07/15/2002 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission
Approved August 19.2002
ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF JULY 15, 2002
A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on July 15,2002
with the following Commission Members present: Joseph Bari, Phil Belfiori, Margo Danner, Terry Davis, N. Mark
Filipi, Elizabeth Perry, Dorothy Peterson, Richard Pletcher, John Rudolph, and Melvin Williams. 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; CJ Lilly,
Parks Planner and Cherryl Mesko, Recording Secretary.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
N Mark Filipi moved, Elizabeth Perry seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the agenda as
presented.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JUNE 17,2002
Dorothy Peterson moved, N. Mark Filipi seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the minutes
of the June 17,2002 meeting as presented.
VISITORS TO BE HEARD
There were no visitors who wished to address the Commission under this agenda item.
SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE AND DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS
Items highlighted by Superintendent of Recreation Asfahl included preschool camps, puppet wagon,
Cascade Bay attendance, summer and fall softball, fall athletic programs, summer park programs, teen and youth
development programming. Superintendent Asfahl also recognized the volunteer judges from the 4th of July parade.
Items highlighted by Superintendent of Parks Olson included odd/even watering schedule, miscellaneous
repair and construction projects, alerting residents of the danger of oak wilt if they trim oak trees at this time,
pavilion/wellhouse construction update and the MRP A Award of Excellence for the Grandfather Tree project.
CASCADE BAY MID-SEASON UPDATE
Facility Manager Aaron Hunter provided a brief overview of the 2002 Cascade Bay season to date. He
noted that through June, attendance was up 14% from 2001 and that July was off to a good start with 33,000 guests
visiting Cascade Bay to date. Manager Hunter reviewed the various class/instructional opportunities which included
lap swim, water aerobics, lifeguard training, guard start and introduction to scuba and snorkeling. He commented on
the continued success of Little Mates Morning, which is filled with a wait list for all sessions in July and August. It
was noted that family fun nights continue to be included in Monday night activities and that adult only swim
opportunities are being offered on July 26 and August 8.
Member Peterson asked who was responsible for the curriculum for the classes being offered. Manager
Hunter responded that lifeguard managers are providing their experience coupled with written instructional materials
to supplement the programs. Member Williams asked if there were additional fees for the classes. Manager Hunter
responded that fees are charged for most classes, however some of the activities are free to season pass holders.
Member Bari asked how the new stroller policy is working, which allows strollers to be brought into the
facility and stored in a designated stroller corral. Manager Hunter responded that although it helps to transport little
ones into the facility, it does not appear to be the solution that some people are looking for. Preference has been
expressed for allowing the strollers to be kept on the deck next to the parent.
Advisory Parks Commission
Minutes of Regular Meeting of July 15,2002
Page 2
Member Perry asked how the recent Saturday night teen event was attended. Manager Hunter indicated
that there was a good turn out for the pool party and hoped to expand on the idea in the future. Member Rudolph
congratulated staff on a great job in making Cascade Bay as successful as it is.
CONSENT AGENDA
Dorothy Peterson moved, John Rudolph seconded with all members voting in favor to make the following
recommendations to the City Council:
1. Wendolek Woods
a> The proposal would be subject to a cash parks dedication for the newly created lots.
a> This proposal would be subject to a cash trails dedication for the newly crated lots.
a> This proposal would be subject to a cash dedication in lieu of on-site water quality ponding.
a> Individual Lot Tree Preservation Plan will be required at the time of building permit application.
2. Eagan Tire & Auto Service
~ This proposal would be subject to a cash parks dedication.
~ This proposal would be subject to a cash trails dedication.
~ This proposal would be subject to a cash dedication in lieu of water quality ponding.
~ Tree Protective measures (i.e. orange colored silt fence or 4 foot polyethylene laminate safety
netting) shall be installed at the Drip Line or at the perimeter of the Critical Root Zone, whichever
is greater, of significant trees to be preserved on-site.
~ The applicant shall 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.
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
There were no development proposals for the Commission to review.
OLD BUSINESS
CANOE STUDY
Researcher Wielde reminded the Commission that they had reviewed information relative to canoe rentals
and canoe storage space rentals at their June meeting. Staff was directed to investigate the matter further to include
insurance issues, life jacket regulations, potential use and startup costs. To that end, Wielde shared information
about how both options relate to Moonshine Park, field observations of existing use, state regulations regarding
canoes, life jacket regulations, loss control recommendations, and start-up costs. It was noted that start-up costs for
a canoe rental operation ranged from $2,445 - 9,146 based on how extensive the program would be. Staffing
required for this element ranged from $,5464 - 16,394. Start-up costs for canoe storage, however was
approximately $200 per rack, which would store 6 canoes. Of the two options researched, Researcher Wielde noted
that it appeared that canoe rental was not likely to recover start-up costs whereas canoe storage did. Wielde then
reviewed options for the Commission to consider.
Member Rudolph asked when the Moonshine Park retreat center and programs would be marketed.
Director Vraa explained that programming would occur at that site in 2003. Member Williams asked if a survey
could be conducted to determine which option might be preferred. Wielde noted that if a survey were going to be
helpful, a specific demographic would need to be identified and pursued to obtain credible information. Member
Rudolph suggested that since there wasn't an existing curriculum established for activities that might occur at
Moonshine Park that could utilize rental canoes, that canoe storage be considered as the best option. Member
Pletcher agreed noting that people could simply store their own canoe and keep it locked if a storage rack were
provided. He saw this as a very low maintenance amenity to provide residents.
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Minutes of Regular Meeting of July 15,2002
Page 3
Member Danner asked how many people would use a canoe rack. She suggested waiting until spring to see
if there is a need. Member Pletcher reiterated that this would simply provide another recreational opportunity to
residents. Member Danner opined that more information should be obtained before moving forward with any
option. Member Perry asked if it was reasonable to expect that a rack could be built for $200. Member Davis
asked if the structure would be permanent or could it be moved. Superintendent Olson responded based on his
personal experience with a similar amenity in Buffalo. He noted that it is fairly inexpensive to construct, it is
portable and can be moved, and it stores 4 canoes on each side. Residents simply need to pay a rental fee to the City
and there is no further follow-up by staff except for maintenance of the rack.
After further brief discussion, Dorothy Peterson moved, Joseph Bari seconded with all members voting in
favor to recommend that a canoe storage pilot project be initiated at Moonshine Park to rent spaces to people
interested in storing their canoe. Each renter is to be given a copy of the boating guide at the time of rental. Use is
to be monitored with staff and the Commission looking at continued expansion options at other locations. The size
of the canoe storage unit should be determined by maintenance staff but should accommodate approximately 6-8
canoes.
NEW BUSINESS
GUN CLUB LAKE WMO PROJECT ON NICOLS MEADOW
Water Resources Coordinator Macbeth provided the background and a representative of WSB Consultants
provided an in-depth review of the Gun Club Lake WMO project on Nicols Meadow. Macbeth noted that the
Commission had the opportunity to visit the site of the project prior to the Commission meeting. It was noted that
the City, State and DNR have an interest in looking at the unique resources found at this site. The purpose of the
project was to collect and review background information, identify factors impacting the resources, coordinate
agency perspectives, identify additional needs and provide preliminary recommendations for the site.
The WSB representative noted that there was an interest in seeing if the stream could be restored to a trout
stream. He shared several pictures of the wildlife and existing conditions, storm water impact and culvert crossing.
He identified the multiple agencies involved in the review as well as the needs and recommendations for the site.
Those primarily included the need for a viable source of ground water, precipitation monitoring, Seneca dewatering
feasibility report and managing the stormwater.
Member Rudolph commented that this was a very aggressive program. Member Belfiori asked WSB if
there were specific ways they would manage the stormwater. He responded that they would encourage infiltration
and re-route stormwater. Member Davis thanked Coordinator Macbeth for the information and asked that he keep
the Commission updated on this project.
WATER RESOURCES UPDATE
Water Resources Coordinator Macbeth stated that weed harvesting has been underway at Thomas Lake
with the primary focus area adjacent to the park. He also noted that additional work will be done on the rain water
garden at Cedar Pond Park. Member Peterson asked about the MinAqua fishing clinic. Coordinator Macbeth
responded that it was a very successful event and that there were more adult volunteers helping than they'd had in
the past.
OTHER BUSINESS AND REPORTS
AL TERNATIVE FUNDING WORKSHOP UPDATE
Director V raa provided a brief overview of the workshop held to discuss alternative funding sources given
the decreasing contributions to the Park Site Fund over the next 10-15 years. Advisory Commission members were
asked to generate ideas for future sustainable funding sources. Director Vraa shared a synopsis of ideas that were
generated and the survey results of other communities. A follow-up meeting was set for July 24, 2002 at 5:00 p.m.
to continue discussion of alternative funding.
Advisory Parks Commission
Minutes of Regular Meeting of July 15, 2002
Page 4
STORMWATER MITIGATION WITHIN PARKS UPDATE
Director Vraa introduced the chief field representative for BRAA, the City's consultant for stormwater
mitigation projects currently underway throughout the City of Eagan.
The BRAA representative shared information about the mitigation projects that have impacted Cedar Pond,
Peridot Path, Thomas Lake, Woodhaven, Clearwater, Meadowland, Blackhawk and Evergreen parks. It was noted
that sod, seeding and paving will be completed for the majority of the projects by the end of July. Sites that won't be
completed until the end of August include Peri dot Path, Clearwater, Blackhawk and Evergreen parks.
SUBCOMMITTEE UPDATES
Member Peterson noted that the Acquisition/Development subcommittee has continued their work to
review parcels of land to evaluate their ranked priority for potential acquisition. She added that they have looked at
18 parcels to date and have applied the predetermined criteria to each parcel to help with this review process. Once
the subcommittee review has been completed, information will be shared with the Advisory Commission. Member
Peterson stated that the sub-committee would confirm with the Planning Division that they have not missed any
potential sites near parks that should have been included in the review.
COMMUNITY CENTER UPDATE
Director Vraa commented that construction is moving along well on the community center and that the
bandshell is taking shape as it comes out of the ground. He noted that construction of the well/pavilion has been
slightly delayed as a result of poor soils for one of the footings. Work is expected to move forward with an
anticipated completion of November. Director Vraa added that construction of Central Parkway is also underway.
The final contract for the project, park site improvements, has been awarded and staff is anticipating work to begin
shortly.
Member Bari asked how the site could be accessed with all the construction projects underway. Director
Vraa explained that access to the site is from Central Parkway off Pilot Knob Road. He cautioned that anyone
visiting the site must first check in at the construction trailer.
ROUNDTABLE
Member Danner asked if there was any updated information about the Copeland proposed development.
Staff responded that there was no new information at this time to bring to the Commission.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to conduct Dorothy Peterson moved, John Rudolph seconded with all members
voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
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