ridge, and will move t Peridot Path when
Cinnamon Ridge is complete.
. The Grandfather Tree is being monitored for moisture in light of the recent dry weather. Staff is
monitoring its root moisture with a tensiometer. When the moisture level is low, the tree is watered.
. In reaction to the storm of 2000, Engineering has implemented stormwater projects around the City. Some
of these projects will occur at the parks, the first three that will be impacted are W oodhaven, Peridot Path
and Cedar Pond.
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Minutes of Regular Meeting of July 16, 2001
Page 2
. There is some settling occurring at the Thomas Lake Pavilion building that makes it difficult to shut doors.
The building will not collapse, but will likely settle further.
Member Peterson commented that the pavilion building was Eagan's own Leaning Tower. Member Bari asked how
long it takes to sprinkle the parks. Olson noted there are 40 zones to cover, and is shaped by the water pressure and
cover. Member Bari noted the efficiency of the system.
Member Danner inquired where the money for reinforcing the Thomas Lake Pavilion building would come from.
Olson said this was still under discussion. Member Kubik asked Olson to keep the APrC updated on the stormwater
projects.
CONSENT AGENDA
DELTA DEVELOPMENT, INC. and YMCA 2nd ADDITION
Director Vraa discussed a letter submitted by Tim Staly showing. Both are consistent with dedication
policies. Staff recommends approval as a consent item. Chair Rudolph moved to approve both motions, Member
Bari seconded, with all present members voting in favor to approve the consent agenda.
OLD BUSINESS
SKATE PARK
Researcher Wielde presented the results of the skate park survey and addressed issues such as funding,
insurance and loss control, and site alternatives. She also presented a preliminary skate park plan constructed by
Landscape Structures! EF A with the assistance of local teen volunteers.
Chair Rudolph invited the mother of Brian and Andrew Hiltner (workshop participants) to speak on
whether she would drive her children to the skate park. She said she would, primarily after she was done with work
and on weekends, and she commented in support of the skate park. Trevor Jahnke, a teen workshop participant,
was also invited to speak as to whether he would prefer the park at Sky Hill or Goat Hill. He expressed no
preference, since he would be driven to either, and noted that the park needs to be where the audience is.
Member Kubik inquired about expansion opportunity, and Wielde explained that the current plan only
takes up a portion of a hockey rink pad. She noted the possibility for expansion and the flexibility a modular design
gives the City.
Member Dorothy Peterson set forth the motion to create the Tier I Skate Park at Goat Hill during the fall at
a budget of $26,695, to revisit the CIP to allow for a rink paving at Sky Hill Park in 2002, and to meet with the teen
committee to create a set of operational rules. Chair Rudolph seconded, with some further discussion, all present
members approving the recommendation to Council.
WETLAND HEALTH EV ALUA TION PROJECT UPDATE
Water Resource Technician Jim Storland introduced Tom Gooden and Jane Tunseth of School
Environmental Studies, who distributed the findings of the Wetland Health Evaluation Project. They described the
process of collected insect and vegetation samples, County wide involvement in the project, sample sites in Eagan,
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Minutes of Regular Meeting of July 16, 2001
Page 3
goal to sample a variety of wetland types, the cross-check system with BRW IURS, They provided background on
the project, which dates back to 1997.
Gooden and Tunseth showed the findings of the study, metric scores for insects and vegetation indicating
good health in most Eagan ponds, save for Cedar Pond. Member Davis inquired how the City was doing in
comparison to the rest of the County. Gooden said that there was not enough data yet to mark trends or do a
comparison. He noted that the study has occurred in Eagan for four years, and in other communities it ranges
between three to four years. Member Peterson asked how many ponds have been studies more than once and how
they compare over time. Tunseth replied that there has been little change in the ponds during repeated investigation.
Gooden noted that impact has been minimal. Member Kubik asked if the samples were taken from the same points
in the pond year by year, and by the cross-check team. Gooden said they were not taken from exactly the same
location. He then noted that the project is getting recognition statewide, and Hennepin County may implement a
similar project soon. Member Davis asked if there was any interest expressed by other states. Good is unaware of
any as of yet. Member Rudolph addressed the viewing audience, noting how important wetland monitoring is.
Gooden noted that volunteer activity opportunities exist for citizens who would like to work with the project.
Tunseth said the County holds information sessions every month. No action was required of this item.
WETLAND CONSERVATION RECOMMENDATIONS
Water Resources Coordinator Eric Macbeth introduced the Wetland Conservation Act projects associated
with the upcoming development of the Central Park site and the Central Parkway ring road. He described the area
of wetland impact, such as:
. Development of the pond will impact 32,000 square feet of wetland,
. 26,000 square feet of wetland will be impacted by the bandshell grading,
. 580 square feet will be impacted from grading for the building
Macbeth mentioned that the City would like to use wetland banking credits to meet the 2: 1 replacement
standard. The impacts of the Central Parkway will mostly occur on the east side of Pilot Knob Road and that it
would be an Engineering based project. 3!1O of an acre is proposed to be replaced within the area of a wetland that
lies to the east of the impacted existing wetland. To re-create this wetland, some trees would need to be removed.
He requested the APrC make a recommendation as to whether the project should proceed into the public notice and
review phase.
Chair Rudolph remarked that this was an example of the City practicing what it preached, and moved to
recommend that the City Council adopt formal decisions to replace the wetlands that will be impacted by the
development of Central Park and the Central Parkway. Member Peterson seconded, with all present members
voting in favor.
NEW BUSINESS
GOLF COURSE STUDY COMMITTEE
Director Vraa introduced the Council's directive to begin the process of creating a study committee to
explore a potential golf course in Eagan. They have requested that 2 members of the APrC join citizen volunteers
and 2 appointed members of the APC to participate in the study. Vraa noted that at this time there is no time line or
work guidelines to discuss. Chair Rudolph noted his appreciation to the Council for accepting input from the APrC
on this issue. He then called for volunteers. Members Peterson and Danner volunteered, as well as Member Bari.
Director Vraa noted that Commission members will not need to fill out the applications that will be required
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Minutes of Regular Meeting of July 16,2001
Page 4
of citizen volunteers. Member Pletcher asked if Commission members could volunteer in their role as
citizen as opposed to their role as Commission members. Vraa affirmed this. Member Danner asked if the meetings
would be open to the public, or if only those on the study committee would be attending. Vraa responded that the
meetings would defiantly be open to the public.
Member Kubik suggested that the first two volunteers, Members Peterson and Danner, be appointed to the
Committee, with Member Bari serving as an alternate. All present members voted to approve appointments.
WATER RESOURCES UPDATE
Member Danner recognized the efforts of the Water Resources Division and Water Resources Technician
Jim Storland for efforts on Cedar Pond. Storland gave a brief update of the Cedar Pond project, including:
. The park is 90% ready for seeding or has been seeded
. The kiosk has been completed
. There will be a volunteer day on August 25 to help develop the rainwater garden
Chair Rudolph asked if there were any predictions on the impacts the Cedar Pond project would have on the
survey results discussed previously. Macbeth anticipates the survey results will improve. Member Kubik inquired
if there would be any photodocumentation. Storland noted all the methods of documentation being used, and that
this is being done carefully.
Water Resources Coordinator Eric Macbeth noted that weed harvesting has been completed on Fish lake,
and Holz Lake may be next. He mentioned the challenges of getting the weed harvester in the lakes with the access
that is currently on site.
Macbeth noted that next week is a neighborhood meeting around the Blackhawk lake area to discuss water
quality and stewardship. He also addressed one of the open issues, Wetland and Setback Buffers, and would like to
meet with the Recreation Subcommittee to discuss this issue. He updated the Commission on the WCA appeals
process, noting that nothing formal had been decided, but the appeal that has been set forth may be withdrawn.
Member Kubik stated that they should set a date after the meeting adjourns.
OTHER BUSINESS AND REPORTS
GRANT RECOGNITION
Director Vraa recognized the efforts and successes of Loudi Rivamonte, Youth Development Coordinator,
in securing alternative funding and grants for programs. He complimented her efforts. Chair Rudolph stated how
impressed he was with the magnitude and diversity of programs that benefit from the grants, and how well run the
programs are. He stated that the City can be proud of this work, and extended thanks to Rivamonte.
WINTER PROGRAM OPTIONS
Director Vraa introduced Cathy Bolduc, Programs and Events Supervisor, who presented options for
improving the efficiency of the winter programs. She showed a map locating class A, B, and C sites, and described
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Minutes of Regular Meeting of July 16, 200l
Page 5
the differences between the classifications. She presented six options for streamlining the winter programs, and the
potential cost saving for each of those options. The options include:
1. Reduce operational hours- savings minimal for maintenance, reduction of $7.63/hr to$6.75/hr per site,
depending on classification.
2. Close sites- savings minimal for Park Maintenance, possible total savings of $8,547 for closure of an A
and a B site, no trailer rental.
3. Limit ice season, reduce the weeks it is open- savings minimal for maintenance staff, $297- $390 savings
per week depending on site classification
4. Maintain the program as-is
5. Reduce flooding and snow removal practices-eliminating one maintenance day for all eleven sites for a
full season will save approximately $6,061
6. Select components- hybrid of options 1-5- closing a class B site, shortening the season by 1 week for all
sites, and eliminating one maintenance day will result in a possible savings of $12,856 over the season.
Bolduc stated that staff is looking to the APrC for direction as to where to go with this idea. Member
Davis asked what percentage of the entire budget (recreation) would $12,856 be. Director Vraa said that there was
no specific goal outlined at this time, other than to review the program for efficiency and make sure the money was
spent where it is needed. Perhaps, also, that there may be areas that there should be more funds directed toward.
Chair Rudolph suggested making the hours consistent at all sites to reduce confusion. He noted how seasons
fluctuate and it impacts the opening and closing of winter sites. He suggested letting staff continue to determine the
opening and closing dates based on weather variations.
Member Peterson suggested some alternatives:
. Put the exterior lights on timers instead of having staff responsible for turning on and off the
switches.
. Monitor the Class C sites to determine if they are used enough to continue at current use
She recognized how difficult staffing is, and they should be utilized fully. Member Filipi discussed
weather impacts, and how having a policy in place is important to the program. He recommended referring this
item to the recreation subcommittee. Chair Rudolph agreed, and asked Bolduc to work with the subcommittee to
come up with a date and time. Member Kubik asked if there will be skating at the new Central Park site. Director
Vraa said that there will be. Member Kubik suggested shifting the skating use from Pilot Knob Park to the Central
Park site.
Member Danner mentioned the Senior Safety Camp notice in the September newsletter. Bolduc affirmed
that this camp would take place on September 11 and 13, from 9 to 12 both days. Danner inquired if there had been
any update to the senior newsletter mailing list. Bolduc mentioned that every time staff is notified of a change, it is
entered into the database. She noted that there had been over a dozen new additions in the last month. Member
Danner asked how to get more seniors on the mailing list. Bolduc noted that the original list was generated from the
utility billing list, and many amendments have been made since. The future of the newsletter depends on what the
seniors want to see. Bolduc noted the importance of the mailing costs for the newsletter, with 900 envelopes being
distributed each time. Member Danner asked how it is decided who gets it. Director Vraa said the department uses
several media types to get the word out about senior programs, and seniors need to take initiative to contact the City
and express interest. Bolduc mentioned that a survey was conducted that allowed seniors to elect if they wish to
continue receiving the newsletter. Member Bari noted that 900 envelopes sent could equal about 2,000 individuals
being reached.
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Minutes of Regular Meeting of July 16,2001
Page 6
ROUND TABLE
Chair Rudolph noted to Researcher Wielde that the Commission Member page of the City web site needs
to be updated. Member Davis inquired if it was possible to do the updates from Wielde's workspace. Wielde
replied that the IT department was the proper channel to go through. Vraa and Wielde briefly explained the
protocol established by the City to get items on the web site.
Member Danner noted the concerts occurring at the Caponi Art Park on Sundays, and recommended that
the City maintain a relationship with the Art Park.
ADJOURNMENT
Member Kubik moved to adjourn, Chair Rudolph seconded, with all members voting in favor to adjourn at
9:25 pm.
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