10/06/1990 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission
MEMORANDUM
TO: ADVISORY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
FROM: KEN VRAA, DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION
DATE: OCTOBER 1, 1990
RE: OCTOBER 6, 1990 COMMISSION MEETING
The regular meeting of the Advisory Commission will be preceded by a tour of Coventry
Pass Park, a drive-by at Northview and Bridle Ridge Parks. It is hoped that the
Commission can return to City Hall by 7:00 P.M. for a demonstration of the computer
inventory system of the Tree Management Program. The regular Commission meeting will
begin at 7:30 P.M.
Following the Call To Order and the Pledge of Allegiance, it would be appropriate for the
Commission to approve the Agenda for October 4, the minutes of the regular meeting of
September 6, and the special meeting of September 24, 1990.
There are two items under the Consent Agenda, first is a preliminary plat and the second
item is a waiver of plat for the Patrick Eagan Park. The waiver of plat divides the
McCarthy property and creates a parcel identified for her life estate.
There are no items under "Development Proposal" for this Commission meeting.
OLD BUSINESS:
Commission members will recall that staff has at times talked about a Maintenance
Management Plan for the Eagan Parks System. Enclosed for the Commission to review
are the draft goals and objectives for the Maintenance Management Plan. Staff would like
the Advisory Commission to set a date in which further review of that plan can be
accomplished, with the anticipation that the Advisory Commission would recommend to
the City Council acceptance of the Maintenance Management Plan. Staff will provide
additional explanations regarding this plan at the October 4th meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
There are two items under "New Business". One concerns the recreation fee assistance
program. Dorothy Peterson has provided you with a memorandum concerning the
development of a formal policy regarding assistance. In the past, the Department has
had an informal program for allowing participation in programs for those unable to pay
the entry fee. However, a more formalized structure, seems to be desirable.
The second item concerns the Winter Skating Program for 1990/91. Commission is asked
to review the proposed 1990/91 program and address issues pertaining to this program.
PARKS DEVELOPMENT:
Landscape Architect/Parks Planner, Stephen Sullivan, will update the Advisory Commission
on the parks development for contracts at various park locations.
Staff has prepared a separate memorandum on Blackhawk Park for the Commission. It
appears as if resolution of the Leo Murphy road access is close at hand, and it's now
appropriate to proceed with planning and development plans for the park. Staff would
like to initiate the first step in the development of those park plans with the Commission
by identifying the park's design goals/objectives.
OTHER BUSINESS AND REPORTS:
There are several items under "Other Business and Reports", including the Department
Happenings. Staff will update the Advisory Commission on water resources and the
Council's action to be taken on October 2nd, regarding Carlson Lake Park.
The final item will be the Recreation Facilities Task Force update. As you know, the
Task Force is currently working on a proposal to be presented to the City Council
sometime in November, or early December, which will address an ice arena/or other
facilities for the community.
If members of the Advisory Commission are unable to attend, as always, they are asked
to contact Cherryl Mesko, Parks and Recreation Department.
Respectfully submitted,
C* rug?
Ken Vraa
Director of Parks & Recreation
KV/bls
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AGENDA
ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
Thursday, October 4, 1990
6:30 P.M.
Eagan Municipal Center
A. 6:30 P.M. - Tour Coventry Pass and Bridle Ridge Park
Tree Inventory Demonstration at Municipal Center
B. 7:30 P.M. Regular Meeting - Eagan Municipal Center
C. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
D. Approval of Agenda
E. Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting of September 6, 1990
Approval of Minutes of Special Meeting of September 24, 1990
G. Consent Agenda
(1) Preliminary Plat - Heller Addition
(2) Waiver of Plat - Patrick Eagan Park
H. Development Proposals
1. Old Business
(1) Set Date for Maintenance Management Plan
J. New Business
(1) Recreation Fee Assistance
(2) Winter Skating Program - 1990-91
K. Parks Development
(1) Update
(2) Blackhawk Park
L. Other Business and Reports
(1) Department Happenings
(2) Water Resources Update
(3) Carlson Lake Park Update
(4) Recreation Facilities Task Force Update
Subject to Approval
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF
THE ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
SEPTEMBER 6, 1990
A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:30
P.M. on Thursday, September 6, 1990 with the following Commission Members present: Dick Carroll,
Shawn Hunter, Lee Markell, John Griggs, George Kubik, Jack Johnson and Ted Billy. commission Member
Michele Swanson was not present. Staff present included Ken Vraa, Director of Parks and Recreation;
Stephen Sullivan, Landscape Architect/Parks Planner; Dorothy Peterson, Recreation Supervisor II; John
VonDeLinde, Parks Superintendent; Paula Nowariak, Recreation Supervisor; Jon Oyanagi, Recreation
Supervisor and Cherryl Mesko, Secretary.
AGENDA
Shawn Hunter moved, Dick Carroll seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the agenda
as presented.
MINUTES FROM AUGUST 2, 1990 MEETING
Dick Carroll moved, Ted Billy seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the minutes as
presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Shawn Hunter moved, Jack Johnson seconded with all members voting in favor to make the
following recommendations to the City Council.
GOPHER SMELTING-WAIVER OF PLAT. That the incorporated parcel be subject to a cash
parks dedication and that the incorporated parcel also be subject to a cash trailway dedication.
WOODLANDS NORTH ADDITION (REVISED)-ROBERT ENGSTROM COMPANIES. That
the entire development be subject to a cash trails dedication and that the entire development with
the exception of Lots 1-5, Block 1 and Lots 1, 2 and 7, Block 2 be subject to a cash parks
dedication.
CARLSON LAKE PARK
George Kubik invited the residents in attendance to address the Commission with their comments
and opinions. He further asked that residents state their name and address for the record and limit their
comments to five minutes. Mr. Kubik reminded the audience that the position of the Advisory Parks and
Recreation Commission was to make recommendations to the City Council based on knowledge of the
Comprehensive Park Plan and the input from residents who would be using the planned facilities. The
Commission attempts to be open to all comments and concerns in trying to plan park facilities that will
meet the need of the majority of residents. George continued that the one thing the Commission did not
want was to have park development be a vehicle to separate a neighborhood. Rather, it should be an
opportunity for a cooperative effort. Design should be a structure of opportunity.
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PAGE 2
Barbara Andrew, 4227 North Carlson Lake Lane addressed the Commission and presented a
petition that had 116 signatures requesting that Carlson Lake Park be completed as was originally planned
and approved. The people on the petition wanted access to the lake and also wanted to see a playground
area for children to use that would be closer to their homes.
Neil Raisanen, 1276 East Balsam Trail reminded the Commission that the first petition presented
to the City Council regarding the improvements to Carlson Lake Park addressed the outrage of residents
over the tree destruction that had occurred to accommodate a trail. He continued that a letter was sent
to Ken Vraa today to be distributed to the Advisory Commission members outlining neighborhood
objectives for Carlson Lake. Mr. Raisanen continued that there currently is public access to the park on
the south and the east. He stated that everyone is entitled to their opinion, however, he asked the
Commission to consider who would be impacted the most by the destruction at Carlson Lake; would it be
the occasional users of the playground or the people directly surrounding the area. Mr. Raisanen stated
that no one was opposed to the park but reiterated the seven items he felt were the neighborhood
objectives. Those included 1) Return to a "passive" park as directed by the City Council. 2) Do not
introduce any man-made structures. 3) Eliminate asphalt, hard court, playground equipment and trail. 4)
Smoothen out the rough turf on the south side. 5) Reforest all denuded areas as soon as possible. 6)
Correct the excess grade on the northwest slope. 7) Reseed the grassland prairie like areas immediately to
prevent erosion.
Mr. Raisanen continued that a playground on the south side of the lake would be dangerous. The
lake is 30 feet deep in some areas and his concern is that a child will be attracted to the water which could
be potentially dangerous to that child. He suggested that there were no homes immediately surrounding
Oak Chase Park, therefore there is not as much impact on residential homes as there would be at Carlson
Lake. He stated his concern for the noise transmission that would occur with the development of this park
and asked the Commission to consider that this park is not the same as other parks in Eagan and that it
should remain a passive, natural area with no development.
John Tumini, 1310 East Balsam Trail stated that he had just moved into the area last year partially
because of the beautifully wooded area. He stated that when he became involved in neighborhood meetings
regarding this park he was led to believe that the trail would be a small winding trail that would lead to
the playground. When the bulldozers came, however they leveled the west side of the lake and a great deal
of damage was done to the wooded area. He expressed his disappointment with the Park Commission
because of the great loss to trees that has occurred. He is also concerned regarding the fill that has been
dumped on the site stating that he feels it is bad fill and damaging to his property. Mr. Tumini stated that
he would agree to a trail winding down the west side of the lake to the play area but did not want a hard
court surface. He also expressed his concern for the fill that was deposited on the site suggesting that it
is creating a problem for the trees that remain.
Eileen Gorrell, 1313 Carlson Lake Lane stated she wanted Carlson Lake restored to a passive park
as directed by the City Council. She asked if any plans were available for people to view this evening
wanted to know what action the Commission would be taking this evening to work toward that end. She
expressed her frustration over the timing of this issue stating that work needs to begin quickly to prevent
erosion and establish turf.
George Kubik stated that the Commission first needed to hear what the residents have to say
regarding this park. Mr. Weaver expressed his frustration at the timing of this issue indicating the need
to begin reforestation and turf establishment immediately. He also felt there would be alternatives available
for residents to respond to tonight. Ken Vraa stated that staff did not have new grading plans but there
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PAGE 3
were two things they had looked at. One was to re-shoot everything and the other was to blend the grade
so it would be workable as well. The blending option would not be as precise as grading but it could be
workable in establishing turf this fall as well as preparing for reforestation. George Kubik stated that the
Commission has not come up with a revised plan because they would need to hear residents concerns and
make a decision based on those concerns.
Mr. Rex Hern, 4351 Dunrovin stated that he was attracted to this area because of it's natural
beauty. He feeds birds and has seen many wild animals through this area. He would like to see the
reforestation to include nut bearing shrubs to keep the animals in the area. He feels it's necessary to
preserve as much of the natural area as is possible.
Sylvia Haroldson, 1356 Easter Lane stated that they moved into the area 12 years ago assuming
there would be a park developed with playground equipment. She agreed that preserving the natural state
of the park would be beneficial but only to the lake front areas. The kids in the area do not have a
playground and felt the Commission needed to understand the importance of serving the whole community
not just a specific group.
Mr. Tierney, 1217 Carlson Lake Lane suggested that the Commission address two separate issues.
One would be the tree issue in which no one would argue that there is a need to preserve this element.
He suggested that trees should be replaced or some plan be implemented for reforestation. Second, the
park is in such an undeveloped state that no one would want to use it the way it is. He suggested that
there must be some way to provide a play area and yet protect the privacy to adjacent residents. Another
concern he expressed was the lack of access to the park feeling that there should be more access to public
land.
Paul Savre, 1273 Carlson Lake Lane noted in 14 years he has seen the hard court surface used only
once indicating there is not a need for this use. Regarding the playground equipment planned for the south
side of Carlson Lake, Mr. Savre stated that the City has fencing code requirements around pools to protect
children from getting hurt and was concerned that playground equipment near the water would pose a
potential problem. The issue of a bituminous trail was also a concern to Mr. Savre as he stated that bike
racing is beginning to occur because of the wide open space left from the tree removal for the trail. Mr.
Savre commented that this type of destruction was not anticipated when planning for the access to the park.
He stated that there should be access to a play area but no place for kids to build ramps or use
skateboards, etc. Mr. Savre continued that the children like the play element of the woods the best and
that this was a unique opportunity for them. He suggested leveling out the bottom or southern portion
of the park for an open play area and allow access to this area via wood chip trail. Mr. Savre then asked
for a show of hands from the audience as to how many actually wanted a playground area. Mr. Kubik asked
that this not become a voting mechanism since this meeting was designed to obtain information from the
neighbors to help the Commission decide how to best facilitate the needs of the neighborhood.
Mary Quiring, 1355 E. Balsam stated she runs through the area regularly and always sees children
either playing near the lake or floating on the lake. She continued that whether or not there is playground
equipment in this park the children are, and do play in and near the water. She questioned if it was safer
to provide a neighborhood playground facility near water or to have children cross Pilot Knob, Diffley or
Lexington Avenue to get to a park that has playground facilities.
Bob Hafvenstein, 4353 Svensk Lane commented that he disagreed with an earlier comment regarding
children playing near the lake and floating on it by saying he has never seen 15 children at the lake or
floating on the lake. He stated that he was told there would be an "S" shaped trail on the west side of
Carlson Lake but they got a large swath of trees removed which was not what they thought they would get.
He expressed his concern for the noise transmission if a playground structure were to be installed. He
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PAGE 4
continued that the development of the park should not occur simply because there was money to do the
work but rather the money should be used to embellish the natural state of the park area by reforestation,
resodding and landscaping. Mr. Hafvenstein stated that the children love using the treed area as their park.
Now they will have a wide trail where fast bikes will be going down a large hill to a hard surface play area
and will potentially be very dangerous. He stated that because the land was dedicated as park doesn't mean
it needs to be developed and that children will play in the streets no matter what facilities are provided.
Mr. Hafvenstein continued that the flat play area for passive play on the south side of the lake be sodded
not seeded so that the children can have an open area to play safely.
Arnold Carlson, 1255 Wilderness Run Drive asked if automobiles were allowed to drive on trails.
Mr. Vraa explained that the City Code prohibits vehicular use on trails. Mr. Carlson continued by stating
that he was very much opposed to the wide trail and the corridor that had been established to provide for
it.
Steve Kurtovich, 1361 E. Balsam St. stated that no one was in favor of the large tree loss but
suggested that some compromises could be made to preserve the passive element with the development of
the park. He stated that a basketball court may not be appropriate but playground equipment will certainly
be used by children. Mr. Kurtovich stated that there certainly is enough room for a compromise and
consideration should be given to the fact that the west side of Carlson Lake, even though it's very beautiful,
is not a national forest.
Mr. Kubik asked the audience to be tolerant of different opinions and hoped that if individuals did
not agree with an opinion that they would respect the right of the individual expressing them.
Bob Sandeen, 1304 E. Balsam Trail identified himself as the park representative for Carlson Lake
Park as well as a volunteer for the water quality monitoring program. His concern was regarding the fill
placed on the north side of Carlson Lake and the erosion problem that has been caused from the placement
of this fill and the removal of trees. He proposed that as much of the fill as possible be removed on the
west side and that the site be restored to it's natural landscape to retain the integrity of the park. He
further agreed that the park should be passive and not developed. Mr. Sandeen commended the Park
Department for their overall parks development but commented that some locations just are not appropriate
for development. He stated that the west side of the lake was great the way it was but now most all the
trees have been destroyed. Mr. Sandeen suggested that during the reforestation of the site that staff could
introduce more appropriate plantings to make this an even better area for the neighborhood. Mr. Sandeen's
recollection was that during some of the first discussions regarding this park a picnic area was discussed on
the south side of the lake in the open play area making this a quiet, passive area. He does not want a
basketball court since it would not be used very much. He stated that most homes have a basketball hoop
in their driveway eliminating the need for this facility in a park. He further suggested that if a trail is
added that it be wood chip or soft surface so as to discourage bikes, skateboards, etc. on the trail.
Resident, 1329 Carlson Lake Lane (formerly 1255 Easter Lane) stated she has lived on Carlson
Lake Lane for two years. She commented that she was sorry that everyone present tonight wasn't at the
previous neighborhood meetings because her impression was that no one ever wanted to keep a hard court
surface at this park nor did they want any kind of trail.
Elden Johnson, 1299 Carlson Lake Lane stated that he had heard a lot of good ideas and some very
valid concerns from both sides of this issue. He supported the philosophy of keeping the parks green and
not having a large amount of blacktop in them and also understood the concern for the safety of children
near the water. He recalled that previous meetings indicated the need for good turf for picnics and play
area for children which he would still like to see along with an area for people to fish. He did encourage
a cooperative effort in the development of the park.
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ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
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Virginia Snyder, 1321 Carlson Lake Lane stated that she has several children and grandchildren
and she has provided backyard swing sets and play equipment for them so they could play in her yard. She
suggested that this would be a better alternative rather than develop a park and provide play equipment
for a relatively small number of children that would use the facilities.
Steve Schlagel, 1280 E. Balsam Trail stated that he liked the theme "wilderness run" rather than
"asphalt run". He expressed his concern for the safety of children around the lake because the lake is 30
feet deep in some areas.
Unidentified resident noted that the group, as a whole, was concerned about preserving the
wilderness and that both sides would not agree on a solution. His input was that he did not want asphalt,
rather a more desireable wood chip trail.
Jim Tilsen, 1235 East Balsam Trail stated that he had attended some of the meetings and
remembered that a basketball court was opposed at that time and was surprised to hear that it was in the
approved park development plan. He continued that several residents on the east side were looking forward
to a dock which had been proposed in earlier meetings and hoped that that item would also be included.
He did not want to see the fishing dock dropped from the plan.
Carol Ellison, 1308 Carlson Lake Lane stated that she signed the petition to continue the
development of Carlson Lake Park for several reasons. She did want access to the lake, however the trail
as it exists, or is planned, now is very difficult to get up and down on. She supports a fishing dock running
parallel to the shore and wants the basketball hoop removed because it is difficult for people to play
basketball in the proposed playground area location. She also asked that the basketball pole be removed
because it is dangerous when children are sledding in this area in the winter.
Lois Porter, 4251 N.Svensk stated that she had lived in the area for the last 15 years. She stated
that since that time her children have grown up waiting for this park to be developed. She continued that
children have not had access to this park and that it should be provided. As far as safety is concerned, she
pointed out that Thomas Lake Elementary School is very near Thomas Lake and it has not necessarily been
a dangerous situation. Children's play needs to be monitored when they are near water but it does not
mean that they should not be near it. She also stated that the south end of Eagan has enough passive
parks and this park should be developed as it was intended.
Vic Anderson, 1316 Balsam Trail noted that he has lived north of the park for the last 15 years.
He stated he built adjacent to the parkland expecting that it would stay the same. He commented that it
was imperative that the City move quickly to address erosion control and replacement tree planting. He
continued that he was disappointed that there was not a plan for them to review and vote on tonight. He
felt there wasn't time for this issue to keep bouncing back and forth between Commission and Council
before anything got resolved. He felt the Commission should make a decision on what should be done
and get the work started. He continued that the damage has been done and he doesn't think anyone
envisioned it would be the way it is, however now quick measures need to be taken to protect the balance
of the site.
Gloria Czycalla, 1307 Carlson Lake Lane stated that she lives right behind the park and several
people who had seen the area before the trail corridor was placed commented on what a beautiful site this
was. They are now shocked to see the destruction that occurred on the site. She remembered one
comment at an earlier meeting which stated that the trail was going in to save the trees.
q.
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Don Shearon of 1296 E. Balsam Trail stated that he travels a lot to parks throughout the state and
national parks and said that retaining walls are usually planned for an area that has to deal with a trail on
a steep slope. He suggested that the trail planned should have incorporated guard rails and retaining walls
and the park as a whole should go back to a natural park.
Doug Czycalla, 1307 Carlson Lake Lane expressed his frustration with the Advisory Parks and
Recreation Commission that a group of people would allow this kind of destruction to occur in a park.
He continued that he resented the implications from some of the residents that the lake belongs to lake
front owners. Mr. Czycalla stated that he lives next to the access and has never given anyone a hard time
when they used this area to access the lake. He suggested that if the park were developed and playground
equipment installed a lot of children would be attracted to this area and he would not be a babysitter for
children who are playing in this area that could be potentially dangerous for them.
Stan Smebakken, 1281 Carlson Lake Lane stated that the Parks Commission should be
complimented for their fine park system throughout the city. He felt, however that the Commission had
misread what the citizens had requested regarding this park. He stated that at the last City Council meeting
this issue was remanded back to the Commission with the direction that the park be developed in a passive
manner. He did not understand what the Commission's role is at this time since the direction for
development had come from the Council. George Kubik commented that he would address this issue after
all input was received from residents.
Randy Van Burkleo, 1270 Carlson Lake Lane commented that a lot of good information and
thoughts have been shared tonight and the consensus seems to be that the trail corridor should be smaller
and the area surrounding it should be reforested. He suggested that the Commission talk to the people
living around Fish Lake where they now surround a passive park. He thanked the Commission for their
time and attention to this issue.
Rex Hem, 4351 Dunrovin commented on the diversity of nature that was provided by the forested
area on the west side of Carlson Lake which has been the source of pleasure to both children and adults
alike. He continued that a park does not need to be a developed park in order to provide a park
environment for the public. Mr. Hern stated he has playground equipment in his back yard to provide this
type of play element for his children and wanted to see the forested area remain to provide a different play
element for the public.
Barbara Andrew, 4227 N. Carlson Lake Lane indicated she has lived in the neighborhood for 14
years. She stated she is not against taking down the trees because now people that do not live directly on
the lake can see the lake. She is concerned, however about children playing in the street and the water run-
off that is occurring on the west side of Carlson Lake. She further stated that she supported a trail and
access to the playground equipment on the south side of the park.
Neil Raisanen, 1276 East Balsam Trail stated that he wanted to make his position very clear. He
said no one owns the lake and he does not oppose access to the lake. He feels, however that asphalt, swing
sets and a basketball court do not belong at Carlson Lake. He continued that if there was someone who
felt they could not afford a swing set for their own back yard he would spearhead a fund so that they could
be purchased thereby eliminating the need for playground equipment at the park.
Paul Savre, 1273 Carlson Lake Lane commented that if access is provided to the park and the park
is developed there would be no parking for people who wanted to use it. He continued that this
neighborhood is not appropriate for street parking for users of a park.
/O,
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Eldon Johnson, 1299 Carlson Lake Lane commented that he had initially collected $200 from the
neighborhood to install the basketball court in the first place many years age. He stated that the basketball
court could be removed as far as those who had contributed money were concerned.
Dennis Tierney, 1217 Carlson Lake Lane stated that there appeared to be conflicts regarding the
access to this park. He noted that some people want to access the park but cannot at this time. He
continued that it didn't appear that there would be a great deal of use of the park from people outside the
area therefore, parking would not appear to be a problem.
Unidentified resident commenting on the lack of access to the lake noted that in years past access
has not been a problem for those who wanted to get a keg of beer down to the lake and were successful.
There was concern expressed that this kind of behavior did not want to be encouraged.
Marlys Smebakken, 1281 Carlson Lake Lane reiterated the concern for the safety of children and
asked that the park be returned to its natural state.
Bob Hafvenstein commented that he thinks someone made a mistake and they should be man
enough to admit to that mistake and make amends by returning the park to its original state.
Arnold Carlson, 1255 Wilderness Run Road commented that there had been a park in this location
thirty years ago where in the summer water skiers from all over the area would participate in activities and
even with all that activity the park was passive. Now, he commented, it was just a mess.
George Kubik thanked everyone for their comments, concerns and suggestions. He continued that
the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission is not infallible and this is an issue where there is no clear
cut right and wrong. The Commission represents a strong emphasis on protecting the environment which
has been demonstrated by the many innovative programs that have been developed over the years. The
function of the Commission is to listen to the concerns expressed by the public when a park is to be
developed and best try to meet the needs that have been expressed along with keeping the integrity of the
Master Park Plan for the City of Eagan. He did agree that the urgency of the situation required a quick
and concise decision. He also stated that the Commission has heard requests for an active park, passive
park and a middle of the road park. The Commission has spent a great deal of time and attention on
trying to balance the quality of Carlson Lake Park while trying to be a good neighbor and listen to concerns
residents have. George stated that the tree removal has occurred, the trail corridor has been established
and at this point the Commission needs to see what positive steps can be taken to resolve the issue.
Shawn Hunter stated that there are no bigger advocates for trees than the Parks and Recreation
Commission. He felt that the initial intent was to have the trail be a meandering trail through the wooded
area along the west side of Carlson Lake and it was never intended to be a large swath cut through the west
side of the park. Mr. Hunter stated that there appear to be two separate issues for the Commission to
consider; 1) The removal of the trees and 2) The development of the balance of the park in a "passive"
state. Shawn suggested that those that signed the initial petition were disappointed with the tree removal
but did not necessarily agree with the neighborhood objectives that Mr. Raisanen presented today. The
petition presented to the City Council only addressed the issue of the removal of trees, not the development
of the park.
For clarification Steve Sullivan shared the Master Park Plan for Carlson Lake Park with the
Commission and audience. The plan showed the proposed primary access into the park, the development
that was proposed along with the trail along the west side of the lake. Shawn Hunter remembered the
Commission discussing placing a playground on the west side of the park. Steve Sullivan commented that
it had been discussed, however it was felt that the slope was too steep to place a structure at this location
and it would require losing more trees.
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Jack Johnson stated that he walked the area today and was shocked at the terrible destruction that
had taken play and asked how this could have happened. He identified three separate issues that he felt
should be addressed. First, he stated that it was a travesty that the tree removal had occurred and wanted
to see the trees replaced but noted that there needs to be access to the park. The access could be gained
by using the trail corridor established by the tree removal. Another issue is that of a playground on the
south side of the lake. Mr. Johnson did not feel it was appropriate to place a basketball court in this park
stating that it just didn't fit the area and it appeared that there wasn't a use for it. Finally, the issue of
the playground needs to be addressed. Jack commented that as long as there are children and water
children will be attracted to each other. He cited Fish Lake and O'Leary Parks as locations that have play
areas near water and they both function very successfully. Jack continued that a playground area is needed
but it should be relative small; perhaps similar to Fish Lake and constructed of wood rather than metal to
be more compatible with the park. Jack stated that this is a beautiful area that should be preserved. It
will never be the same as it was before but wanted to see it restored as much as possible as well as provide
an opportunity to create a new park experience for the neighborhood. Mr. Johnson also commented on
the statement regarding noise transmission by saying that the purpose of a park is to attract children and
once access to the park is approved there most likely will be an increase in the noise level.
Shawn Hunter agreed with Mr. Johnson's comments. He continued that what needs to occur
immediately is erosion control. Following that, reforestation on the west side of the lake should begin with
the replanning of the park to include playground equipment but exclude a hard court to commence as well.
George Kubik agreed that the erosion issue should be addressed immediately stating that there is
a very tight time limit because this work needs to be done quickly. George reminded those in attendance
that the decision to develop the park was a decision made by the Advisory Parks and Recreation
Commission and was approved by the City Council. The decision was not made by Parks and Recreation
staff. George suggested the Commission meet again within a week to walk the site and decide what steps
need to be taken to resolve these issues. George moved to set up a special meeting to walk the site, work
on some options for a park plan and make recommendations to the City Council with the understanding
that reforestation would be a high priority. The motion was not seconded.
John Griggs asked if a meeting was scheduled within two weeks would that be sufficient time for
staff to prepare 2 or 3 plans for public input with an understanding that the erosion issue be addressed
immediately. Jack Johnson stated that people have waited long enough on this issue and saw no point in
prolonging a decision. Ted Billy asked what the plans would be to address the erosion problem this fall.
Steve Sullivan stated that they wanted to get topsoil and turf grass on the site before September 15.
George Kubik reiterated that it was important for the Commission to walk the site before they make
specific recommendations.
George Kubik was concerned about the recommendation for reforestation without knowing where
the trail would be located. John Griggs stated that it is clear where the trail line will be considering the
corridor is already established; the only clarification would be the width of the trail, whether there would
be guard rails or retaining walls. Shawn Hunter commented that it should be feasible to plant trees and
establish turf on the outer edge of the trail corridor. Ken Vraa stated that that would be a feasible option,
however the width of the trail would need to be determined before any work can continue. Mr. Vraa also
suggested that if the Commission requests a soft surface trail a turf trail would be more appropriate than
a wood chip trail. Ken continued that the trail was at subgrade ready for aggregate base and what ever
other cover the Commission directs. Ken stated that the department is hopeful that it can proceed very
quickly with topsoil, turf establishment and erosion control and the size of the trail would be helpful in
proceeding with that work. George Kubik asked if a 4 foot wide trail which was suggested by Jack Johnson
was possible. Ken Vraa stated he would be more comfortable with a 5 foot width and Steve Sullivan
commented that if it is a turf trail it would need to be mowed and the mower is 6 feet wide. Ken Vraa
ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 6, 1990 MEETING
PAGE 9
continued that a turf trail would be more stable than aglime or wood chip but it would be worn down by
traffic. This type of trail would require additional maintenance, however there would be less
bicycle/skateboard traffic and more walkers. Ted Billy commented that this type of trail would not be
handicapped accessible. John VonDeLinde also added that there would be a need to provide access for
vehicles to maintain the turf trail.
George Kubik commented that the consensus of the Commission appears to be the establishment
of a turf trail that is 6 feet wide. The Commission members responded affirmatively. Mr. Kubik then
indicated that it appeared that the residents preferred to keep the orientation of the trail as natural as
possible, to which the audience responded affirmatively.
After further discussion Shawn Hunter moved and Jack Johnson seconded that the Commission
make the following recommendations regarding the development of Carlson Lake Park:
1. Provide for erosion control and establish turf immediately.
2. Begin the reforestation of the trail corridor as soon as possible with the idea that the trail
be reduced to a 6 foot width and be a turf trail.
3. Staff redesign the park to include playground equipment on the south side of Carlson Lake
but with no hard court surface.
All Commission members voted in favor of this action and the motion was passed.
Ken Vraa stated that he would meet with staff, residents and the City Forester to develop a
landscape plan for this park. He continued that the priority would be to get the grading completed, cut
the trail to a 6 foot width, topsoil and seed the area and provide for erosion control.
Robert Sandeen again expressed his concern for the excessive fill that has been placed on site and
he feels it should be removed. He was concluding that based on the Commission's recommendation work
would proceed without removing the fill. Bob Hafvenstein explained that the concern was for the amount
of fill on the northwest side of the lake; that it was excessive for the use it was intended and was a potential
threat to the live trees adjacent to it. He stated that the fill that was brought in was unnecessary especially
now that the pathway is smaller. George Kubik stated that this was a question could not be answered
tonight but it would be addressed when the Commission reviewed the site.
John Velo, 4295 North Carlson Lake Lane stated that the fill that was brought in resulted in an
excessive steep slope and suggested that perhaps steps could be installed so the trail would not be quite as
steep. He continued that the fill that was placed is affecting oak trees adjacent to the trail and is
threatening their survival.
George Kubik asked if with the reduced size of the trail could some of the fill be removed. Steve
Sullivan stated that downsizing the trail may very well impact the amount of fill that is to remain on site
but that will need to be addressed when a revised grading plan is completed.
Greg Anderson stated that there are three 50 foot oak trees on his property that are affected by
this fill and he is concerned they are at risk. He stated that if the trees die because of the fill being placed
so close to them he will come back to the City for compensation. George Kubik assured Mr. Anderson
that every effort will be made to minimize the impact to his trees and any others near the area.
rJ.
ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 6, 1990 MEETING
PAGE 10
Dick Carroll noted that the issue of the fishing dock had not been addressed. George Kubik
commented that what he heard was support for a fishing dock and the City attempts to provide fishing
opportunities whenever there is an opportunity. Ken Vraa commented that a dock would be more parallel
to the shoreline rather than lineal like the dock at Fish Lake. John VonDeLinde noted that the DNR has
periodically stocked Carlson Lake in the past and they have identified this water body as a children's fishing
pond. Another consideration is that Carlson Lake is shown as a high priority in the Water Quality Plan
that was adopted this summer so perhaps some enhancements could be made to the lake in the future
such as aeration, future stocking, etc. depending upon the funding that is available.
Neil Raisanen stated that he wanted to make it very clear that he was not if favor of a fishing dock
and was not in favor of aerating the lake. He continued that there was not a consensus for a dock and he
did not want to see a facility like this placed at Carlson Lake that would draw in outsiders. He said if one
was to be installed next to Balsam on the east side of the lake, parallel to the lake that may not be too
obtrusive. George Kubik stressed that it is the intent of the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission
to attempt to serve the needs of the entire community by developing parks that can offer opportunities for
as many residents as possible.
Mr. Kubik asked when it would be convenient to walk the Carlson Lake Park site and address the
issues that remain. Ken Vraa stated that staff would try to prepare a graphic showing the grades however
there would not be a planting plan available as yet. After further discussion a meeting was set for Monday,
September 24 at 6:00 P.M. to walk the Carlson Lake Park site and then reconvene at the municipal center
to discuss the continued development.
Eileen Gorrell, 1313 Carlson Lake Lane expressed her concern for discussing the completion of the
south end of the park. She stated that turf establishment needs to be addressed immediately and the
grading should be completed before the ground freezes and no further work could be completed this year.
Ken Vraa clarified that the grading and dormant seeding would occur this fall so that it would have an
opportunity to establish.
George Kubik thanked all those present for attending and for providing their input and concerns
regarding Carlson Lake Park.
SUMMER PROGRAM UPDATE
Dorothy reminded the Commission that each year at this time recreation staff reviews with the
Commission the activities of the previous season and draws their attention to any issues that may require
policy change. Dorothy noted that both Paula Nowariak and Jon Oyanagi were present to share the
summer's activities.
Paula began by stating that this summer's staff was the best she has ever worked with. They were
very enthusiastic and pleasurable to work with as well as providing a positive summer experience to the
hundreds of children that participated in summer programs. Paula explained that one change that occurred
was handling registration for Summer in the Park at the municipal center rather than at the park. This
required a great deal of work up-front but made it much easier for staff to deal with in the parks as well
as provide the department with accurate information on the participants.
Paula stated that the total number of participants was over 800 this summer with Northview, Rahn
and Ridge Cliff participation increasing dramatically. Decreases were noted at both Pilot Knob and
Lakeside which will need to be reviewed before next summer. The new Summer in the Park program for
5-6 year olds was very successful with a total of 93 registrants and an average of 35-40 children each day
at Goat Hill Park. She will be reviewing another site for 1991.
ff,
ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 6, 1990 MEETING
PAGE 11
Eaganettes grew from 94 participants in 1989 to 143 this year. This group participated in the 4th
of July Parade and had a year end recital. The Tiny Tots program had slightly reduced numbers for the
summer session and there were a number of requests for financial assistance this summer as well. Paula
has also received several calls already regarding financial assistance for the fall programs.
Jon Oyanagi stated that this summer's softball team numbers raised to 197, up from 174 in 1989.
There were three new fields added this year which helped to accommodate the number of teams that
increased this year. The biggest drawback this year was the amount of rain that delayed games requiring
them to be rescheduled to the last two weeks of the season. This year also the Unisys fields were used for
the first time in many years for overflow games.
The Cake Walk, Skateboard Contest and Day Camp at Camp Sacajawa all were activities that
needed to be cancelled because of too few participants. George Kubik commented that he was not
disappointed that this occurs because many of these activities are experiments and need to be tried.
Jon continued that the Star Gazing activity generated a great deal of interest but the weather did
not cooperate. Both the Biking Club and Walking Club have been very successful and Jon is hopeful that
they groups will become independent and plan activities on their own shortly.
Another successful event were Moonlight Movies which were shown at Trapp Farm Park. This is
an activity that should continue as the interest increases. George commented that he had heard several
very positive comments about the movies. Jon continued that Camp Creative still continued to be a very
successful program with a lot of interest shown in it.
Mr. Kubik thanked the Recreation Staff for their fine work and complimented them on the
experimental programs they continue to offer to the public.
PARKS DEVELOPMENT
Steve Sullivan explained that Pages 33 and 34 of the packet contained an outline of pending and
completed park development activities. To recap, Steve explained that final payment would be requested
for Contract 89-23 on Sept. 18. Coventry Pass Park is underway, Woodhaven parking lot is nearing
completion and Bur Oaks Park South is being worked on, all a part of Contract 90-1. Contract 90-2
includes the building construction at Bridle Ridge, Northview aNd Ohmann Parks. The work is progressing
very nicely at all sites.
Ken Vraa suggested that the Commission should visit Coventry Pass Park now that work has begun
to see the drastic change in the personality of the park from when they first visited it.
HAPPENINGS
George Kubik commented on the near completion of the EAA storage facility at Northview Park.
He stated that he is very happy to see the quality of work that is provided by Parks Staff. George also
thanked the anonymous donor of $150 which was used to allow five children from the Robert B. Lewis
home to participate in the Sports and Games Camp this past summer. Dorothy Peterson indicated she had
received a thank-you letter from the Robert B. Lewis house for the respite this provided for the childrens'
parent.
ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 6, 1990 MEETING
PAGE 12
Other points addressed by the Commission included a joint project McDonalds is pursuing with the
senior population in Eagan, a league scheduling program that LOGIS is looking at to facilitate this need
for several of the cities that use LOGIS, the success of the tennis instruction program this year. Dorothy
credited the excellent tennis teaching staff along with some scheduling changes for the success. Dorothy
also commented that the nets have just been installed at the new sand volleyball courts at Rahn Athletic
and calls have already been taken to reserve playing time.
EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM - S.D. 197
Dorothy reminded the Commission that their direction was to work out a three-month trial
agreement with the school district to allow the use of Sky Hill shelter building for an early childhood
program. The agreement has been worked out and the classes will begin on Wednesday, September 12 and
continue through November 21. The program will not be in the building in the winter however they have
the option to renew in the spring. The logistics have been worked out regarding the opening/closing of the
building, maintenance, fees, etc. George Kubik commented that the Commission was moving in a positive
direction in being able to facilitate this need with such a cooperative effort.
PARK CENTER ADDITION
Steve Sullivan noted that this was an informational item for the Commission. The site is located
at the intersection of Cliff and Rahn Cliff Road directly adjacent to Rahn Park. It appears that Federal
Land wants to do the storm sewer system installation this fall and Steve wanted to keep the Commission
updated on the impact to Rahn Park. One of the parcels on this site is being considered for HRA housing.
When the Commission reviewed this parcel previously there was concern expressed for the oak trees that
buffer this parcel from Rahn Park and Rahn School. Steve showed the area that would be disrupted and
impacted by the installation of the storm sewer. There is a 10 inch oak tree and other grown trees that
would be within the construction limits as well as six oak trees, approximately 6 inches in diameter that lie
on the outside of the construction line that may be in question. Mr. Kubik asked if it was possible to
"sensitize" the dozer operator so that the least number of trees are removed. Steve assured the Commission
that he would be monitoring this development.
WATER RESOURCES COORDINATOR INTERVIEWS
Ken Vraa stated that the interviews had been completed for the Water Resources Coordinator and
the position has been offered to one of the applicants and staff is awaiting the applicant's decision.
YOUTH PROGRAM UPDATE
Dorothy Peterson commented that there is a staggering growth in the youth programs this fall
resulting in increased maintenance concerns and the ability to provide field space for the multiple uses
requested. Dorothy continued that there are approximately 500 children playing soccer in Eagan this fall,
EAA football has surfaced again with 80+ children participating in the 5th and 6th grade level only, middle
school and high school athletes are using many of the City's facilities and Jon Oyanagi's adult teams are
also using the City's facilities.
COMMISSION PICNIC
Ken Vraa reminded the Commission members of the upcoming picnic on Friday, September 14th.
ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 6, 1990
PAGE 13
George Kubik wanted to remind the viewing audience of the City's celebrations coming up
September 8th. The police department will be celebrating their 25th anniversary with an open house and
tours of the facilities. John Griggs added that the Grand re-opening of the Town Hall will occur on the
same day, September 8, with festivities to begin at 12:20 PM. John continued that after the dedication of
the building, tours would be available and entertainment would be provided during the afternoon by three
barbershop quartets. The public is invited to all the activities on that day.
With no further business to conduct, Dick Carroll moved, Shawn Hunter seconded with all members
voting in favor to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 P.M.
SECRETARY DATE
/
Subject to approval
ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 24, 1990
The Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission met on site at Carlson Lake park at 6:00 P.M. on
Monday, September 24, 1990 for the purpose of reviewing with residents the proposed revision and new
master plan for Carlson Lake Park.
Director of Parks and Recreation, Ken Vraa, reviewed with those in attendance the action taken
by the City Council directing the Advisory Commission to develop a more passive parks plan. He then
reviewed the minutes of the September 6, 1990, reading the motion of Shawn Hunter and passed
unanimously by the Commission which provided for erosion control and establishment of turf,reduction of
the trail to a six (6) foot wide turf trail and redesign of the park to include playground equipment on the
south side of Carlson Lake, with the omission of the hardcourt surface.
Director Vraa reviewed with the residents the reduction of the trail, sodding, seeding and slope
stabilization. He then reviewed the status of the City's plans for dealing with severe erosion from Carlson
Lake Lane on the west as a result of storm water overflowing the curb. He indicated that the Engineering
Department has developed a storm sewer plan, which includes catch basins and storm pipe. This plan is
currently being reviewed due to the large storm drainage area.
Director Vraa then turned the meeting over to Landscape Architect/Parks Planner Stephen Sullivan,
who presented a graphic showing the revised park plan. The revised facility program, provided for the
omission of the hardcourt. The revised grading plan would blend the previously proposed hardcourt into
the play area, blending the grading to the lake. A portion of the flat surface would provide for a picnic
table and planting of over story deciduous trees for shade. The eight foot wide bituminous trail entering
the park from the south would follow the same trail alignment currently at a sub-grade. The trail would
be revised to be an 8 foot wide aggregate trail. This would provide continuity from the turf trail down the
west hillside to the south entrance. Also provided would be access to the playground and open play area,
as well as ensure a stable surface for parks maintenance and pedestrian access.
It was explained that the basketball standard currently in place would be eliminated, along with the
security light in the original plan.
The playground would stay at the same location, with a wood type structure to be installed later.
A concept plan was reviewed showing the play area. Mr. Sullivan then reviewed the open play area, stating
that it would stay in the same location, with a slight grade to allow for draining. He then reviewed
miscellaneous items regarding the park plan, including bench location, waste containers, signs, etc.
Mr. Sullivan noted that it was not in the pending contract for development of a fishing pier on the
east side of the lake. However, he presented the drawing showing the deck/dock and access to this area
for future implementation.
The Advisory Commission and residents had several questions and comments regarding the park
and the revised plan. After a half-hour of discussion by the residents, the Advisory Commission returned
to City Hall to take formal action on the plan.
The special meeting was called to order at 7:30 P.M. at the Eagan Municipal Center. Those
Commission members present included Jack Johnson, Michele Swanson, John Griggs and Lee Markell.
Commission member Ted Billy was at the on-site meeting and arrived late at the municipal center.
Commission members not present included George Kubik, Dick Carroll and Shawn Hunter. Staff present
included Ken Vraa, Director of Parks and Recreation; Stephen Sullivan, Landscape Architect/Parks Planner;
Craig Johnson, Landscape Architect; and Cherryl Mesko, Secretary.
ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 24, 1990
PAGE 2
Having walked the site and reviewed the proposed park plan prior to the meeting, John Griggs
moved to approve the park plans for Carlson Lake Park as presented. The motion further directed staff
to set up a neighborhood meeting to address the landscaping plan that will be proposed for this park. The
motion was seconded by Michele Swanson with all members voting in favor.
John Griggs commented that when the review of this issue began he noted that there appeared to
be some controversy regarding what the neighborhood actually wanted. At that time there didn't appear
to be a consensus as to what was needed or wanted for this park. He continued that after this process,
which has drawn comment from many of the neighbors, it appears that the park will be developed to fit
the needs of the neighborhood as a whole, primarily because of all the discussion that has occurred over
this issue.
Ken Vraa commented that the first neighborhood meeting provided for a great deal of participation
from the neighbors. Subsequent meetings had different groups attending which made for differing opinions
and concerns at each meeting. He noted that it was difficult to get a consensus when the make-up of the
group was different at each meeting.
Jack Johnson congratulated staff for getting the sod down and the grading done in such a timely
manner. He felt the neighborhood was pleased to have this much of the work completed so that the issue
of erosion and preservation of the site was addressed quickly.
John Griggs continued that erosion control and storm water still remains an issue of concern and
needs to be resolved. Ken Vraa stated that Engineering had provided a plan to address the erosion issue
however the bid that was received was too high to incorporate it in the contract bid for park improvements
at Carlson Lake. Apparently Engineering did not realize what a large area was draining into this location
and are now addressing how this erosion control problem can best be handled. Ken continued that the low
area where a great deal of the erosion has occurred is due, in part, to the road settling. John Griggs
suggested that perhaps more catch basins would help with the overland water drainage. Steve Sullivan
added that measures taken to date have not contained the erosion. He suggested that the watershed needs
to be diverted to better address this issue and that concrete or rip-rap may be options that could be
considered. After further discussion regarding the erosion problem at Carlson Lake John Griggs stated that
this is an issue that is a problem for Engineering and Public Works to address.
Lee Markell asked if the work that was just done was done with a change order. Steve responded
that it was. John Griggs asked if the park would come in under budget because several things have been
changed and/or removed from this park and if so, could some of those cost savings be used to help defray
the budget crunch the City is currently dealing with. Ken Vraa stated that even if this park comes in
under budget those dollars came from the Park Site Fund and not from the general fund. Steve Sullivan
stated that at this point it is not known exactly where the City sits with this contract; a cost control needs
to be done soon to fully understand the impact the changes in Carlson Lake Park have had to this park
contract.
John Griggs asked what percentage of the grading would be done this fall. Craig Johnson stated
that both the grading and the seeding will be completed this fall.
Lee Markell asked staff to address two separate erosion control problems. One was the silt fence
near the swale at Carlson Lake which needs to be inspected and repaired. The second is near Schwanz
Lake near the Summer Place development where the silt fence needs to be replaced. Lee suggested that
these two items be looked at soon so that no further damage occurs.
With no further business to conduct, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 P.M.
SECRETARY DATE
MEMORANDUM
TO: ADVISORY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
FROM: STEPHEN SULLIVAN, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT/PARKS PLANNER
DATE: SEPTEMBER 27, 1990
RE: CONSENT AGENDA
1. PRELIMINARY PLAT - HELLER ADDITION
A Preliminary Plat consisting of a four lot subdivision of approximately 2.6 acres
of R-1 (Single Family) Residential zoned land north of Skyline Road in the SE 1/4
of Section 4.
RECOMMENDATION:
*Lots 1, 3 & 4 shall be subject to a cash parkland dedication.
*Lots 1, 3 & 4 shall be subject to a cash trailway dedication.
2. WAIVER OF PLAT & REZONING - CITY OF EAGAN
A Waiver of Plat in order to split tax parcel 10-02200-010-02 and a Rezoning of
approximately four AG (Agricultural) acres to a P.F. (Public Facilities) district
located along the west side of Lexington Avenue in the east one-half of Section 22.
The Commission may recall the recent acquisition of the Lillian McCarthy property on the
east side of Lexington Drive adjacent to Patrick Eagan park. The parcel would provide
pedestrian and vehicular access to the community park upon development. The terms of
acquisition allowed the previous owner to reside at a described portion of the property
according to a life estate. The previous owner would be responsible for the maintenance
and taxes for this described parcel while residing at this property. In order to
accommodate Dakota County, a waiver of plat is necessary to define the taxation
responsibilities for the Life Estate parcel. (See Attached Certificate of Survey).
RECOMMENDATION:
*This is being presented to the Commission for informational purposes. No
recommendation is necessary.
SS/bls
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Survey fur: Eagan Parks Department
Pr.: Lillian McCarthy parcel BK.147 PG. 49
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MEMO TO: ADVISORY PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
KEN VRAA, DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION
FROM: JOHN K. VONDELINDE, SUPERINTENDENT OF PARKS
DATE: OCTOBER 1, 1990
SUBJECT: SCHEDULING OF MEETING TO REVIEW MAINTENANCE
MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Back round
In early 1987 the Parks and Recreation Department began work on the development of a
comprehensive maintenance management program for park facilities and grounds. During
the past three years, department supervisors, maintenance staff and other parks/recreation
personnel, have worked actively towards the completion of this plan. This has included the
comprehensive inventory of park facilities, the researching of standards and methodologies
to be used in Eagan's maintenance program, and the establishment of implementation
strategies for both short-term and long-range maintenance needs.
In July of this year, the first draft of the Parks Maintenance Management Plan was
completed. In it's present form, the plan contains some 329 pages of text addressing fifteen
primary facility categories. The plan is divided into 15 chapters beginning with an executive
summary and culminating in a long range replacement/rehabilitation for capital investments.
The major focus of the plan centers around the parks facilities inventory, establishment of
a maintenance standards heirarchy for each facility, and application of these standards on
a site specific basis.
Included on the next six pages is a copy of the executive summary and Introductory chapters
to the plan. These chapters will provide you with additional information about the process
used in development of the plan and the content of individual sections. Copies of the
complete plan are currently being produced and should be available for distribution at the
October Commission meeting.
For Commission Action
With the plan now completed in draft form, it would be appropriate for the Commission to
perform a comprehensive review and to provide input to staff prior to preparation of a
"final" draft.
.
45.
ADVISORY PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
KEN VRAA, DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION
OCTOBER 1, 1990
PAGE 2.
At their August meeting the Commission had discussed holding a special meeting to address
this item. Assumming that the Commission concurs, a meeting date should be set for later
in October to complete this review and discussion.
John A. VonDeLinde
Superintendent of Parks
JKV/nab
park:parkcomm.271
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This document presents a comprehensive Maintenance Management Plan
for the Eagan Parks and Recreation system. The plan was developed
over a three year period, from 1987 to 1990. Throughout the
process, department supervisors, field personnel, and recreation
staff were closely involved in offering input to the various
elements of the maintenance plan. In addition, outside assistance
and consultation was sought through other municipal agencies and
organizations having previous experience in maintenance planning.
The primary objectives for developing the plan were to: conduct
a thorough inventory of parks facilities requiring maintenance
programming; establish written goals, policies, and mission
statement as a guide to management planning decisions; create a
written system for assigning maintenance levels as an individual
facility basis; and to develop sound methodologies for enhancing
the efficiency and long-range effectiveness of maintenance
programs.
The plan begins with a statement of policies providing a framework
for the strategic planning and implementation of maintenance
services. A key element of the plan is the chapter on Maintenance
Standards, intended to define the frequency and intensity of
maintenance tasks for 15 primary facility categories. The plan
offers a thorough inventory of park facilities and user
characteristics, and assigns maintenance standards on a "site-
specific" basis, through a "classification system". These are
followed by a series of recommended methodologies aimed at the
efficient planning and implementation of maintenance activities.
The plan concludes with long-range needs projections in the areas
of personnel, equipment, and facility replacement, designed to
address maintenance needs into the 21st century.
The process used in developing the Maintenance Management Program
essentially followed the outline of chapters as presented in the
Table of Contents. The section below provides a brief summary of
the contents of each of those chapters.
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Presents a background on the maintenance planning process, reviews
shortcomings with previous maintenance procedures, and offers a
general overview of the contents and objectives of the plan.
Chapter 2 - Statement of Goals
Presents a series of written goals intended to represent the
desired outcomes of the Maintenance Management Plan.
Chapter 3 - Policies
Contains official policy statements considered essential to the
fulfillment of goals and programs outlined in the Maintenance
Management Program.
Chapter 4 - Mission Statement
Discusses the general mission of the Parks Maintenance/Operations
Division, including customer service, excellence, and innovation
in service delivery. Includes a statement of goals for the
division, along with a description of the services and programs
provided. Concludes list of responsibilities for the City in
providing a productive and efficient work environment for its
maintenance employees.
Chapter 5 - Historical Perspective and Maintenance Analysis
Discusses growth of the Eagan Parks System, from its inception in
the early 1970's. Includes factual information about the increase
in park facilities and acreage. Reviews efforts made in recent
years to address needs for improved quality and frequency in
maintenance service delivery. Discusses current trend in the
leisure industry, to establish standardized approaches to facility
classification and scheduling. Reviews elements required in a
maintenance management program. Addresses future growth in the
parks system and new challenges to sustain consistent levels of
maintenance.
Chapter 6 - Parksite Facility/Use Inventory
Provides basic information about each individual facility in the
parks system, including general design features and year
constructed. Identifies the degree and type of use of each
facility by the general public, including programmed recreational
uses.
Chapter 7 - Maintenance Standards
Describes varying levels of maintenance standards or "modes" for
15 separate facility categories. Defines selection criteria to
ensure a uniform and strategic method of classifying each park and
facility. For each maintenance mode, describes both the frequency
to which maintenance should be performed, as well as an indication
of the intensity level of quality.
Chapter 8 - Classification System
Presents a matrix, assigning standards (modes) for each of the 15
recreation and support facilities, on a site specific basis.
Addresses each of Eagan's 41 developed parks and 15 facility
categories. Graphically represents the level of service which will
be provided to each park facility and establishes specific levels
of service expectation.
Chapter 9 - Maintenance Schedules
Discusses and presents four scheduling elements intended to assist
department supervisors in the efficient planning of maintenance
programs: 1) annual maintenance programs, 2) program specific
plans, 3) annual construction schedule, and 4) annual improvements
program.
Chapter 10 - Implementation Standards
Discusses and reviews three maintenance management strategies
designed to ensure a consistently high level of efficiency and
consistent service. Contains over 20 individual procedure/quality
indicator statements for parks maintenance. Establishes work unit
standards as a mechanism for measuring productivity of employees.
Develops inspection forms for each of the recreation facility
categories as a tool for detecting and resolving safety/operational
problems.
Chapter 11 - Maintenance Needs Projections
Provides an assessment of needs for Parks Maintenance personnel and
equipment, into the 1990's. Intended to assist department managers
and City officials in more accurately forecasting long-range needs.
Includes brief program descriptions, followed by graphic
illustrations of projections.
Chapter 12 - Long-Range Maintenance Replacement Program
Discusses and graphically illustrates a long-range Capital
Replacement Program intended to maintain the infra-structure of
recreation and support facilities in the Eagan Parks System.
Establishes replacement cycles for eight different park facilities.
Chapter 13 - Appendices
Contains as built drawings for City parks and their respective
I
facilities. Shows locations of roadways, forested areas,
underground utilities, etc. Lists separate facility and building
reference manuals intended to provide specific details pertaining
to each park facility (e.g., year installed, manufacturer, vendor,
and other details germane to the facility or component).
19wp:parkmntc.man
4
INTRODUCTION
In 1987, the Eagan Parks and Recreation Department, Maintenance
Division, began work on the development of a Comprehensive
Maintenance Management Program for the City's Parks and Recreation
facilities. The program was developed in response to concerns by
department managers that human resources and equipment were not
being utilized to their full productivity, nor were standardized
methodologies in place to ensure uniform and consistent maintenance
practices. Some of the problems identified were:
1. Lack of adequate historical records of maintenance
activities.
2. No up-to-date inventory on park facilities and
furnishings
3. No standardized methodologies for scheduling resources
to achieve desired outcomes
4. Lack of a clearly defined heirarchical scheme assigning
standardized maintenance levels on a site-specific basis
5. No written work performance standards from which to
evaluate employee productivity
6. Inefficiency of short and long range planning tools, such
as annual planning calendars, improvement programs and
replacement programs for park facilities.
Additional perspectives on maintenance planning are contained in
the section entitled "Historical Perspectives of Maintenance
Analysis" found later in the manual.
The deficiencies, noted above, provided the foundation for
establishing the chapters and materials to be contained within the
plan. Research and writing of these plan elements spanned a period
of approximately two years. Throughout the planning process,
department supervisors and field staff were involved in assessing
maintenance needs and offering input on maintenance standards and
procedures.
Consultation was also made with other municipal agencies to learn
more about their practices related to maintenance management and
planning. One of the basic observations from this exercise was
that most leisure agencies do not currently have well-developed
maintenance programs. Where they did exist, the information so
gleaned, was used to the extent possible in formulating the
I
maintenance standards and practices outlined in this manual.
However, it should be noted that much of the information presented
here is thought to be "original", reflecting a largely unexplored
discipline in Parks and Recreation.
In the process of designing the structure of the plan, two major
sections were identified. The first section is essentially a
policy statement, in that it reflects the goals and standards by
which the department will maintain its facilities. This aspect
includes both the quality and frequency level to which maintenance
shall be performed, and the extension of these standards to park
facilities on a site-specific basis (also referred to as the
"classification system").
The second half of the report contains operational information
geared towards implementation of the classification system and its
standards. Simply put, this section addresses scheduling, annual
improvement programs, work procedures, quality indicator
statements, work performance standards, and checklists.
As a final note, maintenance management planning can be thought of
as a "dynamic" process. There are a number of factors that can
influence a leisure service agency's approach to maintenance
management. These can include: changes in operational funding for
maintenance services, implications of design on maintenance, added
maintenance responsibility through new facilities, and changes in
perceptions or attitudes about levels of desired maintenance
standards. In light of these influences, the annual review of
program elements and the updating of relevant information will be
required. Perhaps most importantly the education of maintenance
staff on specific plan elements, such as quality standards and
procedures, will clearly be needed if the plan is to be fully
successful.
17wp:compmntc.mgt
Ar
moo.
MEMORANDUM
TO: ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
FROM: 0? DOROTHY PETERSON, RECREATION SUPERVISOR 11
DATE: SEPTEMBER 26, 1990
RE: RECREATION FEE ASSISTANCE
BACKGROUND
Department staff anticipated that during the summer of 1990 requests for financial
assistance would be received. It was further anticipated that Summer in the Park field
trips would be the program element that would generate requests for financial help.
Staff applied for and received $300.00 from the Town Centre Trust Fund. The
availability of scholarship funds was not publicized. However, playground staff were
supplied with materials that could be distributed to families that might inquire about
financial assistance. Attached is a copy of the letter staff prepared.
Request for assistance during the summer of 1990 did not come from the playground
activity. Rather, it came in the form of requests for financial help for programs such as
Pre-school Movement, Recreational T-Ball and Tiny Tots Recreational Activities.
Program fees ranged from $15 to $50.
Staff, of the opinion that assistance would not be requested unless needed, inquired
how much each individual could pay. In some instances the registrant was able to pay
half, however, some families indicated that they were unable to pay. The department
accepted all such requests, seven children were assisted, $170.00 of registration fees
were absorbed.
Registrations for fall activities resulted once again in requests for assistance with
registration fees. Initially, some families were able to pay half or 1 /3 of a fee. Staff
were alerted to the potential for significant costs for registration fee assistance when two
single parents reported being able to pay $5.00 of the $75.00 Tiny Tots registration fee.
To date 5 youth have been assisted; the cost is $272.00.
A survey of eight communities was made, inquiring concerning their approach to
scholarship assistance for recreation fees. The communities contacted were: Apple
Valley, Bloomington, Burnsville, Eden Prairie, Lakeville, Maple Grove, Plymouth and St.
Louis Park.
ISSUES
The primary issues concerning scholarship assistance for recreation registration fees
from Eagan's perspective are:
1. Source of Funding: Options include the department budget or donated
funds.
2. Eligibility: Criteria for eligibility could continue to be informal as is now
practiced or formalized as several surveyed communities have established.
3. Scope of Assistance: This issue entails two aspects; one being co-
payment requirements, the other being maximums per child.
4. Legal/Privacy Issue: Should Parks and Recreation become involved in
sensitive social service information?
DISCUSSION
As might be anticipated, each community that has developed a policy for recreational
registration fee assistance has established guidelines and procedures to address the
issues idiosyncratic to their own community. The policies could also be said to reflect
the philosophies of community leaders. Cities such as Apple Valley, Burnsville and
Lakeville, as is the case with Eagan, have informal practices in place. The perceived
need for a formalized policy is beginning to surface south of the river.
No two of the established formal policies are the same. The underlying similarities do
however provide a basis for discussion of the issues Eagan Parks and Recreation
seeks to address.
FUNDING:
Bloomington, Eden Prairie and St. Louis Park identify city budget funds for their
scholarship programs. What essentially happens is that fees are waived. Proscribed
pursuit of partial payment of fees, using the school hot lunch scale of income to pre-
determine expected levels of payment, and formal application procedures stand out as
the philosophical approach of these plans.
In practice, it is not clear whether actual transfer of funds occurs or whether reduced
levels of revenue combined with activity costs per participant are determinants of the
costs of the scholarship program.
St. Louis Park considers scholarships to be an expensive program and are willing to
"spend as much as it takes".
The cities of Maple Grove and Plymouth and to a lesser degree, Apple Valley look to
donations from civic organizations to fund scholarship programs. Burnsville has
established a relationship with the Rotary for the funding of their playground scholarship
plan. Apple Valley also will waive fees if the registration fees of other participants cover
program costs.
Eligibility: The most informal standards of eligibility are practiced by Apple Valley,
Burnsville and Eagan. At this juncture, Eagan's response has been to oral
requests. Apple Valley and Burnsville require a written request that explains the
circumstances and the amount the individual is comfortable paying. The amount
requested is given.
All other communities surveyed have developed formal application procedures.
Entailed requirements are: forms to fill out, verification of circumstances
(Bloomington, Eden Prairie, St. Louis Park), requirement to live in subsidized
housing (Plymouth) and/or eligibility is based on the school lunch reduced fee
program. With the exception of Bloomington, recreation staff are approving or
denying scholarship funding. The Bloomington staff who is responsible for the
program is in the Community Education Department.
The perception from Bloomington staff was that those who inquire welcome the
verification procedure. No other community volunteered that information,
however.
Scope of Assistance: Co-payment requirements are varied. Communities with
informal procedures in place accept what the registrants reveal as to ability to
pay. The most frequently mentioned level of co-payment from communities
having formal procedures is 50%. However, based on the school lunch formula,
the level of co-payment could vary from none to 30% to 65%. (Bloomington).
Time payments are accepted.
Additionally, communities with formal scholarship programs in place frequently
have established ceilings on assistance. Eden Prairie and Maple Grove, for
instance set a maximum of $100 per child per year, Plymouth will subsidize one
activity per child per quarter. St. Louis Park and Bloomington, on the other
hand have not set a cap, though staff did voice concern that requests for
assistance usually are directed toward the department's most expensive
programs.
In all instances, scholarships are available to youth only.
Legal/Privacy Issues: An opinion has not been requested from the city attorney
regarding the legality of requesting private information from individuals who apply
for financial assistance for city recreation programs. Face validity for legality may
be surmised from the formal plans that have been established in some cities.
0
04.
The major philosophical question is, does the City, the Department of Parks and
Recreation in particular, really need to know sensitive income information about
individuals in the community. Additionally, can the department ensure that
sensitive information remain confidential?
One additional aspect merits discussion. Request for financial assistance for
recreation program fees have come to staff in a whisper. The circumstances of
those requesting scholarships range from single parent to recent lay-off to
temporary residents of the Robert B. Lewis house. A distinct edge of
embarrassment about having to ask for help is intuitively discerned by staff.
Staff's perceived need for a policy regarding recreation fee assistance does not
stem from concerns that abuses will occur or that eligibility needs to be narrowly
defined. The impetus for establishing a policy is rooted in finite resources and
how best to provide an opportunity to participate, for even a little while.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Department of Parks and Recreation establish a formal youth
recreation fee assistance policy that:
. Responds to requests for registration fee assistance that are presented
in writing. Said request would briefly explain the circumstances that
necessitate assistance.
. The written request would identify the recreation program for which
registration is desired and the amount of co-payment that can be made.
. A maximum of $100 per youth per year, with the additional maximum of
$35 per quarter is suggested.
. Time payments would be accepted, with the stipulation that payment is
completed, at a minimum, two weeks prior to the end of an activity.
. Scholarship funding will be sought from civic organizations.
. Youth must be residents of the City of Eagan.
. In the event that the Department budget must absorb "cost" for a
scholarship program, it would be in the form of reduced revenue.
FOR COMMISSION ACTION:
It is appropriate for the Advisory Commission to recommend the adoption of a policy
for recreation fee assistance in scholarship format.
Of.
SUMMER IN THE PARK FIELD TRIP
TOWN CENTRE TRUST FUND
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Parks and Recreation Department, through a favorable grant form the Town centre
Trust Fund, has designated funds to assist youth to more fully participate in the Summer
in the Park program. This pilot program is available during the summer of 1990.
The funds are earmarked for youth who, without financial assistance, could not attend field
trip activities during Summer in the Park. Although the funds are limited, the department
hopes to be able to accommodate most requests.
Guidelines for participation are:
1. A maximum of $6.50 is available per child.
(This amount is based on the one most costly trip, or a combination of two less
expensive trips)
2. Parent or guardian is to fill out the appropriate field trip registration form(s) for
the child.
3. Write "Town Centre Trust Fund" next to the space that designates the registration
fee.
4. Place the registration in an envelope marked Parks and Recreation registration and
deliver to the night depository at the Eagan Municipal Center, 3830 Pilot Knob
Road.
NO REGISTRATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED AT THE PARK.
The Department of Parks and Recreation looks forward to providing this opportunity to
Eagan youth.
MEMORANDUM
TO: ADVISORY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
FROM: JON OYANAGI, RECREATION SUPERVISOR
DATE: SEPTEMBER 27, 1990
RE: WINTER RECREATION SITES
BACKGROUND
Eagan Parks and Recreation staffed twelve warming shelter sites during the 1989-90 winter
season. Trapp Farm Park shelter building was used for the sliding hill. The skating sites
included Goat Hill, Well Site, Sky Hill, Rahn, Ridgecliff, Carnelian, Quarry, Bridle Ridge,
lexington, Pilot Knob and Woodhaven. Sites without shelters or staff included Cedar
Pond, Highview, Country Home, Bur Oaks, Evergreen and Slater's Acres.
During the summer of 1990, construction began on a new water treatment facility next to
Well Site Park. While construction proceeds, much of Well Site Park will be used as a
staging area and host to a large pile of excavated material. This eliminates the large
skating oval used for pleasure skating and the speed skating program.
Through the 1988-89 winter season, twenty-four (24) speed skaters were registered with
Parks and Recreation. In 1989-90, ten (10) registered participants utilized the speed
skating program. Hundreds of pleasure skaters use the large rink at Well Site for fun and
exercise.
ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND
Attached is a map showing the general location of each of the skating sites with shelters
(highlighted in yellow) and those without (highlighted in orange).
ISSUES
Due to concerns regarding the City's budget, this is the time to evaluate the winter season
and make decisions concerning operation which will impact the 1990-91 season, as well as
future years.
I
DISCUSSION
With the exception of Well Site, it is proposed that all skating and sliding sites remain the
same as 1989/90. The exception would involve changing the shelter hours at Lexington,
Pilot Knob and Woodhaven. The proposal is to have Lexington open at 6:00 P.M., instead
of 4:00 P.M. weekdays and 12 Noon instead of 10:00 A.M. on Saturdays. Woodhaven and
Pilot Knob would only be open Friday evenings and weekends, instead of every weekday
evening. All three sites would maintain a full holiday vacation week schedule.
The reduction in hours at the Class "C" sites would result in twelve (12) fewer hours a
week at Lexington for approximately a $360.00 savings over six (6) weeks. The new
schedule at Woodhaven and Pilot Knob would result in twenty (20) fewer hours a week
for approximately a $1,200.00 savings over six (6) weeks. Even with the reduction, the
greatest usage happens during the remaining hours.
Another issue to be faced is whether to locate an alternate site(s) to Well Site Park to
accommodate the speed skate program and large numbers of pleasure skaters accustomed
to using the larger sheet of ice. Well Site Park will be unavailable for the 1990/92 season
and possibly for the 1991/92 season as well.
With the temporary loss of Well Site Park, there are many options to explore. One option
is to do nothing, thereby saving staff, maintenance, utility and equipment costs in providing
a temporary site or altering an existing site. Besides the economical benefits this
alternative may be less confusing for users once Well Site re-opens. They may understand
the temporary nature of the closure and not confuse a temporary site as "new Well Site"!
Disadvantages include the possible loss of the speed skating program, the lack of facilities
for exercise skating and the elimination of the only sheltered site with pleasure skating
only.
Staff has brain stormed and explored alternate sites. Below is a list of those options
explored and the advantages and disadvantages associated with each:
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
RAHN PARK Large area. May require grading
(On existing soccer Bandy possible Requires temp. lighting
field) School parking possible Requires temp shelter
Existing shelter nearby Turf dies
Electricity available West side of City -
where more rinks exist
Far from Well Site
zoo
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
LEXINGTON/DIFFLEY Large area Access from Diffley
(Southwest corner) Great visibility to Seems unsafe
public Temp. lighting
No worry about turf Temp. shelter
Close to Well Site Grading required
On east side of City
-where need exists
Electricity avail.
WOODHAVEN PARK Large area Grading may dis-
Existing lighting rupt ballfield.
Existing shelter Turf dies
May revitalize usage West side of City
Less visible
PILOT KNOB PARK Existing shelter Requires removing
Existing lighting west side of
hockey rink
BRIDLE RIDGE Existing shelter Round, small rink
Existing lighting
THOMAS LAKE Large lake area Shelter needed
Parking Utilities needed
Near Well Site Shorter season
On east side of City Some risk on lake
Use for cross-country Lighting needed
ski shelter
Rent skis & skates
Create skating trails
Note: Staff has also considered for the Novice Speed Skating Program, the flooding of
the Middle School running track. Mr. James DeLong, Assistant Principal for Dakota Hills
is in favor of this idea, as it would provide for winter skating as a physical education
program for Middle and Elementary School students. Access is somewhat difficult, and
location of a temporary warming house, lighting, restrooms and access for flooding are
issues that need further evaluation.
After review of these sites it is obvious that some are more viable than others. Staff is
investigating the cost of temporary lighting. A current quote is $722.00 per month for the
rental of a generator/portable telescoping unit with four lamps. This features a fuel
efficient, "whisper quiet" generator. A two-lamp standard would rent for $620.00 per
Of
month. Trailer rental for use as a warming shelter ranges in price from $115.00 per
month for a 160 square foot unit to $220.00 per month for a 320 square foot unit and
$390.00 for a 504 square foot trailer. Set-up and take-down of the trailers may range from
$390.00 to $480.00.
Speed skating may fit onto an existing site, an expanded existing site, a new site or
possibly at a location in a neighboring community. Cities "south of the river" have
frequently combined resources to offer programs to residents of the entire area including
Eagan, Burnsville, Rosemount, Apple Valley, Farmington, Lakeville and Savage. Perhaps
one of these cities has an existing rink suited for a speed skating program. Staff will
investigate this option at an October 11th meeting.
Staff recommends the Thomas Lake site as a temporary location for the large pleasure
skating rink. It's proximity to Well Site Park will allow for a smooth transition for past
users and a smooth transition when the rink returns to Well Site. Due to the uncertainty
of knowing when the lake will freeze adequately, the season would be shorter. Costs
would be incurred for electricity hook-ups, unless generators are used. Temporary lighting,
trailer rental, maintenance and staffing the site would be the other costs involved.
Pleasure skating does not require bright lighting and therefore an elaborate lighting
scheme is not necessary.
This site offers unique opportunities for a large rink, skating trails, possibly a trail around
the island, a shelter for cross country skiers and the possibility of renting ski equipment
and skates.
The recommendation for speed skating would be to investigate the feasibility of expanding
the rink at Woodhaven to accommodate a 200 meter oval. If this is determined to be
impractical, a large pleasure skating rink at an existing site could be used for practice.
A third option would be to use a suitable rink in a nearby City and offer the speed
skating program area-wide.
FOR COMMISSION ACTION
The Commission should decide, due to budget concerns, whether or not to recommend
that the hours be adjusted to fit the level of usage while still providing adequate time to
skate. Woodhaven park would keep hours similar to 1989/90 should the speed skate oval
materialize at that site.
Secondly, the Commission recommend direction for staff in regards to the temporary loss
of Well Site Park ice skating oval. Can the need for a popular, large sheet of ice be
diverted to existing rinks temporarily, or should a temporary site be developed, and if so,
where?
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ICE SKATING SITES
LEXINGTON
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41.
IMPROVEMENT CONTRACT SUMMARY
FAGAN PARKS AND RECREATION
SEPTEMBER 27, 1990
Contract
Number Description Park Contractor Contract Amount Total Value Completed % Complete
89-12 Tennis Courts, Hard Courts Northview Athletic Park Finley Bro.Enterprises $311,744.34 $300,739.41 96%
Color Coating, Softball Bur Oaks Park 5801 Baker Road (4% retainage)
Fields Fencing & Turf Highview Park Minnetonka, MN 55345
Establishment Lexington Park
Country Home Park Contact: Ray Finley
Ohmann Park Phone: 938-7383
Slater Acres Park
89-17 Parking lot, Access Road Northview Athletic Park Alexander Construction $297,886.43 $291,440.58 98%
Storm Sewer, Trailways 9050 Jefferson Trail
and Turf Establishment Inver Grove Hgts., MN 55077
Contact: Lee Alexander
Phone: 688-2755
89-19 Parking Lot and Thomas Lake Park Corrigan Electric Company $23,932.00 $23,932.00 100%
Pedestrian Lighting Ohmann Park 3065 145th St. West (Finaled)
Rosemount, MN 55068
Contact: Don Corrigan
Phone: 423-1131
89-20 Hockey Rink/Free Skate Bridle Ridge Park C. S. I. Electric $37,000.00 $35,150.00 95%
Athletic Lighting 5241 West Broadway (5% retainage)
Minneapolis, MN 55429
Contact: Mike Pepek
Phone: 533-3344 Page 1 of 2
89-23 Bituminous Trails Thomas Lake Park Barber Construction Co.,Inc. $91,338.40 $92,871.22 101%
Trapp Farm Park P. O. Box 5324 (Finaled)
Quarry Park Hopkins, MN 55343
South Oaks Park
Rahn Park Contact: Jim Barber
Phone: 938-9607
90-1 Grading, Trails, Parking Carlson Lake Park Bituminous Roadways, Inc. $262,764.25 S92,496.94 35%
Utilities, Hardcourts and Wescott Station Park 11201 Rich Valley Blvd.
Turf Establishment Bridle Ridge Park Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077
Coventry Pass Park
Woodhaven Park Contact: Palmer Peterson
Phone: 457-3797
90-2 Park Building Construction Northview Athletic Park W. H. Cates $242,743.40 $155,384.60 64%
Bridle Ridge Prk 300 Hwy. #55
Ohmann Park Hamel, MN 55340
Contact: Jeff Cates
Phone: 478-6050
89-X Grading and Turf Coventry Pass Park Enebak Construction Not applicable Not applicable 100%
(private) Establishment P. O. 458 (Finaled)
Northfield, MN 55057
(Coventry Pass Addition
Development Agreement Contact: Roger Odegard
Parkland Dedication) Phone: 333-1307
90-E Grading, Trails, Parking Willmus Park Loeffel Engstrand Not applicable Not applicable 50%
(private) Lots, Utilities, Hardcourts P. S. A. #28 1040 S. 6th Street
Backstop & Turf Establishment Hopkins, MN 55343
(Oak Ridge School- Contact: Roger Coffman
I.S.D. #196, and City cooperative development) Phone 935-0141
Page 2 of 2
MEMORANDUM
TO: ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
FROM: KEN VRAA, DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION
DATE: SEPTEMBER 27, 1990
RE: BLACKHAWK COMMUNITY PARK
ISSUE:
The issue before the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission is the development
program and priorities for Blackhawk Community Park and the time line for the
development of that park, given the current constraints and opportunities presented.
BACKGROUND:
There is a significant amount of background information regarding Blackhawk Community
Park, which the Commission should be aware of as it deals with the planning for the
development. In an effort to condense the information, staff is providing you with
information that is significant to the current issue as follows:
1. Background information as presented to the City Council earlier this year in a
workshop session. This was entitled "Blackhawk Park History". (Attached)
2. The Department of Parks and Recreation previously received an approved
development grant for Blackhawk Park from LAWCON/LCMR in the amount of
$144,200. This grant is due to expire on December 31, 1991. The application
for funding was originally submitted in May, 1987, based on a concept plan the City
submitted with the final grant application dated October 19, 1987. That concept
plan is attached.
In order for the City to receive the funding mentioned, the City will need to have
completion of the Blackhawk construction contract by the end of 1991.
3. This item concerns the Eagan Lions Club. Approximately two years ago, the Eagan
Lions Club approached the City and indicated a willingness to help fund the
construction of a shelter building for the park in Blackhawk Park, with a donation
in the amount of $50,000. Over the past few months, that amount has grown to
be in excess of $100,000. Recent changes in the charitable gambling law now
requires that the Lions Club expend those dollars prior to May 31, 1991, or face
severe tax penalties.
45.
The Lions Club has previously expressed the desire for the building to be designed
to allow for possible July 4th, activities.
Several months ago a request was made suggesting possible overnight camping
facilities in conjunction with the building for Boy Scout/Girl Scouts.
Since they will be faced with certain penalties, the Eagan Lions Club is interested
in resolving the issue of the Blackhawk Park shelter building. If it is not to be built
this year, they wish to explore other funding opportunities so as not to incur
penalties.
4. The issue regarding the south road access, which requires the acquisition of
property from Leo Murphy, appears to be near resolution. A draft agreement has
been prepared, and the property from the Minnesota Department of Transportation
(excess road right-of-way) has been attained by the City. Returning a portion of
this road right-of-way to Mr. Murphy is part of the agreement for City acquisition
of the parks road. Therefore, pending final review by Mr. Murphy, it appears as
if the south access issue is soon to be resolved and park planning can then proceed
with some confidence.
5. Finally, Commission members might recall that immediate neighbors of the park
were concerned about possible park development plans. There was a previous
letter addressed to the Advisory Commission in opposition to the park development,
including the issue of a parking lot and a building within the park.
COUNCIL DIRECTION:
At a spring meeting with the City Council, staff provided background information and an
update pertaining to the acquisition of the Leo Murphy property. During that discussion,
the Council suggested that the appropriate methodology would be for the Commission and
staff to develop goals and objectives for the park's design program.
16.
PROPOSAL TIME LINE:
Assuming the Commission can complete its design objectives/programming during the
month, staff believes the following time line for design/development and completion of
construction documents can proceed as follows:
October 4th Commission Meeting
November 26-30 An evening meeting for community input into park
design.
January 21-25 Draft development plan presented to public for
comment.
February 7th Presentation to Advisory Parks and Recreation
Commission - Public hearing on park plan.
March 5th Plan and recommendation of Commission presented to
City Council. Council approval of plan with
recommendations.
April 16th Council approval to go out for bids.
May 21st Council awards construction contract.
Not all of the time line critical dates meeting are reflected and there will be a need for
additional meetings between staff and Commission and Council/staff pertaining to the
development program. These dates will be fitted into the structural time line in order to
have the project's construction documents approved by May 21.
FOR COMMISSION ACTION:
It would be appropriate for the Advisory Commission to review with staff the information
available pertaining to the park and to develop design objectives. Staff has begun to
develop design/program objectives, but a joint effort would be more effective. Staff
suggests that the Commission spend some time on Thursday evening to generally shape
some broad perimeters for design development and that if necessary, a separate workshop
meeting be established for refinement of plans by the Commission. It is understood that
the public input session planned in November will help to shape the park design
objectives.
KV/bls
Attachment ¢
BLACKHAWK PARK HISTORY
In May of 1973, the Eagan Park Development Guide was completed, the second such
planning document for the Eagan Parks System. That park development guide identified
Blackhawk Park as one of several community parks that the City needed to acquire land
to meet future needs of the community. Defined standards established for the park
system envisioned that community parks would have a service area of three to six
neighborhoods, with an average site size of fifty (50) acres. Design standards also
indicated that desired on-site facilities for these community parks would include play
apparatus, a ballfield, tennis courts, hard surface play area, an open area for field games,
picnic area, water supply, large parking area, sledding slope and shelters that included
toilets.
The first land acquisition for Blackhawk Park was made with funding assistance from a
HUD grant from the Federal Government and the 1973 Park Bond for purchasing of
nearly forty (40) acres.
In the mid-to-late 1970's, Dunn & Curry Real Estate Management, Inc., proposed the
"B]ackhawk Park North" and "Blackhawk Park South, PUD's." These PUD Agreements
identified (approximately) a 200 foot set back from the water's edge of Blackhawk Lake
to be dedicated for parks purposes. This future dedication was to provide approximately
twelve (12) acres of lake and shoreline for the park.
1982
After an intensive review for access points to the park, as a result of a proposed
development in 1982, the Advisory Commission recognized the importance of additional
land acquisition beyond that which was committed in the Blackhawk PUD. In 1984, the
Commission authorized an application to seek financial assistance from LAWCON/LCMR
Funding in order to acquire additional property for the park. Although the grant was
highly ranked, funding levels from the grant program did not extend deep enough to
provide sufficient funds for additional acquisition, and in late 1985, the City learned from
LAWCON/LCMR, its request was turned down. The Advisory Commission, cognizant of
the need, and committed to the acquisition proposal, approached the City Council in
November, 1985, and requested that the City utilize the Park Site Fund, to acquire
additional property from the Blackhawk PUD and a land parcel from Cathy Waldron.
The Waldron parcel was on the north side of Blackhawk Lake.
In December, 1986, the City closed on the Waldron parcel and in the spring of 1987,
acquired approximately twenty-seven (27) acres through parkland dedication and purchase
from the Blackhawk PUD owners. The additional acreage was acquired for approximately
$300,000. They were vital acres to the park and its future by ensuring preservation of a
significant amount of shoreline and wooded area adjacent to the lake. Zoned for R-4
development, intensive residential development of this type would have essentially
destroyed much of the character of the area.
7 7?
BLACKHAWK PARK HISTORY
PAGE TWO
OTHER ACQUISITIONS
Other acquisitions should also be recognized in the composition of what now has become
Blackhawk Park. In November of 1986, the City received the deed for Outlot B of
Blackhawk Lake Addition, which was roughly 4/10th's of an acre. This parcel was
significant because it captured additional shoreline and would serve as a buffer from the
planned single family homes. Pedestrian access to the park from the north was assured
when the City negotiated a trail access with the combined plats of Blackhawk Ridge and
Blackhawk Glen, 3rd Addition. This trail and trail access would traverse through the
Waldron parcel acquired earlier, and with a bridge crossing over the narrow of the lake,
would provide a connection to Blackhawk Park for residents on the north. This would
additionally ensure that a trail around the east end of the lake could be completed.
In 1988, the City acquired Outlot B from the Blackhawk Ponds Addition to the south, this.
is to serve as the south access point to the park. Still under negotiation, is identified
additional property from Leo Murphy which will complete the south access to Blackhawk
Park.
In March, of 1989, the Minnesota Department of Transportation provided a reconveyance
of approximately four and a half (4-1/2) acres of I-35E right-of-way. This property was
attained through the combined efforts of the City of Eagan Engineering Department,
Mentor Development, (the developer of B]ackhawk Ponds), and the Department of Parks
and Recreation. The Parks and Recreation Department received this property with the
understanding that it would be preserved for parks usage.
Today, some fifteen years after the initial acquisition for Blackhawk Park began, the park
encompasses some seventy-two (72) acres of diverse habitat.
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DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS
SEPTEMBER 1990
1. Staff has met with the Eagan Hockey Association outdoor ice coordinator. Practice
ice time for the Association's 19 teams has been assigned. Practices will occur at
Rahn, Sky Hill, Goat Hill, Bridle Ridge and Quarry. A total of 44 hours per week
was assigned. Only one rink at a facility will be used for team practice, freeing the
second hockey rink for neighborhood use. Should additional practice time be
required, staff looks to Pilot Knob or Woodhaven as neighborhood use is low.
Eagan hockey has two fewer teams than last year at this juncture. This runs
counter to the expectation of increase.
Staff looks forward to meeting with hockey coaches in October to review
maintenance standards, seasonal attendant's responsibilities, channels of
communication, and the like.
2. Staff looks forward to a senior citizen's trip to the new Target Center to see the
Moscow Circus. Staff are as eager to see the center as the circus!
3. School District 196 Youth Connection Council has several new enthusiastic youth
representatives. A recent adventure at Wilder Forest was held for team building.
Department staff continue to serve on the Council to be alert to what youth are
all about today.
4. Staff has renewed the effort to contact student Councils at the High Schools
regarding student representation on the recreation sub-committee. It is anticipated
that this will all come together in October in preparation for winter program
brainstorming.
5. Eagan High School will host the sub-region girls tennis tournament at Northview
Athletic the week of October 8. This has been an interesting tennis season. Over
90 youth were out for the sport; practices happen in shifts.
6. Eagan Athletic Association, grades 5 & 6 football, have played some contests at
Goat Hill Park. Parents and coaches report favorably about the facility.
7. A National Youth Sport Coaches Clinic will be held on October 10 for basketball.
The EAA reports 540 youth signed up for the in-house program. This will translate
to 72 teams. Travel basketball reports 100 youth signed up; approximately 10 teams
will be formed. The Department's volleyball and basketball programs are limited
in size, based on the hours of gym space available after 8:00 P.M. Wednesday
remains the day on which department activities can have an earlier start.
Sul,
8. The Eagan Stagedoor Performers plan to audition for their next production
beginning October 14. Babes in ToXand will be presented at Dakota Hills Middle
School on December 6, 7 and 8. The previously announced play-story theatre - was
dropped; serious reading of the script found rather violent and stereotypical fairy
tales. Babes is wholesome fun.
9. Jim McGuffee and Rich Pelletier are now attending Management Academy sessions.
These training seminars are held once a month, are conducted by Inver Hills
Community College, and the result of south suburban communities and Dakota
County Government working together to provide training opportunities and meeting
the needs of public employees.
10. At the recent meeting of the Ice Arena task force, the Director of Parks and
Recreation presented information on the City's Facility Standards. It was noted that
there were 326 teams playing softball/baseball (including EAA and Adult Softball
leagues. This did not include the church leagues, etc.) in Eagan this past summer.
11. There are now forty-four "backstops" available for play. This includes all City fields
and school fields available for use. This equates to approximately 7-1/2 teams per
field!
12. Work on utilities at the Fairway Hills Addition has begun. This work will include
the utility connection to Ohmann Park which is scheduled to open next year.
13. The department has received a call from neighbors in the Wescott Station Park
area. This concerns rumors that work on the park was stopped due to lead content
in the soils from Gopher Smelting. Work on Wescott did stop temporarily, but only
because the construction company had things to complete at the other six parks in
the contract. They have since resumed work at Wescott Station Park.
14. Fall programs are underway. The Tiny Tots registrations for Fall were not as high
as anticipated. Eight sections were offered, but only six are being held. However,
the number of registrants are about the same as Fall 1989.
15. Imagine That, Games Kids Play and Fitness and Fun registrations are steady. All
sections, except one Fitness & Fun class are full.
16. Adult Volleyball games began the week of September 17. Four Women's teams
play on Tuesday nights, eight Co-Ed Recreational teams and eight Co-Ed Officiated
teams play on Thursday nights, eight Co-Ed Officiated and twenty-eight Co-Ed
Recreational teams play on Friday nights. A total of fifty-six teams play at Dakota
Hills, Thomas Lake, Deerwood and Woodland Schools.
17. Fall softball completed its season September 25, eight Co-Rec, four Women's and
thirty-six Men's teams participated.
4 41
18. Eight adult touch football teams are in their third week of play. Games are played
at Goat Hill Park Wednesday evenings.
19. Basketball registration begins in October for three-man and five-man leagues. The
three-man league will play all of their games in local elementary school gyms. The
five man leagues will play at Dakota Hills Middle School. The season begins in
early November and ends in March.
20. The Star Gazing evening was rained out on September 18 and clouded out on
September 20. We will try again next spring. Over sixty people were planning to
attend this event.
21. Fifty people enjoyed the Wolf Talk at the lecture area in Thomas Lake Park. Patty
Mueller, representing the International Wolf Center, did a great job of informing,
educating and entertaining.
22. The Eagan Walking Club is getting organized more formally after a September 13
meeting. They hope to plan a quarterly event involving the distribution of awards
for miles walked, a group walk and social activity afterwards. They also want to
use the club as a resource for finding walking partners, learning of indoor walking
areas and for helping them stay motivated.
23. The Eagan Bicycling Club is also getting more organized after their September 13th
meeting. They plan to do two Fall group rides, with a picnic to follow. In the
future, they hope to pursue day and overnight trips, clinics and workshops and even
being a unit in the Fourth of July Parade. The first Fall ride is Saturday, October
6, at 10:00 A.M. at Trapp Farm Park. The second will be October 20, at Thomas
Lake Park.
24. The 1990 Bituminous Maintenance Program was completed in early September, with
the sweeping of affected parking lots and trails. Arrangement have been made for
striping of the newly seal-coated parking lots with work slated to occur within the
next two weeks.
25. Park Maintenance workers, Scott Eppen and Gary Skogstad, have continued their
work on construction of the EAA storage building at Northview Park. At this point
they have completed framing of the building, installation of the roof and cedar
shingles, cupola and exterior siding. The remaining work includes the construction
of an irrigation enclosure on the north side of the building, installation of doors and
louver panels. A local contractor has been hired to perform the concrete work on
the building's eight exterior pillars.
ss
26. The installation of five exercise stations adjacent to Rahn Elementary School was
completed by maintenance workers, Steve Hadden and Don Buecksler in early
September. Funds for the exercise course were made possible through a
cooperative arrangement with Independent School District 191. The course lies in
proximity to the Rahn Park soccer field and is complimented with illustrative signs
depicting the exercises to be done at each station.
27. Approximately 200' of 8" diameter storm sewer pipe was installed along the south
side of the softball complex at Northview Park. This pipe serves to connect the
drainage area around the existing shelter/concession building with storm sewer pond
JP- 34. This work was prepared by park maintenance worker Steve Taylor, along
with seasonal employee Dave Succio.
28. Final clean-up work was done on Field #5 at Northview Park following construction
of the underground irrigation system. Final top dressing of the trenches and
seeding will be conducted this Fall.
29. Work began on the construction of two concrete block dug-outs at the Goat Hill
Major League field. This project is expected to enhance the usability and function
of the facility for scheduled play.
30. Implementation of the Fall turf maintenance program got into full swing during the
month of September. Among the major undertakings were the aerification of 22
soccer ballfields and park sites, broadleaf weed spraying and fertilization at all
parks and public building areas. Over seeding, sodding and top dressing is
scheduled to be conducted on selected sites beginning in late September. Mowing
also continued through the month, but began to slow as cooler evening
temperatures arrived.
31. On September 13, the Parks & Recreation Department, in conjunction with the
Minnesota Recreation & Park sponsored a "This Old Park Day" at Rahn Park. The
focus of the program was on enhancing the awareness of park personnel to
liabilities and safety hazards within public recreation areas. More than sixty
participants - mostly maintenance field personnel - from eleven communities
participated in the program. This included an exercise of looking for hazards in
the park, a group discussion of problems and appropriate responses, followed by
a presentation by North Star Risk on the potential cost of liabilities to leisure
service agencies.
32. Dakota, Inc., contract agency for building maintenance, completed its semi-annual
"top to bottom" cleaning of all shelter buildings in the month of September. In
addition, the employees performed a Fall policing of litter in all park areas.
Routine maintenance programs continued into the month of September. These
included line stripping on soccer fields, refuse maintenance, tennis, hardcourt and
playground inspections and maintenance services to the adult softball program at
Northview Park.
33. Reservations of Trapp Farm and Thomas Lake Parks also continued to be heavy
on week-ends through the month of September. Judging from the number of
reservations that we received, it appears that October will also be a busy month at
these facilities.
34. The Dakota Restitution Program continued to assist the Parks & Recreation
Department in the month of September. This included the Summer Youth
Program which stained the hockey rinks at Quarry Park and two adult restitution
workers, which assisted in other staining and painting projects at Rahn Park and
City Hall.
35. The Forestry Division placed a major emphasis in September on the performance
of a thorough pruning program for park trees and shrubs. Staff also took
advantage of the Fall weather to move several dozen pine trees from the Patrick
Eagan Nursery into City parks including Sky Hill, Ridgecliff, Northview and
Ohmann Parks. In late September, the Forestry Department assisted the Eagan
Garden Club with the establishment of perennial flower beds at the County Library
on Wescott Road. The City will be recognizing the many contributions of the
Garden Club by erecting a sign at this location.
~~r
SUBJECT: PRELIMINARY PLAT
APPLICANT: PHILLIP & VALERIE SELLER
LOCATION: NE._ CORNER.,OFV SKYLINE DRIVE & SKYLINE
ROAD (LOT 12, TREFFi:F ACRES)
EXISTING ZONING: R-1 (SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL)
DATE OF PUBLIC HEARING: SEPTEMBER 25, 1990
-DATE OF REPORT: SEPTEMBER..19,.1990
COMPILED BY: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
APPLICATION SUMMARY: An application has been submitted requested a Preliminary
Plat consisting of a four lot subdivision of approximately 2.6 acres. The site is located
north and east from the Prettyman Heights'' Addition.
BACKGROUND: This 2,6 acre parcel is part of the. Treffle Acres Addition. The:
proposed Single Family Residential development is consistent with the existing zoning, as
well as the Land Use Guide Plan which calls for D-1 Single Family with a density of 0-
3 units per acre.
EXISTING CONDITIONS: The, site in question,, currently has only the, house of the
applicant's located, in-the southwest portion of .the site which-will be on Lot 2 of the
subdivision. The rest' of the site is~ in a natural state with a rolling topography- and a few
trees scattered throughout.
SITE PLAN. The site is served by both Skyline Road on the south and Skyline Drive on
the west. The lots vary in size from 22,800 sq. ft. to 34,200 sq. ft. The average lot size
is 28,848 sq. ft. and the minimum lot width and. frontage is 90 ft. The density of the
project is-1.5 lots per acre.
GRADING/DRAINAGE/EROSION CONTROL: The preliminary grading plan,
proposes a minimal amount of grading to provide house pads for the
three buildable lots. The maximum fill is proposed to be 7' and
the maximum cut is 2'. The drainage from the lots in the front
yards is proposed to go to the street and the drainage in the
backyard area of the lots is proposed to drain northwesterly, as
it currently does.
Before any grading of.the lots is to occur, silt fencing shall be
placed, to control erosion along the backyards. Also, the
development will be responsible for preparing an erosion control
plan to be submitted to the City for review and approval and the
developer will be responsible for installing and maintaining
erosion control measures in accordance with the City's
Erosion/Sediment Control Manual Standards.
WATER OUALITY: The proposed development is located in the
upstream end of Subdistrict H-5 in District H as shown in the
City's Storm Water Management Plan. The Minnesota River is the
direct and final outlet for this district. The development is
subject to a cash dedication in accordance with the City's
Comprehensive Water Quality Management Plan based on areas
identified on the Final Plat/Development Plan. The cash dedication
is estimated at $1,588, but subject to revision.
UTILITIES: Sanitary sewer service for the single family
residential lots is readily available from an existing 8" sanitary
sewer on Skyline Road. Adequate services have been provided to the
proposed lots from City Project #543R and from the Prettyman
Heights development to the west.
Water main service is also readily available to serve the proposed
lots from the existing 6" water main along Skyline Road.
Individual water services have also been provided to each lot. The
water system in this area is in the intermediate level pressure
zone Therefore, houses with' first floor elevations at 875 and
lower will require pressure reducing valves. Adequate. hydrants
have been provided around the' site to meet minimum'fire protection
requirements.
All existing wells and septic systems on this site shall be' plugged
and abandoned according to the Department of Health and City
requirements.
All lots will be required to connect to City sewer and water.
STREETS/ACCESS/CIRCULATION: Street access has been provided to
this development with the upgrading of Skyline Road to a 34' wide
street with concrete curb and gutter under City Project #543R.
Traffic circulation can now travel toPilot Knob Road to the east
or to Trunk Highway #13 to the west.
The driveway for Lot 2 shall be reconstructed to shift the driveway
so it is completely on Lot 2.
EASEMENTS/RIGHT-OF-WAY/PERMITS: Sufficient drainage and utility
easements shall be dedicated along the proposed lot lines. `<,Skyline
Road along the west and south side of the proposed development
currently has 60' of. right-of-way which is adequate for the 32'
wide' street.
r,t 4.
This development shall be responsible for ensuring that all
regulatory agency permits are, acquired prior: - `to -,"f inal plat
approval.
FINANCIAL. OBLIGATION - W LE ADDITION
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 Amount
San. Sewer Trunk 10 S.F. $690/Lot 3'Lots $2,070
Water Trunk 14 S.F. $695/Lot 3 Lots 2,085
TOTAL $4,155
NOTE: This parcel has a pending assessment of $37,868 related to Project 543, Sibley.
Hills Drive and Skyline Road,. street and utility improvements.
HELLER ADDITION CONDITIONS:
L These standard conditions of plat approval as adopted by Council action on July
10, 1990 shall be complied with:
Al, 131, 132, B3, C2, El, Fl, G1 and H1
2. The development is subject to a cash dedication fee in accordance with the City's
Comprehensive Water Quality Management Plan.
STANDARD CONDITIONS OF PLAT APPROVAL
A. Financial Obligations
1. This...development:shall. accept'its'additional financial
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-Wav=
1. This., development- shall dedicate 10' `;.drainage, an dwAutility
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 costsof add'itioial'drainage,
ponding, and utility easements as required by.. the
alignment, depth, and storage capacity of ally"`..required
public utilities and streets located beyorid:4 the
.,boundaries: of- this' plat 'or. ,outside-of dedicated "public
right-of-way as, necessary to service this development or
accommodate it:`
3. This development shall dedicate•all public;:right-of-way
and temporary slope easements for` ultimate development
of adjacent roadways as: required •by theappropriate
jurisdictional :agency.,
4. This development shall dedicate adequate. drainage.and
ponding. easements to incorporate.•t'heb re.quired,..h g i swater
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, engineering standards, guidel:ines''and policies.
2. A detailed grading, drainage, erosion, and sediment
control plan must be prepared in accordance with current
City standards 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. The financial guarantee shall be
includedin the Development Contract and not be released
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 Code and engineering standards.
D. Public Improvements
1. If any public improvements are to be installed under a
City contract, the appropriate project must be approved
at a formal public hearing 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 and Trails 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. Water Quality Dedication
1. This development shall be responsible for providing a
cash dedication in addition to/in lieu of ponding
requirements in accordance with the criteria identified
in the City's Water Quality Management Plan.
H. 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: July 10, 1990
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SUBJECT: WAIVER OF PLAT, REZONING
APPLICANT: CITY OF EAGAN
LOCATION: SE 1/4 SECTION 22
EXISTING ZONING: AG (AGRICULTURAL)
DATE OF PUBLIC HEARING: SEPTEMBER 25, 1990
DATE OF REPORT: SEPTEMBER 20, 1990
COMPILED BY: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
APPLICATION SUMMARY: An application is being processed by the City of Eagan to
split the tax parcel of an approximately four acre Agriculturally-zoned parcel located along
the east side of Lexington Avenue, just south of Advent Methodist Church.; The City
acquired the property from -Lillian McCarthy and during the process, it was, agreed upon
that she would be provided with life estate allowing her to stay in the home., She would
be responsible for the maintenance of the property and the taxes. To split the tax parcel,
the Waiver of Plat process is necessary.
Rezoning to a Public Facilities district should be acted on as soon as possible since the
City owns the entire property. The Comprehensive Plan designates the area..D-1 Single
Family (0-3 units per acre). Therefore an Amendment x6 that plan will be necessary and
staff will prepare the legal notices so the public hearing can be held before the Advisory
Planning Commission in October. If approved,' the Waiver of. Plat shall be ' subject to
recording with the County within, 60 days of Council action.
FINANCIAL OBLIGATION - WAIVER OF PLAT 10-02200-010-02
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 Amount
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Date* QQi FIGURE N0.
MEMO TO: EAGAN ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
FROM: JOHN K. VONDELINDE, SUPERINTENDENT OF PARKS
DATE: OCTOBER 3, 1990
SUBJECT: PRIVATE ENCROACHMENT INTO CARLSON LAKE PARK
BACKGROUND
In March of 1990, the Eagan Parks and Recreation Department
contracted with Orr, Shelen, Mayaron and Associates, Inc. to
perform a boundary survey of Carlson Lake Park. The purpose of the
survey was to determine the exact park boundary configuration in
preparation of a park site master plan.
As a result of that survey, it was discovered that a portion of
bituminous driveway, serving a private residence at 1345 Cosmos
Lane, was encroaching approximately seven feet into Carlson Lake
Park. A copy of the survey depicting the driveway location is
shown on the attached "Exhibit All.
In the interest of confirming the accuracy of the survey, a copy of
the official plat from the county recorders office, was obtained
for comparison purposes. The survey was found to fully conform
with the legal descriptions of both the park and the adjoining
property at 1345 Cosmos Lane. Staff also performed a visual
inspection of the property in order to verify monument locations,
driveway alignment, and other features shown on the survey.
In April, a letter was sent to the owners of the property, Richard
and Patricia James, advising them of the situation and requesting
their cooperation in working with the City towards a resolution.
During a follow-up meeting with the James', it became readily
apparent that they were unaware of the encroachment - having
purchased the property just one year prior to the City's advisement
of the problem. (Note: The original building permit for the
residence was obtained on July 24, 1973.)
Given the legalistic nature of the situation and questions
regarding the available options, the Park and Recreation Department
has consulted with the City's legal firm of Severson, Wilcox, and
Sheldon. During the past four months, numerous telephone
conversations and meetings have been held between City staff,
Richard and Patricia James, and Attorney Annette M. Margarit
representing City legal counsel.
One of the "discoveries" made early in the legal research was that
the park property was dedicated to the City of Eagan-in 1973 for
public_pak_.ua_g..R_"forever accordng to .thQ dedc9.n._.language of
the Wildernes Run Fourth Addition plat. As such, it is the legal
opinion of the City Attorney that the City does not have statutory
authority to convert any portion of the park property to private
EAGAN ADVISORY PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
PAGE 2.
OCTOBER 3, 1990
ownership, through fee simple title. Thus, the option of selling
to the James' that portion of the park occupied by the driveway
would not have a legal basis.
ALTERNATIVES
In the attached memorandum, prepared by Attorney Margarit, four
possible alternatives are discussed for the City's consideration.
The first two alternatives involve the granting of an easement or
a long-term lease for the property involving the driveway. But as
she points out in her discussion, the granting of such possession
to the property owners would obviate use of the property as a park
and thus be in violation of the City's duty as a permanent trustee
of the land. The granting of an easement in this case could also
constitute a precedent for other private property owners to
approach the City where similar "hardship" cases could be shown.
For these reasons, both of these options have been discounted as
practicable.
In the final analysis the only alternatives that appear to be
available to the City with respect to this problem are: 1.
granting a license to the James for the affected property, or 2.
a requirement to have them move the driveway off of park property.
Alternative 1 - License
Attorney Margarit offers the following discussion on this option,
taken from her memorandum of September 26th.
"Another alternative for the City is to grant the
James a license to use the property as a driveway until
such time as the City chooses to revoke that license. A
license grants "mere permission to use land, dominion
over it remaining in the owner and no interest in or
exclusive possession of it being given" to the licensee.
Seabloom, 18 N.W. 2d at 91. A license is an interest in
property in the possession of another which (1) allows
the licensee use of the land, (2) is granted with the
consent of the one who has an interest in the affected
land, (3) is not an estate in the land, and (4) is not an
easement. Chicago and Northwest Transportation Company
v. City of Winthrop, 257 N.W. 2d 302, 304 (1977). A
license is revocable at the will of the grantor.
Minnesota Valley Gun Club v. Northline Corporation, 207
Minn. 126, 290 N.W. 222, 224 (1940)."
EAGAN ADVISORY PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
PAGE 3.
OCTOBER 3, 1990
"I believe the City would be permitted to grant the
James a license to use the subject property as a driveway
until such time as the City wants to use it as park
property. The City would not be granting the James any
sort of interest in the property and the license is
revocable by the City. The document granting the license
should contain language expressly stating that no
interest or rights in the property are granted by the
license. The driveway is an inconsistent use but the
public may gain access to the property by revocation of
the license."
Alternative 2 - Removal of Driveway
The second option for the City is to require the James to remove
that portion of their driveway within Carlson Lake Park. The
obvious advantage to the City is that this would permanently "clear
up" any future encroachment issues and allow full use of the park
property for public recreation.
DISCUSSION
From a practical point of view the City does not currently have any
plans for upgrading this portion of Carlson Lake Park for
constructing recreation facilities. Therefore, a license to the
James would not appear to be in conflict with the short-term public
use of the affected area. In addition, a license would be fully
revocable by the City (with proper notice) if and when public
improvements or use was deemed desirable. In summary, a license
would provide the City with legal right to future access while
offering the James' continued use of the driveway and minimal
inpact to their residence.
As an alternative the James could also voluntarily relocate their
driveway to conform with the property boundary of the park. This
action would have the advantage for the James of clearing up any
future title problems associated with selling the property. In
addition, the Parks and Recreation Commission could make a similar
recommendation to the City Council, that such action be directed by
the City, with a specific date for compliance. (It should be noted
that the City is not aware of the feasibility of access to the
James' garage if the driveway were relocated.)
EAGAN ADVISORY PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
PAGE 4.
OCTOBER 3, 1990
For Commission Action
The alternatives available to the Commission are:
1. To recommend to City Council that the City enter into a
license with Richard and Patricia James to use that portion of
property within Carlson Lake Park as a driveway, until such
time as the City chooses to revoke the license; or
2. To recommend to the City Council that the portion of driveway
within the park be removed (within a specific period of time)
and the turf restored to a useable condition.
John K. VonDeLinde
Superintendent of Parks
JKV/nab
Attachment
50:parkcomm.276
M E M O R A N D U M
To: James F. Sheldon
From: Annette M. Margarit
Date: September 26, 1990
Re: Carlson Lake Park; James Encroachment
Our File No. 206-8595
In March of 1990, a survey of the Carlson Park area in Eagan was
performed by Orr, Schelen, Mayaron and Associates, Inc. That survey
indicated that the property considered by the City of Eagan to be
part of Carlson Park was part of the driveway of Richard and Patricia
James who reside at 1345 Cosmos Lane. The legal description of their
property is Lot 8, Block 1, Wilderness Run Number Four. The
encroachment is approximately seven feet wide and runs the length of
the driveway.
According to the official plat, filed with the Dakota County
egistrar on May 31, 1973 as document number 417418, the eastern and
orthern boundaries of the James' property abuts the park land
dedicated pursuant to the plat. The dedication language reads as
follows:
[the original owners) "[h]ave caused
the same to be surveyed and platted as
WILDERNESS RUN FOURTH ADDITION and do
hereby donate and dedicate to the
Public for Public use forever the
Circles, Lanes, and Park as shown on
this Plat."
John VonDeLinde, Superintendent of Eagan Parks, has asked this office
for a legal opinion as to what the City should do about the James'
encroachment. I recommend that the City offer the James a revocable
license permitting their continued use of the driveway.
ANALYSIS
A. The City's Interest In The Property
The City of Eagan holds the property dedicated as Carlson Park in
trust and is not the fee simple holder of the property. Minn. Stat.
§505.01 (1988) governs donation of platted land to the public and
-eads as follows:
"Plats of land may be made in accordance
with the provisions of this chapter,
and, when so made and recorded, every
donation to the public or in a person or
corporation noted thereon shall operate
to convey the fee of all land so
donated, for the uses and purposes named
or intended, with the same effect, upon
the donor and the donor's heirs, and in
favor of the donee, as though such land
were conveyed by warranty deed. Land
donated for any public use in any
municipality shall be held in a
corporate name in trust for the purposes
set forth or intended." (emphasis added)
Dedication of real property to the public for streets and public
grounds, "does not pass the fee simple title thereto, but only such
an estate as the purpose of the trust requires, and that the fee,
subject to the public easement, remains in the dedicator and his
grantees." Etzler V. Mondale, 266 Minn. 353, 123 N.W. 2d 603, 609
(1963). (Citations omitted).
B. The City's Possible Options
he City's options in the present case are very limited because it is
merely trustee of the dedicated property and must use it as intended
by the dedicator.
1. Easement
The James would like the City to grant them an easement for that
part of their driveway encroaching the park dedication. "An easement
is best defined as an interest in land in the possession of another
which entitles the owner of such interest to a limited use or
enjoyment of the land in which the interest exists." Minneapolis
Athletic Club v. Cohler, 287 Minn. 254, 177 N.W. 2d 786, 789 (1970).
The grantor of an easement may use the land subject to the easement
provided such use is not inconsistent with the easement. Id.
In this case, the City as trustee must use the property as a park.
Use as a park, however, is inconsistent with the James' use as a
driveway and would not be permitted if the James had an easement for
the driveway. For that reason if the City granted the easement, a
permanent interest in the property, it would prevent use of the
property as a park which would be in violation of the City's duty as
trustee.
2. Long-Term Lease
The James have also suggested that the City grant them a
ing-term lease. A lease holder is a person in possession of land
.ich excludes even the owner of the property except as the lease
permits entry of the owner. See Seabloom v. Krier, 219 Minn. 362, 18
N.W. 2d 88, 91 (1945).
If the City granted a lease, the City and the public would be
excluded from the property preventing its use as a public park. The
City would be violating its obligation as trustee by allowing a use
other than as a park for the lease period.
3. License
Another alternative for the City is to grant the James a license
to use the property as a driveway until such time as the City chooses
to revoke that license. A license grants "mere permission to use
land, dominion over it remaining in the owner and no interest in or
exclusive possession of it being given" to the licensee. Seabloom, 18
N.W. 2d at 91. A license is an interest in property in the possession
of another which (1) allows the licensee use of the land, (2) is
granted with the consent of the one who has an interest in the
affected land, (3) is not an estate in the land, and (4) is not an
easement. Chicago and Northwest Transportation Company v. City of
Winthrop, 257 N.W. 2d 302, 304 (1977). A license is revocable at the
will of the grantor. Minnesota Valley Gun Club v. Northline
Corporation, 207 Minn. 126, 290 N.W. 222, 224 (1940).
I believe the City would be permitted to grant the James a license to
use the subject property as a driveway until such time as the City
rants to use it as park property. The City would not be granting the
Lames any sort of interest in the property and the license is
revocable by the City. The document granting the license should
contain language expressely stating that no interest or rights in the
property are granted by the license. The driveway is an inconsistent
use but the public may gain access to the property by revocation of
the license.
C. Adverse Possession Claim
A question also arises as to whether the James have acquired the
encroachment through adverse possession. The general rule is that one
can not acquire land through adverse possession against a
municipality unless the municipality has abandoned the use of the
land and would be estopped from claiming it. Fischer v. City of Sauk
Rapids, 325 N.W. 2d 816, 819 (1982). A city would be estopped from
future use of the property only in a situation where it is not using
the property and where it has performed some affirmative act which
would induce a third person to reasonably believe and rely upon that
act as demonstrating that the city has abandoned the property.
Fischer, 325 N.W. 2d at 819. (Citation omitted). See City of
Rochester v. Northside Corporation, 211 Minn. 276, 1 N.W. 2d 361
(1941). [The city wanted to remove buildings positioned along a road
that the city intended to relocate to its originally platted
location.]
In the present case I do not believe the City of Eagan has exhibited
any affirmative act that would indicate to home owners that the City
has abandoned the encroachment as use for a park. Therefore, I do not
believe that the James have an adverse possession claim.
D. Removal of Driveway
Another alternative is to require the James to move the driveway or
they may of course do it voluntarily.
CONCLUSION
I am to meet with John Vondelinde and Ken Vraa on Monday, October 1,
to discuss the situation. As the result of that meeting they would
like to make a recommendation to the City Council as to what route
should be pursued with the James property. For the reasons stated
above I am inclined to recommend that the City pursue a grant of a
license to use the property as a driveway. This will undoubtedly not
satisfy the James, however, I do not see another legal option.
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