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04/05/1990 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission MEMORANDUM TO: ADVISORY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION FROM: KEN VRAA, DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION DATE: APRIL 3, 1990 RE: APRIL 5TH COMMISSION MEETING Our regular Commission meeting will begin at 7:00 P.M., in the Municipal Center. After the approval of the minutes of the March 8th Commission meeting, the enclosed Arbor Day Proclamation should be approved. There is only one item under "Development Proposal" which is the splitting of the Unisys Park - Second Addition. Enclosed is a separate memorandum concerning this particular item. OLD BUSINESS There are several items under "Old Business" for the Advisory Commission. Staff has prepared memorandums for several of these items, and the others will be by verbal presentation. NEW BUSINESS There are four (4) items under "New Business". These include: (1) The discussion of a permanent youth position on the Advisory Commission, (2) Discussion on an outdoor pool. At this time, staff has not prepared any agenda item pending discussion and direction from the Advisory Commission on this, (3) Is the discussion of the YMCA/Ice Arena proposal. This has been discussed in the Eagan Chronicle and This Week Newspapers. Staff has prepared a brief memorandum for you and we will have additional information at the Commission meeting, following a City staff and "Y" meeting. Item (4) is a proposed land gift from Mr. Robert Lane. This is a lot in the Lakewood Hills Addition. A memo has been prepared. Steve Sullivan, will update the Advisory Commission on park development activities. The department staff is now focused very intently on several development projects. 1- APRIL 5, 1990 COMMISSION MEETING PAGE TWO OTHER BUSINESS AND REPORTS There are several items under "Other Business and Reports". Staff would like to call your attention to Item #7, which is the County's Physical Development Committee meeting on April 17, 1990. It is desirable that a member of the Advisory Commission, along with staff, will be in attendance at that meeting. If any other members would like to be present, it would be appropriate for the Advisory Commission to recognize those individuals at this time. There are no other items for the agenda at this time. As always, if you are unable to attend the Advisory Commission meeting, your notification to staff would be most appreciated. Respectfully submitted, Ken raa Director of Parks & Recreation KV/bls 2- ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION EAGAN,MINNESOTA Thursday, April 5, 1990 7:00 P.M. Eagan Municipal Center A. 7:00 P.M. Regular Meeting - Eagan Municipal Center B. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance C. Approval of Agenda E. Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting of March 8, 1990 F. Arbor Day Proclamation G. Consent Agenda G. Development Proposals (1) Unisys Park - 2nd Addition H. Old Business (1) Update EAA storage (2) Oak Ridge Park (Willmus) (3) Survey: Fees and Charges, Athletic Facilities (4) Water Quality Update (5) Tree Ordinance 1. New Business (1) Permanent Youth Position on Commission (2) Outdoor Pool (3) Discussion - "Y"/Arena (4) Proposed Land Donation J. Parks Development K. Other Business and Reports (1) Winter Program Update (2) Spring Program Update (3) Department Happenings (4) May Park Tours (5) Dakota County Trails (6) Letter from Mr. Vern Bolte (7) County Physical Development Committee - April 17th Meeting 3• NOTE: A REMINDER THAT THE RECREATION SUB-COMMITTEE WILL MEET AT 6:00 P.M. PRIOR TO THE COMMISSION MEETING. Subject to approval MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION EAGAN, MINNESOTA MARCH 8, 1990 A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, March 8, 1990 with the following Commission Members present: Jack Johnson, Ted Billy, Sandi Wensmann, George Kubik, Shawn Hunter, John Griggs, and Dick Carroll. Commission Member Michele Swanson was not present. Staff present included Ken Vraa, Director of Park and Recreation; Dorothy Peterson, Recreation Supervisor II; John VonDeLinde, Parks Superintendent; Steve Sullivan, Landscape Architect/Parks Planner; Craig Johnson, Landscape Architect/Parks Intern; Cherryl Mesko, Secretary. AGENDA Shawn Hunter asked that "Permanent Youth Position on Commission" and "Outdoor Pool" be added under New Business. Ken Vraa asked that "Oak Ridge Park (Willmus Park)" be added under Old Business. Shawn Hunter moved, Jack Johnson seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the agenda as amended. MINUTES FROM FEBRUARY 1, 1990 Page 5 of the February minutes, Paragraph 3, Sentence 2 should read ".....does not meet the 5% pervious surface...". Page 7, Paragraph 5, Sentence 4 should read "....depending upon which park site was selected." Page 8, Paragraph 4, second to last sentence should read, "...bringing parents to participate in this area,...". Page 8 Paragraph 5, Sentence 2 should read, "....originally budgeted for $35,000 which Dick Carroll moved, Sandi Wensmann seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the minutes as amended. CONSENT AGENDA Shawn Hunter moved, Ted Billy seconded with all members voting in favor to recommend to the City Council approval of the following: ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF MARCH 8, 1990 MEETING PAGE 2 GOPHER EAGAN INDUSTRIAL PARK 3RD ADDITION. That this proposal has fulfilled it's parks dedication requirement according to the Gopher Eagan PD agreement. That this proposal be subject to a cash trailway dedication. Chairman Kubik requested that the Carlson Lake Park and Wescott Station Park plans be moved up on the agenda because of the large number of residents present to address both these issues. CARLSON LAKE PARK Director Vraa introduced Craig Johnson, Landscape Architect, who has been working on the plans for Carlson Lake Park and has been present at the meetings that have transpired regarding this park. Ken noted that the Parks System Plan drafted in 1982 outlined the basic elements that were to go into neighborhood parks. Two neighborhood meetings have been held to discuss what elements would be planned for this particular park. It was noted that Carlson Lake is one-third of a park (as defined by neighborhood park) that services a Park Service Area. Oak Chase and Well Site parks are the other two parks that service this Park Service Area and none of these serve as a whole neighborhood park. Ken then turned the meeting over to Craig Johnson. Craig stated that the design process was started with an analysis of the Park Service Area and the needs of the areas surrounding the three parks that make up this area. There are 2,400 families or potential sites in this PSA. Craig showed the Commission and audience a topography with existing vegetation, summer winds/winter winds, the relationship of Carlson Lake Park to Oak Chase and Well Site Park as well as the locations of all these sites. Craig mentioned that some of the objectives in planning this park included preserving and maintaining the existing woodland, developing activities to disburse users throughout the park, maintain the aesthetic quality of the park and clean up and maintain the resources that are currently being used. Craig displayed Concept 3 for everyone to review. It included an observation area with trails through the woodland, a fishing dock and a hard play surface. Concept 2 included most of the same components moved to slightly different locations. Concept 1 showed the play area to the southwest corner, maintained trails and observation area. It was determined after neighborhood meetings that the neighborhood leaned more toward Concept 1. S ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF MARCH 8, 1990 PAGE 3, 1990 A preferred plan, or master plan was completed to include preservation of the woodland experience with an observation area and trail system on the west end of the park. As the trail continues, a bridge deck may be a possibility and the bituminous trail may traverse the steep slope on that side of the park. The east end would have a fishing deck parallel to the water where children can fish from with a deck bench for parents to sit and watch their children, or just relax. The south end wold be open for general play. There would be a path coming off the lift station trail which would be landscaped. Plant material would serve as a buffer between homes and the open play area. Craig showed illustrations of a standard 1/2 court hard surface and play area for pre-school and school age children. He noted that the observation area would have a bench area to be used for observation and/or sitting. At the present time there is not a hard court surface in this PSA, however there is a bituminous court at Carlson Lake Park. Ken Vraa thanked Craig for his background and explained that one of the issues was the concern of sound transference from the play area. There is some feeling that there are not as many children in the area the would use playground equipment since there is already equipment at Oak Chase Park for their use. The neighbors had wanted picnic grills but that is an element that has not been included in the master plan. Jack Johnson asked if the lake level would remain relatively stable to allow children to fish from the proposed fishing deck. Ken Vraa noted that the bounce in this pond is high and in the event of a 100 year flood the green space up to the trail would be affected. This was the reason for placing the trail in it's present location. John Griggs commented that perhaps a switch back trail would be better than the diagonal trail shown on the slope. Steve Sullivan noted that the topographic survey had been completed with the significant trees being located so as to preserve as many as possible. The diagonal trail seems to preserve the most vegetation. Dick Carroll stated that care must be taken in installing a switch back trail because of the temptation of short cuts. Ted Billy asked why several plans had shown docks and then were changed to a fishing deck. Ken Vraa stated that it was due to the high bounce of the lake. Mr. Kubik then invited the public to address the Commission. Stan Smobacken, 1281 Carlson Lake Lane stated that people go to parks for several different reasons. Some for the children, some for activities and some for atmosphere. He felt all those needs were met at the three parks offering separate facilities, i.e. Well Site has skating, Oak Chase has children's activities and tennis and Carlson Lake Park has ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF MARCH 8, 1990 MEETING PAGE 4 the atmosphere. Mr. Smobacken lives on the south side of the lake and feels this is the atmosphere side of the park/lake and that it should be preserved the way it is. He foresees a danger in changing the use of this area for 6-10 year olds with lack of supervision. He felt the fishing opportunity was sufficient but we shouldn't go too far in providing play equipment in this area. Unidentified resident from 1313 Carlson Lake Lane expressed concern for pre- schoolers in this proposed playground area on the south side feeling if this was more improved it would pose a temptation to kids. Currently there are kids that slide on the hill which is the access road to the park. Another concern was the broken concrete culvert under the water that is tempting for kids. Paul Soderholm, 1273 Carlson Lake Lane commented that the water in the lake gets deep relatively quick and is concerned about small children being attracted to this area. M. Sharon, 1296 East Balsam shared a concern about the culvert having no guards. She noted that children go into them when the water is low and felt screens should be placed over the openings. Shawn Hunter asked to have the play area identified again. Craig Johnson explained that there would be plantings surrounding the playground area to buffer that area from the water. The distance from the front edge of the water to the playground equipment is approximately 105 feet. Shawn further stated that he was hearing from the residents that they did not want the hard court surface and playground equipment primarily because of the draw to the water. Ted Billy asked if the residents objected to the playground equipment because of the noise rather than safety. Mr. Vraa explained that although that was a partial consideration, it was expressed by the neighbors that it wasn't as much a concern as the safety issue. Jack Johnson commented that playground equipment would act to draw children away from the water. John Griggs disagreed, saying that kids are drawn to the water and he understands the concern over this issue. George Kubik stated that planning parks near water bodies has always been a concern for the Commission but it is very difficult to plan parks without playground equipment. John Griggs asked if there would be an option to proceed with the park development plans without the playground equipment and to install at a later date if needed. Jack Johnson stated that O'Leary Park has playground equipment close to the lake however the depth of the water isn't as deep as Carlson Lake. ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF MARCH 8, 1990 MEETING PAGE 5, 1990 With this being a greater concern, Jack Johnson stated that if the safety of children around the water means eliminating the playground facility than so be it. It was noted by the residents that the lake is approximately 15-20 feet deep but has a fast drop off. Shawn Hunter asked how much play equipment was provided at Oak Chase Park. Steve Sullivan responded that it provided for 1/3 of what is typically planned in a park for playground equipment. Mr. Kubik noted that the two issues that needed to be addressed are 1) The master park plan for Carlson Lake Park and 2) Should playground equipment be a part of the master park plan. Mr. Kubik asked if the hard court surface was to be included. Mr. Vraa explained that there is a court surface in the park currently and this plan suggests that it be moved to a new location. Jack Johnson moved, Shawn Hunter seconded to adopt the master park plan as drawn with the exclusion of playground equipment. It was also stated that mention be made of the culverts that are in the lake. Steve Sullivan commented that he had not heard that playground equipment was not needed in this park, rather, it was not preferred in this location. He suggested placing the playground on the north side of the summit; or consider the possibility of relocating it. John Griggs asked if this would have adequate access for children. Craig Johnson responded by saying that it was an approximate one-half mile walk from the Carlson Lake access to the proposed north summit. The accessibility for maintenance, however would be more difficult. John Griggs suggested that perhaps a switch back trail with the playground on the top of the hill would work better than the currently proposed diagonal trail. Craig commented that this could be workable. Ted Billy questioned how realistic it would be to think parents would go to the top of the hill to access playground equipment. Mr. Sullivan stated that this is a more remote option than typical but thought it would be important to look at other plans so as not to eliminate playground equipment totally. George Kubik commented that the original concept should be kept. After further discussion, George Kubik reiterated that there was a motion and a second to accept the master plan with the exclusion of the playground equipment. A vote was taken with 3 voting for and 4 voting against. The motion did not pass. ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF MARCH 8, 1990 MEETING PAGE 6 George Kubik moved, Dick Carroll seconded to accept the master park plan as shown to include play equipment and a hard court surface. John Griggs commented that the absence of playground equipment doesn't preclude children from playing in or being attracted to the water. A vote was taken with 4 voting for and 3 voting against. The motion passed. Chairman Kubik thanked the residents for taking the time to attend the meeting and share their comments and opinions. WESCOTT STATION PARK Ken Vraa explained that staff has had two neighborhood meetings, one in June, 1989 and one in February, 1990 to review concept park plans for Wescott Station Park. At the first meeting tablets were handed out for the residents to write what their priorities were for this park. Ken stated that this is a 33 acre park; a large park for this Park Service Area. Because of the zoning change to the north of the park by West Publishing this PSA is one-half the planned size. Mr. Vraa stated that the issue of water quality relative to this parcel has been resolved therefore the issue of water quality will not need be addressed at this meeting. Steve Sullivan explained that the plan done in 1979 for planning purposes showed extensive active use which included tennis, etc. The neighborhood meeting in February, 1990 provided the neighborhood with three alternatives for concept plans. At the conclusion of that meeting, there was a general consensus that Plan A was the preferred plan, but with a few changes. Plan A included a parking lot with 12 parking spaces which provides access to the park and trails. Additionally there was a hard surface court, 275 foot radius ballfield and soccer field. On the top of the knoll was an observation deck, sliding hill and prairie area. Two picnic areas were provided in addition to a frog catching deck. Plan B was an overlay ballfield and open play area and this plan makes the pond less accessible. The playground is interior to the trail rather than near the knoll. Plan C shows no parking lot with parking in the street. The playground area is the same as Concept A with a small open play area and soft surface trail. There are more trails provided in this plan and the frog catching deck is included. The Master Park Plan presented took into consideration the preference to Plan A after the February neighborhood meeting. This plan provides for a soccer - open play area the same as Concept A. This plan also brings the prairie closer to the trails and Q• ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF MARCH 8, 1990 MEETING PAGE 7 more landscaping has been added around the parking area to buffer the parking lot from the residential area. A single hard court is provided since it was felt a double hard court was more than what was necessary. The major concern of the neighbors at this point seems to be the parking. Steve explained that in order to mitigate the visual impact of the park 6-8 foot red cedars, deciduous overstory trees and understory trees would be planned along the access road and parking lot to provide screening from the neighborhood. He noted that the closest distance from a house to the parking lot is 210 feet. The distance from the west house to the access road is 50 feet and from the east house to the access road is 40 feet. Again, screening would be provided from homes to park and from the park to homes. Steve commented that the last feedback from the neighborhood was the preference for Concept Plan A with the deletion of the parking lot. Mr. Kubik turned the meeting over to the public for their input and questions. Mr. Jack Baron representing Richardson Company, stated that when this development was started the City said the access to the park would be a path entrance; that this was to be a "soft" park, wildlife park and would not have hockey rinks or baseball fields. He stated that this is how they represented the park to the people they sold lots to and he wanted this information shared with the Commission up front. Shawn Hunter asked when this development started. Mr. Baron stated it started in 1979. Steve Doyle, 3658 Windtree, stated he supported downgrading Plan A to delete the parking lot. Jim Marshalla, 3694 Windtree stated that when looking at lots 2-1/2 years ago he talked to the City regarding Outlot A. He was told the access would be for bicycles and walkers and that the developers to the north would provide access to the park. His other concern was for a ballfield with a backstop which would encourage teams to practice at this park rather than be used for pick-up games by the neighborhood. He prefers this to be a soft park rather than an active one. If there is going to be vehicular access to the park it will draw people out of the neighborhood to this park. His preference is for an open play/non-designated use area. Opening the park up to people out of the neighborhood would increase traffic through the area thus affecting the value of the homes. to. ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF MARCH 8, 1990 MEETING PAGE 8 Laura Doyle, 3658 Windtree stated that she was speaking for the wildlife habitat and the aesthetics of the park. She would prefer extending the prairie area and eliminating the sliding hill. Also she prefers that the bituminous trails not be so extensive and that the trails be kept out of the west portion of the park which would mean no picnic area as well as eliminating the figure eight trail. Regarding the entrance to the park, by putting in a parking lot the people to the south will have their views compromised and the bituminous surface is too harsh. Mark LaSalle, 3682 Ridgewood stated he preferred Concept C. The parking lot is a big concern because with it being the highest point of the park it becomes the focal point. He feels Concept C is a more downscaled version showing more prairie and landscaping and prefers more buffering from West Publishing. John McNamara, 3661 Ridgewood commented that a quiet street was not an area to access a park. Further, the value of the homes would decrease because of the parking lot. His preference is for Concept C. Resident from 3644 Ridgewood Drive stated that she disagreed with Concept C. She agrees there should be no parking lot but Plan C cuts into the woods a great deal. Perhaps the neighborhood could revise Plan A. Some of the suggestions would be to make the soccer field smaller, not use the baseball field for practice and suggest a skating rink. Lynn Ocess commented that her greatest concern was for the parking lot and the lights that would be coming from the cars. By keeping things out of the park it won't encourage outside use of the park. John Coldweather, Windtree Circle commented that he liked Concept A and prefers the parking lot so there won't be parking on the street. Joanne Jangula, 3676 Ridgewood Drive stated that she was told this park would be a passive park and she prefers not to have a parking lot. She felt parking on the street would be more tolerable than parking in a lot. Richard Jangula, 3676 Ridgewood Drive thanked Steve Sullivan and Ken Vraa for coming to their home to cover these issues. He noted that the parking lot will be very visible from his home and prefers that it not be built. ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF MARCH 8, 1990 MEETING PAGE 9 Resident of 3664 Ridgewood stated she preferred the preservation of the wildlife area. The neighborhood residents walk the area and the establishment of a parking lot would bring even more traffic to this serene park. Concern for safety, security and garbage inherent with a parking lot and the wooded entrance to the park were also expressed. Ken Tepeske, 3675 Ridgewood Drive stated he looked to this area to move because of the quiet nature of the park. His major concern is for the parking lot and the traffic it will draw on Ridgewood. He understands the City has to put in a park but would like careful thought given before putting in a parking lot. George Kubik thanked those present for their concerns and input and identified the two major issues as the desire to eliminate the parking lot and the need to maintain the wildlife area. He also stated that the City does not typically comment on the type of development that will occur in a particular park until it is ready to actually do the planning for that facility. At that time they consider the input of the neighborhood, which is being done now, as well as take a look at the Park Service Area a park will support, keeping in mind the guidelines that are set forth by the Comprehensive Park System Plan. Ken Vraa thanked the neighborhood residents present and commented that this neighborhood has been the best to work with in respect to planning this park. They have kept their comments focused and to the point and have been very successful in making their ideas known. He also thanked the Jangulas for inviting him and Steve to their home and reiterated that they in fact, do look out directly onto the proposed parking lot. One of the questions residents had, Mr. Vraa explained, was the possibility of access to the park from the west. After much analysis it was felt that the disturbance to the park would be major and the issue was dropped. Mr. Vraa further commented that both the ball field and soccer field are smaller than usual lending their use to younger children or for neighborhood use. He further stated that when you have people using parks there will be cars. People have usually felt it was safer to have the cars in a parking lot rather than on the street therefore the plan for the parking lot was made a part of this plan. It was also felt after neighborhood meetings that Plan A was the preferred plan rather than Plan C. Laura Doyle commented that a meeting was held and the 60 people attending preferred a passive park. I~. ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF MARCY 8, 1990 MEETING PAGE 10 George Kubik commented that the Commission has always been very concerned for native prairie and ecosystem preservation as is the case with this park. Shawn Hunter commented that the plans from 1979 showed the concept proposal for this park to be that of an active park. Mr. Vraa stated that the concept was based on the possible development of residential to the north of the property. With the zoning change and West Publishing expansion there was a decrease in the numbers proposed in this PSA. Jack Johnson also commented that the change in the access to the westerly side of the park is not an option at this time. Shawn Hunter stated that there are not many 30 acre parks that are neighborhood parks. It is a fact that once the park is developed people will be visiting and using this park therefore there is a need to provide appropriate and safe parking for those visitors. Shawn asked what the cost would be to add a parking lot at a later date. Mr. Vraa responded that that could be an option but the cost for doing work later would be an increase of 10-40% more than to do it at initial construction. George Kubik asked if there was not a parking lot what type of access would be provided. Steve Sullivan responded that the entrance would have more shrubs than originally planned, but not as many overstory trees since the buffer would not need to be as large with the lack of vehicular traffic. Steve also expressed his concern for the lack of safety with on-street parking. George Kubik addressed the residents in the audience and asked if this type of access would be acceptable to them. The residents responded affirmatively. After further discussion, George Kubik moved, John Griggs seconded that the master plan be approved as presented with the exclusion of the parking lot and the access road to be an eight foot bituminous trail. Six voted for and one voted against. The motion was passed. WATER QUALITY John VonDeLinde noted that in February the Water Quality Sub-committee met to review the draft of the Water Quality Management Plan. The comments from that meeting are contained on pages 18 and 19 of the packet. John also noted that there was excellent input from both Dick Carroll and Shawn Hunter who served on this sub- committee. After further discussion, Shawn Hunter moved, George Kubik seconded with all members voting in favor that the draft Eagan Water Quality Management Plan be approved and adopted by the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission. 13. ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF MARCH 8, 1990 MEETING PAGE 11 Ted Billy moved, Sandi Wensmann seconded with all members voting in favor to recommend the approval of the following: 1. That the Eagan Water Quality Task Force be encouraged to incorporate the comments and suggestions of the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission Sub-Committee on Water Quality prior to the preparation of the final draft of the Water Quality Management Plan. 2. That the Advisory Park and Recreation Commission recommend to the City Council, the Eagan Water Quality Task Force, and the Gun Club Lake Watershed Management Organization, the adoption of the Water Quality Management Plan, in its entirety, including all of the policies and recommendations contained within Chapter 4 of the plan. 3. That the findings of the Advisory Park and Recreation Commission be presented at the public hearing on March 22nd; and that a Commission member be selected by the Commission to make this presentation. George Kubik noted that Dick Carroll will attend the public hearing and Shawn Hunter will be available as an alternate. TREE ORDINANCE Mr. Vraa reminded the Commission that this item will be reviewed at the April 5, 1990 meeting. WILLMUS PARK REVIEW This item was deferred to the April 5, 1990 meeting. TRAILS - COUNTY BIKE TRAILS PROPOSAL - AGREEMENT REVISIONS Director Vraa explained that in 1982 the Dakota County Board of Commissioners, approved a "Dakota County Trails Plan" for the County. The County Plan was important for providing trails in other communities. As part of the trails plan, sharing of construction costs is included. Construction costs are paid in part by the Cities (45%) where the trails are on shoulders, and the County pays for 100% of off road trails. At the direction of the County Board,County staff was asked to review the plan with Cities for possible changes in the County's funding formula and the Joint Powers Agreement for bikeways in the County. The maintenance of the trails is to be done by the City with the trail signage also the responsibility of the City. ~k. ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF MARCH 8, 1990 MEETING PAGE 12 The Board has heard from "sophisticated" bike riders that do not like off-road trails, but prefer paved shoulders. These bikers do not like the separated trails because they often have to go over curbs at intersections, causing blown tires. Consequently, the Board is now considering this option. Directors of Parks and Recreation Departments met recently with County staff to review the issues relative to the Board's proposal. The Cities' perception is if they share the cost per lineal mile for construction, the Cities should be getting a cost per lineal mile for maintenance. Eagan, for example, has only a few County trails left to be constructed. Some of the concerns expressed included alienating other bike users when you provide specialized trails for use by specialized bikers. It appears the County Board views the off-road trails as community trails, servicing only local needs of citizens. The "sophisticated" bicyclists want trails on roads to be able to travel rapidly between communities and the County feels that's what they should be provided with and paying for. Mr. Vraa noted that the Commission should respond to this plan by making a recommendation to the City Council at it's March 20th meeting so that the plan and recommendation can be returned. The County has indicated they would like to hear from both Commissions and Councils. John Griggs asked if the County was assuming maintenance of the trails in any of their proposals. If they were he suggested that the maintenance standards be defined very clearly. Shawn Hunter stated that based on our maintenance parameters we should be able to make recommendations on the type of maintenance necessary. John VonDeLinde added that the maintenance standards could be detailed to include mowing every two weeks, sweeping every fall and following the sealcoating five year program. After further discussion, Shawn Hunter moved to have Ken Vraa draft a letter to the County Commissioners concerning the inappropriateness of shoulder type trails in the City of Eagan and to adopt the cost sharing formula outlined as 2B. The motion further stated that maintenance of the trails be provided per the current Eagan maintenance requirements by the City of Eagan and be reimbursed by the County per the formula. Ted Billy seconded the motion. John Griggs questioned the decision to support trails on shoulders if the City did not want them. 15. ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF MARCH 8, 1990 MEETING PAGE 13 John Griggs moved, Dick Carroll seconded, with all members voting in favor to amend the first motion reflecting a change in the cost sharing formula to 2A rather than 2B. All other parts of the motion remained the same. NEW BUSINESS Shawn Hunter brought up the issue of a permanent youth position on the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission. He asked that the Commission draft a memo to the Council to try to get this to occur. Ken Vraa explained that some further research would need to be done but staff would follow up to see if any other cities are providing this option. Shawn Hunter asked if this could be placed on the April agenda. Mr. Hunter asked that some consideration be given to providing for an outdoor swimming pool. He has been hearing from many residents that there is a need for this type of facility but asked that this, too, be added to the April agenda. George Kubik asked about the Happenings item regarding Unisys softball fields. Ken Vraa explained that Unisys wants the City to maintain these fields, however public equipment cannot be used to maintain private facilities. There has been some conversation regarding Unisys turning the fields over to the City to schedule and maintain. This and other possibilities are still being explored. COMMUNITY EVENTS John Griggs asked that the Commission look at options to provide community event(s) for the residents of Eagan. He felt it would be a good way to bridge the age gap and get the whole community involved in an event that would be on-going. He also commented on the many events that are currently listed in the Minnesota Explorer showing Minnesota events from 328 communities. George Kubik suggested that this would be something the Recreation Sub-committee can focus on at subsequent meetings. Ken Vraa commented that staff would be meeting with the Council shortly and he would be happy to share this concept with them at that time. Mr. Vraa reminded the Commission of a special meeting scheduled on March 19, 1990 at 5:00 P.M. to review the park building designs. A reminder memo will be sent to all Commission members. 1 ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF MARCH 8, 1990 MEETING PAGE 14 Ken Vraa noted the letter that was received regarding a Tour de Eagan bicycle race. Ken commented that with the trails in place it would certainly be a possible venture. Mr. Kubik stated that the Recreation Sub-committee had reviewed this item at their meeting prior to the Commission meeting and had agreed to follow up on this good idea. Shawn Hunter commented about the letter of commendation received for Brent Tait and his good work at Trapp Farm Park this winter. With no further business to conduct, Shawn Hunter moved, Sandi Wensmann seconded, with all members voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 11:10 P.M. SECRETARY DATE t I1• MEMO TO: EAGAN ADVISORY PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION FROM: JOHN K. VONDELINDE, SUPERINTENDENT OF PARKS DATE: MARCH 29, 1990 SUBJECT: ARBOR MONTH PROCLAMATION Each year, since the Arbor Day Programs began in 1987, the Eagan Advisory Park and Recreation Commission has adopted a formal resolution supporting Arbor activities and encouraging citizen participation in neighborhood beautification. A copy of the 1990 proclamation can be found on the following page and is requested for approval by the Commission. A similar "sister proclamation" will be going before the Eagan City Council for adoption at their April 3rd meeting. As a matter of information, preparations for this year's programs are already well under way. Based on the response received so far, it appears that the City will have three successful Arbor Programs again this spring. The following sections provide a brief update on each of the planned programs: School Program On March 7th and 8th, City Forester - Tom Schuster and the Park Superintendent met with all Third Grade Elementary classes to initiate the 1991 Poster Contest. The students are now actively working on their poster drawings, which staff will be picking up from the schools on March 28th. During the break period at the April 3rd Commission meeting, Commission members will be asked to judge and select a winning poster from each school. The winning posters will then be presented to the Third Grade classes during the week of April 23rd. Along with the formal presentation in the schools, students will also be given a seedling, a 1990 Arbor Month poster, and other Arbor Month handouts. Tom Schuster will also be presenting an entertaining slide program on trees and conservation, and will be answering the students questions during a question/answer period. Over 600 students will be involved in this aspect of the Arbor celebration. Similar to last year, the cost for the School Program and Arbor Day Program are largely being underwritten through a public/private partnership with First Bank Eagan. Arbor Day Program The Fourth Annual Arbor Day Program is scheduled for Saturday, April 28th, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., at Trapp Farm Community Park. This year's program will take a different 1 1g. format than in past years. The primary focus will be on a "community-wide" celebration, including entertainment by the Teddy Bear Band, Tree City USA presentation, Arbor Day Proclamation, prize drawing, other forms of entertainment, including Woodsy the Owl, Smokey the Bear, free balloons, tree seedlings, posters, and refreshments are also being provided. In addition, over 600 of the Third Grade poster drawings will be on display in the shelter building throughout the afternoon. The program will wrap up with an announcement of the 1991 poster contest winner and the planting of a "ceremonial tree" involving Mayor Tom Egan and First Bank Eagan President, Eric Iverson. The program will be open to all residents, without pre-registration or limitation on the number of participants. We expect to have a fun and educational afternoon and invite all Commission members and their families to attend. Tree Sale The last program being sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department is the Fourth Annual Eagan Tree Sale. This year's sale is using a pre-registration format, similar to 1989. As Commission members may recall, this system proved extremely helpful in reducing the amount of traffic congestion during pick up and creating a "fair" distribution method, where all residents have an equal chance to buy a tree. The Park and Recreation Commissioners will be called upon again this year, to draw some 400 names out of a box during the break in the meeting. These parties will then be notified by the Department of the exact date and time for picking up their trees. In addition to Eagan's tree sale, First Bank Eagan will also be having a public drawing for five landscaping prizes in late April. Jerry's Garden Center is joining in this year's celebration, too, and will be holding a special Arbor Day Tree Sale (25% off all stock) during the week of May 4th - 10th. In summary, the Department expects to have another successful spring, in the community "celebration of trees". Over 1,500 residents will be participating in the three Arbor festivites outlined above. To this end, the continued support and involvement of the Park and ecreation Commission, during these last four years, has been most appreciated . J hn .'VonDeLm e S perintendent of Parks JKV/cm Encl. 2 1q. EAGAN ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION RESOLUTION EAGAN ARBOR MONTH WHEREAS, trees were a significant attraction to Minnesota's settlers because of the usefulness and the beauty they provided; and WHEREAS, trees are a most valuable resource in Minnesota and Eagan today - purifying our air and water, helping conserve our soil, serving as recreational settings, providing habitat for wildlife of all kinds, and enriching our lives in so many important ways; and WHEREAS, pollutants, tree diseases, and urban expansion have damaged and continued to threaten our trees, creating the need for reforestation programs and concerted public action toward ensuring the future of our City's ubran forests; and WHEREAS, each year the people of Minneosta pay special attention to the wonderful gift that our trees represent and dedicate themselves to the continued health of our state's trees; and WHEREAS, the City of Eagan has been recognized, for the third consecutive year, as a Tree City USA community by the National Arbor Day Foundation and desires to continue its tree-planting programs, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Eagan Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission does hereby proclaim Saturday, April 28, 1990 to be ARBOR DAY and the month of May, 1990 to be ARBOR MONTH in the City of Eagan. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission further urges citizens to become more aware of the importance of trees to the well-being of our City and State; and to participate in City tree planting programs which will ensure a greener place for our citizens to live in the decades to come. CITY OF EAGAN ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION By: Its Chair By: Its Vice-Chair Motion made by: Seconded by: Those in favor: Those against: Dated: MEMORANDUM TO: ADVISORY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION FROM: KEN VRAA, DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION DATE: MARCH 28, 1990 RE: UNISYS PARK - 2ND ADDITION REQUEST The proposal is for the preliminary plat of two lots on 130.7 acres of research and development zoned property on the Unisys Campus. BACKGROUND The request is to divide the existing lot where the CSD facility is located. The result is a lot with the CSD facility and an additional buildable lot along with the existing ballfield complex. The Commission may recall that the Sperry Park Addition was proposed for the purpose and eventual construction of a semi-conductor facility. The plat was reviewed by the Commission, and they recommended that a credit of 75% be provided; given that Sperry was conducting an internal recreation program for its employees and was providing softball fields, as well as administering its own adult league. This greatly reduced the impact on the need to provide recreation services to these corporate employees within Eagan. For these reasons a cash parks dedication was not taken on the proposed addition in 1983. Park Dedication credit was fulfilled for the new semi-conductor facility with the ballfield facility providing credit. CONCLUSION The inclusion of an additional lot was not included is the Commission's previous recommendation for park dedication credit. Dedication credits were applied in full against all previous building additions within the Unisys Campus. Therefor the inclusion of an additional buildable lot would be subject to a cash park and trails dedication. Z~. UNISYS PARK - 2ND ADDITION PAGE TWO MARCH 28, 1990 RECOMMENDATION The Advisory Parks and Recreation may consider the following recommendations: 1. Lot 2, Block 1 of Unisys Park, 2nd Addition, be subject to a cash parks dedication. 2. Lot 2, Block 1 of the Unisys Park, 2nd Addition, be subject to a cash trailway dedication. KV/bls cc: Stephen Sullivan, Landscape Architect/Parks Planner ZZ , MEMORANDUM TO: ADVISORY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION FROM: KEN VRAA, DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION DATE: FEBRUARY 27, 1990 RE: UPDATE - EAGAN ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION STORAGE BACKGROUND At the last Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission, Commission members were apprised of a request from the Eagan Athletic Association to help them find equipment storage space for their youth athletic programs. Alternatives were presented, and suggestions were received. ALTERNATIVES REVIEWED Several alternatives are still under consideration, and no final determination has been made. In a consultation with the department's architect, Dick Schwarz, it appears that Ohmann Park can no longer be considered given the small construction site for a shelter building. Therefore, this park is no longer included as a possibility. An alternative raised in subsequent meetings was the possibility of a basement beneath Bridle Ridge Park shelter building. This concept would have provided nearly 1,000 square feet of storage space, and at a reasonable cost. This idea was viable until the building department codes were checked, which required two (2) entrances and (2) exits from the basement space due to the fact that it exceeds the 300 foot, and is of a public nature. With the two entrances and exits demanded, it became too cost prohibitive. Still under consideration are the buildings at Rahn Park and Rahn Athletic Fields, as well as a separate storage facility at the water reservoir site. Still another concept is being reviewed. This would have a companion building constructed adjacent to the building planned at Northview. The buildings would have identical exteriors. These, then are the four alternatives being reviewed. SUMMARY Staff is working with the architectural firm of Schwarz/Weber on park sites and will be working with the Engineering Department to determine which alternative for storage by the Eagan Athletic Association best fits their needs, the needs of the parks and the cost. KV/bls 15. MEMORANDUM TO: ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION KEN VRAA, DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION FROM: DOROTHY PETERSON, RECREATION SUPERVISOR II DATE: MARCH 6, 1990 RE: SURVEY OF COMMUNITIES REGARDING FEES AND CHARGES FOR USE OF ATHLETIC FACILITIES, OTHER THAN FOR TOURNAMENT PLAY, BY VARIOUS USER GROUPS Background Impetus for the survey was provided by a series of 1989 requests to use city athletic facilities. The department had not previously been asked to respond to requests of the nature presented to staff last year. The facility in question was tennis courts. A corporate group and a church group requested reserved use for league and/or tournament play. The corporate league required two courts for three hours per night, four days a week, for 15 weeks. The church tennis tournament request for was four courts for a 12 hour day. No established fee schedule, facility use policy nor classification of user groups existed for either type of request. Staff responded on a "what seemed a fair and equitable" basis, based on established policy for softball tournament play. The church tournament was charged $35.00, the going rate for the use of a soccer or softball field. Perhaps it should have been $35.00 per court! The corporate league paid $2.00 per hour for the use of the tennis courts. At the end of the season, the payment for use of courts was more than $700.00, causing staff to wonder whether the set fee had been excessive. 2'r. Survey of Communities Page 2 Issues As the number of facilities increases and the number of organized groups also increases, the diversity of perceived, logical uses for facilities by user groups will increase. At issue then for both the short and the longer term are: Should a priority classification of user groups be developed to enable staff to appropriately respond to facility use requests? Currently, such a classification list exists only for the Community Room in the Fire Administration Building. Should a fee schedule be established which scales fees to specific user groups and to the facilities according to anticipated use patterns? Said fee schedule would undergo annual review. Should the department's philosophy concerning neighborhood park facility use be incorporated into the policies that are developed? Survey Twelve communities were surveyed by telephone. This allowed for the opportunity of follow up questions and a clearer understanding of each city's philosophy. The communities surveyed were: Apple Valley, Bloomington, Burnsville, Eden Prairie, Inver Grove Heights, Lakeville, Maple Grove, Plymouth, Richfield, Rosemount, Roseville and South St. Paul. Criteria for selection included: neighboring cities, cities of similar size and stage of development and older, established cities. In most instances, recreation staff were the source of information. Bloomington and South St. Paul preferred that the department director provide the information being requested. In addition, four private tennis clubs were contacted to learn their policies regarding use by non-member groups. The athletic facilities in question were baseball fields, softball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts and hockey rinks. Although tennis court questions began the process of inquiry, it made sense to include other facilities at the same time. User groups were broken down as follows: Department program participants/leagues, youth in-house, youth travel, youth church leagues, adult church leagues, adult independent leagues, corporate leagues and one (1) time reserved uses. 011 Survey of Communities Page 3 Survey Results Department Programs: All communities surveyed except Maple Grove include a field use fee or capital improvement fee as part of a team's league entry fee. The fees have varying names and range from $35 to $50 per team. The 1990 Eagan softball field use fee is $45 per team; broomball was charged $25 because the season is short compared to softball. Youth In-House Programs: All communities surveyed provide facilities and daily maintenance free of charge to youth in-house programs. This holds true for each type of facility under consideration. Youth Travel Teams: Communities address youth travel teams in a number of ways. The sports involved are baseball, softball, soccer and hockey. 1. Local Athletic Association sponsorship requirements: all communities. 2. Residency requirement: addresses independent teams such as Legion, VFW, etc. Eden Prairie 100%; Plymouth 50%; South St. Paul 70% and non-resident teams are ineligible to use facilities. 3. Assessed fees for use of facilities: Apple Valley, $30.00/hour for a baseball game under lights; and a non-local youth athletic association soccer team pays $10.00 for each four (4) hour block of time assigned to them. Eagan, $50.00 per season per baseball travel team. Lakeville, $100.00/season for non-resident youth soccer teams. Hockey: none of the communities charge a fee for outdoor ice time. 4. Insurance: At the present time, Eagan is the only community actively pursuing insurance questions for travel sports. 5. Inver Grove has dropped youth travel teams due to the try-out aspect of the program. Youth Church Leagues: Softball is the only sport in which youth church leagues are experienced and only a minor number of communities have been asked to address this facility use request. 1. Local church requirement: Not specifically addressed by Eagan and Maple Grove who provide field space for youth church leagues. 2. Assessed fees: Eagan $35.00 per team; Maple Grove $5.50 per hour to cover the field attendant's salary. Survey of Communities Page 4 Youth Church Leagues (continued) 3. The remaining ten communities have either not received a facility request from a youth church league or indicate that lack of facility space would preclude such a league from forming. Burnsville, however, indicated that should a youth church league request field space, a per game fee would be charged. Adult Church League Softball and soccer facilities are most frequently requested by adult church leagues. In some instances, the city runs the church league. 1. Communities that run adult church softball leagues are: Eden Prairie and Plymouth 2. Communities reporting no room for adult church softball leagues are Eagan, Inver Grove, Lakeville, Maple Grove and Rosemount. 3. The range of fees charged by communities providing field space for adult church softball leagues is significant. Apple Valley charges least: $10.00 for a four-five hour block of time. Richfield, by comparison, charges $125.00 per team. Bloomington charges a non- profit ratio of $10.00/date/field. Burnsville charges $6.75-8.25/field/date, subject to the level of maintenance. Roseville and South St. Paul charge $12.00/field/date, lights are extra. 4. Only two communities, Apple Valley and Roseville, reported field use by adult church soccer leagues. Apple Valley charges $10.00 for a 4 hour block of time. Roseville's fee is $20.00 each "time", interpreted to mean per date. Fees for tournament use are reported by Burnsville, Eagan and Maple Grove Adult Independent Leagues/Teams: Participants in this category are "town" baseball teams, and leagues directed by other than Parks and Recreation Departments, which use city facilities. The facilities in question encompass all five (5) considered in this summary. Baseball: Burnsville, Eagan and Richfield report fees for this category of user. The fees by community are diverse: Burnsville, $10.00/game; Eagan $200.00/season; Richfield, $125.00 per season. Z1r Survey of Communities Page 5 Adult Independent LeaguesfTeams (continued) Softball: The following communities report no independent adult softball leagues, either due to lack of space or no requests have been received. They are: Apple Valley, Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, Plymouth and Roseville. Eagan and Inver Grove Heights have experienced this type of league but have charged no fee. Burnsville, Lakeville, Richfield and Rosemount charge varying fees: Per team rates vary from $35.00 to $125.00. Burnsville alone charges a per game rate, 7.75 - 9.25, subject to the level of maintenance. Soccer: Bloomington did not list soccer facilities at all in their extensive list of categories of facilities, user groups and fees! Although cities regularly charge fees for soccer tournaments for adult independent leagues, only three (3) currently charge a season field use fee. They are: Apple Valley, Burnsville and Richfield. The maximum rate charged is $125.00 per team by Richfield. The residency requirement in cities such as Eden Prairie, Maple Grove and Plymouth deny access to a typical adult soccer team. Tennis: Only Burnsville, Bloomington and Eagan report request for court use from independent leagues. The typical fee is $2.00/court/hour. Eagan has charged $35 - $50 subject to the number of hours reserved. Hockey Rink: No community has charged a fee for outdoor ice time to independent adult leagues. It is rare for independent adult hockey or broomball leagues to exist. In Inver Grove, where independent broomball is fairly extensive, an "in kind" labor/maintenance agreement is in place in lieu of a fee structure. Corporate Leagues: Leagues of this category are the exception rather than the rule in the communities surveyed. The definition of this user group is a league comprised of teams and players who all work for the same corporation, playing a schedule of games among themselves. Baseball: No corporate teams were reported. Survey of Communities Page 6 Corporate Leagues (continued) Softball: In most instances, corporate teams are incorporated into a city's industrial league. Field space for private leagues on public facilities rarely exists. Burnsville and Richfield reported fees to address this user group; however, incorporation into City leagues is preferred. Eagan was approached by West Publishing requesting field space for their women's league. The group rejected incorporation; independent field space was not provided in that it was not available. Soccer: Corporate soccer leagues are experienced by Burnsville and Eagan. Burnsville's fee has been $12.00/field/night. Eagan has accepted a donation. Tennis: Only six (6) of the communities surveyed have experienced this category of request. Plymouth and Roseville will not allow corporate league play on public tennis courts. The reason given was perceived inappropriate use of neighborhood courts. Bloomington, Burnsville and Eagan have charged $2.00/court/hour. Richfield charges $3.00/court/hour. Hockey Rink: Corporate broomball leagues are rare in the communities. South St. Paul has banished this corporate activity but does have a fee for it on the schedule ($15/night; $15/lights plus damage deposit). Bloomington provides a park exclusively for this activity and charges $20/team. Inver Grove requires "in kind". Roseville reports limited activity and no charge. Eagan has accepted a donation. One Time Reserved Use: None of the communities surveyed reported activity at this level to the degree experienced in Eagan. Lack of available space was the most frequent reason given for low participation in this category. Many communities do, however, provide a fee schedule to cover one time reservations for softball and hockey facilities Fewer cities address tennis courts. Baseball: No city reported this type of request for a baseball field. Softball: Apple Valley, $10.00 for a four hour block of time; Bloomington, daytime $25, evening $50; Burnsville $10 for three hours; Lakeville $15; Maple Grove $7.50 per hour if pegged bases are used; Plymouth $30 resident, $40 outside; Richfield $25 for one game plus $7.50/hour for attendant; Roseville $12/field, issue rest room key; South St. Paul $12.00; Eagan $15.00 Survey of Communities Page 7 One Time Reserved Use (continued) Soccer: Only Apple Valley and Burnsville report a reservation fee for soccer facilities, that being $10.00. The fees, however, were referred to as permit fees rather than user fees. Tennis Courts: Bloomington,Burnsville and Richfield charge their hourly rates for reserved use. Eagan has not charged the one time reservation. None of the other communities report significant activity of this nature on tennis courts. Hockey Rinks: Communities that have established fees for use of hockey rinks on a reservation basis are Apple Valley, Burnsville and Maple Grove. Apple Valley's fee is $10 for a four hour block of time plus $15 for lights. Burnsville, $8.00/permit, $13.00 if after normal hours open and Maple Grove will reserve only for residents at $6.00/hour. As one can easily note, each community has developed its fee schedule subject to its own philosophy. I would go so far as to say that, with the exception of fees such as field attendant rates or fees for lights, which cover direct costs, each fee reflects a perceived acceptable level. In some instances, such as Bloomington's $50 fee for evening use of a softball field, fees may be intended to discourage such requests. Conversation with staff from the various communities revealed aspects of philosophy or practice that are peculiar, perhaps innovative that merit review. Apple Valley: Reserves facilities in units of time. Each day is divided into three units: 7AM - Noon, Noon - 5:30 PM and 5:30 PM - dark. A baseball unit fee is $20.00. All other facilities have a$10.00 unit fee. The light fee is $15.00. Bloomington: Differentiate between profit and non-profit groups and have established daytime and evening rates for facilities. Burnsville: Differentiates between public and private programs. Churches are considered public. Public programs for youth under age 18 are not charged fees. Fees charged are subject to the amount of preparation. Public fees range from 6.75 - 8.25; private fees are $1.00 more at each increment. Eden Prairie: Philosophy is to not tie up community facilities for a long term reservation, unless the city is a co-sponsor of the activity. No maintenance fees are charged; a capital investment fee is assessed. Inver Grove Heights: Department dropped travel baseball due to the tryout aspect of the program. so, Survey of Communities Page 8 Lakeville: Is in the process of formalizing categories of users and setting fees. Not yet published. Maple Grove: Do not build field use fees into league fees. Have a residency requirement that must be met to gain a permit to use a facility. Plymouth: Residency requirement is that 50% of a group must be Plymouth residents in order to gain access to facilities. Richfield: Philosophy is to subsidize youth and senior programs; adults pay their way. Rosemount: Charge tournament use fees only at the present time. Roseville: Philosophy is to limit permits for facilities such as tennis courts rather than to charge a fee. South St. Paul: Residency requirement is 70% of a group must be South St. Paul residents to qualify for access to facilities. Eagan: Has not formalized user groups nor established a comprehensive listing of fees. Private Facilities: Four private tennis facilities were surveyed to learn their policies regarding outside user groups. Eagandale Athletic Club: Non-member court fees are $12.00/hour. The facility is too busy to be able to incorporate non=member leagues onto the courts. Lilvdale: Non-member leagues are no longer an option. Facility is too busy. 98th St. Racquet Club: Require membership. On occasion will host "parties" if arranged by a member. Woodale Recreation Center: Has hosted St. Paul Company's corporate league This October-March activity is charged $125.00/week for three courts for two hours each. High schools are charged $12.00/hour/court. 51. Survey of Communities Page 9 FOR COMMISSION ACTION: During 1989, Parks and Recreation Staff experienced requests from each category of user for each facility listed in the survey. Staff requests direction on whether to proceed to formalize the policies for use of facilities in terms of: 1. A prioritized listing of user groups. 2. A fee system which would stand annual review. 3. A statement of philosophy concerning the appropriateness of use of neighborhood park facilities by various categories of users. DP/nh ST. FEES AND CHARGES FOR ATHLETIC FIELDS User Baseball Softball"-- Soccer Tennis Hockey Dept.Programs EP: $50 Cap.Impro.(ream MG: No maintenance fees Youth In House Youth Travel AV: $30 if under lights AV: Independent $10 Eag: $50/season Lkv: $100/season Youth Church MG: Att fee: 5.50/hr. Eag: 35/team - - Adult Church AV: $10 AV: $10 Bsv: 6.75 - 8.25 Rsv: $20 each time Blgt: $10 Rsv: 12/field SSP: 12/field $15/lights Rchf: 125/team Adult Independent Bsv: $10/game Bsv: Private 7.75-9.25 AV: $10; $30/field Bsv: $2/Ct./Hr. IGH: Rchf: $125/team Lkv: $35/team Rsv: $10/game Blmt: $2/Ct./Hr. No Eag: $200/yr Rst: $60/team Eag: $35/season in kind Rchf: $125/team Rchf: $125/team Corporate Leagues Bsv: Private rate 7.75-9.25 Bsv: $12/field/night Bign: min 2 cts; Blgn:$20/team, Rchf: $125/yr. Eag: Donation $2/Hr./Ct. exclusive park Ply: by not reserved SSP: $15/d, $15/nights- Rchf: $3/Ct./Hr. - days residents only Eag: Donation Eag: $2/Ct./Hr. IGH: No in kind Rsv: won't allow Bsv: $2/Ct./Hr. Single Reservation AV: $20 AV: $10; $5/hr/lights AV: $10 Bsv: $2/Ct/Hr. AV: $10; S15/hr./lights Bsv: $10/3 hrs. Bsv: $10/3 hrs. MG: 30/d/ct. Bsv: Permit fee $8 or Lkv: $15/use (tournament) $13 for after hours Ply: res: $30/1/2 day Bign: Permit $10 MG: 6/hr-resident groups $55/full day Att. $8/hr, 20/field/light Rsv: $12 SSP: $12/field Rchf: $25/1 game MEMORANDUM TO: ADVISORY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION FROM: KEN VRAA, DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION DOROTHY PETERSON, RECREATION SUPERVISOR II DATE: MARCH 29, 1990 RE: YOUTH REPRESENTATION ON ADVISORY COMMISSION BACKGROUND At the March 8th, Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, Commission member, Shawn Hunter, requested an additional new business agenda item entitled Youth Representation on Advisory Commissions. Due to the length of the March 8 meeting, the item received brief discussion. Direction was given to staff to research the topic and to provide recommendation for further discussion. City ordinance has established Commission membership at seven plus an alternate. The ordinance also sets length of terms. ISSUES The following issues are identified to assist the Commission to review the question of youth representation on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission: o Should the Commission determine that a youth member would be a desireable option, can the change be made by City Council resolution, or would a change in City code be required? o Should the Commission recommend youth representation, would that position be ex-officio or hold full voting privileges? o Should the Commission recommend youth representation, what length of term would be advised? Further, should said term align with the City's or the School District's annual Calendar? 31-. YOUTH REPRESENTATION PAGE TWO o Finally, should the Commission recommend youth representation, would the selection process be similar to that now held for adults or would Eagan High School, for instance, enter into the process? And, what consideration should be given to three school districts? DISCUSSION The Minnesota Recreation and Park Association was approached concerning communities that may have youth representation on their Advisory Commissions. Executive Director, Clif French, reported that he knew of no community that has moved ahead with this concept. A spot check of three or four metro area municipalities revealed that the concept has not been discussed by their Commissions. Staff in those communities expressed interest in the idea. Staff next spoke with JoAnn Ellison, Community Education Director for School District #196 and Don Westerhousen, a District 196 School Board member. Neither the School Board nor the Community Education Advisory Committee in that school district have student representation. Both of these individuals were supportive of youth representation. They offered assistance with the Eagan High School Administration to coordinate the Commission's efforts. The Community Education Director cited the experience of youth and adults working together on the Youth Connection Council, and voiced her perception that the students and adults work as equals in that setting. The Superintendent's office for School District 191 revealed that a student representative sits on their School Board. From speaking with the Superintendent's secretary, staff learned that: o The student representative is always a senior. o The individual is nominated by the High school; an elected school council member, further selected as the School Board representative. o The term is for one year. o The student representative does not vote o The student provides input, asks questions and responds to requests for his/her opinion by other board members and staff. The Burnsville experience is that the student representatives have committed to regular attendance at meetings, represent the students effectively and are accepted as partners by the adult members of the School Board. 3~ YOUTH REPRESNTATION PAGE THREE Conversation with Howard Hall, Principal at Burnsville High School provided the historical perspective to student representation on their School Board. Approximately twelve years ago, the Burnsville Student Council petitioned the School Board, requesting student representation. In that it was not permissible by statue, the students lobbied the legislature, which resulted in legislation that permitted Boards to include students. The Burnsville Board adopted this by resolution. Since that time, the student representative to the School Board has been a standing office of the student council. Mr. Hall reports that the students regard the position very seriously. Mr. Hall also said he "would never underestimate the influence of the student on the Board". Staff should note that all of the individuals who were contacted with this inquiry, moved directly to implementation! Statements such as "That's a wonderful idea" or "I'm so glad to hear that Eagan is thinking of doing that" or "Here's how I think I can help" were sincerely made. FOR COMMISSION ACTION In that staff's research was able to provide the Commission with an example that is not a true analogy to Advisory Commissions, the Commission may elect to: o Pursue the concept by resolution with the City Council. or o Address the issues raised at this time and develop a recommendation to the City Council. KV/DP/bls 7~' MEMORANDUM TO: ADVISORY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION FROM: KEN VRAA, DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION DATE: APRIL 3, 1990 RE: YMCA - ICE ARENA The purpose of this letter is to brief the Commission on the YMCA/Ice Arena Proposal. Recently, this issue was written about in the Eagan Chronicle and This Week Newspaper. Staff was not previously aware of the proposal, made by Council Member McCrea, at the Council meeting of March 20, 1990. The proposal made at the conclusion of the public hearing process, included a donation of fifteen (15) acres of land from the future Athletic Site on Lexington and Diffley to Tri-Land Development. Tri-Land would then use this fifteen acres for multiple family dwellings. In return, Tri-Land with tax increment financing (T.I.F.), could construct the ice arena. The YMCA would also be given fifteen acres for its use. A possible YMCA/Ice Arena was also suggested as an alternative. A second proposal has since been suggested. This proposal would result in the YMCA being given a portion of the sixty-five acres site for the "Y" building. Further, the "Y" pursue the concept of including an ice arena as part of its building design. The use of T.I.F. may or may not be a possibility with this alternative. Staff has been directed by the City Council to review with the YMCA the alternatives. A meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, which is to include the YMCA Director, John Traver, Tom Hedges, City Administrator, Council Member McCrea, Mayor Egan along with Ken Vraa, Director of Parks & Recreation. Discussions are to include (1) Interpretations or findings to determine how/if the City can dispose of park land purchased from the park site acquisition fund to any other body or group. (2) Also, the exact amount of land that could be considered, including a possible joint powers agreement for construction/maintenance of any shared site elements. (3) If all other public land should be considered before a land gift is made. (4) Consider Corporate donations or land dedications (5) Determine the steps and identify steps to follow to bring the issues to conclusion. This would include the YMCA process and the City process. FOR COMMISSION DISCUSSION It was mentioned earlier, the purpose of this item being on the agenda and in a memorandum is for discussion purposes. No formal action is requested at this time. However, should members of the Advisory Commission have concerns relative to the various proposals those concerns might be discussed for eventual follow-up by staff. KV/bls 31. MEMORANDUM TO: ADVISORY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION FROM: KEN VRAA, DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION JENNIFER PETERSON, PARKS & RECREATION INTERN DATE: REQUEST TO DONATE LAND FROM MR. ROBERT LANE RE: APRIL 5, 1990 BACKGROUND Recently, Mr. Robert Lane contacted Ken Vraa concerning a tract of land he wished to donate to the City of Eagan for park purposes. Mr. Lane lives on Lot 6 of the Lakewood Hills addition and the land he wishes to donate is Lot 5. North of this tract of land is City owned Outlot "A" of Walnut Hills Park. Mr. Lane wishes to donate the land for Federal Tax purposes, as the tax on the land is increasing and the tract is marginally developable at best. There are however, two conditions attached to the donation: (1) that the City does not resell the land to a developer for the purpose of home construction and that it remains as park land and (2) that he receives a letter from the City of Eagan for his tax purposes, indicating the value of the land and the City's receipt of the land. SITE ANALYSIS After viewing the site, it was discovered that the pond had grown considerably, as shown on the updated site map. As a result of this growth, the majority of the tract is pond and marsh. In 1987, a storm sewer was constructed, which now controls the water level of the pond and prevents flooding. Prior to this time, however, drainage into the pond from Wilderness Run Road caused flooding each Spring; this has resulted in a number of dead trees along the shoreline. The shoreline vegetation is primarily a mature stand of Oak and Birch with occasional groups of Red Pine. As a whole, the tract has a "wild" marshy appearance, with steep hills surrounding it. The site is in a private development, with the only means of access being a private, gravel road which is in poor condition. The tract is currently designated by the Department of Natural Resources as a protected Wetland area. As a result, the area could never be totally drained and work on the site could not be done without a permit from the DNR. After discussing interest in the land 38. with Tom Colbert, City Engineer, the primary interest would be solely in preserving the wetland area for ponding purposes. The primary purpose and function of the land, should the City acquire it, would largely be for wildlife preservation and aesthetic value to the sub-division residents. ECONOMIC ANALYSIS As of March 28, 1990, there have been no assessments levied against the land and none are pending. The storm sewer constructed in 1987, for $825.00, was paid in full by Mr. Lane. The market value of the land in 1989 amounted to $3,600.00, with a net tax of $177.66 which has been paid in full. The estimated tax payable for 1990 is $180.00. In talking with Mr. Lane, he informed me that he had recently received a new assessment on the land's market value of $28,000. This would mean a great increase in taxes for 1991. There was also a dispute many years ago, with a developer, over a 15' strip of land at one end of the tract. Mr. Lane eventually acquired this strip as well. However, there is an additional tax of $40.00 on this strip, which has an assessed value of $400.00. DISCUSSION Aside from the simple aesthetic value of this land, there are several other uses which could be considered. Should the City accept the donation, it could maintain and control the area in order to preserve it in its existing state. Wildlife could also be enhanced through nesting projects and the preservation of trees. The community could also benefit through passive wildlife observation and small interpretive stations could be constructed to aid this effort. There is however, no use for the land as far as "typical" recreation is concerned, as the land on the site is bisected by the pond. As stated earlier, no work could be done on the pond area to make it more suitable for recreational activities without a permit from the DNR, since it is a protected area. Passive park purposes could be developed, however, Mr. Lane stipulated that large pavilions, observation decks, etc., would not be in accordance with his donation conditions. Trail linkage to the surrounding parks of Walnut Hill and Trapp Farm is another possible use of the land. This option is of questionable cost effectiveness for two primary reasons: (1) The Linkage would primarily serve only the private sub-division and (2) there are plans for future trails to be built in the area that will serve the purpose of linkage to the surrounding parks. As for maintenance on the property, in the short-term the dead trees along the shoreline would need removal. If the area was to be accessible to the public, road improvements and long-term maintenance on the road would be necessary as well. 3q. CONCLUSION In conclusion, this land has many positive aspects regarding its acquisition by the City of Eagan for park purposes. The primary question would be its cost effectiveness in terms of future expenditures on the land, and possible development/improvements in relation to other pending park projects demanding attention at the present time. FOR COMMISSION ACTION To recommend to the City Council whether to accept/reject the proposed land gift; and if accepted to designate its intended use/purpose. NOTE: After staff had prepared this memo, Mr. Lane indicated he may withdraw the offer upon advice of his accountant. Final word had not, as of this writing, been received. KV/JP/bls 40- WA N VV ECG HILL s- SCHWANZ W0~° LAKE PARK cr / S cam-.- OAK N • ~jrpyN Nfss_ POND 'may Ro"D. St HEIGHTS M P . • y~ „ h HILLS Ik.%YUf1U F I - SUDS RRY F s 1 SARK Y \ J r = , . 1. a .o .'u ¦ . r w n „ w , E ` i V Q Z 0 0 Z Od°~ °a OPT Y. 10 9/ mm v, r Pa ~ CID a j. PoNO OAK P ND HILLS ow- 00 _,L_ n'~ • OAD x 106 .•ie.r WS7- POND N. Y11. Yej~ TOWN ROAD COUNTY STATE ~D„~„„, HIG? Y . NO t 9 rr ulrsl ..mm~,rr vu 1O• MEMORANDUM TO: KEN VRAA, DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION FROM: <JON OYANAGI, RECREATION SUPERVISOR DATE: FEBRUARY 27, 1990 RE: 1989-90 ICE SKATING/SLIDING SEASON The weather certainly dictated the quality of facilities available for ice skating and sliding this winter season. For example, the amount of snowfall has allowed Trapp Farm Park sliding hill to be open two weeks all season! We plan to open the hill into early March should we get sufficient snowfall. And though the ice skating rinks were open throughout the season, warm temperatures created problems for maintaining decent ice conditions. The warming shelters opened in mid-December and immediately closed due to sub-zero temperatures. In January, extremely warm temperatures closed rinks several days and degenerated the ice. To add insult to injury, during one melt down a dust storm painted the ice brown. The Class B and C sites officially closed for the season February 4. The Class A sites closed for the season February 16, however, there were only a couple of skateable days during the final week. On the up side, the ice skating lesson program was a huge success. 62 beginners took advantage of lessons at Well Site Park and Bridle Ridge Park. Twelve power skaters improved their technique. In addition, eighteen beginners and fourteen adult beginners signed up for Monday lessons, but were postponed too many times to complete the program. Adult broomball leagues were held on Sunday, Monday and Friday evenings. 18 men's teams and 12 co-rec teams participated. Games were played at Quarry Park in all kinds of weather conditions. Two men's teams advanced to state tournament play in New Ulm February 24 and 25. The new four-man hockey league played Sundays at Goat Hill Park. The weather impacted the program by cutting the season two weeks short. The warm weather seemed to hit Sundays and Mondays. Five teams participated and are excited to return next season. A different day will be considered, possibly Saturday mornings, which is typically a less busy time period. Goal boards were used for the league but the idea was so popular that consideration should be given to supplying these at every hockey site for everyone to use. Ilk In addition to Eagan Parks and Recreation programming, the sites were reserved for many other groups. Eagan Hockey Association utilized 47 hours each week at various sites. Unisys conducted a broomball league twice a week at Quarry Park. Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Minnesota reserved six hours at Sky Hill Park for their winter fun days. Other private groups made one-time reservations at various sites for hockey, broomball and boot hockey. Other groups such as Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts planned parties at the sites for their troops. Attendance at the twelve sites can be described as good, considering the weather. Among Class C sites, Lexington consistently had good numbers of regular skaters. Pilot Knob and Woodhaven had extremely poor numbers, except for hockey practice at Pilot Knob. All of the Class B sites were well utilized, including Bridle Ridge Park, which was new this year. Carnelian, Ridgecliff and Quarry had slow and busy times but usually were well attended. At the Class A sites, Goat Hill, Sky Hill and Well Site were constantly busy. Rahn was a lesser used site even though hockey practice had many hours scheduled. Trapp Farm Park is busy when open but has missed much of the season. As I made the rounds, I surveyed the Class D sites. On one occasion there were twenty five skaters at Highview Park. For the most part, I rarely found any skaters but usually saw evidence of useage. If I did see skaters there were two to six at any one time. All of the six sites suffered from the weather, especially the pond sites. This winter made it difficult to accurately assess the utilization and cost effectiveness of the Class D sites. For the future, I see great interest in another rink like the one at Well Site Park. Perhaps even a larger speed skating oval could be offered. The skating trails at Blackhawk Park are also a great idea for the future. Broomball is becoming more popular, especially among co-rec teams. Boot hockey is also more popular and took off this year due to the mushy ice. 4-man hockey was enjoyable and should see some growth next year. With these new and growing programs, space becomes difficult to schedule. An attempt is made to keep open hockey time available for the general public. Parks and Recreation may have to create or define specific rinks for specific uses. This may create conflicts and some inconvenience, but also may make more efficient use of all sites and rejuvenate dying rinks such as Woodhaven and Pilot Knob. I would also like to see telephones at each warming shelter site. The employee is vulnerable and isolated at some sites. In emergencies there would be delays running to use neighbors' phones, especially if they are not home. Another problem related to phones concerns the abuse for pay-per-call lines and the large volume of calls being made. Next year we must look at ideas to curb the abuse yet allow the calls to obtain rides. That puts a close to the 1989-90 winter ice skating/sliding season. Trapp Farm Park continues to operate and by mid-March we will close the book on that site as well. We look forward to better weather for the 1990-91 season. HAPPENINGS - MARCH 1. The Department's entire complement of regulation and "youth sized" soccer goals were completely refurbished during the month of March. This involved the disassembly, sandblasting and painting of nearly 60 individuals goals. 2. Forty (40) new, decorative park benches were assembled and stained in early March. These benches will be installed in various community and neighborhood parks this coming summer. Seven (7) sets of new athletic benches were also completed. 3. Final clean-up from the winter skating season was completed in March with the removal of safety fences, barricades and protective hay bales from Trapp Farm Park. As noted in previous "Happenings", the system currently used on the sledding hill has proven to be efficient in handling traffic circulation, as well as providing for a high degree of safety. 4. Sweeping of parking lots and trails was a noteworthy undertaking for the parks maintenance division last month. The street maintenance division assisted with the sweeping of parking lots and access roads in the park system. Department maintenance staff conducted a complete sweeping of all boulevards and park trails encompassing more than 73 lineal miles. This was done through the use of two groundsmasters and the City's flusher truck. 5. Two derelict basketball backboards and standards were disassembled, sandblasted and repainted. These older units will now be put back into use as new neighborhood parks come on line this summer. 6. The lake aerator at Fish Lake was discontinued on March 22, given the warm-up of temperatures and melting of ice around the shoreline around the lake. Once again the aerator proved to do the job in providing oxygen levels suitable for the over-wintering of game fish species. The aeration fence and equipment was also removed following ice out in late March. 7. Work continued on the maintenance and repair of hockey nets. In many cases this has involved removing and replacing the back mesh of the net which was damaged from repeated hockey pucks. 8. The warm weather in March prompted the department to initiate its monthly play equipment inspection program. Several minor problems were noted and repaired in an effort to provide on-going safety considerations for children using this equipment. 9. Tennis nets were installed at Northview and Rahn Parks in mid-March. Continued good weather conditions prompted the department to also install remaining nets in neighborhood parks. This represented one of the earlier openings of the past several years. 10. A new electronic scoreboard was installed on field #4 at Northview Park. This now completes the pinwheel of fields #1 through #4. A scoreboard at the Goat Hill Park major field is also slated for installation in early April. This was donated by the Lions Club. 11. Three new sets of spectator bleachers were assembled and delivered to Northview Park, in March. These new bleachers will accommodate the three additional softball fields with a season start-up scheduled for early May. 12. The aeration and seeding of Kettle and Carnelian Parks was begun in late March. Both of these areas have experienced considerable turf problems as a result of the 1988 draught and dry conditions of last year. With Spring moisture and moderate summer temperatures, the department is confident that the turf will rebound to make quality conditions. 13. The Forestry division has focused much of its work on removing protective wrap for more than 2,000 trees in the parks. The procedure of applying wrap each Fall is done to minimize the chance of cross-cracking or scalding. This also affords the opportunity to "visit with each tree" (as Tom Schuster likes to say) to determine their condition and growth. 14. The Forestry Division is also nearing completion of the automated tree inventory and management program in conjunction with Logis. It is expected that by early April, clerical staff will begin in-putting base line data on each of more than 3,000 trees. Once the system is up and running, the department will make an effort to demonstrate this program to the Commission at a future meeting. 15. Equipment acquisition was another high-light. Under the 1990 operating budget, equipment certificates had been issued by the Council for the purchase of replacement for the department's tractor (Unit #322) and replacement of two trucks (#304, 3/4 ton and #310, 1 ton). Specifications and bidding procedures have been completed. The department expects to take delivery on these units within the next 60 to 90 days. 16. The Department has also been busy with the hiring of seasonal personnel, including park and ballfield attendants, maintenance workers, and forestry technicians. These individuals will continue to play a key role in the performance of routine grounds maintenance and landscaping activities, as well the preparations for the athletic and organized group usage of community parks. 4. 17. In March, Eagan retained the firm of J.M. Montgomery and Associates for the purpose of performing the diagnostic/feasibility study on Schwan Lake. The study was initiated with the completion of a draft project work plan and budget detail. This draft has since been forwarded to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, for approval. Once approved, the City will begin making plans to set up water sampling stations, inlet monitors and other background research on the water shed. 18. Parks Superintendent, John VonDeLinde, was appointed as Vice-Chair to the Gun Club Lake Water Shed Management Organization. The W.M.O. encompasses Eagan and portions of Inver Grove Heights and Mendota Heights. The purpose of the organization is to oversee implementation of Chapter 509 legislation passed by the State of Minnesota in 1982. The primary goals are implementation of local water quality plans, including surface waters, erosion control and ground water management. 19. Eagan Athletic Association's registrations for baseball, softball and summer soccer are now complete. Baseball will have 1,220 youth playing on 79 teams, plus 6 travel teams. Softball players number 666, playing on 47 teams, plus 3 travel teams. Summer soccer registered 250 children in the travel program, plus 150 in the bantam program which plays in hockey rinks. Using the formula of 4 teams per field, softball and baseball require 32 ballfields. Travel program needs are in addition to that number. The City will provide two full size and one small soccer field for the summer. Two additional fields will be maintained on school sites. 20. Eagan participants in the Rosemount Area Athletic Association and Mend-Eagan are less than 10% of those associations registrants. Field space from school districts 196 and 197, that is maintained by the City, will augment those association's Rosemount, Apple Valley and Mendota Heights fields. 21. Eagan High School and Dakota Hills Middle School use of Northview Athletic facilities for softball and baseball has begun. The co-curricular teams were outdoors for the first time on March 27. The first home softball game is on April 5th! 22. Eagan Seniors enjoyed their lunch at the Cherokee Sirloin Room. Lunches at restaurants attract individuals who may not participate on other occasions. 23. Staff anticipates that over 100 coaches will participate in NYSCA Clinics this month. 24. Intern Jennifer Peterson began her work with the department on March 19. She is busily working on several spring recreation activities and planning for the summer months. Her research project work will begin shortly. 25. The Stagedoor Performers are anxiously awaiting to hear whether their grant application to the Metropolitan Arts Council will be funded. The fall show will be "Story Theatre", a series of vignettes of well-known children's stories. 26. The first Kiosk for the parks system will be constructed at Northview Athletic near the tennis courts. The Kiosk will provide for the posting of reservations, schedules and tournament bracket boards. 27. Dorothy Peterson and Ken Vraa recently did a video-tape for play back on Cable T.V. regarding spring and summer programs. The half-hour show will be aired at various times in April. 28. Staff will be attending the pre-construction conference for the new elementary school/park (Willmus property). Bids for the School District came in under estimates. 29. The Council has approved the offer for the McCarthy property. A survey is being completed to determine the exact boundary and acreage. 30. Staff has a meeting with Unisys on Thursday to review the use and maintenance of their fields by the City. It is possible the City may have the use of these facilities for youth programs in exchange for providing maintenance. 31. Preparations are underway for the fifth annual Eagan Fun Run to be held on Saturday, May 5th at Trapp Farm Park. 32. A School's Out Party was held on Friday, March 30th at Rahn Park. Children played games, made crafts and ate pizza and ice cream. The party was led by Intern, Jennifer Peterson. A good time was had by all. A second School's Out Party will be held on Friday, April 6. 33. The Tiny Tots program has grown to seven classes. Six classes are full with 20 children each. The seventh class has 19 children. 34. An Egg Decorating Party will be held on Friday, April 13th at Rahn and Goat Hill Parks. 35. One Hundred Ninety Seven (197) Adult softball teams have registered for Spring softball. The season begins May 1. The number of teams is up from 174 teams in 1989. 41• MEMORANDUM TO: ADVISORY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION FROM: KEN VRAA, DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION DATE: APRIL 2, 1990 RE: KETTLE PARK - FENCE REQUEST BACKGROUND Mr. Vern Bolte, 2048 Kings Road, had sent the attached letter requesting the City to fence the pond at Kettle Park for the reason stated. The Public Works Director and the Director of Parks and Recreation co-authored a letter in response to Mr. Bolte; this letter is attached. Mr. Bolte has since talked to staff and asked that the City at least consider a fence along the west side of the pond, paralleling the trail, as a safety measure. ISSUE Should the City (Department) consider fencing the pond. DISCUSSION Staff recalls a similar discussion that took place some years ago when a suggestion/request came to the City. The City choose at that time not to put up any fencing. The primary reasons being that (1) It would not ensure the safety of children, only make it a little more difficult for them to get to the water. (2) Expense (3) The implied responsibility for the City and the liability of doing so. This Commission may wish to re-visit the issue and reach its own conclusions. The Commission is urged to give very serious consideration to its deliberations, particularly if there is to be a change in policy. FOR COMMISSION ACTION To review the request for a fence at Kettle Park, reaffirm the City's position or come to some other conclusion/recommendation. KV/bls 48' ::cItv of azagan THOMAS EGAN 3830 PILOT KNOB ROAD Maya EAGAN, MINNESOTA 55122-1897 DAVID K. GUSTAFSCNJ PHONE: (612) 454-8100 PAMELA M cCREA FAX: (612) 454-8363 TIM PAWLENTY THEODORE WACHTER Council Members March 14 , 1990 THOMAS HEDGES City Administrator EUGENE VAN OVERBEKE City Clerk MR VERN BOLTE 2048 KINGS ROAD EAGAN MN 55122 Re: Proposed Fencing of Pond AP-44 Within Kettle Park Dear Mr. Bolte: Recently, you wrote a letter expressing your concerns regarding the potential need for a fence encircling the ponds within Kettle Park near your neighborhood. We wanted to respond to assure you that your concerns have been given serious consideration by the City both in the early park's development master planning process, comprehensive storm drainage plan as well as during the actual construction and development phases of the storm sewer system and park. The City of Eagan has in excess of 340 wetlands, ponds and lakes within our community. A great many of these are located within neighborhood and community park facilities. Not only would it be impractical to fence every one of these ponds and wetlands, it would significantly detract from one of the primary purposes of these parks, which is the proper integration of recreational and leisure activities with the respect and appreciation for our natural environment. In fact, these ponds were originally acquired by the Minnesota Department of Transpgrtation as a part of their drainage system for I-35E. The right-of-way fencing for this Interstate was originally intended to incorporate the northerly pond within Interstate right- of-way. However, the city felt that would significantly detract from the neighborhood and the benefits of this parkland. Subsequently, MnDOT transferred this property to the city allowing us to develop and provide these park amenities to you and your neighbors. THE LONE OAK TREE.. .THE SYMBOL OF STRENGTH AND GROWTH IN OUR COMMUNITY Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Page 2 In addition, a fence would not inhibit the natural curiosity and energy of a child. However, it could create an obstacle to any maintenance or public safety rescue personnel that might have need for a quick and ready access to the ponding area. These are several of the reasons that are mutually recognized by other communities throughout the metropolitan area. That is why you will seldom, if ever, see any fencing around ponds, lakes or wetlands in the metropolitan area. I hope this helps to provide you with some of the rationale used by the City in formulating our policy regarding potential fencing of our I)onding areas. If we can provide you with additional information or clarity regarding this or any other issue, please feel free to contact us at your convenience. S incer y, homas A. Colbert, P.E. Ken Vraa Director of Public Works Director of Parks & Recreation TAC/KV/jj cc: Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission 6~ P,o (I C' 4C; 0 0 cooe Q 4L Q 004 Y'a - • jamCOL~ -41 O-Cr, AA) C 0-4. SUBJECT: PRELIMINARY PLAT - UNISYS PARK 2ND ADDITION APPLICANT: UNISYS CORPORATION LOCATION: LOT 4, BLOCK 1, UNISYS PARK ADDITION EXISTING ZONING: RD (RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT) DATE OF PUBLIC HEARING: MARCH 27, 1990 DATE OF REPORT: MARCH 15, 1990 COMPILED BY: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT APPLICATION SUMMARY: An application has been submitted by Unisys Corporation requesting a Preliminary Plat for two lots on 130.7 Research & Development zoned acres located along Pilot Knob Road. The entire Unisys Campus consists of approximately 205 acres and was originally platted in 1983 as the Sperry Park Addition containing two lots, one allowing multiple buildings on a single lot and another for the City's water tower. In 1988, the site was replatted creating four lots--one for each of the three buildings and one for the water tower. This was done to provide the potential for individual ownership of each lot if they were ever sold. This proposal will split the existing Lot 4 into two lots. Lot 1 (49.9 acres) will contain the existing CSD facility and Lot 2 (80.8 acres) which currently contains the ballfields will be platted as a buildable lot. As proposed, all Research & Development zoning requirements have been satisfied. As with the 1988 replat, there will be no construction as a direct result of this platting process. yz. EASEMENTS/RIGHTS-OF-WAY/AGREEMENTS: With the platting of the Unisys Park 1st Addition, the plat identifies two City well locations with specific easements dedicated for each. One existing well location is located in the northwesterly corner of proposed Lot 2, and the other identified well location is in the west central portion of proposed Lot 2, just easterly of the NSP Company's pipeline easement. The City's Comprehensive Water Supply & Distribution Plan, dated 1988, identifies the need for additional well locations on the proposed Unisys Park property. Attached is a site plan which shows the approximate locations of six proposed wells identified as I, J, K, L, M and N. The City currently has a Well Field Development Agreement dated February 7, 1989, between Unisys Corporation, Harris Trust & Savings Bank, Unisys Master Trust, and the City of Eagan. The current agreement identifies the need for the proposed wells with the alphabetic designations I, K, L, M and N. Well J is not included in the current agreement. The development will be required to enter into an agreement with the City of Eagan which would grant easements in the future to the City for construction and maintenance of the proposed well locations as identified in the City's Comprehensive Water Supply & Distribution Plan. The City's Comprehensive Storm Drainage Plan identifies a need for storm water ponding on the proposed Unisys Park 2nd Addition. As a condition of the development of the Unisys Park 1st Addition, the City of Eagan, Unisys Corporation, Harris Trust & Savings Bank, and Unisys Master Trust entered into a Storm Sewer Ponding Agreement dated February 7, 1989. The agreement stated that the City and Unisys enter into an agreement to dedicate ponding areas to accommodate existing and future surface runoff needs to the drainage basins identified as Pond CP-3 and CP-4 in the City's Comprehensive Storm Drainage Master Plan. The development will be required to verify the validity of the existing agreement. The plat of Unisys Park 1st Addition dedicated the right-of-way required by the County's guidelines and, therefore, no additional right-of-way is required for the platting of the 2nd Addition. The restricted access must be rededicated on the 2nd Addition plat except for the two openings on Pilot Knob Road and the one opening along Yankee Doodle Road opposite Federal Drive, as allowed for on said Unisys Park 1st Addition. The opening allowed on the previous plat at the southwest corner of proposed Lot 2 and Yankee Doodle Road will not be allowed on this plat as it does not meet the County's current spacing guidelines. 0 UNISYS PARR 2ND CONDITIONS 1. These standard 'conditions of plat approval as adopted by Council-action on September 15, 1987 shall be complied with: Al, B1, B2, B3, B4, and G1. 2. The development will be required to provide the City of Eagan either by appropriate easements on the plat or by executing the appropriate agreement, which will assure the city that future well site needs on the Unisys property will be provided for in accordance with the City's Comprehensive Water Supply & Distribution Plan. 3. The development will be required to provide either by appropriate easement on the plat or by executing the appropriate agreement, which provides for storm sewer requirements as identified in the City's Comprehensive Storm Drainage Plan. FINANCIAL OBLIGATION - UNISYS PARR 2ND: Based upon the study of the financial obligations collected in the past and the uses proposed for the property, the following charges are proposed. The charges are computed using the City's existing fee schedule and connections proposed to be made to the City's utility system based on the submitted plans. Improvement Project Use Rate Quantity Mount Storm Sewer Trunk Future C/I $.083/SF 5,693,292 SF $472,543 TOTAL $472,543 In accordance with past agreements the charge will not be levied until such time as trunk storm sewer improvements are installed. 15+ STANDARD CONDITIONS OF PLAT APPROVAL A. Assessments 1. This development shall accept its additional assessment obligations as defined in the staff's report in accordance with the final plat dimensions and the rates in effect at the time of final plat approval. B. Easements and Rights-of-Way 1. This development shall dedicate 10' drainage and utility easements centered over all common lot lines and adjacent to private property or public right-of-way. 2. This development shall dedicate, provide, or financially guarantee the acquisition costs of additional drainage, ponding, and utility easements as required by the alignment, depth, and storage capacity of all required public utilities and streets located beyond the boundaries of this plat or outside of dedicated public right-of-way as necessary to service this development. 3. This development shall dedicate all public right-of-way and temporary slope easements for ultimate development of adjacent roadways as required by the appropriate jurisdictional agency. 4. This development shall dedicate adequate drainage and ponding easements to incorporate the required high water elevation necessitated by City storm water storage volume requirements. C. plans and Specifications 1. All public streets and utilities necessary to provide service to this development shall be designed by a registered professional engineer in accordance with City codes and engineering standards and policies, and approved by staff prior to final plat approval. 2. A detailed grading, drainage, erosion, and sediment control plan must be prepared in accordance with current City standards and approved by staff prior to final plat approval. 3. This development shall insure that all temporary dead end public streets shall have a cul-de-sac constructed in accordance with City engineering standards. STANDARD CONDITIONS OF PLAT APPROVAL PAGE TWO 4. A detailed landscape plan shall be submitted on the proposed grading plan and approved by staff prior to the final plat approval. The financial guarantee shall be included in the Development Contract and not release until one year after the date of installation. 5. All internal public and private streets shall be constructed within the required right-of-way in accordance with City design standards. D. Public Improvements 1. If any public improvements are to be installed under a City contract, the appropriate project must be approved by Council action prior to final plat approval. E. Permits 1. This development shall be responsible for the acquisition of all regulatory agency permits in the time frame required by the affected agency. F. Parks Dedication 1. This development shall fulfill its parks dedication requirements as recommended by the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission and approved by Council action. G. Other 1. All standard platting and zoning conditions shall be adhered to unless specifically granted a variance by Council action. Advisory Planning Commission City Council Approved: August 25, 1987 September 15, 1987 Revised: PLATAPPR.CON LTS #1 6/12/89 5~ • w~Y.- I I ZSLUIb TrEOLOW e1 it ADDITION n LLyy .~jj .R ~ 3 I / / 1 lip LOT 3 Lar 2 4116- I UI a / / r1I--- 1 0 ul. 6L J. SAT v 1 ` i If~ tm / / li V~T 4 Me At sit 1. YYr N' ' r f - - - It Q 2 . -.ter- I ~IlJA!!A 14M AC itlrlMr - u - • Rosa m la a ai . =Ira i N UNISYS PARK !ST ADiDJTKaN III s UNISYS Cpll'WININON MELIMNINR R_ MOTS /Mrs am ADOITON r {sL R Hit If C. ' i~ 1T~AlO,OINIOII /fw[~d6 I I C~I?sRk.SD14 , 4 ~ . e4w.,PA4 PR tot-L .r t L.0 T i~ t o It y r L.. _ / III , - , rts~ts^~ ' I I I r w r r•r rt n w EXISTNG cmerr 4S Mar- 1~ y CO~UNUitY FICE S 4 1IN F IN 1) i I C 0 m7can Ak.1 ?ZXD J111" CENTS ~UN CIA in - ~ F~t•St N4 ~ 52 ~12„ 28 I,R~` 25~ ,1 ~ , 2 L AKE Ilk 12 N 72.E 50 ARI y' FIT ( - - A L ACR 9 46 77.9/ 8.6 .0 , Se 64 qe i SCHOOT 1, or p V I 0MF t ;lt 6 .0(62.0 r KNO~/es.o 4 CoA N `J ~a~INt 4. 3 tEVAtEtl I09NOW s 75.2/6 L. o I • ; < ~ i 4, i ci FY T ACHMA? to wAN 65.9/76.0 ; tt1nU RIA I RK )rmt10N lip CH KN r t 12" Fox RK • N13Yq 67. / .0 - _ , RIDGE 6 .8/ 92 0 7 4.0 7 .0 67.0 9. 80 95 t t4 I Ian 82 ~I t8 t A G EN Y 2, 0A / FS T 7 H .L 14t (3t C N E.00 gC 2nd 1 .0 9L city of eagan COMP lE ' VE ATER plate #d PUBLIC SUPPLY. , AJO WORKS D PARSME bola TON PLAN (00 0 W b N I I L__ O- OVOU 9ONM l011d v p Al ¢ N W. ~ \)Sb9 EST - p rc ~)b 1b m O e OVO!! NV NOV 0 N T Ir „bZ Of „ZI „ZI 4 v~i ~ ~ N W N o N = m Q P \ N I N -j pA, m t ~bMH ~d - ,b~/ ~~b1s sso~ i b J W b z z 3 \ h O O W yby, W in In Q H O 7) m 13 h J Z W W ¢ W 2 m is O W W W 3 3 W € w Z 0 \~6J~ W J W W Q W 03 Dg w 3t j: in z z Z z Z 'n 0 to ao U) to to xN_ N F Ct O J QOP a W R 7c W W W W ; 01 { oil or c O city of eagan NORTH WELL approved: standar PUBLIC plate WORKS FIELD LAYOUT DEPARTM MEND O1-A ~ I I S 'Poll HP~3 F A JAI'llAt F ~.a , , ll1 LOST ST'UR 846 8 V~1 I•~ I rou"t", 380 -N-e r1118 I I y' I I I ° d H I l _J Jj ~~It7 1E rnrK p-t lAC ES C T Y\ t!A 1 JAN nft _,p lit F ACR S I l _ D-o Rtk~E L - _h ~1D N ER fig. ( I , r~.... / , 31"7/ 1 B.1Z 0 C d r Ilr)r)I C or p J ' 24' OMF F D 80.0 _ rAR i.9 OP ME ii >a6 .Piz I 1 ' DP rn1NS C-) 5• t 88 3,4 -ii I)ACIINI , -k 77- , nk^, 88 l c 14 JJ Y T I1 RA r } "AC111AA1 rfrrRE Y_fj- - L.. II-_ r ~NI ntu `~~Y 1~ ,211 iy pp A c R4RK a° Ib• J AD01110 ' 0 T8 .6 i 2 -3 p CPA .0 85' ~O 1. N ~ B6E B• - • S ACH A O. FOX PARK 24 RIDGE DP-4 1t j4 0-it. 71 0 SUR Y 3rd OA EN DP 13 24 101 11 31 fvl I I 90 city of eagan COMPREHENSIVE approved: standard plate PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMEN DRAINAGE PLAN