Document - Historical information/data - Minutes of the City Celebration Committee - 4/1/1985
AGENDA
CITY CELEBRATION COMMITTEE
APRIL 1, 1985
4:30 P.M.
EAGAN MUNICIPAL CENTER
1. Roll Call
2. Approval of Minutes
3. Visitors to be Heard
4. SubCommittee Reports
a. History Book
b. Lone' Oak Tree
c. City Celebration
5. Fund Raising Suggestions
6. Other Business
7. Adjournment
CITY OF EAGAN
MINUTES OF THE
CITY CELEBRATION COMMITTEE
March 13, 1985
A regular meeting of the City of Eagan Celebration Committee was held on
Monday, March 13, 1985, at 4:30 p.m. at the Eagan Municipal Center. Present
were resident members Carol Bergh, Sandra Masin, John McElligott, Rod Smith,
and Mary Voracek; Bob Treichel representing the Volunteer Fire Department;
Larry Wenzel representing the Eagan Chamber of Commerce; Don Klober
representing the 4th of July Association; Bruce Harries representing the Eagan
Jaycees; Richard Bertz representing the Minnesota Valley Exchange Club; and
Brad Benzick representing the Optimists Club. Also present were Mayor Bea
Blomquist, City Councilmember Ted Wachter, Historian Consultant Lisa Fleming
and Administrative Assistant Holly Duffy. Absent were Ken Ketcham
representing the Eagan Lions Club and Reverend Loren Nelson representing the
Ministerial Association.
Approval of Minutes
Bertz moved and the motion was seconded to approve the minutes of the
February 4, 1985 meeting as presented. All voted in favor.
Election of Officers
Larry Wenzel was nominated to be Chairperson of the City Celebration
Committee, the nomination was seconded and he was elected unanimously. Sandra
Masin was nominated to be Vice Chairperson of the City Celebration Committee,
the nomination was seconded and she was elected unanimously.
Subcommittee Reports
Chairperson Wenzel called for subcommittee reports.
History Book Subcommittee
The History Book Subcommittee reported that the final draft manuscript of
the history document was almost completed. Only minor additions are yet to be
added. All City Councilmembers were given a copy of the final draft and have
submitted suggestions on final revisions. The staff will work with West
Publishing to develop a request for proposals (RFP) for the publication of the
book. It is estimated that the book will be ready for distribution
approximately two months after submission to a publisher.
Lone Oak Tree Subcommittee
The Lone Oak Tree Subcommittee reported that they have been working with
a sculptor and discussing preliminary plans for the Lone Oak sculpture
(carving). The sculptor will help to develop specifications and cost
projections for the sculpture. He will also help to select the sculptor who
will actually perform the project. The subcommittee projected the July 4
weekend as a kickoff date for the project and a wrap up/presentation in the
fall. The subcommittee is recommending that the scupture be performed where
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residents of the community will be able to watch the actual process. The
pulbic works department will be contacted to see if they can prepare the
smaller pieces of the tree for burning (stamping). Possibilities of items
which could be made from the pieces included key chains, coasters and
refrigerator magnets.
City Celebration Subcommittee
The City Celebration Subcommittee recommended that the Saturday of the
4th of July weekend (July 6) be selected as a major celebration day. They
suggested that the main event of the day be a turkey barbeque. The Mendota
Heights Lions Club was contacted by subcommittee members and has agreed to act
as consultants for the project. They have many years experience in putting on
such a turkey barbeque. It is estimated that approximately 90 turkeys would
need to be purchased. The Lions will be able to recommend the amount of
people needed to help with this project. The subcommittee is looking into
tents for seating.
The subcommittee also suggested that a second fireworks display be
presented the night of July 6. The carnival would be expected to contribute
some funding for this and also the City Council would be approached for a
donation.
Another suggestion was a very large cake to be served to those at the
barbeque. The subcommittee checked into prices and a 2,000 piece iced sheet
cake would cost approximately $380 to $400. A suggestion was made that a mock
cake decorated with some sort of theme presentation be presented for display
purposes only and the sheet cake actually be served.
Bertz moved, Klober seconded the motion that the City Celebration
Committee establish July 6 for a main birthday celebration activity to include
a turkey barbeque, birthday cake and fireworks. The motion was approved by a
majority vote, 10 members voting for and one against.
The Jaycees are planning to have a major theme float in the parade.
Mayor Bea Blomquist appeared and reported that a major grand opening of
I-35E was planned for the fall by the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
She suggested that the City tie into the opening with birthday related events
such as a parade featuring various types of transportation used in Eagan
during the past 125 years, bicycle races, etc. She has discussed the idea
with Mr. Kermit McRae from MnDOT and he received the suggestion favorably.
The exact date for the opening is not presently known and will depend on
weather and possible labor strikes. However, MnDOT estimates that they will
be able to set a date sometime in June. As of now, the first week in November
is the most probable.
Budget/Funding
Discussion was held concerning methods of funding the Lone Oak Tree
sculpture. Partial funding could come from sale of souvenier pieces of the
tree. Funding contributions could also be solicited from residents,
businesses and industries.
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Cost estimations were given. It was estimated that the total firework
display would cost $3,000, part of which would be picked up by the carnival.
The birthday cake was estimated at $450. Advance costs for the turkey
barbeque were approximately $2,000. A float would cost approximately $200 and
satellites approximately $400. Bertz volunteered to act as treasurer to
handle funds.
It was suggested that the next meeting concentrate on the subject of
budget, money needed up front, and fund raising and marketing ideas. The
Eagan Police Association is interested in selling T-shirts, hats and balloons.
A representative of the association will be invited to the April meeting.
Bertz moved and the motion was seconded to authorize the total sum of
$3,000 toward a fireworks display. All voted in favor.
Miscellaneous Discussion
Voracek suggested that the official unveiling of the sculpture be timed
with the I-35E opening. Bergh moved and the motion was seconded that the City
work with the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Chamber of
Commerce for a celebration, possibly to include a parade, another cake and
bike races, as a part of that opening. All voted in favor.
The possibility of having souvenier sales of wood from the Lone Oak Tree
at the library was suggested. The Friends of the Library will be contacted
after it is determined whether or not the sculpture will be performed at the
library.
Rod Smith and his woodworking students are making 20 Lone Oak Tree
souvenir clocks which they will donate for fund raising purposes.
Masin reported that the Parks and Recreation Department of the City
sponsors "Summer in the Park" concerts/entertainment events on Wednesday
evenings during the middle of the summer. She suggested that the event
scheduled for either the Wednesday preceding the 4th of July or following it
could be tied into the celebration. Another possibility was to change the
date of one of the programs to July 6 and to hold it in conjunction with the
celebration. The committee favored the July 6 date. Masin will check with
the Parks and Recreation Department.
The next meeting was scheduled for April 1, 1985. Members are to bring
in fund raising ideas and to contact various civic organizations to see it
they would be willing to help in the celebration. A representative from the
Mendota Heights Lions Club was to be invited to the April meeting.
Harries moved and the motion was seconded to appoint Richard Bertz as
treasurer of the committee. All members voted in favor.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 6:00 p.m.
Date: March 13, 1985 hnd
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