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04/15/2002 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission Approved May 20. 2002 ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION EAGAN, MINNESOTA MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF APRIL 15, 2002 A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on April 15, 2002 with the following Commission Members present: Joseph Bari, Phil Belfiori, Margo Danner, N. Mark Filipi, Elizabeth Perry, Dorothy Peterson, Richard Pletcher, and John Rudolph. Commission Members Davis and Williams were not present. Staff present included Ken Vraa, Director of Parks and Recreation; Paul Olson, Parks Superintendent; Gregg Hove, Forestry Supervisor; Erick Macbeth, Water Resources Coordinator; Paula Nowariak, Recreation Supervisor; CJ Lilly, Landscape Architect/Parks Planner; Russ Matthys, City Engineer; and Cherryl Mesko, Recording Secretary. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Items added to the agenda included K (4) Historic Trail Committee Update and K (5) Acquisition Site Analysis Update. Dorothy Peterson moved, Joseph Bari seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the agenda as amended. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MARCH 18, 2002 The March minutes were inadvertently omitted from the packet and were deferred to the May 20 meeting for review. VISITORS TO BE HEARD PATRICK EAGAN P ARK PRESERVATION COMMITTEE Bea Blomquist addressed the Commission noting that a group of citizens had banded together to preserve Patrick Eagan Park when they became aware that a golf course was being considered for a part, or all, of the park. When the City Council determined that this location would not be a viable option, the citizens group talked with representatives of the DNR to see what options might be available to preserve Patrick Eagan Park in its natural state. Blomquist explained that after talking to Al Singer and Bill Pennington at the DNR they were made aware of some grant opportunities. They decided to nominate both the Bergin and Langstraat parcels for a Metro Greenways grant to provide more of a link around Patrick Eagan Park. She then reviewed the grant proposal submitted on behalf of Patrick Eagan Park. Blomquist added that perhaps the Anderson parcel could be looked at for future acquisition to continue the link around the park. She noted that this grant was being done in partnership with the DNR and City of Eagan. Member Peterson asked what the City's match would need to be with this grant request. Blomquist responded that if the grant was successfully funded the DNR would designate an amount they would fund and the balance would need to be funded through other means. Blomquist also noted that the DNR was sending representatives to visit the site in the very near future and was hopeful that that would bring a positive response to the application. Member Rudolph thanked Blomquist and others who had helped with the grant application and expressed the Commission's appreciation for the energy and work that had gone into it. TOBACCO FREE YOUTH RECREATION PROGRAM Lynn Deml, representing CAFE (Clean Air For Eagan), addressed the Commission and provided a brief background of the organization and their efforts toward educating the public on smoking and the effects of second hand smoke. She then introduced Dan Ehrke who made a presentation on tobacco-free youth recreation. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of April 15, 2002 Page 2 Mr. Ehrke reviewed the organization's efforts to work with local youth recreation organizations to share ways to communicate no-smoking policies at youth recreation activities. He shared how the City of Eagan might incorporate a city-wide policy that covers youth recreational facilities and playground. He then reviewed why the policies are effective, why they are important and other cities with a current no-smoking policy He then concluded by reviewing prevention resources that are available. Lynn Deml noted that they have met with EAA, who support a no-tobacco policy and they are hopeful that the APrC will also support it. Member Belfiori asked what the current City policy is. Director Vraa stated that Cascade Bay and the Civic Arena are currently smoke-free. Member Peterson added that seasonal staff also has a smoke-free policy. Mr. Ehrke was asked who enforces the tobacco-free policies. He responded that it is typically handled through signage but sometimes compliance checks need to be done by staff. Ms Deml added that often a non- smoking parent doesn't feel comfortable asking someone to stop smoking and opined that the City should then set guidelines for people to follow. Member Rudolph thanked Ms Deml and Mr. Ehrke for their information and presentation. Member Danner asked where the Commission was to go from this point. Member Rudolph suggested that it be brought back to a workshop for further discussion. SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE AND DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS Items highlighted by Recreation Supervisor Nowariak included a seniors trip to Red Wing, the upcoming Fun Run, the annual spring clean-up day at Holz Farm, the summer/fall Discover brochure to be distributed in early May, the sponsorship program for Evening in the Park that has raised $2,650, the successful Home and Leisure Show at the Civic Arena, and the new seasonal employee manual jointly developed by recreation staff. Items highlighted by Superintendent of Parks Olson included the wet conditions of athletic fields, the successful tree sale, bids for the access roadway to Moonshine Park, update on the Central Park pavilion, the annual Arbor Day celebration at Rahn Athletic Park and all tennis nets are up for residents to enjoy the courts. CONSENT AGENDA CLIFF LAKE CENTRE 3rd ADDITION - CLIFF RD PROPERTIES Dorothy Peterson moved, John Rudolph seconded with all members voting in favor to make the following recommendations to the City Council: 1. This development shall be required to install Tree Protective measures (i.e. orange colored silt fence or 4 foot polyethylene laminate safety netting) at the Drip Line or at the perimeter of the Critical Root Zone, whichever is greater, of significant trees/woodlands to be preserved on-site. 2. This development shall be required to 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. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of April 15, 2002 Page 3 OLD BUSINESS LAND DISTURBANCE AND EROSION CONTROL REGULATIONS Water Resources Coordinator introduced this item noting that the City of Eagan's Erosion Control Task Force has met since November 1999 to improve the ability of the City to control and limit the negative impacts of soil erosion at construction sites. The group is comprised of staffs from engineering, inspections, forestry and water quality. Occasionally, staffs from the Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District and the Minnesota Erosion Control Association also participate. In these meetings, concerns are shared about the impacts of soil erosion and sedimentation from specific construction projects on City infrastructure and resources. The City has been moving diligently on a formal set of policies and requirements to guide and manage land-disturbing activities to preserve and enhance natural resources and maintain an effective stormwater conveyance system. Macbeth reviewed the proposed Land Disturbance and Erosiion Control Regulations. He noted that they would apply to any excavating, grading, clearing, filling, or other earth change that might result in 1) the movement of more than 10,000 square feet of earth; 2) any alteration of land by more than 5 feet from the existing contour of the ground or on any contiguous 1,000 square feet of ground; or 3) any other activity that changes the existing or natural contour of the land which changes drainage. He added that a Land Disturbance Permit (LDP) would be required before any such land disturbing activity occurs in connection with new development, new building construction, and many building permits. Macbeth then reviewed the requirements for obtaining a Land Disturbance Permit. Member Belfiori commended the Erosion Control Task Force for a thorough and implementable ordinance for the City. N.Mark Filipi expressed concern that the City is exempt from the policy and opined that it should follow the same policy. He suggested that the City could exempt itself from fees and security but should hold itself to the same standard it is asking others to follow. Coordinator Macbeth responded that the exemption reflects the City's inability to fine or monitor itself. He suggested that the City follow the guidelines but be exempt from the fees. Member Rudolph agreed that the City should adhere to the policy. After further brief discussion, John Rudolph moved, N. Mark Filipi seconded with all members voting in favor to recommend that the City Council accept the Land Disturbance and Erosion Control Regulations identified by Water Resources Coordinator Macbeth. They also suggested that the City Council consider not having the City of Eagan exempt from these regulations. LANGSTRAAT PARCEL - PATRICK EAGAN PARK Director Vraa introduced this item and provided a brief background of the Langstraat property adjacent to Patrick Eagan Park. He noted that the Langstraats have approached the City about selling the south approximately 2 acres of their property, which would complete a linear segment on the western portion of Patrick Eagan Park. This parcel would abut the 2-acre Bergin parcel recently acquired by the City. Director Vraa continued that the City may or may not receive grant funding for this parcel of land. Member Bari asked what would happen if the Langstraat property was acquired and the City was awarded a grant for the Bergin and Langstraat parcels. Member Perry stated it was her understanding that the City would be reimbursed if grant dollars were awarded for these properties. Member Belfiori stated that DNR funding is very limited and suggested that the City proceed with the acquisition of the Langstraat parcel without the expectation of grant funding. After further brief discussion, Joseph Bari moved, Dorothy Peterson seconded with all members voting in favor to recommend that the City Council authorize staff to enter into negotiations with the Langstraats to purchase the southerly 2 acres of the Langstraat property adjacent to Patrick Eagan Park. Member Danner confirmed that the purchase price would not exceed $58,000, which was the purchase price of the adjacent Bergin parcel. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of April 15, 2002 Page 4 NEW BUSINESS ARBOR DAY PROCLAMATION Forestry Supervisor Hove invited the Advisory Commission and audience to participate in the annual Arbor Day event on May 4 at Rahn Athletic Park. He reviewed the events surrounding Arbor Day and invited the Commission to select the 2002 poster contest winner after the meeting was adjourned. John Rudolph moved, N. Mark Filipi seconded with all members voting in favor to acknowledge the resolution setting May 4 as Arbor Day and Mayas Arbor Month in the City of Eagan. WATER RESOURCES UPDATE Water Resources Coordinator Macbeth noted that the frogs are out at Thomas Lake Park, that he will speak to a group about the alum dosing at Fish Lake and the upcoming visit by the Commission to the Nicols fen. Member Rudolph asked about the matting on Holz Lake. Macbeth responded that it was primarily due to the warm weather and that not much could be done about it. OTHER BUSINESS AND REPORTS COMMUNITY CENTER UPDATE Director Vraa stated that construction is moving along very well and that the footings and foundations are likely to be completed later this week and structural steel is scheduled to be on site shortly. Several reservations have been made for the banquet room and although staff is not booking meeting rooms yet, several calls have been received to do so. Vraa concluded by inviting Commission Members to the Bandshell Ground Breaking on May 1 at 1 :00 p.m. MOONSHINE PARK UPDATE Parks Planner Lilly reviewed this project noting that the engineer's estimate to complete the road access was $112,806. The low bid received was $93,874 and the high bid was $150,435. Work is scheduled to be completed in September. Member Danner asked when the retreat center would be ready to be rented. Planner Lilly responded that late fall is the anticipated time frame. COUNCIL ACTION REGARDING OAK CHASE AND QUARRY PARK ISSUES Director Vraa noted that the Commission reviewed a road improvement project that would impact Quarry Park and recommended that it not move forward at this time. The City Council concurred. Relative to the road access to a lift station in Oak Chase Park, Director Vraa noted that although the Commission recommended that it not bisect the park, the City Council voted to proceed with the trail access as identified by Public Works. Director Vraa also noted that during the review of the Parks and Recreation CIP the City Council approved only the 2002 proposed expenditures noting that North Park and Holz Farm Master Plan would be shown as pending projects. The Council has asked the Advisory Commission to look at funding mechanisms to sustain the renewal and replacement of park elements. Member Rudolph suggested a workshop session to begin looking at funding alternatives. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of April 15, 2002 Page 5 HISTORIC TRAIL COMMITTEE UPDATE Member Peterson stated that the committee reviewed maps from 1874, 1879 and 1896 to compare how the area's trails and roads have evolved. She noted that Dodd, Highway 13 and Pilot Knob Roads were the north/south links at that time. The committee will be following up with the City Council to determine which map might be used for identification purposes. They will also be searching for the appropriate signage that might be used for these historic corridors. ACQUISITION SITE ANALYSIS Following the workshop earlier in the evening, Member Rudolph stated that the consensus of the Commission Members in attendance was to have a smaller sub-committee look at the identified parcels in workable pieces to allow site visits. It was felt that a better evaluation could be done by site visits followed by a thorough evaluation by the same group of individuals to maintain consistency. Member Peterson opined that the criteria currently established appears to weigh heavily on natural resources but that there should be some flexibility to talk about sites "at risk". An example cited was the potential acquisition ofland adjacent to Quarry Park to mitigate the potential road improvement project that would affect the south end of the park. After further brief discussion, Dorothy Peterson moved, John Rudolph seconded with all members voting in favor to designate a smaller group of Commission Members to continue the review of potential acquisition sites through site visits and criteria evaluation. Members Joseph Bari, Dorothy Peterson, Elizabeth Perry and Margo Danner volunteered to continue the site analysis review. ROUND TABLE Member Peterson asked if the 1984 Bond Referendum was paid. Director Vraa thought that 1-2 years of repayment remained on the bond but would clarify. Member Peterson thanked Lyn-Mar Printing for their donation of printing. They have generously printed the softball manager's handbook for the last several years at no cost to the City. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to conduct Joseph Bari moved, Margo Danner seconded with all members voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m. ~];2&<.~ Q < p~~ Secretary ) Ie) /t.;ft,~ Date I ,