08/19/2002 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission
Approved September 16, 2002
ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF AUGUST 19, 2002
A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on August 19,2002
with the following Commission Members present: Joseph Bari, Phil Belfiori, Margo Danner, Terry Davis, N. Mark
Filipi, Dorothy Peterson, Richard Pletcher, John Rudolph, and Melvin Williams. Commission Member Perrry was
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; CJ Lilly, Parks
Planner; Cathy Bolduc; Recreation Supervisor and Cherryl Mesko, Recording Secretary.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
N. Mark Filipi moved, Melvin Williams seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the agenda as
presented.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF JULY 15, 2002
Member Danner noted an incorrect name identified in paragraph 8 on page 1. Member Wright should have
been identified as Member Williams. Dorothy Peterson moved, Terry Davis seconded with all members voting in
favor to accept the minutes of July 15, 2002 as amended.
AWARD RECOGNITION - JOHN GLYNN
Recreation Supervisor Bolduc introduced and recognized John Glynn for over 10 years of experience and
dedication to Eagan's ice and in-line skating programs. She noted that in addition to his many years of teaching
youth and adults he was named the 1996 In-Line Instructor of the Year.
Mr. Glynn thanked the Commission and Department Staff for their support in providing such positive
opportunities to the community and hoped to continue the positive working relationship with Eagan Parks and
Recreation.
VISITORS TO BE HEARD
Mr. John Ward, representing Patrick Eagan Park Preservation Committee addressed the Commission to
commend their work on the park. He then talked briefly about the upcoming Dakota County referendum to acquire
land in Dakota County. He opined that the referendum will dovetail with the local efforts to preserve Patrick Eagan
Park.
Member Belfiori asked how the Commission might be made aware of how the County may prioritize which
parcels they would consider for acquisition if the referendum is successful. He felt it would be important to
understand the criteria that will be used. Member Rudolph suggested that a representative of Dakota County be
contacted to see if they can attend an Advisory Commission meeting prior to the November referendum to answer
some of those questions. Staff was asked to follow up with the request.
SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE AND DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS
Superintendents Asfahl and Olson highlighted several items of interest from both the recreation and parks
divisions. Member Bari asked when Moonshine Park retreat center would be completed and when it would be
marketed. Superintendent Olson responded that it should be completed by December 1 and that it would be
marketed in the winter Discover brochure.
Advisory Parks Commission
Minutes of August 19,2002 Meeting
Page 2
RECREATION PROGRAM UPDATE-CATHY BOLDUC
Recreation Supervisor Bolduc shared a PowerPoint presentation of events and activities she directly
supervised during the summer. Those events included Senior trips, classes and special events. She also reviewed
instructional skill development programs, nature programs, and special events like the Fun Run and Evening in the
Park series. She concluded with an outline of upcoming programs that include senior programs, golf, Evening with
the Stars, Who Done It Hike and the Halloween Hodgepodge.
CONSENT AGENDA
There were no Consent Agenda items for the Commission to review.
OLD BUSINESS
There were no Old Business items for the Commission to review.
NEW BUSINESS
There were no New Business items for the Commission to review.
WATER RESOURCES UPDATE
Water Resources Coordinator Macbeth shared a video created for the EaganlBurnsville Community Journal
cable television show. Macbeth explained that following state authorization the City of Eagan established an
ordinance to regulate the sale of phosphorous fertilizer. The regulation requires that phosphorous free fertilizer
options must be made available to the public. The intent of the regulation is to provide information and exposure to
phosphorous free products in preparation for a 2004 State law requiring phosphorous free fertilizer.
OTHER BUSINESS AND REPORTS
TOBACCO FREE RECREATION UPDATE
Superintendent Asfahl introduced this item and reminded the Commission that the Recreation
Subcommittee had met previously to review this issue and were bringing it back to the whole Commission for
discussion and direction. It was noted that during their discussion, the subcommittee identified communities that
have a policy or ordinance governing the use of tobacco. The subcommittee took a position that it is reasonable to
expect that a Parks and Recreation system would do all that it could to promote healthy settings and felt that it would
be reasonable for Eagan Park facilities to have policies consistent with local schools and youth athletic associations.
Further, the subcommittee provided a draft policy statement that addressed the issue through signage and education.
Member Peterson asked if the subcommittee felt they had enough information to bring this issue to the City
Council. Member Rudolph felt they did. Member Davis opined there should be a clarification between "during
youth activity" and "where the activity takes place" in identifying how the policy should be stated. He was
concerned that the draft appears to be a 24/7 policy as stated. Member Rudolph expressed his personal choice for a
no-tolerance, smoke free policy but added that it would be difficult to monitor and manage.
Member Peterson shared the support for tobacco free facilities during youth activities but did not agree that
it should be implemented across the board. Member Bari added that both the State and County have recently backed
off the total ban policy and was reluctant to proceed with a total ban in Eagan. Member Filipi stated that he
supported a 24/7 policy but added that what the Commission is proposing is a policy statement only.
Advisory Parks Commission
Minutes of August 19,2002 Meeting
Page 3
Following further discussion, Member Pletcher suggested that the first attempt should be to create an
environment of no-smoking and that should begin with signage and education. In looking for a starting point to
move forward, John Rudolph moved, N Mark Filipi seconded a motion to approve the policy statement as presented
and to have the City Council review and give direction about appropriate implementation. Member Davis stated he
preferred to see a more formal action presented for the Commission to respond to at the September meeting
reiterating his concern for some of the existing language.
The motion was called with Members Danner, Filipi, Rudolph and Pletcher voting Aye. Members voting
Nay included Bari, Belfiori, Davis, Peterson and Williams. This item will be brought back to the Advisory
Commission at the September 16 meeting.
PARK SITE FUND UPDATE
Parks Superintendent Olson briefly reviewed the status of the Park Site fund as of June 30, 2002. He
reminded the Commission that the primary source of funds comes from parks dedication fees and then reviewed the
revenues and expenditures to date. Because all of the expenditures to date were not reflected in the report,
Superintendent Olson estimated that the balance at the end of the year would be approximately $2.9 million.
SUBCOMMITTEE UPDATES
Member Peterson reported that the Historic Trails Committee met and have determined that the 1879 map
will be used to identify pioneer trails. The committee's next step will be to obtain costs for signage and then talk to
the City Council about how they want this project to proceed.
Member Bari reported that the Acquisition subcommittee has continued their review of parcels and have
adhered to a point system established to rank the parcels. Bari added that of the original 28-29 parcels they have
narrowed it down to approximately 6 that would merit consideration. It was noted that the parcels were reviewed
individually and when the results were tabulated they were very consistent and close.
COMMUNITY CENTER UPDATE
Director Vraa reported that the building is moving along very well and is back on schedule. The site
contract, however is 5-6 weeks behind schedule although the contractor is now on site. Vraa noted that it is
important to get the areas adjacent to the building completed first. It was noted that the well house/pavilion is
expected to be completed in November and that there is a short delay with the Bandshell at this time.
Director Vraa asked Commission Members to note September 18 on their calendar. Invitations will be sent
to individuals who served on the original task force and the various focus groups to celebrate their participation in
the Community Center/Central Park project. The event will take place at 5:30 p.m. and will be followed by a brief
tour.
Member Peterson asked if there were dollars in the CIP for a warming building at the Community Center
site this year. Director Vraa responded that the contractor would put the pad in, however they may not get the
building constructed for this winter. He added that he would keep the Commission updated.
COMMUNICATIONS
Director Vraa directed the Commission to the Decision Resources survey and brief overview which was
included in the packet. He pointed out that when residents were asked what they liked most, if anything, about
living in Eagan, the #3 response was parks. Staff was very pleased to hear such a positive response and that it
ranked so highly in the eyes of residents.
Advisory Parks Commission
Minutes of August 19, 2002 Meeting
Page 4
ROUND TABLE
Member Peterson commented on the significant changes made to Evergreen Park because of the storm
mitigation project.
Director Vraa reminded the Commission that they will need to continue their discussion of alternative
revenue sources. There has not been a date set yet to continue that discussion.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to conduct, John Rudolph moved, Joseph Bari seconded with all members voting
in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
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